The power of releasing
I recently had the privilege of traveling to Hopkins, Belize, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of rich cultural experiences. As I journeyed through different villages, I saw parts of myself reflected in the diverse people I met. This trip was transformative, especially when I visited the Mayan Village.
I was fortunate enough to study with Aurora at Aurora’s Herbal Center, where she and her husband shared their profound wisdom on herbs. I took part in a powerful cleansing ceremony, during which Aurora guided me to release what no longer served me, offering it to the sun. She encouraged me to call in everything I desired as I walked over a sacred combination of herbs in the rainforest on their land. That day, my life shifted—I let go of what I no longer needed and called forth the energy I required for my growth.
Afterward, I was led to cleanse my hands and feet in the ocean, using a creation from my dear sister-friend Yeyo, who had gifted me a beautiful ritual object. I knew I was stepping into a new chapter of life, but I never could have imagined how deeply this experience would transform me.
So today, I invite you to release what is no longer yours. Make space for the things you truly desire. Trust your spirit to guide you, just as mine did. And if you need to cry, allow yourself that release. Remember, you are the ritual. Curate what you need for yourself, because you have the power to shape your own journey.
Cleansing Herbs that I have used over the years.
Herbs have long been used for their healing and cleansing properties, helping to support both physical and emotional release. Here are some herbs that are known for their ability to assist in cleansing and releasing:
Sage – Often used in smudging ceremonies, sage is known for its purifying and protective qualities. It is believed to clear negative energy and help release old emotional baggage.
Lavender – Known for its calming and soothing effects, lavender can help ease emotional tension, release stress, and promote clarity, allowing for emotional healing and cleansing.
Palo Santo – This sacred wood is used in many spiritual practices to clear negative energy. It is known to help release emotional blockages and encourage a fresh start.
Rosemary – A strong purifying herb, rosemary is believed to help clear mental fog, ease anxiety, and cleanse the energy around you, allowing for a release of what no longer serves you.
Peppermint – Often used to release tension and clear the mind, peppermint aids in emotional release by helping to open up pathways for healing and clarity.
Mugwort – Known for its spiritual cleansing properties, mugwort is often used in rituals to help release emotional burdens, increase intuition, and promote vivid dreams, assisting in mental and emotional clarity.
Yerba Santa – This herb is often used for emotional healing, particularly for releasing grief, sadness, and emotional wounds. It supports the heart chakra and aids in personal transformation.
Dandelion – Known as a detoxifying herb, dandelion helps cleanse the liver and kidneys, supporting physical release of toxins. It's also associated with letting go of emotional baggage and negative attachments.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) – A sacred herb in many traditions, holy basil is known to help release stress, reduce anxiety, and encourage a calm and centered state of mind, helping you let go of what no longer serves your highest good.
Cedarwood – Used for grounding and cleansing, cedarwood is believed to promote emotional release and healing, helping to clear away negative energy and bring clarity.
When using herbs for cleansing, you can incorporate them into your routine in various ways—through teas, baths, smudging, or creating herbal tinctures. As you engage with these plants, set your intentions for what you wish to release, allowing their energy to support your journey of healing and transformation.