J o i n  me in the  l i m i n a l  spaces.

We enter September, and thus pass the threshold. We are moving into the liminal spaces. We find ourselves yet again in a sweet spot of the in-between, as the summer heat slowly fades away, and we start to feel goosebumps with the subtle crisp of the morning air. We are in that space where we feel excitement and preparation - a time when our inner self is calling upon us to finish up whatever busy tasks we have left so that we may start returning to the underworld, tending our roots, and walking with the dark months. 

The concept of the threshold and the in-between has been on my mind a lot for I have been deepening my studies and answering the call to work with Brighid. While I feel closest to her in the spring, I find curiosity in knowing her in all her forms - in knowing the other two parts of the Triple Goddess, in addition to the Maiden. As we step more deeply into this time of harvest, we are experiencing her in the Mother form - caring for and nurturing that which we have so tenderly sown. And so quickly this time passes, before we again meet her as the Crone - wise, grounded, and in sacred communion with Death. 

We have enjoyed the initial celebrations of abundance - the first energetic harvests have passed. Now instead we step into a new form of tending - identifying what it is we truly want to continue to hold and carry, identify what it is we want to tuck away and preserve. And while we move into this period, and start to prepare for what lies ahead, we still dance in the remaining heat of the late summer - we still smile as the sun kisses our face. And while we look ahead, may we also find presence in knowing the sun will soon be with us much less and feel gratitude for the warmth that remains. 

What magic and mystery are you finding in the liminal spaces? 

The  S e v e n  of  S w o r d s  |  Wood  B e t o n y

In the words of beautiful Jonna Jinton, the month of August feels like an exhale. Following July, which is often so very busy for most of us, August feels like a collective breathing out, and September feels like a re-grounding. In Nature, we find ourselves noticing fruits transitioning to seeds. The plant teachers are showing us that when we must be in a continuous cycle of expending and renewal - now that the fruit has passed, it is again time to focus on attention inward, deeply nourishing our foundation and our roots, so that we may renew again stronger than the time before. May we welcome the dark months that are soon to come with open arms, and remind ourselves that deep rest is vitality. 

S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

Think of your energy as that of a pantry, or a root cellar. The late summer finds us in a time of preservation - storing away our harvest from the careful and diligent tending of our gardens so that we may find nourishment throughout the summer. Along the way our minds and bodies have also been tending, and collecting. What energy is truly yours, and what energy have you perhaps absorbed or are finding attached to you? Is this energy that you truly need to carry? Is it something worthy of being preserved as we move closer to the winter?

​What needs to be stored away so that you may find nourishment from it? 

The crunchy leaves will be below our feet before we know it. Until then, happy dancing, sweet ones. 

Blessed be,

S h a y l e 

​Tarot Deck: The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin

Please join me again in circle, as we, in gratitude, open ourselves to receive the wisdom of dear M a r s h m a l l o w . 

As we dance in the blessings of recently passed L u g h n a s a d h, we have officially entered the joyous and abundant energy of the harvest season. The first of three fire festivals, Lughnasadh is a celebration of the ever so subtle shifts toward the autumn. Ever so slowly, energy is starting to slow down, and move inward. Many plants are starting to now put their energy into the next generation by producing seeds or fruits. Even more still, some plants are now starting to focus on bolstering their root, anticipating the cold dark stillness of the winter to come.

During the time of Lughnasadh, we step into and acknowledge our relationship with abundance energy. In nature, abundance is celebrated; even more still, it is critical to vitality. For when we acknowledge only scarcity, as we often do in our culture, we lose sight of the importance of interconnections, of community, and of support. At this time may we remember, there is always enough to go around, it is our own construction of systems that have us believing otherwise, or that even create scarcity, and may we remember and awaken to the celebration of our own abundance in our lives. We deserve abundance, each and every one of us. 

​

Calling  upon  M a r s h m a l l o w

Sweet Marshmallow, with it's pillow-y leaves and rising stalks, and delicate purple flowers that snuggle bumblebees close, I invite your presence and spirit to join us in this circle, so that we may receive your teachings, your wisdom, and your medicine with deep gratitude. 

Marshmallow, of which the leaves, flowers, and root are used for medicine and healing, actually used to be the plant that was utilized to make the marshmallows we have come to enjoy around a campfire. Incredibly enough, this practice goes as far back as ancient Egypt, 2000 years ago, when Marshmallow grew as a wild herb in the marshes. Through a process of extracting the sap from the plant and combining it with a honey-based recipe, a decadent and sacred treat was created so special it was  reserved for royalty and the divine. Moving forward, in the 1800s is when we see the first remnants of what we are most familiar with today. At this time, French candymakers modified the recipe to combine Marshmallow sap with whipped egg whites and sugar, resulting in the fluffy and delightful white puffs we enjoy to this day. 

In modern times, marshmallows are no longer made from the sap of this herb, and have since been replaced with gelatin, however, there is much to thank this plant for, and much medicine she offers.

The word that often is associated with dear Marshmallow is  s o o t h e. We call upon her as an ally when we have tissues and membranes that are inflamed, dry, and sore. She brings gentle moisture and ease to the tender and irritated linings and organs of our internal body. This includes lungs that have been fighting dry, persistent coughs, our throat when it is sore and our voice is hoarse, and even our gastrointestinal tract when it is inflamed as a result of such conditions or dis-eases as gastritis, ulcers, or colitis. 

Marshmallow is an ally of the gut, helping to promote digestion, and even dousing the flames associated with heartburn. Her energetics are cooling and moistening, and can even serve as a support for chronic conditions such as Crohn's. She also brings support and vitality to the microbiome of our gut, as she is a nourishing source of prebiotics for the beneficial bacteria that aid in the processing of our meals. She also has nutritive properties, and can be considered a wild edible (even in the less noticed, smaller species of mallow we often disregard as a simple weed in our yard), and one it is likely some our ancestors once depended on for nourishment. 

On our external bodies, Marshmallow can be called upon as an ally in the form of a poultice, salve, or simple infused oil to help ease irritations and abrasions of the skin, particularly those caused by excess dryness. 

While the aerial parts may be utilized and enjoyed, the revered part of the Marshmallow plant for medicinal use is the root. 

There is something incredibly special about plants that provide medicine from their root. This is the ultimate lesson in the dance with Sacred Death and sacrifice in the name of community care. When we harvest the root, we harvest the ultimate vitality of the plant; such a harvest means the plant often exists no more. We must take extra tender care and express utmost gratitude and humility for the root beings, and this oh so sacred medicine - for the plant sacrifices itself so that we may be nourished. Use of roots also brings us into intimate communion and awareness of our state of groundedness, and awakens the part of our internal self that needs attention and awareness. Roots also help us to come into relationship with our shadow self, or the part of us that may lie "underneath," and yet has such a profound impact on our surface selves. 

Marshmallow root can be enjoyed in a unique way that is different from the way we enjoy infusions of most herbs. Marshmallow root's demulcent properties - what gives the herb it's watery, cooling, and soothing gelatinous quality - are best extracted in a cold infusion versus a hot one. Allow the roots to soak in a gentle slumber of cool water overnight, and sit with her the next morning. Thank her for her sacrifice, and for the opportunity to know her on such a deep level, and for the soothing and calming she will bring to your body. Listen to the wisdom she brings, and the guidance of her teachings. 

What beautiful message does Marshmallow have for you, dear ones? Feel free to share in the community comments below, and may we continue to learn from one another.

Happy dancing,

​S h a y l e 

​References: 

Bennett, Robin Rose. The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life. 2014. North Atlantic Books. 

Campfire. History of the Marshmallow. Campfire Marshmallows. 2022. Retrieved from: ​https://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/history-of-marshmallows/​

With the onset of July, the heat is here. 

For many of us here in the northern hemisphere, (with much love to those friends experiencing the cold and dark months in the southern hemisphere) as we have crossed the threshold of Midsummer, we move closer toward the shorter and cooler days of the autumn, but yet are moving into what are often the hottest months of the year as we round out the summer. It is as though we are moving into the time of the brightest flame as the candle that is the wheel of the year burns down ever so slowly.

July can also feel like an odd month at times. It is a period that sort of almost feels like a break in the energy - we have surpassed the incredible growth spurt of energy that comes with the abundant newness and return of the spring, but yet are not in the period of harvest. We have moved through the first few celebrations of fire and light that come with the Spring Equinox, Beltaine, and Midsummer, all of which have great, buzzing energy, and yet are not quite feeling the ever subtle shortening of the light in our days. 

In Ireland, there is even a term for this period, which is almost in and of itself a liminal time, and is thought of as a time of the "in-between." This term, as I learned from one of my teachers, Tonja Reichley, is known as "Idir ait" and it describes a sort of sacred pause - a moment of reflection and presence as we await the next chapter that awaits us. It is also interesting to note that this time of pause comes in the season of Cancer - a time associated with the symbolism of the crab. This is a being that holds the wisdom of knowing when it is time to return inside our shell, and holds the wisdom of being in deep relationship with our inner selves, emotions, and heart. Cancer season also calls upon us to take a moment to pull our energy inwards, stepping out of the busy energetics of the summer season to briefly become a quiet observer again, exploring the subtle shifts of the world around us. This is also a time to take a moment of contemplation and evaluation, taking an assessment of our current journey - are we properly nourishing ourselves? Are our boundaries that we have set appropriate, or do we need to set new ones? Are the actions and decisions I am taking or making moving us toward our most authentic truth? 

As we move closer to the end of July, Cancer season gives way to Leo, and we see a succession of fire festivals of the ancient ways. 

The energetics of this time are aligned with that of fire. We experience the intense heat of the days, and a drying of the land ensues. Fire energy is loud and bold at this time, and calls upon us to observe it and witness it. 

We can experience the fire in the plants that thrive and bloom during the peak of summer, almost as though they were awakened by the passing of Midsummer. Many of the plants of this time are alive with the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that we associate with flames. And in the magical way that plants are, often they are plants that help us out with results of intense heat - plants like the vibrant St. John's Wort or Calendula that are soothing to the skin after too much exposure to the sun. Higher in the mountains, we may be starting to see wild plants such as Fireweed at their peak bloom, which are not only breathtaking in their bold magenta colors, but seem to embody the wild shape of tall flames. This plant is also magical in that it slowly starts to count down the days of summer, almost like a natural hourglass - slowly dropping petals and getting shorter in length as we approach the autumn. 

We can call upon the spirit of Fire, inviting this energy of transformation and vitality into our home and sacred space by adorning our altars with these types of plants. We can hang Calendula over the doorway, asking that it bring the thresholds of our home protection, or brighten our hearth with fresh Marigolds from the garden. 

May we sit with Yarrow, whose radiant white flowers bloom coincide with the glorious intense summer sun, receiving the wisdom of its protective and rapidly healing ability for both internal and external wounds. 

We can also invoke the energy of fire in our bodies by working with herbs that aid our digestion - a process in our body that is deeply transformative and energy-encompassing. We can call upon bitter herbs such as tender wild greens like Dandelion or Arugula. We can sip infusions of Nettle or Oatstraw, and perhaps feel brave enough to add a little spice to our meals such as Cayenne or Cinnamon. 

And if we find that the heat becomes too much, that we can find balance in cooling herbs such as Mint or Lemon Balm, or soothing herbs with gelatinous properties such as Marshmallow. We can seek the plants in understanding the wisdom of how to keep the flame tamed, for too much fire surpasses transformation into destruction. 

Happy dancing, and may the slow burning awaken your soul. 

Blessed be,

S h a y l e 

A  R e t u r n i n g.

We are awakening sweet ones. 

While we may have a bit of snow and cold days yet ahead of us, we are re-emerging. A returning is happening. Color is returning to the landscapes. Hardy seedlings are returning to the surface after having spent time in the energy of the Underworld. Bird song is returning to our ears. Glorious sunlight is returning to kiss our face. 

We have surpassed the Spring Equinox on the ever-turning wheel of the year, and we are now in the throws of the early spring. Brighid has returned to us as the Maiden, blessing the Earth with the promise of the fruit that awaits us.

Inspiration is the word on my mind as we embrace the energy of this time. 

Our natural world reminds us that we are cyclical beings, and that it is always okay and welcome for a new cycle to begin. I feel inspired to allow what does not continue to serve my authentic journey to simply go, and step forward into new way of being. And, this does not have to be as jarring as taking a leap - it can look as simple as an awakening; as a sprout re-emerges in its fresh new form after spending time inward, so might we too awaken - taking a step forward as our authentic self, taking up space, or adopting a new way of believing. 

I feel inspired by nature, and the buzzing, yet slow energy with which she moves in the early spring. She inspires me to go slowly, for if we move too quickly we miss the smallest of details that are so prevalent this time of year. We might miss the subtle shifts that accompany such power. It is the small details that sometimes create the most beautiful art. I feel inspired to see how these energies are working within myself - in my soul, my mind, and my body. 

What small details do you notice? In what ways are you awakening? 

​The  M e d i c i n e  Wheel | Slippery  E l m

I also feel called to speak about hope as we enter April, and as we step fully into the transition of Spring. It does not seem as though we are moving away from a world that is in a state of disarray and in so much pain, and in need of deep medicine and healing. But Nature does remind us, in her gentle and quiet way, that we always come out of darkness. Spring is an example of this, for we always know we can celebrate the returning of the sun, and that the snow will melt away. Warmth always returns. We do not have to have blind faith that spring will come, Nature proves to us that it does. Nature tells us to not lose our sense of hope, because we do always find a sense of balance. And with a period of unbalance, we awaken a little more, we remember a little more, and we heal a little more. 

Slippery Elm: Slippery Elm will give the strength, nourishment, and soothing encouragement needed to move through the cycles of life. It softens our resistance to changes and allows us to feel more internal unity and centeredness.


S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

Sacred change is upon us; and Nature once again calls upon us to deeply contemplate the energy of a seasonal transition - particularly one that which embodies growth. How might we celebrate this change, while also deeply nourishing ourselves? We are moving out of a period of deep inwardness and now we are being asked to begin to extend that energy outward. We balance this by tending to our root, always working on remaining grounded so that we may rise up strong. Change is less jarring when we have strong foundations, and can instead be a welcome energy. 

As was aforementioned, the shifts right now are subtle, but we must pay attention. Notice the conditions that allow for a sprout to rise above the soil. Notice the way the sun moves in the sky, and how this change is welcome. Notice how the birds rebuild their nests for a new season. 

In what way to do the small subtleties allow you to embrace, versus fear change? 

I wish you all the happy shifting, dear ones. I wish you the happiest of spring joy - Are you seeking to embrace change? Let's support one another - feel free to share in the comments below. 

Blessed be,

S h a y l e

In the spirit of this post, and having drawn the Medicine Wheel card, I would like to take the time to respectfully acknowledge that I am writing this post on the now occupied ancestral and traditional homelands of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute nations and people. I would also like to take the time to acknowledge that we owe a great deal of gratitude to, and want to honor, Indigenous wisdom to both spirituality and herbalism, and how much of this knowledge has been colonized or wrongly claimed without proper credit or acknowledgement. I pledge to continue to actively pursue opportunities educate myself on this, and extend deepest gratitude to the wisdom of the people who are original stewards of this land.

Tarot Deck: The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin

On R e - e m e r g e n c e. 

It is this time of year that I begin to daydream. I am still embracing the coziness that comes with winter time, for a chill still remains in the air (and frankly, as I write this a good amount of much-needed snow is blanketing the ground), but yet I start to think about the seedlings that lay deep in the frozen soil. I get giddy about the plants they will soon become, and the awakening energy that comes with the spring.

I often find myself excited about change more than I am reluctant. Matter of factly, my biggest fear is stagnation. While it is true that I am a fan of the familiar - I like certain things to remain stable, like cherished relationships, my home space, or stability in career - I do love change. I get excited about new adventures, what I will learn that I do not yet know, and the buzzing energy of something transpiring that perhaps I did not expect. 

Perhaps that is why I have a fondness for such things as Spring. As we follow the celebration of Imbolc, we are reminded of the warmer days that await us. I start to dream of what my garden will look like soon, and start to get really, really excited about such things as starting seedlings! Spring is a sort of energetic re-emergence, when Brighid herself, re-emergences as the Maiden from the Crone, shedding the sleepiness of winter and stepping into the renewal of spring. We ourselves re-emerge from the year that we are leaving behind, and emerge from a period of darkness and inward-turning. We start to dream about what the months ahead will bring, and the new memories we will create.

And with the return of the sun, beautiful light is shed on that which we have spent time in the dark months cultivating and encourages it to grow. How can we not be excited about that? 

P a g e  of  P e n t a c l e s  |  B l u e  Flag

With the concept re-emergence comes a similar thought that has been on my mind lately. On how growth and lessons are a constant. Sometimes this is a beautiful thing, and other times it's exhausting. I personally feel like harsh lessons have been thrown my way pretty consistently over the last few months, almost to the point I'm asking for a bit of mercy. But perhaps this all comes with the promise of faith - in that things are happening just as they should. And it is my choice whether I choose to buckle, or embrace the change and growth. I am also a student of impermanence these days - and find comfort in known that nothing can stay the same forever, and that in and of itself can be such a blessing. 

S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

All of the musings prior to drawing this card feel resonate with this card - re-emergence, embracing change, faith. It is a card that feels like a calling to the next step. We are emerging from a period of deep inwardness - feeling the energetic transition from winter. We have just passed Imbolc, which celebrates the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox - and calls upon us to shed that which we no longer want to cultivate. We are being gifted with the encouragement pursuing of passion and inspiration, literally building upon the seeds we are nourishing. We have all that we need within us, and are asked for implementation. 

May the impermanence, may the shifts bring us such exciting endeavors. 

I'm excited for you all, happy cultivating! Let's support each other and build collective community-centered abundance.

Blessed be,
S h a y l e 

In the depth of the darkness, we begin our celebration of the return of the Sun; that it may soon warm our faces and kiss our hair. 

This is an interesting point in the year, as the turning of January feels like an embodiment of the concept of "both, and." In the Wheel of the Year, we have just surpassed the Winter Solstice, and now await what is known as Imbolc - the halfway point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. It is this period of time we are called to remain in deep slumber, much of the world still very much in hibernation. And yet, we have also just experienced the longest night of the year, and now are experiencing days that grow gradually longer. This marks the return of the light of the Sun, reminding us with each passing evening that Spring will arrive, pulling us from this state. Therefore, we find ourselves in a situation where we can be both in hibernation, surrendering to the darkness, and simultaneously feeling the joy of the "new" that lies ahead.

It is often that nature reminds us of this lesson, no? That there is nothing that really truly is only one way or another. 

The beginning of the Gregorian calendar year is also an interesting point. January 1st serves as the marker for the next 12 month cycle we have grown accustomed to. It is declared as a "new beginning," though in the part of our soul that is connected to the ancient ones, this might feel somewhat off - and it only makes sense! The reason for this is perhaps because when we look at the natural wheel of the year, January is simply central to winter, and having come only on the heels of the Winter Solstice. This means that you may feel called to remain held by the dark, to continue to move slowly, and to continue to rest. That is perfectly fine, and you should always listen to what your intuition says you need! 

However, we also live in a multi-layered world. And if you are like me, you appreciate having a couple of opportunities for a clean slate. I very much see Samhain as the initiation of a new year; and am embracing the sacred death that we experience in the natural world around us in the fall as a lesson in being the start of a cycle versus the end of one. And yet - I like to see the Gregorian New Year as a check in point on the intentions I have made at Samhain:

Am I staying true to my intentions? 
Are they realistic for me? 
Have I made plans for how to achieve my goals?
Have I set the boundaries necessary for myself to let go of what no longer serves me? 

The Gregorian New Year can serve as that almost last ditch reminder before we jump into a new 12-month cycle to reflect on whether or not I am actively choosing to carry energies or habits into this new cycle that are not helpful for me. This is another example of how we can navigate "both, and." We can follow the wheel of the year, tuning into the rhythms and cycles of nature, and actively choose to align with them. At the same time, we can also identify ways in which we can live in harmony with such concepts as the Gregorian calendar, through which modern society functions, versus allowing them to cause unnecessary tension within ourselves. 

A l l i e s  for  I n t e n t i o n s 

If you are feeling called to either check in with previously set intentions, or feel the call to set ones with the convening of a new year, as always we can call upon the support, guidance, and love of our herbal allies. While achieving the goals one sets for themselves is ultimately up to us, the herbs can hold space for us and provide valuable teaching and nourishment for our physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies along the way. 

For Physical Nourishment: Call upon allies that build a strong base, flooding our bodies with the vitamins, minerals, and life force we need for long-term vitality. As a house will crumble without a strong foundation, we too must work from a place of stability. Calling upon the support of nourishing, wild, green herbs as we seek to work toward the life we wish to create ensures that we have this baseline to have the energy and clarity of thought that can support our journey. Call upon herbal infusions of deeply nourishing plants such as Nettle, Oatstraw, Dandelion, Chickweed, Cleavers, or Burdock for this purpose. 

For Emotional Nourishment: We tend to be our own biggest barriers. As we seek to set intention, perhaps we become our own biggest critic, or the doubt that arises is instilled by no one but us. Herbal allies that can be called upon to open our hearts, and help us to find love for ourselves include blessed Hawthorn, Linden, Calendula, Yarrow, and Rose. These herbs hold us deeply, and remind us of our own confidence and inner power, drawing this out from deep within. They also deeply nourish our emotional heart, helping us overcome grief or fear that may be holding us back. 

For Spiritual Nourishment: The herbs we call upon in this space are also those that can be used for clarity, and to invoke the sacred. Intention setting, while it does not have to be a practice that takes long, should be done when we can devote our full present attention to it. Intentions are an extension of our sacred self, a sort of deliberate wish we ask the Universe to help us bring to fruition; an action that we intend to put meaningful energy behind, and call upon our intuition to guide. Therefore, the setting of intentions are ritualistic in nature - and the herbs we call upon for this space embody sacred energy. We can again call upon Hawthorn and her thorns, or Nettle and her glorious sting as energetic reminders of the sacredness of boundaries and how holding ourselves to these can help fuel our intentions - helping us to understand the balance of where we should best choose to expend energy. Burn Mugwort, Lavender, or Vervain for not only mental clarity, but to invoke the sacred. These herbs have long been revered by our ancient, well ancestors for their connection to the divine. Burn Damiana to calm a racing mind and bring yourself into presence, or Mullein to invoke the wild. 

If you feel called, you are welcome to share what intentions you have for the year that awaits us in the comments below. This is a space where we can support one another on our journeys. 

Happy manifesting sweet ones, and may glorious things come to you in this New Year,

S h a y l e 

C o m m u n i t y. 
​
Before we get into this month's Tarot pull, I wanted to create some heartfelt space for what has happened to neighbors in Boulder County, Colorado this week. The Marshall Fire is an absolutely unimaginable event, and with almost 1,000 homes destroyed, the impacts will be felt for a long time to come.

I am consistently inspired by humans during hard times like these - where we forget our differences, and come together as community to help those who have experienced this horrific situation. If you feel called to help, please remember the best way to do so is either by monetary donations or by volunteering your time. 

While you may want to donate physical items, please note that while this is appreciated, physical items quickly overwhelm local organizations who have to sort through them all, determine what can be used and what cannot - and usually capacity is already limited for folks who are able to do this. Additionally, monetary donations allows for much more flexibility and the funds can be put toward what is needed most in a timely manner.

If you want to volunteer your time, this is an incredible thing to do. Just please remember to affiliate with a trusted organization. Again, when resources are already stretched thin, hoards of spontaneous, un-affiliated volunteers can create immense overwhelm for local organizations. By being affiliated with an organization (of which there are MANY), your safety and wellbeing can be assured, and you will be more quickly and effectively assigned to do activities that best fit your skill set and talents, AND help where it is most critically needed.

This has been a tough few years for our world, and for Colorado. If you want to help out in Boulder, please see the following website to see how you can best help out: ​www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status/

A  Quick  A n n o u n c e m e n t

I'm sorry ya'll - these last two months with the holidays, and with work commitments in my day job, I have just slacked on posting here on C + A, particularly for the monthly collective tarot pulls. I really appreciate your patience! 

However, I come bearing good news! In 2022, you are going to be seeing a lot more happen in this little space! For the first 2 Fridays each month, you will get a new blog post here on C + A! On the third Friday of the month, catch me over on Instagram or TikTok, as I will be doing going live, and sharing some really exciting topics of conversation! As a sneak peak, for January's live, I will be on Instagram on January 14th at 7:00 p.m. where we will talk about Herbalism to Support S.A.D (seasonal depression)! So make sure you are following so you can be reminded! 

Also, if you are an audiophile, don't forget that I along with my lovely co-host have a fun witchy podcast called Ouija Boards & Midnight Margs! Starting this month, we will be going live on Instagram the 3rd Thursday of each month! 

In short - lots of fun content and plans to come, and I'm excited to see this ToVA community grow even more in the New Year! 

The  N e w  Year. 

Who else is ready as hell to say an abcdeFU to 2021? See ya later, and good riddens! 

There is no denying that 2021 brought another tough year for a lot of us, but as we welcome in the start of a new year, may we also welcome the energy of a new start, a new chapter, and a clean slate. Sure, it's important that we work on ourselves, seek growth, and pursue an authentic life all days of the year, but sometimes having an easily identifiable starting point is helpful. 

The New Year is a time of introspection, a time to dig deep and look inward. We are still in the depth of winter, and in the depth of the darkness, even with the days growing longer following the winter solstice. It is with the onset of a new cycle around the Sun that we can reflect on that which we do not want to carry into the new year. We can contemplate what it is that does not serve us, letting it melt away like the snow. We can meditate on what it is that brings us true joy, and set goals to help us reach the life we truly desire. 

And the thing to remember is, is that while we can work on getting clear about our goals, don't feel like January 1st is going to have all of the answers that you seek, nor do you have to have plans fully fleshed out. This is more of a time to allow ourselves to take a breath, take some time to be present, and write out our intentions for what we want our year to look like. Don't put too much pressure on yourself :) 

And the thing to remember is, the sunlight is returning to us, and brighter days are ahead, my loves. 

T e n  of  S w o r d s |  E p h e d r a 

The word on my mind is resilience. We as human beings have just come through a lot - like a LOT. And while the challenges will continue, we have adapted in glorious ways already, and will continue to do so. We have also found awakenings, remembered the old ways, and have learned to pursue that which is best for ourselves. We have remembered what it means to be community, and to have discernment for truth. And for that alone, I think we have made incredible progress. 

What might our collective ToVA community need insight on for the year that lies ahead? ​

S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

Practitioners of yoga, or meditation, understand that with breath comes a clearing, and that with breath, life flows. The world has been in a consistent state of tension, we have been holding our breath, and have had emotional buildup and blockages for many, many months. This card reminds us to breath deeply again, and reminds us that hard times are temporary. 

It is interesting that the word on my mind at the start of this pull was resilience. This card feels like a pheonix rising from the ashes - we have just overcome so much, and now we are in the process of rebuilding bonds, rebuiliding our community, and letting go. In 2022, we remember hope and optimism again, we find our faith again, and we will return to that which truly nourishes our soul. 

May we let go of the old, and dance with joy at the new. 

Take care of your hearts, loves. Take time to be present this day and the days to come. The sun is coming back to shine on our faces yet again. 

Happiest of New Year,

S h a y l e 

D a r k n e s s. 

Here in the northern hemisphere, in beautiful Colorado, the leaves are changing quickly, deepening into golden shades and dark crimson tones. The mornings are so much more crisp, and if you walk outside, the air greets you with soft kisses on your skin that leave a trail of goosebumps. But most importantly, the daylight is slowly giving away earlier and earlier to the darkness of night. Our evenings arrive more quickly, and last longer, moving us closer toward the cold darkness of winter. 

In Nature's garden, we see busy energy, but it moves slowly. There is a sense of preparation in the air for what is to come. Plants are moving away from producing fruit, but instead are producing seeds, giving way to the next generation that will arrive to meet us in the Spring. Plants are starting to furl inward, their energy starting to move downward, back to their roots, and into the soil from whence they came. 

On the Wheel of the Year (A C+A post coming on this very soon, witches), we are soon to celebrate the final of the harvest festivals, and the time of the year that was actually recognized as a beginning versus an end. We soon celebrate Samhain, a time of deep liminality, a time in which the veil of our world is thinnest and we may pass through and better connect with the Mystery and the Otherside. It is during this time we recognize and honor those who have walked before us, and no longer are with us on this mortal plane. We feel more sensitive, perhaps energetically and psychically at this time as we are called upon to deepen into this liminality. We are also called to explore the idea that darkness is not something to be feared, but instead something we embrace as deeply sacred. 

In Nature's garden, the darkness represents a state of almost intense self-awareness. The mightiest of trees have roots that grew from Below, shrouded in the darkness. It is this foundation from which we grow, and to which we return. We often are taught to fear states of deep introspection, but it is with knowing ourselves fully that we have the most power and can pursue the greatest growth. 

As Nature moves to dance with the darkness, we too can align with the energy of this time by turning inward. We can shift our focus away from what is happening around us, and instead focus on what is happening within us. Who are you at your most authentic self? From where does your root experience the most nourishment? Who is our shadow, and how do they shape your actions? 

I encourage you to explore why you might have a fear of the darkness. I also encourage you to contemplate how you might dance with the darkness as you do in the light. 

How might you see the darkness of this season as a beginning? 

A c e  of  W a n d s  |  Y a r r o w 

Beautiful Autumn Rest, we welcome you. We invite you to teach us the lesson of introspection, and exploring our deepest self. 

Autumn is a time in which we explore the concept of Sacred Death. While it may seem that the trees shedding their leaves are the end of a cycle, it is actually the opposite. The trees shed that which no longer serves them, so that they may begin freshly anew. It is this time in which we may feel called to explore Sacred Death the same way. Perhaps it is not the end of a cycle, but the beginning of one. It is a time in which our energies return to the Earth, reconnecting with that which connects us all, so that the next chapter may begin. 

How might our collective ToVA Community dance with the sacred darkness and this seasonal shift in October? ​

S h a y l e ' s  Thoughts: 

It makes me smile that Yarrow appeared to us when we asked this question of how to deepen into the liminal. She feels to me as though she is presenting the answer as being her, herself. Yarrow is a plant of deep mystery and is a guide to help us explore that which we may not understand. She holds our hand, and walks beside us as we seek intense truths, and can hold us and help us feel safe as we explore this within ourselves. 

I feel called to also give a reminder of nourishment. As we lean into sacred darkness, we should also lean into nourishment of our root. If we do not have a firm foundation from which to build upon and grow, we feel chaotic, unrested, and are prone to dis-ease. As the plants during this time shift their focus to roots, we too should seek ways in which we may feel firmly grounded. We can do this by taking more time to breathe, and finding moments of presence. We also do this by working with deeply nourishing herbs, particularly nourishing root herbs of this time such as Burdock or Dandelion roots.

We also may choose to let go of that which no longer serves us - taking a lesson from our eldest teachers, the trees.

Yarrow also reminds us that we, ourselves, are the Healer. By turning inward, we not only identify our deeper truths, but we learn who we are and what we most need. We identify our own personal root, but also the root of what might cause the greatest disturbances in our life, so that we may be able to address them at their source. 

You are so powerful, my loves. Happy dancing.

As Above, So Below, 

S h a y l e


Tarot Deck: The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin

Please join me in the circle, as we celebrate, honor, and learn from the wisdom of Hawthorn. 

As we build and grow the ToVA community, I deeply feel the desire to share with you all knowledge I have gained or feel called to share from the plants. 

Or should I say, remember, together with you all, the knowledge of the plants. 

Working with plants as medicine is something that is engrained within our bones, and in our very DNA. Since the beginning of humanity, plants have stood as beautiful, powerful allies and have long been depended on by all life on Earth as food, medicine, and nourishment. 

And as you read this, it may feel strange to believe that we all hold this knowledge within us. How can that be the case? Why do some of us choose to spend many years of study in this then? 

It is because no matter where you come from, your ancestors worked with plants. This knowledge was passed down, in often a deeply sacred way, from generation to generation, for thousands of years. The loss of this knowledge, did not really occur until more recent times, with the rise of destructive systems like patriarchy and capitalism. This knowledge was seen as a threat to power systems, oppressive ideals, and toxic individualism, due to the fact that practices such as herbalism are centered around community, recognized ourselves as a part of a network versus separate from, and are reciprocal - giving back as much as we take, which stand in direct opposition to these destructive systems. 

When we seek to commune with nature, when we seek to work with plants - truly hear them and seek their guidance, wisdom, and nourishment, we remember, as my beloved teacher, Tonja Reichley so beautifully states it; who we were before the rise of these systems. 

Think about it, have you ever felt stressed or on edge, and reached for Lavender, whether in a tea, or as aromatherapy, because you just knew that would help bring relief? Or perhaps you have had your attention drawn out of the blue to a flower, as if it is calling to you? That is because it is, and a very ancient part of you remembers how to communicate. Or if you love to garden, is there something that just feels natural about your hands in the soil, or the way you knew to clip a decaying leaf from a stem? 

These whispers in our ears of remembering only grow louder the more we foster them. 

Beloved Hawthorn, a tree of protection, guardian of the Faeries and deep sacredness - I invite you to welcome her presence with us, and may we honor Hawthorn as the first of the plants we study in this beautiful online space. 

I also offer a personal disclaimer, as well as an invitation, as we continue to explore plant medicine on the Curiosities & Apothecaries platform: I do not see myself as a healer, but instead as a midwife, or support to healing. Each and every one of us has the power to heal ourselves, but may simply need tools or guidance to reach what is needed. All knowledge I share, I share from my own perspective or study, as is the extent of my ability. Each of us is experiencing their life journey in their own way, and with their own perspectives, and the journey of working with plants is not linear, but fluid. This means that my experience may be similar, but not exact to your own, and that is a beautiful thing! The plants come to us in the ways that we are best meant to receive them and their incredible offerings. 

I also extend the invitation to join me in taking on the embodiment of the eternal student. I do not have all of the answers, and it is hubris to think I ever will. I am committing to a continual journey of forever learning, and stand today learning along beside you, and am open to the flow that accompanies this. I extend offerings to this community as I receive them, but recognize that I am always a Student first. I encourage you to also lean into this approach, and to seek with curiosity versus ego. 

I felt called to start these offerings with Hawthorn, as I recently was blessed with the opportunity to visit Ireland. This is a place I have dreamed of visiting for so, so long. I have Irish heritage, (Along with British, Scandinavian, French, and German lineage) and feel deeply connected to the stories of the land. I also recently completed a magical community herbalism apprenticeship in which we were firmly rooted in Irish tradition and ancestral practice (If you are someone who is feeling called to walk the path of a Community Herbalist, I cannot rave about my teacher Tonja Reichley enough. She is a homecoming, and regardless of whether Irish blood is in your veins, you are welcome in her circle and will leave with such fulfillment and empowerment. Check out her offerings here.) Hawthorn was abundant, in the hedgerows, standing in the fields, and particularly rising above sacred sites such as Holy Wells of Brigid as protective guardians. All of the trees were flush with bright red berries that stood out like beacons among the leaves on misty, foggy days. She feels like the perfect spirit to call upon in this circle to begin our journey in plant knowledge together. 

Hawthorn, of which the parts we work with are leaf and berry (the thorn can also be incorporated into protective magic/charms or to help oneself better affirm emotional and spiritual boundaries), is deep nourishment for the heart. She is a powerful ally that can help improve and increase circulation of blood through our veins, and also helps to cleanse the blood of impurities. Hawthorn also is a powerful support for cardiovascular-related ailments, including such dis-ease as angina or chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart palpations, and helps improve the muscular function of the heart muscle and tones arteries. 

As a quick disclaimer, it is important that you check with your doctor or trusted medical professional (as well as consulting a trusted and reliable community herbalist!) before working with any sort of herbal supports or remedies, particularly if you are using pharmaceuticals, as may be the case if you are experience dis-ease of the heart. That said, Hawthorn can be utilized in many different forms, including tea, infusing it it in vinegar or honey, or tincture. It is also a great herb to blend with other supports for the physical and emotional heart, including Linden, Rose, or Nettle. Combining Hawthorn with Motherwort can also help be powerful relief for heart palpitations or hot flashes associated with menopause as we transition into our Crone years. 

Hawthorn is not only an incredible ally for the physical heart and cardiovascular system, but is a beautiful support for ailments associated with our emotional heart. Hawthorn is like a deeply beloved Grandmother, who always knew "just the thing" to bring healing to our brokenness. Hawthorn provides space for us, and holds us tenderly as we move through deeply painful events such those caused by grief or loss. She also cradles us in love when our hearts may be broken, and reminds us of our own strength and power if we are lacking love for ourselves. 

Magically speaking, Hawthorn has long been associated with the Faeries. It is even believed in Ireland, that if one were to cut down a Hawthorn tree, they warrant extreme risk of facing the wrath of the Fae Folk who live among her branches. The Hawthorn trees bloom in the spring, and have long been associated with fertility and the bond of equality between the masculine and feminine energies. Hawthorn is empowering, protecting us when we may fear connections of the heart with others, or intimacy, reminding us that our love for others starts with deeply loving ourselves. The Hawthorn, while beautiful, has thorns among her branches. These serve as deep reminders of the importance of boundaries, and holding space for ourselves. Hang Hawthorn in the home to protect your space from negative energy that tries to enter, and carry the thorn upon your person as a protection of your energy. 


And now dear ones - have you worked with Hawthorn? How has she shown up for you? What does she call upon you to share with the world? Please feel invited to share in the comments below. And thank you for being in the circle today. 

So much love,

S h a y l e



References: 

Bennett, Robin Rose. The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life. 2014. North Atlantic Books. 
​
McGarry, Gina. Brighid's Healing: Ireland's Celtic Medicine Tradition. 2005. Green Magic Publishing. 

U n c e r t a i n t y. 

That seems to be the word of the times we are currently living through. 

We cannot deny that we all feel like we are in a constant state of flux. A state of enormous and expansive transformation. Where it feels hard to even know what to plan for a few months ahead. Where we do not know if we will be more divided, or finally come together again. 

It feels like we all have a collective question mark staring us in the face. It brings up deeply-rooted anxiety. Feeling unsettled is an understatement. 

And honestly, it can feel like the world is simply falling apart. 

But how much of this is true? 

What if, we are actually more connected now than we have ever been before? 

It is not often in history, where the entire globe is having a similar experience. Now I do not want to oversimplify or overgeneralize at all - it is very real that some members of our community, particularly communities of color and communities experiencing marginalization as a result of deeply rooted systemic injustice, are experiencing the impacts of the state of the world on a much deeper scale. 

However, we are all facing a challenge of which we can all relate to to some degree. 

What if we took advantage of this? 

What if we awakened to the power of community? What if instead of acting as the individual, we reach out as an extension of the collective? What if refusing to be individual, is actually the greatest and most powerful action you can take? 

It is during this time I have been reflecting a lot on a quote from the most deeply beloved movie of mine, P.S. I Love You. 

"So now, all alone or not, you gotta walk ahead. The thing to remember is, if we're all alone, then we're all together in that too." 

The question is. Are we truly alone? 

May we return to the collective. May we remember the power of community. May we realize, that perhaps, we are never actually alone. 

The  F i v e  of  C u p s  |  H o r s e t a i l

Beautiful September, we welcome you. 

Something about this month just feels like a deep breath. We are in a point of transition, moving away from the vibrant, buzzing, and outward energies of the summer months and slowly starting to shift energy inward. We focus less on the external and become more introspective, more reflective. September marks the season of mystery and wonder that is Autumn. We start to explore what could be possible, and we start to acknowledge what we should no longer carry. It is during this season we may become more in tune with our authentic self, and align with our deepest passions. May we hold this wonder as we commune with the plants, and explore how they embrace the sacred death - as they shed what no longer serves them, and make way for deep rest, preparing to begin anew yet again as the cycle continues on.