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Contemporary Shamanism for the 21st Century
My Blog
Blog
Outdoor play and the impact on children’s lives
Posted on 5 September, 2017 at 12:58 |
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Outdoor play is an essential aspect of helping to ensure the health and wellbeing of children on the Spiritual, Mental, Emotional and Physical aspects of their being. Another aspect of outdoor play is that of experiencing risk taking. If a child can explore risk taking, then they are more balanced and understanding of this side their life experience as they grow in to adults and are better able to make appropriate choices. Exercise is so very beneficial for physical and mental health and sharing experiences with animals, birds and plants etc is beneficial for the Soul. And of course, being around dirt is fantastic for seeding the immune system so that the children can grow strong and healthy. Above all, its just great FUN! For children and adults alike. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offers a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
The Importance of Shamanic Practice in our Daily Life
Posted on 5 September, 2017 at 12:40 |
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A daily practice is crucial for developing and maintaining Shamanic wisdom and connections. A daily practice should have the intention of connecting you to yourself, the Great Spirit and all of your relations. A beautiful way of developing a daily practice is to join in with what is know as The Great Conversation I was taught by a Lakota Iyeska that the Great Conversation happens every morning at dawn, when all of the animals and birds come together to sing their prayers for us. If we join in the Great conversation every morning for one month, by singing our prayers out with the rest of our relations, we will begin to build relationship and deepen our own Shamanic understanding. There are many other ways of having a daily practice, lighting a candle (remember to extinguish it), saying prayers - the Lakota meaning of prayer is To come into Relationship with - to the Great Spirit, Wakan Tanka, all of your relatives, for the Mother, for your loved ones etc. Setting your intention for the day, calling in your Power Animals or guides to help you or choosing a crystal helper or Rune are other powerful options. Any and all of these things can bring noticeable changes to your day and your life. Remember to centre yourself at the end of the day, review and learn from your experiences of the day and be grateful. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offers a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
Returning to Nature
Posted on 24 July, 2017 at 11:36 |
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Waken Tanker is the Native American name for the Great Spirit in Manifestation. In Shamanic understanding, everything in creation has a spark of the Great Spirit within it, their forms vary widely, as do their earthly experiences and awareness of time. Everything in creation, as it contains a fragment of the Great Spirit within it, has its own awareness of life and its own experiences of life. It is this Spirit fragment that is contained within all things, that links all things together, and through which we as Humans can connect with them. We therefore come to understand that all things are our Relatives, as we too have that spark of the Devine within us. Shamanic wisdom speaks of the principle causation of dis-ease as separation. This can mean separation of oneself from ones own Spirit, from family, loved ones, society etc. It can also be a separation from the Great Spirit, Waken Tanka. If you walk in Nature in this way, you may start to hear the quiet voices of your relatives, who are desperate to have a relationship with Human Beings once more. There are many shamanic techniques that can facilitate your communication skills with your nature relatives and thus give you a deeper connection and understanding of both them and yourself. Then I noticed the apple blossom in the trees, and the birds flitting from branch to tree. I was reminded how, in NLP practice, there is a self help technique to raise the mood of a person feeling quite depressed. This entails the person looking up and moving the eyes from side to side (most people who are feeling depressed look down at the floor for the majority of the time they are walking). Again I thanked my relatives for this healing gift and message and revelled in the raising of my spirits. Being in Nature and reconnecting with your relatives is essential for your Shamanic Practice and development, but it may also be essential to the Earth Herself during this time of destructive practices being inflicted upon Her and all of our relatives. Shamanic Quest holds regular workshops and courses at The Clophill Centre, Bedfordshire. A full list of dates can be found on our website at www.shamanicquest.co.uk or on our Facebook page here Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
Crystals in Shamanic Practice
Posted on 27 June, 2017 at 16:08 |
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Crystals are an important part of Shamanic Practice. However, often times Shamanic Practitioners do not choose their crystal helper by looking in a book and deciding which one(s) to ask for help (although this can be useful in some circumstances) but they will use their connectivity and intuition to discern which crystal wants to help them at any given time or for a particular need to be fulfilled. Crystals are very useful helpers in our own personal work, on the physical, mental, emotional and Spirit aspects of our selves and also for us to help others with. The sensations that may be felt can be heat, coolness, tingling etc. When you feel a crystal that seems to be drawing your hand towards it, take up that crystal in you left hand and ask it if it is your helper for the day. If it is, it will indicate to you in some way that it is your helper. If you do not get a positive affirmation from the crystal, set it to one side and repeat the process. This process is also useful when you are choosing to purchase crystals or if you are choosing a crystal to help you work on behalf of another person. If you have a small medicine pouch, you may choose to keep the Crystal in it during your travels, so that you can stay connected with it throughout the day. This can be a safer way to keep your crystal with you above keeping it in your pocket etc. It can also be helpful to have items of jewellery made from crystals as they are both decorative and functional. I like to wear Turquoise for protection during my shamanic work. In my Shamanic Practice I have two Black Tourmaline Wands that help me to re-ground after Shamanic Journeying. I also have a large piece of Selenite that helps me generally with my Shamanic endeavours. Clear Quartz points are an invaluable helper for the Shamanic Practitioner and they help in many ceremony’s. However, any Crystal can be the most amazing helper if you just open yourself up to its knowledge and wisdom and allow it to teach you how it is going to be of service to you. This can be achieved by holding the Crystal in your left hand and completing a Shamanic Journey with the intention of connecting with the Crystal to discover how it is going to help you, or by studying the Crystal very closely and if you find a little hole in the Crystal, this can be a gateway in to it so that you may start your Shamanic Journey from that point to discover its attributes. There are many more ways in which to utilise the power of crystals. Shamanic Quest holds regular workshops and courses at The Clophill Centre, Bedfordshire. A full list of dates can be found on our website at www.shamanicquest.co.uk or on our Facebook page here Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
What is a Shamanic Drum Circle?
Posted on 16 June, 2017 at 3:48 |
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Indigenous cultures have been observing
community drumming for thousands of years. Now people all over the world are
taking up drumming in astonishing numbers. At a grass roots level, small communal
drum circles are springing up. While some drum circles are content to jam and
make a lot of rhythmic noise, others choose to explore Shamanic drumming. Shamanic drumming is a time-honored
method of healing and helping others. A drumming circle is a place for
shamanic practitioners to get together for learning, healing, and the
revelation of spiritual guidance. It is usually a assisted circle, but the
leader is enabling a shamanic ceremony rather than a musical event. Shamanic drum circles provide the chance
for like minded people to come together for the attainment of a shared goal.
There is much power in drumming alone, but that power magnifies on many levels
in a group of drummers. The drums draw individual energies together, unifying
them into a strengthened force. Synchronized drumming is the most effective, so
individuals should alternate the responsibility of setting the tempo and
leading the group. Shamanic drumming has
the purpose of inducing a range of ecstatic trance states in order to connect
with the spiritual dimension and often uses a recurring rhythm that begins
slowly and then gradually builds in intensity to a tempo of three to seven
beats per second. Sound is considered to be one of the
most efficient ways of establishing connections with the spirit realm, as it
travels through space, filters through visual and physical barriers, and carries
information from a hidden world. Shamanics connects with the spirits of nature who
possess their own sound world, and it is possible for humans to communicate
with them through the sound of a drum. A shamanic ritual can sometimes
begin with heating the drum head over a fire to bring it up to the desired
pitch. Shamans may also strike specific parts of the drum or drumstick/s to
summon particular spirits. All elements of drum music such as timbre, rhythm,
volume and tempo play a vital role in a shamanic drum ritual but different
rhythms transmit various meanings and assist with contacting different spirits
in different realms. It is understood that the universe
is made of vibrational energy; that it is a single, flowing, rhythmic being.
According to quantum physics, everything in the universe, from the smallest
subatomic particle to the largest star, has an inherent vibrational pattern.
The whole universe is created through vibration and whilst there are other ways
to connect with this energy, it can be influenced through the vibrations of
shamanic drumming. The shamanic drum can be used as a tool for changing the
vibrational state of the shaman and/or the patient or a particular situation in
the community. To put it simply, shamanic drumming is an ancient form of rhythm
healing. Shamanic Quest holds regular Drum
Circles at The Clophill Centre, Bedfordshire. A full list of dates can be found
on our website at www.shamanicquest.co.uk or on our Facebook page here About
the Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practitioner
and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of
opportunities for you to explore and learn shamanic practices. These include
Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle,
Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full
details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
Shamanics and Creativity
Posted on 16 June, 2017 at 3:20 |
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Creativity in the general sense of the word is very much about
artistic endeavours, crafts, cooking, writing, painting, drawing acting etc.
Indeed, these activities generally bring forth a beauty from the internal world
of the creator and offer their beauty to be shared with others. Expressing our artistic creativity is a pleasure for us to engage
in, it can be calming, meditative and
rewarding but sometimes frustrating and irritating as well! In terms of shamanic understanding, creativity is taken a few
steps further. Artist: Unknown Shamanism teaches us that we have the spark of the Devine within
us, a spark of the Great Spirit, the Great Creator. Indeed, if we look at each
other and all of Nature, we can observe the face of the Great Spirit in
manifestation. Everything in this world contains a spark of the Great Spirit,
therefore everything is our Relative and should be treated accordingly. Having a spark of the great Spirit within each of us means that
we have the ability to Create also. Not just artistically through those mediums
mentioned above, but every moment of our life experience. So, what are we creating? Relationships, professions, homes,
families, personality, viewpoints, opinions - everything. But how many of these
creations are truly our own and how many are influenced by the conditioning we
have received from others and the desire to please, fit in, do the right thing? Are we living life being true to our authentic self and creating
a life that truly reflects these things for us in a similar way to how an
artist creates an image on a canvas. Is this life we are living being painted
by us or others? Is it the image/images we desire to be on our life canvas, or
has someone else taken control of our paintbrush? Shamanic knowledge and techniques help us to connect with our
innermost self, to regain personal empowerment, to regain control of our life
path, to be our own Creator of our life journey. Shamanic Journey work is an
excellent way of connecting with your deepest and most wise self to obtain the
information and knowledge you seek to help you on your path, as is leaning the
wisdom of the Medicine Wheel and coming into relationship with the Natural
world around us from a shamanic perspective. Looking at the beautiful images of creation within this piece, it
is clear that we can also create a beautiful life experience for ourselves, if
we have the right equipment, tools and inspiration. What will you create today? About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a
Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn
shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course,
Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge,
Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found atwww.shamanicquest.co.uk |
A Shamanic Celebration of Summer Solstice
Posted on 7 June, 2017 at 9:52 |
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The word “solstice” comes
from the latin words sol (sun) and sistere (stand still) because on June 21, the sun appears
to stand still before it reverses direction and begins its decent back into the
southern sky. The Summer Solstice is the first day of summer in the Northern
Hemisphere and the longest day of the year. The sun is at its peak, the highest
point in the sky. The rays of the sun are the clearest and warmest for this
longest day, and shortest night. Celebrations of the Summer Solstice
vary across the globe and from culture to culture. In some cultures, it is also
known as “Midsummer’s Night” and celebrations begin with twilight. In others
the Summer Solstice starts with sunrise and continue well into the night of the
21 June. Countries such as Alaska, Iceland and the Nordics are
blessed with continuous sunshine after enduring long months of darkness and
here the festivities may continue for several days! In Shamanic practice
the Summer Solstice is one of the most sacred days of the year. At this time
the Sun and Earth align in such a way as to support all growing things to come
into their completeness. This is the time of year when we gather together
and celebrate all that we have accomplished and all that been bestowed upon us.
This is a time to laugh and share with our friends. This is a time of passion
and energy, openness and joy. Avebury
Circle by @SamCannonArt www.samcannonart.co.uk Shamanic Summer Solstice
celebrations honour the energy of the day and focus on the themes of
fulfilment, enlightenment, abundance, sharing, and the joy of living on this
beautiful Earth and are full of Shamanic journeying, story telling, dancing
& singing, together with sharing food with welcome friends. Summer Solstice allows us to absorb
beneficent power and strength from the Earth and Sun into our minds, bodies,
hearts and souls - just as are the plants, animals and other beings drawing
power and strength during this time. Celebrating with a Shamanic circle we can
intentionally send back to the universe an abundance of spirit, love and of
nourishment; just some of the energy and blessings that we are always
receiving. This is a time to share what we are grateful for in our lives
appreciating that the experience of abundance and gratitude is universal. If you don’t usually celebrate the
summer solstice, why not give it a try this year? We have a Summer Solstice
Celebration at The Clophill Centre, Shefford Road, Clophill, Beds. MK45 4BT on June 21 starting at
7.30 p.m. For more details or bookings see our Facebook page here, or contact
Melanie at [email protected] About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a
Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn
shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course,
Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge,
Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk Directions to The Clophill Centre can be found here |
6 Air Purifying Houseplants
Posted on 26 May, 2017 at 4:34 |
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Plants and humans have lived in partnership
since the beginning of human experience, not only in terms of food and medicine
but as a fundamental part of our spiritual experience and developing
consciousness. Shamanic cultures worldwide see
everything around them as alive, aware, and related. From
a shamanic perspective nature is a complex web of support in which each part effectively
cares for another; the nature of nature is co-operation. Nature has not accidentally created the
plants around us to be as they are. They all serve a purpose. Every single day in modern culture
we are exposed to indoor air pollutants which have been ranked among the top
five environmental risks to our health. In
fact, modern furnishings, synthetic building materials, and even your flooring
or carpet may carry more toxic chemicals than expected including formaldehyde.
These chemicals can make up to 90 percent of indoor air pollution, so your home
or work space can contain stagnant pollutants which can build up to greater
amounts than we humans should be breathing in. In extreme cases this can cause
headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye, ear, and often nose irritation. Increasing air flow and working with
the natural healing properties of particular houseplants in your indoor space
can dramatically reduce and even neutralise the air pollutants you are exposed
to, improving your home or working space. So how do houseplants
and Shamanics work together to heal our indoor environment? In Shamanics when we use a plant for
healing, we know we are calling upon a spirit being – an ‘other’ intelligence
that knows exactly what is needed to aid the healing process of our environment. Whilst there are
several houseplants which can absorb harmful toxins from the air, it can be
useful to undertake a Shamanic Journey with the
spirit of the plant to understand its deeper meanings for us and come in to a
relationship with it this can support us in choosing plants that can be
beneficial for our environment. So, how do houseplants clean the air? Plants
absorb some of the particulates from the air at the same time that they take in
carbon dioxide, which is
then processed into oxygen through photosynthesis. Microorganisms are also
present in the soil in which the plant is potted and these also contribute
greatly to the cleaning effectiveness of each plant. So what can you do? Almost all of the plants I’ve listed below are really easy
to care for and really happy to be left for long lengths of time without care,
whilst still doing naturally the process that is beneficial to you. Undertaking
a Shamanic journey with the spirits of the plants can support us in choosing plants that can be beneficial
for our environment. Spider
Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum “Vittantum”) I have these
everywhere in my home, and they all produce flowers on a regular basis which
turn into ‘spiderettes’ or baby spider plants, and provide me with even more. I
regular donate these to friends! Now even if you tend
to neglect houseplants this resilient plant just keeps going, coming back from
almost dead with a tiny amount of sporadic water. It loves indirect sunlight
and bright locations and rewards you with lots of rich foliage and tiny white
flowers, the spider plant combats benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and
xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. Plant care: Water your spider plants once a week but if
you forget don’t worry, it will always survive. Non-toxic: For children or animals who like to play with
swinging things, this plant is safe. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene Dracaena
(Dracana spp.) Bright and radiant,
the Dracaena will go to work purifying the air in your home or work space as
soon as it is brought into the room. There
are more than 40 different kinds of Dracaena plants. A common foliage plant with long, wide leaves
that are often variegated with lines of white, cream, or red. Plant care: Keep the soil damp but not soggy, as too
much water is a kiss of death for this plant. Perfect if you need to abandon
them for a while. Toxic to animals: Your cat or dog may vomit, salivate more, or
have dilated pupils if they eat dracaenas. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Weeping
Fig (Ficus bejamina) A ficus in your sitting room can
help filter out pollutants that normally accompany flooring and furniture such
as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Looks its best when grown in
bright, indirect light and doesn’t do well in light fluctuations or dramatic
changes in temperature. In southeast Asia this is an outdoor
tree but indoors it ends up being between two and 10 feet tall. Allow the soil
to dry out between waterings. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene Peace
Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) Peace lily plants
are relatively small compared to many of the plants on this list, but they
still pack some major air-cleaning abilities. Plant care: Easy to grow, needing modest sunlight and plenty of water to
keep it happy. Too little light and it won’t flower. Toxic to animals and humans: Despite its calming name, this beautiful
plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Can cause burning, swelling, and
skin irritation in adults. Pollutants
removed: ammonia, benzene,
formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene Plant
care: it does need to be
watered occasionally, but generally prefers drier conditions and low light. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Aloe
Vera (Aloe vera or A. barbadensis) People have been using aloe vera for
more than 6,000 years when it was known as "the plant of immortality"
in early Egypt. This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear
formaldehyde, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and
more The plant's leaves contain a clear
liquid full of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds that have
wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera is
typically used topically for sunburns, burns, abrasions and other skin
conditions. Pollutant
removed: formaldehyde and
benzene About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk Sources & References |
Shamanic Practice And Feathers
Posted on 15 May, 2017 at 3:48 |
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Shamanic practice places great importance on
shamanic tools and a shaman’s sacred implements may be of many different kinds.
They many include plants, special stones, animal parts, drums, musical
instruments, masks, costumes and feathers. Feathers may be used as tools to ease us in to an
awakening of the whole self, used in prayer, or utilised for protection and
healing. Feathering can also be used in energy healing’s, such as cleansing the
auric field by sweeping a bird's wing or a single feather within the Auric
Field - the space of energy surrounding a person. Feathering also introduces
the element of air into the healing space and is one way of connecting to and
working with the element of “air". When considered as a component of a birds wing,
feathers are a symbol of flight as well as freedom, symbolising the spiritual
journey or quest and inter-dimensional travel. Feathers are one of the
shamanic tools that facilitate the ability to be able to look at
things from a higher perspective and to know that the power to move
beyond boundaries and limitations is available to the seeker. Indigenous people from many different cultures
found around the world often link birds and feathers with stories, mystical
meaning and in some cases magic. In native cultures, wearing feathers on the
head in various ways such as a single feather or an elaborate headdress, may be
associated with a sacred connection to the Creator or God. What could it mean when a feather crosses your
path? Receiving a feather sign can be a meaningful
moment. Feathers have unearthly qualities and may come to
you as sacred gifts and signs from the Spirit realm, sent to support you and
often instilling feelings of contentment and joy, raising you to a higher state
of awareness. When a feather arrives for you, Spirit is reminding you of your
spiritual origins and deep connection to your home beyond earthly realms. A feather sign may be a mindful message to show
you that your higher consciousness is connected and co-creating with the
universal mind of Spirit. As with many helpers and signs, feathers
usually arrive when you are in deep thought about something, or looking for
answers to something that may be bothering you. The following is a pleasant and effective method
of connecting with the feather to receive the message it is here to convey to
you. Bring back to your mind what it was you were
thinking about when your feather appeared to you. Then hold the feather in to
your left hand while you sit in a place of quiet receptivity. Take your time
with this opening of your awareness, allowing the experience to come through
gently and intuitively. The message my come in the form or thoughts,
intuitions, visions etc. and will help to give you insight in to object of your
thoughts or dilemma. The meanings can at times be profound, and
at other times quite simple. The best advice when sign appear to you, is to not
put any pressure on yourself to understand it immediately. Allow yourself to
absorb the moment and sit with the feelings/sensations and knowledge for a
while. Feel the elation and joyful state of connection you may experience. What Different Feathers May Mean When considering the meaning of a feather, we may
be drawn to read about the bird family that the feather is from and/or colour
of the feather . However the most relevant answer can often sit within
yourself, so do practice the journey technique outlined above. I highly recommend getting in to the habit of
noting down your experiences and keeping a journal of signs and synchronicity’s.
By doing this, you may obtain a deeper and more valuable insight as time goes
by. In the future, consider paying closer attention
to your surroundings and you may become more aware of the way that Spirit
interweaves throughout your life through signs such as this - indicating that
you are in connection with Spirit. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
4 Spring Herbs You Can Forage Now
Posted on 26 April, 2017 at 4:26 |
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Spring is now firmly upon us and foraging as
the first spring foliage bursts from the earth is something that, for
centuries, humans have counted on. Spring’s new growth is nutrient rich and bountiful
nourishment after winter. While fresh food is of course available all
year round through supermarkets and independent food retailers, many of us
still like to walk in the steps of our hunter gatherer ancestors. Foraging is becoming much more popular, but there
are a few things you should always remember:
If we undertake
a Shamanic Journey with the spirit of the plant to understand its deeper
meanings for us and come in to a relationship with it this can support us in
choosing plants that can be beneficial for us. Often, the plants that grow very
close to where we live are the ones that are most we most need - that
predominant one taking over our garden is most likely there to help us
now, its just been waiting for us to notice it!! DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Everyone knows dandelions! We have them in abundance
here! Dandelion’s nutrition includes iron, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamin A.
One of the first plants of spring, with yellow flowers vital for supporting the
emerging bee population, the leaves can be gathered and added to salads. The younger smaller leaves are sweeter as the older and
larger they get, they more bitter they become. That said many herbalists
prefer the bitter leaves to be used as a spring tonic, so the choice is up to
you. The flowers can be used to make dandelion wine and also be added to salads
though I prefer to leave mine to the bees! If flowers are chosen to use then
make sure to plan on working fast as they begin to close shortly after they are
picked. Other uses for
dandelion include dandelion jelly,
marmalade, soup, cookies, and the leaves can be added to other greens to makepesto. . BORAGE (Borago officinalis) Borage is a fairly common domestic which
emerges in early spring and flowering June to October. It has a good reputation for its
beneficial affect on the mind, being used to dispel melancholy and induce
euphoria and is soothing, diuretic herb that supports damaged or irritated
tissues. Externally it is used as a poultice for
inflammatory swellings. The leaves are harvested in late spring and again in
early summer as the plant comes into flower. They can be used fresh or dried
but should not be stored for more than one year because they soon lose their
medicinal properties. The hairy leaves can be used raw or cooked
and used as a pot-herb or be added to salads and are rich in potassium and calcium.
Drying Borage leaves is not recommended as they lose their flavour and colour
if dried. I make a refreshing tea
from the leaves and include some fresh flowers. Cautionary Note: the plant contains small amounts of
pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. These
alkaloids are present in too small a quantity to be harmful unless you
make borage a major part of your diet, though people with liver problems
would be wise to avoid using the leaves or flowers of this plant.
NETTLE (Urtica dioica) We have lots of nettle growing here and I generally harvest
when it is less than 18” and only take the unblemished leaves. You should wear
gloves if you aren’t used to working with nettle—we all know nettles sting and
the rash can vary from person to person, from mild irritation to a vivid red
rash. Nettle is a very nutritious plant: high in calcium,
chromium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, protein, selenium, thiamine,
vitamins A and C and zinc. It is a powerful herb and can be used in many dishes
or dried for teas. I personally love nettle soups and there are many different
recipes. I also make nettle barley broth, pasta, quiches, and pesto. A tip for pesto
though is that the Nettle leaves should be blanched prior to adding them to a
pesto and then blended as this removes the sting. ELDERFLOWER (Sambucus nigra or
S. canadensis) Elderflower can sometimes be difficult to identify at
certain times of the year but not so in Spring! However there are still several
large white fluffy flowers that appear about the same time; so take an
experienced forager to help you identify it the first time. Once you get a
whiff, though, you’ll probably never forget it. Each year we enjoy elderflower fritters, made by dipping
the flowers in pancake batter and deep frying it. We use the stems as handles,
but they must not be eaten. I also make elderflower cordials, which can be used
as a simple cordial, or an equal amount of sparkling water added. The syrup
freezes super well to allow you to enjoy this throughout the year. I make a simple syrup (1/2 water and 1/2 sugar) and heat
until the sugar is dissolved. Add the juice of one lemon. Then add the
elderflower heads, stem up (the flowers should be submersed, but not the stems)
and let them sit for 3 – 4 hours, off the heat. Strain and drink, or save it
for later. I hope I have armed you with some ideas for your own
spring forage. Imagine a lovely green spring salad with yellow dandelion petals
and sparkling elderflower drink as you watch those beautiful early spring
sunsets settle into summer. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
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