LIBRA

September 24 – October 23     

The symbol for Libra is the scales – weighing things up and finding balance are major themes for them. The symbol also looks like the Harbour Bridge, quite appropriate given these are the diplomats and arbitrators of the zodiac. For Libra, it’s all about relationships. They also have a great love of beauty and the fine arts, with many of our artists, singers, classical musicians and designers born under this sign. Libra is ruled by Venus, Goddess of love, beauty, art and luxury. Many celebrated beauties including models, celebrities, and actors are either Libran or have a strong Venusian influence in their birth chart.

Balanced Libran energy is polite, friendly, charming, soothing, gracious, cultured, stylish, unhurried, gentle, understanding, helpful and strategic.

Librans like to weigh a question from all sides before making a decision. Their scales can dip to and fro for some time; should they slide into procrastination, Sundew is can help them to make up their mind. Jacaranda helps if they are dithering. If this indecision is related to their life purpose, Silver Princess can help.

Conversely, once the decision is made and the scales lock, Librans will hold to their point of view more stubbornly than any Taurean (also ruled by Venus).Those around them may feel the need to give them some Isopogon for this stubborn refusal to budge.

There is a great emphasis on relationships, to the point where they may be at risk of co-dependency – feeling they cannot survive without a partner. Monga Waratah is useful here, giving them the internal sense that they are capable of standing on their own two feet, and the strength to do so.

Similarly, if any staleness or loss of passion begins to creep into their intimate relationship, Libran will feel it most keenly. Bush Gardenia for both partners can often help this, as well as with any feelings of being taken for granted. It helps each person in the relationship be more considerate and romantic towards the other.

Conflict and confrontation do not sit easily with Librans – they may need Tall Mulla Mulla to help them bring difficult topics out into the open.

A rocky patch, the break up of a relationship, or death of a life partner will also hit Librans extremely hard. Red Suva Frangipani is very soothing for the sense of intense raw grief felt at such times, and may be needed for longer than usual. Separations from loved ones can induce pining, and Boronia is good for this.

The endocrine system in general (Dynamis) and the pancreas in particular (Peach-flowered Tea-tree) are the physical vulnerabilities of Libra. The kidneys can also be a weak point, for which Dog Rose is useful.

One of their spiritual lessons is to learn to find a balance between their relationships with others and an over-emphasis on themselves. Should vanity or narcissism be an issue Gymea Lily will help.

These are our artisans, so they have a deep need to express their creative urges. If their creativity is blocked it can be most distressing; Turkey Bush or Creative Essence help get their creative juices flowing again.

Librans at their best are the positive manifestation of Slender Rice Flower ; having a keen sense of fairness, great negotiating abilities and a wonderful gift of being able to bring people with divergent agendas to a compromised solution that all can live with. This Essence can help bring these qualities to the fore. Madagascar Essence helps raise this energy up even higher, developing further the ability to live in harmony with others.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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LEO

July 24 – August 23     

The symbol for Leo is The Lion – king of the beasts, and there certainly is a regal air to Leos living even in the most humble of circumstances. They usually retain an air of dignity under the most trying of circumstances; even domestic cats display this trait, quickly covering any faux pas or embarrassment with nonchalance and a rapid return to their usual elegance.

Charismatic is a key word to describe Leos – you can’t help but look at them, and they love to bask in the attention. Be it for their artistic ability, dramatic flair, leadership skills (or occasional outrageous behaviour if all else fails). Many love to make ostentatious displays or be entertained with them. They love shine their light on the rest of us.Rejection is very hard for them to cope with, for which we can give Illawarra Flame Tree.

The animals are physically strong and graceful (as are the humans); they hunt co-operatively and share the spoils with their extended family. In the humans this translates to people who are loyal, family orientated, good providers and community minded. A key value instilled into royalty and the aristocracy down through the ages was “Noblesse Oblige” – the obligation of the nobility – to “help those less fortunate”. Our modern “royalty” increasingly consists of creative celebrities, and one of the first things they do upon becoming rich and famous is to nominate a charity they will be assisting; they are immediately initiated into the importance of giving back, and are expected to do so. Many Leos head up or are key individuals within community and charitable organisations. Bluebell is a good flower to bring out this sense of generosity, and Sydney Rose helps to realise that we are all One, and that when we help others, we are helping another aspect of ourself.

If you displease a Leo, even the most benevolent of them may roar at you. Just to show you who is really in charge. If you really upset them (or worse still, betray them) they will most likely ignore you – they won’t dignify you with a response. You will find yourself frozen out, and the castle door firmly barricaded against you. Banished. Count yourself lucky they didn’t rake you with their claws or chop off your head. Dagger Hakea and Bluebell can be good for these Leos – to help them forgive.

Speaking of castles, Leos aren’t averse to a bit of luxury, they do like quality over quantity and their home is their safe haven from the world. It is probably has a view of the surrounding landscape. Don’t drop in – wait for an invitation.

Don’t fooled though – there are forest lions who prefer to live quiet, private, solitary lives with just their mate, preferring to roam in the dappled light beneath the trees, away from prying eyes. Sometimes this can be a phase the more extraverted Leos go through, to recharge. This is healthy.

What ‘Out of Balance’ Leo energy looks like

Arrogant, domineering, vain, impatient, drama queen, narcissistic, egocentric, selfish, superior, rejected, jealous, egotistical, self doubting, overly ambitious

What ‘Balanced’ Leo energy looks like

Courageous, strong, confident, creative, artistic, magnetic, charismatic, natural leaders, entertaining, enthusiastic, inspirational, optimistic, magnaminous, loyal, affectionate, cheerful, dignified and fun.

Leo is ruled by the Sun, considered a masculine energy by most cultures both ancient and modern. Without the Sun there would be no life. Ancient cultures had many different belief systems around this with a common them being the need to honour the Sun as the giver of life; with the king (queen) or emperor (empress) as the creator’s earthly representative. The Sun in astrology is regarded as the ruler of our identity, our sense of self and self esteem – the Ego. To strengthen and balance these we have Five Corners, also very good for confidence.

Leos can often be found in leadership roles. Sometimes the power goes to their head and they become arrogant, for which we can use Gymea Lily. It is also good for vanity and pride, which Leos have been accused of. Whenever anyone raises their head up above the crowd, it is possible someone will want to cut them down. Gymea Lily enables those to whom this happens to have the strength to stand tall and carry on regardless. Lastly, Gymea Lily balances the back and spine, one of the vulnerable parts of the body for a Leo under stress.

The other part of the body ruled by Leo is the heart. Waratah is a wonderful Essence for strengthening the physical heart (as is Bluebell) and is also very good for helping to enhance courage, one of the natural traits of Leo. Lions hunt, kings used to lead their soldiers into battle, Leos lead, encourage and inspire us, to come up with new ideas and light the way towards them.

Should they become overly ambitious, or jealous of another’s success, Mountain Devil is very useful.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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CANCER

June 22 – July 23

The symbol for Cancer is the Crab and it depicts very well many of the qualities of those born under its sign. Crabs have a very hard shell to protect their soft interior; this is true of both the animal and Cancerian sun signs.

Sensitive is a key word to bear in mind for these folk. Cancerians will pick up subtleties of mood, body language and tone of voice not always evident to the more boisterous signs. They are intuitive and easily hurt. Hence the need for a protective shell around them.

Another physical characteristic of the crab is their claws. If a crab grabs hold of you it is not an easy task to shake them loose – their grip is both strong and tenacious. Possessiveness, hoarding and living in the past can be a negative expressions of Cancerian energy, but on the positive this same energy is steadiness and wise husbandry of resources. It is all about balance, and letting of the old is a major spiritual lesson for this sign. Hopefully without the need to lose a ‘nipper’ in the process!

Crabs are quite shy, and scurry back into their shell or into their hole when they feel threatened. It is where they feel most comfortable and safe. Some crabs are quite adventurous – hermit crabs enjoy travelling across long distances and exploring new places – but they carry their home right along with them… Home is very important to crabs and Cancerians and a lack of a secure home will be a source of major stress.

Finally, crabs live in water – the element of the emotions – and in Cancer we see an exploration of the emotional life for the first time in the zodiac. Cancerians are in touch with their emotions and the emotions of others and make wonderful confidantes, counsellors and listeners. They will become the emotional touchstone for all their family, which will include treasured friends, neighbours and co-workers. Cancerians are the nurturers of the zodiac – often natural mothers and very comfortable keeping the home fires burning. If they reject a traditional wife / stay at home mother role, they will often choose a career that involves caring for others – nursing, hospitality, personal assistant, interior design, feng shui or counselling; something which enables them to make the living spaces of others ‘feel good’ or which entails the assisting others with their emotional or personal care. Of all the sun signs, this is the one which will find the men most comfortable with being a stay-at-home Dad.

What ‘Out of Balance’ Cancerian energy looks like

Moody, difficulty letting go, hypersensitive, worry, insecure, anxious, abandonment issues, rejection issues, living in the past, continuing negative family patterns, emotional burnout, hoarding, manipulative, pining, taking on others’ emotions, guilt, obsession,

giving too much to others.

What ‘Balanced’ Cancerian energy looks like

Nurturing, understanding, sensitive, considerate, kind, patient, intuitive, in touch with feelings, emotionally strong, secure, husband resources well, ‘earth mother’.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, considered a feminine energy by most cultures both ancient and modern. The Moon in astrology is regarded as the ruler of our emotions, and the Moon is never the same two days running. For two weeks it is waxing from dark to full, then for two weeks it is waning from full back down to dark. It changes zodiac signs every two and a half days (the sun changes signs every 30 days or so). It is the moon that controls the tides on earth, exerting a force strong enough to pull massive amounts of water around the globe every six hours. Putting all of this together, this emotionally sensitive sign has its ruling planet in a constant state of change. Cancerians are often accused of being ‘moody’. Is it any wonder with such a potent and ever changing ruling planet? The solution – Peach-flowered Tea-tree – perfect for mood swings. It’s Doctrine of Signatures is of a flower constantly changing too, so it is a really case of like curing like.

Cancerians will often be drawn to roles which entail caring for others in some way, it is just part of their nature. It is therefore very important that they take care to nurture themselves (not just others). Alpine Mint Bush is the perfect flower to remind them to do so, and it is also the most appropriate remedy should they forget to and end up suffering from emotional burnout. It is a very nurturing, restorative essence on an emotional level.

Their emotional and psychic sensitivity can be both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness and there are some very good flowers to help ensure this remains a blessings rather than a curse. Regular doses of both Fringed Violet and Angelsword will cleanse unwanted and old psychic energies, and help maintain the integrity of the aura. In practical terms, this means Cancerians can be assured that what they are feeling is their own emotions, not that of others.

Illawarra Flame is very good for any feelings of rejection (which Cancerians will feel very deeply), while Tall Yellow Top is almost a constitutional remedy for any feelings of isolation, abandonment, disconnection from their ‘tribe’ or depression. As for the tendency to pine and brood, especially when separated from loved ones, Boronia is wonderful.

On a physical level, Cancer rules the stomach, breasts, uterus and ovaries. Crowea is a good supporting remedy for both stomach and uterus, She Oak for the ovaries, and Bottlebrush for the breasts.

Bottlebrush is a flower essence Cancerians can almost live on, because it helps one to let go – the spiritual lesson for this sign. Apart from that it is very good for facilitating the mother-child bond – crucial for this sign, to whom family is so important.

An out-of-balance Cancerian is prone to anxiety and worry, with Crowea the remedy of choice. If these emotions are left unaddressed over a period of time they filter down to create stomach problems. The mind –body connection is very evident with this sign, and illustrate really well how flower essences can be used very effectively as preventative medicines.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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GEMINI May 22 – June 21

The symbol for Gemini is The Twins, alluding to the dextrous, multi-tasking, adaptable nature of those born under this sign. Perhaps the best way to understand this attribute would be to ponder that the ruling metal for Gemini is Mercury. For those of you old enough to have been given the metal Mercury to explore during school science classes, you will know that it is liquid at room temperature, skates rapidly across any surface – “like quicksilver”- and has a tendency to split into many fragments which then take quite an amount of effort chase down and reintegrate. Likewise, Geminis think fast, move fast, and can get more things done in a day than any other sign (even Aries). Out of balance though, they can become split, unfocused, scattered and frazzled.

Out of Balance Gemini Energy

Stressed, burnt out, lacking discernment, impatient, changeable, easily bored, fickle, gossipy, sarcastic, superficial, bends the truth, can’t switch off mentally

Balanced Gemini Energy

Adaptable, witty, charming, sociable, agile, intelligent, curious, persuasive, industrious, multi-talented, communicative, playful

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the God of Communication in ancient Roman mythology. Twice a year this planet goes retrograde, meaning it appears to be moving backwards in the sky due to its relative motion to Earth’s. This lasts for about 3 weeks each time and is a renowned time for delays, misunderstandings, missed calls, packages going astray, travel delays, getting lost, things breaking and contracts falling over. Good advice is to know when this is happening and make plans to minimise the disruption as much as possible by staying close to home and not buying or signing anything. On the up side, it is a good time to dedicate to anything starting with “re” – repair, redo, reorganise, revisit… For the inevitable frustration as things unravel, take some Black-Eyed Susan, remind yourself you are in the right place at the right time (even if it doesn’t seem like it), and give thanks to Mercury for normally keeping things running so smoothly. If this is difficult, try some Pink Flannel Flower.

It is one of the key roles of the Geminis of this world to circulate information – to communicate. Their gift is to be able to talk to just about anyone about anything, and they are both interested and interesting as conversationalists. There is a great deal of charm and often a razor sharp wit. They therefore can make careers in sales, marketing, customer service and within the mainstream media.

Analysing the information they hear and read is not a natural strong point, and the need to do so is often learned the hard way, with discernment being one of the major spiritual lessons for this sign. Angelsword helps enormously with this. Any problems with communication for Gemini natives are going to have a significant impact, and Bush Fuchsia would be appropriate.

On a physical level, Gemini rules the nervous system, the arms, the hands and the lungs. In medical astrology these body parts are most vulnerable when a person is under load – i.e. under pressure these areas will be the most likely to be affected and experience dis-ease. To energetically support them you can use the following Essences: Nervous system -  Black- Eyed Susan and Spinifex;  Arms and hands – Bush Fuchsia and Flannel Flower; Lungs – Sturt Desert Pea.

Jacaranda is also a very important flower for Gemini, because scatteredness can be one of their greatest downfalls. If you look at the Doctrine of Signatures of the Jacaranda tree, you will see that its branches often criss cross and go off in many different directions. A person who does this in life, no matter how much energy and talent they have, will not be as effective or successful as they could be, because their efforts are fragmented and erratic. Their endeavours scatter to the four winds, like Jacaranda leaves. However one of the most beautiful aspects of the Jacaranda tree is the gorgeous purple carpet that forms as it drops its flowers; these are quite sticky and stay in a clearly defined area beneath the branches.  This is the positive healing quality of Jacaranda – to bring much needed focus and stick-ability. It is also good for those who gossip.

An out-of-balance Gemini is prone to stress, rushing and impatience. If these are chronic, this wreaks havoc with the adrenal glands and the person can be in real danger of physical burnout, so I would also rank Macrocarpa quite high on the list of Gemini flowers. To prevent it going this far in the first place, a daily dose of Calm and Clear will never go astray. The lady in a workshop who said we should invent an atomiser to mist Calm and Clear over every person who crosses the threshold of our homes, was probably living with a Gemini!

For those Geminis with a tendency to become emotionally split, Sundew is good, as are Bluebell, Crowea and Pink Mulla Mulla.

Keep an eye on the website for when the next One Day Workshop “Astrology and the Australian Bush Flower Essences” is being held near you. In it I go into each sign in more detail.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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TAURUS April 21 – May 21

Taurus can be equated to the toddler of the zodiac – exploring the physical world and the five senses. The symbol for Taurus is The Bull, and it is always useful to contemplate a Sign’s symbol for it gives deep insights into the nature of people born under it. The Bull is slow, steady, strong and hard working, helping to build many a solid structure. He cannot be pushed around with brute force, but can be enticed to go in any direction with food (or the promise of other goodies). Bulls are very patient and even tempered but it is unwise to goad them for then they have the potential to charge and wreak havoc (think of the running of the bulls). Cows provide nourishment amply and generously by way of their milk and all that can then be made from it. Many societies rely on cattle for food and assistance with farming.

Out of Balance Taurean Energy

Stubborn, pessimistic, materialistic, sluggish, stuck, controlling, possessive, chauvinistic, black and white views

Balanced Taurus Energy

Patient, sensual, affectionate, practical, sensible, reliable, strong, tranquil, persevering, grounded, artistic, kind

Taurus is ruled by Venus, who, in ancient Roman mythology was the Goddess of Beauty, Art, Love and Luxury. Taureans do enjoy the finer things in life, husband their resources well, and fully appreciate all the rewards that hard work and money can bring on a material level. Some also say that Taurus’s true ruler is Vulcan, the smithy of the Gods, who could bend steel to his will in his forge – symbolising the Taurean mastery of the material plane. Many an empire builder, architect, sculptor, and style guru has a strong Taurean influence in their chart.

On a physical level, Taurus rules the neck and shoulders of the physical body, as well as the ears, nose and throat. Think again of the bull – how his shoulders and neck are where his strength are and where he pushes into the yoke as he transports enormous loads.  It is also where the matador aims in the bull ring. In medical astrology the body part where we hold our greatest strength is also our most vulnerable. Carrying large loads over an extended period of time can leave one feeling tired and burdened. Old Man Banksia addresses these issues beautifully and also balances the thyroid gland, located in the neck. The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism and Taureans are prone to slowed metabolism and all that implies. Bush Fuchsia is also valuable for its balancing effect on the throat area and the ears.

Isopogon is a very important flower for Taurus, for it addresses stubbornness and controlling tendencies, bringing more flexibility. In mind-body medicine, a rigid mind can ultimately lead to a rigid body, so Isopogon can also be a valuable preventative remedy for arthritis.

Bush Iris is very high on the list of Essences for Taureans who are the earthiest Earth sign and so very grounded and strongly attached to the material plane. The five senses rule supreme and it is the spiritual lesson of Taurus to see beyond this, which is not always easy for them. Bush Iris opens one up to the sixth sense and the world beyond this physical one. Buddha was a Taurean. Born a prince, his life and philosophy embody this lesson.

Bush Iris is also good for balancing greed, avarice, materialism and overindulgence in physical delights – extreme manifestations of an over attachment to the earth plane.

Along with Autumn Leaves, Lichen and Bottlebrush in Transition Essence, Bush Iris helps the Taurean who is so attached to being here they are having difficulty passing over. Transition is equally valuable for Taureans finding it difficult to let go of a dying loved one because they so need their physical presence here.

Storing toxins and heavy metals can also occur in this Sign, which Wild Potato Bush is especially useful for releasing. It can be taken alone or within the Purifying Essence.

For the potential for depression in this phlegmatic sign, Tall Yellow Top is very useful.

For much more on how the Bush Essences can be used to help balance each Sun Sign, see our workshop schedule for when the next Astrology and ABFE workshop will be held near you.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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ARIES March 21 – April 20

Each Sun Sign can be roughly equated to a life phase, and Aries is the baby of the zodiac. In the Northern Hemisphere, where western astrology originated, the 21^st March is the Spring Equinox, the official start of the solar year, as Mother Earth stirs from her long wintery sleep. It is a time of new beginnings and new life – green shoots, blossoms, birth. Everything is fresh, shiny and new. There is an air of optimism, renewal and hope – an awareness of all the possibilities contained by this new year, and in the new life that we see all around. Such is also the energy of Aries.

POSITIVE QUALITIES

Fearless, pioneering, honest, energetic, enthusiastic, independent, generous, confident, inspirational, passionate, decisive and idealistic. Natural leaders who get the ball rolling.

NEGATIVE QUALITIES

Impulsive, naïve, arrogant, impatient, bossy, aggressive, violent, bloody minded, extravagant.

If you study ancient Roman mythology you will see these traits embodied in Mars, the God of War, and ruler of Aries. According to Carl Jung, myths are archetypes; stories reflective of actual personality types – their strengths,  weaknesses and challenges, and the way to resolve these. Myths can be viewed as therapeutic stories – stories as medicine.

Equally, the Bush Essences, as medicines for the emotions, can be used to help heal and bring into balance the negative traits of any sun sign, allowing the positive traits to be more easily expressed. For each sign, there are certain flowers that are frequently needed, and these can be viewed as constitution remedies.

Black-Eyed Susan is a very important flower for Aries. It is very useful for rushing, something Aries are renown for, so it helps them to slow down (and smell the roses). Unchecked, this tendency to speediness can become impatience or impulsiveness and can further escalate into frustration, anger and aggression. As the mind goes, energy flows. An imbalance in the thoughts and emotions will ultimately be reflected in the physical body, in a very predictable manner. Physically, rushing can manifest as hyperactivity, clumsiness, stress, burnout, aggression, violence or accidents.  Bolting down one’s food leads to indigestion. Black-Eyed Susan addresses all these issues at a causal level. Antarctic Essence is also very appropriate.

Mountain Devil too, is very high on the list of Essences for fiery Aries. If impatience has progressed into anger, aggression, violence or hatred, Mountain Devil is called for. It is also very good for the Aries tendency to become overly ambitious and overly competitive (they like to win). With fire comes passion, and at times jealousy – which Mountain Devil will also help soothe. In western herbal medicine, anger is held in the spleen; in Chinese Medicine anger is held in the liver. Either way, I have found Mountain Devil very useful for assisting restore health in these organs. In medical astrology, the spleen is ruled by Aries, and is vulnerable under stress, so therefore needs to be especially supported. Mountain Devil supports the spleen energetically, and therefore physically.

Aries natives are at risk of burnout. They have so much natural energy that, like children, they go and go and go and then suddenly they drop. Usually, following a good sleep they awaken refreshed – and off they go again. However, as with the young, Aries can take this enormous vitality for granted, and get into a habit of burning the candle at both ends. They’ll get away with this for quite some time, especially in their youth. Sooner or later though, it will catch up. Down they go in a flaming burnt out heap of squandered energy. Macrocarpa is the flower they need to get back up again (Aries always gets back up again). Better still, give Macrocarpa before they crash and burn (prevention is better than cure). Macrocarpa also brings with it the wisdom to ‘eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired’ – to leave something in reserve, to husband your energy well. Macrocarpa is specific for balancing the adrenal glands, another of the vulnerable organs in Aries.

It has to be said that Aries is not naturally the most elegant of signs. Like children, they can be socially inept, gauche and naïve. Kangaroo Paw is very beneficial for helping them develop and grow in this direction. The tendency to rush can bring physical clumsiness no matter what their age. Apart from Black-Eyed Susan to slow down, try some Bush Fuchsia to help improve their physical co-ordination.

Fortunately we have Mulla Mulla to help Aries with their tendency to frequently burn themselves – on the iron, cappacino machine, stovetop, oven, kettle…  you get the idea. Put it on the outside and give it on the inside. Leave a bottle in the kitchen. Aries often have a reddish tinge to their hair, courtesy of their ruling planet Mars. This can bring the temper to match, and a tendency to sunburn. Try Mulla Mulla before, during and after sun exposure.

There are several other Essences that deserve a quick mention – Gymea Lily if they have become bossy or domineering, Isopogon to learn from their mistakes, and Wedding Bush to help them complete their projects (not just start them). And of course Emergency Essence – this enthusiastic, fiery, loyal, adventurous, clumsy trail blazer, with an appetite for life and the exuberance of youth, is going to need it. Oh, and some Calm and Clear + Mountain Devil for when they are driving.

More Information on the Astrology & ABFE workshop

Linn’s Workshop Schedule

Copyright  Linn Wiggins.

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In ancient times, life was intricately woven with the cycles of nature. Our lives were intimately connected with the journey of the sun through the constellations as our Mother Earth transformed through her seasons. In a self sufficient society, knowledge of the seasons and their effect on the food supply were crucial to survival and to quality of life. For the same reason, our ancestors also observed the phases of the Moon and its effect on the tides, plant growth and the behaviour of animals and people. We lived in harmony with these cycles.

Astrology is believed to have evolved as it was also noticed that those born at specific times of the year exhibited distinct character traits. Indeed, Confucius said, “He who wants to understand man must first understand Heaven, for it is Heaven which gives man his nature and his law.”

The ancients were possessed of much wisdom that modern man is only just now beginning to appreciate. Stonehenge (conservatively dated at 1800BC), is a giant astronomical observatory, not remotely understood until computers discovered its ability to accurately predict solstices, equinoxes, eclipses and other significant astronomical events. Zodiacs from ancient Egypt, China, India, Mexico, Greece, Babylon, Assyria and Sumer have all been discovered.

In ancient times, spirituality, health and astrology were all linked. 14th Century Chinese zodiacs show the effect of planets and constellations on health. Archaeologists have unearthed 30000 year old bones with engravings marking the moon cycles, believed to be female fertility calendars. (Francesca Naish’s book “Natural Fertility” details a natural contraceptive method that is 97% effective and includes the use of the moon cycle to predict fertility.)

In the bible, Ecclesiastes and Genesis contain obvious references to astrology to those who know how to read it from that perspective. The 12th Century church doctrinist Thomas Aquinas said, in Opusculum XXII, “When someone uses the judgement of the stars in order to foretell physical effects… this is not a sin…. for all people observe the heavenly spheres in some way with regards to such effects; the farmers sow and harvest at certain times in accordance with their observation of the course of the sun; and boatmen do not go out onto the waters at full moon. When a person is ill, the doctors observe the course of the sun and the moon to foretell the critical days. Therefore it is right and proper to heed the advice of the stars in other cases with regards to physical effects.” In 1586, Pope Sixtus V stated, in his bull, (regarding astrology) “Allowed however, are judgements and natural observations in support of navigation, agriculture and medical science.”

Ancient Greece gave us Hippocrates, known to the medical world as ‘the father of modern medicine’, but like so much of the ancient healing arts, many of his wise teachings have been disregarded through ignorance. Hippocrates was a herbalist and an astrologer. Modern medicine chose to ignore certain of his statements including:

“Ignorant is the doctor who understands nothing of astrology. The role played by astrology in medicine is no small one; indeed it is very large.”

“A doctor without knowledge of astrology does not have the right to call himself a doctor.”

“He who practises medicine without the benefit of the movement of the stars and planets is a fool.”

However the modern Hippocratic Oath did include: “First, do no harm”. Unfortunately this has now gone by the wayside too, and doctors (in Australia) no longer take this oath upon graduation. Thankfully however, “Do no Harm” remains a cornerstone of naturopathic philosophy.

When modern science took hold, we were told that nothing was valid unless it could be measured. One of the consequences of this was that the marriage between spirituality, human nature, healing and astrology dissolved, not least because there were no machines sophisticated enough to measure many of the variables. The “Not True till Validated” mindset of scientists has always perplexed me. How do you measure love? If you can’t measure love, does that mean it isn’t real? Being possessed of a strong sixth sense that revealed to me many things that weren’t necessarily obvious to others, particularly scientists, I spent many years living in faith that one day science would catch up.

Joy of joys, in the 1980s Dr Percy Seymour, an astrophysicist, set out to disprove astrology and instead, his research converted him. His 1997 book “The Scientific Basis of Astrology” makes for fascinating reading. As does Dr Richard Gerber’s tome “Vibrational Medicine” which details how Quantam Physics explains the action and efficacy of flower essences and other natural healing modalities. “Molecules of Emotion” by Dr Candace Pert is another excellent text which eloquently describes how our emotions profoundly affect our physical health and the cutting edge science that explains why this is so.

None of this would have been news to Hippocrates. Nor is it to practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (a healing system dating back over five thousand years), or to those trained in wholistic herbalism or naturopathy. All these therapies have the philosophy that dis-ease is the result of mental and emotional imbalances which, left unaddressed, eventually manifest in the physical body in a predictable manner. The book “You can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay covers this subject beautifully.

Medical astrology is an ancient science and gives us valuable clues as to our vulnerabilities emotionally, mentally and physically. As such it provides a wealth of information for those interested in practising preventative health care as potential weaknesses can be supported or treated with the use of natural remedies including herbs and flower essences.

Flower essences are an accessible healing tool that anyone can use as they are completely safe and natural. If the wrong remedy is taken it simply doesn’t work, so it is impossible to do any harm with them (Hippocrates would approve).

If you are interested in learning more about medical astrology and how Australian Bush Flower Essences can be used to improve your health on all levels, click here to see when and where my one day seminar is next being held near you. If you would like to host one in your area, contact me. Professional astrologers will gain tools to assist those clients with harsh natal aspects and difficult transits, however no formal training in astrology is needed. Everyone can apply this easy, practical and effective information in their day to day lives and practitioners can use it with every client for better healing outcomes.

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Id like to give you an example of how flower essences can be used as preventative medicine for a sun sign.

Each sun sign has specific parts of the body which are vulnerable. As you are probably aware, everyone responds and reacts to stress differently and this is partly due to the filters we each have. We all see life differently and this is due to a combination of our genetics, our cultural background, our family patterns and our own life experience.

Another filter is our sun sign, and this has a powerful effect upon the way we think as well as our emotional responses.

Aries, for example, are high energy people who tend to be impulsive. They act before they think and dash through life, becoming impatient if anyone or anything slows them down. This can emerge as frustration, anger or rage emotionally and high blood pressure physically. Physically they can be prone to accidents due to their hasty, poorly planned actions. Aries leaps in where angels fear to tread so can find themselves in dangerous situations, requiring constant adrenaline to remove themselves from harm.

One of things adrenaline does is raise your blood pressure. With the head and adrenals glands the vulnerable parts of the Aries body, this makes Aries people more prone to strokes. Knowing this in advance, flower essences and herbs can be used preventatively to keep an Aries in balance throughout their life.

Mountain Devil is a very good essence for anger; Black-eyed Susan for rushing and impatience, and Macrocarpa for supporting the adrenal glands. So a combination of these three essences will go a long way towards keeping an Aries calm and balanced and therefore healthier in the long term.

The good thing about flower essences is that they are completely safe and totally natural. They are incredibly easy to use just a matter of putting seven drops of the appropriate remedy under your tongue morning and night. They are also really accessible there is no need to do five years of naturopathy or three years of herbal medicine or acupuncture to be able to use them.

You can learn how to use flower essences in a weekend and because you cant hurt anyone with them, anyone can use or prescribe them. They are also, literally, medicines for emotions. This makes them wonderful for home use you dont to be formally qualified in anything to know if you or a friend, colleague or family member is feeling upset. Flower essences give everyone a tool to safely heal emotionally.

That, said they do also dovetail beautifully with any other natural healing modality, enhancing and locking in any other healing being done. For this reason, an increasing number of doctors, psychologists, counsellors and physiotherapists are using flower essences in conjunction with their more medical treatments. Flower essences
dont interact with medications and it is impossible to overdose on them, another aspect of their safety.

You can learn more about flower essences through Australian Bush Flower Essence workshops – click here for more information on the international workshop series and international schedule.

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