The Seasons of Life - Summer

Summer has been symbolic to me of love, open expansion adventure, and awareness.  One of my greatest memories is my seven-year-old self walking barefoot on our rock road with a group of my cousins on our way to the creek.  Once we would get there, the older braver cousins would jump in for a swim, while us younger ones would dangle our feet in the water or explore along the creek bank looking for frogs, crawdads, or if we were lucky, a non-venomous black water snake.

Our philosophy, at Prairie Star Botanicals, is Summer is the Season of Life for our 20’s and 30’s.  The reasoning for this is, people in their 20’s start exploring life beyond childhood and their parent’s home.  They go off into the world to explore their new adulthood and freedom.  They are usually more spontaneous and passionate about their adventures.  Many grassroots communities and businesses are started by folks in their 20’s.  We have many young amazing herbalists in our local community. 

The Summer sun boosts a feel-good mood creating a space for possibilities which may open one’s heart to others.  We have heard many stories, songs and movies about Summer Love.  Many folks, by the time they reach there 30’s, use their heart energy for the families or thriving businesses they are establishing. Rosemary Gladstar, who we lovingly call the Mother of Western Herbalism, founded the California School of Herbal Medicine at the age of 30.  I can remember in my 30’s, taking my daughters to concerts and feeling the love, seeing their faces light up when the band takes the stage or my 4 year old son getting excited about a thunderstorm and yelling “ PUNDER PUNDER!”  Thinking about those years, my heart fills with joy.

If you are no longer in Summer, what do you remember about that age in your life?  What did you explore?  For those currently in the Summer of their lives, how are you expanding your world? 

There are many herbs that are for Summer.  Linden is my favorite.  It blooms around the Summer Solstice.  It’s flowers and leaves are made into teas, tinctures, cordials, and bakery items.  It is very aromatic and sweet tasting, almost honey-like, while cooling relaxing.  Perfect for Summer.  My favorite way to make it as a sun tea.

One of my favorite Herbalists, Danielle Prohom Olson, has an outstanding culinary and historical story telling website, see the link below.  She also has a Patreon site which you can join for more culinary delights!

https://gathervictoria.com/2018/06/20/fragrant-linden-blossom-sun-cake-a-magical-midsummer-treat/