Harvest

Our Human-Centered Culture tends to live outside of or oblivious to the Cycles of the Earth. Such living on this Earth is artificial, disrespectful of our Host, and probably short-lived.

As we 3 C's try to live lifestyles more harmonious with the Earth, we note 8 distinct times during the year when Earth's cycles make a marked shift. August 2, which is celebrated or noted by many Traditional Peoples in the Northern Hemisphere, marks Harvest. The Earth pushes considerable bounty which will be evident over the coming weeks.

As I reflect on my experience of a lifetime, I would agree. The season beginning August 2 differs with other times during the year. Several notes can be made within the broad frame of the Masterpiece of which we Humans are a small part.

The Sun no longer rises and sets as far to the North on the Horizon. Daylight is shorter. The weather is hotter, which produces conditions under which many Warm Season Plants seem to thrive. Check out the Tomatoes, Watermelons, Squash, Corn.

I like to think of this Season on the Meadow as the "Yellow Season". Sunny Yellow seems to be a dominant color of the Late Summer Flowers. Many Plants there take on a soft brown look. Some of this color comes from the ripening seeds. Many Birds, who have completed their nesting cycles, now have Little Ones on the wing. Some are gathering on the telephone and power lines, perhaps beginning to plan those Big Adventures ahead. Purple Martins will soon begin their annual migration back to their Winter Homes.

In the middle of these things, I am amazed and inspired watching the Earth's Big Push. Fireworks come to mind. The Beginning and Middle of the Show are usually quite moving. But the Grand Finale keeps one expectantly watching the Sky. When that Finale begins, I think of that sound "Ker-THUNK" with its resonant boom. One can almost see a Giant drop kicking those last big splashes of Colors into the Sky.

Human Shows of Fireworks pale beside the Earth's Magnificent Show at Harvest. While we 3 C's have certainly harvested considerable abundance since the Gardening Season began in April, we will witness the Earth's Big Push through the months of August, September, and October. Not only is that inspiring but it is also a glimpse of the Abundance which underpins our survival as we continue our Humble Walks on this Great Planet Earth.

Traditional Peoples mark this time with awe, celebration, wonder, and gratitude. In our own small ways, we try to do the same.