The vital energies of Spring have grown in us and through us, blooming through our beings, singing songs of courtship and ecstasy to the wild creatures and elements with whom we alchemize. And as we learn with alchemy, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Through this process of weaving ourselves into deeper reservoirs of the Earth and casting prayers further into the spiraling stars, we have grown in power.

Here, in the summer months, in the archetype of the Mother, we learn that true power is not power over someone or something ~ true power is the ability to transform anything at will. And, as any parent knows, with true power comes responsibility.

And so we arrive in the regal months of the lion Summer—empowered as tenders of the Earth, lovers of the Sacred Wild, makers of medicine, devotees of Gaia. We arrive under the full moon, in the longest days of the year, illuminated and in service to the Sacred Wild within us and around us.

Summer is time to draw on our roots, inspiration, dreams, and sense of purpose—and alchemize them into rightful action. This is when the days are the longest, and our gardens need our sweat, work, time and presence. Now we practice the commitment that it takes to parent land, ourselves, others into their glorious fruition, knowing that it is our divine responsibility and right to do so.

The season of Summer is echoed at noon and in the middle of the day, the best time of the day to digest information, work, food, and to transform energy.

As herbalists, we balance the high solar/yang energies of Summer with cooling and moistening yin herbs, like the mints and demulcents, to keep ourselves hydrated, replenished and balanced.