by Maria Ede-Weaving
Ogham has never been a big part of my Druidry. I was never particularly drawn to it, finding Runes more appealing and accessible as a Divination system. However, my own relationship with the tree and plant world has been hugely helpful and inspiring for me along the way. I am so grateful for the healing experiences I have been blessed by with trees and plants, their wisdom and guidance helping me through some particularly difficult times. Rather than depending on traditional meanings, I try to pay attention to which plants and trees are drawing my attention, and then I attempt to remain open to the gifts of that particular plant, trying not to impose any previous magical meaning or association on them, but letting them speak; exploring their botanical nature and qualities as clues to their gifts but also tapping into the deeper spiritual significance that the plant holds for me personally, at that moment.
Building intimate relationships with the unique characters of plants, can, like human friendships, foster a deeper love and appreciation of that being. The same with the animal and mineral kingdom: the care and intention that we take to build and sustain relationships with both human and non-human beings is such a key practice in Druidry. It can do much to heal that sense of separation from Nature that has led to so much of the destruction of our environment, not to mention the emotional alienation that comes from not feeling ourselves a part of the Natural world; not feeling at home in it. I am so thankful for the help I have received from all of those non-human beings; it never fails to astound me of how generous Nature is; of how it’s rhythms and seasons deepen our understanding of our own peculiarities and cycles; of how a deeper sense of belonging so often starts in a connection with the non-human world.
Lately, I have been drawn to Reeds. My local park has a small lake that is edged by them. They are so tall and abundant at the moment, and the wind becomes a soothing hush as it moves through them; I find them incredibly calming. Coots, Moorhens and Ducks disappear into the tangle of stems and I can sense how safe a refuge it must feel in that watery forest.
Reeds have the most extraordinary ability to cleanse water; if there is sewage in water, given time, Reeds will purify and clear it, and because of this amazing gift of transformation, I have found them a brilliant plant to meditate upon when dealing with emotionally toxic situations. Like non-moving water, stuck emotions can become stagnant. We all know those moments when we realise we have held on a little too long to hurt, anger or grief without processing it, or we find ourselves carrying the anger and grief of another. It can poison our emotional waters and steal our joy and energy; our feelings becomes murky, making it hard to navigate; left unchecked, it can even make us physically unwell.
If you are struggling with your own toxic emotions, or the difficult feelings or behaviours of others have gotten beneath your skin, or if the world’s injustices has you consumed with rage and sorrow, I recommend exploring the magic of Reeds as a self-care practice. I have watched swans sitting on their stunning nests built amongst enclosures of Reeds. This inspired me to recently construct – in my imagination – my own bed amongst the reeds, a place in my meditation that I can go to, to rest, recover and let the Reeds perform their cleansing magic. This cosy nest amongst the Reeds has become my safe place; a place of Sanctuary where I can choose to surrender over the burden of those murky waters to something greater and wiser, trusting in Reeds’ ability to cleanse, whilst feeling held and protected by the mesh of their stems, soothed by the breeze in their leaves. Remember always to give a little prayer of thanks for the support you have received from these amazing beings!
Working with Reeds in this way, doesn’t necessarily mean that those feeling will not return – we are human, life can be challenging and the process of healing can be lengthy and meandering – but I hope this offers a small practice of self-care that can help when times are tough.
