Below are some ideas on creating rituals to deepen your understanding of herbs. By engaging in such activities, you can add to your knowledge on an intuitive level. When working with the natural world, this type of inner awareness can greatly enhance your experiences.

Gardening: Create a sacred space in your yard or home where you can practice conscious gardening. This can be a full English herb garden or a small window box. Communicate with the herbs. Focus on sending them loving energy. Be truly present in each moment that you spend with your plants – notice how they grow, the intricate details of the leaves, flowers and stems. You may also wish to begin planting and harvesting in accordance with the lunar cycles.

Art: In taking the time to sit with a plant and become aware of its incredible beauty we develop genuine appreciation and respect. Plants are truly remarkable and fascinating beings! One need not create a detailed botanical illustration, an abstract painting can capture the essence of the herb just as well. The most important thing is becoming immersed in the process and the connection that is being developed between oneself and the plant.

Writing: Create a special journal of your observations and communications with your herbs. Note their patterns of growth, their pollinators and their cycles. Many have found plants to be powerful allies and teachers. Create poems of praise and prayers of gratitude. Don’t worry about punctuation or spelling – simply allow the words to flow from your pen. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much you are aware of.

Song: Sing to your plants. Music carries a strong vibration felt by the herbs and to which they will respond. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of harmonious music on the growth of plants. In addition, song has been used throughout the centuries to aid one in entering a receptive/meditative state.

Medicine Making: This is a very enjoyable and rewarding way of getting to know individual herbs. Take the time to become aware of the look, feel, smell and taste of each plant as you add it to your preparation. Tune into their energies. Contemplate how this energy will be of benefit to you or your loved ones. Ask the herb to aid in your wish for wellness and balance. By becoming aware and opening ourselves to the herbs, our medicines become vitalized. Our ancestors understood this well.

Ritual is a way of focusing our intent and becoming aware of what is around us. Create your own rituals. Make them powerful and meaningful to you. Most importantly, have fun – a heart filled with joy is a heart that is open to the gifts of nature!