Find your spark of celestial start dust
Bahama Cassia, Cassia chapmanii
I planted four little Cassia shrubs in 2004, each was a twig with a few branches only about 3 feet high. Today their delicate foliage and stunning yellow flowers dominate one side of our property. They bloom quickly and fully – creating a yellow blast of color and brilliance. One of my favorite things to do is to gaze at their shimmering yellow flower clusters against the majestic blue Florida sky.
A few years ago, I began making flower essences from plants that I had grown. The process was magical, as I found myself in communication with the plants – in ways that seemed ridiculous and foolish to my scientific mind – I took the leap into my intuition anyway, and the results have been inspiring.
I learned how to make the flower essences from James Green’s book, “The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook.” I learned about the uses and possibilities of flower essences by reading the written works of the “Father of Flower Essences,” Edward Bach, in “The Original Writings of Edward Bach.” I learned the power of flower essences from my experiences with my plants and taking their essences.
How to make a Flower Essence
Simply pick a bunch of flowers from a plant, early in the day. Drop all the flowers into a bowl of water – preferably a crystal glass bowl as this allows for better light. Place the bowl with the water and the flowers in the sun for a few hours – I left mine to soak all day. Strain off the flowers and capture the infused water in a jar. To preserve the water, fill half of a one ounce bottle with the flower water, and the other half with brandy. Now you have a flower essence! I used dropper bottles, so I could easily put a drop under my tongue or into a glass of water for ingestion at a later date.
Each time I made a new essence, I took a long sip of the pure essence while I sat near the plant. I quieted my mind. I had my journal and pen with me. I waited. And every time a story came through me – so I just wrote it all down. I had profound dreams each night after making the flower essences. I am still mystified and inspired by the whole experience.
I make and use flower essence blends from my collection for emotionally trying circumstance – for instance visiting people in the hospital, recovering from a stressful day or interaction, or just trying to quiet an out of date, repetitive, internal voice.
Here is the story of Cassia as it came to me:
The space within expands
Filled with peace, softness, acceptance, and love
Divine acceptance
Open arms of Saints
We stand here before you
Blooming in magnificence
Radiant against the clear blue sky
Offering our yellow sunshine
In Peace
An offering to all who stop and stare
In wonder
Into the eyes of the Sun
You can see me here
In the face of Cassia
Look into my yellow eyes
Look into the Star
That warms your planet
That counts your days
And charts all time.
I am the messenger of the Sun
Look into me
And feel your inner purpose
My light turns inward
The Sun’s is outward
We are one in the same
The Sun and I
So find your story
Find your spark of celestial start dust
Here before me
Looking into the Eyes of Ra
The Sun God.
I am the number 7.
You can feel the strength of the sun in you now
Rising
Filling, pulling, supporting, growing
This masculine power
of stability
Of direction, focus, power, capability
Able to jump tall buildings
To move, overcome, to get it done.
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[…] the best way to bring their comfort with me is by carrying along a handy bottle of their essence. A flower essence holds the particular character of that plant- by taking a drop under my tongue, I commune directly […]
[…] the best way to bring their comfort with me is by carrying along a handy bottle of their essence. A flower essence holds the particular character of that plant- by taking a drop under my tongue, I commune directly […]
Cindy,
The delicate yellow flowers are powerful as you describe the effects of the flower essence captured in the jar! Nature is certainly generous with us. Thank you for the photos and the poetry!
Cinnamomum cassia is the botanical name for what is commonly referred to as one type of cinnamon. “Cinnamomum” is the genus of this plant. The plant I am referring to is Cassia chapmanii- a very different plant than the cinnamon you are referring to- it is a differnt genus- “Cassia”.
Your question points out the need to use the botanical Latin to identify plants- since there are so many common names for the same or similar plants. Any plant product that you use should have the Latin name clearly labeled to avoid possible safety issues.
I would suggest that you find out the exact plant that you are taking and then do your research based on the Latin. A few places to check for herbal safety are: The American Botanical Council: http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Homepage_2009
Botanical. com http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cassia31.html
James Duke’s incredible database of plants- take lots of time there!
http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/
Thanks for your question and enjoy your research!
I recently read a report that stated that the cassia cinnamon taken in large amounts could be harmful. It did not say how it was harmful. This report recommended ceylon and others but they were also selling the others. I like to use about a teaspoon a day for health benefits and the cassia is readily available. Do you know of any harmful effects from the use of cassia.
Thanks,
Richard Spitzer