Swan Medicine

As I was taking in the sun today at Albert's Landing in Amagansett, a pair of swans flew over head, across the clear blue sky and gracefully landed in the water of the bay. 

They hardly seemed to notice me as they swiftly swam through the clear blue water. I was inspired by their movement and the speed at which they could swim in the open bay. 

While there are many myths, legends and fairy tales that include the swan as the main character I am intrigued by their symbolism. 

They are symbolic of love, grace, beauty, elegance, transformation and relationships. They are also symbols for awakening, the linking of two worlds, the dreamer, the mystic and  sensitivity.

The magnolia flowers are in bloom now and this gorgeous flower is symbolic of nobility and perseverance. The two images flatter one another, both taken today. 

Below is a snap shot of the bud of the magnolia flower before it opened. 

Heaven on Earth

Today I lay on the earth at the base of an old oak tree and let the warm winds fly over me as I took in the afternoon sun. I watched the last crocus flowers wilt and the seagulls and osprey fly over head against the clear blue sky. 

Today I also read a beautiful piece from the translation of the Su Wen by Claude Larre and Elisabeth de la Vallee about the nature of Spring. One of the descriptions of Spring 'is the time when the qi of heaven and earth come together after the separation of winter. Once again the qi of heaven can descend and the qi of earth can ascend.'

This is a perfect description of Spring.

Since taking this picture of an osprey flying into the sun on Easter Sunday at Accabonac harbor in Springs, I have felt that within each picture, I am capturing  slivers of heaven on earth. 

The osprey totem represents ascension, illumination, rebirth and renewal. 

The crocus flowers have introduced color before the daffodils and now there are many shades of yellow everywhere and it is quite satisfying to see all of this beauty after such a long winter. 

Inspiration

The Energy of Transformation

Spring feels like it might be right around the corner. 

Yesterday, I had this beautiful picture taken of me for my new online store.

The sky was sunny and there was a promise of transformation and new beginnings with the arrival of longer days and daffodil leaves peeking out of the ground.  

I added my favorite moths to the mix of Chrysanthemums and Wax flowers, the result is quite magical. I have been finding inspiration from the simple spaces in between forms and light. I especially love how  the flower petals create such intricate patterns. 

The time of darkness, rest and nourishing Yin are necessary so that when the burst of Spring energy, the energy of rising sap and Wood arises, we are nourished and prepared for  the growth spurts.

The Snow drops are in bloom, this is a welcome sign that Spring is on its way. I am wishing everyone a smooth and graceful transition.

Love

I am currently working on opening a second small online store...for limited editions of perfume blends and botanical art. It is a delicate, precious and slow process. I am learning to appreciate the unpredictable flow of life unfolding and to integrate new information with more time, ease and grace. With this new sense of timing,  I am truly savoring the wisdom that accompanies each moment. Nothing meaningful can be rushed. Everything that I have studied, experienced in nature and cared for is coming together into this new work.

This week I am working on a small group of designs for  greeting cards, here is a sneak preview!  

                                           

Cistus ladaniferous

Cistus, also known as Labdanum, Ambreine and Rock Rose is one of the most intruiging oils that I am working with right now. It can come in a very hard resinous form and in a golden brown oil. The plant grows as a wild evergreen hardy shrub in the South Western region of Europe and North Africa. It can withstand prolonged periods of drought. Amazingly, each flower opens for only one day. 

 The scent is a base note in natural perfumery and has a very rich, sweet and sometimes pungent ancient  smell. It is a common fixative for soaps, lotions and aftershaves.

I include this oil when I am making topical blends for skin conditions and wound healing. It can also be used in plasters and on mature skin care.

The oil is anti-microbial, antiseptic, an expectorant and a tonic. I often apply drops to points on the Lung meridian when I am working with someone who has a very strong cough or upper respiratory weakness. 

In my research travels, I recently read that the oil calms the Spirit and is said to open the third eye and expand consciousness! 

At the moment I am working with this botanical essence in a perfume that tells a story of a marriage between Hay and Damask Rose. A Cistus from Spain is in the base and it brings a unique tartness to the blend. The image above was made for this new perfume, there is a Cistus flower behind the image of the rose.

I took pictures of this gorgeous flower while in California not realizing until I got back to New York that it was indeed a Cistus flower!
Perfect timing.
I recently added one of these beauties to my shop!

www.society6.com/Prettymedicine

A Valentine Gift

I made this collage this week by gathering a lot of  pretties that  have been collected in the form of photographs so that I could make something nice to share for Valentine's Day. 

I happen to adore this day that celebrates love with gifts, flowers, chocolate and beautiful cards. 

I am offering a special surprise Valentine's Day gift to the fifth person to email me at 

mariabowling@me.com. 

Please title the message 'Valentine'. 

Where in the world will it go?