The Peony and Mid-Summer

blooming through crisis

The last five weeks have flown by, and I have been less present here, yet more present in the season. We have been taking advantage of the extended light, which will reach it’s apex with Litha on Sunday. We take some time morning and evening to walk our garden area, pluck out weeds, and find joy in watching its growth. We have managed to get out and about (we tend to be homebodies) spending time with friends who are always a balm; especially as we have been assisting our daughter who is navigating crisis.

I have been an proponent for mental health since our daughter first began to struggle as a pre-teen. This experience shaped how I now walk the wise woman road. I have been awed by her strength and resilience over the past 14 years, and as we all know, adult life can sometimes throw us for a loop. For someone who struggles with mental health those challenges can be amplified and push you into fight or flight.

Our peonies are about to bloom. The ants that protect their delicate buds from other invasive pests have been doing their job, and I expect the delicate petals to begin to unfurl over the weekend. This got me thinking about the legend of the peony.

Peony Flower: Origin and Legend

The peony has an origin dating back to ancient Greece, enriching its history with layers of mythology and symbolism. According to the most widespread legend, the peony is named after Paeon (or Paean), a disciple of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, in Greek mythology. Paeon was a healing apprentice under Asclepius’ tutelage and is said to have discovered the peony plant and its healing properties. His talent and abilities aroused the jealousy of Asclepius, who, according to some versions of the myth, attempted to kill Paeon out of envy.

To save Paeon from Asclepius’ wrath, other gods intervened and transformed Paeon into the peony flower, thus granting him immortality in the form of this beautiful plant. This transformation not only saved Paeon’s life but also elevated the peony to a mythical status symbolizing the compassion of the gods and immortality. Verdissimo

I am envisioning the ants as little coping mechanisms, that support the flower giving it the strength to bloom. They bloom slowly, their fragile petals gently unfolding one at a time, they are discovering the world anew. I see the magic of healing and a new start. Their long thick stems will begin to slump and need to be supported to stay upright. That is much like a parent navigating mental health with their child; boosting them up to give them support so that they too may bloom, and stand strong on wobbly legs. Once again, I am so proud of how she is utilizing support and coping skills to manage this time.

In the realm of the spiritual, the peony emerges as a harbinger of transformation. Its gradual unfurling mirrors the blossoming of the human spirit, each layer a step towards enlightenment. This flower beckons us to embrace change, to let go of the old and welcome the new with open arms. It whispers to the soul, reminding us that growth is a gentle unfurling, a dance of becoming. In the presence of peonies, we find solace in the ever-turning wheel of life. Flowerchimp

Living in the Northern US we get an abbreviated season warmth and light, and for anyone who suffers from depression, you know that light is paramount. It feels like a blessing that one of her favorite sabbats is Litha, where we can be outside, pick flowers, have a bonfire, and catch fireflies (they just came out for the first time of the season last night!!) For some ideas on how to celebrate mid-summer check out my post below.

Get out this weekend and enjoy!

Until next time,

“Your life matters, and you are not alone. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, free, confidential, 24/7 support is available:

• Call or text: Dial 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Hello friend! My name is Amy. I am so happy you have stopped by 🍃 If you are new here, a warm welcome to you! This space is where I am learning to walk the wise woman road by returning to my true self through seasonal living, reflective writing, nourishing food, intuition, and resilience. Rooted in the rhythms of the earth and my lived experience, these writings are an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember what nourishes us. If this resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe and walk the seasons alongside me.