I like to think of Astrology as a mytho-poetic language that expands consciousness from a deep past to a distant future, constantly reflecting a moment in time from a microcosm to a macrocosm.  It was spoken and contemplated by the likes of Confucius, Aristotle, Dante, Plato, Milton, Paracelsus, Alexander the Great, Sir Francis Bacon, Byron, Shelley, Emerson, Napoleon, Nostrodamus,  Pythagoras, and the “Father of Medicine,” Hippocrates and these are just the western minds.  As for scientists and astronomers who were also known astrologers, there were: Johannes Kepler, Tycho Brahe, Sir Isaac Newton, Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Carl G. Jung etc…
Astrology and astronomy were inseparable when it was being developed by the Babylonian and Hellenistic Greeks because the sun then was actually in the constellation Aries during the vernal equinox.  This is known as Tropical Astrology and has only to do with the path of the sun through the zodiac coinciding with the equinoxes and solstices.  After that time the astronomer’s zodiac is only used symbolically as our Solar system has moved away from its fixed stars.

As above, so below

    As an herbalist my interest in observing and communing with Nature has to do with the study of Alchemy and the making of plant/mineral medicinals.  Alchemy is a study of transformation from the constant interplay of the actions: coagulate and dissolve.  The word “alchemy” comes from the Arabic al-kemi, al meaning God and kemi, meaning chemistry, the whole word therefore, meaning God’s Chemistry.
           In the latter 15th and early 16th century, there lived a man named Paracelsus.  He was a physician, philosopher and alchemist with a broad knowledge of the alchemical preparation of remedies from substances found in the natural world.  This knowledge of remedy preparation from plants, minerals and metals incorporated Astrology with the observations of Nature.   Understand that Astrology of that time was not held in contempt or in mockery as it is now portrayed.  To “tell a vision” then, was to observe the tapestry of the sky and witness the phenomena that related the activities around us and in Nature: “As above, so below.” Agriculture depended on it and the farmers cultivated not only food but a deep wisdom of “stewardship” that has been passed on through the Ages.  Presently we are only a few generations from having been raised on a farm and already the vital glow of our health is diminishing. The knowledge of how to sustain it has been vanishing with the rise of technology and synthetic medicine.  “Television” now, is the modern hypnosis that disconnects us from Nature, no matter how noble its intentions.
    To strengthen the center of any given “worldview,” it is important to first establish a “view” of the world.  By observing Nature and her transformations through the stages of the four seasons, prejudices and biases formed by religions, western medicine and corporate businesses naturally dissolve.  Much of what I say is in the language that has been passed on through the Ages from all cultures.  The common denominator will be like seeing through the eyes of an herbalist and farmer never losing his/her sight from the seed to the crop and the preparations of the soil that occur afterwards.

Getting a bearing
 
      By standing on the Earth and observing the sky one will notice that the stars travel from East to West, as if the entire heavens were turning around us once every twenty-four hours.  You are at the center while the sky is slowly revolving around you.  Astrology is founded exactly on this generalization which takes into account only the apparent positions and movements of the stars, calling it a geocentric system.
    Looking into Nature and observing her annual cycle, we see each year bursting forth with a green tapestry of blossoms, fragrances, warmth and dynamic activity.  Even in a given lifetime, one can never exhaust the new discoveries and deeper understanding of what can be learned watching the unfoldment and refoldment process of Nature.  Year after year is always met with an awe of a new awareness, a new observation, a new learning and always a greater respect for true beauty and wisdom.  At springtime, plant life is impulsive and stops at nothing. It begins to spread its green carpet everywhere.   When summer arrives, the Cornucopia of Nature matures and harvesting begins.  Then, little by little Nature withers and decays, withdraws and seems to fall asleep into latter fall and winter. By observing the details of the successive stages of growth and decay, ancient astrologers/astronomers, farmers and alchemist, discovered the laws of nature.  The rhythm of this knowledge has formulated a language that speaks from the heart of Nature far into the Cosmos and back.  This rhythm is a cadence that unifies all living things and when broken, it becomes “de-cadence”.  Our modern world can easily right itself simply by rediscovering, adopting and understanding the Way in which our ancestors reasoned.  

The two phases of Nature 

    First is an outgoing phase when the vernal equinox of equal day and night begins the spring season and climaxes through the summer season.  At this time, days become longer and the nights shorter, temperatures rise and activities increase.  Seeds burst forth and animate Nature into countless species of the Plant Kindom:  flowers, fruit, berries, grasses, grains, beans, vegetables, herbs, seeds etc. and all of the hidden or invisible forces that create this passion play included.  Sequentially, Nature is in full display and the end of summer is approached with the autumn equinox. 
    Second is the ingoing phase that starts with the autumn equinox and the plants die away entirely.  Now the days grow shorter, for the sun is heating the opposite hemisphere, thus symbolically vitalizing the earth hidden beneath our feet.  At this time, also, the earth, exhausted after having nourished a year’s vegetation, undergoes the preparation which will renew its regenerative powers during the time of late fall and winter.
     Now let’s add the roles played by the four elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water, whose significance today is somewhat lost but can easily be recovered.  They express the qualities of the given stages as they uniquely transform from one season to the next. The last subdivision of the natural cycle is the all familiar four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  Pythagoras, who was not only the father of mathematics and music, also made correspondences to the four elements and the four seasons.  He also mentions the twelve signs of the zodiac of which three make up each season.  I have to include here that Pythagoras was born in 569 BC and died in 475 BC, just to demonstrate that long before Pythagoras outlined a structure of correspondences, there was a growing language of knowledge that we (ancestors) have been observing, building upon and communicating.  For example the days of the week were named after the seven heavenly spheres of the sun, moon and planets, all of which could be seen with the naked eye.  The sun is associated with Sunday, the moon with Monday, and in all of the Latin languages using French as an example, Tuesday is Mardi after mars, Wednesday is Mercredi after Mercury, Thursday is Jeudi after Jupiter, Friday is Vendredi after Venus and Saturday is Saturn.   Four weeks marked the length of a lunar cycle called a “moonth” and now shortened to a “month.”    And so despite the ridicule that the voices of ignorance shower upon Astrology, we still manage to communicate daily in Astrological terms. Three astrological months delineate the sun’s travel from an equinox to a solstice and from a solstice to an equinox and on.  The equinoxes are of equal day and night and the solstices are the longest day and shortest night or the longest night and shortest day.
    After what seems like a long fall and winter, the soil and its crystalline trace minerals have recharged with etheric forces and are once again energetic and fertile, but still waiting for the right moment to activate.

The twelve signs of the Zodiac and the secrets of Nature
  
    So now let’s explore the natural phenomena of the Zodiac and see the connections that occur within and without as the sun journeys through the seasons.   The vernal equinox begins in the constellation Aries (March 21st-April 19th).  At this time in Nature, the sun rises above the horizon and the days start getting longer with the upper hemisphere of the Earth getting warmer.   The sun is in exaltation in the sign of Aries as it allows the rebirth of nature’s secret fire in the seed.  Aries is the element of Fire which glows and ignites the seed into activity rising from roots to stem after a long winter of dormancy.  It is considered to be a cadent sign; a time of initiation and a time of release and expansiveness in the plant world.  The trees are swelling with buds ready to burst into leaves; early flowers appear breaking though the remaining snow and the early shoots of the grasses begin to form a green bed across the land.  During this time of awakening, the vital fluids of nature are sought after by herbalists/alchemists to capture the fire within the vital force of the plants.  It is best observed in the early morning hours around dawn on a clear and calm day.  The songbirds fill the air with enchanting sounds and the gathering of buds, and new growth is most important because it contains the essence of morning dew and the rising fluids of sap.  These vital fluids become essential ingredients for the making of elixirs and plant medicine.
    Aries is symbolized by the powerful Ram because it represents the dynamic pushing force of nature breaking through.  It’s not unusual to see what seems to be a fragile plant breaking through a cement sidewalk, asphalt pavement or wooden cracks of an old shed.  The impetus of the plant world at this time is to push out.  And of course, literally, the rams are “butting heads” in order to gain dominance in their mating season.
    The glyph or written symbol of Aries is   , which represents the head of the Ram.  It also appears like a seedling plant breaking through the ground and forming its first two leaves.  Applied to human anatomy, it represents the ascending line of the nose and includes the eyebrows, which is also considered as the seat of vitality.  The planet that corresponds to the constellation Aries is Mars, whose symbol  is  and its mode of energy is a cadent action of an outward force such as centrifugal motion.  At another time I will go more deeply in the planetary influences and how they affect the body.  At this time, I will only add that Mars corresponds to the impulsive nature of plants and all medicines concerning fevers, bleeding, cuts, bruises, broken bones etc. are attributed to Mars.  These correspondences have to do with “Emergency” situations just as the drive of the plant world in the time of Aries is to “emerge and see”.  Plants such as Arnica, Yarrow, Calendula, Feverfew, Hypericum etc., are all attributed to Mars and are used effectively in emergencies.   
In all three kindoms of animal, human and plant, you can easily see that the ram signifies the impetus to rise and to grow under the dynamism of the fiery element.  Those born in the time of Aries have the psychological component to thrive, be enterprising, and explore new heights and grounds.  They are leaders, strong willed and can be very head strong.   They are certainly not followers. They have vision and are very goal oriented.  With achievement in mind, the sky is the limit.  Their innate psychology is as if they were just released from prison and are now free.  They have a lot of catching up to do and this is one sign that takes every opportunity to experience everything even if it means not get any sleep.  Fire signs in general love to burn out but Aries folk make it an art form.   
    This time of Aries is a time when the fiery element can easily burn the dross of the long winter, so long as there is activity.  It is a new cycle for strengthening the immune system and a good time to begin new health regiments that can cultivate greater vitality physically, mentally and spiritually.  The sun’s rays are brighter, the light spectrum is widening, the air is full of sparkle (vitality globules), and despite what the market is doing, everything in nature is in an “all systems go” mode.  Take early morning walks and listen to the symphony of the birds.  Explore new realms like Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Qong, and Meditation.  Eat simply, fresh and vibrant produce, drink more water, breathe deeply in gratitude and live in the knowledge that you are loved.  Like skip roping, one has to jump in at the right time to stay in step with the rhythm of the rope; the time of Aries is the right time to jump in with the rhythm of new life forces.  In the time of Aries, the ground is electric.

Taurus the Bull (April 20th-May 20th)

    The Earth sign of Taurus in spring is a fixation of the root system.  The ground has been reheated in the time of Aries which released the breath of life held in during the winter months.  Taurus is considered to be a fixed sign; the roots are fixing themselves deeply and spreading widely, taking in the vital trace minerals which supply the material elements needed by plants for full growth.  The sun is higher in the heavens and the air is much warmer.  At this time, plants are in rapid growth and the moon is in an exalted state which is linked with the rising sap.  During the month of May, the richest elements of sap and dew were gathered by herbalists/alchemists with the intention of immersing in them their essential plants whose quintessence they wished to extract.  One could harvest morning dew by walking through grass fields of rye, wheat, oats etc., with natural cotton fiber sheets absorbing the dew.    Quantities of dew are collected and then stored in glass or earthenware cauldrons throughout the spring and early summer and are used for preparation of plant medicine. 
    This is truly the time of enchantment when the buds on the trees have unfolded to leaves, wild flowers and blossoming fruit trees are everywhere, insects are awakening, birds are nesting and bees are pollinating.  The fragrances of musk and flowers permeate the air and this is when the soil is most moist and fertile.  From nature’s point of view, Taurus is the finest and fairest of the earth signs and is said to correspond or be under the influence of Venus, the planet of which grace and beauty are attributed.  The combination of the Moon’s dew and Venus’s moisture and sap make it a sensual and procreative time for all of life’s expressions. 
Those born at this time are people with a healthy and robust constitution.  They are endowed with strength and endurance. The animal that represents Taurus is the Bull which conveys the notion of a slow but steady labor carried out with patience and perseverance.  These are the qualities of a Taurean.  Taken to the extreme, these virtues can sour when the Taurus person can be obstinate and stubborn, going beyond limits of their strength and endurance.  This extreme applied to farming a newly enriched parcel of land, might yield all of its fertilizing properties from being over sown but would then have to be left uncultivated to regain its strength.  If one sow’s too thick while seeking the maximum profit, one very soon exhausts the resources of this earth so rich in its natural state.  Think of today’s Agribusiness as a prime example of soil depletion and weakening of our food supply.  Food produced by organic farming has a far greater vitality for nourishing the body and mind.  Organic produce may be more expensive than the commercial produce but the trace mineral content, taste and vitality is far more abundant.  In the long run, the money one saves buying cheaper commercial food will most likely be paid tenfold and more from malnutritive diseases.  There is a strong coincidence with the practice of Agribusiness and the declining of national health.  The growing of food and security of its nutrition are all Taurus/Earth issues.
    The symbol for Taurus is a circle topped with a quarter circle .  This is the sign of the Bull as well as the throat and lower part of the face in human anatomy.  Taurus rules the neck, throat and ears and is connected to the lymphatic system of the body.  The thyroid gland also comes under its influence since it’s closely allied with the body’s metabolic processes.  Venus symbolized by a cross surmounted by a circle represents the newly born spirit in matter.

Gemini the Twins (May 21st-June 21st)

    To recapitulate in symbolic terms, the journey of the seed begins in fiery Aries, its roots are nourished in earthly Taurus and now its plant form seeks nourishment in the element of air in the sign of Gemini. The sun’s exaltation in Aries allows the rebirth of nature’s secret fire and animation of spirit.  The moon’s exaltation in Taurus caused the sap to rise and the plants to become fragrant. 
    The sun is now in the constellation Gemini and is reaching higher in the heavens, nearing its zenith at the summer solstice.   Gemini is considered to be a mutable sign which means the mode of energy is in transition and is easily adaptable.   Gemini is symbolized by twin children.  At this stage in nature plants are growing tall and quickly.  This double sign indicates the appearances of varieties of plants and flowers at this stage to be similar.  As they are increasing in height, the stems are all identically fragile, as if held only by membranous tissue. Yet, just as children change in appearance from one year to the next, rapid change is the keynote that best describes the mutable qualities of the time of Gemini.  In this last sign of spring, the Air element comes strongly into focus as the physical air and the nature of breathing.  At this time the plants are most vibrant and alive and most intensely green.  This is the time of their greatest assimilation of chlorophyll.  At the end of Gemini the sun rises ever higher as the longest day approaches.  Like the sun reaching its zenith so do the plants grow at their greatest height and the action of the sun’s rays is seen above all in the tips of plants, in the flowers and the fruit.  With the sun reaching its greatest height above the horizon, the plants have reached maturity and now the different species are easily distinguishable.  Likewise in the animal world, the new born animals have grown to maturity and are beginning to forage on their own.
Those born in this time of Gemini are as impressionable as nature is.  The planet attributed to Gemini is Mercury  whose symbol is a combination of Venus with the lunar crescent of the Moon on top of it.  Gemini’s are mercurial in nature as they quickly adapt to new circumstances.  Just as quickly as nature transforms at this stage, Gemini’s are the “Jacks of all trades”.  As musicians they play many instruments.  They like anything new and can mimic the world around them.  Although they are quick witted, minded and alert, their attention changes to whatever new comes along.  Like a honey bee going from flower to flower, they are busy bodies, curious and intelligent and take interest in everything around them. At this time Herbalists/Alchemists continue to gather plants utilizing roots, leaves and flowers.  Although at this time the energy of the plant is mostly in the flowers. 
    The symbol for Gemini is like the Roman numeral .  It represents the twins and anatomically the two parallel lines represent the lungs, the arms and hands. The lungs process the air we breathe and connect us viscerally with the natural world.  It declares that we have a symbiotic relation to Nature and are interconnected to all that lives.  We take in oxygen and let out carbon dioxide and the plant world, most notably the trees, exhale oxygen and inhales carbon dioxide.  Just think about it.  The more we decimate our Rainforest the less oxygen is produced and the greater the carbon dioxide level rises. 


    Check in to this website from time to time, as we will explore a new venture in the coming Summer season.    Remember, “Hocus pocus, it’s all where you focus; the more you look, the more you see.”      
I utilize Astrology to make herbal spagyric remedies as well discerning the constitutions of clients for whom they would best apply.  Part of the curriculum I provide as a natural health educator is to introduce a basic understanding of Astrology in relation to natural remedies and how they are used to bring about alignment in the body/mind continuum.  If you are interested in learning more about Medical Astrology and its applications to health and well being, contact me by e-mail or phone.  

References:  Gold of a Thousand Mornings by Armand Barbault
        Astrology by Jeff Mayo
        The Planets Within by Thomas Moore

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Email: ron@ronlemire.com

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Ron Lemire
                 PO Box 7125
                 Scarborough, Maine  04070