Aromatherapy and Astrology
Fire, Earth, Air, Water...
Astrology and aromatherapy?....
Yes.......I did mean to write that! If you are wondering how on earth zodiac signs and essential oils can be connected.......well I was the same when I first started my aromatherapy journey!
In fact, as I found out, it wasn't even a particularly new idea! Many early herbalists were astrologers too! These old-age herbalists assigned a ruling planet to each medicinal herb. This made it easier for the newer generation of aromatherapists to bring these two ancients arts together to choose essential oils according to an individual's astrology chart.
Is this starting to sound interesting?
Aromatherapy and astrology together certainly interested me! People born
to the same astrology sign have similar personality
traits.......mainly!
So....if you understand some of the common characteristics associated with your zodiac sign, both positive and challenging, you can look towards essential oils to help you nuture and heal both emotional and physical health problems.
There are some very good books out there that go into lots of detail if you are interested in researching this topic further. In fact, Nicholas Culpeper, the great herbalist astrologer, wrote the book "The Astrological Judgement of Disease" which has remained the most outstanding text on medical Astrology. Of course now there are up-to-date books which are probably easier to read and based more on aromatherapy!
But if you are just interested in some of the basics of astrology and which essential oils may be best for the individual star signs then here is a very simplified version!
Astrology and Aromatherapy. Which is YOUR essential oil?
Aries
Planetary ruler: Mars
Element: Fire
Positive traits......Aries, the first astrology sign, are natural leaders being go-getters, courageous, ambitious, confident, enthusiastic and good organisers! Also passionate, fiery, frank, exciting, energetic, curious and always competitive!
Negative traits......Prefer to lead rather than be led...a bit of a 'me first' attitude at times. Impatient if quick results aren't seen...becoming bored and moving on. Also can be quick tempered, impulsive and argumentative.
Health issues......The head, brain and eyes are ruled by Aries. They don't fall ill very easily and tend to fight ailments off quickly! Danger of headaches and stress-related problems.
Essential oils......Black pepper, frankincense, lemon and rosemary will help support their health and fiery nature. Peppermint, rose and marjoram are excellent for calming the fire! Chamomile, lavender and peppermint are useful for soothing headaches.
Taurus
Planetary ruler:Venus
Element:Earth
Positive traits......Taureans, the second astrology sign, are reliable, determined, loyal, practical and homeloving.....they do not like change! They handle situations in a dignified and controlled way. Also sensitive, gentle, loving and appreciative of beauty and pleasure.....thanks to being ruled by Venus!
Negative traits......Once they form an opinion it is very hard to change their minds! Can be obstinate, stubborn, self-indulgent and prone to jealousy.
Health issues......Venus rules the neck and throat and thyroid. Prone to sore throats, stiff neck and shoulders, colds and thyroid problems. Also may be a tendency to over-indulge leading to weight issues.
Essential oils......Juniper, black pepper, rosemary and lemon are excellent for aching muscles and stiffness. Eucalyptus, juniper and chamomile will help alleviate sore throats. To nurture their sensual nature try patchouli, rose and ylang-ylang.
Gemini
Planetary ruler: Mercury
Element:Air
Positive traits......Geminis are lively, quick witted, questioning, and talkative....this makes them great communicators! They are versatile and can adapt to any situation.....excellent at problem solving. Being the sign of the twins, they also have a yin yang quality.....meaning they can change their minds and moods in a whim, but can also see both sides of an argument!
Negative traits......Quick to lose their temper....often with a lethal tongue and prone to inconsistent moods. They have a tendency to skim over matters and are not necessarily reliable.
Health issues......Gemini, the third astrology sign, rules shoulders, lungs, arms and hands. Most prone to respiratory illnesses and strains of shoulders, neck and arms.
Essential oils......Lavender, thyme and eucalyptus can help with respiratory problems. Basil, bergamot, grapefruit and ginger are great for nurturing a quick mind! Other useful oils are jasmine, geranium and neroli.
Cancer
Planetary ruler:Moon
Element: Water
Positive traits......The least predictable of all the astrology signs.....one minute patient and easygoing, the next irritable and moody! They are caring and nurturing.....very much into family and home. Cancerians are emotional, sensitive, sympathetic and affectionate. Also very intuitive, often with almost psychic abilities!
Negative traits......The very fact that they can be unpredictable......sometimes being indecisive, over senstive and over emotional. Also in danger of being a little clingy and possessive.
Health issues......The breasts and stomach are the parts of the body linked with Cancer. Stomach disorders (including ulcers), heartburn and water retention are problems common to this sign.
Essential oils......Peppermint, fennel, bergamot and chamomile are good for helping digestion. Other good oils to use with cancerians are juniper, rosemary and lavender.
Leo
Planetary ruler:Sun
Element:Fire
Positive traits......Leos, the fifth astrology sign, are self-confident, powerful and dominant.....just like the lion they are born leaders! They are magnetic, enthusiastic, creative, extrovert and love to entertain. Also very faithful and loving.
Negative traits......Sometimes the dominant trait can make Leos bossy, patronising, interfering and arrogant. They are also sensitive to criticism and can be vain!
Health issues......Leo governs the heart, back and spine. They are in danger of back problems and should make sure that they look after their hearts!
Essential oils......Lemon, rosemary and ginger help sore backs, and rose, garlic and marjoram are good for the heart!
Virgo
Planetary ruler:Mercury
Element:Earth
Positive traits......Virgo is an intelligent, practical and down to earth sign (this is their element!)......they have a strong sense of responsibilty towards family and friends. They are very neat and organised and love to see a job well done.
Negative traits......They can be quite critical of others but do not take criticism well themselves. There is also a constant need for perfection which can be quite draining on others!
Health issues......Virgo, the sixth astrology sign, rules the sinuses, respiratory system and bowels. Allergies, colds, flu and constipation are common problems. They also have a tendency to worry and can be prone to depression. They are also in danger of feeling stressed!
Essential oils......Ylang ylang, chamomile and melissa are wonderful oils for soothing feelings of being overwhelmed and an overworked mind. Ginger, lemon, grapefruit, petitgrain and thyme help with excessive worrying and generally support good health. Other useful oils are sandalwood and frankincense.....both great for stress and anxiety.
Libra
Planetary ruler:Venus
Element:Air
Positive traits......Charming, romantic, diplomatic, sociable.....this is Libra, the seventh astrology sign. Also kind and compassionate they make fantastic friends and great lovers! Always even-handed they hate violence and confrontation and love to see justice done........harmony, peace and balance are key words here.
Negative traits......Can be perceived to be indecisive or uncommitted......probably because they like to please everybody. They also like to be admired and to be the centre of attention......so may seem self-centred. Can also be very lazy!
Health issues......Libra governs the lower back, kidneys and ovaries. Lower back pain is a common problem and they may be prone to kidney infections or stones.
Essential oils......Geranium and fennel are good for helping with kidney stones. Basil and bergamot are useful for relaxing muscle spasms in the lower back. Also try black pepper, frankincense and melissa for nuturing a sense of self-support.
Scorpio
Planetary ruler:Pluto
Element:Water
Positive traits......Passionate, perceptive, determined, powerful and intuitive......Scorpios make very loyal, and intense, friends. They are the most contradictory of all the signs.....your best friend or your worst enemy. Very emotional, but deep and mysterious - they have a highly developed sense of sensuality.
Negative traits......Scorpios (as the scorpion suggests!) can have a deadly sting! They can be jealous, manipulating, possessive, controlling and often will want their own way (and with their strong will, usually get it!). Scorpios find it very difficult to forgive.
Health issues......This astrology sign governs the reproductive organs and the excretory system. Generally strong in health, but prone to infections, fevers and problems with the genitals.
Essential oils......Patchouli, ylang ylang, jasmine and neroli nurture their sensual side. Sandalwood, clary sage, lavender and geranium can help ground and soften their unforgiving nature. Oils that support the reproductive organs are melissa, fennel, rose and ginger.
Sagittarius
Planetary ruler:Jupiter
Element:Fire
Positive traits......Sagittarians are the fun-loving adventurers of the zodiac! They love travelling, freedom and independence.....and are also natural entertainers. They are optimistic, forthright, idealistic and probably the friendliest of all the signs. Also intelligent, enthusiastic and great communicators.
Negative traits......Impatient, tactless and impulsive.....they often speak without thinking and can seem to be pushy because of their extrovert ways. Also they can be extravagant, impractical and irresponsible.
Health issues......Sagittarius, the eighth astrology sign, rules the liver, thighs and hips. They are generally healthy people because of their love for the outdoor life! Sciatica, hip and leg pains and exhaustion are common problems. Also in danger of stress, tension and addictions......particularly alcohol and gambling.
Essential oils......Tea tree, eucalyptus, geranium and rosemary are essential oils that will help encourage adventuring and the free spirit! Lavender, neroli, frankincense and chamomile all help with stress and tension. Basil, juniper and bergamot help support the addictive nature.
Capricorn
Planetary ruler:Saturn
Element:Earth
Positive traits......Logical, practical and ambitious, Capricorns have a desire for success and the will to succeed. Although they are the loners of the zodiac, they are considered to have a good sense of humour and make loyal and faithful friends.
Negative traits......Can be bossy, domineering and too focused on a goal, disregarding other people and their feelings. They can be inclined to bear grudges and to be jealous and possessive.
Health issues......Capricorn, the tenth astrology sign, rules the bones, joints (especially the knees!), teeth and skin........so broken bones, stiff joints and skin problems are often the main issue. Insecurity, over-worrying and 'burn-out' can be other concerns.
Essential oils......Eucalyptus, tea tree, ginger, lavender, rosemary, lemon and juniper all help with swollen and stiff joints. Chamomile, patchouli, sandalwood and bergamot are useful for times of anxiety and 'burn-out'. Other good essential oils to use with Capricorns are basil, melissa and peppermint.
Aquarius
Planetary ruler:Uranus
Element:Air
Positive traits......Aquarius is the astrology sign of the future....of all our hopes and dreams. Aquarians are individual, like to be different and do their own thing! They are liberal, idealistic, friendly, kind and love to spend time with other people.....very much valuing friendship. Key words are humanitarian, intellectual, creative and original.
Negative traits......So independent and sometimes eccentric, they can appear to be impersonal, rebellious and unpredictable. Sometimes fixed in their opinions they can be perceived to be stubborn and tactless.....especially when people disagree with them!
Health issues......The circulatory system, shins, and ankles are ruled by Aquarius. Varicose veins and circulatory problems may be an issue. May be prone to lower leg and ankle cramps, strains and breaks.
Essential oils......Neroli is their signature essential oil. Coriander, lemon, peppermint, rose and chamomile are among those suitable for softening hard-headed and stubborn personalities. Cypress, coriander, geranium, ginger, eucalyptus, neroli and lemon are all good oils to use to help aid poor circulation.
Pisces
Planetary ruler:Neptune and Jupiter
Element:Water
Positive traits......Pisces,the twelfth astrology sign, are the most psychic sign of the zodiac, very intuitive and often spiritual.....thanks to Neptune! They are symbolised by two fish swimming in opposite directions.....giving them a yin-yang quality. They are easy going dreamers....often creative and artistic with a vivid imagination. Pisces find it easy to empathise with other people and are compassionate, gentle, patient and kind.
Negative traits......Their dreamy nature may lead them to be lazy and impractical. Can often be taken advantage of because of their caring nature, and are also very easily led. Pisces may become disillusioned or depressed if badly let down or betrayed.
Health issues......Pisces rules the feet, lymphatics and liver. Common concerns are aching feet, bunions and corns.
Essential oils......Black pepper, rosemary, cedarwood, peppermint, bergamot and basil are very good for grounding their dreamy, unpractical nature. For nuturing the sensitive inner-self try lavender, elemi, sandalwood, patchouli, rose, ginger, frankincense and ylang ylang. Tea tree, peppermint, lavender and lemon are great essential oils to use with the feet.
I just love this astrology quote!
Anyone who practices medicine without taking into consideration the movement of stars is a fool. ~Hippocrates (460 BC) 'the father of medicine'~