TREE NETTLE: SHAMAN'S DEATH & REBIRTH

Tree Nettle | Ongaonga (Urtica ferox), Omata, December 2019

Tree Nettle or Ongaonga, is a species of nettle endemic to New Zealand. It is a large woody shrub that can grow up to 3 metres. It has large spines which contain numerous toxins that are poisonous to humans. Contact with the spines can result in a painful sting that can last several days or weeks (which I can personally attest to!)

Tree Nettle grows in coastal-lowland forest margins and regenerating scrub on both islands. Although it is one of New Zealand's most poisonous endemic plants it is a host plant for several butterfly and moth species. It is the favoured source of food for the larvae of the Red Admiral and Yellow Admiral butterflies. A symbolic nod to the metaphysical and spiritual qualities of this special native plant.

Tree Nettle is the Shaman's Death & Rebirth Essence. Shamanic death and rebirth is an ancient and universal process of transformation. It describes a process where we undergo a symbolic death of the old self, followed by a return or rebirth into a more integrated, empowered, or awakened state. It’s not about physical death, it’s about the dismantling of identity, ego structures, and outdated patterns.

This shamanic death often appears as a crisis or initiation such as illness, breakdown, grief, fear or some sort of psychological upheaval. It is often accompanied by a loss of identity, direction, or meaning and sense that one's self or life is 'falling apart.' Traditionally shaman are 'called' through such initiatory experiences, to attain greater power, depth and the ability to guide others through the dark.

Transpersonal Psychologist Carl Jung described this as a confrontation with the unconscious or nigredo (the dark, dissolving phase of transformation). This confrontation is rarely gentle and is often accompanied by emotional intensity, chaos and disorientation. Jung saw this not as pathology, but as a necessary phase of individuation and the process of becoming whole. This is the beginning, not the end.

The shaman's death and rebirth is essentially about letting something die, whether that is old identities, attitudes, beliefs or aspects of consciousness that have served their purpose. Tree Nettle is the plant ally that supports this process of transformation and metamorphosis, providing healing support and energy during times of intense inner change and disruption.

Tree Nettle essence supports us to be fearless in facing our fears, pain or shadow self. It assists us to break through self-imposed realities and old limiting patterns so that we can experience a new life and energy. Tree Nettle facilitates our passage into a new way of living or a new reality.

Tree Nettle helps us traverse the 'dark night of the soul' and find the lesson or the 'gold' in the pain. It is our benevolent companion when we have experienced disintegration, supporting us to rise anew like the phoenix from the ashes.

No. 107 Tree Nettle (Urtica ferox), The Shaman's Death & Rebirth Essence, First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® Information sourced from the teachings of Franchelle Ofsoskyé-Wyber.