of the Earth
with Christina Mercer
Bee-Loving
Bees are among my favorite creatures on the planet. I love to watch them in nature, often meditating or communing with their vibrant essence. Having spent over a dozen years tending to honeybee hives, I’ve come to know them pretty well. They are extraordinarily important for the planet, as well as incredible spiritual teachers. They navigate the forces of external & internal energies with perfect balance. Worker bees spend their days in a grand outbreath, buzzing under bright skies as they sip nectar and gather pollen—pure gifts from Gaia and the Sun. They transport their nourishing treasures to awaiting sisters who carry on a most profound alchemy. Within that sacred darkness—that sacred inbreath—all those outer energies are transformed into one of the most potent forms of creative power: Honey.
By implementing the spirit of the bees’ teachings into our own lives, we too can become powerful alchemists. When we take the distillated energies of our outbreaths in life (work, chores, hobbies, play, relationships, physicality) deep into our inbreath—that sacred hive within our hearts—we can alchemize those energies (via the feelings connected to them) into our own incredible sweetness.
Learn to alchemize through the heart with guided meditation.
HEART-HIVE MEDITATION
Plant Wisdom
Rose
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified medical professional; what I share is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your health professionals before using any type of herb or supplement. Extra note: the flower known as Christmas Rose (Helleborus Niger) is not a rose & is poisonous. True roses are of the genus Rosa, in the family Rosaceae.
A revered flower of the heart, roses have long been seen as the bloom of love and adoration. In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, we find its connection to the Goddess Aphrodite/Venus and her lover, Adonis. Rose lore is linked with the Goddess Flora, Eros/Cupid (Eros is an anagram for rose), and Persephone (roses were included in her bouquet). During the Victorian era, people sent certain flowers to convey messages, with the rose given as a symbol of devotion. Today, roses are the most popular cut flower in the world.
Roses resonate with our hearts, encouraging us to bring energy and focus to the vibrations of love. They also enhance self-love, help to heal emotional wounds and blockages, and bring us to a place of compassion for our ourselves and others. Roses open our hearts to new possibilities, they deepen our joy, and remind us to find peace in the present moment.
A cooling plant, roses can gently tame those inner fires in need of balancing. Enjoy rose tea, rose petals on salads or in desserts, inhale the scent of roses or rose essential oil, spritz rose water on your skin, sprinkle petals in your bath, meditate with or amid them, or simply adorn your home with their beauty to bring in their energy.
In addition to energetic properties, roses contain polyphenols—strong antioxidants—as well as many vitamins and minerals. They are known to be sedative, antibacterial, mood enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral.
Rose Tea Recipe
Always use organic, pesticide-free roses (those found in commercial floral arrangements are typically sprayed).
If using Fresh petals:
Bring to boil 1 cup fresh rose petals in 3 cups water. Simmer over medium heat for 5 min. Strain.
If using Dried petals:
Steep 1 heaping tablespoon of rose petals in 8 oz. boiling water for 3-5 min. Strain.
Breathe the aromas into your heart. Sip lovingly and reverently.
Crystal Wisdom
Peridot
Peridot is the official birthstone for the month of August (often the warmest month in the Northern Hemisphere). And it makes sense, as this stone embodies pure sunshine and positivity. Resonating with the heart chakra, peridot is wonderful for balancing emotions and bringing rays of warmth into your being. It is a stone of self-love, self-confidence, and courage to go after your heart’s desires. It encourages compassion for yourself and others, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. It is a perfect stone for generating an abundant flow of unconditional love.
Peridot is associated with prosperity in your work or other endeavors too. It blesses and energizes your creativity and helps you to move forward on your path. Invite this green beauty into your life for a boost of inspiration and to re-charge your enthusiasm. Wear it, meditate with it, or have it nearby, and let it remind you of your incredible and unlimited potential. You hold the nectar of genius. You are a magnificent creator with endless possibilities before you.