SHadow Work Protection with Devil's Shoestring & Dragon's Blood
Everything has this duality of Light & Dark, or Yin & Yang. We think constantly in terms of duality as a basic classification of apparent opposites. This is very useful to us until we begin working our way through our own internal states - mental, emotional, and motivational drives (wants & needs). We can come across a lot of internal conflicts, limiting beliefs, and even false beliefs about ourselves, our lives, and our place in the world.
This is where our Shadow-side dwells, amidst these conflicts and tangled webs of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Shadow is not inherently dark in some evil sense of duality. And, it's not particularly light is some grand scheme of spiritual supremacy. The Shadow is the "between", a blending of two sides of our human being-ness tangled up in the knots of our perceptions and mis-perceptions. Shadow Work is a healing process by which we embrace the side of ourselves who struggles - sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly - day to day with what works in our lives and what doesn't.
This is where our Shadow-side dwells, amidst these conflicts and tangled webs of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Shadow is not inherently dark in some evil sense of duality. And, it's not particularly light is some grand scheme of spiritual supremacy. The Shadow is the "between", a blending of two sides of our human being-ness tangled up in the knots of our perceptions and mis-perceptions. Shadow Work is a healing process by which we embrace the side of ourselves who struggles - sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly - day to day with what works in our lives and what doesn't.
 Dragon's Blood is a resin collected from a particular kind of palm tree found in parts of Asia. It is used to balance the moving and stagnating forces of energy, thereby helping one "go with the flow" regarding Life Force. Magically, it is protective - best helping one to recognize what is draining or stagnating your energies and giving you the courage and fortitude to correct the imbalance. | When working with your Shadow energy, or your own energy in general, protection is not necessarily from something. When going through any healing process, it works best when we feel safe and secure, when we can find that sense of inner trust and strength. The same is true here. In the way we wash our hands to protect from germs on the outside, we also take vitamins to boost our internal immunity. If we are healing from sickness, we might wash our hands more, interact less, and take extra immune boosting supplements. Working with your personal & spiritual development in similar fashion is something we should pay attention. |
| If you're engaging on a healing journey, if changes abound in your life or experience, and if you've been struggling with overwhelm, difficult emotions & mindsets, then the following two herbs in your repertoire may be beneficial - especially if you have an inclination to herbs, herbal crafts, Nature, and naturalistic boosts to your energy or meditations. |  Devil's Shoestring is a root presenting in a rather gnarled yet twig-like bunch. It is said that it got it's name by "being able to tie the Devil's Shoestrings", thus, tripping-up any efforts that harmful forces or entities may try to project onto you. Magically, often as a talisman or charm, this root is powerful for not letting in harmful forces, keeping you safe during vulnerable times. |
So... How do you use them?
The easiest way to utilize Devil's Shoestring or Dragon's Blood is for energetic and meditative purposes. Like crystals, religious symbols, and other amulets with which we decorate and surround ourselves, Herbs can be utilized similarly. Just having them in your line of vision, placed around your space, or somewhere in your energy field (like a medicine bag, necklace, or pocket). Some of the simplest ways I have used these two herbs in conjunction for protection include: grinding & blending them in a homemade incense with some Sage or Mugwort, and placing them in a sachet (little bag) with Black Tourmaline or Black Onyx.
I would use the incense in two ways. First, obviously, I would smolder it over charcoal in an incense burner during prayer and meditation. The smoke is purifying and the energy of the herbs quickly lends the space to comfort, safety, and protection. Secondly, I would also put some of the incense blend in a sachet or other cloth bag I might have on hand - just a few tablespoons worth - and I would keep this under my pillow for protection during sleep, or next to my head if I was reclining during a visualization meditation.
The other sachet with just the Devil's Shoestring and Dragon's Blood - whether you put crystals in it or not - is an excellent charm to have with you or on you during stressful times. If you're going through some major changes in your life or circumstances, especially if they seem sudden, challenging, frustrating, or overwhelming these herbs will bring comfort and protection to your vulnerability. Meditations and prayers during this time may be used to rid yourself of false-beliefs or limiting beliefs that prevent you from seeing clearly how truly effective and strong and courageous that you are, how wildly creative with your problem-solving and decisive-action-taking you can be. Carry this little charm bag with you, leave it on your bedside table or under your pillow while you sleep. Hold it and breathe deeply to calm down when you're feeling stressed or dealing with the twists and turns that come with changing yourself or your circumstances.
Peace & blessings to you on your journey as you embrace all parts of yourself always!
Don't hesitate to leave a comment or email me with questions at cynthia@cassadaga.com
I would use the incense in two ways. First, obviously, I would smolder it over charcoal in an incense burner during prayer and meditation. The smoke is purifying and the energy of the herbs quickly lends the space to comfort, safety, and protection. Secondly, I would also put some of the incense blend in a sachet or other cloth bag I might have on hand - just a few tablespoons worth - and I would keep this under my pillow for protection during sleep, or next to my head if I was reclining during a visualization meditation.
The other sachet with just the Devil's Shoestring and Dragon's Blood - whether you put crystals in it or not - is an excellent charm to have with you or on you during stressful times. If you're going through some major changes in your life or circumstances, especially if they seem sudden, challenging, frustrating, or overwhelming these herbs will bring comfort and protection to your vulnerability. Meditations and prayers during this time may be used to rid yourself of false-beliefs or limiting beliefs that prevent you from seeing clearly how truly effective and strong and courageous that you are, how wildly creative with your problem-solving and decisive-action-taking you can be. Carry this little charm bag with you, leave it on your bedside table or under your pillow while you sleep. Hold it and breathe deeply to calm down when you're feeling stressed or dealing with the twists and turns that come with changing yourself or your circumstances.
Peace & blessings to you on your journey as you embrace all parts of yourself always!
Don't hesitate to leave a comment or email me with questions at cynthia@cassadaga.com
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