It may technically be Spring, but it sure feels like Summer here in Florida. It was a ripe 93 degrees today, there is a powerful rainfall pouring from the sky, and... I just finished the last final of my undergraduate career! Understandingly, I have been feeling a bit flighty, airey, and out of body with all the sleep deprivation, stress, and pressure for planning the next steps for my future.
Perfectly enough, I've been dreaming about Saturn lately. A treat that my mugwort tincture gifted me with, these Saturnian dreams serve as a reminder to me of how important it is to ground.
According to Paul Beyerl's "The Masterbook of Herbalism," (the first herbalism book I ever received, a treasure from my partner, Diego), Saturn is associated with structure, both physiologically (skeletal system, teeth, ligaments), and mentally. Beyerl states that herbs associated with Saturn show us how to "bring discipline into our lives to accomplish goals that will give us increased freedom." They also help us manifest our thoughts and ideas into the physical, tangible world - this couldn't speak more to me and where I am, and where I'm sure many of my fellow to-be-graduates are!
Today is also the New Moon - in comfy, sensual Taurus. A time for introspection, regrounding, rest, and nourishment, New Moons are also a time for setting intentions. I figured, what better time than now for sitting down with a cup of grounding, Saturn-inspired tea and journaling to set some intentions?
Grounding Saturn Tea
- 1 pt Sage lf
- 1 pt Mullein lf
- 1 pt Skullcap
- 1 pt Alfalfa
- 1 pt Oatstraw
This tea is nourishing, grounding, and very focusing. Put 1-2 tsps of this mixture in 8 oz of boiling water, steep 5-7 minutes, take a deep breath, and remember to give your body the rest it deserves and needs.
// a deeper look at the Saturian herbs in this blend \\
Sage lf (Salvia officinalis) - a Mediterranean powerhouse, this herb is a strong antibacterial, soothes the smooth muscle tissues of the GI tract, a digestion tonic, and a strong astringent (meaning its tones and tonifies, and is drying.) Mentally, it is able to "cleanse the thinking process" and promotes concentration, (Beyerl). Contains: Vitamin B1, folic acid, carotenes, calcium, copper, potassium, zinc.
Mullein lf (Verbascum spp) - A fellow tall fellow (I stand at 5'8), Mullein is one of my favorite plants. It has mild anodyne (pain relieving) properties, is incredibly grounding, can be smoked to repair the lungs, and soothes inflammation. My mentor, Holly Bellebuono, says Mullein's personality is a "laid-back, let's hang out on the couch" type - something those of us who are frantically jumping from one thing to another desperately need.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) - Another one of my favorite plants, Skullcap is an important nervine (nervous system tonic). It helps nourish and rejuvenate frazzled nerves, and is indicated for people who get twitches when they are stressed out. Contains: Vitamin C, copper, potassium, zinc.
// last words \\
It's all too easy to value ourselves based on our accomplishments and our "doings." It's vital for our mental and spiritual health to remember that we have worth regardless of our accomplishments or "failures." At the risk of sounding too fluffy, I don't want to push the "human being" not "human doing" idea, but it's true. Sometimes we need to set time for ourselves to just "be." For me, that is what grounding is all about: unwinding, taking a deep breath, and reminding myself I don't have to be doing something all the time!
So, have a relaxing new moon. It's in Taurus, so that means treat yourself sense-wise. Light some candles, eat some delicious food (I'm making this cauliflower curry tonight), and sit down with a cup of tea. You deserve it.