Author: Alison Price – Published: July 2024

Forest Bathing

Botanical Gardens

This week I went to a botanical garden near my home.

It is full summer here and the plants, shrubs and trees were in full bloom.

The weather was so warm and almost hot.

I walked the winding paths and sat on a few benches strategically placed for contemplation.

I’d first come across the idea of forest bathing last year.

Forest Bathing

To forest bathe means to immerse yourself in a woodland or forest where big trees grow and can touch each other high above in the canopy.

Here the noise of traffic is nonexistent or at least deadened.

It’s a way to decouple from the digital world and soak up some nature.

alison-on-a-bench-in-the-ubc-botanical-garden

The City

I live in a big city and call myself a city slicker.

Even when I visit my friend and astrologer who lives further up the coast I comically say, “City mouse is visiting country mouse.”

Yes, there are parks in downtown, but not ones where the canopy joins together as it does in the botanical gardens.

Looking up towards the canopy where the trees join together.

12th House

Astrologically I believe that withdrawing and rejuvenating is a 12th house activity.

This is where you pray, take a bubble bath and now, yes, forest bathe.

See, cleansing and bathing go on in the 12th.

At the moment the Sun is transiting my final house so it just seems the right thing to do.

I enjoyed the few hours I spent in the garden.

I’ve took a couple of photos to show you what I mean.

There was even a “Moon gate” which ran under a main road.

I feel good that I managed to honour my 12th house in this simple way.

Grid Art

This week I created a simple grid art journal page in line and wash that is focused on leaves.

Creative art practice like this does not have to be complicated.

I hope to explore some more downtime activities in the next few weeks and make the most of the spotlight on my quiet 12th house.

A page from my sketchbook showing 12 grid art sketches titled “Leaves”.

Wellbeing

The state of wellbeing is one that I will explore more in my work.

It is the seventh highest part of the astrology I practice.

Below is a simple chart to show how I think about wellbeing coupled with self-care and astrology.

And for those of you paying attention, yes, it aligns with the chakras and the visible planets.

Alison Price: Creator and Astrologer

Alison Price brings astrology down to earth and gives it room to play. Her approach combines solid astrological knowledge with curiosity, creativity and a healthy dose of humour. Through Create, Alison brings astrology to life with journal pages, drawing, colour and creative projects. Through Explore, she connects astrology with travel, places and the experiences that make life interesting. Alison offers Astrological Consultations and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

Reach Alison at [email protected].

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