by Marissa Myers

The leaves have fallen, the air is crisp, and the mist has filled the early mornings. It’s the time of the year when the earth slowly “dies” and transitions into its winter slumber. For those celebrating Samhain, it’s a time to connect with the dead and honor those who have passed. The veil is thin, and the other side is calling for us to awaken the connection. 

What is the History of Samhain? 
Samhain is a pagan festival originating from Celtic spirituality. Known as a halfway point between the fall equinox and the winter solstice, it’s celebrated from October 31st to November 1st to welcome in the darker half of the year. Those who celebrate believe that the physical world and the spirit world are intimately connected, and Samhain brings the Otherworld the closest it’s been all year.

In Druidic traditions, priests would light a fire to a wooden wheel, igniting a large flame. The wheel, according to the Druids, represented the sun’s energy. Those around this fire would take the flame back on a candle stick to light their own hearths, bringing light into the darkness. 

Storytelling around Samhain is another ancient tradition that continues today. A common Celtic tale told during Samhain includes “The Second Battle of Mag Tuired,” which portrays a battle between evil oppressors and the Celtic pantheon. Another tale, “The Adventures of Nera,” illustrates Nera entering the Otherworld while encountering corpses and faeries. 

How Can I Celebrate Samhain? 
Depending on your individual practice, there are a variety of ways to celebrate Samhain. The most common include the following: 

Decorate Your Altar: Using the colors of the season is a wonderful way to brighten up your altar. Samhain colors include a combination deep purples, burgundy, dark oranges, and black. Many people choose to cover their altar with dark clothes and dark colored candles, welcoming in the night of the spirits. If you’re looking to connect deeper with the dead, consider adding skulls or ghost figures to your altar. 

Carve Pumpkins: Carving pumpkins is a kid-friendly activity that’s fun for everyone. Gather a few pumpkins and carve some creative, funky designs. If you’re able to get smaller pumpkins or gourds, place a few on your altar. This is another simple way to evoke a mini Samhain celebration. 

Create a Prayer Circle: Since Samhain is all about connecting with our ancestors and honoring the dead, picking out a few prayers lets those who have passed know that you’re keeping their memory alive. A simple prayer could be as follows: 

With the gift of remembrance, I remember all of you. You are dead but never forgotten, and you live on within me, and within those who are yet to come. 

Even if you’re unaware of which ancestors to connect with, it’s okay to be general in your prayers--it’s the thought that counts!  

Bake Soul Cakes: If you’ve never heard of Soul Cakes, they’re a dessert used as a gift for spirits of departed loved ones. Pagans would bake these cakes and place them on their altars so their ancestors could access a yummy treat. But don’t worry, they’re not just for the dead! Those celebrating can also enjoy this delicious dessert. A great recipe for Soul Cakes can be found on this website. And if your spiritual tradition doesn’t include celebrating the dead, consider baking pumpkin bread, another common Samhain dessert.

What Herbs and Plants Are Associated With Samhain?
Like many holidays on the Wheel of the Year, certain herbs play an important role in each Sabbat. For Samhain, here are a few herbs that can add a little magic to your day:

Rosemary: During Samhain, rosemary is a symbol of remembrance. Many pagans choose to use rosemary on their altar as a representation of their ancestors. Rosemary is also okay to use as an incense, so don’t hesitate to cleanse your altar with this gentle herb. 

For a magickal use during Samhain, hang rosemary bundles in front of your front door to keep harmful spirits from entering. If you have someone in your home who’s sick during Samhain, mix rosemary leaves with juniper berries to promote a healthy healing process. 

Chrysanthemums: Commonly used as a symbol of protection, chrysanthemums are also heavily associated with the spirit world. Traditionally, they’ve been used as a centerpiece for funeral floral arrangements or placed on new graves. Putting a bouquet of chrysanthemums in your home is a good way to remember those who’ve passed. 

Mugwort: Mugwort is a magickal herb associated with treating depression. Samhain can be a hard holiday for those suffering from the darkness of mental illness. To help, make a set of smudge sticks with mugwort to use in your ritual to cleanse your aura. You can also place mugwort under your pillow to promote gentle, restful dreaming. (*Please note, mugwort does not cure depression. Please talk to your medical provider for proper treatment for mental illness). 

Rowan Berries: In Scotland, rowan berries were used to ward evil spirits away from the home. During Samhain, hang these berry branches over your doors and windows to keep spirits at bay. Since Samhain has a lot of spirit activity, this will help keep your home full of good energy. 

Final Thoughts on Samhain
When celebrating Samhain, remember to choose the rituals that resonate with your heart. While there are a number of ways to honor the dead, focus on whichever practice speaks to you. 

Honoring our ancestors is an important practice. Whether it’s baking, creating our altar, or decorating the home, take time to recognize the earth’s “death”—and slow rebirth—on this special day! 

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Are there any non-herbal hobbies or interests that you love doing? 

I love dancing — mostly in the comfort of my home — as well as interior decorating, taking pictures, thrift shopping, cooking and hosting dinner parties, luncheons, etc.

What’s one fun thing that most people don’t know about you? 

I love using my imagination like I’m an adventurer, and exploring places like abandoned buildings, off-the-beaten path in the woods, mountains, and rock formations at the beaches.

What made you want to be a part of Herbstalk?

I wanted to be a part of Herbstalk because I wanted to be a part of the opportunity to represent my neighborhood, Dorchester, and my culture in my city. Herbstalk looked like an amazing event with so many herbal resources that I was excited to connect with, but I didn’t see a lot of diversity. And I wanted to represent that diversity and hopefully be a part of expanding diversity and inclusion at these wonderful events. ​

With summer days getting shorter, signs of fall are becoming more apparent. Though the weather outside might be a different story, the earth around us shows signs that autumn is near, including grains being harvested, trees dropping their fruit, and the sun setting earlier at night. 

All of this earthly excitement acts as a doorway, ushering in the pagan holiday of Lammas. 

What is Lammas? 

Lammas, sometimes referred to as Lughnasadh, is a time to celebrate the upcoming fall harvest. Depending on your spiritual practice, Lammas can also be (and traditionally is) a day to celebrate the Celtic God, Lugh. In Celtic mythology, he is portrayed as a master craftsman and skilled warrior. It’s no surprise that games and craft fairs were held in honor of his memory. In some Irish villages, members would hold a funeral feast in honor of Lugh’s mother, Tailtiu, who supposedly passed away from exhaustion after clearing Ireland’s plains for the harvest. 

Baking bread and Lammas are also tied closely together. The world Lammas itself is derived from the old English phrase hlaf-maesse, which means loaf mass. In Ireland, it was good luck to wait until August 1st to pick the first sheaves of grain. By night, the farmer’s wife would rush to cook bread with new grains and make the first loaves to honor the harvest. If you were unable to use newly harvested grain, and had to reach for your previous years’ stash, it meant bad luck for the upcoming harvesting season. 

Like many sabbats, gratitude remains at the center of any holiday. It’s important to remember that by celebrating the harvest’s abundance, we are celebrating our ancestors and their survival efforts. It’s a good time to cultivate gratitude for our food and farmland, and the blessings the land provides for sustaining humankind. 

How Can I Celebrate Lammas? 

Depending on your culture or individual practice, there are a variety of ways to celebrate Lammas. The most common ways including the following: 

Decorate your altar: Using the colors of the season is a sacred way to honor Lammas. This includes a combination of oranges, reds, and dark yellows. Additionally, symbols of the harvest season, such as sickles and scythes, are placed on altars. These are accompanied by dried grains to celebrate the start of the harvest season. If you’re ​looking to brighten up your altar, consider adding sunflowers—the patron plant of Lammas—around its exterior. 

Practice craftsmanship: Because the holiday is associated with the God Lugh, craftsmanship is a heavy theme that’s been carried on for centuries. Whether it’s painting, singing, or playing an instrument, Lammas is the perfect opportunity to learn a new craft or build on an old hobby. And don’t forget to share your new (and old) gifts with those around you to celebrate! 

Bake bread: The center of Lammas revolves around baking bread. To have an abundant holiday dinner, bread-making is common across all families honoring the holiday. It’s the perfect way to bring families together to celebrate the harvest and home. Traditional Lammas feasts include each member taking turns breaking bread around the table. Consider doing the same with your family or by yourself. If you need inspiration, try this delicious recipe to create your own herbal-infused Lammas bread! 

Create a Corn Dolly: Creating corn dollies is an old Lammas tradition that has carried into modern day. To make your own, use stalks of wheat, barley, or rye if you have access to these plants. Using yellow ribbon, lace the stalks into a corn dolly to outline the shape of a woman. During the doll creation process, express gratitude and thanks for your harvest. Place your corn dolly onto your Lammas altar as the center of celebrations. At Samhain, the pagan holiday marking the end of the harvest season, take the remains of your corn dolly from the altar and return them to the earth. This is symbolic of sowing seeds of a future harvest for the following year. 


What Herbs and Plants are Associated with Lammas? 

Like many holidays on the Wheel of the Year, certain herbs play an important role in each sabbat. For Lammas specifically, here are a few herbs that can add a little magic to your day:

Yarrow: Yarrow has taken on different meanings and symbolism throughout the centuries. It’s been known to be a herb that casts away evil spells and hexes. People believe that stringing it across the doorway will prevent evil spirits from entering their home. To use yarrow in your own Lammas practice, place it around your neck as a form of protection.

Goldenrod: The bright happiness of goldenrod has an infectious energy for anyone who practices with it. Its uplifting nature has been known to help those with depression and grief. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, consider using goldenrod on your altar to brighten the atmosphere—and your spirits, too. 

Vervain: The use of vervain can be traced back thousands of years for its role in spiritual and ceremonial services. In the Druidic tradition, many members believed vervain had supernatural powers to assist in getting in touch with the other side. Common vervain-based traditions during Lammas include healing rituals for those who need spiritual assistance. Use vervain essential oil as a blessing for your loved ones who need an extra health boost.

Meadowsweet: Also known as Bride of the Meadow, meadowsweet is another sacred herb of the Druids. Members would wear garlands made of meadowsweet around their neck during Lammas celebrations. If a Druidic wedding was taking place on Lammas, meadowsweet would be added to the bride’s bouquet. If you feel called to it, wear meadowsweet around your neck to honor the ancient tradition. 

Mint: Another herb close to the Druids, mint is known for its healing and protection powers. During Lammas, mint was used to attract abundance into one’s life. One of the best ways to use mint during Lammas is during a tea ritual, such as making a drink that includes mint leaves. This is a great way to honor your body and bless it with seasonal health. 


Final Thoughts on Lammas:

When celebrating Lammas, remember to choose the rituals that resonate with your heart. While there are a number of ways to honor the harvest, choose whichever practice you deeply connect with. Taking time to honor our earth and her abundance is important. Whether it’s baking bread, going on a walk, or meditating in the morning, take time to recognize the earth’s abundance—and magic—on this special day.

Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach. As a longtime attendee and member of the Herbstalk community, she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team! ​

by Katja Swift & Ryn Midura

There is so much upheaval right now, but also so much hope. When I look around, I see that we can change what's needed to be changed for a long time now. I see a world coming together to say we won't tolerate this anymore. I see people talking about how things could be different -- radically different in ways that are built on respect and compassion.

There is a specific role for herbalism in this shift.

Herbalism is about community health. It's called "the people's medicine" - not because it's simple, but because it's accessible.

By "accessible" I mean both that herbs are available to anyone, and that many of them can be had very inexpensively, or even grown at home. But also that anyone can learn it. You can start to be helpful literally as soon as you've learned your first herb. Yes, there's a lot to learn, and yes, it takes time and experience. But on the other hand, if you know that Chamomile can help calm the nervous system, relax cramping, and relax muscle tension, and if you can get some Chamomile tea from your local grocery store, you are already able to help people around you to relieve discomfort.

Or in other words, even when you're just beginning, as long as you stay in the scope of what you've learned, you can already start to be helpful. You don't have to know everything before you can be of service.

Herbalism is about community health and we particularly recognize that Black Americans, People of Color, Native Americans, and those living in marginalized communities frequently do not have access to quality, compassionate, and just health care. We recognize that incarcerated individuals and people experiencing homelessness do not have access to quality, compassionate, and just healthcare. 

These are places we can be of service.

Whether you're just beginning your journey as an herbalist, or whether you have lots of experience, here are some ways you can use your skills to serve others:

• start a community free clinic
• provide emotional support blends to help people deal with trauma, to help people relax after upsetting experiences, to help people build resilience to keep pushing for change
• start a community health collective in your church or neighborhood, providing care and comfort where you can, as well as helping to resource and distribute food and supplies for those in need
• ​provide education in your community to empower more people to build health and resilience
• make tea for people who are hurting and share it with them, and listen to what they have to say

Even if you only know one herb and how it can help with one thing -- that's one thing you can do to serve the people around you.

Here are some free resources that you might find helpful along the way:

• How to start a free clinic: this is how we've done it and it might give you ideas about how you could do it.
• Herbal support for trauma recovery and building resilience: how we can serve the needs of our communities and specifically the Black Community in this time.
• Here are some more emotional support resources for anxiety and heart support.
• As well as an episode with ideas about building a culture of support that can be applied at the community level.
• Here is an interview with Nicole Rose about health justice for incarcerated people.
• How to grow your own herbs is a starter guide to growing. The more we grow, the more we have to share!
• We also want to remind you about our scholarship programs for Black Americans, Native Peoples, and incarcerated people. You can find them at the bottom of this page: commonwealthherbs.com/about
• Finally, check out our Mutual Aid resource page that contains free materials that will help you do the work of fighting racism and strengthening community where you live.

Imagine the ways in which our communities can be more compassionate, more just, more equal. Imagine the ways our communities can be *fully* compassionate, *fully* just, and *fully* equal.

If we can imagine it, and if we work in service to that goal, we can create it.

by Marissa Ranahan

Beltane is one of the most uplifting holidays on the Wheel of the Year. It celebrates Mother Earth’s sacred fertility, abundance, and rebirth. According to Celtic tradition, Beltane represents the eternal unity of the Goddess (Divine Feminine) and God (Divine Masculine), both of which have been separated for the winter season. Upon reaching maturity after winter's end, they come together as one and “birth” new passions and heightened sensuality. Beltane is also a time for planting flowers which emphasizes the theme of fertility. The flowers peeking their heads from the ground illustrates the sacred cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. It’s a blessing to witness this through nature’s seasonal cycle. 

For celebrations, gathering with others around the fire or Maypole are highlights of Beltane. Due to the current impact of COVID-19, celebrating in large groups is not possible. While Beltane celebrations look different this year, you can still connect with the holiday spirit. Below are the five best ways to have a beautiful earth-based celebration at home. This way, you’ll still be able to observe the meaning of the day. 

#1. Build an Altar

Like every sabbat, building an altar is a common tradition. Since it's the holiday of fertility, consider decorating your altar with spring flowers. These can include tulips, lilacs, or lavender buds. Feminine herbs, such as rose, will also suffice. 

Aside from flowers, candles are another wonderful addition to your altar. They act as a symbol of the Beltane fire. Consider lighting candles that are symbolic of love or abundance. If you’re looking to attract your soulmate, it’s recommended to light a purple candle the night before Beltane. 

#2. Garden Indoors

Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular over the last few years. If you don’t have a yard -- or choose to stay inside -- starting an indoor garden is the perfect way to welcome the season. The simplest way to start is by growing herbs. Luckily, there are many herbal indoor gardening options that are easy to put together. This recent article outlines the best indoor kits for beginners. 

What’s more, having an indoor garden allows you to personally witness a “birth and death” period with your plants. By growing them from seeds, you’ll be able to watch them ripen, die, and grow back the following year. 

#3. Cook a Feast

Nothing symbolizes a celebration better than a hearty feast! Every celebration, whether it’s earth-based or not, should involve nourishing food. Even if you’re eating solo this year, it’s still important to make a special “mini feast” for yourself. 

Without question, the most popular foods to eat during Beltane are sweets. Given it’s a holiday centered around love, it comes as no surprise that fruits, pastries, and honey rank at the top of the list. Consider trying these tasty oatcakes (a traditional Beltane treat!) for dessert. 

If you’re quarantining with your partner, don’t hesitate to put aphrodisiacs on the menu to satisfy your sensual appetite. A popular aphrodisiac inspired dish to serve includes oysters with a side of roasted asparagus and almonds. If you’re sticking to fruit for dessert, consider bananas covered in dark chocolate for added sensuality. 

#4. Walk in Nature

Thankfully, nature is always available to us. With everything in bloom, spring is the best time to absorb the earth’s beauty. If you’re seeking solitude in nature, take a morning stroll by yourself. Sit in a park with the trees, flowers, and grass. Write down your thoughts as they come to you. Most importantly, express gratitude for having the ability to be close to nature. Beltane is all about enjoying the beauty of the season, so take in every precious moment. 

If you have a backyard, try throwing a private picnic outside. Set up a space surrounded by flowers to create a nice atmosphere for enjoying the holiday. 

#5. Incorporate Herbs into Your Ritual

Every earth-based celebration involves herbs, flowers, and oils. People also use Beltane as an opportunity to cleanse their space with incense. This welcomes in the positive energy of Beltane and removes lingering negative energy. 

Popular incense to use includes jasmine, rose, and frankincense. These feminine herbs are also used in tinctures for evoking fertility. Other common herbs used in ritualistic celebrations include dogwood, marjoram, meadowsweet, and woodruff. Incorporate these herbs into your ritual to focus on what you would like to attract during the spring season. 

Closing Thoughts on Beltane

Celebrating without a larger group or family can be disappointing. Even with the differences in Beltane this year, the true blessing is being able to enjoy earth’s fertility. Make sure to put a heavy emphasis on gratitude, enjoy your surroundings, and keep love as your focus. Regardless of this unprecedented situation, you can still have an abundant celebration!

by the Chaos Factor

​There are many times in the year when one might plan to get a fresh start, set new intentions, or call in new energy. The new year is traditionally one of those times, but from the perspective of nature, that doesn’t really make much sense. When one (Western/Gregorian) year ends and the next begins, at least in New England, it’s still the dead of winter. In fact, the new year is celebrated only a week and a half after the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year. At this time, most flora and fauna are hibernating in the cold. Everything has turned inward to rest until the light returns to initiate rebirth. To manifest a physical or mental emergence at this time is difficult, as we are fighting against nature.
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The spring/vernal equinox marks the time of the year when the warmth and the light return. Creatures wake up, the browns turn to greens, and plant life begins to emerge from the ground in search of the sun. This is the time when our biological and emotional systems also want to emerge from winter’s rest. This seasonal shift is the kickstart we need to re-energize and start anew. It is the perfect time to clean house — inside and out!

In very early spring, before the full regalia of renewal is revealed, seeds begin to metabolically activate deep beneath the ground, hidden from casual observation. Plants like hellebore and crocus are some of the first bloomers that break through the last crust of winter’s snow cover and dot the shifting landscape with color. During this time our human bodies awaken as well. The stagnancy of winter no longer resonates, and we crave movement. As our exposure to solar light increases, we feel invigorated; we get out and exercise, spend time in nature, and re-connect to our social circles after the inevitable winter hibernation here in the northern hemisphere. It is a pretty obvious correlation: more light equals more energy.  

A similar “awakening” occurs on a cellular level. As our metabolism speeds up with increased solar energy and movement, our bodies begin to shift internally.  We intrinsically crave lighter foods and beverages that cleanse the system, and make us feel more energized. For example, we tend to be less interested in heavy soups and stews, and more interested in fresh seasonal salads.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and energy work, the spring season is associated with the element of wood. Wood draws water up through its roots and, in its young form, is pliable and mutable. Spring enables us to bend around obstacles as we increase our internal and external levels of energy and begin to expand outward again after many months of working through internal matters, resting, and digesting. 
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Speaking of digesting, what better time to detoxify and give the old metabolism a little extra boost? In TCM, the two body meridians associated with spring are the liver and gallbladder. These organs work to cleanse and detoxify the digestive system and the entire body. Bitter and sour herbs are very beneficial during this time to move stagnation out of the digestive system. There are many useful herbal concoctions and remedies used by our ancestors that we can explore. Our plant allies can aid our awakening and ready our bodies for the upcoming seasonal shift.

Tonics are an easy way to incorporate beneficial herbs into your daily routine to maintain your overall health naturally. The herbal blend in our Spring Rejuvenation Tonic is appropriately balanced to support your mind, body, and soul during this time of rebirth (and it tastes great, too). We prefer a hot water infusion, but also like to make a large batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a cool refreshing morning beverage. We recommend drinking this daily!
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Our Spring Rejuvenation Tonic contains four herbs that are chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are highly cleansing, purifying, and stimulating. Nettle and Dandelion are thought to be invasive weeds, and are sometimes pulled or otherwise destroyed, but we like to refer to them as “opportunistic” and are happy to be able to find them locally abundant. Tulsi and Mint are in the same hearty family (Lamiaceae) and are typically planted and grown in a garden. Now, let’s break down this magickal and healthy concoction in more detail.
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• Nettle (Urtica dioica): In herbalism, Nettle is the mother of all early spring herbs and has been traditionally used for thousands of years. High in vitamin A, C, and iron, this nutritive plant is a diuretic and antioxidant. It has a lovely green, earthy flavor that is symbolic of its health benefits and the general vibe of the spring season.
  
  

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Another classic “food as medicine” spring herb, the root is more commonly used for the liver, but the leaves are a potent diuretic great for internal cleansing and purifying. Like Nettle, Dandelion leaves are highly nutritive with many similar vitamins and minerals. These two herbs balance each other out very well for daily use, and are both highly abundant for wild harvesting in our region.
  
  

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata): There are many varieties of mint, but Spearmint (or common mint/garden mint) is beautifully fragrant with a delightful taste, so we love to add this to our herbal blends to add brightness and flavor. It is a rejuvenating and stimulating herb commonly used for digestion. Mint has been cultivated and traded since ancient Greek times, where it was likely used in ancient funerary rites to mask the smell of the dead. It is also regarded as a sacred plant of Hades. 
  
  
• Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil or Elixir of Life) is a sacred plant from India used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for more than 5,000 years and is infused with restorative power. There are three different varietals (krishna, rama, and vana), and we like to use a blend of all three for perfectly balanced health benefits and an amazing flavor. Tulsi is primarily considered an adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to environmental stressors and restore balance — a classic ally for getting your body and mind through the seasonal shift.

So. Spring is on its way. With time you will feel yourself waking up from your long and restful slumber. We hope that this tasty herbal tonic gives you a much-needed boost for the upcoming season! Spring is truly a wonderful time to meditate on the concept of emergence. What has shifted during the quiet of winter? What can be released in order to cultivate new growth in the mind, body, and spirit? A few good questions to ponder while expanding into the season.
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The wheel of the year keeps turning, and as the new seeds of life burst through the soil and emerge into the glory of the sun, expansion occurs all around us. Soon, the birds and pollinators will be flitting and buzzing around the fragrant blooms burgeoning forth on the trees and from the earth below. The sweet hay-scent of mown grass sprinkled with violets and plantain (two additional plant allies we recommend exploring in late spring) wafts around as the earth continues to warm and awaken. 
As above, so below. As within, so without. In light and shadow. Seek the balance and trust that mother earth will always have your back.

I didn’t grow up knowing my cycle mirrored those of the earth so closely. Like many of us, my early reproductive education was fairly limited and cloaked in both secrecy and shame.

It would take more than a decade of study and practice before I began to appreciate how little I knew about how my body worked. Even then, it would be some years before I understood that having a cycle meant going around, like the seasons. 

The menstrual cycle mirrors all other cycles in nature. 

Just like the tide that rises and falls, the seasons that bloom and decay, the moon that waxes and wanes, our cycles embody the life-death-life cycles of nature.

And so…

The menstrual cycle can be broken into four seasons, that reflect our shifting fertility:
Winter - the menstrual phase, Spring - the pre-ovulatory phase, Summer - the ovulatory phase and Fall - the post-ovulatory phase.

Understanding the energetic seasons of the menstrual cycle gives us a language with which we can understand and explore our own fertility and physiology. Equipped with words, we begin to appreciate the menstrual cycle as a powerful teacher. One that constantly offers us insights into our health and well-being, and gives us the opportunity to develop a deep relationship with ourselves.

Winter // Menstruation // Mugwort 

A new cycle begins on the first day of heavy menstrual bleeding and we call it Day One. 

It is time for us to turn inward, to rest, to be still and silent as snowfall. It’s here in the dark that we return home to ourselves, shaking off the world outside, we land deeply in our bodies. 

Here in the winter-time we are most connected to our needs, our path and intuitive self. 
Without the distraction of the light, everything is clear. 

Menstruation brings us deep clarity, if only we can sit still long enough to listen.

Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, helps us to dream our visions, reconnect with our subconscious and move through the underworld, making this plant a wonderful ally to call upon during menstruation. Many of you will be familiar with Mugwort's ability to ease cramping and bring on light or scanty flow. Mugwort also connects us with our dreams and deeper visioning and feels oh so aligned, to these inner-winter nights. 

Note: Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris is an emmenagogue - avoid in pregnancy.

Spring // Pre-ovulation // Nettle

A few days have passed and bleeding begins to slow. There is a distinct shift in our energy. We no longer feel cocooned to the inner world, but refreshed, renewed and restored. Awake once more from winter's restful slumber. 

The energy of spring, as all herbalists know, is exciting, inspiring and motivating. If left without direction, or grounding however, spring has the potential to become erratic, and before we know it we’ve planted a garden bigger than we can possibly tend.

It’s in our inner-spring, as estrogen rises, that we are fresh with new ideas, excitement and the motivation to get out there. We must remember, though, to thin the rows, focus our energy, lest our garden becomes overcrowded.

Nettles, Urtica dioca, pop up everywhere, and are here to tonify the blood and support the kidneys. A great mover of water, Nettles move fluid through the body, like the streams now running in the woods, that gently cleanse winter's stagnation.

Summer // Ovulation // Rose

Around the middle of our cycle, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulate ovulation and an ‘egg’ or ovum is released from the ovary.  We feel energised, empowered and capable. If menstruation pulls us inward, then ovulation sends us spiraling, radiant, into the outer world.

Ovulation is the power to create. 

This is the fertile phase of our cycle and we now hold the capacity to create that which we wish to see manifest in our lives. 

The beauty of the cycle is here, in it’s balance - during menstruation we turn inward, we find deep communion with self and truth. During ovulation we have the energy to bring that truth into the light. 

While summer is a joyful season, it is also incredibly busy. 

During the long hot days we can feel both uncentered and distracted, forgetting the important work we wished to complete. Who better to keep us aligned with our heart's truth than Rose?

​Fall // Post-ovulation // Dandelion

With the headiness of summer behind us, and the leaves shifting colors in the forest, it’s time to dig up roots and gather the last of the harvest.

Fall is both a joyful season of abundance, of harvest, and of celebration as it is a time of preparation, and looking ahead. If we did not achieve what we set out to do, there is a little time left before the winter comes to finish up the projects we have started. 

This season is about re-drawing our boundaries, saying "no" to what's un-important and focusing our energy on what we must. Towards the end of Fall, it’s time to prepare, rearrange our commitments and plan our slow days so that we can fully step into rest and silence, once winter arrives.

Dandelion roots, Taraxacum officinale, support the liver and assist estrogen clearance by encouraging bowel movements. Dandelion helps us to let go of the things that are not really important. Some of us find that high levels of progesterone in the post-ovulatory phase can be constipating, and so Dandelion is a beautifully poised ally for our inner-fall. 

As the days grow darker, and the air gets colder, soon we welcome back the clarity of our winter nights and our cycle begins once more.

Gabrielle Jansen BNat is an Australian Herbalist and Fertility Educator out of Rockland, Maine. Her practice combines her clinical foundation with a deep desire to empower others to understand their bodies. She offers classes, consultations and informative blog posts on herbalism, fertility education and cyclical wisdom at www.witchmountainherbal.com and on instagram @witchmountainherbal

by Marissa Ranahan

As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn, the earth-based celebration of Imbolc is almost upon us!

Deriving from Celtic origins, this pagan holiday falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, illuminating a rebirth and cleansing period. Historically, Imbolic celebrates the Celtic goddess Brigid. In Pagan literature, she represents the safety of the home and hearth. Common rituals honoring Brigid include making bread, candle lighting, and cleansing rituals. Interestingly enough, the term “spring cleaning” is said to have derived from her influence.

Herbs also help with celebrating the sacredness of Imbolc. Typically, the ones used in rituals represent purification, rejuvenation, feminine energy, and cleaning.

If you’re looking to incorporate herbs into your celebration this year, take a look at some of the best ones to use outlined below. As you work with them, you’ll be more in tune -- and enchanted -- during Imbolc. 

Angelica: 

Angelica is a gentle herb used for divine guidance and intuitive support. This comes as no surprise, considering its botanical name, Angelica archangelica, is associated with the angelic realm. This herb is also a symbol of romance and feminine energy, which is vital for enhancing the intimacy of your current relationship. 

To use angelica in a ritual, sprinkle it around the dining room table to evoke positivity during meal time. If you want to use it in a solo ritual, it’s recommended to use angelica in a bath for cleansing purposes. 

What’s more, if attracting good fortune is on your mind, place the herbs’ leaves in a small bag with your favorite healing crystals. This will serve as an added blessing throughout the holiday.

Basil: 

Basil is an aromatic herb incorporated into a variety of earth-based recipes. Basil represents new life, making it the perfect herb to use on Imbolc. By incorporating basil into different dishes, its properties work to soothe tension with every bite! 

For an easy fix, add crushed basil leaves into your homemade bread, salads, or sauces.  Its delicious taste will uplift everyone in the kitchen. 

Chamomile: 

The brightness of chamomile reminds us to connect with the sun’s energy. More specifically, it holds purification power for the upcoming spring season. Similar to angelica, chamomile is a representation of feminine energy. The tenderness of this herb cultivates relaxation for women looking to deepen their meditative practice during the spring months. 

During Imbolc, use chamomile in herbal teas after meals for a calm evening. It’s also advised to lay chamomile on the table for comforting energy. 

Heather: 

This lively purple flower is viewed as a symbol of everlasting beauty. In Ireland and Scotland, it’s used metaphorically to “carve” the path of a new journey. Heather is a great herb for those looking for a fresh start or entering a new transitional period of life. 

One of the best ways to use this magical herb is to burn it alongside fern. By doing this, the combined power welcomes the new season with ease and grace. Heather is also a lucky herb, and can be used alongside chamomile to attract good fortune. 

Consider using heather’s leaves as a part of your Imbolc centerpiece. Even better, use its branches to “sweep” the old energy out of your home and welcome a fresh start. 

Iris: 

Iris serves as a symbol of duality between winter and spring. Alongside its radiant color, iris is symbolic of new beginnings. It’s the perfect flower to use for guidance towards a career change, romantic relationship, or new adventure. 

To welcome the energy of iris, press its leaves into the areas of your home you wish to cleanse. This will bring vibrant energy into your designated rooms. Fortunately,  the petals of iris also represent wisdom and faith; another good touch for your indoor space! 

Conclusion

Imbolc is a wonderful time to appreciate the emergence of new life. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate it. Take time to experiment with different herbs, and see which ones fit in with your ritual. Don’t forget to journal your thoughts, feelings, and emotions throughout the day!

​

Marissa has been drawn to the world of aromatics and plants since she was a child. Certified in aromatherapy, Reiki, and meditation, she actively changes lives using these healing practices. Additionally, she is a holistic life coach, and works towards helping others heal while simultaneously getting in touch with their spiritual side. As Herbstalk's Market Manager & Community Engagement Assistant, Marissa draws upon years of experience to oversee vendor relations, event management, and social media outreach. As a longtime attendee and member of the Herbstalk community, she is beyond thrilled to be a part of the team! ​

by Nikki Paxton

"To live cohesively is almost a fantasy, we ought to know it starts with humbling our egos." - Nahko


When I began my venture into herbalism, I thought I knew it all. I was growing herbs, making lotions and potions, taking walks in the woods, reading any herbalism book I could get my hands on, and visiting my favorite herb store on the regular. I knew I needed more formal training if this was something I was to seriously pursue. I began my studies in Boston thinking I already knew most of the herbs we would discuss. 

I was wrong. 

There were 89 and counting. I knew a small fraction of them. As we dove in, the herb that really resonated with me was Ghost Pipe. This is a flower that grows without chlorophyll, and is commonly mistaken for a mushroom. This plant cannot be propagated, it sprouts only where it wants, and the soil must meet the perfect conditions required for growth. If you haven't already guessed, it is on the watch list for endangered plants. Ghost pipe thrives on acidic soil with filtered sunlight. I absolutely love finding it in the woods. I am in love with the nature of its growth pattern. I find the way it breaks through the ground inspiring, staying blanketed under the warmth of  the leaves and pine needles until it’s ready to unveil. 

So, why am I writing about this fun little plant? I sat in our cozy classroom and was taught that this plant is quite rare. Suddenly, this modest plant seemed so enchanted, mystical, and elusive — a unicorn in the world of herbalism. One evening while picking up my daughter from soccer practice, in a heap of leaves on the edge of the parking lot, was Ghost Pipe. I wanted to grab a small sign and write “Please do not harm.” I wanted to alert the world that right here was this little magical plant, and I felt it was my duty to guard it. But I knew I couldn't, and I wondered if bringing attention to it might bring more harm than good. I went home flustered and excited, dreaming of the delicate and gracefully-bowing flower head. 

The following day, I took a walk in the woods with my dogs and as I was getting back to the car there it was — again! Twice in 24 hours. As this plant made a forever home in my consciousness, I started seeing it everywhere! But I asked myself, didn't I just learn that this plant is rare?

As the next season came and my studies continued, I was still plagued by this whole scenario. I waited for August - thinking maybe last year was just a fluke and somehow produced the perfect conditions for this plant to thrive. 

Nope. 

The summer seemed to bring even more than last year... At least two flushes of Ghost Pipe came, and the second produced even more than the first. How on Earth could this be? I began to meditate on the idea of rarity and what it meant for Ghost Pipe. What I started to realize is that I live in one tiny slice of the world. What is flourishing here could quite possibly be extinct everywhere else. Cape Cod is full of moisture, pine trees, and mostly sandy soil — the conditions Ghost Pipe is known to thrive on.

​It became apparent that I had been thinking about this incorrectly all along. I had no choice but to open my mind to the world and take a moment to feel small. 

In our high-tech, convenience-driven society, it's hard not to feel like everything is at our fingertips. All our wants and needs can be fulfilled by the click of a button, a car drive into town, or the pluck of a stem. It can be hard to understand that some things are in fact rare and cannot be taken for the pleasure of possession.

​It can be hard to remember that Mother Nature is not a factory used to produce things for us. Instead, She’s here to share her gifts in synergy. We need plants to live, to breath... Animals need nature for food and shelter. We can show gratitude by taking a step back, not by harvesting because something is seemingly abundant, but by reveling in the wonderment of what surrounds us every day -- without exhaustion. Remember, next time you want to pick from nature because something seems to be flourishing, you might just be in a lucky part of the world. Do your homework and always leave plenty for the creatures around us; it might be their only source of food!

Nikki Paxton lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three children, two dogs, and fourteen chickens where she can garden until her heart is full, forage for tiny wonders in the forest, and visit the beach. She has carried a deep curiosity of plants since she was a young child; sowing seeds in her grandmother’s magical garden. This wonderment continued to grow as she earned certifications in herbalism, yoga, and horticulture. These three facets are the guiding factors in her practice as she weaves her skills together to create a balanced and unique approach. Nikki has been studying under Katja Swift and Ryn Midura at the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism since 2018. You can get in touch or find out more about her practice by visiting www.realgoodthings.com.