Meeting Spirits in Gardens

I had such a fun Mediumship session with Jennifer Lasell and met her amazing aunt in her garden, her favorite place to be while she was alive. It was an especially meaningful session as my father was also an avid gardener, and being in Jennifer’s aunt’s garden brought back many memories of my wanderings in Botanical gardens, both with and without my dad! Jennifer wrote a lovely essay about her experience and shared how she brings spirituality into her time with her plants. Please enjoy her article. ~Margaret VanLaanMartin

Gardening with Spirit

By Jennifer Lasell

I met with a psychic medium a couple of years ago who said she had a mother figure come through for me. She described this woman as a person who spent much time outdoors gardening—a regular green thumb! She asked, “You do know she visits with you in your own garden?” I knew right then who it was—my beloved aunt who passed away a few years before and who guides me, practically throws me into gardening!

The medium went on to say, “It’s like a secret garden. There is something magical happening there.” I was reminded of the book, “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, first published in book form in 1911. I love the inner dimensions of the garden and the carefully guarded secrets held within the walls, all covered in thick ivy.

My deceased aunt regularly visits me in my garden and even beckons me there. She will also guide my hand at the gardening store.

“Not the peonies. You don’t want those,” she said in her thick Missouri accent; my aunt seemed to concentrate on the task.

I replied, “How about the hibiscus? They are starting to bloom and look beautiful!”

“No, not those ones either. Let’s walk over to the roses…”

My aunt knows what grows best—even in my condo’s small, partially shaded patio. She also seems to know what I need to help me through the grief of becoming a widow, menopause, adult children, and nearly empty nesting. I trust her guidance and feel the healing energies move through me with the careful selection and planting of each and every plant.

Years have passed since my aunt began visiting me in my garden. I’ve learned a lot about gardening, a few things about how stubborn I can be to try something new (beyond perennials—which are going to die anyway–and azaleas that even the deer won’t eat!), and a whole lot of patience. I’m proud to say I have a “cute” and “cozy” patio with plenty of variety to enjoy—all carefully selected and placed for balance, harmony, functionality, and beauty in a small space. A memorial windchime tuned to Amazing Grace has been placed on one of the old Black Walnut tree branches, which hangs over my condo and garden. The tones comfort me as I’m reminded of my loved ones who have passed.

Gardening happens year-round, but it takes on a life of its own, especially in the summer months in Butte County—thinking of those tomatoes! As I’ve reflected upon gardening, I’ve come to the following conclusions.

You know your gardening is magical, inspired, spiritually guided, or intuitive when one or all of the following are happening:

·       You trust your inner knowing to guide your selection of plants, where to place them, and how to care for them.

·       You listen to spiritual guidance that may come through.

·       You sense when your plants need water, nutrients, or sunlight.

·       You sense the health of the soil and have a feel for what it needs.

·       You feel the plants and know when they are happy with their plant neighbors.

·       You meditate in your garden.

·       You find gardening rejuvenating or therapeutic.

·       You remember important life lessons as you garden.

·       The process grows and expands you.

·       You feel nudged to try something in the garden that is outside your “comfort zone.”

·       You feel a natural harmony with placing plants and know when it doesn’t feel harmonious.

·       Digging in the soil grounds you and helps bring you into the present.

·       You find yourself going into a trance and deep reflection while gardening, gaining incredible insight.

·       You experience a sense of oneness with nature.

·       Gardening is easy, effortless, and feels good to you.

·       You dream of gardening.

·       Spirits meet you in the garden to commune with you.

·       Plants and garden artifacts sometimes serve as memorials for loved ones who have passed away.

·       Time proves the value of your intuitive gardening insights to you as you watch your garden take root.

·       You keep a gardening journal to mark your inner journey through gardening, symbolized in terms of plants, soil, sun, emergence, growth, and death – the how-to of what works and what doesn’t.

·       Your garden brings you a profound sense of joy and satisfaction.

I love visiting my garden and the many secrets it contains. Every day, something new emerges, a little flower bud or a new seed sprouting, and I’m always caught in amazement and amusement. We, humans, love to share our insights, and I’m no different. I want to hear about your gardening adventures, your wisdom, the folklore of your family heritage, your amazing journey with Mother Earth, and all she offers.

 

Please share your Spirit experiences at Age of Aquarius Alliance Facebook Group and write with Jennifer and Margaret in the chat!