Magic & Medicine

Writings rooted in ritual & research

 

Join the seasonal newsletter to learn herbal, nutrition and lifestyle tips that will empower your health. You'll get recipes, insights and inspiration for holistic wellness practices delivered to your inbox on each of the holidays that mark the  wheel of the year. You'll receive ritual practices to deepen your connection to nature and the energetics of each season as well as functional lifestyle tips for empowered health.  This is also a great way to stay in the loop about workshops and events.

Plants/ Learning & Nourishing Ourselves in 2021

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / January 5, 2021

In a month oriented towards self improvement and resolutions, let us not forget the energy of winter and the rhythms of the season. Beginning the day with a warm cup of tea, and gently shifting into a bundled walk or an indoor movement session is an ideal way to start your day and set your biorhythms. Morning movement and sunshine set you up well for the cortisol spike that naturally energizes you and keeps you from needing caffeine. Mid-day, if you hit an afternoon slump, step out for some fresh air, have an “at your desk dance party” or enjoy a smoothie (packed with essential nutrients) or a nourishing herbal infusion.

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Herbalism with Ashley Sapir Lathrop

Guided Meditation for Spring & Covid-19 Resources

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / March 20, 2020

As spring begins, our natural desire for expansion is at odds with the reality of what we are experiencing. As we extend and intensify our season of hibernation how can we remain open to what spring brings? I am finding that lighting a candle, taking a few moments to feel my feet on the ground, my own heartbeat and the rhythm of my breath helps me to keep up with the demands of this new reality.  I wanted to try something new this Equinox weekend (since we can’t gather in person) so I’ve recorded a meditation for you, followed by a lot of resources for Covid-19.

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Lake Minnewaska

Winter Newsletter + New Year’s Blessings

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / January 10, 2020

Just this week I felt the shift, the days gaining on the nights. While we have cold months ahead, the wheel of the year turns on. As it does, we have the opportunity to lean into the teachings of winter. Winter light, winter magic, the crystalline energy of full moons glistening over snow (tonight is the first full moon of 2020, the Wolf Moon, and a lunar eclipse), and quartz crystals glimmering in the morning light. Leaning into the silence

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Wall of Pumpkins

Autumn Herbs & Events

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / October 1, 2019

Autumn Blessings! No matter your tradition we have just concluded a time of celebration as we move through this season of harvest. With roots as pastoral people, most of our cultures and religions celebrate this past full moon (the Harvest Moon), or Autumnal Equinox….or as I did as a child, Rosh Hashanah, which is always celebrated on the new moon. It is a time of gathering and preparing for the winter ahead with a flurry of activity and wise preparation.

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Peonies

Summer Solstice Blessing

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / June 21, 2019

Today the sun is at its highest place, only here in the northeast we can not see it because of all the rain. Here’s a way to bring some lightness into your day, especially if you are feeling gray. Pick or buy yourself some flowers, especially yellow ones, to represent the sun.

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Eat Your Weeds

Exciting News & Foraged Spring Rolls!!!

By Ashley Sapir Lathrop / May 10, 2019

As we settle into the lushness of mid spring, I hope you are taking time to partake in all the green glory. […]

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Join the Seasonal Newsletter

Join the seasonal newsletter to get recipes, insights and inspiration delivered to your inbox on each of the holidays that mark the  wheel of the year. You'll receive ritual practices to deepen your connection to nature and the energetics of each season as well as functional lifestyle tips for empowered health.