Parting the Mists

Don’t know about you all, but I am definitely feeling the fiery energy of ginger to work on things today (and hope it continues through the weekend)! Be careful not to burn yourself out in the process of working with creativity and inspiration.

Blessings!

Thistle

Eight of Fire – Ginger

Adapt swiftly to unexpected changes; you can handle the heat; act quickly the inspiration strikes

Something cooks on every burner in a busy kitchen. A sauté pan is alive with flames; vegetables fly into the air from another pan; a large pot bubbles over with broth. A tray of onions, limes, and ginger root is precariously perched on the edge of the stove. The walls are filled to the brim with spices, herbs, and culinary supplies.

Meaning: Inspiration comes from all directions. Can you handle so many things at once? Like the busy stove in this kitchen, everything begs for your attention. Change is happening quickly. Swift action is needed or you may become overwhelmed. Ginger warms the body and fires up energy. When creative possibilities spin all about you, fast, focused movement is key. This is not the time to pause and consider but instead to respond with urgency. Ginger is spicy medicine, but you can handle the heat.

Crafting with the Eight of Fire

• Build your resilience and adapt to unexpected changes: use spice ginger in cooking.

• Make ginger elixir; take it to keep the flames of inspiration burning.

• Speed up a desired outcome by crafting a magic ginger honey pot.

The HerbCrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

This is the first time pulling this card, and what a fitting one for this time of year (well, for us in the Northern Hem). I’ve always wanted a witch hazel in my local landscape – they are beautiful and fascinating trees. While many days during the Imbolc season suggest recharging and giving yourself time, this pick encourages us to use our skills and pursue our varied interests today. Something may blossom from it even in this wintry season.

Blessings,

Thistle

Two of Earth – Witch Hazel

Full hands, rich life; balance on the edges of depth and lightness; find joy in the moment.

A blanket of fresh snow covers the ground on a winter day. The vibrant yellow flowers of a witch hazel tree illuminate the scene. The other plants on the land are brittle and leafless. Colored ribbons are tied to the tree’s branches. A family of healthy blue tits emerges from a woven birdhouse for a midday snack.

Meaning: A busy life is an abundant life. Your many skills are called to task at once. Witch hazel is valued for providing multiple functions: food and refuge for birds, flexible branches for baskets, and bark for medicine. Flowering in the winter, witch hazel blends the edges of winter and spring, grief and joy, depth and lightness. The ability to old the tension of opposite interests brings prosperity. Your stability may feel at risk, but as the flowers promise, relief is not far off. When the world shifts around you, find solid ground in the present moment. Like witch hazel blossoms that brighten a monochromatic winter landscape, adding levity to your tasks will lighten your load.

Crafting with Two of Earth:

• Decorate a leafless tree with strands of ribbon for each of your blessings.
• Place fresh flowers or an image of the blooming tree on your altar in difficult times.
• Cultivate joy. Hang birdhouses from winter trees and pause to sing with the birds while you work.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

In this deck, the Five cards are represented by threatened plant species as the cards highlight threat, conflict, and adversity. White Sage is frequently used and heralded for purification and cleansing; however, the plant is endangered and over harvested in the wild. There are many other plants and trees that can be used, including rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, garden sage, sweet grass, and cedar. Some of these are cultivated and grown in gardens while others can be found out in the wilds. Work with some of these others to see which ones feel right energetically to smudge and cleanse spaces.

OK, the Five of Air is telling us to challenge our beliefs and make room for growth and healing as we do. There is often more than one way to go about something, so consider a different method or ideology if your current one is keeping you held back or even hurting you.

Blessings,

Thistle

Five of Air – White Sage

Long-held beliefs may not be rooted in reality; refuse to go along with the crowd; believe the threatened, oppressed ones.

A healthy white sage plant grows in a pot on a well-worn concrete doorstep. The plant is small but strong; the home sold but well cared for. A basket holds sprigs of the freshly harvested sage. Several leaves are wrapped Ito bundles with red string; the loose leaves will be saved for medicine. Nothing will be wasted.

Meaning: A spiritual crisis challenges long-held beliefs. Though your conscience pulls at you, you are reluctant to let go of your opinions. Rise to the challenge; accept the truth. White sage has become a trendy spiritual tool. It is sacred to many of the indigenous people of North America whose traditions are widely misused. Development and erosion also threaten the survival of this species. White sage is teaching us to protect what is holy. It rids the air of toxins but is also a valued medicinal. Clear the path. Listen to others and make room for healing. Seek a solution that is beneficial to all.

Crafting with Five of Air:

• Familiarize yourself with the origins of your spiritual tools, where the botanicals are grown, and where the practices come from.
• Get to know plants local to you for burning in sacred rituals of your own making.
• Listen to the conservationists. Support United Plant Savers efforts to preserve this plant.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

The busyness of the holidays is often followed by the concept of New Year’s resolutions or goals that take up energy and time – perhaps a good goal for right now is to relax, breath, and restore your energy for spring.

Blessings!

Thistle

Ten of Fire – Comfrey

There can be too much of a good thing; Stop, step away, sooth yourself; cut it down and it roars back to life

Piles of Comfrey fill basket on a crafting table. Leaves hang above the stove to dry. The counter scattered with jars and beeswax. Oil drips onto the wooden surface. The building apothecary spills over with medicine and has little room for anything more.

Meaning: Peace follows being overwhelmed. You may be overextended. The shelves in this room are full, yet the crafting continues. Rest and replenish so your experiences can take root. Refresh your love of creating by releasing some self-imposed responsibilities. Comfrey quickly becomes burdensome and difficult to manage, but it will regenerate after harsh cutting. Even a small amount can quickly flourish into a new plant. Commit to just a few tasks and set the rest aside. Pushing too hard will lead waste and exhaustion. Do not be afraid to give away some of your creative ideas. When you harvest too much, let what you cannot use feed the sailor next season’s growth.

Crafting with Ten of Fire

• Write down what you need to release, roll it tightly in a comfrey leaf, and burn the leaf when it is dry.

• Make comfrey salve for burns, bruises, and injuries. Each time you use the salve, let it be an invitation to rest and soothe your overworked spirit.

 • Use comfrey in magical practice, on an altar or in spells, to inspire you to come back to life.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artists Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to a 2023 that brings us what we need and what the Earth needs too. At the very least, some of us won’t endure political ads this year.

As I’ve stated before, thyme is a wonderful herb: perfect in many savory dishes, in a steam to help clear congestion, and I’ve put it in apple cider jelly. Thyme here is aligned with the Madre of Fire, who inspires us to be creative in our own ways. So let’s start this new year by putting our own visions out into the world through art, dance, music, gardening, cooking, or whatever.

Blessings,

Thistle

Madre of Fire – Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Turn up the heat on your creative passions; a warm heart and a spicy kitchen welcome others to your table; stoke the creative fire that burns in your belly

A woman stands in a warm kitchen. The table is covered in bottles, books, and a large, fresh harvest of thyme. A kettle whistles on the stove. Yellow and orange herbs dangle from the rafters. She is dressed in garden clothes, and her worn hands calmly grind herbs in a large molcajete.

Meaning: The Madre of Fire inspires others by living an artistic life. She teaches from her actions. She encourages collaboration, inviting everyone to play in her busy apothecary. She is upbeat and accepts life’s paradoxes. She knows thyme is a both a popular kitchen herb and a superb medicine plant. She is driven by a rich imagination and finds magic in everything. Creativity is second nature to her, and her days are filled with inspired activities. Just like remedies made with thyme, she is warm and wholehearted. She attracts people into her home. She radiates vitality and love. Embrace your inner glow; it warms the hearts of others.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by artist Joanna Powell Colbert and author Latisha Guthrie

Read Full Post »

Alright, today we are being guided to be like the turtle: slow and steady wins the race. The Oak is much like that – growing slower than many other trees but also lasting much longer. If we have a long-term goal, sometimes throwing ourselves headlong into it will just wear us out before we reach the goal. Take small but steady steps to make your goal a reality that lasts.

We are getting close to the Yule season, so I will be switching to the Christmas Tales cards on Wednesday for a little seasonal fun.

Have a good day!

Thistle

Seven of Earth – Oak

Live by the rhythms of the Earth; work slowly and steadily toward your goal; plant for the generations to come.

A large tree stands gracefully at the edge of a lush lawn. The pages of a local field guide are open to Oak. A handmade basket sits on the grass, full of collected acorns. The sky is blue on this early crisp fall day. The leaves are beginning to turn; several float down to the Earth.

Meaning: Knowing nature is key to knowing yourself. Your legacy is intertwined with the moss and trees. Oaks are slow growing, long-lived sovereigns of the land. Like the oak, you have worked hard and gathered your rewards. When it is time to build your future, listen for the call of the earth. Oaks grow only about one foot a year. Be patient; trust your vision to manifest in its own time. Furniture made from oak wood is durable and hearty. As Texans said on seeing a 1,000-year-old oak standing after Hurricane Harvey, “You don’t get old by being weak.” Have faith in your work. The fruits of your labor will last beyond your lifetime. Look at the pace of nature for guidance. The seasons will give you direction.

Crafting with the Seven of Earth:

• Make an acorn necklace to remind you to slowdown and live in alignment with the seasons.
• Take a basket weaving class. Work on your craft.
• Study the ethnobotany of the land where you live.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

Thyme is a wonderful herb – great in savory dishes, a steam to help clear congestion, and I’ve even put it in apple cider jelly. Thyme here is aligned with the Madre of Fire, who inspires us to be creative in our own ways. For some of us, creativity flows in the commonly accepted arts like painting, dance, and music. For some of us, creativity flows in the kitchen, in the garden, with creative welding, and many other hobbies. Today is the day to let yourself delve into that side of yourself – and maybe work with someone else.

Blessings,

Thistle

Madre of Fire – Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Turn up the heat on your creative passions; a warm heart and a spicy kitchen welcome others to your table; stoke the creative fire that burns in your belly

A woman stands in a warm kitchen. The table is covered in bottles, books, and a large, fresh harvest of thyme. A kettle whistles on the stove. Yellow and orange herbs dangle from the rafters. She is dressed in garden clothes, and her worn hands calmly grind herbs in a large molcajete.

Meaning: The Madre of Fire inspires others by living an artistic life. She teaches from her actions. She encourages collaboration, inviting everyone to play in her busy apothecary. She is upbeat and accepts life’s paradoxes. She knows thyme is a both a popular kitchen herb and a superb medicine plant. She is driven by a rich imagination and finds magic in everything. Creativity is second nature to her, and her days are filled with inspired activities. Just like remedies made with thyme, she is warm and wholehearted. She attracts people into her home. She radiates vitality and love. Embrace your inner glow; it warms the hearts of others.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by artist Joanna Powell Colbert and author Latisha Guthrie

Read Full Post »

Today’s trio of cards all said “healing” to me, and I think some of you would agree when seeing them. While we don’t typically think of cocoa as healing, the original drink was quite different.

I have to confess to always giggling a little when I see this card. I once found a molinillo, the wooden whisk used to make the cocoa, in a flea market and didn’t know what it was, assuming it was actually some sort of strange rattle (I’m also a hand drummer and love finding different percussive instruments). After being told what it actually was, I was just as pleased as I’m also a chocolate lover.

Having read about the extensive process of making cacao into cocoa nibs and then even further processing to make chocolate in The Wild Hunt’s recent article, I know that the chocolate we eat is a far cry from the sacred mix drank by the Aztecs for spiritual and medicinal purposes. It would be interesting to try a more original form of the treat, and likely less damaging to the world.

The Hierophant – Cacao

A revelation is at hand; seek the truth in spiritual teachings; the most potent wisdom emerges from the heart.

A clay pot of ceremonial cacao sits on an ancestral tapestry decorated with pink primrose blossoms. A basalt mortar holds roasted cacao beans, a cinnamon stick, and a chili. A replica of an ancient incense burner in the shape of a woman emerging from a hill of cacao rests on a pile of or raw beans and unopened pods. A decorative molinillo lies on the tapestry, having already stirred and frothed the walnut-brown elixir.

Meaning: The secrets of the sacred are available to all. Learn them. Teach them. Drinking pure cacao is an ancient practice that leads to greater perceptive awareness by opening the heart. Commercial chocolate is stripped of its beneficial properties, cloaked in delicious but harmful ingredients. Only true cacao can open the capillaries and increase blood flow. Spiritual teaching must speak authentically to reach the heart, but some things must be revealed slowly. As too much cacao can cause the pulse to quicken, learning too much too fast can overwhelm. Have patience with the pace of the divine. Remain devoted to mystery, yet have respect for ceremony.

Crafting with the Hierophant:
• Create or participate in a cacao ceremony and listen for an epiphany.
• Enjoy true chocolate. Find an ethical source of whole cacao beans. Dip them in vanilla honey.
• Enhance your perceptive abilities by learning about heart intelligence at heartmath.org.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

A lovely card with a message of respect and conservation heads us off on our weekend.

Blessings!

Thistle

Four of Earth – Willow

Be a wise steward of your resources; be flexible yet sturdy; strong roots help young sprouts grow

Weaving tools and an unfinished willow basket sit on a wooden table. A sturdy ancient grandmother willow tree stands tall nearby. Her branches bend in the wind. A harvest of willow rods provides enough material for making many baskets.

Meaning: Conservation is key to sustainability. Take time to gather your resources respectfully and carefully; tend them well. Create space to preserve what you have gained. As a border plant, willow protects a natural area and creates sanctuary in the underbrush for small animals. Young trees can be shaped and curved to fit the location. The pliable and hearty stems are prized by basket makers. Making tools for today is medicine for tomorrow. Build a foundation for future harvests. A tea made from willow branches is used as a rooting hormone that helps other plants grow. Give thanks to those who have given your life roots. Be as generous in sharing your gifts as your teachers have been with you.

Crafting with Four of Earth:

• Frame an altar with willow branches. Place objects representing what you want to protect inside.
• Weave a willow bracelet around your writs. Wear it to be flexible and strong.
• Shower your teachers with gratitude. Send a gift of natural art using willow.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »

This card seems perfect for today, when the humdrum of Halloween settles down (and the sugar wears off) and we have honored the Beloved Dead. Today, try to take some time for yourself, alone and preferably in whatever nature you have available to you, and seek wisdom and peace.

Blessings,

Thistle

The Hermit – Usnea

Withdraw into sacred solitude; gather treasures from the darkness; emerge with the light.

A wreath of unseat lies on a bed of fresh snow. Rose hips, cottonwood twigs, dandelion roots, pine cones, and crow and gull feathers are tucked inside the nest for safekeeping. Three quartz crystals lie above the nest pointing north, while a single owl feather lies beneath. A candle is lit in the center of the offering.

Meaning: Rest and stillness are good medicine. Go within and listen for your own voice. Clarity is found in places empty of others’ thoughts and ideas. Usnea, also called “old man’s beard,” grows long and healthy on trees where the air is clean. Find your mountain. Ask for guidance from nature. There are many gifts to be gathered in dark times; rose hips, cottonwood, and pine cones among them. Seek understanding from the allies you encounter during your time alone. A reliable fire starter, Usnea may save a life on a cold night, just as the perfect insight can warm a dying soul. When you are ready, let wisdom glow.

Crafting with the Hermit

• Keep Usnea on your dashboard to remind yo to slow down.
• Create a wisdom nest. Add allies and symbols that guide your quest for understanding.
• Craft Usnea fire starters and light them before beginning council with a sacred circle.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by author Latisha Guthrie and artist Joanna Powell Colbert

Read Full Post »