When people discover that you can communicate with Plants, there are several common reactions. The first is denial, they think you are making it up. The second is awe. Sometimes the awe leads them to think that I have super powers and suddenly all must go well in my life. 🙂 Instead, communicating with the Plants is an experience of humility and humor. My recent encounter at a local Wildflower Preserve, Shenk’s Ferry is a good example.
I had gone there hoping to make some Essences. I soon discovered Trillium beginning to emerge from the ground, leaves still tucked in tight. I kept hoping that I would find some blossoming. As I walked further, I found buds, and then … Blossoms!! Oh my Heart!!
I have been chasing Trillium for years wanting to make an Essence, only to miss the Blooms – too early, too late or to discover her but not have my equipment with me. After spending time with her, I connected Trillium to the Music of the Plants and then set up an Essence. She didn’t want to play any music, so I continued to enjoy sitting with her. I kept feeling her push me away and tell me to “Go on!” I didn’t want to leave the Essence there because it was out in the open. However, I finally listened.
A little while later, I understood her urging. For she sent me to Dutchman’s Breeches. Or as I like to consider them, Faerie’s laundry. These quickly started singing (video below). And I did make an Essence with them. While I was listening, I laid down among the laundry (the whole woods were carpeted with them) and could feel the Faerie energy all around. I got a beautiful attunement and knew that I received the medicine that I was needing. While I was there, the Sun suddenly burst out, another surprising gift, for we were expected to have thunderstorms.
After spending a considerable amount of time there, I decided it was time to move on. I finished the Essence, gave my gratitude and headed back to the main trail, where I ran into an old friend. We had a fantastic discussion; however, I was anxious to get back to the Trillium. I stopped on my way to bottle the Trillium Essence only to discover that my bowl was gone! I looked all around and could not find it anywhere. I asked if I could make a quick Essence with her, but the answer was “No.”
I was disappointed, when suddenly something caught my eye. Here was Trout Lily blooming! (Another Plant whose essence I’ve been wanting to make for years.) I saw some of her leaves while I was walking earlier; however, her blossoms were not out yet. I did make an Essence with her! When I went to bottle the Essence, I discovered that while I had 3 bottles along, only 2 had the Brandy in it, so I really could only make 2 Essences.
While I did not get to make the Essence with Trillium, I felt very strongly that she was directing me that morning and helping me to do what was in my highest good instead of what my will was wanting. I did not see any other Trout Lily blooming on my way out, even though I know that the hillsides are full of her.
So you see, the Plants do give us gifts (and lessons) and sometimes these are completely different than what you think you will receive or are needing.
I’m excited to work with both Dutchman’s Breeches and Trout Lily. Part of my work with Dutchman’s Breeches was a agreement to return to Shenk’s Ferry and a commitment to work more deeply with the Faerie World. Hopefully, I will return soon and be able to make a Trillium Essence then!
Dutchman’s Breeches aka Faerie’s Laundry singing while their Essence is being made. Whenever possible, I like to have the Plant sing while making their Essence. I feel it adds another level and helps to activate the Essence even more. The bird songs significantly increased when Dutchman’s Breeches began to sing.
Article, photo and video by Jen Frey of Brigid’s Way—authorized distributor in the United States of the Music of the Plants.
