6: Plant Medicine

I am working on a piece about 6/my third eye. The biggest gift focusing on this energy center has given is the ability to communicate with plants and other natural medicines. To prepare for this piece I am working on a number of other projects about plant medicine and the body. The drawings above are preparation for a multi-layer woodblock print about True Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.) and Smilacena Racemosa*, aka False Solomon’s Seal. Learning about the body has been a lifelong passion. I have been focusing on the spine lately. The tendency in Western medicine is to focus on healing gross ailments. What about dynamic wellness? We listen to and nourish our bodies before they are suffering in an extreme way. When we realize there is no limit to wellness, how does that change us?

True Solomon’s Seal is beneficial for adjusting ligament tension on joints connecting larger bones, like those in the spine. Smilacena is used for adjusting ligament tension on small bone joints, like in hands and feet. I use them whenever I have a joint injury or back trouble. True Solomon’s Seal must in part be responsible for ascending out of scoliosis.

Both of these herbs are magical and transformative. They should not taken without awareness that your life could radically realign or transform. Your bones are fundamental. They are the structure of the journey your body takes through life. We hold our posture and, often, aches and pains, as fixed and immutable. They can be released, but our walk through life will change.

The doctrine of signatures suggests the shape of the plant reveals possible application. True and False Solomon’s seal have a graceful slope to them. I think of it not as a droop or stoop, but rather as a flowing dancer’s extension. The metaphysical properties of these plants include being seen by kindred spirits (true) and finding your true name (false). They can share so much more. They are only for those with the faith to transition gracefully into a more authentic way of living. This does not imply greater vulnerability. There is protection for authenticity in their quiet shade.

The larger, 6 piece I am working on will share some of my plant connections, and more resources that my third eye brings. Not all of it is pleasant, as most of life is pain. The medicines of our earth bring ease that transcends survival medicine…they hold the intelligence to help us thrive, on every level of life. Listen to them. Honor Mother Earth.

*Do not wildcraft these plants. Smilacena is rare. Use flower essences or purchase fresh root (best for these) from ethical farmers. First do no harm.