Finding Freedom: Tarot and Tea for Aries Season

Hello, friends! You can find links to the full zodiac seasons series below!

One of the aspects of astrology that I enjoy the most is not about predictions or the shaping of personalities, but the alternative way of observing time that it offers. As a practitioner of an earth-based religion, there is a lot of emphasis on participating in the cyclical and spiralling nature of time which often means gazing beyond the confines of a calendar mandated by decree by imperialist powers. (1) Since astrology, and especially lunar astrology, is one of the oldest forms of marking the passage of time and season, it can be a fascinating and inspiring calendrical system to use. When we use a system like astrology to observe time, we're connecting to something that would be familiar to many of our star-gazing ancestors, and I find it grounding to find myself in time by engaging what is happening on the earth beneath my feet and the skies above my head (practicing the hermetic axiom As Above, So Below).  

Observing astrological time, I know that when the Spring Equinox rolls around, we are entering Aries season which is the first sign of the zodiac (for those in the southern hemisphere, Aries season coincides with the Autumn Equinox). When you read about "Aries Season" or "Leo Season" online they are referring to the period of time that the Sun is moving through a particular zodiac sign. Each season of the twelve sign zodiac lasts for about a month and are always sequential (i.e. after Aries season comes Taurus season, then Gemini season and so on).

The first day the Sun moves into Aries is the first day of Spring (i.e. the Spring Equinox which lands around March 19 - 22 each year). So I know that as the Earth is beginning to shake off the last remnants of winter, as the trees become ever more green with leaves, and as flowers are starting to appear throughout on the land I live with, that this is also the time when the Sun is moving into the sign of quick-moving, energetic Aries. I feel deeply interconnected with life when I make these observations, when I ask myself what is the spring of the place that I live in, and what does the season of Aries mean in the particulars of the space that I dwell (including my body). 

For this year, I wanted to offer a practice of observing space and place, so that you might feel grounded and connected to the land you live with as a practice of love and resiliency. To observe is to engage is to remember yourself back into the interconnectedness of life. Beginning this month with Aries, we'll move through the twelve signs of the zodiac as I have done twice before with you, first through my Astroherbology series and then through my New Moon series.

Zodiac Season Series

I have made note of the terrestrial season in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH).

NH: Spring / SH: Autumn

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

NH: Summer / SH: Winter

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

NH: Autumn / SH: Spring

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

NH: Winter / SH: Summer

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

For each season of the zodiac you'll find a tarot spread and a tea recipe to inspire your practice as well as a repeated set of prompts that you can journal with (or discuss with friends or covenmates) to help you be grounded and centered with the seasonal changes around and within you. 

The tarot spread can be used during Aries season or any time of the year that you feel a need to connect with the energy of the sign. Every sign of the zodiac is in our birth chart, every star is shining on each of us, and though they move through the sky, revealing and hiding themselves from view, we can always connect with the specific energy of a sign. As someone who practices the art of astroherbology, I've also included an option in each spread to incorporate some body-based star wisdom. Same for the tea recipes you'll find in this series - they can be used throughout the year whenever you need them!

Feeling excited? Then let's get started with our friend, Aries the Ram.

Aries is a sign of impetus and change. Like the two other fire signs of the zodiac, Aries assists us in figuring out what helps us get free.

Aries asks us, "What would you do if you decided to let go of fear just go for it?"

While just going for it isn't always the practical or reasonable approach, what answering this question does is help you connect with your courage, something which the energy of Aries can help us to define. The following Aries Season tarot spread helps us find sources of energy to inspire us, identify what is blocking our energy, and connect with our courage to help us move into our freedom.

Finding Freedom
Aries Season Tarot Spread

Card 1 & 2. That Which Energizes You

These cards are the head of the Ram, the symbol of Aries, and help to highlight the things which energizes you most, including things, people, creatures, and places which inspire you. These are things which you might seek to bring more into your life during Aries season so that you are better able to connect with the energetic flow of the next month.

Card 3. That Which Blocks Your Energy

The gift of Aries is to live with unhindered energy so that we are able to ebb and flow as we need to. This card highlights how our energy gets blocked, especially during the recent past and present. Pay attention to the relationship between this card and the two preceding cards.

Card 4. That Which Frees You

This card can help you connect with the answer to the question posed earlier - "What would you do if you decided to let go of fear just go for it?" Here we can explore a practice or practices which helps to free up our energy and inspiration.

Card 5. A Message for Aries Season

A general message, signs to pay attention to, and perhaps next steps to take as we move into Aries season.

Bonus Card. That Which Guards the Head.

If you feel connected with the philosophy of astroherbology you can pull an additional card to help you understand the current energies of your head, including physical experiences and energetic ones, what tension or wisdom you might be keeping there. I encourage you to take a somatic approach with this card - when you pull it and see the energy, follow the feelings and sensations that it evokes from your body to understand its meaning.

image via @bakdandraw

A Tea for Aries Season

How do we nourish the energies of Aries? As an energetic sign that is quick-acting and traditionally guards the head (click here for a full list of traditional correspondences for Aries), we need herbs that will help us keep our cool without losing the spark which inspires us. Nettles (Urtica dioica) is a great herb for the change of the seasons, helping to nourish our bodies as an herbal multivitamin, improve circulation, and clear the head of any end-of-season fog. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) helps the busy bee energy connect to the community song of the season, supporting the energy to do and go alongside the need to plan and rest. It's also supportive of brain health helping to strengthen Aries energy in our body. Finally, Rose (Rosa spp.) rounds out our blend, bringing red Aries energy into the visual magick of our tea, along with their ability to open us up to possibility.

To make your tea combine the following herbs:

• 1 part Nettles (Urtica dioica)

• 1 part Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• ¼ part Rose (Rosa spp.)

These proportions are only suggested guidelines, so feel free to play around with them to your liking. As you make your tea, slow down, breathe deep, and infuse the blend with your intentions for the season (or whenever you’re drinking this tea to connect with the energy of Aries). If you’re looking for more breathwork practices to help you connect with the energy of the season, come this way.

image via @anniespratt

Seasonal Reflections

What does the land feel like, look like, smell like this season?

What is coming to the surface from within me?

What is receding within me?

What am I feeling grateful for?

What am I grieving for or feeling challenged by?

What am I feeling inspired and where is it calling me to this season?

What am I calling to me?

What am I called to give?

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Here’s to the start of a new turn of the zodiac wheel and the start of a new season!

I hope that you’re feeling a little more inspired at the start of Aries season knowing that there are plant allies to connect with and tools to explore the energy within and around you.

If you’re looking for more information about the magick of spring, come this way. Here’s a recipe to support your spring dreaming and a more in-depth tarot spread for the season of Ostara. Enjoy!

This post was made possible through patron support.
❤︎ Thanks, friends. ❤︎

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Footnotes

(1) The Geopolitics of Gregorian Calendar is a short summary read if you want to learn more.

Envisioning Healing : The New Moon in Aries

Where I place my attention
sets the stage
for the action of my life.

- juliett jade chi -

With the magick of the Spring Equinox coursing through our veins, the first New Moon of the season is in Aries. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries the Ram can be a force to be reckoned with. It is a sign of the individual, helping us to find the “me” after the period of Pisces “we” that we’ve been in. We can take action in order to manifest our dreams of the New Moon in Pisces.  The New Moon in Aries challenges us to create what we've been called to bring into the world. The lunar energies are focused on you and your unique powers and gifts! The Aries New Moon tells you to set your heart as a compass and go out to find your horizon.

image source

Any Moon in Aries is a great opportunity to recognize places of stagnation in your life. Where are you feeling knotted and blocked? What relationships have you tangled? How do you need to move in order to no longer feel restricted? As the guardian of the eyes, Aries helps us to see what is really going on in our lives. If you’re someone who struggles to put your needs first, the New Moon in Aries can be challenging. But that’s a good thing because we have needs that require our attention. I believe strongly that to recognize your needs and learning how to answer them is one of the best ways to see and have compassion for the needs of others. When our needs are met, we’re no longer operating from a deficit and can be more generous as healers towards our families, lovers, and community. 

So take up the horns of the Ram and use some of this mighty Aries energy to bust through the walls and barriers holding you back from experiencing all that is you!

Nettles (Urtica dioica)
New Moon in Aries Plant Ally

As herbalist David Hoffman says, “When in doubt, Nettles.”

The herbs of Aries move stagnation and Nettles is a fantastically energizing herb. Nettles has a strong affinity for the blood, helping to move stagnant blood through improving circulation and enriching the iron content of our blood cells. The herb also works intelligently with reducing blood sugar levels and balancing blood pressure. Nettles are a nutritive herb, too, rich in vitamins and minerals which helps with general weakness and debility.

Nettle also has a strong relationship with the kidneys, stimulating sluggish kidneys, moving stagnant water, and generally cleansing the fluids of the body. As an anti-allergen (perfect for this time of year!), Nettles strengthens the outer membranes of cells which makes them less vulnerable to inflammation and allergic reactions. Nettles can be used in cases of eczema, hayfever, asthma, acne, and food allergies.

Traditional use of the herb includes hitting arthritic joints with fresh Nettles to alleviate pain and stiffness. I have found Nettles to be good (both internally and externally) for growing pains of all sorts, emotional and physical, which further aligns with Aries guardianship of youth and the young. Nettles helps to recenter the excited and “ready-to-go” mind that the energy of Aries brings into a focused power.

Flower + Gem Essences for the New Moon in Aries: Milky Oat (Avena sativa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Impatiens (Impatiens glandulifera), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Jasper, Bloodstone, Rose Quartz.

Essential Oils for Aries: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).

image source

Healing Vision

Begin in a sacred way (read the New Moon in Aquarius post for further inspiration). You will need a handheld mirror for this rite, but you can improvise with any reflective surface that you can see yourself in.

Place the mirror before you, with the reflective part turned away from you and facing out into the world. Cover your face with your hands and contemplate the healing you desire. Observe what arises, but do not attempt to hold on to any of it. Let it pass through your mind unhindered.

With your healing desire firmly fixed in your mind’s eye, recite three times the following charm: 

Unmask the hidden
Remove the blindfold
I seek healing freedom
My path to behold

With the reflective part still turned out from you, hold the mirror to each of the four directions, then below and above you. Finally rest it at your heart. The mirror is seeing what you need to see in order to heal, for the outer world reflects our inner needs.

Take another deep breath and then turn the mirror towards you so that you see yourself in it. Soften your gaze and look at your reflection as you continue to breathe slow and deep. Observe whatever thoughts, feelings, and visions arise within you. If you so desire, perform the oracle for further insight.

When ready, look again at your reflection and say:

I love you, {your name},
I deserve all of my healing and more
I see my path
and hold the desire to explore.
Blessed be.

Keep the mirror on your altar on carry it with you to look at and recite the closing charm as needed until the next New Moon.

View fullsize

Oracle

With a divinatory tool of your choosing ask the following question. You can also ponder it during meditation or through journalling.

What barrier blocks the view of my healing path?

Additional queries to consider:

• What relationships tangle me unnecessarily and hold me back from healing?

• What needs of mine do I ignore?

Tarot Cards of Aries

Every card within the tarot deck has an astrological association. The following correspondences follow the system laid out by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. You can add these cards to your altar as part of your New Moon in Aries magick or use them in readings to help with determining celestial influence or timing (i.e. this will come to pass at when the Moon is in Pisces).

• The Sign of Aries: The Emperor

• Mars in Aries: Two of Wands

• Sun in Aries: Three of Wands

• Venus in Aries: Four of Wands

• The Fire Signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius: Ace of Wands

Find all of the New Moon Healers Project posts right over here. Be sure to share your insights and experiences in the comments below or via instagram with the tag #NewMoonHealersProject.

Need more astroherbology in your life? You can learn more about the astroherbology of Aries by reading my in-depth profile on the sign. For those of you ready to learn how to work your magick and create your herbal remedies by the cycle of Moon and star, you're invited to join The Lunar Apothecary.

Blessed New Moon, wise healers.
May your healing be healing to us all.
May our healing be healing to you.
Blessed be! Blessed be! Blessed be!

Witchcraft + Weeds: Healing + Magickal Practices for Spring

Later this month is the spring equinox which marks the turn of the year from the dark half to the bright half in the northern hemisphere.

Days will grow longer from here until Midsummer and the sight and scent of new growing things abounds. Every turn of the season invites us to shed the old and take up the new so that we may be better able to be present in the moment as well as prepare for what lies ahead. As an herbalist and witch, my seasonal celebrations revolve around weeds and witchcraft, and I’m going to share some of those traditions now with you!

The Spring Equinox marks the transition of the Sun from the last sign of the zodiac (Pisces) to the first (Aries). We leave the dreamy waters of the fish to the fiery-headed realm of the ram. The energy of the earth is stirring after winter's slumber. From the diffusive way of Pisces, energies within and around us begin to move inward and up. Take pleasure in the delirious scents of flowers in the air. Laugh loudly to clear out stagnation in your lungs. Swing your arms up to catch the wind. Light sacred fires and revel in the new promise of spring. 

Weeds

Body System Focus : Lungs + Lymphs
or Breath Deep + Move

Within the four elements system of traditional western herbalism (I write more about TWH energetics over here), the season of spring is the transformation of water into air or cold into heat. Within our bodies the settled cold of water gives way to the energizing energy of air. It is time to move from a place of winter stillness to the awakening dance of spring. We seek out plants and ways of being that clear out the excess of phlegmatic energy of late winter so that we can strengthen the blood-building sanguine season of spring. Our weedy plant allies of early spring are typically mineral and vitamin rich, clearing to the blood and respiratory system, and toning to the lymph nodes. If you find your energy is still cold and damp from the winter, consider Aries herbs and healing ways to help you find your spring fire.

Spring weeds are abundant sources of healing nutrients that our waking winter bodies crave. Walk through a wild place or a city park and you’ll come across at least one healing weed (such as Dandelion Taraxacum officinale) that would do well to be in your spring rotation of plant allies. Enjoying foraged weeds as food and medicine is an amazing way to connect with the season and practice self-care. If you want to learn more about the healing properties of weeds, I highly recommend checking out The Wise Wisdom of Weeds: 13 Essential Plants for Human Survival by Katrina Blair.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) : My backyard fills up with Cleavers come spring and I couldn’t be happier for it! The naturally sticky herb is a great mover of stuck energy and fluids. From constipation to fibroids, to kidney and gall stones, and old blood, Cleavers moves out congestion. They are mild tasting and an easy addition to tea, but work best when juiced. 

Plantain (Plantago major) : A well-known topical remedy for insect stings and rashes, Plantain can also be used internally for digestive complaints such as IBS, excess gas, and stomach ulcers. Like many spring weeds, it is clearing to the respiratory system, helping to clear out old coughs and sinus congestion. 

White Clover (Trifolium repens) : White Clover is a nutritious and sweet tasting herb that can be easily incorporated in teas. It has a clearing energy and while Red Clover is especially attuned to the lower half of the body, especially the womb, White Clover has a greater affinity for the upper half of the body. It is great for clearing out old coughs and head colds still lingering from winter. Add it to facial steams and herbal baths to help connect your body to the revitalizingenergy of spring.

Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta) : Also known as Sour Leaf, the leaf is pleasantly flavored and helps to soothe upset stomachs. The flowers are a beautiful edition to salads. The sour taste of the plant lets us know that it is most likely nutritive, cleansing to the liver, and a digestive tonic. Now, a whole salad of only sorrel leaves is not recommended as the high oxalic acid in its leaves can cause nutrient deficiency by preventing calcium absorption, but a few leaves in a tea or salad is perfectly fine.

Wild Mustard Flower Essence : I love walking through the forest of Wild Mustard that pops up on hillsides and empty urban plots throughout my city. It is a resolutely cheerful flower and in addition to adding the spicy leaves to a stir-fry (yum!), you can create a flower essence with its blossoms to help you shake off persistent gloom. It’s a great essence for folks who especially struggle with believing that the sun will ever return during these lingering grey days of early spring. 

Witchcraft

Spring promises new beginnings, fresh starts, and new dreams to manifest. Spring is a good time for revolutions on personal and cultural levels, and as Witch folk and magick-makers, we can tap into this flow. I think of the spring-related protest slogans I’ve seen over the years from “They tried to bury us but they forgot that we were seeds” or the classic “Sisterhood is Blooming - springtime will never be the same” by the Chicago Women's Graphics Collective. If you were to create an inspiring slogan for your personal spring season what would it be? Below I’ve written about the three paths of spring magick that I practice to connect with the energy of the season and live my magick.

3 Paths of Spring Magick

Waking Up : We wake up to the new season of spring from the restorative slumber of winter. Rituals include waking up the house and garden with pots and pans clanging, spring yipping, and joyful song; greeting the Sacred Youth of Spring who finally reemerges from their winter retreat; banishing unwanted energy; washing your body with spring herbs to awaken your soul shrine to the promise of spring; blessing your apothecary and/or sacred space for the beginning of the new season of growing; dream rituals of Pisces and new beginning rituals of Aries; creating your own herb harvest ritual for the beginning of the spring harvest season.

Waking Up Meditation : Visualize pulling off layers of colorful blankets, emerging from your winter cocoon into your spring state of being.

Making Space : We make space for the new energy of spring to enter our lives and homes by clearing out physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter. Rituals include washing floors and windows; spring cleaning and rearrangement of sacred altars; donating unwanted items (especially those that you keep out of a sense of guilt or obligation); divination to help guide you to what you should be making more space for in your life; self-blessings to make space for all of you to show up in your life; blessing new bottles, jars, and other apothecary equipment for the new season.

Making Space Meditation : Lay flat on your back (or in an alternatively open position that is comfortable for you) and breathe deeply while visualizing a bright light glowing around you, protecting you from that which does not serve you and attracting that which benefits you. Resist visualizing specifics - just allow for the idea good things coming your way to be your focus.

Inviting In : We invite in those things which we hope to grow in the coming season. Rituals include magnet spells to draw towards you your goals and desires; soul-return rituals; choosing to work with a specific deity, ancestor, spirit or guide for the coming season; working with a plant ally; making an enchanted honey pot to attract abundance and love to you; hanging wind chimes and ribbons in windows and from trees to call in helpful spirits and energies; leaving offerings to land spirits.

Inviting In Meditation : Visualizing a goal or energy that you want to call to you, open your arms wide and then pull them towards you, embracing that which you seek. Let your hands and arms brush over your whole body so that which you are calling to you becomes grounded in your being. Repeat nine times to seal the spell. 

White Clover Window Wash

After the dark of winter, I love the early light of spring. While every sabbat is an opportunity for a big house clean, I make sure to clean the windows at the spring equinox to let in the happy, healing light of the season. Making an herbal wash to help accomplish this task imbues the act with greater magick. White Clover flowers and leaves are protective and lucky which are two energies that I happily welcome into my home.

To prepare your wash pick nine Clover blossoms and three three-leafed clover leaf clusters. Add to a heatproof container (preferably glass or ceramic) and cover with hot water. Let steep overnight (preferably on the spring equinox itself or the nearest new moon) and strain. Add this water to your window cleaning solution. Whatever of the White Clover water you don’t use, be sure to offer it back to the earth.

I clean my windows first in a widdershins (or counterclockwise) direction and then in a deosil (or clockwise) direction to banish the old and welcome in the new. Often I accompany this with song welcoming in the elements and abundance of love, peace, and joy in the coming season. It's a simple ritual, but my home always feels more magickal and ready for spring when it has been completed. 

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What are your favorite healing and magickal practices for spring? Let me know in the comments. You can also check out the rest of my seasonal apothecary series:

• Summer Wellness Apothecary

• Autumn Wellness Apothecary

• Winter Wellness Apothecary

Aries: The Astroherbology Profile

Welcome, friends, to the sign of Aries and the first of my Astroherbology Zodiac Series!

I will be exploring all twelve signs from a medical astrology perspective with an emphasis on herbal healing. Learn more about the series and what all the correspondences mean check out the introduction to The Introduction to Astroherbology Zodiac Series.

We start in the realm of the ram, known as Aries, and the start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Looking to learn about Aries season? Come this way!

Element: Fire
Mode: Cardinal
Guardian Planet: Mars
Direction: East
Season: Spring (NH), Autumn (SH)
Wheel of the Year: Spring Equinox
House: 1st House / Angular
Lunar Mansions: 1st Mansion, 2nd Mansion, + 3rd Mansion
Solar Gemstone: Bloodstone
Tarot: The Emporer, The Tower, 2 of Wands (Mar 21 - Mar 30), 3 of Wands (Mar 31 - Apr 10), 4 of Wands (Apr 11 - Apr 20), Queen of Wands
Tissue State: Heat/Excitation (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Head, Face (especially forehead), Nose (with bones of the nose being guarded by Scorpio), Mouth, and Eyes, including optic nerves and lens of the eyes. The Brain, including its blood vessels, motor centers and frontal and lateral lobes. Cerebro-Spinal system and Muscular system. Teeth (with Saturn + Taurus), especially upper jaw.

Imbalances + Diseases: Tends towards excess. Fevers, headaches, sore eyes and poor eyesight. Tension headaches. Inflammation, especially when excess energy is present, dryness, and heat. Muscle spasms. Ruptured blood vessels, especially in the head. Mental afflictions and disorders of the brain including congestion of the brain, memory loss, delirium caused by blood rushing to the head, encephalitis, epilepsy. Can be very emotionally rash manifesting sometimes as rashes on the head, face, and ears, and conditions such as very red or inflamed acne. Anger, arrogance, and taking up too much space. Ruptures on the skin including shingles, measles, chickenpox. Muscle spasms of the face, facial tics, and sore or tight jaw as well as swelling of the face. Migraines, especially if triggered by or include anger and/or irritation. All diseases of heat and dryness that proceed from dreams. Baldness and hair loss on the top of the hair, sometimes with excess hair growing elsewhere. Uncontrolled anger, “seeing red.” Fits of giddiness and hyperactivity. Insomnia due to disorders of the kidney. Bell’s palsy and general paralysis of the face. Stroke, rheumatic fever, rheumatism, and hemorrhage. Conjunctivitis (especially when caused by excess eye makeup).

Disease Degrees: 3 – 4 degrees: goiter, abscesses; 5 degrees; hair issues 9 – 12 degrees: fevers; 6 – 7 degrees: jaundice; 13 – 14 degrees: rheumatic fever, rheumatism; hemorrhage; 15 – 16 degrees: stroke; 20 – 21 degrees: abscesses; 25 – 26 degrees: tuberculosis, digestive troubles; 26 – 27 degrees: blindness, weak eyes, tuberculosis; 28 – 29 degrees: bronchitis.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Aries: Cooling + cold activities, including cooling herbs in the form of teas and baths. Relaxing nervines and moistening herbs (if there is excess dryness). Stillness. Active listening and inclusive communication training. Activities that allow Aries folks to appropriately express their Martial energy including athletic competitions, high intensity interval training, and studying the arts of fighting and self-defense.

Gifts of Aries: Energy, athleticism, bravery, courage, the energy of new beginnings, freshness, initiation, spontaneity, and vitality.

Rituals of Aries: New project blessings, rites of passage especially for children and teenagers, elements of fire in ritual, especially bonfires (including jumping over them or passing through them) and firewalking.

Aries Guardian Herbs: Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Nettles (Urtica dioica), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Vitex (Vitex agnus castus), Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Aries Remedy Herbs: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Flower + Gem Essences: Impatiens, Black Eyed Susan, Beech, Wild Oat, Vine, Scarlet Monkeyflower, Citrine, Bloodstone

Bloodstone - photo by author

The Sun in Aries

When the Sun enters the sign of Aries each year this is known as the Vernal or Spring Equinox which should tell you something about the energy of the sign. Aries burst forth in the spring with the energy of a headstrong thing that wants to do. To do it* now!  The ram is a sign of great vitality and those born with Aries as their Ascendant or Rising sign may especially benefit from the ram’s inherent vitality throughout their lives. H.L. Cornell notes that Aries “is known as the ‘Cerebral Pole of Paracelsus.’ The Sympathetic Nervous System begins with this sign, and ends with the other Mars Sign Scorpio, which latter sign is known as the ‘Genital Pole of Paracelsus.’” The Sun is exalted in the sign of Aries which means that it’s inherent qualities are easily expressed and empowered by the ability and energy of Aries.

Aries Sun folks often rely on a very strong, sometimes forceful, expression of individuality when it comes to self-expression. They like to be the first to do something, to go somewhere, to think of a new idea, or explore new galaxies. Aries folk can be aggravating for others who are overwhelmed (or not impressed) by their bravado, but a balanced Aries can bring the spark of inspiration and the energy to get the job done so needed for a successful endeavor. Aries typically have bucket loads of energy and are up for an adventure – their confidence in their internal compass (when they remember to check what direction their heading) is inspiring. They aren’t afraid to make mistakes even if they don’t always know how to handle their pride getting dented by a fall.

Folks with a strong Aries Sun in their natal chart can be long-lived (if they don’t die early by accident or war – two areas they can be inherently attracted to) with a robust immune system that fights off infection and disease. Learning how to take up appropriate space and find outlets for their energy before it stagnates into anger is an important lesson for our adventurous Ram. The gift of Aries Sun folk is that they teach us to do it now and do it with confidence. Aries helps us to not only welcome in change, but to change before the change even opens the door.

*What “it” is isn’t always an important concern for Aries folk.

Aries Guardian Herb

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - source

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Fiery and dry Ginger embodies the warming and energizing gifts of Aries. The root stimulates an underperforming circulatory system, moving blood and heat throughout the body. Ginger awakens the senses and calls the body to action!  It clears out lingering colds, damp conditions, clears catarrh, and lifts the spirits wherever dourness or melancholy might dwell. Additionally the herb is useful for indigestion, nausea, and morning sickness. It is an ideal remedy for Damp/Stagnation tissue states.

As a sign guarded by Mars, it is good to know that most Aries herbs can be used to alleviate symptoms of maladies brought on by the cold ray of Saturn. Ginger, in particular, also works to alleviate Venusian conditions of menstruation which include cold and damp cycles that bring on excessive cramps.

Aries Remedy Herbs

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - photo by AJ Cunningfolk

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

One of my primary herbs for imbalanced Aries conditions is Yarrow. Known as an herb for the Wounded Warrior, Wounded Healer, Yarrow offers a cooling and balancing energy to our rush-about rams. Traditional indications for Yarrow match-up to an overabundance of Aries or Mars energy in the system : redness and splotchiness of the skin, inflammation, persistent fevers, a red, pointed tongue, and a rapid pulse. Yarrow assists those Aries folks who are overheated, hot-blooded, as well as those Aries who have lost the fire – both types usually have a build up of toxins in the blood as well as in the liver. Aries imbalances can often manifest with ruptures on the skin, whether hives or acne, chickenpox, or eczema. Another connection between Yarrow and Aries is that Yarrow is a primary blood remedy in traditional western herbalism and is especially useful for nosebleeds (remember, Aries rules the nose and the blood of the head). Yarrow is an herb of the blood: it both stops bleeding, moves stagnant blood, and clears old blood (blood cuts and excess toxins). Through its ability to move blood, by releasing and contracting, it is able to help regulate high, persistent fevers by opening up the skin. Yarrow releases trapped heat. When releasing heat, Yarrow goes through a cycle of sweating, purifying, and finally relaxing, making it very useful for relieving persistent fevers in children and adults alike. Since many Aries-type imbalances deal with the regulation or lack of regulation of heat and inflammation in the body, Yarrow’s ability to move heat within and out of the body is invaluable.

I find that the energy of Yarrow acts like a wise guide to Aries energies – it reminds Aries to slow down and practice going with the flow of energy both forwards and back instead of onwards, onwards, onwards. Yarrow helps to bring our body systems back to a state of homeostasis, which Aries folk and conditions can sometimes run from because they like pushing the limits, riding on adrenal, and challenging themselves to go just a little further.

Aries Sun Flower Essence

Impatiens helps bring out Aries ability to be patient and mindful of the needs of others by bringing out their ability to empathize and see the value of the opinions and contributions of others. The flower essences helps to develop the all-important pause that many Aries folk need to learn – to wait a moment before running in, speaking up, or taking over. With the gift of Impatiens, Aries folk can learn how to effectively use their energetic impulses and incredible vitality to move forward together with those they are in relationship with.

Ready to learn more?

• Check out the rest of my Astroherbology series including Starry-Hearted + Wild-Rooted: An Introduction to Astroherbology which includes additional study resources.

• Need a visual guide? Starmaps: The Astrological Body is for you!

• Looking to learn about Aries season? Come this way!

• The Lunar Apothecary is a full length course using the tools of moon-centered herbalism and ritual to help you discover who you are as a healer.

The 12 Paths of Healing: An Introduction to the Astroherbology Series

Ever since I created The Lunar Apothecary and started to talk about astroherbology, I have met amazing folks who are just as inspired by roots and stars as I am.

I've also had lots of folks asking to know more and this series is, in part, my answer. I have learned so much and to keep the conversation going I wanted to start a series exploring the medical astrology correspondences of each sign with a focus on herbal healing. For those of you who are thinking wait, what is astorherbology? - come this way.

Find the Astroherbology Profiles for each sign of the zodiac:

• Aries

• Taurus

• Gemini

• Cancer

• Leo

• Virgo

• Libra

• Scorpio

• Sagittarius

• Capricorn

• Aquarius

• Pisces

Every post will use the same template and I wanted to begin the series by taking a look at just what I'm going to be writing about. 

Element: Western astrology has four elements – Earth, Air, Fire, Water – and each sign is predominant in one of these elements.

Mode: There are three modes in astrology which describe the movement of energy. Briefly, Cardinal signs have fast-moving and quick to start energy, Fixed, is sturdy and foundational, while Mutable tend to be fluid and flexible.

Guardian Planet: Also known as Ruling Planets or Rulership, I use the language Guarding and Guardian because a) it pleases my collective heart and b) I think it more accurately describes the relationship between signs and the planets that love them.

Direction: The wheel of the zodiac corresponds with the terrestial wheel of the year, so each sign can be directionally situated.

An Ottoman Calendar made for Sultan Abdulmecid I, drafted by Mehmet Sadullah, Turkey, dated 1260 AH/1844 CE.

Season: See above!

House: There are twelve astrological houses and each sign corresponds with one of them, embodying the energy of the that house.

Lunar Mansion: The Lunar Mansions or Mansions of the Moon is one of the oldest forms of astrology worldwide. There are 28 Lunar Mansions and the Moon visits a new one every two days or so completing the cycle in about a month’s time. Each Lunar Mansion is corresponds with one or two of the signs of the zodiac. I think the Lunar Mansions are incredible tools of healing and magick and I explore each one in the Lunar Apothecary.

Solar Gemstone: There are several gemstones associated with each sign and I will list the one that I most often use in my practice.

Tarot: The Tarot is based off of the astrological system codified by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Each card has an astrological correspondence that can be used for timing in readings as well as remedy making.

Tissue State: The tissue states are a way of describing physical and energetic qualities of a person, herb, and imbalances similar to the five element systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine or the three doshas of Ayurveda. These are my current correspondences between tissue states and signs that I have developed as part of my ongoing explorations as an astroherbologist.

Body Systems : Each sign has resonance with certain parts and systems of the body. To learn more check out Starmaps: The Astrological Body.

Imbalances + Diseases: Every sign has the opportunity to become weakened or imbalanced when overexposed to food, environments, thoughts, and practices that pull them out of their happy flow. I’ll be listing the ways these imbalances manifest and the diseases each sign is more prone to.

Disease Degrees: Each degree of the zodiac has an associated disease and these correspondences have been observed and recorded by herbalist such as Elsbeth and Reinhold Ebertin, Charles Carter, and Judith Hill.

Remedies: These suggested activities and healing modalities that can help bring a sign back into balance.

Gifts: Every sign has healing gifts and energies to offer.

Rituals: These are suggested ritual and magickal actions you might take to tap into the energy of a sign.

The phases of the moon from the 17th-century Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae (The Great Art of Light and Shadow).

Guardian Herbs: These are herbs that embody the energy of a sign. Aries herbs, for example, are generally warming and invigorating such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis).

Remedy Herbs: These are herbs that help bring errant, imbalanced or weakened signs back to a place of balance.

Flower + Gem Essences: I think Flower + Gem Essences are accessible, easy-to-use, and effective remedies so I’ve included some of my favorite for each sign.

The Sun in {Sign}: I will be including brief descriptions of people whose natal Sun is in the sign being discussed. There are many talented astrologers provided wise and in-depth description of each sign of the zodiac, so I will be focusing medical astrology traits of each sign.

I will also be briefly discussing one Guardian Herb, Remedy Herb, and Flower or Gem Essence of each sign. If you are interested in more in-depth plant profiles and recipes and exploration of herbalism from a lunar-perspective, I invite you to join the The Lunar Apothecary.