I have been watching the bumblebees favour a particular wildflower growing through the cracks of my patio. She has been growing in complete wild abandon this year, I might add. The bees just keep coming and coming to her, and I found myself wondering why this flower, in particular, was so favoured.

The flower is Linaria purpurea, originally from Italy but brought to the UK in the 1700s. She also has the wonderful common name of Purple Toadflax. With a name like that, it was enough to entice me to search further.

Although originally introduced and cultivated in the UK, she, like so many others, became an escapee and can now be found growing in the poorest of soils and in the most unlikely places of wasteland, like my patio!

The bees love her, especially the ‘Bumbles’ because their weight allows them to press down the lower lip of the two-lipped bloom and reach the rich treasure of nectar that so many other pollinators simply cannot get to. Bees, in general, are also drawn to that beautiful purple-blue colour.

Folklore has had a field day with this flower. The two-lipped flower resembles a toad’s mouth, giving her common name. Of course, she is associated with the faeries and their hidden treasures, but she also carries symbolism of protection, resilience, and even the breaking of hexes!

She must indeed be a treasure, for I have watched the bumblebees visit her from dawn’s early light right through until dusk on these beautiful summer days.

We gathered again last night in Chawton after one of those glorious summer days. Rob Harvey, our President, gave an address on just how close spirit can be. He then shared a little clairvoyance, with education and demonstration, with the help of some of the people who sit in Circle. It is a wonderful way for the whole family to understand, at a deeper level, just how close and real the other realms truly are.

Thank you, Rob, and thank you to Sarah Dorgan, who chaired the evening so beautifully. It was such a lovely, relaxed evening.

Thank you to our readers and prayer people, who help to build the energy. Thank you, Carole, for another delicious cake, and thank you to everyone who helps with hospitality. Thank you, Julie, for the music, to our wonderful healers, and to everyone who helps with setting up and packing away afterwards.

Prayer of the Week

Another heatwave is on its way. Please hold in your prayers all those who are vulnerable, people, their beloved companion animals, and don’t forget our wildlife and all animals. Yes the bees and the little ones too. They all need hydration. Prayers for all. Thank you.

Calendar up tomorrow.

Drink before thirst, take care in the heat, and enjoy these beautiful sunny days and heavenly blue skies!