Manzanita Flower Essence

Latin: Arctostaphyos manzanita

Color(s): White to pink

Archetype: The Fertility Goddess, Venus of Willendorf. Revered as the embodiment of sacred cycles of life and death, her emblem of fertility—a full, round body, pregnant with the possibility of new life and creativity—was the hallmark of ancient matriarchal societies—a timeless, symbolic representation of the Universal Mother Goddess.

Plant Signature: An evergreen with crooked deep reddish purple branches, silvery-green leaves and white to pink bell-like flowers. Its tiny fruit, resembling apples, turn from white to deep red.

Healing Message: The Venus of Willendorf and the dancing Goddess figures in Manzanita tree greet you, honoring the feminine spirit that resides with you. You are being mirrored by the Universal Mother who asks that you see yourself as she sees you - as an incarnation of divinity. Perhaps you need to tap your roots a bit closer to the Earth in order that you may fully take pleasure in your glorious body. As your body cycles through its many seasons, contemplate the Manzanita as a symbol of feminine transformation: its bark peels from its lovely branches after its ripened fruit has fallen to Earth, and like the snake, it then begins a new cycle of rejuvenation. The female body is nature's treasure, for without Her many symbolic deaths and regenerations, humanity would surely perish. We must once again learn to respect our female bodies, nourish them well, and love them fully, if we are to honor the Great Goddess who gives Her abundant Love to all.

Manzanita offers the wisdom of Goddess lore,
The beautiful roots of Her ancient core.
My body sings as I dance Her Truth,
My body is beautiful in age and youth.