Oak and Tansy

This month, I have been concentrating on getting my PhD thesis up to a level that I am somewhat happy with (chapter structure etc.). We are also in the process of looking for a new home which is very stressful indeed. I did, however make time to write an article for the Pagans of The North magazine, of which the summer solstice edition can be found at this link . My article explores the wonderfully rich folklore of the Oak Tree and includes a ritual for drawing out illness from one’s body and how to determine if a relationship is worth investing in. One simple ritual I am particularly drawn to at the moment is the oak leaf foot bath which can guide one along an unclear path (simply add some oak leaves to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet).

In terms of conferences, I have attended and spoken at the Talk About Teaching 2026 Conference at York St John University during which I spoke about rhizome theory and invisible learning. Discovering rhizome theory has been such an eye opener, particularly the concept of Lines of Flight and the importance of recognising these and permitting them to manifest and flourish. What is particularly important is the recognition that a rhizome and therefore life itself cannot be traced, only mapped. We can try to lay down paths and routes and rules, but in the end, existence has its own agency and all we can do is go with the flow as it were. We are therefore continually mapping out new connections as, and when they appear to us.

One final exciting occurrence this month was seeing my first ever tansy beetle. Rare and very local to the River Ouse in York, I managed to spot several of these beautifully iridescent beetles on their host plant (tansy) and thankfully, my phone was also able to capture their gorgeousness. Unfortunately for these striking creatures, the Victorians were quite partial to using them as sequins to brighten up garments. Leaves from the tansy plant itself could be placed in one’s shoe for protection and guidance on a journey.

Stay enchanted!