Plant Wisdom: Ivy

An exploration with the plant realm

Welcome, my friend!

The greenery here is still buried under two feet of snow from a storm we had last week.

I was thinking of choosing a plant or tree that is awake and alive at this time of year, but one in particular kept jumping out as one to explore. As I researched further, I found that it can thrive in Winter, depending on the temperatures.

Alas, the plant realm has chosen.

The plant of the month is: Ivy

Photo by Wyxina Tresse on Unsplash

Time works a little differently when you work with the plant realm.

You might feel a soft charge in the air, and you’ll likely feel the call to dig your roots in deep, as plants take their time to grow and develop. You may notice a gentle nudge to slow down and bask in stillness as you align with plant energies.

Changes can take place within you as you explore and work with each plant.

I find that slowing down and spending more time with each ally nourishes our connection to each plant and to ourselves.

Within this exploration, you’ll find:

• The Medicine:

  • Introduction and Overview of Ivy

• The Roots:

  • Brief history

  • Ogham Connection

• The Seeds:

  • Inspiration and Ideas

  • Ways to work with Ivy

• The Growth:

  • Scars and Stars

  • A channeled message

• The Journey:

  • Optional paid Meditation and Shamanic Journey with Ivy

Let’s dig in…

The Medicine

Ivy grows quietly and rapidly. In a blink, it appears seemingly out of nowhere, to take up space and claim its territory.

It doesn’t apologize for its movements, for they are calculated and designed to get things done.

It dusts off its hands and says, “There you go.”

Its medicine is quick and to the point, but it is subtle and slithery.

It is effective for people who have difficulty paying attention, like me. Ivy helps reveal what we have been avoiding and what has been hidden.

Ivy is persistent and will find a way in and get the job done without you even realizing.

It reminds me of having a procedure and overthinking beforehand. You might worry and worry… and then the physical aspect is over in a flash.

Ivy will dig its way into old foundations, patterns, and structures. Those things you don’t want to even touch because there is a strong belief that they will never change. Try offering those up to Ivy and see what can be done. I’d be willing to bet it can find a way in.

When Ivy shows up to support you, it will place tiny roots everywhere, loosening foundations and causing them to crumble.

The Roots

Ivy likes to grow in the liminal places. Stone walls, forest edges, and thresholds.

In Celtic and bardic traditions, it is the quiet companion of the oak. It entangles and teaches through relationship, memory, and fidelity.

Ivy is a few, or letter, within the Ogham alphabet, also known as Gort in the Gaelic language. Gort translates to the word: “Field.”

In Ogham, ivy is known for its tenacity, restriction, binding, freedom, and indirect progress.

Wherever it appears throughout mythology or history, it tells a similar story. It embodies a spirit that survives Winters, a persistent love, and growth that clings and weaves.

There are many different varieties of ivy. From Devil’s Ivy to English Ivy to the dreaded Poison Ivy that I manage to catch every Summer.

Here is an excellent article I found if you want to learn more about the physical plant, history, and more, if you are interested.

https://druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-tree-lore/english-ivy

The Seeds

Ivy has a tendency to lead us in new directions if we are willing to explore with it. Marking gateways, illuminating pathways, and making connections in unexpected places.

I have vines of English Ivy that thrive through the rocky clay around the border of my home. Last Summer, I attempted to transplant some to my garden, hoping they would wrap themselves around the fencing.

It was a failed attempt, and in this case, Ivy wanted to thrive exactly where it was. I ended up buying several plantings from the nursery and put them in my garden.

Ivy has woven its way into many of my projects without objection from me.

First, the weavings were a bit more intentional.

Bobbin the Goblin from my book, Mira the Mermaid from the Tapestry of Time series.

Then Ivy wove itself in by ritual, making itself right at home in my stories and incantations with Hyggie the Hedgewitch.

You can find more of Hyggie’s stories here:

https://lindsaynee.substack.com/p/flame-and-fable-an-enchanted-story

Ivy seems to have adorned many thresholds, lighting the way to new inspirations and projects.

Here is one of my favorite stories that I have written because of the emotional significance and healing it revealed for me.

https://lindsaynee.substack.com/p/the-woman-beneath-the-ivy

However, ivy reveals itself to you in your work, will be intentional and specific to you and your needs, wants, and desires.

I attempted to track down various artworks depicting ivy and found several pieces featuring the God Dionysus, who is known for wearing it as a crown.

Do you know of any artwork with ivy that stands out to you? Feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear more about it.

The Growth

Scars and Stars

I had a raised scar on my leg removed last year. I didn’t like the look of it. It isn’t your typical scar, and I kept shaving it off by accident.

After it was removed, it grew back.

Sometimes, I study the imperfections that mark my skin. As I get older, more moles appear. Along with cherry angiomas. An inheritance from my grandmother.

I remember inquiring about the significance of these marks to Goddess Danu. I’m not particularly fond of them, but was even less so then.

She showed me a visual of the stars in the sky. She said that marks on our skin are the embellishments of being human.

I thought this was a beautiful sentiment that my words alone could not capture.

There is a societal construct that we have to be flawless and embody perfection.

But, flawlessness doesn’t exist.

You are re-mark-able.

Authenticity is beautiful.

Though outside influences try to push this unnatural agenda.

We can choose to stop believing the lie whenever we wish.

Time to cash your time and energy out of this belief. Invest in the natural sovereign beauty that is you.

Channeled Message from Ivy

Ivy asks you to loosen your grip and not be so certain. Instead, get curious and allow it to take care of business.

Let the masks fall away.

Ivy isn’t afraid of what is beneath the surface. The scars that mark your skin are proof of growth, and not every tree in the forest embodies perfection.

In fact, it is quite the opposite. For imperfections are a mark of character and beauty. Wear them with pride while ivy nestles in and alleviates the shame buried there.

Scars are not ugly. They are the marks of a survivor.

Like ivy, you continue to thrive. You take a rest and gather new insights, taking time to integrate and refocus.

Rest isn’t a sign of weakness. It doesn’t mean the growth has stopped. You are taking a pause before growing in a way that is more effective for what is in alignment and authentic for you.

You might feel as though you are bracing for impact. Hypervigilance is a protection mechanism. And while it may have been useful in the past, the protection can change over time. Ivy can provide new protection. The branches and stones that fall in your direction won’t hurt because there will always be a cushion to soften their landing. Harsh words from critical minds will roll off your vines with ease.

Embrace the cracks and freckles that mark your skin. Let them decorate you as constellations decorate the night sky.

You are a cosmic reflection of the sky above you.

Ivy will help you continue to grow towards the stars.

Channeled Songs:

The Bones- Maren Morris

Battle Scars- Guy Sebastian

Born Too Late- The Clarks

Just The Way You Are- Bruno Mars

I hope you enjoyed this plant exploration with Ivy!

Next week, I’ll be digging into Beauty in Sovereignty with Ivy.

If you are drawn to linger a while longer and dig deeper, you can find a Meditation and Shamanic Journey video with Ivy in the paid offering linked here:

https://lindsaynee.substack.com/p/a-meditative-journey-with-ivy

If this is the end of the road for you today, thank you for being here on this journey with me.

Until our paths meet again…

-Lindsay

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