Herb of the sun

Tonight we honor the Harvest Moon, giving gratitude for our garden's abundance, releasing the last of the summer cycle as we reach the balance of the equinox and turn our focus inwards. As the last full moon of the summer, Luna gives us many reasons to look up and observe her, shining in the sky with the rare trifecta of a supermoon, blood moon, and partial eclipse—a celestial event worth getting out of bed for (it will peak around 10:44pm EDT).

While we could write endlessly about the moon, in the spirit of harvest, we'd like to spend some time honoring our powerful plant ally, Calendula, whose said to hold the energy of the sun.

Along the side of our home and workshop, a small but bountiful patch of Calendula flowers throughout the summer and into fall. We harvest her seemingly endless blooms and as the days grow shorter we let many go to seed for the next year. This small patch provides all the petals for our Meadow bar, the Calendula-infused EVOO in Aeternum Oil, the infused witch hazel in Equilibrium Toner, flower baths, and various salves we're testing.

Celebrated for its ability to soothe and heal the skin, it's no surprise that calendula finds its way into so many skincare products. Astrologically known as a solar herb, Calendula carries the sun's energy into the darker months, bringing qualities of vitality, warmth, and resilience. In the realm of alchemy, Calendula represents the golden path to transformation. It is associated with the process of purification and the extraction of the ‘soul’ of a substance, echoing the alchemical journey of turning base materials into gold. Calendula is also linked to the process of bringing balance to the body and spirit, harmonizing the fiery energies within us and promoting holistic healing.

As we celebrate the Harvest Moon and give thanks for the abundance it brings, we are reminded of the delicate balance between light and dark, growth and rest, and how plants like Calendula carry this wisdom within them. May we carry the energy of the sun within us, like Calendula, as we transition into the quieter, introspective months ahead. Let this time of harvest and reflection bring transformation, healing, and balance into your life, just as our beloved plant ally guides us with her golden light.

Herb of the sun

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