Sacred, Ritual and Energy Uses – Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy

Plant Spirit Medicine. “Contracts” and toxic skin reactions.

Plant Spirit Medicine or a Plant Journey is any experience where there is a connection and a meaningful exchange that takes place in non ordinary reality. The giving can take the form of healing, knowledge, spiritual growth, or acquiring a teacher/guide. These “journeys” can be facilitated, planned, structured or take place in a group. TheContinue reading “Plant Spirit Medicine. “Contracts” and toxic skin reactions.”

Using Card Decks to Study Herbal Medicine

I bought my first oracle/tarot deck when I was 12 years old. This coincided with when I planted my first backyard herb garden. I wrote my own tarot card book in my 20’s. Did the entire Major Arcana and some of the Minor Arcana as photographs for an exhibition in college. Doing readings for myselfContinue reading “Using Card Decks to Study Herbal Medicine”

Cacao Ceremony (dandelion)

Ritual and connection are important nourishment for the human spirit. I was torn on which title to choose for this blog post. I am not trained in the ceremonial use of cacao. When I use this plant in a sacred way, I am doing so in the spirit of a Japanese tea ceremony. Cacao isContinue reading “Cacao Ceremony (dandelion)”

The Fall Garden Tea (Mint)

In fall (early October) I like to go around the garden before the first frost hits and gather some of my favorite plants. It is a cherished ritual that I use to close out the herbal year. A way of saying goodbye to and thanking “my friends” until I see them again come April. IContinue reading “The Fall Garden Tea (Mint)”

Ritual Herbal Wash (Horehound)

Early fall before a first frost is a perfect time of year for moving stagnant energy and purifying living spaces or objects. All cultures use water for cleaning, discharging, rejuvenating, sanctifying, restoring, connecting , stimulating, cooling, heating, celebrating, replacing, nullifying, resolving, clarifying, repairing, blessing, balancing, transforming, regulating and proving communion with various forces. This ritualContinue reading “Ritual Herbal Wash (Horehound)”