Neighbors

Yesterday it was finally cool enough to take a long walk down the dirt roads and shady trails of Lichenwood to check on my green neighbors.  My rambles are unplanned.  I feel the pull of energy to go in one direction or another and there I proceed.  The plants call me forward and onward, beckoning me to visit with them.

I cannot even leave the driveway without stopping to admire the fat berries of Aralia hispida, or Hairy Sarsaparilla.  I will pull these roots in the Autumn to make diuretic medicine for ascites.

Blackberries at the head of the drive are just beginning to ripen.  There should be plenty of them for making cordial to honor the goddess Brighid.

There is a thriving colony of Agrimony by the old barn.  Above you can appreciate the overall form and gesture of the plant, while below, a close up of the flower draws the mind and heart deeper for a true communion.

 

People needing Agrimony flower essence present a cheerful face to the world despite inner turmoil. They may mask their inner pain with drugs, alcohol, or food. They are in a state of denial. It is necessary to face the hidden pain in order to heal.  May the inner light of this flower reveal to these seekers the source of their discomfort.

My new camera is equipped with macro zoom capability.  Using this feature reveals the delicate beauty of this Rosaceae family member Spirea alba, or what we in New England call Meadowsweet.  It has a much softer presentation than it's near neighbor/relative Spirea tomentosa, below.

Early on in my walk I was called by Indian Pipe, so I left the light filled corridors of the country dirt road and ventured into the dark interior of the Hemlock Forest.  Last year I went purposefully to this same location with the intention of harvesting Monotropa uniflora.  Not one plant did I see last summer in this location.  I saw plenty of this tribe in spaces where I had no business harvesting.  I gave up my quest and accepted the gift of extract prepared after a sacred harvest from my friend, Deb Mercier of Greenwood Herbals .  Now the Indian Pipe will allow me to see and interact with them.  I am not to harvest them here.  At least for now.

 

 

In this part of the forest lies the Coyote clan's killing field.  I consistently find the bones of deer in this space, a Saturnian reminder of the cycle of all life.

Leaving the cool of the Hemlock forest, I passed by human neighbor Phil's house and was treated to a display of Chicory in flower.  I was especially happy to see this because Phil has in the past cut down these azure beauties in the name of tidiness.  At least I got to see and enjoy them this year.

  

Later in the day I visited the Northwood Farmer's Market to pick up some fresh organic free range chicken from Hayward Farms.  After nearly three years of living in Barrington, I was approached by someone who identified himself as my next door neighbor!  Mike, it turns out, lives the next driveway down from me.  We have a lot in common.  We were both attuned to Reiki by the same Master.  He loves the solitude and natural surroundings we are blessed with, and he shared with me that he recently saw quite a large bear roaming at night near the mailboxes at the end of the road!  

It is a gradual process to meet your country neighbors.  Gradually, I am meeting everyone, human, animal, vegetable, and mineral.  We meet each other in our time, whenever it is right, all along knowing that we are connected whether we have direct acquaintanceship or not.

 

 
      

Comments

[linden]

Beautiful Photos!