As the Seasons Shift: Harvesting Roots and Strengthening Spiritual Protection
As the days grow shorter and the crisp autumn air arrives, October signals the perfect time to prepare for the colder months ahead. Our ancestors knew this season as the time to finish their harvests and fortify their spiritual protection, as the veil between worlds grows thin.
Now is an ideal time to gather burdock root, known for its powerful health benefits. As we transition to heartier, comforting foods for the winter, burdock root helps stimulate digestion and promote bile secretion, balancing our systems. Its external applications are equally effective, soothing skin conditions that often flare up in dry, cold weather. Not only can burdock root be consumed as a tea, but it can also be used in a floor wash to cleanse your home or carried in a mojo bag for protection.
Next, let’s focus on Solomon’s Seal root, an essential herb for respiratory health and joint lubrication. Harvested in the fall, this root helps combat congestion and inflammation. Place pieces of Solomon's Seal root in windowsills for spiritual protection, or add it to an herbal bath for a powerful uncrossing ritual.
Marshmallow root, while no longer used in commercial sweets, remains an invaluable remedy for soothing irritation in the respiratory, digestive, or urinary tracts. Fall-harvested marshmallow root can also be used in incense to welcome benevolent spirits into your home, promoting both healing and spiritual connection.
Another fall favorite is angelica root, which offers both respiratory relief and potent protective properties. Angelica root can be brewed as a tea or decoction, added to floor washes, or powdered for use in protective incenses and powders. Scatter this herb around your home to ensure your space is shielded from negative energy.
Finally, no guide to spiritual protection would be complete without mentioning salt. Whether it’s sea salt, black salt, or another variation, salt is a tried-and-true protector. Sprinkle it around your home’s perimeter or in the corners of rooms to guard against negative influences.
This spiritually charged time of year not only brings heightened connection to our ancestors but also attracts mischievous spirits. Be sure to fortify your space with protective rituals, and enjoy the beauty and festivities of the harvest season.