The Astroherbalism Apothecary: Crafting Herbal Charms for Your Ascendant

Just what is the Ascendant?

Unlike our Sun signs or our Moon signs with their familiar language and symbols, the Ascendant, also known as the Rising Sign, can feel abstract. As a position on the birth chart the Ascendant is the sign of zodiac that was rising or ascending from the horizon at the time of your birth. Just like the Sun and Moon, stars rise up from the horizon, too, including the constellations of representing the twelve signs of the western zodiac. While many of us might know our Sun and Moon signs, the Ascendant isn’t as commonly known (though our current renaissance of astrological culture is certainly shifting that), yet it’s often the sign that feels more like us when we do become acquainted. 

As with my last two posts in the astroherbalism apothecary series, I'll share recommended plant allies to connect with the energy of your Ascendant, but more importantly, I'll offer you a framework for creating your own unique herbal charms using ingredients readily available to you.

To do that, we'll explore how our Ascendant shapes our energy and the common ways that our Ascendant energy can get disrupted. I view astrology as a story-telling-listening tool and helpful way for folks get to know and name the healing needs of their body (and by "body" I mean physical form, emotional and mental experience, the psychic body, and so on).

Within traditional western herbalism, our Ascendant represents perception including how we perceive ourselves and want to be perceived by the world, including our physical appearance and the ways we our purposeful in our physical presentation (i.e. clothes, hairstyles, makeup, patterns of speech, gender affirming care, and so on). The concept of perception is one of the reasons that many folks identify easier with their Ascendant than their Sun sign when it comes to descriptions of personality.

Our Ascendant helps us to understand the choices we are drawn to making, the relationships we find ourselves again and again, and the patterns of connection we rely on the most and whether any of those aspects of our life need adjusting. For some of us, the inner world of our Moon and the outer world of our Ascendant are deeply aligned, where others have a sharp distinction between their inner life and outer presentation. Working with our Ascendant helps us to shift through the perceptions of others, and the ways we have shaped ourselves in order to hide away or be seen, and how we can choose to perceive ourselves in ways that feel empowering no matter the expectations of the world around us. Through our Ascendant we can adjust the lens by which we view our lives, channeling the energy of our Sun and the wisdom of our Moon in a way that helps us feel interconnected and part of life.

While our Sun helps us understand our inherent energy and our Moon helps us to understand how our energy is expressed (i.e. our inner truths and wisdoms), our Ascendant channels the energy of our Sun and the expression of our Moon into our engagement with the world (i.e. the stories we tell, the communities we connect with, and the identities we hold).

When it comes to supporting our Ascendent there are three primary paths that I focus on: enhancing our Rising Sign energy, reorienting our energy when we feel disconnected from our sense of self, and how we can bring ourselves comfort. To help you identify what path may be most useful for you at this time in your life, I've created brief descriptions of each path as well as key phrases that you may or may not connect with. I encourage you to read these phrases out loud and if something resonates, to consider pursuing that path of magickal healing. Once you've identified what type of path will be most useful for you at this time, you can choose a few suggested herbs and then follow the guide below to creating your custom Ascendant sign charm.

Crafting Your Ascendant Charms

I’ve suggested a variety of herb types and plant allies to create your own Ascendant sign charms. The simplest approach would be to use whole dried herbs, combining them together to create an herbal charm bag or spell bottle. You can also build an Ascendant sign altar, adding your chosen plant allies to it. If you have the flower essence version of whatever plants you resonate with, you can easily craft your own flower essence potion. For those of you with herbal experience, you can choose herbs to make your own Ascendant charm tea, tincture or topical herbal oil, taking into consideration appropriate individual needs and contraindications.

When available I’ve linked to the full plant profile of any of the plant ally suggestions below that are available for free on my community blog - they all contain additional magickal information you might find useful. You can find all of my plant profiles in The Plant Ally Library (which is available on a sliding scale as well as to all of my patrons for free).

image via @mooncolonytn60

Enhance Your Ascendant Energy

Herbs and essences that help us to step into the true power of our Ascendant, where we make the choices about how we present ourselves to the world that feel liberating, reducing the tension of having to hide behind a mask we no longer want, and honoring the pace we want to move at.

Key phrases that indicate you might benefit from an enhancing charm include:

• I don't feel like people know the real me.

• I feel like I'm in a slump when it comes to my appearance - I don't know what my style is.

• I'm tired of pretending I'm something I'm not.

• I'm ready to be braver in being who I am, but I don't know where to start.

• The masks I've relied on aren't working anymore.

Herbs for an Enhancing Ascendant Charm

An enhancing charm should bring out and energize what you already have within you, helping to make space for that part of you to emerge by clearing out stagnant energy. Plant allies that are traditionally associated with cleansing, such as Vervain (Verbena spp.), Juniper (Juniperus spp.), and Sage (Salvia officinalis), combined with plant allies that are restorative, such as Milky Oat (Avena sativa) and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). In general, seek out herbs that are associated with the folkloric magick of glamours, with energizing body systems, and with illuminating the aura, including plants with scents that you love, and any herb that makes you feel happy when you work with them. 

Here are a few plant allies for an enhancing Ascendant charm to consider:

• Linden (Tilia x europaea)

• Vervain (Verbena spp.)

• Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Milky Oat (Avena sativa)

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Pine (Pinus spp.)

There are a number of stone allies to consider when trying to enhance your Ascendant energy and, if you have them already available, you might include Amber, Citrine, Orange Calcite, Red Jasper, Lapis Lazuli or Turquoise in your charm. You might also consider choosing warm tones for any candles, fabric, bottles or other items that you incorporate into your charm.

image via @barbydalbosco

Reorient Your Ascendant Energy

Herbs and essences that help us reset our compass to our true north (our Moon) and reconnect to ways of expressing ourselves that are more conducive to our inherent energy (our Sun), giving us perspective amongst all the cultural and social noise by seeking ourselves within (rather than through a screen or someone else's lens).

Key phrases that indicate you might benefit from a reorienting charm include:

• No one understands me.

• I feel like a stranger in my own life.

• I have a constant fear of missing out.

• I spend too much time letting myself be influenced rather than investigating my own desires.

• I feel like I need a fresh start.

Herbs for a Reorientation Ascendant Charm

A charm that helps us reorient our Ascendant energy should include plant allies that help us to think clearly and focus, while supporting our ability to change direction. Nootropic (i.e. brain tonics) plant allies like Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), and Sage (Salvia officinalis) support cognitive health and mental clarity support our ability to cultivate inner wisdom while adaptogens like Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum), and Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) help us reorient to our actual desires and needs. In general, seek out herbs that are associated with wisdom, intuitive connection, and confidence, helping you to feel sure in your choices and how you present yourself to the world. 

Here are a few plant allies for a reorienting Ascendant charm to consider:

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) 

• Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

• Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

If you already have them available, there are a number of stones you might work with to help reorient your Ascendant energy including Obsidian, Nuummite, Onyx, Garnet, Smoky Quartz, Red Jasper, and Bloodstone. You might also consider choosing earth tones for any candles, fabric, bottles or other items that you incorporate into your charm.

image via @harrycunningham

Comfort Your Ascendant Energy

Herbs and essences that help us feel held and at ease within ourselves, healing the places that feel most exposed in our life, and gently guide us back into a state of homeostasis, after experiencing all of the challenges that come with being perceived by others. 

Key phrases that indicate you might benefit from a comforting charm include:

• I'm so tired of everyone else's opinions.

• I just want to exist without being hassled or harassed.

• I just want to be taken care of.

• I feel worn down by the world.

• I want to be loved for who I am, instead of who I'm expected to be.

Herbs for a Comforting Ascendant Charm

Our Ascendent is the part of ourselves seen the most by the world and that can create a complicated concoction of the benefits and challenges that come with being perceived all the time. Sometimes what our Ascendant energy needs more than anything is to be comforted -  whether it is after years of living under the shadow of other people's perceptions of you or from the energetic wear and tear of all the ways we're dragged down by the micro- and not-so-microaggressions against who we are. Nervines (i.e. nervous system tonics) are great for a comforting charm, helping to tend to the needs of a worn out, overwhelmed, and/or overstimulated nervous system. One of the best things that you can do for your Ascendant energy is to get to know and regularly use your favorite nervine. Some of my favorite nervines are Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), and Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis). 

Here are a few plant allies for a comforting Ascendant charm to consider:

• Linden (Tilia x europaea)

• Milky Oat (Avena sativa)

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis)

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Stone allies that you might consider working with to help comfort your Ascendant energy if you already have them available are Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Amethyst, Blue Lace Agate, Kyanite, and Sodalite. You might also consider choosing soft color tones for any candles, fabric, bottles or other items that you incorporate into your charm.

image via @danfarrell

Creating Your Ascendant Sign Charm

Decide on the form that your Ascendant charm will take (i.e. a spell bottle, a charm bag, an ascendant sign altar, flower essence potion, tea, etc.) and gather all of your ingredients and items. You should also find a clear stone (the clearer the better) or piece of glass, a bowl of water, a candle, incense or burning herbs of your choosing, and a wand or branch (included a flower or herb stem). While I don't personally know of a traditional elemental correspondence for the Ascendant, we will be drawing on all of the elements, with special attention to the element of Air, since it embodies many of the qualities of the Ascendent, with its focus on perception and connection.

You can choose if you perform this spell under sunlight, moonlight or starlight - let yourself be guided by your intuition and what feels most empowering. I like to place all my items on a tray and bring them to the ideal location where I'll be able to catch sun, moon or star light.

Go to the place that you'll be performing this ritual, ground and center (perhaps with a tree of life meditation), and settle into sacred space through your preferred method. Lay the bowl of water in the west, the candle in the south, the incense in the east, and the wand or branch in the north (or arrange them to the corresponding cardinal directions that makes the most sense to your cultural, spiritual, and/or personal traditions). Place your stone or piece of glass in the center.

Light the candle and the incense. Take up your stone and hold it to your solar plexus, connecting with it on an energetic level, letting it bathe in your energy. Then, hold the stone before you, and blow your breath gently on it, waking it up with your breath of life. 

Once you feel ready, pass the stone through the smoke of the incense, saying:

The breath of life connects us all
within, without
around and about

Weave the stone around the incense and then around you. Bring the stone back to your solar plexus, letting the energy of Air mingle with your own energy. When you feel ready, pass the stone through the flame of the candle, saying:

The flame of wisdom connects us all
within, without
around and about

Weave the stone around the candle and then around you. Bring the stone back to your solar plexus, letting the energy of Fire mingle with your own energy. When you feel ready, hold the stone over the bowl and anoint it with water, saying:

The water of dreams connects us all
within, without
around and about

Weave the stone around the bowl and then around you. Bring the stone back to your solar plexus, letting the energy of Water mingle with your own energy. When you feel ready, place the stone down, take up the wand and tapping the stone as you say:

The earth of renewal connects us all
within, without
around and about

Weave the stone around the wand and then around you. Bring the stone back to your solar plexus, letting the energy of Earth mingle with your own energy. When you feel ready, weave the stone around all of the elements, saying:

The elements of life connects us all
within, without
around and about

Weave the stone around you once more before bringing it back to your solar plexus, connecting with the interwoven energy of the elements flowing through, around, and between all. When you feel ready, hold the stone up to the sun, moon or star light. For the following spoken charm upon saying the first here, hold the stone against to your heart, letting the spell sink into your energy, letting every repetition of here grow stronger as you say it:

By the light of brightest {Sun, Moon or Star}
By earth, by air, within and without
I see and am seen with great love and care
By water, by fire, around and about
When I am lost, I'll be guided back here
By water, by fire, around and about
When I am lost, I'll be guided back here
By earth, by air, within and without
When I am lost, I'll be guided back here!
So mote it be!

If you are crafting an herbal charm, spell bag, flower essence, etc. do that now and then either add or place your stone with that charm. Let the candle burn down, the incense burn out, return the water to the earth, and wand to your altar (or if a flower or herb stem, return it to the earth).

You can also choose to carry your stone with you if you like, re-energizing it with this ritual and adding layers of intention as you go (i.e. visualizing improving your interpersonal communication skills when passing the stone through incense or releasing an old way of being perceived when channeling the energy of earth into your charm). 

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I hope you feel a little more empowered and inspired about connecting with the energy of your Ascendant and the ways that energy flows through your life.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first two posts in this series on your Sun sign and your Moon sign. Having an understanding of these three elements of your birth chart will open up so many pathways of exploration and wisdom-growing within the world of traditional astrology.

If you're looking for more resources for your astroherbalism studies, come this way.

This post was made possible through patron support.
❤︎ Thanks, friends. ❤︎

Liberatory Rest: California Poppy Plant Profile

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a beautiful flower growing in the hot and dry areas of the Golden State, covering hillsides in their orangey-yellow glow. An ally of the restless and a provider of deep sleep, I’ve come to know them best living up in the northern part of California where they freely grow on hillsides, front yards, and sidewalk cracks.

In many ways, California Poppy reminds me of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) which shows up in unexpected places, often in very low quality soil, and thrives. While Dandelion is known for its gifts as a digestive bitter, California Poppy works in many ways as a sleep bitter, helping us to process the stress of the day, release it, and move on into a state of rest and relaxation.

Ready to learn more? Come this way…

image via @megaanmarie

California Poppy
(Eschscholzia californica)

Common + Folk Names : Flame flower, gold poppy, copa de oro, dormidera

Tarot Cards : The Moon, The Hanged One, The Star, 4 of Swords (find out more about the connections between the tarot and herbalism)

Element : Air, Water

Zodiac Signs : Pisces (Guardian & Remedy), Gemini (Remedy), Aquarius (Remedy)

Planet : Sun, Moon, Mercury

Moon Phase : All Phases

Parts Used : Aboveground parts.

Habitat : Native to southwestern United States.

Growing conditions : Full sun in poor, well-drained soil.

Collection :  In spring and summer when in flower.

Flavor : Bitter

Temperature : Cool

Moisture : Dry

Tissue State : Heat, Tension (learn more about traditional western herbalism energetics)

Constituents : Flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids, volatile oil.

Actions : Analgesic, anodyne, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, febrifuge, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, soporific, uterine stimulant.

Main Uses : A beautiful wildflower that covers hillsides throughout the Golden State, California Poppy has long use as an herb of relaxation, nervous system restoration, and sleep for both adults and children. If you're looking for an herb to help reset disruptive sleep patterns but have found other herbs like Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) or Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) leaving you too drowsy, California Poppy might be a good ally to work with. I find it to be less sedating but just as relaxing as the other two herbs mentioned which can be useful for folks who are more sensitive to the effects of herbal medicine.

The plant can be used internally as a tea or tincture, but it also makes a lovely compress when it comes to supporting sleep. After taking the tincture, use an herbal compress (with a few drops of tincture added to it if you like) along the spine before bed to help calm the nervous system and bring on sleep (make it extra special by listening to calming music, combining with breathwork, and/or being read to). Of course, if you're struggling with a chronic pattern of disruptive sleep it's important to reach out beyond herbal medicine and seek additional modalities like therapy and/or bodywork to help you invite healthy sleep patterns back into your life again.

One of the ways that California Poppy helps us to get a good night's sleep is that it helps to bring energy down from the head to our roots, calm racing thoughts, and reduce pain that can come with restlessness. California Poppy is a nervous system restorative and when combined with other herbs like Milky Oat (Avena sativa) it can be used in low doses on a daily basis to help recover from burnout or a period of intense stress. Consider combining with herbs like Vervain (Verbena officinalis, hastata) if there is excess tension and a tendency to overwork or Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) if there is excess anxiety and racing thoughts. Combine with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) if heart palpitations are also present. Can be used in small doses for children who struggle with hyperactivity and restlessness, especially at bedtime.

The flower helps to reduce pain not only as a nervous system restorative but as a cooling anti-inflammatory. Useful in cases of arthritis, shingles, hypertension, menstrual cramps, tension headaches, and toothache. Use internally as well as externally as a compress or in baths. Traditionally used by the ʔívil̃uqaletem in small doses for cases of colic in infants.

With children, California Poppy can be useful for restlessness and insomnia as well as bedwetting or enuresis. One of the indications for California Poppy for enuresis in children is "nervousness" but I think a more modern term would be dysregulation - there is a restless and dysregulated nervous system which can lead to poor sleep, bedwetting, and so on. California Poppy can be useful in the treatment of ADHD in the young but I highly recommend working with a skilled practitioner to help you formulate the right blend as sedating herbs like California Poppy can sometimes feel more disrupting than useful.

Topically, the herb can be used for inflamed conditions of the skin from acne to eczema. Use as a wash or in herbal baths or steams. The flowers can be made into an herbal oil and used in the scalp to calm irritated skin and help promote hair growth especially when stress is causing hair loss. Combine the tincture with St. Joan's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) herbal oil for a topical treatment for nerve pain.

image via @theeastlondonphotographer

Magickal Uses : Use California Poppy to help you achieve a magickal flow state for ritual, divination, and more. Especially useful when combined with Rose (Rosa spp.). Use in charms for bringing good dreams, psychic vision, and in trancework. A good addition to Moon spells of all kinds.

The California Poppy Personality : One of the ways of understanding the California Poppy personality is to compare it to Vervain (Verbena officinalis) folk. There is a tension present in both types of folk leading to a rigidness of opinion and belief. With Vervain folk this rigidness can be tied to more acceptable forms of tension (i.e. workaholism) whereas with California Poppy folks the tension is more often about the restrictiveness of the radical. They often start of as restless spiritual seekers, perhaps suffering from the insomnia of the soul, but find themselves becoming rigid in their spiritual seeking, often attaching to one form of practice, devotion, teacher, and/or school of thought which requires extremes in behavior. Their seeking is externalized (i.e. the wisdom I seek is out there in someone or something other than me) and working with California Poppy can help them to relax into their own internal wisdom, reconnect with their intuition, and rest deeply in the process. Herbalist Anne McIntyre describes California Poppy's effect as helping folks to "develop a more solid inner life" and I've found this to be true.

One of the costs of extreme devotion to outside forces is disconnecting from one's gut feeling of when boundaries are being violated or beliefs have become nonsensical to the point of harm. California Poppy acts as a restorative to the spiritual nervous system, calling home the intuition, releasing folks from the ceaseless wakefulness harmful belief systems (and the media systems that keep us hyperconnected) to come home to a restful ease of the soul at home with itself.

Contraindications : Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Contraindicated in glaucoma.

Drug interactions : Do not take if on MAOIs.

Dosage : Standard dosage.

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If you would like an easy to access, downloadable, and printable version of this and all of my plant profiles you can find it in The Plant Ally Library.

For the month of November I’m hosting a fundraiser for BIPOC herbal education. If you love my writing and would like to support a great cause at the same time, please donate if you can.

I hope you get to meet and work with the lovely remedy that is California Poppy one day or deepen your relationship with them if you’re already acquainted. What are some of your favorite flower remedies?

This post was made possible through patron support.
❤ Thank you, friends. ❤

Of Holiness + Intensity: Vervain Plant Profile

So here I am sitting with my planner and trying to figure out what it is that I’m going to write about about over the next few months. Things we might-do for the Sabbats? Check. Something about how Mercury is not out to get us? Sounds good. A profile on Vervain (Verbena officinalis)? No, I’ve already written that. Right? Surely I’ve written about Vervain!

Turns out, that no, I have not written about an herb that I spend a lot of time recommending to folks.

I think what happened is that I’ve mentioned Vervain in a number of other posts that led to the development of a Vervain-less void when it comes to an in-depth engagement with this most lovely of plants. So I’ve made up for that with the following deep dive into the world of tension alleviating, self-relating, holy altar blessing Vervain.

image source

Vervain
(Verbena officinalis, hastata)

Common + Folk Names : Enchanter’s plant, herb of enchantment, ironherb, herb of grace, herb of the cross, holy herb, holy wort, Indian hyssop, Juno’s tears, pigeon grass, simpler’s joy, verbena, herb of Venus, ferfain, herba veneris, van van, Tears of Isis
Tarot Cards: The Suit of Swords, Justice, the Hierophant
Element : Earth, Water
Zodiac Signs : Libra, Aquarius, Leo
Planets : Venus, Mercury, Jupiter
Moon Phase : Dark Moon
Parts used : Aerial Parts
Habitat : Found globally. The European variety most commonly used is Verbena officinalis while in North America the native Verbena hastata is more common.
Growing conditions : Prefers moist soil and full to partial sun.
Collection : Summer, just before flowering. Tradition dictates that Vervain should be gathered before dawn during the dog days of summer - roughly July 3 to August 11 - when the star Sirius would be brightest in the eastern sky. Read more about the magickal traditions of gathering Vervain in the “Magickal Uses” section below.
Flavor : Bitter
Temperature : Cold
Moisture : Dry
Tissue State : Tension/Constriction (primary), Heat/Excitation (learn more)
Constituents : Vitamin C, potassium, sulfur, zinc, glycosides, essential oils, mucilage, saponins, tannins, bitters, minerals, iridoids.

Actions : Alterative, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, antitumor, aphrodisiac, astringent, anxiolytic, bitter, cardiotonic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, galactagogue, nervine, parturient, rubefacient, sedative, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge, vulnerary.

Main Uses : In traditional western herbalism, Vervain is an herb with ancient use, considered like Sage (Salvia spp.) to be a panacea for all ills. One of the earliest recorded uses for the herb was as a remedy for swelling and inflammation related to a number of diseases from poisonous bites to ulcers and swelling in the mouth and throat. The Welsh Myddfai physicians recommended Vervain for the treatment of swollen glands and Hildegard recommended Vervain for ulcers and swelling, including swollen and sore throats. She specifically recommended topical use of the herb in the form of poultices wrapped around the neck. Sore throats accompanied by shoulder and neck tension as well as a headache can be indicators to use Vervain alongside other throat soothing herbs like Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Verbena officinalis - image source

The healing gift of Vervain to reduce swelling and inflammation - which are sometimes derived from states of excess Heat/Excitation - speak to the plant’s cooling abilities. When describing tissue states in traditional western herbalism, Heat doesn’t necessarily mean that something is hot in the temperature sense which is why Excitation is also used to describe the state. One of the indications for Vervain is someone who is often in a state of excitation and movement - these are folks who tend to overwork, rarely sit still, and are driven by an inner intensity. A certain level of tension is required to maintain this level of intensity and drive and instead of stepping back and relaxing after a strenuous push (whether after a work or school project, an athletic pursuit or any other type of project), they maintain a state of tension which can lead to health imbalances. One of the most common signs of this prolonged state of tension is the tension headache and Vervain can be a great remedy.

The ways that I most use Vervain in my practice and life is as a remedy for excess tension with the tension headache, shoulder and neck pain, and type A personality as key indicators. In general, Vervain can be helpful in cases of insomnia, stress, and agitated nervousness. Signs of irritability, oversensitivity, depression can all indicate that Vervain can be a useful ally. It can be a great herb for children who are finicky, irritable, and have trouble sitting still (sitting still in the context of needing to rest and relax, not the inappropriate expectation of sitting still for hours on end in educational settings). Vervain is a lovely and powerful nervine that pairs well with a number of other herbs - I don’t tend to use it solely on its own because I think that one of the lessons of Vervain is learning how to work with others and ask for help. With tension headaches with a lot of mental chatter, I like to combine Vervain with Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). For recovery after a period of prolonged tension and/or illness including chronic fatigue and postpartum depression (Bartram recommends combining with Matricaria chamomilla), I use Milky Oat (Avena sativa) with Vervain. Where there is lack of pleasure because tension gets in the way, I like to use Vervain with Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Rose (Rosa spp.). 

One of the lessons I have learned working with Vervain is that if it is an herb that is useful for folks when it comes to excess tension in their lives, it is often an herb that indicates that a greater life change is required. As a holy herb, Vervain was and is used in rites of cleansing the temple space and as an offering, and I see it acting in people’s lives in much the same way. Something must change (and often it is patterns of overwork) in order for equilibrium to be re-membered. I recommend incorporating Vervain in both its fast and slow methods of preparations - a tincture can be very helpful for relieving acute pain, but also consider using the herb as a poultice or in a bath to invite yourself to slow down. For some folks that Vervain is useful for the idea of slowing down can evoke a lot of fear from within them - consider using the flower essence alongside the herb for extra emotional support.

Verbena hastata - image source

The herb is useful as a digestive tonic helping to relax the digestive process if it is overly tight and tense and not allowing for the proper assimilation of nutrients. Other indications include stomach aches caused by stress. A traditional use for the herb was for expelling stones from the kidney and bladder. It is also clearing and nourishing for the liver. Another way that Vervain brings balance to the body is by acting on the thyroid gland, normalizing the amount of TSH released by the pituitary gland. Use the hot tea at the start of colds to sweat out toxins. Vervain helps to bring on menses and as a menopausal herb it brings it’s cooling qualities to hot flashes. There is also a long history of use of Vervain for convulsions, spasms, and seizures, especially when connected to menstruation. Use as a galactagogue to help bring milk postpartum (avoid if struggling with engorgement).

Vervain has a long history of being used externally as a poultice for reducing swelling, alleviating pain, and helping to open the lungs. Use for other topical complaints such as bruises, hemorrhoids, and eczema. For mouth complaints such as canker sores, sore throat, gum disease and cavities, use as a gargle. 

Magickal Uses : The magickal uses of Vervain is vast because it was (and is) seen as a deeply sacred herb. In ancient Rome, priests of Jupiter as the patron of good faith who were responsible for advising the senate on issues of war and peace as well as declaring both, would wear crowns of Vervain. Their envoys and messengers on matters of war and peace were called verbenarii, carrying sprigs of vervain to negotiate peace. Vervain was used similarly in this way in ancient Persia and by Germanic peoples. Vervain can be used today for diplomats and mediators, social workers and activists trying to negotiate peace and a kinder world.

The altar of Zeus was said to be cleaned by the herb. Within Egyptian myth, the plant was said to have sprung up from the tears of Isis when she wept over the loss of her lover Osiris. The presence of the herb at times of loss and grief shows up again in Christian mythos as an herb used to clean the wounds of Christ after he hung on the cross. The Druids honor Vervain as one of their most sacred herbs, using it to bless sacred space, in rituals of speaking prophecies, in anointing oils, and as an herb of offering. Throughout Europe, it was seen as auspicious to gather Vervain around Midsummer, sometimes specifically on St. John’s day on June 24. Pliny gave specific directions for the gathering of Vervain as dictated by the Magi:

 “... [The Magi] required vervain to be gathered at the rising of the constellation of Sirius the Dog Star, when neither Sun nor Moon was shining. A circle had first to be drawn around the plant with iron, and after gathering, some wax and honey was given back to the Earth in its place.” (1)

However you choose to harvest Vervain, as with all of our plant relations, it should be done in a sacred manner. As an herb of Venus, Vervain can be used in love spells of all varieties. It’s legacy as a Venusian herb lived on in the Victorian language of flowers as it meant “you tempt me.” In addition to love magick, Vervain can be used in protection spells and healing spells of all varieties. Use the herb for fertility of both people and fields - especially when used around the Summer Solstice. Use to help with psychic development.

Verbena hastata - image source

The Vervain Personality : One of the most common ways a Vervain person will be described is having a “Type A” personality - intense, particular, usually very stressed, and prone to states of tension and excitation. Often they place their sense of self-worth outside of themselves. Usually this is found in their work but it can apply to all aspects of life whether child-rearing, homemaking or competitions of any kind. While Vervain folks do not lack motivation, they often lack the ability to slow down and take a break. When suggestions are made for them to slow down it would not be out of character for them to scoff at the idea and even believe that other folks just “don’t get it” - that they have to work this hard and there is no other choice. While Elm (Ulmus procera) is the essence of folks who place their worth within their work, Vervain does this to a degree but often their work is more about creating a sense of order and rightness in their lives. It has to be this way, otherwise what sort of chaos will ensue? The attempt at control can also be an attempt to make up for a lack of self-esteem, but can come off as taking up too much space in their relationships with others. Though is can be difficult to see from the outside, Vervain folks hold a lot of fear within them. One of the ways that Vervain helps us is to bring us back to what is sacred in our lives. It’s less about taking away fear as it is about bringing us home to something bigger than our fear - our hope. It can be helpful to remind Vervain folks that they will feel tired for a little while after taking a break from their break-neck speeds, but that their energy and vitality will return renewed.

Contraindications : Do not use during pregnancy.

Drug interactions : Do not take at the same time with mineral supplements. Avoid with anticoagulants and warfarin.

Dosage : Standard dosage.

This post was chosen by and made possible through patron support.
❤︎ Thanks, friends. ❤︎

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(1) Graeme Tobyn, Alison Dunham, Margaret Whitelegg, The Western Herbal Tradition: 2000 Years of Medicinal Plant Knowledge (Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2011), 329.

The Plant Allies of Winter: Creating A Winter Wellness Apothecary

The sniffles. The 'flu. The cranky tummy. The hacking cough.

All travel around quicker than a skittish reindeer during the winter and while many of us might want to turn to herbal remedies for some help, it can be hard to know what herb to choose - especially when you're feeling under the weather. 

With a bit of preparation, you can create an easy-to-use winter apothecary for common seasonal complaints. It all begins by getting to know your winter plant allies and selecting a few that you become comfortable working with. One herb often serves many needs (because plants are galaxies of healing, blessed be!) and you don't need to know a hundred herbs, but just a handful, to help you keep well during the winter. Each herb listed below is in at least two categories if not more to help you find a few herbs that will work for a multitude of complaints. I have not created an extensive, never-ending list of herbs for each common winter ailment listed below because I am hoping to encourage focused simplicity in your practice. However, you might already use an herb for one or more of the categories below that is not listed and you are very much encouraged to incorporate it into your list of indispensable winter herbs. 

Since Creating A Winter Apothecary is part of the free Plant Ally Project series (check out the Thirty Day Challenge for a more in-depth herbal experience), I'm going to offer suggestions for herbs that you might check out but it's up to you to meet the plants and build a custom winter apothecary for you and your loved ones.

Subscribers to my Magick Mail get a free worksheet and quick guide to organize their winter apothecary and easily reference what herb they might need for whatever winter illness issue that might arise.

Creating Your Winter Apothecary

• Begin by reading through the list of herbs below in each of the ten categories. I've listed when I've written about each herb, but you can also start with my Winter Wellness: Healing Herbs for the Dark of the Year which profiles some herbs on this list.

• After doing some research, choose one herb from each category. You might end up with 10 different herbs to work with, but most likely you'll have less since each herb can be found in more than one category.

• Learn about the best way to prepare your herb as a remedy. I've listed common remedy preparations in my Plant Ally Project Thirty Day Challenge. If you're looking for more in-depth and diverse herbal remedy tutorials check out the Lunar Apothecary.

• Gather together your chosen herbs and have them in an easy to access space in your home. I encourage you to add labels to their containers (whether a loose herb jar or a tincture bottle) that indicates what the herb can be used for as well as dosage. You might have a jar of Sage (Salvia officinalis) and label it with the following description: "Good for wet coughs + excess phlegm, congestion, sore throats, and indigestion. Dosage is 1 teaspoon per cup of water."

• Create your own Winer Apothecary "cheat sheet" with my free worksheet and quick guide available to my Magick Mail subscribers.

Herbs for Preventative Care or Daily Tonics

Let's start with some daily winter tonics which are nutritive, generally warming, and often immunomodulating (as opposed to immunostimulating - which we'll look at later). These are herbs that can be taken on a daily basis throughout the winter. 

• Elder (Sambucus nigra): Read more about Elder in my Tree of Medicine and Winter Wellness post.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Read more about Ginger in my Aries Astroherbology Profile.

• Milky Oats (Avena sativa)

• Sacred Basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Herbs for Dry + Hacking Coughs

Moistening or mucilaginous herbs are of great help when the respiratory tract is dry and irritated. Many of these herbs have additional nervine qualities which help to relax the tension brought on by irritation.

• Elecampane (Inula helenium)

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica): Read about Angelica in my To Ignite the Imagination post.

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Herbs for Wet Coughs + Excess Phlegm

Herbs that are astringent can be excellent allies in drying up excess damp and phlegm in the system. They help to tone, tighten, and restore tissues to their optimal state, preventing or helping the body to recover from infection or prevent it from settling in the body.

• Elecampane (Inula helenium)

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Sacred Basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Herbs for Sore Throats

Similar to herb for dry and hacking coughs, herbs for sore throats are generally moistening in nature. Some are more drying and others are more moistening while others are neutral in temperature. Many are also anodyne in nature, meaning that they offer pain relief, which is an added bonus when dealing with the discomfort of sore throats.

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica): Read about Angelica in my To Ignite the Imagination post.

• Cleavers (Galium alparine): Especially useful when the lymph glands are swollen.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

• Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Herbs for Drippy Noses

Herbs that are warming, astringent, and tonifying to the mucus membranes can help take care of the drippiness of an unhappy nose.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Read more about Ginger in my Aries Astroherbology Profile.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica): Yerba Mansa is a tophorestorative for the mucus membranes which is why it is great for both drippy and congested noses.

Herbs for Congested Noses

Herbal expectorants help the body cough, sneeze, and release excess mucus, clearing out congestion and helping us breath clearly again. Pay attention to the color of your mucus. Yellow mucus indicates heat (think of sunny warm yellow) and more cooling expectorant herbs are useful while clear or white mucus indicates cold (think of snowy cold white) and warming expectorant herbs are a better choice.

• Elecampane (Inula helenium)

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Read more about Ginger in my Aries Astroherbology Profile.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Read more about Peppermint in our Winter Wellness and Quicken the Mind.

• Sacred Basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Herbs to Cleanse the Lymphatic System

Our hard-working lymphatic system can get clogged down leading to uncomfortably swollen glands that can't properly process blood and fluid which means white blood cells are transferred less effectively throughout the body. Adding lymphatic cleansers to cold care blends can be very helpful in promoting a speedy recovery or preventing a virus from settling in the body in the first place.

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Cleavers (Galium alparine)

• Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Herbs to Stimulate the Immune System

The following herbs are known as immunostimulators meaning that they stimulate the immune system into action and are best used for a the short run when you're dealing with a cold or 'flu or in a higher risk situation for exposure (such as air travel or hanging around kindergarteners).

• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

• Elder (Sambucus nigra): Some folks categorize Elder as immunostimulating as well as immunomodulating. What Elder does is disrupts a viruses' ability to replicate and while that does stimulate the immune system into action, I have not found Elder to be more useful as tonic than a short-term herb for acute symptoms (though it still is effective in the short term because it's a pretty darn amazing plant). Read more about Elder in my Tree of Medicine and Winter Wellness post.

• Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica)

Herbs for Fever + Achiness 

Fevers help our bodies to burn off infection and as long as they stay within a safe range (when a fever in an adult is consistently 103° or higher and lasts for three days or more it is time to seek medical help). Yet, fevers can come with accompanying discomfort including aches and pains which may be relieved by the herbal remedies listed below.

• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum): Especially useful for when the bones feel achy otherwise known as "break-bone fever."

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

• Elder Berry (Sambucus nigra): Read more about Elder in my Tree of Medicine and Winter Wellness post.

• Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra): When restlessness and irritability is present. An Elder Flower foot bath can be helpful for those who are having difficulty sleeping. Read more about Elder in my Tree of Medicine and Winter Wellness post.

• Elecampane (Inula helenium): Read more about Elecampane on my Winter Wellness post.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Read more about Ginger in my Aries Astroherbology Profile.

• Milky Oat (Avena sativa): While not an herb specific to fever it can be very useful in recovering from a fever when there are signs of adrenal burnout, fatigue or if the illness has been brought on, in part, because of not allowing oneself to take time grieve a loss.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Sacred Basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Vervain (Verbena officinalis): For type 'A's who don't know when to stop and need to relax in order to heal.

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Herbs for Indigestion

Whether indigestion that has come with the 'flu or from a sluggish system burdened by too many rich winter foods, the following herbs, many of which are considered digestive bitters, can help to improve intestinal tone, relieve gas and cramping, and help to rekindle the digestive fires.

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Especially good for inflammation along the intestinal tract as well as stomach ulcers.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Read more about Ginger in my Aries Astroherbology Profile.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Sacred Basil or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

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I hope you're feeling inspired to create your own Winter Wellness Apothecary! I’ve created guides for all of the seasons to help support your herbal year:

• The Spring Wellness Apothecary

• The Summer Wellness Apothecary

• The Autumn Wellness Apothecary

May your winter be full of joy and beautiful connections, with plants, people, and the magick of the ending year.

Leo: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Leo! 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. Learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Zodiac Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer!

Element: Fire
Mode: Fixed
Guardian Planet: Sun
Direction: Southwest
Season: Summer (NH), Winter (SH)
House: 5th House / Succedent
Lunar Mansions: 10th Mansion, 11th Mansion, + 12th Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Citrine
Tarot: Strength, The Sun, 5 of Wands (7/22 - 8/1), 6 of Wands (8/2 - 8/11), 7 of Wands (8/12 - 8/22), Knight of Wands
Tissue State: Hot/Excitation, Dry/Atrophy (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Chest, spine, and upper back. Dorsal region of the back and spine including nerves and specifically the second dorsal vertebra. Marrow of the spine. Heart, vena cava, and aorta. Myelin sheaths. Cardiac system. Circulation and distribution of nutrients and vital energy through the blood. Radius, ulna, wrists, and forearm. Constructive forces of the body.

Imbalances + Diseases: Cardiac complaints including palpitations, heart disease, enlargement of the heart, hypertension, weak circulation, and a nervous heart. Heartburn. Painful and violent fevers. Vertigo and dizziness during fevers. Convulsions. Plagues and jaundice. Eye strain, inflammation, soreness, and diseases. Backache, spine complaints, scoliosis, diseases of the spine and myelin sheaths. Injuries to the back and spine. Pain in the ribs. Heatstroke and sunburn. Dehydration. Stroke. Alcoholism. Anaemia, thin blood, and blood disorders. Eruptive skin complaints. Epidemic and plague diseases. Hardening of the arteries (particularly due to dryness). Measles, shingles, and meningitis. Diseases arising from excess pleasure, indulgence, and amusement.  Overexertion and overstimulation. Fear of love and being loved in return. Taking up too much space. Excess or overbearing passion. Patronizing, dogmatic, and arrogant. Inability to perform their stories truthfully. Fixity and stubbornness.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: left coronary artery; 2 degrees: aorta; 3 degrees: right coronary artery; 4 degrees: left carotid artery; 5 degrees: right carotid artery, hair; 6 degrees: entrance of pulmonary artery, eyesight; 7 degrees: anemia, fevers, left coronary vein; 8 degrees: inferior vena cava, hearing, anemia, fevers, burns; 9 degrees: superior vena cava, alcoholism, burns, bladder imbalances; 10 degrees: jugular vein, bladder imbalances; 11 degrees: subclavian veins; 12 degrees: vertebral column; 13 degrees: right ventricle of the heart, rheumatic fever; 14 degrees: left ventricle of the heart; 15 degrees: right atrium; 16 degrees: left atrium; 17 degrees: right auricle; 18 degrees: right cardiac activity, azimene; 19 degrees: ventricular septum, spine; 20 degrees: mitral valve; 21 degrees: left atrium; 22 degrees: left auricle, appendicitis; 23 degrees: left auricle, appendicitis, rheumatism; 24 degrees: papillary muscles, rheumatism; 25 degrees: pericardium, abscess, alcoholism, poisoning, drowning, asphyxiation; 26 degrees: myocardium, poisoning, drowning, asphyxiation, goiter; 27 degrees: chordae tendinae, azimene, goiter, poisoning, drowning, asphyxiation, goiter; 28 degrees: chordae tendinae, azimene, neuritis, poisoning, drowning, asphyxiation; 29 degrees: neuritis; 30 degrees: back.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Leo: Learning before doing or assuming leadership. Sharing and creating supportive space for others. Cooling and moistening herbs. Cooling sedatives. Water-rich herbs. Cardiotonics. Water therapy.

Gifts of Leo: Willpower and the ability to say what you need. Confidence and charisma. An enthusiastic generosity that is contagious. Strengthening and taking care of inherent vitality.

Rituals of Leo: Sacred theatre and performance. Success and prosperity charms. Promotion and acknowledgement. Fire and sun rituals. 

Leo Guardian Herbs: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), St. Joan’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Rue (Ruta graveolens), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Linden (Tilia europea).

Leo Remedy Herbs: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Rose (Rosa damascena), Lemon (Citrus x limon).

Flower + Gem Essences: St. Joan’s Wort, Vervain, Aloe Vera, Goldenrod, Gold.

The Sun in Leo

Leo Suns are bright and radiant! Which makes a lot of sense considering that Leo’s Guardian “planet” is the Sun. Self-expression and the recognition of their expression is a central to their identity. They know themselves through their performance and when wisely attuned, the gift of Leo is revealing that we are all performing, so why not choose what role we want to play? It’s time to write your own lines, the lion tells us. Bigger is often better in the world of Leo and they don’t always have an inner voice nagging them about “too much of a good thing.” What is that, the lion asks.

Where Leo folk fall into trouble is when they allow their pride to trip them up. When they mistake confidence for competence. Many a lion can get carried away with the need for being the center of attention that they forgo the effort it might take to earn being paid attention to in the ways they want. Sometimes Leo folk are perceived to lack emotional maturity. While there are Leo folk who do need to spend time developing themselves emotionally, many possess a child-like enthusiasm and emotional clarity that resists overcomplicating everything. If you’re in love, be in love! If you’re angry, be angry! Yet, emotionally complicated situations are a fact of life and can become confusing, aggravating, and defeating to Leo folk and their companions. Understanding that embracing complexity does not mean they will jeopardize their purity of expression is an important lesson for Leo folk to learn. Then, their theatre begins to take on the gifts of sacred expression and their stories become timeless.

Within a medical astrology perspective, Leo are one of the most inherently vital signs of the zodiac. Yet, it is very important for Leo folk to not spend all of their energy in the wildness of youth, but learn how to temper their energetic output in a way that will keep them vital until the end of their days. They are a fixed fire sign which means that they burn hot which can very easily lead to burnout. Physically, Leo folk need to be very mindful of drinking lots of fresh water to keep their inner heat from burning them up from the inside out (and prevent the all too common imbalance of dehydration). The gifts of Leo is a spirit of generosity so big that is might just change the world. Leo folk help us to connect with our innate will, our truest desires, and to find the confidence we need to actually go after our dreams.

Leo Guardian Herbs

Rue by Kurt Stüber

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

The name Rue is derived from the Greek rueo which means “to set free” which tells us about Rue’s ability to set us free from disease as well as magickal crossings. The traditional cimaruta charm of Italy is shaped like the Rue plant and protects against the evil eye. The herb is hot and dry, embodying the Leo qualities of Sun. Leo values emotional expression and Rue can be a helpful herb for those who struggle to express emotions that they feel are volatile, such as anger and frustration. 

Rue is an herb that should be used with respect and is a step beyond some of the more accessible herbs of the western herbal tradition. It is an herb best used at low doses as higher doses can cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and cramping. Rue should be used in moderation and those who are especially sensitive-skinned should be mindful of touching the fresh plant with bare skin or ingesting the herb in remedies as it can cause blistering. In general, excessive handling of the fresh plant with bare skin should be avoided. It is an herb of the Sun and it’s heat should be respected.

While it was an herb used widely in the ancient world of traditional western herbalism, its use has decline during the modern era. Yet, one of the continued uses of Rue is as an emmenagogue and anti-fertility herb. It can help to bring on menses, ease premenstrual tension, and prevent pregnancy. Rue is used widely in Latine communities as an abortifacient. The herb also has a traditional use for cancer, especially uterine cancer, which may stem from its cleansing qualities of the uterus.

Rue is also used for eyestrain and imbalances, helping sooth overworked eyes whether taken internally or topically as a an oil. Look for signs of wateriness and sensitivity. Digestive congestion, colic, and a cold digestion may be aided by Rue’s drying, warming, and stimulating qualities. It’s Sun powers also make it effective in the relief of arthritis especially when the condition is made worse during times of damp and cold.

Cimaruta by Frederick Thomas Elworthy

I use the herb most often in my practice in magickal charms and as a flower essence. It is an herb of protection, bringing luck, steadfast will, and the abundance of love. I also use the flower essence for helping folks return to a state of grace (one of the Rue’s folk names is Herb of Grace). It is especially useful for folks who feel like they lack support in their life and they are having to deal with all of their problems on their own. Rue can help folks who may feel paranoid that they are always under attack - the herb helps them release a victim-mentality and find their strength. 

Leo Remedy Herbs

Hawthorn flower by Eugene Zelenko

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn is heart medicine of the most nourishing variety. The herb strengthens the heart, improved blood flow, dilates the blood vessels, and increases nutrient absorption. It is an excellent herb to take after a period of illness or physical strain to protect the heart from further upset. For our lion-hearted Leo folk, Hawthorn is cooling, without dampening, helping Leo folk to return to their center. It is a calming herb, excellent for cases of attention-deficit, nervousness, and anxiety. Drink Hawthorn tea before bed in cases of insomnia caused by excess of agitating heat in the system. An added bonus, is Hawthorn’s ability to help us ride the hedge or travel purposefully in our dreams between the worlds.

As a digestive tonic, Hawthorn clears the gut of toxicity and build-up as well as helping with metabolizing of fat. Look for excess heat and fluids. The flower can be used in steams for acne and a lack of lustre in the complexion, while the berry can be used in a gargle for sore throats and bleeding gums. The herb has a long association with the Good Folk and magick within Celtic cultures. Use it in your magickal workings for trance and journey work, as well as connecting with the liminal spaces between.

Sun in Leo Flower Essence

image via wikipedia

Vervain is the flower essence for Leo folk who let their enthusiasm get the best of them. They take up too much space, whether dominating conversations or trying to always take the lead, and can end up trying to convince everyone that their opinion is the best way forward. Now often their need for everyone to get on board their enthusiasm train is driven from a belief that everyone will benefit, they need to learn how to share space effectively. Vervain helps Leo folk realize that commonality of purpose is more important than everyone having the same opinion as them. The essence helps Leo folk take a step back, relax, and become a better team player.

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!

• The Lunar Apothecary is a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.