What's With The 8's?

I recently had a patient ask me why so many of our prices and things involve the number 8 in some way. "It's such an odd number; why not 5 or 10?" Well, that got me thinking. Most of you are probably wondering the same! 

The answer =

The Infinite Circle of Life, above and below ground.

Read on to better understand our Native American Beliefs and the Symbolism of the Number 8 in Natural Path's Herbal Remedies.

As with all cultures, there are many different tribes and belief systems among various Indigenous people. In my experience, many Native American cultures, nature, and the spirit world are deeply connected and honored for their connectivity. A natural cycle happens among all living things that sustain life on Earth and should be respected for their contribution.   One of those powerful symbols resonating across many Indigenous traditions is the shape of the number 8, representing an infinite circle, the eternal flow of life, death, and rebirth. Eight is emblematic of the sacred balance and interconnectedness, reflecting the symbiotic relationship between the spirit world and living things on Earth. One of the clearest examples of this interconnectedness is seen in how Native American communities have historically relied on the Earth for sustenance, healing, and spiritual guidance through the use of herbal remedies. The Creator has given us many gifts for our path on Earth until we return to the ground. The number 8 also serves as a reminder that the physical world is not separate from the spiritual realm. Everything exists in a cycle. All humans also experience multiple cycles in their body and life, much like the living Earth we live on. Whether it's the changing of the seasons, the phases of the moon, or the ongoing life cycle of plants and animals.

Indigenous belief shows us the life cycle isn't linear; instead, it is circular. As a result, the concept of infinity is not one of endless, unchanging time but of infinite renewal and transformation. The Earth gives us what we need, not in a one-time offering but in an ongoing flow. Just as the Earth offers a continuous supply of resources in a never-ending loop, the plants and herbs we use for healing are part of this sacred cycle, tied to both the land and the spirits that dwell within it.

The Earth and Its Healing Gifts

For centuries, Native American peoples have used plants for their medicinal, spiritual, and practical benefits. When you visit my office, you will see (and smell) fresh sage that cleanses the spirit on the window sill and smells the potent live spearmint and rosemary that improve memory and digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation; plants are seen not just as tools for survival but as gifts from the Earth, offering healing in alignment with the rhythms of the natural world. Plants are a gift not only to help serve humanity but to be regarded with respect and contribute to the balance of all life.  

Herbs and plants for healing are rooted in a deep understanding of their spiritual properties. These plants hold wisdom and life force and are believed to offer insights into life, death, and rebirth cycles. Just as the number 8 symbolizes infinite regeneration, the plants harvested from the Earth regenerate themselves and provide continuous nourishment and healing.

Sage is a plant with deep symbolic meaning within Native American spirituality. Beyond its use for ceremonial smudging to purify the spirit and environment, sage reminds us of the infinite circle of life. As it burns, the smoke is carried into the air, symbolizing the release of negative energies and inviting fresh, new energies into one's life, aligning with the cycle of rebirth and renewal. 

Here in the Lowcountry (Charleston, South Carolina), Sweetgrass is practically everywhere. It is often used in ceremonies to reflect the ongoing flow of life. In many cultures, and as experienced in many parts of the Lowcountry, sweetgrass grows in abundance when treated with respect, serving as a physical manifestation of the sacred circle. It teaches the values of gratitude and reverence for the Earth's resources, acknowledging that the land provides for our physical needs and spiritual and emotional well-being.

The Power of Healing with Gratitude for the Circle

At Natural Path Health, we firmly believe that all life is interconnected. With this approach, every plant and herb becomes a teacher, a resource, and an ability to help humans, plants, and animals reach homeostasis. We include the number 8 in honor of the sacred circle of life to remind us that healing isn't just about 'fixing' the body; healing is about balancing the body and nurturing the spirit and soul. Just as plants offer healing through their medicinal properties, they connect us to a greater understanding of our place in the universe. 

When we create our natural herbal remedies, we ensure that we find the most; we heal physical ailments naturally and create a path to spiritual renewal. Each time we harvest an herb, we are reminded of the need to give back to the Earth in return—whether through a prayer, an offering, or a promise to preserve the land. This cycle of giving and receiving, like the infinite number 8, sustains life.

Embrace the Circle

Just as the Earth continues to give us what we need—plants that heal, protect, and nourish us— honor and respect the land of the land are a must. In herbal remedies, we embrace the physical healing they provide and acknowledge the more profound spiritual connection we share with the Earth. By understanding the infinite cycle of life and our place within it, we can live in harmony with nature, continually replenished and renewed by the Earth's infinite gifts