Field Notes 02 | 24

We are at the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Imbolc, as it is called by the Celts, translates to “in the belly”, which evokes beautiful imagery of being in the womb of the earth. This is a powerful time to align with hope for new beginnings. As seeds are cradled deep in soil as they begin to sprout and grow, so too our inner spark is ignited as we are ushered onto our path of re-awakening. May we use this time to shed anything that no longer resonates and release all that has bound or confined us. Like seeds outgrowing their outer sheath to sprout roots and tendrils that will become the future plant — let us tend devotedly to our our new growth — So that when the seasons change and the light returns we are ready to re-emerge and blossom.

We might be feeling tender at this time of year, exacerbated by all we are witnessing transpiring in the world. The violent conflicts and instability that prevail are overwhelming. We are are charged with creating a new future and to participate in this act in a way that is authentic and empowered. This is a collaborative endeavor, one that we must undertake in community. So, it is time to hone our skills for true alliance building, which is not for the faint of heart and requires self knowledge, humbleness and continued devotion even in the face of challenge and adversity. We must be committed to returning time and time again to address the circumstances that present themselves and to care for ourselves and one another with an open loving heart.

ON THE LAND | 2.24

Here, on the coast of Southern California, Winter is our wettest season and the time when vegetation is at its most lush. Is also presents us with the best conditions for planting. As someone who grew up in places with harsh winters, this seasonal rhythm took a while for me to get used to. The aliveness of the land during this season is different from the stark bareness elsewhere. To be in Winter’s internal mode accompanied by verdant greenery is deeply nourishing.

We had one of our annual planting days a couple of weeks ago and are thrilled to have added some beautiful new members to our thriving plant community. The gardens we tend at Rituel are what we have termed ‘enhanced native’. We primarily grow plants that have long histories in this ecosystem, adding in select others whose needs correspond harmoniously with our climate. Lavender and Rosemary are Mediterranean plants whose needs perfectly match the conditions of our region. Their flowers also provide abundant year-round nourishment to our pollinator populations. The areas we’ve covered densely with these plants are buzzing and alive this Winter with bees and butterflies relishing their nectar.

One of the plants I was most committed to growing at Rituel is White Sage. This beautiful salvia plant is used for ceremonial cleansing and blessing by the indigenous peoples of this area. Over the years, I have cultivated a special relationship with this plant ally. We now grow an abundance of White Sage in our medicine gardens at Rituel and harvest from them for our ceremonies.

White Sage is often sold in bundles, I was taught, however, by my Chumash mentor, that this is an overuse of this precious plant. She recommended using only one leaf for personal cleansing. This is particularly significant to know because White Sage has been so over-harvested that it was added to the United Plant Savers’ “- To - Watch -” list. Therefore please be mindful in your use of White Sage. I urge you to grow your own! You can also research and be inspired to find out more about the medicinal plants used in your own ancestral lineage or the plants traditionally harvested for ceremony in your own geographic location. 

CLEANSING RITUAL | 2.24

One of the rituals that corresponds best to this time of year is a cleansing ritual. Many of us have navigated profound shifts over this last while. Performing a seasonal deep cleaning of your personal space and an energetic cleanse, can have profound effects and create physical and energetic space to usher in the new.

Sacred space clearing practices have been used in cultures throughout the world. Likely you have had the experience of entering a sacred space such as a temple or mosque and noticed the shift in how the space feels energetically. Most often, incense, plants, bark or resins are burned to clear such spaces, a practice commonly referred to as ‘smudging.’ These ingredients can also be added to water and sprayed in a gentle mist to evoke the same clearing effect.

Cleansing rituals that use fire have beautiful symbolic resonance in connecting us with this purifying element and with the etheric realms as the smoke rises. A more mundane reason for the use of these ancient clearing practices is that the plants and resins that were traditionally used in ritual have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which actually clean the air, water and earth, warding off illness, insects and pests. Therefore these were also age-old ways of making sure that pathogens are cleared out of a place and keeping it clean and safe. 

Another interesting aspect of these practices is that they engage the sense of smell. Smell is a fascinating sense, it has been found to activate emotional and physical responses in the body, and is intimately linked to the memory center of our brain. Scents can be transportive. So, the sense of smell is a powerful faculty to engage when performing a ritual or ceremony.

The Rituel:

I usually use White Sage harvested from our medicine garden, but you may choose whatever plant, resin, or incense you’d like. I also sometimes add lavender, sweetgrass or rose to my smudge bowl.

Add your ingredients to a smudge bowl. I use an abalone shell that my eldest daughter found at the beach when she was little, but you can use any small, flame-resistant bowl or vessel.

Light a candle at your home altar or other safe space. This is the sacred flame from which you will light the smudging ingredients for clearing. My favorite candle to use for this is a beeswax tea light, as beeswax candles burn longer than paraffin ones and help pull toxins from the air.

Touch the smudging ingredient to the flame, allowing it to ignite completely. Then calm the flame by gently blowing on your plant or incense just enough so that it continues to smolder.

Begin wafting the smoke. I love to do this with a feather and have a collection of special ones that I’ve found on walks or have been gifted over the years. You can also simply use your hand to gently move the air above the smoldering herbs.

Gently draw the smoke first towards yourself, allowing it to clear the space around your body. Breathe in the scent and feel yourself arrive with presence into the moment and open to what you are about to experience.

Then begin your Blessing of the Directions. This is a personal prayer for connection, variations of which have been taught to me through the years by many of my mentors. I am sharing with you my simple, concise version but feel free to personalize this ritual and make it your own living blessing.

Blessing the Directions:

~ Turn your attention to the East, the direction associated with the element of Air and the rising sun. Welcome in new beginnings and inspiration. Honor your connection with your sense of perception, aligning yourself with the consciousness of your highest perspective.

~ Turn your attention to the South, the direction associated with the element of Fire, and welcome in the wisdom of the sacred flame. Feel the warmth within your body, feel the fire of passion within that directs you on your life path, and honor the wisdom of the fire to burn away and release all that no longer serve.

~ Turn your attention to the West, the direction associated with the element of Water, connect with the waterways of the earth and the presence of this element in your body. This direction is also connected with your emotions. Notice what you are feeling in this moment, be open to the flow of your feelings, and allow yourself to observe and honor the full breadth of your emotional terrain.

~ Turn your attention to the North, the direction associated with the element of Earth. Connect to the wisdom of the plants, minerals and animals with whom we share this beautiful planet. This direction is also connected with your ancestors. Feel the solidity of your bones and honor your connection with the earth and those who have come before you.

~ Turn your attention Downwards, feeling the stability as you connect with all that lies beneath you, through the layers of soil and strata of minerals down to the molten core that anchors this planet. Feel yourself rooted and stabilized by gravity and know that you can draw upon the balancing solidity of all that lies beneath you.

~ Turn your attention Upwards, noticing the space around you and allowing yourself to revel in your connection with the vastness of the cosmos. Remember that we live in a galaxy of stars and planets. Honor all that exists beyond us in the vast field of our consciousness and the realms of the great beyond.

~ Turn your attention Within to connect with your heart and the wisdom that lives within you. Send prayers to your loved ones and the planet. In this moment of intimate presence you can set your intentions, or simply allow yourself to feel calm and present, ready and resourced for all that the coming season will bring.

PRACTITIONER HIGHLIGHT | 2.24

In this edition of field notes we want to highlight Katrina dela Cruz L.M.S.W., one of our exceptional Wellness Sabbatical practitioners and we are so elated to have her on our team. Katrina is is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and counselor. 

After a decade as a hospital clinician, she started her private practice Fire Moon Medicines, with the intention of integrating her training and experience in Western psychology with her education, knowledge, and passion for alternative, indigenous, and ancestral healing. 

She feels fortunate to have encountered her own healers, teachers, and guides who have helped her learn a variety of healing modalities and hone the skills necessary to cultivate and nurture sacred space. Katrina’s intimate experience with modern medicine has given her insight into both its value and its shortcomings. Her ability to hold a sacred space in her psychotherapeutic sessions and to integrate healing practices that honor the soul and spirit, create the optimal conditions for true healing and growth.