October Ink Palette

I’ve been using a monthly palette when working on my ink landscapes. I love working seasonally with what is available to me right outside my door. October’s palette was:

Japanese Maple

Red Leaves collected during my walks

Marigold

Passion Flower Vine

Walnut

Rose of Sharon

Pokeweed

Sage

I also enjoy learning about the meanings of the flowers/herbs/plants that I use. I believe there is a reason I choose the plants I work with so after I select them, I like to learn their meanings and/or uses to expand my knowledge. I’m hoping to also start a Herbarium on the plants I use and can’t wait to share that process with you.

Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple is associated with peace and serenity of the world’s elements, representing balance and practicality.

Calm
Rest
At peace
Beauty
Abundant blessings
Serenity
Magnificence
The arrival of Autumn

Red Leaves collected during my walks

I’m not entirely sure what kind of leaves I collected during my walks. At the time, I was more enchanted with the color shifts of the leaves than I was in learning what trees they came from. Coming from an energetic meaning, the color red represents:

Power
Energy
Vitality
Dominance
Action
Assertion
Creation
Survival
Passion

When a spiritual sign that is red appears in your life, it usually means that you are ready to take action on a new goal or project that you may have been putting off.

Red relates to the Root Chakra which correlates to the kidneys, bladder, vertebrae, hips and legs.

Marigold

Ah Marigold. I have learned so much from this plant recently. She spoke to me the most this garden season. Also known by its Latin name, Calendula, this flower reduces inflammation, aids in healing minor injuries and can be used as an antiseptic.

Life
Sun
Death
Lifts the Spirits
Encourages cheerfulness

Passion Flower Vine

Long representing Jesus’ crucifixion. Purity and Heaven.

Related to the Crown Chakra
Connects us to our Higher Self
Enhances clairvoyance
Helps dispel emotional confusion

Walnut

I have a TON of walnuts around our house and I already knew there was color there since just picking them up off the ground will stain your fingers. It was an easy go-to when first starting to experiment.

Discernment- We must rely on our inner ability to discern between the forces that will help us and those that won’t.
By improving our own sense of worth and having faith in ourselves, we will be better equipped to discern our next step.
Gathering of energy to begin a new project

Rose of Sharon

It's the flower of joy.

Restores intuition + purity of the heart
Connects us to Consciousness Energy
Uplifting in times of sadness + exhaustion
Eases the burdens of responsibility + feelings of deep fatigue

Pokeweed

Pokeweed is typically categorized as a weed but many gardeners let it grow because the plant is quite beautifully colored with deep purple berries that birds love to eat. While birds can eat the berries,I typically read that humans shouldn’t. Though, I have heard of people making jam with the berries and cooking the young leaves for a side dish. Pokeweed is considered toxic so I won’t be eating any part of this plant!

Used to combat inflammation
Used to break hexes and protection against negative influences

Sage

Used both in the kitchen and apothecary, I love adding sage to my soup stocks, burning dried leaves to cleanse the air, and using the herb in my elderberry syrups.