The year ahead for the fully enchanted world of the Apothecary...

I'm back from my winter travels - including moving house from Long Beach to Sacramento, CA! Heck yeah!

I never thought I would live in northern CA, but I feel pretty lucky these days to be in such a lovely city surrounded by trees, mountains, and valleys. Basil, the Apothecary hound, is somewhat unsure about the rain (I think he thinks we're trying to trick him into an outside shower) but he has a new big yard full of trees to run around in so he just got his own personal dog park. I've already been mapping out my explorations of the city by visiting all the tea, coffee, and book shops. Any suggestions? Be sure to comment below!

So what does 2016 hold for the Apothecary?

• In-person classes!

  • One of the great things about Sacramento is that there are a lot more accessible teaching spaces (including the possibilities of an urban farm - but more on that later!) which means I'll be teaching in-person classes again, including some exciting new Califia Collective projects. Check out a sampling of my previous offerings on my Classes page. My Magick Mail subscribers get early sign-up access for all of my classes as well as recipes, tutorials, and freebies in their brand-new secret subscriber's-only page (keep scrolling to learn more).

• More Plant Ally Projects!

  • The Plant Ally Project: Thirty Day Challenge is one of my most popular blog posts of all time! The feedback has been great and folks have been sharing their journeys with the hashtag #PlantAllyProject. I'll be posting new Plant Ally Projects throughout the year including figuring out what your indispensable herbs are and creating home apothecaries.

• More stars!

  • My Astroherbology series has been super popular hit with readers which I'm thrilled about because I love writing about stars and plants! I'll be finishing up my zodiac profiles this spring. Start your journey through the amazing world of medical astrology with an herbal focus with my introduction to astroherbology.

• Growing the new Magick Mail Members-Only Page!

  • I just started the new not-so-super-secret Magick Mail Members Area that you get exclusive access to just for joining my mailing list. It'll feature exclusive mini ecourses, recipes, worksheets, and more! I've already uploaded labels for you to use for your herbal creations and will be posting one of my favorite vinegar-based herbal recipes (hint: it'll help you be tough as nails) later this month.

• More recipes + tutorials!

  • I'm growing my popular recipes + tutorials section of the blog, starting this month with some of my favorite vinegar-based recipes. You can find some of my favorite recipes, including my most beloved herbs for starting the day, in my fine collection of ebooks.

• Continued expansion of the Lunar Apothecary!

  • My in-depth and in-expensive ecourse and exclusive learning community is one of my favorite spaces to dwell on the web. Clever ones, if you're looking to connect with herbal medicine and magick in a way that invites you to step into your power and celebrate your unique qualities as an herbalist, the Lunar Apothecary is for you. I, along with a circle of wise-ones, am available to answer questions, offer insights, and help guide you on your journey. There are medicine-making tutorials, plant profiles, guided meditations, bi-monthly newsletters, explorations of astroherbology, community forums, and tons of recipes and rituals with new content adding regularly throughout the year. And at a little more than $10 a month with the option of payment plans for folks who are in financial need, it's a space that I've purposefully priced low to keep it accessible. Sign-up today!

• I'll be opening up my small private-practice again to new herbal clients.

  • During the latter half of the year I'll be taking on new private herbal clients which I haven't done for quite some time, but I'm excited to open my practice again to new folks!

• The premier of the Tarot Apothecary!

  • I am working on a new ecourse that'll be available later this year! The Tarot Apothecary is all about the art of Tarot combined with herbal medicine and magick. Curious? Check out my Tarot Herbology series that I wrote for Little Red Tarot to get a taste of what we might learn when we combine the sacred art of card-casting and plant medicine. Be the first to learn about the Tarot Apothecary (plus some special discounts for the course when it premiers) by signing up for my Magick Mail.

How exciting is all that!?

I'll be back to my regular posting blog posting schedule by the end of the month, including my newest Astroherbology profile on Capricorn! What are you excited about in 2016? Comment below! 

Whatever adventures you get up to this year I wish you well on your journey, I hope you get all the tea you need to keep you warm and nourished as you travel, and may you always remember your wisdom wherever you find yourself.

Sagittarius : The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Sagittarius! You're getting a snapshot into the ever expanding astroherbology magick of The Lunar Apothecary - amazing! 

I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. To learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio!

Element: Fire
Mode: Mutable
Guardian Planet: Jupiter
Direction: North
Season: Winter (NH), Summer (SH)
House: 9th House / Cadent
Lunar Mansions: 19th Mansion, 20th Mansion, + 21st Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Amber
Tarot: Temperance, The Wheel of Fortune, 8 of Wands (11/23 - 12/2), 9 of Wands (12/3 - 12/12), 10 of Wands (12/13 - 12/21), King of Wands (learn more about the connection between tarot and herbalism)
Tissue State: Dry/Atrophy Tissue State + Hot/Excitation Tissue State (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Hips and thighs. Buttocks. Sciatic nerve. Lower spine and liver. Autonomic nervous system. Cerebrum, especially the left hemisphere. Powers of reasoning. Systems of growth and preservation. Locomotion. Stimuli response (relationship between the endocrine + nervous system).

Imbalances + Diseases: Diseases caused by accidents and falls as well as sports-related injuries (especially horse-related accidents). Gout, rheumatism, and sciatica. Bruises and inflammation of the muscles. Fevers caused by “hot blood.” Lower back problems including lumbago. Hip injuries including torn or strain hip-flexor, broken hip, and distention. Overconsumption of food, ideas, and experiences. Difficulty focusing the eyes. Pain and injury brought about by recklessness. Brain injuries. Locomotor disorders. Lung diseases including tuberculosis. Appendicitis. Liver disease. Fistulas. Acting self-righteous and condescending. Over-zealous and opinionated. Being irresponsible and tactless. Reckless. Becoming dogmatic, extravagant, and expected favors of others.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: Pelvic bones, azimene; 2 degrees: pelvic girdle, susceptible to contagious diseases; 3 degrees: ischia, susceptible to contagious diseases, appendicitis; 4 degrees: femur, appendicitis; 5 degrees: right femoral artery, hair; 6 degrees: left femoral artery, morbid fears, pneumonia; 7 degrees: right superficial femoral artery, azimene, pneumonia; 8 degrees: left superficial femoral artery, azimene; 9 degrees: right lymphatic vessels, eye diseases, rheumatic fever; 10 degrees: left lymphatic vessels, enteric fever, typhoid; 11 degrees: adductor muscles, typhoid; 12 degrees: long saphenous veins; 13 degrees: long saphenous veins, rheumatic fever; 14 degrees: cutaneous vessels of the thighs; 15 degrees: right iliac vein; 16 degrees: left iliac vein,, sciatic nerve, AIDS; 17 degrees: sciatic nerve, AIDS; 18 degrees: right femur, azimene; 19 degrees: left femur, azimene; 20 degrees: head of right femur, weak lungs, sensitivity to smoke; 21 degrees: head of left femur, enteric fever, speech impediments; 22 degrees: right trochanter, insanity, speech impediments, appendicitis; 23 degrees: left trochanter, spine, appendicitis; 24 degrees: popliteal fossa; 25 degrees: condyles of right femur, nervous debility, gout, neurasthenia, gout, blindness, impaired sight; 26 degrees: condyles of left femur, neurasthenia, gout, blindness, impaired sight; 27 degrees: right leg muscles, tuberculosis; 28 degrees: right leg muscles, impaired eyesight, tuberculosis; 29 degrees: left leg muscles, impaired eyesight, tuberculosis; 30 degrees: pear-shaped muscle

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Sagittarius: Anti-inflammatories and moistening herbs as well as herbs for topical traumas. Liver tonics. Paying attention to liver health and learning moderation in regards to foods, activities, and substances that are less beneficial to our wellbeing is important. Adopting a mindfulness practice will will develop crucial decision-making skills, support brain health, and assist with thinking before acting. Learning tact and non-violent communication skills. Considering actions before taking them. Finding time to be in the wild. Valuing the experiences of others, asking questions before assuming, and communicating appreciation.

Gifts of Sagittarius: Truth-seeking, frankness, adventures, conviviality, philanthropic, athletic, wise, and philosophical explorations.

Rituals of Sagittarius: Social rituals with lots of dancing and music, metaphysical studies, rituals for success in creative, legal, and professional endeavors.

Sagittarius Guardian Herbs: Sage (Salvia officinalis), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), Willow (Salix spp.), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Basil (Ocimum spp.), Arnica (Arnica montana), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Sagittarius Remedy Herbs: Peach (Prunus persica) Leaf, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Arnica (Arnica montana), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Flower + Gem Essences: Cerato (Ceratostigma willmottiana), Vine (Vitis vinifera), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Scleranthus (Scleranthus annuus), Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus), Amber, Red Jasper

The Sun in Sagittarius

There they go! Sagittarius folks are excellent adventurers chasing the fading light at the far end of the horizon. They are highly individualistic taking pride in their understanding of just how unique they are. Since Sagittarian folks can value liberty and personal freedom above all else if they begin to feel even the slightest bit boxed-in or restricted they can become spooked, angered, or some combination thereof, and run off. They can be some of the most socially-oriented of the signs (competing with Gemini) and have a friendly and inquisitive nature which helps them grow a wide and varied social circle. Their fiery mutability can lead them to being very good at burning up the opposition in any argument or discussion which, combined with their hot-headed pride, can sometimes make them difficult to folks to collaborate with. On the flip-side their big vision helps expand what is possible with any project. Learning tolerance and acceptance for the value of different opinions and different standards of living (especially standards of living that they consider narrow-minded) can go a long way in helping Sagittarius folks to recognize that we’re all unique and that doesn’t make their uniqueness any less special.

In regards to health, Sagittarius folks often experience imbalances arises from excess heat. They are a mutable fire sign so when heat gets trapped in their bodies, whether from injury, over-exertion that leads to weakness, and/or unexpressed emotional turmoil, their systems can become dried out and irritated. Sagittarius is also the sign of accidents, especially athletic ones (and traditional texts mention falls from horses specifically), so taking seriously proper training and recovery practices goes a long way to help protect the mighty Centaur. It is important for Sagittarius folk to seek out regular restorative and centering activities that cool an overstimulating body, mind, and spirit. Hydration is a key to any sign’s health, but fire signs like Sagittarius tend towards being dehydrated more than others. Not only water, but healthy oils and fats will help keep everything running smoothly for our Centaur in addition to mellowing out the sugar imbalances this sweet-tooth inclined sign can often experience. Known for their optimism, a sure sign of a out-of-balance Sagittarius folk is that their optimism has been replaced with a angry chronic pessimism that leaves them closing their eyes to their beloved horizon and raging both internally and externally. 

Hanging out with Sagittarius folk can be an adventure in-and-of itself and its well worth the effort! They spark and dance and reach for new ideas and have a whole lot of fun along the way. Details may not be the strong suit of Sagittarius folk, but it is part of the reason they carry the free spirit that they do. Being mindful that others pointing out the importance of the little details can be a very good and helpful thing and is not always a criticism, Sagittarius folk will become even wiser. Their “this is who I am, take it or leave it” attitude can be extraordinarily refreshing. It can also lead to a lot of moments of “foot-in-mouth,” but this can also be tempered with some maturity and self-awareness. Once Sagittarius folks realize that humility goes a long way when it comes to getting folks to listen to what you have to say, they become even more powerful in their ability to inspire creativity and optimism in those around them. 

Sagittarius Guardian Herbs

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Robert Engelhardt

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Nicholas Culpeper writes in his Herbal that Dandelion “is under the dominion of Jupiter. It is of an opening and cleansing quality, and therefore very effectual for the obstructions of the liver, gall and spleen, and the diseases that arise from them, as the jaundice, and hypochondriac.” The whole plant can be used in healing and its primary skill lies in its ability to help vitality move freely through the body. One of the primary ways that Dandelion accomplishes this is by clearing the blood of toxins and waste material through strengthening the liver. Dandelion has a tonic effect on the blood, lymph system, and liver, helping to detoxify all three and improve the eliminatory qualities of the liver and gallbladder. Part of it’s blood purifying qualities comes from its high nutritive salt contents which cleans the blood and clears excess acid. The herb stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder (by causing it to contract) triggering the liver to do the same. Dandelion is especially useful for clearing an overburdened liver of excess hormones. Increasing bile and strengthening the digestive tract, Dandelion helps us to absorb nutrients from what we ingest and then move those nutrients throughout our body.

Additionally, Dandelion cools overheated PMS symptoms, menstrual cramping, and painful menopause, especially when water retention, pelvic congestion, and feelings of extreme frustration are present. Really, Dandelion is good for chronic inflammation of all sorts. Another indication that the movement of Dandelion is needed is that being still, lying down, and resting can worsen conditions, but healing touch, such as massage, brings relief. Use the sap topically for warts, calluses, corns, and general rough skin. The leaf and flower can be used as a wash for skin irritation. The infused oil of the flowers can be used for stiff muscles and muscle pain as well as relieve the discomfort of arthritis.

Learn about Willow (Quercus alba) and other Sagittarius herbs in The Lunar Apothecary.

Sagittarius Remedy Herbs

Burdock (Arctium lappa) by Christian Fischer

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

During the turn of the 19th century, detoxifying Burdock was used a remedy for folks coping with the excess pollution of the Industrial Age. The hard-working herb is well-deserved of its reputation for helping eliminating waste and polluting contents from the body. The plant is wonderfully cooling and moistening which, along with its anti-inflammatory prowess, acts as a wonderful remedy to worn-out and overheated Sagittarian folk. Look for signs of dry and scaly skin, dry-out digestion and stools, and a short temper. Burdock is useful in cooling hot-blooded conditions and helping the body to deliver and use fats and oils wisely. Sagittarian folk have a tendency towards a sweet-tooth (over-stimulating food can be just as much fun as over-stimulating adventure) and Burdock can assist with sugar imbalances and lessening sugar cravings. 

Burdock moistens from the inside out, but can also be used topically as a wash or in compresses to reduce swellings, bruises, sprains, and strains. The herb is excellent for restoring the body to a state of balance through its detoxifying and oil-directing qualities that it can be an excellent choice for recovering after a period of over-exertion, illness or injury.

Sun in Sagittarius Flower Essence

image via wikipedia

The strong-willed and adaptable Sagittarius folk can be very difficult to deal with once they have made their mind up that they are right. They are incredible committed to their beliefs and strong-willed in their presentation of them. Sagittarius folk can come off as over-bearing and dogmatic, but there is also something quite incredible about Sagittarius folk when they shift just a little. When they are committed, without persuasion to tolerance, compassion, complexity, and non-judgement they are superb souls who model the power of the will. To help Sagittarius folk develop a pattern of non-dogmatic behavior, Vine (Vitis vinifera) Flower Essence offers its services. Vine is a Flower Essence for over-bearing personalities that can have little regard for others and their feelings as long as they feel they are in the right and doing what they want to be doing. Vine helps Sagittarius folk soften up, respect boundaries, and learn to be in power-with others not power-over them. Becoming more flexible and compassionate, Vine assists Sagittarius folk lose the attitude of greatness and instead just be great.

Ready to learn more?

• Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources and the other posts in my Astroherbology series. Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!

• Explore The Lunar Apothecary - a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.

Herbal Gifts : Post-Apocalyptic Bath Salts

We all have that special person in our life who is wonderful but very difficult to find a gift for.

We ask them for ideas and are given little to no answers. Still, we are bound and determined to create something for them that they'll enjoy and perhaps even be pleasantly surprised by. Combining both of the powers of enjoyment and surprise, it is with great pleasure that I present the herbal gift that I give to those most difficult of gift-giving cases - my Post-Apocalyptic Bath Salts.

Why such a reliance on this recipe for challenging cases, you may ask?

1. Honestly, if anything the surprise of giving a post-apocalyptic gift during the winter holiday season (or winter-themed summer holiday season as in the case of my marvelous southern hemisphere cleverkin), will be surprising and hopefully in the right sort of absurd, snort-through-their-nose with amusement that only an odd gift can bring.
2. My Post-Apocalyptic Bath Salts are healing and restorative without getting into too treacherous territory of overwhelming the non-herbally-inclined. They might think it is weird, but not primarily weird because it is one of your strange herbal concoctions (it will only be secondarily weird because of the involvement of your herbal practice).  

Be sure to follow my #DIYHerbalGifts series to create all three recipes including my Temple Bath Tea and Beautiful Buzz Honey Scrub.  Looking for labels to use for your herbal gifts? My Magick Mail subscribers get access to free labels to use in their herbal gifting!

Post-Apocalyptic Bath Salts

My Post-Apocalyptic Bath Salts are simple to make - if you can mix stuff together in a bowl you're set! The essential oils I chose are soothing to sore muscles (which is good because post-apocalyptic living is no easy thing) and a help to reinvigorate a weary mind (but not so much that you'll become the most prime of zombie brain-bait). 

Begin by mixing together your salts:

• 3 parts Epsom Salt
• 1 part Dead Sea Salt

Set them aside and mix together your carrier oil of choice and your essential oils. My favorite carrier oil (which is not a real oil, but a wax that is in liquid form) is Jojoba. You can use whatever you have on hand including Olive Oil, Coconut Oil (be sure to gently warm it first so that it is in liquid form), Sweet Almond Oil or any other carrier oil that you prefer. To every 1 carrier ounce oil add the following essential oils:

• 3 drops Texas Cedarwood
• 3 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Juniper Berry
• 1 drop Clove Bud

Mix together roughly 1 cup (more or less depending on your preferences and if you like a drier or oilier bath salt blend) of your salt mixture with 1 ounce of your oil blend. If you have the time, keep in a sealed jar and shake daily for a week, letting all of the oils and salts mix together in a marvelous, I-survived-the-end-of-times blend! To use, add 1/4 to 1 cup of salts to your bath water or a bowl of hot water (if you'll be using this as a foot soak or in a shower) and enjoy! Remember the days when the sky was blue and zombies were only on TV...

Be sure to check out the rest of the #DIYHerbalGifts series and all of my recipes and tutorials!  I have also put together a recipe book full of healing and fun recipes for the winter holidays. The Winter Apothecary can be purchased in my shop and is currently on sale through the month of December!

The Foundation Bones : The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Pentacles

I am doing a guest post series on the amazing Little Red Tarot blog all about Tarot + Herbalism. Little Red Tarot is the home of Beth Maiden who has created an intelligent and inspiring alternative community for us Tarot folk who are queer, rebellious, multi-cultural, and rad. I hope you enjoy the latest installation in the series all about the herbal wisdom of the suit of pentacles!

All cards shown in this post are from The World Spirit Tarot by Jessica Godino + Lauren O'Leary.

Check out the other posts in the Herbal Tarot Wisdom Series:

• The Windswept Garden: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Swords

• The Well of Memory : The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Cups

• The Flame of Desire: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Wands

• The Foundation Bones: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Pentacles

We end our journey through the herbal wisdom of the tarot together in the realm of Earth and the suit of Pentacles.

In the northern hemisphere the element of Earth is placed in the North, while it finds its home in the South in the southern hemisphere.

The Pentacles are the suit of foundations, abundance, and security.

They represent the moments we feel most sovereign in our lives. The suit of Pentacles can also represent burden (especially financial and physical burden), stagnation, and the hardening of the spirit through the traumatic experiences.

When many Pentacles are cast in a spread, I pay attention to foundations – are they sturdy or are they falling apart? I ask questions about whether or not the querent feels empowered in their life or if they feel they lack sovereignty.

The suit of Pentacles asks us to seek out the green, abundant spaces in our life. If we lack such places, we must learn to grow them. If they have become overgrown, we must learn to find the sunlight again to nourish our roots. We are asked to look at our own personal garden habitats especially at the edges where we connect with the gardens of others.

The suit of Pentacles is often seen as the most practical of the four suits, investigating our physical and mundane life, especially the areas of survival including food, shelter, and resources. Money is a keyword that comes up regularly with the suit of Pentacles but that can be limiting when trying to understand the full diverse nature of the Pentacles. Abundance and security of resources add further nuance and depth since we can live abundant lives without an abundance of money because we recognize the security of resources we have access to. I do believe that recognizing abundance in your life (no matter how small it may seem or insignificant to others) is a way to cultivate more abundance in your life and the lives of others. It is about recognizing the resources we do have, especially when faced against overcultures and oppressive systems that seem to have all the money. They might have the money, but damn, do we have the heart and we know how to grow it.

There is also a lot tied up in the concept of worth in the suit of Pentacles.

Am doing work that feels it has worth? How do I feel unworthy in my life or seen as lacking worth in the society at large? Do I feel like I am living in a way that I feel makes my life worthy and valuable to me? When I sit with clients for our first intake, one of the questions I ask them is about the quality of the life and what they do feel they have in abundance. If the question is difficult for them, their homework, along with their herbal remedies, is to explore these questions more in-depth. If you’re pulling lots of Pentacles, you might consider such an exercise, too.

So what are the herbs of earth and abundance?

In general, herbs that are nutritive, alterative, immunomodulating, cooling, and sedating are considered qualities of Earth. Additionally, I consider many herbs that have been classically categorized as panaceas or “heal-alls” as Earth herbs because they often deal with multiple body systems and are restorative to the body, mind, and spirit.

I think about gentle herbs that are deeply nourishing and will act as the foundation for me to build my recipe on such as Milky Oat (Avena sativa) andLemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). 

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is my herb of choice when inviting in the grounding, restorative, and immunomodulating energies of Earth. Elder is known as the Elder Mother and Tree of Medicine in many European folklores and is considered intimately tied with the world of the Good Folk. I can attest to her magick. She is also a badass and is not interested in nonsense – whether the nonsense of a lingering cold or the nonsense of poor boundaries or lack of self-care. Elder is an immunomodulating herb, which means it helps bring our immune system back into balance, and is an incredibly effective protective herb against the ‘flu and other viruses. The herb is chock-full of flavonoids which “bind and disarm hemagglutinins, tiny viral spikes covered with the enzyme neuraminidase, which allows the virus to penetrate cellular membranes” (Brigitte Mars, Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine). This is in part why Elder remains effective against multiple flu strains year after year.

The berries are more grounding, while the flowers are more elevating and are especially good for ear complaints. Elder clears out toxins from the gut and cools and warms body systems as needed to return the body to health. The Elder Mother can be worked with in multiple ways: you can approach her simply for assistance with rebalancing your immune system and as a cold and ‘flu preventative or you can engage her on a more magickal level. (Keep scrolling to learn more under the Mentor of Pentacles…)

Basil (Ocimum spp.) is a great herb for diffusing an over-abundance of slow, stagnant earth energy in your life. An herb of dragons named after the mighty basilisks that haunt mountains and caves, Basil has a special skill of moving heat and energy through the body. As part of its healing qualities, Basil also stokes our inner digestive fires, helping us burn off toxins and remove them from our bodies. The herb is uplifting and cheering to the spirit. It wakes us up with gentle stimulation and then relaxes the brain and nervous system (you can experience this by tensing your body and then relaxing at once – the relaxation is deeper after the tension). The herb works on both sympathetic and parasympathetic sides of the autonomic nervous system helping the two aspects find balance instead of swinging to one extreme. Basil is one of my favorite herbs for brain fog and to promote cerebral stimulation. I use all kinds of Basil in my practice from the Sacred Basils (Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum) and your common sweet or garden variety Basil (Ocimum basilicum). I actually think Basil and Elder work well together when more heat is needed in the system in addition to immunomodulating qualities (and especially when you need some badassery in your life).

The Pentacles Court Cards

Seeker of Pentacles: Rosemary

Whether brief or lasting years, many of us have had an experience of feeling sovereign and secure in our bodies. The Seeker of Pentacles is a card of tranquil manifestation where all the parts (the spirit and body comfortably intertwined) come together and what we have desired is coming into being. Yet, many of us know how easy it is for the spirit to be frightened from the body and for reactivity and symptoms trauma to take its place.

The essence of Rosemary helps call the spirit back to the body by helping us to re-member (to put back together) our sense of sovereignty and security in the world. The essence is helpful when disassociation has turned from a useful tool for dealing with the complexity of life to a chronic condition where the consciousness exists less and less in the body. Rosemary helps us to be fully present in our body and life, so that we can nurture the garden of our existence.

Apprentice of Pentacles: Dandelion

The suit of Pentacles deals a lot with work and the work that we find worthwhile. Through the suit of Pentacles we learn to grow the routine and follow-through of work and step out of or avoid the stagnation that we can fall into. The Apprentice of Pentacles embodies the gifts of routine and rhythm and why both are important for longevity of practice and worthwhile work. When the Apprentice of Pentacles is out of balance they can become apathetic and stagnant, but so rigid that they resist change, which is why an essence like Dandelion can be so useful.

Dandelion flower essence can serve two purposes for the Apprentice of Pentacles: it infuses the spirit with sturdiness but also helps us embrace change. The energy is grounding, but freeing which helps our very earthy Apprentice or Knight remember that they are the movers and messengers of the court cards. The essence is also important if you do any sort of social justice work as it helps us tap into the deep reserves of renewing energy that the earth provides.

Artist of Pentacles: Oak

If you ever struggle to connect with the idea of your body and life as a garden that needs care, spend time connecting with the Artist of Pentacles. The Artist of Pentacles is the most magickal of gardeners, tending to the soil, the thorn and flower, and the fruit and berry, with tender care. Their endurance is legendary, their commitment unwavering. They carefully cultivates their resources and has an abundance of nourishing compassion. Yet, they can fall into patterns of overwork and over-giving, stretching themselves thin in an attempt to take care of it all. When offered time to rest and slow down, they say they don’t have the time or luxury to do so, which is why Oak flower essence is such a great ally for them.

Oak helps us to take time off and enjoy the fruits of our labors instead of always feeling a need to give them away. The essence is also very useful for assisting recovery after a long period of illness. Oak helps to lighten the load that the Artist of Pentacles carries.

Mentor of Pentacles: Elder

I’ve talked a lot of about sovereignty so far in relation to developing and reconnecting with your self-sovereignty. The suit of Pentacles, though, also embodies the other side other side of the coin which is authoritative dominance. The Mentor of Pentacles is a wonderful teacher and guide when they demonstrating stability, dependability, self-control, and discipline. They become a tyrant when they seek to dominate others and seek power-over as opposed to power-with. When these patterns arise, Elder calls us out and then invites us in. Elder smashes the idea that to be powerful we must overpower others. She smashes it and devours it and lets it decay.

A wounded Mentor of Pentacles is one with low self-esteem and someone who has lost their sense of worth – in turn they have set about to try and take the esteem and worth of others. Elder flower essence can stop us in our tracks, resetting our destructive powers, and calling us to accountability. Alternatively, if you are someone who has yet to step into your power, embodying the strength of the Mentor of Pentacles, Elder can also be an ally. She won’t mess around or coddle you, but she’ll help you learn how to stand up for yourself, speak boldly in the world, and to know the abundance and worthiness of all your parts.

Herbal Powders

Herbal Powders are a great way to enjoy whole plant medicine and I have used them as a great alcohol-free alternative to tinctures since the early days of my practice. Not only can Herbal Powders be used internally, but many can be used externally as well. In addition to some simple instructions on how to make your own herbal powders, I’ll also suggest the many ways you can use them, whether homemade or purchased from a reputable source.

Making herbal powders can be time intensive, but very simple. You’ll need some sort of grinding device, whether a mortar and pestle, blender, or electric grinder. Grind down the herbs as much as possible, removing any large chunks of un-grindable bits. Then, using a mess strainer, sift the fine powder from the unground herb. It takes time but it’s quite easy, even meditative, to make herbal powders.

Suggested uses for herbal powders:

• Add them to smoothies, juices, or water. Adding herbal powders to smoothies is my most favorite way of ingesting them.

• Mix with honey to make an electuary. You can enjoy spoonfuls of your herbal honey or add it to hot water for an instant tea. I like to • take a small jar of herbal honey with me when I travel as it is a great way to enjoy my daily herbs as well as a sweet treat while on the road.

• Create your own tooth powder.Tooth powders are amazing!

• Use herbal powders topically as poultices and drawing powders. Depending on the herb you’re using you can make a soothing • poultice for muscles aches or a drawing powder for wounds and infections.

• Use them magickally! You can sprinkle and cast them, create sigils with them, carry in charms, or burn herbal powders as incense.

How will you connect with the earth energy of the suit of Pentacles? Post your experiences below as well as any questions you might have about the information already shared. I have very much enjoyed my sojourn these past few months in the Little Red Tarot community and I hope to continue to connect with you in spaces like the Alternative Tarot Network (I’m wortsandcunning on there). Until then, grow wild, clever ones!

Herbal Gifts : Beautiful Buzz Honey Scrub

After your luxurious Temple Bath Tea how about a honey scrub for your face and body? I think honey, especially local and raw stuff from folks who adore their bees, is an amazing and healing gift. Whether adding some to your tea or spreading it on your skin, honey's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moistening qualities are wonderful additions to the home apothecary.

My Beautiful Buzz Honey Scrub combines the powers of honey with the beautifying qualities of Rose (Rosa spp.) and red clay for a inexpensive but fancy face and body treatment.

Be sure to follow my #DIYHerbalGifts series to create all three recipes including my Temple Bath Tea.  Looking for labels to use for your herbal gifts? I'll be posting free labels to my Magick Mail subscribers later this month!

Beautiful Buzz Honey Scrub

The Beautiful Buzz Honey Scrub has a lovely rose scent and a skin-rejuvenating quality, helping to gently cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation, as well as the appearance of fine lines. I use this scrub, too, for insect bites that are red and inflamed as the clay helps to draw out the venom and the Rose reduces inflammation irritation. The following recipe is a rough estimation of parts and you can make adjustments if you like a runny-er scrub or a more dense one. 

Mix the following ingredients together:

• 3 parts raw, local Honey
• 1/2 - 1 part Rhassoul clay or to desired consistency
• 1/4 part Rose (Rosa spp.) Powder
• 5 - 10 drops Rose Hip Oil per 1 ounce of scrub
• 5 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil per 1 ounce of scrub

Store in a glass jar with a tight sealing lead. To use, scoop out a quarter-sized portion and apply to damp skin. Rub gently into the skin and let sit for a few minutes before washing off with warm water. 

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Be sure to check out the rest of the Herbal Gifts series and all of my recipes and tutorials!  I have also put together a recipe book full of healing and fun recipes for the winter holidays. The Winter Apothecary can be purchased in my shop and is currently on sale through the month of December!

My next recipe is for those who have everything on their list because, believe me, they won't have this...