The persistent illusion of being separate from those around us, even of
not belonging in the community of humankind, is a painful condition. On an individual
level, it evokes an aching loneliness and the sense of an inability to love and be loved.
On a global level, the illusion of separation results in indifference to the suffering
in underdeveloped nations and even to war.
Spiritual teachings of all times and places
say that separation is not real, that we are children of All That Is, all emanating from
the life force and the love that indwells every atom of the universe. It is so very hard,
especially given the current world upheaval, to hold onto this truth. There are, however,
some essences that remind us of it and provide healing for our hearts and souls from the pain
that separation brings.
One essence which touches deeply into the sense of separation is Monkshood, made by both
the Alaskan Flower Essence Project and Hummingbird Remedies, but from somewhat different
species. AFEP's catalog says it is for those who are repelled by others and who shut
themselves off from meaningful emotional and physical contact in order not to feel
vulnerable. It helps establish strong energetic boundaries so that they can relate
to the world fearlessly. Hummingbird Essence's description cites it as especially
important for men who have become so rigidly locked into their masculine roles that
they have difficulty relating on a heart level and who thus create barriers to true
connections with others.
To return to the doctrine of signatures discussed in the last issue of Vibration,
monkshood is named for its resemblance to a monk's hood.
Also known as aconite and wolfsbane, it is a plant with a very ancient and magical history,
being used in protective spells and to protect oneself from werewolves. All parts of the
plant are poisonous, though the essence is not, and this parallels the defenses we erect
to protect ourselves from others.
In the first years of my essence work, I lived in New York -- possibly the world
capital for the illusion of separation and a place where one quickly learns good
boundaries as a survival skill. It was there that I first encountered this plant.
Living in a paved-over city, I had little contact with the flowers that essences were made
from and thus little capacity to contact the powerful flower angels called devas. One
of my essence students brought me a bouquet of monkshood, and I was taken aback by
the powerful and palpable presence it radiated. (Monkshood is shown here and
in this issue's Mandala Gallery.)
Having the bouquet around for a
week or so moved me, finally, to take the essence. It was remarkable how Monkshood
eased that tough New York shell of protection and opened me up to warmer and more
relaxed connections with others.
With Water Violet, the Bach Remedies or Healing Herbs have an essence related
to a certain type that separates themselves from humanity. The character type described
in most Bach literature is that of calm, quiet, self-reliant, dignified people who
are aloof and do not interfere in the affairs of others, or tolerate other's
interference in their own affairs. They go their own way and can have a sense
of superiority -- and, in fact, they are often exceptionally capable and knowledgeable.
After taking Water Violet, their sense of separateness diminishes, and they serve humanity better
for their increased compassion.
Another root of separateness is addressed by Shooting Star, a remedy made by the
Flower Essence Society and Pegasus. The blossom, shown here, does literally look
like a shooting star. (To see
the mandala.) This remedy is profoundly healing for people who do not feel
that they belong on this earth and who are deeply alienated from humankind. They
often feel that they should not have incarnated and suffer from a profound
homesickness for another realm. Some believe themselves to be starseed -- that is, beings
from another solar system who have for some purpose taken human form.
Whatever the cause, Shooting Star types hold themselves back from full
participation in the community of souls on this planet. With Shooting Star, many of
them are able to drop their sense of separation, embrace being in bodily form, and
enter into a heart connection with others. (Incidentally, astrologers, who can
feel isolated from the mainstream by merit of their vocation, have often
reported that Shooting Star deepened their understanding of the influences
of the various planets in the horoscope.)
While Shooting Star and Water Violet types may be born with a deep sense of
separation, Mariposa Lily (shown here, left) is for those who feel alienated from others due to
a poor bond with the mother. This lack of true bonding may exist from their earliest
days or because of a traumatic separation.
I use the Flower Essence Society version and have found it very helpful in long-term healing
work where the capacity to bond with others has been impaired. These folks' sense of
being unwanted and unloved abates, and they are also able to be more nurturing and
accepting of others.
The belief in separateness causes us pain and often leads us to develop
attitudes and patterns of behavior that isolate us even further from mates,
family members, and humanity at large. The illusion of separation probably cannot
be fully healed without a spiritual awakening, but while we wait to be struck sane
by Spirit, we can begin the healing process by trying some or all of the remedies
above. You may also find the remedies for forgiveness in Annabeth Meister's article helpful.
The remedies in both articles can soften attitudes and defenses that keep us feeling alienated, while
opening the heart to the love that is underneath our fearful barriers to oneness
with All That Is.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: DONNA CUNNINGHAM, MSW, is one of the editors of Vibration Magazine and has been an astrologer,
therapist, and essence teacher for many years. For more of her articles, visit her
Frequent Contributor Page.
ART CREDITS: This gemstone mandala was created by Donna Cunningham
of Word of Mouth Web Design
from photos of quartz crystals and opals at The Image.
The images of mariposa lily and shooting star came from the Almaden
Research Center Wildflowers Gallery.
The drawing of the monkshood flower came from Thinkquest.org and the monk painting came from
Art Today.
