Village Witch

Regenerative Herbalism | Tarot Tales | Spiritual Ecology
Myth | Magic | Musings
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Hi friends, allies, plant lovers and mystical creatures,

I am writing this on this moon, because Scorpio Full Moon, in the solar month of May, in the sign of Taurus, is all about Death and Life. We celebrate Beltane and Mother’s Day, this Full Moon is referred to as the Flower Moon. We see the plants in bloom. And yet with all this life abounding, we are reminded of the Sacred Balance of Scorpio, Death XIII. It is hard to think about the fact that every single living creature you know will take its first and last breath. Even you and I. One day we too shall die, return to soil, and from our bodies, life will perpetuate.

And death isn’t easy; it’s sad, scary, and unknown. I can pretend to be at peace with my intellectual and spiritual ideals of death, and I have had my share of interactions with it. Yet, I am still scared of it, and nowhere near ready. I hope to one day feel complete and then make the journey to the other side, wherever that may be. My 95-year-old grandmother often says she is ready to go, yet her time doesn’t seem to be near. Her mineral body, bones, and muscles aren’t so reliable anymore, but her organs are carrying on, and her mind is sharp as a needle. So one day, her time will come. None of us are ready.

Living here in Costa Rica the last 15 years has been my greatest teacher in death. Especially in the month of May. All the rains come, the land is abundant and green. Along with that come the bugs. And I mean, I am really accustomed to bugs, but the ones that invade my home in May I really struggle with. So, I spray my house with a boric acid-based solution and a concentrated plant extract that kills them… and I hate doing it… but keep reading to dive deeper into the story…

In this musing I explore our relationship with food, with death and life, with animals great and small and with the biorhythms of life…

Giving Death, Taking Life Musing

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This month I was super happy to go to Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico to offer permaculture consulation services. It was really fun helping people visiion their land, critically think about the interaction of humans, plants, animals and the elements. I love exploring ecosystems I have never been to and learning about local traditions. This area is famous for its avocados and mezcal! And wherever I go, I always go to the local central market to check out the herb shops. I usually only know or recognize a handful of plants, this time I brought home some bags of Uva Ursi, one of my favorite remedies for UTIs and Chapparo Amaro, a potent herbal anti bacterial and anti fungal. In the tropics you can never have too much of either of those things in your apothecary.

For me, tapping into my permaculture skills is something I would love to do more. We did a major erosion control design for a large and very steep property in April. Working with land is so deeply nourishing and satisfying. When you see the fruits, literally of your labor, the work never has tasted so sweet.

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So whats happening this season?

In just a month I leave for Italy to celebrate the Summer Solstice with another installation of Origini Future, a small, rootsy festival grounded in our love of nature and music at our home Ca’Inti. The event features Indie Italian Folk music, reggae dub, blues, eclectic electronic and world music. We have numerous workshops on herbalism, mycology, sacred sexuality, healing arts, and a huge Healing Garden for receiving therapies and treatments. Its a two day family friendly event overlooking the amazing Apennine Mountains in Le Marche.

We will have a series of workshops, dinners and gatherings over the summer. So if you are in Italy, check us out! I would LOVE to see you over there.

Origini Future

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Classes in Europe
early bird ends for both courses may 1!

Herbalists & Alchemists Portugal, October 3 - 12 For witches, alchemists, herbalists and all those interested in the magic of herbalism. Early Bird Extended until May 1! Save €300 off the regular tuition if you deposit now. Sign up now

Elemental Herbalism Italy, July 3 - 8 Foundational skills in herbalism and regenerative living that nurtures the green witch. Early Bird Tuition only €995! Save an additional €50 if you register with a friend! Sign up now

Whats happening at home?

In the Ojochal/Uvita area, I have more in person classes coming up at the Botanica Apothecary run by my friends and allies Monica Mayer of Sö Flow Co CBD and Adriana Ayales of Anima Mundi Herbals. I will be teaching Materia Medica and Body Systems classes for Immunity and Digestion May 13 & 21. While drop ins are welcome, we would love your preregistration so we have an idea of who will attend.

Sign up for classes at Botanica

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Tarot Readings

I love this shift into deeper 1:1 with people. Opening the channel to the perennial philosophy of the Tarot to help people in their times of confusion and crisis is something I never imagined would become a part of my regular practice. I always held it as a part of my personal spirituality. But when I really decided to study and learn the Tarot, I had to work with others. So I started reading for students in classes. I got hundreds of readings under my belt before I started being asked to do it as a therapeutic service. Now it seems to be the offering people are drawn to most, which is affirming that I am on the right path in the evolution of my healing work.

and I love it.

Book a Tarot Reading

I will also be offering in person Tarot Readings at the Unbound Soul Sanctuary in Uvita May 14, 20 & 22. You can email me for an appointment: sarah@villagewitch.org​

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I am grateful if you have made it this far. I am constantly thinking about the folks out there who this writing may touch. I feel you and I am open to you. It would be so great to hear from you. It isn’t my strongest quality in [fast] responses, but I read all your messages and they mean a lot to me. I would be particularly curious to hear if there are any themes you would like me to muse on.

As always, may the good green world hold you in her abundant arms, may she kiss you with gentle breezes and may her waters wash you clean and run clear.

blessed be

sarah marie

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