Today, three snakes and a snakeskin crossed my path.
It was the day before the Summer Solstice and I had the farm to myself.
My husband goes away on a camping golf tournament with his friends every year. I secretly love this weekend. A few days alone with my thoughts, a chance to catch up on chores, and the freedom to move through the property at my own pace.
I was walking the grounds thinking about which plant I should write about next for the Botanical Studies series when I landed on St. John's Wort.
It's in bloom right now and can be found along many of the roadsides near where I live. There are a few patches scattered around our farm, and I'm always happy to find them still standing after a round of mowing.
As I was taking stock of the day's chores, I noticed a small snake resting in the path ahead of me.
Usually they disappear the moment they hear footsteps.
This one didn't move.
So neither did I.
We stayed like that for a few minutes. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he simply wanted some company.
Eventually he slipped away beneath a nearby stand of Paw Paw trees and I carried on.
A few minutes later I wandered into my medicinal garden and noticed that some St. John's Wort had seeded itself there.
I was overjoyed.
There's something satisfying about finding a medicinal plant growing exactly where it has chosen to grow.
As I leaned in for a closer look, something moved near the top of the plant.
Another snake.
I've seen plenty of snakes over the years, but never one resting in a plant before.
He lingered among the St. John's Wort for a while, then made his way through the lemon balm and disappeared into the fig tree.
At this point I was starting to pay attention.
I headed over to the lawn mower and prepared myself for the weekly battle of mowing nearly three acres with a push mower. As usual, the mower took several attempts to start.
That's when a third snake slid between the back of the mower and my feet.
This one I recognized.
A large garter snake with a bright red stripe down his back. One of the biggest snakes I've seen on the property. I had witnessed him digesting his lunch a few weeks back.
Suddenly mowing felt a little less appealing.
The last thing I wanted was to run over a snake.
As I stood there considering my options, I spotted a snakeskin lying in the grass.
Freshly shed.
Three snakes and a snakeskin in less than an hour.
I can't help but think the universe is telling me to pay attention.
Tomorrow marks the longest day of the year.
A transformation awaits.
A shedding of sorts has arrived.