In this episode, I’m joined by land steward, farmer, and ethnobotanist Aleya Fraser for a rich conversation about ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and the deep connections between land, community, and purpose.

We talk about how Aleya’s  journey from aspiring medical professional to full-time grower was shaped by a dream and rooted in the teachings of elders. Together, we explore the role of food as medicine, how spirituality shows up in farming and herbalism, and how storytelling helps pass down cultural and plant knowledge through generations.

This conversation touches on:

- The importance of elders and intergenerational wisdom

- Farming as a spiritual practice and form of resilience

- The connection between feminine energy and land stewardship

- How plants like elderflower carry ancestral stories across cultures

- Gardening and herbalism as tools for healing and climate adaptation

Whether you’re a gardener, herbalist, or simply curious about the intersection of culture, plants, and purpose—this episode offers inspiration and insight into what it means to live in relationship with the earth and our ancestry.

🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc 

🔗 Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/ 

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MY ONLINE COURSES

🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres  🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram

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References and Resources:

Book, “Caribbean Herbalism: Traditional Wisdom and Modern Herbal Healing by Aleya Fraser - https://amzn.to/45pZROP

Aleya’s Website: https://www.caribbeanherbalism.com/

Follow Aleya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturaleya/

Octavia Butler - “Parable of the Sower” book - parable of the sower octavia butler summary

Benjamin Banneker - https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2025/02/26/the-extraordinary-benjamin-banneker/

Harriet Tubman “Aunties” Farm - https://www.theaunties.farm/

Google Search - “Fermented Plant Juices”

Stella Natura Planting Calendar 2025 - https://spikenardfarm.org/product/stella-natura-calendar/

Korean Natural Farming Basics - https://www.motherearthgardener.com/organic-gardening/korean-natural-farming-basics-zm0z20uzbut/

CHAPTERS - Storytelling, Soil & Spirit: How Elders and Plants Guide Our Purpose

00:00 Begins

00:34 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine  

02:10 Exploring Roots and Heritage  

03:54 The Journey to Farming and Herbalism  

06:26 The Role of Elders in Learning  

08:42 Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life  

09:10 The Power of Place and Ancestry  

12:38 Connecting Through Plants  

14:35 Technical Difficulties and Transitioning to Goddess Worship  

14:35 Exploring Neolithic Goddess Worship and Ancestral Connections  

17:47 Land-Based Practices and Feminine Energy in Farming  

20:23 The Power of Storytelling in Teaching and Connection  

23:47 Gardening Tips and Ancestral Wisdom in Plant Medicine