Garden Plum

Welcome to the gardenplum.com healing blog. Read here for thoughts and inspirations about the collective consciousness of the world as we grow and develop through these changing times. Spirituality, herbal healing, the law of attraction, prophecy, abundance and prosperity- delightful creations and thoughts gather here.

Archive for June, 2007

More Notes from the International Herb Symposium

mugwort

I attended a class by the adored Susun Weed. In it she spoke of the folklore of Mugwort, Artemesia Vulgaris. She is one of the best storytellers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

She told many stories including this one:
It has long been known that you will find Mugwort growing outside an herbalists’s door. I was delighted at that because my father grew Mugwort from seed years ago and when he moved away he gave me Mugwort which I promptly placed into the ground at the bottom of my steps, pictured above. These are the things that make my heart sing, those coincidences that aren’t coincidences at all. The confirmations from the Universe that bless us all if we are looking for them.

Mugwort’s Latin name, Artemesia Vulgaris, is named after the Goddess Artemis; hence Artemis is known as Goddess of the Herbs among other things.

When Susun first became familiar with Mugwort, she was talking to it and it immediately said “Don’t call me that!” I am Cronewort…Susun was delighted and named a new family of herbs in this way:

Mugwort = Cronewort Artemesia vulgaris

Motherwort = Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca

(she thought there must then be a maidenwort…)

Chickweed = Maidenwort! Stellaria media

It was sweet and beautiful. Thank you Susun.

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Part of the Ascension Process

lotusJune 28 , 2007
THE WEIRD ENERGIES…NOTHING MAKES SENSE

Here’s the latest: The Mercury retrograde alongside the solstice (and just the ascension process alone!) began a pattern that we are still experiencing. Some things are just plain weird right now, with stories and scenarios changing by the minute. There also seems to be much to do, oh much to do, and when one thing is finished, another arrives right on its heels. But the “weird” things that seem to be occurring are the most predominant, as much simply does not make sense.

Why? Because we are once again “re-calibrating” and restructuring. Much came to the surface because of the solstice/retrograde energies. This created a lot of debris in our paths, a big mish mosh of energies that were flying around with nothing left to adhere to, and basically a temporary holding pattern for many of us with some of our endeavors. Things, then, are not settled yet, or all the way into their new grooves and we cannot then, move forward until we get stabilized.

When much is being purged or released, as was the case with the solstice/retrograde, the darker and denser energies move up and out. When much of these types of energies are flying around, it can create what feels like depression (and it can be very sudden and intense indeed), sadness, grief, a strong desire for something that feels right and better to arrive very soon, and even feelings of panic and great loss.

This is a typical ascension scenario. In the beginning years (from 2000 onward), depression was a continual epidemic because of this. Much has been transmuted and removed now, so this scenario only occurs here and there. If you are one who has been feeling depressed for quite some time, please take care of yourself and don’t assume it is simply an ascension symptom. Medication may be required and a good doctor can really help. Most old souls, like we are, experienced abuse and suffering in our younger years (so we could transmute these energies for all of the planet through ourselves), and a great amount of healing can be required before we can move forward. But once we do, many more of the beautiful and glorious experiences seem to arrive in an avalanche!

Ascension depression comes in intense waves and lasts briefly. It can feel nearly unmanageable and it can go deep. But we are able to experience much bliss in between. This is the difference. It is the same with panic and anxiety, and waves of crying and sadness. They come and go, and are not always present. It can be quite challenging to know what is really going on at times. And the ascension process mimics menopause very closely, with short term memory loss, hot flashes and night sweats, heightened emotions, abdominal weight gain, food cravings, an inability to lose weight (no matter what we do!), sleeplessness, and the like. Only most men are having these symptoms as well!

This latest round went deep. We excavated much. It was rough. And because of all these released energies flying around, our paths can get cloudy. It is hard to see with so much in our way. The beauty of the ascension process, is that as more and more gets cleared away, we are then able to really and truly “see” what is real. All the peripherals are gone. We do not need them anymore.

My husband Phil loves to cook. He is an awesome cook and does all the grocery shopping and prepares all the meals. Our refrigerator is usually very full. I am not used to this, as I am a terrible cook, and my refrigerator was always nearly empty. I am now having trouble “seeing” what is really in the refrigerator, as it is so full! But he knows what is in there, even if I don’t.

When much is temporarily in our paths, we can easily lose sight of where we once knew we were headed. We may not know what is going on. It can be tempting to come up with a new and sudden change of plans, as we are confused. But if we know that we are simply re-calibrating, and that much will become clearer when the debris clears, we can then move forward in a new and better way in the near future.

Basically, then, much has been disrupted and does not know where it belongs anymore. There are many old energies that are lost and without a home, as the older and lower vibrating energies can no longer reside in this new world. The energies have nothing to attach to, so “weird” things are occurring that do not make sense.

But the “going deep into as yet un-attended to energies” scenario can create some wonderful things as well. Things that were on the back burner or were not ready for attention are suddenly needing assistance if we are to move forward. For example: A few days ago our dog Louie began vomiting with diarrhea. We take him out in nature every day, and as dogs get into some yucky things and at times bad water, we thought this might be the case. But after two days, he was failing fast and a vet was in order.

We were absolutely shocked to learn that he was experiencing kidney failure. Phil had found Louie in the forest three years prior, lost, malnourished, and frightened, and these two had become inseparable buddies (they had most certainly helped each other through the ascension process as well). Louie, like most of our four legged friends are, had become a dear friend and constant companion to both of us.

The diagnosis from the first vet at the clinic was pretty dire…Louie’s test scores were not good and he needed to be admitted to the pet hospital for a few days for a strict diet of fluids only. After that, we would all know more. We were crushed, could not eat or sleep, and I was too distraught to check on things at a higher level. But when I finally did, I was shown that Louie had at least three more years in him, and would most likely depart this world for other reasons than his kidneys. And the kind of care he needed was very minor as well.

When we went to pick him up, we had another vet. He was very different from the first, but we really like them both. This vet said that he rarely bought into any test results on paper. He had seen far too many dogs recover and many dogs never fit the prescribed scenario. Then he said the magic words….that we could basically make the situation whatever we wanted it to be. With a low protein diet, and a regular monitoring, Louie might just be fine! No worries, just relax, enjoy, and allow.

So what had occurred here? Louie had evidently had this disorder for awhile. It had been hidden until the recent solstice/retrograde energies had brought it to the surface for examination and healing. This gave us a wonderful opportunity to now be aware of his condition, and treat it accordingly. Without these powerful energies creating such an upheaval, we may not have known about Louie’s condition until it was too late.

So much is being purged and moved out during this time, that many of our four legged friends are behaving very strangely as well. These sweet and loving beings are really feeling these energies.

Another scenario that occurred for me that many of you might be tired of hearing about (smile), is the one with my web site. Yes, it is still being worked on, as it was far worse than expected, but it involves totally re-structuring the programming, getting a new server, and new domain host, and I even have to get a new laptop.
These energies are revealing things at deeper, structural levels that need to be rewired in order for us to move forward with a very new foundation. I will also be getting new software from my new web team so I can work on my web site myself, in every way possible. Everything needed to be switched over and integrated so as to work in harmony, before I could begin anew with the new program Stepping Into the New Reality. The underlying format will extremely pure and harmonious to all viewers.

And this is how it currently is. This re-structuring energy is manifesting in many different ways for all of us, but when this round is complete, we will really be ready to move forward in a much better way and in a much more re-aligned way as well.

As always, all is in divine and perfect order. And through it all, I have never seen or experienced more love, caring, and respect from everything around. We are vibrating so high now, that when we encounter things that are not “tapped in,” connected to, or exhibiting complete respect, caring, love, and support, it can feel like a hard slap or big splash of cold water in our faces. This is why this latest round of darker energies may have felt so very strange, unusually harsh, and a significant contrast to what we are beginning to know as the “new norm.”

Yes, the new norm is here to stay. All our needs will be met, and anything other than the highest of energies will feel so out of place and unpleasant indeed. We have made great progress. July will really move things forward again, all our ducks will be in a row, and away we will go! Miracles abounding, joys ever-present, and our dreams manifesting….
www.whatsuponplanetearth.com
Wishing you Heaven in your heart, starlight in your soul, and miracles in your life in these miraculous times.
Until next time,
Karen
www.whatsuponplanetearth.com

American Beech Tree: 75 Years Before Bearing Fruit

bear in treeOf the many many things I learned at the Herbal Symposium, one interesting fact I wanted to share from Kate Gilday… is that the American Beech Tree takes 75 years of growth before it can begin producing Beech Nuts. This is one of Bears’ main staple foods. Kate mentioned bears will hang out in Beech trees for days eating the nuts. So please, foresters and harvesters… if you see a Beech tree that looks ripe for harvesting, think of it as ripe for bears.

International Herb Symposium Notes

Brook Medicine Eagle
Just back from the International Herbal Symposium this past weekend. What a wonderful and far reaching variety of education, spirit and vitality. Pictured here is Brook Medicine Eagle starting the Opening Ceremony with a wonderful drumming chant. It lasted for over 1/2 hour and the room was really tingling - what a reset!

The weekend was great meeting and reuniting with great herbalists such as Matthew Wood, John Redden, Cascade Anderson Geller, Rosemary Gladstar, Ed Smith, Stephen Harrod Buhner, Brook Medicine Eagle, Susun Weed, Deb Soule, David Winston, David Hoffman, Raylene … they were all there in their wonderful unique energies offering an abundance of information.

Iris Flower Essence: Make Your Life Your Art!

iris flowerMy Mother once told me “If you look deeply into the color of a flower, it will heal you.” And that is no Old Wive’s Tale, just look at this picture!.

This month’s highlight is on the Iris Flower Essence, for finding soulful inspiration that prompts a higher perspective. Used by many artists and life lovers, this essence is truly the Masterpiece of the Essences. Read the full description >>

Gemini New Moon June 14th

2007 Gemini New Moon
June 14, 2007 11:13 pm EDT

deerThe Deer tribe had been watching the village for seven sunrises and sunsets. They were worried. Their gift of gentleness, listening, co-operation and love was being ignored by the two leggeds. The air crackled with irritation, frustration, resentment, fear and anger. It was like the energy the Deer felt just before the Thunderbeings brought the rain, thunder and lightening. The herd retreated deep into the forest and silently called upon their human friend Indigo Sky. They knew she was now Keeper of Sister Moon’s Wisdom and her new name was Snowy Owl. They knew her Medicine was the wisdom to see through illusion and know the truth.

Snowy Owl heard the call. She had been in the Star Temple receiving new knowledge from the Star Walkers, Arista and Dauphin. They had told her of this coming time when the two leggeds would lose the understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and would become reactive and combative with one another. The time when emotional turmoil would prevent the humans from listening and hearing each other with acceptance, ease, love and compassion. Unless something was done to transform this now the emotional conflict would be prevalent for many, many Moons to come.

Snowy Owl called on Brown Elk, the village chief, and Holder of Truth. They had not met since being initiated by the Shaman into their new Medicine Paths six Moons ago. “We must show our people how to work with Deer Medicine.” Snowy Owl said to Brown Elk. “I agree.” He said. Together they headed toward the village to call a Council meeting and share the Wisdom Message of the Deer tribe.

This is the Cornplanting Moon with Deer as the Animal Totem. It is the last New Moon of the East Direction on the Medicine Wheel, the place of awakening and inspiration. Clan Mother Storyteller is our Guide and she is here to ask you to “speak your truth from a Sacred Point of View.” (The 13 Original Clan Mothers by Jamie Sams)

She is also asking you to continue to create the new story of who you are becoming.

For the last two weeks the energy influence of Mercury the trickster, in the sign of Cancer (emotions) has been very dramatic, at least here in the Greater Toronto area. As our story described, it’s like the electricity that fills the air before a thunderstorm. Every event seems to be emotionally charged in an extreme way. That is what makes it very difficult to stay grounded in our Sacred Centre and even more difficult to listen to our emotional guidance system, our intuition. And Mercury actually is not on his backward journey yet. That begins June 15th.

Let me give you a personal example. This past Sunday (June 10) I was on my way to a Mercury Retrograde workshop that I was facilitating. My inner guidance told me to take a different route than the one I had intended. I was late in leaving so I ignored the wise voice within. I came to a major intersection and it was totally blocked off in all directions. As I waited for traffic to move, six police cars came speeding from the west, heading east, with sirens screaming. They were doing about 80 klm an hour in a 30 klm zone. Luckily I was able to turn south and take a detour. I arrived at the workshop with 5 minutes to spare. Had I listened to my intuition I would have avoided all the drama but it did give me a good Mercury, almost retrograde, story to tell. I still do not know what all the chaos was about.

It will be very important for all of you to journal your experiences of the next few weeks. Mercury Rx in Cancer is the ruler of this Gemini New Moon so his influence is dominant. Now we add the Moon (emotions) and ruler of Mercury’s visit to the sign of Cancer, to the mix, and we have fluctuations, intensity and emotional outbursts. We remind you here that does not have to be your experience. If you are choosing gentleness, listening, co-operation and love you will create a different vibration that is aligned with your Sacred Center. Those people who want to be in drama and chaos will choose different partners to dance with.

It is appropriate that Summer Solstice occurs on June 21st in the middle of this Mercury Rx. This is the South direction on the Medicine Wheel and the place of expansion, growth, and manifestation of our creation power. It is also the direction that teaches us to trust our intuition and inner wisdom. Coyote and Mouse are the Guardians of the South and both carry Trickster energy. So there is a double emphasis on paying attention to what we know is our truth and not allowing ourselves to be tricked or deceived. Sometimes though being tricked wakes us up. If this is your experience thank Mercury, Coyote and Mouse, then move on.

This is just the beginning of retrograde journeys by the inner personal planets, the energies that influence our day to day experiences. Venus will go retrograde on July 27th until Sept 08th. I actually believe that will be a very empowering time for relationship and for women in particular but I will write more about that next time. Mercury will retrograde again Oct 12th to Nov 02nd 2007 this time in Scorpio/ Libra and will focus on transforming partnerships. Yes, this planet of thoughts and intentions does go retrograde three times a year and there is a theme to this pattern. More about that too, at a later time.

The retrograde that is of concern is the Mars (god of war or spiritual warrior) journey.

That occurs on Nov 15th and he will be at almost the same point in the sign of Cancer that our current Mercury retrograde enters. That is why it is so important for you to record your current experiences connected to roots, ancestry, tribal traditions, family of origin wounds and your emotional reaction to whatever may be occuring. I guarantee if you are choosing stress and strife it will come back to haunt you when Mars goes backwards. He will be in that rewind motion until Jan 30th 2008. If, on the other hand, you are continuing to allow the new you to evolve, it will be a time of powerful action and manifestation regarding your spiritual destiny and purpose.

Here are the Moon Phases and planetary shifts. All times are Eastern Daylight 75 West longitude. For Pacific time subtract 3 hours. For Greenwich time add 4 hours.

Gemini New Moon- June14-11.13pm- focus on clarity and the power of intention

Mercury Retrograde- June 15- 7.40pm- focus on healing and transforming emotions

Crescent Moon- June 18- 11.06am - expansion, growth, identify and release struggle

Summer Solstice- June 21- 2.06pm - focus on the power of the Goddess, intuition, wisdom, healing, harmony and Love. This is the theme for the summer.

First Quarter Moon- June 22- 9.16am- decision, action, breaking-free

Uranus Retrograde- June 23- 10.42am- Awaken to your Divine Source and begin the release of old patterns that block you from The Oneness. Uranus is Retrograde until Nov 24, 2007.

Mars into Taurus- June 24- 5.27pm- continue to release the material clutter

Final Saturn/Neptune Opposition- June 25- 11.54am- truth or illusion, choose wisely how you want to live

Gibbous Moon- June 26- 12.01pm- analyze, adjust, evaluate, realign, and integrate

Capricorn/Cancer Full Moon- June 30- 9.49am- emotional balance creates harmony

Venus-Saturn Conjunction- June 30/July 01- embrace responsibility with Love

Disseminating Moon- July 04- 1.25am- share your knowing and wisdom

Last Quarter Moon- July 07- 12.54pm- realign and revision your focus

Mercury Direct- July 09- 10.15pm- get ready to move forward again free from material, mental and emotional clutter. Focus on your new self.

Balsamic Moon- July 10- 9.54pm- complete the lessons of this past Moon Cycle.

Cancer New Moon- July 14- 8.04am- focus on spiritual destiny and purpose

I leave you with a message from Deer our Totem Animal for this Gemini New Moon.

“Deer… so gentle and loving you are, the flower of kindness, an embrace from afar”

medicine cards“Deer teaches us to use the power of gentleness to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings who are trying to keep us from Sacred Mountain (where Great Spirit lives)…you are being asked to find the gentleness of spirit that heals all wounds. Stop pushing so hard to get others to change, and love them as they are. Apply gentleness to your present situation and become like the summer breeze: warm and caring. This is your tool for solving the present dilemma you are facing. If you use it, you will connect with Sacred Mountain, your centering place of serenity, and Great Spirit will guide you.”

From the Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson.

Blessings Dale

Dale Osadchuk is an Artist, Astrologer, and Transformational Counsellor.

Vaginal Dryness During Menopause: The Sacred Meaning

Excerpt from Susun Weed’s Book The New Menopausal Years:

“You have been wet and fertile at the will and whim of your body for most of your years, great granddaughter,” murmurs Grandmother Growth. “But you have Changed. You grow moist with readiness for play now only when you truly desire it, not at reproduction’s dictates. Have no fear that your springs have run dry. If you consciously call up your flood of pleasure, it will answer. This is one of my greatest gifts to you, young Crone. No longer will you be accessible to those who do not inspire love and trust in you. The great portals of life, your womb, your vagina, now serve only you, now open only at your bidding.”
the new menopausal years

“If I Only Knew Why This Happened, I Could Let It Go” - The Attitude that Gets Us Old

intuitive power
What if there is no answer to the question “Why do certain things happen in life?”

According to Caroline Myss, fixating on the need to know why can actually be detrimental to our health and even speed up the aging process:

“We should age gracefully but we generally don’t. We usually age as a consequence of trauma and heartache because what we do is we usually age within the power of the perception of “If I only knew why this happend I could let it go” and until such time I will leave a part of my soul at every one of these experiences that I am waiting for an explanation for…waiting for a letter from God to explain to me why this happened. Until this happens I will leave my soul and every part of that experience.

I want you to picture this as if I have my hands on the top of my head, and with every unit of my prana, or life force or grace, you see - my supply goes down and down, and the more it goes down the faster I age. There is a direct balance. Yes we are supposed to mature gracefully, but we don’t do that because we are being managed by the perception If I Only Knew Why This Happened, I Could Let It Go and move on.”

Move on! Moving on! Things happen, it doesn’t mean we are bad or we are good. It means we are having a life experience filled with positive and negative lessons and rewards and experiences. Its ALL good. Give your soul a lift today and see if you can let 1 negative experience go.

Transforming Fear

by Faith Ranoli

Create Your Own RealityYou always have two choices in anything you feel, do or say. Respond from your fear center or from your love center.

Fear is not necessarily a bad thing. It is energy that will either fuel change in your life or paralyze you. You can harness the attributes of fear and create your life’s work. Or you can be stopped dead in your tracks because you feel unsafe in this world and cannot hear your soul’s direction.

Watch your thoughts and your emotions. Are they fearful or loving? Each time you align with fear you keep yourself in confusion.

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