Conjuring Wildness #29
On going feral and finding the songs of the moment.
Hi friends,
Going feral is one of my favourite things to do. Setting off along a river bed, probably without shoes, with a hammock, sleeping bag, mess tin, ferro rod and water filter packed in my dry bag. It takes a few hours for the mind to settle. The skin to settle. Lungs to release to deeper breath. Ears to align to frequency of the forest. Following the river bed or perhaps an enticing trail that was certainly not made by humans and seemingly not frequented by sheep. Until something says this is the right place to stop for the night.
Often I forget the protocols of the forest until I’ve made a misstep and the hairs on my arms tell me so. If I haven’t introduced myself to the spirits of the forest then things probably will not go well at all. Why is it that I’m struggling to light a fire today? Is it because the wood isn’t dry enough? Or is it because I forgot to announce my presence and intentions and offer gratitude and ask for protection from the local inhabitants? If I haven’t made some offerings of food and song by the time the day begins to shift into dusk things are sure to get very strange indeed. Flickers of shadow and light. The crack of the twig a bit too close. I’ve heard it said that even the most rational mind becomes animist at dusk while alone in the forest. I know you know what I mean.
“Spirits of the forest. Thank you for your protection tonight. For allowing me safe passage. Please accept this offering [probably a tasty part of my meal] in gratitude for your hospitality. All mistakes I make are in ignorance and not malice.”
🌿 Plant & Kin
It’s that high summer time of year and St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is shining in all their glory! This is a plant that is probably more famous as a medicine than it is a ‘weed’. Flowering around the summer solstice the plant seems to soak up and capture the joyous summer energy, to be shared back with us when we need it.
This plant is well known and evidenced for treating depression and menopausal symptoms. They are a wonderful plant to keep stored and prepared ready for the long dark winter months, when a little dose of summer sun goes a long way. They are also used topically, applied to the skin to support healing of minor wounds and inflammations.
I like to make a tincture, which instantly goes red in colour, from the aerial parts. Dried leaves and flowers make a great tea. I’ve also infused the aerial parts in oil and then melted a little bees wax in to make a balm that can be used topically. I also love to just pick the flowers and eat them as I walk by.
🔥 Creative Kindling
This week’s prompt:
There’s a song living in the land near you. If you listen closely you can catch it. Go somewhere wild. Close your eyes. Listen for the close sounds, and the distant sounds, the textures and the rhythms. Is there a texture building that builds a rhythm? Is there a melody that appeared out of no where? What is the song of the moment?
My invitation: Put aside some time (15 minutes, 2 hours, whatever you can) and allow this prompt to move through you. Movement, dance, song, writing, drawing, a voice note, a home cooked meal. Life is a creative act! And if you feel moved to, I would love to witness what you create! More here.
✨ Offerings
Two upcoming gigs for Sequora & the Wolf in our 3 piece configuration (with Sam Harrison the bass and Al Branton on the drums). Firstly at the Land Skills Fair 3pm this Friday July 11th. Secondly at Connect August 15 to 17. Would be so lush to see you there!