Herbs. An integral part of many of our magical practices.
Shadow Work begins with grounding. Grounding is the act of connecting one’s own energy to the earth. The act of grounding will help keep you focused, balanced, and present. How can you tell that you are ungrounded? Here are some ways:
- You’re feeling like a spectator in your own life
- You’re feeling lightheaded
- You have trouble forming connections with people
- You are unfocused
- You are very anxious or jittery
How did you get to this ungrounded point? Here are some common reasons we find ourselves ungrounded:
- Too much time indoors
- Too much time on electronics
- Not spending enough time with people
- A poor diet
- Overthinking
- Anxiety and stress
Is any of this resonating with you? Don’t fret, we also have plenty of tips for you to ground yourself! Along with getting outside, you can use herbs, fruits and vegetables to help ground yourself! If you have plants, water them! The act of caring for something has a way of bringing positivity into ourselves. Indulge in a cinnamon or ginger tea, as both herbs are great for warding off bacteria and soothing for our bodies! Rosemary and chamomile are some other great options for soothing and comforting our bodies for grounding!
Other than grounding, what else can we do to prepare for Shadow Work? Well, we can strengthen our connection to self. When we aren’t taking care of ourselves, it becomes very difficult to get to a place of self-love and self-connection! How can we rectify this? Let’s start with a journal exercise!
Pull out some paper and a pen and write down what your perfect day looks like. What’s holding you back from having this day? How can you make it happen for yourself? Now pull out your calendar and schedule that perfect day in because you deserve it! Part of self-love and connection is recognizing that you deserve happiness and abundance just as much as anyone else! You can use several herbs for self-love as well! You can draw a ritual bath with rose petals and vanilla scented candles. Submerge yourself in the water and just relax, let yourself luxuriate and appreciate that you’ve taken this time for yourself. You can also include a couple drops of a diluted essential oil, like lavender or rose, and some Epsom salts to really up the ante! Bring along a good book or some soothing music too!
Now, depending on what you’re needing to focus on with your Shadow Work, you might need to also take some time to do some work with your family. Sometimes family members can be a source of deep insecurity or fear. For example, maybe you have a very well-loved brother. Someone who made a lot of friends very easily and always was the center of the group. You, who is shy and introverted and doesn’t make friends quite as easily, are jealous. You get older, the two of you grow closer and you begin to share friends- your little group combines with his big group, and everyone has a great time. Until your little group of friends become less of your friends and more of his friends. And you’re jealous, you’re feeling inferior. This feeling of inferiority follows you and effects other aspects of your life. This is something that can definitely be addressed with Shadow Work. Its not your brother’s fault that he was charismatic, and he likely never meant for you to feel that way, so it’s something for you to work on within yourself. A good start would be taking some time to address these familial bonds and heal that relationship!
Consider making a tea blend, homemade soap, or a candle for your family member. While you’re crafting, use herbs and inspire love, connection, and grounding. Think deeply about your intentions as you’re creating your product, so when in use your intentions can begin reaching them!
There are also some amazing DIY herb crafts that you can do with your children to strengthen your connections with each other and to keep those little hands busy! Soap making, homemade lip balm, and an at home herb garden are some super fun ways to get your little ones involved in herbalism!
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