Making the St. John's Wort Essence: The Story of Be Happy

by Star Riparetti

St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum
"Be Happy"

I was walking my labyrinth at first light on the Solstice. The St. John's Wort began to talk to me, and asked me to make it's essence on St. John's Day.

The St. John being referred to is St. John the Baptist. (I had to look it up.) Jesus once said of his cousin:

"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist"
- Matthew 11:11

(I especially love the 11:11 part- always loving the signs... )

St. John's day is June 24. That day is also the day of the Inti Raymi in Peru- a huge festival honoring the Sun. We made the St. John's Wort flower essence on June 24, also called Midsummer's Day. In ancient times, midsummer's day was an occasion to pay homage to water, fire and plants. It was also a time to cleanse one's soul as well as to celebrate the summer solstice.

The new St. John's Wort essence is christened "Be Happy."

This essence is a beautiful reminder to do what all of the sages and gurus over time immemorial have said: Be Happy. It is so simple, so powerful, so important! Release the worry. Be Happy. Taking Be Happy is allowing your own personal flower guru to remind you to choose and to think the thoughts that bring you joy, the ones that make you feel happy.