Being the lunar devotee that I am, I pay attention to the moon’s phases, and am today I’m celebrating her in her full phase. Every full moon carries multiple names, as each culture chooses a predominant signifier for that time of the year. This particular full moon is known by many as the Full Rose Moon, or the Full Strawberry Moon.
I love both roses and strawberries so I’m happy to give equal use to both names.
Last year I discovered a beautiful Swedish word: Smultronställe. It literally means “place of wild strawberries”, and refers to a hidden or special place discovered, treasured, and returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress or sadness. I fell in love with both the word and the concept, and it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about today.
So many people are struggling in these times of collective stress and chaos. I think it’s important to be aware of this, and as much as possible do what one can to alleviate tension. Personally I believe we have a responsibility to be mindful of what contributions we’re making to collective energy, and I believe exquisite self-care is important to maintaining one’s centeredness and equilibrium. I tend to pay attention to what I need to create a sense of expansiveness and strong peace – these are vibrational states that are important to me. And this is what I look to Smultronställe to help me cultivate.
I’ve been thinking about Michael Gurian’s admonition:
“As our lives speed up more and more, so do our children’s. We forget and thus they forget that there is nothing more important than the present moment. We forget and thus they forget to relax, to find spiritual solitude, to let go of the past, to quiet ambition, to fully enjoy the eating of a strawberry, the scent of a rose, the touch of a hand on a cheek…”
That’s a lovely reminder isn’t it? And I couldn’t help but smile to notice he mentions both strawberries and roses – a perfect fit for this moon
My CSA farm share box contained the first of the season’s local strawberries – tiny perfect little treasures. No where near as big as the beauties above, but I love that vintage image very much.
And there can never be too many roses in my life.
I’ve mentioned before that I wear an armful of bangles, each one inscribed with a bit of poetry. One of them has this piece from Rumi on it:
“Stop learning
Start knowing.
The rose opens
And opens
And when it falls
Falls outward.”
I’m especially feeling called to that sentiment. It feels like it’s time for us all to claim our mastery and really show up fully. Our gifts and our presence are needed.
What do you think? Feeling the pull of this moon? Prefer strawberries or roses, or love them both as I do? What poetry is this moon whispering in your ear? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Hari om
Love your call to power, Deborah. Would love to give one of my full responses but am still away and on the YAMroid, so forgive the brevity once more! YAM xx
It’s kind of you to stop by while you’re away, and confined to using your phone Yamini. Hope you’re enjoying yourself and get to soak in some fabulous moonbeam magic.
A beautiful reminder Deborah – thank you.
The full moon has been magnificent this month and with the glorious weather we’re having it was just perfect to sit outside and watch her over the past few nights and just be. I didn’t know this was a rose moon but it’s fitting, as my roses are blooming in profusion at the minute.
How lovely to sit out under the moon’s light Fil, and how wonderful your roses are in profuse bloom. I always look forward to your month’s end photos and hope you manage to slip one of your roses in there.
exquisite – I like the idea of edible moons -of lush ripe seasonal moons. last night it appeared over the horizon large luminous and golden – it is a Deep Rain Moon here – two women friends came over for dinner and a meditation and as we shared we remarked upon the feeling of pressure of turbulence across the planet – the speed the hype the anxiety and how best to meet this . we felt a need to slow down – slow and be still and enter into the Presence as much as we can . that we needed to be gentle with ourselves our bodies our emotions our minds. thru sharing we not only support and care for each other we also prompt and ignite each other to be the best we can be . we renewed our commitment to following the call of the divine and then we came up with a plan to engage in some spiritual activism which I will talk about down the track….
happy lunar dreaming deborah –
What a beautiful evening Sandra, and your intentions and what you’re paying attention to is quite inspiring. I look forward to hearing more about your spiritual activism plans. Happy lunar dreaming to you as well.
I prefer strawberries, and those small ones usually have the best flavor. I’ve been struggling a lot lately, so I appreciate your words and reflections. I’m trying to savor the small things and the lovely moments.
Good for you Margaret. Times of struggle are when it’s most important to engage in exquisite self-care, and being mindful of what beauty and kindness surrounds us in every moment is truly a way to keep our spirits uplifted.
“Stop learning, start knowing…” that is magical. Sometimes I wonder if I take too many e-courses, listen to too many podcasts, etc. and I should just start doing the things I want to try. I love strawberries and will be capturing that moon tonight with my camera as I do. Thanks, Deborah!
Rumi really does cut right to the chase doesn’t he – even though his words are always beautiful. I always look forward to your full moon photos Janet. Enjoy this one!
The moon looked absolutely stunning last night from my home on the East coast of England. It was huge and golden.
Thanks for enlightening me about the word Smultronställe, what a beautiful concept. Two places that fit that definition for me are an area of local Woodland that I have strolled through many times and an abandoned quarry that we discovered with my Dad where we used to have picnics.
I am not a huge fan of roses, they are pleasant but I prefer daffodills and sunflowers. I love strawberries though and I’ve been eating a lot of them lately.
Your places of delight and sanctuary sound wonderful Tizzy!
I know it’s ridiculously hackneyed, but I really do enjoy thinking of us all looking up at the moon from our respective places on this beautiful planet. There’s such a unifying energy about it for me – something hopeful and celebratory and beautiful.
Wishing you lots more strawberries to enjoy, and endless flowers of all kinds.
Hi Deborah – I did spot the moon appearing through the clouds – oh I should be in England now that summer’s here – I’m not sure what I’ve done to Canada .. but it sure is wet!! Perhaps it is finally clearing this week … I love strawberries and roses … the berries with some cream within an arbour of perfume roses. Love – Rumi’s quotes on your bracelet – appropriate and necessary for us all – cheers Hilary
We had quite a wet spell as well Hilary – I thought I was going to begin to mildew! Hope you’re settling in for some sunshine now . I love the image of indulging in strawberries and cream under an arbor of roses. I’d be there in a second.
Love both like you. This beautiful post reminded me to check upon my strawberries and I noticed some plants are blooming again! Yippee, more to enjoy soon 🙂
What a treat Patty!