In the darkest recesses of our ancient imagination, where the collective unconscious of ages past rests on our minds like a heavy blanket; in this deep, dark place, shrouded in mystery, if we allow ourselves , we can become as we once were.
We can regain our lost heritage, history, wisdom and wholeness. When the Earth was young and the Divine Feminine held sway; in this place, the Earth spoke. We were wiser then, and silent, moving in honour and showing reverence.
Here, in our primordial past, the plants would speak to us. We were made whole by their presence and with their medicine, we were healed. They were our green saints; giving audience to our petitions, offering relief, regeneration and direction.
Now, we watch TV. We play video games or spend endless hours on the internet. We rarely even sit outside, or take the time to notice the flora that surrounds us. All more the pity, for it’s in this consecrated place, outside our front door, that the Spirits of the plants would still speak to us with shadowed, whispered movement and delicate breath. They wait.
This is plant Spirit communication. This is knowledge gained, wisdom shared and the cycle of life continuing, one species bestowing gifts upon another, in an endless parade of sharing, taking, sharing, taking. How glorious it all was and how far we have wandered from this shaman’s Paradise.
It is not too poetic to state that my life has been radically influenced by plants. I have been blessed with a tradition that honours them and was trained from a young age to be respectful of them. How thankful I am for this training, for this appreciation. The greatest gift my dad ever gave me was the gift of Spirit awareness, listening, ever listening, to the multitude that surround us.
Each plant has a special Spirit within; a personality, a characteristic, a method of co-existing with the world around it. Just like humans, they have their likes and dislikes; their preferences and predilections. Some love the water, keeping their toes forever in the moist earth and wilting almost instantaneously when that moisture isn’t available. Some crave the heat of the Brother, the hotter and more focused His rays and light, the better. Some are nocturnal, putting out scents and shows for the waxing or waning Sister and those of us who prefer the Dark.
Just like our human friends, plant Spirit communication is built over time, as a relationship. It doesn’t happen overnight. The plants have come to mistrust us and rightfully so. We take and take, greedily breaking the cycle of giving and sharing. We use and take from the Earth Mother without regard. Because of this, the Spirits of all the plants from the grandest trees to the tiniest wildflower are now ill-at-ease and introverted. It will take patience to mend this chasm. It will take dedication and diligence. It will take discipline and a walking away from the things of this modern world to step back into the past. Are you up for it?
What sets dedicated farmers and gardeners apart from plant shamans, witches and medicine men is that of SPIRIT. Most people can grow a plant. Most people can harvest a good supply of whatever seed is sown. The Mother is good to us like that. But where we miss the trick and where we lose the thread, is ignoring the Spirit inherent in the plant; that invisible, intangible Force that permeates each growing thing. To really learn, to really be healed in Spirit and body, one must make contact with this Force. In times past, one learned this from an elder of the tribe or the village wise woman. Now, unfortunately, in most cases, we must educate ourselves.
The easiest way to do this to get acquainted. Just like dating, just like that tender beginning of human relationships, building plant Spirit communication is no different. Choose one plant that you feel drawn to, either because of scent or appearance; attraction is key. Start with one. Learn its name. Just like dating, you can’t get to know someone without knowing their name. Learn the common and Latin botanical name. Learn its habitat (where it lives). Take time to research what it likes: dampness, dryness, heat, or cool shade. Take time, every day if possible, to touch it, speak to it, sit in silence next to it. Mentally ‘connect’ with the Life Force of the plant.
Silence is key to all paths of true shamanistic wisdom. Close your mouth and open your heart. Lean into it and listen. Listen. Listen. Calming of your own inner chatter and restless mind is part of the training. All Spirit communication, no matter what form it takes, will always start the same: in silence.
You will find as you practice this, as you start to learn various plants and recognize them by their auras and faces, as you take time to listen, and sit in solitude with them, that just like your human friends, they will start to trust you and open up to you. They will share their lives and their ancient memories with you. You will become initiated into the great brotherhood of plant and root doctors who for eons have healed and been healed and have been transformed. The primal path can begin anew, with you, today.
Go outside.
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