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 In my work as a health astrologer I have used numerous therapies to assist clients in transformation. One of the most powerful tools I know of is flower essences. Because they work at a subtle level, they influence us almost imperceptibly at first and then seem to have a profound and powerful effect. The two are a perfect pair. The astrology chart points to difficult tendencies and issues that can underlie physical and emotional illness. The essences seem to bring these issues up and promote a metamorphosis of the soul. Difficult patterns may not be completely conquered, but there is often a deeper awareness of them, an ability to shed light on painful areas of one's life, and the possibility of healing and release.  
One client is a prominent author of books on healing illnesses naturally. Because he is well respected, he is constantly writing new books and going on lecture tours to promote his ideas and work with clients. In his astrological chart, this man has his Sun, Mars and Mercury in the sign of Capricorn. Capricorn is the sign best known for leadership skills, ambition, drive and authority. Though he had achieved much wealth and recognition, my client still went through regular bouts of depression and felt overworked and overwhelmed at times. When he came to me, he was trying to complete a manuscript, do a lecture tour, and fly to New York for a speaking engagement. When I looked at his chart, I realized right away that he suffered from the need to achieve and accomplish, so much so that it was leaving him depleted and fatigued. At a deeper level, Capricorns often feel a need to be successful and achieve goals out of a fundamental insecurity. They may feel unappreciated and lack confidence in their own abilities. In order to make up for this, Capricorns will often work doubly or triply hard to "prove" themselves to the outside world. By getting recognition and accolades from the public, they can feel safe and secure, like they are worthy people. (There have been more Capricorn presidents of the U.S. than any other sign.) My client was suffering from the ill effects of ambition built out of insecurity. I didn't want to discourage any of his drive or desire to achieve in the world, but I also knew it would be helpful to temper his excessive Capricornian traits. 
Oak essence seemed a perfect tool for harmonizing this problem and helping him to work through this issue. In Eileen Nauman's book, Medical Astrology, She calls Oak the "Atlas holding the world on one's shoulders" remedy. Oak seems to specifically work for people who are driven, "Type A" personalities. They have a hard time slowing down to smell the roses and are constantly striving to accomplish their goals and tasks. Oak helps people to come into balance and stay strong while also taking time to nurture themselves and relax into life. As an astrologer, I often recommend starting the use of therapeutic tools at particularly powerful times. In this case, a lunar eclipse was coming up just a few days from our talk. I noticed that the sun would be in Capricorn while the moon would be in Cancer, exactly the same positions as in his chart. Not only that, but the sun and moon would be lined up in almost exactly the same spot as when he was born. Eclipses are particularly powerful events that seem to catalyze transformation at a higher rate. These can be destabilizing times for some people, so it's important to treat eclipses with caution. The gentle and subtle medicines like the essences work best at these times because there is less danger of damaging side effects. After our talk, my client began taking Oak essence twice a day, starting on the lunar eclipse. We did not talk for a couple weeks after the eclipse, and in that time he had flown to New York for a speaking engagement. When I talked to him next he seemed a little perplexed. He said that once he got back from New York, he experienced an enormous headache that lasted two days. The pain incapacitated him, and he was forced to stop all his writing efforts. 
While having his headache, he realized how much time and energy he had been putting into his work and how it had caused him to feel rigid, hardened and "locked up" in his body. These terms are often used for typical Capricorn problems, which he was experiencing more clearly through taking Oak. In our conversation, my client realized he needed to take more time for himself and free himself of some of the rigidity and hardness he had developed. We talked about yoga, chi gong and dancing and he became entranced by these ideas. We both recognized that counseling would be of little help at this moment because that involved even more talking and thinking. What my client really needed to do was to get in touch with his body and loosen up. He also realized he needed to carve out more time from his busy schedule to relax and turn off his mind. Through the use of Oak, my client got more in touch with his Capricorn-based issues. By going through a small crisis (the headache), he came to a realization of the need for change in certain areas in his life. By re-prioritizing his life to include body movement and relaxation modalities, he could insure a stronger and more relaxed foundation from which to move in the world. This beautiful tree became a symbol and a practical tool for manifesting deep and profound transformation.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jonathan Keyes lives and works in Portland, Oregon, where he writes astrological health columns for StarIQ.com. He has just completed a book called Mirror to the Sky, A Guide to Natural Astrological Healing which will be out sometime this winter. Jonathan has a B.S. in Health Sciences from Evergreen State College and is a trained herbalist and plant spirit medicine practitioner. He has worked extensively with shamans and healers in Ecuador, Mexico and Washington state and has learned a variety of tools he uses in his practice. Jon's focus is to bring optimal health and spiritual advice to the clients he serves. He can be reached for consultations at (503) 231-9146 or by email. Art Credits: The oak leaves and the picture of Atlas came from a clip art disk by Micrographx.
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