In this article I want to give readers the opportunity to work with the Bach flower remedies while they are undergoing challenging times. I am mainly giving indications of difficult planetary transits but non- astrologers will also be able to use this information. Working with the Bach flower remedies can be of great assistance in coping with these major astrological cycles.
In astrology we look at the transits of the major planets over our natal planetary positions as times of change and challenge. Astrologers pay particular attention to the movements of the outer planets, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto as the impact of their transits are of longer duration than the closer planets and they are usually more life-changing. I am also looking at the movement of Mars and Jupiter, as I have found them to very significant.
Mars has a 2 year cycle during that time it touches every planet in our birthchart. Mars represents pure masculine energy, and it can bring up issues of anger, frustration and impatience. Maybe we feel to tired to cope with all this new energy, therefore we can take the remedies Olive and Hornbeam to help gather our strength. We may feel overwhelmed, if this is the case then Elm is the remedy that we need. If we have an abundance of energy and are not too sure where to direct it, Wild Oat can help to focus on our true direction.
Frustration can make us very impatient and here the calming soothing effect of Impatiens is ideal.
The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter is traditionally looked upon as a beneficial, lucky planet. Indeed Jupiter usually brings optimism and hope, but it also enlarges and expands all that it touches. Jupiter contacting our Sun for example could make us over-optimistic and arrogant. The remedies to help in this case would be Vervain and Vine. Jupiter contacting our moon could bring up issues about self confidence and insecurity and to compensate overindulgence can sometimes be a problem. For fear and self-doubt take Mimulus, Cerato or Larch . Cherry Plum is indicated if eating or drinking gets out of control.
Often referred to as ‘The Lord of Karma’ Saturn in the birth chart indicates where we may be weak and where we hold our fears.
Try using the appropriate remedy from the Moon sign tables that were in the last Mercury. For example if Saturn was in Cancer at your birth you would use Clematis; if Saturn was in Libra, Scleranthus is indicated.
Whatever planet Saturn touches by transit there is usually some form of self-appraisal going on. Saturn always represents a time of responsibility, seriousness and caution, re-planning and re-structure will be high on most peoples list.
If we feel discouragement, fear, low self-esteem or depression, then take Gentian, Mimulus, Larch or Gorse. We may also feel resentment and frustration, if this is the case Willow and Impatiens are ideal. During Saturn transits there may be times of loneliness and grief, the flower remedy Star of Bethlehem is therefore indicated.
Uranus, planet of the unexpected is known as the bringer of freedom and liberation. Change is the hallmark of this transit and wherever we have clung on to old rigid patterns of behaviour now will be the time to release them.
We feel that we need a new direction, Wild Oat can help here. We may feel quite detached from all that we have known before, if this is the case then Water Violet is called for. Chestnut Bud is the remedy to help us leave past habit patterns behind, and Walnut can assist in the changes taking place.
If we feel out of control, Cherry Plum, White Chestnut and Impatiens can help us to find a calmer solution. Intolerance may also be a problem at this time, Beech can encourage us to become more forgiving.
During transits of Neptune all that is no longer needed will be dissolved. Isolation and depression can occur, it may be difficult to stay in the present moment, Clematis is the flower remedy to help ground us. Gorse and Mustard can help at times of feeling despondent and low. For frustration, tension and loss of self-esteem take impatiens and Larch. During this transit there can be a draining of our energy, Olive and Hornbeam are helpful in this case.
When Pluto comes along there is opportunity for transformation and regeneration, astrologically the planet Pluto symbolises the death and rebirth process. We may be forced to let go of situations and people that stop us from growing. Chicory is the remedy for letting go.
A new sense of who we really are may accompany this transit, it can feel like the dark night of the soul, if this is the case Sweet Chestnut is invaluable, Mustard will also assist with gloomy thoughts and feelings. For feelings of being powerless accompanied by fears and anxieties Mimulus, Aspen and Rock Rose will be ideal and help us continue our journey of transformation.
Willow and Holly are also excellent remedies for any resentment or anger that may have been building up in the past.
These are just a selection of useful flower remedies, there are many more and each combination mixture would be mixed according the clients wishes and the indications in the birth chart.
It is always wise to remember that planets do not make us ‘do’ anything. Many of my clients think that this must be the case, for example I often hear ‘ Nasty Saturn is making me do this or feel like this.’ When a planet arrives by transit it is knocking on our door and asking us to review what we are doing, to adjust and make the necessary changes. What we actually do about the situation is always our choice. Using the Bach flower remedies can help to make these choices easier for us and for those around us!
A reminder that flower remedies do not take the place of medical care, if you have any worries about your health you should see you doctor or health professional.
Dr Bach’d combination remedy the ‘Rescue Remedy’ can be used at any time, It is always useful to have a bottle close to hand.
Rescue Remedy contains:
*Cherry Plum for fear and loss of control
*Clematis for possible loss of consciousness or dizziness
*Impatiens for pain and tension
*Rock Rose for panic and terror
*Star of Bethlehem for grief, shock and trauma
If you would like to know more or would like a telephone or postal consultation please give me a call on 01276 62285 or email me at christine_chalklin@hotmail.com
All consultations are held in the strictest confidence.
Christine Chalklin
Registered Bach flower therapy practitioner
Winter 2004