Astrologicalmind

The magic of astrology explored

Author: astrologicalmind

  • Alchemy and Astrology

    The connection between astrology and alchemy has its genesis in the fifth and forth century BC, in the philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and the metallurgical skills of the ancient Egyptians. The meaning and structure of alchemy were summarised in the “Emerald Tablet” and presented as a revelation to Hermes Trismegistus the supposed author of “the Corpus Hermeticum”.

    In recent times our understanding of astrology and alchemy has become so distorted that they have lost all true meaning and purpose. Our empirical understanding of reality has made alchemy appear at best as philosophical musing, at worst as little more than superstition.

    Astrology and alchemy are in essence looking at the same thing functioning on different levels or different realms. To put it simply astrology deals with the celestial realm and alchemy with the sub-terrestrial realm of the same thing; the movement and manifestation of spirit.

    Spirit is the essence of all life and binds the whole of creation together. It permeates all matter and form giving it substance and vitality. Spirit or essential form is akin to the vertical threads of life, the horizontal threads being the substantial or material. Soul is both essential and material, it is both spirit and body, it embodies the rich tapestry woven when the essential spirit and material come together to create life. The purpose of soul is to reflect spirit. The purpose of alchemy and astrology is to purify and align the soul/body in order that spirit can be wholly reflected through its embodiment in matter.

    What is Alchemy?

    The word alchemy evokes many images including that of the crazed medieval chemist, stooped over arcane manuscripts, trying to unlock the secrets of nature in order to make gold out of base metals or create the so called “philosophers stone” propounded to bestow eternal life. Some have excused alchemy as a philosophical endeavour, defining the alchemist as a philosopher and those who engaged in the transmutation of metals or the search for eternal life as misguided fools.  In the 20th century psychologist led by Carl Jung used the image and symbolism of alchemy and ascribed it to the psychotherapeutic process of personal evolution and analytic practice.

    Modern psychological astrologers have embraced this Jungian understanding of alchemy and use the natal astrological chart as a symbolic guide to self-growth. While this works well in gaining an understanding of an individual’s process of individuation and knowing themselves it is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of alchemy. Alchemy is not about the individual or his process; neither is alchemy naïve chemistry, as some would define it.

    Alchemy is the endeavour of purifying soul in order to reflect spirit truthfully, in the sub-terrestrial world the result is gold.

    The true aim of alchemy is to go beyond the “I” for it is the “I” as a thought concept or ego consciousness that is the barrier preventing consciousness from being flooded by the light of pure spirit. In the alchemical view of reality consciousness exist in one form or another in all things including the metals and the planets.

    The Roots of Alchemy

    The problem in trying to come to an understanding of alchemy is that it has always been an esoteric or occult science. Alchemy was known as the “royal art” it was not meant for everyone. A person had to gain the wisdom needed before being privy to the secrets of the alchemists. The true purpose and truth of alchemy is hidden in the symbolism of the alchemical language. This symbolism has a great similarity with astrological symbolism.

    In the same way that the physical process of trying to make gold was fraught with danger from accidental poisoning or explosions, alchemical knowledge was considered dangerous to those who were not ready or properly prepared. Philosophically alchemy threatened the dominant monotheist religions and so needed to remain hidden. This may account for much of the old texts being written in secret language, illustrated symbols, paradoxes and riddles.

    Much of the astrological, alchemical and philosophical wisdom of old comes to us from “The Corpus Hermeticum”, a work attributed to Hermes Trismegistus a mythical wise man also said to be the Egyptian God Thoth. The Corpus Hermiticum is said to record all human knowledge up to that point. It is in this work that we first encounter the precept of: “What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is like that below.” This sets out the basic principle on which alchemy is founded and this same dictum goes to the heart of astrology and magic the world over.

    Alchemy aims to create purity in order for spirit to be reflected and manifested in this earthly realm. In the same way that light has no direction or substance until it encounters an object that can reflect back, giving light form, colour and direction, spirit needs to be reflected by soul, which exist in all matter. But when soul/matter is impure, like a dirty mirror that can only partially reflect light, it distorts the reflection of spirit. Spirit can only truly express itself through pure soul. The purer the receptacle or body of the soul the more able it is to reflect the light of spirit.

    The alchemical process begins and ends with the Materia Prima. It is both the origin and the fruit of the work. The Materia Prima is found everywhere in creation, it is the primary substance of the world and the basic substance of the soul. It contains all things and is contained in all things. In order to purify the Materia Prima, it must be broken down and opposites must unite, creating liquid fire, the embodied spirit, the volatile stable or air like earth.

    The moment soul (be it human, metal or other) achieves purity and becomes a clear receptive mirror of spirit, the revelation of the creative spirit takes place. Purity can not take place until the creative spirit reveals itself, which can not happen until purity is achieved. This paradox is the true meaning of the sacred marriage alluded to in alchemical writings. The King and Queen come together, pure being meets pure spirit. This is the marriage of Sun and Moon; spirit and soul, sulphur and quicksilver, the primary ingredients of alchemy.

    Sulphur and Quicksilver

    Two of the principle ingredients of alchemy are sulphur and quicksilver.

    – Sulphur, is the original masculine power, it is hot and dry and is symbolised by the Sun. It is the dynamic aspect of the solar or masculine cause.

    – Quicksilver is the original feminine power that is cold and moist and is symbolised by Moon. It is the productive power of “materia”, the dynamic aspect of the lunar or feminine cause.

    Together quicksilver and sulphur embody the two phases of nature: dissolution and coagulation. On some level dissolution can relate to the active, vertical thread (or pole) of essence or spirit, of which alchemical sulphur corresponds. Coagulation relates to the horizontal passive thread (or pole) of substance to which quicksilver corresponds. These two may seem as opposite but they are in fact mutually complimentary.

    Sulphur corresponds to the Divine command, by which the world became out of chaos and quicksilver represents Universal nature, the passive counterpart of the former that allows itself to be used and moulded. The first property: hot and cold, of both is the active masculine. The second property: dry and moist, is the passive feminine. Between them sulphur and quicksilver, by their qualities can expand (hot), contract (cold), coagulate (dry), and dissolve (moist) in a variety of combinations.

    Corruption of matter happens when the properties of each mutually penetrate each other: so when the dry (coagulation) of sulphur joins with the cold (contraction) of quicksilver, complete rigidity of soul and body occurs. In human life this is expressed as the torpor of old age, avarice and a total loss of the original receptivity and vitality, both spiritual and sensual. The other way with the moist (dissolution) of quicksilver penetrates the heat (expansion) of sulphur, we get unbridled passion and a volatility of power. Often these unbalanced states are found together, one begetting the other.

    Creative equilibrium can only happen when the expansive power of sulphur and contracting power of quicksilver hold the balance while at the same time the masculine coagulation and feminine dissolving capacity come into a fruitful union. This marries the two threads (poles) of being (essence and substance) and is symbolised by the intersecting triangles of the Seal of Solomon.

    The Seal of Solomon, an interlaced hexagram symbolizes: protection, harmony, and the union of opposites; in the Ouroboros, the serpent that eats its tail, symbolizes wholeness, eternity, and renewal.

    This state of absolute equilibrium between the passive and the active, the realisation of the centre of the earthly state is the ultimate goal of alchemy. Only in this state can matter, body or soul reflect back its true unadulterated spiritual essence. The evidence of reaching this state will manifest on all levels of existence including the mineral. So gold will be made, physical life will be prolonged and psyche will be freed of its desires. The dross will be removed through transmutation to allow the revelation of the light of spirit in matter.

    Astrological symbols and alchemy

    Throughout alchemical texts are found astrological references and symbols. It is evident by this that both are related and an understanding of one would help to understand the other. Both traditions come from the same source that at its heart understood the world to be interconnected and united, imbued with conscious intelligence that manifested in various forms.////Astrology interprets the meaning of the planets and zodiac, alchemy interprets the meaning of the elements and metals. The planets are embodied intelligence; the metals are intelligent bodies. While the metals were generated in the womb of the earth they are essentially under the influence of the seven planets.////The sacred metals of gold and silver are the earthly reflections of Sun and Moon and thus also reflect all other realities of spirit and soul that are related to this heavenly pair. Gold, the supposed aim of alchemist is regarded as the purest of metals; it is free of the impurities of other base metals and is the mineral reflection or subterranean manifestation of spirit. Silver the other sacred metal whose reflective quality acts as a mirror has the ability to reflect spirit. All other planets had a corresponding metal with which they shared their symbol.

    • Saturn              =         Lead
    • Jupiter              =         Tin
    • Mars                =         Iron
    • Sun                  =         Gold
    • Venus              =         Copper
    • Mercury           =         Quicksilver (Mercury)
    • Moon               =         Silver

    The hierarchy of the planets descends from Saturn, analogous to intelligence or intellect, through to the Moon which is analogous to the vital spirit that rules the involuntary and instinctive activities of the body. The hierarchy of corresponding metals are ascending from lead the densest and most chaotic of metals to Silver, the embodiment of pure unformed receptivity. In both Gold/Sun occupies the central position, which is the ultimate and true goal of the alchemist.

    The seven signs of the planets/metals express the entire cosmic hierarchy which is the result of the polarisation of existence into an active or masculine pole symbolised by the Sun and a passive or feminine pole, symbolised by the Moon.

    • The Sun is symbolised by the circle and reflects the active principle of being, the pure act of essence. This is the planetary symbol of the King. Gold the metal associated with the Sun represents pure spirit embodied in mineral form.
    • The Moon is symbolised by the crescent or semi-circle and reflects the passive principle of becoming, constant change. This is the planetary symbol of the Queen. Silver is associated with the Moon and represents the metal whose purity is like the purified soul able to reflect spirit in all its glory.
    • Earth (Physical matter) is symbolised by the cross of the elements (or of matter), the vertical pole of active essence (fire and air) and the horizontal arm of passive substance (water and earth). The wheel of heaven is made up of the cross of matter and the circle of the active principle. This is the symbol for earth or the angular cross of the horoscope. The physical realm of the sublunary world, where form is corrupted is the setting for the desired alchemical transmutation.

      Spirit/Sun acts on soul/Moon and changes it, as seen in the changing of the Moon’s form and the constant unchanging form of the Sun. Becoming is therefore passive, while the pure essence of being is active and remains unchanging.

      The Work of Alchemy

      Though Spiritual alchemy was not necessarily involved in metallurgic work, there is a supposition that originally the inward and the outward work went hand in hand. The purpose of alchemy is not to transcend matter, but rather to manifest spirit in matter. The way to do this is to free the soul or body from its impressions and passions, returning it to its original state, which is pure receptivity. The Materia Prima, primary substance of the world and the basis of soul, contains all things and is found in all things.

      There are three stages to the work; as well there is a lesser and higher level to each stage of the alchemists work.

      First stage is the blackening. Black is associated with downward movement, into matter away from the luminous origin.
      Second stage is the whitening or bleaching. White is associated with upward movement, aspiration towards the origin/light.
      Third stage is the reddening. Red or Royal Purple is associated with a tendency towards expansion on the plane manifestation.

      The lesser work, has the Moon/silver as its end point, precedes the greater work whose ultimate aim is Sun/gold. The two-fold (lesser & greater) and three-fold (black, white & red) stages do not conflict. They occur in a seven-fold division based on the reign of the planets and properties of metals.

      The first three stages of the lesser work is related to Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon. This is the phase whose end point is the Moon and Silver. Saturn and Jupiter are symbolised by a glyph compromising the cross of matter and the crescent of the Moon. The first three stages are purely lunar signs.

      The first three stages of the greater work is related to Venus, Mars and the Sun whose glyph compromises the cross of matter and the circle of spirit. The original glyph for Mars was a circle with a cross on top, rather then the arrow now used. The last three stages have purely solar signs.

      Mercury, whose associated metal is quicksilver, the principle initiator of the alchemical process, is symbolised by the cross under the circle under the crescent. It is the only astrological glyph to contain all three symbols. Only Mercury is androgynous and contains both lunar and solar signs.  Mercury, quicksilver comes before all the others. It is not a stage in the alchemical process, but rather the key to the whole work.

      The order of the lesser and greater works is in opposite direction to the other. For every active aspect there is a corresponding passive aspect.

      • Saturn represents the passive abasement or extinction of ego-bound consciousness.
      • Mars represents the active descent into unconscious passion
      • Jupiter represents the passive development of soul’s receptivity
      • Venus is the active rising of the inward sun or spirit
      • The Moon and Sun represents the two poles in their pure state.
      • Mercury bears both essences within itself and is the key of the alchemical process.

      The Lesser Work

      The first stage of the lesser work, the blackening:
      The first, black stage of the lesser work comes under Saturn, whose metal is the densest and most chaotic of all metals: lead. This is the mortification and putrefaction stage. Symbolised by the Raven or skull. At this stage consciousness must be withdrawn from the senses and turned inwards. Saturn’s glyph is the cross of matter over the lunar crescent of soul. The Soul is submerged in matter (the cross) and hidden from the light.

      The second stage of the lesser work, the bleaching:
      The second, whitening stage of the lesser work is dominated by Jupiter associated with the metal tin. Now the crescent, the soul has risen out of matter and is on the horizontal arm of the cross. It has risen above and out of the earth. Jupiter or tin its corresponding metal, represents the first step in the loosening of the soul from the elemental pairs of opposites.

      The third stage of the lesser work, the reddening:
      The reddening stage of the lesser work brings us to the Moon or silver. Here the crescent stands alone free from matter, independent of the cross of elements. Here the potentiality of the soul has been purified from the initial chaos of death (Saturn) and has now fully developed and united in a state of pure receptivity. The white mirror-like metal of silver manifesting this purity, a state also symbolised by the “blessed virgin mother”, the Moon.

      In the lesser work the energy as represented by the crescent moves upwards in an ascending movement until the Moon stands alone. These first three stages correspond to the “spiritualisation of the body” the last three stages correspond to the “embodiment of spirit” and represent a downward movement and descent back into matter.

      The Greater Work

      The first stage of the greater work, the blackening:
      Venus dominates the first stage of the greater work. Here the form giving power of the active essence of spirit imprints anew to the cross of the elements. At this stage the volatile power of Quicksilver prevails over the solid bodies, later the fixative power of sulphur will prevail over volatile Quicksilver and crystallise a new soul-body form.

      The colouring power of Sulphur does become visible in Copper (Venus’s metal) yet the new creation is not perfected, it is still unstable and coarse, because it is still attached to the opposing forces contained in the cross of the four elements.

      The second stage of the greater work, the whitening:
      Mars dominates the second stage of the greater work. Saturn and Mars are opposite each other, seen in their glyph where the cross sits atop dominating the crescent of the soul or the sphere of spirit. Both represent an extinction of sorts, while Saturn symbolises the chaotic condition of death, Mars is an active and directed descent of spirit into the lowest levels of human consciousness.

      Here the body is completely penetrated by the incombustible Sulphur. In Iron the fixative and colouring power of Sulphur, though present, can not manifest its lustre. The spirit is wholly submerged in the body, this is the threshold of the final completion; the transformation of body into spirit-become-form.

      The final stage of the greater work, the reddening:
      The completion of the greater work is expressed by the Sun. The centre point that was missing at the start in the circle, representing what was only potentially present is now manifest. This stage is the reddening, which expands spirit into matter, reflecting the completion through the colour royal purple-red.

      In the greater work the energy as represented by the circle moves downwards until the Sun stands alone. The Sun is analogous to the soul transmuted and illuminated by spirit, representing the perfect union of spirit, soul and body, it is the centre point of equilibrium sought by the alchemists.

      The alchemical work that transmutes metals into gold, light incarnated, has its parallel in the inward alchemy of prayer. The soul initially becomes congealed on turning away from the outward world, and then dissolves as a result of inner warmth, and finally after having been a volatile changing stream of impressions, becomes a motionless crystal filled with light.

      Ultimately the process of alchemy changes the life of the alchemist in the same way that astrology will forever change the way an astrologer will view life. There is far more to both then initially meets the eye. The more one puts into both the more depth and wisdom is unearthed.

      This article also appears on the C.I.A. site and was published in the FAA journal in 2008

      Reference:

      Burckhardt, Titus: “Alchemy, the Science of the Soul” published by Fons Vitae, 1997 (originally published 1960)

      Burckhardt, Titus: “Mystical Astrology According to Ibn’Arabi” published by Fons Vitae, 2001 (originally publishd in 1950 in French, first English translation 1977)

      Zoller, Robert: “The Arabic Parts in Astrology: a Lost Key to Prediction” published by Inner Tradition International, 1980

      Editors of Time-Life Books: “Secrets of the Alchemists”, published 1990

    • Antiscia: The Story Behind the Chart

       

      When I first began to explore the world of traditional astrology I came across a term that was puzzling; antiscia and contrantiscia. The definition was clear enough, degrees of the Zodiac equal distant from the cardinal points of 0 degrees Cancer/Capricorn for antiscia or Aries/Libra for contrantiscia, in other words degrees mirroring each other from the cardinal axis.

      Planets in antiscia relationship to each other were said to act like a conjunction, while the contrantiscia were like oppositions. In fact the contrantiscia point is in opposition to the antiscia point. For the purpose of this article I will only speak of the antiscia point, its opposition being a given.

      Now the antiscia was defined as: a shadows point, a reflection or a hidden ally.  My intellectual curiosity was pricked. Whilst investigating the antiscia I found that I had two such planetary pairs in my own natal chart. Now the desire to understand antiscia became far more personal.

      It seemed that the ancients put a lot of significance on these points. Some even mentioned mundane antiscia, meaning degrees of the Zodiac equal distant from the angles; a sort of midpoint. Could these points be activated by transits or progressions? This might explain those times when nothing seems to be happening in a chart and yet the life is filled with dramas and activity.

      When Pluto transited my Sun, its antiscia point occupied by Venus was also activated. Because my Sun and Moon are in partile square to each other she was also being activated as was her antiscia point occupied by Jupiter. Rather then 1 or 2 planets being shaken by the newly demoted powerbroker Pluto, four planets were involved. All the houses they ruled or had command of were taken along for the ride. Suddenly the potential for what these points could mean became very interesting.

      Finding the antiscia point for your ASC and MC can reveal so much about who you are and what you do, especially if there happens to be a planet or other significant point on these zodiacal degrees.

      Christina Onassis

      As a child I remember reading about Christina Onassis the super rich heir of a fortune. Her life played out in the tabloids as proof that money can not buy happiness. Her life ended prematurely at the age of 37 years and 11 month when she died alone of a heart attack brought on by years of drug abuse and physical neglect.

      Christina was born into extreme wealth, into a culture and to a father who had little regard for women. Her mother, reputed to be a great beauty was prone to depression. Some accounts claim that she ended her life in suicide; others say she died of natural causes.

      As a child Christina was close to her older brother, Alexandros, the clear favourite of their father. Growing up they had little contact with either of their parents who bitterly divorced in 1960, when Christina was 10 years of age.

      She grew into an awkward and conventionally unattractive woman in a world that exalted the beauty of women. By all accounts she was a good business woman who had like her father a natural flair and instinct for business, but she is remembered more for her unfortunate personal life.

      Within a 24 month period in the early 1970 she lost her entire family when her brother, mother and then father died. She was left alone in the world. Over the years she married four times, but never seemed to find happiness in these relationships. At the age of 35 she gave birth to her only child. She died three years later.

       

      Christina’s ASC at 25 Taurus has its antiscia point at 4 Leo, conjunct her IC. The IC represents foundation, family and father; in this case it is ruled by the Sun, a universal symbol of Father. Her identity (ASC) was therefore one and the same as that of her father/family. The Sun also represents the sum total of who we are and who we are evolving into. In her case this was forever bound to her foundations and father, forging her own way in the world would have been that much more difficult.

      Looking further we see that the Sun is in Sagittarius right on her 8th house cusp. The 8th house is the house of death and also the house of as “other people’s money” or in our modern terms “their resources”. This is the house of inheritance or legacy, particularly through death. The Sun’s placement on this cusp reinforces the antiscian connection between ASC (self) and IC (father/family). It also accounts for the talents and abilities she inherited from her father.

      The Sun’s own antiscia point is at 10 Capricorn within a degree of Mercury, which rules her 2nd house of money and her 5th house of children & joy. There is little doubt that her money came through her father’s estate and one of the few joyful events in her life was the birth of her only child: Athina. Because of this relationship between Sun and Mercury her health & vitality would be affected by movements to Mercury as well as the Sun.

      Not only was her Sun connected to Mercury by antiscia and in flowing partile aspect (to the degree) to both Pluto and Neptune, but there was also a hidden contra antiscia (opposition) relationship to Uranus. This gives us a hint of the hidden side of her father. Yes he was powerful and mysterious, but there was a volatile and erratic side that was hidden behind closed doors. It could also symbolize the more self destructive tendencies that hovered just below the surface of her life.

      Not surprisingly we find that the antiscian degree of her MC is conjunct the DES, the angle of our relationships, traditionally our marriage partner. So who she was in the world was very much defined by who she was in relationship with. Interestingly her DES is ruled by Mars in Capricorn, exalted conjunct and receiving her Capricorn Moon in detriment. With such an insecure and needy Moon exalting Mars, universal significator of men and ruler of her 7th house, we can surmise that she needed relationships, but as Mars also ruled her 12th house it was potentially the road to her self-undoing. The stage for many a disastrous marriage was set.

      Through the antiscia connection between her ASC/DES and MC/IC we see how the men in Christina’s life came to absolutely dominate her identity and how she conducted her life. The Sun was not just the ruler of her IC, but also in a secretly ruled her ASC. Mars didn’t just rule her 7th house, but also subverted the reign over her MC.

      Antiscia by Transit and Progression

      On Jan 23 1973 Christian’s beloved brother was killed in an airplane crash in Athens. On that day her vulnerable Moon at 23 Capricorn was being transited by Jupiter and her progressed Venus, whilst Neptune was on its antiscia point of 6 Sagittarius. This incident fuelled conspiracy theories and suspicion of covert foul play that were never proved. The antiscian Neptune shows us the hidden side of this very public tragedy, which was none the less a very personal loss to Christina.

      At this time Christina’s progressed Sun had reached the antiscia point of her natal Sun. Her brother’s death projected her further into the world of business as she became the sole inheritor of their father’s business. Another interesting antiscian connection at this time was the progressed MC at 26 Aquarius and progressed Moon at 4 Scorpio in antiscia conjunction. This is particularly interesting as the Moon rules her 3rd house of siblings. Behind the very public news about her brother was a devastated progressed Moon in the natal 6th house of “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”. Her grief (Moon) was thrown up to public view (MC).

      This death was the first of many in her family concluding with the death of her father on March 15, 1975. On this day Saturn was at 11 Cancer in opposition to the Sun’s antiscia point of 10 Capricorn and Jupiter was at 29 Pisces transiting the antiscia point of her natal Saturn, ruler of her MC. As well the North Node at 3 Sagittarius right on Mars’s antiscia point. In her progressed chart the Moon had reached the antiscia of her natal Moon whilst the ASC was within one minute of her progressed Uranus’s and 1 degree of her natal Uranus’s antiscia point. This last detail speaks volumes about the final blow her father’s death must have been to Christina, now she was truly alone and abandoned in the world by her family.

      In her final days Neptune was approaching a transit to her Mercury, which as a result of its connection to her Sun (her vitality) would have affected her health. Whilst Jupiter (ruler of her 8th house of death) at 2 Gemini was opposite Mars’s antiscia point, her progressed Sun was conjunct Mars and transiting Mars was opposite natal Saturn (ruler of her 6th house of illness). All in all a very Mars death, though she is said to have died of natural causes she had attempted suicide numerous times during her life and her death was finally brought on by years of drug abuse and physical neglect.

      There is much more to Christina Onassis chart that could be explored, but limited to looking at the story the antiscia can tell, has given us fascinating insight into a troubled life.

    • The Moon and Related Flower Essences

      The Moon represents our past, it is that from which we have come. It is the unconscious feeling life that informs us from within, through dreams, memories, symbols, bodily sensations and emotions. The Moon relates to intuitive thinking and the non-rational part of the brain.

       

      The Moon represents our instinctual nature and is the planet most closely connected to our physical body. The body as a container for the Soul is like the crescent Moon that combines the spirit with matter. The Moon exhorts a pull on us back into our past, into the familiar haunts of our childhood, filled with the smells, sights and tastes we associate with mother. The Moon seeks security, warmth and the nurturing hand of the great mother.

       

      As a symbol for mother, the Moon connects us to our own nurturing capacity. How we give and receive love and affection is shown by the state of our astrological Moon. When the Moon is out of balance we experience insecurity and an inability to feel worthy of love. The lack of love in our life is manifested by overcompensation in the material realm either through the self-restriction or over indulgence in sensual pleasure. Eating disorders, materialistic obsession and body distortions are some common lunar imbalances.

       

      Mariposa Lily (Calochortus leichtlinii) is one of the most lunar essences. Mariposa Lily grows out of the barren, rocky, mountainous terrain. Her shallow roots indicating the harsh beginnings and limitations from which she emerges. Though not a true member of the lily family, her name tells us that this flower relates to the feminine, specifically the feminine role of mother.

      The Moon has often been called the great mother and Mariposa Lily is the ultimate mothering essence. Any issue around nurturing and mothering can be balanced with Mariposa Lily. This essence helps to repair the mothering bond in both mother and child and will help heal wounds associated with our experience of mother. The grief and trauma associated with the loss of either mother or child can be helped by the balancing qualities of Mariposa Lily.

       

      Other essences that relate to Moon issues:

      Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi) for those who do not like being touched, are uncomfortable with intimacy and have trouble in creating and maintaining their personal boundaries.

      Milkweed (Asclepias cordifolia) is an essence that helps those who are extremely dependent and desire to stay in a childlike emotional regression to become independent and self-reliant.

      Goddess Grasstree (Kingia argenta) is for those who find it difficult to bring out their nurturing, compassionate side, use guilt to maintain control of other and will not allow them to develop independence. This essence helps to heal and bring out the feminine principle.

    • Planets and Related Flower Essences

      Mercury and Related Essences

       Mercury represents our ability to think, communicate and learn. Mercury is related to language and words and indicates how we form relationships to things and how we exchange ideas. He is related to how we acquire skills and learn. Mercury rules the rational part of the brain and through our ability to reason we gain the freedom to choose.

       

      Mercury is related to Hermes the messenger of the gods and has the ability to travel into the underworld, the unconscious and bring up into the conscious light information and wisdom from within. Mercury guides us into the mysterious inner realms of the mind. He informs us through the thinking capacity, but it is important to remember that he is also the trickster. This aspect of Mercury is evident when logical arguments lead us astray.

       

      A Mercurial imbalance occurs when the logic of the mind and the knowing of the heart are not working together. This can manifest as becoming lost in the details losing sight of the overall picture or becoming overwhelmed with the big picture and being unable to focus on the details. All difficulties with verbal communication have at their root Mercury: not being able to find the words or lots of words with no meaning, having your words misunderstood. Over or under intellectualising are both symptoms of Mercury out of balance.

       

      Hibbertia (Hibbertia pendunculata), is a great essence to help the mercurial imbalance of head and heart separation. Its yellow heart shaped petals remind us to bring the heart into the intellect. This essence is especially recommended for those whose drive to acquire knowledge and improve themselves borders on fanaticism. They may read widely and learn a myriad of philosophies, but their focus on self-improvement is hindered because they are incapable of integrating what they learn. Hibbertia can help to bring the heart into the intellectual understanding engendering more acceptance and practical use of ones knowledge and limitations.

       

      Other essences that can assist with Mercury imbalances are:

      Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) will come to our rescue when we are so overwhelmed by our ideas that we cannot coordinate our speech to express them.

      Madia (Madia elegans) for those who have difficulty in keeping focus, are unable to concentrate and are easily distracted, Madia essence brings about precise thinking and disciplined focus.

      Isopogen (Isopogon anethifolius) is for those who live too much in their head and are dominated by their intellect. They may become very stubborn and controlling and have an inability to learn from past experience.

      Brown Boronia (Boronia megastigma) essence frees the mind of obsessive worry, anxiety and repeating unpleasant thoughts that stop one from enjoying the moment. Frees one from constant thinking and brings about acceptance that solutions to life’s dilemmas will be found.

       

      Venus and Related Essences 

       

      After the Sun and Moon, Venus is the brightest and most beautiful light in the sky. Traditionally she was understood as a moist and warm planet that promoted growth and fertility. Venus is the embodiment of the feminine, balancing and harmonising function of the psyche. As one of the principle archetypes, she is the Goddess of Love and Beauty. Venus is the lover who will not sacrifice herself for love, but rather enter into relationship through seduction to fulfill her own desire. In our astrological chart she stands for what we values and what is important to us, she is about what we want and desire.

      Venus seeks to create beauty and harmony in the world and is associated with art, music and dance. She wants to conciliate, to unite and bring balance between opposites. She represents the urge to relate to another and defines how we are in relationship. It is through Venus that we come to know the pleasures of this world. She is about sensual, erotic desire and the artistic creative urge.

      The dark side of Venus is sexual deviance or dysfunction, an inability to enjoy being loved or difficulty with intimacy. Venus imbalances are common in woman during times of transition: adolescence, pregnancy, after the birth of children and menopause. Self-esteem and self-obsession problems all stem from a lack of self-value, which can be directly attributed to Venus issues.

      Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) one of the most Venus essences comes from this beautiful white flower, long connected to the sacred feminine through her association with the Madonna. Easter lily is symbolically the pure white of the virgin mother. This essence will help with all imbalances of our sexual nature and inner conflicts regarding our sexuality. It helps both promiscuity and prudishness and helps relieve the tension that can occur between our sexual/physical desires and our spiritual aspirations.

      Other essences that can aid with Venus issues are:

      She Oak (Casuarina glauca) is another essence that has strong connections with the feminine encouraging a softening of the emotions and has been found to be particularly good for woman in menopause.

      Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a particularly good essence for the confusion that so often arises out of feminine creativity and procreativity. The sense of ambivalence between the values of home versus career can often be resolved with Pomegranate.

      Tiger Lily (Lilium humboldtii) for those who are overly aggressive and competitive having a hostile attitude. This essence helps bring in balanced feminine strength instilling co-operative service with others and extending feminine force into social situation. When there’s too much Mars and not enough Venus, think Tiger Lily.

      Alpine Lily (Lilium parvum) helps women whose abstract sense of femininity is disembodied and alienated from their female body. Brings about an acceptance grounded in a deepened experience of their female body.

       

      Mars and Related Essences

       

      Mars is red hot and very dry, he is about focused and direct action. Mars is the ultimate masculine archetype, the warrior of the cosmos; he embodies courage, energy and fighting spirit. Mars carries the sword of discernment and in his purest manifestation he is the sacred warrior, righteous defender and protector of whatever needs protecting. Thinking is not Mars’s forte; he has little conscience and can behave like a brute. He is all action not complicated by emotion, opinions, morals or mindset.

       

      Mars is pure energy with no judgement, attachment or thought. In many regards he is like a soldier enlisted to do the Sun’s fighting. When Mars is truly integrated and in balance there is no need for fighting, no need for arguments or conflict, but out of balance Mars will rage and attack.

       

      True to Mars’s simple nature his shadow is the most easily recognised; anger, aggression and fury. Other signs of Mars out of balance are the inability to express angry, to assert oneself, to defend and fight for what is rightfully yours..

       

      Mountain Devil (Lambertia formosa) is an essence that helps those who are incapable of expressing feelings of love because they are blacked by the lower emotions of jealousy, hatred and anger. They tend to be profoundly suspicious of others and their motives and will hold grudges. Mountain Devil helps these individuals to set healthy boundaries and express anger constructively. They can then develop an ability to forgive and learn to love unconditionally.

       

      Other essences that can help with Mars issues are:

       

      Mountain Pride (Penstemon newberryi) helps those who lack the ability to assert themselves and stand up for their convictions. Mountain Pride brings in the warrior energy that can be used to confront a situation and take a stand. This essence is about positive action and activity.

      Mountain Mahogany (Cercopcarpus breviflorus) helps those who have become stuck in their development and who push to make things happen and believe that assertion means aggression, Mountain Mahogany helps one to accept direction from the sacred rather then from the ego.

      Mountain Wormwood (Artemisia tilesii) for unresolved anger, resentment and the holding of grudges against those believed to have caused one hurt or pain. Such held in emotions erodes ones peace of mind. This essence encourages one to let their judgement dissolve and allow true forgiveness to enter their heart.

       

      Jupiter and Related Essences

      If it weren’t for the Sun, Jupiter would surely be the king of our cosmos. Everything about Jupiter is big and as the largest planet in our solar system he struts his stuff bringing new growth, good fortune and luck wherever he goes. In traditional astrology Jupiter was understood to be the great benefic, the God of fertility and rain and was said to bestow good fortune, riches and plentiful bounties on all who honored him.

      Jupiter has long been associated with higher learning, philosophy and religion. He is keeper of the universal laws and sits in judgement, not condemning but rather as a compassionate spirit encouraging us onto the right choice. The rule of Jupiter is our conscience and moral stand. Jupiter can tempt us out of our limited everyday experience into the bigger more glamorous world of spirit through learning, knowledge, travel, dreams and prayer.

      Jupiter is the eternal optimist of the chart and can lead us down unrealistic and foolhardy paths. The downside of Jupiter is over doing it. Jupiter has problems with emotional issues particularly those of a darker nature. We see the imbalance of Jupiter manifested in over the top happiness hiding unacknowledged depression, in reckless spending of non-existent money, in gluttonous over eating or the inability of accepting limitations leading to all types of addictions. Jupiter imbalances can conversely express themselves as an unwillingness to grow beyond the safe and familiar.

      Oak (Quercus robur) is a good essence for one type of Jupiter imbalance, that of overdoing things. Oak people can be inflexible and have a cast iron will that stops them from knowing when to give up. This essence helps those who take on challenges in life and persevere through exhaustion, depression and discouragement with no complaint and a smile on their face. Life becomes a struggle and they lose the ideal with which they began. Oak helps one to balance their strengths and accept personal limitations allowing them to surrender when the going gets too tough.

      Other essences for Jupiter imbalances are:

      Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) For those whose cheerful exterior hides anxiety and the denial of emotional pain possibly leading to addictive behaviour. This essence allows one to work with their painful emotion and engenders emotional honesty.

      Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) helps motivate one towards transforming old, useless patterns of behaviour such as addiction, habits and thoughts.

      Golden Waitsia (Waitsia aurea) is for contrary Jupiter imbalances, when one’s petty worries about details stops them from having a positive outlook. Golden Waitsia frees the mind from small perspective, allowing for a more expansive and adaptable attitude.

      Saturn and Related Essences

      As the most distant visible planet, Saturn up until the last few centuries, thought to be the outer limit or boundary of our solar system. Beyond him laid the divine realm of the fixed stars, he set the perimeters of our imperfect world. He was considered the greatest malefic in the cosmos and was portrayed as father time and the grim reaper. His extreme cold and dry nature restricted growth and life and was associated with endings, old age and death.

      Saturn is the stern, hard taskmaster whose authority defines the reality of the material world. He is the judge and lawmaker who condemn all who transgress the man made laws of the land. He is connected to the continuum of time and generations and as such is related to our ancestry and the inheritance or karma that binds us. Boundaries of all types are under the rule of Saturn.

      Fear emerges when Saturn has gone out of balance. Ultimately all fear has at its root the fear of death and death is one of Saturn’s roles, for he defines the limits of life: birth and death. When there are issues with authority or father you will find an out of balance Saturn.

      Boab (Adansonia gregorii) is a powerful essence that works on Saturnian issues of inheritance. Found in the Kimberly regions of Australia the Boab tree stores water in its bloated body. It is common for the Boab to have younger trees growing around it in a circular pattern eventually merging to form one giant tree. Very large Boab trees were often hollow inside and used by whites as holding prison for aboriginal, illustrating one of Boab’s messages: racism, prejudice and the imprisoning effect of our inherited patterns.

      Boab essence clears ancestral patterns that are passed on from generation to generation and deal specifically with the negative energy and core beliefs that are inherited from our forefathers. Boab allows us to gain wisdom from our inheritance with out becoming victim to its darkness.

      Other essences that deal with Saturn issues are:

      Saguaro Cactus (Cereus giganteus) is an essence that helps deal with any issue of power struggle with parental or authority figures. Brings about an awareness of the ancient wisdom and sacred knowledge of our elders and instill a respect for our lineage.

      Menzies Banksia (Banksia menziesii) deals with the fear of pain and expectation of repeating painful experiences, which limits our ability to move forward. Clears the hesitation and pessimism that blocks joyful new beginnings.

      Aspen (Populus tremula) helps with fear, anxiety and apprehension of the unknown, bringing about an inner trust and confidence to meet new circumstances. Aspen remedy is associated with feelings of guilt that have no logical reason for being.

    • The Deeper Psychological Levels of Horary Astrology

      Traditional astrology is erroneously assumed by some to be void of any psychological component; this is especially the case with horary astrology. The preconception being that horary astrology simply answers the question asked of the astrologer, predicting the outcome of a client’s fate without any sensitivity to their particular situation or feelings. This idea is easily refuted by even a cursory reading of William Lilly’s “Christian Astrology”.

      William Lilly was a successful astrologer living in 17th century England and is widely acknowledged as being one of the greatest proponents of horary astrology to have lived. In the first book of his classic work: “Christian Astrology” he set down the basic principles and rules for astrological delineation. In his second book he puts these rules into practice, presenting his judgement on over 35 horary charts providing the reader with a gold mine of astrological nuggets. Here we can observe this great astrologer at work and are privy to the extent of depth and detail which he extracts from a horary chart.

      The astrological rules of horary can be likened to the musical scales, arpeggios and technical exercises endlessly practiced by musicians. These technical exercises maybe integral to a musician’s craft, yet they are not what we hear when a musician is performing. At the point of performance it is the musician’s soul that speaks; and so it should be with the astrologer. Reading some of William Lilly’s judgement can be likened to witnessing a virtuoso’s performance, the depth and beauty of his skill leaves one in awe. Bending the rules Lilly illustrates his ability to dig deeper, beyond the fate evidenced of the chart, into the possibilities that are open to the client if they chose to make use of them in order to take an active role in shaping their destiny.

      Horary is not only a means of “finding the cat” or getting a simple yes or no answer to your client’s queries. Horary is the tool that will most clearly guide your client to an understanding of their present situation and what possible path they can take. The issues troubling a client may be evident in their natal chart, but practical guidance is far more difficult to extract. This is when a horary chart can be of immense help.

      Recently I had a client who present with a problem that she wanted answers to. This is a client who has been in therapy for a long period of time, with a soul based psychologist, trying to understand herself and her response to life’s challenges. She and her husband have also been in counselling for many years.  She came to me as an astrologer and asked me point blank “Can you see in my chart if my husband will change so that it is worth my staying in the marriage?”

      Naturally this opened up a dialogue in order to discern exactly what the problem was. Pointing out that wanting another person to change was not a realistic way of dealing with problems in our life; she admitted her awareness of this and confessed that she had come to the end of her tetters and was at a point where she was quite prepared to leave the marriage. She also recognised that doing so would entail more than a break of her relationship with her husband; it would have far reaching effects, potentially destroy other relationships as well as see the shattering of a family.  She wasn’t sure she wanted to see the marriage dissolve, but felt so exhausted by the continually repeating problems that she doubted whether it was worth the effort to keep it together. After much discussion it turned out that she wanted to know whether the situation (her marriage) would change enough for it to be worthwhile for her to stick with it.

      A horary was drawn up for the moment the question was clear to me, as I am the astrologer, the channel through which the stars have the ability to speak as I am conversant in their language. Over the years I have become aware of a strange sensation in my gut the moment when a question becomes clear. A gut feeling so to speak that heralds “the moment of Astrology”[1]. If I adhere to that moment the resulting charts appear to sing louder and clearer than others.

       

      There are three important factors to consider in this chart; my client (the querent), her husband and the marriage. She would be signified by the ASC, the ASC ruler and the Moon, her husband by the 7th house and its ruler and the marriage by the 10th house and its ruler[2].

      My client is signified by the ASC ruler Saturn in Virgo, the sign of Mercury, significator of the marriage in this chart and situated appropriately in the 10th house of the marriage indicating her principle concern. Saturn is currently peregrine, meaning he has no innate power and little control, but is placed in a strong angular house and is with Venus a benefic planet that is applying to conjunct him. Venus being the universal significator of relatonship further emphasises my client’s concern about the state of her marriage.

      Saturn is in a partile sextile to a debilitated Mars conjunct the Moon, which he receives into his detriment; clearly describing to us my client’s anger at her husband and the situation she sees he has placed them in. Saturn is now at the beginning of his cycle (having recently conjunct the Sun) and so is increasing in light, he is also about to move into Libra the sign of his exaltation. Both are indications that my client’s significator will be gaining strength and in ability to act.

      Normally we would also give her the Moon as a secondary significator, but here the Moon is the ruler of the 7th house and so signifies her husband. The Moon is in Cancer and is on the 8th house cusp partile conjunct fallen Mars and the South Node. The Moon currently in his own sign indicates that he is at present principally concerned about himself and his money (Moon rules his turned 2nd house of money). The five degree rule puts the Moon in the radical 8th house of “anguish of mind”[3]. The combinations of these factors describe an essentially honest man who is at present, in a bad place and keeping bad company. Being signified by the Moon would also suggest a man who is easily influenced by others. There is little happiness here and a lot of anger.

      Being in the sign of Saturn’s detriment indicates that much of this anger is likely to be directed towards my client. Soon the Moon will be moving into Leo where he loses all power and control when he becomes peregrine. He is also losing light being in the last waning quarter of his cycle. This shows us that her husband is losing strength and heading towards a position of weakness.

      Moon is applying to perfect a sextile aspect with Saturn, but first will conjunct Mars and carrying his light towards Saturn who is receiving the Moon into the sign of his detriment. So though there is an aspect formed and perfecting between the two there is not much agreement. The presence of Mars in this configuration shows the anger that is shared by both parties. Seeing as all of these aspects are already to the degree, but not quite perfected shows that this is the situation between the two as it stands now and things will very soon be changing as all are at the end of the sign.

      Ultimately this question is about the marriage and whether the circumstances within it have the ability to change. Marriage as opposed to relationship is about a contract or agreement between two people. The ruler of the 10th house signifying the marriage[4] is Mercury in Libra. The marriage has recently under gone a shift described by Mercury’s recent ingress into Libra. Mercury is just under the Sun’s beams and will be following and getting closer to the Sun until it makes its superior conjunction at 12 Scorpio. We could interpret this as describing the marriage as becoming less visible or as having the truth of the marriage exposed. Mercury has recently had its inferior conjunction with the Sun (retrograde conjunction), and so is into the second half of its cycle.

      It is interesting to note that the beginning of the sydonic cycle of Mercury (the superior conjunction) was at 21 Cancer[5]; very close to the Moon’s position. The inferior conjunction, being like the “full Mercury” point, the opposition point of greatest awareness occurred at 27 Virgo. My client’s significator is currently sitting exactly on that degree. We could say that she has a far greater objective perception of the state of their marriage than does her husband who maybe trying to hang on to the past, the old status quo which existed at the beginning of the marriage. This symbolic picture is given further weight by the Moon’s conjunction to the South Node.

      When Mercury makes his superior conjunction with the Sun at 12 Scorpio heralding the beginning of a new cycle, Saturn will have moved into Libra, sign of his exaltation where he will stay till Oct 2012, (though he comes very close to his ingress into Scorpio in February 2012). Taking the symbolic time of the progressed Moon as equal to that of transiting Saturn, then the Moon will remain powerless in Leo till February 2012.

      It was at this point that my client revealed to me some further information about the issues affecting the marriage. The issues principally revolved around money and her husband’s business dealings which were constantly getting them into problems that threatened the family’s financial security, though he has a very strong capacity of generating income. It turned out that the authorities were investigating him and that there was a very strong possibility that he would be barred from running a company or having financial control of a business for a period of two years. One of the proposed solutions would be for her to take financial control of the business. She would have the power and for the first time in their married life she would be at the forefront of their financial affairs.

      The Part of Fortune is in Libra, ruled by Venus who is applying to conjunct Saturn in just over 1 and half degrees. Venus also rules the 11th house which could be seen as the 2nd from the 10th in other words the house of the marriage’s money. This makes sense as money which is so much part of the problem and therefore this question. Venus is intimately connected to both Saturn and the Moon, significators of my client and her husband as well as being in mutual reception with Mercury significator of the marriage.

      The 11th house can also reveal to us the hopes and wishes of the querent. Ruled by Venus the planet of conciliation and with the presence of the Sun in Libra on its cusp shines a light on the truth that she is dearly hoping that the situation will change enough for her to reconcile the marriage and save her family as well as her sanity. Despite the presence of Mars, the aspect between the Moon and Saturn is a sextile indicating that there is possibility for cooperation despite the conflict.

      This horary chart was able to show my client the increase in power that she had already been feeling but was loathed to fully trust. Seeing her husband’s coming worsening state confirmed that he was reaching the bottom of a cycle and powers beyond him would have to take control. The timing indicated in this chart fit in with the circumstances revealed to me only halfway through the session. My client left with a renewed sense of focus and confidence, satisfied that the possible outcome to their current predicament would allow changes in the marriage which could benefit all.

      References:

      William Lilly “Christian Astrology (Book 1 and 2): An Introduction to Astrology. The Resolution of All Manner of Question” written in 1647

      Deborah Houlding “The Houses: Temples of the Sky” The Wessex Astrologer 2006

      Geoffrey Cornelius “The Moment of Astrology” The Wessex Astrologer 2003

       

      [1]See “The Moment of Astrology; Origins in Divination” by Geoffrey Cornelius published in 2003 by Wessex Astrologers Ltd

      [2] Traditionally the ancients saw the 10th house as the house of marriage as this was associated with ones status in the world and the 7th house being the house of the marriage partner. In some circumstances we could use the 7th house as signifying the marriage, but in light of this question we needed to distinguish between her husband and the marriage, so the 10th house was a logical choice, especially as my client’s attitude to the situation was far more rational and concerned with the practical ramifications of a break up rather than being emotional driven.

      [3] William Lilly “Christian Astrology” Volume I, Chapter VII, page 54

      [4] See Deborah Houlding “The Houses, Temples of the Sky” page 85, published in 2006 by Wessex Astrologer Ltd.

      [5] There is some debate as to when the inner planets Mercury and Venus’s cycles begin. The superior conjunction occurs when the planets are on the other side of the Sun and in direct motion, while the inferior conjunction occurs when the planets are between the Sun and Earth and in retrograde motion. Dane Rudyard set the inferior conjunction as the beginning of the cycle and this has been widely accepted since. The evidence from traditional sources refutes this and from my perspective it seems illogical to have a cycle begin when the planet is going backwards. Deborah Houlding has an article appearing in the Jan/Feb 2010 Mountain Astrologer about this very issue.

    • The Collective Crisis of the Coming T-Square: A Time of Creative Possibility

      One of astrology’s greatest gifts is providing an understanding of cycles and time, enabling us to reassure clients that tough times will pass and everything will begin to flourish again. All of us have experienced difficult times that are reflected by challenging personal astrological cycles. There have also been many difficult times in our history that have been reflected in the difficult astrological aspects current at the time. It is however important to remember that these astrological configurations do not cause the difficulties we experience, they merely reflect them.

      We are currently experiencing such a time when the difficult planetary aspects in the sky are being mirrored in the political, social and financial events in our world. Some people are also being affected personally by these same aspects and are doing it tough. There is a general sense of fear, uncertainty, anger and anxiety about how it will all end. 

      The T-square configuration of Saturn squaring Pluto and opposing Uranus, brings three of the most uncomfortable and powerful planetary energies together in difficult and harmful relationship. Uranus is associated with sudden, erratic, unexpected and at times shattering change. Pluto like its mineral namesake, plutonium, has come to be associated with great stores of uncontrollable energy, massive upheavals and transformation.  Traditionally Saturn was known as the Great Malefic; the planet of fear and grief.  It was understood to be very cold and dry, being the farthest (traditional) planet from the Sun, the giver of life and vital energy.

      The pre-dominate quality of these three planets is dry. Dry quality separated things and caused them to become brittle and break apart, while the moist quality gave things flexibility and encouraged them to combine together. The overly dry nature pervading the world today is causing people to separate, isolating themselves from each other, hording for fear of lack, turning inwards and assuming a defensive attitude. But it also encourages us to redefine ourselves and to appreciate the smaller details of our lives. We are being forced to find new ways of being which can lead to an opening of our heart, a rediscovery of our creative core and resurgence of creativity in the world.

      We can not consciously work with Uranus or Pluto as these are collective energies to which we can only surrender and accept that the changes they so painfully bring are for the better. But we can work with the energy of Saturn; we can call Saturn into our lifes.  In fact we need to make use of Saturn in order to manifest, to bring into physical reality our dreams and hopes. Saturn demands that we take responsibility and “get real”, for in order to live an abundant and creative life we need structure and foundations both coming under Saturn realm of influence.

      It is often forgotten by modern astrologers that Saturn was the planet that brought tears and grief to mankind. The sorrow of being incarnated in the physical world and separated from our spiritual origins often underlies our discontent. When the familiar is taken away and our expectations are shattered we feel grief. The essence of Sturt Desert Pea (Clianthus formosus) is a powerful essence that works to help us let go of deeply held sadness, grief and pain. Often these emotions become frozen within the psyche to that point that there is no conscious awareness of them, but at times of crisis we can become overwhelmed by them.  Sturt Desert Pea can quickly thaw these emotions and bring them up, allowing tears to flow. Tears release moisture an antidote to dryness. Sturt Desert Pea essence helps us to release pain and sorrow as well as ease depression which is often the result of unacknowledged grief.  The interesting thing about this essence is that it sometimes works to release collective sorrow and grief that we have picked up from our environment.

      When things are difficult there is a human tendency to find someone to blame. This can lead to hate and resentment which freezes the heart and separates us from love, the vital essence of life. The essence of Mountain Devil (Lambertia Formosa) is a great essence which helps to bring about unconditional love and forgiveness. Lack of love is expressed through jealousy, anger, suspicion and envy.   Any time there is a lack of love Mountain Devil is the essence to reach for. In difficult times there is a tendency for prejudices and racism to rear its ugly head. Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia) is a very good essence that helps to promote group harmony and opens us to perceive the divinity in all people, something that seems to be sorely missing in the world today.

      Waratah (Telopea speciosissima) is an amazing and powerful essence that seems ready made for this time. It is made from a stunningly dramatic red flower. The Waratah flower essence is said to be for those who are going through “the dark night of the Soul” periods. It promotes courage, faith and tenacity in the face of momentous challenge. While it can be used in times of personal crisis, it is also perfect for times of collective crisis. In fact Ian White who is the creator of the Bush Essence range says in his book “Australian Bush Flower Essences” 1991 (page 166) of the Waratah essence:

      “Metaphysically, major spiritual, economic, social and physical changes are common at the end of an age, and the next is due around the year 2000. If those upheavals occur, literally millions of people will be taken by surprise, will have no understanding of what is happening and will quite likely find it difficult to cope. The Waratah essence will help them find their own faith and will give them the courage and strength to deal with those changes”

      Waratah is an essence that does not need to be taken for long periods of time. It is a fast working and powerful catalyst for change.

      Another essence that needs to be considered grows in the shape of a cross; an apt symbolic signature currently mirrored by the T-square of Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. Southern Cross (Xanthosia rotundifolia) an unusual and predominatly white flower is unique to Australia and is shaped like a cross. The cross is in itself a very powerful symbol representing manifested matter or Earth as well as being the principle symbol of the Christ, the light and is reminisent of “the cross we must bare”.

      We are living through a period of time that feels extremely difficult as we stand at the crossroads (another cross) and big decisions need to be made, both as a whole and individually. It is easy during difficult times to blame others, be it goverments, institutions or individuals for the problems we face. The essence of Southern Cross helps to turn victim mentality and poverty consciousness into a sense of personal power and positivity thus we can take back our personal responsibility and stop blaming the world for our situation. 

      Combining it with Australian Star of Bethlehem (Callectasia Cyanea) the essence that opens us up to creative solutions and new ways of thinking would be a great way of accessing the creative potential of this time. The old ways are clearly in need of an overhaul, but when we feel overwhelmed with insecurity and fear it is hard to imagine other paths. Star of Bethlehem (Australian) opens our minds to opportunity and brings new creativity and hope to whatever situation we find ourselves in.  Woolly Banksia (Banksia hookeriana) is another Australian essence which helps us to stay focused on new goals with a sense of optimism. It rekindles the desire to go after our dreams and live by our ideals despite the struggles and difficulties we encounter. It re-energises us to believe that we can succeed when we are feeling disheartened by circumstances.

      Most of the essences mentioned here are powerful essences made from flowering Australian plants and in my experience these essences tend to work very quickly and less subltly than other essences. We are living through the crisis point of a collective cycle, which is affecting some far more personally than others. It is important to remember that time is simply a series of cycle and all cycles come full circle. Times may be difficult but nothing is permanent.

      Flower essences can be used to rebalance collective as well as personal energy, because as we individually open our hearts to the possibilities of today we help others to do the same.By taking personal responsibility for our circumstances, letting go of blame, opening our hearts to love, our minds to the creative energy of these times and allowing ourselves to accept new ways of approaching life we will come out of this period stronger and wiser.   

      Waratah, Southern Cross, Mountain Devil, Slender Rice Flower, Sturt Desert Pea are from the Bush Flower Essence range http://www.ausflowers.com.au/

      Woolly Banksia, Star of Bethlehem (Australian) are from the Living Essence range http://www.livingessences.com.au/

    • Will My Man Win?

      I was recently asked to sit on a panel of astrologers to discuss and give our predictions on the upcoming US presidential election. Being billed as the “classical astrologer” as distinct from the mundane, modern, cosmobiological and Chinese astrologer, I decided that rather then sift through natal, ingress, eclipse and all other possible event charts I would simply ask a horary. I waited until both candidates had announced their running mates before setting out to ask my question.

      In horary the most important point is the asking of the question. The resulting chart reveals far more then a simple answer and is a good example of the “magic” of astrology.

      I  am very clear as to my biases both political and personal in this election.  I spent 10 years living in Hyde Park, Obama’s home turf in Chicago. I moved away at the age of 22, but my family  still live there and I visit regularly. When I set the question I was very clear that this was a contest question (therefore a 1st/7th house question) and that my team or in this case man would be signified by the 1st house.

      Obama, my man is Jupiter in the 2nd house, in his fall and retrograde. Looks bad, but Jupiter is actually station and in roughly eight hours going direct. His opponent McCain is Mercury who is peregrin in the 11th house. The prize would be the MC and its ruler appropriately the Sun.

      I wondered and pondered how to identify the VP running mates and finally decided they had to be “with” the significators of the presidential candidates. Jupiter is in partile trine to Saturn as well as being received by him. Saturn seemed a perfect significator for Biden, an older man who is a longtime Washington politician. Saturn is conjunct though  separating from the Sun, the Sun is the prize but as 10th house ruler  can also be seen as the seat of government. The trine aspect and reception between Jupiter (Obama) and Saturn (Biden) indicates that these two can work well together and Saturn especially helps and supports Jupiter.

      Finding the running mate of McCain was pretty easy. As Mercury closely conjuncts two planets Mars and Venus, we have a choice. Venus may seem the obvious choice as Governor Pallin is a woman, but Mars in Libra is so close a symbol of a “pit bull in lipstick” that she has described herself as, that I couldn’t go past it. Besides Mercury is in partile conjunction with Mars and separating with Venus. Mars in Libra is a pretty aggressive Mars, being in his detriment, and his exact square to Jupiter indicates the verbal (Libra is an air sign) attacks that Pallin had been directing at Obama.

      The question is who gets to the prize first? There are no applying aspects or reception between the Sun and Jupiter. Nor will Jupiter make any aspect to the MC. Mercury on the other hand will be sextiling the MC in just under 2 degrees and will also oppose the Suns antiscia degree of 14 Aries 16. These are both somewhat weak testimony, but they are stronger then the nonexistent testimony indicating an Obama win.

      I reluctantly had to conclude that the election will be close, but that McCain will win. I will happily forgo my reputation as an astrologer and be wrong. But there is more to this chart, consider the Moon.

      The Revealing Moon

      The Moon in horary charts is very important. She is a secondary significator for the querent, in certain questions she can be a universal significator for “the people”, as well as plotting for us the course of events. Here as a significator for the querent, that is me, she shows my bias towards Obama.  Moon(I) “love” Jupiter (Obama), I am in his sign, he receives me and has power over me. All true!

      As the people this Moon shows their powerlessness through its peregrin state. The Moon also rules the 9th house of foreigners and as an American living abroad I can state that most non Americans see Obama as a shining hope for the future. Moon in Sagittarius ever optimistic but maybe not so realistic….just wait until it moves into Capricorn, that will be a reality check.

      So what does this Moon reveal to us about the course of events?  From a traditional perspective when a Moon is Void of Course, meaning it will not make any Ptolemaic aspects to any planet before changing signs, it is said that nothing will come of the question or that nothing will change. In this chart the Moon at 20 Sagittarius is classically VOC, but there are mitigating factors at play here. Moon is in partile trine with Uranus, she then applies to square Neptune and finally will conjunct Pluto before her ingress into Capricorn where she will fall into her detriment.

      It is difficult to predict using the outer planets because unlike the other planets, they do not rule any particular part of the chart. What we can say is that there is likely to be an unexpected and shocking event (Uranus) trine, followed by a period of confusion (Neptune) and finally some show of power (Pluto).

      Shortly after asking this question the massive financial crash and fallout from the sub prime fiasco exploded. With Venus, the planet associated with money on the antiscia of Uranus this could be the event that this trine foretold?  As more is revealed confusion and uncertainty is gripping Americans and the world (Neptune square). There is a feeling that the truth is not being fully told or that the “expert” actually have no idea how this will play out.

      So have we seen Pluto yet?  Remember that Pluto is associated with hidden treasures and very LARGE sums of money; a “bailout” of some $700 billion perhaps? Pluto is also associated with power. Will the Moon, as significator of the people, joining Pluto mean power to the people? Or will the power that be, reinforce their grip? I leave it to you to ponder that one.

      The revealing magic of astrology forever amazes!

    • Flower Essences related to the Sun signs

      To pick one flower essence and give it an association with a particular planet or sign is difficult, yet certain plant families have common energy and these can be correlated to the general significance of planets or signs. Sometimes the colour, shape or common name of a flower gives us clues as to their harmonising affect.

       

      For example the colour red is connected to feelings of anger to which Mars is closely aligned. Many of the flowers that deal with anger and other intense emotions are in fact red. Similarly yellow flowers often have an association with imbalances with the mental or thinking capacity, which is the principal domain of Mercury. The Lily (Lilium) families of flowers tend to be white or pastel coloured and are often highly scented. These flowers have an association with Venus, the archetypal symbol of woman and the essences made of these flowers address some aspect of the feminine principle.

       

       

      The Sun

       

      The Sun is a symbol for spirit, the life force and represents the light that gives vision to our life. The glyph for the Sun is a circle with a dot at its centre, symbolising the central position each individual inhabits in relation to the greater whole. The Sun symbolises the divine will that motivates us, the vital force that enlivens us and the heat that brings passion to our existence. The Sun encompasses all of our potential and represents our ability to shine and be noticed.

       

      The Sun is a symbol of Father both spiritual and corporeal, and relates to our sense of self and our ego. It is what makes us an individual and at the same time connects us to the greater whole. The Sun provides us with those momentary glimpses of enlightenment that propel us out of our comfort zone into a greater sense of self.

       

      When the Solar force is out of balance in our life, it can manifest as an over or under inflated ego. Pride and arrogance are the shadow side of the solar strength. Appropriately the Sun rules the sign of the lion, Leo, and groups of lions are called prides.

       

      Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is the flower essence most closely related with the Sun. This plant’s association with the Sun is legendary and evident by its common name. Sitting atop a tall sturdy stem, its large yellow flower head follows the Sun in its daily motion across the sky. This essence addresses all issues of ego and helps to balance both the inflated or deflated sense of importance, which lead to low self-esteem or vanity.

       

      Sunflower heals and balances distortions in our relationship to the masculine, the use of masculine energy and the expression of our individuality. Sunflower is a very good essence for any authority or father issues and is particularly good for those with issues of trying to live up to daddy’s expectations.

       

      Sunsigns and their related flower essences

       

      Though it maybe a misnomer to call anyone a Capricorn or a Leo for these are adjectives that describe rather then nouns that define, the inherent qualities of the 12 signs of the zodiac as manifested by the Sun tells us a lot about a person’s character and motivations. It is therefore no surprise that much of popular, modern astrology is based on the position of the Sun in the zodiac.

       

      Being an Aries, Taurus or Libra means that you share some general characteristics with other people born under the same sign. Without denying the uniqueness of individuals we can identify certain traits that are common to all those born with their Sun in the same sign. The 12 signs can be further divided into 4 elements: fire, earth, air and water.

       

      The elements have general dominion over different areas of life.

      Fire is the element associated with spirit, as expressed through the signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius is more concerned with individuality and the pursuit of individual quest with the ultimate aim of merging spirit with body.

      The earth element has dominion over the physical world and as expressed through the signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn is concerned with the practical application of skill and the responsibility of ensuring the needs of the body.

      Air is the element related to the mind and our thinking capacity. As expressed through the signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius it is concerned with connecting people, ideas and concepts in order to ensure the growth of community.

      The realm of the emotions is associated with the water element and as expressed through the signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces is concerned with emotional connection, security and honesty.

       

      Sun in Aries

       

      Aries, being the first sign of the zodiac is like the baby of the bunch and as such he has a charming naivety and fearlessness that is refreshing. Aries is the initiator of action and is related to the pioneering spirit that helps us to forge new ground. Being ruled by Mars, the planet of action Aries is bold, impetuous, impulsive, competitive, and courageous as well as quick tempered, intolerant with a tendency to insensitivity and social clumsiness.

       

      Headstrong Aries will plunge into projects and situations without awareness or thought as to the possible consequences of doing so. Their thoughtlessness is unconscious and they often seem genuinely surprised by the reaction that their words or actions elicit. While their need for independence and excitement can alienate them from others, there is rarely malicious indent.

       

      Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) is the essence most suited to balancing the excesses of Aries energy. Growing in the hot, dry deserts of Australia, an environment reminiscent of the fiery qualities of Aries and Mars, these tough plants grow unusual and unique flowers, whose velvety texture contrast with their hard and spiky leaves.

       

      This essence is great for those who are self-centred and socially “green”. Whilst there is no ill intent Kangaroo Paw people are clumsy in their interaction with others, because they are too focused on themselves and haven’t learnt to read to cues of those around them. They behave in an insensitive manner and with a lack of social grace that creates awkward situations, yet are often unaware of their role in creating these situations.

       

      Kangaroo Paw helps to bring out people’s innate kindness and sensitivity to others. Not only allowing them to relax in social situation, but also allowing others to experience their velvety flower rather then the spiky leaf aspect.

       

      Sun in Taurus

       

      Taurus is the first of the earth signs and is very connected to our sensual life. He is slow, steady and has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He enjoys all the physical and material pleasures the world has to offer: food, sex, money and acquisitions. Being deeply rooted to earth the concept of routine and stability is crucial for Taurus and they generally find change very challenging.

      Venus, the fertile love goddess, rules Taurus making him desirous of comfort, affection and beautiful things. Taurus has a sensual appreciation of beauty rather than an intellectual one. Taurus is patient, stable, dependable, loyal as well as greedy, materialistic, stubborn and self-indulgent.

      Trillium (Trillium chloropetalum) is a great essence to help balance the excesses of Taurus energy. This flower grows in the moist, shaded ground of the North American forests, his phallic appearance as he emerges from the earth mirrors the primal energy and earth bound sensuousness of Taurus and his ruler Venus.

      When the lower energy centers are out of balance a disproportionate amount of energy is directed towards personal welfare, wealth and power, Trillium essence helps to cleanse and balance these energy centers. This essence helps those who tend towards materialism and greed, feeling the need for possession in order to have security.

      Trillium is good for those who are disconnected from their spiritual strength and seek to overcome their unconscious feelings of impotence by exercising social and material power. Trillium encourages a shift of awareness to a more transpersonal level and engendering a more healthy relation with the material and earthly realm.

      Sun in Gemini

       

      Mercury, messenger of the Gods, rules Gemini who is quick, witty, versatile and nimble. His connection to the air element makes Gemini involved in all levels of communication. His primary motivation is the sharing and exchange of ideas; his greatest skill is networking. No one can bring together people and ideas the way Gemini can. They are curious, adaptable, verbally expressive and clever, but they also suffer the tendency to being inconsistent, changeable, scheming and lacking concentration.

      Gemini needs interaction, intellectual stimulation and variety, which can result in a superficial awareness of many things, but no deep knowledge of any one topic. Gemini may have a tendency to live too much in their head, using their intellect to rationalise their feelings and emotions to their detriment.

      Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum) is one of the best essences to harmonise common Gemini imbalances. The typical white and yellow daisy grows readily in all parts of the world, Its connection with variety loving Gemini is symbolised by the fact that though it appears as one complete flower its yellow center is actually made up of hundreds of small flowers. The multiple white petals are like the many different ideas and inspiration that Gemini so easily tap into.

      Shasta Daisy is a great essence for those who are overly analytical and tend to see information as separate pieces rather then a whole. This essence allows for insights into the larger patterns encouraging a more wholistic thinking and living. Shasta Daisy helps balance the emotional and intellectual life.

      Shasta Daisy will also help those who need to be able to bring together a myriad of bits of information into an integrated whole. It is also great for those who suffer from information overload or who can not get their heads around the task of synthesising many different ideas and concepts into a coherent whole.

      Sun in Cancer

       

      The Moon rules Cancer and this makes him emotionally sensitive. Like the crab that symbolises him, Cancer can hide behind a hard exterior shell in order to protect himself from the harsh reality of the world. Cancer is naturally maternal, nurturing, traditional and helpful, but when threatened can become touchy, manipulative, negative and fall into self-pity.

      Because of Cancers close association with the Moon their basic well being is dependent on their connection to the lunar source: mother. The foundation of Cancer lies deep in the watery realm of the emotions, without a strong sense of emotional security and stability Cancer can become clingy and overly dependent. Unlike Aries who will rage when they should cry, Cancer will often cry when they should rage.

      A very good essence for Cancer is the aptly called Milky Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria Gummifera). This cactus grows in the southwestern desert of the US, is shaped like a ball and is filled with a white milky sap. The common name of this plant tells the story; all mothering issues can be helped by this essence.

      Milky Nipple Cactus is very good for those who never properly weaned from Mother, remaining dependent on others and being unable to care for themselves. They may experience the natural boundaries people put up as rejection and have difficulty in communicating emotionally charged issues, preferring to hide and not deal with them.

      Milky Nipple Cactus essence brings about a sense of calm, nurturing and autonomy. It helps people to express emotions that have been repressed and heal at a deep level their sense of disconnection, promoting a sense of belonging. Milky Nipple Cactus essence helps people find the security in being human, allowing them to confidently care for themselves and be released from the oppressive sense of dependency.

      Sun in Leo

      Leo is ruled by the Sun and has long been associated with royalty and kingship and just like his symbol, the lion, he is the king of the zodiac, or so he would like to think. Leo is charismatic, strongly individualistic and proud. Leo needs to be noticed and applauded for without an appreciative audience the proud lion can turn into a lost kitten.

      Wherever Leo goes, drama and excitement tend to follow. He has a strong need to express his individuality, to be playful, splash around colour and make life exciting. Leo is dramatic, optimistic, ambitious, generous and creative. But he can also be vain, childish, pretentious, need to be center stage and fear ridicule or rejection.

      Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is a good essence for Leonic imbalances. Native of tropical northeastern Australia, this large tree has become a favorite garden specimen now grown throughout the world. Its bright red-orange flowers appear on its leafless branches in the spring, creating a dramatic vision that would make any Leo proud.

      The Illawara Flame tree essence is especially good for those who feel left out or who are easily hurt when they perceive rejection, real or imagined. The rejection they feel from the outside eventually becomes self-rejection. Illawarra Flame tree people feel that without the approval or acknowledgement of others they are incapable of taking action.

      Illawarra Flame Tree essence brings about a sense of strength, self-reliance, self-approval and confidence without the need for outside approval. It helps one to take responsibility especially when ones reluctance to do so is as a result of perceived or feared rejection by others.

      Sun in Virgo

       

      Virgo is the second Earth sign in the zodiac and is ruled by Mercury who is responsible for her reputation as a finicky, perfectionist obsessed with detail. This unfair reputation of Virgo has undermined her true strength of analytical and practical action in order to maintain health and the sacredness of physical life.

      Virgo doesn’t just clean up the mess that Leo leaves behind; she is the keeper of the sacred vessel and the creator of sacred space. She is associated with health, healing and service. She is able to discriminate and sort through the details of life. Virgo is industrious, studious, discriminating, and methodical. Her negative expression sees her as critical, petty, pedantic, inflexible and obsessed with health, diet and disease.

       

      Manzinita (Arctostaphylos viscida) is the perfect essence for Virgo excesses. This small white-pink flower shaped like a tight little bell grows in small bunches on medium size bushes that like to grow with Pine (whose essence is good for self-critics who are never satisfied with their performance). The Manzanita flower inclines its head towards the earth, pointing to the direction of her focus before making way to nutritious but unpalatable berries.

      Manzanita essence helps to integrate the spiritual self with the physical world when the attitude towards physical life and health becomes too demanding of perfection. Manzanita people often have warped attitudes towards the physical body. They will often subject their bodies to grueling regimes of exercise and diet in order to cleanse their feelings of aversion, disgust and revulsion at their bodily functions.

       

      Manzinita helps the individual soften their relationship with the physical world and redirect spiritual focus towards the body, so that once again it can be seen as the beautiful receptacle of spirit and temple to the soul.

       

      Sun in Libra

       

      Libra is the second sign under Venus’s rulership and she exhibits much of that planet’s aesthetic longing for beauty. One of Libra principle motivation is to be in relationship with others and she can be quite the social butterfly. She seeks harmony and is concerned with equality, justice and peace. Her balancing characteristic can sometimes see her rocking the boat in order to create a more authentic balance, but more often it is she who is overly affected by the opinion and ideas of others agreeing in order to keep the peace and avoid conflict.

      Libra need to experience beauty and peace and to establish one to one relationships based on mutual respect and equality. Her sense of wellbeing is strongly tied to her environment and those with whom she comes into contact. Libra is co-operative, companionable, peace loving, refined and diplomatic, but she can also be fickle, indecisive, judgmental, hypocritical and easily deterred.

       

      Rose Cone Flower (Isopogen formosus) is an essence that could help many of the Libran imbalances. This flower grows on a small bush in Western Australia and like most Australian natives it has adapted to survival in a harsh environment. While so many in its environment are red, it is a beautiful rose colour reflecting its Venus connection.

      Rose Cone Flower essence allows us to create and to hold an inner place of stillness, peace and tranquility no matter what the outer circumstances maybe. It helps ease the mind at any time and in any place, not needing to have perfect surrounding in order to find inner equanimity. This is a helpful essence for those who are around a lot of people, and who become hassled, stressed and disturbed when there is a lack of peace in their environment.

      Sun in Scorpio

      Watery Scorpio is the intense shadow keeper of the zodiac. Traditionally ruled by Mars, he has in modern times been associated with Pluto, the lord of the underworld. Scorpio has the ability to probe deeply into matters and can act as a catalyst for growth, being associated with power, death and all matters of trust.

      Scorpio is the most private and intimate of the signs and is capable of intense emotional depth and darkness. He does not love superficially and is strongly connected to the past. He is motivated, penetrating, determined and passionate but can also be vengeful, secretive, suspicious, jealous and intolerant. It must always be remembered that Scorpio reserves his worst sting for himself.

      Cardon Cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) coming from a large tree like cactus, similar to the Saguaro Cactus, is a good remedy for Scorpio. This cactus stores large amounts of water in its body and has roots that extend for hundreds of feet in all direction. A night bloomer, who waits for the sun to set before revealing his exquisite white flower in the dark of night, reminiscent of the ever so private nature of Scorpio.

      Cardon Cactus essence can help us to see and accept our shadow. The more we try to deny or hide from the darkness within the more likely it will come out at unexpected times in destructive ways, just like the sting of the scorpion. This essence helps us to face our inner darkness without having to identify with it. We are purified and released of the shame and feelings of inferiority that result in our judgement of the darkness within, allowing us to become more compassionate. Cardon Cactus unlocks deep strength and confidence and inspires us to see pain and weakness as strength, giving us the power to be human.

      Sun in Sagittarius

      The last of the Fire signs, Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter the bringer of good fortune. This is the philosopher of the zodiac. He is both preacher and teacher forever seeking truth and wisdom. Sagittarius wants to share his vision and knowledge with others and is connected with the spirit of the law. Generous by nature, he can tend towards excess. This is the sign most associated with religion, cult and new age philosophies.

      Sagittarius is straightforward, philosophical, freedom loving, optimistic, athletic and enthusiastic. Expressed in the negative they can be impatient, argumentative, blunt, risk taker and well as have a tendency towards missionary zeal.

      California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is the essence that would most help rebalance an off the rails Sagittarius. As the name implies this plant comes from the land famous for creating celluloid fantasies, embracing trends and giving birth to more hybrid spiritual practices then any other. Its bright orange flower faces up towards the Sun, gently folding its petal at the end of the day. Like Sagittarius it doesn’t want to know about the dark, it seeks only the light.

      Californian Poppy people are enticed by the glamour of spiritual or psychic experiences. Seeking outside themselves they are attracted to a vast spectrum of external phenomenon; psychedelic drugs, charismatic teachers, occult ritual or popular spiritual practices. Their spiritual life lacks the discipline, making them susceptible to disharmonious influences. California Poppy helps one find spirituality within their heart and to develop their inner sense of knowing. This essence helps one develop a more solid inner life awakening the light within and enhancing self-reliance.

      Sun in Capricorn

      Capricorn is the last of the Earth signs and the first to be ruled by Saturn. Capricorn, the surefooted mountain goat, symbolises the patience and perseverance it takes to reach the top. They tend to be concerned by status and hold positions of responsibility in society. They are conservative and cautious preferring the conventions of traditions to the risk of the untried. Capricorn is the entrepreneur of the zodiac being the most likely to build an empire, yet they do not seek the limelight, the power they seek is behind the scenes.

      Capricorn’s demand a lot of themselves and can be harsh critics of their performance. At their best they are hardworking, serious, reliable, faithful, traditional and economical, but their dark side shows them to be domineering, unforgiving, judgmental, inhibited and ruthlessly ambitious.

      Elm (Ulmus procera) is a very good essence for Capricorn. This large deciduous tree native to the forest for Europe and America has a small unobtrusive almost negligible flower reminiscent of Capricorn’s lack of flamboyance.

      The essence of Elm is the perfect remedy for those who take on so much responsibility that they feel overwhelmed by their duties. The task at hand becomes a crucible around their neck and they begin to judge themselves as unequal to job. Essence of Elm helps to turn this sense of incompetence into confidence in the ability to complete one’s task. In the long run Elm helps to promote faith in ones self and a joyous attitude to service.

      Sun in Aquarius

       

      Traditionally Aquarius was considered the day place of Saturn (Capricorn being his night place), but in recent times Aquarius has become linked to the erratic planet Uranus. The qualities of both planets are evident in Aquarius, for he is desirous of bringing people together in order to create functional communities and is also willing to demand change of the rules if needed. Libra maybe interested in personal one to one relationships, but Aquarius’s association with social movement sees him more focused on the relationship between the individual and the community.

      There is something of the avant-garde with Aquarius, he will do things differently, and ideas excite him. Called the humanitarian of the zodiac he demands that we all reassess the status quo and fix what needs fixing. At his best Aquarius is altruistic, progressive, unique, scientific, independent, logical and intellectual but when his shadow reveals itself he is unpredictable, temperamental, radical, inflexible, impersonal and rebellious.

      Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) would be one of the best essences to help with Aquarius issues. Like all grass they grow in massive groups, their weightless and drying flower heads appearing to shimmer or quake in the wind. This is an excellent essence to be taken by a group trying to achieve a goal. It works by harmonising all the individuals to the higher purpose of the group.

      Quaking Grass helps one maintain a sense of individual identity within a group while bringing about harmonious social consciousness and flexibility. This essence will balance the individual so that they are neither too weak to contribute to the group nor too strong to dominate. It enables everyone to commit their gifts and talents to the group.

      Sun in Pisces

       

      The last sign Pisces encompasses the entire pantheon of the zodiac and his recent association with the planet Neptune has overshadowed his place in Jupiter’s sphere. Watery Pisces is the sign most related to sacrifice so profoundly illustrated in the story of the crucifixion. Pisces identifies with the collective and can be susceptible to feeling the pain and despair of the world. This is the sign of the mystic, the dreamer who seeks to transcend this world.

      Pisces has been called the chameleon of the zodiac for his emotional sensitivity sees him take on the ideas and traits of those around him. At his best he is compassionate, creative, musical, dreamy, introspective and charitable, but his less constructive qualities are impractical, pessimistic, vague, escapist, prone to addiction and emotionally oversensitive.

       

      White Spider Orchid (Caladenia patersonii) essence made from the tiny Australian native ground orchid, one of hundreds in its genus is a good essence for Pisces imbalances. In the same manner that this little ground orchid can go unnoticed, so too can Pisces people lose themselves in their endeavour to be of service. This can expose them to the pain and suffering of others.

       

      White Spider Orchid essence allows one to bring love and caring into the darkest corners of the Universe without being devastated by the insensitivity and suffering of others. This essence helps those, whose sensitivity to the pain around them renders them unable to take positive action. It enables them to empathise with the suffering of others without being destroyed, this can be especially important for those who work in service to others. White Spider Orchid engenders a higher perspective on the purpose of pain and suffering in the journey of the soul.

    • The Modern Planets: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and their related Essences

      Uranus

      Uranus is the first of the so-called transpersonal planets. After escaping the boundaries of Saturn we encounter the chaos of Uranus, the great awakener. His role is to awaken us to the greater reality of human consciousness by shattering the old reality. Uranus is associated with eccentricity and all avant-garde, revolutionary thoughts and ideas.

       

      A Uranus experience can be likened to looking at life through glass; there is always a sense of separation and being different. The unexpected and shattering appearance of Uranus in ones life can be liken to the sound of shattering glass energetically cutting through like a sword.

       

      None of the outer planets can ever be said to be in balance, for their role is to throw us off balance in order that we see the ego illusion for what it is; that which keeps us from fulfilling our true purpose and knowing who we are. There is one disharmonious state that has an association with Uranus and that is the sense of being a stranger in the world, of not belonging, of finding yourself alienated from the rest of society.

       

      Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii) is a very Uranian essence. It is for those who feel profoundly alienated from their bodies, family and the rest of society. These people often feel that they are not from planet earth. Shooting Star helps them to overcome their sense of alienation and to perceive the purpose of their incarnation in human form. This essence gives the ability to find earthly connection and to be warmed by the caring for all that is human and earthly.

       

      Neptune 

      The next planet to challenge us out of material complacency is Neptune who is associated with illusion. While Uranus may suddenly shatter our reality Neptune almost imperceptibly dissolves it. A Neptunian experience can be almost impossible to describe as it has dreamlike quality. Neptune can inspire deep within us the sense of divinity and our connection with God, urging us towards mystical experiences.

      As such it takes us out of ourselves, dissolving the boundaries that define our identity so that we are no longer sure where we end and the world begins. There is something very seductive yet dangerously deceptive about Neptune. This is clearly illustrated in the stories of those who slipped into the realm of the faeries, only to return years later without any awareness of how long they were gone. This powerful Neptunian pull to transcend earthly bounds can lead to substance abuse and addiction.

       

      Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a profoundly powerful essence that primarily works to balance the crown chakra with the other energy centres particularly the heart. It helps to harmonise and integrate higher consciousness and spirituality with the rest of the being. Lotus can help an individual expand their spirituality in an equitable manner. Lotus is very useful in helping those who tend towards spiritually arrogant, harbouring illusions that their brand of spiritual practice is correct and superior to others.

       

      Pluto

      Pluto is the ruler of the underworld and having recently been reclassified as a “minor planet” has not lessened his power. Pluto is deeply connected to the unconscious and the forces of planet earth. His power is akin to volcanoes and earthquakes over which we have no control. Pluto appearance in ones life brings with it the same unavoidable powerlessness that these disasters do. Pluto is the force that takes us deep into the underworld, exposing the often times painful truths we hide from ourselves. Our tools and skills are of no use in this realm.

      Death is the ultimate manifestation of Plutonic power over which we have no defence. After plutonic periods such as mourning, depression or journeys through “dark night of the soul” we are left forever transformed. Pluto demands authenticity and truth; nothing less is left standing in Pluto’s wake.

      Fig (Ficus carica) is an essence related to Plutonic issues. Of the many myth and ancient association of the Fig tree, one describes the wild fig tree as a gateway to the underworld. Pluto is himself the Lord of the underworld. Fig is an unusual essence for the fig tree doesn’t actually flower. Usually fruits grow out of the flower, but in the fig tree the flower grows inside the fruit, it is invisible from the outside.

      The essence of fig will help bring to the surface blockages and fears that are held deep in the subconscious and bring to light that which is hidden. Insight into conscious and hidden fears allows us to overcome problems that would seem insurmountable. Fig is associated with memory and helps the conscious and unconscious minds communicate. Its greatest gift is that of revealing what is hidden and thereby empowering the individual.

       

    • Astrology and Flower Essences

       

      Each of us possesses a totally unique natal horoscope which is our personal map to our soul’s journey in this incarnation. Inherent within this map of our psyche is our past, our present and our future. Like all maps it shows you where you are and where you want to go. It shows you the various roads you could take to get to your destination. It may also show you the detours or side trips you may choose to make and indicate some of the things you may encounter along the way, but what the map does not and can not show you is how you will experience your journey.

       

      When you look at your astrological natal chart, your personal map, you see a mandala of symbols, which is in fact an imagined snapshot of the cosmos from the particular point in time and space. Your natal chart illustrates the unique facet of cosmic intelligence that is imprinted on your body, soul and psyche as you inhaled your first breath. Each planet in the chart represents an aspect or core urge of your psyche. The zodiac signs the planets are in represent how you express those urges. The study of your chart can tell you where you are likely to go out of balance and fall into dis-ease and how you can reharmonise your life in order to regain health.

       

      What are Flower Essences?

       

      Flower essences are a form of vibrational medicines that bring together the four elemental building blocks of life: earth, water, fire and air. They are made from the flowers of plants bound to the earth, releasing oxygen into the air, fed by the fire of the Sun and the water of the atmosphere. Flowers are the ultimate and most creative expression of a plant and carry the positive patterns of conscious living energy of that plant. These patterns are captured in a liquid medium, water and potensized by the Sun. They derive their beneficial powers from the inherent life force within the plant and convey its distinct imprint or etheric pattern.

       

      Flower essences address directly the subtle realm of the human psyche where thoughts and feeling emanate. They are one of the few direct methods of therapy that directly work of the soul. Flower essences connect us directly with the balancing wisdom of nature, the same balancing wisdom of the soul.

       

      When you contemplate a flower, you see its physical composition; experience its scent and beauty that may trigger a feeling or sense of knowing within you. This is when you are connecting on the level of creation, because the same energy that runs through you, runs through that flower. All life is in constant motion looking for balance. There maybe something about your unique connection to that energy that vibrates in synch or in sympathy with that particular flower.

       

       

       

       

      How are Astrology and Flower Essences related?

       

      Astrology is a symbolic language that describes a living energy pattern, which is manifested in the bodies and movement of our Solar System (star system). This living energy permeates everything in our universe; it is the living force, the creator’s will, the quintessence, God consciousness, Divine law. It is called many names and has been recognized by mystics throughout the ages. It is that which binds the Universe and connects all things seen and unseen.

       

      All roads lead to this mysterious and all encompassing power. Everything in the Universe is a reflection of this living force that is constant and yet never expresses the same way. The patterns in the sand, the shape, colour and growing habits of plants, the movement of the planets, the cycles of life and the human psyche as well as the symbols and archetypes we have conjured. Our creative power comes from the same source as that of the Creator.

       

      An oak tree is composed of thousands of leaves each carrying the basic form we recognize as oak-leave. Yet no two oak leaves are the same, each is a unique expression of oak-leaf, which in turn is an expression of oak tree, of vegetation, of earth, of solar system, of universe, and so on till we get back to the Divine source.

       

      Similarly, each human being is a unique expression of the Divine life force. This is evident in our physical form, as well as our relationships, experiences, thoughts, emotions, imagination and dream life. This is what can be seen and reflected back to us in our astrological birth chart. The symbols held within a chart are powerful expressions of life energies to which we are personally influenced and connected.

       

      Like with the oak-leaf, all astrological charts have recognizable similarities: the same planets, signs and house will appear, yet no two will be exactly the same. And because we exist on multi-levels the combination of influences shown in the natal chart is endless.

       

      The chart, as a representation of our unique connection to the living force, works whether we are aware of it or not. We are like small and yet infinitely complex cogs in a larger wheel. The cycles continue to move and influence us; it is only our personal ego that stays unaware of the part the bigger picture plays in our life.

       

      By working with astrology we gain an awareness of the energies with which we are personally made and connected to. A conscious knowing enables us to avoid certain ego tendencies or at least lessen their hold over us. But we exist on many levels, most being unconscious. Flower essences can come to the rescue as they function on that purely energetic level there is no need for the thinking mind to be involved.

       

      Living with certain plants will also gives us a harmonizing boost of which we may never be aware. Like astrology, plants work with or without our conscious awareness and like astrology they are in a constant state of motion, through their growth and death cycles. This is why different essences are needed at different times. Flower essences work whether we are aware of them or not, but we empower both flower essences and astrology by choosing to consciously work with them.