Thursday, July 23, 2009

Working with plant spirits


I'm currently putting together a short "playshop" for some of my students to learn how to make a flying ointment – a salve that assists in leaving the physical body to journey otherworld. As much as I'm looking forward to working with the plant spirits, I'm really going to enjoy puttering around in the kitchen with my friends for the afternoon. That said, it occurs to me that I need to start reacquainting myself with the necessary spirits so that I am ready to do the work. In the past, I've found to my chagrin that spirits are much like people in that they don't appreciate it if you only come calling when you want something.

Once I get back in touch with the spirits of the plants, I will need to begin exploring the specifics of the recipe, which tend to vary from one batch to the next. The quantity of each herb in the mix depends on the strength of that plant when it is harvested, relative to the other ingredients. This is further complicated by the fact that the main active ingredient is being cultivated by one of my apprentices rather than in my own garden. So I think she will have an opportunity to get to know that one a bit better before our kitchen encounter.

I have a somewhat strange sense of anticipation about this – possibly because I've never mixed up an ointment with a group. This has always been a very internal and solitary part of my practice, and in a very real way, the person I was when I last did this no longer exists. So this will be new in more ways than one.

5 comments:

Lynn D said...

Kenn,
I have a very strong bond with this plant. It's in my temple room and has become part of my practice. I bless it, love on it and water it. It is definitely a survivor and seems very eager to please. Any suggestions on further care for it before the workshop?
Lynn

Post Tribal Shaman said...

Lynn,
Journey to the underworld and connect in with the plant's great spirit. Ask for permission to work with the plant and the spirit. Make sure to leave a gift. See what you notice after the journey.

namaste,

Kenn

Lynn D said...

Yeah, I've been thinking about doing that but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'll take a journey this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Kenn,

(hi!)

I will be very interested to hear how this works. I've grown datura for several years, but have never done more than sit with it in stillness...which is interesting in and of itself!

-Raven/Amy (over from Facebook...)

CincyRealtor said...

Kenn,
I'm looking forward to this. I'm new to shamanism, but I connected deeply with your work during the Opening Inner Doorways workshop. I'm looking forward to the next in your series of workshops.

Life is interesting - as a Realtor, working with Cincinnati home buyers, I'm well integrated with our three dimensional reality. I've been on a spiritual path for some time... but shamanism takes it in an interesting new direction...