From time immemorial, humanity has been star-struck by the glorious heavens above. The mystery of the sky is a mirror to our search for cosmic meaning. Star wisdom is as ancient as humanity. Sacred sites all over the world have been oriented to focus on the light of particular stars. Long narrow passages in the pyramids channeled starlight to those in initiation chambers.

Shamans world-wide have mind-traveled up to the stars, receiving wisdom and healing. Renaissance astrologers and alchemists considered how to trap astral essences in gems or stones or water. The language of myth carries star lore down the ages, coded in symbols and stories. The latest story by today's astrophysicists tell us that we are all made of star dust from the "big bang". Philosopher Ken Wilbur calls it the "big bloom." I like that better. Stars are like the flowers of heaven.

Following that thought, imagine star essences. That was a logical step for me, as an astrologer who has used flower essences for years. Yet when first introduced to Star Essences, I had to make a quantum leap. Flowers are physical and can be placed in water; still we know that flower essences tune into etheric, psycho-spiritual levels. Star essences are naturally astral, as 'astral' means 'star'. To make them, a telescope is focused on a specific star or planet, shining its light into a purified solution of water and alcohol in a meditational space. Flowers and stars can be used together to great benefit. The flowers of Our planet and the flowers of the night sky connect heaven and earth.

In 1985, Dr. Paul Nash had an angelic vision which told him how to make star essences. He and his wife, Dr. Mary Nash, both chiropractors working with a range of methodologies, applied the essences in their own processes and with their clients, incorporating work with chakras and meridians and becoming more clear on the uses of each star and planet. Their experiential interpretations were confirmed by Dr. Marilyn Rosner of the Spiritual Science Fellowship. The 48 Star Essences are described in their booklet, Guide to the Star Essences. (A new distributor is being sought--contact me for information.)

In 1987, Pegasus Starlight Elixirs were developed with instructions from Hilarion, channeled by Jon C. Fox to astrologer/astronomer Ted Denmark. Along with Michael Smulkis and Fred Rubenfeld, Denmark made the Starlight Elixirs also with a telescopic focus, and gathered information about the stars with the help of Hilarion. This expanding line, which includes deep space objects such as nebulae and galaxies, is described in the book, Starlight Elixirs and Cosmic Vibrational Healing. (Contact Pegasus Products for Starlight Elixirs and Smulkis and Rubenfeld's book, which is also available through bookstores) These are the only two lines of star remedies I know of.

Modern science analyzes star light into various spectral signatures reflecting each star's composition. Stars are high level energies. Our own star, the Sun, has complex magnetic fields that we don't fully understand. Earth is bathed in its solar wind. Each vibrant star has many facets and addresses a number of themes and psycho-somatic conditions. Appropriate star remedies are chosen in the same ways as flower essences. Astrology can be particularly useful to identify stars that are active in an individual's life path or for a specific period of time.

Let's look at a star visible in the summer sky--golden Arcturus, one of the brightest stars. Follow the handle of the Big Dipper to "arc to Arcturus." Even gazing at a star will fill you with its light. Descriptions of the light effects of Arcturus agree that it guides correct application of spiritual energy into the physical world for focused resonance in healing work (Smulkis/Rubenfeld) or in personal development and the larger world of political, social and monetary endeavors (Nash).

Arcturus essence enhances interpersonal connection. The Starlight Elixir is said to promote healing energy between two people. When using conventional modalities, it aids understanding of the condition and any side effects. The Nash Star Essence can help those who isolate themselves because they are afraid they won't fit in to overcome their fears. It focuses the mind to move beyond oppressive forces, gives inner strength in time of difficulty or challenge and patience and understanding during long periods of suffering. It calms emotional reactions to stress and clears stagnation in kidney and bladder meridians.

The star Arcturus is zodiacally aligned with 23.5 degrees of Libra. Persons born October 16-18 are tuned to that star, as well as anyone with planets there. Slow-moving planets spend months in one position. People born throughout 1953-54 have Neptune aligned with Arcturus; in 1973, Uranus is there; from late 1980 through 1982, Pluto circled this position. During parts of 2001-2, transiting Uranus in Aquarius will be trining this position, creating a wonderful window to realize the best qualities of this remedy.

There is one glory of the sun,
and another glory of the moon,
and another glory of the stars:
for one star differeth from another star in glory.
--The Bible (I Corinthians 15:41)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: M. Kelley Hunter, M.A., is an all-purpose Star Lady--an internationally-known astrologer, mythologist and amateur astronomer who works with flower and star essences. She lives in St. John, Virgin Islands, where she leads star gazing nights and studies for her Ph.D. in world cosmologies. She is available for consultations by phone and tape. Inquire about her monthly e-mail articles. To contact her by e-mail, write to her at PO Box 37, St. John, USVI 00831, or call 1-888-7ALTAIR.

ART CREDITS: This art treatment based on graphics from a clip art disk by Micrografx.