The beginnings... my Herbal Journey.

With no idea where this journey leads, I promised to write a few lines and share what happens along the meandering path.

After months of research about herblore and the women of early centuries who lived this wisdom, I realised it was more than a passing interest. What began as research around in 15th/16th century history, turned into a deep rooted need to live, grow and inhabit the knowledge of women across past and ancient times who were intrinsically connected to the land and rhythms of nature, moon, tide and seasons.

So it is begun. I have found a study course that suites me. With a herbalist teacher and lovely mentors I respect. This took time and I was finally pushed up into a growth point by the inspired life and work of Juliette de Biracial Levy.

You can see the beautiful film documentary produced by Tish Streeten, which gave me signposts to finding a teacher and lit a fire in my heart to walking this journey of learning and practical knowledge.

https://www.mabfilms.org/juliette-of-the-herbs

My herbal library has taken on a life of its own...and of the many, my favourite is 'A Modern Herbal' by Mrs Grieves. So much detail, she was a horticulturalist as well as a herbalist.

Its too big to fit in my day bag!!

The tiny summer house in our garden is slowly being mended and turned to an apothecary. What that means to me is a place to sit and study, to dry flowers and herbs, to gather jars of seeds and ideas. I don't yet know if it is suitable... If the temperatures will keep the jars of dried herbs that are already gathering on shelves.

I have planted a tiny herb garden outside the Apothecary, already I love to greet each plant with newly gained respect and love from the knowledge of study. I want to know them differently, more closely.

Following the first study lesson (which took joyful months and honestly, I could have spent a year completing!) my tea cupboard is now filled with jars labelled and filled with dried herbs for infusions and teas. I have Nervine herbs for soothing and calming the nervous system. I drank so many single and combination infusions that all my teapots have been used. The tasting and trying, feeling the herbal effects of these amazing plants is a working progress. It is an ongoing joy. Like seeing them for the first time.

Calendula grown from seed.

My uncle has hand crafted the most exquisite drying rack for my herbs and foraged plants. He made it from European Ash. It is the most beautiful gift I have ever been given. He made it for me based on an antique design inspired by author Sharon Lovejoy. Her Great Grandmother's drying rack stole my heart in a feature from her Instagram (page February 21st.) https://www.instagram.com/sharonlovejoyauthor/?hl=en

Having sent my first lesson to Vermont USA for reading, marking and feedback, I wanted to find even more ways to immerse even deeper into learning from knowledgeable women and gaining practical experiences. Apprenticing myself if you will. Letters have been written, plans have been made. My apprenticeship begins in July... I am travelling North! ..BEYOND excited!!! more to follow.

Until the next little blog...May nature's gentle wisdom be with you.