signs of spring

Around these parts we are finally seeing some new signs of life. It is always worth the wait.... Usually spring seems to happen all at once and pass by much too quickly, but this year the new season's arrival has been more of a slow transition.  I like that. I like catching a glimpse of where the first chickweed is popping up or where the crocus bulbs are blooming. I await the first green buds of the willow tree and keep close watch on the willows that line my morning walk.

In spring the sap is starting to move, and so must we. Now's the time to gently shake off our winter selves and move into more active times. Time to support the cleansing action of the liver, time to eat bitter greens and gather young wild leaves. Watch for the dandelion, violet and chickweed leaves that are about to emerge: they make good food and medicine, imparting minerals and other nutrients while also energizing our bodies with the spring energies. 

In the meantime, before my beloved plants peek their heads out of the snow, I am making spring teas out of dried herbs. I mix dandelion leaf, violet, nettles and red clover. I'll add in a bit of linden or elderflowers  for fun, and for beauty. Dandelion leaf makes me feel pure and sparkly (!); violet makes me feel calm and mysterious; nettles and red clover make me feel nourished....

sparkly + calm + pure + mysterious + nourished = ready for springtime

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