Ellen F. Franklin, PhD
As summer winds down here at the Mothership we already feel the shift in the weather patterns that are a harbinger of Fall. Hail last week pummeled our outside gardens, and there were actually plows out in the mountains. In the outside gardens many of our crops have been damaged, but we have been able to harvest corn, beets, carrots, green beans, onions and garlic, and we hope the summer and winter squash will survive with all the rain we've been having. Now we just need a bit of sun.
Our apples are also just about ready to harvest, and we still have raspberries. The dome likes the cooler temperatures and has been providing an abundance of tomatoes, cucumbers, Meyer lemons, sorrel, spinach, figs, herbs and chilies. Our tomato plants are nearly ten feet tall and require frequent staking to hold up the giant heirloom tomatoes that are growing in abundance and beginning to ripen. Our classes have wrapped up for the year, but we have set our schedule for classes here at the Mothership over the next year and we may add additional ones over the next few months so stay tuned.
A recent new project at the Mothership is the creation of a new gate at the top of our driveway. This was conceived by Donna and our nephew Nolan Bade, and is entitled Planetary Gateway. It's a work in progress that Donna will be completing over the next few months. Concepts for the gate include string theory, M theory and moving from intricate chaos to organization and infinite creation. Next month we will feature more photos and an artist statement.
On August 22nd we entered into the sign of Virgo and will remain here until September 21, 2016. Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury, represented in mythology as the fleet-footed messenger of the gods. It is also represented in the Metal Element. This is the season of autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is the end of the growing season a time where we begin to turn inward, finding time to reflect on what no longer serves us and letting it go. The meridians associated with Metal are the lungs and large intestines. This is the perfect time to strengthen the lungs, and to work on allergies, frequent colds or any type of skin problem, which might be indicative of a metal imbalance. It is also an opportunity to work on digestive issues or unresolved deep-seated grief. The planet associated with the Metal Element is Venus. This months specials and treatment tips from Paul and Jude Ponton are designed to work with the associated planets and elements of the season.