A Morning Walk
by Astrid Grove
Full moon in Scorpio invoked my energy last night as I tossed
and turned, the bluish hue of her mighty gaze shining on me
and into me through my bedroom window. Each awakening bringing
me awareness of tensions I hold, of hidden thoughts, and buried
creativity. It awakens me and enlivens me and helps me to
remember what is real and what is true.
Arising at dawn to blue skies and sunshine I feel fully energized
and a bit giddy, even with so little sleep…partly due
to the lunar energy and partly due to my first spring feast
of fresh nettle soup (Urtica dioca) last night. Also, today
is a special day for me. I will spend the day doing whatever
I am called to do. I rise to morning yoga, bathing, and breakfast.
After morning chores I get bundled up in my long underwear
and sweaters. Even though it is the first week of April, it
is still chilly outside. It is a perfect spring morning full
of the splendor that this time of year brings. The sap is
rising, some bulbs are blooming and others are sprouting.
There is a single crocus in the lawn…good morning!
As I descend the steps, my consciousness is altered, the sun
kisses my cheek, the wind rustles my hair, and my feet touch
the earth. It is good to be alive.
I walk a few steps and notice the daylily (Hemerocallis fulva)
stalks are already a few inches tall. I squat down and snap
off a stalk flush with the earth. I peel the outer leaves
off and nibble the inner stalk. So fresh and delicious, a
wonderful addition to salad and soup. I am aware to not eat
very many because they can give me funky digestion (if you
know what I mean).
My house sits on a paved road. It is not very well traveled
for which I am thankful. Across the road from my house there
is a hill, lots of forest, and a stream. Actually right now
there is an additional small stream that exists to help bring
melted snow down from the mountain.
Along
this stream I munch on daisy leaves (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum),
watercress (Nasturtium officinale), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella),
and dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinale). The daisy leaves
are sweet, the watercress is spicy, the sheep sorrel is tangy,
and the dandelion leaves are simply delightful and ever-so-slightly
bitter.
Wow, I have only walked a few hundred feet and feasted abundantly
on the wild plants under my feet!
I am going to head into the woods now, up along the larger
stream. Within moments violet (Viola species) greets me with
her shiny heart-shaped leaves. I enjoy her slippery sweetness.
I trot up the trail with my feline companion Shady (she
enjoys hiking with me, she runs up trees and hops from tree
to tree and chases leaves). I munch on hemlock tree needles
(Tsuga canadensis) and pine tree needles (Pinus strobus).
They are a refreshing snack and high in vitamin C.
I make it up to a very special spot, a small waterfall with
mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) growing on the banks. She
is my plant ally this year. There is also a huge rose quartz
rock gracing this spot. The fairies live here. They teach
me and I listen:
The water flows
with love,
with purpose
and with strength,
as do you sweet sister,
always remember.
I lay there listening and drift off to sleep, for how long
I do not know…one never knows in fairy land.
Until next time…blessed weed walking to all and to
all an abundant spring!
Birthroot Midwifery provides comprehensive prenatal, birth and postpartum care to families in Vermont. It is an honor and a gift to witness and support the transformation of couples into parents, and babies being welcomed into the loving embrace of a gentle birth. Pregnancy and birth are natural and healthy life processes. As your midwife or doula, I will provide you with the information you need to make informed choices about the care you receive. My mission is to support you and your family in having the best birthing experience possible.
Astrid Grove, Licensed Midwife
Exercise - It's Good Medicine!
by Derek
Beech
The positive benefits from exercise are impressive.
- decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and fat
- a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
- an increase in daily energy and self esteem
- protection against osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- reduced stress and anxiety, resulting in a lower risk of
depression
- and most importantly of course, and increased lifespan.
If you are just beginning a new exercise program it will take
about 6 to 8 weeks for the results to be measurable, but you
will start feeling a lot better about yourself within 2 to
3 weeks.
Exercising will release endorphins in the brain, causing
you to become calmer and less stressed out. It has been proven
that a persons heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension
all increase when a person is under stress, it has also been
proven that all of the above items decrease when we stick
to a regular exercise program.
Be careful in the beginning though and do not add undue stress
into your life by choosing an exercise program that you do
not like or by setting unrealistic goals for yourself.
Start slowly if you need to, walk just 10 minutes a day if
you have not been exercising for awhile. Remember to stretch
your muscles before and after your workout. If you do not
have time to join a gym then be more active in doing what
you already do everyday. Clean the house more often, extra
yard work, invite that friend you have for a walk instead
of the usual morning coffee at the table.
Enjoy being more active, in the long run your body will thank
you for it..
Wishing you success in all your health and fitness goals.
Derek Beech
SONGS of BLEEDING
by Spider
Spider weaves the tales of Women's Mysteries in the remembrance of Moon Lodge celebrations based on Taino teachings. Through this book, she shares the dreams of the Grandmothers with all people ready to honor the Earth and Her cycles.
softcover: 7" x 9", 219 pages,
Illustrated by Tenanche Semiata-Akuaba;
"It was a pleasure to read Spider's book! As Sound and Rhythm hold the Uniworld together, so do the Songs of Bleeding hold within them the heriitage of Women's Mysteries. On of the most important contributions that Songs of Bleeding teaches us is the aspect of Honor... Honoring our Grandmothers' wisdom, our Moon time and our history as Women. Nyah Weh Scanno!" -
Grandmother Twylah Nitsch
Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge
219 pages
Price: $15.00
Order SONGS of BLEEDING in our Bookshop
read about another book by Spider Katie's Journey - MoonLodge Dreams
