DO PLANTS FEEL THE SAME?
No matter how often we are told we are loved, it’s still possible to forget it. I wonder if plants ever feel the same. I confess my love for them, again, as sweetly as the first time. I think the Tea in my cup today blushes. The Ferns, too.
Following the plants,
BY THE BEDSIDE OF SPLENDOUR
When our darkest beauties and darkest repulsions,
When our history and present moments, Aspirations and negotiations,
When all of these open fully and empty into the hungry earth and absorbing skies—
COMMON QUESTIONS THIS ANIMIST-WITCH GETS
In my mystery school series, The Mystery Mentorship, the current Prayers + Devotions in Animism series, as well as my topical courses, I hold space for Q&As and relevant tangents. Many of the folks enrolled in the courses and series have shared how much these discussions have nourished and supported them in their spiritual journey and return-to-self.When I was asking the spirits what they would like to convey through me for June’s newsletter, they led me again and again to the Q&As. A few of the most commonly asked questions (and a few personal faves) are below.
THOUGHTS ON ANTHROPOMORPHISM
The term and idea of anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, feelings, intentions, or actions to non-human entities. The word is derived from ánthrōpos ("human") and morphē (“form"). Sources say that the term was first used in 1753, to reference religious heresy.
PLANT MAGICK SPOTLIGHT: BOTANICAL ASH
Botanical ash, or plant soot, rendered from fire, is the essence of a plant's spirit and a powerful tool in plant magick. Whether this is from the remnants of incense or a plant (or blend of) burned by high temperatures, the ash is a sacred and useful magickal tool.
RESPONSIBLE MANIFESTATION
For the last two months, I've been probing the shadow side of the spiritual notion called the 'Manifestation Principle', and the potentially dangerous misuses of the Law of Attraction, particularly by leaders, healers, and teachers in the wellness and spiritual community. (For those who are just joining this discussion, feel free to read April's story HERE and May's story HERE).
2018 to 2019: Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New
Empty glasses are scattered around, evidence of the mirth in our home these past few days. Messes were made; every pan, wooden spoon, and bowl in the kitchen was used. Today, with strong tea, was a cozy day in, the kids out to play since Vancouver is having a mild winter so far, and the adults at home (my partner and I), are transforming leftovers into soup, lazily reading new books, and leisurely packing for some days away in the woods, with the laundry machine's hum as a playlist of sorts.
UNDER THE NEW MOON: DECOLONIZING, GROWTH, MANIFESTING
Sometimes, my own fears and irrational habits surprise myself. I have internalized oppression of general Chinese/Taiwanese culture (not to mention cultural purging that modern China has experienced) and Christian patriarchy; being a female in a white-centric worldview also adds nuanced complexity. So many painful and limiting layers. So much living small and self-oppression. But I'm hopeful. I think the first step is awareness, then release, and lots and lots of patience and self-love. I find using shamanic and ritual-based practices effective in identifying the limitations as well as work through them. (For those who know me and my work, I’m all about integrating the spiritual with practical, everyday life. Spirituality without real-life application is lip service).