31 Return of Inner Fire
The New England Herbary
Return of Inner Fire is a quiet Imbolc offering for anyone feeling worn thin by late winter — when the world feels loud, the days still feel heavy, and hope can seem fragile. In this long-form episode, we step into the old Celtic threshold of Imbolc, the season of hearth fires and becoming. Together, we explore the wisdom of tending what cannot yet be seen — hope without proof, warmth without urgency, and the steady return of inner light....
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30 When the World Seems Loud
The New England Herbary
The past weeks—and months—have felt especially heavy. Even something as simple as checking the weather can quickly turn into being flooded with difficult news and unsettling headlines. At times, it can feel like there’s no quiet place to rest our attention. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. And while we can’t completely step away from the world, we can choose moments of pause. I created this video as one of those moments—a gentle space to sit, listen, and be softly guided back to ourselves. A moment to...
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29 A Cozy Yule Gathering
The New England Herbary
In this special seasonal episode of The New England Herbary Podcast, you’re invited into A Cozy Yule Gathering — a slow, reflective journey through the traditions, plants, and quiet wisdom of the Winter Solstice. Together, we explore the ancient celebration of Yule and the longest night of the year, reflecting on how our ancestors marked this turning point with fire, evergreens, shared meals, and simple herbal comforts. You’ll learn about the enduring symbolism and practical uses of evergreen allies like juniper, white pine, and cedar, and why they became powerful...
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28 Samhain
The New England Herbary
Exploring the Thin Veil – Mugwort and Dream Work for Samhain As the veil thins and the season shifts, we enter a time for remembering, dreaming, and listening to the whispers between worlds. In this reflective episode, I share the ancient roots of Samhain, explore the sacred symbolism of dreams, and introduce you to Mugwort — one of the most powerful herbs of the season. You'll hear stories, folklore, and a gentle dream ritual you can try at home. Whether you're honoring loved ones, navigating your own transformation, or simply longing for deeper rest, this episode is a quiet invitation to...
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27 Agrimony- The Herb that Teaches Us When to Remove the Mask
The New England Herbary
Have you ever smiled while your heart was breaking? In this episode, Brenda J. Sullivan explores the quiet wisdom of agrimony, an herb long associated with hidden sorrow and emotional healing. Through personal story, folklore, and herbal insight, she invites listeners to reflect on the “cheerful mask” we often wear and what it means to take it off. From Anglo-Saxon sleep charms to the plant’s modern uses for tension and emotional release, Brenda shares how agrimony shows up as both metaphor and medicine. Settle in with a warm cup of tea and join her for a soulful exploration of grief,...
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26 Healing the Wounded Warrior: A Soul Journey with Chiron, Akashic Records & Herbal Rituals
The New England Herbary
Picture by AI In today’s special episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and co-facilitator Heather Whitehouse—an intuitive healer and Akashic Records practitioner—for a heartfelt conversation on healing our inner wounded warrior through astrology, soul memory, and plant rituals. Picture used with permission from Heather Whitehouse[/caption] We’re sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our upcoming workshop, Healing the Wounded Warrior: Chiron, the Akashic Records & Herbal Remedies, which will be held on Friday, April 25th, at Eclipse Holistic Living in...
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25 Herbs for Renewal & Vitality
The New England Herbary
Today’s episode is about renewal, and how herbs can support your body as we move from winter’s stillness into the energy of spring. We’ll discuss how spring affects our bodies energetically and physically, how traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view this season, and, of course, which herbs can help you align with the season of growth, clarity, and movement. My little friend Chippy is awake and out of this den. This is Grey, they like to eat breakfast together. 🐿️ ❤️ Barred Owl - at neighbor's house. 🦉 I built the beehive, and it's ready to be...
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24 - The Herbalist’s New Year - Preparing for the Spring Equinox
The New England Herbary
Today's episode is really special because we're diving deep into the Spring Equinox – not just as a date on the calendar but as a pivotal moment for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Links Mentioned: 🌿 Join My Patreon Community! 🌿 Love the podcast? Dive deeper into herbal wisdom, seasonal rituals, and exclusive content by joining my Patreon! ✨ As a member, you'll get: ✔ Monthly herbal & lunar insights 🌙 ✔ Exclusive DIY recipes & printable guides 📜 ✔ Free replays of online classes 🎥 ✔ Bi-annual personalized herbal consultations...
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Herbs and Planets - Creating Balance through Herbal Wisdom
The New England Herbary
Today, I want to talk about how astrology and herbs can help us stay grounded and balanced. Whether you’ve faced personal challenges or you just feel overwhelmed by everyday life, creating intentional routines with herbs and astrology has been a game-changer for me. It’s not about treating a specific ailment—it’s about aligning with natural energies and finding balance in your well-being. Throughout today’s episode, I’ll walk you through: The four elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—and their significance in astrology. How these elements show up in herbs and how you can use...
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22 Aphrodisiacs Do They Work?
The New England Herbary
Valentine's Day is just a couple of days away, and this show is about the holiday from a woman's perspective, whether you are in a relationship or not. I've been married for almost 30 years, and I want to put the holiday into perspective. My friends and I discuss the unrealistic expectations set by society and the impact they can have on mental health. The greeting card industry created Valentine's Day as a marketing ploy and its history, including the concept of aphrodisiacs. Brenda's guest mentions that she creates boundaries for herself and celebrates the holiday in a more meaningful...
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Return of Inner Fire is a quiet Imbolc offering for anyone feeling worn thin by late winter — when the world feels loud, the days still feel heavy, and hope can seem fragile.
In this long-form episode, we step into the old Celtic threshold of Imbolc, the season of hearth fires and becoming. Together, we explore the wisdom of tending what cannot yet be seen — hope without proof, warmth without urgency, and the steady return of inner light.
You’ll hear reflections on:
- Imbolc folklore and the enduring presence of Brigid, keeper of the hearth and the forge
- The illuminating energy of the Full Moon, and what it reveals in winter
- Herbal allies for this season of quiet restoration — rosemary for morning clarity, moringa for deep nourishment, and oatstraw and chamomile for evening calm
- A cozy original story, The Inner Flame, reminding us that the fire never truly goes out — it simply becomes an ember, waiting to be tended
This episode is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and remember:
You do not have to bloom yet.
You only need to keep the fire.
If you’d like to stay connected through seasonal letters, herbal teachings, and gentle companionship, you can find links in the show notes.
Thank you for listening — and may your inner flame burn steady through the turning of the year.
🌿 Herbs & Favorite Tools
(affiliate links — thank you for supporting this work)
Herbs featured in this story:
1. Moringa Leaf
2. Milky Oats / Oat Tops
3. Tulsi / Holy Basil
4. Chamomile
5. Lavender
My favorite tea-making tools:
BAYKA French Press Coffee Maker,
Cold Brew Coffee Filter for Wide Mouth Mason Jar,
Heat proof wide mouth mason jars
Bookstore - Brenda J. Sullivan Books
https://www.brendajsullivanbooks.com/
🌱 My Garden Journal – A How-To Garden Book for Kids
Because every gardener starts with a single seed — and a little curiosity.
My Garden Journal is part how-to guide, part creative keepsake, designed to help children (and their grown-ups) learn the basics of growing food and flowers while documenting their journey.
Inside you’ll find:
- Simple planting guidance
- Space for drawings, photos, and notes
- Imaginative themed gardens (Harry Potter Herb Garden, Young Chef’s Garden, Monarch Butterfly Garden)
Perfect for homeschooling families, budding herbalists, and anyone who wants to grow confidence by growing plants.
✨ You’ll be amazed at how much you — and your garden — grow when you take time to journal the journey.
🌿 Work With Me
🌙 Herbal Consultations (Now Open)
Root your wellness in the wisdom of the plants — and the stars.
My one-on-one consultations offer gentle, grounded guidance rooted in traditional herbalism, vitalist principles, and (if you wish) astrology. Each session begins with listening.
👉 Learn more here:
https://mailchi.mp/351efb18cd6b/one-on-one-consultations-landing-page
🌿 Join Me on Patreon
Support this work and receive exclusive herbal & holistic content
✨ Membership includes:
✔ Monthly herbal & lunar insights
✔ DIY recipes & printable guides
✔ Free class replays
✔ Bi-annual personalized herbal consultations (Tier 3)
Membership can be as little as a cup of coffee ☕️
👉 Join here:
♈ FREE Zodiac Herbs Guide
Unlock the secrets of personalized wellness with my free Zodiac Herbs Guide.
https://www.brendajsullivanteach.com/zodiacherbguidefreebieor
☕ Buy Me a Cup of Tea
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https://buymeacoffee.com/thompsonstg
🎶 Music Credits
A heartfelt thank you to Alexander Nakarada for the music featured in this story.
I am a Patreon supporter of Alexander’s work.
🎼 Song: Planning - 320bit - September 5, 2021
🔗 https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/
🌿 Stay Connected
Website:
https://thenewenglandherbary.com/
Youtube:
https://youtube.com/@thenewenglandherbary?si=f7_MB0XEz0vn0Xr
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https://thompsonstreetfarm.com/
💬 I’d love to hear how this story landed for you. Feel free to share your reflections in the comments.