Getting To Know Plant Allies

1. Identification

There are hundreds and thousands of plants. Carefully curating your ‘arsenal’ of plant Spirit allies is therefore crucial; consider local and abundant species with cultural significance first, as well as those you find personally called to, and those of ancestral importance. Generally, however, one should aim to build a good collection of 10 to 13 significant allies. More or less won’t hurt, however.

2. Research

Once you have chosen your subject(s), so begins the research phase- and one should highly consider creating a ‘Materia Medica’ or ‘Herbal Grimoire’ in which to store their information at this step. Into it should include any and all magical or medicinal uses, folklore and superstitions, and other information relevant to your allies, any recordings of your workings with them, revelations and gnosis, etc; no subject should be left unresearched or unrecorded.

Some things to research about your allies should include:

• Botanical, Common, and Folk names, plus their etymologies
• Physical descriptions, plus illustrations
• Native growth range and distribution
• Invasive status and classification
• Growing habits and gardening needs
• Ecological role and value
• Uses and parts used, plus their origins of use
• Safety and handling instructions
• Chemical compounds
• Contradictions and contraindications
• Scientific studies and information
• Cross-cultural History and Folklore
• Energetics
• Sensory observations
• Spells and Recipes
• Any ‘special instructions’ (handling, growing, preparation, etc)
• Etc, Etc, Etc

Dedicating time to learning the physical knowledge of a plant is necessary for understanding its spirit and metaphysical nature as well; it is important to realize that even if you don’t intend to use herbs medicinally, they are still, by their very natures, medicines. It is important to understand how herbs interact with our bodies, and our environment (including pets and children) before working with them. Especially since making teas and burning incenses are common forms of working with herbs casually that could have ill effects on both. So take some time to gather hard, tangible, scientific facts from reputable sources (and note your sources in your notes!).

3. Interactions

It is important to do the research described above, as the above information will dictate what further actions you can take, practical speaking, in order to get to know, experience, and grow your relationship with your plant Spirit allies; not all plants are safe to be used or experienced in the following ways, so please take proper precautions before performing exercises. The research stage is crucial.

When introducing yourself to a plant Spirit ally, it is best to start slowly with gentle exercises and build your way up to more intense ones as the relationship progresses. The following exercises are written in an order to reflect this.

⤞ Sight

Carefully examine every detail of your subject for 5 minutes, taking in as much visual information as possible. At the end of the 5 minutes, turn away. For another period of 5 minutes attempt to visualize the plant in as much detail as possible. Afterwards, spend another 5 minutes attempting to draw it in as much detail as you can remember. Return to the plant and compare your drawings and visualizations, and note any inaccuracies.

Repeat this exercise often. By the end of it, you should have an idea of the most fundamental visual elements of the plant allies that call to you.

⤞ Smell

Without disturbing the plant, note any lingering or latent smells on or around it. Note if the smell changes at different times of the day. Next, crush a little of its leaf, flower, root, and stem between your fingers, one at a time, washing your hands with a scent neutral soap in between. Record the individual scents and how they differ (if at all). Try the difference between fresh and dry samples as well- and if boiled.

How does the scent differ if inhaled through steam, or as smoke when used as incense? How would you describe its smell overall? Is it stronger at one time as opposed to another? Or in one form or another? Does it elicit any particular emotions?

⤞ Touch

Feel the subject gently. Is it fuzzy? Smooth? Rought? Delicate or robots? Does it bend or flex, or does it snap? Does it take pressure well, or feel brittle? Are the leaves smooth, or glossy, or plump? What does all of this tell you about its form and function?

Cover some fresh materia in boiling water and steep it for 15 minutes. Strain it and soak your hands in the water after it has cooled. Is it astringent or conditioning? Warm, or cooling?

⤞ Taste

Let a small amount of the material rest on your tongue for a moment. How does it taste and feel? After noting any immediate flavors and sensations, chew it while savoring it. How does the flavor change? Allow it to linger. Is there an after taste? How does it change in a Tea versus an oil, syrup, vinegar, or honey? Repeat all of these with both dry and fresh materia. Does this change the taste of any of them? And once again: Does the taste, at any point, elicit any emotions?

⤞ Craft

Create something that requires more time and patience, using only the subject’s materia- such as a spell, a salve, a complex oil, distillation or enfleurage, etc. Record the results and experiences- including any failures!

⤞ ‘Hear’

Use a tincture of, smoke it, anoint yourself with a simple oil made from, or simply bask in the presence of the chosen plant Spirit ally, as a part as a semi-passive meditation. Open yourself to the subtle, unseen existence of it. Afterwards record any revelations learned during this period.

It is important to consider time, in that there should be no rush when acquainting yourself with plant Spirit allies. Sometimes these introductions can take days, or they can take months, and even years, depending on the plant and their receptivity- as well as your own. Some allies’ greatest lesson, even, is that of patience.

Do not be in a hurry to rush the process. Especially as learning never ceases.