Plants are magic. I sit back in
awe when, yet another serendipitous event happens to teach me when I do not
realize there is a lesson to be had. Once the knowledge is acquired, it is a
feeling filled with 'of course this is the way it is.'
The eclipse season is heavy upon
us, and I do not think we discuss this in our daily lives enough. I put
together a list of herbs that may be fabulous helpers for you during this time
and beyond, spurred on by a recent experience with Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).
I was putting together my tea
for the day and this plant felt like it was hopping up and down in the back of
my shelf, like ‘pick me, pick me!’ I had not used Mugwort in quite some time
and I thought it was interesting to be called to it.
I have focused much of my relationship with plants over the years around
scientific study supported by traditional teachings. Seeking out the study
behind what women like my grandmother simply knew to be true, has been my modus
operandi. It is like a treasure hunt into the inner workings of a little
miracle. However, I am learning the power of being taught by the plants themselves.
Given that I have become much more aware of when these happenings occur during
my day, not unlike the solar flare incident, I decided to look it up. When
looking through traditional beliefs about the impact of eclipses on the
digestion system and causing bouts of anxiety, I thought it was interesting
that these are two of the herbal actions of Mugwort; to aid in digestion and
the nervous system.
Whenever there is strong lunar activity, it always creates the right
vibration and environment for working and strengthening our intuitive and
psychic gifts. Spiritually, Mugwort is known as an important helper
during a Lunar Eclipse because it is believed to enhance dreams, a primary mode of
communication between our conscious selves and lunar selves. It can also aid in
opening our psychic paths and spiritual gifts hidden to us.
When it comes to Lunar and Solar Eclipses, the modern fundamental bodies
that have created much of our current world view claim there is no
impact caused by these celestial events on the human, other species, or the
environment. I would argue this cannot be the case based on the rising and
setting of the Sun and Moon having impact on not only our circadian rhythms but
the menstrual cycle in women. This is not even mentioning the lack of
information around geomagnetic storms and solar flares. A geomagnetic storm is
a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very
efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment
surrounding Earth. I am very sure this is something that impacts our bodies.
There is much superstition globally about the good or bad meanings of the Lunar
and Solar Eclipses, along with how it affects the body, what you should eat,
and the potential for natural disasters.
With this said, we are not here to debate the ‘is and is nots’ of the
eclipse season. We are reaching far deeper to sit with self to learn from our
bodies and to come in tune with what we need and how we may be shifting with
the movements in the heavenly bodies. Intention is everything when it comes to
such cosmic events such as this. We must learn to follow intuition, instincts
and feel for what resonates. Below is a list of Eclipse Self-Care Herbs that you can pick one or several to try for now and in the future.
Eclipse Self-Care Herbal List
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) ~ Digestion support. Nervous system
support. Enhances lunar connection for dreaming and opening paths to spiritual
gifts.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) ~ Strong nervine to soothe
nervous tension. Renews central nervous system. Treats any condition associated
with exhaustion or depressed states. Helps with indigestion. Calms racing
thoughts.
Rose (Rosa spp.) ~ Antidepressant and works to calm the nervous
system. Digestive stimulant. Invites us to unravel the mystery of who we are,
why we suffer, and how we may still love. Rose is gentle and soothing while
stimulating and motivating. Helpful if you suffer from headaches during the
eclipse season.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) ~ Aids with the digestion system and soothes
the nervous system. Soothes emotional trauma especially that which comes from
childhood. Catnip helps us experience our emotions when they come up but not to
be incapacitated by them. Catnip reminds us that we deserve to feel safe in our
bodies, our homes and in the world.
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) ~ A cardiotonic and hypotensive, it
is the plant we want to support the function and tissues of the heart. Hawthorn
is a guide to help us connect with the land spirits and our ancestors to ask
for protection and instruction. An herb to be drank quietly and in reflection.
Milky Oat (Avena sativa) ~ Is an antidepressant, a nutritive, and
nervine tonic. This plant feeds and restores the system, especially when we
find ourselves in stress. It is both a relaxant and a stimulant, to strengthen
the whole nervous system. It can help bring us out of a state of unrest. This
is a perfect herb to add to your everyday self-care regime.
Impact of the Lunar Eclipse
A Lunar Eclipse happens when the Earth’s shadow falls directly over the Full
Moon. For a brief period, the Moon disappears, and the night turns to
dark. The Moon has long been associated with the feminine and if we look
at the Moon as a symbol for femininity - an energy that goes beyond gender,
having this moment of shadow is like a rebirth.
This feminine energy is about connecting with your emotions, connecting with
your body, and connecting with your intuition. We require our shadow selves,
that which we hide deep in our psyche to come to the surface to face it,
forgive it, and let it go to level up our lives. The more prepared we are to do
this, the less tumultuous the experience.
During a Lunar Eclipse we may feel drained or lethargic, due to the eclipse
messing with our sleep cycle and hormones. We may feel irritable, tired, extra
sensitive, moody, and out of balance. It is important to listen to your body
and respond accordingly with self-care and acknowledgement.
Impact of the Solar Eclipse
A Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting
a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the light of the Sun in
some areas. Eclipses have been known throughout humanity as a marker
of the next chapter of growth that is getting ready to unfold for us. Ancient
astrologers believed that Solar Eclipses were highly karmic events that helped
to balance the scales of justice in the world. They are considered portal
openers, helping us to raise our consciousness and access higher frequencies,
and bring about change.
During a Solar Eclipse, there is a shift in the vibration and frequency of
energies on Earth. Your balance may be affected, or you may feel out
of sorts, low energy, and you may also feel extra sensitive to the emotions of
those around you. You may recognize many in your circle of friends and
community are going through endings and new beginnings, as this may be the case
for you.
Animals can sense this change in vibration and often display erratic
behaviour leading up to and during an eclipse. Spiders are observed
during Solar Eclipses to dismantle their webs and build them up again once the
eclipse had passed.
With these subtle, yet noticeable effects in the world around us, it is
likely that a Solar Eclipse is affecting us on a much deeper level than we
even realize. When we listen to our bodies and up the self-care, this
can be a highly charged time of positive change and inspiration. Besides
feeling tired and lethargic, a Solar Eclipse can also help to activate a
dream-like state, making it the perfect time meditate or reflect quietly.
Our circadian rhythms are also controlled by our pineal gland, which is the
gland responsible for the opening and awakening of the third eye. When
darkness falls due to a Solar Eclipse, it can help to activate the pineal
gland, which can bring about a spiritual awakening of sorts.
Indigenous communities believe that a Solar Eclipse is a powerful time of
healing, with the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth representing the
dissolving of differences and the coming together as One. During a
Solar Eclipse, emotional wounds can be healed, and stronger relationships can
be forged. This can then bring about a mutual understanding and can help the
world to unite in love and harmony, rather than being in opposition.
To help support and balance your body and mind during eclipses, try grounding
exercises, eating root vegetables, and meditation, along with picking one or more herbs from our Eclipse Self-Care
Herbal List from above. Let us
know your experiences in the comments.
We have a gorgeous tea with Rose at bee23.ca! If you would like to learn more click
here.
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