Jane Stevens  is passing on the knowledge from her lifelong poly passions of gardening, herbalism, astrology and moon cycles as a gift to the world in the from of a book  (one that carries a Chelsea green publishers mark on the spine & a Rosemary Gladstar forward no less).  This Wisconsin based wealth of other-worldly wisdom shares why writing a book in her mid 60s is the perfect time of pass such earthly wisdoms. She speaks of planting seeds according to the moon cycles - are you familiar with the moon cycles? Creating gardens according to the 7 body chakras, the  pattern of herbalists always being shunted to the side & why she quit watching the news to focus instead on the plants in her garden which leaves her feeling more empowered & less fearful.

Things we chat about
Four elements herbal creams
Earth and Soul - Leah Rampy
Celestial garden - Jane Stevens
Dr Jill Stansbury - Herbalist and Author

Support the show

Casual Support - Buy Me A Coffee
Regular Support - Patreon
Buy the Book - Futuresteading - Live Like tomorrow matters

Conversation Points

Grandmotherly inspiration to become a herbalist at five that set a feeling of awe in her heart - “I just knew that I needed to be with the plants
A Wisconsin tradition of planting a Peony from your mothers farm on your own farm
Gardening by the moon to create a practical rhythm
Letting nature be more in control and being more of a partner
Start by following the quarters of the 28 day moon cycle
Week one: The new moon rises at dawn & sets at dusk (the time to be starting projects including seeds which have their seeds outside the fruit - lettuce, broccoli)
Week Two: The first quarter rises at midday & sets at midnight (plant seeds that hold their seeds inside the fruit such as cucumbers and tomatoes)
Week Three: The full moon rises at dusk & sets at dawn (the soil moisture is pulling down so its the perfect time to plant root vegetables)
Week Four: The last quarter rises at midnight and sets at noon (time of rest, planning, setting traps, weeding)
Being multi disciplinary has meant she chartered her own path
Her astrology points to brave leadership
Teaching is a gentle role
Turning their farm into a ‘public garden’ - a childhood dream
Planting a garden based on the 7 chakra system to build mental and bodily strength
Plants are seductive
Herbalists in history have forever been dogged by the system - pushed out by design
Seduction begins by teaching children to be engaged in nature - they get excited and teach their parents
The need for us to build our own skills and herbal medical kits in order to side step the system that shuts it down
Access to deep knowledge of Chinese, ayurvedic and native herbalism - now is the time to act
Participate in herb walks in your local area
Integration - layering meditation, astrology, herbalism
Being brave enough to use the space and skills of our young people.
What does enough look like - Health, loving relationships, all your bills being paid, gratitude, humility.
One word - Gratitude - for a seed that was planted in me to work with plants, that I was educated, have a career outdoors, finding the love of my life - these gifts have kept me humble.

Support the show