Setting Intentions with Plants
We have a reciprocal nature with plants. We breathe out carbon dioxide and plants inhale that carbon dioxide and then breathe out fresh oxygen. Truly magic. The plants that we welcome into our space are sharing our space with us actively. Friendly reminder, we’re connected and a part of nature even when we’re living in the city. A way that we can activate this magic in our life is to work with plants to help co-create our intentions in our daily life.
What is an intention? An intention can be a goal, a dream, or something you want to call in. The etymology of the word intention is from late Middle English: from Old French entencion, from Latin intentio(n- ) ‘stretching, purpose’, from intendere.
Stretching purpose, I love that.
As we care for our intentions and our goals, we care for and nurture our plants. We can weave these two practices together in a ritual that brings growth to all parties involved.
Terence Mckenna said, “Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering its a feather bed.”
By writing down your intentions, you are calling attention to them, and allowing them to exist in new ways. This is a courageous act. And as Mckenna said, this is how magic is done.
Intention setting can be done on a day that is sacred to you, with the lunar cycle, or when you’re beginning a new project (in the conception stage). If you’re into astrology, call your local astrologer and ask them if there are any transits that may be especially fruitful for setting intentions.
For this ritual you will need a small piece of paper, a pot, and a plant.
First get centered, I do think by lighting a candle and taking a deep breath.
If you imagine a cord running through your entire body into the earth, this is one way to do this.
On the piece of paper think about what intention you want to set and go ahead and write it out.
Then roll up the piece of paper and place the paper into the bottom of the pot beneath the plant.
As you care for and nurture your plant, think daily about what you intend to do and how you are nurturing that goal and mindset.
Like plants, our intentions come to realization bit by bit and with much care. The ancient Celts (and many others) talk about how gratitude is the most important part of a spiritual practice. And so while setting intentions and working with plants, it’s a great practice to say thank you, and often.
If you’re looking for some suggestions, think of different areas of your life that you’d like to welcome growth into, maybe your career, relationships, or creative endeavors.
As yourself, “What do you wish to see grow? Do some writing around this before crafting your intention.
Learn more about caring for different types of plants in the Horti Care Database here.
Cover Image: Rakicevic Nenad
