We have a lot of new subscribers this month so I’d like to welcome you all to the “Art That Breathes” Substack. Thank You for being here. Let me introduce myself; I’m Tony(a) Lemos most people simply call me '“T” or “Tony” and I am a community herbalist and art lover, though I grew up in London, England, I’ve been running Blazing Star Herbal School in the Hilltowns of western MA for almost 25 years. I work with plants to heal the mind, body and spirit. I am passionate about plants, art and community and I write where they intersect, highlighting lives of women and non binary artists who live work play and pray at the intersection of Art and Herbalism. My daily practice is very much steeped in the Wise Woman Tradition which I learned when apprenticing with Susun Weed back in my early 20’s.
Over the part few years as the world as we knew it changed I have been focussing on the healing benefits of creativity as a crucial part of the health protocol which strengthens mind, body and spirit. “Art that Breathes” is process based artwork created in collaboration with plants. But I am getting ahead of myself.
Recently my friend Lisa Bassi interviewed me as I way to better introduce myself to all of you
Working with a plant ally is a practice which all who study with me have to engage with. I have written before about the art of connecting with your plant ally and have a downloadable PDF booklet on my website with practical exercises to help you start working with an ally. I have also written about my first ally mugwort and how I was called to work with her and her namesake Artemis, and written in depth articles about Nettles, Dandelions, and Violets .
The exercise of committing to a plant ally and working with them for an extended period of time is deeper and more powerful than anyone new to this work ever anticipates. Like close friends, plant allies will come and go throughout your life, as you move through different stages and traverse different territories. Sometimes your work with a plant ally might seem short term to treat a more acute physical disease, but rarely is it just this, because plants do not compartmentalize healing into physical, emotional, spiritual but by nature they address us as complete beings, including our relationship to nature. Which is why working with an ally it always leads us to feeling more connected. With Every breath we take whether we acknowledge it or not, we are deep our relationship with plants, for without their oxygen we can not be.
There comes a time in a woman’s life, a woman who in entering her crone years that Artemis no longer fits the bill as a goddess archetype. This year I have faced some darker times and Tulsi (Holy Basil) stepped up and steadied me, not surprisingly as in her homelands of India and Nepal she is a sacred plant and is regarded as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulasi. She is regarded as the avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of the god Vishnu. She is also referred to as Queen of Herbs and is the most revered plant in modern Hinduism, she is seen as a threshold point between heaven and earth and regarded as the manifestation of the divine within the plant kingdom. For this reason, it is grown next to Hindu temples and houses and is often worshiped twice a day (morning and night). While tree worship in general is not uncommon in Hinduism, the tulasi plant is regarded as the holiest of all plants. In Sanskrit, Tulsi means the “incomparable one” or “elixir of life.” This could be interpreted in several ways, but perhaps it simply means there are literally no comparisons or substitutions for this herb and what it has to offer. Tulsi has been in my heart and for many years, at Blazing Star Herbal School we have been paying homage to her with an annual “Tulsi Ceremony” It is interesting to see how a culture reveres a plant and draws us deep into a relationship with the green world, where plant beings are not metaphors, they are a part of a daily reality.
Botanically known as (Ocimum sanctum, O. tenuiflorum, O, gratissimum) Holy Basil or Tulsi (Tulasi) is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion. Her strongly scented leaves can be green or purple depending on the variety; green-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulasi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulasi). There are four varieties of Tulsi – Rama, Vana, Kapoor and Krishna. Each has its own unique flavor but all three can be used interchangeably. As with culinary basil, cutting the growing tips encourages a full bushy plant. For medicine we use the aerial parts of the plant.
Tulsi has been used for its therapeutic properties since around 5000 - 4000 BCE.In Ayurveda Tulsi is classified as a rasayana herb, one which nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes longevity. In Western herbalism, we call this an adaptogenic herb, helping the body respond and adapt to stressors (be they physical or emotional), thus reducing the negative effects of stress on physical and emotional health and providing balance promotes energy and endurance by increasing the body’s ability to efficiently use oxygen. Calming the mind and providing clarity.
In herbal medicine Tulsi is renown for supporting individuals who are dealing with poor memory, ADD/ADHD, recovery from head trauma, stress, menopausal cloudy thinking, anxiety, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, depression, radiation exposure, allergies, arthritis/bursitis as well as fungal infections, viral infections (colds and flu, herpes). Remember working with her as an ally offers so much more than simply symptom relief. In Traditional Chinese Medicine Tulsi is considered a “Shen tonic,” loosely translating to an herb that nourishes the spirit, which should come as no surprise given her supposed divine origins.
Tulsi is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, it is said that having Tulsi in ones house brings a prosperous and peaceful life, which helps devotees get closer to the goal of Moksha (release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). The sacred plant is believed to eliminate othe presence of evil and negativity (Vasta Dosha) when people do parikrama (circumambulation) to pay their respects to the Goddess.
Tulsi is traditionally grown in an earthenware pot in every family home or garden, you could say that owning a Tulsi plant is like caring for a living blessing that constantly purifies your home where it is offered, gratitude and reverence as part of daily worship. Due to its antibacterial powers, the presence of tulsi in the vicinity of the house prevents the spread of germs and helps to keep the atmosphere clean. In fact, the lack of a tulsi plant in a courtyard is considered by some to give a feeling of emptiness and dullness in the home.
Every part of this plant contains some kind of spiritual significance - its roots symbolize a religious pilgrimage, its branches represent divinity, and its crown signifies an understanding of the scriptures. The leaves are definitely one of the most commonly used ingredients - a remedy for a cough, cold or congested chest. Traditionally, the daily worship and care of the plant is the responsibility of the women of the household who are believed gain spiritual merit and the divine grace. Though daily worship is prescribed, Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially sacred for Tulasi worship. Rituals involve watering the plant, cleaning the area near the plant with water and cow dung and making offerings of food, flowers, incense, Ganges water, applying vermillion (a brilliant red pigment),Rangoli (decorative designs) of deities and saints are drawn near its foot. Devotees pray to Tulasi and circumambulate the plant while chanting mantras.
The Tulsi plant is supposed to be cleaned and watered while reciting the following prayer:
“Tulasi shree sakhi shubhe, papa haarini punyade, Namasthe Naradanuthe, Namo Narayana priye.”
Which can be loosley translated to
“Oh, Holy Thulasi,
Bosom friend of Lakshmi,
Destroyer of sins,
Bestower of blessings,
Salutations to thee,
Who is praised by sage Narada,
And is the darling of Lord Narayana”
The Eight Sacred Names of Tulasi Devi
Vrindavani: She who first manifested in the Vrindavana forest
Vrinda: She who is the Goddess of all plants and trees Visuapujita: She who is worshipped by the whole universe
Puspasara: She who is the essence of all flowers
Nandini: She who gives faith and bliss to all Krishna-jivani: She who is the very life and soul of Sri Krishna
Visua-pavani: She who purifies the whole world
Tulasi: She who has no comparison
Tulsi is also present in some big life transitions in Indian culture. Tulsi plays a huge role in kick-starting the wedding season across the country. Only after the completion
of Tulsi Vivaha (the yearly ritual in which the tulsi plant is symbolically wed to Lord Vishnu) is it considered a good time to start planning a wedding.
Thanks to its purifying nature, tulsi is also present at a much different juncture—at the deathbed. By placing tulsi upon the dying person, it is said to help cleanse the soul and stop the cycle of death and rebirth.
The more I have researched Tulsi the more I begun seeing her recognition as a deeply spiritual herb which goes beyond India’s borders and found that the herb is rooted in some profound legends within Christianity. I am still researching these references. But is seems from these legends, that Tulsi became a Christian symbol of holiness and spiritual birth and is still used to this day in Christian rituals as a powerful purifier, it has a role in the Greek Orthodox tradition of preparing holy water.
Benefits of wearing Tulsi Beeds
Tulsi is thought to be the most sacred of woods in India and Indian worship. The Tulsi Mala is made of the wood or the seeds of Tulsi and is used for name chanting and worship. Tulsi branches are sanded into beads and worn to enhance spiritual progress. The Tulsi Mala is said to have incredible spiritual and physical healing powers apart from helping the mind to focus during prayers. As soon as you wear the tulsi mala, around your neck or around your wrist, you are protected and focussed, helping you deal with the stress of modern life. Its fragrance is used to purify temples and the leaves are used in sacred ceremonies to honor Spirit and heighten one’s awareness. On top of that, wearing the Tulsi Mala is supposed to bring good luck and fortune to the devoted wearer. Tulsi clears the aura, and its subtle smell fills the heart with sensation of the divine
The Tulsi Mala consists of 108 beads wound around a strong string, with a 109th bead called the Sumeru bead of some other material like a metal or crystal, or a bigger Tulsi bead itself. One starts counting the beads from the bead adjacent to the Sumerubead of the Tulsi Mala and completes one full round. On second round the Tulsi Mala needs to be counted in the reverse direction again as the Sumeru bead should not be crossed while praying. Depending on the type of the Tulsi plant, the Tulsi Mala is available in various colors like black, brown or sandalwood color.
Last year one of my students Carolyn Walker made me a Tulsi Rose Mala, she rolled every bead by hand. It’s one of the favorite things I own. Here is Carolyns process in her words; “For the beads, I use about 2 Tablespoon of powdered herbs per every 1 Tablespoon of bentonite clay, and a little more than 1 Tablespoon of water to wet it. It’s all about judging the right consistency, to make it feel like clay. For your Mala I would think I used at least 6 Tablespoons of herbs, but most likely more. I used tulsi that I powdered then added some powdered rose petals to the mix. I rolled the clay balls into larger pieces of rose petals (flecks) to give it a rustic look. I either sing during the process, or listen to music (like the links to the tulsi songs you sent us), and I usually light my “working” candle. I use a skewer to make the hole, and I usually have to wash off chunks of clay partway through. You will most likely need to add some drops of water to your hands here and there. For the mala I made more beads than necessary as some sometimes don’t turn out. The beads need to dry for at least 24 hours and even a few days before stringing them. The beads will shrink as they dry so that if you string them together too soon there will be extra space between the beads. I like to use a natural twine.”
108 names (mantras) of Tulsi
OM shri tulasyai namah
OM nandinyai namah
OM devyai namah
OM shik hinyai namah
OM dharinyai namah
OM dhatryai namah
OM savitryai namah
OM satya sandhayai namah
OM kala harinyai namah
OM gauryai namah
OM deva gitayai namah
OM draviyasyai namah
OM padminyai namah
OM sitayai namah
OM rukminyai namah
OM priya bhuushan ayai namah
OM shreyasyai namah
OM shri matyai namah
OM man yayai namah
OM gauryai namah
OM gautam architayai namah
OM treta yai namah
OM tripatha gayai namah
OM tripad ayai namah
OM trai murtyai namah
OM jagat rayayai namah
OM tra sinyai namah
OM gat rayai namah
OM gatri yayai namah
OM garbha varinyai namah
OM shobhanayai namah
OM samayai namah
OM dvira dayai namah
OM aradyai namah
OM yagya vidyayai namah
OM maha vidyayai namah
OM guhya vidyayai namah
OM kamaxyai namah
OM kulayai namah
OM shriyai namah
OM bhuumyai namah
OM bhavitryai namah
OM savitryai namah
OM sarva veda vidam varayai namah
OM shankhinyai namah
OM chakrinyai namah
OM char inyai namah
OM chapal exanayai namah
OM pitam barayai namah
OM prota somayai namah
OM saurasayai namah
OM axinyai namah
OM ambayai namah
OM sarasvatyai namah
OM sam shrayayai namah
OM sarva devatyai namah
OM vishva shrayayai namah
OM sugandhinyai namah
OM suvas anayai namah
OM vara dayai namah
OM sush ronyai namah
OM chandra bhagayai namah
OM yamuna priyayai namah
OM kaveryai namah
OM manikar nikayai namah
OM archinyai namah
OM stha yinyai namah
OM dana pradayai namah
OM dhana vatyai namah
OM sochyam anasayai namah
OM shu chinyai namah
OM shreya syai namah
OM priti chin texanyai namah
OM vibhuutyai namah
OM akrityai namah
OM avir bhutyai namah
OM prabhavinyai namah
OM gandhinyai namah
OM svarginyai namah
OM gadayai namah
OM vedyayai namah
OM prabhayai namah
OM sarasyai namah
OM sara siva sayai namah
OM sarasvatyai namah
OM shara vatyai namah
OM rasinyai namah
OM kalinyai namah
OM shreyo vatyai namah
OM yamayai namah
OM brahma priyayai namah
OM shyama sundarayai namah
OM ratna ruupinyai namah
OM shama nidhinyai namah
OM shata nandayai namah
OM shata dyutaye namah
OM shiti kanthayai namah
OM prayayai namah
OM dhatryai namah
OM shri vrinda vanyai namah
OM krishnayai namah
OM bhakta vatsalayai namah
OM gopika kridayai namah
OM harayai namah
OM amrita rupinyai namah
OM bhuumyai namah
OM shri krishna kantayai namah
OM shri tulasyai namah
How to Grow Holy Basil/Tulsi
If you live in a warmer climate, you can try growing holy basil from seeds directly in your outdoor garden. Holy basil loves full sun and it will come back every year if you live in zones 10 to 11. If like me you live in zones 5-7 you can successfully grow Tulsi as an annual. She makes a great addition to your herb garden and can even be grown in a pot for use indoors or outdoors. Here is how
Start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the end of the frost season. Use a good seed starter soil and cover the seeds with ¼” of the soil.
Keep the soil moist but not saturated until germination occurs.
Once the leaves appear, fertilize every other week.
When transplanting outside, allow about 6” between plants.
One of my favorite way to use Tulsi in the kitchen:
Tulsi Oil Puree (used to make pesto, sauces, marinades and salad dressings)
4-5 cups of Tulsi leaves (fill blender ¾ way full)
2-3 small/ medium onions
2 small bulbs of garlic, peeled
1 small lemon
Olive Oil to cover
2 tsp salt ( I like to use mugwort salt)
Add all ingredients into the blender and puree until it is a thin paste. Pour most of the mixture into small jars or ice cube molds to freeze. You can thaw out the ice cubes and use throughout the year, adding flavor to all your favorite meals. It can also be made into a yummy salad dressing.
“Tulasi is auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by remembering, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing about, or simply by sowing this tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who comes in touch with the Tulasi tree in the above mentioned ways lives eternally in the spiritual world.” (—Srila Prabhupada, The Nectar of Devotion)
During the apprenticeship we talk a lot about the New American Patient, who are we as a population and how can we collectively return to health. There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.
Cultivation of tulsi plants has both spiritual and practical significance that connects the grower to the creative powers of nature. The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.
Tulsi basil is a beneficial plant to help bring us to a place of coherence and innate healing, enhancing the communication and relationship between the gut, heart and mind and our inner and outer ecology.
I consider Tulsi to be a “joy rebel” challenging us to find our joy in everyday moments (when smelling Tulsi you are automatically transported to a different place). Chemically Tulsi contains compounds Ocimumosides A and B. These compounds reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
How would we appreciate each moment if we weren’t comparing it to what came before? How would we feel, if we were strong and resilient enough to KNOW that we could handle the changes as they were coming, to dive in and ride them, revel in them, and allow ourselves to be changed by them in return?
Tulsi builds resilience and help you handle the stress of change, but really, at its core, it helps bring us into the present moment, and helps us see and appreciate what *is*. By calming the spirit Tusli brightens and elevates the mood. Tulsi opens us up: opens our senses to experience more deeply, opens our eyes to see things we may not notice, and engenders a sense of kindness and compassion. Tulsi is high in “sattva” (the principle of light, perception, and clarity) and has a unique ability to open the mind and heart to love and devotion.
Devotion
1. [singular] : a feeling of strong love or loyalty : the quality of being devoted. acts of devotion. She has cared for the poor with selfless devotion. The devotion they felt for each other was obvious.
Plants are sacred and hold ancient wisdom that can be valuable to the human family. Here in the 21st century, most of us have lost our connection with plants, and with that our ability to listen to what they have to share. Tulsi is here to help us work in collaboration with plants, become a Tulsi devotee and let the blessings pour in
As Mary Oliver said “Joy is not made to be a crumb and Tulsi is here to remind us daily.
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So much of this resonates with me, thank you for a fascinating read. I've been drawn to basil from an early age and grow it nearly every summer in a poI. in the middle of winter, sometimes I just take out the basil dried herb package to give it a big ol sniff. ahhhhhhhhh.