 Essences > Ancient Alba Flower Essences Range
The Ancient Alba Range was created specifically to help us to regain our connection to the ancient ways of spirit - practice and thought.
-
All the plants used to make up the Ancient Alba Range of Flower Essences have been used for centuries, and many will have been treasured by our ancestors in Scotland right back to the end of the last Ice Age.
-
Plant use for healing is a human legacy, we know that the Celtic people brought immense wisdom and learning, and that they learned from and respected the traditions of the Ancient Scots
-
I hope that these essences will be a gentle catalyst to help us balance the past and future, and thus to truly appreciate all that we have in the now.
Purpose of Ancient Alba Essences
The reason that I created this range is because I feel that most people in the West have lost touch with our ancestral wisdom, and with the natural rhythms of this fine earth that gave shape to ancient practices. I believe that we have lost immeasurably on both emotional and spiritual planes from forgetting traditional celebrations of life and their meaning. I hope that for many people, Ancient Alba essences will help them to fill this gap of meaning in their lives.
Thirteen Moons
The moon passes around the earth 13 times during our year - accounting for 364 of our 365 days. I do not know exactly how the extra day was accounted for in the ancient calendar, but I do know that the moon was the first and most obvious sign of seasonal change and time passing. The moon has always been associated with goddess, sometimes the concept of The White Lady (who was an embodiment of all female magical energy), and often with the names of specific female deities throughout the millennia. This is still important to us, because however technical our society has become and however removed from our heritage of wisdom and nature we become, we are still affected by the natural world.
Eight Suns
Alongside the Moon, the Sun was the epitome of warmth, growth, protection, and all over the world the sun has been associated with male deities. Its position in the sky marks the passing of the year, and the festivals that evolved had specific tasks, both practical and spiritual. High summer (Litha) and deep winter (Yule) are marked by the longest and shortest days of the year - the solstices, and the mid points of equilibrium the equinoxes fall in autumn (Mabon) and spring (Eostar). The high days fell midway between equinox and solstice, beginning with Samhain (31st October), then Imbolg (early February), Beltane (May Day Eve) and Lammas (early August).
Use the links below to learn more about each essence, or scroll down the page:-
First Moon - Beginnings a spiritual time of cleansing and releasing before the new year, of visions and dreams
Second Moon - Vision hope and celebration, spiritually the motivation that underlies all our plans and goals
Third Moon - Fluidity a time of stillness before motion, spiritually a time of letting go of negativity
Forth Moon - Self-guidance a time of learning, motivation and the desire the clear out and get on with projects
Fifth Moon - Balance associated with energy, sensuality and new growth, good time for developing creativity
Sixth Moon - Serenity associated with re-balancing especially at a deep spiritual level, a time of healing & fertility
Seventh Moon - Strength a time of growth and maturity this is an ideal time to heal family misunderstandings
Eighth Moon - Annealing a time for introspection, for re-connecting to self at all levels, processing and going on
Ninth Moon - Wisdom time of renewal and rebirth, of reflecting on our achievements and perhaps altering plans
Tenth Moon - Abundance a time of celebration, abundance and sharing, of resolution and earth connection
Eleventh Moon - Resilience processing and analysis are key to this time, identifying things to release and alter
Twelfth Moon - Stability a time of turning inward for stillness and protection, for preparing for change
Thirteenth Moon - Transformation pivotal time of evolution and change, upheaval and attainment, of wisdom
Samhain - All Hallows Eve renewal of the connection between inner and social selves, visions stimulated
Yule - Winter Solstice rebirth of all things including ourselves, releasing the past, but not forgetting the lessons
Imbolg - Dawning of Spring cleanliness, freshness, newness, time for purification and enthusiastic movement
Eostar - Spring Equinox exuberance and fertility, the freeing of blocked emotions, old habits and grief
Beltane - May Day Eve describes physical and spiritual evolution, stimulating creativity, self acceptance
Litha - Midsummer maturity, allowing us to clear our social interaction of prejudice, whilst keeping our own path
Lammas - High Summer time of ease both physically and spiritually, when we are most likely to find change easy
Mabon - Autumn Equinox a time of bounty, a time to reflect on accomplishments and growth, generosity
  Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale) & Wood Anenome (anemone nemerosa)
FIRST MOON ESSENCE
1st Moon essence takes us through a process that makes ending one thing and beginning another effortless.
On a spiritual and emotional level this is the perfect energy to reflect on your accomplishments, activities and growth over the past year. Part of this process it to acknowledge and be pleased with all the positive developments. And to look at your challenges and the things that you found difficult in terms of what you have learned and gained (from what may have appeared to be negative at the time).
FIRST MOON is about cleansing, about releasing and clearing. These preparations may include forgiving yourself for not accomplishing all your goals of last year, forgiving family and life for getting in the way and of presenting you with unexpected and even unwelcome issues that waylaid you.
FIRST MOON can also provide a renewed sense of enthusiasm, a sense of deep energy potential slowly rising within your heart and spirit. This often manifests itself as a sense of anticipation, of quiet excitement and can make you feel much younger as the feelings are those that we often associate with being a child.
Spiritually, this essence should help you to connect with your higher self, with the potential for growth that is at the core of your being and connects you to the universe around you. This speaks of the time of year itself, reflecting the oldest traditions of ancestral wisdom - finding in the deepest dark and shadow dreams of self the power for rebirth and enthusiasm to motivate us. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Eyebright (euphrasia officionalis) & Lady’s Smock (cardamine pratensis)
SECOND MOON ESSENCE
The second moon is associated with hope and vision.
Second Moon Essence is about connecting us to our personal dreams so that we may find the power to bring our intentions into life. 2nd Moon is a stimulating and empowering essence, increasing our momentum in visualising and recognising our goals, and in strengthening our deepest spirit, so that we may attain them
You might find SECOND MOON essence helpful at the start of a project, or at the beginning of a time of change and upheaval in your life. At these times, it should help you to keep in touch with your own intension and goals, and not be deflected by petty details, or swamped by other people’s demands on your time.
SECOND MOON could also help you clarify your ideas and to remember your dreams more fully. It’s nature carries you into your mystic self, and helps you to intensify your skills of looking forward, of healing and of the self belief that comes with building a strong link to your intuitive sensitive self.
Buy 2nd Moon Essence NOW
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
 .jpg) Rue (Ruta graveolens) & Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile GERMAN or Anthemis nobilis ENGLISH)
THIRD MOON ESSENCE
The Nature of Third Moon Essence is Fluidity, encouraging slow gentle movement, there is a sense of stillness before motion.
The THIRD MOON essence can help you regain the balance that allows you to leave behind old baggage, but also the protection to encourage you to be able to let it go only after you have faced the important lessons. The essence offers much of the sense of hope and generosity of spirit that the second moon gave, and with it the sense of safety, prosperity and fluidity that can help you progress steadily in the depths of winter.
The time of the THIRD MOON is perfect for flights of fancy, as this time is associated with the quiet time before a project or adventure begins, when we have the chance to reconsider the future in all ways and from all directions before deciding our next step. This is a crucial and creative time, enlightening and protective - and I think that it is too often a phase that we neglect due to the pressures of time in the modern world.
The protection of the THIRD MOON extends into sleep, so that this essence is useful if you are troubled with bad dreams and nightmares. It may also be useful during periods when you have trouble sleeping, as it helps you feel safe and thus encourages a profound level of relaxation and rest.
THIRD MOON is excellent for battling depression, particularly the low gloominess that can accompany winter weather. Yet, with the power of Rue to turn aside all negativity and Chamomile to bring into your heart the warmth of the sun, this essence should be helpful for down times and depression of all sorts.
Buy 3rd Moon Essence NOW
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Horsetail (equisetum arvense) & Primrose ( primula vulgaris)
FOURTH MOON ESSENCE
Fourth Moon gives you a magical blend of extreme energy and drive with a profound sense of self awareness that feels like it stretches back into the dawn of time. The great Strength of 4th Moon is to stimulate your ability to learn and to develop mentally, for your mental powers are built on ancient wisdom and deep awareness of place and time
This is also the time for cleaning and clearing the garden - even routing out unused items - yes this is the time when the desire for spring cleaning is in the air. Whilst most of us, perhaps reluctantly, do a bit of spring cleaning of our homes, it is good to remind ourselves that a mental clear out can be even more positive - and the FOURTH MOON essence contains the plants that help us to do this.
FOURTH MOON may be the right essence for you if you need to stimulate your enthusiasm for life, for new adventures and getting started on new projects. It could stimulate your ability to see alternatives and to grasp new ideas, rather than be held back by following old habits.
This essence blend is also deeply supportive. By helping you balance the extreme enthusiasm of early spring and the sense of deep old wisdom that you have through birthright and upbringing - it can help you to disassociate with both past and future and thus be more fully yourself.
FOURTH MOON can be immensely helpful on spirit quests as well as more pragmatic and practical projects. This is because it embodies the same joyous drive toward clearing and cleansing, toward growth and expansion, and yet with the deep certainty of ancient roots and universal wisdom on the spiritual plane as it does on all others.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Yellow Flag (iris pseudacornus) & Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)
FIFTH MOON ESSENCE
Fifth Moon is called to Moon of Balance, for it offers us youthful energy and exuberance, and a strong sense of groundedness - these combine to stimulate sensuality and sexual joy. 5th Moon is perfect for kick starting your creativity, for all that physical power and energy can be turned inwards and used for personal expression and for spiritual work.
The FIFTH MOON is a time that is much more concerned with emotions and body than mind and spirit - there is a sense of outward flow, of sociability, of gregariousness and of wanting to reach out and share. Spring has sprung and we all celebrate it in our individual ways. Yet, this is a sacred time for shamanic work, as practitioners can use the vibrant energy of the planet to aid their journeys.
FIFTH MOON is an essence of exuberance, fertility and creativity. So you would find this essence helpful at any time when you need an injection of youthful energy. Or when you need to re-connect with your creativity. And it will help you welcome growth and change into your life.
And FIFTH MOON is an essence that is associated with sensuality and sexuality, so if your love life is flat or your enthusiasm for sexual expression low, then FIFTH MOON may be able to renew your enthusiasm.
And of course FIFTH MOON may be of help for spiritual journeying, for reconnecting with your spirit self and to help you upon your path.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Plantain (plantago lanceolata) & Tormentil (potentilla erecta)
SIXTH MOON ESSENCE
6th Moon balances You - taking you to a place of emotional calm and tranquillity, where you can release the things that make your life overwhelmingThe SIXTH MOON comes at the height of spring, when the early bulbs have been overtaken with the rainbow colours of tulips and anemone, when the buds are transforming into leaves. Everywhere is colour, bloom and sweet scent of growth on the air. This is a time when it is hard to doubt the abundance of the universe.
Spiritually this essence is aligned with high spring, and so it is well used as a support on your spiritual path of development to put you in touch with your own fertility on every level. So often we neglect to remind ourselves of our many accomplishments, of the enormous growth and changes we have already made, and the abundant energy that we hold in out deepest self. SIXTH MOON can help remind you of your own wonderful potential.
SIXTH MOON, with its nature of rebalancing and perspective during a time of chaotic activity, can be immensely helpful in many situations. It could be helpful during those times that we have too many plates in the air, and feel that we may drop one (or all of them); for the essences strength is to help us let go of the things that are not helpful to us at present - even if these are carefully set aside to be resumed at some later time.
And SIXTH MOON can help us deal with those feelings of being overwhelmed by life, by the choices, the possibilities, the hundreds of demands on us - made by family, partner, friends, work and society. this essence can help you regain sense of balance and peace in the madness.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Nettle (urtica dioica) & Mint (ssp mentha)
SEVENTH MOON ESSENCE
7th Moon is stimulating to all positive purpose, and particularly protective to you in times of stress SEVENTH MOON rises during the time between high spring and the mid summer festival. This is a time of gentle maturing, of growth outwards as well as upwards.
This gentle season is the perfect time to seek calmness - especially on the emotional level. It is a time when old problems and issues are most safely aired, processed and laid to rest. Nearly every family has its internal challenges, whether the deepest of strife or a simple misunderstandings. The energy of SEVENTH MOON is particularly helpful and restorative for those people wise enough to deal with these issues.
Of course spiritually the SEVENTH MOON rises in early summer. As a tool to spiritual growth and development, some of your subjects for contemplation might be forgiveness - particularly of family members, old friends and yourself; affirmation of your connection to our splendid earth; realisation of joy in your life by ensuring that play and social gatherings are a part of your life.
For all of us, it is a wise idea to reflect on our emotional health, and to ensure that we are not allowing negative emotions and resentments from the past to drive us. Because when we relinquish control of our emotions we are in danger of driving away those closest to us, and not being true to our on hearts and minds.
This is also a time when re-establishing our connection with the natural world is easiest. The long days and the balmy evenings call to our emotions and our spirits - it is best to give in, to set aside the drive of logic and demands of life, and to just enjoy being alive.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Bluebell (endymion non-scriptus) & Foxglove (ssp digitalis)
EIGHTH MOON ESSENCE
Eighth Moon is best described by the process of Annealing, where you -like a sword - are thrust into the fire of loss and sadness and emerge the stronger. 8th Moon carries You through the inward journey exploring sadness and regret, and leaves you lighter - in touch with your own fine potential.
In shamanic terms, this is perfect for journeying, for recapturing lost parts of oneself, for assessing our own place upon the path of life. And, as such it is related to prophecy and magic. Mentally and emotionally it is a time for philosophising and for selecting those theories you wish to act upon. This is a time of duality, of looking at the extremes or opposite sides of arguments and ideas, and then of seeing them as a holistic whole.
On your spiritual journey, you would use EIGHTH MOON during the height of summer, as a magical friend when in meditation and communion with nature. This essence helps you venture into the darkest places of sadness and despair within, and to re-emerge released and enlightened.
On a personal level, EIGHTH MOON essence can help you to overcome the effects of heartache and grief on all levels. Emotionally and spiritually it will ease their hold on you, allowing you to go on and embrace life again. Mentally and physically it can help mitigate some of the feelings of fatigue and lassitude that often accompany loss and sadness.
Best of all, this essence can put us in touch with our own potential. We all carry great strengths, it is our inheritance and our nature, yet often these strengths are hidden, and never realised. EIGHTH MOON can bring an awareness of your own potential, and a sense of how these traits can be well used to improve your life.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Alder (alnus glutinosa) & Lady Fern (asplenium Felix-foemina)
NINTH MOON ESSENCE
Ninth Moon brings you to Wisdom, by bringing you to that place inside where balance and gratitude create your inner security and comfort, 9th Moon takes you to a place of contemplation, where you move beyond the ties of the past and where you can see your way forward clearly.
It is associated with the magic of the green man, nature personified, with the insight of the bard and the wisdom of the crone or old woman of knowledge. It is a time when our path can be most clearly seen. There is about us a sense of balance and also a sense of anticipation - of the harvest, of new things just around the corner.
On your spiritual journey, this essence will support you when you have released old emotions and sadness that ties you to the past.
This essence helps you to find a place of balance and gratitude deep inside, the place where wise practice begins. Here is where you want to be when you wish to progress forward on your journey, to see the path with clarity, untainted by fear and preconception. Here is where you bring the bard, wise man and woman alive within yourself.
For all of us, this essence can bring a sense of comfort and safety. It is like putting on a thick jacket to keep out the cold, like hugging a teddy bear, like smelling the scent of newly baked bread.
And with the sense of safety comes a great confidence and clarity of vision. You will not need to doubt your own ability to plan, to see the options open to you, or to make the right choice. The sense of safety will help you feel calm, and the clearness of thought will help you know confidence.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Valerian (Veronica chamaedrys) & Germander Speedwell (veronica chaedrys)
TENTH MOON ESSENCE
Tenth Moon Essence is all about Abundance - Attracting abundance into your life, and inspiring you to greater aspirations and attainment
10th Moon helps you to rejoice, to recognise your own prosperity, it stimulates your dreams - helping you to see further, and it stimulates the Bardic voice, so that you can speak your truth.
The energy of the TENTH MOON is more outgoing than introspective, more sharing than mystic. It is late summer, but before the harvest and before the autumn equinox, when our energies are free to enjoy the end of summer and to share our enjoyment with friends. The TENTH MOON is also about inspiration and bardic voice.
TENTH MOON is the perfect essence to support you when you are contemplating the resolution of a scheme, or when you are considering further development in an ongoing project. TENTH MOON has a subtle mix of energies that work on both an outward level and a deeper one.
Outwardly, the TENTH MOON can help you to reach out and participate in social events. Encouraging you to calmly and joyfully participate in shared activities, and to be able your express yourself just as you wish. Think of the bard of old, exchanging tales and news for his supper, and also sharing the stories that inspire, instruct and encourage.
Inwardly is the magic blend of hearts ease of utter calm, yet through it percolates the desire to move on, to learn and grow, to become more and better. Subtly your comfort is manipulated into an exuberance for life and living that impels you easily forward - with a head clear yet full of ideas and plans for the future.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Cherry, Wild (prunus, avium) & Skullcap (Scutellaria minor)
ELEVENTH MOON ESSENCE
Eleventh Moon Essence is all about Resilience, About continuing to grow and move on through all the great times and distraction of living, 11th Moon is a marvellous catalyst for helping you to release old patterns, prejudices and negative feelings, leaving you feeling buoyant and full of Hope.
The ELEVENTH MOON is all about gathering in your harvest, and then winnowing the crop. The processing of winnowing, of separating the usable from the unusable products of the harvest is as necessary spiritually as it is to the farmer with a limited space for storing victuals for the winter ahead.
And it is a time of release. The release of old patterns, of ghosts from the past, of resentments, of negative thoughts are an essential part of preparing for the cold dark months of winter and the beginning of the new year.
You may find ELEVENTH MOON helpful as you approach the end or resolution of a project or relationship, or a point in ongoing endeavours where you need to pause before continuing on that path.
ELEVENTH MOON of course can be used very effectively upon your spiritual path and as such you may wish to use it during the pagan 11th moon in September and October. Yet the activities associated with this time can occur throughout the year. It is especially useful when things are going extremely well, when you feel busy and happy and empowered, but perhaps also tired or bad tempered.
Sometimes when our lives are very full and good, we neglect to take time for deep introspection and releasing of old emotional and psychic rubbish that accumulates in our subconscious. If we put off this process for too long, we can feel fatigued, irritable and could eventually push ourselves toward depression, even though on the surface life seems wonderful.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Bramble (rubus fruticosus) & Heather/ling (calluna vulgaris)
TWELFTH MOON ESSENCE
Twelfth Moon Brings us to a place of tranquillity, of inner and outer stillness - before the storm, before changes, before the beginning of a big project, 12th Moon provides us with a sense of the Still centre, where we feel protected and safe, loved. Where truth can be manifested.
It is the spiritual still point before the moon of transformation and the festival of spirit. It is that still centre where truth is made manifest. A time of clarity of the heart.
TWELFTH MOON is associated with love, particularly that of family and clan, of home and village. It is a time of affirmation of loyalty and gentle bonds that help us feel protected. TWELFTH MOON is the moon of haven in the storm, of creation of comfort on all levels in preparation of change and winter.
TWELFTH MOON is associated with the still time before the thirteenth moon of transformation, and thus this essence can be used for times of lessened activity, a time between jobs, between relationships, between projects.
With the constant pressure of our modern society, we underestimate the importance of these quieter times, and often become restless or anxious waiting for something to begin. We have forgotten the values of anticipation, of grounding and of learning not to wait, but just to be. TWELFTH MOON helps us with this.
Spiritually this time is of reaching in to reach out. In our universe, no matter whether your perspective is quantum mechanics or energetic healing, all things are connected. Little is explained, and everything is changing and evolving - as is its nature. And yet there are things that we know.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Ash (fraxinus excelsior) & Whin (ulex europaeus)
THIRTEENTH MOON ESSENCE
Thirteenth Moon Essence is all about Transformation - and as change is a constant aspect of our modern world, so 13th moon is invaluable in helping us to welcome change and to truly enjoy it.
The magic of 13th Moon Essence is that it gives us a sense of completeness, providing the healing and wholing that we need to banish negativity, and bringing us to a place of spiritual realignment. This is a pivotal time, of evolution and transformation. Yet do not be fooled into expecting a dramatic outward change, for this movement runs deep, deep in your dreams, your subconscious self, your higher self. Metamorphosis may appear to come suddenly, however the truth is that the time of preparation and awakening is vital, and likely to take some time.
The process of change so powerful that it impels us to move forward is a culmination of all the months of the year, using the energy from all the moons. THIRTEENTH MOON is the essence of completeness. Its purpose to stimulate your ability to bring to fruition your goals and plans, to resolve your uncertainties and to banish any threads of negativity that cling from your past.
Today, we are so uncomfortable with beginnings and endings that this essence may prove to be the most helpful and popular of the Moons. When we, as a society, lost touch with our natural world and the flow of the seasons, we also lost touch with the knowledge that growth and development demands birth and death. We forgot that in order to have more, we need to release things that no longer serve us.
One could call this greed and self centredness, but I think this behaviour comes from fear and a sense of being disconnected to ourselves and our world. So, we grasp at anything that comes within reach and refuse to release it even if it bites us. THIRTEENTH MOON could help us to get out of this sad rut, and to move on.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Cedar (Cedrus ssp), Juniper (Juniperus ssp ) & Vervain (verbena officinalis)
SAMHAIN ESSENCE
Samhain is the ancient Festival of Spirit Connection, and the Essence was created to make it easy for you to connect to your subconscious or spirit self where dreams flourish, and your own potential can be tapped. Samain Essence fires your imagination, stimulates your heart and mind, and fortifies your intension, so that your dreams can come true.
The festival of Samhain marks the beginning of the Celtic year. Samhain is one of the quarter days, one of the four festivals that fall between equinox and solstice. We have come to put greater importance on the more obvious sun festivals, summer and winter solstice, autumn and spring equinox. But I suspect that in the ancient world the quarter days were even more important. I suspect that these four in between festivals were more spiritual occasions, and especially sacred to the Druids and to the shamans before them.
Samhain is the festival that precedes the (physically) darkest days of the northern year. Yet this shadow time is celebrated and revered rather than associated with fear. Darkness and shadow were as important to the ancient peoples as light and warmth. They also had a completely different relationship with their dead. Death was not something to cause horror, but simply the moment when our spirit leaves this physical plane and passes on to another realm.
Samhain is often considered the time of spirit connection, and we are told that at this time the barrier between life and death is at its thinnest. Perhaps, or perhaps this is a later add on, ensuring that the strength and potency of this time was translated into fear. Whatever the truth, SAMHAIN ESSENCE was created to help us renew our acquaintance with our shadow self, our deepest subconscious - the place of dreams, and to connect with our spiritual centre - the core of our potential - that links us to the universal powers.
Instead of being uncomfortable in the dark time of the winter, I hope that SAMHAIN ESSENCE will help us all to learn to regain the habit of listening to ourselves. Learning to listen to our heart, our instinct and to our higher self. The importance of this really cannot be overstated. For if we can make our plans for the coming year, our goals, our intentions from a point of self honesty and spiritual reflection, then who knows what may happen! We may in time reach our own potential...
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Holly (Ilex aquifolium), St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum), Scots Pine (pinus sylvestrus)
YULE ESSENCE
Yule is of course the Festival of Sun Return, of Rebirth on all levels, of humour, light-heartedness, celebration and protection. Yule Essence was created to protect you from negativity, from being overwhelmed by the pace of life, the demands of the season, and your own dark thoughts and sadness. Instead you will feel renewed, energetic and full of light.
YULE ESSENCE was created to reflect the energies of the winter solstice, the ancient celebration of sun return. This was certainly a pivotal time in the ancient calendar and the proof of this is in how many of the customs and traditions that are associated with Christmas and Hogmanay have a very pagan flavour.
Because YULE ESSENCE has a highly protective element to its nature it will be very helpful for all of us who are challenged by the hectic pace of the winter holiday. The many demands and expectations put upon us during Yuletide seem to increase yearly, and YULE ESSENCE should help us to focus on the spiritual and healing aspects of the season and actually enjoy it more.
If you are using the sun festival essences as a tool to aid your spiritual growth, then you may wish to use YULE ESSENCE regularly from 21st December, or whichever day is the shortest - for this can alter year by year. It is up to you which aspects of the bounty of this season that you wish to work with, I trust that YULE ESSENCE is well balanced enough and supportive enough for most anything. And the plants that give their energies to this essence speak of rebirth and renewal that will assists you is all adventures - shamanic or simply living day to day.
With its emphasis on the celebration of rebirth and anticipation for the future YULE ESSENCE should help us to keep our energy levels high, and to assist us in tapping into our reveres of good humour and playfulness. All our strengths and balance are activated by YULE ESSENCE and thus it should be able to turn away and reduce feelings of sadness, depression and even despair that can sometimes undermine us.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Birch (betula pendula) , Hazel (corylus avellana), Lesser Celandine (ranunculus ficaria)
IMBOLG ESSENCE
Ancient Alba Range - The Suns
Imbolg celebrates the Dawning of Spring, a time of change, of looking into your future with hope and vigour
Imbolg Essence helps by purging any negative or dark influences, and replacing them with inspiration, enthusiasm and delight in living.
Imbolg is a time of hope and promise, a time when the new beginnings and the new plans and intentions that we developed in the dark days, and affirmed at Yule are just starting to take shape.
This is the time of spring cleaning, of throwing open to window to the warming air. It is a time to clear the garden of windfall, and to cut back the dead wood so that new growth can emerge unhampered. And like our gardens and homes, we seek cleansing and refreshment within ourselves - mind and spirit..
IMBOLG ESSENCE is the perfect thing to try when you are having trouble emerging from that feeling of hibernation that you can get stuck in at the end of winter. This feeling of wanting to pull the covers back over our heads and sleep is all very well, until it stops you from fully living. IMBOLG ESSENCE is made of three lovely plants that embody the momentum, enthusiasm and light heartedness of early spring, and they should bring a bounce back to your step.
On your spiritual path, this is a time of looking into the future as far as you can see, using divination or meditation, runes or simply developing your plans fully.
IMBOLG ESSENCE is also excellent for supporting you in learning, studying and in beginning a new project - the bigger the better. It can be useful just after you have made a life changing move like changing school, moving house, undertaking a new job or beginning a new relationship. IMBOLG ESSENCE is made of flower essences that should help to kindle your enthusiasm and strengthen your energy and resolve.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
  Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) , Willow (salix ssp), Thyme (thymus drucei)
EOSTAR ESSENCE
Eostar is the Festival of Re-emergence, and the essence helps you harness the power of new life emerging around you to combat feelings of lethargy or complacency. Eostar Essence helps you to get out of a rut, and to keep growing in Your right direction.
This time of First Flowering is all about abundance of colour and energy, a thousand times more overt than Imbolg’s gentle emergence of the early bulbs. The countryside is radiant, few of us can withstand the lure of green park or meadow. You can even catch people on a city street smiling for no apparent reason and humming a tune under their breath.
However, this explosion of beauty and warmth, of frenzy and passion can be overwhelming for those of us who are unready. If we are not feeling centred in ourselves, if we are feeling emotionally vulnerable, or are beset with worries or fears, then this can be a very difficult time.
For all of us our focus needs to be on reconnecting with ourselves. A time to reaffirm our plans on on the right track, and make alterations if necessary. It is an excellent time to begin new health routines, and to think about a change of look for home or wardrobe. This is a safe and easy time for some gentle reassessment of where we are and where we want to be going.
EOSTAR ESSENCE can help you to grow and develop, utilising all the wild energy of spring to focus on your inward growth. This growth could be releasing grief, sadness or fears that still haunt you from the past.
Or if your mind is stuffed to overflowing, the nature of EOSTAR ESSENCE will softly still the rabble in your head, bringing clarity and focus. And spiritually this essence may be useful in helping you tap into the magic that is life - for whatever purpose is yours.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Hawthorn (crataegus) , Honeysuckle (lonicera periclymenum), Self-heal (prunella vulgaris)
BELTANE ESSENCE
Beltane is Festival of Fertility, and the essence stimulates your ability to love and accept yourself, to enjoy life fully and to become the best you can be. Beltane Essence brings passion into your life, and protects you from negative influences.
BELTANE ESSENCE may help us to reconnect with our true and full nature as humans, helping us to cast off all apologies for feelings, for passion , for exuberance. And to begin to celebrate all that we are, as our pagan ancestors did - our physical strengths, our emotions, our spiritual evolution and most especially the whole package.
In terms of the cyclical year, Beltane is associated with the young adult, and this can inform us as to what strengths that BELTANE ESSENCE has to give. There is an element of taking responsibility for oneself fully and completely. Ensuring that the opinions that you speak reflect your own heart and mind, and not the prejudices, expectations or strange ideas foisted upon you as a child.
In our society we have inherited many negative attitudes towards self expression, self love and passion of all sorts. BELTANE ESSENCE was created to help us to challenge the ideas that hold us back, and to learn to take pride in our achievements, and to love the person we are now - even though we all shall grow and develop in the future.
On a spiritual level all of this applies. And even if we think that we have cast off old attitudes, that we have come to love the whole of ourselves, it can help to focus on these issues again. Personal growth and spiritual development are ongoing processes, and no matter how long we have been active in this process, the only end comes when we leave this body for good. In the meantime, there is always another layer to discover, another angle of view to explore - each of us is a universe, linked to many levels of existence.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Oak (Quercus ssp), Yarrow (achillia millefolia), Meadowsweet (filipendula ulmaria)
LITHA ESSENCE
Litha celebrates Fullness and Abundance, the essence is especially useful for you when you are already on your life path, and feel the need to go further, to explore broader and deeper possibilities
Litha Essence brings you peace and tranquillity of heart and mind, giving you perspective and ease in yourself
LITHA ESSENCE was created to celebrate all aspects of the mid summer festival, that heralds a moment of balance at the fullest and most abundant day of the sun calendar. We have many hundreds of earthworks and stones in northern Europe to remind us of the importance of this festival to our ancestors. Though I doubt that many of us take time to interact with nature and to bring the magic of this time home and into our hearts.
LITHA ESSENCE is especially helpful in supporting us through the challenges we face as adults. Once we have achieved some self acceptance, we need to take this further and accept those around us, the world as it is. We need to ensure that old prejudices and assumptions do not cloud how we interact with people, nor prevent us from following our own life path.
The nature of LITHA ESSENCE is grace, ease, and calm. With it with should be encouraged to find the patience, holistic balance and steadfast courage that will help us to deal with all challenges. And to meet them with and open mind and an open heart.
On a spiritual level LITHA ESSENCE may be useful when you have found your path, and been progressing along it well, but you are ready to go further. Perhaps to push beyond the confines of your own vision into the amazing unknown. I trust that this blend of flower energies will be a useful companion on the road.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Silverweed (potentilla anserina), Burdock (arctium lappa), Elder (sambucus nigra)
LAMMAS ESSENCE
Lammas Essence embodies the gentle strength of late summer, where the world is full of heavy growth. The subtle soothing is perfect for lifting us beyond the comfort trap.
Lammas is about gaining perspective, and feeling secure in your own skin, and in the world - just as it is.
The festival of the First Fruits comes in early August, high summer - when things are feeling slow, and the trees look a bit dusty. There is a timelessness about living, and often a pleasant nostalgia accompanies the late afternoons. The is a sense of peacefulness and rest before the frenzy of harvest truly begins. One feels close to nature spirits especially the green man whose strength radiates form every wood.
As well as looking back, this is a perfect time to look forward too, with your greater wisdom and knowledge, with new experiences to inspire you - what next? This has long been a time associated with divination and fore sensing. The power of Lammas comes from the most ancient earth spirits, and their extraordinary life force stimulates our insight, and a profound need to know more, to do more, and to attain our best.
If you are using LAMMAS ESSENCE to help you on your spiritual path, then you will feel utterly supported and strengthened by the sense of timeless power and ease that reflects this magic time. It is a perfect time for exploring further and deeper than you have ever gone before, safe in the knowledge that the earth energies are with you. Your visions and dreams will be amplified and enriched, giving you renewed enthusiasm and momemtum for the future.
And for us all, LAMMAS ESSENCE will give us a thorough shake down, lifting us out of our mundane routines, our so called comfort traps and helping us reject those bad habits that we need to abandon. This essence should help us face changes more easily, and to feel less drained and fatigued generally.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
   Apple (Malus), Rowan (sorbus aucuparia), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
MABON ESSENCE
Mabon - Autumn Equinox - Festival of Thanksgiving and Plenty, the perfect time for celebrating your achievements on all levels, and for letting go of anything that will hope you back
The celebration of your attainments can (and should) be on all levels - not just your material harvest, but your growth and learning as well. A crucial aspect to this is reflection and winnowing - the sorting of the useful from the unnecessary.
Of course, both spiritually and physically, one of the important processes of this time is the winnowing - sorting the usable grain from the husk. So it is a time of letting go of the rubbish that will be no use to us in the future. This can as easily be applied to practical plans and spiritual development. Practically, it is time to identify the assumptions and ideas that have not born fruit for us - and either cast them aside, or leave them to revisit in the future.
There are many ways that you can adopt the winnowing and sorting on an inner level. Mentally, you might make yourself a timetable of what you do, and another timetable of what you would like to do - and compare them. Allowing yourself to relinquish all those activities that bring nothing positive to your life. Emotionally and spiritually, we reflect on the year, honestly and thoroughly - identifying the negative ties, resentments or worries that have held us back and need to be released.
Perhaps the greatest gift of MABON ESSENCE is that of positive feelings - humour, joy, and gratitude - that are given by each of the three plants that make up the essence. This generosity of mind and spirit helps make the process of releasing unhelpful aspects of our lives infinitely more easy. It also gives us the courage to face the decision process.
And, MABON ESSENCE is about being connected and feeling connected. To our own deepest self - to this part of ourselves unlocks creativity and imagination, and of course potential. Also the essence is about fostering a positive sense of connectedness to our family and to our community, as these to groups have always been integral to harvest celebrations.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
|
