Eight of Water
The Eight of Water energies prompt: Seek the depths of rest. “Sleep is the best meditation.” – The Dalai Lama. Relax, recover, recuperate.
Eight of Water: Cup
The Eight of Water energies manifest in Valerian.
Valerian
Exhaustion makes the simplest things feel insurmountable. You may be overextended and weary. Do you need to step away from commitments?
Invite time for retreat, like the calming energy of a sanctuary.
Pull back from it all. Be still and recuperate. Valerian is a valuable tea for those who struggle to rest and relax. If a lack of control over the situation has led to constant anxiety, invite sleep and consult the dreamtime.
Valerian is a pungent medicine; slowing down may not be a pleasant experience at first, but it is the only way to become strong again.
Qualities
| Neutral: Positive | Neutral: Negative |
| abandonment abandoning plans walking away letting go traveling escapism reaching limit self-analysis self-discovery introspection looking deeper withdrawal disappointment looking for the truth | fear of moving on stagnation monotony accepting your lot |
Crafting With the Eight of Water
The Eights feature plants whose roots are used as medicine. Drawing deep into the earth, they accumulate rich nutrients. They can be difficult to grow; like the trees, the must establish themselves for several years before they can be sustainably harvested. The roots are collected in the fall when it is cold and wet. We must work to gain access to their medicine.
The final mini-drama presents an internal challenge. The herbcrafter has accepted her higher calling from the trees but. now questions her ability to fulfill her destiny. The herbs of the Eights pull her into a deeper inquiry as she confronts her relationship to her own nature. She will be faced with speaking her truth, trusting her instincts, walking away and restoring her self-worth. her weaknesses become allies that, as she gets to the root of each one, ground and strengthens her for the challenges ahead. The Eights spark action that lead to true self-awareness.
Craft
- Drink Valerian tea for deep, restful sleep.
- Carry Valerian root in a magic vial to settle anxiety.
- Create time for a personal retreat. Even a staycation can be rejuvenating.
Mini Meditation
Meditation
Get into a relaxing position and close your eyes, make sure you are a comfortable temperature and not likely to be interrupted.
- Take three deep breaths
- Feel your tension melting away.
Imagine yourself doing one of the crafts mentioned above. Use your imagination. Make it as elaborate or as simple as you like. Have whomever you would like to be there come and share the time with you.
Imagine what it would look and feel like, as if it were really happening. Use your five senses and imagine all the sensory details as though you are really there.
Be creative and indulge in this moment.
Spend as long as you like in this visualization and feel the benefits of crafting with nature. Think about your meditation as often as you like as you go through your day. If possible, create it in reality.
The Herbcrafter
Herbcrafter
An herbcrafter is an afficianada of the botanical realm. She is in love with plants and longs to know them more deeply.
Her approach is driven by a playful, wild spirit.
The herbcrafter embraces the plant world as her teacher and friend through observation and botany, gardening and wildcrafting, medicine and kitchen craft, fiber arts and weaving, art and magic.
She recognizes herself as part of nature. She seeks reciprocity in all things. Through the relationship with the botanical world, she learns how plants and people can be of service to one another.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom
Lao Tzu