The Mortgage Lifter is a tomato plant. (See the link for the fascinating story behind this tomato’s origin, and how it got its unusual name.)

Let me explain— I studied herbal medicine for a year at Sacred Plant Traditions. The study focused on science, physiology, botany, but also on the spiritual aspects of plant medicine. And one of the skills I learned was “journeying” to connect with the spirit of the plant.

The plant journey begins with observing the plant very closely. Drawing the plant is a good way to maintain focus on every detail.

drawing

Then you thank the plant, and give it a gift (they like our hair).

You can go indoors at this point if you want, or part company with the plant. Then you get comfortable, put on some trancey drums or other music, and ask to meet the spirit of the plant. The whole process takes 30-40 minutes. Write it all down when you’re done.

The Mortgage lifter showed me a tribal scene, with people dancing, and a painted black man beating drums. It was a scene of motion and vibrancy. The spirit first appeared to me as a flash of yellow/red light, like fire. There was a rush of excitement as we travelled through the tunnels of the plant’s stems and the sections of the fruit. I felt a lightness in my heart, and my jaw relaxed.

photo

It’s smart like Radiator Charlie, the man who first bred it. Definitely southern, a “redneck” tomato, tough and proud in the face of adversity. But I am reminded of the wild tribal aspect underpinning its persona too.

“I’m red to help you open the base chakra, the passion centers. Remember how sexy I am.” I see an image of beautiful, red juicy slices of tomato, its sensuous bulges and curves inviting us to indulge and enjoy with abandon.

Ooh baby.