June's Post - Herbs and Astrology
Throughout the ages, plants have been associated with Astrology, medicine, magic and food. In Astrology, each plant is linked up to a planet. The more we learn about the placement of each of our planets, the more we can understand how a plant that is connected to that planet can be a useful tool in our day-to-day lives. As we dive into the ancient knowledge of plants, and our connection to earth expands, we are more capable of understanding our own healing path, both emotionally and physically. As a baby Astrologist, I am beginning my own understanding and connection to this Universal relationship of plants and planets. It is a fascinating exploration, and I am excited to share a few details from some experts that may also open your eyes to the beauty of this relationship between plants, planets and the body. Sajah, the creator of The School of Evolutionary Herbalism, dives deep into this topic and connections. His brilliant interpretations of Cayenne provides a beautiful visualization of this one plant and its connections to Astrology and the physiological body. Sajah states: “With Cayenne pepper we see a bright red coloration of the fruits which exhibit a highly pungent, aromatic taste. It has a primary affinity for the heart, blood, and cardiovascular system and a very warming and drying energetic quality. It stimulates circulation of the blood, promotes diaphoresis, eases musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, and has antiseptic properties as well. All of these properties of Cayenne are directly correlated to Mars, the red planet. Mars rules the blood and its circulation, is hot energetically, governs immunity, fever, inflammation, and pain associated with heat. Many spicy pungent plants relate to Mars, as it’s the hottest of all the planets. Thus we can see that the properties of this medicinal plant are similar, or sympathetic, to the planet Mars. Based on these signatures, we can start to understand the subtler properties of this plant and how it might operate upon the psychological, emotional and spiritual levels as well. Mars also relates to our willpower, the action we take out in the world and our ability to exhibit a “warrior spirit.” It’s common for people with excessive Mars to be overheated both physically and psychologically, which can express as anger, irritability, frustration, or a controlling/domineering nature. If in deficiency, we’ll see folks with low willpower and drive, a lack of strength in character and confidence, a timidity in the personality. As Cayenne embodies the force of Mars in such a powerful way, we may see it facilitating upon some of these patterns in the personality of the person that uses it, especially in spagyric preparations of the plant which concentrates this celestial power into the extract.” -www.evolutionaryherbalism.com Similar to biomimicry, we see a correlation of the color and temperature to the planet Mars and the Pepper Cayenne. They both have the color red and they both are super hot! Energetically, we can begin to understand the personality of this plant and how that may manifest in our own emotions. We can then learn from these properties how our bodies and minds can best utilize these plants and planets. Astrology and Herbalism are ancient practices whose roots run deep into the primordial Babylon, Egypt and Israel. For many lifetimes we have deepened our understanding to self through our relationship with the stars and plants. We can study it for the past, present and future, and to better understand patterns and systems in history. How do we begin to process such ancient knowledge? Root Circle (therootcircle.com) gives a beautiful description of how we can begin to understand herbalism and Astrology as a tool to guide use. The study of astrological herbalism is one of complex and interacting systems, but a basic understanding can begin by learning the initial relationships of the plants to the planets, the planets to the human organ systems, and the planets to the signs of the zodiac. Every plant is considered to have a planetary ruler and will have an affect on the part of the body that this ruler corresponds to. Some plant to planet examples: Plants ruled by Mars: Garlic, Ginger, Nettle Plants ruled by Venus: Plantain, Wild Rose, Pomegranate Plants ruled by Mercury: Parsley, Skullcap, Lavender Plants ruled by the Moon: Mugwort, Datura (Moonflower), Lotus Plants ruled by the Sun: St. Johnswort, Calendula, Goldenrod Plants ruled by Jupiter: White Cedar, Sage, Dandelion Plants ruled by Saturn: Mullein, Solomon's Seal, Comfrey Plants ruled by Uranus: Echinacea, White Pine, Coffee Plants ruled by Neptune: Kava Kava, California Poppy, Cannabis Plants ruled by Pluto: Fig, Ghost Pipe, Trillium Being ruled by a planet indicates that the plant has similar properties, qualities, and energetic patterns and/or that it thrives in similar environmental conditions as those that are conveyed by the planet. It may also be that the plant has an affect on the organ system that is ruled by a planet. For example, Saturn rules the bones and the musculoskeletal system. Solomon's seal is considered a Saturnian plant because it helps to treat conditions of dryness in the joints and arthritis. Each plant may have secondary correspondences as well. I encourage your to dive into a deeper relationship with plants and planets by learning more about Astrology and Herbalism. If you want to hone in on your sign specifically, we are creating zodiac kits just for you! May your journey with understanding all the universal elements be full of bliss and mind exploding connections! Stop by and see us to view our complete line of THS products. To set up an herbal consultation with me, either in person or via facetime or skype: info@theherbshoppepharmacy.com