We’ve all got a bit of witchery in us. Christmas is a time when lots of us practice plant spirit medicine without even being aware of it says Fiona Heckels
The persecution of village wise women during the Middle Ages led to the demise of much of our folk medicine and connection to the earth, but this knowledge is being reclaimed.
The seasonal celebrations of old were about celebrating the passing of the seasons and recognising the farming calendar. The rise of industrial farming and mass production of food separated us from the natural world around us.
We know instinctively that we should be connecting with the earth but where do we start? The more time we spend in nature and learning from her, the more comfortable we’ll feel. Finding local herb walks, fungi forays, talks and workshops is the best way to learn to recognise different plants and mushrooms.
Arming yourself with several good field guides and a sketch book and making your own nature diary is an excellent way to build up a harmonious relationship with your locality too. In this way we can offer our children the great gift of growing up feeling comfortable in, and knowledgeable about, the natural environment around them.
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice is when the earth’s tilt is at the maximum point away from the sun and marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is traditionally called Yuletide. This year in the northern hemisphere winter solstice falls on Saturday 21st December. It is the moment ‘between’ – the point between death and rebirth – and represents hidden potential. Life will start to draw upwards again from this point forward so winter solstice is about celebrating the birth of new life.
