Indigenous cultures know that being in right relationship to the land and Nature, to the Earth and all of her children, is essential. In fact, it's not only essential, it is also the only way of being: there is no separate from. This how the indigenous ones lived and continue to live. I think of Native Americans here, (re)claiming this after hundreds of years of colonization and suppression. I also think of farmers of the Burren, the region of Ireland where I live. The farmers in the Burren are not the type of farmers who plow the land and plant GMO crops (which are illegal in Europe btw); many farmers of the Burren follow ancient land practices and live in rhythm with the land. They are guardians of the land.
Let us remember our indigeneity; we all are indigenous of land and place. In this may we discover a relational way of being with the Earth and the plants. May we remember to listen. May we listen with the ears of our hearts and spirits, listen to the wordless ways that the Earth and the plants speak to us. May we remember to listen and listen to remember. It is from this place, this rooted and sustainable place, that we can grow together and in that growing, thrive together as well (I like to think and hope anyway!).
A way that we can deepen into relationship with the land is to begin with simple and profound practices of sensual engagement and deep listening. As an herbalist I love moving into intimacy with plants and a plant that hold significance in my Irish heritage at this time is yarrow. Following is a practice and invocation to work with yarrow and hopefully will inspire to engage outwardly and inwardly form there.
Experience Yarrow Yarrow is a powerful healer for body and spirit. My materia medica, as an herbalist, is filled with utterly delicious herbs. Unfortunately, yarrow is not one of them: meaning yarrow is not utterly delicious, they are however a huge part of my materia medica! I use yarrow very specifically and sparingly in my tea blends because a little yarrow goes a long way. They are so powerful that it doesn't take much for the body to respond. Rooted healing can occur with yarrow as an ally, with sustained use over a period of time.
I invite you to participate in a ritual tea experience with yarrow. Because they are such a strong and difficult taste, I recommend working with them more on a vibrational level, which often can be even more profound, honestly, from an energetic and spiritual perspective, igniting the senses without overwhelming the senses!
For your ritual tea with yarrow, make a 1/2 cup of regular yarrow tea. To do use the following ration: 1/2 tsp dried herb (2 tsp of fresh) to 1/2 cup of water off the boil.
Steep for 10 minutes. Add four drops of the tea to a glass of room temperature water. Sit in a quiet location, free of distraction, and drink the yarrow infused water.
Engage each of your senses (taste, sound, touch, intuition, sight, scent). Listen through your senses, which we consider sacred thresholds in the Irish Wisdom Tradition, as you drink the yarrow essence. Then, if you feel comfortable, close your eyes and invite the spirit of yarrow to connect with your spirit. Experience the oneness that our indigenous ancestors may have known as a daily way of being. Release expectation on what this should look like or feel like. Instead pose the invitation, be curious and allow the unfolding.
Thank yarrow and the plant spirit of yarrow for sharing time with you. Ensure that you delineate from ritual/ journey space and back into mundane space. Offer the remainder of the yarrow tea to the Earth, as an act of simple reciprocity.
