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In this episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts Isaac & AC Hill talks with Sian Sibley—witch, author of Black Paths and Green Cathedrals, and founder of the Dragon Oak Coven in Wales—about building real relationships with plant and tree spirits, including mugwort as an initiator and yew as a teacher around death and continuity. Sian shares how to approach trees respectfully, how to recognize a clear “no,” and why taking plant material without permission can undermine magical work. They discuss key allies like hazel, apple, hawthorn (including timing Beltane by local hawthorn bloom), and elder’s seasonal “three faces,” plus practical astral/meditation safety and grounding. The conversation also critiques modern pagan and wellness habits that harm ecosystems—crystals, frankincense, wasteful candles, and commodified entheogens—calling for smaller, more local, less consumerist practice. 01:24 Meet Sian Sibley 01:54 Springtime Blackthorn 02:29 Finding the Plant Path 03:07 Mugwort Opens the Gate 06:06 Yew and Death Mysteries 08:53 Patience and Plant Consent 09:37 Blackthorn Says No 13:57 When Plants Reject You 14:37 Buttercup and Monks Hood 17:30 Who Is Charubel 19:54 Sigils and Personal Practice 22:55 Astral Safety Basics 26:33 Protective Tree Allies 27:41 Hazel, Apple, Elder, Hawthorn 28:20 Elder Medicine and Folklore 30:45 Elder Initiation Poem 32:22 Pruning and Asking Permission 34:37 Elder Tree Lore 35:41 Hazel Nuts Wisdom 36:29 Hawthorn Beltane Timing 39:51 Local Time Cycles 42:44 Circadian Clock Health 47:13 Rest, Boredom & Imagination 47:43 Eco-Spirituality Critique 48:55 The Ethics of Crystals and Frankinscence 57:21 Living Smaller Solutions 01:04:20 Closing Poem 01:06:06 Where To Find Sian

Get The Zodiac Garden Guide on Amazon (available in any country) Book a Vedic astrology consultation with Isaac by emailing him at [email protected] On the Plant Cunning Podcast, Isaac & AC Hill interview Alan Chapman (at Barbarous Words.com) —magician, mystic, and writer—about his path from chaos magic to teaching Magia, a Western tradition oriented around awakening. Chapman describes a deepening in 2013 following awakening in India (in Tiruvannamalai) that led to his book Magia and a shift toward a more “miraculous” view of realization beyond standard nonduality frameworks. They discuss delusion as mistaken identity, “silent knowing” as the impulse behind seeking, transmission and its seductions, the limits of maps versus the need for cosmology, and a gardening metaphor for traditions that avoids both perennial “mush” and rigid traditionalism. Chapman shares how he works with students through practices that let experiences disclose their nature, and he points to his site and retreats for further study. 01:29 Meeting Alan Chapman 02:45 Baptist's Head Era 05:17 Awakening Deepens 2013 13:12 What I Know Sure 17:29 Silent Knowing Faith 21:15 Gnosticism Labels Rejected 24:21 Traditions as Garden 27:42 Universals and Particulars 31:44 Fear and Running Away 37:37 Delusion and Trust Thread 44:24 Morality After Awakening 46:01 Ramana Self Inquiry Myth 47:09 Who Am I Inquiry 48:34 Transmission Explained 49:46 Seduction of Control 52:24 Guru Yoga and Institutions 54:43 Why Teachers Help 56:28 What We Really Seek 58:04 Entrainment and Dependency 01:00:17 Cautionary Guru Stories 01:04:42 Maps Versus Cosmology 01:06:07 Let It Disclose 01:07:12 Gardening the Path 01:13:36 Faith and Silent Knowing 01:19:13 Practice and Awakening 01:22:44 Enjoying the Garden 01:23:33 Extreme Awakening Chasing 01:24:06 Two Worlds One Heart 01:26:09 Farming Incarnation Metaphor 01:27:39 Transmission Life and Death 01:30:28 Minimal Tree Cosmology 01:32:35 Unbinding Practice Steps 01:34:41 Mounting Cosmology Stages 01:36:49 Journal Envy and Comparison 01:40:37 Dry Paths and Fireworks 01:48:25 Cosmological Binding Method 01:49:28 Unconditional States Test 01:58:29 Cutting Down the Tree 01:59:21 Resources Retreats Farewell

Get The Zodiac Garden Guide. Sign up for Pam Montgomery's free class here: https://plantcunning--wakeuptonature.thrivecart.com/co-creative-partnership/699392e4e6629/In this episode of the Plant Cutting Podcast, Isaac & AC welcome back Gordon White of Rune Soup to discuss his life between his permaculture homestead in Tasmania and travel in South America, including training in Bolivia and Peru. Gordon shares updates on regenerating depleted soil, orchard yields, and plans for a first cider vintage, plus reflections on seasonal living. He describes Paraguay’s everyday herbal culture around tereré and fresh medicinal bundles, and recounts a powerful Amazonian dieta with the master plant teacher Piñón Blanco, including diagnostic Shipibo weavings and a peak mystical encounter that reframed ideas of unity, imagination, and reality. The conversation explores universals vs. local correspondences in magic, discernment amid modern “performative” scenes, and where magical culture may be headed.00:00 Welcome and Guest Tease00:36 Book and Consults Plug01:16 Pam Montgomery Gateway Herbs03:18 Gordon Returns to the Show03:54 Tasmania Farm and Travel Split07:04 Homestead Updates and Harvests08:25 Permaculture Wins and Cider Plan14:17 Why South America Calls17:15 Paraguay Mate and Herb Culture26:30 Dieta and Plant Spirit Rules27:56 Pinon Blanco God Encounter35:11 Weavings as Plant Signatures38:02 Ancestors Tolkien and the Real40:47 Same Truth Different Paths41:26 Ayahuasca Cosmic Medicine42:46 Universals Beyond Language46:21 Directions and Relationality50:21 Instagram and Right Relation53:05 Cunning Traditions Everywhere58:49 Magic After the Golden Age01:02:49 Beginner Discernment Online01:05:54 Cringe Initiation Story01:08:35 Fourth Turning Magic Depth01:11:27 Chaos Magic Reframed01:15:26 Next Wave in Magic01:19:38 Fallen World Cunningcraft01:23:21 Paraguay Lessons Letting Go01:26:00 Book Update and Farewell

Today the Plant Cunning Podcast features farmer, and magician Todd Elliot, author of The Cunning Farmer. In the interview, Elliot describes his path from nature-loving childhood in Philadelphia to homesteading and CSA vegetable farming in Kentucky, his interest in ethnobotany and plants like datura, and key influences in farming and esoteric practice. He explains his eclectic “cunning” approach, combining ancestors/underworld, land and nature spirits, celestial/astrological forces, and angelic magic, plus reiki-based energy healing for crops. We discuss lunar timing versus weather realities, agricultural talismans, offerings to land spirits, animal signs, the state of industrial agriculture, and where to find Elliot’s website and Substack. 00:00 Show and Book Updates 01:23 Meet Todd Elliot 02:48 Todd’s Plant Path Origins 05:11 Datura and Entheogenic Plants 09:09 Teachers and Influences 12:07 Cunning Farmer Identity 14:09 Land Spirits Awakening 18:28 Sacred Farming and Ritual 23:35 Corn Reverence and Monoculture 30:58 Worldview and Four Realms 33:44 Land Trauma and Ancestors 38:46 Reiki for Crops 42:47 Reiki for Seedlings 43:04 Moon Timing for Planting 43:43 Weather Versus Almanac 46:48 Eclipses and Weed Killing 47:57 Trees and Lunar Mansions 48:56 Talisman Success Stories 51:40 Offerings to Land Spirits 54:34 Animal Signs and Omens 57:24 Deer Pests and Cernunnos0 1:06:24 Advice for Cunning Farmers 01:12:21 Protection and Haunted Places 01:15:00 Ghosts and Deified Ancestors 01:17:58 Where to Find the Book

Today on the show we welcome herbal educator and longtime practitioner Betzy Bancroft—co-founder and teacher at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, Sage Mountain neighbor, United Plant Savers advisory board member, and author of "The Herbal Pharmacy: The Science and Magic of Preparing and Administering Plant Medicine". We discuss distilling decades of teaching into a foundational medicine-making book designed for different learning styles. She shares her path from New Jersey to studying with David Winston, working at Herbalist & Alchemist, and being inspired by mentors including Rosemary Gladstar and William LeSassier. Betsy explains VCIH’s tuition-supported sliding-scale clinic and Zoom-based student mentoring with SOAP notes, safety, and formulation review, then covers formulation principles (triangle theory), taste in teas, extraction decisions (surface area, time, heat, solvent, agitation), vinegar/oxymels and constituent solubility, polyphenols and gene expression, subtle influences and intention in medicine making, and current plant allies like mushrooms, chaga, reishi, and self-heal, plus upcoming events and where to find her book.00:00 Meet Betzy Bancroft01:05 New Book Overview02:22 Teaching Superpowers04:03 How Betzy Learns06:53 Finding Herbalism08:47 Mentors and Lineage10:21 Founding VCIH Clinic13:49 Clinic Mentoring Process18:13 Formulation Triangle Theory21:59 Vinegar and Oxymels27:42 Polyphenols Flip Genes31:42 Extraction Tips Solubility35:11 Book Marketing And Website37:03 Subtle Energies In Medicine39:47 Astrology And Intention41:47 Tea Intention Experiments47:07 Learning Through Plant Time50:06 Mushroom Remedies And Chaga55:14 Self Heal Plant Profile01:00:28 Classes Events And Wrap Up

It's the spring 2026 “astrological New Year” episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, with hosts AC and Isaac Hill, with resident forecaster, ZamboniFunk. Isaac shares his upcoming astrological gardening book The Zodiac Garden Guide (out April 4) and reading offerings—then review 2025 and the eclipse window’s intensity, including the Iran war escalation. Using the Aries ingress chart, we discuss Mercury retrograde stationing direct in Pisces conjunct the North Node and Mars, Sun conjunct Neptune and Saturn in Aries, and what this suggests about confused but forceful narratives, pro-war escalation, and trouble for the U.S. executive branch. We emphasize skepticism, asking better questions, managing information overload, and prioritizing nourishment, rest, and grounding practices like gardening. We also preview Uranus moving into Gemini as an acceleration of tech and AI, arguing for learning new “languages” while drawing on enduring ancient wisdom and choosing fewer battles. 00:00 Spring Equinox Welcome 00:38 Zodiac Garden Guide Update 01:38 Readings And Courses 02:38 Which Way To Wisdom 04:05 Springtime Setting The Scene 04:44 Looking Back On 2025 07:56 Eclipses And World Events 10:30 Astrology For Regular People 17:32 2026 Ingress Big Themes 17:58 Mercury Retrograde Narrative Fog 24:50 Chart Walkthrough Key Placements 30:08 Tyranny Escalation And Control 36:00 Jupiter Economy And Religiosity 43:01 Unplug Or Engage Strategically 46:49 Medicine For The Moment 47:49 Herbs For Burnout 49:35 Rest And Spirit Care 51:46 Acceleration And Uranus 54:26 Gardening As Medicine 57:57 Mercury Pisces Paradox 01:02:45 Unplugging From Opinions 01:08:42 Uranus Gemini Skills 01:10:38 Printing Press AI Lesson 01:23:52 Old Versus Ancient 01:29:13 Pick Your Battles

In this episode, AC & Isaac welcome natural healing practitioner and teacher Peter Jackson-Main to discuss Natural Healing, his background in the Dr. John Christopher lineage, founding The Natural Center in the UK, and his clinical approach using structured case-taking alongside tongue and pulse diagnosis and iridology. They focus on what detoxification is, why it matters in a toxic environment, and how he supports organ-by-organ elimination (bowel, kidney, liver, lymph), including a gentler polarity-based liver flush using apple juice, lemon, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and a dandelion-root detox tea, plus seasonal timing in spring and autumn. Peter contrasts herbs with supplements, emphasizes patient commitment in chronic illness, and shares views on fasting as spiritual and physical medicine. He previews his forthcoming book The Medicine of Plants on ecology, exchange with plants, and plant intelligence, and shares favorite allies like astragalus, burdock, nettle, artemisia, and horsetail. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:34 Guest Intro and Announcements 03:01 Defining Natural Healing 04:29 Origin Story and Training 08:33 Building the Natural Centre 10:25 Herbal Preparations and Teas 12:51 Clinical Intake and Intuition 20:56 Detox Basics and Rationale 23:58 Organ by Organ Detox Strategy 28:41 Liver Flush Protocol 34:55 Seasonal Detox and Herb Choices 36:16 Warming Detox Tea 37:25 Fasting Basics and Benefits 40:17 Fasting as Whole-Being Practice 41:17 Handling Chronic Illness Cases 46:01 Eclectic Herbal Lineage 47:50 Rethinking Research and Reality 51:45 Supplements Versus Living Herbs 55:00 Plant Allies and Local Substitutes 58:47 New Book The Medicine of Plants 01:04:44 Closing and Where to Find Him

Find out all about Olga and her Greece trips at Smugtown Mushrooms AC and Isaac welcome returning guest Olga Tzogas of Smugtown Mushrooms, calling in from California where she’s teaching frequent classes, connecting with mushroom and herbal communities, and harvesting no-spray citrus for an east-coast fruit share. They discuss shifts in mushroom education interest, regional and international mushroom diversity tied to trees and rainfall, and favorite Greece finds like shaggy parasols and almond-scented wild Agaricus, plus simple grilling methods with olive oil, oregano, and lemon. Olga explains truffles—trees they associate with, how quickly they can be found with trained dogs, why prices are high, preservation challenges, and ways to use them. Olga shares details on her Greece trips in May and October (including truffle hunting, medicine making, hydrosols, dyes, and food), early bird timing, and mentions the upcoming New Moon Mycology Summit in September. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:33 Guest Intro and Teasers 01:50 Greece Trip Announcement 03:33 Olga in California 06:55 Teaching on the Road 08:27 Mushroom Trend Talk 10:09 Foraging Origins and Fungi Magic 11:48 California Mushroom Season 14:00 Mushrooms Around the World 18:49 Greece Mushroom Favorites 22:23 Citrus Share and Bitters 25:51 Peels Oxymels and Aronia 31:04 Sea Buckthorn and Ojas 36:16 Thorns Hawthorn and Cornelian Cherry 37:52 Wild Fruit and Wood 38:47 Truffles and Host Trees 39:46 Cultivating Truffles Fast 41:30 Training Truffle Dogs 43:24 Truffle Prices and Shelf Life 44:43 Preserving Truffle Aroma 47:09 Cooking With Truffles 50:13 Greece Foraging Trips 56:28 Trip Dates and Lodging 01:00:15 Workshops and Slow Travel 01:07:20 Why Greece Feels Free 01:12:28 New Moon Summit Update 01:16:35 Early Bird and Giving Back 01:18:39 Final Thanks and Farewell

Find Dana at The Druid's Garden: Spirit Journeys in Healing the Land, Permaculture, Sustainable Living, and Creative ArtsFind out more about the Plant Cunning Conference at Plant Cunning Conference – Save the date – July 24-26, 2026Book a Vedic astrology reading with Isaac by emailing him at [email protected] AC and Isaac welcome back Dana O’Driscoll—Grand Archdruid of Ancient Order of Druids in America, co-director and founder of the Pennsylvania School of Herbalism, author, artist, and creator of the Druid’s Garden blog—to discuss her new book, "Eco Spirituality in the 21st Century," co-authored with Nate Summers. They talk about the book as a practical roadmap for difficult times, rooted in nature spirituality and community, and built around seven themes: reconnection, respect, rewilding, regeneration, resilience, re-enchantment, and revisioning. Dana explains how she and Nate collaborated (long conversations to develop the framework, then dividing chapters by strengths), how the book uses a Druid-inspired structure (Bard/ovate/druid as community/creative practice, nature-based practice, and cosmology/magical theory), and why storytelling and visioning are central as acts of magic that shape reality. The conversation explores animism and agency in the natural world, the role of gratitude and offerings in reciprocal relationships with land and plants, the need to pair magical work with practical action, and the importance of rebuilding local, in-person community through shared meals, fires, mutual aid, and tool shares as larger systems strain. Dana also shares details on upcoming events (Plant Cunning Conference July 24–26 in central New York; Hawthorn Botanical Gathering in June) and where to find her work, including the book via major booksellers, her site (thedruidsgarden.com), and the Pennsylvania School of Herbalism (paherbschool.com). 01:10 Conference and Support Updates 02:32 Seasonal Check In 03:20 Why This Book Now 08:01 Co Writing the Book 11:34 Meeting Nate and Shared Druidry 15:17 Seven Rs Framework 22:18 Storytelling as Magic 28:19 Agency Action and Enchantment 33:52 Stories Shape Reality 34:13 Deprogramming Cultural Beliefs 35:28 Seven Rs Roadmap 38:44 Enchantment Without Overload 42:25 Respect Through Animism 44:29 Offerings and Deep Gratitude 52:15 Reindigenizing Daily Life 54:09 Rebuilding Local Community 59:01 Herb School and Book Links 01:02:43 Final Thanks and Wrap

AC and Isaac welcome John Michael Greer back to the Plant Cunning Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on mundane astrology and the Saturn–Neptune conjunction at 0° Aries on February 20. Greer explains mundane astrology as astrology applied to world events, emphasizing traditional tools like ingress charts for solstices and equinoxes, eclipse charts, and great conjunctions, and describing astrology as an empirical craft built from long historical observation. The episode explores why 0° Aries functions as a zodiac “reset button,” why Saturn (form, limits, structure) combining with Neptune (dissolution, unity, imagination, delusion) suggests major shifts. They discuss competing ways of timing the Age of Aquarius, including the 2020 Jupiter–Saturn conjunction in Aquarius as a possible “dawn” marker, and critique utopian 1960s portrayals of Aquarius, noting traditional rulership by Saturn and the difficult, disruptive qualities associated with Uranus (and Rahu as co-ruler in Vedic astrology). Greer ties Uranus-in-Gemini cycles to U.S. history and “elite replacement” periods, framing current politics as another transition that may include bureaucratic contraction and social conflict without necessarily implying “the end of everything.” Additional themes include long-term decline versus sudden collapse, climate volatility, ice-sheet destabilization, karmic causality as “action and consequence” rather than retribution, and esoteric ideas like Dion Fortune’s “initiation of the nadir” as a potential collective turning point amid peak global population. 02:53 Mundane Astrology 101: The Oldest Branch of Astrology & How It Works 04:26 Tools of Mundane Astrology: Ingresses, Eclipses, and Great Conjunctions 06:29 Why 0° Aries Matters: The Zodiac ‘Reset Button’ 08:27 Saturn Meets Neptune: Form vs Dissolution—and Why This One’s Unprecedented 11:50 Axial Age Echoes: Religion, Philosophy, and What Might Change Next 15:50 Age of Aquarius: Uranus Energy, Myths of Utopia, and Saturn’s Reality Check 21:07 Tech, AI, and Civilizational Fragility 26:25 When Did the Age of Aquarius Begin? 5:26 Wheels Within Wheels: Stacking Cycles and What We’ll Notice in Our Lifetimes 36:42 Historical Parallel: Early Democracy, and How Big Shifts Start Small 37:56 Athens’ Democratic Experiment & the Rise of a Cultural Powerhouse 38:36 Thales and the Birth of Philosophy: Reason Replaces Myth 39:34 Where the Next Breakthrough Comes From: Fringe Ideas That ‘Work’ 41:07 Screens, AI, and a Return to Being Human (in a New Way) 42:46 The Star of Bethlehem, Magi as Magicians, and Modern ‘Messiah’ Speculation 44:37 Aquarius vs Pisces: Why We Can’t Imagine a Truly New Age 45:11 Reading Dead People: Ancient Epics as a Portal to Other Mindsets 46:20 Kali Yuga vs Satya Yuga: Are We in the Spiritual Winter? 48:43 26,000-Year Cycles, Ancient Dread, and ‘This Is as Bad as It Gets’ 52:33 Saturn’s Lesson: Endure, Do Your Dharma, and Get to Work 54:34 Initiation of the Nadir: Hitting Rock Bottom and Rounding the Buoy 58:48 Uranus in Gemini & America’s Elite Replacement Cycles (Revolution–Civil War–WWII) 01:05:43 Mundane Astrology Methods: Updating Planetary Meanings for the Modern World 01:09:06 Mars vs Mercury Masculinity—and What a Future Dark Age Might Look Like 01:13:20 Post-Collapse Cities in ‘Star’s Reach’: A Byzantine-Style Future 01:14:06 What Determines the Shape of a Dark Age? Printing, Farming, and Resilient Tech 01:15:33 Amish & Appropriate Tech: Keeping Urban Life Alive After Collapse 01:18:30 Collapse as Slow ‘Ragged Decline’: Gas Prices, Frogs, and the Long Slide 01:21:48 Punctuated Shocks: Lockdowns, 9/11, and Climate Tipping Points 01:24:05 Astrology as a Tactical Tool: Daily Transits, Timing, and Better Decisions 01:29:29 Intuition, Past Lives, and Skill Carryover: From Mozart to Tarot 01:33:33 Karma Explained: Action, Consequences, and What Charts Can Reveal 01:37:03 Remedies & Magic: Planetary Charity, Talismans, and Natal Chart Mandalas

In this episode of the Plant Cunning Podcast, hosts AC and Isaac Hill are joined by Amelia South, known as "the No BS Herbalist." Amelia shares her journey into the world of plants and natural healing, inspired by the birth of her daughter and her early experiences with herbs. She delves into her practical approach to herbalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues, rather than just addressing symptoms with herbs. Amelia introduces her latest book, 'Think Like an Herbalist,' a practical guide aimed at those looking to deepen their understanding of herbalism and natural health practices without becoming professional herbalists. The conversation also touches on her upcoming book focused on mental health and subconscious healing, and the importance of mental wellbeing for both practitioners and clients. Tune in for a rich discussion on plant wisdom, personal healing journeys, and the intersection of physical, mental, and emotional health. 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast 00:34 Meet Amelia South: The No BS Herbalist 03:38 Amelia's Journey into Herbalism 06:45 Teaching and Foraging Adventures 12:24 Amelia's Cookbook and Bone Broth Tips 33:10 Healing the Gut: Cabbage and Beyond 40:10 Understanding the Root of Addiction 41:23 The Role of the Subconscious Mind in Healing 43:28 Client Consultations and Setting Boundaries 44:29 The Importance of Willingness in Healing 47:09 Addressing Deep-Seated Beliefs 49:18 The Challenge of Helping Others 01:07:28 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 01:14:19 Streamlining Communication and Services 01:17:48 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode, co-hosts Isaac and AC Hill sit down with Jamie Paul Lamb, a distinguished astrologer, magician, and author. Jamie dives deep into his new book, 'The Astrological Goetia,' which examines the ancient method of dividing the zodiac into five-degree sections known as the Quinaries. Together, they explore how this system brings a fascinating blend of traditional astrology and astrological magic to the forefront. Discover the historical and mystical roots of the Quinaria, delve into the attributes of angelic and demonic spirits associated with these divisions, and uncover the intricacies of chart delineation using this lesser-known technique. Whether you're an astrology enthusiast or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers unique insights into the intersection of astrology, magic, and the platonic worldview. 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast 00:34 Guest Introduction: Jamie Paul Lamb 01:48 Astrological Insights and Book Discussion 04:34 Journey into Astrology and Magic 11:09 Historical Figures and Esoteric Traditions 17:20 Divisional Charts and Spiritual Entities, Devatas, Angels and Demons 41:25 Astrological Rectifyication Techniques 41:45 Exploring Profections and Dashas, and other Timing Techniques 45:34 Western vs. Vedic Astrology Approaches 56:33 Astrological Remediation and Talismans 01:03:41 Philosophical Insights and Conclusion

In this episode, hosts AC and Isaac Hill welcome Brigit Anna McNeil. Bridget, a writer, eco psychotherapist, and herbalist, shares insights from her newly released book 'The Wild Within.' We explore her personal journey influenced by two incredible grandmothers, the importance of seasonal cycles, and the significance of telling and retelling stories that connect us back to nature. Additionally, Bridget discusses her beliefs on rewilding and how creative practices and rituals can be tools for personal transformation. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that bridges the gap between the natural world and our inner selves. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:44 Brigit's Journey to Herbalism 06:45 Influential Teachers and Mentors 07:55 The Concept of 'The Wild Within' 09:25 Cultural Perceptions of Wildness 18:46 Rewilding and Connection to Nature 27:31 Seasonal Cycles and Beginnings 37:24 Rituals and Personal Growth 40:03 Winter Herbal Allies 42:08 The Enigmatic Yew Tree 46:15 Eco-Psychotherapy Explained 50:48 The Healing Power of Creativity 01:03:05 Imagination and Inner Child 01:09:22 Imbolc Traditions and Reflections 01:11:17 Conclusion

In this episode, we welcome Akiva Silver of Twisted Tree Farm. Our discussion wanders into the creation of lotus ponds, the selective use of nitrogen-fixing plants, and the importance of "hardening off" in the North. Akiva shares his journey from wilderness survival enthusiast to professional nurseryman, emphasizing the importance of having a 'conversation with the land.' He also touches on the philosophy behind his work, the benefits of diverse plantings, and the practicalities of building DIY ponds. Akiva's insightful perspective on managing land and fostering biodiversity is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast01:06 Upcoming Events and Announcements02:00 Akiva Silver's Journey and Philosophy03:12 The Art of Working with Land07:27 Planting Strategies and Observations15:34 Exploring Akiva's Farm and Plant Varieties22:11 Challenges and Learnings in Permaculture30:21 Balancing Experiments and Resilient Plants31:01 The Resilience and Early Production of Hazelnuts31:36 Chestnuts: A Versatile and Historical Nut35:36 Managing Abundance and Wildlife on the Farm37:59 Building and Maintaining Ponds Yourself39:53 The Benefits of Ponds for Wildlife and Recreation41:20 Specializing Ponds for Different Uses44:12 Renting Equipment and DIY Pond Construction48:38 The Importance of Taking Action and Learning by Doing49:47 Current Projects and Inspirations50:37 Books and Philosophies on Nature and Life53:14 Reflections on Modern Challenges and Resilience55:37 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode we are joined by the esteemed astrologer, teacher, and author, Stormie Grace. We discuss everything from Stormie's personal journey into astrology at a young age, her career transition from radio to YouTube, and her unique approach to reading charts. Stormie elaborates on how she incorporates the natal and progressed lunar phases, the significance of the nodal story, and the intricate dance of the sun and the moon to guide her astrological readings. Stormie also talks about the challenges and opportunities in the YouTube astrology space, and the process and insights behind her new book on aspects. Tune in to hear Stormie's inspiring story and her wisdom on growing through life's cosmic cycles. 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast 00:31 Meet Stormie Grace: Astrologer and Teacher 01:32 Stormie's Journey into Astrology 04:01 The Saturn Return: A Turning Point 11:31 Stormie's Transition to YouTube20:14 Astrology Techniques and Insights 22:34 Understanding Moon Phases in Astrology 31:02 Introduction to Nodes in Astrology 31:41 Understanding the South Node 32:17 Balancing the North and South Nodes 34:44 Nodes in Different Signs and Degrees 37:14 The Role of Houses and Planets 39:16 Lunar Phases and Life Seasons 43:37 Winter Seasons and Personal Growth 47:16 New Book on Aspects in Astrology 47:32 Astrology as a Language 49:38 Practical Applications of Aspects 53:04 Writing the Book and Future Research 58:30 Conclusion and Where to Find More