The full Aquarian moon sailed overhead on Sunday, bringing with it fresh, less humid air and electrified the night with powerful energy. The clouds cleared out leaving nothing but moonlight and starlight overhead and the quiet of the pond, garden, and house beneath. It was the perfect night for magickal work, building power and then releasing it. I felt clean and brand new and infused with positive energy.
On Tuesday, Deb Mercier of Greenwood Herbals joined me for the day. I have realized over the years how important it is to schedule time with friends and how equally important it is to be discerning in your choice of friends. Nourishing your spirit with friend time is as important as nourishing your body with wholesome organic food.
We walked the dirt roads, through all the environs of Lichenwood. It was fun to show her all the familiar plant friends: Elder, Hawthorn, Aralia nudicaulis, Lobelia inflata, Blackberry and Raspberry. Together we were able to confirm that there are many Slippery Elm trees all around here. Tree identification is not my strong point, but I can now identify Slippery Elm easily from the lopsided leaf, the double toothed margins and sand papery feel. We moved along the roadways finding one after another!
Our most exciting find by far was Aralia racemosa, or Spikenard.
I have never seen this plant before. Finding it in flower made the identification easier and it was Deb who took one look and accurately named it. It certainly does look like its Aralia relatives. I am going to have to explore that section of woods more carefully to see if I can find other Spikenard plants.
What a wonderful day. I am grateful for all my green friends, both old and new!
