The Sensory Herbal Oracle : Connect with the Energy and Healing Power of Plants
Those who follow publications and events from The Seed Sistas, Herb Society ambassadors, have been eagerly awaiting their long term (now no longer aspirational) project to create an oracle card deck, bringing together the essence of their Sensory Herbal, with more amazing artwork from Belle Benfield. For those not familiar – tarot and oracle decks are not the “fortune telling” act often portrayed in the mainstream. Rather, these traditions use universal archetypes and ideas to aid reflection and contemplative meditation, images (and ideas) full of keys and creativity, to allow personnel growth and guidance through choosing cards (and the herbs), singular or several at once and considering their messages. Herbs are the perfect vehicle for this spiritual practice, and in an age where AI can churn out pretty decks of cards, this project is an antithesis to that in every way.
How does it work? Well, the chosen herbs have been grouped into Leaf/Water/Emotion; Flowers/Fire/Action; Air/Seeds/Communication; Earth/Roots/Practicality; and Spirit/Whole plant/Magic. Alongside this is a packed booklet that deserves to be a book in its own right! The depth of the background written on each herb is compelling, profoundly thoughtful and deeply layered. The care and attention given to this project shines out at you. Gentle and insightful questions and ideas are posed, ending with an affirmation. After over 15 years of herbalism, this work has blown me away. You can also use the artwork as a meditation, seeing what aspects jump out at you, this is part of the process too, this is an invitation to delve in deep.
Selecting the cards is usually done blind, and that is the magical part – of seeing what cards turn up for you! “Nature is alive and part of us all, inviting a wonderful dialogue with the plants around us – this oracle gives you the opportunity to give herbs your dedicated time – what plants are calling to you? What is Mother Nature giving you?” Perfectly put. This is a stunning addition to your collection if you are already into such things, and if this is new to you, then I urge you to give it a go, it will be undoubtedly rewarding