Plant Medicine: Esperanzas (Tecoma stans)

Holding hope in turmoil

Hi, friend! It’s been awhile. Lately I’ve found myself punctuating my thoughts with deep, exasperated sighs. Times are TOUGH if you have empathy for others in this world we’re living in. If you’re feeling agitated, overwhelmed, or exhausted, you’re in great company. We’re not in the realm of pretty, curated healing anymore. Instead, the world is firmly shaking us by the shoulders, yelling at us (through tears) to share any shred of magic or heart that we can. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you’re not ready. It doesn’t matter if you’re worried people won’t like it. We don’t have time for self-doubt or anxiety. The world is demanding that we stop procrastinating. So dig deep, buttercup, and find the courage to share your most glorious, imperfect self. It’ll be messy, and activating, but it’ll save us.

My own deep, inner well of magic has always been plant spirit connection. It’s easy for me to connect to plant spirits and understand the healing energies they’re offering us. In the realm of Curanderismo, traditional folk healing in Mexico, there are gifted healers that combine spiritual healing and plant medicine. I am proud to walk this path that my great grandmothers and other ancestors walked before me. So from now on, I’m going to write energetic profiles of the plants that are reaching out to help all of us. I hope that these profiles will enrich your own practice, bring you healing, and offer you simple ways to connect to the plant medicine around you.

Plant Ally Partner: Esperanzas, Tecoma stans.

During the height of summer, Esperanzas rise up like brilliant beacons of sunlight. They are native to the Americas, including central Texas. Because they are drought tolerant perennials that have an incredibly long blooming season from spring until late autumn, they’re often used in landscaping.

Esperanza means “hope” in Spanish and Esperanzas offer us that energy in spades. It’s nearly impossible to hold onto darkness when you’re in the presence of their gorgeous blooms. During times with heightened energetic intensity, I’ve often sought out their hopeful, cheery energy. Each time I sit with them, I am reminded that no matter how bleak things might look, beauty still exists. They’re the physical embodiment of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

One other note. My late grandmother loved Esperanzas. I didn’t find out they were her favorite flower until after she passed away. Even though I wasn’t aware of her connection with them, I had included them in several grief offerings to the land. During those experiences with them, I found their energy to be uplifting in a way that didn’t ask me to set aside my grief. If you are dealing with profound sadness, Esperanzas can give you a quiet strength to sit with it without being totally consumed.

Connecting with Esperanzas: A Simple Ritual to invite hope into your situation

Here’s a simple way to invite their energy into your life. Find some Esperanza flowers or any other bright yellow blooms. After asking for their permission, take some cuttings and put them into a vase or bowl. Hold the intention of welcoming their healing energy into your life. Then, tell the flowers what’s on your mind. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with them. For example, if you’re concerned about a relationship- tell them about your man/woman/partner and ask them to offer you hope. Once you’re done sharing, imagine that the flowers are sending you energy. You can imagine that energy as a sphere of light, or rays of sunshine. Offer the plants gratitude for helping you, and leave the flowers somewhere you can see them. Know that the plants are offering you healing even if you can’t perceive it.

Repeat this affirmation: I am hopeful. I am loved. I am safe.