I can't believe I'm calling it this . . . But here's an ancient "hack" for memorizing herbal remedies.

I am thankful that there are models for learning herbalism that go beyond memorizing which herb is for what.

How did the ancients discover and recall such remedies anyways? It seems in much the same way any valuable knowledge is passed on; through what we would call, 'story'.

There are 'stories' that even as adults we ask, "Is or was this a real event?"

An ancient "Hack" for memorizing herbal remedies. TarasBook.com

I have come to believe that there is purpose in causing this disharmony of thought- it causes us to go beyond the black and white thinking we are taught to master. A type of koan perhaps.

Master Herbalist Matthew Wood gives many Bible references in his material which is likely the text that many of us in the Western world have questioned at one point or another whether to interpret literally or figuratively.

As Matthew often illustrates, it's in the archetypal, the metaphoric understandings that we discover deeper meaning.

So, whether conveying a message via 'story' is done to aid the memory and carry on wisdom or to peel back the veil of our own worldly understanding--among other reasons-- seeing our world through Archetypes and metaphor is like a secret language.

Everything exists in this 'secret world' of Archetype; and it all has a Wonderland-like quality, revealing answers that are foggy in our world, but seems so plain and normal in this other world.

A great place to begin learning this language is through our bodies since we are a combination of 'other worlds' within: the physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual self. We live in our body, mind, spirit until we no longer do; so it seems like the perfect tool, does it not?

As we develop familiarity with our bodies we can also develop a relationship with herbs.

As we learn about the herbs, we gain a new perspective on ourselves and our lives, and vice versa.

Read the following excerpt from Matthew Wood, world renown Master Herbalist . . . it may have a message for you.

"Large Intestine.  When the child masters toilet training he or she feels the satisfaction of a job well done.  Rewards are immediate.  The child feels an increased sense of self-worth and autonomy which allows he or she to relate to society as a whole person.  The large intestine is thus associated with the function of satisfaction and self-governance.  If there is a problem here the person may feel inadequate, unsatisfied and depressed.  Patterns of codependency are likely.  Western astrology, through the Scorpio rulership of the colon, emphasizes addictive relationship, while traditional Chinese medicine, through the metal rulership, emphasizes depression.  In an extreme form, frustration generates “intestine hatred” where there is a codependency relationship with the object of hatred."

Matthew and I will be teaching the Archetypes and the Human Body along with Herbs in our class on July 11th and 12th. Join us!

Warmly,
Tara