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Vol 1., #1 - June 1998
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Since I am primarily an astrologer and use flower essences and other vibrational remedies to complement this practice, I have been exploring the relationship between these two modalities for some time. I've found they can be a powerful combination for self-discovery and healing, as well as a great help to practicing astrologers and counselors.

When working with clients, I use astrology both as a diagnostic tool and a timer. Then--if the client is receptive--I offer essences to help the individual tap his or her own transformative powers. I usually begin with a chart reading. If the person has asked only for an essence consultation, I still take a quick look at the natal, or birth, chart just to see where the person is coming from and what's being stirred up now.

Most clients come to astrologers either because they're unhappy and want to know what they can do about it, or because they're at a crossroads in their lives and need a clearer map of the terrain ahead. In either case, astrology can usually shed some light on the situation.

The natal chart reveals patterns of stress and potential blockage, as well as patterns of ease or flow. Once we have identified these patterns we can use essences to foster a deeper awareness of our potential, helping us heal our wounds and meet our challenges, as well as understand and live our potential.

Using Astrology as a Timer

Astrology also works wonderfully as a timer, and there are many ways to use it in this capacity. Transits and progressions are astrological techniques that move the birth chart into the future. They describe our evolution and unfolding--where we are now and where we are headed. In addition to helping us understand our natal potential, we can also use essences to make the most of these windows of opportunity.

When slower moving planets make contact with planets in a natal chart by transit, this can indicate a period of one to several years when we will be dealing with a major issue or cluster of related issues. Here, the essence practitioner might choose a single essence or a series of essences focusing on that specific area to use with the client throughout the period.

It's possible to begin taking an essence at any time. But I've found I get good results both personally and with clients when we begin taking essences at the new moon and continue through the lunar month. Often there is a dawning awareness around the full moon, after the essence has had a couple weeks to work. Then, during the moon's waning phases we may be able to articulate and make use of our discoveries. I generally recommend keeping the last few days at the end of the cycle essence-free. During this time the essence or mixture can be reassessed and either continued, stopped or changed.

Essences can also be indispensable tools for the practitioner's self use. I find certain essences have helped me clarify my own goals and intent, hone my analytical and communicative skills, and empathize with my clients without getting caught up in their dramas.

I am not a psychotherapist or crisis counselor, and many astrologers are not. But few of us have managed to practice for any length of time without being called on to administer what I call "spiritual first aid"--answering the emergency call, trying to calm the distraught person in the office or on the other end of the line, offering referrals to qualified counselors if needed.

Here, too, essences can help. Many essence makers produce emergency formulas that can help the client in crisis until he or she is able to get the needed help. They can also help the astrologer keep cool under pressure.

Editor's Essence Suggestions Essences made from the light/energy of the moon might be of particular interest to astrologers. They are available from several companies, each line having its own unique focus. Siskiyou Essences has a lunar set which has an essence made in each phase of the moon. Each essence embodies the energy and meaning of the lunar phase during which it was made. Whole Energy Essences has a series of full moonlight essences, one made during each full moon over the course of a year. They are powerful transformational tools, particularly of use for breaking habits or patterns. (See article on these) Green Terrestrial's Moon Flower Essences number 13 in total. These are flower essences made by the light of the moon, and contain both plant and lunar energies. The maker feels them to be particularly feminine in focus.

For astrologers who tend to get involved in clients' personal lives, essences can help draw clearer boundaries. Donna Cunningham has developed a special formula she calls "Rescuer's Remedy," after Bach's famous crisis formula, "Rescue Remedy." You can modify the mixture to suit your needs, but Donna uses a blend of Bach remedies: Chicory (for that Virgo tendency to correct and caretake), Red Chestnut (for those who suffer excessive anxiety for others), Pine (for guilt over putting one's own needs first), and Centaury (for those who are easily taken advantage of).

Astrologers can also use essences to help clear the energy in their offices or consulting rooms. I have delicate sinuses so I don't like to burn sage inside, but a spray bottle with water and a few drops of the right essences can do just as well. I like to use Flower Essence Services' Yarrow Special Formula here, though I sometimes add others. Spraying is also a nice ritual that helps prepare for or close a session. Incidentally, the FES Yarrow Special Formula is not only good for psychic shielding, it also helps protect us from the electromagnetic radiation and other toxins emitted by our office equipment!

The best resources I've found for integrating astrology and vibrational essences are Donna Cunningham's books. Her main focus is astrology, but she discusses many ways to integrate the use of essences into an astrological practice, as well as ways for non-astrologers to make use of both modalities. Flower Remedies Handbook requires no knowledge of astrology, The Moon In Your Life only a basic familiarity. (WWES reading list)

Astrology and Spiritual Development. (Cassandra Press, 1988.)
Astrology and Vibrational Healing. (Cassandra Press, 1988.)
The Consulting Astrologer's Guidebook. (Samuel Weiser, 1994.)
Flower Remedies Handbook. (Sterling Publishing, 1992).
Healing Pluto Problems. (Samuel Weiser, 1986.)
The Moon In Your Life: Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World. (Samuel Weiser, 1982, 1996.)

For more information, refer to the WWES Vibrational Essences Reading List and the Essences & Astrology and Resources & Links pages on my Stellalune Astrology Website. Email: Stellalune@earthlink.net; Website: http://home.earthlink.net/~stellalune/.

The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered below. This article is not meant to constitute advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

DESIGN CREDITS: The background for this page came from Athena's Borders. The line of gold Moons came from Dana's Designs.

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