Artemisia is the name of the plant genus, often associated with the moon, dreaming, heightened perception and the feminine principle. These plants have been an important presence on my journey. This genus includes powerful plant allies such as Mugwort, Wormwood, Sagebrush, Coastal Mugwort and many other species that characteristically have silvery foliage and potent aromatics. The name ‘Artemisia’ originates from the Greek goddess Artemis. She is known as the goddess of the moon and of the hunt. Said to be the protector of women, children, and of all things wild, Artemis explores the dark forest landscapes holding her strength while also making room for experiencing the senses and for playfulness. These energies guide me to support others through the dark places and invite strength, playfulness, and embodiment on the journey of life.
Celine Cuevas
a medical herbalist, earth tender, herb grower, medicine maker, and dreamer
I grew up on Unseeded Coast Salish lands, what is also known as the west coast of British Columbia. Inspired by the vibrancy of this land, I learned to foster a love and appreciation for nature. Coming from an immigrant family with Spanish, Croatian, and French heritage, I had the opportunity throughout my life to connect with the culture of my ancestors. Plants, food, and living with the land was a very big part of where my family comes from. My grandparents grew fig trees in the back yard in Vancouver and my grandmother picked herbs from the garden to dry and store for later use. In Spain, my grandparents had lemon trees in their court yard and would still fetch delicious drinking water from the well.
Although, plants and the “old ways” were a part of my life growing up, my journey with plant medicines really began when I decided to return to my ancestral lands in Europe. I was living in Marseille and grew a small vegetable garden and became so inspired to learn more. I began formal training in Angers, France where I received my degree as a Horticulture Technician. During my apprenticeship at a 3rd generation, family run nursery, I learnt about the folk uses of medicinals from a local elder. I began using plants like garden sage, mint, and thyme to assist with every day ailments. I also spent some time on a biodynamic herb farm and was introduced to the esoteric side/the spirit of plants. Something deep had awakened in me and I was eager to learn more.
After 5 years of living in France, I returned to Canada where I began a deep dive into herbal medicine. I attended Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC, graduating with a Diploma in Phytotherapy and 500+ hours of herbal clinical training, while also running my own business as a landscaper and gardener. During my 5 years of study, I inevitably embarked on my own healing journey. And the plants — were there to guide me.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. My dedication to the path of healing and plants has me continuously engaging in personal practices of inner, spiritual work and cultivating my knowledge of plants with various teachers. After graduating as a clinical herbalist, I have gone on to expand my field of study into animistic healing practices of ancient Europe, eco-depth psychology, and indigenous dreaming practices.
And of course, I am continuously learning from the plants themselves
Within my practice I weave together all these teachings to incorporate a truly holistic approach to healing. These tools help me guide and assist you in listening to the needs of your body, mind AND spirit. My goal is to help people feel empowered about their lives and health by developing deeper relationships with plants and with themselves.
Territory Acknowledgement
As a herbalist it is important for me to acknowledge and understand the context in which I am practicing and engaging with the plants (and all of the earth). Currently I have the privilege to reside and practice on the lands of the St’at’mic Nations, made up of eleven distinct and self governing communities. More specifically I spend my time on the lands of the Lil’Wat Nation and the N’Quatqua peoples. I acknowledge that I am an uninvited guest of Southern and Eastern European ancestry and that these lands are unceded and stolen land. It is an honour to be alive on these lands, in a time where we are all being asked to heal the wounds of the past, inflicted by generations of cross-cultural oppression. I am dedicated to continued learning about the history of these lands and the people, both the painful and the beautiful. As well as deepening my connection to my own ancestry in hopes of approaching these lands and the people with a solid understanding of where I come from. I am dedicated to learning ways in which I can further help to dismantle the colonization that lives within society as well as within my own psyche so I can live in reciprocity with the land and the peoples that have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have been immersed in deep learning with the medicine of plants. I acknowledge the responsibility that comes with carrying this knowledge: to tend and care for the land and to be diligent about not promoting or sharing information that is not mine to share. I promise to do my part to protect the plants, waters, and animals of these lands and that my practices do not add any greater harm. I will always be mindful when approaching the land, asking permission, taking time to observe the environment, listening and paying close attention to the signs giving me a clear “yes” or “no”. I understand that the first peoples of this land have been cultivating a direct relationship with the land and the local plants since time immemorial. And that these lands are woven into cultural, spiritual, and every day livelihood. When I approach the land and the plants, I am holding these understandings close to my heart and doing my best to act and walk in the most respectful way. Furthermore, I open myself to learning how I can do better.
