KAVA KAVA: the Community Builder
- Linda Crider
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
I decided to take a different approach during this Aries new moon. When choosing a card to focus on I usually have something in mind. This time, I shuffled the Herbal Astrology Oracle deck and selected a card at random, eager to see which plant would surface. KAVA KAVA was the one that came forward.
The word that best sums up the message of this plant is right there on the card: Community. A lot has been written promoting community these days and with good reason. It has always been an important concept, but in light of recent years when we were persuaded or even mandated to isolate ourselves, re-establishing in-person social connections has become critical on both individual and global levels. It doesn't help that the convenience and prevalence of technology, especially social media, significantly reduces face to face interaction among all age groups. That's the world we live in, but it's beneficial to consider how we balance our online contacts with whose we have in-person.
I must admit that someone like me who tends to be a bit reclusive by nature easily falls into solitary mode and could benefit from some plant guidance. It's no surprise to see an herb like Kava step into the role of teacher since it has been used by medicine people and tribal leaders to build and foster harmonious community relations for centuries.
The reputation of this herb as a community builder dates back at least three thousand years to several exotic Islands of the South Pacific such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga among others. Most sources agree that it first surfaced in northern Vanuatu, a sovereign, multi island nation and Melanesian archipelago. →
Kava was originally prepared in these places as a holy beverage that was to be consumed only by the revered spiritual leaders of the tribe. Eventually, it became a drink often made with special tools and bowls and shared during ceremonies. This served to unite the community, welcome visitors or newcomers, celebrate life transitions and sometimes resolve disputes. To this day, participating in the traditional Kava ceremony is practiced by natives and open to tourists.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has a distinctive, peppery taste and can simultaneously bring about both muscle relaxation and mental / emotional stimulation. This herb has now found a place among other relaxing herbs and supplements available in health food stores. According to Adriana Ayales, creator of our deck and guidebook, "Kava can greatly increase mental clarity, ease depression, confusion and sorrow; and sharpen intuition."
Fun fact: I don't have a source for this, but I remember years ago reading in an herbal newsletter that Kava was involved in the first herb related DUI on record in the US. Technically, consuming this herb before driving (now sometimes referred to as DUIK) is not illegal, but can still get you pulled over, and your explanation might not sound too convincing to the local traffic officer!
Putting this caution aside and taking another look at the card, there's a reason why Adriana included a blue butterfly soaring above the four native community members participating in their ceremony. She explains Kava's butterfly energy as a medicine that encourages us to abandon the cocoon, take flight and expand our social circles. By doing this we can receive more support from others as we navigate personal challenges along with discovering our purpose within the circle. She poses a few thought provoking questions:
"To fully draw upon Butterfly's medicine, it gently invites us to observe our position in the community at this moment.
Are you a protector, creator, connector, or visionary? And how does that correlate this moment in your life alongside your personal evolution: egg, caterpillar, cocoon, or butterfly? Oftentimes finding your purpose within your community and the parallels with your inner journey can provide great relief and meaning."
This healing medicine gifted from Kava certainly gives us something to consider! What better time than during a solar eclipse to examine our own individual evolution and evaluate how we contribute to the communities we live and work in, both virtual and in person.
Searching for a reliable source of Kava or other herbs?
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
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For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
I really enjoyed the relationship between the community and the symbolism of the butterfly. Plants give many messages. Thank you! 🦋