Essence: Botanical Spirits, #2

By Cara Iris Miller

The botanical world continues to communicate in whispers to those who are willing to listen!  Can you hear them?

Lydia Blue and Stone Shiye have embraced their love for one another and now venture onto new heights in the second book of this Botanical Spirits series. Raya, Stone's niece spends her summer internship at the farm, adding to The Sanctuary her naturopathic skills and radiant spirit. Soon she finds a friend in Lee Wolfe, a man who knows the woods, and the ways of a lost soul. Trouble brews in the air, as the farm suffers from chemicals smothering their lands. Saving the farm from dangers nearby is only part of their story. Saving themselves from one another is the near-impossible, tumultuous journey ahead in Essence.

Botanical spirits try to cover the precious lands and preserve the seedlings and sprites. Can the farm survive this threat that poisons the trees and suffocates the herbs?  Will the strong connection between Raya and Lee add life or bring destruction to their summer on the farm?  This unique bond will make you consider the soul's powerful ability to love, crash, and collide.  Can one soul save another?

*Bonus: Herbal medicine recipes at the end of this book!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cara Iris Miller
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393448013

Cara Iris Miller

I am a Writer, Therapeutic Bodyworker,  & Yoga Instructor, Wellness & Longevity Specialist. I am also an herb grower, yurt-dweller, a soul of faith, trail hiker, sun-savorer, genuine introvert, health foodie, wine/tea/coffee lover, creative journaler, & book gleaner! I live in the beautiful woods of Maine with my family.  I hold a Master's degree in Natural Health Sciences. I own Inspired Wellness, which encompasses all aspects of my work from holistic wellness to writing. I've worked in the natural wellness & consulting field for 20 years. It is my joy to serve, edify, and inspire others to invest in their wellbeing- body, soul, & spirit!  I delight in writing about... - Depths of  faith & the human soul - Holistic health & longevity - Healing power & nourishment of herbs - Living simply & humbly www.inspiredwellnessandwriting.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

WELCOME TO THE BOTANICAL world! If you have a love and respect for plants and their divine, fascinating healing properties, you will enjoy this world.  Enter with an open mind as you explore how the green realm interacts with the human realm.

It may help you to know upfront the names of the botanical spirits who are present in this story. I’ve listed the Botanical Spirit’s symbolic powers, along with each Star Point Spirits’ specific names of the north, south, east, and west.  These names are extracted from the true botanical name of each plant. 

STAR POINT BOTANICAL Spirit Names & Power:

King Frankincense- Boswellia

Power- Anointing

Queen Myrrh- Commiphora myrrha

Power- Intuition

Coneflower- Echinacea

Power- Strength

East: Ech

North (Elder): Ina

South: Ace

West: Cea

Elderberry/Black Elder- Sambucus nigra

Power- Fortify

East: Sam

North: Bucus

South (Elder): Ni

West: Gra

St. John’s Wort- Hypericum perforatum

Power- Heal

East (Elder): Hype

North: Ricium

South: Perfor

West: Atum

Lavender- Lavendula

Power- Calm

East: Lav

North: Ven

South: Endul

West (Elder): Dula

THE BOTANICAL LIFE Cycle:

Seedlings-  Seed and baby botanicals.

Sprites-  Botanicals that blossom into full growth.

Spirits-  Botanicals that have passed away from the physical earth and have moved into the spiritual earth.

Intro ‒ Botanical Spirits

(The Botanical World)

WE ARE A KINGDOM THAT humans see every day, yet they do not hear us.  We are spirits, sprites, and seedlings of herbs, flowers, trees, roots, vines and beyond.  We live and move and have our being on this earth, just as you do. Within each species, four are chosen to be the spirits of each star point (north, south, east, and west).  Out of these four, there is one Elder who is the leader of that botanical group.  Elders have the authority to decide on actions that otherwise could not be handled by the other spirits alone. Seedlings are seeds and baby plants, and the sprites are when they blossom into full growth. 

Observing all matters of life on this earth is part of our call.  Very few sense our living presence or the power we possess.  This power was granted to us by the One.  Myrrh and I were brought forth by three men, known to be wise, as a gift for a precious child.  When revealed to this human soul, instantly, we became enlightened to who we were as a life force, and who we are now.  Queen Myrrh and I, King Frankincense, reign over the botanical world.  We keep order with a watchful eye.  Just as your kind can get out of alignment with the delicate balance of life, so it is the same with the botanical species.  We are predestined to reign with light and love.  Neglecting to do so is direct disobedience to the One, our loving Maker.  Myrrh and I support our beautiful, bountiful world of botanicals, by encouraging them to live for this divine purpose.  As we maintain our positions, we see the countless stages this universe endures.  The lands speak to us.  The atmosphere groans.  While many changes have occurred over the centuries, we continually scan the green realm to find what needs our attention.  It is more than physical; the balance is also spiritual. This universe is much more than air, water, dirt, and fire- It breathes with life and pulses with an energy that brings constant regeneration.

Welcome to the botanical world.

Chapter 1 ‒ Essence

(North ‒ Colorado)

THE SPIRIT WHO KNEW the couple well would not miss this sacred ceremony.  Queen Myrrh and I allowed Ana, Elder Sage Spirit of the North, to be present at the wedding of Stone and Lydia.  The connection Ana held to Lydia was ever-present.  I, King Frankincense, granted Ana the freedom to witness her friend’s journey into marriage.  However, after this, she must release her watch on Lydia and move onto other lands, focusing her care on sage seedlings and sprites throughout the northern parts of the earth. 

In an antique white dress, Lydia Blue walked down an aisle bordered with herbal bows.  Her dress fell just past her knees and flowed in the spring’s mountain breeze.  Her hair was pulled up, decorated in blue flowers of forget me nots and mini blush wild roses. The tiny blossoms weaved throughout her shimmering amber strands.  Stone Shiye stood tall, in his deep blue button-up shirt and pressed pants. He held a lean but strong stature. Lydia had never seen him in dress pants before!  That alone was enough to make her smile as she walked toward him with grace.  The sunlight came through the trees, anointing this sunrise wedding as glorious. Loved ones surrounded them, as each step down the aisle brought her closer to her soulmate. The crowd was small, but the love was great.  To witness Stone and Lydia coming together after two years of learning about one another and blooming into strong companionship, this seemed like a miracle to many.

It was in the autumn that Stone asked Lydia to stay a weekend at his family’s land in Wyoming.  He said the purpose was to visit Adriel, his grandfather, and to help with projects around the land. Adriel was weakening in his condition of lung cancer, and he needed the support of a caring family paired with working hands to tend to his home.  Lydia adored the dear old man and did not hesitate to answer ‘yes’ to Stone’s invite.  They had known one another for years, working on the farm together, though they had been officially dating for only about a year and a half. There was never an exact time she could recall their dating status being established.  They naturally shifted into the bond of beyond platonic.  It was a simple walk through the back acres of Sam’s Farm & Garden, that Stone grabbed her hand.  After that, it was as easy as breathing.  On the weekend of their visit to Stone’s family, the Ladora Tribe, Lydia was excited to be of help and to see Adriel once again.  Her heart seemed to sing around him.  Lydia could easily understand how her grandma was once quite taken with Adriel. Imagining Adriel as a young man caused Lydia to smile.  Her dear grandmother, Ada, had a connection with Adriel in their youth.  It was Lydia’s hope that someday soon, she could reconnect them.  She envisioned a visit with the two, reintroducing themselves to each other with so many years gone by, catching up with smiles and stories. Their physical bodies may have changed, but both of their hearts were steadfast in who God called them to be.

On the log next to the peaceful river where they had sat many times before, Stone got on one knee. His long legs went up to his chin when bent. Kneeling in front of Lydia, he spoke, My beautiful Liddy.  In these past four years of knowing you, you have shown me more than I ever dreamed to be real. Your faith and enduring love for those in your life moves me. It is my heart’s desire that I would be among the chosen people you love so selflessly.  I’ve never granted my soul permission to let another one into its gates... until I set my eyes on you.  Stone shifted his weight and cleared his throat to continue.  I lost my faith when my parents died. I became angry and guarded.  You awakened a hope in me, showing me that my faith was not forgotten.  I know I do not deserve an angel like you, and I know I am much older in years.  He dropped his head. But if your spirit can hear what my spirit is whispering, then please, answer me... Will you be my bride?  Will you walk through this life with me? 

Placing her hands on his face, she looked hard into his worrisome eyes.  Marriage is sacred. It takes non-stop work and sacrifice.  It involves more than love.  You need a foundation of faith, believing the best in one another, always hoping, even when days are dark.  It is a covenant, Stone. Is that what you truly want... with me?

He stood up quickly, pulling her up with him.  Grabbing both her hands, he placed them on his chest and said, There is no other I would want to share in all of those things of life with.  You are the only woman I want in my remaining days.  With no word, only a softened smile, and eyes glistening with fresh tears, Lydia nodded a definite yes.

AS SHE APPROACHED HER husband to be, the ring on her finger dazzled in the fresh sunlight.  It was a small emerald ring, but it captured the light with ease. Tiny diamond chips bordered the green gem. It was a family heirloom, a square-cut gem that once belonged to Stone’s mother, and her mother before that.  It was also Stone’s birthstone, being born in late May. The rich green stone was a perfect fit for Lydia’s style.  An unlikely love story of an independent woman, befriending an older man, who seemed hard-hearted and certainly not the marrying kind.  Fate had proved otherwise, as they settled into their journey of friendship, courtship, and then... Essence.  Out of a protective instinct, Ana Sage Spirit, wanted Lydia to be safe from Stone’s family afflictions.  Ana focused on that fact, so great that it blinded her to Stone’s pure affections for Lydia.  Ana could see it now.  Soul ties have a way of strengthening if not released.  Stone had a hold on Lydia the moment they met. Now, strength was rising up in both Lydia and Stone for their love of one another and the botanical world.

The wedding took place in a meadow on the land of Sam’s Farm & Garden, in the  Sanctuary’s fields. Lydia and Stone were in the process of purchasing the business from the owner.  Poor Sam’s health was failing him, and he could no longer hold down the business.  When it was up for sale, Stone approached Lydia with a wild idea.  It was during one of their date nights in her quiet space at The Sanctuary that he unfolded the vision to her.  Pouring her a glass of wine, Stone asked carefully, Honey, do you still have the desire to own an herbal farm where you can teach classes and garden your days away?

Smiling suspiciously, Lydia answered with a drawn-out "Yes.  Where is this going, Mr. Shiye?"

I saw a man leaving the farm today in a real estate vehicle.  Curiosity overtook me, so I knocked on Sam’s door.  We had a nice long visit; I must’ve been there for a good two hours.  We talked of his health, his age, and his plans to sell the farm. 

Sam is selling the farm—business, land, and all? Lydia was shocked.

He is, Liddy. Stone sat down next to her on the window seat.  I know your vision, and I think you may remember mine.  Do you remember?

Lydia recalled his words from her memory, repeating Stone’s hopes of the past, You want to teach men how to be men... Godly, hard working men.  Since you lost your parents at a young age, you feel the need to mentor others.  You’ve talked about teaching young guys the value of work ethic, integrity, and living a life of faith.

That’s right, honey.  Dream with me now. Do you think we could combine our heart’s calls?  If we bought old Sam’s Farm, we’d have a home, land, and work all in one!

Lydia sat clinking her wineglass with her engagement ring, mulling over the idea.  Well, I thought once we married, we planned on living in my cabin and working until we had enough money to build onto it.

Yes, we had a tentative plan, darling, but this new opportunity has presented itself!  I realize we’d need to take out a hefty loan, but I think it is a wise life investment for us. Stone grabbed her hand.  You have a look of worry. What do you doubt about this idea?

You know I love the farm. I’d hate to see the land sold and have our crops and The Sanctuary turned into something else!  That would make my heart sink.  But I had it set in my mind that our home would be in the Colorado mountains.  Would there be any way they could sell us the land and business only and not the house?

Stone sighed and scratched his head, then dropped his arm around Lydia.  If you are not ready to make a move, then our home will be in the comfort of your cabin in the Colorado mountains, dear.  We could rent out the farmhouse to our employees... just a thought.

I like that idea.  We can rent the house, but own the land and build the business.  We could give Sam’s Farm and Garden a new name too!  What do you think about that?

Why not go with what we know it as?  The Sanctuary.  I can turn the lodge into more than a break room. We can create a space for your herbal classes, and we will make it a welcoming environment to learn so others can experience the peace of this place.

If you are as serious as you sound about this, we need to pray on it, come to an agreement in all the details, and if we both feel at peace with it all... we need to get a big loan. Distress suddenly overtook Lydia’s tanned face. I am not looking forward to that part of the dream. It’s a lot to take on as newlyweds.  She tucked on her amber strands with nervousness.

Stone sat beside his wife to be, so close she was nearly in his lap, and said confidently with his forehead touching hers, We can do it. We are strong enough to make this dream come to life!

Chapter 2 ‒ Raya Shiye

(North ‒California)

RAYA TOOK A FULL BREATH of the California air, knowing that soon she would step away from Bastyr University and into the workforce.  She had one more year left and she would dedicate it to interning. Finishing most of her clinical training at