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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VIRGO

August 24 – September 23     

The symbol for Virgo is a young maiden holding a sheaf of wheat, or The Virgin. The glyph is a stylised “M” with neatly crossed legs. Both symbols demonstrate several hallmarks of this sign; the well known Virgo penchant for purity, but also the hard work, planning and careful management required at the time of the harvest moon (the time of year when Virgo natives are born in the Northern Hemisphere where astrology originated).

Balanced Virgo Energy is industrious, ethical, organised, tidy and practical. Every office needs a Virgo to put its systems in place, or in order, and then to supervise the day to day running of the business in a smooth and efficient manner. All the “i’s” will be dotted and all the “t’s” will be crossed when a Virgo is in charge of the day to day management and staff. They pay close attention to fine detail, have high standards, work hard, set a good example to others and enjoy being of service. Should things unravel, even unexpectedly, they have a natural ability to quickly analyse the situation and put solutions in place.

Should these traits become too pronounced, Virgos may have a tendency to become nit picking, hypercritical, or perfectionist. If this occurs, Yellow Cowslip Orchid is very good to help them come back into balance.

Plainly, with such a focus on work, they run the risk of becoming workaholics. It is not unheard of for Virgos to wake up in the middle of the night and be unable to go to sleep until they have completed an unfinished project that is on deadline – some will even drive into the office in the middle of the night, or stay at work until the very late hours of the evening, unable to relax until their work is done. Black-Eyed Susan is a much needed remedy in these cases, as is Macrocarpa if they have been making a habit of it and are becoming physically burnt out. Calm and Clear is very good for them in general, and their loved ones will do well to spray them with it as they cross the family threshold to ensure they leave their work at the office.

The nervous system is one of Virgo’s physical weak points and whenever they start getting fidgety (Bush Fuchsia) or irritable (Dagger Hakea), you know they are getting tired, are under pressure, and in need of some Essences.

The other physical vulnerability is the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed from food. Digestive problems are another sign they are under load. This area of the body, as well as assimilation of nutrition and information, can be supported by Paw Paw.

Ruled by the planet Mercury, Virgo natives can be quite “in their heads” rather than in their hearts. At times this can lead them to become cut off from emotions and prone to mental rigidity (Hibbertia).

They do take an active interest in their health and their love of purity will lead them to be interested in organic food, detoxing, special diets and supplements, which are all conducive to good health. However sometimes this goes too far and they slip into a pattern of hypochrondria, for which Peach-flowered Tea-tree is very good.

Their spiritual lesson is to be of service to others. If selfishness is a problem, Gymea Lily will help. For the Virgo who does too much for others to the detriment of themselves – Alpine Mint Bush. If they can give but not receive, they will benefit from Philotheca.

Another spiritual lesson is to become aware that they are part of the universal Oneness, that we are all connected, and of course, Sydney Rose is the Essence to help develop this as a knowingness that comes from deep within and that permeates every aspect of our Being and life .

The higher ruler of Virgo is Chiron, God of Miraculous Healing, and the healing fields boast many Virgos. At their best they can tune into their Higher Selves and channel healing energy, no matter what their modality or belief systems around this. If this ability is blocked, Bush Iris and Paw Paw will help open it up, as will the Higher Self and Angelic Essences in the White Light range.

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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The following Australian Bush Flower Courses are now approved for CE hours for NCBTMB members:

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 1 Workshop

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 2 Workshop

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 3 Workshop

Women’s Wellbeing & Australian Bush Flower Essences Workshop

Children & Australian Bush Flower Essences Workshop

ABFE College Course 16 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 16 hour Part 2 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 24 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 32 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

NCBTMB Provider Number: 451440-10 (Valid to 2013)

Click here for full list of courses, contact and booking details

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A bored dog is not a happy dog and boredom is often the root of dogs behaving badly…

In many cases boredom can be managed with variety of materials that will distract and entertain your dog, meaning it doesn’t need to find some mischief to get up to. If your dog is leaving a trail of destruction when left at home alone, he may simply be bored.

Signs of boredom:

• barking
• digging
• ripping up things
• chewing things they shouldn’t
• escaping

If your dog is left alone a lot, or has gotten into bad habits which are now entrenched, try our all natural  Home Alone Mist.

This is a mixture of flower essences to help with boredom, separation anxiety and breaking habits. The calming essential oils add to this effect and give it a lovely scent. Just spray on your dog’s coat twice daily and before you leave it at home alone.

Home Alone is made from all natural ingredients including flower essences and essential oils that are totally safe for dogs.

Try it and see the difference

Buy Home Alone Mist

Relieving the boredom is another necessary step to prevent and stop the abnormal or unwanted activity.

There are many ways to help bored dogs, the most obvious being to provide your dog with something to do while you are away:

• toys – have a variety of different toys. Only leave your dog with one toy at a time and change them every day or so.
• time release treats – there are many chew toys that you can stuff with treats (make them healthy ones) and it will take your dog hours to extract them all
• ice blocks – great in hot weather – put some raw meat, carrot, peas and oats in a container, fill it with water and freeze. Just before you go out on a hot day, put it out in the yard with your dog – hours of entertainment and good nutrition too.
• my personal favourite – a lovely meaty bone – there is nothing else to put a look of bliss on your dog’s face like chewing for hours on a bone, and it is the best toothbrush you’ll find too! If your dog is a chewer, give them a bone…
• you can also give them an old shoe you are finished with – walk around in it for a while before you leave – dogs usually go for your favourite shoes because they were the pair you had on last and your scent is on that pair. Use this tendency to your advantage.

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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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Get a naturopath or herbalist onto the topic of the importance of a healthy bowel and you could quite easily be there all day…. Suffice to say, if your lower bowel (colon) is all clogged up, it isn’t good for your health. In the simplest terms, your digestive tract is one long tube. The top half (stomach and small intestine) allow you to absorb nutrients from your food. The lower part (the large intestine or colon) reabsorbs water from the undigested mass of food left, ahead of you eliminating the waste products. Food is supposed to pass through our body in eight hours, with a bowel movement after each meal being a sign of ideal bowel health. Even if you “go” every day, you might be excreting a meal from several days (or weeks) ago. A sign that this may be the case for you is if your tummy gets quite bloated after you eat.

A good way to find out your “transit time” – how long food takes to pass through your digestive tract – is to do this: Eat a meal containing corn. Note the time and date of this meal. Don’t eat any more corn until the corn you ate reappears at the other end. Count up how long since you ate it. This is your transit time. Eight hours is excellent. If your transit time is more than this your bowel could do with cleanse at least once a year. Anything over 24 hours is worriesome and you need to take action to get it back on track. A long transit time leaves waste products in your bowel too long, and can lead to toxins being reabsorbed into your bloodstream – with your liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and skin left with the job of getting rid of them.

If your colon is not emptying properly, eventually this will affect the small intestine too. Low grade nausea and indigestion can be a symptom of this. Imagine a long narrow pipe. What happens if the bottom end gets clogged up? Does the top end start backing up too? If your small intestine, where you absorb nutrients, begins to clog up, no matter how much organic food or how many supplements you take, very little of the goodness they contain can be taken up by your body. This can lead to tiredness and lethagy.

In days past we used to eat a lot more wholegrain foods, which moved through our bowel better. We also were in the habit of regular fasting, something quite out of fashion these days, which is a shame because fasting gives your bowel a rest from digesting food, and gives it an opportunity to clean itself out. Fasting also allows the rest of your body to cleanse itself. It takes a lot of energy to digest food, and while you are fasting this energy can be used for cleansing and healing. Simple practices like fasting and cleansing are extremely powerful and we all need to be doing them more often.

Autopsies have shown that the average adult in western society has 6kg of undigested meat in their colon. Meat that is not grown organically often contains quite a bit of synthetic oestrogen. It goes without saying that this has the potential to disrupt your hormones if it sits in your body for any length of time. I call oestrogen dominance “the root of all (hormonal) evil”. Irregular, painful, heavy and absent periods can often be traced back to this single cause. As can a lot of fibrocystic breast lumps, prementrual breast tenderness, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, early puberty, bad menopause and infertility. Much of my clinical practice involves reversing oestrogen dominance. A good bowel cleanse is always part of the solution.

A top of the line cleanse involves some fasting. Believe me when I say, its not as hard as you think it will be (and well worth the effort). Most of my clients have reported  glowing skin, improved vitality, a tendency to eat less (and more nutritious) food, reduced cellulite, and ongoing weight loss after doing this program.

My favourite bowel cleanse is ‘The Colon Cleansing Kit’ which contains Digestive Stimulator herbal capsules (to get your bowel moving three times a day), Toxin Absorber (to remove mucoid plaque build-up and old hardened faeces from the bowel wall), detailed instructions, a FAQ booklet, and a calender telling you exactly what to do each day. This makes it really easy follow, even if you have never done anything like this before.

BUY Colon Cleanse

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