is for honey.
I love bees. It could be I’m biased – after all Deborah does mean Queen Bee. But whatever the case, bees make honey and honey is part of my self-care toolbox.
Honey you ask – really? And I reply yes, I mean honey both literally and figuratively.
The medicinal and nutritional value of honey has been documented as early as 300 BCE. Honey is used to ease sore throats and coughs, for wounds, for allergies; it’s used in beauty rituals and spiritual rituals as well.
In ancient times honey and salt were the only commonly recognized preservatives, and honey was definitely considered to be connected to rebirth/resurrection magic. There’s evidence that bodies were embalmed in honey between 3500 to 1750 BCE, and honey was definitely a sacred essence to a number of goddesses, including Demeter and Aphrodite.
Here are some of the ways I use honey:
-Certainly for sweetness. The flavor, color, and aroma of honey can vary depending on the nectar source of the flowers visited by the bees. And so it’s fun to try different sources.
–In baths. A little bit of honey is a wonderful addition. It’s good for your skin, and it also represents the element of sweetness which may be something you’re invoking with your bath.
-In exfoliating sugar scrubs.
–On altars/as offerings.
While I’m talking about honey literally as a source of sweetness, we shouldn’t forget the figurative aspects as well. There are times in life when sweetness is called for. Not in a simpering Pollyanna-ish way, but true sweetness that eases the way and uplifts the heart. When sweetness isn’t present, you can work with honey as a reminder, invoking that quality, attuning to that vibration.
I like this quote attributed to Walter Savage Landor:
“Kindness in ourselves is the honey that blunts the sting of unkindness in another.”
And really what is a self-care practice except mining all the ways to be kind to yourself so every aspect of your beautiful soul can shine forth?
Here’s one final way I’ve invited honey into my life – my version of currency Honey Money. You can read more about it here.
So what about you? Where’s the honey in your life? Are there any areas that need a bit more sweetness? Ever designed your own currency? Have a honey recipe to share? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
wow! I had never seen your honey money before now.
I went and read that post. it has stirred my imagination.
First, I am seeking a shift in my belief system around money. That is a lot of what my what if every day could be day one post this week was about. There’s a lot of negativity, worry, and control issues surrounding money … from my growing up and in my marriage. I am ready to do the work of shifting that energy.
Second, I made sure that your HUGE box was covered in art. What if I did that for the bills that I pay (yes, I still pay bills via check and snail mail … at least, I pay my mother’s bills that way. I need the devoted time and attention that it requires to sit down with the checkbook and write out bills) Someone has to receive that envelope …. what if there was just a bit of mailart on each envelope. It wouldn’t take long and it would be my way of blessing it.
Thank you for the inspiring me to stretch my imagination.
Oh it’s fun to have one’s imagination stirred isn’t it?! I always think of this huge caldron of alchemical magic and stirring brings some delicious bit that was languishing on the bottom up to the top where it can been delighted in. I totally love your idea of sending out your payments with a bit of art on the envelope – it truly does feel like sending out a beautiful blessing into the world.
Here’s to shifting our personal and collective stories about money so we experience only joyful abundant never-diminishing support from our ally money. YES!
Wow. You are already up to H? Where did the time go? Love this one, Deborah. Love MY little piece of honey money too! It sits on my desk right next to me as I write. Sweet! (Literally!)
The honey bees are so precious. Love them. I love what Cynthia said too, about making art of her bills. What a great idea to send your bill people some art. I pay all electronically, but why not incorporate this in sending cards, which is about all I send via snail mail anymore.
LOL – I know Amy – how is it already August H?!! I love that you keep your honey money nearby – that makes me smile. I’ve got mine on my prosperity altar. And Cynthia’s idea is brilliant isn’t it? I love snail mail. It delights me thinking about things winging their way to various places, being touched by machines and people along the way and finally ending up in a little box to be opened like treasure.