Jemma - Mama Xanadu
Jemma is a chef, mixologist, forager and practitioner of plant and vibrational medicine - which includes shamanic homeopathy, esoteric astrology, sound healing, herbalism and naturopathy. She is the founder of MAMA Xanadu, born from her passion for storytelling through food which paved the way to studying plant medicine, foraging and the evolution of Wild Alchemy Lab in Hoxton. Here on The Saiki Zine, Jemma seamlessly guides us through an exploration of plant alchemy, astroherbalism and cosmic consciousness…
What is Mama Xanadu and how did it come to be?
We are a multi-disciplinary botanical studio that began on a narrowboat called Xanadu and has now grown into a Wild Alchemy Lab in Hoxton offering wild mixology, immersive supper clubs, workshops and consultancy.
How do you incorporate mythology and folklore into the experience?
Everything in the natural world tells a story and it is through this rich tapestry that we can understand the expressions and energetics of each plant, each constellation, and our relationship to it. We take people on journeys by bringing these stories to life through interactive experiences.
What is your ethos?
Joining the dots between plants, planets and people by inspiring a connection to nature and the cosmos through sensory experience.
What is plant alchemy?
Alchemy is about transformation. With plant alchemy, we are working to transmute and exhault the plant to its highest potential. There is an alchemical maxim 'As above, so below.' This is about the synastry between the energetics of the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of our individual existence. In astroherbalism, each plant has its own unique astrological signature. For example, St John's Wort is ruled by the Sun, its bright yellow flowers and the orange-red oil it produces are reflective of that. It is traditionally picked when the Sun is most potent on Midsummer's day when it comes into bloom, for this is when it's medicine is most aligned.
Each plant also has a particular configuration of the five elements that make up all life - earth, air, fire, water and lastly aether, cosmic consciousness. We unpack the elements of the plant, refine them and put them back together again - this is called spagyrics. It is the soul or quintessence of a plant that is developed. What we have in the end is a remedy that is working on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
You do not need to be working at this degree to be engaging with the alchemical process though. It is, in essence, archetypal, which means we can work with its symbology and use it in our own personal development and transformation. Turning base metals into gold - the philosopher' s stone - is symbolic of the spiritualisation of matter that happens when we refine our own nature to align with our higher selves. We can be alchemists in everything that we do, just by looking through this lens.
Go out into nature, be receptive to its wisdom, watch the dance of the skies and you are already behaving like an alchemist.
‘In astroherbalism, each plant has its own unique astrological signature’ ~ Jemma.
SAIKI.WELLNESS
Why do you think it is so important for us to learn about?
Something very profound happens to us on a soul level when we begin to truly turn up in nature and into our experience. Our survival rests upon how much we can restore our vital connection to nature, earn back its trust and move forward with respect and the spirit of co-creation. Its healing powers are infinite and we have so much to learn from its intelligence and grace.
How can people learn about alchemy, botany and plant medicine with you?
Come along to one of our monthly Sunday Brunch clubs at our Wild Alchemy Lab or series of workshops hosted by one of our partners. We are also launching a Wild Alchemy podcast which will be supported with course materials.
What is your favourite ritual?
A barefoot walk in nature.
Do you practice any other form of self-care?
Being conscious of what is pulling me out of the present moment. Every day is a process of distillation, refinement of the soul that often calls for retreat, letting go and compassion for what it is to be human.
How can we follow you and your work?
Instagram: @mamaxanadu
Sign up to our mailing list: www.mamaxanadu.com
Jemma is currently writing a book on Sacred Geometry to be published by Octopus Books next May.