We now come to a group of beings that we can neither see nor feel in a direct sense although their forms of expression are all around us through the elements of earth, air, fire and water.
We call these beings elementals although they are also known as Faeries and are a part of the Faerie realms. Many traditional cultures have sensed the presence of spirits in nature, indeed one major religion Shinto, from Japan, specifically worships the spirits of place, called Kami, which reside in rocks and caves.
The beings that inhabit these realms are conscious like you and I, although obviously they have a very different way of connecting to the physical world that we see around us.
Unless you possess clairvoyant vision you will not readily ‘see’ the beings that lie behind these seemingly inert elements although they are very attracted to the innocence of young children and sometimes appear to them, so the child that claims to have seen a ‘fairy’ may indeed be telling the truth.
Elemental Evolution
Like all spirit essences these beings commence their evolutionary cycle with a choice in the way they wish to explore physicality. They also have the additional option of choosing which ‘element’, be it earth, air, fire or water, as their starting point. An elemental spirit therefore has additional choices on whether to start their spiritual journey as a Gnome, Sylph, Undine or Salamander.
Elementals evolve through first learning to manipulate and understand their own element before progressing to embody the qualities of another element. For example an earth elemental or Gnome that is associated with a group of rocks by the seashore may eventually come to understand and appreciate the role of the Undines or water beings.
This development process continues until eventually all four elements are assimilated at which stage the elemental being is given a new accolade of being called a ‘deva’.
Devas
This is a Sanskrit word, from the Hindu tradition, which literally means ‘shining one’. However Christian, Judaic and Islamic cultures know these beings as angels of which the Cherubim and Seraphim are a part.
Once devahood has been gained the elemental or angelic being takes on greater and greater responsibilities looking after whole areas of land or sea and becoming responsible for groups of spirits, which are part of its retinue.
ELEMENTAL GATHERING ON MOUNT SHASTA
There are devas which look after towns and cities as well as tracts of the countryside. At the top of this metaphoric tree is the Planetary Deva, which many people nowadays have come to call Gaia.
Communicating with Elementals
Elementals communicate with us through telepathic images presenting information on the things they know and understand.
In the first instance you need to believe in their existence. This can be hard for some people brought up in a very rational way. Once the bridge has been crossed there is a rich world waiting to be explored. Over he centuries we have created a picture on how these elemental beings look and these images get fed back to us.
For example Gnomes are traditionally seen a small human-like beings one or three feet tall, much as is portrayed in the traditional ‘garden gnome’. If they presented an image to us of say a golden rock we might not identify it as an elemental spirit.
In a similar way a fire elemental would more likely to show itself as a fiery being rather than a bright ‘spark of light’. They present mental images to us that reflect our understanding of their domains. They read not only our minds but also are acutely conscious of our feelings and spiritual awareness.
A person who disrespects nature will never gain their sympathy or support. We do not appreciate how clearly these emotional qualities show up in our individual energy fields, which can be easily read by spirit essences.
So to gain the respect and help of the Elemental kingdoms you have to have a love of nature.
When drying herbs, remember that any herb with small leaves or woody stems should not be dried in the stove, but rather by hanging them up. Dry herbs naturally, with drying trays or by hanging them up.
Common name for Rosmarinus officinalis, a hardy evergreen sub-shrub grown chiefly for its aromatic leaves which are used in culinary seasoning and which yield an oil once used in medicine. Small light blue flowers are borne in April or May, in loose clusters that spring from the leaf axils. The foliage is white and woolly on the under side and dark and shiny above. Plants can grow to a height of 6 feet and last for years if given winter protection.
Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil and in the South and Pacific Coast States, where soil is dry and rocky, they are planted as hedges. There is also a low-growing or prostrate variety.
Rosemary grows well with occasional watering, and does much better where the soil is alkaline. All varieties prefer full sun and most can tolerate slightly shady areas.
Rosemary propagates easily by taking six inch long stem cuttings that are stuck in a mixture of sand, loam, and leaf mold, ideally in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse or cold frame.
Plant Height Rosemary plants grow to a height of 36 to 48 inches (90 - 120cm).
Plant Spacing Rosemary plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Rosemary will grow in a pH range between 6.0 (mildly acidic) and 8.5 (alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.0 and 7.5.
Propagation Sow indoors in sunny location or under plant grow lights eight weeks before last frost. Rosemary propagates well via stem cuttings.
Seed Germination Period 15 to 25 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) 1,000.
Soil Requirements Light and well-draining.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant Sow in seed flats 22 weeks before sale in 10cm diameter pots. Seeds to finished plugs, 12 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 10 weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements Rosemary grown outdoors prefers full sun.
FURTHER NOTES :
MEDICINAL ... For a tonic against headaches put some sprigs into a teapot add hot water strain and serve.
Can be used as a disinfectant, for headaches, fever, as a mouth wash and for rheumatism.
DRINK ... A few sprigs of rosemary added to the tea pot makes a delicious drink, don't use milk and try with a bit of honey.
A perennial, hardy species of onion (Allium schoenoprasum), whose small, slender, hollow leaves, chopped fine, are used for flavoring salads, stews and soups. Handled like onions, the small oval bulbs multiply rapidly, form clumps, develop abundant foliage 6 to 8 inches high and small round heads of tiny lavender flowers.
As both foliage and flowers are attractive in appearance (though onion-scented), the plants are often used for edging flower beds; but unless the flower-heads are cut or the seed is gathered promptly, self-sown seedlings may prove troublesome weeds. For best results the clumps should be divided every second or third year.
Plant Height Chives grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant Spacing Chives should be spaced 6 to 9 inches (15 - 22cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Chives will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 7.8 (mildly alkaline).
Propagation From seed. Start seeds indoors six weeks before planting outdoors. By division, leaving about a half a dozen small bulbs in a clump which will develop nicely into a full size plant.
Seed Germination Period 15 to 21 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) Between 200 and 750.
Soil Requirements Well drained, fertile and rich in humus.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant Seeds to finished plugs, 12 to 16 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 11 weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements Chives grown outdoors prefer full sun.
Water Requirements Water on a regular schedule, taking care to not overwater.
An erect annual (Matricaria recutita),with small, daisylike flowers, is used to make chamomile tea and posessing a number of medicinal qualities.
German Chamomile seeds are one of the few seeds that need light to germinate, so starting them by seed is a delicate process. It is best planted outdoors in August by broadcasting the seed and mixing very lightly with the soil. Alternatively, they can be started indoors in propagation flats in March and transplanted outdoors after a hardening off period. In most cases, direct planting in the garden after all chance of frost has passed are successful, as well. Once they are firmly established, German Chamomile is extremely hardy.
Chamomile tea can be sprayed on propagation flats to prevent damping off. It is also believed to increase the absorption of calcium when added to a compost pile.
How to Make an Herbal Steam with Chamomile
Growing German Chamomile
Growing Cultures Outdoors, containers, landscaping, mass plantings. German chamomile not recommended for containers.
Plant Height Chamomile grows to a height of 20 to 30 inches (50 - 70cm).
Plant Spacing Chamomile plants should be spaced 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Chamomile will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (acidic) and 7.5 (neutral).
Propagation From seed. Direct sow in spring or fall. Fall sown seeds germinate following spring. Seeds need light to germinate. Seed Germination Period 7 to 14 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) 10,000 to 18.000.
Soil Requirements Well drained, poor to average soil.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam. Time From Seed to Saleable Plant Seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 6 to 6 weeks. Sun & Lighting Requirements Chamomile grown outdoors prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade.
Basil, the common name forOcimum basilicum, is a popular sweet herb of the Mint Family esteemed for flavoring and formerly used for medicinal purposes. An annual of the tropics, it is tender and should not be attempted outdoors until the weather is warm.
Basil grows easily from seed which may be sown in the garden or started indoors. Basil also grows well indoors under fluorescent and HID plant growing lights.
The small flowers are white or purple, but the plant is grown for its sometimes purple tinged leaves, which are cut during the growing season and used fresh or dried in bundles.
Growing Basil
Plants should be transplanted or thinned to stand 6 to 10 inches apart; they
prefer a quick draining, light soil in a warm location.
If the soil is rich, a plant cut back will develop successive crops of foliage
until fall. At that time, roots of strong plants can be lifted and potted up to
be moved indoors for a winter supply.
Although basil will grow best outdoors, it can
be easily grown indoors in a container or hydroponic planter and, like most
herbs, will do best on a south-facing windowsill (in the Northern Hemisphere).
It should be kept away from any drafts, and must have plenty of sunlight,
therefore a greenhouse or cold frame is ideal if available.
Basil plants whose leaves have wilted from lack of water will normally recover if they are watered thoroughly and immediately placed in a sunny location.
Basil can also be propagated very reliably from cuttings.
Leaf production slows or stops on any stem which flowers, so you should pinch off any flower stems to keep the plant in production, or pinch off some stems while leaving others to bloom for decoration or seeds. Once you do let the plant flower, it will produce seed pods containing small black seeds which you can save and plant the following year. Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote continuouse growth, largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.
Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers (sow direct in final pots, or in plugs and later transplant to final pots), hydroponics. Nighttime temperature must not go below 10°C.
Plant Height
Basil usually grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant Spacing
Basil plants should be spaced between 9 and 12 inches (22 and 30 cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range
Basil will grow in a very wide pH range between 5.1 (strongly acidic) and 8.5
(alkaline) with a preferred range of 5.5 (strongly acidic) to 6.5 (mildly
acidic).
Propagation
Sow seed indoors before last frost or direct sow outdoors after last frost.
Basil is easily propagated through herbaceous stem cuttings.
Common name for Melissa officinalis, an aromatic, sweet herb of the Mint Family grown in the herb garden for seasoning, and also used in liqueurs and historically, as a medicine. It grows to 2 feet tall and has small 2-lipped flowers in late summer, and leaves of a decided lemon odor and flavor.
Of Old-World origin, it is widely naturalized in America. It is easily increased by division or by seeds sown in the hotbed or coldframe.
Growing Lemon Balm
This herb is relatively easy to cultivate outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. In zone 4, it needs winter mulch and a well-drained sandy soil to survive.
Lemon balm grows in clumps and spreads vegetatively as well as by seed. In mild temperate zones, the stems of the plant die off at the start of the winter, but shoot up again in spring. It can be easily grown from stem cuttings, or from seeds. Under ideal conditions, it will seed itself prolifically and can become a nuisance in gardens.
Plant Height Lemon balm grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant Spacing Lemon balm plants should be spaced between 12 and 15 inches (30 and 38 cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Lemon balm will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 (acidic) and 9.0 (strongly alkaline) with a preferred range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Propagation From seed. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before last frost.
Seed Germination Period 12 to 21 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) 2,000
Soil Requirements Fertile, well-drained clay or sandy loam.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant Seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks; plugs to saleable plants, 5 weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements Lemon balm grown outdoors prefers full sun, but is mildly shade-tolerant. In dry climates, it grows best in partial shade.
Water Requirements Requires consistently moist soil, do not let soil dry out in between waterings. Water on a regular schedule, taking care to not overwater.
Special Notes Lemon balm may be considered a noxious weed or invasive plant in some areas. Lemon balm is drought tolerant and is useful in xeriscaping. Lemon balm is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds and has fragrant blossoms. Lemon balm self-sows freely; remove flowers (deadhead) if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following season.
Common name for a genus (Lavandula) of fragrant herbs or shrubs of which a Mediterranean subshrub species (L. spica) is grown for ornament in the garden and for its sweet scent when dried. The dried flowers are used to fill sachets and to perfume clothing or linens. Commercially they, and the green parts, are used for making "oil of spike," aromatic vinegar and lavender water.
True lavender, not being fully hardy, is little grown in northern gardens, where it must be protected over winter by mulching. It is more popular, therefore, in the milder Pacific Coast and in the South. As seed produces variable plants, propagation is commonly by cuttings of selected plants. Taken of one-year-old "wood" in spring, these are set in a shady place, 4 inches apart, and kept cultivated for a year.
Then they are transplanted not less than 2 feet asunder in permanent quarters in dry, light, limy, friable soil and full sunlight. In such a location they thrive best, develop the maximum fragrance and are least likely to be injured in winter. In wet soils, they grow but poorly; in rich soils, they become lush and sappy, and in both types they lack fragrance and easily succumb to frost.
Plant Height Lavender grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant Spacing Lavender plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Lavender will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 8.5 (alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.5.
Propagation From seed, sow indoors six weeks before last frost. Propagates well through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed Germination Period 10 to 28 days. Germination of english types (L. angustifolia) is frequently below 50 percent; scarification or freezing of seedflat can sometimes improve germination.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) Between 850 and 1300.
Soil Requirements Light, well-drained, deep, not overly rich soil.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Plant Sow seeds 20 to 26 weeks before sale. Seeds to finished plugs, 12 to 16 weeks. Plugs to saleable plant, 8 to 10 weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements Lavender grown outdoors prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
USDA Hardiness 5a to 9b.
Water Requirements Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.
A hardy, perennial European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) grown as an annual for its aromatic seeds and fragrant young leaves, both of which are used for flavoring. As the seed is slow to sprout, sow it early in spring. The plants require full sunlight but only the simplest culture in any good garden soil.
In Florence or Sweet Fennel (var. dulce) the greatly enlarged leaf bases form a bulb-like structure 3 to 4 inches in diameter which is called the "apple". When blanched by earthing up it is cooked as a vegetable, but the stalks, resembling anise-flavored celery, can also be eaten raw. As the plants grow rapidly, make successional sowings two weeks apart.
It propagates well by seed, but can also be propagated by root and crown division. The seed can also be planted late in fall. When well established, thin plants to stand 8 to 12 inches apart in the row. Plants can also be started indoors and transplanted to the field when 3 or 4 inches tall.
Growing Fennel
Growing Cultures Outdoors, containers (sow directly in pots, do not transplant), hydroponics.
Plant Height Fennel grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm).
Plant Spacing Fennel plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Fennel will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 8.0 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 7.0 and 8.0.
Propagation From seed. Direct sow outdoors in fall or in spring after last frost, does not transplant well.
An Old-World annual or biennial herb Anethum graveolens of the Parsley Family, grown for it's leaves bitter seeds which are used for flavoring the popular dill (cucumber) pickles.
Dill grows two to three feet tall. It may be planted in spring or fall. Planted in early spring, dill will produce seeds during the same season. It can also be planted in fall so that the seed germinates on it's own when conditions are right.
Sown in drills 15 to 18 inches apart in early spring in warm soil and a sunny place. Thin the seedlings while small to stand 8 to 10 inches asunder. Cultivate frequently. In midsummer cut the ripening heads and spread thinly on sheets. When dry, thresh with light rods. Clean and store the seed in cotton sacks in dry quarters.
The leaves are thin, wispy and fern like. The plant yields two different herbs: dill seed (the fruit of the plant) and dill weed (the top eight inches of the leaves). Dill blooms and sets seeds when nights are short and days are warm. The delicate, feathery plants are blue green and grow from 3 to 5 feet tall. Dill requires to be fertilized in the early spring, this will ensure hearty growth throughout the summer.
The dill plants should be sheltered from winds. Although necessary for good pickles, there are many more ways dill can be used. Dill is tasty with eggs and poached fish, especially salmon. Add fresh dill to pasta or marinate chicken in plain yogurt and lots of fresh dill before grilling. Use fresh dill in potato salad, coleslaw, fresh beets, muffins and hollandaise sauce. Dill seed improves digestion and appetite and sweetens the breath. The oil kills bacteria and relieves flatulence."
Dill leaves can be snipped and frozen in ziplock bags. Dill vinegar can be prepared by soaking a few leaves in vinegar for 4 or 5 days. Dill leaves are excellent when chopped and used in soups, salads, cottage cheese, roasted potatoes, and many other dishes. Dill is also used extensively in Europe to flavor cakes and other pastries.
Growing Dill
Growing Cultures Outdoors, containers (sow directly in pots, do not transplant, 8 to 20 seeds per pot), hydroponics.
Plant Height Dill grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches (60 - 90cm).
Plant Spacing Dill plants should be spaced 12 to 15 inches (30 - 38cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Dill will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.5 (strongly acidic) and 7.5 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 5.5 and 6.5.
Propagation From seed. Direct sow outdoors in fall or in spring after last frost.
Seed Germination Period 7 to 10 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) Between 400 and 1000.
An annual or biennial herb (Coriandrun sativum), of the Parsley Family, grown for it's aromatic seeds which are used for flavoring liquors and confections. The plants, which grow about 2 feet high, are cultivated in rows about 18 inches apart, generally from seed sown in early spring. The seed heads which ripen about midsummer are gathered and dried, then beaten with light rods or flails to spearate the seeds.
The leaves are most commonly referred to as cilantro and have a much different taste from the seeds, one that is similar to parsley with a dash of citrus flavor.
Growing Cilantro / Coriander
Growing Cultures Outdoors, containers (sow directly in pots, do not transplant as root disturbance causes early bolting), hydroponics.
Plant Height Cilantro / Coriander grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches (45 - 60cm).
Plant Spacing Cilantro / Coriander plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range Cilantro / Coriander will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 7.8 (mildly alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.5.
Propagation From seed. Direct sow outdoors after last frost. Start seeds indoors six weeks before planting outdoors.
Seed Germination Period 7 to 10 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate) Between 110 and 150.
Soil Requirements Deep, fertile, light or heavy, but well-draining.
Alternative Growing Media Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable Plant Six weeks.
Sun & Lighting Requirements Cilantro / Coriander grown outdoors for Coriander seed prefers full sun. Cilantro / Coriander grown outdoors for leaves can tolerate some shade.
USDA Hardiness Annual.
Water Requirements Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.
Special Notes Cilantro / Coriander is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds, has fragrant blossoms and aromatic foliage. Cilantro / Coriander self-sows freely; remove flowers (deadhead) if you do not want volunteer seedlings the following season.