Seasons & cycles
Tulsi, Passionflower, and the New Moon
If you haven't met Tulsi yet now would be a good time. Tulsi nourishes the brain, heart, and overall growth, including energetic support in the processing of fear and grief. Traditionally used for colds, flu and strengthening the respiratory system, Tulsi also lowers stress induced release of and normalizes adrenal hormone cortisol. She is warm and Grandmotherly. She is the ‘Queen of the Garden’ as Jessa puts it because she holds us when we are feeling most detached. Tulsi wards off apathy and brings comfort like an old flannel. It’s time to take her by the hand and do the hard work of processing the year we all just went through. Collective trauma, like losing 1.8 million people to something we barely understood, much less had control over, is not something that goes away when the year changes. We must dig graves, we must engage our numerous traditions of healing, modern and ancestral, in order to process what we have gone through, what we are still going through.
Working with plants has innumerable inherent gifts as we . Alignment with the Earth's rhythms, to seed, plant, and sow to the tune of the moon, or the pace of the land, brings comfort and nourishment. In this flow there is ease: we observe, we adapt, we get curious. To be aligned with nature is not accidental flow, it is an active engagement, a profoundly connecting choice. And the tune of this New Moon is in earthy, cold, dry Capricorn. For context, Capricorn was the stage for much of the astrology of 2020. But that act is mostly over now as Saturn and Jupiter have moved out of Capricorn and into the sign of Aquarius. Instead, as the Moon and Sun come together in Capricorn we are given the platform to examine our deepest foundations and envision a new future where the systems and rules we live with are rebuilt for the betterment of all.
Passionflower, an excellent partner to Tulsi, is our primary teacher for the winter season and the element of earth thru March 2021. Exuding “exuberant quietude” as Maia Toll calls it, this ally demonstrates that expansion takes time and is best achieved through calm persistence. It is absolutely clear that we can’t rush forward. To attain the the deep restoration needed after a year of living in constant vigilance, rest is essential. Winter is a particularly good time to rest, to sleep, and to dream a new reality. Passionflower soothes the volatile nature of the air element that governs the nervous system, enhancing our connection to and experience of our earthy physical body. This promotes stillness and prevents overwhelm, which is the essential message/offering of Passionflower in this coming moon cycle.
DAILY RITUAL
Quiet ContemplationFind a moment, maybe before sleep or upon waking, to sit in mindfulness. This practice can support clarity in our path and a sense what is most important.
Give yourself 5-30 minutes tp rest in a comfortable position.
Take ten full inhalations and exhalation as you become present with your physical body.
Feel all the way from your head to your toes, sensing every little nook and cranny of your external body while also feeling the movement of energy throughout your being. When you get to the toes, turn around, and head back up the body, sensing along the way. Do this for as long as you feel called to.
If your mind wanders just notice where it goes, accept it and keep observing your body's sensations. There are no rules, there is no judgement, just healing.
Notes on Tulsi from the Team at Apothecary TInctura
“Queen of the garden grows tall to watch over the community. She gives you one leaf a day to protect the heart.” -Jessa Sergeant, Shop Herbalist
“Tulsi is a profound herb and potent ally. As a child is held and nourished by Mama, I am held and nourished by Tulsi. She gently reminds my nervous system that everything’s going to be alright. Tulsi assists in the digestion of bodily nutrients while feeding me spiritually. Tulsi is one of a kind and I’m happy to have found her!” -Lyndsey Hays, Shop Herbalist
“Tulsi to me is a sweet, gentle, and uplifting herbal remedy. When needing a little emotional pick-me-up or calming essence to my soul I know that this aromatic plant is just what I need. As special and quietly powerful as Tulsi is, I can always count on her to brighten up my day.” -Morgan Bedard, Shop Herbalist
“For me, Tulsi is like a warm, soothing hug. She is comforting and welcomes most wounds, not even requiring inner clarity in order to utilize her magic. Her grounding nature provides a safe space to access suppressed feelings and her distinct presence activates areas of stagnancy. She says ‘Keep moving, within and without, I will help you build a home here, all you need is you.” -Tasha Weiss-Johnson, Shop Herbalist and Co-Manager
We hope this message finds you well,
-The Team at Apothecary Tinctura