the whole universe conspires to guide you on your path

syn·chro·nic·i·ty
The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection, coined by Carl Jung.

me holding the borrowed rare book in the bright winter sunlight today

I recently started working as a substitute teacher at a local school and one day I was at the computer looking at Susun Weed‘s website, reading about nettle infusions, when the secretary nearby said something about her sister who is an herbalist living in NY’s East Village. My ears perked up and I eagerly asked, “you have an herbalist sister?!” She saw how excited I was and told me about her sister who had studied upstate back in the 60’s with a well-known herbalist, whose name she just couldn’t recall. I had a hunch and guessed, “do you mean Susun Weed??” Her eyes lit up and she confirmed, “oh yes, her!” I was so blown away because I was literally on Susun’s site at that very moment, reading about nettle infusions. So the woman continued, “yes, my sister is an herbalist and she always teaches me about herbs. She’s even written a book about herbs. She told me to drink nettle infusion every day!” By this point I just couldn’t believe my ears. Of all the hundreds of articles on Susun’s website, I was just reading about nettles! We both became very aware of the synchronicity in this moment and felt the excitement grow. As our connection to the plants unraveled, we realized what a bond we share through them. The cherry on top was when I found out that the book her sister wrote was Herbal Rituals: Recipes for Everyday Living. This was no ordinary herb book, but rather a book that has been on my wish list for over 5 years now! It is out of print so I never got myself a copy, but here I am, sitting in my bed, sipping tea and reading the herbal book I dreamed of for so many years.

This is just one of many plant synchronicities that I’ve experienced on my journey, and I know so many of you have these things going on all the time as well. I’d love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to email me or even post on my Facebook wall, I’d love to get a discussion going where we can all share these magic happenings and reap inspiration and guidance from them! I have a strong feeling that many of us also go through common plant synchronicities as well, so it would be interesting to look at those trends as a community!

Dreamer’s Crocheted Herbal Pillow

A crocheted pouch lets the aromas of the herbs come through.

My teacher Rosemary Gladstar wisely points out, “what better way to get to know the herbs than to sleep with them?” This is a really cute project you can make that will bring you sweet vivid dreams, using herbs that are known to help with dream recall and dream consciousness. There are many combinations to use, and each pillow can be made to suit your personal dream style. The traditional dreamer’s herbs Mugwort and Hops should be your base. Add others (below) for peaceful sleep, spiritual awakening, or to chase away nightmares. You can also use any type of fabric to encase the herbs, such as cotton, velvet, silk, or linen. I crocheted a little pouch and placed the herbs in an organza sachet bag, then stuffed that into the pouch and closed it up. It smells so good…!! Before bed, ruffle the pillow a bit to release the energy and aroma.

Suggested Herbs: Mugwort, hops +
Pick+choose: catnip, melissa (lemon balm), roses, lavender, chamomile, star anise, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, rosemary.

My blend includes mugwort, hops, roses, catnip, star anise, and sarsaparilla root.

Tea Blend: Sweet Dreams

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” ― Edgar Allan Poe

Dreamer’s Tea
Adapted from Rosemary Gladstar

2 parts mugwort – the dreamer’s herb
2 parts chamomile – for peace + calm
1 part rose petals – for sweet dreaming
1 part lemon balm – to chase away nightmares + melancholy

+ Add the following for…

*1/2 part honeysuckle flowers – for dreams of passion + love

*1/2 part chrysanthemum blooms – for happy dreams

*1/2 part passionflower – for deep sleep

*1/2 part lady’s mantle – for magical healing

For organic herbs + supplies, visit Mountain Rose Herbs.