What is a Plant Ally?
A plant ally is a plant, herb, or tree with which we develop a deeper - often spiritual - relationship for emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
When we intentionally begin to work with a plant, we often receive far more than the initial encounter. We can begin to intuitively listen to the plant’s messages and notice how it communicates through the environment, as well as through our physical and emotional bodies.
A plant ally becomes a gateway to communion with the natural world as we begin to relate to the plant as a partner rather than simply a resource. The complexities of the plant’s symbiotic relationship with the Earth often invite us to explore our own relationship with the Earth.
Master Plants and Plant Teachers
Many earth-based communities and cultures refer to these as Master Plants or Plant Teachers. Many are also known as plant medicines, used to heal both physical and spiritual illness. Throughout the Americas, as well as in Siberia and parts of Asia, folk healers, medicine men and women - also known as curanderos/ curanderas or shamans - developed deep personal relationships with these plants. They would commune on a more energetic level and call upon the spirit of the plant during veladas or ceremonies for guidance and assistance.
The medicine person became a conduit for the plant. Within this reciprocal relationship, the plant offered its properties and wisdom, and the conduit became a voice and channel through which the plant could communicate.
Through cacao and other plant medicines, cultures throughout Mesoamerica communed with their gods, their ancestors, and the Earth. The plants became a bridge - an offering and a pathway for guidance.
Sumak Kawsay
In the Kichwa language, spoken by descendants of the Inca, this reciprocal relationship is expressed through the concept of Sumak Kawsay, often translated as “good living” or “good life.” Rooted in Indigenous cultures throughout the Andean region and Amazon rainforest, Sumak Kawsay is a worldview centred on living in harmony with nature (Pachamama), people, and community - recognising that all life is interconnected. Nature is seen as a living being with the same right to exist as any other sentient being.
Many of these plants carry within them the DNA of their ancestors - the ancient plant species consumed, offered and harvested by many ancient indigenous cultures. They have listened, adapted, and evolved within their ecosystems, offering reciprocity as their gift. They live and breathe; they have families and flourish when respected.
Cacao’s ancient wisdom has been revered for thousands of years. This master plant, when truly listened to, can offer far more than its uplifting effect and delicious taste.
Offering a New Perspective
How we relate to the Earth shapes how we live upon it. In many creation stories, we are of the Earth - everything that exists here and now is made of the same elements, arranged in varying proportions that create our individuality.
The Maya, a Mesoamerican civilisation who lived in present-day Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Mexico and Honduras, believed that humans were made from cacao, clay, and maize.
If we hold onto the notion that we are of this Earth, then we share an intrinsic familial connection with all life.
Perhaps this is what we are lacking today. We have been severed from our earthly allies - the plant kingdom that offers us oxygen, food, shelter, and medicine each day. When we begin to shift our perspective and see these plants as our ancestors and as custodians of the Earth, we may begin to navigate our environment differently. We may start to see the Earth as our altar - our greatest ally and companion.
Ways to Connect with a Plant Ally
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Notice which plants you feel intuitively drawn to.
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Work with the plant regularly - drink it as an elixir, tonic, or tea and cook with it.
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Meditate with the plant. Maybe sow its seeds and grow it.
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Create with the plant - make tinctures, oils, or balms; Paint, draw and write about the plant.
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Observe, listen, and even speak with the plant.
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If you happen to be near where the plant grows wildly, take a walk and mindfully and respectfully explore the plant's habitat.
~ written by Alex Ophelia Blyth
