Aries And Taurus season

Chromatic Healing Across the Zodiac: Chromotherapy, Phytonutrient Therapy, Astro-Colors, Astro-Anatomy, and Magic

Apr 07, 2025

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Happy April, Friends!

This post will be dedicated to Aries and Taurus Seasons since I am late for Aries and just early enough for Taurus. Just a brief check-in on what’s going on with me; here’s what I mentioned in the last post: “I have many irons on the fire, and oscillating between them throughout the day, all week long. I am one month away from completing the three-year holistic practitioner program, writing a historical fantasy novel, and preparing my practice so that I can officially take on clients! It’s all happening.“ I am on my last case studies for school, so we are right at the finish line, now!

The historical fantasy novel I am writing is dedicated to the Etruscans, whom I believe are my ancestors, and it is taking a lot out of me. I’m doing research, meditation, visualization, and more. It is intense, and by the time I am finished for the day, I am so exhausted that my voice is soft, and what follows is a migraine (I don’t get migraines, usually!). So, this one won’t be as long as others, but I hope it brings light MCAS and HI issues. I may do a follow up post if everyone enjoys this, and would like more information!

In this post, I will gather everything I know about Histamine Intolerance and the phytonutrients quercetin, resveratrol (found in red and orange foods), and iron that help with this condition. As the post progresses, we will learn how and why.

So, here we go. You know the drill. Aries and Taurus! Aries season starts March 20th to April 19th and Taurus season starts April 20th to May 20th. Mars rules Aries, and Venus rules Taurus.

Aries’ themes include drive, war, fire, will, energy, and independence. In Medical Astrology, Aries rules the head, blood (and rules blood circulation with other signs), upper jaw, inflammation, stress, and iron (in the blood). Aries is associated with the First House of Self and is related to physical appearance. On the other hand, Taurus rules themes such as core values, income, material wealth/possessions, self-worth, pleasure, aesthetics, and pleasures in life. In Medical Astrology, Taurus rules the throat, larynx, nose, ears, lower jaw, shoulders, and mouth. It is associated with the Second House of Income, Possessions, and Core Values. Venus, who rules Taurus, governs our body’s hormonal balances and the endocrine system.

For the purpose of this blog post, we are going to focus on Venus’ rulership over hormonal balance, particularly when it comes to estrogen, as well as cortisol (still a hormone, but a hormone related to stress and therefore falls in the Mars/Aries category for me). We will talk about how these two hormones play a part in inflammation and Histamine Intolerance (HI) and, going even further, how mast cells are also responsible for the body’s inflammatory response.

Mast cells, Histamine, Cortisol, and Estrogen

What are mast cells?

Mast cells are white blood cells residing in connective tissue. They are responsible for safeguarding the body and reacting to stress or inflammation by sending chemical messengers to other body parts in emergencies. These messengers can attach to receptors on the mast cells. Histamine, a chemical messenger, is crucial for a robust immune system. However, issues arise if the body overproduces histamine, can't clear it from the liver, or becomes overwhelmed. This can result in both acute and long-standing symptoms. While histamine helps us feel alert, an excess or overproduction can lead to anxiety and a zingy feeling. Histamine causes vasodilation, widening blood vessels. Chronic vasodilation prevents blood from being pumped effectively throughout the body. For instance, a hot shower can trigger histamine release and vasodilation, causing dizziness or splotchy skin as blood flow to the brain decreases. This can also result in a racing heart. Lastly, histamine also directs nutrient distribution, which can lead to digestive problems.

“The histochemical characteristics of human basophils and tissue mast cells were described over a century ago by Paul Ehrlich. When mast cells are activated by an allergen that binds to serum IgE attached to their FcɛRI receptors, they release cytokines, eicosanoids and their secretory granules. Mast cells are now thought to exert critical proinflammatory functions, as well as potential immunoregulatory roles, in various immune disorders through the release of mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines chemokines, and neutral proteases (chymase and tryptase). […]
-Kawa Amin, The role of mast cells in allergic inflammation, Respiratory Medicine, Volume 106, Issue 1, 2012

What is histamine?

When we think of histamine, we immediately think of allergy season, but histamine release has many other functions, like regulating the circadian rhythm and cognitive function [1]. It is a chemical released by mast cells that causes allergic reactions. By causing vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, it leads to various symptoms across various body systems.

In the skin, this results in itching, redness, and swelling.
Histamine causes muscle contractions and altered secretions in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
It affects the respiratory system by constricting airways and increasing mucus production, mimicking allergy symptoms.
Histamine can cause low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and palpitations in the cardiovascular system.
In the nervous system, histamine crosses the blood-brain barrier, affecting mood and potentially exacerbating anxiety or depression.
In the ears, eyes, nose, and throat (EENT), it causes inflammation and swelling.
Histamine promotes inflammation and pain in the nervous system, potentially contributing to joint instability, especially in those with hypermobility.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight, flight, and freeze responses, as well as in maintaining immune system health. (Balancing cortisol levels is particularly important in managing conditions like PCOS, adenomyosis, and endometriosis.) Cortisol has numerous functions within the body that are essential for overall well-being. It also has a complicated relationship with histamine as it regulates inflammation, but when chronically stressed, high cortisol levels will lead to mast cell activation, which leads to the release of histamine.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is considered a “Venusian” hormone, but allow me to challenge that belief. I once heard Olivia Amitrano (Organic Olivia) talk about estrogen on one of her podcasts and explained that this hormone has a yang (active) quality rather than yin (passive) simply because it encourages growth, not rest, stasis, or stillness (there is another hormone for that, and we will discuss it shortly). On the other hand, Venus was associated with victory in battle. A lot of love and fertility Goddesses have a war aspect, and therefore, can we say that Venus should be simply reduced to themes of peace and beauty? Perhaps not. It may align with Venus to rule over estrogen and its active properties. (We just came full circle).

Estrogen is a group of hormones responsible for sex drive, reproductive organ development, and menstrual cycle regulation, primarily produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. There are different types of estrogen. Let’s go through them:

Endogenous Estrogen: Produced in the ovaries, it aids learning, fertility, and skin clarity and boosts confidence.
Compared to endogenous estrogen, we have xenoestrogens, powerful environmental chemicals that bind to estrogen receptors. Because they are so powerful, they bind to our receptors before our endogenous estrogen can. They are potentially harmful, especially in estrogen-dominant conditions (PCOS, adenomyosis, and endometriosis).
- Estrogen upregulates histamine production, and Histamine Sensitivity may be prevalent in the PCOS, Adeno, and Endo populations, where estrogen dominance is a root issue of these conditions.
- Estrogen rises during Day 15 of the menstrual cycle and about Day 21.
Phytoestrogens: Plant-based compounds that mimic the body's estrogen. They are not as powerful as xenoestrogens.
Synthetic Estrogens: Found in medications like birth control.

Quick aside about Progesterone:

Progesterone is the hormone I give to the Moon, and it plays a vital role in histamine intolerance and mast cell activation, which I wanted to mention here. Progesterone is a hormone primarily produced in the ovaries and increases during the luteal phase. Known as "the pregnancy hormone," it thickens the uterine lining for potential pregnancy. Beyond pregnancy, progesterone also influences various other bodily functions, with sleep being one of them. It stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine release, meaning progesterone can diminish histamine-like symptoms. For the Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome population, where progesterone may require support, histamine sensitivity could present a challenge. Addressing progesterone insufficiency may help decrease some symptoms related to Histamine Intolerance and MCAS.

Want to learn more about hormones? Check out my blog posts below:

The Hormonal Series

Learn More

Melatonin, Neptune, and the Moon:

Learn More

Histamine Symptoms

Okay, now you know the connection between histamine, cortisol, estrogen, MCAS, and HI. As mentioned before, histamine is not just related to allergy season. It is involved in several bodily functions. I have added a list of histamine systems below for your convenience. The information was derived from Michelle Shapiro, RD, on the Highly Sensitive Body Hub. Please check out her website. She does a lot of important work in this field, and I have learned so much from her.

Skin:

Itching
Redness
Hives
Swelling
Feeling flush

GI:

Nausea/vomiting
Abdominal pain
Cramping
Diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite
Burning, aching, hungry feeling in the middle of the night

Respiratory:

Sneezing
Runny/itchy nose
Congestion
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

Cardiovascular:

Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
General fluctuations in heart rate
Palpitations
Fainting

Nervous System:

Headaches
Dizziness
Anxiety
Insomnia
Cognitive impairment, foggy-headed, can’t focus, dropping things, unable to retain information, etc
Mood changes (depression, etc)

Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat:

Itchy, watery eyes
Swelling or red eyes
Itchy ears
Blocked ears
Ringing in the ears
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing

Musculoskeletal System:

Joint or muscle pain
Muscle spasms or cramps

Genitourinary System:

Frequent and/or urinary urgency
Painful urination

RCCX Theory

The RCCX Theory, proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, suggests a basis for or explanation of the clustering of chronic illnesses, psychiatric conditions, and neurodivergent traits. It posits that there is a reason so many individuals see overlap in symptoms related to the issues previously stated (paired with the symptoms in the Histamine List above). It is crucial to know that this hypothesis is not widely accepted in mainstream medicine. However, it offers some insight and comfort for those enduring this overlapping chronic struggle.

At its core, the RCCX Theory suggests that certain genes travel and mutate together, leading to a specific “RCCX” phenotype, affecting 20% of the population. There is a long list of conditions this phenotype is associated with:

Dysautonomia
Infertility
PTSD
Autism
PCOS
MCAS
POTS
Vertigo
Neuropathy
Insomnia
Raynaud’s
Anxiety
Acne
Sibo
OCD
Gastroparesis
Lymes
Headaches
HSV
Candida
Leaky gut
Headaches
ADHD
Endometriosis

And more. Please check out Meglathery’s website to learn more. I wanted to mention this theory because I think it is essential for readers to know that there is a root cause for these symptoms and to make connections. Let me use myself as an example:

For instance, I have PCOS and adenomyosis, so I know that both progesterone and estrogen are issues for me. As we’ve discussed, progesterone stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine release. Estrogen, on the other hand, provokes histamine. So, depending on my cycle, histamine release is triggered when my estrogen is elevated. Without sufficient progesterone, my body has less ability to inhibit histamine release and stave off associated symptoms. Moreover, because both PCOS and adeno are conditions rooted in inflammation, we know that cortisol is a significant component that fuels the fire of the histamine tempest in my body.

To echo what Michelle Shapiro says about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and HI:
“This is a Immuno-Endocrine-Neuro-Involved condition”

This is her explanation of how these conditions then become chronic (summarizing):

Chronic conditions develop through the interconnected effects of the mind, nervous system, hormones, and immune system . Stress and emotions influence immune and hormonal responses, creating a feedback loop:

Psychological Trigger:
- The Limbic System (amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, and basal ganglia) processes emotions, memory, and the stress response.
- This system is activated when someone experiences a physical, emotional, or psychological trigger.
- Someone can experience this activation, like anxiety, distress, etc.
Endocrine + HPA Response:
- Next, the Limbic System sends messages to the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which results in the release of cortisol, the stress hormone
- Cortisol prepares the body to fight or flee and increases a heightened awareness and energy to do so.
- Consistently returning to this state can lead to high cortisol levels, which is harmful to the body.
Immune System + HPA Axis:
- Even stress can activate the HPA and modulate the immune system and its responses.
- Mast cells are part of the immune system and are found in connective tissue, as we discussed (skin, respiratory system, GI, hippocampus, etc).
- When triggered, they become hyperactive and release inflammatory mediators (histamine is one of them).
- Someone can experience this activation, like flushing, hives, coughing, and itching.
Neuroimmune:
- Immune cells affect neural activity, and emotional/psychological stressors can provoke the activation of mast cells.
- Someone can experience this, like cognitive dysfunction.
Endocrine + Immune Response:
- Now that the body is in a state of distress, cortisol is released.
- Cortisol influences the symptoms of mast cell activation and histamine intolerance (among many other things).
- This feels like chronic inflammation, being sensitive to infections, sensitive allergic responses, or a compromised immune system.
Persistent Feedback Loop:
- Being in this loop consistently brings dysregulation to the limbic system, endocrine system, and immune system
- It holds a cycle of inflammation in our bodies and exacerbates symptoms of HI and MCAS

So what does this mean?

Put simply, an external stressor sends messages to the body to release chemicals, which the body responds to both physically, somatically, and psychologically. This then starts the cycle over, and the body releases more chemicals.

Iron, Quercetin, and Resveratrol

The Holographic Phytomancy Zodiacal Color Wheel created by me

I understand that this may seem overwhelming! Exploring the root causes of issues can be both freeing and disheartening, especially since chronic conditions often look like a big tangled web at the root. To help alleviate that sense of helplessness, I'd like to suggest some phytonutrient therapy options (note that some foods mentioned below are animal products and not phytonutrients).

So, let’s take it back to Aries and Taurus. In my program, Aries aligns with red (Crimson) when we layer the Artist’s Color Wheel over the Zodiacal Wheel. This spectrum focuses on red foods for stress, inflammation, strength, foundations (protein), and blood (circulation, flow, iron stores, etc). Taurus aligns with red-orange (Terracotta), and in this spectrum, the sacral chakra is the focus. To support this chakra, we eat orange foods for energy, fertility, community, socializing, and creativity. For the post, I want to focus on iron (red, blood, Aries), as well as quercetin and resveratrol (found in red and orange foods).

Iron

Insufficient iron (anemia) is particularly common among those living with MCAS. As we mentioned before, at the root of MCAS and HI is a chronic Immuno-Endocrine-Neuro feedback loop, and because of the increased physiological demand on the body, iron stores are used up, leading to anemia. Interestingly, stress triggers the same pathways that infections do, affecting how our bodies metabolize iron. The HPA axis is then triggered, increasing proinflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins) and disrupting iron absorption; however, if in a chronic stress state, the HPA axis becomes dysregulated and further negatively affects iron stores [6]. (See above again for the Immuno-Endocrine-Neuro-Involved feedback loop.)

List of foods that contain Iron:

Legumes
Fish
Poultry
Eggs
Beans
Lentils
Chickpeas
Currants
Rich greens
Nuts
Seeds
Wheatgrass
Nettles
Nori
Dulse
Kelp
Cherries
Blackberries

Quercetin and Resveratrol

Quercetin is a phytonutrient found in red foods and has been shown to have mast-cell stabilizing abilities. This means it prevents the release of histamines, which can be helpful for MCAS and HI. It acts like a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage DNA and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. Another advantage (albeit possibly indirect) is that quercetin also improves endothelial function (dilating and constricting of blood vessels), lowers blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol levels [4], thereby providing a cardiovascular benefit. Resveratrol has properties similar to quercetin. It inhibits mast cell degranulation (histamine release) and disrupts the messaging pathways that lead to cytokine release [5].

List of foods with quercetin:

Red apples
Berries
Grapes
Red onions
Peppers

List of foods with resveratrol:

Grapes
Strawberries
Pomegranates
Berries (cranberries, blueberries, and mulberries)
Dark chocolate
Pistachios and peanuts

Herbal Monograph for April/May:

Myrrh: Commphora myrrha

Before starting this monograph, I want to share my reason for choosing it. At the height of my HI symptoms last year (rashes all over my face and neck), I began experiencing hypnagogic hints each morning to add a few drops of myrrh to my tea. I had already been using myrrh on the first day of my period to release stagnant blood (it works well for me), and it also has the side effect of easing intense period cramps. Myrrh is absolutely, without a doubt, one of my top-tier herbal allies.

What I didn’t know was that myrrh also inhibits histamine production associated with itching and rashes.

Myrrh suppresses cytokine production and histamine release in mast cells through pathways involved in inflammatory responses. In fact, it has been reported that myrrh treats itching conditions that do not respond to standard antihistamines [7]. Just a few drops in your preferred tea should suffice, and I advise against exceeding that amount. This powerful medicinal herb acts quickly, and misuse or prolonged use can be fatal (see below). Its taste is intensely bitter and pungent- almost like drinking fire! This makes sense because Agrippa gives myrrh to the Sun, and Culpeper gives it to Jupiter. Jupiter = expansion and Sun = Fire. Therefore: Lots of Fire. I recommend adding it to a tea that can help mask the flavor. For menstrual concerns, I enjoy using rosehips, rose, and hibiscus tea. Again, please talk to a licensed professional before exploring medicinal herbs. Of note: I use myrrh tincture, NOT myrrh essential oil! You cannot ingest essential oils!

Family: COMMIPHORA MYRRHA L., BALSAMODENDRON MYRRHA, BURSERACEAE, BURSERA FAMILY

OTHER NAMES:

Bola (Sanskrit)

Mo Yao (Chinese)

NATIVE REGION:

Eastern Africa and Arabia

PARTS USED:

Gum resin and powdered gum

CAUTION

When taken internally, it can be challenging to eliminate, especially when taken over an extended amount of time and/or in large amounts. Do not use it if you are pregnant or have a kidney disease.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS/NUTRIENTS

Myrrhin (Resin)
Gum
Volatile oil
Ash
Salts
Sulphates
Benzoates
Malates
Acetates of potassa.

THERAPEUTIC ACTION

ANTISEPTIC

Prevents, resists, and counteracts putrefaction

ANTISPASMODIC

Relieves nervous irritability, prevents excessive involuntary muscle movements/contractions

ASTRINGENT

Influences vital contract ability of cell walls; condescending and firming tissues and arresting discharges

CARDIAC STIMULANT

Increases functional activity and energy in the cardio system

CARMINATIVE

Excites peristalsis, causing expulsion of gas

DISINFECTANT

Eliminates or destroys decaying organic matter

EMETIC [ LARGE DOSE ]

Induces vomiting and evacuation of stomach contents

EMMENAGOGUE

Correctives for womb-related reproductive organs while promoting healthy menstrual flow

EXPECTORANT

Promotes and facilitates mucous discharge from bronchi-pulmonary passages

STRONG PURGATIVE [ LARGE DOSE ]

Bowel activator that increases evacuation

STIMULANT

Increases functional activity and energy in the body

TONIC

Stimulates and permanently increases systemic tone, energy, vigor, + strength

VULNERARY

Promotes healing of fresh cuts and wounds

INFORMATION ON ITS ACTIVITY:

Known as one of the most effective disinfectants
Increases heart rate
Increases circulation
Used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, and uterine tumors
It is known to purge any stagnant blood from the uterus
Chinese medicine commonly uses myrrh for rheumatism, arthritis, and circulatory problems.
It can be used as a gargle or mouthwash (sores, irritation, colds, flu, anemia, chest issues, and asthma)
Can treat bad breath
Treats fungal infections
Treats ulcers, bedsores, and piles
Cleanses the colon while balancing the GI
It can be used to treat sinus issues
Stimulates the immune system
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory; works on the mucous membranes
Blocks inflammatory chemicals that create or trigger an inflammatory response
It detoxes the liver of substances or things it cannot eliminate on its own. (Recall that at the beginning of this post, we talked about histamine intolerance being a liver issue where the liver cannot metabolize the overabundance of histamine).
It improves the health of the epithelial tissues of the mouth and genital region and stimulates an immune response in the tissue.

“Myrrh has an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of a staggering 379,800 µTE/100g. Just for comparison, goji berries have a score of 4,310 µTE/100g and blueberries 4,633 µTE/100g. A study published in the journal "Food and Chemistry Toxicology", found that the antioxidant potential of Myrrh is so high that it may support healthy liver function.”
- Indigoherbs
“Stimulates production of white blood corpuscles; augments the proper eliminative functions of mucous membranes in bronchi and genitourinary tract; small doses help remove toxins from the stomach and intestines; promotes menstruation; stimulates capillary circulation, and quickens heart action and power. Strong anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action assists with inflammatory digestive disorders and inflammation of joints, tendons and muscles.”
- Bonny Casel, ND

FOLKLORE/FOLK MAGIC/HISTORY:

Myrrh was one of the spices that was brought to the baby Jesus in the Biblical nativity story
Used in mummification processes
Used in the incense to smudge in Catholic Churches
Greek soldiers would use myrrh to stop bleeding on the battlefields
Roman physicians would administer myrrh as a remedy for digestive issues, as well as an external treatment for wounds
It was the main ingredient in the ancient Egyptian Kyphi incense
In the Christian bible, Exodus 30:22-33 tells the story of how God instructed Moses to use myrrh as one of the ingredients for holy oil to anoint priests with
Moses used myrrh for Jewish ceremonial rites.
Song of Solomon 1:13 4:6: a passage in the Christian bible comparing myrrh to the joys of sexual love
Myrrh is derived from the Arabic word “mur”, which means “bitter”. This is a reference to it’s bitter taste
The Tang Dynasty [ AD 600 ] used myrrh for medicines, perfumes, incense, ointments, and sacred oil

“Myrrh was mentioned in ancient texts 3,700 years ago and has always been used in both eastern and western medicine; used for embalming purposes, cosmetics, and perfumes in ancient Egypt.”
- Bonny Casel, ND

ASTROLOGICAL GOVERNMENT & VIRTUES:

“For the rest of the dignities, as those triplicities, and markes, and face, are of litle account in this; upon this account therefore Piony [peony], Balme, Clove-gilliflowers, Citron-pils, sweet Marjoram, Cynnamon [cinnamon], Saffron, Lignum Aloes, Frankincense, Amber [=ambergris], Musk, and Myrrh help the head, and heart; by reason of sol [the Sun] [ …] ”
- Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy
“This plant is of a hot nature, it is of fine aromatic parts, and under Jupiter. A large spoonful of the unbruised seeds taken every morning, is excellent against rheumatic complaints and falling sickness. They operate by urine, and promote the menstrual dis- charge; and while they are producing these good effects, they strengthen the stomach, expel wind and create appe- tite. Eaten as a salad, it is an excellent antiscorbutic.”
- Culpeper’s Complete Herbal