To try to define the profound plant medicine we know as Grandmother is not a simple task. This medicine is infinite, wise, powerful and sacred. We as human beings can only understand her as much as she allows us to. For it is only through direct experience and communion with her that we can even begin to formulate a level of understanding. Therefore note, the only true justice I can do this medicine comes from my own perception, awareness, healing and experiences. However limited that may be, it is my wish to convey the significance of Her to all with ears to hear.
So who really is Grandmother? She shows up differently for every individual. For me personally, she represents herself as the Divine Mother. This was shown to me in my first ever ceremony. The one where I questioned and doubted the efficacy and tangibility of her presence as I waited for my journey to begin. It was not long before she pierced the veil of my ignorance, only after letting my ego run wild in it’s foolishness. Her first words to me were “are you ready to listen now?”, as I released my first purge in the ceremony space. I was instantly humbled as I inwardly cried out, “yes, please forgive me.” I had little idea then exactly what it was that I was supposed to be listening to. Instead, she has guided, corrected, reprimanded and helped me heal in the nearly two years following that day.
My current level of experience with this medicine is far from extensive, and I can only convey this knowledge from my present level of perception. In a year, or even five years, this same blog could turn out quite different. Throughout these experiences, I have been torn apart, humbled, bent low before both the alter and divinity of nature. As well as shown the error of my actions numerous times, in various ways. To work with this medicine is no easy feat. She calls us to dive as deep as we are capable of. We are drawn to bring about our darkest shadows so we may become aware, understand their meaning, heal and integrate them. Only then can we rise just a little more healed, whole and equipped to navigate the trials of human life.
This medicine is sacred, it is divine. It contains the very Truth and purest essence of nature itself. This Truth is neither good nor evil, it just is. Similarly, Divine Mother stands strong, steadfast, unwavering and unyielding. When you partake of her essence, all that no longer serves, all that does not resonate with her Truth will be shaken up within us. It is then our choice what we do with it. Will we allow these things to continue to fester inside, hold us back and keep us in a place we no longer belong in? Or will we be brave, strong and release these aspects of our old selves that fight to hinder our next stage of growth. She can only show us the door, she cannot do the work for us. Our power in the ceremony space lies in the awareness and strength to let go of the things we’ve grown all too comfortable at holding onto. Despite how much we may want to heal and release, it’s always surprising how tightly we grasp onto that which only creates distortion in our being.
Navigating these journey’s can be a demanding, confusing and nearly terrifying endeavor. It is a skill only developed through first hand experience. Even then, no matter how much you’ve sat, it is still a difficult and unique undertaking. This medicine keeps us on our toes. No two journey’s are the same, and Divine Mother does not relish any expectations or limits we try to put on her. Going into ceremony from an arrogant or egoic perspective is a sure fire way for instant humbling and reprimanding. Especially for those who are more practiced in this space that are aware of this.
From my experience, there are three levels to plant medicine work. These are: participating with the medicine, facilitating with the medicine, and being initiated by the medicine. All three are beneficial in their own ways for each individual who partakes in these different aspects. The fourth level would be leading the ceremony itself, which I am not equipped to speak on.
Many are initially called to this medicine to heal, change and grow. For many, this is where the work remains. Some are called to go deeper and step into ceremony as a facilitator. This is a sacred honor from the medicine to be of service to others who come to do something extremely difficult and that few are willing to do. It is to hold the space, the energy of the ceremony and an open heart for those diving deep on their journey. Beyond these levels exists the initiation aspect.
To be initiated by Divine Mother is a very unique and sacred journey. The ceremony that I underwent this process was one of the most potent I’ve experienced. One of the things I enjoy most is conveying to participants that there is something truly special beyond the initial sitting and healing, as profound as that is in and of itself. Initiation is only bestowed upon us at the discretion of the medicine. She seeks out those who are truly willing to dive deep, go beyond what we think we know, be humbled in severe ways and are willing to give all to this work.
Make no mistake, initiation is a beautiful thing, but also the hardest aspect of plant medicine work I’ve personally witnessed. It is in this process that Divine Mother truly bends us, breaks us and remolds us to be her vehicles in the ceremony space and beyond. Her expectations of us become far greater, more severe and so too the consequences of not doing our own work. The higher we climb, the greater we can fall.
Openness, honesty, integrity and authenticity are important. The medicine not only reinforces her standards of us, she ensures we keep to our own standards. It is when we cross these that a difficult journey awaits us in ceremony. The more severe the transgression, the more severe the correction. To carry these sacred medicines is an honor, privilege and divine opportunity, as I have been reminded of on various occasions. It is one that can also be taken away by these medicines at any time. One who holds their faith, trust and blessings must adhere to a level of respect, reverence, humility and honor.
Despite it’s difficulties, this is a profound and life altering path. One that I highly encourage to all who are ready to walk it. It is thanks to plant medicine that I have healed deep seeded trauma, overcome lifelong blockages, learned greater humility, and am learning what it means to be a well rounded human being. Because of Divine Mother, I’ve had several direct experiences with Truth and am forging my own sacred relationship with that energy. To me, this is the ultimate goal and the most important result of plant medicine work. I pray all who enter this space can grow to cultivate the same experience. Without Great Spirit, our lives are merely hollow.
I bow to the presence of Truth and Divine Mother within you all.
Thank you