The Second Light of Advent is the Light of Plants.       

       Plants that reach up to the sun and in the breezes dance.

There are many types of plants on Grandmother Earth to learn from this week. 

Trees have always been used as power symbols. Trees communicate most directly with human beings because they are in the same place on the wheel of life that we are – in the place of determination – and the aura of a tree is similar to that of a human.  Trees determine the weather, for they are the lungs of Grandmother Earth.  They carry the memory of the ages and of Grandmother Earth’s story of herself.

Fruits and flowers  give away their beauty, and their scent.  The grasses and grains are Grandmother Earth’s hair, protecting her skin and preventing erosion by holding the sand and soil in place.  They hold nutrients, water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide, and give all that as nourishment for other life.

The herbs and shrubs hold their healing properties until time to give them away. Sage holds its cleansing ability until it is burned, then it can be used to heal negative energies. Notice when cooking how herbs change the taste of food. We can learn to tune into their songs and know which herbs will help us with healing.

This is a mindfulness practice, a simple moment of connection with intentional curiosity to experience the light energy within trees, fruits, flowers, grasses, grains, herbs and shrubs by activating the senses and encouraging personal growth and discovery. Nature always orients to light, and will compassionately interact with and respond to you. It will reflect your light, such that you may find it within yourself.   This can be done outside in nature on a walk, or sitting in a garden or inside your home. It can be done once or several times throughout the week with different plants. 

     Enjoy learning about the light from the plants.     

Beginning by setting an intention. Energy flows where intention and attention goes. 

Recite the verse:  

The Second Light of Advent is the Light of Plants  

The plants that reach up to the sun and in the breezes dance.

State out loud or quietly to yourself that like nature, you're honoring the rhythm and cycles by turning inward — anticipating the return of the light on the Winter Solstice. You are a seeker of light with a desire to learn about the light from plants.

  • Allow your attention to be drawn to either a tree, shrub, flower, grass or  fruit.  

  • Speak aloud or softly to yourself. Ask the tree, shrub, flower, grass, or fruit if you may gently touch it. If it’s a big tree ask if you may lean your back against it. Once you gain permission touch the plant or lean on the tree.  

  • Let it know you are curious about what it knows about light. Ask it to show you about light in pictures or words or sensations.   

  • Allow yourself to be open and receptive. Responses can come quickly and can be either subtle or obvious. The information may come through any of the following:

    • your physical senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing)

    • internal senses (what's happening within your body)

    • intuitive senses (sensing images, seeing colors or symbols, feeling physical sensations, hearing messages as well as a clear knowing)  

    • emotional senses

  • Acknowledge whatever you receive..  

    • For example:  “Thank you fern I experienced an unfurling sensation in my arms.”  

    • Keep the conversation going by asking clarifying questions.  For example:  “Is that sensation I felt in my arms what it feels like for you to reach toward the light?”  

  • If you feel you are not receiving anything, ask the tree or plant to turn up the volume on the response and communicate it in a way that your body can understand. 

  • Keep breathing, receiving, acknowledging and engaging until you feel complete.  

  • Place a hand on your heart, turn your attention inward and ask your body what new understanding it has of light from this item.

  • Then say out loud. "I connected and learned this  _________________ about light from this tree or plant. My experience is real and true because I experienced it.”

  • Thank the plant for sharing their wisdom and thank your body for being receptive.  

  • Take a moment to journal about your new understanding of the light. 

    • Other ways to explore the light with fruits, vegetables, grains and flowers is to hold them and ask the questions above. Or tune into them while cooking or eating.

       Enjoy learning about the light from the plants.