Cancer: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Cancer!

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. Missed the other signs of the Zodiac? Find out about the astroherbology wisdom of Aries, Taurus, and Gemini!

Element: Water
Mode: Cardinal
Guardian Planet: Moon
Direction: South
Season: Summer (NH), Winter (SH)
House: 4th House / Angular
Lunar Mansions: 7th, 8th, and 9th Mansions
Solar Gemstone: Rose Quartz
Tarot: The Chariot, The High Priestess, 2 of Cups (6/21 - 7/1), 3 of Cups (7/2 - 7/11), 4 of Cups (7/12 -21), Queen of Cups
Tissue State: Damp/Stagnation, Cold/Depression (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: The Chest, Breasts, Stomach, Uterus, Ovaries, Diaphragm. Bone Marrow. Pituitary Gland and hormones. Upper Alimentary System. Brain covering. Ribs, Sternum, and Elbow joint. Lungs. Serum of Blood. Thoracic Duct. Peristaltic pump. Pleura and Pleural Cavity. Bladder. Protective coverings of the organs including the Pericardium and Meningeal coverings.

Imbalances + Diseases: Digestive diseases and indigestion including gas and bloating, ulcers, Crohns disease, and diseases of the gall bladder. Fluids in the joints. Asthma with excess fluids. Tuberculosis, consumption, and wet coughs. Infectious lung diseases. Sinus infections. Lack of or overproduction of fluids in the body, including excess mucus, edema, water retention, and fluids in the lungs. Swollen gums and soft teeth. Cysts in the breasts and breast diseases. Breastfeeding complications including mastitis. Bone marrow disease. Ovarian imbalance and diseases including infertility. Peristaltic dysfunction. Bladder infections. Abscesses. Lack of vitality. Shortness of breath. Indigestion, including diarrhea, gas, heartburn, and leaky gut. Excess mucus of the digestive tract. Pituitary imbalance, including lack or excess production of oxytocin and ADH. Lack of or excess saliva. Nausea. Poor relationship with food including overindulgence in food or lack of eating, including eating disorders such as anorexia and  bulimia. Depression and emotional stagnation. Lack of drive, including physical drive whether for fitness or sexual intimacy. Lack of bodily tone. Unwanted excess weight. Fixating on the past and not present circumstances. Self-isolating and highly defensive. Oversensitivity to other’s emotions and the environment in general can lead to paranoia. Inappropriate and harmful relationships full of emotional coercion, closing off from the world, apathy, giving but not receiving, issues of trust and faith in others.

Disease Degrees: 0 degrees: drowning, eyesight; 1 degree: sixth rib, eyesight, drowning; 2 degrees: seventh rib; 3 degrees: eighth rib, eyesight; 4 degrees: ninth rib; 5  degrees: tenth to twelfth ribs, sleep and trance; 6 degrees: diaphragm, sleep and trance; 7 degrees: thoracic cavity; 8 degrees: esophageal opening of the diaphragm, paralysis; 9 degrees: pylorus, azimene; 10 degrees: fundus of stomach, azimene, alcoholism; 11 degrees: gastric veins, azimene, chronic glomerulonephritis, alcoholism; 12 degrees: greater curvature of the stomach, azimene, alcoholism; 13 degrees: lesser curvature of the stomach, azimene. 14 degrees: stomach walls, azimene, blindness or defective sight; 15 degrees: gastric nerves, azimene, blindness or defective sight; 16 degrees: Pancreas; 17 - 18 degrees: duodenal opening of pancreatic duct, chemicals, poisons, gas; 19 degrees: Ampulla of bile duct, bile, chemicals, poisons, gas; 20 degrees: Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery; 21 degrees: inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery; 22 degrees: gastric mucosa, weak or impaired vision; 23 degrees: gastric blood vessels, weak or impaired vision; 24 - 25 degrees: blood vessels of digestive organs, danger through water, gas, poisons, dog bites; 26 degrees: mammary glands; 27 degrees: nipples, digestive troubles; 28 degrees: cartilage of ribs, hair, digestive troubles, depression mental and emotional difficulties and instability, spleen; 29 degrees: spleen, bronchitis, depression mental and emotional difficulties and instability; 30 degrees: twelfth thoracic vertebra, bronchitis.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Cancer: Learning to trust. Choosing healthy relationships with emotional give-and-take. Taking time for periods of retreat, but not isolation. Becoming self-soothing. Warming and drying herbs. Dry skin brushing.  Lymphatic tonics and cleansers. Diuretics. Mineral rich herbs and supplements for grounding.

Gifts of Cancer: Emotional depth and intelligence. Ancestral heritage and wisdom. Security and developing a nourishing home environment. Intuition and psychic gifts. Empathy.

Rituals of Cancer: Trance and journeywork. Psychic development. Past Life work. Visionary dreaming. Fertility rituals. Self-empowerment.

Cancer Guardian Herbs: Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Burdock Root (Arctium lappa), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Fenugreek (Feoniculum vulgare), Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Cancer Remedy Herbs: Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Flower + Gem Essences: Clematis, Agrimony, Red Chestnut, Honeysuckle, Chamomile, Moonstone
 

The Sun in Cancer

I think that one of the quickest ways to understand Cancer  is to take a look at the sign’s zodiac symbol, the crab. The crab is a liminal animal, straddling both land and sea. Cancers are creatures of the water, but they dwell mostly on the shore. Their strength lies in their emotional experiences of the world. It is through their emotional sensitivity that they perceive the world and they place a lot of self-worth in their ability to be sensitive. We live in a world that does not value sensitivity - being sensitive is dangerously subversive because it requires us to be aware of the way we are impacting the lives of others including the life of our beautiful ocean planet. Another aspect of the crab to pay attention to is that it carries it home with it everywhere and has a hardy, defensive exterior with a soft interior. Being sensitive requires the ability to retreat and recuperate because deep feeling all the time can be overwhelming. Carrying their homes with them, Cancer folk are also often concerned about home life in general and creating homely, welcoming, and nurturing spaces.

While the sensitivity of Cancer and their ability to move between the world of the physical and the emotional with ease can be a great gift, it can also be one of Cancer’s greatest struggles. Their sensitivity can become overwhelming and they can retreat from the world of large, becoming apathetic, depressed, defensive or some combination thereof. If they haven’t invested enough time in or valued the importance of emotional intelligence, they can find themselves in inappropriate relationships that can be codependent, draining, and emotionally coercive. All of this can dampen Cancer’s ability to trust and have faith in the goodness of others. They risk shifting from a liminal creature of wisdom  to something a bit more crabby. Sometimes, Cancer folk can get caught up in past emotional experiences, placing priority on those memories and that version of reality rather than the current reality of the present. Yet, when Cancer folks are dwelling in their power, they have an incredible gift to journey into the past, return, and teach us about healing our ancestral heritage and tapping into a lineage of wisdom. 

Within the context of medical astrology, Cancer folk are typically not the most inherently energetic of the signs of the zodiac. They have to pay close attention to how they expend their energy, but with care they can do well. Time for retreat and relaxation is important. Since they are a sign that is very lunar-oriented, spending some time in the sun (especially in the early morning) is good for recharging their energetic centers, but should not be overdone. They should also give themselves space to be quiet and creative under the light of their guardian planet, the Moon. A consciously consumed diet is important and being aware of the relationship between feelings and eating is one of their keys to longevity. While exercise is not the favorite activity of many Cancer folk, like everyone, the crab needs to move their body. Swimming, gentle yoga, and breathing exercises will all be beneficial. The gifts of Cancer folk are manifold and include the ability to connect with parts of our emotional landscape we thought we would never find again. They help us find the shore and that is such a gift as we remember to return home to ourselves again and again. 
 

Cancer Guardian Herbs 

Aloe Vera via wikipedia.org

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

The form of Aloe Vera is reminiscent of the energetics that Cancer embodies - a hard, spiky exterior filled with soft, liquid wisdom. The inner gel of the plant is cooling and moist, alleviating inflammation in the body both internally and externally. The gel of the plant’s inner lining can be drunk daily as a nutritive and immune-building remedy. Excellent for burns, Aloe is also good for emotional, mental, and spiritual burn-out that is so common during these times of great change. The regenerative quality of Aloe means that it helps us to form new tissue cells, which is why the plant is useful in the treatment of scars. Aloe is moistening not only topically but internally as well assisting with hydration and re-hydration after exertion or prolonged sun exposure. The plant is also useful for moistening dried out bowels, improving digestion, and general vitality.

Aloe is used topically for a variety of conditions including sunburn, burns, bedsores, athlete’s foot, bruises, wrinkles, ulcers, herpes, abrasions, ringworm, shingles, dandruff, insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and the itch of chicken pox. Deeply nourishing, Aloe helps us to relax and be present in the moment to what we need now which is a primary gift of Cancer folk.

Want  access to more information on a variety of healing herbs for Cancer folk including a full medicinal and magickal profile on Aloe Vera? Join the Lunar Apothecary!

Cancer Remedy Herbs 

Chamomile by kallerna via wikipedia.org

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile is both a Guardian and Remedy herb of Cancer. It is an herb with an affinity for the stomach, which Cancer guards. Chamomile is also an herb for emotional upsets that manifest in the stomach and digestive tract. Think about the person (maybe you!) who gets a nervous or upset stomach during emotionally challenging times - Chamomile is a fantastic ally. The herb is bitter and sweet which helps us to produce fluids such as bile for digestion, but also helps us to digest our emotions properly. Do you see how Chamomile is both an herb of Guardianship and Remedy for Cancer? 

Chamomile is an herb forcolic-y children and young ones who have great emotional sensitivity that can make moving through the world difficult. Yet, because it is also an herb of Cancer, it has the ability for all of us at any age to connect with our inner kid, which is an exceptional quality when it comes to emotional healing. Many of us are carrying around emotional baggage from our young and formative years that can keep us floundering or stagnating in our present life. Chamomile can help us to process these difficult emotions, by gently reconnecting us with who we were before so that we can move on to who we are becoming.

Sun in Cancer Flower Essence

Since Cancer is so deeply situated within the realm of the emotions I could easily list out a hundred essences I could recommend for Cancer Sunfolk. I have chosen to go with Agrimony, alsoknown as the remedy for the tortured smile. Agrimony is for folks who are experiencing a storm of emotions inside but maintain a cheerful exterior at all costs - hence the tortured smiling. Cancer folk can sometimes fall into this pattern when they don’t feel like they have a safe space to express their emotions and have them be valued. Sometimes, Cancer folk can get so caught up in hiding their emotions from others that they successfully hide what they are feeling from themselves. Such emotional hiding suppression can lead to all sorts of discomfort and imbalance in their lives. I think Agrimony essence is also useful for those folks coping with post-traumatic stress disorder as it is very good at helping us to connect with what we are feeling deep within as opposed to connecting solely to how we are reacting in the moment. Agrimony assists us in expressing our true emotions and through that actually cultivating an authentically cheerful disposition.

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 and the other posts in my Astroherbology series.

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

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

The Windswept Garden: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Swords

I am doing a guest post series on the amazing Little Red Tarot blog all about Tarot + Herbalism. Little Red Tarot is the home of Beth Maiden who has created an intelligent and inspiring alternative community to us Tarot folk who are queer, rebellious, multi-cultural, and rad. I hope you enjoy the latest installation in the series all about the herbal wisdom of the suit of swords!

All cards shown in this post are from Thea's Tarot.

Check out the other posts in the Herbal Tarot Wisdom Series:

• The Windswept Garden: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Swords

• The Well of Memory : The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Cups

• The Flame of Desire: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Wands

• The Foundation Bones: The Herbal Wisdom of the Suit of Pentacles

Our journey through the world of tarot and herbalism begins with the suit of swords and element of air. In many western esoteric traditions, the direction of east and air is honored as a place of beginnings. The east is where the sun rises each day and it is in the suit of swords that we learn to speak and express ourselves when we engage the illuminating path of tarot. In my experience, the suit of swords is also the area that most often illuminates conflict, challenges, miscommunication, and injustice in a reading. Swords are sharp and swing both ways - they represent our thoughts and words which can lift us up in one moment and tear us down in the next. They are the doublespeak of advertising and politics as well as the sacred charm and song of revolution. Swords are also the suit of illumination, inspiration, and knowledge before it alchemizes into wisdom, and risk-taking. The swords hold incredible power, so when lots of swords show up in a spread I know to pay attention to what is in motion.

Swords can represent mental tension, stress, and a busy brain. We live in a hyper-connected suit of swords time with a constant barrage of social media shouting and an ever increasing consumption of media. It becomes harder to take moments just for ourselves - quiet moments of tea time become an opportunity to connect with a multitude of followers via instagram. Suddenly a quiet pleasure-centered moment where we might settle into our bodies becomes a moment to get in our heads, our of the moment, and rack up likes. Such is a very out-of-balance swords world we live in.

Connecting the swords to herbalism, I think about plants that quiet hurried thoughts, release tension, and bring about a sense of ease. I welcome in plants that ease heartache (especially when the three of swords shows up) and take the edge off. I call to plants that enliven the mind where new ideas are needed and to clear out sluggishness which may have settled into the mind.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a enlivening herb which cuts through mental fog and I love it for invoking the clarifying powers of the swords. When the winds are tossing about emotionally and mentally, we can find ourselves in a state of tension and stress. Gently antispasmodic and a classic digestive, Peppermint relieves tension and the complaints of indigestion including gas, nausea, and intestinal cramping. Since we’re concerned with speaking and communication in the suit of swords, Peppermint has the very practical benefit of being an herb for bad breath. The herb is a classic cold care ally in Traditional Western Herbalism, especially when combined with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Elder (Sambucus nigra). In a garden, Peppermint is as tenacious as the thoughts that go round and round in our head, which makes this plant particularly suited to bring in the power of swords into your life. Spray or diffuse the essential oil to awaken a space and clear out old energy - especially useful before a reading if you are seeking clarity on an issue that feels muddled and unclear.

The diffusive herb I chose for the suit of swords is Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) which is one of my favorite relaxing nervines. You know that mental chatter that goes round and round and round in your head keeping you from falling asleep at night? Skullcap might help quiet the noise. A powerful nervine, Skullcap restores strength to an overwhelmed nervous system (by working on the cerebro spinal centers), relieving spasms, nerve pain, and cultivating calm. The common name Mad Dog Weed speaks to Skullcap historical uses for St. Vitus dance, hysteria, epilepsy, convulsion, and major disturbances of the nervous and mental systems. It is a classic herb for those overworked and feeling like they are stretched to their limits, but there is a nasty voice in their head saying they just have to buck up and keep going.  It is particularly useful when those drama llama cards arrive (10 of Swords, anyone?). Skullcap kicks out the nasties and welcomes in bliss. I like combining it with Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) for a deliciously soothing blend. Skullcap can alleviate the sharpness of too many swords in our lives helping us to connect back to the clarity that the airy suit can provide.

The Sword Court Cards

Seeker of Swords: Borage

The Seeker of Swords is adventurous, hurried, and ready for action. They jump in first and think later - they’re confident they’ll be able to talk themselves out of any trouble they might find themselves in. They’re also the most intuitive of the Sword Court, in that they listen to the song of the wind for guidance. I recommend Borage Flower Essence for the Seeker of Swords because the beautiful flower teaches true bravery through contemplation of what lies ahead. The Borage flower bends over and looks down at the earth - gazing at the path that it will soon fall on. Borage helps Seeker of Swords folks to find their bravery when it is lacking, to check their ego when it is drawing them into undesirable situations, and reconnect them to the wisdom of knowing before just rushing in.

Apprentice of Swords: Impatiens

The Apprentice of Swords may get the prize for one of the most if not the most impatient card in the deck. Let’s go already! So, it is no surprise that Impatiens is a recommended essence for Apprentice of Swords folks. Impatiens honors the quick-thinking energy of the Apprentice of Swords while tempering the irritation and impatience that can accompany such speed of thought. In addition to teaching patience, Impatiens also teaches empathy and the importance of collaboration to Apprentice of Swords folks who can come off as bossy lone wolf types. Connecting with their empathy and patience, the Apprentice of Swords is able to move beyond being a know-it-all into becoming wise.

Artist of Swords: Vervain

The Artist of Swords disdains injustice in all its form. When in balance, the Artist of Swords is a revolutionary leader inspiring through words. An out-of-balance Artist of Swords uses the same strength of words to bulldoze other’s ideas and input until everyone agrees with their vision. The essence of Vervain is a good teacher for Artist of Swords folks because it helps to take an edge of the urgency of need for everyone to see why their vision is the best. Instead, Vervain helps Artist of Sword folks to hear and appreciate the ideas of others while talking about their own vision with a spirit of collaboration. Vervain also helps to protect against burnout which many Artist of Swords folks are prone to as they can push themselves past their limits for the cause they are fighting for. Remember, wordsmiths and fighters, we need you for the long-run, not just the next protest. Vervain helps us create sturdy foundations to fall back on so our fire can burn brightly for many years to come.

Mentor of Swords: Sage

The Mentor of Swords embodies the ideals of the suit of swords - a person who communicates with confidence and clarity, inspiring others with their self-expression. The essence of Sage helps to distill knowledge gained through experience into wisdom that can be shared with others. Sage also helps Mentor of Swords folks develop confidence in teaching others. On the flip side, the essence assists Mentor of Swords folks in understanding the importance of intergenerational collaboration. If you’re struggling to find your wisdom flow in your tarot practice or you’ve been reading for years and feel like you’re in a rut, Sage flower essence might be a good ally for you.

Loose Incense

In addition to enjoying herbs in tea and tincture form, the suit of swords and the realm of air invites us to enjoy herbal medicine as aromatic remedies such as aromatherapy and loose incense. Loose incense is incredibly easy to make - simply choose your herbs and mix them together. You can burn them on self lighting charcoal (this is my favorite stuff) or cast into a fire. Loose incense can be blended into powder and cast into the winds or used to dress candles. There are a lot of possibilities and the following are a few tips for creating your own loose incenses:

• Purchase or harvest good quality herbs. Old herbs smell like old herbs, whereas freshly dried and well-harvested herbs have a quality of life to them that creates wonderful incense. If wildcrafting, please do so mindfully.

• Less is more. You can burn a single herb or a few combined together, but start with simpler recipes where each herb is working in harmony.

• Let your incense incubate. Once you have blended together your herbs, cap them in an air tight jar and let them “brew” for a week or so (I like to wait for a full cycle of the moon). The blend ripens and the herbs have time to mix and mingle. You can sing charms to the jar each day or bury it in the earth for the entirety of incubation - whatever your heart is called to do.

• Charm your incense. Take time to charge or charm your incense. Speak the names of each herb you are using and their powers. Name your incense and its purpose. Hold it at your heart, your belly, your head. Do what you do to raise energy and fill the incense with your charm. Remember your magick, clever one.

How will you be connecting with the herbs and energies of the suit of swords? Post your experiences below as well as any questions you might have about the information already shared. Next time we’ll be exploring the suit of cups and the element of water. Until then, journey well, clever ones!

Bonfire Offerings: A Summer Solstice Tarot Spread

The Summer Solstice is a time of illumination + mirth!

Our tarot spread for the Summer Solstice (known also as Midsummer and Litha) focuses on our brightness and how we shine (or shadow) in our relationships with ourselves, our families, friends, and lovers, and to the land.  We take a look at where the shadows lie and prepare ourselves for the coming harvest as the wheel turns towards Lammas or Lughnasadh.

1. SUNRISE.  What is your source of abundant growth?

2. BONFIRE. Where do you shine brightest?  How do you illuminate the world?  Adversely, what do you fear to show the world?  What holds you back from exposing your greatness?

3. SUNSET.  What is it that you have to give?

4. SUMMER SUN. Overview of the strengths of your relationships between friends, family, and lovers.

5. SUMMER SHADOW. Overview of the weaknesses of your relationships between friends, family, and lovers.

6. SACRED HERBS.  Overview of your relationship to the green world including the food you eat.

7. LAND SPIRITS. Overview of your relationship to the land spirits.

8. STIRRINGS. What part of you is awakening as the wheel turns towards the first harvest?

Looking for more magickally inspired Tarot spreads? 

You're invited to peruse my tarot + divination series. Or do you want to learn about herbalism and tarot? Check out The Tarot Apothecary. Find all the tarot spreads in my Wheel of the Year series via the links below:

• Hallowing: Samhain Spread

• Darkest Night: Winter Solstice Spread

• Quickening: Imbolc Spread

• Brightening: Spring Equinox Spread

• Fire + Fields: Beltane Spread

• Bonfire Offerings: Summer Solstice Spread

• First Harvest: Lammas

• Balancing: Autumn Equinox Spread

Blessed Midsummer, sacred ones!

background image via creativecan.com. design by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.

Gemini: The Astroherbology Profile

It's time to explore the sign of Gemini! You're getting a snapshot into the ever expanding astroherbology magick of the Lunar Apothecary - lucky you! 

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

Element: Air
Mode: Mutable
Guardian Planet: Mercury
Direction: East
Season: Spring (NH), Autumn (SH)
House: 3rd House / Cadent
Lunar Mansions: 6th Mansion + 7th Mansion 
Solar Gemstone: Agate
Tarot: The Lovers, The Magician, 8 of Swords (5/21 - 5/30), 9 of Swords (6/1 - 6/10), 10 of Swords (6/11 - 6/20), King of Swords
Tissue State: Tense/Constriction (learn more about the energetic system of traditional western herbalism)

Body Systems: Arms, Shoulders, Hands, Fingers, Lungs, Nerves. The Nervous System. Breathing. Tubes, tunnels, and connectors of the body including fallopian tubes, urinary tubes, bronchial tubes, etc. Blood capillaries. Sensory receptors.

Imbalances + Diseases: Diseases of the lungs including  bronchial complaints, nervous system disorders, chronic fatigue, asthma. Carpal tunnel, stiff shoulders, and pinched nerves. Sensory disorders and issues, including damage to the sensory receptors. Injuries or issues with the hands, fingers, arms, and shoulders. Blocks, lack of tone, spasms with the tubes of the body including infections such as UTIs. Hearing and speech disorders. Learning difficulties or a need for radically different learning styles than presented by the dominant overculture. Disorders of the blood capillaries including Raynard’s disease and blood diseases in general (with Pisces). Social anxiety. Depression and lack of inspiration. High blood pressure. Out-of-balance nervous system - either overactive or underachieve or moving back and forth between both states (a sign of the Tense Tissue State). Neurological conditions such as epilepsy. Diseases of the eyes and poor or damaged eyesight. Lingering illnesses. Hyperactivity. Over reliance on social life for self-worth. Dishonesty, lying, and manipulation through the spoken and written word. Oversized ego and selfishness. Social media addiction. Lack of focus and mindfulness. Lack of perception on the truth of the situation. 

Disease Degrees: 1 degree: trachea; 2 degrees: oesphagus; 3 degrees: upper right pulmonary lobe, pulmonary inflammation; 4 degrees: lower right pulmonary lobe, pulmonary inflammation; 5 degrees: upper left pulmonary lobe; 6 degrees: lower left pulmonary lobe; 7 degrees: apex of lungs, heart; 8 degrees: bronchi, eyesight; 9 degrees: pulmonary arteries, typhoid fever, rheumatic fever; 10 degrees: typhoid fever, hilum of lungs, enteric fever; 11 degrees: thymus gland; 12 degrees: tracheal mucosa; 13 degrees: pulmonary arteries, rheumatic fever; 14 degrees: clavicle, muteness,  impaired speech or impaired speech organs; 15 degrees: muteness, impaired speech or impaired speech organs, scapulae, asthma, pneumonia; 16 degrees: pleura, asthma, pneumonia, AIDs, bright’s disease, sleep and trance; 17 degrees: First rib, asthma, bright’s disease, sleep and trance; 18 degrees: Second rib, chronic glomerulonephritis, asthma, bright’s disease, sleep and trance; 19 degrees: Laryngeal muscles, bright’s disease, sleep and trance, defective sight; 20 degrees: Third rib, defective sight; 21 degrees: Arm muscles, enteric fever, defective sight; 22 degrees: Upper arm, appendicitis, insanity, defective sight; 23 degrees: Head of the humerus, spine, defective sight; 24 degrees: Olecranon; 25 degrees: Radius, nervous debility; 26 degrees: Wrist bones, suicide; 27 degrees: Finger; 28 degrees: Metacarpal bones, tuberculosis; 29 degrees: Fourth rib; 30 degrees: Fifth rib.

Remedies for Imbalanced and/or Weakened Gemini: Speaking from a place of authenticity. Learning how to be accountable and owning up to shortcomings. Building long-term relationships. Valuing the input of others as much as their own. Speaking less and listening more. Learning inclusive communication techniques. Creating regular time and space for intellectual pursuit and performance. Meditation and mindfulness practices.

Gifts of Gemini: Communication, intellectual prowess, articulation of the mysterious. Distillation of knowledge to a wider audience. Performance, the gift of a good story, and the power of naming. Friendliness, playfulness, and community-minded. The ability to verbalize what is happening and help others find their words, quick-witted, and the gift of perception.

Rituals of Gemini: Release, giving up the outmoded, inspiration cultivation, successful contracts, confident communication of ideals and emotions.

Gemini Guardian Herbs: Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Gingko (Gingko biloba)

Gemini Remedy Herbs: Oats (Avena sativa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), California Poppy (Eschscholzia california), Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Flower + Gem Essences: Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Cerato (Ceratostigma willmottianum), Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), Aquamarine, Citrine

The Sun in Gemini

Say “hello!” to Gemini because Gemini is sure saying “hello!” to you! Gemini is the first air sign and mutable sign of the zodiac and they’re super stoked about it (apologies to the Gemini folk for whom stoked is not their choice of words - I know how important that is to you). If you thought Aries was fast moving, Gemini is the quickest moving sign of the zodiac. One of the friendliest signs of the zodiac, Gemini is also very concerned with their social life because that is where they find (or think they’ll find) their since of self worth. Those with a Gemini Sun can be quite long-lived if they were to pay attention to taking care of their bodies as much as they do their latest social media account. The talkative twins can be pulled so many directions at once that they can lose focus quickly, including to their long-term wellbeing. All that said, if you haven’t gone on an adventure with a Gemini you are missing out! Not only is their playfulness superb but they can distill the lessons of your journey into shareable wisdom.

One of the quickest way of figuring out if you have found yourself in conversation with a Gemini is their inexhaustible chattiness. They are talkative and they process their surroundings and thoughts through verbalization. Gemini folk can be very perceptive, quickly putting together details and disparate pieces into a coherent whole. Part of the reason they place such importance in their social life is because their social life is one of the most important components of their connection-making. Hire a Gemini if you’re looking to get the business connections you never dreamed of. Hire a Gemini, too, to help you find a romantic partner (as long as they realize they are searching for you, not for them). Being recognized for their verbal offerings if very important to Gemini folk as they want to hear that what they have said has been heard. The feedback loop can be both their best friend and their frenemy all at once. 

So our busy, buzzing, quick-witted, and changeable like the wind Gemini folk have a few lessons to learn so that their amazing ability to articulate the mysterious to the masses can be truly realized. First, Gemini folk need to pay attention to their nervous system feeding it with nourishing foods and healthy living habits.  I would suggest that Gemini folk imagine that their nervous system is their ultimate personalized social network of connectivity. Meditation and mindfulness might be some of the most important practices a Gemini ever commits to. The more they take care of their nervous system the better able ideas and insights will be able to travel through their body and out into the world. The gifts of Gemini folk include the uncanny ability to name what needs to be named and make connections where no one had yet dreamed to put together. Catch the wind and ride free, it’ll be amazing what you’ll see, is what our Gemini folk teach us.

Gemini Guardian Herb

Happy Peppermint seedlings chatting it up!

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

The scent of Peppermint speaks to the power of Gemini to enliven the mind and spirit to inspiration. Peppermint assists with mental focus and is very useful for clearing out brain fog. It is one of my favorite essential oils to spray in a room when I need a creative pick-me-up. 

Peppermint contains a number of healing constituents including rosmarinic acid and menthol which both help promote respiratory health. In fact, Peppermint has been used for centuries in folklore recipes for the flu and common cold, most commonly mixed with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Elder (Sambucus nigra).

The herb is tension relieving and is a great herbal ally forreleasing nervousness especially when it settles in the stomach and intestines. Peppermint relieves intestinal cramping and can be taken before and after meals as a digestive tonic. Additionally, the Peppermint is useful in cases of nervous tension headaches and migraines. Peppermint embodies the brilliant qualities of Gemini! 

Want a full Peppermint profile and access to more information on a variety of healing herbs? Join the Lunar Apothecary!

 Gemini Remedy Herbs

Skullcap via wikipedia

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Gemini folk need to pay special attention to their nervous system and Skullcap is a fantastic nervous system tonic. For those thoughts that spin round and round and round in your head, keeping you from focusing or falling asleep at night, Skullcap might be an ally. A powerful nervine, Skullcap restores strength to an overwhelmed nervous system (by working on the cerebrospinal centers), relieving spasms, nerve pain, and cultivating calm. Sometimes Gemini folk spin out so fast they have trouble coming home again to their bodies and the restoration of being chill. Skullcap helps promote healthy sleep patterns as well as a desire to reconnect the mind to the body through rest.

For Gemini folk prone to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, Skullcap stimulates the brain to produce more endorphins in the system due to the presence of scutellarin in the plant which becomes scutellarein in the body. Pretty darn sweet! 

You’ll notice that I placed Skullcap in both the Remedy and Guardian which makes perfect since if you’re dealing with the twin-ergy of Gemini. Skullcap both remedies the lack of focus that Gemini folk might find themselves in, but it also gifts the important Gemini gift of not fearing your words and thoughts but finding power in them. 

Sun in Gemini Flower Essence

Milkweed thinks you're grand.

The sacred words of Milkweed Flower Essence are “I am nourished.” Milkweed is an incredibly nourishing essence, one that feeds the roots of our soul. For Milkweed, nourishment is getting exactly what we need by being exactly who we are - which is a wonderful lesson in living in maintaining the “I” in the myriad of roles we live as lover, friend, child, teacher, partner and community member. Milkweed helps Gemini folk to integrate strong personal identity with a common community vision.

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 and the other posts in my Astroherbology series.

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

• 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.

A Crown of Roses: An Introduction to Tarot + Herbalism

I am doing a guest post series on the amazing Little Red Tarot blog all about Tarot + Herbalism. Little Red Tarot is the home of Beth Maiden who has created an intelligent and inspiring alternative community to us Tarot folk who are queer, rebellious, multi-cultural, and rad. I hope you enjoy the new series!

Tarot and the art of herbalism have always gone together for me. The year that I started creating my first herbal remedies was the same year that I also purchased my first tarot deck. The Smith-Waite deck that I began to learn to read with was lush with plant life and symbolism. In addition to becoming a tool for me to translate what I was feeling in words and concepts to other people, the cards were a way to connect with my plant kindred in new and meaningful ways. Finding roses growing in my neighborhood suddenly was an opportunity to step into the world of the Magician or Strength or perhaps even Death - all three cards are but some of the landscapes that roses appear in the deck of cards I had.

As I developed my practice as an herbalist and witch, I began to understand and value that our emotions and experiences are not independent of our bodies. Our feelings flow through the neural pathways of our entire body and they can pool, stagnate, or run amok like any other fluid or energy in the body. One way tarot and herbalism are such useful complementary tools is that they are both addressing the underlying emotional story of our lived experiences. If tarot is a map of our internal landscape, herbs are the nourishment for our journey as well as keys to new lands, while our will and desire is the compass which guide us.  

While knowledge of tarot does not make up for lack of knowledge about herbs, there are many ways that each of, experienced in the practice of herbalism or not, can connect with our plant allies through tarot. Over the next few months, I’ll be looking at the tarot cards starting with each suite of the Minor Arcana and then the Major Arcana, exploring how the energy of the cards connect with specific plants and herbal actions. At the end of the this post, I’ll look at three simple ways you can start connecting with plants through your tarot practice.  

As Traditional Western Herbalist, my perspective on herbs and their energetics are based in the six tissue state framework and the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. The six tissue states of Traditional Western Herbalism (TWH) can be seen as comparative to the three doshas of Ayurveda or the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine. My own personal practice also includes the concept of stella and terra energies or “as above, so below” which is a concept that many tarot folks are familiar with. What this means, is that based on the elemental association of each of the suits of tarot we can make herbal energetic connections. So, the swords are a suit of air and might work with herbs that focus on the lungs, while the pentacles are a suit of earth and we might work with the roots of herbs the skin. The use of herbal energetics within a tarot framework will become clearer as the series progresses, but I have found it to be a very useful way of connecting the elemental system of tarot with the energetic properties of herbs.

For our journey through the Minor Arcana I’ll be using the following format for each of the suits of tarot in my posts.

Receptive Herb: Our receptive herbs bring in the energy of the element of the suit. A receptive herb for the suit of cups or water might be moistening and oily in nature, bringing moisture to a dried out situation.

Diffusive Herb: Our diffusive herbs diffuse or bring balance to the element of a suit. A diffusive herb for the suit of pentacles or earth, which tends to be slow and stagnant when out of balance, might be stimulating and energizing.

Herbal Actions: Each element has a tendency towards certain herbal actions. Herbs of the suit of wands which is related to fire, for example, are generally stimulating and warming.

Herbal Remedy: A simple herbal remedy technique that relates to the energy of the suit being discussed.

While I’ll look at the pips of each suit as a whole, I will explore the court cards individually recommending flower essences for each one. Flower essences are a very accessible, inexpensive, and safe form of herbal medicine that are easy to make on your own or purchase at your local health shop or favorite online seller. The amazing thing about flower essences is that by their very nature they can do no harm - an essence that isn’t right for you will do nothing whereas the correct essence may affect profound change that you are ready for. I’m recommending flower essences for each of the court cards because I want folks who have little to no herbal experience or training to have a very accessible medium of plant medicine to access and use. Also, heck, they’re amazing magick and lots of fun!

For the court cards, I will be using the language from the Collective Tarot which I think describe the energies of the cards in a fantastic and understandable way. The court cards will be named as followed:

Page = Seeker
night = Apprentice
King = Artist
Queen = Mentor

Now, let’s look at some ways that you can begin to connect with plant allies through the tarot whether or not you’re an experienced herbalists or have never had a cup of herbal tea in your life!

3 Ways to Connect with Plant Allies through Tarot

1. Tarot + Tea. Whether a black tea or herbal tisane, if you are so inclined to brew a cup before beginning a reading, you can also begin to connect with the energies of the plant releasing its medicinal and magickal energy into your cup. One way to do this, is to sit quietly while holding the cup between your hands and speak your intention for the reading ahead. Focusing on your intention, blow it across the surface of your brew, letting the water ripple and shift, connecting with the power of the plant to charge your intention with energy. Take a sip and then begin your reading.
2. Choose an herb featured in tarot and learn about it. The Smith-Waite-Rider deck is full of herbs that play a prominent role in the western esoteric tradition including Roses, Lilies, and Sunflowers. Begin researching the medicinal and magickal uses for any of these herbs. Botanical.com is a free searchable materia medica of Maude Grieves and includes both folkloric and traditional uses for plants.
3. Pull a card for a plant. Get into the garden, the local park or visit the plant growing on your windowsill, and say “hello!” Pull a card asking what healing gifts the plant possesses, what message it might have for you specifically (especially if it has been sitting in your house and watching you for a while, it might have some useful insight), or any other question you might have. Always connect with the plant first and ask permission to do a reading with it and be sure to say thanks afterwards, perhaps even offering a bit of water or a song. If you’re looking to pull more than just a card, you can check out my Wild Tongue: Plant Ally Spread for a more in-depth reading.

Herbalism and tarot are two fascinating arts which offer us incredible tools of change and connection in a world that desperately needs both. I hope that some of you will find the practice of tarot and herbalism to be useful in your own lives and in the lives of the communities you serve.

The decks featured in this post are the Smith-Waite deck, more commonly known as the Rider-Waite-Smith or RWS tarot, Thea’s Tarot by Ruth West, The Greenwood Tarot by Chesca Potter, and The World Spirit Tarot by Jessica Godino and Lauren O’Leary.