Wild Roses: Restoration
An update in the season of flowers
Dear Ones,
Hawthorn bloomed in my neighborhood just in time for May Day, and yesterday I came across the first wild rosebud of the season on my morning walk. I feel my heart expanding during this season of flowers, encompassing grief for the world as well as gratitude and joy.
You may remember that Rose is the Empress card in the Herbcrafter’s Tarot. One of the things I love most about this rendition of the Empress is the way we wove the stages of life into the card, symbolized by the rosebud (youth), the full bloom (midlife), and the rose hip (elderhood). Here I am, firmly in the territory of the rose hip, yet I can claim the rosebud too. Rebirth. Restoration. Regeneration.
I navigated some fairly serious health issues over the last couple of years, including two surgeries. I feel like I’ve aged much more than two years during this time. Yet I can feel my life wisdom distilling down into something potent, in the same way that the plump red rose hip is full of medicine.
My physical energy is returning, my healthcare team is happy with my progress, and my creative energy is in full bloom like the hawthorn blossoms. I’ve been working diligently on a few creative projects I can’t share with you just yet. Soon!
I’m finding that some wisdom practices that were difficult to implement not long ago have become so much easier:
Slow down. Say no. Release more and more obligations. Clean out closets, give away clothing and art supplies. Savor the sunshine, the blossoms, the shadows on the pathway. Follow the lead of St. Mary Oliver. Always.
One of the things I’m releasing is my Gaian Soul Retreats. I’ll host two this year, in August and September, coming to completion after twelve years and 19 retreats. (The two upcoming retreats are already full.) Gathering with folks in circle on the sacred land of Aldermarsh all these years has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It’s bittersweet to let go. And yet it’s time.
Northwest Tarot Symposium this September
I will, however, be the Guest Artist at NWTS (Northwest Tarot Symposium) this September 6-8 in Portland, Oregon. I’ll be giving a presentation as well as making myself available to meet folks. There will be more information coming out soon about the symposium, but registration is already open if you’re interested. I’d love to meet you there.
Weekly Substack Posts
Since I moved my newsletter over to Substack last December, I’ve been in a good rhythm of writing posts every Sunday for my paying subscribers. It’s kind of like the old blogging days. I love the community that is growing there in the comments, chat threads, and on our monthly Wisdom Circle calls. I’ve been sharing works-in-progress in the Sunday posts, among other things, and getting great feedback.
I was a little surprised and embarrassed though to realize I hadn’t written to the entire list (that’s you!) since late February. I’ll be changing that.
If you’d like to be a paid subscriber but absolutely don't have the funds, please respond to this email and let me know. We'll work something out.
If you do have the funds and would like to hear from me each Sunday, I’d be honored if you’d join us there.
Thank you for listening, and for being part of my extended circle. I’m grateful to be part of your life.
Blessings of the May,
About me: I’m Joanna Powell Colbert, creator of the Gaian Tarot and the Pentimento Tarot, and co-creator of the Herbcrafter’s Tarot. I write and teach about tarot, earth-centered spirituality, seasonal & lunar lore, and creativity as a spiritual practice. You can also connect with me on Instagram or Facebook.
Messages from Sea & Cedar is a reader-supported publication. To receive posts and support my work, please consider becoming free or a paid subscriber. (You can see snippets of posts for paid subscribers here.) Thank you.
Joanna* Even though I don't comment very often, I want you to know that all of your posts put me in my perfect heart space. They make me feel centered. They bring me back to mySELF. I love each one and I am sure everyone else does too! So much gratitude and respect <3
Congratulations on the NWTS!