We haven’t spoken much about this product that is available in our apothecary. Strega Tree Apothecary’s The Big Offering is an important one and also embodies the philosophy behind the development of the Apothecary and its products.
What can one say about the majesty of the ocean and how its very life is being threatened in the same sentence? And yet, that is the situation we find ourselves in, the tension and contradiction we must hold in these times.
As Rachel Carson wrote in her beautiful tome to the ocean, The Sea Around Us:
“It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life arose, should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life”(xiii).
Water is life and the ocean gave birth to all forms of biological life on this planet. Strega Tree Apothecary offers this bracelet and the ritual that comes with it to honor the ocean and allow the wearer be reminded of its beauty and majesty, to hold the ocean in highest regard. There is a prescriptive ritual included at the request of the Kontomble that will take you to the water’s edge to lean more deeply into this connection.
Many people are finding tree allies these days. It seems at this time on the planet the trees have much to say to humans. If you feel drawn to the trees but don’t know where to begin, here is a simple way to get started on deepening your relationship with them.
First, know that even trees that have been cut down are still here in spirit form. If there is a stump that is calling to you, do not disregard it. The spirit of the tree may still be there wanting to interact with you.
To form a relationship with one or more trees, begin by noticing which trees want to speak to you. You will know this by the trees you find yourself attracted to. Once you determine which tree or trees this is, make an offering of milk at the base of the tree. Tell the tree you wish to begin to form a relationship with it and if it has things to tell you, you are open to listening.
One of the amazing gifts of tending to the Dagara lineage is that its tools and listening technologies are allowing our community to tap into the wisdom of this land that we live on. This land in California is vastly different from Africa, so it would make sense that a new language might develop along with some different shrines to the beings of this land. We have been nudged, ever onward by our guides to begin the journey of connecting to a spirit elder of the First people of the land here.
I am so happy to present this book to you at this time. A time where hope is needed and a way forward is longed for. I hope this is one of the possible ways to move forward creating the future we wish to live.
Membranes of Hope: A Guide to Attending to the Spiritual Boundaries that Keep Lifesystems Healthy from the Personal to the Cosmic
by Theresa C. Dintino
“I write to figure things out.This was proving to be true once again. The push for us to work with the membranes is because of this: The soul of things are at risk.
All of life is alive and ensouled. And the earth is as well. She has many membranes that surround and protect her interiority, her soul. By tending to and caring for her soul, we support and strengthen her membranes.”