This is the ceremony that I wanted to share with you...
In late spring, I gather the Echinacea leaves on a “leaf” day according to the biodynamic principles of the work and teachings of Rudolph Steiner. I then pack them loosely in a wide mouthed glass quart jar and cover them with 80 proof alcohol (brandy, vodka or gin). Placed in a warm spot and with healing intention, the leaves release their purpose into the tincture.
When the buds begin to ripen on the Echinacea plants, several young buds are gathered on a “flower” day and added to the jar with the Echinacea leaves. Later in the season, when the flowers bloom, but before they are past their prime, I gather several butterfly kissed flowers on a “fruit/seed” day and add them to the jar.
The tincture is beginning to encode the silent words from the water, air and fire elements…. patiently waiting to join with the earth. In other words, the tincture is on its way to becoming whole.
In fall, when the plants start to die back, their energy returns to the roots. On a late fall “root” afternoon, a mature root (at least 2-3 years old) is harvested. I add the well-cleaned, scrubbed and chopped root to the tincture jar and top with alcohol as necessary.
The tincture now integrates with multidimensional energies for 3 to 4 weeks; strained and then bottled.
I offer this tincture in my Apothecary as a gift from the universe. My intention is that it is received with love and that it be used for the best and highest good.
Additional information: Native Americans commonly used Echinacea for hundreds of years before the arrival of European explorers, settlers and colonizers. The herb encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds and flu.
