Planting Joy by Cindy McGonagle Currently, the energies surrounding the planet are emphasizing the need to establish a closer kinship with the earth, beginning with the land you on which you live, whether you own it or not. It is time to realize that your energy not only radiates outward to the neighborhood where you live, but also back down into the very earth of your property. Over the past several years, I have worked closely with a group of local nature spirits (beings of light responsible for helping to keep the earth's energies in balance and harmony). Most of what I have learned about co-creating with the earth is through my work in the garden. On the devic level, there is a synchronicity that brings about a state of balance with each season of the year. To be in sync with this energy, one needs only to state a heartfelt desire to be connected with it. Gardening has never been more fun and easy since I've become part of the co-creation process. Once you incorporate this practice, you will never go back to wanting to control and manipulate everything in the garden again. The friendship and level of joy I feel from working directly with these mostly invisible fairies, nature devas, and gnomes goes beyond anything words can fully express. My gardening skills have become fine-tuned to the rhythm of nature. Telepathically, I am reminded of all gardening priorities. All the "what, where, and when" to plant questions are answered in perfect balance with the energy of the upcoming season. By opening your heart to a deeper connection with this realm of nature spirits you, too, can become a partner with the earth and to the raising of the earth's vibrations. The intent upon which you focus co-creates the effects you have upon the land where you live. To communicate with the nature spirits of your home and garden, ask the highest-ranking nature spirit to come forth and give you a message of how to plant joy in the earth. Say the words, "Hello, I am _________ (state your name out loud). Could you please share with me the color or colors that will bring more joy into my home?" Listen for the very first thoughts into your mind. These are the telepathic responses from the devic kingdom. Try it again. This time, ask, "Which flowers add to this joy?" Make a note of the responses you get. This is a very basic example of co-creating with the energy of the kingdom of nature spirits. According to the nature devas, planting the following colors for 1998 will bring about a renewed sense of love for the earth: Red flowers bring more passion into your life. Yellow flowers bring enhanced communication with all beings of earth. White-flowering plants help to establish stability and a peaceful state on your property and in your home. Blue-flowering plants help to stimulate your clairvoyant and intuitive abilities. Pink flowers evoke compassion with you and your surroundings. These are a few of the ways to plant specific colors to enhance the vibrations of your home and life. There is a very special power, an energetic field of resonance that a flower radiates. First, observe the color combinations of the bloom; they are in perfect balance. If you could hear the tones given off by the colors as nature spirits do, you would understand an even greater relationship between the insect and plant kingdoms. It is known that the colors of flowers attract the pollinators. Yet, according to the nature devas, it is the vibration of the color hues that are broadcast as harmonics (similar to musical notes), carrying the sounds great distances to attract their pollinators. Now is the time to start planting joy in your garden. Try to communicate telepathically with the nature spirits of your property by stating simple questions and listening intuitively for the answers. Take to heart the answers your receive as true. Your deeper appreciation of nature and your willingness to be open to a new level of communication with the nature spirits of your land will greatly expand your partnership with the earth. The more you enjoy merging with the land where you live, the more magic and fun your planting experience will become. Remember to bless each plant with love, light, and joy. Happy gardening! Cindy McGonagle is a horticulturist and the author of two books, Garden Notes from the Nature Devas and Queen D's Fairy Recipe Book. She has been designing and building habitat displays for zoos, museums, and botanical gardens for the past 24 years. Call (360) 754-9249 for more info or write to P.O. Box 40806, Portland, OR 97240.