This weekend’s solar eclipse and new moon provide yet another opportunity for washing away what no longer serves us and fertilizes the ground for new growth. What does that growth look like for you? With the eclipse in Capricorn there is a lot of earth energy available to us, and it seems that will be a theme for the year ahead. Whether growth means taking the leap on starting the business of your dreams, going on an adventure, or committing to feeding yourself better and moving more, the planets are behind you! Let’s talk about some herbs to support grounded growth.
Spring is a season of expansion as we stretch out of hibernation and back into the activity that warmer temperatures bring. This is mirrored by the trees and flowers with unfurling leaves and bright blossoms. Some of us feel moved to cleanse our spaces of cobwebs and clutter that have accumulated over the winter months. It feels good to open our windows and let the fresh air in and allow any stagnancy to move out. This energy is also what moves many to want to give their bodies a “spring cleanse”. This is where the wild green plants step in to assist us in gently encouraging our liver and other organs of detoxification to do their thing. They are doing it anyway, we are just offering support by eating the way our ancestors did. The world around has changed but the wild green plants offer their medicine as they always have.
February begins today and with that I believe there is an “exhale” for many of us. January is often a month fueled by intention and a commitment to new beginnings that can be exhausting. It’s clear to me now that the intensity of January 2018 was to a higher degree due to the power of the moon. Not only did we have a blue moon, which means two full moons in one month, but the moons were closer to the earth than usual, making them “Super Moons”. As if that wasn’t enough, yesterday’s full moon was also a lunar eclipse, which turned the moon red for a little while. January’s moons held a lot of POWER.
Winter can be hard, the holidays can be hard as well. It is at this time that I try to remember to practice gratitude. Many studies show that people who practice gratitude live longer, happier lives. The thing about practicing gratitude is that it is magnetic. Once you start looking for things to appreciate and be thankful for your mind can become quite addicted to the practice. Before long new neural pathways are formed and you have a whole highway of positive roads being built in your brain.
This is the season for soups and there are so many ways to make them. I like to make broths, use a bit and stick the rest in the freezer. Those broths serve as a base for soups or can be used for sipping, cooking rice or sauteeing vegetables. Bone broths can be very nourishing for those who are willing and there are also great veggie and vegan options. Consider this a soup recipe smorgasbord.
Last Sunday we set our clocks back and temperatures quickly plummeted giving us a taste of winter. I don’t know about you but I wasn’t ready. I’m a spring and summer gal through and through. There is beauty in the dark/cold season and I’ll tell you what has helped me, and many of my clients, to shift our relationship with it.