Guidance

How Have People Worked with Plants in Ceremony Spaces?  Ingestible sacraments have been a consistent presence in religious and spiritual ceremonies worldwide since the beginning of recorded history. Various plant sacraments are used 1) to honor deities symbolically, 2) to aid intermediaries such as medicine women, priests, or shamans in entering a state of communion, or 3) to summon direct transcendent experiences in congregants themselves.   One example, from Bronze Age India and Iran, is the sacrament of Soma, or Haoma in Persian.  Donald Teeter writes in The Sacred Secret,"Haoma acquired a place of sacramental significance in the worship of Mithra (an...

I turn a long-handled wooden spoon in five gallons of steaming liquid, bringing up a dense purple paste from the bottom, making sure it dissolves evenly, self-hypnotizing through repetitive motion. Mason jars of various sizes, and funnels and ladles and filters, are scattered about the counters, along with local honey and tumblers of fresh rosemary, spilanthes, mint. Flocks of tiny yellow finches and various other songbirds murmur about, the breeze caresses my bare legs, a landmate in the distance collects blossoms for this morning’s flower mandala. As I stir, I hum a low chant and think of all the people...

  Relaxation and Stress Relief: Renowned for inducing relaxation, Blue Lotus helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calmness. Enhanced Mood and Euphoria: Known to uplift the mood and generate feelings of euphoria, contributing to overall emotional well-being. Meditation and Spiritual Practices: Traditionally used to deepen meditation, facilitate spiritual experiences, and connect with inner consciousness. Sleep Aid: Possesses sedative properties that may improve sleep quality and support restful sleep. Natural Anti-inflammatory: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing discomfort related to inflammation in the body. Enhanced Creativity and Inspiration: Believed to stimulate creativity, imagination, and inspiration, making it popular among artists,...

Kava, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, is a plant that thrives in the tropical climates of the South Pacific islands. Its cultivation and harvesting are integral to producing the high-quality kava used for its therapeutic and recreational purposes. Here’s a detailed look at how kava is grown and harvested: Growing Kava Climate and Soil: Climate: Kava plants flourish in warm, humid climates with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). It requires ample rainfall, ideally between 2,000 to 3,000 millimeters annually. Soil: Kava grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The...