Notes from the Brambles
emerging from a flu induced trip to the underworld
Dear Hedge Riders! I’m emerging from a trip to the underworld induced by the flu. When I’m sick I am not dreaming, and this leaves me feeling rather life-less and uninspired. I’ve tried to bring myself to share some new work with you all here, but perhaps due to the lack of dreams - or perhaps due to flu, everything has felt a bit hollow.
Alas the hedge is full of resources and so I intend to share some of the brambles and bits I have been chewing on these past weeks. Below is a collection of spirits, notes, and tidings to weave into your web if they feel at all supportive. As I return to equilibrium, I am turning my attention more towards writing, which slowly, like honey flows, is refilling my cups. I will have an offering to share for the upcoming Virgo Full Moon. ‘Til then!
Birch tree healing. The Birch, or Beithe, is the first tree of the Celtic Ogham alphabet and symbolizes new beginnings and fertility. Birch medicine is also one of cleansing and purification. Traditionally, besoms or brooms were made of Birch twigs and used to cleanse the home and land at Samhain time. My home is guarded by three mature Birch trees, and they are the grandmother guardians of the land I steward. I watch as they shed their papery skin, as young buds form, and wait for miraculously green leaves to return. During times when I feel sick or low vitality, I spend time with the Birch trees.
A Basque magical incantation used by witches to help them in their flight: “Sasi guztien eta hodei guztien azpitik!” Translates to: above all the brambles and below all the clouds. What worlds are you flying to these days?
Current stone observations: Faerie Stones
One of my favorite stones that provides both protection and comfort, faeries stones are formed in glaciers or bodies of water, and hold the vibration of the Earth as caretaker. Some say these stones are sacred talismans that emanate the love of Earth as Mother. All stones carry the unique vibration of the Earth Mother, however there is something about these stones that turn up in those moments when we need to be reminded of the love that we always have available to us.
A favorite poem:
Not Leaving the House
When Kai is born
I quit going out
Hang around the kitchen – make cornbread
Let nobody in.
Mail is flat.
Masa lies on her side, Kai sighs,
Non washes and sweeps
We sit and watch
Masa nurse, and drink green tea.
Navajo turquoise beads over the bed
A peacock tail feather at the head
A badger pelt from Nagano-ken
For a mattress; under the sheet;
A pot of yogurt setting
Under the blankets, at his feet.
Masa, Kai,
And Non, our friend
In the garden light reflected in
Not leaving the house.
From dawn till late at night
making a new world of ourselves
around this life.
- Gary Snyder
Pisces season meditation: Cleansing! Pisces season can be an uncomfortable time for those of us who are empathic, highly sensitive, or psychic, because the cosmic frequency of sensation is heightened for all of us. For me, sometimes Pisces season feels like walking through porridge, with the emotions of the world clinging onto me wherever I go. Tis’ the season for increased cleansing rituals and practices that support us in letting go of what is not ours to carry. Take baking soda and sea salt baths. Brush yourself with cedar or garden herbs and leave them to compost. Hydrate as much as possible. Smoke cleanse yourself when you get home from work. Light black candles to assist with whatever you are releasing.
Pisces transitions into Aries, and we are in the liminal space between endings and beginnings. Now is also an ideal time for decluttering, both literally and figuratively. Let go of the items in your life that have lost their vitality. Pass along any resources that are no longer of use to you. Lighten your load in preparation for a new chapter to begin.
If you’re looking for more details on the astral weather of Pisces Season, do take a listen to the Modern Witches Podcast:
Take care, witches!