The shift from outward growth and expansion during the warmer months, to the inward focus of the cooler months, shows us how the natural world maintains the necessity of recalibration. Just as the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we are called to assess how we manage the balance between the our own light and shadow—the parts of ourselves that are expressed outwardly and shared with the world around us, and those that remain hidden and privately kept for us.

The Balance of Giving and Receiving

When we give too much without receiving, we deplete ourselves, leading us to resentment, exhaustion, and imbalance. On the othre hand, when we take without giving, we become detached from others, and this can create dissonance and misunderstandings. Greed is defined as expecting the benefits of community, without contributing to it, and this kind of greed can be crippling to communion with the environment around us. Nature shows us that we have to learn this balance to exist harmoniously with one another, and share resources to prepare for the coming winter. This season invites us to really assess whether we are giving out of genuine desire or obligation, and whether we are open to receiving from others with gratitude.

The Kidneys and Lungs

During Libra season, as we reflect on the balance of our relationship to the outside world, we may be called to process some grief that can arise from losses or imbalances in our connections. Grief, when unprocessed, can stagnate, much like body fluids that are not properly filtered by the kidneys.

The lungs also play a role here, as they are responsible for dispersing and descending fluids and energy throughout the body. If we’re holding onto grief or failing to fully process emotional experiences, the lungs may become imbalanced, leading to respiratory issues or a sense of emotional heaviness and wetness. By supporting both the kidneys and the lungs during Libra season, we can help create both the emotional clarity and physical fluidity we need to be healthy.

Saturn’s Exaltation: Discipline and Boundaries

Without the discipline of Saturn, Libra's natural inclination for keeping the peace and harmony can actually lead to an avoidance of conflict or the suppression of our true feelings. But we find that lasting balance requires both Venus’s sweetness and Saturn’s structure.

Herbs and Foods for Libra Season

The plants and foods associated with Libra often have soft, rounded, or fluid shapes, which is reflective of Venus’s rulership. Herbs that grow in open spaces, like meadows or fields, embody the air element that rules Libra. They often have space to spread out, reflecting Libra’s expansive and social qualities. These herbs help cleanse the lymphatic system, encouraging smooth flow within the body, much like the flow of air.

Recipe: Nettle Pesto

Blanch clean nettle leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove the sting, then drain and cool. In a food processor, combine the blanched nettle leaves with a handful of raw nuts like walnuts or pine nuts, a clove of garlic, some fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe: Goldenrod Honey

Pour raw honey over the flowers until the jar is full, making sure the flowers are completely submerged. Stir to remove any air bubbles, then seal the jar tightly. Let the honey infuse for 4-6 weeks in a warm place, gently shaking the jar every few days. Once infused, strain out the flowers and enjoy the goldenrod honey on toast, drizzled over fruit, or added to a salad dressing.

Recipe: Cranberry Chia Pudding

Blend fresh or frozen cranberries with a small amount of water and a natural sweetener, such as maple syrup, to create a smooth puree. Next, stir the cranberry puree into a bowl of chia seeds and plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk. Let the mixture sit for several hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.

Recipe: Mullein Oil for Skin or Ear Infections

Place clean and dry mullein leaves in a glass jar and cover them completely with a high-quality carrier oil, such as olive oil or almond oil. Seal the jar and let it sit in a warm place for four to six weeks, shaking the jar occasionally to help infuse the oil. After the infusion period, strain out the plant material and store the infused oil in a dark glass bottle.

Recipe: Poached Wine Pears

Peel four ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, leaving the stems intact for presentation. Cut a small slice off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright when served. In a large saucepan, combine one bottle of red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, with one cup of water and half a cup of sugar, adjusting the sweetness as needed. Add one cinnamon stick, two or three whole cloves, a split vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a strip of lemon zest. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Place the peeled pears into the wine mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. You can add more water if needed. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Poach the pears gently for 20 to 30 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Drizzle the reduced wine sauce over them.

Recipe: Celery Apple Salad

Slice several stalks of fresh celery and combine them with thinly sliced green apples. Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for texture and a light crunch. To dress the salad, whisk together fresh lemon juice, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.

Recipe: Corn Silk Broth

In a pot, combine the corn silk with a few cups of water, along with vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the corn silk to release its nutrients into the broth. Strain the corn silk and vegetables from the liquid, leaving behind a clear, slightly sweet broth.

Recipe: Elderberry Syrup

Simmer one cup of dried elderberries with three cups of water, along with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger for added warmth and flavor. Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes to an hour, until it reduces by half. Once the liquid is reduced, strain out the elderberries and spices, and let the syrup cool slightly. Once it has cooled to a warm temperature, stir in half a cup of raw honey to sweeten and preserve the syrup.

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