Moonpath: Week 1

The people who say you are not facing reality actually mean that you are not facing their idea of reality. Reality is above all else a variable. With a firm enough commitment, you can sometimes create a reality which did not exist before.

Margaret Halsey

Welcome to our first week of Moonpath! For the full details of why I'm doing Moonpath and how it works, come this way, but mostly all you need to know is each Monday you are invited to the following:

• Prioritize your 1 - 3 herbal study + practice goals for the week.
• Pursue these 1 - 3 herbal study goals by choosing what you will do to accomplish them. Then do them!
• Make Pleasure in your practice.

Check out tips for success on our original post!

Our inspiration for this week is inspired by Halsey's quote above and the name of our very adventure - Moonpath! Halsey's quote points out a key component of pursuing a path of study, a path of life, a path of enchantment that reflects what you love and believe in - that reality is malleable and we have a central roll in shaping it. So what does this have to do with the meaning behind the name Moonpath? I'm glad you asked!

The Moon is a changeling in the sky - but only because we perceive her to be so. Even though we know that the Moon is a rock that maintains its general shape night after night, our perception of her changing and the waxing and waning of her light, holds power for many of us. It represents change as a dependable constant and the ability to shed and reshape ourselves and our world as we need to. The Moon can represent renewal, trying again, and learning to ebb and flow. I think that is powerful, reality-shifting magick.

So how are you walking your Moonpath this week? Post your goals below!

Today the Moon is in its Waxing Quarter phase in the sign of Taurus.
She is visiting the Third Lunar Mansion.
Sustainable success + pleasure are her energies.
Want to learn more?

Moonpath: Prioritize, Pursue, + Make Pleasurable

You're invited on an adventure!

It's called Moonpath and it's all about prioritizing, pursuing, and making pleasurable your herbal studies. As I continue to work with more and more students online and offline, one of the most common challenges I hear from them is feeling really excited about herbology but also feeling completely overwhelmed by all there is to learn. Not only is the dichotomous feeling of excite!/overwhelm! common for folks who are just starting their studies, but let me tell you, dear Lunas, those of us who have been on the path for a while still get the same feeling.

In my experience and what I have observed from students, the excite!/overwhelm! dilemma often stems from a feeling like they have to learn all there ever was to learn about herbology right now or else they'll learn nothing. Sometimes they buy books and sign up for classes and buy herbs in bulk and change their name to HerbBaby StarBlossom.* They try to learn all of it too quickly, burning out, and then watch as their herbs and books collect dust. And they feel bad. Sometimes they get so overwhelmed by all of their options and where do I even start? that they never even begin. Or they're scared to make a remedy. And, again, they feel bad.

So, I am sharing with you the most successful way I have found of setting study goals, pursuing them, and doing them with an inspired heart and open mind. Let's move beyond guilt and shame in the pursuit of what makes us feel good. It's my philosophy that the work of studying practicing something we are called to do should come from a place of pleasure. Our studies and practice should feel good and nourish the part of us that is green, wild, and tangled. Hence, Moonpath and the simple practice of prioritizing, pursuing, and making pleasure along the way.

Starting on the Moon Day of January 26, each week you are invited to do the following:

• Prioritize your 1 - 3 herbal study + practice goals for the week.
• Pursue these 1 - 3 herbal study goals by choosing what you will do to accomplish them. Then do them!
• Make Pleasure in your practice.

To keep you inspired I'll be posting a blog o' inspiration each Monday - you can see it as a good stopping place along our Moonpath to reflect, connect, and recommit to your heart's desire.

Here are some ideas and tips for success:

• Priotize.
  • I really like the bullet journal style when it comes to
    managing tasks, planning, and getting stuff done.
    • Think attainable, one-week doable goals such as:
      • Going outside everyday and sitting with a plant.
      • Pulling a tarot card each day.
      • Writing a Journal Prompt.
      • Making a new Remedy.
      • Reading one Plant Profile.
      • Do not add any more than 3 items on your list. It is very important to practice restraint. You can always do another project if you finish what is already on your list, so don't worry.
• Pursue.
  • Bite-size projects or do it all at once - whatever style fits your needs is great.
• Make Pleasure.
  • Take time at the beginning of each week to remember why you're doing what you're doing.
    • Why are you studying herbal medicine + magick?
    • What inspires you about what you are learning?
    • How does what you do bring you pleasure in your life?
  • If you like, choose a word for the week that inspires you and reminds you of your goals.
  • When you feel stressed out or overwhelmed or bored about your study, remember pleasure and pursue that which brings you to a place of pleasure. It might be the promise of pleasure knowing that once you have accomplished a certain task you'll have a beautiful remedy or better understanding of a plant ally or something else entirely.
  • Bonus points for checking in with other clever friends on the Moonpath and sharing your three study goals, your weekly word if you have one and commenting below or on each week's Moonpath post.

I'm excited about our new journey together and learning more about you and what it is about herbal medicine and magick that inspires your spirit. 

In wild community,

*Blessed be, HerbBaby Starblossom. What is your magickal herb person name? Comment below! I was thinking I would be Berrytooth Snottlepuff. 

Fires of Peace : Waxing Quarter Moon in Aries

May we know peace between one another. May we find peace when we return from the streets, marching against systems of power that do not value the lives of people or plants or sacred places. May we find peace as we walk away from cruelty into the arms of compassion. May we find peace as we study our privileges and oppressions, recognizing how damn complex it all is, and yet how simple - that we must find peace between each other. May we find peace after our anger is spent, after our joy has expanded beyond the limits of our consciousness, after we wash off another day of surviving, another day of thriving. May there be peace at the bottom of every tea cup. May our hearts fall madly, deeply, wildly in love with peace.

May you always know Peace, blessed friend.
And when Peace is lost, may you find it again.
And when Peace is forgotten, may you always remember.
And when the day comes that Peace is the face of all we meet,
may you recognize it as a familiar, a friend, a lover.

In wild community,
Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Winter Wellness: Healing Herbs for the Dark of the Year

Ah, winter.

I really do love the dark of the year. Perhaps it is the winter fog rolling in from the shoreline. Or the quiet that snowfall can bring. Maybe it is because this is the time of year where getting introspective can feel so right. A time when lighting candles and pouring tea takes on a special glimmer.

And sometimes winter is hard. It is cold and dark and your car has become frozen in a block of ice. There are familial obligations that can be awkward at best and sometimes treacherous. We can get caught up in the flurry of doing as the seasons transition. For me, this winter holds a certain bittersweet sadness. I lost my beloved Grandpa earlier this year and not only will we be marking the first birthday of his without him, but all of our winter holiday-making will be somehow less bright. Which is ok. We have periods of sorrow in our lives which need as much space and care as those moments of profound joy. I have written about herbs for grief, heartache, and tragedy and these are herbs that remain close allies to me and my loved ones in this time of figuring out what we do with the spaces left behind by those who have been there for so very long.

Still, though, I really do love winter and the herbs I turn to again and again during the dark year. I have written about herbs for the Winter Solstice as well as recipes but I wanted to add to my list of winter-time herbs since there are so many excellent ones to choose from. Because that's what we fill those spaces with and those long winter nights - the love of steadfast companions, the joy of our wellness, and the curiosity of creatures wanting to learn more about our extraordinary planet we call home. Because my Grandpa, a Marine who wore holiday teddy-bear sweaters with puffy paint, who was gruff and grumpy, who could read your story in a handshake, and who loved wolves (the animal), jaguars (the car), and Star Trek (the best), would be asking for his "herbal drops" whether or not I was feeling winter joys or winter blues. Thanks, Grandpa, for keeping it all in big, wild, heart-centered perspective.

The following are some of my favorite herbs for the winter. If you're looking for further resources learn how to create your own home apothecary for the winter season or learn about herbal and magickal practices for winter. And if you're still thinking, heck I would love even more inspiration and recipes for the Winter Solstice, especially if it involves recipes inspired by Krampus and blends of great merriment, then access The Winter Apothecary ebook (and all of my ebooks) by becoming a patron.

Elderberries from wikipedia

Elder (Sambucus nigra) ♀♇

Folk names include: Tree of Medicine, Danewort, Fever tree, Hyldemoer

Uses: The list is long but includes alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, digestive, expectorant, rejuvenative, vulnerary.

Contraindications: Excess fresh berries can have a laxative effect. While Sambucus nigra is generally safe, other varieties of Sambucus are poisonous, so properly identify before using.

Elder is a delicious winter remedy. I use the berries and flowers in my Cauldron Polish Cold Care Elixir and the flowers make an incredibly delicious glycerite. The herb has a big reputation as an amazing healer and the Elder Mother lives up to her reputation. Elder is effective in bringing relief when winter colds and the 'flu has come to visit, as the plant is powerfully antiviral. The berries and flowers are diaphoretic and diuretic which means they help us to release toxins and as an alterative they assist the body in returning to homeostasis. Elder is drying, too, without being too warming. The flowers, taken internally as an alcohol extract or glycerite, are especially useful in cases of ear infection. British herbalist, Andrew Chevallier, recommends Elder flower combined with Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) for headaches that come about because of the cold or a chill.

If you are brave (or foolish) enough to sit under an Elder Tree on an important night of the year (namely, Midsummer and Samhain), you just might see the Good Folk march by in all of their finery. The spirit of the Elder is a gatekeeper between the realms of life and death - she is fiercely protective and very no-nonsense. Burning Elder wood is considered very unlucky but it can be worn as an amulet for protection (especially against lightening which apparently was something to be really worried about back in the days when these charms were being written down in old grimoires and herbals). The herb planted in front of the home or used in charms keeps away harmful and unkind spirits.

I think Elder is really useful as a preventative tonic - it is such an appealing flavor that it can be added to teas, made into syrups and electuaries, and made into a simple jam. I don't think I've ever used Elder as an alcohol extract because it is such a pleasure to use otherwise, but if you do prefer alcohol extracts, standard dosages apply. Remember, a dose of Elder a day keeps disgruntled yetis away.

Peppermint (Mentha spp.) ☿ ☽

Fok names include: Lammint and Brandy Mint.

Uses: Analgesic, analstetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, vasodilator.

Contraindications: Avoid during acute gallstone attack.

Soothing but enlivening, I really enjoy a good cup of mint tea any time of the day. The scent, taste, and healing qualities clears the head, clearing the cobwebs from the corners of our minds. I use peppermint most often in digestive blends when the stomach is cramping (combine with Fennel (Foeniculum officinale) for a simple and sweet tasting digestive tea). Peppermint is also useful in cases of nausea, gas, and general indigestion.  Additionally, I use it quite often in cold and 'flu blends for its antiviral, clearing, and calming qualities. Combine with Elecampane to assist in clearing up unproductive and phlegm-y coughs. Deb Soule recommends preparing a hot tea of Peppermint combined with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Elder Flowers, and Catnip as an old-time and effective remedy for bringing down fever.

Topically, Peppermint is soothing to sore muscles as a compress and can also be used in steams to clear sinuses, ease asthma, and to ground a shocked system. It makes a great addition to all natural and mouth washing blends as well as in toothpaste powder blends. Use a cool compress for rashes and hives, to bring relief to the feverish, and to smell really nice.

Peppermint is used in all sorts of ways in magickal work from blends to induce visions to love spells and healing charms. I like Peppermint in money and abundance charms - the herb grows abundant and once it takes root it is there for good - definitely a good quality when it comes to prosperity! The plant is guarded by Mercury which makes sense given its use for both enlivening and soothing the senses as well as clearing stagnation. I also place Peppermint under the guardianship of Moon not just because of its digestive-emotive qualities, but it's cool, fresh taste is silvery and quick.

I think tea is the most pleasant way to enjoy Peppermint. Fresh mint and honey makes a delicious syrup, so you should probably do that, too. Alcohol extracts are standard dosage if you prefer such a route.

Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) ☉☿ ♅

Folk names include: Elfwort, Horse Heal, Wild Sunflower, Scabwort, Velvet Dock.

Uses: Expectorant, digestive, diaphoretic, carminative, mood enhancer.

Contraindications: Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use externally if there is history of allergic contact dermatitis.

The yellow flowered Elfwort is primarily used as a warming lung tonic and it is an excellent winter ally when bronchial complaints of the damp variety are around. I'll admit that I was first attracted to learning more about Elecampane because it had a common name of Elfwort and an association with Witches. It has since become a consistent ally in my Apothecary. You'll notice that the Latin binomial includes helenium which has been said to be linked to Helen of Troy, the yellow flowers supposedly represent her tears. So, we have a plant that is a lung tonic and possesses a story of tears. It is good to know then, that the lungs are energetically the seat of sorrow and grief. Sometimes, when sorrow or grief is unexpressed it can transform into weakness or health imbalances in the lungs. Elecampane's myth tells us then about it's energetic and medicinal signature - it is a plant fit for damp lung complaints, but especially where sorrow and grief is present. Breathlessness, wheezing, asthma and migraines brought on by the cold, and a wet cough are all signs that Elecampane may be useful. The herb loosens phlegm and soothes irritated respiratory passages. The herb can be used both for acute complaints and as a preventative tonic.

Traditionally, herbalists like Hildegard von Bingen have recommended Elecampane be prepared as a wine extract and, in general the plant is well prepared as a sweet cordial or digestive blend for before and after meals. As a digestive herb, Elecampane is useful in cases of sluggish, cold, and weak digestion, relieving gas and gently stimulating digestion. Additionally, Elecampane brightens the mood, especially of those who are given to a nervous disposition. The herb has historically been used topically for skin complaints such as acne as well as hip pain, including sciatica, and the bites of insects and snakes.

Magickally, the herb is used in protection sachet against harmful energy - especially ill energy brought in by cold winds. As a wort of Elves, it protects against the more mischievous energy of our Hidden Kin, creating a shield against elf-shots and similar unpleasantries. You can also use the herb to enhance your psychic visions and to bring true love your way. Elecampane is said to be guarded by the Sun, Mercury, and/or Uranus depending, and each makes sense. The Sun not only because of Elecampane's yellow and bright flowers, but because it is warming and assists with overall heat and vitality in the body. Elecampane's Mercurial energy appears in it's drying abilities and usefulness for those who tend towards nervousness and are poorly affected by the cold, while Uranus speaks to Elecampane's ability to balance conditions of digestion, circulation, and the erratic nature of elf-shots. Read more about Elecampane and its healing qualities.

The root can be used in a decoction and sweetened with honey. More commonly, the alcohol extract is used (1:2 fresh or 1:6 dried) and dosage ranges. If you are using Elecampane as a tonic and preventative, I would recommend lower doses of 1 - 10 drops daily, while with chronic complaints the dosage can be increased to up to 30 - 40 drops up to 4 times daily. Personally, I recommend low drop dosages, but follow your training and body's needs.

🎄

I hope you enjoyed meeting these winter plant allies! I’ve written a lot about winter wellness, herbs of the season, and more since writing this post in 2014 so be sure to check out the following posts if you’re looking for extra inspiration:

• How to Create a Winter Wellness Apothecary

• Healing & Magickal Practices for Winter

• Winter Warmer: A Gentle Adaptogenic Tea

• Darkest Night: A Winter Solstice Spread

• A Might-Do List for Yule

Wherever the season takes you may it be full of merriment and joy!

Beautiful Sustenance : A Taurus Inspired Chaga Chai

Enjoy the following recipe from the Lunar Apothecary! In addition to the full year of material already posted, I also update the Lunar Apothecary with new material every single month! Ready to join our starry circle? Come this way!

Click here to learn more about the special powers of the Taurus Full Moon and additional Taurus herbs to use in your remedies and charms. You'll notice in the recipe below that I left space for you to further explore the healing powers of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) and it's connection to the Moon! Enjoy your explorations - preferably while sipping on a cup of chai!