Plant Spirit Energy Work

Dec 20

Chances are you’ve heard of energy work- modalities like Reiki, Pranic Healing, Hands of Light, and others. Chances are, too, that you’ve heard of the concept of plant spirits… especially if you’ve been connected to my work as this is something I talk about a lot. But what about plant spirit energy work? This may be new to you, so I’d like to share more about this very special aspect of the work I do with the plants and my clients.

ENERGY WORK

In my experience, the world is the result of an infinite number of relationships. Each relationship creates the potential for something new to be. Underneath this web of life is vital force- the power of life that flows through all beings, places, things, and events.

Energy work, in its many varied forms, is the process by which the availability, flow, and harmonizing of this vital life force (also: Qi, Chi, Prana, Mana) is intentionally guided by a facilitator. Existing traditions of energy work may have slightly differing definitions of the practice than I do, but I think the overall spirit of it is agreed upon by most. Energy work can be used for healing, person exploration, cleansing, releasing, setting goals and intentions, getting to know one’s self, and connecting more to the web of life.

PLANT SPIRIT WORK

When working with the plant spirits, things get a bit more personal for each person who does that work, I think. For me, plant spirit work is about allying myself to the many plant spirits who share their medicine, magic, virtues, and wisdom with us human folk. We connect to them so that a connection is open between our world and theirs- a path by which their virtues can flow more efficiently into our lives. Herbal medicine, green magic, and many types of nature-based spiritual practices are all very much plant spirit work when, and only when the plants are seen as spirits and not ‘things’ here for human use.

PLANT SPIRIT WORK

So, when we combine these two things we get a process where I connect to various plant spirits and, with their support, work on the flow and expression of vital energy within someone.

While many countless expressions of this kind of work exist, I have developed my own unique style based on years of learning from the plants, their deific protectors, and the land. How it appears to each person I work with is often unique within general parameters of what I do.

SO, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The way I practice plant spirit work goes something like this for most clients:

We begin with a brief assessment of what the client is working on, struggling with, or working toward in their life
I may do some biofeedback (pulse, tongue, eye analysis) or dowsing to explore active energy patterns
I like to set a clear intent for the session with my clients- one that we can both agree is accurate for them, attainable, and speaks to what hey really want to address
From there, we being by working with a plant ally, usually Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma, my local Juniper) to cleanse ourselves and the space- to sain it and make it sacred
The client then lays on a massage table which is set a bit lower than usual. The tables in my clinic are heated and we have infrared lamps which I like to aim at feet or belly as an extra bit of TLC to the body
From here, the session is mostly quiet unless I am guided to bring the client into an intentional, imaginal space
I have atmospheric music playing to help ease tension and quiet the mind
I usually have the client lay their head on my hands which are on a pillow, or have my hands resting to either side of their head, palms facing inward. I prefer physical contact, but it is not necessary and I leave it up to each client to decide what they’re most comfortable with. Ultimately I could do this work from across the room if need be.
While the room and I are quiet, the client is usually experiencing their own inner journey which I encourage them to follow and observe without judgment.
I am on an intention quest with the spirit of the client. Beginning at a sacred center, moving across the hedge into the otherworld, and into the spaces of the plants and their protectors. Here I work with the spirit of the client and the plants to do subtle healing work and to gain important information to give the client later on.
Once done, I do a setting and blessing flow for the client and then gently bring them back to usual consciousness. Sometimes people are very aware of the things we experienced, sometimes they sleep, sometimes they go into a state of silent reflection- it’s all exactly as it needs to be.
I end the session by sharing my experiences, passing on what I was given for them by the plants, suggesting plants, remedies, and protocols the client might want to work with, and then making room for them to share their experiences. I go first so that the experiences of the client can be edified by my own before they openly share.
I usually raise the lights and leave the room, allowing the client to take a few minutes to get back into their body and get off the table. I keep herbal remedies on hand to help folks who have a hard time ‘coming back’ and can assist with any lingering journey feelings afterward.