Welcome to the very first episode of Ritual Herbalism, a podcast devoted to exploring how we heal in relationship with the Earth, our ancestors, and ourselves. Every episode will invite us to slow down, tune in and remember our place within nature’s rhythm.

In this episode, The Song Beneath the Soil, I’m joined by Jenna Faccenda—Twin Star’s beloved office goddess and a gifted herbalist in her own right—as we explore what it means to emerge, transform, and reclaim our voice.

Episode Themes: Cicadas, Pluto, and the Voice Within

Right now in Western North Carolina, the Earth is alive with the sound of 17-year cicadas—ancient beings who spend most of their lives underground, only to rise in chorus. At the same time, Pluto is in retrograde, ushering us into a season of introspection, personal excavation, and powerful transformation.

This episode explores:

* The symbolism of cicadas and what they teach us about timing, emergence, and ancestral rhythm

* The energy of Pluto retrograde and its invitation to uncover, release, and rise

* The power of voice as medicine, and how speaking truth is a form of healing

* The medicine of Black Cohosh flower essence, a powerful plant ally for shadow work and rebirth

* What it means to walk the path of ritual herbalism, attuned to nature’s cycles and the deeper currents within

Plant Ally: Black Cohosh

In this episode, we journey with Black Cohosh, a native Appalachian plant that germinates underground for nearly a decade before flowering. Its flower essence holds medicine for those navigating deep inner transformation, grief, or suppressed truths. It helps us:

* Move through the shadows with clarity and strength

* Reclaim silenced parts of ourselves

* Support emotional release and emergence

If you’re drawn to flower essences or curious to learn more, we invite you to explore our courses below.

Ritual Invitation

Sit with a plant. Listen.

Ask: What do you want to teach me about emergence?

Or journal with the prompt:

What voice within you is ready to rise and be heard?

Learn with Us

We are currently accepting students into both of our flower essence programs:

* The Art of Flower Essence Therapy A self-paced foundational course open for enrollment anytime—perfect for anyone feeling called to begin or deepen their journey with flower essences.

* Flower Essence Practitioner Training A professional-level program beginning this November. Registration is now open!

Step into a relationship with the plants, the land, and your own healing journey. We’d be honored to walk with you.

Thank you for being here for this first step. May this episode support your emergence, your voice, and your reconnection with your own medicine. If you liked the episode, please share with your friends, subscribe to Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review!

Want to go deeper?

Join us at Twin Star Tribe to explore the art of ritual herbalism, energetic plant medicine, and ancestral healing. Our online and in-person offerings are here to support your journey—whether you're just beginning or deepening your path with the plants.

Come be part of a growing community rooted in Earth wisdom, sacred remembrance, and collective transformation. Visit our website and step into the circle. We’d be honored to welcome you.

Disclaimer and release of liability: information and services provided on this website, by Lauren “Lupo” Passero and by Twin Star Herbal Education and Shakti Exchange LLC are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any medical condition and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information provided on this website and during all classes, programs, and trips are for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit twinstartribe.substack.com