Thursday, 11 September 2014

Herbalism for Your Astrological Sign!

 



 

There are unseen cycles that connect so many different factors in our world. Early on in our history, man observed the cycles that plants have when they grow according to their seasons. We went a little deeper, making a connection between time of year, plant growth and the cycles of the stars in the sky: the zodiac.
Thus, the use of plants for medicinal purposes and the study of such use were strongly linked to astrology by many early herbalists; Paracelsus, a Swiss German Renaissance physician, botanist, alchemist, and astrologer took this even further and declared that a physician should be predestinated to the cure of his patient and the horoscope should be inspected, with the plants gathered at the critical moment.
This school of thought holds that people, plants, planets and constellations are made of the same elements (fire, earth, air and water) and energies (hot/dry, hot/moist, cold/dry, cold/moist). This commonality facilitates people's connection with nature and the universe. Practitioners believe that the human body is a miniature replica of our solar system, with each body part and system symbolically representing a sign and planet.
Essentially, every person born under a particular zodiac sign has particular plants, herbs and spices that resonate clearly with their sign. By learning which these are, you can utilize their powerful properties for yourself, strengthen your energetic field and connect more fully with yourself. Start using particular plants in your cooking and environment.
- See more at: http://www.gaiamtv.com/article/herbalism-your-astrological-sign?cid=soc:facebook:articles#sthash.HX1GgLzE.QZSpYB92.dpuf
There are unseen cycles that connect so many different factors in our world. Early on in our history, man observed the cycles that plants have when they grow according to their seasons. We went a little deeper, making a connection between time of year, plant growth and the cycles of the stars in the sky: the zodiac.
Thus, the use of plants for medicinal purposes and the study of such use were strongly linked to astrology by many early herbalists; Paracelsus, a Swiss German Renaissance physician, botanist, alchemist, and astrologer took this even further and declared that a physician should be predestinated to the cure of his patient and the horoscope should be inspected, with the plants gathered at the critical moment.
This school of thought holds that people, plants, planets and constellations are made of the same elements (fire, earth, air and water) and energies (hot/dry, hot/moist, cold/dry, cold/moist). This commonality facilitates people's connection with nature and the universe. Practitioners believe that the human body is a miniature replica of our solar system, with each body part and system symbolically representing a sign and planet.
Essentially, every person born under a particular zodiac sign has particular plants, herbs and spices that resonate clearly with their sign. By learning which these are, you can utilize their powerful properties for yourself, strengthen your energetic field and connect more fully with yourself. Start using particular plants in your cooking and environment.
- See more at: http://www.gaiamtv.com/article/herbalism-your-astrological-sign?cid=soc:facebook:articles#sthash.HX1GgLzE.QZSpYB92.dpuf

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR HERBS

Aside from cooking more with your particular plants, there are tons of ways you can make them a more permanent part of your life. Give a few of these a try:

Zodiacal Garden:

Design a circular garden divided into twelve sections, or houses, in which you might grow one or more of the herbs that correspond to each sign. For instance, you might plant thistle, garlic, and horseradish in the Aries section (or “house”). You could design and make, or purchase, a special symbol designating the section that corresponds to your sun sign, such as a large flat rock, painted with your astrological sign This symbolic garden honors the herbs that share your personal zodiac.

Around the House:

Until they grow bigger and require more room in your zodiac garden, you can keep little potted herbs around your space. Not only will they empower you, they also smell great and help keep your house or office fresh. It’s also nice to care for the plants that care for you.

Tea Time:

Depending on the herbs, most signs have plants that make for a wonderful cup of tea, or soup! Make this your power brew when you’re feeling low on energy or emotional oomph.

Essential Oils:

The next time you’re out shopping for essential oils, keep your list with you and add a few to your regular aromatherapy routine. They can make a world of difference for your personal astrological sign.

Drying Herbs:

Once you have a harvest from your garden (or the farmer’s market, for those of you with black thumbs instead of green!), you can preserve herbs nicely by tying them in bunches and hanging them upside down in a warm, dry place. You can then use them in cooking, or as another way to decorate.

Decorate:

You can try to create an herbal zodiac for your wall; draw, paint, or reproduce them in a textile art form. Hang an almanac (Llewellyn’s Organic Gardening Almanac is a good one) that will give you information about the moon’s phases. Press herbs as you would press flowers and place them in a shadow box. Arrange a windowsill or potted plant collection full of herbs.
With those ideas in mind, jot down the herbs associated with your zodiac sign:

ARIES

March 21 to April 20
Mars-ruled Aries is assertive, energetic and fearless. Mars rules the red blood cells, the muscles, and metabolic processes, as well as the motor nerves and the head. Herbs ruled by Mars may be thorny and prickly or have a strong, acrid taste. They may also be assigned to Mars because they are red (Mars is an orange-red color). Add a little fire to your life with cayenne. Like the sign of Aries, cayenne can instill confidence and zest in life. Use when you want more get-up-and-go and the courage to take on the world.

Other recommended herbs:

Basil
Nettle
Chervil
Wormwood
Geranium

TAURUS

April 21 to May 21
The planet Venus was regarded as the female embodiment of sexual love and human appetite. The planet rules the sign Taurus, which is related to those things we want and value. It rules the internal sexual organs, the nose and sense of smell. It harmonizes various body systems, and influences the complexion and facial appearance. Also under Venus’s dominion are the abdomen, kidney, thymus, and breasts. Venus-governed herbs are soothing and help to regulate the body’s metabolism through the endocrine system (see Libra). They have lovely flowers and, occasionally, red fruit. Oregano is an herb that has traditionally been used to attract money and resources. Earthy Taurus is all about building a stable and comfortable foundation, so using oregano regularly can help you generate greater abundance and prosperity in your life.

Other recommended herbs:

Mint
Thyme
Violet
Marsh Mallow
Catnip

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21
The mutable, changeable planet Mercury (also patron of the art of medicine) rules Gemini. It also governs the respiratory and nervous systems and their fluids, the ears and hearing, the tongue and speaking, the vocal cords, lungs and thyroid, as well as the shoulders, arms, and hands. Plants ruled by Mercury tend to have ferny or highly-divided leaves. Gemini has so much going on mentally that they may need a little help to digest all the information they're constantly absorbing. Dill has a clean, pure flavor that not only helps physical digestion, but assists spiritual and mental intake as well.

Other recommended herbs:

Valerian
Parsley
Anise
Lavender
Marjoram

CANCER

June 22 to July 23
Nurturing, maternal Cancer, ruled by the Moon, governs the esophagus and the stomach, the breasts, the womb, and the ovaries. It also rules all fluid secretions, including menstrual blood, fluids in the eye, and tears. The moon is often associated with conditions involving irregular periodicity: irregular menstruation and menstruation-related moods, epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria. Lunar herbs tend to have white or yellow flowers and soft, juicy leaves. They often live in or near water. As they are so nurturing and warm, Cancer loves the homey smell of cinnamon. This sweet spice is good for gently heating things up; it also promotes movement and flow in life. Its familiar scent is soothing and calming for those who need a little retreat every now and again.

Other recommended herbs:

Sage
Aloe
Lemon Balm
Bay
Parsley

LEO

July 24 to August 23
Leo, ruled by the Sun, is primarily associated with the cardiac system, but also with the spine, the thymus gland, and the eyes. Herbs related to Leo strengthen and tone the heart, regulate blood pressure, and raise the spirits. Some plants and herbs have been traditionally associated with Leo because of their color (orange, like calendula), their shape (radiating, like sunflower), or their association with victory (like the bay laurel). All cardio-active herbs should be used only in consultation with a qualified professional. Luxurious saffron is perfect for infusing a special flavor note into a dish. Leo loves this colorful and special spice, which is known for amplifying prosperity and abundance.

Other recommended herbs:

Rosemary
Sunflower
Lemon Balm
Chamomile
Tarragon
Eyebright

VIRGO

August 24 to September 23
Virgo is traditionally ruled by Mercury, which also rules Gemini. In its rulership of Virgo, Mercury governs the abdomen and the lower intestinal tract and the entire digestive process. Herbs associated with Virgo assist in digestion (as do Cancer herbs) and help to reduce flatulence. The relaxing, calming scent of lavender helps Virgo release stress and worries. When used in cooking, the gentle floral flavor of lavender adds a unique twist to many dishes.

Other recommended herbs:

Caraway
Dill
Mint
Horehound
Marjoram

LIBRA

September 24 to October 23
Venus-ruled Libra has traditionally been related to the endocrine system, the kidneys, and the bladder. Venus (which also rules Taurus) is responsible for the harmony between the various body systems, as well as the abdomen, kidneys and urinary tract, and thyroid. Libra's romantic nature appreciates a spice that cultivates love and sensuality. Cardamom is a spice known for its gently warming nature, so add a sprinkle when you want to heat things up slowly.

Other recommended herbs:

Catnip
Elderberry
Thyme
St. John's Wort
Bergamot

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22
Until this century, Scorpio was ruled by Mars, and the herbs associated with it had to do with the urogenital system and the colon. Many of the herbs related to Scorpio are cleansing and revitalizing herbs. Now, astrologers assign Scorpio to Pluto, discovered in 1930. (Pluto is said by astrologers to be a “higher octave” of Mars.) Physiologically, Scorpio involves the processes of catabolism and anabolism, the death and regeneration of body cells. Diseases of Scorpio are often involved with the slow buildup of toxic substances in the body (carcinogens, etc) or in the mind (anger, jealousy). Scorpio loves a spice with depth and complexity. Nutmeg adds rich flavor to every dish it seasons, and its own aphrodisiac tendencies appeal to Scorpio's lusty nature.

Other recommended herbs:

Basil
Sage
Catnip
Coriander
Nettle

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21
The planet Jupiter rules the hips, thighs, lower spine, and the autonomic nervous system, as well as the process of growth and preservation. It also governs the body’s largest glandular organ, the liver. Herbs related to Jupiter have traditionally been used to treat lower back problems (including sciatica and lumbago), arthritis, and rheumatism, and to in dealing with the liver. Herbs with a high silica content are related to Sagittarius, as are plants with large taproots and trees that produce fruit and nuts. Illnesses of Jupiter are said to arise from immoderate consumption. Basil is an herb that's both expansive and cheerful -- just like Sagittarius -- and its reputation as a money attractor resonates with this sign's generous nature as well. Use this happy herb when you want to infuse your life with fun and prosperity!

Other recommended herbs:

Sage
Borage
Saffron
Chervil

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20
The sign of Capricorn (“The Goat”) is ruled by Saturn. Physiologically, Saturn rules the systems that give the body its structure and form: the skeletal system, and the skin, teeth, joints, and knees. Capricorn/Saturn herbs are high in calcium. They include woody plants and shrubs that show annual rings, as well as some poisonous or narcotic plants. Saturn herbs are useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism. Traditional Capricorn appreciates a spice that is powerful but familiar. Black pepper adds flavor and a bit of heat to both food and life, creating movement without too much change.

Other recommended herbs:

Rosemary
Tarragon
Caraway
Chamomile
Marjoram

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 19
When Uranus was discovered, it replaced Mercury as ruler of Aquarius. Physiologically, Uranus rules the bioelectrical impulses that power the body’s nervous system. Nervous tension and nervous exhaustion brought on by powerful changes in the environment are related to Mercury, Uranus and Aquarius. Physically, Aquarius rules the lower legs, the calves, and the ankles, and the electrical impulses that travel through the body’s nervous system. The nervous system itself is ruled by Mercury, and Uranus is said to be a “higher octave” of Mercury. Since Uranus was discovered after the correspondences with plants had been established, the herbs used in Aquarius are Mercury herbs. Always difficult to pinpoint, quirky Aquarius appreciates the unusual and complex flavor of star anise. Use this star-shaped spice when you wish to bring happy surprises into your life.

Other recommended herbs:

Comfrey
Rosemary
Fennel
Violet
Valerian

PISCES

February 20 to March 20
Herbs connected to Pisces are ruled by its former ruler, the Moon (Neptune, the current ruler, was not discovered until 1846, after the plant correspondences were established; Neptune is considered a “higher octave” of the Moon). Diseases of Pisces have traditionally included psychotic disorders, various forms of substance addiction, lung diseases such as tuberculosis, and ailments of the foot; contemporary herbalists also add immune system diseases. Pisces is strengthened by rosemary's ability to promote an aura of centered grounding. This protective herb helps strengthen boundaries and cultivate a closer connection to the physical realm.

Other recommended herbs:

Basil
Lemon Balm
Borage
Sage

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