Sagittarius Season

Happy December and happy Sagittarius season! Despite the cold front we experienced last week, I generally love the energy of December. There’s a liveliness about Sagittarius season that’s hard not to love: one last hurrah before winter truly sets in.

December Book Selection: Entangled Life

Fungi can teach us a lot about opportunity and resourcefulness. The “Wood Wide Web,” a nod to the World Wide Web, was coined to define the vast mycelial network of fungi and bacteria collaborating to support entire forest ecosystems. This subterranean network, much like the internet, is decentralized, and the interdependence of the participating species is redefining our understanding of what it means to be an “organism.” This month, I’m reading Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake to dive deeper into the world of fungi and mycelial networks. Fungi are some of my favorite medicinals to work with, and they’re often overlooked in plant-centric herbalism circles.

I’ve already started reading, and the prose is delightful. Fans of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass will find similarities between the authors’ ability to make biology sound magical.

December “Herbs”

Lion’s Mane

Fans of Cuppa Joy, my herbal coffee replacement, might recognize Lion’s Mane as one of the chief herbs in that formula. I like working with Lion’s Mane as a long-term morning supplement because of its ability to enhance cognition. It’s also neuroprotective due to its ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor, a protein essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons.

Lion’s Mane is edible raw, although it’s more often cooked as a culinary mushroom. It's often likened to shellfish due to its meaty texture. Medicinally, it’s often consumed in its powdered form at a dosage of 10-30g.

Reishi

This is a fun (and easy) mushroom to grow at home! There are plenty of commercial growing kits that will give you a healthy serving of Reishi, especially since this mushroom can be boiled 5-6 times in a decoction. When I grew my own Reishi, I froze the mushroom between decoctions. When growing Reishi, you’ll need to be extra patient to get the iconic shelf growth that Reishi is known for. Antlers typically develop within 28 days after colonization, and the shelf formation will develop over the next 90 days. Preparing a decoction of Reishi takes time too, you’d typically use a 9:1 ration of water to Reishi and boil it for up to 3 hours. Both forms of Reishi are best used medicinally and not culinarily — they’re quite bitter and woody.

Entangled Life Reflections:

For those who are reading Entangled Life with me this month, here are some reflection prompts for the first half of the book:

1. Magic, wonder, and perception - Sheldrake states that learning about fungi, much like being shown a magic trick, alters our perception by creating more possible outcomes for our nervous system to play with. While reading this book, take notes of all the beliefs, ideas, and realities that dissolve or reform in your mind. How does learning about fungal relationships make you reconsider how you relate to yourself, other humans, and other beings?

2. Intelligence, knowledge, and intuition - One of the most fascinating things about fungi is their ability to make seemingly complex decisions without a brain or anything analogous to Central Nervous System. How does this shape your ideas around knowing and intuition?

3. A Lure: attraction and magnetism - Chapter 1 is all about truffles and their ability to attract organisms with their scent. Many organisms can subtly (or not-so-subtly) attract things (whether it’s scent, pheromones, visual appeal, etc). What are you consciously or unconsciously luring into your life?

Scorpio Season: Diving Deep

Happy November and Scorpio Season, friends.

Scorpio season can be an intense season, and this current election cycle is not easing that intensity. Whatever choices you make regarding this election, there will still be more work to do on the path to liberation. I want to uplift one of my earlier posts, In the Belly of the Beast: How Herbs Can Fuel our Liberation, to help counteract any feelings of helplessness you may be feeling at this moment. In that post, I share some herbs and recipes that I return to when I feel my commitment to doing the work wavers. The energy of Scorpio season can be intense, but there’s a lesson in leaning into discomfort through cycles of turmoil and change.

The Garden of Earthly Delights: Bookworms

We’re starting a book club! I really want to stay on top of my independent herbalism studies as I move through acupuncture school. There are a few books on my TBR list that I need to make time for. And one way to stay motivated is to invite a whole bunch of people to do the thing with you. 🥲

So, starting next month, I’ll share a book that I’m reading with some reflections and prompts for you to work through. And depending on interest, I can coordinate a virtual hang for discussion.

Here’s a little preview of my book list:

• The Land in Our Bones by Layla K. Feghali

• Our Kindred Home by Alyson Morgan

• Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

I wanna hear from you! Do you have any books you’d like to see on this list? And are you interested in virtual meet-ups?

Don’t worry, I’ll still share my astrology forecasts and herbal recipes alongside the book club.

Until next time. Take care~

Nia

Happy October, and welcome new subscribers! I love seeing so many of you here post-conference.

Libra Season

We’re coming out of eclipse season, a period of disruption, turmoil, or redirection. It’s in these challenging moments that we need a trusted network for support. And amid multiple genocides, natural disasters, and political upheaval, the strength of our networks of community care is put to the test. As Libra season winds down, we can still reflect on the work we’re doing to create the interpersonal bonds that will carry us through a changing social landscape.

Conference Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sustainable Healer workshop at the Sacred Vibes Spiritual Herbalism Conference. It was my first in-person workshop in a few years and it felt really special to share with you all. Many of you missed my Homemade Kombucha elixir earlier in the day, so this month’s newsletter is all about home-brewing Kombucha. Who better to learn from about networking than a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts?

Homemade Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea leaves, water, sugar, and a Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY). Fermented beverages are the product of a chemical reaction in which yeasts convert sugar to alcohol and acid compounds. In Kombucha, sweetened tea is converted into alcohol and acetic acid. Fermented foods and beverages have many health benefits. Most notably, they are a good source of probiotics, which can support a healthy gut microbiome.

The star of Kombucha is the SCOBY. You can purchase a SCOBY starter kit online or get a SCOBY and starter liquid from a friend who brews (tap into those networks 😉). You can also grow a SCOBY from a store-bought bottle, but I don’t recommend this if you’re serious about brewing quality Kombucha. Commercial bottles of Kombucha are chilled and may have additives that will prevent the SCOBY from growing properly. It will also take 6+ weeks to grow a SCOBY from scratch that’s big enough for fermenting. Nevertheless, it is a fun little science experiment, so I include the how-to for growing a SCOBY in the bonus file at the end of this newsletter.

Ingredients

• 1 SCOBY and 1 cup of strong Kombucha liquid (purchased, grown, or from a friend)

• 8 unflavored black tea bags (16 tsp of unflavored loose black tea)

• 2 cups of boiling water

• 6 cups of room-temperature water

• ½ cup of white sugar*

Instructions - Primary Brew

1. Brew black tea: Add tea bags to 2 cups of boiling water and steep per instructions for strong tea (usually 5 minutes).

2. Remove the tea bag and add tea and room-temperature water to a gallon glass jar.

3. Add the sugar and stir the mixture. Cool the tea to room temperature.**

4. Place the SCOBY in the jar. It may sink or float. Cover the jar with a muslin cloth and a rubber band to allow airflow and keep fruit flies out.

5. Let the brew ferment for 7-14 days. Taste periodically after day 5. The longer the brew ferments, the more tart it will be.

^{*I highly recommend using white sugar. It’s not for you; it’s for your SCOBY! Honey, agave, brown sugar, or coconut sugar will affect the quality of your Kombucha.}

^{**The optimal temperature for brewing Kombucha is 68 - 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The SCOBY will die if placed into freshly boiled tea.}

You can drink your Kombucha after the first brew. Strain your Kombucha and start a new batch with your existing SCOBY. You can reuse your SCOBY indefinitely as long as it’s healthy (i.e., no mold and it continues to produce a new layer with each batch).

If you want to flavor your Kombucha or add more carbonation, you can do a secondary brew inside an airtight container.

Instructions - Secondary Brew

1. Separate SCOBY from your brew.

2. Add the Kombucha to an airtight glass bottle, preferably one with a narrow neck like a flip-top bottle.

3. Add fruits, herbs, or other flavorings directly into the bottle.*

4. Seal the jar and ferment for 1-4 days. Burp the jar at least once per day.

^{*Carbon dioxide (what makes your Kombucha bubbly) is a by-product of the yeasts converting sugar to alcohol. For bubblier kombucha, use fresh fruits or other ingredients high in sugar in your secondary brew. A longer ferment will also produce more carbonation.}

I have so many Kombucha tips and recipes, but to keep this newsletter short and cute, I’ll include the rest of the deets in a downloadable file:

Homemade Kombucha - Downloadable File

Homemade Kombucha.pdf

120.28 MB • PDF File

Download

Until next month. Take care~

Happy September ✨ My Virgo season started with a lot of organizing and mental preparation for this upcoming trimester. It feels like we’re really getting to the fun stuff now (mostly Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture Channels and Points, and clinic shifts), but the intensity of the courses is also stepping up a notch. I’m thankful for this season's energy, inspiring me to recommit to my study schedule.

My herb samples for this course! Do you recognize anything?

On a brighter note, I’m looking forward to Herbs, as we’re learning so many new herbs I’m unfamiliar with. Over the next few years, I’ll learn 300+ herbs and formulas. Maybe a few of them will make it into this newsletter in the upcoming months.

Virgo Season

One of my favorite things to do in the late summer is to brew fruit-fermented honey. Honey is a powerful demulcent, bringing moisture to our respiratory tract, which can become irritated as we transition to the drier, autumn months. I favor elderberries in my honey recipes because of their immune-modulating properties. In line with Virgo season, the time to prepare for cold and flu season is today!

Fermented Berry Honey

For this recipe, fresh berries and raw honey are key. Defrosted berries or rehydrated berries can work too, but if you want fermented honey, you need the natural yeasts and water from the fresh berries. Defrosted or rehydrated berries will make a lovely infused honey, but it likely won’t ferment.

• 16 oz glass mason jar with lid

• 12 oz raw honey

• 60 g fresh, de-stemmed elderberries (or any other berries)

Combine the honey and elderberries in a mason jar with a loose-fitting lid and let sit in a warm and sunny spot for 10-14 days. Turn the jar over at least once a day to mix. You want to keep the lid loose to allow oxygen in, but fruit flies out. After a few days, you should start to see some bubbles, and the honey should be noticeably thinner. You’ll also notice it smells more sour. You can let the honey ferment as long as you’d like. I usually stop it before 14 days. It will become more sour the longer it sits.

Strain and compost the berries. Raw elderberries can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed, so please don’t eat them! (They don’t taste very good raw anyway.)

As with all fermentation, there is a risk of your honey growing mold during the process. Always examine your honey before consuming it.

Upcoming Workshops

I am teaching 2 workshops at the Sacred Vibes Spiritual Herbalism Conference from October 5th-6th. The conference theme is “A Healer in Every Home,” and we’ll discuss all the ways each of us can step into healing roles. The conference is hybrid with in-person workshops at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 5th, and virtual workshops on Sunday, October 6th.

Both of my workshops will be in person on Saturday, October 5th. My first workshop is called Sustainable Healing and I’ll discuss ways to ensure our healing work is sustainable for ourselves, our communities, and the Earth. I’m excited to weave 5 Phase Theory, renewable energy concepts, and of course, herbal remedies to provide practical tools for healers, caregivers, and community organizers to avoid exhaustion and burnout.

And my second workshop is about home brewing Kombucha, where I’ll be teaching folks how to… brew Kombucha!

I hope to see a few of you at the conference! As always, you can reply to this email with any questions. Until next time, take care~

Happy Lion’s Gate season! Admittedly, numerology has never really resonated with me, but this year’s 8/8 Portal felt especially auspicious. ✨

Riding off the wave of some timely inspiration (some of which y’all will see in the coming months) and fresh out of my second trimester of acupuncture school, here’s a short and sweet newsletter to help draw in some more magic and manifestation for the remainder of this Lion’s Gate and Leo season.

Leo and Lion’s Gate Season

Lion’s Gate occurs when the Sun in Leo is in alignment with the star Sirius (the brightest star visible at night), Orion’s Belt (a constellation), and Earth (you are here!). This is a 2 week event starting from the end of July until mid August. Lion’s Gate peaks on August 8th (8/8), which is commonly referred to as the Lion’s Gate Portal. This date is known as the galactic New Year and is traditionally an auspicious time due to the significance of the number 8. Falling in the middle of the astrological and Gregorian year, it’s an excellent time to receive inspiration for the remainder of the year. I’m not your gal for in-depth numerology analysis, so you can read more about Lion’s Gate here.

Visionary Tea

The first step to manifestation is a clear vision. This herbal tea promotes creativity and vivid (day) dreaming to help you nurture your visionary practice.

• 2 tbsp* Calendula

• 1 tbsp Fennel

• 1 tbsp Mugwort

• 1 tbsp Tulsi

Combine all herbs in an airtight container. Mix well. Add 2 tsp of the herb mixture to 8 oz of boiling water. Steep for 25 minutes. Strain and sweeten as desired. You can also make a Sun tea by combining 2 tsp of the herb mixture in a lidded mason jar with room temperature water and leaving it out in the Sun for up to 4 hours. Strain and consume immediately.

^{*use tablespoons to create a batch that will make about 10 servings.}  

That’s all for now. Until next month, take care~

Nia

Happy July, and Happy Cancer Season. This month, we’re turning inwards to tend to our soft centers. The start of the astrological year is marked by fiery initiation (Aries), resource gathering (Taurus), and intellectual expansion (Gemini). This outward energy finally turns inward with the beginning of cancer season, and the focus becomes our inner landscape, emotions, home life, and ancestral past. Cancer season, ruled by the Moon and the Ocean embodies the energy of reflection and introspection.

Cancer Season

Consider the vastness and mystery of the ocean. Water represents the parts of us that aren’t always visible: our intuition, our inner feelings, our shadows, and our fears. While Gemini season encouraged us to build varied connections with the new and unfamiliar, Cancer season invites us to become more deeply connected to all aspects of ourselves, even the parts that we hide underneath our protective shells. Water is also cleansing and purifying, and this season is a good time to strip away the external expectations to get in touch with your core beliefs, feelings, and identity. The task is to understand who we are without external pressures or influences.

Bodies of water, especially salt water, are our allies this season. In modern society, so many of us struggle with discerning the boundaries between our external environment and our inner landscape. We absorb and inherit most of our beliefs, customs, and norms from our families and societies. While many of our inherited and shared beliefs can be generative and affirming, Cancer season invites us to reflect, interrogate, and remove that which is not aligned with our core identity. Gentle cleansing practices help us physically and energetically wash away anything that is not in agreement with our inner selves.

Herbs for Cancer Season

Turning inward to our emotional landscape requires mental stillness. When we over-rely on our rational thinking brain, our emotional brain gets tuned out. Butterfly Pea and Lemon balm can both help quiet a restless rational mind so that we can listen more deeply to our emotional and intuitive minds. Our rational minds can be heavily influenced by external forces, like societal expectations, laws, and cultural norms. When we can access our rational and emotional minds, we can notice incongruences between what we think, what we know, how we act, how we’re expected to act, and how we feel. Lemon Balm and Butterfly Pea can also support us as we cleanse away any thought patterns or beliefs that do not agree with our inner landscape.

Bath Soak

This bath soak helps detox and nourish the skin, relax tense muscles, and promote mental stillness.

• 1-2 cups Epsom Salt or Sea Salt

• ½ cup Coconut Milk Powder

• ½ cup Colloidal Oats

• 1-2 tsp Butterfly Pea Powder

• 1 handful of Fresh Lemon Balm leaves

Add all ingredients to a warm bath and soak for 30 minutes. You can add the lemon balm leaves to a tea bag before adding them to your bath for an easier cleanup. Or, sip lemon balm tea (2 tsp dried per 1 cup warm water) while you soak.

June 2024

• Gemini Season

• Herbs for Gemini Season

• Herbal Steam

Gemini Season

Happy June, and Happy Gemini Season! At the time of writing this, there are 4 celestial bodies in Gemini (Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter), and I have been feeling the energy of duality, opposition, and balance characteristic of the sign of the Twins. We recently completed a deep dive into yīn and yáng ( 阴 阳 ) in my Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine class, so the theme has been theming all month for me!

As we approach the summer season, there’s an increase in the energy of doing. This is heightened by Jupiter (the planet of abundance) entering Gemini. We suddenly feel called to do more with the same 24 hours we have each day. The last few weeks, I’ve had to work on juggling school, work, business, and my personal life. This newsletter is reaching your inbox a little late this month because I’m still working on mastering this delicate balancing act. I was reminded that balance is not an arrival point—yīn is always transforming into yáng and yáng is always transforming into yīn. The peak of Night immediately starts its transition into Day, and vice versa. This is the energy of mutable Gemini—always shifting, always moving, existing in the nexus of “this” and “that,” yīn and yáng.

To varying degrees, we all struggle with rigidity or inflexibility, and Gemini season is the time to lubricate any stiffness we have in our lives. It’s about letting go of the old and welcoming the new and the multiple. There’s never just one perspective with Gemini energy. We see this theme of letting go mirrored in Gemini’s body correspondence: the Lungs. Gemini is ruled by the air element, and the act of respiration involves the intake and almost immediate release of breath, one of the many expressions of yīn and yáng. Our bodies require a fresh exchange of oxygen roughly 22,000 times each day. Discomfort and even death arise when this free exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is inhibited: an inhale must transform to exhale and an exhale must transform to inhale. One obvious sign that we are inflexible or resistant to change is the quality of our breath, which can manifest as respiratory disorders.

Herbs for Gemini Season

The plants understand mutability, flexibility, and existing in the in-between. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is an amphoteric herb that starts blooming in June, peak Gemini Season. Amphoteric herbs are formally described as herbs that balance the body by acting in ways that seem opposite, depending on the context in which they’re taken.

Lavender can sedate or stimulate the nervous system. Many of you are probably familiar with Lavender’s use as a sleep aid, but Lavender is also a powerful mental stimulant (corset-wearers in Europe often carried vials of lavender oil to restore consciousness after fainting). Lavender when ingested can stimulate digestion (by aiding peristalsis—the involuntary smooth muscle contraction in the intestines) and Lavender can relax involuntary skeletal muscle spasms. Lavender is a rubefacient, meaning it can cause localized skin inflammation when applied topically (a technique used to increase blood flow in therapies such as cupping), and it can be anti-inflammatory when ingested or applied topically to inflammatory conditions such as eczema. I hope you’re seeing the pattern—Lavender is an intelligent plant that captures the essence of being this and that, yīn and yáng. To make it an even more perfect herb for this month’s theme, Lavender is indicated for respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and the flu.

Herbal Steam

Herbal steams are preparations in which herbs are placed in boiling water and the resulting steam is used. Steam can be used for aromatherapy, applied to the face, inhaled to affect the lungs, or applied to the vaginal area. 

Preparation: Bring selected herbs and a large pot of water (~4-6 cups) to boil. Fresh herbs are best. Remove from heat once steam forms, it should be fragrant. If not, add more herbs. Place the body part above the steam and cover it with a towel. Maintain a safe distance from the steam (6-12 inches). It should feel warm, but never hot on your body. For aromatherapy, simmer the pot on LOW for 1-2 hours. Refill water as needed so that plant material doesn’t burn.

Suggested Blend for Gemini Season: This blend contains Mercury-ruled herbs and is great aromatic, respiratory, or face steam.

• Lavender - 2 parts (2 tbs dried)

• Lemon - 2-3 Slices (or 1 tbs dried Lemon peel)

• Bergamot - A few drops of essential oil

See you all in your inbox next month. Take Care~

May Newsletter

• Medicinal Weeds

  • Plantain (Plantago rugelii)

  • Violet (Viola sororia)

  • Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)

  • Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Recipe: Weed and Wildflower Oils

• Astrology Connection

Happy May! This month’s newsletter takes inspiration from the plants in my new native garden. If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden (it’s never too late), here’s your sign to do it. Taurus season encourages us to build material wealth and resources, and there’s nothing more abundant and supportive than your own garden. Start small, start indoors, it’s worth it.

Medicinal Weeds

I recently converted a turf lawn into a native garden. I started by sheet mulching the grass with cardboard and mulch, waiting several months for the grass to die before planting. Nature does not like undisturbed land, and a surprising amount of weeds pushed their way through 4 inches of cardboard and wood mulch in the early spring. Since this is a native garden, I approached the early garden arrivals with curiosity. So many of the plants we refer to as weeds contribute immensely to biodiversity by adding soil nutrients, nourishing wildlife, protecting the ground from erosion, and aerating the soil. And many are medicinal for humans. So, here are a few of the medicinal weeds I encountered in my garden.

Plantain (Plantago rugelii)

Blackseed Plantain is native to North America and is a common lawn weed (not to be confused with the Plantain in the banana family). It has broad, dark green leaves that grow in clumps and tolerates poor soil quality. It is often one of the earliest plants to arrive in disturbed high-traffic areas. It provides food to many native birds, mammals, insects, and pollinators.

The leaves and seeds of Plantain are edible and medicinal, and the young leaves can even be eaten raw. Plantain leaves are commonly prepared as a first-aid poultice for insect bites, wounds, poison ivy, and Ringworm. Internally, Plantain leaves can be prepared as tea or tincture to alleviate inflammation and toxic buildup, particularly in the digestive system.

Violet (Viola sororia)

Common Blue Violets are native to the eastern United States. Their small, attractive purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves make them one of the lesser offensive lawn weeds. However, Violets are not just an attractive ground cover, they provide food to butterflies and bees and have medicinal properties. Violet is cooling and moistening. Externally, it can be used as a poultice, wash, or oil to soothe hot and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. Internally as a tea or syrup, violet can soothe ulcers, sore throats, and asthma.

Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)

Dead Nettle is another common lawn weed in the mint family. It is unrelated to the similarly named, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), and the hairlike projections on its leaves and stems do not produce the iconic sting of true Nettles. Dead Nettles are Native to Eurasia, and because of their aggressive growth habits, it is considered invasive in some parts of North America. Luckily for us though, Dead Nettles have medicinal benefits, so if you’re going to remove them from your garden, you can give them a second life before throwing them in the compost. Dead Nettles are anti-inflammatory and astringent and can be used as a first-aid remedy to stop bleeding for minor cuts by applying as a poultice. Dead Nettles are also a versatile spring green and can be added to salads, smoothies, pestos, and stir-fry dishes. Internally, Dead Nettles contain flavonoids like quercetin and antioxidants for cardiovascular and immune health.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is one of the most well-known lawn weeds, and although it was originally native to Eurasia, it is considered naturalized in North America. Dandelion is such a formidable weed because of its taproot, which can grow up to 6 feet deep. It can grow in compacted and low-nutrient soil and its long taproot aids in reducing soil compaction and drawing up nutrients. As if soil improvement wasn’t enough, Dandelion is one of the first plants to appear in spring and provides food to early pollinators.

Its presence in the lawn rarely inspires joy, but all parts of this hardy weed are edible and medicinal. Dandelion roots support the liver in detoxification and can address psoriasis, Diabetes, hepatitis, and jaundice. The leaves are very high in iron and can be used as a diuretic. Unlike many prescription diuretics, Dandelion is less likely to negatively impact potassium levels because it is so high in potassium.

Recipe: Weed and Wildflower Oils

Due to their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties, many of the listed weeds can be used in first-aid remedies. We can further harness the power of these weeds in an herbal-infused oil. Herbal oils can be used internally or externally, just make sure you choose a skin-safe oil for external applications or a food-grade oil for external applications.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz glass jar with lid

• 8 oz oil*

• Dried Herbs**

Instructions:

Grind herbs as finely as possible. Add enough plant material to fill up the vessel 1/3 of the way. Add oil to the brim and shake well. Place the jar in a warm spot indoors and let the oil infusion sit for 4 weeks, shaking frequently throughout this time. After 4 weeks, thoroughly strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter. Store oil in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

^{*For external uses, I prefer sweet almond or jojoba oils. For internal uses, I prefer olive, sunflower, or coconut oils.}

^{**You can make an oil with Plantain, Dead Nettles, Violets, or Dandelion. Feel free to experiment with just a single herb or a combination of herbs.}

Astrology Connection

Spring weeds can teach us so much about working with Taurus energy—many of these early-season plants are excellent at working with poor soils, drawing nutrients up from deeper parts of the soil, and attracting wildlife and pollinators to increase biodiversity. Spring weeds know how to work with what they’re given, turn dirt into soil, and lay the foundation for other plants to thrive and flourish later in the season.

For us humans, Taurus season is about building momentum and stabilizing the initiatory energy of Aries season. What projects have you started that need your attention to maintain? What tangible things do you need to support these projects, and do you have a plan in place for acquiring these things? Now is a good time to review your finances, restock your pantry, or complete that task that you’ve been procrastinating for months.

• Preface

• Rising Above Conflict

  • Protection

  • Nourishment

  • Herbs for Nourishment and Protection

  • Aura Spray and Disinfectant

  • Reflections

Preface

On October 8, 2023, I presented a workshop called Rooted Change: Thriving through Social Unrest. I taught herbal remedies to activists to help sustain them in their liberation practices. I conceived and taught this workshop before the liberation struggles in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, and other regions affected by colonialism gained widespread media attention. Now, 6 months later, I want to revisit these themes for the current moment. Specifically, I want to provide those of us living under the empire—in the belly of the beast—ways to maintain momentum in these ongoing freedom struggles.

I understand deeply that capitalism makes us ill-equipped for longevity. We’re exhausted and defeated. This impacts the way we show up for our wellness and the way we show up for communities in struggle. As an herbalist, I often discuss how herbs help sustain our physical and emotional well-being. I believe herbs can also help sustain our liberation struggles, and this series will explain how.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series. You can read Part 1 here.

Rising Above Conflict

Efforts to change or unravel institutions and systems of oppression are often met with resistance. Sometimes, this resistance can be physical at the hands of the state or other factions against change. Sometimes conflict shows up in our interpersonal relationships. Although conflict is inevitable, it is often the most uncomfortable aspect of movement work. And, just like hopelessness, mismanaged conflicts often topple righteous movements. If we are serious about endurance in our liberation struggles, we need to take care our ourselves and our communities during conflict.

There are many resources on creating successful conflict resolution strategies in organizing spaces, such as this workbook, “So You’re Ready to Choose Love” by Kai Cheng Thom. However, even conflicts that are managed with the most robust systems of care and accountability take a toll on our psyche and our health. What I’m focused on here is how to protect our bodies from physical, environmental, mental, emotional, and spiritual violence. Anyone who is engaging in movement work should be proactively protecting and nourishing themselves from these effects.

Protection

The most familiar way to engage in liberation movements is through direct actions like protests and sit-ins. In these environments, we need to consider the threat of physical violence and ways to protect ourselves. Herbal preparations can be used for common injuries such as burns, cuts, bruises, and eye irritation. But, we also need to expand our idea of protection in liberation movements. Liberation work involves constantly transmuting negative energy into positive change. Longevity in this work requires us to maintain our light, positivity, and hope despite outward negative forces. This requires awareness of our energetic baselines and course-correcting when we start feeling overwhelmed, depleted, depressed, or pessimistic regarding movement work. Realignment can look like consistent energetic cleansing rituals that focus on removing negativity, helplessness, and despair.

Nourishment

One of the best ways to protect ourselves from the tolls of conflict is through nourishment. Foods and herbs that are high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants protect our cells and tissues from the damaging effects of oxidative stress.

While nourishing our physical bodies during conflict is important, our energetic bodies need attention, too. Systems of oppression often leave deep wounds on our sense of self, our relationships, and our communities. We can thrive by tending to our emotional wounds, prioritizing a practice of self-acceptance, and creating spaces for marginalized identities to be celebrated in the present. In our role as activists, we often encounter folks who internalize self-hatred or self-doubt that was learned from systems of oppression. Or, we had to unlearn negative stereotypes and limiting beliefs about any marginalized identity.

At some point, we must take time to heal and care for the parts of ourselves that society rejects, demonizes, or neglects. when individuals, groups, or systems do not give us or communities we care for the respect, dignity, or love we deserve, we find ways to give these things to ourselves.

Herbs for Nourishment and Protection

Molasses is a nutrient-dense antioxidant and a staple in African American healing traditions. It is produced by boiling cane sugar. The first boiling produces Light Molasses, the second produces Dark Molasses, and the third produces Blackstrap Molasses. Blackstrap has the most medicinal benefits and the lowest glycemic index.

Beet is a versatile antioxidant with many culinary and medicinal applications. It supports cardiovascular health by improving blood pressure. Studies show that the high nitrate content can also increase circulation and physical stamina.

Witch Hazel can treat a wide array of inflammatory conditions internally and externally. Witch Hazel extract is made by extracting the medicinal properties of the tree bark using water and alcohol. If purchasing pre-made Witch Hazel extract, opt for double-distilled, which will contain a higher percentage of Witch Hazel and a lower percentage of alcohol.

Lavender has many uses internally and externally. As a first-aid remedy, Lavender can alleviate insect bite irritation, stress headaches, and muscle and joint pain. Its strong but pleasant aroma also calms the nervous system.

Aura Spray and Disinfectant

This witch hazel liniment can be used for spiritual and physical protection. Spray around your head to cleanse your aura, clear mental fog, or spray directly to minor wounds to disinfect and alleviate pain. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

4 oz Witch Hazel extract (Double distilled preferred)

3 tsp Dried Lavender

2 tsp Dried Calendula

Essential Oil Blend (Protective, cleansing, or grounding scents like Orange, Lemon, and Peppermint)

Combine Lavender, Calendula, and Witch Hazel extract in a 4 oz glass jar. Shake and let sit for 4 weeks out of direct sunlight. Strain and add to a clean spray bottle. Optional: Add essential oils diluted in isopropyl alcohol, or another carrier (1% or less is ideal for skin application.)

Reflections

Whether you’re a frontline organizer or routinely holding space for marginalized communities, conflict is inevitable. A self-care practice rooted in protecting and nourishing yourself is crucial to maintaining stamina and longevity in your work.

Part 3 will focus on nurturing our imagination to catalyze societal change.

Happy Spring! We’re halfway into Aries season and approaching a Solar Eclipse in Aries, so I’m sharing my guide to navigating it.

If you’re new to Astrology, check out this post for an introduction to medical astrology, planetary rulership, body system correspondence, the elements, and the astrological modes. Otherwise, let’s dive in:

Aries Season (March 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024)

As a cardinal Fire sign ruled by Mars, Aries represents mental and physical exertion. We may feel like we can do it all (and realize pretty quickly that we can’t do everything). Mercury also stations retrograde today, so miscommunications can contribute to frustration and irritation. The change in weather might also induce allergy symptoms like sinus congestion, eye irritation, and sneezing.

We especially want to take care of our head, face (especially the jaw), and eyes, where this energy can accumulate and cause tension, pain, and inflammation. If you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle this season, don’t force it! Take a step back, breathe, and reevaluate before trying again.

On April 8 there will be a full solar eclipse. Solar eclipses generally symbolize radical change and new beginnings. In initiatory Aries, this can be a time for personal (and hopefully, societal) transformation. I wrote a post on using herbs to sustain liberation movements if you are looking for additional guidance on harnessing this energy for societal change.

Herbs for Aries Season

Strengthening Aries Energy

Slow start to the season? These plants are ruled by Mars and Fire, so they help get things moving. They can help you constructively channel this energy and finish the season strong.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with your physician before starting any herbal protocol especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have an existing medical condition.

I love Cayenne and Calendula for channeling Aries energy because even though they are heating (which may seem contradictory for fiery Aries), they help stimulate flow (blood circulation for Cayenne and lymph circulation for Calendula). This is useful if you’re still feeling any lingering stagnation from winter.

Pacifying Aries Energy

If Aries season took you by storm and you’re already feeling burnt out, these Water-ruled herbs can help cool that uncontrollable fir

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with your physician before starting any herbal protocol especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have an existing medical condition.

Both Chamomile and Chickweed make great eye washes or compresses. Make a tea using the flowers and distilled water, steep for at least 15 minutes, and strain. Soak a cloth in the tea and compress it over your eyes. Lately, I have been applying a warm compress for 5-10 minutes before going to bed. In general, warm compresses are better for dry eye and relaxation and cool compresses are better for redness and swelling. Whatever you choose, make sure the temperature is comfortable on your skin.

Seasonal Allergy Relief Tea Recipe

This is my go-to for clearing seasonal allergy-induced sinus congestion. The active ingredients are Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), and apple cider vinegar. All are anti-inflammatory and contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may act as an antihistamine*. Cayenne and Cinnamon are used in TCM and Ayurveda for their warming properties that dispel coldness and dampness. This tea offers short-term relief for stuffy nose or phlegmatic throat conditions. You may need to drink it 2-3x a day for maximum benefits.

Combine the following ingredients and stir: 

• ⅛ tsp Cayenne powder **

• ¼ tsp Cinnamon powder

• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (preferably raw)

• 1 tbsp Honey (or sweeten to taste)

• 12 oz warm (not boiling) water

_{*Zyrtec and other anti-allergy pharmaceuticals are antihistamines. Histamines are chemical compounds released by your immune system that contribute to allergy symptoms.}

_{**This is spicy! ⅛ tsp is the recommended medicinal dose for Cayenne but if you’re spice-sensitive, start with a sprinkle. You can always add more later.}

News And Updates

Poll

Until next time. Take care!

Overview

• Preface: Why This, Why Now

  • Pushing through Uncertainty

    • Fear and the Kidneys - Biomedicine Principles

    • Addressing Fear - TCM and Ayurvedic Principles

    • Herbs for Fear

      • Recipe

  • Reflections

Preface: Why This, Why Now

On October 8, 2023, I presented a workshop called Rooted Change: Thriving through Social Unrest. I taught herbal remedies to activists to help sustain them in their liberation practices. I conceived and taught this workshop before the liberation struggles in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, and other regions affected by colonialism gained widespread media attention. Now, 6 months later, I want to revisit these themes for the current moment. Specifically, I want to provide those of us living under the empire—in the belly of the beast—ways to maintain momentum in these ongoing freedom struggles.

I understand deeply that capitalism makes us ill-equipped for longevity. We’re exhausted and defeated. This impacts the way we show up for our wellness and the way we show up for communities in struggle. As an herbalist, I often discuss how herbs help sustain our physical and emotional well-being. I believe herbs can also help sustain our liberation struggles, and this series will explain how.

If you consider yourself an activist, community worker, or someone who feels powerless watching so many ongoing crimes against humanity, this series is for you. If you attended Rooted Change last year, thank you! I hope you can revisit these topics with an evolved perspective.

No liberation struggle is won overnight. Freedom requires commitment and dedication, and those against liberation will always try to break the people’s hope for freedom. To resist hopelessness is to resist oppression. As a community organizer, I’ve worked around 3 common antagonists to hope: uncertainty, community conflict, and a disconnection from our imagination. This series will cover how to nurture ourselves and our movements despite this opposition.

Pushing through Uncertainty

Uncertainty alone is not bad, but the fear it produces can weaken our hope. This fear can be internal or external, real or imagined. Recognizing and confronting fear is the first step toward leading courageous liberation movements.

Fear and the Kidneys - Biomedicine Principles

This diagram shows the stress response in which the pituitary gland releases the hormone ACTH which acts on our adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The kidneys then release cortisol and adrenaline, which produce bodily responses such as tunnel vision, increased blood pressure, and quicker breathing.

Fear is a necessary primitive human emotion that protects us from danger. It is the emotion that activates our Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn Response and prepares the body to react to a perceived threat. However, the body in a state of fear does not plan for the future because fear tells us to just survive. During the stress response, all bodily functions for healing and creation are halted. This includes digestion, reproductive hormone production, growth hormone production, and tissue repair.

Fear can keep us safe or fear can keep us stagnant. As activists, we often deal with both types of fear. On the one hand, many of our movements are born out of fear that marginalized folks feel regarding their safety, their livelihoods, and their environments that are under attack due to oppression. These fears keep folks safe by telling them that something is dangerous and needs to be addressed. This fear can motivate you to leave dangerous people, places, and situations. It can motivate you to protest, to organize your community, or to pressure your government. On the other hand, the demand for change and justice often causes the dominant culture to fear the loss of security, peace, and stability they are accustomed to. These fears keep folks stagnant and unable to relinquish comfort, security, or privilege for the greater good of the community.

We must encourage ourselves and others to see fear as a vehicle for transformation. Our fears can show us what needs to change. They also present an opportunity to deepen our capacity to trust our communities.

Addressing Fear - TCM and Ayurvedic Principles

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our organs have physiological and emotional functions. The kidneys, which house the adrenals, are the source of our willpower. Kidney energy holds our life force and drives fetal development, the first expression of our will. There’s a synergy between TCM and biomedicine’s understanding of the kidneys because, in both systems, our kidneys and adrenals push us to continue living.

In modern teachings of Ayurveda, the 7 primary chakras are energy centers in the body and each processes different aspects related to our humanity. Ideally, each chakra center should be open allowing energetic flow within the body. Blockages in these energetic centers can cause mental and emotional imbalances. The Mūlādhāra (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, the Root Chakra) is located at the base of our spine and it is related to a sense of safety. When it is open, our basic needs are met and we feel grounded and courageous. When it’s blocked, we may feel ungrounded, fearful, anxious, or insecure. The Mūlādhāra is our foundation, and if it’s not open and balanced, we will struggle with the emotions of the higher chakras like passion, confidence, love, and spirituality.

We can work on confronting fear and building courage by working with herbs that have an affinity for the kidneys and the Mūlādhāra.

Herbs for Fear

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Burdock is a liver and kidney tonic. Historically, it was used for acute poisoning and blood purification. Burdock's roots can extend 6 feet into the ground which speaks to its use for truth-seeking and releasing unhealthy generational fears.

Devil’s Claw is useful for joint-related disorders such as arthritis and gout. Our bones, joints, and connective tissue are the structural foundations of our bodies and are related to the Root Chakra.

Fear, insecurity, and other Root Chakra imbalances can physically manifest as bone, joint, and tissue disorders. Devil’s Claw is useful for strengthening our foundations and providing stability for us to move forward.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with your physician before starting any herbal protocol especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have an existing medical condition.

Courage Body Oil

This infused oil strengthens the Root Chakra and kidneys for courage and resilience. Apply topically to the base of the spine and soles of the feet daily, or whenever you need extra courage. Do not consume if adding essential oils or using a nonfood grade oil.

• 2 tsp dried Burdock root

• 2 tsp dried Devil’s Claw root

• 2 tsp dried Ginger root

• 4 oz sweet Almond oil (or any other skin-safe oil like Olive or Jojoba)

• Optional: Root Chakra and skin-safe essential oils (like Patchouli, Vetiver, Myrrh, or Frankincense)*

Grind the herbs as finely as possible. Combine Burdock, Devil’s Claw, Ginger, and oil in a 4 oz glass jar. Shake and let sit for 3-4 weeks in a warm spot in indirect sunlight, shaking frequently. Strain and add essential oils, mix well. Add the infused oil to a roller bottle for easy application.

Charge your infusion with a Root Chakra crystal like Jet, Tourmaline, or Obsidian for added intention.

_{*A 1-2% concentration of essential oils is safe for use on skin. Do not exceed a 2% concentration. I use 12 drops per oz. of oil (2%). Some essential oils like Cinnamon, Oregano, and Peppermint may irritate the skin even at a 2% concentration, so it’s best to avoid them for topical uses.}

Reflections

Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the overcoming of it. When we are aware of the fears that surface in our movements, we are more empowered to overcome them. Here are some reflective prompts to help bring your fears to the surface:

1. What scares others about your liberation movement? What scares you?

2. How has fear impacted your decision-making as an activist?

3. How do you soothe yourself when you are fearful?

I hope these reflections, herbs, and prompts generate some courage within you. Part II of In the Belly of the Beast will cover community conflict.

Gif by lifelongfiction on Giphy

Table of Contents

• What is Medical Astrology?

  • Planetary Rulership and Body System Correspondence

  • Elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air 

  • Modes: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

  • Putting it Together

What is Medical Astrology?

Medical astrology is a system of association between celestial bodies (astrology) and body systems, disease, and treatment (medicine). In this system, natal birth charts and current astrological transits influence individual and societal health. This system has roots in African, Ancient European, Ayurvedic, Native American, and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions. Just as the moon’s orbit pushes and pulls on the ocean, so does the movement of celestial bodies push and pull on every aspect of human existence. Medical astrology is one way we understand how the stars influence our physical, mental, and energetic health.

There are many ways to describe these connections between the cosmos and the human body. Here are the modalities I use most in my Astrology Summaries and my understanding of human constitutional types. 

Planetary Rulership and Body System Correspondence

If you’re familiar with Roman or Greek mythology, this section will be easier for you to understand. The planets are named after Greek or Roman Gods and embody their qualities in astrology. Each zodiac sign is ruled by at least one planet and each sign corresponds to a different human organ system based on their rulership.

Classical Planets and Luminaries

These planets and luminaries (the Sun and Moon) can be seen with the naked eye. They have been studied by astrologers since antiquity.

The Sun - Leo - Heart and Spine

The Sun itself was considered a God, called Helios in Greek. It corresponds with Fire, and represents our core identity and the Ego. The sun is associated with the heart and the spine. Sun ailments include heart disease and spinal disorders.

The Moon - Cancer - Body Fluids 

The Moon was also considered a God, personified by the Greek Goddess Selene. It corresponds with Water and represents our hidden emotions, intuition, and memory. It rules over fluid-releasing systems like the uterus, breasts, lymphatic system, and digestive system. Moon ailments include menstrual disorders, edema, and lactation complaints.

Mars - Aries (+ Scorpio in the Classics) - Arteries and Muscles

Mars is named after the Roman God of War. It corresponds with Fire and represents action, willpower, and energy. It rules over the body structures necessary for exertion like the arteries and the muscles. Since Mars is a planet of action, it rules over ailments related to mental or physical over-exertion like headaches, inflammation, and trauma wounds.

Venus - Taurus, Libra - Fluid Regulating Systems

Venus is named after the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. It corresponds with Water and represents our value systems, pleasure, romance, and art. It rules over body structures regulating fluids such as the kidneys and parathyroid glands. Ailments associated with Venus include urinary tract disorders.

Mercury - Gemini, Virgo - Nervous System

Mercury is named after the Roman God of Commerce, Communication, and Travel. It corresponds with Air and represents communication and intellect. Language and intelligence are produced by complex brain activity, so Mercury rules over the brain, nerves, and the respiratory system (your voice box is part of your respiratory system). Ailments related to Mercury include nerve disorders, anxiety, and breathing disorders.

Jupiter - Sagittarius ( + Pisces in the Classics) - Generative Systems 

Jupiter is named after the Roman God of the Gods, Sky, and Thunder. It corresponds with Air and Wood, and represents growth, luck, philosophy, and religion. It rules over generative body structures like the liver and the pituitary gland. Ailments related to Jupiter involve rapid or uncontrollable growth, like cancer.

Saturn - Capricorn ( + Aquarius in the Classics) - Skeleton

Saturn is named after the Roman God of Time, Wealth, and Harvest. It corresponds with Earth and represents ethics, structure, responsibility, and karma. While Jupiter encourages expansion, Saturn demands restraint (and often gets an undeserved bad rep for it). Saturn rules over our protective and foundational body structures like bone and skin. Saturn ailments include blockages, age-related decline, and bone disorders.

Modern Planets

These planets were discovered in the 18th century and aren’t included in ancient or medieval texts. Some astrologers only assign rulership to classical planets.

Uranus - Aquarius - Parasympathetic Nervous System

Uranus is named after the Greek God of the Sky and Heavens. It represents individuality, self-determination, invention, and revolution. It is considered the higher octave of Mercury (meaning Uranus expands on the ideals of Mercury). Uranus rules over the parasympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system. Uranus ailments include overexcitable nervous disorders, spasms, and seizures.

Neptune - Pisces - Consciousness

Neptune is named after the Roman God of the Sea. It represents collective consciousness, idealism, dreams, and artistry. It is the higher octave of Venus. Neptune rules over the thalamus and pineal gland. Neptune ailments include hallucinations, addiction, and confusion.

Pluto - Scorpio - Reproductive System

(Yes, Pluto is a planet in astrology no matter what the IAU says. )

Pluto is named after the God of the Underworld and Death. It represents transformation, systems of power, and unearthing forgotten or suppressed truth. It is the higher octave of Mars and rules over transformational bodily structures like the reproductive organs and destructive organs like the pancreas. Pluto ailments include sexual disorders, degenerative diseases, and genetic disorders.

Elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air 

Elements are the building blocks of all life on Earth. In Hellenistic Astrology, the Four Elements also categorize each zodiac sign. The characteristics of each element are fairly intuitive! I don’t like relying on stereotypes, so I do my best to explain each characteristic in a way that speaks more to the neutral essence of the element and not the ways these elements manifest as behavior, whether that behavior is positive or negative. Basically, I won’t be asserting that all water signs are crybabies or that all fire signs are egotistical.

Water - Emotion and Intuition

Consider the vastness and mystery of the ocean. Water represents the parts of us that aren’t always visible: our inner emotions and our intuition. Water represents a strong connection to intuition and the inner emotional world. In our body, Water relates to our bodily fluids.

Fire - Willpower and Sense of Self

When we speak about our “inner fire,” we are speaking of our motivation and the fuel source of our life. Fire represents a deep connection to willpower and sense of self. In our body, Fire relates to heat generation and enzymatic processes.

Air - Change and Collectivism

When we think of air, we think of weightlessness and omnipresence - it spreads and resists confinement. Air represents movement, change, impermanence, and collectivism. In our body, Air relates to circulation and hollow organs.

Earth - Longevity and Stability 

When we think of Earth we think of soil, which provides us with food. The Earth has been maintaining life for over 3 billion years, so Earth represents longevity, permanence, and dedication. In our body, Earth relates to our body’s framework and solid organs.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 5 Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. In Ayurveda, the Elements are Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Ayurveda further categorizes the elements into Doshas (constitutions), which are Pitta, Vata, and Kapha. (I’m very fond of the Ayurvedic system, so that might need to be a separate post.)

Modes: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable

The modes represent how each zodiac sign reacts to its environment. Each mode encompasses 4 signs and each sign embodies a different element. so while all cardinal signs share some similarities, there is still nuance among them influenced by their element and planetary ruler.

Cardinal - Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn

Cardinal signs start each season (spring, summer, fall, and winter). They tend to initiate and lead in their respective elements. Cardinal Fire values leading with the self, Cardinal Water values leading with intuition, Cardinal Air values initiating new and varied connections, and Cardinal Earth values laying the first stones to a long-lasting foundation. In our bodies, these represents functions that lead, protect, and nourish the organism (adrenal system response, ingestion, and movement).

Fixed - Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius

Fixed signs are in the middle of the season. They tend to stabilize and build up the momentum of cardinal energy. Fixed Earth values building and sustaining life. Fixed Fire tends to build the Self and one’s passions. Fixed Water seeks to dive deep into the waters of truth. Fixed Air seeks to widely disseminate their ideals for the collective good. In our bodies, the fixed signs represent our core autonomous functions (circulation and autonomic nervous system processes). These autopilot systems need to function 24/7, because even a small irregularity in heart beat or respiration can have negative impacts.

Mutable - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

Mutable signs close out the season. They tend to change, improve, and clear away to make way for new and better things. Mutable Air values the fluidity of ideas and opinion. Mutable Earth seeks to improve through repeated self-editing. Mutable Fire seeks to expand its worldview through varied experiences. Mutable Water values trust and taking a leap of faith into unknown waters. In our bodies, the mutable signs correspond to body functions that assimilate nutrients from the external environment (respiration and digestion/absorption). They are the most sensitive to environmental changes.

Putting it Together

Let’s tie this all together. Each zodiac sign can be categorized by planetary rulership, elemental influence, and temperament. You can start to build an understanding of a sign by breaking it down into planetary ruler, element, and mode. If we look at Aries, we know it is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Therefore, we can describe Aries as an action-oriented (Mars) sign that finds it easy to initiate (cardinal) projects related to their passions (fire). Relating to the body, the planets indicate whole body systems, while astrological signs are assigned to body regions. Considering the cardinal and Fire energy alongside Mars, Aries embodies mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, Aries is the “head” or beginning of the zodiac, so the body region is the head, face, and eyes. In general, the body region each signs rules over descends as we move from the first sign (Aries) to the last sign (Pisces). It might seem a little confusing at first, but you’ll soon see the patterns with practice!

There are other ways to further categorize the signs, but I mostly stick to these 3 in my Astrology Summaries. And now you’re ready to understand the energetics of any given transit and the monthly Astrology Summaries in the newsletter.

_Sources 

_{Morrell, Peter. “ MEDICAL ASTROLOGY AND ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINE.” Medical Astrology and Astrological Medicine, 1999, www.homeoint.org/morrell/astrology/medical.htm.}

_{Phillips, Laura. “Medical Astrology: Science, Art, and Influence in Early-Modern Europe.” Yale University Library, onlineexhibits.library.yale.edu/s/medicalastrology/page/the-medical-astrologer-s-toolkit. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.}

_{Reed, Theresa. Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners. Weiser Books, an Imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2019.}

Earthly Delights is about small-scale everyday pleasure. It's about finding sweet moments throughout an otherwise uneventful day. Our products, including the packaging, labels, taste, and aromas, bring a sense of specialness and lushness to everyday activities. These are grounding and indulgent products intended to resist the trend for quick, easy, and superficial remedies. Each product was carefully crafted over 12 months, with each ingredient lovingly considered to help you feel good every day. We invite you to indulge in this slow medicine. 

The Simple Pleasures product line ritualizes pleasure with 5 herbal products for a self-care routine. These products are intended for long-term support to enhance your health and pleasure practice. 

Cuppa Joy

Cuppa Joy is not your average Cup of Joe! This low-caffeine powder has immediate stimulating effects and helps with chronic causes of fatigue, such as iron deficiency anemia. I have never really enjoyed the taste and effects of coffee, but I have always loved the ritualistic aspect of a nice hot drink to start the day. Cuppa Joy is an energizing morning tonic that can be used as a coffee replacement or pre-workout. This blend includes:

• Cacao for low caffeine energy support

• Lion's Mane for focus

• Ashwagandha for kidney and thyroid support

• Beets for physical performance and stress support

Recommended for daily use in the morning as a coffee replacement or as a pre-workout beverage.

Tickled Pink

Tickled Pink is an evening tea blend to promote restoration and relaxation. Tickled Pink embodies my love of bespoke perfume and it is beautifully scented with an essential oil blend with notes of Bergamot (Food grade, of course!). It contains:

• Rose for self-care and self-love

• Lemon Balm for anxiety support

• Lavender to promote restful sleep

Recommended for nightly use alongside your favorite self-care ritual, like a soothing bath.

Over the Moon

A tea blend to alleviate menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, and symptoms from hormonal birth control. Most of us who menstruate do not have a positive relationship with our cycle. For many,  it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and painful. As a brand trying to maximize your everyday pleasure, It was important to include a product for menstrual pain. Over the Moon features:

• Ginger to soothe cramping

• Burdock for liver detoxification for hormonal birth control users

• Sweet Orange for mood support

Recommended for daily use at the start of your menstrual cycle or whenever PMS symptoms occur. 

Cloud Nine

This smoke blend will help you get out of your head and onto Cloud Nine. It can promote sensuality, and confidence,  and assist with healing from sexual trauma. Cloud Nine is Tobacco and Cannabis (THC and CBD) free, but it does include:

• Damiana for libido support

• Calendula to inspire playfulness and sensuality

• Passionflower to quiet anxiety and boost confidence

• Mullein to soothe the lungs 

Recommended for use by itself in your favorite smoking apparatus. Cloud Nine can also be burned as loose incense!

Silver Lining

All of our teas encourage folks to sweeten to taste, so we've included a sweetener with added medicinal benefits. Silver lining is a fermented herbal honey to support the immune system and gut health. Since we use fresh elderberries to make this product, Silver Lining is only available in the summer and fall, just in time for you to stock up for flu season. It contains:

• Elderberry to protect the body from viral and bacterial infections

• Clove to soothe aches and pains associated with the flu or common cold

• Fermented raw honey for naturally occurring probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome

Recommended for daily use as a flu preventative. This one is a fan favorite and always sells out!

I hope you enjoy these products as much as I do. Let me know which one is your favorite!

Why Start a Self-Care Pleasure Practice?

We take in a lot of media that's designed to make us feel badly about ourselves. Ads play on our insecurities and news cycles highlight our fears (raise your hand if you've ever doom-scrolled on Instagram). A self-care pleasure practice can help you subvert this message and internalize feeling whole, good, and special in your body. It can also help you deepen your understanding of self, which can positively affect how you show up for your community, friends, family, and lovers. 

How to Build a Self-Care Ritual

A self-care ritual does not need to be complicated! This is not about creating a routine that ends up feeling like a to-do list. Your daily self-care ritual can be 30 seconds or 3 hours, whatever feels good to you. What's important is finding things that truly feel good for you and your body. Your routine should be unique to you, so as tempting as it is to jump on the newest 10-step self-care trend, I encourage you to listen to your body and intuition.  

First, focus on sensory feelings. What are your favorite scents? What textiles or products feel good against your skin? For each sense, list a few things that you love. Maybe you love the color olive, the sound of wind chimes, the feel of shea butter, the smell of gardenias, and the taste of ripe cherries. After you've compiled your list, find ways to incorporate these things into your everyday routine. For example, light your favorite scented candle as you shower each day, or listen to your favorite songs in the car to work. Find ways to indulge in some (or all) of your favorite sensations each day.

After doing this simple journal prompt, I realized that I really loved showering immediately after work. I always felt much happier after showering and moisturizing, no matter how stressful my day was before that. So, I started showering at night instead of in the morning, giving myself more time to enjoy my shower and spend a few extra minutes moisturizing my skin afterward. Sometimes, it's that simple. 

Plant Allies for Self-Care

While your pleasure practice can be simple, it requires you to be really attuned to your body and the sensory experiences it delights in. If you're feeling disconnected from your sensory body, there are a few heart-centric herbs that can help you in your embodiment practice. These herbs are highly aromatic and sensual and can be enjoyed in many sensory experiences such as food, tea, aromatherapy, and body oils. 

🍫Cacao (Theobroma cacao): Cacao is a sacred plant in many Indigenous cultures incorporated in ceremonies to open the heart and connect participants to the Divine. Aside from being a natural, jitter-free stimulant (thanks to the combination of theobromine and caffeine), cacao is also a cardiovascular tonic.

🌼Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca): Damiana is a well-known aphrodisiac and nerve tonic. It helps stoke your internal fire and moves the nervous system from "survive" to "thrive" mode. 

🌹Rose (Rosa damascena): This aromatic flower is well known for its affinity to the heart chakra. It is a great introductory herb for self-love and sensual exploration.

All of these herbs are the main ingredient in one of our products, so if you need inspiration, check out Cuppa Joy (our Cacao based coffee replacement), Cloud Nine (our Damiana-focused smoke blend), and Tickled Pink (our Rose-centric tea).