April 20, 2020 · By Monisha Dajee

WELCOME TO MY SANCTUARY - APRIL

Since moving back home, the magickal growth in my sanctuary has strengthened my understanding of patience, humility and our connection to the earth. Most importantly, it has opened a new realm of playfulness and creativity to explore.

Everyday I potter around the garden with a cup of tea. I’m in awe with the constant flow and fluctuations passing through this space. Occasionally, I will compile and share images and notes of my observations from my sanctuary. It is important for us to recognise that plants, animals, and people are codependent. This blog is an opportunity to remember, reflect, observe, and mindfully learn from this mutually platonic relationship.

PARSLEY - plant powerhouse.

Our parsley has jumped back to life this spring. It is an extremely versatile, low maintenance and inexpensive herb. Incredibly easy to grow and a concentrated source of nutrients. In the Middle Ages, parsley was included in folklore medicines, I encourage everyone to plant, grow, harvest and eat this impressive piece of green!

SEEDS OF INTENTION

This is our second batch of seedlings that have emerged. We have repotted them to allow their roots to flourish, gain strength and help ground their leaves as they exponentially grow. Planting under a new moon is always a lovely ritual, symbolising new beginnings. However, I think seeds/new ideas can be planted anytime with a little love and good intention.

REPOTTING MY BABES

Connect with nature, feel the earth and breathe in fresh air...appreciate, understand and share the gifts of our planet.

GROWING ASPARAGUS - a test of patience. This amazingly nutritious plant needs more time to establish itself than most. It's taken us three years until we have been able harvest them. It's really made us think how much effort goes into the production of some of the food we eat. With a little maintenance, weeding and fertilising, these perennials will yield for several decades in a home garden. We cut them a little late but I can honestly say they were so much more delicious then a store bought packet....of course I'm going to say that!

Moni Dajee, founder of The London Alchemists - artist, creator, explorer, beekeeper and avid practitioner of natural alchemy.

PEOPLE planet pollinators

WILDCRAFTED - RECIPES, REMEDIES + RITUALS

HONEY FERMENTED GARLIC

Fermented garlic honey is a simple yet powerful remedy that combines the ancient art of fermentation to boost the medicinal powers of each ingredient. The origins of fermented honey spans through centuries and various healing practices found within multiple cultures.
GINGER BUG

Our 5 year old ginger bug is still thriving. 🧡 This week we are preparing to make another batch of homemade, fermented ginger beer, perfect for those sweltering summer days ahead.•If you want to make a ginger beer the traditional...
ENCHANTING ELDERBERRY ELIXIR

Her rich clusters of dark, purple berries, are ideal for tinctures and syrups to warn off those colds attempting to creep in this winter. She is truly a generous, magical plant with a plethora of medicinal uses.