Working with a force of nature at any experience level defies the very systems meant to exploit and oppress us. There are several reasons why the “powers that be”, continually seek to limit their access, destroy and abuse its sacredness. Being forced to participate in capitalist ventures while witnessing total natural resource devastation, is exhausting and heartbreaking to say the least.
A lot of places where the earth produces, are full of sorrow and pain. Not just so, the Earth carries multitudes, but I would say that I am very sensitive and aware of that energetically when with nature. In my experience and time devoted to working with herbs, I can feel the distinction of how something was established or acquired, there are several sensations that may come up when in close contact.
I will always bless and request access before a process begins, during preparation and crafting. For preservation and hope, I come with intention to natural elements (Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Spirit) exactly as I am, with respect and openness of heart, mind and body if I plan to form an arrangement that is mutual. I think through an honest and caring process, I can also discover what compatibilities and incompatibilities arise quickly and efficiently.
Specifically in the Black American Diasporic historical context of survival, I regard folk magic like hoodoo as the realm where the presence of sociopolitical “lack” dissipates. A place where ingredients are simple and easy to conceal and casually incorporate into daily activities. A privilege of a proper ceremony wasn’t always accessible and typically, violently disrupted. Growing up, my American South and my Jamaican Grandmothers cared for myself and siblings. They were always in the kitchen, gardening and had other regular care routines with a symphony of ingredients that I still recall sensory wise. There was always a correlation between the times they worked in these spaces and the harmony and wealth circulating through the family and home.
I really enjoy working with dried plants and their spiritual energy.
There is an opportunity to preserve their memory, and to honor them by giving them the afterlife ritual they deserve. I do this by storing them properly and creatively, mixing and pairing them with other herbs they mesh well with, and using them for projects or gifting them to people who are in my life at the time. While matchmaking or mixing them, I use their scent and purpose as a guide first. (I am not minding the gender of each plant by the way.) Next, I am using their other characteristics, (perhaps color, temperature, personal association, location or way they were acquired etc…). One pointer I utilize in seeing and reinforcing nature as all gender and non-binary, is that they at their very basis are love in its purest form. Love doesn’t adhere to any rules or control, it is everything.
They are occupants of the afterlife and the living world. Forming a bond with their essence resonates with my healing process of navigating life alchemizing my grief, finding regulation and soothing experiences that are not quite alive or dead. When I feel activated or triggered — I usually get flashbacks or visions. With C-PTSD, I time travel on my own past experiences, but I also witness ancestral déjà vu. I see, smell, hear, feel (other words, I sense) what my ancestors would have. This always has an impression on how I show up. I can only assume, plants are no different when the conditions of its environment dictate how it lives.
They are no less meticulous or challenging to work with than living herbs.
In many of our communities, access to these resources are limited by systemically manufactured design. There will not always be equal access or a budget to get to a commercial grocery store, sometimes a source for your ingredients/groceries are food banks, community fridges or farm and garden projects. Other items can be acquired from cornerstores, dollar stores and beauty supplies. In the spirit of nature as multifaceted and rebellious, do not let your access disadvantage to materials deter the holiness and connection you want to have with magic.
I created an ingredient line-up for an aromatherapeutic potion for anointing and oil play. I wanted uplifting, hot and combative for sorrow, I call it Pheonix Oil. it has Rosemary, Calendula, Saffron, Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil. All ingredients were accumulated over time leading up to preparation. All of these together are by no means necessary, you can work with any combination or just one. :
• Rosemary (Sun/Fire) – Protection, Putification, Clearing
• Calendula (Sun/Fire) – Happiness, Cheer, Protection
• Sunflower (Sun/Fire) – Loyalty, Adoration, Joy
• Safflower (Mars/Fire – Healing, Happiness, Strength
• Shea Butter “Karite” (Venus/Water) – Sacred Beauty, Repair, Nourishment, Healing
Lamb’s Ear 