When I was younger, if someone cursed or swore in conversation in a pub, the landlord would call out “Language please!” prompting the person to be circumspect in what they were saying. Actually, anyone who was offended might say the same thing. I have always enjoyed language. I have been reading since I was four …. Read More
Category: Mother Nature
My 5 Favourite Herbal Remedies
Whenever I use a medicinal plant, it becomes my favourite…until I use another medicinal plant. Plants are like that – they really make friends with you and when you imbibe them in whatever form, they become your favourite. I recently posted a film to YouTube about Lemon Balm because I had just had my first …. Read More
Keeping The Light Shining
The Winter Solstice was one of my highlights of last year, 2020. After a year of gloom, doom, despair and darkness for many, the Solstice was an opportunity to really celebrate the Light. Candle light and lamp light brightened the house during the holiday season and it is always lovely to have …. Read More
Samhain Celebrations – Feasting and Communing with the Ancestors
I’ve been busy this last week updating and sending off the Samhain module which is part of the Wise Woman Training Course. danusirishherbgarden.com/wise-woman-training/ I am delighted that so many are engaging with this course which goes around the Wheel of the Year. I have always enjoyed Samhain. As a child the possibility of magic and …. Read More
An Ode to Autumn
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom friend of the maturing sun, I can still remember John Keat’s poem To Autumn even though I was in school when I last read it. It stayed with me, I think, because Autumn has always been one of my favourite seasons. I was born on …. Read More
Focusing Intention and Attention
We are living in strange times at the moment and many people have found that with the extra time on their hands they have been able to reflect on their lives. Some have taken up yoga and meditation or are watching movies and soaps. Me? I have never been busier! This lock-down has compelled …. Read More
Women and Power
Yesterday, 8th March, was International Women’s Day. We all know about it, we’ve all heard of it but what are its origins? How come there is such a day? A day that is officially celebrated in countries such as Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Mongolia, Turkey, Uganda, Russia, Vietnam, Zambia and elsewhere. There are …. Read More
Winter Stock-Take, Looking Towards Spring
Here in Connemara we have finished celebrating the Winter Solstice and on Monday I went to a friend’s house to enjoy an evening with women friends as it was Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas. Traditionally in Ireland, this is the day when women put up their feet and relax or they go out and …. Read More
Medicine and Magic in the May Garden
I love the month of May – the whole country becomes lush and green and seems to me to be full of magical promise. Every time I turn around there is a new plant to discover, a new flower blossoming, a new leaf just opened on a young tree. Some people might say that …. Read More
Will You Join The 3.5%?
What a beautiful and delicate little flower the Wild Violet is. Would you deliberately trample on it? Would you pluck it and let it wilt and then discard it? I am sure you would not. I am mulling something over here, so I hope you will bear with me. A very good friend mentioned …. Read More