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Up close and personal

My most important task is to inform people who want to get back onto their own path. Who want to trust themselves again, every aspect of themselves, their mind, their heart and their body. I help them see the stories, taught through upbringing and cultural frameworks, for what they are, recognise the voice of their own intuition and find the strength to follow it, on their way to health and happiness.

That’s the red thread through all my work. In small ways, by sharing knowledge, thus enabling people to take care of themselves. And in larger ways, by always asking questions, challenging the status quo…

Mouse, beetles and flies image

Mouse, beetles and flies

Nature’s cycles, the circle of life in action.

I came across this mouse today while walking in local woods. I filmed as it was being eaten by burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides) and carrion flies. While around us everything is growing and coming to fruition, death is still also very much part of life.

Rooks nesting image

Rooks nesting

Stillness image

Stillness

Wow, that was quite a rollercoaster, this past Yuletide and a bit longer than that as well.

Shortly after asking you about your ideal place to live (thanks for the many inspiring responses!), I fell quite ill. Additionally, my dearest companion, Chelik, deteriorated rapidly. He was already an old man, but still… I never left his side and tried everything to help him. Towards the end as well, when helping meant being there for him continuously, to ensure his transition would be as peaceful as possible.

Meanwhile, I feel better, although I am still rather tired. I just give into that and everything else at play. Over the years, I’ve learned that during tough times, it works well for me to come to a bit of a standstill. To let whatever needs to be there be there without resisting it.

That doesn’t mean I do nothing. I write, read and walk a lot. I handle the necessary ongoing matters. I spend time with my family members but also a lot of time alone. Just sitting or hanging around or staring into space. But I do avoid doing anything that could have significant future consequences. Now is not the time for that. That time will come again, of course. I’ll feel it when it does.

What helps you get through the tougher times?

The advantages of fate: the freedom that comes with letting go

I can imagine that my last article about fate was a bit of a shock. For most people who have grown up in our society it takes an 180 degree…

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The principles of permaculture in my wise woman practice

As those who have read my bio on my site will know, one of the passions is permaculture. There is a reason I mention this specifically. First of all, I…

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The stories we tell ourselves and hold ourselves captive with

People love stories. It's the one quality that sets us apart from other animals, if you ask me: the ability to make up stories. We are capable of creating fiction,…

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Turning within… image
Unlikeable image

Unlikeable

There seems to be an implicit agreement that we can talk about things that aren’t okay, as long as we frame it positively. So we can talk about what we humans do to the earth, as long as we put a optimistic spin to it. As long as we say that everything will be all right in the end, so sleep tight.

Click to read more…

Walk with me (Oranjewoud) image

Walk with me (Oranjewoud)

Whenever disconnectedness looms (see yesterday’s nugget) there’s always the forest. I try to go there every day, just to wind down from all society’s madness. It never fails to keep me firmly rooted in what I know matters most…

I often have the most wonderful encounters, like the one with herd of deer the other day. Or the jays who had a message for me over the last month or so. Or the caterpillar that I’ll be sure to share with you soon ❤️

What’s in the stars for the Hagetisse in 2024

As February eagerly approaches, I’m slowly emerging from my winter slumber. Not that I haven't been doing anything during those darkest winter months; I've deliberately taken it easy and dedicated…

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Where my herbal knowledge comes from

People often ask me where my knowledge comes from. Where doesn’t it come from might be a better question. In my life I have come across the most valuable knowledge…

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Why Easter is an excellent weekend to discuss the position of women

As I write this, we are in the midst of the Easter weekend. During this weekend, a large part of society here in the Netherlands commemorates the time when Jesus…

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Witch or hagetisse: what’s the difference and why aren’t I called a witch?

A question that I get asked a lot is: “You call yourself a hagetisse, but aren’t you really a witch? What's the difference?” I guess that from some perspectives you…

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Your smart body: why listening to your body pays off

I am sitting at my computer today with a recovering upper lip. Let me explain. I once contracted a cold sore, just like at least a third of humanity. Normally…

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Yule: what Midwinter means to me

Yule’s drawing near. While I don’t follow a specific religious path – wondering why? You can read all about it here– I do celebrate midwinter big time! Since nature and…

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