I love a crazy salad, made from my garden, some self-seeded greens of last fall, and foraged friends around the edges:
Spinach, mizuna, violet leaves, mugwort, dill sprouts, marjoram, garlic chives, dandelion leaves, asparagus, wild onion, and basil tips with a gingery Asian dressing. Yum!!!
This is a weird Reuters news story that I stumbled upon — involving ayahuasca, a sacred plant, a shamanic healer, and a Canadian “addictions counselor.”
Peruvian prosecutors say Canadian was lynched after killing shaman
Whether it’s nicotine, caffeine, frankincense, palo santo or cacao, our Western culture has lost a sense of the sacred usage of these powerful friends and allies.
It’s no wonder the power leaked out “sideways.” I understand that our culture needs major changes — greed, capitalism, unchecked egos, divorce from Nature — have all created soul sicknesses. These sacred plants CAN help, but they are powerful. And they, I think, demand being treated with honor.
A sad story all around. And the loss of the shaman is the loss of an ancient library, “books” of knowledge left unread. As is the death of every human.
We must honor our plant allies, great and small, as we honor All Life.
Picking tips of lemon balm, peppermint and bee balm for afternoon tea.
I could weep with joy for the coming of Spring! I am literally and spiritually drinking in the energy of new growth.
Enjoy!!
May we re-value clean water, fresh air, and fertile soil as well.
This little pansy made it through the big Nor’easter and was completely covered by heavy wet snow. When we think of the word pansy we may think of weakness. We need to check ourselves. Everything and everyone has their particular gift and strength.
“Knowing that you love the Earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the Earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Heading into my Master Gardener class at Edgerton Park, there were snowdrops (Galanthus). Enjoy!
It’s late winter. I’m MORE than ready for Spring. I’m launching this new Green Rachel website — and I don’t know what will come of it! It feels like opening a packet and sowing those mixed wildflowers; some will grow and some won’t. Some may be invasive even! So, we’ll see what lives and thrives and what flowers here.
