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Plant Spirit HealingA Guide to Working with Plant Consciousnessby Pam Montgomery Read excerpts from Plant Spirit HealingPlant Spirit Healing Workshops with Pam - More information here!
What others are saying about Plant Spirit Healing:Review published in HerbalGram ~ The Journal of the American Botanical Council ~ Issue: 84 Page: 71-73 With a title like the one Pam Montgomery has chosen, an open-minded reader is a prerequisite. Written in her straightforward, personal style, Montgomery lays out her truth in this guide to the “triple spiral path of healing,” which engages the heart, soul, and spirit of not only humans, but of plants. The whole book, including the fascinating mirror-image color photographs by Linda Law, is a kaleidoscopic journey. It is interesting to read why Montgomery opted to choose the word spirit over the word energy in the title of the book. Using the word energy could have lent credibility, since so-called “energy medicine” is now a category being researched by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health. Montgomery says that, after much reflection, she chose the word spiritual because “energy in scientific terms refers to the ability of a physical system to do mechanical work…it has only been recently that energy as a force existing in a unified field has been discussed, and, even though the word spirit has not entered scientists’ vocabulary, it is on the verge of recognition in connection to this life force.” Pioneering semantics is nothing new to Montgomery. Her first book, Partner Earth: A Spiritual Ecology (Destiny Books, 1997), was one of the first titles to use the term spiritual ecology. Now that term is more ubiquitous in this time of concern for the global climate, though it has been primarily employed by religious-affiliated organizations to cement the idea that sacred work includes taking good care of the planet. Montgomery clearly differentiates her brand of spirit from organized religion. Montgomery liberally uses the works of others in short quotes and other references, drawing from a wide array of experts—some expected, such as well-known physicist James Lovelock, author of the ground-shaking Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth, and others less known or fading from memory. Montgomery’s reminding readers of the late Swedish painter and activist Monica Sjoo and the late Romanian writer and historian Mircea Elaide, who wrote what is considered a foundational text on shamanism in 1951, adds admirable quality to the book. One of the newer scientific researchers noted in this book is Anthony Trewavas, a leader in plant neurobiology, a field that is dispelling the notion that plants are passive entities. This research is showing that plants are actually actively engaged in life comparative to animals. Montgomery also cites her herbal contemporaries, including Rosita Arvigo, Susun Weed, and Matthew Wood. The substantial and well-written foreword, titled “Reclaiming the Invisible,” is by provocative herbal author Stephen Harrod Buhner. Plant Spirit Healing is divided into 3 sections that take the reader through the theoretical framework, practical application, and finally, summaries of 10 specific plants. Chapters open with one of the author’s journal entries dated over the past several years. Each passage refers to a time and a place on her land in the verdant hills of Danby, Vermont and frames the teaching offered in that chapter. The words she shares from her diary stem from her direct personal awareness of a place; perhaps along the stony creek that tumbles down Marble Mountain, following moose tracks or wild turkeys, or huffing up Eagle’s Nest Trail. She writes simply, in conversation with the reader, about how these places, the plants, animals, rocks and water, time of day and celestial events, affect and move her. These entries introduce the ideas conveyed in the chapter and solidify the idea that direct interaction and relationship with nature is core to plant spirit healing. Key to everything, Montgomery emphasizes direct experience as the teacher. She refers to personal experiences she has had with clients and students to help readers understand the tenet of each chapter. In Chapter Nine, titled “Healing Oneself, Others, and the Planet with Plant Spirits,” she tells a story about a student ill with Lyme disease who responded to a year of plant spirit healing by saying, “It’s not like Lyme disease is miraculously whisked away. It’s that I take up more of the space and there’s no room for Lyme disease.” Readers may experience a thread of mystery running throughout the text about how to best use the plants for healing. Montgomery encourages readers to experiment with techniques. The chapter on foundational healing modalities opens with a journal entry about the uniqueness of each falling snowflake. Likewise, “There are many ways to give the healing gifts of a plant spirit to another,” Montgomery says. This chapter specifically discusses formalized modalities of healing that the author has employed, including 5-element Chinese medicine, the chakra system, and the medicine wheel. But Montgomery writes, “I urge you to explore deeply the ones that speak to you… the healing comes through your co-creative partnership with the plant spirits. The most important aspect of Plant Spirit Healing is your relationship to the plants….” The last chapter is on the individual herbs, titled “Plant Allies.” The introduction reminds readers that it is the mingling of energies from a relationship between plant and human on a heart, soul, and spirit level that allows true healing and that this relationship will be different for everyone. While products such as teas, tinctures, oils, incenses, and flower essences have their place, Montgomery says, “Remember, you are the author of your own experience, making you an authority.” The 10 herbs listed as plant allies include mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Asteraceae), which, among other uses, is held to be the “all in one” for alignment of the spinal cord. Sacred basil (Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae) is the author’s indispensable ally, and an infused body oil is made by soaking the leaves for 6 weeks. Other herbs include dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, Asteraceae), calendula (Calendula officinalis, Asteraceae), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, Clusiaceae), hawthorn (Crataegus spp., Rosaceae), angelica (Angelica archangelica, Apiaceae), agrimony (Agrimonia pilosa, Rosaceae), rose (Rosa spp., Rosaceae), and surprisingly, birthroot (Trillium erectum, Melanthiaceae), which has been used for parturition. Contemporary herbalists are in general agreement that trilliums should not be harvested, nor sold on the marketplace. The United Plant Savers organization lists it as “At Risk,” and the US Department of Agriculture lists it as threatened or endangered in some eastern states. Granted, there is no suggestion to harvest the plant, and all of the stories shared about it seem to indicate that it was only the energy that was being tapped. Nonetheless, it is cause for wonder why mention was not given of its threatened existence. ** The book has an index and a bibliography, which are useful to readers interested in exploring more about some of the fascinating people and topics that are touched upon in the text. Montgomery thoroughly acknowledges the wisdom inherent in indigenous cultures and how this is a natural progression of an intrinsic connection with nature. Indeed, her book seems to be designed as a guide to accessing the “indigenous soul,” [Martin Prechtel quote]* as she calls it. That Plant Spirit Healing is a top seller for its publishers signals that not only is it written in an accessible way, but that the modern audience resonates with the idea that people and plants share root and bough. While the perennial quest to maintain humans at the pinnacle of creation continues to dominate scientific and religious endeavors, further experimentation continues to mount evidence that life forms are more similar than different. Modern science and indigenous knowledge and belief grow closer, and the popularity of books like Montgomery’s contribute to the open-mindedness of the general population. This attitude slowly but surely affects public policy that funds scientific research. Like her previous book, this new one adds to a growing body of herbal literature that reaches beyond “this for that” or identification guidebooks. Herbalists and others who have a relationship with the doctrine of vitalism can be expected to find much appeal in Montgomery’s book. Contrarily, those connecting more with the evidence-based doctrine that currently captivates healthcare regulatory bodies worldwide will surely find much to criticize. In this camp will be those concerned that books like this cast an illegitimate pale on the herbal field, taking it further from conventional acceptance. Even as these different orientations divide herbalists, one thing is certain: politics and science have trended back toward the acknowledgement that the relationship between the human species and nature is powerful. Now, emphasis on this relationship is a dominant political and market force as focus turns to planetary health. In addition, there is agreement that each individual’s relationship to nature, reflected by lifestyle and specific decisions, have powerful effects on the planet and personal health. Pam Montgomery has offered her view of how to live better on the planet. Her voice contributes to a long, contentious conversation mitigated too often by greedy, commercial interests. She cuts to the chase when she says, “We are committed to the earth, the green beings, and the water, treating them as if they are relatives….” Perhaps it is only by cultivating a relationship of deep knowing with the earth, as that of a close relative, that we can bring authenticity to the concepts of green and sustainable. After all, “He who knows nothing, loves nothing,” the notorious 16th century physician known as Paracelsus supposedly said. Montgomery takes her place among other out-spoken Vermonters, such as the highly influential godfather of environmentalism, George Perkins Marsh (1801–1882). In Man and Nature, written in 1864, he came to the same conclusion as Montgomery when he wrote, “All nature is linked together with invisible bonds and every organic creature, however low, however feeble, however dependent, is necessary to the well-being of some other.” Cascade Anderson Geller, Herbalist, Portland, OR * correction by author, Pam Montgomery ** "Precisely the point. When working with Plant Spirit Healing it is not necessary to harvest the plant at all making it the best form of healing for optimal plant conservation." note by author, Pam Montgomery
"This is a profound work…Written with a clarity and depth of understanding that only someone deeply attuned to their subject could master. Pam Montgomery, Herbalist and Plant Spirit practitioner, weaves together indigenous wisdom, modern research, science and quantum physics into a vibrant testament of the sacred and powerful nature inherent in plant medicine. One of the finest books written on the subject, PLANT SPIRIT HEALING challenges the limited perceptions we have of modern herbal and medical practices. But it does far more than that; it teaches one how to open the channels of the sacred that is so important in plant medicine, but that is too often forgotten in our modern healing rituals/practices. The powerful message transmitted through every page of this amazing book is bound to change our perception of herbal healing ~ and of medicine in general. Written with a fiery heart and tons of experience, Pam calls forth the soul of herbal medicine and rekindles the spirit inherent in the practice of herbal medicine.This book is a great book destined to become a classic." Rosemary Gladstar, Herbalist and Founder of United Plant Savers "Pam Montgomery has built a bridge between the spiritual needs of people and the spiritual powers of plants. She shows us how to work with plants to heal our bodies and nourish our souls.As a spiritual ambassador for the plant kingdom she urges us to view and sense plants in a profoundly deep way that honors their much overlooked spiritual gifts and shows us how to tap into this power for the healing of ourselves and the planet. PLANT SPIRIT HEALING opens a whole new arena for plant lovers and herbalists. At this time in our evolution, plant spirits can and will be partners in a new paradigm of mutual understanding that might just save us all." Dr.Rosita Arvigo “A blessing of a book. Pam’s writing shines with what Hildegard of Bingen called VIRIDITAS – the healing power of the Green. It is filled with the wisdom of a REAL herbalist. You need this book!” David Hoffmann BSc, FNIMH, "If you've ever found yourself having a conversation with a plant, feeling emotional towards a mountain or hearing whispers on the wind this book is for you. We are urged to listen very carefully to the primal conversation of plants and join in, widening our community to really include them. PLANT SPIRIT HEALING offers practical ice breakers to establish relationships with our green friends, not just those currently used in herbal medicine traditions, but all plants. Montgomery suggests these willing healing partners have extraordinary abilities most of us have yet to comprehend." John Seed, rainforest and climate change activist,
"Pam Montgomery lives the way of life she writes about in PLANT SPIRIT HEALING. In this book, Pam's extensive knowledge of plants is conveyed in the context of a wider spiritual path of healing and transformation. It honors and utilizes her direct intuitive experience as well as her rigorous studies as a highly respected herbalist and teacher. This book is a must for every student of the plant world." Nicki Scully "PLANT SPIRIT HEALING is a book about communicating with the spirits of plants, and enlisting plant spirits to heal. These are subjects of increasing importance and relevance in today’s world, where ancient shamanism and modern spirituality are expanding our worldview. However, author Pam Montgomery goes beyond these remarkable themes, presenting a portrait or journal of what it is like to live immersed in a Natural World where plants, stones, and locations talk, signal, sing, educate, and heal. PLANT SPIRIT HEALING is an antidote to the modern world, which has been stripped of meaning, spirit, and relationship. Words like love, joy, spirit, and life can be abstractions, but here they are real." Matthew Wood, M.Sc. (Herbal Medicine) Registered
Herbalist (AHG) "Every soul searching for truth will drink in the words on these pages like a healing potion, whether or not there is experience using herbs. For those who love Latin names and chemistry, this doorway opens us to the power of plants that goes beyond the physical." Amanda McQuade Crawford Dip. Phyto., MNIMH, RH (AHG),
MNZAMH Consultant Medical Herbalist "Pam’s new book, PLANT SPIRIT HEALING, gets to the root of this profound way to wholeness – from modern physics to native tradition – then takes us through a growing process of learning and deepening our trust in connections with the loving power of the green world, and ultimately helps us create a flowering of this wonderful way of healing in our own lives and with our clients. In my mind, it is already a classic." Brooke Medicine Eagle
Every breath is a giveaway
dance between you Susun Weed
Striped MapleThe south winds blow, warming the earth and carrying the robins back to hungrily look for bugs and worms thawing in their earthen homes. I watch as the robins scurry here and there. Some begin to pick up twigs to begin their nest building, preparing for the time when they will sit for long hours patiently waiting for the crack in the egg, the emergence of a scrawny long-necked baby whose mouth is nearly as big as the rest of its body, only to begin the scurrying all over again to fill those wide-open caverns. I continue with my task at hand, tapping the Maple tree in order to drink the best spring tonic of all, the sap. The first few drips clang into my bucket and then form a continual stream; it will be a good run today. I place my tongue at the hole in the tree, drinking the sap as if I were suckling at the breast of a great mother. The lifeblood fills my body with the sweet essence of Maple—it’s invigorating and returns vitality to my sluggish winter-mode cells. Here in this blessed moment, I am integrally connected to Maple with her sap giving me new life, new vigor to begin again the cycle of the growing season. I notice the swelling in my heart and the tears forming in my eyes at the incredible gift Maple is giving me. The sap opens a floodgate in my heart, and my “indigenous soul” pours through, remembering that spirit is the fabric from which the cloak of life is made and love is the thread that weaves it all together. Journal Entry, March 2006
One of my interns, Wendy, had an experience with Striped Maple during which she was given clear instructions on how to scan a person’s energy by superimposing a Striped Maple leaf over their body. The veins in the leaf would correspond to the energy meridians, and, where the energy needed to be cleared, a red dot would appear. She would then ask Striped Maple to remove the energy blockage, which was then taken and stored in the bark of the tree. Interestingly, she initially was given a ruby ring from the spirit of Striped Maple and, while visualizing this ring, she called on the spirit of Striped Maple. This is an example of the tree spirit teaching her how to call him in, how to track the energy, and how to remove the energy blockage not unlike, perhaps, how Siberian shamans were instructed by their spirit helpers.
White PineMost people who have any kind of a spiritual life have some form of guidance they rely on. Various religions have helping forces like saints in Catholicism, devas in Hinduism, or angels in Christianity. In the Native American tradition animal guides are present as helpers. A helping spirit guide is one who is available to you at all times to bring guidance and assistance of any nature. Plant spirits can serve as personal guides and helpers in this way. Plant spirit guides may come to you in a dream, or perhaps you are healed by a plant that then becomes your personal guide. You also may make a request for a personal plant spirit guide to come to you; pay attention to the plant that crosses your path either physically or otherwise. When you encounter the plant three times, remember, it is the one you are seeking.  When I first moved to my property in Vermont, I needed to clear a few trees in the garden area. One huge White Pine towered above the upper garden, and I had intended to cut this tree down. Brian, the fellow I had doing the work for me, urged me not to cut this tree; he had a strong sense that it wanted to remain. This tree stands on the western border of the property and holds its branches out far, as if embracing a gateway into the directional dimension of west. As I began to settle into this land and came to know the plant beings, the water and the mountain, the presence of this White Pine grew. One day in early spring, as I was preparing the garden for planting, a strong breeze stirred and I felt a soft brushing against my cheek, as if a hand was lightly caressing me. A strong smell of evergreen wafted through my nostrils, bringing the freshness that only a pine can emit. I could hear the air moving through the branches of White Pine and an ever so slight whisper came on the wind, “Please don’t forget me.” I continued to work in the garden, ignoring these words coming on the breeze. Then I heard a mournful kind of crying, as if stricken with grief. This instantly brought me to attention. I stood up from my work and looked around, and, as my gaze fell upon White Pine, I was overcome with the grief that I had just heard expressed through the wailing that came on the wind. I stood before White Pine and tears began to roll down my face as I realized the source of my sadness. My heart opened to White Pine and a flood of emotion poured through me. I felt the pain that White Pine was experiencing from my lack of attention to her and the residual of my previous intentions to cut her down. How could I have ever considered cutting down this most majestic of trees? I put my arms around White Pine and cried for forgiveness, and the whisper on the breeze came, “please don’t forget me.” I vowed that day to never forget White Pine, to treat her as if she were one of my best friends and to pay close attention to what she had to share with me. Since that day I have received such incredible support from White Pine who has become one of my closest allies for my personal development. She is like a beacon of strength to me, constantly reminding me of my path—that of being a spokesperson for the green beings. Even today, as I sit writing, White Pine gives me the strength I need to continue, when at times I feel like the task is too overwhelming. I walked out to White Pine this morning and I was reminded of others who have received blessings from her. There, on the soft bed of needles, was Charlotte’s prayer arrow from her vision journey while here last summer. I remember how she was held so gently by White Pine as she prayed and asked for a vision. Then there was Sara who dreamed of White Pine and, while perched like a great bird in her branches, gained a different perspective on life from that lofty place. This morning White Pine gave me a vision of peace and tranquility under her branches. I saw the area underneath White Pine cleared of the underbrush with a beautiful meditative sanctuary and lovely altar under her bows, where anyone in need could come to sit and receive her strength and guidance. This is one of those occasions when a plant and/or a tree give you clear instructions to take action. What is apparent is that part of White Pine’s path is to provide a place for quiet reflection and guidance for myself and those that come here to Sweetwater Sanctuary. It is now my responsibility to carry out what White Pine has asked me to do. When I carry out her wishes, the trust increases and our relationship deepens. I give thanks to Brian who knew not to cut White Pine, to White Pine for reaching out to me, and for the tremendous blessing of such a great wise one as my personal ally. Later ... Journal Entry, May 2007My breath becomes focused with attention on White Pine, that great one who has given me such strength this past year. As my breath deepens with its constant circular pattern I begin to experience the “greenbreath” of exchange with White Pine. A tingle runs up my spine as the oxygen-laden breath reaches each of my cells and a rainbow bridge to White Pine joins us in a bond of light. A vibration begins in my hands and slowly spreads to the rest of my body as I receive the light from the sun transferred to me from White Pine and cells breathe—my cells or White Pine’s? Suddenly I realize the tingling vibration I’m experiencing is that of photosynthesis, as White Pine and I are no longer separate. White Pine’s breath rushes up my spine in currents of ecstatic life force as I begin to move in rhythm with these waves, riding the crest and dipping into the trough. With a full heart, mind, and body I revel in the sensual experience of White Pine. As my greenbreath shifts and I return to regular breath, my tears flow as I begin to comprehend the gift of such an intimate encounter with White Pine—more than an ally, my beloved.
About photo artist Linda E. LawI am a digital and holographic artist whose work focuses on connecting with Nature. Photography has always been a tool for me to open my awareness and step into a wider vision of the world around me, a way of focusing my inner self. My camera is the vehicle I use to open my senses and go below the surface into the deeper realms, to those places where we are no longer disconnected. Working creatively with photographic film for over 25 years, the shift from conventional film to a digital camera was a liberating experience for me. Opening my vision it freed me to explore a new way of working, a balance between the moment of connection and the extended moment of revelation. This second step in my work, the extended moment, is the process of revealing the true nature of the image in the computer, of painting with light. I stay connected to the place of magic experienced while taking a picture out in the woods, under a cloud-filled sky at the transition from night to day, or in the place of wonder as light dances on the surface of a pool filled with golden light. The extended moment has become the place where I open myself and the image to new possibilities and where mythical creatures present themselves for revelation. This technique has evolved for me through several stages. In some of these images I have taken the original and mirrored it and then proceeded to "reveal" what is already there. The computer allows me infinite control over this stage (akin to the photographic technique of burning and dodging). New digital cameras, at higher resolution, allow me to see into Nature with much finer detail. A wondrous array of beings are revealed, layer upon layer, worlds within worlds; the fractal realm that, science tells us, exists. Working with these images I move into the arena of mythic creatures - archetypal images that resonate with a power beyond our everyday existence. These beings speak of a timeless realm, a place of oneness that underlies our world - the place from which we dream. In this work it is my intent to open the awareness of my audience to these realms. Making a conscious request to the Universe I ask to open a portal through my images into this dream state and provide a gateway to a place that challenges our concept of what is real; a place of connection to that state of consciousness where we are no longer alone but connected to a vast and wondrous magical world of possibility. During the summer of 2006 I studied Plant Spirit Healing as an apprentice with Pam Montgomery. This choice was made with the desire to further open my connection to the natural world. Having already studied herbs for 3 years, with an English woman's love of gardening and a commitment to co-create with Nature, I entered Pam's magical garden with an intent to explore the possibility of creating images that would further my connections to Plant Spirits. My images in this book were all created during that period of time. A schedule of exhibitions of my limited edition archival prints, multi-media installations, and holographic works can be obtained by contacting me at lindalaw@mhcable.com. Linda E. Law Visit Linda's website for more images. |
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The
last forty years has seen a continual rise in people’s interest
in traditional cultures that engage with the unseen forces of nature
and the spirit beings that inhabit the dreamtime dimension. This
fascination with what is called shamanism is occurring in the Western
world and seems to be a response to our malnourished spirits that
long for connection with the greater web of life and the meaning
that comes from that connection. This movement toward spirit perhaps
is an evolutionary one or maybe it is a return to our birthright.
Our very DNA has encoded in it a memory of a time when we all lived
close to spirit and its individual manifestations. This form of
shamanism, in which we all have access to spirit in our everyday
lives, is what Eliot Cowan, author of