July/August 2009 Cosmic
Planetary Apothecary

By Stephanie Gailing


A stellar approach to evaluating health and proposing therapies to foster vitality, medical astrology has a long and legendary past: It was documented by ancient Greeks scholars, taught in medieval medical schools, and practiced by Renaissance physicians.

Up until the early twentieth century, many doctors employed its observations alongside other methods of treatment. The study of the stars was so integral to the work of many healers that none other than the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates himself, was reported as saying, "He who does not understand astrology is not a doctor but a fool."

Practitioners who use medical astrology utilize the information gleaned from their clients' personalized astrology charts to offer them custom-designed wellness solutions. They employ these insights as a tool to assess health strengths and weaknesses, determine the best remedies and therapies, suggest the timing of proposed treatments and evaluate underlying psycho-emotional patterns that may stand in the way of healing.

Taking into consideration a person's astrological temperament, different natural remedies and self-care practices may better suit the needs of each of the 12 zodiacal signs. Included among these are aromatherapy essential oils and flower essences.

Aromatherapy is a therapeutic art that uses the aromatic essences of plant - their flowers, fruits, leaves and wood - to foster well-being. Use the healing fragrances of these essential oils in baths and massage oils, as perfumes, or to scent a room (please note that essential oils should not be used internally). With their distinctive qualities, as well as the astrological correspondence between plants and planets, it makes sense that different scents are especially suited for different zodiacal signs.

Natural flower essence elixirs, made from flower-infused water, work energetically to restore mental and emotional balance. Flower essences can help you let go of certain habits and perspectives that stand in your way of whole health. Flower essences accord with distinct psycho-emotional constitutions and, as such, address the unique temperaments associated with each of the twelve signs.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Aromatherapy

Ginger

Vetiver

Black Pepper

Flower Essences

Impatiens

Tiger Lily

Larkspur

Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Aromatherapy

Vanilla

Palmarosa

Thyme

Flower Essences

Chestnut Bud

Iris

Hound's Tongue

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Aromatherapy

Rosemary

Lavender

Eucalyptus

Flower Essences

White Chestnut

Cosmos

Cerato

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Aromatherapy

Jasmine

Hyssop

Clary Sage

Flower Essences

Baby Blue Eyes

Clematis

Honeysuckle

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Aromatherapy

Neroli

Lemon

German Chamomile

Flower Essences

Borage

Indian Paintbrush

Sunflower

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Aromatherapy

Lemon Balm

Cardamom

Carrot Seed

Flower Essences

Centaury

Pine

Rock Water

Libra (September 23-October 23)

Aromatherapy

Damask Rose

Rose Geranium

Peppermint

Flower Essences

Scleranthus

Scarlet Monkeyflower

Pretty Face

Scorpio (October 24-November 22)

Aromatherapy

Ylang-Ylang

Basil

Helichrysum

Flower Essences

Mustard

Basil

Holly

Sagittarius (November 23-December 21)

Aromatherapy

Juniper

Grapefruit

Nutmeg

Flower Essences

Sage

Vervain

Angelica

Capricorn (December 22-January 20)

Aromatherapy

Cypress

Frankincense

Scotch Pine

Flower Essences

Mimulus

Vine

Oak

Aquarius (January 21-February 19)

Aromatherapy

Patchouli

Sweet Marjoram

Benzoin

Flower Essences

California Wild Rose

Dill

Quaking Grass

Pisces (February 20-March 20)

Aromatherapy

Sandalwood

Myrrh

Tea Tree Oil

Flower Essences

Nicotiana

Aspen

Pink Yarrow

Stephanie Gailing, author of Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness, is a Seattle-based certified nutritionist and astrologer. Find more wellness and lifestyle recommendations from Planetary Apothecary at www.planetaryapothecary.com. Reprinted from Planetary Apothecary: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness by Stephanie Gailing. Copyright © 2009. Crossing Press, Berkeley, Calif., www.tenspeed.com.