When Is the Right Time?

After a February that gave us about two feet of snow and colder temperatures that kept it piled high, we can finally see the ground again. And Spring is doing what it does every year – sending up crocuses, daffodils, wildflowers and tulips.

A vine maple tree grows outside our window. The buds of its leaves are peeking out, little drops of pale green on the sides of the brown branches.

How do they know when to bud? I’ve heard that it’s now believed to be more the length of sunlight during the days than the increase in temperature… but still, how do the leaves on the trees and the stems of flowers know when it’s time to push up and out? And when it’s time to bloom? And how long they bloom? How do they know?

This question comes to mind as I read the passage in the Essene Gospel in one of the sections about the Earthly Mother:, “…. Never can we part from her; Never can we know her depths. Ever doth she create new forms: That which now existeth never was before, That which did exist returneth not again. … In her midst do we live, yet we know her not.  … Ever do we till her soil and harvest her crops, Yet we have no power over her. Ever doth she build, ever doth she destroy, And her workplace is hidden from the eyes of men.”

Dorothy Maclean, co-founder of the Findhorn community in northern Scotland and blessed with a strong intuitive communication with all aspects of Nature, wrote in her book, To Honor the Earth: “The life force in the soil comes through the soil population. The transforming of matter or minerals into a form capable of a higher vibrational level – the process you call evolution – begins at the most basic level. … A plant pattern come into existence by using soil, water, heat and air. All these are drawn into form by the invisible workers in the elements…..” (Pg. 52)

How little I understand of that process! However, over the past several years I try to honor the earth and soil more as containing those nutrients that contribute to the life of all plant forms. I return worms, the earth-workers, to soil nearby if they are stranded out on the concrete sidewalks after a rain. Both Dorothy Maclean and Peter Wohlleben (his recent book titled The Hidden Life of Trees is unbeaten for describing the connection between the soil, water, fungi, birds and different trees) mention the importance of fungi in the ecosystem of the soil and feeding of trees. We thoughtlessly rip up mushrooms that crop up in our yards without considering that they may serve a vital purpose.

So as I watch these tender green buds prepare to unfurl and shade our yard once again, I appreciate seeing mystery in the newness of another Spring. The flowers and trees are blessed by forces we don’t yet know that enable them to bloom beautifully for our senses – and I plan to take full advantage of their displays.

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