Seasonal rituals & wisdom for the earth year.
The skies are bright and the days lengthen. We feel a pulse within ourselves, a rhythm that is undeniable. The gorgeous weather draws us ever outward, into the landscape and out from the more contemplative months behind us. The world is going green and flowers and blossoms and all kinds of plants have returned to the verdant world. Summer is a time for spending more time outside, getting reacquainted with our skin and feeling our own inner quickening. The Summer Solstice is a festival linked to the profound fertility of the land and the awakening aliveness in humans, animals, birds, insects and all other beings and plants. As the months of summer warm, our access to the vast night sky becomes ever more available. It is warmer and we are up later and the vast star and moon filled heavens swirl above us. It is time to play, frolic, learn, investigate, adventure, open, dream, experiment, lounge, listen and invite new ways of being into our world. Summer is a time when we have the greatest access to fresh plants and vegetables and lots of daylight to explore in. One of my favorite plants of all time is Lemon Balm: Melissa officinalis "Melissa" is greek for honey bee, so named because of the small white flowers that appear on the plant in the summer which attract bees. Lemonbalm is also known as the "gladdening" herb for its affects on mood and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It is a calming herb that helps with anxiety, is a mild antidepressant and was used as a drink to ensure longevity. Lemon Balm's spicy, lemony scent is especially useful with cranky little ones...Simply, crush the fresh leaves between your fingers and let them smell. It works wonders. Other medicinal uses: -Antiviral, esp. useful for Herpes Simplex Virus -Insomnia (I've made a tincture with lemonbalm, hyssop and hops called "Larky go to sleepy") -Hot flashes -Headache -Hyperthyroidism -Fevers -Relieves spasms in the digestive tract -Colds and Flus -Fresh leaves used to soothe insect bites P.s. lemon balm is contraindicated for those with hypothyroid Cooking in the summer time with the fresh plant is especially fun. Blueberry Lemon Balm PieIngredients: |
Author
Lark Fox is a Priestess, an herb wyfe, Seer, intuitive healer, writer and ceremonialist. Archives
September 2022
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