Tumeric
There is a lot written about the health benefits of Tumeric. It has long been held as a key medicinal within the system of Ayurveda, and as a tonic herb that easily mixes into medicinal and delicious recipes like curry. Though, this article won’t focus on explaining all of the potential health benefits, they are worth researching and vetting. In general, when considering the overall magical qualities of this important herb, it is fair to say that Tumeric has the energetic influence of bringing in light, and effects us on the levels of vitality and purification.
Physical vitality is a key component of mental and emotional health, as well as general wellness. Tumeric, a cousin of Ginger, has a strong warming effect, and gives support to the immune system. It is a natural antibiotic, anti viral, and anti fungal herb, and can strengthen digestion and healthy intestinal flora. It is considered helpful in improving the mobility of joints, as well as supporting those suffering from chronic illness, and is thus used to treat Vata type conditions, like Arthritis. The active compound called curcuminoids, or sometimes curcumin, is reputed to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In relation to its use in cooking, it’s interesting to note that this compound is said to be more easily absorbed in our bloodstreams when combined with piperine, the component found in black pepper. Tumeric is known for supporting the body in fighting disease, as curcumin may act as an antioxidant fighting free radicals which create stress and damage, leading to many potential forms of disease. Our overall emotional and physical health truly begins with self care. It is an act of self love and magic to take a close look at how magical or intentional cooking can help us stay ahead of imbalance, before it becomes physical. Applied topically, as a paste or poultice, Tumeric has antiseptic properties as well. There is so much more, including applications for lowering problematic cholesterol and improving mental clarity as we age.
Though we live in a time when information in books and online is readily available, it is important to thoroughly research any herb you are considering taking internally for the treatment and prevention of disease. Consultation with a Clinical Herbalist or Ayurvedic Doctor should definitely be sought when looking to address any illness with herbal medicine. That being said, Tumeric has a very long history of being used as a tonic herb and culinary spice, for the purpose of restoring and maintaining vitality in general. One note, however, before you seek to add this golden spice to your diet, it is important to find good quality Tumeric, as it can contain high traces of lead. I personally go to the Mountain Rose Herbs website, for Tumeric and any other herbs where this is an issue, because they have a rigorous process for making sure there are no contaminants in their products.
One of the qualities that, for me, gives a clue to its spiritual influence is its reputation as a blood purifier. Tumeric is actually used in purification, protection, and abundance rituals in many cultures. The Yoga of Herbs states that “Tumeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying the channels of the subtle body.” In Ayurvedic Healing, it is also listed as an herb to support alcoholism recovery, for its cleansing and light bringing qualities. Tumeric is primarily associated with the Sun, making it a good choice for renewing the light within during the Winter Solstice season. It’s magical properties can be accessed in many creative ways, not only from ingestion. Below is a list of some of the rituals and traditions associated with Tumeric.
Suggestions for working with Tumeric:
Magical Ink for abundance spells. It will create a deep golden color, and a deep stain.
Magical dyes for ceremonial clothing. This was perhaps the first widespread use, as a deeply golden-yellow dye.
Wear dried Tumeric as a protection, health, or fertility charm.
Tumeric can be sprinkled to make a protective circle, or mixed with salt and water, as in Hawaiian traditions, to cleanse a ritual circle or sick room.
Tumeric powder mixed with Sandalwood powder makes a potent incense, and is a traditional mixture in Hindu rites honoring temple deities.
As a paste, Tumeric can be used to paint the body. This could have applications for purification rituals, but one should be aware that there is a strong cultural tradition of marking the cheeks or forehead to hairline area as part of the marriage ceremony in parts of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This both created a sense of glowing within the skin, and acted as a protection against bacteria (and perhaps other harmful energies). It is good to be aware of sacred forms and traditions before borrowing fragments of their use.
Tumeric is added to facial oils in Ayurvedic skincare, to enhance the inner glow.
Golden Milk, the combination of Tumeric, Ashwaganda, Ginger, and milk (or coconut milk) is a delicious and soothing way to get the benefits of these three potent herbs. It can be sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and may also include cardamom, black pepper, and clove, for a spicier warm drink in Winter.
Golden Healer
Golden Healer is a form of quartz that glows with a hue reminiscent of golden light. It emanates with the golden ray that brings physical healing, protection, and spiritual expansion. Golden Healer quartz can be an aid in healing of all forms and is often sought by healing arts professionals to use in body layouts or to uplift the energy of a healing space. Yet, Golden Healer has another intention that relates to the expansion of consciousness, both for the individual and the collective. It emanates a vibration that acts as a gentle push towards developing the awareness of self as divine. This is what is referred to often as Christ consciousness, though in my culture we refer to it as Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. Most people think of Quetzalcoatl as a god, and there is certainly much misinformation out there about the meanings of Aztec religion and culture. Quetzalcoatl, however, is more than a god or an energetic force. It refers to the clearing, opening, and empowering of all of our energetic centers, or Totonalcayos, which allows for the rising of our own vital energy upward through the body, ultimately awakening a consciousness that allows us to be more of what we have the potential to be. It is a concept very similar to Kundalini awakening. In this case, the serpent represents the flow of energy through our energy system and body, and the wings represent our expanded consciousness. We become the feathered serpent.
I bring this up because we are living now in the early years of the Sixth Sun, according to the ancient Mexican prophecy, and that comes with the portent that we will experience the return of the Quequetzalcoatl and the Mamalinalli. This means the rising of many people in their capacity for spiritual and energetic evolution to become more aware of the divinity within us, and our inseparable connection to it, and more able to co-create with the larger energetic forces around us. These terms describe two pathways. The Quequetzalcoatl pathway is similar to that of the yogi. It involves active learning and awakening of the energetic body through meditation, energy practices, and an awakening of the vital force within us, clearing its pathway, and helping it to rise. The Mamalinalli path is the road to a similar end, but it is a feminine journey, working with the alliance of the plant world, with magic, and with dreaming. Both paths also signify that what was once esoteric knowledge meant for the few who held power, or were recognized as having a specialized potential, is now meant to be democratically accessible for all. In other words, it is the time of Christ Consciousness activation for humanity. Both paths lead to a conscious embodiment of the divine within the physical, fulfilling the potential of what it is to be human.
When I encounter Golden Healer, I feel the activation of the Quequetzalcoatl path towards a higher evolution, the journey to meet our highest potential with the sun. I imagine that its predilection for healing is part of the overall push to expand. When we can resolve our issues, wounds, and patterns, we clear the path for knowledge and growth. Golden healer reaches out to activate us. It helps us to heal ourselves and to expand our awareness, and encourages us to be a vehicle for the healing and expansion of others. Where your wounds and limiting self beliefs are keeping you closed or and tightly held in pain or fear, allow this stone to help you release and open. Let it instruct your cells and mind with its gentle light. This is a good stone to place the body for self healing layouts and energetic healing sessions.
Suggestions for working with Tumeric and Golden Healer together:
In this season of deep Winter, between the Winter Solstice and Imbolc, it is especially important to acknowledge and activate the light within. Make a ritual to honor yours by brewing some golden milk to warm you and awaken your inner vitality. Create a spiral moving from outside to inside using small Golden Healer crystals to draw the golden light of consciousness towards you. Light a candle that represents the growth of light inside you, and consider making a pledge to increase light and awareness in the world outside of you, in a manner that is all your own.
May you shine with the light of vitality and awareness!
Ometeotl.
Renewing with the gradual return of the light,
the eleventh house
-This blog was written by Melusina Gomez. For more information about her work and healing practices please visit www.metzmecatl.com
sources:
Ayurvedic Healing, A Comprehensive Guide, Dr.David Frawley
The Yoga Of Herbs, An Ayurvedic Guide To Herbal Medicine, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad