Under the Linden Tree

Some big changes to the publication!

from Jovan Jesens

I started this newsletter as a way to explore the Slavic healing and cultural traditions of my ancestors, and to share that journey with all of you. It has already been so wonderful to share what I’ve learned, and to explore some uncharted waters.

However, I have been feeling lately that I would like to expand my offerings. My main experience is with Polish culture (and there are many sub-cultures within that!) I know there are so many of you from various Slavic backgrounds whose traditions will vary slightly from my own. Because there are so few resources about this topic in English, I wanted to find ways to reach out to other folks of different Slavic nationalities to gain a deeper perspective from their own experiences and knowledge.

So, I’ve been thinking of how I can best support all of you moving forward and I think I’ve come up with a *perfect* solution. This will be the new format of the publication each month:

• Monthly newsletter on my own current explorations into Slavic traditions, which will also include any resources, tips or topics that are inspiring me in the moment. {Free to all subscribers}

• A podcast episode where I chat with Dionne Jennings, a community herbalist and member of the Ukrainian diaspora. She attended Ukrainian school in Canada as a child and has a close connection to both the plants and her lineage. Each month we will talk about a few very specific topics relating to Slavic traditions (anything from ritual embroidery, to working with specific ancestral plants, navigating how to connect with our culture from a distance, seasonal foods and celebrations, and beyond). It will be fun to compare both Polish and Ukrainian perspectives. {Paid subscribers}

• Either a bonus podcast episode with guests from other various Slavic cultures who have a specialty in Slavic folk healing or culture. Or an extensive research-based article on a particular topic. {Paid subscribers}

• A thread where we can discuss certain topics from that month’s podcast episode(s) and subscribers can ask questions or suggest ideas for future topics. {Paid subscribers}

• Random bonus content with important subjects or discussions {Free to all subscribers}

My goal is to make this publication as valuable to you as possible, and I believe this new format will help us go even deeper into the fascinating culture we are all a part of. I know becoming a paid subscriber isn’t an option for everyone, so I want to assure you that the free monthly newsletters and bonus content will also be packed with as much insight and info as I can.

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The second order of business is that the name of this newsletter is changing! Next week you will see your e-mail come from “Under the Linden Tree”. I wanted to change the name to something a little more plant-based that also has a cultural significance in Slavic folk healing.

The linden tree is one of our most sacred trees next to the oak. It is the representation of the feminine while the oak symbolizes the masculine. It is the patron of the mother goddess Mokosh. Linden provides so much good medicine from her leaves and flowers for the medicine cabinet and stories for the hearth.

I specifically chose “Under” the Linden Tree as an homage to how our ancestors used to gather under their sacred trees for celebration and ceremony. My hope is that this newsletter can provide our own sort of virtual gathering place.

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Thank you so much for choosing to go on this journey with me. There is so much history to learn that can be enlightening, painful, inspiring and any number of other emotions that come with remembering who we are. It is truly so great to walk with other people who are on that same path.

You’ll start seeing this new format in the beginning of December. Looking forward to this next chapter together!