What Makes Tea Sacred?
What is it that makes tea sacred, not like any other drink? Is it afternoon tea time set aside in the day, bringing people together to sit and sip away from the distractions of the never ending to do list? Is it the leaves that are gently grown and hand-picked when harvested? The location of the high Wuyi Mountains of China, where the tea leaves are grown? Perhaps it is the sacredness of Mother Earth providing her herbal medicine for humans to partake of? Or is it the process of blending botanicals, spices and herbs with the tea leaves to make a sacred blend using love and magic? We all have our own version of what makes our tea sacred.
The sacredness of beautifully steeping precious herbs, spices and botanicals is the sacred connection of the mind, body and spirit. How does tea connect them, you may ask yourself? In my experience, as a gardener and healer, I am honored to be able to work with Mother Earth to see the great wonders she has in taking care of us, as long as we reciprocate taking care of Her.
First the sacred connection of the spirit, which starts with planting just a little seed. I watch them grow into seedlings, providing essential light and nutrients. Then to transplant the seedlings, when the weather is just right, in the proper soil being mindful of the pH and the surrounding plants next to the now small plant. Then as this plant grows, continuing to maintain the health of the soil and feeding with proper nutrients. I also talk to my plants and listen to what they say, strengthening my connection and relationship with them. As plants are living organisms providing us oxygen to breathe as we provide carbon dioxide in order for them to breathe. Plant and human are connected in a sacred way where we are not able to survive one without the other. Then harvesting the leaves, roots or flowers for making teas and medicines becomes even more sacred, as it started with the Spirit of the plant in connecting with Mother Earth and her creations, listening to the plant, knowing when to harvest and how much without injuring the plant.
Second is the sacred connection with the mind. This is the fun part. Yes, sacred things can also bring happiness and joy along with peace and healing. My background in culinary, medicine and herbalism, I am able to safely blend flavors, textures and elements not only for the pleasure on the palate, but also in aiding the healing process. Some herbs work better together for a stronger healing result while others become toxic and can injure if combined. Just as the small plants being transplanted into the gardens; some thrive off one another promoting more growth and repelling pests and disease. While other non-compatible plants planted next to one another, will injure and be toxic, killing both plants. It is essential to have knowledge being mindful not only of plants and how planted and when to harvest, but also how herbs, spices and botanicals are blended in sacred teas and medicines.
That brings us to the body. Just as plant and human are unable to live independent of the other, their dependency for life brings the sacredness alive. Combined, plant and human create a cohesive sacred healing that brings life, happiness and joy. The body reaps the benefits of what is sown, whether it’s help with inflammation, indigestion, anxiety, or a way to end a stressful day. You create your own sacredness in a little cup of herbs, steeped in water bringing happiness and healing. And that, in my opinion is sacred. Even the process of steeping the tea as a ritual (routine). No one can take this connecting experience from you. It is yours, your sacred tea, brought to you by Mother Earth and as always, a little Love & Magic.
