Nathanial.Dread said:
but for now, I'm not comfortable opening myself up to that spirit. Putting my soul on it's operating table seems like quite the gamble.
Do I sound nuts yet?
Naw you don't sound nuts, not to me at least. I always think of plants this way, psychoactive and non. I believe that plants have a certain degree of intelligence - even and up to a soul or spirit. This is the traditional attitude humans seem to have towards plants - by traditional I mean our deep traditions rather than cultural traditions. There is nothing crazy about it, even if it isn't "true"
per se. I mean, the mere fact that plants MOVE - some immediately like my new friend Mimosa pudica - would likely indicate to the pattern-recognition engine that is the human brain that there is some cognition going on. This may be fallacious, but even if it is it doesn't really change much. There is the doctine of Bokonon, Which is that a belief shouldn't be judged by its "trueness" but by its effects on a person. If this belief in the consciousness of plant leads one to be more nurturing and respectful towards the plants, the it is a good belief - regardless of whether or not is actually is so.
And besides, there is a modest body of evidence for at least rudimentary forms of consciousness is plants.
And to be honest I don't know how I stand on the question of the
nature of the potential consciousness possessed by the solanaceous nation of plants. On the one hand, they are among the most useful families of plants for humanity - so many of our cultivated foods, herbs, spices, and medicines are in the family making them one of the most
ethnobotanical families. But on the other hand, it is a family so full of poisons - many of the rogues and felons of the plant world are included in the species - this family puts a lot of effort into self-defence.
From the majority of reports, I would surmise that No, it is likely not a good idea to go toe-to-toe with any Datura. Not without an ally at least.
Back to the gardening list! -
I located a specimen of Desmanthus illinoisensis (sp?), and since have found it to be a rather common plant in my area, within its "home-range". I am going to wait for seeds to form and collect!
Also, the mimosa pudica around here are flowering (beautiful!), so I should have some seeds soon enough. The cuttings I took seem to be almost dead, but I've seen plants come back from that state. Feeding with a seaweed-based fert that is supposed to stimulate root production.
And finally I acquired some Passiflora caerulea seed!
Sorry for hijacking, if I did indeed hijack!
