As we move toward Samhain, we enter a sacred threshold—the liminal space between light and dark, seen and unseen. This is a time for slowing down, reflecting, and listening deeply to the wisdom carried by our ancestors, the land, and our own bodies.
Embodied Ritual
Look to the messages of your ancestors. This time of year, when it’s said the veil is thin, their teachings are more accessible than ever. Notice what calls to you: dreams, memories, sensations, or signs in nature. These are all threads of connection.
This weekend, consider preparing a meal that connects you to your lineage.
Choose ingredients, flavors, or dishes that honor your ancestors and invite their memory to your table. Cooking in this way is nourishment on many levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. My husband and I just watched the movie Nonnas, a touching reminder of the powerful connection that cooking plays in honoring our departed loved ones.
Nutrition & Herbal Support
It’s time to begin adding adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms to your autumn cooking.
Place a small muslin bag with ashwagandha root, astragalus root, and reishi mushroom into a soup or stew, and let it simmer for the final 30 minutes. These adaptogens help fortify the nervous and immune systems, building resilience for the cold months ahead.
Radical Care
Fortification isn’t only physical—it’s also mental, emotional, and spiritual. Preparing now helps us move into winter with steadiness and vitality. If anxiety, low mood, or recurring viruses and infections are familiar to you, know that herbs and lifestyle alignment can create meaningful shifts. This is an ideal time to schedule your seasonal wellness consultation for individualized support.
My manuscript is due exactly one year from today, on October 31st 2026 – I can’t tell you how excited I am about this book and getting to eventually share it with all of you.With my increased focus on writing I have limited appointment availability and spaces are filling quickly. Please reach out to schedule your appointment soon.
Hallowed Herbal “Boo”
For a simple, soul-nourishing tea this Samhain, try blending 1 Tablespoon of each of the below and steep in 1 quart of boiled water:
Hawthorn berries – for heart strength and ancestral connection
Rose petals – for love and remembrance
Chamomile – for peace and ease
Cinnamon – for warmth and vitality
Steep for 10–15 minutes and sip slowly, perhaps by candlelight, reflecting on those who came before you and the path you continue.
Subscription Preferences
A heartfelt note: I’ve met many of you through varied avenues, and I want to make sure my letters bring value and inspiration aligned with your interests.
If you’d prefer more content focused on ritual and nature reverence, or more on functional herbal medicine and nutrition, please reply and let me know so that I can tailor what I share with you, so it feels relevant to your needs and interests.
Save The Date
I’m offering a seasonal functional wellness class on December 8th at 11:45 AM in collaboration with The Wellness Empowerment Center at People’s Place in Kingston – the class is “no cost”. Donations to the Wellness Center are welcomed but not expected.
With Gratitude,
Ashley Lathrop
Clinical Herbalist & Board-Certified Health Coach
