Capricorn and Aquarius Season
Chromatic Healing Across the Zodiac: Chromotherapy, Phytonutrient Therapy, Astro-Colors, Astro-Anatomy, and Magic (Indigo, Violet, Onyx)
In this post we learn:
Capricorn and its ruler Saturn
Aquarius and its rulers Saturn and Uranus
Capricorn, Aquarius, Saturn, and Uranus in Astro-Anatomy/Medical Astrology
Capricorn and Aquarius Spectrum of the Zodiacal Color Wheel
Chromotherapeutic Uses of Indigo, Violet, and Onyx
Indigo, Violet, and Onyx Phytonutrients
Mimulus, a Flower Essence for Capricorn
Note: there is a Part One (Libra-Virgo) to this series, which was completed in 2023-2024. These posts can be found in the in the Holographic Herbal Chapter on this blog. Click on the links below to read more:
Libra/Venus (Emerald + Orange)
Resveratrol
Lycopene
Carotenoids
Quercetin
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Chlorophyll
Scorpio/Capricorn (Aquamarine/Onyx)
Polyphenols
Anthocyanins
Sagittarius (Sapphire)
Lutein + Zeaxanthin
Anthocyanins
Vitamin C
Resveratrol
Vitamin B6, The Vitamin For Dream Recall
Aquarius (Violet)
Polyphenols
Anthocyanins
Resveratrol
Vitamin C
Nootropics
Pisces (Magenta + Silver
Hydration
Coconut
Garlic & Onions: Quercetin & Kaempferol
Aries (Crimson)
Lycopene
Quercetin
Ellagic Acid
Taurus (Terracotta)
Healthy Fats
Carotenoids
Vitamin C
Lycopene
Betalain (in pink foods)
Gemini (Tangerine)
Lillies
Carotenoids
Healthy Fats
Cancer/Leo (Amber/Gold)
Circadian Rhythm Resetting
Heart-Brain Coherence
Vitamin D + Sunlight
Melatonin + Darkness
Virgo (Chartreuse)
Fiber
Sulforaphane
Fennel
Hello, Friends!
If you’re new here, Hello! My name is Samantha Giacalone (Phyto-Holographic Sam). I am an Herbal Medicine Consultant, Healing Diets Coach, and Holistic and Spiritual Practitioner. In this series, we walk through each zodiac sign monthly and integrate different healing modalities for a richer, well-rounded, and creatively holistic program. This information is based on how I’ve come to understand the medicinal properties of all of our botanical allies, not just our herbal ones! In this blog series, you get a glimpse into how I work with phytonutrients and Astro-Colors in my Holographic Phytomancy program in a 1:1 client setting.
We will explore the healing properties of darker phytonutrients (purple and black) with integrated concepts such as medical astrology, the colors associated with chakras, and color therapy, which is essentially the basis of how I approach food! I take on artists and magicians, and by focusing on the color of whole foods in their diet (instead of restrictive dieting), my clients rediscover their inner creativity. I want to help others find trust in their bodies (and intuition) by developing an allyship with whole foods and plants.
I believe that phytonutrients are the lost language between plants and humans, and our ancestors may have been able to determine the healing properties of their food just by observing their color. Of course, there is a lot of nuance, information, vitamins and minerals, herbs, and so much more that can be discussed and therefore, it’s best to work with me 1:1 so I can help you navigate through the Holographic Phytonutrients Program I created, and their vibrational medicine as I’ve come to understand them. It’s wonderful to incorporate the rainbow per each Zodiac Season, but never underestimate whole foods that are literally in season in your area.
So, what if we merge food, color, magic, and healing together? If you have been with me for a while, you’ve learned how I use the Zodiacal Color Wheel to enhance my intuition, and how Eating the Rainbow is something I am passionate about. I allow color to tell me how it can heal me, and I focus on ensuring I get more foods that are naturally the color I want or crave. In this post, we will learn about phytonutrients, specifically quercetin which is one of the phytonutrients I utilize in the Purple (Violet and Indigo) and Black (Onyx) spectrums of the Holographic Phytonutrient Program.
Remember, I am not a doctor. This post is exclusively educational for those who wish to explore body awareness and the Language of the Body Consciousness and is not meant to diagnose or treat. Please speak with a licensed healthcare professional before experimenting with herbal and natural medicine. To learn more, see my Terms & Conditions page.
Before we dive in, let’s run through the basics again:
What is a phytonutrient?
Phytonutrients are chemical compounds that are found in plants, veggies, & fruits. They are what give our food their color, and are divided into categories depending on the color they express in different fruits and vegetables. Each color offers biological activities (health benefits).
What is Astro-Anatomy?
Astro-Anatomy is the study of how the zodiac signs and planetary influences correspond to different parts of the human body. It’s a fusion of astrology and anatomy, where each sign and planet is associated with specific organs, systems, or functions within the body. Astro-Anatomy differs from Medical Astrology in that it focuses on the symbolic and energetic connections between zodiac signs, planets, and specific parts of the body, helping individuals enhance body awareness and align with cosmic energies. In contrast, Medical Astrology is broader, using the entire natal chart to diagnose, treat, and predict health issues.
What is Holographic Phytomancy?
The Greek word phyto (Φυτό) means plant, and mancy (Μαντεία) means divination. A combination of these words would look something like: Φυτόμαντεία, meaning plant divination. Holographic Phytomancy is an Omnipathic and multidimensional healing practice that integrates astrology, color therapy, phytonutrients, and vibrational medicine to align the body, mind, and spirit. This unique approach begins with the client’s natal chart, which provides insight into their energetic blueprint. From there, I layer the artist’s color wheel over the zodiac wheel, starting with red for Aries, red-orange for Taurus, and so on, aligning each zodiac sign with its corresponding color. Each color on this zodiacal color wheel is then connected to the phytonutrients found in foods and herbs. For example, red phytonutrients are used for Aries, which also corresponds to the Root Chakra. This system creates a "wheel within a wheel," where the zodiac, chakras, and color energies intersect in a pattern that resembles a fractal—a repeating, self-similar structure that reveals deeper complexity and harmony at every level. The "phyto" (Φυτό) in Phytomancy refers to the use of botanicals and their chemical constituents, where I communicate with the spirits of the plants while also focusing on their scientifically studied properties to support the client's healing goals. The "mancy" (Μαντεία) aspect speaks to the divinatory nature of this work—reading the subtle signs and energies to guide the healing process. The "Holographic" part of Holographic Phytomancy reflects the layered, interconnected nature of this practice. It acknowledges that each part of the system—whether it be a color, a plant, or an astrological sign—contains the whole, and that healing can occur on multiple levels simultaneously. Like a fractal, this approach reveals that each element is part of a larger, infinite pattern of healing, incorporating vibrational medicine and quantum healing techniques, such as flower essences, meditation, dream magic, and the felt sense, to facilitate deep, holistic transformation.
Capricorn and Aquarius
Happy Capricorn Season! I hope everyone had an amazing end of 2024. I took a bit of a break, but now I am back into the usual routine. I am merging two signs into this post, just like I did for the Cancer/Leo Post in the Summer of 2024. We will discuss the Capricorn/Aquarius spectrum of the Holographic Phytomancy Program.
This month, not only is the Sun entering Aquarius on Jan 20th, but Pluto is now firmly in this sign. Pluto’s transit from sign to sign takes about 20 years, whereas the sun takes about 30 days. This means we might see Pluto entering only five different signs in our lifetime if we live to 100 years old. The transit of Pluto marks historical times, so we are all prepared for change. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was during the French Revolution, and oftentimes, this transit through Aquarius speaks about new technologies and revolutions, as well as revolutions aided by those new technologies. Pluto is a planet that signifies transition, death, rebirth, what has been occulted, inheritance (what’s been inherited), treasures buried and found under the Earth, and fear.
I made a blog post last year talking about some of my feelings about what we may see change, so if you’re interested in reading my loose and general predictions, take a look at that post!
Aquarius is a fixed air sign, and it is ruled by Saturn, and co-ruled by Uranus. Saturn is the planet of obstacles, mastery, limitations, and boundaries. Uranus is the planet of innovations, awakenings, revolutions, and sudden changes. When these two planets rule this one sign, there is a sense of thinking about the past, but having a top-down view of the whole, with an understanding of what needs to be changed for the good of all. Fixed air references the modality and element that Aquarius represents. Its modality is fixed, which means it purposefully sustains energy. Its element is air, which means it is a social, intellectual, curious, and observational sign. In the tarot, air is represented by swords which signify our communication and intellect.
Saturn also rules Capricorn, a Cardinal Earth sign whose energy is always seeking, going, and producing in dependable and logical ways. Capricorn Season starts December 22nd. Mars exalts in the sign of Capricorn, yet currently is retrograde in Cancer, the opposing sign of Capricorn. There is also a Full Moon in Cancer that has culminated at the time of writing this blog post.
Capricorn is the sign of mastery, hard work, ethics, and practical application. Lesser known are the qualities of Capricorn that are related to ancestry, mystery, silence, bones, and magic. We spoke about this at great length in the post I wrote about Onyx Phytonutrients. Capricorn is more interested in laying the foundations of something, which is the opposite of Aquarius’ top-down view. Grimoire magic is very much aligned with Capricorn energy since a grimoire is a record of successes and failures of practical magic that is passed down (again: ancestry themes).
Since Earth is the element assigned to Capricorn, we look to the tarot's pentacles representing our health and wealth- the physical property we own. The earth element is associated with roots, foundations, our security, how safe we feel in our communities, and the beliefs and values we align with.
Astro-Anatomy of Capricorn and Aquarius
Astro-Anatomy is the study of how the zodiac signs and planetary influences correspond to different parts of the human body. It’s a fusion of astrology and anatomy, where each sign and planet is associated with specific organs, systems, or functions within the body. However, Astro-Anatomy differs from Medical Astrology in that it focuses on the symbolic and energetic connections between zodiac signs, planets, and specific parts of the body, helping individuals enhance body awareness and align with those Astro-Energies. In contrast, Medical Astrology is broader, using the entire natal chart to diagnose, treat, and predict health issues.
A.T. Mann, designer, astrologer, writer, and artist, gives the following to Capricorn [1]:
Skin
Knees
Bones
Cutaneous System
Joints
Knee-Caps
He gives the following to Aquarius:
Ankles
Calves
The Circulation
Breath
Eyesight
Achilles Tendon
Tibia
Fibia
Shin Bone
Judith Hill, Medical Astrologer, Mentor, and Author, gives the following to Capricorn [2]:
Knees
The Skin (with Venus)
Sebaceous glands
Bones
Nails
Cuticles (with Saturn)
Teeth (with Saturn, as well as Aries (Upper Jaw) and Taurus (Lower Jaw))
Possibly the Gums, which has a connection to Cancer
And the following to Aquarius:
Ankles
Lower leg
Achilles
Tendon
Circulation
Veins (with Libra/Venus)
Oxygenation of the blood
The Electrical System (with Uranus)
For the Capricorn/Aquarius Spectrum of the Holographic Phytomancy Program, the themes lean more on the ubiquitous side of health. For instance, we focus on the “Electrical System” of the body. Our organs send out electric pulses, which can be measured with tests like ECGs (electrocardiograms) that scan your heartbeat. I often wonder how EMFs (electromagnetic fields) interact with our organs and the electrical network they produce, and always ask my clients how often they use/are near their cell phones, wearable devices, and tablets. Though there are no definitive answers about how EMFs interact with our own electrical systems, there have been multiple anecdotal records of people who intentionally limit EMF exposure and see quick results in health- myself included. Therefore, I encourage limiting EMFs as much as possible and ensuring my clients get enough electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium) that support the transmission of these electrical impulses. Ironically, calcium is a mineral that bones need, and bones are ruled by Capricorn/Saturn.
I have spoken about the relationship between the gut-brain axis, ancestry (DNA), Microbial Animism (coined by Dr. Siv Watkins), intuition, and bones in a separate blog post about Pluto/Saturn Phytonutrients (black phytonutrients: Anthocyanins and Polyphenols). This concept cannot be simplified into a concise paragraph, so I encourage you to read the blog post if you are interested. I will link it below for your convenience. However, this topic is a significant part of my work, and it is where I started in my personal Phytonutrient Therapy/Magic practice. This initial journey became the groundwork that became the Holographic Phytomancy Program today.
There is a follow-up post to the above link that I only posted on Substack. I will also link this post below. This post is free. You do not need to be a paid subscriber to read it. When you put these two posts together, you get the full picture of how I approach the Saturn/Uranus (and the Pluto!) spectrum of the program.
Indigo, Violet, and Onyx, The Astro-Colors of Capricorn & Aquarius
Both Indigo and Violet represent spiritual transcendence, imagination, innovation, futuristic themes, and royalty. In the Terracotta/Taurus post, I talked about Frank Sinatra, my father’s favorite singer. In this post, I want to quote my mother’s favorite songwriter, Prince [31]:
“When there’s blood in the sky, red and blue [...] purple [...] purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/god guide you through the purple rain”
— Prince, on the inspiration of Purple Rain
In his book, The Color Code, Paul Simpson says this about the color purple [32]:
“The purple component of the official attire of British and American suffragettes- a white dress, with purple and green sashes (purple and gold in America)- was a celebration of female power. As Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence, editor of the sufferagette newspaper Votes for Women, put it: ‘Purple […] is the royal color. It stands for the royal blood that flows in the veins of every suffragette, the instinct for freedom and dignity.’ ”
INDIGO + VIOLET LIGHT THERAPY
I find the usage of UV Light Therapy interesting for two reasons. Firstly, UV light has been used to heal acne and other skin conditions like cysts, psoriasis, and eczema. The Capricorn/Aquarius Spectrum, to which the colors indigo and violet are assigned, rule over the skin. Secondly, Aquarius (ruled by Saturn) opposes Leo (ruled by the Sun), yet our literal sun emits UV light rays. Kira Sutherland has spoken about Nature’s Seven Healers in her newsletters with sunlight being among them. I can’t agree more, and by now, you should know that I believe sunlight and circadian rhythm resetting are paramount when healing or managing autoimmune conditions/dysautonomia.
In magic, we use the energy of the Sun to sanitize and purify, and so it is no surprise that UV light therapy has been used to do just that. In one study [3], 405 nm of violet light was used to adequately reduce bacteria and parasites in blood, and additionally inactivated HIV-1 in human plasma. Furthermore, the quality of the treated blood in this study was also preserved and stored for safe transfusion. Another study [4], which warns against chronic exposure to UVB (315 - 400 nm) and UVC (200 - 280 nm), expresses that low-laser light has wound-healing properties, as well as the ability to support blood (Aries, Leo, Sun) to stimulate the immune system. It also expresses that both UVC and UVB (280 - 315 nm) can cause DNA damage long-term. Discussed in another article [5], is the utilization of UV light therapy for the management of mood disorders, addictions, and autoimmune conditions. This article also demonstrates that our skin is the organ that absorbs vitamin D and UV light from the sun.
The connection between Saturn (skin, wound healing) and the Sun (UV light, blood, vitality) is something of a peculiar focus (obsession) for me as of late, specifically throughout 2024 when I was the most ill I have ever been in my life. This relation can only be defined in esoteric verbiage, and less in grounded, scientific words, save for the above information. Therefore, I will hold these thoughts for another post. I must say here that the Solar deities of antiquity, more often than not, had a chthonic nature to them. They were able to relieve one of sickness, but could also bring blight and plague, yet it is the deity Saturn whom we have long associated with sickness and affliction. In addition, I think there is an intriguing aspect to the fact that it is our skin (Saturn) that drinks up the light rays from the Sun. I will end this thread of thought here.
For a more exploratory post on blood, vampires, iron, and the chthonic sun, visit this link of mine:
Of note: In Astro-Anatomy and Medical Astrology, it is Aries that technically rules over the blood with some governance by Leo/Sun. However, the Sun exalts in the sign of Aries and therefore I think it is still relevant to mention blood in this post, specifically in conjunction with the circulation aspect that Aquarius rules. This is especially true, and should be of particular interest to you, if you have POTS/Dysautonomia/Autoimmune Conditions/Histamine Intolerance/MCAS. I would like to divulge more on this subject, but I am planning on making a full post about it at another time.
Hades, the God of the Underworld, in his chariot- a vehicle specifically relegated to Solar Deities.ONYX
In many practices, black is associated with “evil”, but I think this is a dangerous thought process, and one that has further led to harmful and racist beliefs. Black provides a stark contrast to the opposing so-called “purity” of white, and it serves as a reminder of the darkness, the shadow, and the void. It holds all aspects of ourselves- the shades that linger in our subconscious- the problematic traits we carry, the mistakes we’ve made, the words we said when we didn’t mean to, our fears, and much more. It holds the memory of everything we have ever done in our lives, and possibly all of our past/present/concurrent lives, as Tantric Practitioner Brigid Burke says. For these very reasons, it has been thought to be a color that represents hostility, dread, ghosts, and anxiety.
I am of an entirely different school of thought, however. In my personal practice, Black has always been a color of mastery born of our experiences (our mistakes and successes, see above) protection, and silence. I have quoted this piece of my own work somewhere else on this blog, but allow me to copy and paste it here as well:
“Lastly, polyphenols are found in dark-colored foods like coffee, blueberries, blackberries, sable grapes, olives, and dark chocolate. To reiterate, these darker foods have the ability to protect us. I will leave you with this: take for instance squid ink which is used in Japanese and Mediterranean culinary dishes. It has been traditionally utilized as a food additive, in cosmetics, and writing. Furthermore, it has been used in medicine since squid ink has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties [29, 30]. However, what does squid ink do for the squid? It protects it by helping it evade threats and danger by occulting its image from predators.”
— Phytonutrients for Saturn and Pluto
Squid ink, which comes from the squid, technically does not contain phytonutrients. However, it does contain polyphenols which are also found in whole foods like the ones listed above.
It is for these very reasons that I cannot get behind any discussion that frames the color black as a definitive color used for antagonistic energy in Chromotherapy practices (some practitioners do). However, because black is intricately tied with the shadow, it is certainly possible that one can use the color Black for baneful magic, if that is one’s intention, but this is not my wheelhouse.
Phytonutrients for Capricorn + Aquarius
Lycopene
Onions are an herb ruled by Saturn.Mainly found in red-orange and pink foods like tomatoes, guava, & pink grapefruit, lycopene is an antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals and oxidative stress. Of the purple whole foods, lycopene can be found in red onions (sort of purple in color), beets, radishes, and cherries. Free radicals damage our genes, and antioxidants protect the body from the damage that they may cause. Lycopene can slow down the process of bone cell death (I believe cell death, apoptosis, is a Saturnian/Plutonian body function), and therefore strengthens the bone structure (ruled by Saturn), especially in those currently in their postmenopausal phase with osteoporosis [6] (aging is also ruled by Saturn).
One study [7] set out to understand the role lycopene might play as an antioxidant for beauty, specifically in skin. It found that, even though both young participants had the same levels of lycopene in their skin and skin oil compared to middle-aged participants, the younger group had a specific form of lycopene known as All-E lycopene. As I understand this study (I am not a scientist), All-E Lycopene is a biologically active form of lycopene. When the middle-aged participant group took a lycopene supplement for a set number of weeks, the research found that lycopene levels increased in their skin and skin oil as well, suggesting that lycopene can help maintain “younger” looking skin by acting as a protectant from the damaged skin endures as one age. Venus and Saturn both rule the skin, but Saturn‘s rulership is more from a protective perspective, and Venus is more from a beauty perspective. Of note: Saturn exalts in the sign of Libra, which is ruled by Venus.
Resveratrol and vitamin c
Resveratrol promotes neuroplasticity and is popular for its “fountain of youth” properties. There was a short resveratrol craze where people were drinking red wine for its anti-aging properties. This was due to the studies done on resveratrol that showed that it could lengthen the lifespan of animals [8]. This could be due to how resveratrol is chemically related to estrogen [9], and estrogen may have an anti-aging effect, especially for the skin [11]. Another possibility is that resveratrol may activate ancient proteins called sirtuins:
I was introduced to sirtuins when researching resveratrol, and it seems they are considered “ancient proteins” because they are present in all living organisms, which indicates that they have been structurally unchanged and were conserved as all species evolved. I cannot think of a more Aquarian concept. Aquarius is a fixed sign, which means it does not respond to change well. However, the very symbology of Aquarius is about change and evolution for the benefit of humankind and all other living things. So many ancient texts describe humans living hundreds of years old, but today the average life expectancy is 70 [12]. These sirtuins have many different bodily functions, but one of them is the modification of gene expression and longevity of life, and yet they are present in all living things. Sadly, activating these proteins to create medicine has been a challenge to researchers.
Unfortunately, it takes many, many glasses of red wine to receive the anti-aging benefits of resveratrol. I do not recommend this, as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is associated with liver damage. So, do what Dr. Deanna Minich says, and stick to your berries and grapes! Berries are associated with slowing the progression of age-related cognitive decline, as resveratrol may interfere with beta-amyloids, which are protein fragments. These protein fragments are responsible for the formation of plaque that coincides with Alzheimer's Disease [13]. There is something very Saturnian about berries and grapes. Pan, and sometimes Dionysus, is linked to Saturn, and these figures are further merged with the Satan of Christian lore due to Pan/Dionysus’ “merry-making” and wine-drinking qualities. I’m never sure if I agree with this, but grapes and wine are certainly connected to Italy where Saturn was exiled. In addition, during the festival of Saturnalia that celebrated Saturn’s Golden Age, the Romans most definitely drank wine!
Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, Festivity, Fertility, and Theater.Berries are also high in vitamin C, so you’d be consuming resveratrol and vitamin C together. Vitamin C is so crucial for skin health as it promotes collagen gene expression, stabilizes the collagen molecule by hydroxylation, and stimulates collagen mRNA production by fibroblasts [14]. Together, vitamin C and collagen improve the health of tissues, skin, hair, joints, and nails, which are all ruled by Saturn.
Brief Quotes of Previous Work About Anthocyanins and polyphenols:
“Remember that Aquarius is both ruled by Saturn and Uranus, and that Saturn rules the bones, knees, and skin. Anthocyanins may protect the skin from skin cancer, as well as inhibit ovarian and leukemia cells from spreading [15, 16, 17]. They have been shown to improve memory, verbal learning, attention, and brain processing speed in children and adults with cognitive impairment, as well as those without cognitive impairment [18, 19]. Just like Phytonutrients for Sagittarius, tending to cognitive support is also crucial for Aquarius. I’ve always found a similarity between Aquarius and Sagittarius because they are both the outsiders looking into society, while trying to provide evolved philosophical or humanitarian advice to the collective. They both need mental stimulation and mental endurance to think five steps ahead of the collective and offer a new outlook or perspective. Moreover, anthocyanins may have the ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease [20]. A study done on elderly participants with moderate dementia improved their verbal fluency and memory (both short & long-term) within 12 weeks by drinking 6.6 ounces/200mL of cherry juice every day (cherries contain anthocyanins) [21]. Recall from the Microbial Animism & Intuition & Coffee Mediumship posts that Saturn represents our elders and ancestors. The health and wellness of the older people in our communities must be included- we cannot leave them out!”
“If you’ve previously read these posts, you know that polyphenols are protective and antioxidant. Their antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress that causes damage to our DNA, and DNA makes me think of our ancestors. We discussed why I attribute DNA to Saturn (and also Pluto) in the previously mentioned blog posts above. We also discussed that polyphenols support the gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria. This bacteria may be responsible for the gut-brain axis communication, and I proposed in the blog posts that our gut bacteria could also be responsible for our intuition and insight. We learned that bacteria evolved parallel to us, and that we developed a symbiotic relationship with them. Therefore, they are the ancestors of our ancestors.”
“Polyphenols are the largest class of phytochemicals, and are thought to have over 8,000 compounds [2]. They are antioxidants, and interact with our gut microbiome [3]. Polyphenols also exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [4]. Dark berries are the best source of high polyphenol content with a prebiotic effect on the gut microbiome [5]. Pomegranates and blueberries, two fruits that also have polyphenol content, are shown to reduce C. diff [Clostridium difficile], a bacterial infection that occurs while on antibiotic drugs [6]. Blueberries and strawberries, which also have a high polyphenol content, are linked to the improved cognition of healthy elderly individuals when they are eaten regularly [7]. When adjusted for age, polyphenols from dark berries have expressed a decrease in the risk of Alzheimer's disease [8]”
Coffee is also a rich source of polyphenols and is also a pain reliever and an antidepressant. One study proved that coffee drinkers are less likely to be depressed, especially among femmes [24], with a reduced risk of s*icide [25]. Studies also display coffee’s properties in pain modulation and management [26]. It's no wonder why society is obsessed with coffee, especially those of us who have PTSD and c-PTSD, as well as those of us who are neurodivergent, ADHD, ADD, and autistic. Considering the evidence, I think villainizing coffee (much like we villainize Saturn and Pluto) should be carefully re-evaluated.”
Flower Essence of the Month
Of all the information I have shared across this blog, examining Flower Essence healing is going to be the most mystical. Unlike herbal tinctures, FEs do not contain any chemical constituents at all. These vials of liquid contain only brandy or water and the “energy” of a flower. It is made by submerging flowers in water and placing them in the sunlight. For this reason, there will be no scientific studies that I can footnote here. However, FE Therapy is a low-risk healing modality, unless you are abstaining from alcohol, in which case you can drop a couple of drops of the essence into a hot drink so that the alcohol can evaporate.
By now you should know that I prefer Science to back up the navigation through the Holistic Wellness world, but in this case, I am completely content with zero explanation of how FEs work. When I tried my first flower essence (Water Violet), I felt the effects immediately, and it truly shocked me. I was expecting to try the Water Violet FE, feel nothing, shrug my shoulders, and shove the vial far back in my herbal cabinet saying, “Well! Just as I thought! Brandy-flavored brandy!” Yet, that was not what happened. It has been almost three years of experimenting, sitting with, talking with, and meditating with Flower Essences, and they have become part of my daily practice alongside everything else we’ve discussed in previous blog posts. FEs come alive more than herbal tinctures (my preferred way of administering herbal medicine), and I want to share with you my exploration of the Mimulus FE.
Kira Sutherland does excellent work with the FEs paired with Astrology, and this creates a beautiful supportive healing therapy paired with the Medical Astrology, Sports Nutrition, and Spiritual Healing assists. I encourage you to visit her socials/website and learn more about how she works with Astrology from a healing perspective.
I am choosing Mimulus for this month since we are in the Winter months and we see the least amount of light. In my experience and exploration of Mimulus, I have come to understand the energetic quality of Mimulis is akin to the Eclipsed Sun. In addition, since the Chthonic Sun has been looming in my mind (paired with Kira Sutherland’s association with Capricorn), I wanted to share with you my personal work of this energy here.
MIMULUS - MIMULUS GUTTATUS
Rise to the Occasion Remedy - Fear vs Sympathy
Flowering Time:
June - August or September
Category:
For those who have fear
Phrases:
“I see opportunity in adversity”
"I know what it is to suffer and can deeply empathize with the suffering of others”
Subtle Energies:
Resilience: Offers strength and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.
Trust: Encourages acceptance and faith in a higher purpose/self, even amidst adversity.
Empathy and Compassion: Deep understanding of fear and suffering in others.
Courage: Faces challenges with inner strength and trust in self.
Elemental Associations:
🔥 Fire Element: Bright golden flowers, associated with the solar plexus chakra, personal power, transformation, and action.
🪨 Earth Element: Red spots on the flower. The root chakra represents grounding, safety, and stability. Overcoming fear to find trust.
Mimulus requires Fire and Ether. This is the energetic vibration of the Chthonic Sun. We think of figures like Ra, Helios, Usil/Suri, and Sol and their descent into the Underworld as the Sun sets at night. We also think of the eclipsed Sun- the life-giving rays obscured by darkness. Solar deities are also Gods of Healing and Plaque. They take away plague as quickly as they can bring it. When we stop to consider this, it will not be hard to establish Fire + Ether support for Mimulus.
Ideal Essence For:
Those who feel intimidated by crowds and noise
Those who fear for their survival
Those with slow-healing wounds that bleed easily (Earth Element) 🪨
Those who feel constantly hungry but don’t know what to eat
Those who fear confrontation and conflict
Those who worry about everything that can go wrong
Those who experience anxiety
Those who feel that the world is an unsafe place to be
Those who experience shallow breathing and holding their breath as a reaction to anxiety
Astrological:
Kira Sutherland gives Mimulus to Capricorn (with some connection to Leo and Gemini).
I give this essence to the 9th House, where the Sun finds joy.
This is a house about truth, knowledge, wisdom, philosophy
This is where we hear the Hero’s Call; The Pilgrimage/Journey
If one declines the call, one can never step into the full version of their exalted self
If we never go on the journey, we never gain that wisdom and lived experience
The 9th House is where the Sun is at the highest in the chart
My Notes:
“Our golden-armored Champion, before he was the Champion, heard the Hero’s Call long ago. Yet, in his apprehension, he hid and withdrew from his destiny. Having not had the courage to face the hardships that were to come, he relented. His soul was disquieted, and agitation shook his bones. Our hero did not accept the call. He further retreated into the darkness, hiding from the illuminating rays of the Sun. He could not bare to witness his own fears, shame, guilt, anxiety, and dread that the Sun brought light to- demanding his attention. In the caves he went- The Underworld, The Duat, Aita, the places where human breath touches not.
A comfortable home he fashioned among the restless dead, the Lemures, the Dragr, and the Vrykolakas, and friends he made among them. His golden armor, which once glimmered in the presence of light, became stained with soot and soil.” [….]
“However, life had forced our hero outside of his comfortable home, as life tends to do.” [….]
“It was the journey toward the destination where our Hero began to find himself, growing in wisdom, knowledge, and valiance. Yet, if he were to remain in his eclipsed nature, he would have never met the version of himself he now sees in the mirror: The Champion. He had to journey out from the shadows and darkness to follow the sun, begin his pilgrimage, and rediscover himself in some distant far-off land beyond the comfort of his home.
Long after he was gone, the people sang his name and rejoiced. They venerated and revered him for many years. Most importantly, his valor inspired others to also be courageous, and his legacy was life-affirming.”
- Passages from An Exploratory Mimulus Meditation by Me.
One must step out of their shadowy eclipsed nature and discover who they are in all their strength, vitality, and valiance- or we remain in a state of eclipse or occultation
We must gain the courage to explore new experiences and beliefs
Resources:
Bonny Casel, ND
Kira Sutherland
Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS
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