Author: Wild Fen

Wheel of the Year

A Guide to Litha – the Summer Solstice

Wild Fen

The Summer Solstice also known as Litha, falls between June 20th and 23rd each year and marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

As day light hours reach their peak, we can feel the impact on the land around us – flowers are blooming, herbs are at their most fragrant and animals are busy raising their broods. Life navigates around this peak – rising and blooming in tune with the Sun.

Solstice literally means ‘the Sun stands still’ and it can be a good point in the year to pause and reflect on how our own lives are feeling right now. In today’s post I shall be sharing my favourite question to work with at this time of year, along with some simple ways to connect with the season.

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Astrological

Cancer Season

Wild Fen

Tomorrow the sun will enter the Zodiac sign of Cancer. Cancer season runs between June 20th and July 22nd and is the fourth sign of the Zodiac. The start of this season also coincides with daylight reaching its peak at the Summer Solstice.

At this time of year of year crops are ripening, the Earth is abundant and it is easy to appreciate the nurturing qualities of nature. Similarly Cancer is described as the nurturer of the Zodiac. Qualities associated with the sign also include intuition, tender care for others and a deep sensitivity. Cancer is a water sign and is ruled by the Moon both of which bring an emphasis on depth of feelings. The sign is referred to as ‘the crab’ and can relate to those strong feelings being hidden deep within its shell.

Botanicals

What is a Salve?

Wild Fen

If you haven’t used a salve before, it is probably different to the consistency of a lotion or cream you may be used to. A salve is completely water-less (like all of the products we concoct) which means there is no need to add a preservative to the product. When water is used in skincare, it gives a lotion like texture to a product but requires the addition of a preservative to keep microbes and bacteria from developing. Some preservatives can be harsh for the skin and we prefer to steer clear of them, opting for a completely natural product.

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Plants

Wild about Roses

Wild Fen

I am never quite sure what draws me in first with Rose; the beauty captured by the eyes or the nose, both have the ability to infuse a day with magic. According to fossil evidence, the genus Rosa is thought to be 35 million years old and contains around 200 species and thousands of hybrids growing across the world. Roses have long held a rich symbolism of love, heart healing and beauty and it is easy to understand why.

There is so much to learn from this beautiful plant and I love connecting with her in so many ways. In the Spring and Summer we gather Rose petals to infuse into teas, oils and elixirs. We weave dried petals into our Smoke Cleansing Blends & Smoulder Sticks. But perhaps best of all, we stop to smell as many as humanly possible, breathing in and giving thanks for her gentle yet strengthening messages.

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Astrological

Gemini Season

Wild Fen

The sun has now entered the zodiac sign of Gemini; the third sign of the zodiac year which runs between May 21st and June 21st. The season was well opened by the New Moon in Gemini last night.

Gemini season falls in between Spring and Summer, where much of nature is growing and learning. This sign is often linked with the joys and curiosities of learning and communication. The influence of Gemini’s element air also bring a focus on ideas and thoughts. Gemini is often referred to as ‘the twins’ and can relate to the concept of duality and balance, and at times when two things fall out of balance; play and rest for example conflict may be felt until balance is restored.

Botanicals

Helping Hands Salve

Wild Fen

On a beautiful day a few weeks ago, we foraged a bounty of delicious dandelion flowers, rich with colour and healing properties. We also collected some fresh nettles and wanted to use them both in something special. These abundant plants are considered to have numerous beneficial properties for nourishing and protecting the skin. Full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, offering antibacterial and anti inflammatory action. They felt like the perfect plants to create a healing hand salve, especially for sore, over-washed hands. We also added some of our homegrown dried organic lavender for a gentle scent and extra healing.

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Plants

In Celebration of the humble Nettle

Wild Fen

As a forager and lover of wild food, I think Nettles are up there as one of the most nutritious and versatile additions to any diet. They are perhaps one of the easiest plants to identify and their abundance and long season means that they are often visible everywhere from gardens to woodlands.

Nettles are especially rich in Iron and vitamins A & C and offer cleansing and detoxing properties. Not only do they benefit our diets, they also provide nourishment to our hair and skin when added to natural products.

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Foraging

The Magic of Foraging

Wild Fen

There are so many reasons we love to forage for wild plants. Firstly any excuse to be out in nature, is always inspiring and restorative for us. The discovery of a plant that is growing wild, without pesticides and can be bursting with nutrients and healing properties all for free always feels like such a gift. But another reason I love it, are for the lessons I learn along the way.

A few days ago, I set out with an intention to gather some freshly bloomed wild Rose. I had been seeing it in abundance along roadsides for a couple of days and hoped to collect some from a pollution free spot for the first time this year. However upon arriving at our destination, the Rose buds were tightly coiled and far from blooming. The place was so beautiful though; bird song vibrant, wildflower rich and I felt so at peace as my senses absorbed my surroundings with glee.

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Botanicals

Smudge Stick Crafting

Wild Fen

I love this time of year. Our herbs are bursting with life, energy and aroma. We have a new addition to our herb garden this year – a beautiful purple Sage. Tonight, I have been crafting up some fresh smudge sticks ready to dry out for orders. They include fresh and dried Lavender that is scenting the whole house. Bay leaves, the divine purple Sage and wild Rose petals dried from last year. These Smudge Sticks are intended to offer peace of mind and clarity. You can find out more about purchasing them here.

*As of 20/08/20 we have changed the name of our sticks to ‘Smoulder sticks.’ You can read more about our decision regarding this here.