St John's Wort
The keeper of the summer sun
Nature of the plant
St John's wort grows on sunny waysides, in meadows and at forest edges. It blossoms around St John's Day, 24 June, when the days are longest – with bright yellow star-shaped flowers. Hold a leaf up to the light and you see many fine, translucent dots. Rub the blossoms and they stain your fingers red. Since ancient times it has been linked with the summer solstice and was regarded as a herb that brings light into the house.
Inner attitude
St John's wort gathers light. It stands in the full sun and carries it within. Its warmth is quiet and constant.
The essential qualities
- sunny
- warming
- uplifting
- luminous
- comforting
It carries summer in every blossom.
Meaning
St John's wort calls when it has become dark and heavy within you and you long for warmth. It teaches you to gather the light while it is there and to keep it within you for the dark days.
Voice of the plant
«Turn your face to the sun. The light stays within you.»
Encounter & working together
You meet it on sunny waysides and in dry meadows. In June, hold a leaf up to the light, look at the fine dots and feel the sun on your face.
Pay attention to
- where you need light and warmth
- where you may consciously enjoy the bright days
- where you can give light to others
St John's wort works when you are ready to gather the light within you and keep it.
Essence
I gather the light and carry it through dark times.
