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Aquarius: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Aquarius! You're getting a snapshot into the ever expanding astroherbology magick of the Lunar Apothecary.

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

Element: Air
Mode: Fixed
Guardian Planet: Saturn (traditional), Uranus (modern)
Direction: Northeast
Season: Winter (NH), Summer (SH)
House: 11th House / Succedent
Lunar Mansions: 24th Mansion, 25th Mansion, + 26th Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Angelite
Tarot: The Star, The Fool, 5 of Swords (1/20 - 1/29), 6 of Swords (1/30 - 2/8), 7 of Swords (2/9 - 2/18), Knight of Swords

Tissue State: Damp/Stagnation, Tense/Constriction (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Lower leg, calves, and ankles. Shin bone, tibia, and fibula. Achilles tendon. Teeth. Electrical impulses of the nerves. Circulatory system and elimination. Rods and cones of the retina. Oxygenation of cells. Pyramidal tract and active transport mechanism.

Imbalances + Diseases: Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Blood poisoning. Nervous disorders caused by high sensitivity. Hypersensitivity and sensory processing disorders. Schizophrenia. Issues of adrenaline. Accidents of the ankles and lower legs. Restless leg syndrome, aches, bruises, and pains in the legs. Water retention in the legs and ankles. Crawling sensation on the skin. Stagnant and/or poisoned blood. Electrical irregularities of the heart. Gas in the bowels. Cold sweats from overactive nervous system. Vision disorders including color blindness, peripheral and central vision disorders, and injury to the retina. Disorders of coordination and general clumsiness. Ticks, facial ticks, and involuntary spasms of the limbs. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. Alcoholism. Rheumatism and rheumatic fever. Goiter. Poisoning, especially from venomous creatures. Being disorganized and undisciplined. Rebel without a cause. Distant with individuals in a community. Emotionally disconnected with the heart of the matter. Overly eccentric and anti-social. Coming off as radical but actually deeply conservative. Using visionary powers for ill of society. Fixations and obsessions. Avoiding the present in pursuit of future visions. Embarrassed by emotion.

Disease Degrees: 0 degrees: danger from reptiles; 1 degree: right tibial nerve, obesity, fatty degeneration, anger from reptiles; 2 degrees: left tibial nerve, fatty degeneration, obesity; 3 degrees: right fibula, obesity; 4 degrees: left fibula; 5 degrees: nerve of right fibula; 6 degrees: nerve of left fibula, sight; 7 degrees: right saphenous veins; 8 degrees: left saphenous veins, anemia; 9 degrees: skin of right lower leg, anemia; 10 degrees: skin of left lower leg; 11 degrees: right cruciate ligaments; 12 degrees: left cruciate ligaments, bites from venomous creatures; 13 degrees: right tibial artery, rheumatism, rheumatic fever, bites from venomous creatures; 14 degrees: left tibial artery, rheumatism, rheumatic fever; 15 degrees: lymph vessels of right lower leg; 16 degrees: lymph vessels of left lower leg; 17 degrees: spinal nervous system, Bright’s disease; 18 degrees: spinal nervous system, azimene, chronic glomerulonephritis, Bright’s disease; 19 degrees: spinal nervous system, spine, azimene, Bright’s disease; 20 degrees: spinal nervous system, alcoholism; 21 degrees: spinal nervous system, alcoholism; 22 degrees: right gastrocnemius muscle, appendicitis, alcoholism; 23 degrees: left gastrocnemius muscle, rheumatism, alcoholism; 24 degrees: right tibias anterior muscle, alcoholism; 25 degrees: left tibias anterior muscle, alcoholism; 26 degrees: right fibula, nervous debility, alcoholism, neurasthenia, poisoning; 27 degrees: left fibula, goiter, neurasthenia, poisoning, goiter; 28 degrees: right tibia, goiter, poisoning; 29 degrees: eyesight; left tibia, neuritis, neuritis; 30 degrees: nervous system connectivity, neuritis.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Aquarius: Calming and centering activities including relaxing nervines. Blood tonics for improving circulation and oxygenation. Softening aphrodisiacs to help connect with others, especially when the love of humanity has been lost. Learning to be altruistic. Investing in individuals while nurturing the big vision. Learning to experiment while remaining kind. Transforming the erratic into the electric spark of innovation. Embracing the power of emotional maturity, not emotional denial. Ease in relationships, learning to give and take. 

Gifts of Aquarius: Idealism, revolution, inventiveness, originality, unorthodoxy, vision, eccentricity, philanthropy, universal reformation, and intuition.

Rituals of Aquarius: Rituals for social change, being prepared for the unexpected, charms to inspire innovation, open-to-the-public gatherings, and poetry readings.

Aquarius Guardian Herbs: Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Cacao (Theobroma cacao), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Water Violet (Hottonia palustris), Jasmine (Jasminum spp.), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

Aquarius Remedy Herbs: Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Linden (Tilia europa), Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Lavender (Lavandula officinalis), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Willow (Salix alba).

Flower + Gem Essences: Vine (Vitis vinifera), Linden (Tilia spp.), Tall Yellow Top (Senecio magnificus), Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodora), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Clear Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Amber, Angelite. 

The Sun in Aquarius

The infamous nonconformists of the zodiac, Aquarians take great pride in their personal freedom and eccentricity. They have abundant levels of creative and visionary energy which they often direct towards bettering society. The Water-bearers love innovation, experimentation, and practices that shake up the dominant paradigm. Aquarius folk can be driven by a persistent need to make the world “right” and seek out justice wherever it might be - they are definitely oriented towards the position of leader (even within collective and consensus-based communities) and want to be in charge of making change happen. Get weird, get going, and get it done!, our Aquarius folk chant in the street.

Aquarius folk can get into conflict fairly easily if they don’t ease up on their need to be in charge and their ability to make others feel small around them. It is important for them to learn how to value the insights and opinions of others even if it doesn’t always align with their own. The sign can be very dogmatic and have an inner desire for structure and convention that their outward expressions of eccentricity often masks. Remember, their traditional Guardian Planet is Saturn the rule-maker and tradition-keeper. Learning to be at peace with their need for structure and eccentricity is important. Sometimes Aquarius folks can be rebels without a cause or so invested in their unique individuality that they lose their ability to deeply love and connect with others. Accountability is a key concept for Aquarius folks to learn as well as cooperation so that they can be a leading part in the revolution they dream of.

Within a medical astrology, Aquarius folks can have intermittent levels of vitality with their energy turning on or off in a flash. The sign guards the electrical energy of the body and can be extra sensitive to electromagnetic fields and outside sources of stimulation in general - so be mindful of exposure levels whether from power lines, computers, phones, other devices outputting EMF, and sensory overloading environments. They have to be particularly mindful of nourishing their nervous system on a daily basis in combination with heart healthy tonics as their electrical fluctuations can detrimentally affect both. Aquarius folks can become accident prone when they are not paying attention to the needs of their nervous system. Again, learning to focus on cooperation (both in relationships and in the internal processing of their body) can lead to sustainable patterns of coordination. Aquarius is also a fixed air sign which means that they can suffer from the complaints of trapped wind or gas in the digestive tract as well as blowing smoke in order to impress others. When Aquarius folks nurture their inner world instead of always focusing on the outer impact of their goal to change the world, they are able to grow their gifts of visionary insight, creating a truly inclusive movement that revolutionizes the way that we connect as humyns. 

Aquarius Guardian Herbs

Lavender flowers by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Lavender flowers by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender brings peace and compassion, which is what many Aquarius folks are striving for in their vision for bettering the world.  There herb helps to calm without creating drowsiness but instead cultivating focus helping Aquarius folks to refine their plans. The herb relieves tension including the headaches and indigestion that can arise from such a state. Lavender is my foundational herb for my emotional bitters blend as it helps us to digest all of our emotions, but especially difficult ones that have a tendency to get trapped in the body. Lavender can help to soften the jolts of energy that run through Aquarius folks while enhancing their energetic output, clearing out lethargy and laziness. The color of the herbs, a beautiful purple, implies through the doctrine of signatures, its connection to vision of a psychic variety and as an herb thats scent carries readily on the wind, it supports the air-driven energies of Aquarius folk who are trying to share their vision with the world. The herb is a great ally for asthma attacks brought about by tension. Use also for coughs and colds that are aggravated by excess stagnation in the chest, as Lavender helps to clear out congestion. 

Topically, Lavender has many uses for alleviating the pain of sore muscles, arthritic pain, and bruises to reducing varicose veins, eczema, and acne. It is one of my favorite herbs to add to baths creating a tension-relieving brew that is calming for cranky humyns of all ages. Use in chest rubs for colds and coughs as well as in mouthwash for mouth ulcers and inflamed gums. The essential oil is an excellent ally for relieving the itch of insect bites. 

Aquarius Remedy Herbs

Willow Tree in England via wikipedia

Willow Tree in England via wikipedia

Willow (Salix alba)

White Willow is the original aspirin which can be used by Aquarian folks who are prone to accidents. Containing salicin, which relieves fever and inflammation as well as reduce pain, White Willow has many of the benefits of aspirin – and more! – without the side affects that the tiny white pill carries. A cooling herb, White Willow clears heat from the inflammation of rheumatism and rheumatic fever to hot flashes and headaches brought on or irritated by heat. White Willow is an excellent herb for pain reduction and improved mobility, helping in the cases of backache, migraines, and general soreness. Combined with herbs like St. Joan’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) it can be used in cases of nerve pain and damage. White Willow moves infection out of the body, staunches internal bleedings, and can be used for hot flashes, night sweats, and general states of overheating. As an astringent, White Willow is also useful for hemorrhoids and varicosities that can occur when Aquarius folks find themselves in a state of poor circulation and the resulting stagnation lack of flow can bring about.

Topically, White Willow is prized as a pain reliever whether in the form of a poultice, liniment, oil or salve. White Willow is also used for bruises, sprains, warts, skin tags, poison ivy, and burns. The herb can also be used in mouthwashes to relieve gum inflammation and in hair rinses for dandruff. Magickally, White Willow is associated with death and new beginnings which very much aligns with the Aquarian vision of revolutionary evolution through the death of the old and the birth of the new.

Sun in Aquarius Flower Essence

Witch Hazel via wikipedia

Witch Hazel via wikipedia

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Flower Essence connects Aquarius folk with their inner landscape, grounding them in reality without smothering their Aquarian visions. The Flower Essence is appropriate for Aquarius folk who have gone too long without really connected to and expressing themselves as the essence helps them to navigate the anxiety and depression that may have emerged as consequence. If they have gotten caught up in the cycle of not feeling like they have “achieved” enough, especially when in comparison with others, Witch Hazel helps them to evaluate their lives from a place of self-confident centeredness, rather than the vicious cycle of constantly comparing ourselves to others. Witch Hazel brings Aquarius folk back into the balance of relationships that reflect, not judge, and teaches them the power of their oddness and the beauty of how they dream of light in the dark of winter.

Ready to learn more?

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Sagittarius : The Astroherbology Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sun in Sagittarius

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

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

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

Sagittarius Guardian Herbs

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Robert Engelhardt

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by Robert Engelhardt

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

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

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

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

Sagittarius Remedy Herbs

Burdock (Arctium lappa) by Christian Fischer

Burdock (Arctium lappa) by Christian Fischer

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

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

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

Sun in Sagittarius Flower Essence

image via wikipedia

image via wikipedia

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

Ready to learn more?

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Taurus: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Taurus! 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 SeriesMissed the first sign of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries!

Looking for inspiration and plant allies for the season of Taurus? Come this way!

Element: Earth
Mode: Fixed
Guardian Planet: Venus
Direction: East (traditional)
Season: Spring (NH), Autumn (SH)
House: 2nd House / Succedent
Lunar Mansions: 3rd Mansion, 4th Mansion, + 5th Mansion (Learn more about the Lunar Mansions)
Solar Gemstone: Amber
Tarot: The Hierophant, the Empress, 5 of Pentacles (4/12 - 4/30), 6 of Pentacles (5/1 - 5/10), 7 of Pentacles (5/11 - 5/20), Knight of Pentacles
Tissue State: Cold/Depression (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Throat, neck, vocal cords, thyroid, voice, and middle ear. Metabolic system, medulla oblongata, and hearing. Salivary glands, taste buds, and teeth of the lower jaw. Jugular veins, cervical nerves of the blood vessels, and bladder. Procreative desire. Base of the skull. Find out more about the astrological correspondences to our bodies.

Imbalances + Diseases: Including sore throats, tonsillitis, thyroid conditions (especially hypothyroid), and overindulgence. The formation of tumors. Slow digestion, excess weight, and weak metabolism. Hearing loss and ear infections. Excess mucus in the upper respiratory system. Apoplexy, loss of coordination between organ systems, erratic movements, and paralysis. Glandular swelling, goiter, gout, bad blood. Loss of voice and vocal cord conditions. Sore throat, bronchial complaints, dry cough, tonsillitis, ulcerated throat, and diseases or injuries to the larynx and vocal cords. Accumulation of toxins especially in the intestinal tract and congested colon. Overly cold and dried out. Tend towards more persistent and chronic conditions - through their stubbornness they can tend to hold onto disease. Resisting change, ungrounded stubbornness, avoiding conflict, hurtful, brutish, brooding, lack of reflection on their emotions, and melancholic. 

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: palate; 2 degrees: pharynx - oral part; 3 degrees: uvula; 4 degrees: Pharyngeal cavity; 5 degrees: larynx; 0 - 6 degrees: drowning; 6 degrees: vocal cords; 7 degrees: cervical nerves; 8 degrees: alcoholism, jugular veins; 9 degrees: cervical veins, neurasthenia; 10 - 13 degrees: cervical and bravial plexi, neurasthenia; 14 degrees: true vocal cords; 15 degrees: epiglottis; 16 degrees: carotid arteries, abscess; 17 degrees: thyroid glands and tonsils; 18 degrees: lymph vessels, hair; 19 degrees: maxillary artery, alcoholism, goiter; 20 degrees: occiput, goiter, alcoholism; 21 degrees: arteries of the nasal cavity, alcoholism; 22 degrees: tongue muscles, rheumatism, alcoholism; 23 degrees: teeth, rheumatism, alcoholism; 24 degrees: upper jaw, fractures, broken bones, alcoholism; 25 degrees: lower jaw, fractures, broken bones, alcoholism, adenoids, suicide; 26 degrees: nasal bone; 27 degrees: atlas, alcoholism; 28 degrees: alcoholism, deltoid muscle and main neck muscles; 29 degrees: deltoid muscle and main neck muscles, eyesight; 30 degrees: Trapezius muscle. 

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Taurus: Warming and stimulating activities, with emphasis on detoxifying activities. Eating a whole foods diet is important to all signs, but Taurus folk need to be especially mindful of the quality of their food and eating mindfully. 

Gifts of Taurus: Resourcefulness, grounding and centering, body knowledge, long-term planning, and consistent energy.

Rituals of Taurus: Expressing body-positive sensuality, fertility and abundance, successful long-term plans, such as business endeavors or big material investments, stability, and invoking or supporting long-term romantic partnerships. Artistic and musical rituals in which the pleasure of the senses are indulged.

Taurus Guardian Herbs: Sage (Salvia officinalis), Rose (Rosa spp.), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Plantain (Plantago major), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Taurus Remedy Herbs: Gingko (Gingko biloba), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera), Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Flower + Gem Essences: Aspen (Populus tremula), Gentian (Gentiana amarella), Peacock Ore, Willow (Salix vitellina)

The Sun in Taurus

Taurus is the first earth sign and fixed sign of the zodiac and they embody these energies well. Where Aries is quick-moving, Taurus is slow and steady. The bulls are typically the longest lived of all the signs of the zodiac even with their tendency that when they do get sick for it to be a permanent or chronic condition. Earthly, sensual, and indulgent pleasure (as opposed to the more artistic and balanced pleasure of Libra) can be a focus of Taurus folks. Overindulgence is something to be wary of if you your Sun or Ascendent is in Taurus or if many of your other planets are in the sign of the Bull. Typically, Taurus folks tends towards the materialistic such as the garden growing in their backyard versus a mystical garden of new age enlightenment located halfway between paradise and nirvana. 

If you have known someone with a strong Sun in Taurus, you have probably met the legendary stubbornness of the sign. Think about the idea of being “bull-headed” and you’ll begin to understand the Taurean temperament. They very much need to believe that something is their idea before they commit and if they aren’t interested or perceive something to be not useful, they can be hurtful in how they express their opinions. Learning to connect with their emotional world and not just the physical world is a challenge for most Taurus folks but well worth the effort if they want as enduring and fruitful a relationship with others as they have with their garden. All that said, Taurus folks are very loyal in relationships, their endurance for seeing a project through is matched only by their stubbornness, and they can be profoundly inspiring when it comes to helping folks re-member and re-connect to the sacredness of physical embodiment. 

As mentioned earlier, Taurus folks are typically the longest lived of all of the signs (again, it could be said that they stubbornly refuse to depart their physical form until they damn well want to). They can tend towards diseases and imbalances of congestion, cold, and impurity - they need to be very aware of what they eat and being sure to engage in regular energizing activities. The gift of Taurus Sun folks is that they are so blessedly grounded. They remind us to take pleasure in the physicality of life and not get so lost in our heads and the abstraction of pleasure or whether we should be desiring it. Be your pleasure, is what Sun in Taurus folks teach us.

Taurus Guardian Herbs

Rose by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Rose by Alexis J. Cunningfolk

Rose (Rosa spp.)

18th century herbalist, J. Quincy, wrote that Rose “raises the spirits and gives sudden strength and cheerfulness” and categorized Rose as primarily a Cardiac and Cephalic or relating to the head. (1) In addition to strengthening the heart, Roses assist with memory and promotes clarity of mind, heart, and spirit by connecting all three. Rose nourishes the body and is sweet medicine which calms the nervous system. Within Ayurveda, Rose is considered a rasayana (rejuvenative tonic) and medhya (brain tonic + nervine) for all of the doshas. A very Taurean herb, indeed!

As an aphrodisiac, Rose is an opener - it opens the heart and body to sensual experience. Like many aphrodisiacs, Rose has nervine and nourishing qualities which help to relax and soothe the body so that it may become ready and desirous of intimacy. Additionally, Rose has also been shown to increase sperm count if fertility has been compromised because of lackluster sperm.

The benefits of Rose for the skin are manifold (anti-inflammatory, astringent, vitamin and mineral rich) and can be used in oils, scrubs, and baths for skin health and beauty. As a humectant, Rose Water adds and maintains water to the skin. Keep Rose Water in a spray bottle to use as a mild antiseptic for first aid needs.

As an herb of Venus, which is Taurus’ Guardian Planet, Rose and other Venusian herbs typically balance and cool the fiery energies of Mars in a chart. 

The latter was a sample from the much longer Rose Plant Profile available to my Lunar Apothecary students. Learn about the Rose Plant Personality, Rose Remedies, and a more in-depth exploration of Rose’s healing qualities as a member of the Lunar Apothecary!

Taurus Remedy Herb

image via wikimedia.org

image via wikimedia.org

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

While warming herbs might be needed for Taurus folks who have fallen out of balance (such as Rosemary or Ginger), I generally reach for a tonic herb such as Ginkgo which connects with the underlying of wisdom of Taurus. Ginkgo is the oldest living plant species on earth and has more or less stayed the same for 200 million years. I mean, come on, how much more Taurus can you get? A longevity herb for a sign known for its longevity helps Taurus folks relax into and connect with the healing qualities of Ginkgo.

Ginkgo is an antioxidant-rich, blood-clearing, memory sharpening teacher. Taurus folk can have difficulty connecting the physical reality with their emotional experiences, so Ginkgo can help them learn to interact with their emotional and spiritual landscape. I have also found the plant to help open up pathways to useful communication which Taurus folk can struggle to find when they feel apathetic, depressed, or ignoring and/or confused by their emotions. Ginkgo is clearing, moving out stagnation that may have settled in the body as pain, whether the slow healing of wounds or painful pre-menstrual tension. 

As a longevity herb, Ginkgo not only helps us live longer but live longer with vitality. My experiences with the herb is that because it connects the brain and heart (via the blood) so well it helps us to make better choices that will support vitality into our elder years.

Sun in Taurus Flower Essence

Peacock Ore supports the foundational gifts of Taurusfolk – making spirit into matter – and helps keep them from feeling that they are stuck in the mud when life feels burdensome and challenging. The stone itself looks like a healing Taurean aura - dark and rich with rainbow gleams of fertile promise. The stone aligns the energy centers of the body and creates energetic motion which can be very useful for Taurus folks who feel stuck or bogged down. Peacock Ore helps connects us back to hope in times of hopelessness and joy when it is needed most.

Ready to learn more?


Footnotes

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