stirring words, herbs, and colour
Actea Racemose or Cimicifuga Rasemosa, also known as Black Cohosh, Squaroot, and Snakeroot is a bitter and cooling perennial herb whose roots are known for their effects on 'women's issues' and the female reproductive system. I first heard of it as part of a labor tincture in Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing... Continue Reading →
"The sound of salaams rising as waves diminish down in prayer, hoping for some trace of the one whose trace does not appear.If anyone asks you to say who you are, say without hesitation, Soul within soul within soul.There is a pearl diver who does not know how to swim.No matter. Pearls are handed him... Continue Reading →
"Flowers every nightBlossom in the sky;Peace in the Infinite,At peace am I.Sighs a hundredfoldFrom my heart arise;My heart, dark and cold,Flames with my sighs." ~ Maulana Rumi, translated by A.J. Arberry
Reading the Maulana's poems grounds me, provides comfort, and also opens doors to contemplation. They are a source of awe, wisdom, and inspiration that ever inform; that centuries after he lived his words are relevant today I find breathtakingly marvelous! I've been wondering: if he lived today, what would come forth? Following the thread from... Continue Reading →
Today the sky is clear, Three birds brush blue wings against it; Their trills sweep across the mountains. Tomorrows clouds drift around, Wisps carrying sheep and dragons into a field Where they dance in ecstatic motion. Next week a dark gathering, I become the pea under a pile of mattresses Struggling to be free of... Continue Reading →
Eighteen days ago, I thought to mix up some fire cider inspired by the profusion of parsley growing in our garden. I buried the jars in the garden, swaddled in old clothes, inspired by the magic this method worked on the garlic ginger syrup. I just dug it out to enjoy during the equinox yesterday... Continue Reading →
"When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety. When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear. When great souls die, the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile. We breathe, briefly. Our eyes, briefly,... Continue Reading →
Glorious goldenrod rises Filling the bed where Asparagus speared through the ground In spring On other cool mornings
When I came across a recipe for garlic and ginger syrup in one of the lessons that are part of a herbalism correspondence course I'm enrolled in with Rosemary Gladstar, I couldn't wait to try it. Liquid garlic and ginger! My taste buds activated right away imagining the flavor, and then the best part:: Rosemary... Continue Reading →
Today in the kitchen: making face butter to work out proportions on request from my sister. Butters are quite simply a mixture of solid fats with a small quantity of liquid oil. No beeswax. Essential oils optional. I sometimes use only shea as the butter and leave out the cocoa butter, when I do that... Continue Reading →
