July, 2023

Movement of the Moon

Photo by Lani Worth - Fungi, Mt. Worth

Full Moon: 3rd July (Purva Ashadha)

Third Quarter: 10th June

New Moon: 18th July (Punarvasu)

First Quarter: 26th July

Seasonal Focus - Southern Hemisphere

It is winter! One cannot question the depth of the cold, and every glimpse of blue sky and sunshine are welcome. There is a quality of light in winter that is sharper, more white, and silver. The dampness is "refridgerant" in its quality of icy cold, and evident in the numerous types of fungi that we spot on our bushwalks. Different species of birds highlight the season also. And it is always surprising to spot the bursts of colour in winter-blooming flowers such as the Flame Pea and Grevillea in our garden. Wattlebirds, and Eastern Spinebills with their beautiful caramel-coloured bodies and fine features feast on the flower nectar. The Currawongs have taken up residence in our Avocado tree too and are happily feasting on the hundreds of avocadoes that are ripening on the tree. If we look carefully, there is abundance everywhere, not save for the Purple-Sprouting Broccoli, Chinese Cabbage, and Broad Beans that are growing well in the vegetable garden.

In these cold, damp conditions we are still balancing sweet taste with warmth and lighter nourishing food, before we plunge into more bitter quality with more dry cold from July 15th onwards. Then warm moisture, stabilising food, natural sweetness, and protection from harshness will be the order of the day!

Nature's Winter Glory:

Reflections on Motherhood

My journey with Ayurveda began when our first child was born and he turned out to be highly sensitive, highly talented, and showing difficulty with some aspects of his environment. Our second child came along two years later and she was also highly sensitive, and highly talented in her own way, with different difficulties. Our third child, nine years later, has been no exception and is perhaps the most sensitive, while also being highly talented in her own way and with her own challenges.

Through all of this as their mother, I have trusted that nature knows best, and been in awe of the talent and natural strengths that my children embody. Our family feels rich with skill and capability. My heart has been drawn to recognise wholeness and understand how we can each be strong within ourselves to cope with life's challenges, while celebrating the joys. And to do this together with appreciation and support.

I have gone from being a fearful mother trying to protect my children, to a mother who tries to support her children to be self-aware, and to trust themselves to make choices they feel are right for them, while accepting responsibility for the outcome and what they create for themselves. I have encouraged them to practice daily personal balance, and value their natural strengths and skill, and appreciate each other.

This has been healing for me as their mother, and I feel more helpful to my children as a self-empowered way of being.

An attitude of being grateful for all that we already have within and around us, has been a key part of my motherhood journey. My Ayurvedic teacher, Dr. David Frawley, says 'There is always a lot that we can do.' I have found this to be true, and I am thankful.