dangerous company

a few days ago, i spent a delightful morning at rose's talking about the magical energies of herbs. what i love about rose is that she makes it clear that Real Magic - even those involving plants - is not about a cookbook recipe. Real Magic is about energy, relationships and interactions. if you wish to make magic with a plant, it's always better if you get to know it first.

and how to know which plants to work with first? if you're not immediately drawn to one, go out in your gardens and your yards, advised rose, and see what calls you.

when i came home, i took a walk. i know a lot of the plants that grow here, of course, but there's always a new friend to make. this year i noticed a beautiful vine growing in a patch of shade beside the rock wall along the one side of the drive way. it has dark green leaves, and beautiful purple flowers with yellow centers.

oh yes, i thought, blissfully. this one. so i snipped a bit of it, brought it in, stuck it in water, and waited for Grisan the Garden Goddess (GGG)to come and tell me what it was.

"oh annie," GGG said, when i explained what i wanted to know and why. "im not sure how close you want to get to this plant. this is nightshade, and it's poison."

there was a time i might've recoiled and declined the invitation to the dance. but im braver now, and i understand the energy in the plant that makes it poisonous also makes it powerful medicine that should not be misused.

so very, very carefully, i embrace my new friend.

and furthermore, the war will end. blessed be.