HERB CORNER
A raccoon was strolling back toward the river and hadn’t noticed me walking toward it until it was about two feet away; it looked up in surprise and went into the bushes. A beaver was being territorial and didn’t want me to stand on the dock, so it swam over and started splashing its tail, which made me laugh. I said, “Ok, tough guy, I will leave for now,” and I went up and sat at a picnic table. He then swam over and let me know he was not happy with my being there . I laughed again and said, “Go on about your business as I am not bothering you.” He swam off. (How do I know it was a male? Think about it!) There is also a heron. We made our peace after I checked the time it came to feed and respected that it was off limits. I watched it from my upstairs office window, and it took notice of this. After several months, it became a ritual for us. One morning it walked up to the end of the ramp, looked up and squawked to me, turned, and walked back to the end and flew away as if to say, “I’m done. Your turn.” I have been led to many medicine plants, fruit trees and bushes, nuts, veggies and other gifts. My herbalist friends laugh when they get a text with several pictures asking, “What is this?” Some have replied in ALL CAPS, “DON’T EAT THAT!” Let me be clear in all caps: I AM NOT A TRAINED AND CERTI - FIED HERBALIST AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE JUST START EATING WHAT YOU SEE WITHOUT DOING THE RE - SEARCH FIRST! There are many courses one can take, YouTube vid - eos, books, etc. I do know many of the plants in my area, and I consis - tently ask and validate anything I use or teach. Pax River has many who come to rent kayaks from us, and while there, have been introduced to the many plants that grow along the river and on the land. There are several Boy Scout groups that have been coming for years. They also help with service hours in many ways. I have had herb talks with them, and they have shared with me as well. Some of my most rewarding times are during the Pax Mentorship camps in the summer where I teach foraging, herbal medicines and edibles found in our environment. They learn to see plants and trees as allies, and gain respect for these precious beings. They learn to share and read energy with nature. We give back and show respect as we pick and make medicine, and eat wild fruits in season. We talk about invasives, and I let them lead the conversations as to what being a good steward means. I am always gratified when they share ways in which they have used the medicine, and share with us things they have investigated on their own. So many of the participants, as well as the scouts, know some things and are eager to share. Through my work, Spring of Light, I lead ceremonies for women, Moon ceremonies, and guide foraging… all in the name of sharing the amazing place that is the Patuxent River and its surroundings with all people. Grandmother Rabiah is a Medicine Woman who works alongside Fred Tutman as the spiritual link to the Patuxent Riverkeeper at the Riverkeeper Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD. https://paxriverkeeper.org/. Spring Of Light is the reconnect - ing of spirit & nature through ceremony & the renewed practices of living in harmony with gratitude and respect. We connect through doing ceremonies, women’s circles & retreats. Email: springof30@gmail.com; or join the mailing list to stay connected and keep up to date on events happening: https://mailchi.mp/d0c41e5c1790/spring- of-light-email-sign-up-list. See also Instagram: @springoflight30; Youtube: youtube. com/channel/UCieBEmbmh0aKLr4w4jXR7Tw.
Come by to peruse our Earthly offerings of unique collectibles, gifts and home decor ~ Minerals ~ Crystals ~ Fossils and more! With so many items to choose from: • carvings • dishes • mineral specimens • geodes • wands • dream catchers • pendulums • handcrafted jewelry from local artisan companies Amor Fati and Pia Miranda Designs and much more… You’re sure to love something!
Open Daily 11am–6pm Saturdays 11am–7pm
125 Mill Street, Ste 11 Occoquan Historic District, VA 22125 703-457-ROCK (2645)
PATHWAYS—Spring 24—33
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