Being of Service: Tarot and Tea for Virgo Season

Welcome to Virgo Season!

This is my latest post on tarot practices and herbal allies for the twelve seasons of the zodiac (you can learn more here).

Virgo straddles the seasons, marking the end of summer and the start of fall in the northern hemisphere and the end of winter and the start of spring in the southern hemisphere. There are a few symbols for the sign of Virgo, including a sheaf of wheat, representing the health and abundance of the harvest and deep connection to the land, as well as the Virgin, representing someone who is unto themselves and imbued with the powers of self-determination. One of the symbols proposed for Virgo was the donkey which gives you an idea of the stubbornness and steadiness associated with the sign. The energy of Virgo season is very much one of getting on with it - the weather is changing and so must we. While Leo season can have the feeling of endless summer, Virgo season brings in a very practical air of preparing for the needs of community and the structures (including homes, workplaces, third spaces and so on) that need tending to. 

Virgo is a mutable Earth sign and carries the energy of meeting the needs of self and community as they arise (Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces are also mutable signs). In other words, they know what healing herbs and spices need to be added to the soup pot to best serve whoever is coming to tonight's potluck. Whenever I think of Virgo, I think of living, breathing, community-centered healing spaces and temples, where folks can be welcomed in, cared for, fed, and nourished on a soul level. In comparison to other earth signs, where Taurus might be deep in the garden tending to the flowers and the fruits needed for the community meal and Capricorn is calculating what it's going to take to keep the community healing space operating, it is Virgo at the front door, welcoming folks in and adapting their greeting depending on who arrives.

With Virgo we learn what it is we are called to be of service to, where it is we can facilitate most healing in the world, and, from a shadow perspective, what it is we fear is "unfixable" about us or we are afraid to reach out for help about. Sometimes Virgo energy can make us feel anxious - there is so much need for healing in the world, where do we even start - and some of us cope by overworking and burning ourselves out. Other times, there can be an overdeveloped sense of paticularlness (it needs to be done just so!) and avoidance of acknowledging that all of us need and deserve to be cared for and loved upon. Exploring the energy of Virgo is an opportunity to hear more clearly our calling in life as well as more consciously connect to our own tender and vulnerable needs to be helped and supported.  

Being of Service
Virgo Season Tarot Spread

Learning what it is we feel called to do and be in the world, and where it is we will contribute to healing our communities, is a lifelong practice of self-reflection shaped by the mirrors of the relationships we are in (including with people, creatures, land, sea, and sky). Will a single tarot spread tell you what your calling is? No, but the following tarot spread is not trying to tell you anything, but rather affirm what it is you already know deep down within. The great gift of Virgo is that the energy of the sign helps us to put into practice our calling. We might know what our calling is, but how that is going to manifest will shift and change as we grow into understanding the sacredness of our service. 

Virgo asks us "Where are you called to serve?"

I am called to be an herbalist, for example, and early on in my career I was called to make herbal remedies and run a small private practice, whereas now my focus is more on teaching other people how to make their own remedies and focus on community spaces of learning, reflection, and connection. In another decade the shape of my service will have changed again which it's why it's so important to have self-inquiry practices (like the tarot spread below) to help us reconnect with what it is we are called to do and be, the support we need in order to be of service, and the current shape that our practice is taking.

Card 1. That Which Calls to Us

This card helps us to better understand what our calling is. Often this card highlights the theme of our calling (i.e. pulling the Three of Swords symbolizing being of service to those in the process of grief or heartbreak), but sometimes it can be more literal (i.e. pulling the High Priestess which speaks to your calling to take up spiritual vows and commit to esoteric studies). Dissonance or confusion with this card often points to one of two things: first, maybe it's not the right time to be doing this reading or second, there is internal resistance to your calling which is being reflected back to you in the card.

Card 2. The Shape Of Our Service

This card helps us to understand the path that our calling is currently taking us on. If you pulled the Three of Swords for your first card and pull the Queen of Swords or Cups for this card, perhaps you're being called into the role of a therapist. Generally, this card reads as a "next steps" card to the first - you understand your calling better, so now what?

Card 3. That Which Needs Nourishing

It can be easy (often exciting!) to focus on what we are called to do and be in the world. It's often much harder to consider all of what it's going to take to keep us well as we answer our call. This card highlights areas of your life that need more nourishment.

Card 4. That Which Needs Asking Of

This card helps us to understand the parts of our calling that we need to be reflecting on and understanding better. Answering a calling is not just about being of external service to the world, but the inner transformation that happens as we understand ourselves better through our service.

Card 5. A Message for Virgo Season

A general message, signs to pay attention to, and perhaps next steps to take as we move into Virgo season. This card can highlight energy which you might bring more into your life during Virgo season so that you are better able to connect with the energetic flow of the next month.

Bonus Card: That Which Guards the Powers of Digestion

If you feel connected with the philosophy of astroherbology you can pull an additional card to help you understand the current energies of your digestive system and the nervous system as related to digestion, including physical experiences and energetic ones, what tension or wisdom you might be keeping there. I encourage you to take a somatic approach with this card - when you pull it and see the energy, follow the feelings and sensations that it evokes from your body to understand its meaning. 

image via @ireneivantsova

A Tea for Virgo Season

How do we nourish the energy of Virgo? Traditionally, Virgo guards the digestive system of the body including the intestines, digestive enzymes, and the connection between the gut and the brain (click here for a full list of traditional correspondences for Virgo). The energy of Virgo is a nutrient rich meal that satisfies not only the hunger of the body, but the hunger of the spirit. In order to enjoy nutrient rich meals, we need to be able to properly digest and process whatever nutrients come our way. Virgo energy benefits from supporting the process of rest and digest that so often gets disrupted in our modern culture. So the foundation of our blend is beautiful Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) which helps us to process our internal and external experiences (i.e. digesting our environmental, emotional, and physical experiences). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) brings in digestive support as well as calming the nervous system while Skullcap (Scutellaria recutita) continues to nourish the nervous system and bring in clear-headedness. Alternatively, if your nervous system is struggling to rest and sleep, you might replace Skullcap with Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) to help create a deeper state of restfulness.

• 2 parts Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• 1 part Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

• ½ part Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) or Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

These proportions are only suggested guidelines, so feel free to play around with them to your liking. As you make your tea, slow down, breathe deep, and infuse the blend with your intentions for the season (or whenever you’re drinking this tea to connect with the energy of Virgo). If you’re looking for more breathwork practices to help you connect with the energy of the season, come this way.

image via @floppypaste

Seasonal Reflections

What does the land feel like, look like, smell like this season?

What is coming to the surface from within me?

What is receding within me?

What am I feeling grateful for?

What am I grieving for or feeling challenged by?

What am I feeling inspired and where is it calling me to this season?

What am I calling to me?

What am I called to give?

♍️

Want to learn more about the magick and astroherbalism of Virgo? I’ve written a full profile on the sign for you to enjoy. You can also check out the rest of my seasons of astrology series.

Another Virgo plant that I didn't feature in my tea but really love, is Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - you can find a full profile of the herb here. If you struggle with some of the more anxiuos energy of Virgo my favorite calming nervine remedy is Milky Oat (Avena sativa) and it might be some time for some lunar-inspired rest.

May Virgo season be a time of healing and restoration, of uplifting healing spaces, and community joy.

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

Seeking Healing : The New Moon in Virgo

To the One Who Opens the door

The Door

And the Gate Keeper

And, to the One
who walks
through

- Sulis Sarasvati -

The New Moon in Virgo is the hinge of the doorway for the new season to come through. In the northern hemisphere it is time to pause and notice the leaves beginning to fall from the trees and in the southern hemisphere we listen to the seeds unfurling up towards sky. We’re not fully embedded in the new season yet, but when the Moon is born again in the sign of Virgo we find ourselves moving away from what was and the next step finding us entering into what might be. 

Image by Nibras al-Riyami

Virgo’s symbol is the Virgin (though it was almost the Donkey, which seems fitting given the signs stubborn tendency). While our modern sensibilities place the idea of the Virgin within something that is all-together willowy and damsel-in-distress-y, the original concept of Virgin was someone who was wholly unto themselves and bound to no other mortal in a relationship. The relationships of Virgins were often divine in nature, such as the Vestal Virgins who kept the fires of the Vesta burning (and were a later incarnation of Priestesses of the Greek Hestia). These sacred Virgins, however, were not just invested in keeping holy fires burning in temples and homes, but the right ordering of things in general so that the sacred fires might not only burn, but burn well so that all exposed to their light may enjoy good health (again, a nod to Virgo's need for orderliness in their environment).

The New Moon in Virgo is a time to visit your sacred temple of healing and make sure that your hearth fire is well tended (remember all that heart work you did with Leo?). Now is a time to tend lovingly to the home that you live in, both your surroundings and your body. Fill your days with nutritive herbs, digestive bitters, and kitchen spice magick. Ask yourself what it is you do to ground, center, and recuperate? Not what you plan on doing or aspire to do, but what you are actually doing in your life right now. As an earth sign, Virgo asks us what is it that you’re not getting enough of physically in order to thrive? It might be sleep, wholesome food or time away from your computer (and if that means you stop reading this right now and take a break, I support that 1000%).

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
New Moon in Virgo Plant Ally

I recommend Fennel a lot as a Virgo herb and for good reason. The plant is a great addition to teas, cooking, and even aromatherapy sprays, as a season-changing ally. Fennel helps to dissolve stagnant energy and fluids in the body which helps our inner fire move throughout our being with ease. It not only helps with digestive complaints, such as gas and poor metabolism, but the herb helps to alleviating the tension of a busy mind, relaxing tense shoulders, and having an overall softening effect on the body.

Fennel is a plant that helps us to be grounded in the pleasure of our body, especially when we feel overwhelmed. The flower essence of Fennel is one that brings happiness. More specifically it brings happiness because it offers relief from the idea of having to hold up the world with our efforts. If you’re having trouble even considering that you need to take time off and go easy during this Virgo New Moon, try some Fennel flower essence. 

Flower + Gem Essences for the New Moon of Virgo: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Fig (Ficus carica), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Rock Water, Carnelian, Blue Aventurine.

Essential Oils of Virgo: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Caraway (Carum carvi).

Photo by Aperture Vintage

Temple Stone Ritual

The following ritual will help you create an astral healing temple that you can bring with you wherever you go. Once charged, the stone has many uses - you can bring this stone into your consultation room to help establish a healing space, evoke its energies before your daily meditation, and more.

For this ritual you will need one stone. It could be a rock from your garden or a beautiful crystal. Begin in a sacred way (read the New Moon in Aquarius post for further inspiration). Turn to the West (or East if you’re in the southern hemisphere) and place your stone before you on the ground. Visualize healing energies of the West coming towards you, breathing them in and letting them swirl around you. When you’re ready, touch your stone, creating a link between the healing energies of the West and your rock. Turn to the North, and do the same as in the West. Continue to the East, the South, and then the Center. 

Hold your stone again. Around you is a temple of healing energy, mapped by your stone. Say:

New Moon blessing
Swing open the door
I step into healing
and love ever more.

Taking a deep breath in, visualize the energies of your healing temple being drawn completely into your stone. Seal the spell by tapping your stone on the ground in the Center, South, East, North, and finally the West.

The World Spirit Tarot

Oracle

With a divinatory tool of your choosing ask the following question. You can also ponder it during meditation or through journaling.

Where do I need healing most in my life?

Additional queries to consider:

• How do I honor the need for feeling pleasure in my body?
• What part of my life do I need to think less and do more?

Tarot Cards of Virgo

Every card within the tarot deck has an astrological association. The following correspondences follow the system laid out by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. You can add these cards to your altar as part of your New Moon in Cancer magick or use them in readings to help with determining celestial influence or timing (i.e. this will come to pass at when the Moon is in Cancer).

• The Sign of Virgo: The Hermit
• Sun in Virgo: Eight of Pentacles
• Venus in Virgo: Nine of Pentacles
• Mercury in Virgo: Ten of Pentacles
• The Earth Signs of Taurus, Virgo, + Capricorn: Ace of Pentacles

Find all of the New Moon Healers Project posts right over here. Be sure to share your insights and experiences in the comments below or via instagram with the tag #NewMoonHealersProject.

Need more astroherbology in your life? You can learn more about the astroherbology of Virgo by reading my in-depth profile on the sign. Check out the magick of each phase of the Moon. For those of you ready to learn how to live your magick and create your herbal remedies by the cycle of Moon and star, you're invited to join the The Lunar Apothecary.

Blessed New Moon, wise healers.
May your healing be healing to us all.
May our healing be healing to you.
Blessed be! Blessed be! Blessed be!

Manifesting : The Waxing Quarter Moon in Capricorn

In the Lunar Apothecary we explore our relationship to both celestial and terrestrial cycles, including the phases of the Moon. 

As part of your inexpensive and in-depth year-long membership in the Lunar Apothecary, I send out bi-monthly newsletters exploring the upcoming cycles of the Moon as well as herbal practice and plant allies (all of this is in addition to your monthly study guides). If you're ready to deepen your herbal practice and study both the medicinal and magickal powers of traditional western herbal healing and the exciting world of astroherbology, you're invited to join our starry-hearted circle. I am also pleased to announce that payment plans are available for Lunar Apothecary memberships to those who are in financial need - find out more!

The following blog is a sneak peak from one of my latest Moonlight newsletters - enjoy!

It is one of my most favorite times of year, dear Lunas! It is nearing the season of Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere and in my own town we've finally had a slight break in the heat (I might even wear a sweater!). But as the Witch's New Year approaches I focus on living in a way that I want to live in the next year - a bit of manifestation magick! If I want my next year to be full of rest and time outside, for example, I might plan a camping trip or regular outdoor excursions during this time period for a bit of forest bathing. Generally, this is the time of year that I make sure to gather together with family and friends - especially those that live far away. It is a practice of how I want to live my life in the year to come (a mix of restorative retreats and joyful gatherings) and as well as working some manifesting or like-attracts-like magick.

bagby hot springs - photo by author

A question that I ask my clients (and myself!) a lot when they come to me for a wellness consultation is not just "What feels out-of-balance right now?" but "What do you want to feel going forward?"

It can be very easy to focus on everything that feels out of sorts, wrong or just plain crappy (or maybe fancy crappy if it's been that sort of year). While I don't believe that having "negative" thoughts will only manifest negativity in your life (that can lead to blaming and shaming of victims of trauma and further traumatization), I do know that our emotions and thoughts have a physical impact on our wellbeing. If you're interested in the current scientific explorations about the connection between our emotional and physical wellbeing check out the fascinating field of psychoneuroimmunology. As herbalists we've known about these interconnections for quite some time because herbs work in an interconnected way in our bodies. It is no surprise, for example, that many herbs that relieve digestive complaints are also fantastic nervines as so often indigestion can result from stress or bring on stress (usually a combination of both). Recognizing the inherent interconnections between our body and our environment, we begin to return home to ourselves.

Much of the energy of Capricorn is about coming home, but coming home in unexpected ways.

So when I ask folks "What do you want to feel moving forward?" it is not uncommon for them not to have an answer or to find the question very challenging. Feeling well and whole is feeling at home, so when we lose that feeling of wellness and wholeness it can be very easy to lose sight of where home is and how to get back there. Often what has worked for us before either no longer works or we've forgotten what has felt like home to us before. When we ask, and more importantly answer, the question of what we want to feel we begin to reconnect to our inner compass that will help guide us back to ourselves. It can be really friggin' hard work, Lunas, but I know that many of you know that already. It is still work that needs to done and it is so rewarding in the long run.

bagby hot springs - photo taken by author

What do you want to feel moving forward, Luna?

There is no one answer to this question and that is important to remember. I know that for some folks they want to feel "happy" whatever that might look for them, but I often find that first folks want to or need to feel really, truly, uninhibitedly sad or angry or wild first. Because it is acceptable to feel happy and to want to feel happy - but that is what is expected and we're dealing with the unexpected homecoming energies of Capricorn. Sometimes we need to feel angry and rage a bit in the process of coming home. Want it, Luna. Sometimes we need to grieve and let our heart break open. Call it to you, Luna. Be honest, be accountable, find what you want and to heck with the expectations of others and dominant cultural narratives that don't align with your values. Work your magick, Luna.

In the process, invite in green allies who help you connect with what you want by supporting strength and wholeness in all parts of your selves. It is not just Capricorn but all of the signs of earth that deal with concepts and experiences of home. I recently wrote about a Virgo herb, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and the type of person that it best serves (Virgo is particularly good with coming home to community and healing spaces).

Fennel is not only excellent at offering aid to those folks who not only experience digestive complaints stemming from a dried-out digestive system, but also for folks who are stressed-out worriers who lack a sense of security in the world.

Fennel folk struggle to feel like they can move freely through their day and that there are too many restrictions placed on them (whether self-imposed, inflicted by relationships or a combination thereof). Fennel folks begin to forget things that they need to do, adding to their feeling of playing catch-up all the time. Fennel will help them to take stock of the stressors in their lives, release it, and digest their emotions instead of stuffing them down. They will learn how to find the core of their need and truth under the layers of worry, stress, and anxieties. Fennel helps to bring us home to ourselves by simply holding up a mirror to who we are and letting us see ourselves.

We have spoken about homecoming before in the Lunar Apothecary, dear Lunas, and we will continue to do so as it is such a central component of herbal healing. What herb will help you to come home to yourself and manifest that which you want to feel in the world? Be sure to check out the Waxing Moon in Capricorn Ritual and Recipe which are all about manifestation for help and inspiration in calling your desire to you (both are available in the Lunar Apothecary). Find your remedy, Luna.

Ready for more herbal healing + magick in your life?
Heck yeah!

Be sure to check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including other samples from my Lunar Apothecary Moonlight newsletters. In the meantime, clever ones, I wish you well in all your manifestations, co-creations, delicious destructions, and the wild-hearted way you bring wisdom to the world. ❤

Virgo: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Virgo!

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 Astroherbology Zodiac Series. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Element: Earth
Mode: Mutable
Guardian Planet: Mercury
Direction: West
Season: Autumn (NH), Spring (SH)
House: 6th House / Cadent
Lunar Mansions: 12th Mansion, 13th Mansion, + 14th Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Moss Agate
Tarot: The Hermit, the Magician, 8 of Pentacles (8/23 - 9/1), 9 of Pentacles (9/2 - 9/11), 10 of Pentacles (9/12 - 9/22), King of Pentacles
Tissue State: Tense Tissue State (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Abdomen. Gut brain and intelligence. Intestines, lower liver (especially the purifying functions), alimentary canal, spleen. Digestive enzymes. Absorption and assimilation. The nervous system as related to digestion. Diaphragm. Spleen. Pancreas.

Imbalances + Diseases: Indigestion, malnutrition, intestinal weakness and disease, colic, constipation and diarrhea, flatulence, colitis, ulcers, acidity and reflux. Nervous stomach and indigestion caused by emotional upset. Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. Intestinal parasites, worms, and dysentery. Hernias and ulcers. Dysfunctional liver. Pancreatic diseases including pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and blood sugar issues. Thymus and immune system dysfunction. Hernias of the diaphragm. Melancholy, anxiety, and depression. Premature gray hair. Hepatitis. High-strung energy. Overly critical, picky, and trivial. Selfish and difficulty feeling sympathetic. Workaholic, neurotic, self-denying, and lack self-confidence. Obsession with “cleanliness” from germs to deep feelings of being “dirty” or what is labeled “disgusting.” Too fastidious and feeling confused. Not listening to their gut.

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: duodenum; 2 degrees: small intestine; 3 degrees: appendix, caecum, appendicitis; 4 degrees: ascending colon, appendicitis, asthma; 5 degrees: transverse colon, asthma; 6 degrees: descending colon; 7 degrees: rectum; 8 degrees: abdominal cavity; 9 degrees: right hepatic lobe, rheumatic fever; 10 degrees: left hepatic lobe, bile, enteric fever, rheumatic fever; 11 degrees: falciform, coronary, ligament of the liver, bile; 12 degrees: abdominal aorta; 13 degrees: hepatic arteries; 14 degrees: cystic arteries, feet; 15 degrees: bare area of liver, feet; 16 degrees: groover for inferior vena cava, appendicitis; 17 degrees: abdominal muscles, appendicitis, diabetes; 18 degrees: oblique abdomen muscles, appendicitis, diabetes; 19 degrees: esophageal groove; 20 degrees: bile duct; 21 degrees: cystic duct, enteric fever; 22 degrees: gall bladder, insanity, appendicitis; 23 degrees: capsule, ligaments of liver, spine, appendicitis, defective vision; 24 degrees: capsule and ligaments of liver, defective vision, cancer, gout; 25 degrees: liver, cancer, gout, arthritis, neurasthenia; 26 degrees: abdominal veins, suicide, neurasthenia; 27 degrees: iliac veins, chronic glomerulonephritis, Bright’s disease, eczema, tuberculosis, diabetes; 28 degrees: hepatic plexus, tuberculosis, Bright’s disease, eczema, tuberculosis, diabetes, drowning; 29 degrees: quadrate lobe of liver, tuberculosis, drowning; 30 degrees: hepatic duct.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Virgo: Inviting a softer perspective on life beyond “this or that” or “clean or dirty.” Creating spaces of healing through your organizational gifts. Finding a cause to be of service to or pursuing a healing, service-oriented discipline.

Gifts of Virgo: Purification, practicality, discernment, organization, analytical pursuits, discipline, health-conscious, and efficient.

Rituals of Virgo: Healing and creating new healthy habits, goal-setting, creating functional systems of change and well-being, developing discernment.

Virgo Guardian Herbs: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Bee Balm (Monarda spp.).

Virgo Remedy Herbs: Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Milky Oat (Avena sativa).

Flower + Gem Essences: Fig (Ficus carica), Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum), Rock Water (Aqua petra), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Crab Apple (Malus pumila), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Moss Agate, Amazonite.

The Sun in Virgo

Stubbornly kind might be one of the most succinct way of describing Virgos. I think it is interesting to know that the Virgin has not always been the default symbol of Virgo. Judith Hill has pointed out that the one of the alternatives to the symbol of the “Virgin” for Virgo was that of the donkey (blessed be the Sacred Donkey of Holiness). I agree with her, that the donkey, which is a highly intelligent, herd-oriented animal that is stubborn and ready for challenge describes Virgo better than that of a mystical virgin. Not because a virgin is any less powerful or clever, but because there a virgin is a person “unto themselves” while most Virgos, even through their stubborn grumpiness, are far more community-oriented. 

I think many Virgos are identified as and would self-identify as introverted, but I think there is something a little more complicated going on. First of all, none of us are solely introverted or solely extroverted - we’re all some sort of mix, no matter how slight. Instead of understanding introverts and extroverts as “the quiet ones vs the loud ones” I think it is more useful to understand where each seeks recognition or feedback most of the time. Introverts are often more directed to seek inner feedback and self-recognition, or those same things from a much smaller group of people, whereas an extrovert often seeks feedback and recognition outside of themselves or from a much larger group of folks. So how does this tie back into our beloved Virgos? Virgo folk can appear to be introverted since many tend to be more quiet (initially, at least, when meeting them), but because of their community-bound loyalty, they act far more like extroverts when seeking feedback, recognition, and satisfaction with self. Such a disposition is part of the reason Virgo folk make such good community healers, organizers, and heart-centered rabble-rousers - they feel deeply and are acutely aware of the needs of others at the same time. They get in trouble when they misplace their loyalty, overcommit, and feel a lot, but don’t take time to really understand what they are feeling.

Virgo folk have to be very conscious of not getting in their own way. They can be detail-oriented to a fault, have difficultly seeing the broader vision, and let their stubbornness turn into stonewalling. They have to learn how to be flexible, give way, let go, and be gentle with themselves as much as they are to others in their most centered moments. Once they get over their skepticism and tone down their cynicism, their magick can finally have enough space to unfold. For Virgo folk teach us how to create the healing temples and spaces we so desperately need in these times of growing complexity and conflict. They remind us, as wisely mutable earth signs, to come home to ourselves again and again, wherever that home may be.

Within medical astrology Virgo folk need to be very conscious of their digestive help and paying attention to their second “belly brain.” A disturbed digestive process, from missing a meal or chronic issues of malabsorption, can lead to disease and illness. Virgo folk need to provide themselves with the same healing and attentive care that they provide others in order to experience longevity. The sign does have a tendency towards melancholy and retention of emotions, so making sure that they are practicing regular release-oriented activities in their life (whether exercising by spending time in the woods or a beautiful city park or regular therapy). Good food choices are paramount. The gifts of Virgo folk are discerning what we really need in a noisy world, practicing balanced selflessness in service of others, and living the wisdom that Sweet Honey in the Rock has so succinctly summarized, “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Virgo Guardian Herbs

Fennel from Koehler's Medicinal-plants (1887)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Many Virgo herbs are fragrant and sweet with just the right amount of bitter and usually containing a high volatile oil content. They are herbs meant to sweeten the disposition as well as the digestion, which Fennel does very well. A classic carminative, Fennel soothes inflamed intestines, alleviates nausea, clears toxins from the gut, and relieves cramping. Chew the seeds after meals to relieve flatulence and distention of the gut because of gas and irritation. For those with sluggish and stagnant digestion (which can be brought on by the tightening and dampening effect of the Tense tissue state that Virgo folk are prone to), Fennel can help to reignite the digestive fires.

As a sign of Mercury, Virgo guards our body’s physical intelligence, including the second brain in our gut as well as our consciousness filter or the brain settled in our skull. Fennel helps nourishes both brain centers by acting as a nervine on an overworked nervous system (and it is very, very common for Virgo folk to be overworked).

Fennel also supports the gift of Virgo folk which is learning how to be a source of nourishment for others within a balanced and healing context. One way that Fennel does this in the body is by supporting breast/chest feeding by increasing milk flow, alleviating mastitis and clearing out tension and obstructions in the body. Ultimately, Fennel is very calming and grounding and helps us to glow from the inside out.

Virgo Remedy Herbs

Lavender by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

When Virgo folks feel out of balance, Lavender can be a great herb to help them find their center again. The herb reduces anxiety, soothes the nerves, alleviates agitation, and has an overall calming effect on the mind, body, and spirit. While Thyme is a warming digestive herb (discussed further in the full Virgo profile in the Lunar Apothecary), Lavender is a cooling digestive herb, when the digestion is too hot, leading to nausea, heartburn, and irritation of body and mood. 

Lavender is similar to Lemon Balm (which we look at in-depth in the Lunar Apothecary) in its ability to uplift the mood and release poor self-esteem. It is excellent for stress and tension accompanied by headaches and migraines.  The herb is also clearing - clearing congestion from the chest, remnants of colds from the body, and brain fog from the head. The topical uses of Lavender seem endless and it fulfills its duties as a topical panacea well. The herb can be used for a variety of skin irritations such as eczema (a common skin complaint for Virgo folks), bug bites, burns, infections, varicosities, and acne. It relieves the pain of arthritis, bumps, bruises, and sprains, and it excellent in baths and steams. In mouthwashes it is great for infections of the mouth and throat, including tonsillitis and mouth ulcers.

Sun in Virgo Flower Essence

image via wikipedia

Moss Agate is an earthy, grounding stone for our earthy Virgo folk. It enhances their ability to ground and, more importantly, re-connects them to their ability to ground when they are too caught up in their heads. Moss Agate is the security of forest floor and rock bed, breeding in our spirit a mobility of gentleness that allows our soul to move while still feeling secure. It is very useful for Virgo folks who have forgotten or denied their inherent earthiness. Moss Agate is especially good as dissolving the false dichotomy of nature versus culture. The essence is for when someone is afraid to come home again, helping them to re-connect to the gift of profound vulnerability.

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 myAstroherbology 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.

The 12 Paths of Healing: An Introduction to the Astroherbology Series

Ever since I created The Lunar Apothecary and started to talk about astroherbology, I have met amazing folks who are just as inspired by roots and stars as I am.

I've also had lots of folks asking to know more and this series is, in part, my answer. I have learned so much and to keep the conversation going I wanted to start a series exploring the medical astrology correspondences of each sign with a focus on herbal healing. For those of you who are thinking wait, what is astorherbology? - come this way.

Find the Astroherbology Profiles for each sign of the zodiac:

• Aries

• Taurus

• Gemini

• Cancer

• Leo

• Virgo

• Libra

• Scorpio

• Sagittarius

• Capricorn

• Aquarius

• Pisces

Every post will use the same template and I wanted to begin the series by taking a look at just what I'm going to be writing about. 

Element: Western astrology has four elements – Earth, Air, Fire, Water – and each sign is predominant in one of these elements.

Mode: There are three modes in astrology which describe the movement of energy. Briefly, Cardinal signs have fast-moving and quick to start energy, Fixed, is sturdy and foundational, while Mutable tend to be fluid and flexible.

Guardian Planet: Also known as Ruling Planets or Rulership, I use the language Guarding and Guardian because a) it pleases my collective heart and b) I think it more accurately describes the relationship between signs and the planets that love them.

Direction: The wheel of the zodiac corresponds with the terrestial wheel of the year, so each sign can be directionally situated.

An Ottoman Calendar made for Sultan Abdulmecid I, drafted by Mehmet Sadullah, Turkey, dated 1260 AH/1844 CE.

Season: See above!

House: There are twelve astrological houses and each sign corresponds with one of them, embodying the energy of the that house.

Lunar Mansion: The Lunar Mansions or Mansions of the Moon is one of the oldest forms of astrology worldwide. There are 28 Lunar Mansions and the Moon visits a new one every two days or so completing the cycle in about a month’s time. Each Lunar Mansion is corresponds with one or two of the signs of the zodiac. I think the Lunar Mansions are incredible tools of healing and magick and I explore each one in the Lunar Apothecary.

Solar Gemstone: There are several gemstones associated with each sign and I will list the one that I most often use in my practice.

Tarot: The Tarot is based off of the astrological system codified by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Each card has an astrological correspondence that can be used for timing in readings as well as remedy making.

Tissue State: The tissue states are a way of describing physical and energetic qualities of a person, herb, and imbalances similar to the five element systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine or the three doshas of Ayurveda. These are my current correspondences between tissue states and signs that I have developed as part of my ongoing explorations as an astroherbologist.

Body Systems : Each sign has resonance with certain parts and systems of the body. To learn more check out Starmaps: The Astrological Body.

Imbalances + Diseases: Every sign has the opportunity to become weakened or imbalanced when overexposed to food, environments, thoughts, and practices that pull them out of their happy flow. I’ll be listing the ways these imbalances manifest and the diseases each sign is more prone to.

Disease Degrees: Each degree of the zodiac has an associated disease and these correspondences have been observed and recorded by herbalist such as Elsbeth and Reinhold Ebertin, Charles Carter, and Judith Hill.

Remedies: These suggested activities and healing modalities that can help bring a sign back into balance.

Gifts: Every sign has healing gifts and energies to offer.

Rituals: These are suggested ritual and magickal actions you might take to tap into the energy of a sign.

The phases of the moon from the 17th-century Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae (The Great Art of Light and Shadow).

Guardian Herbs: These are herbs that embody the energy of a sign. Aries herbs, for example, are generally warming and invigorating such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis).

Remedy Herbs: These are herbs that help bring errant, imbalanced or weakened signs back to a place of balance.

Flower + Gem Essences: I think Flower + Gem Essences are accessible, easy-to-use, and effective remedies so I’ve included some of my favorite for each sign.

The Sun in {Sign}: I will be including brief descriptions of people whose natal Sun is in the sign being discussed. There are many talented astrologers provided wise and in-depth description of each sign of the zodiac, so I will be focusing medical astrology traits of each sign.

I will also be briefly discussing one Guardian Herb, Remedy Herb, and Flower or Gem Essence of each sign. If you are interested in more in-depth plant profiles and recipes and exploration of herbalism from a lunar-perspective, I invite you to join the The Lunar Apothecary.