by Beth Schreibman Gehring

The summer solstice is a time when the natural world is ablaze with life, when the energies of light and warmth are at their peak. This celestial dance of light and shadow held profound significance for our ancestors. It was a time of celebration and thanks for the coming harvests, and a time to relax for a bit and play. Still today, some cultures celebrate by kindling fires, symbolizing the transformative power of the sun, and many communities gather to dance, sing, and rejoice in the abundance of the season.

Within the realms of folklore, the summer solstice is a moment in time when the veils between the human world and the realm of faeries grow gossamer thin. It is said that on the summer solstice eve, you may catch a glimpse of these ethereal beings, frolicking amidst the meadows and woodlands, their presence evoking a sense of wonder and awe. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare says “I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips grow and violets nod their heads, canopied with luscious honeysuckle interspersed with sweet-smelling ramblers and wild roses. Titania sometimes sleeps there at night, lulled to sleep among the flowers after her dancing.” 

These words encapsulate the essence of the magical world that many of us have created within our own herb gardens. Immerse yourself in the harmonies of your garden, an oasis that springs forth from the work of your own hands. Here, amidst a symphony of colors and textures, scents and flavors, lies a verdant and intelligent sanctuary where the wisdom of the ages intertwines with the wonders of the natural world. Each leaf, each stem, each flower bestowed upon us by Mother Earth is a treasure that can fill our hearts with wonder and delight.

As you stand amidst your garden, a feeling of peace and inspiration slowly washes over you. You have created a space where you can connect with the mystical and practical energies of the earth, where your dreams and realities blend together in a beautiful dance. From the soothing whispers of lavender and chamomile to the invigorating embrace of rosemary, from the delicate petals of calendula to the fiery leaves of tulsi basil, and the ethereal beauty and captivating scent of heirloom roses, this garden becomes a gateway to a magical realm of herbs, flowers, and spices.

It’s a very good time to infuse our herb gardens with the essence of this magical energy. Imagine the ancient voices whispering in your ear, guiding your hands, and filling your heart with ancestral awareness. I encourage you to grab your favorite notebook, and journey into some questions with me, answering them with all your senses. You don’t have to answer them all, just the ones that call to you. Together let’s forge a deeper connection with the natural world within.

• Recall the reasons behind selecting the specific herbs that grace your garden. What drew you to them? What unique qualities and virtues do they possess that enrich the tapestry of your sanctuary?
• Reflect on the intentions you set during the planting process. Have those intentions manifested in your garden’s growth and energy?
• Observe the intricate interplay within your garden, the dance of life unfolding before your eyes. Which interactions between plants and creatures captivate your attention? How does this reflect the interconnectedness and harmony of all existence in your garden?
• Reflect on the healing properties associated with the scents and aromas in your garden. How have these aromatic herbs contributed to your overall well-being?
• Contemplate how the growth of your herbs mirrors your personal growth. In what ways have you drawn insights and revelations from their flourishing presence? Have you witnessed parallels between their journey and your own personal development?
• Reflect on the role you play as the caretaker and guardian of growth for these plants. How does it make you feel to nurture them? In what ways do these herbs, in turn, nurture you? How do they bestow their healing powers upon your body, mind, and spirit?
• And finally, how has the process of creating this space transformed your connection with nature? In what ways has it deepened your understanding of the inherent magic that resides within the natural world?

The summer solstice is always a magical time for me, a time of deep reflection and celebration. May the day serve as a reminder of the abundant beauty that surrounds us and the intricate dance of life that we are all a part of, and may your herb garden always be a testament to the enduring power of nature, the wisdom of ancient traditions, and the magic that resides within your own heart.

Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of the author.

Beth Schreibman Gehring is a lover of all things green, delicious, growing, beautiful, magical, and fragrant. She’s also a lifestyle blogger, storyteller, and occasional wedding and party planner who uses an ever-changing seasonal palette of love, life, and food to help her readers and clients fall madly in love with their lives! Beth lives and works with Jim, her husband of 40 years, and is owned by 17 full sets of vintage dishes, hundreds of books, two cats, one dog, a horse, a swarm of wild honeybees, a garden full of herbs, fruit, vegetables, and old rambling roses, too many bottles of vintage perfume and very soon, a flock of heirloom chickens! She is the author of Stirring the Senses: How to Fall Madly in Love with Your Life and Make Everyday a Day for Candles & Wine (available on Amazon) and is currently working on a new book, Roses for Beauty, Flavor, and Fragrance. Join her in her gardens at https://bethschreibmangehring.substack.com/, or contact her at beth.gehring@stirringthesenses.com.