I am the Hawk, Soaring Over the Land

It is the second day of snow here on our land on Whidbey Island. Sometimes the cold, dark rainy weather keeps me inside most of the day. The snow lures me outside, to explore the landscape. I noticed the other day that there were still some wild rose hips that looked beautifully red and plump down in the thicket. Today I venture down there to harvest some, knowing full well that the Vitamin C in them is potent because of the cold.

They are so easy to pluck. And the blood red color stands brillant against the white snow and grayish red stalks. I start out gathering rose hips and think I will get bored easily. But there is something about rose that lures me into another realm. I forget this truth until I am here in this expanded version of life, where love and beauty reign.

There are at least three different species of wild rose that I am noticing. The very hard, small fruit are the most vibrant at this time of year. But I venture over to the place where the large, plump hips are hanging. As I am almost to the edge of our land, I look up and overhead comes a very large hawk in its winter garb. Mostly white, with flecks of brown.

I can tell the time by this hawk. It comes in the afternoon about 2:30 pm. It flies over the land and over the garden. I am fortunate to be here at this moment to witness its flight.

Out there on the land, as the sun is ending its fullness and beginning to wane, I feel a sense of connectedness with everything. I am the hawk, soaring over the land. I am the ruby red rose hips. I am the snow, the frozen cold. I am the sun waning and the darkness approaching. I am the earth mother old and dying and the gestating infant earth, held inside the deep dark holy womb.

I remember as I write this that I am held in total darkness as the light of my existence prepares for birth. I am thankful for this vision that peace is felt first before it is seen.

May it be in Beauty.

I am sure I am headed into the mystery again.

I have been out in the garden everyday recently. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with all the weeds. This happens mostly when I take just a bit of time, when I am in a hurry. If I take the time to breathe and listen I begin to notice more and appreciate what I am witnessing.



Today I spent 3 hours weeding the Goddess Garden. This is a space within our garden shaped like a goddess. I created this just over two years ago from stones. She's about 20 feet long.
In this garden we planted oatstraw. And today I found, little plants, lamb's quarters, shephard's purse, chamomile, borage, burdock, red and yellow dock, catch-fly, couch grass and every other kind of grass.



When I stepped out of the classroom just over 13 years ago and stepped onto
the spiral path, I discovered my wildness. I was a little frightened of it and to
be honest sometimes very frightened of it. But I also loved it.
I remember discovering a weed that was growing in my garden in Ballard (Seattle)
was Nipplewort, Lapsana communis and that this plant was utilized as a poultice for
dried, cracked nipples on breast-feeding moms.
This plant that I had thought was a problem, was actually a solution.



It has only gotten better from here. Tadd and I moved from our lovely Ballard home to
a place in South West Washington called Enchanted Valley. I apprenticed with Susun Weed and
returned to our little cabin in the woods where I began my journeys into my wildness. I certainly
did cultivate plants there and in the next places I lived, but I started a practice of never weeding a plant until I knew what it was. And some wild plants that I wanted to eat in my salad and put in my soups, well, I let them grow all over the garden.



I have learned about a lot of wild plants over the last 13 years, and I have grown very fond of my wildness. I have allowed it to flourish and I have grown comfortable with those places in me
that were so frightening long ago.



Just about a week ago, I noticed that I have a strong desire to cultivate, to weed and remove many of the wild plants so that I can grow more medicinals herbs and vegetables. I have a vision of strong-rooted fruit trees as well as lindens and Hawthornes and a old growth forest of cedar and hemlock. I would love to invite, Meadowsweet, Pleurisy Root, more lavenders and thymes, and garden roses of all kinds into the garden. It is time for me to fully cultivate the garden and land here.



And as I begin this quest, this journey, I feel a little nervous that I will tame the wild, wise woman and she won't be any fun, won't know the voices of the unseen world anymore. I am sure I am headed into the mystery again. I am excited this time as I step into the wilds of cultivation and begin to plant seeds there.
Goddess only know what can happen now.

May it be in beauty.

Before St. Patrick

I can easily say,
I love rain.
I love gray days
the holy darkness
that holds our world
when it rains.

Stinging Nettle shone
vibrant green
in the rain.
Full of life force,
presence.
There is a
new green,
this time of year.
From deep, down
in the fertile earth,
comes life once more.
I think perhaps
that before St. Patrick
there was
The Green.

Invisible Quiet

I walked out on the land today.
I asked the apple tree for some advise about my work.
I walked up under the Douglas fir trees and greeted the burdock,
who’s leaves are almost invisible now.
I collected a few evergreen branches to feed to my goats.
I looked down at the beautiful beech leaves on the ground,
amber and glistening from rain.
I looked up at the majestic cedar.
Outside, I was quiet and slow.
Witnessing, listening, feeling.
Inside, I am working through,
continuing, calling, crafting, journeying, writing,
emailing, dreaming, intending, and affirming.
My inner world is very busy right now creating.
My outer world is gently being.
I was reminded by my walk out onto the earth,
that the gentle slow and low energy of this new moon day,
can nurture me best outside. I will follow earth’s energy inward,
and work diligently on the inside.
And I will allow myself to notice the
invisible quiet of the earth on the outside.

May it be in Beauty.

Connecting at Ground Level

Today the earth is very quite. I can sense her energy very near the surface of the ground. What lies within is what is potent right now. When I lived with Susun Weed about 11 years ago, she talked about the difference between life force and soul force. Our life force energy is that which impels us to survive and protect. Our soul force is not so interested in whether we live long lives, it is more interested in the quality of our lives and beckons us into deeper spaces of existence.

At this time of year, I feel that life force energy is at ground level. Consciously breathing natural breaths, sitting on the ground, walking barefoot, placing our hand on the earth, digging roots will bring stronger connection with our life force energy. This I feel can be helpful when we begin to feel overwhelmed by the business of the holidays. Connecting at ground level can actually help us touch into the energy of the holy days.

Our soul force energy is the fire that burns within us. At this time of year, contemplative practices such as meditation, journeying, soul singing, walking in the dark are all ways to connect with the inner fire that illuminates our core. Ritual at this time of year is powerful when the energy of the soul’s fire is channeled into a container for healing and manifestation.

Within, around and beneath these forces is the source, the darkness; the deep, dark holy womb of wisdom. I feel held in womb energy this year, I call it up to nurture me when I feel afraid to move forward with what I desire. I relinquish myself to it, succumbing to the darkness that surrounds me for most of the days now.

Life force protecting, soul force illuminating and holy womb nurturing us as we fall deeply into ourselves, preparing for what will come by focusing on what is now.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering for the last bit of 2008 into 2009:
Call or email for more information and to request an apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Earth Friendly Holiday Gifts on our Website

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly assignment with daily practice lessons, 9 seasonal assignment, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle starts January 13, 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ January 7, February 4
A group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
Starts January 31 ~ Fee is by donation
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

More monthly classes in Seattle coming in 2009.
Also classes in Bellingham coming in 2009.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning January 24, 2009

Earthen Gratitude

Greetings, Lovers of the Green,
It has been quite a year so far, hasn't it?
I have had some amazing challenges and
some parts of my life have been turned upside down.
I could easily complain about quite a few things.
But that would not be in line with the season.
We are now in the time of gratitude.
It is time to look back over the year,
the seasons of birth, growth, expansion,
flowering and fruiting and be thankful for
all that is given.

Earth rests on her surface,
and below she moves deeply.
You can put your hand on
the earth right now and
with breath and intention
you can feel this vibration.
You must be very patient
and still because the vibration
is very slow and low.

We can choose to find
this slower and lower pace.
And from this place take time
to glance backward before
we begin again to move forward.

Earthen Gratitude Practice...

• Go outside
• Bend down and touch the earth
• Notice your breath and breathe in and out several times as you continue to place your hand on the ground.
• Listen...first listen to your surroundings and what you hear.
• Then listen...under this to the earth herself.
• Now go inside and with pen and paper, write 21 things you are thankful for in your life.
• Go back outside and breathe and listen again to the earth.
• Return to your home and write 21 more things you are thankful for.
• Do this at least one more time.

May it be in Beauty.

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offering:
Call or email for more information about the following offering.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Abundant Earth ~ Prosperity Circle coming coming in January 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A replenishment group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Call or email anytime to find out more, share your inspirations and request an apprenticeship application. 360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Laugh with the Gifts

frozen earth this morning
foggy blanket covers our valley
deep maroon dock seeds
remind me of inner bounty
amber leaves lead me to the goat barn
chickweed laughs
with the cold and wet
so happy, so content
I will take her lead
I will be thankful for this day
and laugh with the gifts
I am receiving

A shamanic exercise to connect with the gifts this day offers:

• Walk outside near where you live
• Find a plant that is thriving in your surroundings
• Sit or stand near this plant
• Notice your breath and breathe a few natural breaths in and out
• Now shift your perseption and take 7 more breaths, breathing in the breath of this plant and breathing out, offering your breath to the plant.
• Notice how this plant is growing, everything about it. How it comes up out of the earth, what colors are present and imagine its root below the ground.
• Now for just a few minutes, imagine you are this plant, thriving here in the energy of the earth right now.
• What is your breath like? What do you feel? What thoughts come to mind? What sensations? as you embody this plant thriving...
• When this is complete, give thanks for the plant and this day.

May you find humor and joyfulness in life's circumstance.
May it be in Beauty.
Green Blessings,
Julie

Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offerings:
Call or email for more information about the following offering.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Join us and listen to another Inspirolog with Jamie Walters of Ivy Sea and Crow's Daughter. In this recording Jamie and I are sharing more about connecting with the spirit of nature and the trees.

Crow's Daughter's Herbal and Earth Teachings ~ Individual Sessions
I work intuitively, consulting my shamanic helpers to offer you what is needed.
Sessions are experiential. You will be connecting with your wisdom through time in nature, creative arts, and deep listening. I recommend multiple sessions to delve deep into the heart of what you desire. Available at our farm on Whidbey Island and in Seattle

The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ 13 Month Home Study Course in Shamanic Herbalism, an opportunity to begin crafting a deeply nourishing life where you live.
Start anytime, participate at home. 13 monthly lessons, 9 seasonal lessons, phone consultations, and discounts on our other classes.

Women and Plants ~ Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begin January 16, 2009 ~ 16 Months, Comprehensive Immersion in the shamanic herbal tradition of the Wise Woman. Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ Plant teacher for December is Cedar
December 13, 2008 ~ 10:30-2:30
Monthly open circle, come to as many as you like, discounts when you sign up
with friends and multiple circles.

Prosperity Circle coming coming in January 2009
Details on our website soon. Call or email to reserve your space.

The Well ~ A Study Group for Women
First Wednesdays, 7-9 pm ~ December 3, January 7
A replenishment group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.

Winter Solstice Earth Celebrations
December 20 ~ 3-6 pm
Free event ~ Everyone welcome, children are encouraged to attend

Herbal Wisdom Mentorship for Girls
We will begin again in January 2009
Come explore the amazing healing way of plants ~ Learn to see through the eyes of the wise woman ~ Discover your plant ally ~ Learn to listen and talk to plants.

Enchanted Earth~The Plant Teachings of Winter,
Class a A Gathering Grove ~ December 16 ~ 7-9 pm,
Fee is by donation.

Dark of the Moon Lodge
Returning in 2009

Call or email anytime to find out more, share your inspirations and request an apprenticeship application. 360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com

Frozen Earth Sparkles by Moonlight

Yesterday...
The full moon spotlight flooded my bedroom at 4 in the morning.
I got up and started to work, making lists of things that need tending.
Later I prepared for ritual, concocted a ceremony to burn evergreen boughs.
Releasing my dreams by smoke into the world.
The fire blazed so hot, so wild.
I ran to the stairs and looked back from far away.

Is my power this wild?
Are my dreams really this big?
This morning...
My eyes wanted to stay shut.
I am not sure I am ready for more light.
Where does the moon live in side of me?
Is this the light that I wish to shine?
Sunlight is so bold and brazen, I can't look upon her
without squinting, without looking away.
Moonlight glows from my womb, a reflection of my soul.

a multitude of promise

rain falls
plants fall over
turning golden and brown
wishing to rejoin
mother earth
little star lady
chickweed returns
enriching autumn salads
rose hips ripen fully
brilliant red
softening to release
her seeds
mushrooms emerge
all over the place
from forest wood chips
reminding me
of the fairy realm
seeds latch onto
my clothes
steadfast in their pursuit
to continue
a beautiful lesson
to watch burdock
dark brown plant
fall effortlessly
to earth
sending off her seeds
full of new life
into the world
she does not linger
in feelings of regret
she lived fully
now dies fully
each seed head holding
a multitude of promise
I follow burdock
releasing my life
into the holy darkness
giving thanks
knowing new life will emerge
from seeds
I have sown
















Crow's Laughter Mystery School Offerings:

Susun Weed Weekend~Nov. 30-Dec. 2~Discovery Park in Seattle
We are thrilled to be hosting Susun Weed for this fabulous weekend.
Visit our website www.crowsdaughter.com for all the details and to register.
Early bird prices will be increase on Monday, Nov. 12th













Women and Plants~Shamanic Herbal Apprenticeship Program
Next session begins January 25, 2008
Come immerse yourself in the nourishing and healing ways of the plants. Learn to live as a wise woman, craft herbal medicines from door yard herbs. Experience ancient shamanic listening practices, connect with your sisters on this path. This is an all-inclusive, comprehensive program that spans a year and a half with 4 ~ 13 week sessions. New participants are invited to join us at the beginning of each 13~ week session, each time continuing through until they have completed 4 ~ 13 week sessions.
When you choose this work you choose to deeply nourish all of yourself. When you join us, you are called upon to craft an apprenticeship with the plants and the Earth.
Call or email to request an apprenticeship application.
360-579-2319 ~ julie@crowsdaughter.com















Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ November 17th
November's Theme: The Earth Mysteries
Come join me as we explore the earth mysteries, the darkness and the healing arts.

Learn ways to honor the source of life, death and rebirth through shamanic exercises.

We will also explore the art of tincture making with organic alcohol and roots. $50

Includes a delicious, nourishing whole and wild food lunch and herbal crafting supplies
Register online for Herbal Wisdom Circle
http://www.crowsdaughter.com/herbal-wisdom-circle.html

Herbal Wisdom Circle ~ 13 month program
This 13-month course includes 12 sessions held monthly on Saturdays,
from 10:30-2:30 and one weekend intensive in late spring.
This program is an opportunity to study the deeper teachings of the earth and plants first hand.
The cost is $675. Payment plans are available.















"The Well"~ A Study Group for Women~ 7-9 pm
North Seattle~ First Wednesdays ~ December 5, January 2, February 6
We are thrilled to offer this group for women to explore the wise woman tradition, nourishing ourselves deeply and connecting with the treasures within us.
$30 ~ 4 consecutive months for $100.
Register on our website~ http://www.crowsdaughter.com/herbal-wisdom-circle.html















Herbal Wisdom Mentorship Days for Girls ~ Returning in 2008

Dark of the Moon Lodge ~ Returning in 2008

A Healthy Immune System ~ Seven Medicines Approach
Wednesday, November 28th ~ 7-8:30 pm ~ at our farm on Whidbey Island

Coming in 2008...
The Compassionate Nature of Plants ~ An online course in Shamanic Herbalism
You can participate in this course anywhere in the world.

And...more classes, plant walks and offerings in Seattle

Crow's Daughter's Earthly Goods:
We have added a page of holiday gift ideas from the Earth to our website.
We are also offering free shipping again this year to enhance your giving.
Visit http://www.crowsdaughter.com/plant-stories.html

We will be selling our products at the Langley Holiday Fair, Nov. 24th, 12-5 pm.
You can find us right behind North Star and across from Useless Bay Coffee House.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events.
Blessings of the New Moon and may the ancestors guide your steps
through this holy dark time of year,
Julie Charette Nunn, Crow's Daughter