It's time to explore the sign of Sagittarius! You're getting a snapshot into the ever expanding astroherbology magick of The Lunar Apothecary - amazing!

I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. To learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio!

Element: Fire
Mode: Mutable
Guardian Planet: Jupiter
Direction: North
Season: Winter (NH), Summer (SH)
House: 9th House / Cadent
Lunar Mansions: 19th Mansion, 20th Mansion, + 21st Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Amber
Tarot: Temperance, The Wheel of Fortune, 8 of Wands (11/23 - 12/2), 9 of Wands (12/3 - 12/12), 10 of Wands (12/13 - 12/21), King of Wands (learn more about the connection between tarot and herbalism)
Tissue State: Dry/Atrophy Tissue State + Hot/Excitation Tissue State (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Hips and thighs. Buttocks. Sciatic nerve. Lower spine and liver. Autonomic nervous system. Cerebrum, especially the left hemisphere. Powers of reasoning. Systems of growth and preservation. Locomotion. Stimuli response (relationship between the endocrine + nervous system).

Imbalances + Diseases: Diseases caused by accidents and falls as well as sports-related injuries (especially horse-related accidents). Gout, rheumatism, and sciatica. Bruises and inflammation of the muscles. Fevers caused by “hot blood.” Lower back problems including lumbago. Hip injuries including torn or strain hip-flexor, broken hip, and distention. Overconsumption of food, ideas, and experiences. Difficulty focusing the eyes. Pain and injury brought about by recklessness. Brain injuries. Locomotor disorders. Lung diseases including tuberculosis. Appendicitis. Liver disease. Fistulas. Acting self-righteous and condescending. Over-zealous and opinionated. Being irresponsible and tactless. Reckless. Becoming dogmatic, extravagant, and expected favors of others.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: Pelvic bones, azimene; 2 degrees: pelvic girdle, susceptible to contagious diseases; 3 degrees: ischia, susceptible to contagious diseases, appendicitis; 4 degrees: femur, appendicitis; 5 degrees: right femoral artery, hair; 6 degrees: left femoral artery, morbid fears, pneumonia; 7 degrees: right superficial femoral artery, azimene, pneumonia; 8 degrees: left superficial femoral artery, azimene; 9 degrees: right lymphatic vessels, eye diseases, rheumatic fever; 10 degrees: left lymphatic vessels, enteric fever, typhoid; 11 degrees: adductor muscles, typhoid; 12 degrees: long saphenous veins; 13 degrees: long saphenous veins, rheumatic fever; 14 degrees: cutaneous vessels of the thighs; 15 degrees: right iliac vein; 16 degrees: left iliac vein,, sciatic nerve, AIDS; 17 degrees: sciatic nerve, AIDS; 18 degrees: right femur, azimene; 19 degrees: left femur, azimene; 20 degrees: head of right femur, weak lungs, sensitivity to smoke; 21 degrees: head of left femur, enteric fever, speech impediments; 22 degrees: right trochanter, insanity, speech impediments, appendicitis; 23 degrees: left trochanter, spine, appendicitis; 24 degrees: popliteal fossa; 25 degrees: condyles of right femur, nervous debility, gout, neurasthenia, gout, blindness, impaired sight; 26 degrees: condyles of left femur, neurasthenia, gout, blindness, impaired sight; 27 degrees: right leg muscles, tuberculosis; 28 degrees: right leg muscles, impaired eyesight, tuberculosis; 29 degrees: left leg muscles, impaired eyesight, tuberculosis; 30 degrees: pear-shaped muscle

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Sagittarius: Anti-inflammatories and moistening herbs as well as herbs for topical traumas. Liver tonics. Paying attention to liver health and learning moderation in regards to foods, activities, and substances that are less beneficial to our wellbeing is important. Adopting a mindfulness practice will will develop crucial decision-making skills, support brain health, and assist with thinking before acting. Learning tact and non-violent communication skills. Considering actions before taking them. Finding time to be in the wild. Valuing the experiences of others, asking questions before assuming, and communicating appreciation.

Gifts of Sagittarius: Truth-seeking, frankness, adventures, conviviality, philanthropic, athletic, wise, and philosophical explorations.

Rituals of Sagittarius: Social rituals with lots of dancing and music, metaphysical studies, rituals for success in creative, legal, and professional endeavors.

Sagittarius Guardian Herbs: Sage (Salvia officinalis), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), Willow (Salix spp.), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Arnica (Arnica montana), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Sagittarius Remedy Herbs: Peach (Prunus persica) Leaf, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Arnica (Arnica montana), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Flower + Gem Essences: Cerato (Ceratostigma willmottiana), Vine (Vitis vinifera), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Scleranthus (Scleranthus annuus), Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus), Amber, Red Jasper

The Sun in Sagittarius

There they go! Sagittarius folks are excellent adventurers chasing the fading light at the far end of the horizon. They are highly individualistic taking pride in their understanding of just how unique they are. Since Sagittarian folks can value liberty and personal freedom above all else if they begin to feel even the slightest bit boxed-in or restricted they can become spooked, angered, or some combination thereof, and run off. They can be some of the most socially-oriented of the signs (competing with Gemini) and have a friendly and inquisitive nature which helps them grow a wide and varied social circle. Their fiery mutability can lead them to being very good at burning up the opposition in any argument or discussion which, combined with their hot-headed pride, can sometimes make them difficult to folks to collaborate with. On the flip-side their big vision helps expand what is possible with any project. Learning tolerance and acceptance for the value of different opinions and different standards of living (especially standards of living that they consider narrow-minded) can go a long way in helping Sagittarius folks to recognize that we’re all unique and that doesn’t make their uniqueness any less special.

In regards to health, Sagittarius folks often experience imbalances arises from excess heat. They are a mutable fire sign so when heat gets trapped in their bodies, whether from injury, over-exertion that leads to weakness, and/or unexpressed emotional turmoil, their systems can become dried out and irritated. Sagittarius is also the sign of accidents, especially athletic ones (and traditional texts mention falls from horses specifically), so taking seriously proper training and recovery practices goes a long way to help protect the mighty Centaur. It is important for Sagittarius folk to seek out regular restorative and centering activities that cool an overstimulating body, mind, and spirit. Hydration is a key to any sign’s health, but fire signs like Sagittarius tend towards being dehydrated more than others. Not only water, but healthy oils and fats will help keep everything running smoothly for our Centaur in addition to mellowing out the sugar imbalances this sweet-tooth inclined sign can often experience. Known for their optimism, a sure sign of a out-of-balance Sagittarius folk is that their optimism has been replaced with a angry chronic pessimism that leaves them closing their eyes to their beloved horizon and raging both internally and externally.

Hanging out with Sagittarius folk can be an adventure in-and-of itself and its well worth the effort! They spark and dance and reach for new ideas and have a whole lot of fun along the way. Details may not be the strong suit of Sagittarius folk, but it is part of the reason they carry the free spirit that they do. Being mindful that others pointing out the importance of the little details can be a very good and helpful thing and is not always a criticism, Sagittarius folk will become even wiser. Their “this is who I am, take it or leave it” attitude can be extraordinarily refreshing. It can also lead to a lot of moments of “foot-in-mouth,” but this can also be tempered with some maturity and self-awareness. Once Sagittarius folks realize that humility goes a long way when it comes to getting folks to listen to what you have to say, they become even more powerful in their ability to inspire creativity and optimism in those around them.

Sagittarius Guardian Herbs

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Nicholas Culpeper writes in his Herbal that Dandelion “is under the dominion of Jupiter. It is of an opening and cleansing quality, and therefore very effectual for the obstructions of the liver, gall and spleen, and the diseases that arise from them, as the jaundice, and hypochondriac.” The whole plant can be used in healing and its primary skill lies in its ability to help vitality move freely through the body. One of the primary ways that Dandelion accomplishes this is by clearing the blood of toxins and waste material through strengthening the liver. Dandelion has a tonic effect on the blood, lymph system, and liver, helping to detoxify all three and improve the eliminatory qualities of the liver and gallbladder. Part of it’s blood purifying qualities comes from its high nutritive salt contents which cleans the blood and clears excess acid. The herb stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder (by causing it to contract) triggering the liver to do the same. Dandelion is especially useful for clearing an overburdened liver of excess hormones. Increasing bile and strengthening the digestive tract, Dandelion helps us to absorb nutrients from what we ingest and then move those nutrients throughout our body.

Additionally, Dandelion cools overheated PMS symptoms, menstrual cramping, and painful menopause, especially when water retention, pelvic congestion, and feelings of extreme frustration are present. Really, Dandelion is good for chronic inflammation of all sorts. Another indication that the movement of Dandelion is needed is that being still, lying down, and resting can worsen conditions, but healing touch, such as massage, brings relief. Use the sap topically for warts, calluses, corns, and general rough skin. The leaf and flower can be used as a wash for skin irritation. The infused oil of the flowers can be used for stiff muscles and muscle pain as well as relieve the discomfort of arthritis.

Learn about Willow (Quercus alba) and other Sagittarius herbs in The Lunar Apothecary.

Sagittarius Remedy Herbs

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

During the turn of the 19th century, detoxifying Burdock was used a remedy for folks coping with the excess pollution of the Industrial Age. The hard-working herb is well-deserved of its reputation for helping eliminating waste and polluting contents from the body. The plant is wonderfully cooling and moistening which, along with its anti-inflammatory prowess, acts as a wonderful remedy to worn-out and overheated Sagittarian folk. Look for signs of dry and scaly skin, dry-out digestion and stools, and a short temper. Burdock is useful in cooling hot-blooded conditions and helping the body to deliver and use fats and oils wisely. Sagittarian folk have a tendency towards a sweet-tooth (over-stimulating food can be just as much fun as over-stimulating adventure) and Burdock can assist with sugar imbalances and lessening sugar cravings.

Burdock moistens from the inside out, but can also be used topically as a wash or in compresses to reduce swellings, bruises, sprains, and strains. The herb is excellent for restoring the body to a state of balance through its detoxifying and oil-directing qualities that it can be an excellent choice for recovering after a period of over-exertion, illness or injury.

Sun in Sagittarius Flower Essence

The strong-willed and adaptable Sagittarius folk can be very difficult to deal with once they have made their mind up that they are right. They are incredible committed to their beliefs and strong-willed in their presentation of them. Sagittarius folk can come off as over-bearing and dogmatic, but there is also something quite incredible about Sagittarius folk when they shift just a little. When they are committed, without persuasion to tolerance, compassion, complexity, and non-judgement they are superb souls who model the power of the will. To help Sagittarius folk develop a pattern of non-dogmatic behavior, Vine (Vitis vinifera) Flower Essence offers its services. Vine is a Flower Essence for over-bearing personalities that can have little regard for others and their feelings as long as they feel they are in the right and doing what they want to be doing. Vine helps Sagittarius folk soften up, respect boundaries, and learn to be in power-with others not power-over them. Becoming more flexible and compassionate, Vine assists Sagittarius folk lose the attitude of greatness and instead just be great.

Ready to learn more?

Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources and the other posts in my Astroherbology series. Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!
Explore The Lunar Apothecary - a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.

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Sagittarius : The Astroherbology Profile