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Card for Tuesday, May 17th, 2022

Madre of Fire paired with Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

In the Herbcrafters Tarot the Madres - referred to as Queens in many other decks - highlight plants with a traditional history of nourishing. These plants have a long record of common use and are abundant in their respective climates. The Madres, as their name might suggest, are calm, reliable, confident, and patient. Here adventure combines with love, as the Madres share with those around them, inviting us to take our time as we walk our own path, nurtured and supported. The Madres are Healers and Guides, representing each Element through care and practicality.

The Suit of Fire - equated with Wands or Batons in other decks - is the realm  of action. In this suit we see that heat erupts, then heals. The herbs chosen for the Suit of Fire are spicy and intense. Not only used as tonics but also employed in the moment or added in small amounts to formulations as activators, transformed through alchemical processes to release their heat.

As this busy kitchen scene suggests, the Madre of Fire lives an active and creative life. Surrounded by the tools of the craft, this Madre draws inspiration from the wisdom of the past as represented by the books on their table, to the work of the moment, adding their particular flair and flavor to everything they make. The Madre of Fire, much like her counterpart the Queen of Wands, has a love for life, a versatility in the passions she pursues, a home filled with magic and imagination. She is described as upbeat and knows to accept life’s paradoxes without question.

Thyme, primarily though of as a culinary herb, is a warming, restorative tonic which benefits the whole body. Originally native to northern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, Thyme has a deep history dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. A member of the Mint family, Thyme is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic, with a long list of traditional uses, both topically and internally.

Thyme supports the Respiratory, Nervous, Digestive, and Cardiovascular systems.  Thyme is used to relieve spasmodic coughing and thin mucous in lung ailments such as bronchitis and whooping cough, is a calmative nervine and antispasmodic, useful in the presence of tension headaches, muscle spasm, and hyperactivity. Its volatile oils are soothing to the digestive tract, quelling inflammation and inhibiting such infections as E. coli and various types of Salmonella.

Modern day in vitro studies have shown that Thyme has a normalizing effect on blood vessels aiding in the regulation of blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Thyme also has a history of use in Women’s health as well, relaxing muscles and relieving cramping in dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Topically, in a blend or carrier oil,  as a rinse, liniment, wash or bath, Thyme has been used to care for outbreaks of candida, thrush, HSV, and for bruises and sprains.

Thyme Essential Oil is prized in steam baths and inhalation therapy for colds and flu and is considered an excellent anti-infectious agent when diffused into the air. There are thought to be over 350 species of Thyme, from smallish shrubs to creeping, woody plants, but all are said to have interchangeable uses with the highest chemical compounds found in the volatile (aromatic) oils that the plant releases.

As a culinary, Thyme is safe to consume in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, and a common additive to most European style cooking, flavoring meat, poultry, game, tomato dishes, stews, and vegetable based soups. It is also a popular ingredient in Creole gumbos and various Cajun dishes.

Shine within and for yourself today. Building on the theme introduced by the Hijas and Madres of the last few days, we are being called to turn up the heat for ourselves as we put our “A” Game on the table. Just like the ever versatile Thyme, we can find a myriad of ways to embrace our inner spark, stoke our creative fires, honoring both shadow and light as we experience healing and bring it forth to guide and nurture.

As the Madre of Fire shows us, we can proceed with poise and confidence no matter what life brings for we are wise and impassioned, vibrant, and love filled. We do have to remember to be kind to ourselves, to take gentle care, to nourish from within, both physically and emotionally, as best we can, to find constructive ways to add a little peace to our lives, to value our shadow in equal measure as it presents itself.

In giving of ourselves from a better fortified place, we will always have more to offer when the time is right. Accept and embody your inner radiance, your spicy nature, for it warms and inspires the hearts of others.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Only use Thyme win culinary amounts in pregnancy and while breastfeeding and avoid the essential oil. Never put Thyme essential oil on mucous membranes or broken skin and do not use “neat” (without a carrier oil) as irritation may occur. Not recommended for bathing or in use with children. Allergies to even culinary use of Thyme are rare but have been documented.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is meant for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*

Tarot deck : The Herbcrafter’s Tarot written by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

137/365 - head|heart|gut

Ainek’s World ✨ Tarot, Magical Wands, and My spiritual side that makes ME.

Card for Monday, May 16th, 2022

Hija of Fire paired with California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

The Hijas, or Daughters, of The Herbcrafter’s Tarot equate with Pages in other decks. The Page, as the first of the four court cards, brings the lessons and knowledge gained by the Fool, walking each suit Ace through Ten, to the next level. Pages review that which has already been experienced so as to consider how to apply it to the coming chapter.  Pages can represent a youthful energy or new beginning, and a playfulness, a certain willingness to take chances without regard for the outcome, much as a child might.

So too, are the Hijas ever learning, ever growing. In their way, they are teachers, though young and still somewhat naive. The Hijas are depicted as filled with a child’s wonder, approaching the plants playfully, as one might when stepping onto their path for themselves, without fear or preconceptions.

The Suit of Fire, equated with Wands or Batons in other decks, is also the realm  of action. Here we see that heat erupts, then heals. The herbs chosen for this Suit are spicy, fiery, intense. Typically not used as tonics, these herbs are most often employed in the moment or added in small amounts to formulations as activators, transformed through alchemical processes to release their heat.

The Hija of Fire shows us how to take seemingly small, but confident steps on the journey of self expression and independence. After learning from others ahead of them on the path, the Hija of Fire, represented here by the hands of  a child,  reaches out to experience for themselves, undaunted and self assured. Open minded, playful, and ever curious. the Hija of Fire carries the energy of a new day. Their hope and optimism remind us of how far we have already come.

Cooling and bitter, California Poppy is best known for its calming, sedative, and pain relieving properties. Related to the Opium Poppy but without the same level of toxicity, California Poppy is high in various alkaloids. Reducing stress and tension throughout the body, California Poppy is supportive in a number of mental health imbalances cause by restlessness and hyperactivity such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, nervous agitation, and panic attacks. California Poppy can help to address physical response to anxiety such as elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate, and can relieve headaches and pain related to nerve dysfunction including vasomotor cephalgia, and neuropathy.

California Poppy is also said to be calming and healing to emotions of the heart. As a Flower or Herbal Essence, California Poppy brings us back into connection with ourselves as we realign with our heart’s desire. In regaining our relationship with the Spirituality within we find our center and so return to balance.

Today’s Hija of Fire, following the very magical experience of last night’s eclipse of the Full Blood SuperMoon, encourages us to be open to new insights as we shine a light on the who we each are at our core. The time is now to embrace the transition from old imprinting to who we know ourselves to be. Any restlessness we feel may be our struggle to integrate ourselves in the present moment, unsettled as it is, as the pull of change hits us.

Find your spark today through a child’s eyes and fill yourself with a childlike enthusiasm for life. What inspires and ignites you? The Hija of Fire has walked through all the lessons presented Ace through Ten and is beginning again at the next level. Now is the  time to identify your passion and relax into your true self as you set anxiety aside for a bit. Step into your power as you welcome personal and spiritual growth. Let the beautiful fire of creative passion light up your inner landscape as you remember to play again.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Avoid in pregnancy

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is meant for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalances.*

136/365 - me|mom|dad

20/52 - #stopthetreaty

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Ritual ✨

Card for Sunday, May 15th, 2022

Seven of Earth paired with Oak (Quercus spp)

Within the Tarot, the Herbcrafter authors explain, the Suits are divided into 3 sections or “mini dramas” - Ace-2-3, 4-5-6, and 7-8-9 - which each contain a short “story” with a beginning, a challenge or learning opportunity, and a resolution. As the Fool or Herbcrafter moves through a Suit, lessons proceed from personal awakening, through community consciousness, to soul awareness, encouraging us to show up as our best selves at each phase of growth.

Some systems refer to the Sevens as an ending or finality - seven musical notes, seven chakras, seven days in a week - while others view seven as the point where we start anew, at the next level. In the Herbcrafter’s Tarot, the authors state that the Sevens herald a time of deeper study.

The Sevens in this deck are represented by ancient and visionary trees, holding the wisdom of the Ancestors. These are trees capable of living for hundreds of years, trees that one plants for their descendants to enjoy and benefit from. In the Sevens, the Herbcrafter is said to “enter the Gate of Mastery” which leads to the higher calling found in the Court Cards. In the Sevens, the Herbcrafter begins to learn they are rooted in the Soul even as they reach for the Stars.

The Suit of Earth equates with Pentacles in other decks. Here we have material achievements, the physical manifestation of all our pursuits, the point at which ideas become reality. This Suit references our corporeal being, our concrete needs. Earth/Pentacles remind us to ground our thoughts (Air/Swords), our intention (Fire/Wands), and our emotions (Water/Cups), in substance, so as to maintain equilibrium, especially during periods of crisis and confusion. Overwhelm is understandable when we do not have all our tools to hand.

To the Herbcrafter, the Suit of Earth brings us beyond ourselves. Having spent time exploring our thoughts, our inspiration, our intuition, we now look outward to the physical - our Community, our Descendants, the Earth Herself. Led by the body, the Herbcrafter finds, in the Suit of Earth, plants commonly used in the making of things. Here, state the authors of this deck, we discover healing in the sharing of stories, lore, and tradition, and through the creation and weaving of everyday items - storage foods, baskets, tools, blankets, clothing - all of which also carry forward knowledge to Generation Next and beyond.  

The Seven of Earth reminds us to have faith in our work, for it will live beyond our lifetime. At this juncture we are encouraged to slow down, to observe and honor the rhythms of Nature, to pause and gather the rewards for which we have worked. Consistent effort is the key to lasting success.

Traditionally, many parts of the Oak from bark, to branches, shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits (acorns), were used as both food and medicine. Oak is astringent, antiviral, anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), and high in tannins. Internally Oak was primarily a treatment for all manner of gastrointestinal inflammation and bleeding with and without diarrhea, non-menstrual uterine bleeding, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood). In smaller doses it was said to be a “tonic for the stomach”, and helpful in treating inflammation of the mouth and throat. As an astringent, Oak is of great use in tightening and toning all manner of mucous membranes.

Topically, Oak aids in the care of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, eczema, various rashes, and eye inflammations. As one of the original Bach Flower Essences, Oak  helps us to find balance in our strength as we learn not just to acknowledge how strong we really are, but also to willingly accept help as we become comfortable identifying and owning our limits. Someone once said “You don’t get old by being weak”, but we also don’t reach successful maturity through unrelenting resistance. Oak provides healing by restoring flexibility to both body and soul.

We are reminded today that, whether or not our previous expectations have been met, advancement, on all levels - body, mind, and Spirit - is best achieved through composed persistence. Do not let fear or worry about past or future events prevent you from continuing on. Practice patience and trust in the process as you spend your time gathering, and learning from past experience in order to cultivate a better tomorrow for yourself, your Community, and Generation Next. It is time to build your future: heed the call then allow your vision to manifest in its own time. The Universe is listening.

A WORD OF CAUTION: High, continuous dosages may lead to digestive complaints due to the large level of bio-available tannins present; not for topical use in the presence of large areas of open, broken, or weeping skin.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

135/365 - gained|lost|remained

Card for Saturday, May 14th, 2022

Hija of Water paired with Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

The Hijas, or Daughters, of The Herbcrafter’s Tarot equate with Pages in other decks. The Page, as the first of the four court cards, brings the lessons and knowledge gained by the Fool, walking each suit Ace through Ten, to the next level. Pages review that which has already been experienced so as to consider how to apply it to the coming chapter.  Pages can represent a youthful energy or new beginning, and a playfulness,  a certain willingness to take chances without regard for the outcome, much as a child might.

So too, are the Hijas ever learning, ever growing. In their way, they are teachers, though young and still somewhat naive. The Hijas are depicted as filled with a child’s wonder, approaching the plants playfully, as one might when beginning their path, without any fear or preconceptions.

The Suit of Water - represented by Cups in many other decks - is related to the act of feeling, the realm of emotion. Traditionally, Cups encourage us to explore our imaginative self, our emotional responses, reactions, dreams, psychic and spiritual connections. Cups symbolically hold the Water of Life, much like the body contains the Soul.

In the Herbcrafter’s Tarot, the authors of this deck state that the Suit of Water represents a time to savor, to slow down, to look deeper, to work with herbs that nourish and nurture, to follow our heart. In the Suit of Water we find plants that are best extracted by water -  in baths, teas, fomentations - and are traditionally used as long term healing tonics. Rather than being in-the-moment remedies for acute conditions, these plants are known to bolster and support us.

The Page of Cups is said to be a card of dreaming. The Hija of Water is also a dreamer, imagining beyond their immediate circumstances. This card shows us a child assisted in pouring from kettle to bowl with symbols of the sea and a distant body of water enticing and inviting them to explore far off realms. Even as they are tempted to lose themselves in their dreams, however, the Hija of Water readily accepts help as it is given, allowing themselves to be drawn gently back to the here and now. This Hija knows that they cannot “do it all”, that dreams are not reality, that we can honor our ourselves and still accept the assistance available to us to achieve our goals.

The Herbs of the Hijas are chosen for their universality. Safe for all ages, they are commonly used in children’s formulas, are uplifting, and delightful, filled with color, scent and texture. These herbs are also easy to grow and identify, encouraging the Herbcrafter’s confidence as they pursue their art.

Chamomile is a beautiful, airy plant that grows in playful, free-flowing groups, and has a sweet uplifting fragrance.  Prized for thousands of years as calmative, antispasmodic, nervine, a digestive aid, and a tonic, Chamomile is said to relieve both physical tension and emotional upset throughout the body. Chamomile has proven effective in treating colds and flu and current scientific research shows it can contribute to strengthening the immune system due to a high content of polysaccharides.

Used for everything from nervous stomach to insomnia, Chamomile is an antispasmodic, calms nerves, encourages blood flow, and loosens tightened muscles. As an herbal or flower essence, as well as an essential oil, Chamomile is supportive to our thoughts and emotions by helping to dispel brooding and quell flashes of anger.

A useful reminder for today, as frustration over current events threatens to run high, and nervous tension can affect our immune system, our digestion, and keep us from sleeping well. Whether you prefer tea, essential oils, bath beads, or garden plants, add some bright, sunny Chamomile to your life whenever you feel the need for peace of mind and body. Chamomile will bring you clarity, emotional balance, and acceptance of self, situation, and others.

As we continue to be advised time and again in this new year, when we are at peace - at one - with ourselves internally, the external world as a whole will be easier to navigate, no matter which challenges arise. We cannot always change what is happening in the moment, but, we do have absolute power over how we choose to connect.

Just like the small, cheerful flowers of the Chamomile plant, collect and honor every bit of positivity and support that comes your way to help bring you harmony as emotions threaten to over whelm. Start with what you already know then open yourself to the bigger picture. Even as you entertain your dreams or feel the weight of any “should haves” that may crop up, remember to embrace life with a child’s heart. We may not recognize help as it is being given, but that does not mean we are alone. Call this energy to yourself as you ponder your next step.

A WORD OF CAUTION: use sparingly in pregnancy, as Chamomile is noted to be a mild uterine stimulant.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

Tarot deck : The Herbcrafter’s Tarot written by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

134/365 - personal|social|political

133/365 - apollo|axl|atlas

Card for Friday, May 13th, 2022

Madre of Earth paired with Creosote Bush/Chaparral (Larrea tridentata)

In the Herbcrafters Tarot the Madres - referred to as Queens in many other decks - highlight plants with a traditional history of nourishing. These plants have a long record of common use and are abundant in their respective climates. The Madres, as their name might suggest, are calm, reliable, confident, and patient. Here adventure combines with love, as the Madres share with those around them, inviting us to take our time as we walk our own path, nurtured and supported. The Madres are Healers and Guides, representing each Element through care and practicality.

The Suit of Earth equates with Pentacles in other decks. Here we have material achievements, the physical manifestation of all our pursuits, the point at which ideas become reality. This Suit references our corporeal being, our concrete needs. Earth/Pentacles remind us to ground our thoughts (Air/Swords), our intention (Fire/Wands), and our emotions (Water/Cups), in substance, so as to maintain balance, especially during periods of crisis and confusion. Overwhelm is understandable when we do not have all our tools to hand.

To the Herbcrafter, the Suit of Earth brings us beyond ourselves. Having spent time exploring our thoughts, our inspiration, our intuition, we begin to look outward - to our Community, our Descendants, to the Earth Herself. Led by the body, the Herbcrafter finds, in the Suit of Earth, plants also commonly used in the making of things. In Earth, state the authors of this deck, The Herbcrafter, discovers healing in the sharing of stories, lore, and tradition, and through the creation and weaving of everyday items - storage foods, baskets, tools, blankets, clothing - as well as foods and medicines, all of which carry forward knowledge to Generation Next and beyond.  

The Madre of Earth is paired with Creosote Bush, or Chaparral, a bitter, acrid, slightly salty, cooling herb with a very distinct smell. Found primarily in the southwest United States and Mexico, Creosote Bush has a long history of traditional usage in both medicine and as a preservative for foods and natural fiber fabrics, but was removed from most products in the early 1960’s due to FDA concerns over kidney and liver toxicity secondary to prolonged ingestion.

Traditionally, Creosote Bush was said to be a treatment for pain and inflammation, especially due to arthritis and rheumatism, and in the presence of kidney and gall stones. Very high in certain antioxidants, Creosote Bush has been tested extensively as an anticancer herb, either alone or in combination with other similar herbs. It is also being studied for potential antidiabetic phytochemicals and polyphenols which may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce plasma lipid levels, and reverse oxidative stress.

Creosote Bush has been found to have strong antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, favored by some  in the care of colds and flu, inflammation of the respiratory and the digestive tracts, and infections of the urinary tract. Topically, Creosote Bush can be made into a poultice or fomentation to aid in the healing of wounds, and the leaves soaked in rubbing alcohol to make a liniment to treat bruises and other closed skin injuries.

In today’s card we see the Herbcrafter deep in a canyon, surrounded by scrub plants and mesa, offering a bowl of Creosote Flowers in thanksgiving before taking that which they need for their own use. Historically, and as modern science is beginning to prove, Creosote Bush has many deep uses. It is a caretaker of the land upon which it grows, often reviving depleted soil in the same way it can support our bodies when we are very ill.

Think on this today. Yesterday we spoke of anger and other strong emotions being great fuel for activism when channeled well. Today we are being reminded that our quiet nature, our steadfast yet diverse approach, our ability to ground, to survive, to thrive, are vital for they are the foundation of all and what will carry us forward as we bring our knowledge to Generation Next. Be a repository and a guardian of the information you have to offer. What you know does not have to be Earth shattering to be vital to others. Build your circle as you share your power. Mindfulness and fortitude are needed now.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Avoid in pregnancy and when breast feeding. Not for prolonged use or in the presence of liver or kidney imbalances. Never stop any prescription medications or use without the guidance of an experienced practitioner. Not recommended for treatment by any Cancer Research Foundation.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

Card for Thursday, May 12th, 2022

Five of Fire

paired with

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

The Suit of Fire, equated with Wands or Batons in other decks, is considered the realm of action. Here we see that heat can be used to both incite and heal. The herbs chosen for this Suit are spicy, fiery, intense. Typically not used as tonics, these herbs are most often employed in the moment, for a specific purpose, or added in small amounts to formulations as activators, transformed through alchemical processes to release their heat.

Fives are a pivotal point, as they are found halfway between the numbers one and ten. Fives bring us the opportunity for choice, change, uncertainty, and, potentially, personal freedom. They allow us to take a moment, check our map, adapt or correct course as needed. Fives are full of both adversity and possibility.

The authors of this deck state that the Herbs of the Fives are chosen for their threatened or endangered status, as listed by United Plant Savers. These valued medicinals, which require specific habitats for propagation and tend towards slower growth, have been deeply affected by reckless over harvesting, deforestation, disease, and climate change. In the Fives, the Herbcrafter is asked to go beyond themselves as they are called to confront humanity’s relationship with Nature. Here the Herbcrafter is enjoined to stand up for what is right.

With the Five of Fire we are being encouraged to honor the fire within. A common topic of late, anger can indeed be righteous, deserved, and well-placed. As the world ever challenges us, are we speaking from a place of truth, or reacting out of fear and insecurity?

Black Cohosh traditionally has a much prized history on multiple continents, primarily as Women’s Health herb. It is also considered to be an antispasmodic and a nervine in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Black Cohosh has been used for centuries to manage pain and spasm in both menses and childbirth, to soothe the nerves thus toning and benefiting the entire body for either gender, and to treat various chronic pain issues such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Black Cohosh flower essence is valued for its ability to help with transitions, and is used to support one during death, as well as birth. Encouraging flow from the 1st to the 7th chakra, Black Cohosh connects the whole being, both physically and spiritually, to ground us, even as it allows us to reach higher.

Emotionally, Black Cohosh can assist one to relax and reconnect with a sense of internal balance. A clearer state of mind through the release of anxieties and self-imposed, outdated mental concepts that limit us opens the way for positive change. We honor ourselves when we embrace our emotions in a healthy way.

Today’s card speaks, according to the authors, to the power of activism. Transforming feelings of helplessness, complacency, setback, finding ways to circumvent or bypass obstructions, viewing a situation in a new light, will help us to understand that our choices are myriad. Fire signals transformation and motivates us to action. Difficulties, once faced can help change things for the better. As old paradigms fall away, stand for Truth.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Black Cohosh is contraindicated in pregnancy.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

Tarot deck : The Herbcrafter’s Tarot written by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert

This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS

132/365 - cda|idaho|america

131/365 - sun|moon|rising

Card for Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

Curandera of Fire paired with Damiana (Tunera diffusa)

The Suit of Fire, equated with Wands or Batons in other decks, is considered the realm  of action. Here we see that heat can be used to both incite and heal. The herbs chosen for this Suit are spicy, fiery, intense. Typically not used as tonics, these herbs are most often employed in the moment or added in small amounts to formulations as activators, transformed through alchemical processes to release their heat.

In The Herbcrafter’s Tarot, the charge of “King” has been given to the Curanderas - the Healers - of each Suit. These cards depict age-old, traditional herbs with a long legacy of healing, carrying to us the wisdom of our Elders. We are told that the Curanderas represent faith in the mysterious and call to us, softly but insistently, to have curiosity about an outcome. The Curanderas, as their suit placement dictates, are also the Keepers of their chosen Elements. They are Guides who offer us the gift of Generational Wisdom, showing us how to preserve and protect that which we value in this life.

In addition, the Curandera or King of each Suit represents the culmination, the final authority, of that Suit or Element. Kings, as their position suggests, have learned through experience how to set and respect boundaries, how to exercise patience, how to best offer wisdom and support. King are the apex of integrity.

The Curandera of Fire reminds us to love ourselves. With the triangle representing feminine power prominently displayed, we are being encouraged to connect with our feminine side. The Curandera of Fire is passionate about living what we love. We are being reminded to delight in ourselves today as we allow creativity and inspiration to direct our action.

Damiana, spicy, warming, and bitter, is best known, historically, as a mild type of aphrodisiac.  Tracing its history back to the Guaycura and Aztec societies of Central and South America, Damiana was originally reserved primarily for ceremonial use. Damiana was also used in “love potions”, providing relief from self-consciousness. Rather than attempt to ensnare another, we do better in relationships when we feel good about ourselves. Damiana brings to us a sense of  self trust and self love. As a food, Damiana is mostly used in teas, liquors, infused honeys, and chocolates.

Medicinally, Damiana is supportive to all genders, raises energy, gently supports libido, and is a restorative type of nervine, both calming and energizing. Damiana primarily nourishes the kidneys and adrenals, sometimes referred to as “the seat of sexual power”. Both traditionally and in modern medical studies Damiana has show to be effective in the treatment of bladder and urinary issues, depression, anxiety, “nervous” stomach and related ulcers, progesterone regulation, lowered libido, and as an anti hyperglycemic, lowering blood glucose.

Today’s card reminds us to reclaim our power through the love of self. Make lifting yourself up a radical act as you find ways honor yourself for being you. This is not an exercise to be taken lightly, as many of us do still struggle, whether through life experience or old imprinting, with identifying the good within ourselves, but, talent and beauty live within each of us.

Take a break from outer concerns today as you uncover that spark within yourself and kindle those flames again. We each have value, we each carry a purpose. Even if we think the list of our shortcomings and failings is long, set that aside for now and shine a spotlight on the beauty that is you. Make gratitude of the self a love ritual as you own your power. Even the smallest flash brings balance to the darkness. Whether your gifts are rooted in Shadow or Light, they are there. Embrace you today. As the Universe keeps telling us, it is time.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Damiana does have a mild laxative effect on some. There are no definitive studies regarding Damania’s effects upon female hormones so it is recommended to avoid during pregnancy. NEVER stop taking any prescribed mental health medications in favor of herbal treatments without the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

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*Information shared on herbs and their historical or traditional uses is for point-of-interest only. None of the above is meant to diagnosis, treat, or cure any health imbalance.*

Tarot deck : The Herbcrafter’s Tarot written by Latisha Guthrie, Artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert This Interpretation by Teri “Cricket” Heinichen Owens, RN, BSN, MS