Why is it that children so easily believe in fairies? Spirits? Angels?

Why is it that as adults, we often have to go through a period of re-belief?

I recently did a reading for a woman who was just exiting a very dark period. Serious heartbreak and a deep disappointment in the promise of life. I did see brightness and real possibilities soon to enter but wasn’t sure if she quite believed me. Yet she had enough hope (or politeness) to listen.

After the session, we strolled around her lovely farm while the geese waddled nearby. The flowers were in full bloom with the flirty peonies as sassy as ever. My client pointed up to a swath of vegetation surrounding her front door and said, “Comfrey. It’s taking over the garden this year. It’s never been like this before. I’ve got to cut it back.”

If you know me, you know I work in symbols. A cigar is never just a cigar.

It took me a minute and then I laughed. Comfrey. Of course.

“Well, you did ask for comfort and protection, right?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Comfrey heals bruises and reduces swelling. It’s the heart healer. It knits bones together. Maybe that’s why it’s wrapping around your house?”

She stopped. Considered. Then smiled and shook her head.

“I never thought about it that way.”

I love how the earth protects and nurtures. I love how the great Mother provides us with everything we need if only we see it.

It’s easy to get angry when disasters come. We can be quick to blame what we see as the erratic behavior of Mother Nature and careless humans who trample over our hearts.

How often then do we say “thank you” to the plants who stand ready to heal?