Last year I wrote my first botanical spell for the new year poem and felt compelled to write one for 2024 as an offering we can share…
This poem was written in particular reflection of wars, human rights violations, genocides and (often capitalist) imperialism happening in several places across the world; making space for grief, community, rest, healing and hope.
botanical spell for the new year 2024 oil of olive for honouring ancestors bark of eucalyptus to awaken consciousness ebony nectar for cultivating resilience fractal of sunflower to sow collective liberation purge venomous imperialism with leaves of ash seed of cypress to grow space for grief and remembrance promise pacifism with spathes of peace lilies tamarix leaf to ease sting of salt and flame of rage gel of aloe to soothe raw wounds teardrops of senecio to restore healing waters brassica florets for sharing resources tubers of sweet potato for continuous nourishment cladonia lichen spores to signal cooperation sacred root of banyan for thoughtful reflection star of cottonwood for intuitive wisdom nightfire hibiscus for pleasure activism branch of elm to inspire solidarity & trumpets of calla lily to renew songs of hope
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As fascism, late-stage capitalism and the climate emergency combine forces, we must stay awake, and find ways to raise awareness and activate collective liberation.
Climate justice, disability justice, decolonising institutions, fighting systemic oppression – these are all interlinked.
Finding ways to speak up and make change individually and collectively is vital.
We, humanity, need to do better.
We also have only one habitable planet and have not found a waste-free and extractive-free and climate-friendly way to traverse the galaxy or exist off Earth.
I’m committing to this work. It is life-long. I will not always get it right but I have faith in our empathy for one another.
Resources (will add more when I have more spoons):
- The Slow Factory
- Human Rights Watch
- Community action, knowledge, gathering, healing, activating:
- Ethical Consumer Boycotts List
- BDS Movement (for Palestine solidarity)
- Petitions and your politicians:
