TAURUS April 21 – May 21

Taurus can be equated to the toddler of the zodiac – exploring the physical world and the five senses. The symbol for Taurus is The Bull, and it is always useful to contemplate a Sign’s symbol for it gives deep insights into the nature of people born under it. The Bull is slow, steady, strong and hard working, helping to build many a solid structure. He cannot be pushed around with brute force, but can be enticed to go in any direction with food (or the promise of other goodies). Bulls are very patient and even tempered but it is unwise to goad them for then they have the potential to charge and wreak havoc (think of the running of the bulls). Cows provide nourishment amply and generously by way of their milk and all that can then be made from it. Many societies rely on cattle for food and assistance with farming.

Out of Balance Taurean Energy

Stubborn, pessimistic, materialistic, sluggish, stuck, controlling, possessive, chauvinistic, black and white views

Balanced Taurus Energy

Patient, sensual, affectionate, practical, sensible, reliable, strong, tranquil, persevering, grounded, artistic, kind

Taurus is ruled by Venus, who, in ancient Roman mythology was the Goddess of Beauty, Art, Love and Luxury. Taureans do enjoy the finer things in life, husband their resources well, and fully appreciate all the rewards that hard work and money can bring on a material level. Some also say that Taurus’s true ruler is Vulcan, the smithy of the Gods, who could bend steel to his will in his forge – symbolising the Taurean mastery of the material plane. Many an empire builder, architect, sculptor, and style guru has a strong Taurean influence in their chart.

On a physical level, Taurus rules the neck and shoulders of the physical body, as well as the ears, nose and throat. Think again of the bull – how his shoulders and neck are where his strength are and where he pushes into the yoke as he transports enormous loads.  It is also where the matador aims in the bull ring. In medical astrology the body part where we hold our greatest strength is also our most vulnerable. Carrying large loads over an extended period of time can leave one feeling tired and burdened. Old Man Banksia addresses these issues beautifully and also balances the thyroid gland, located in the neck. The thyroid gland regulates our metabolism and Taureans are prone to slowed metabolism and all that implies. Bush Fuchsia is also valuable for its balancing effect on the throat area and the ears.

Isopogon is a very important flower for Taurus, for it addresses stubbornness and controlling tendencies, bringing more flexibility. In mind-body medicine, a rigid mind can ultimately lead to a rigid body, so Isopogon can also be a valuable preventative remedy for arthritis.

Bush Iris is very high on the list of Essences for Taureans who are the earthiest Earth sign and so very grounded and strongly attached to the material plane. The five senses rule supreme and it is the spiritual lesson of Taurus to see beyond this, which is not always easy for them. Bush Iris opens one up to the sixth sense and the world beyond this physical one. Buddha was a Taurean. Born a prince, his life and philosophy embody this lesson.

Bush Iris is also good for balancing greed, avarice, materialism and overindulgence in physical delights – extreme manifestations of an over attachment to the earth plane.

Along with Autumn Leaves, Lichen and Bottlebrush in Transition Essence, Bush Iris helps the Taurean who is so attached to being here they are having difficulty passing over. Transition is equally valuable for Taureans finding it difficult to let go of a dying loved one because they so need their physical presence here.

Storing toxins and heavy metals can also occur in this Sign, which Wild Potato Bush is especially useful for releasing. It can be taken alone or within the Purifying Essence.

For the potential for depression in this phlegmatic sign, Tall Yellow Top is very useful.

For much more on how the Bush Essences can be used to help balance each Sun Sign, see our workshop schedule for when the next Astrology and ABFE workshop will be held near you.

More Information on the Astrology & ABFE workshop

Linn’s Workshop Schedule

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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ARIES March 21 – April 20

Each Sun Sign can be roughly equated to a life phase, and Aries is the baby of the zodiac. In the Northern Hemisphere, where western astrology originated, the 21^st March is the Spring Equinox, the official start of the solar year, as Mother Earth stirs from her long wintery sleep. It is a time of new beginnings and new life – green shoots, blossoms, birth. Everything is fresh, shiny and new. There is an air of optimism, renewal and hope – an awareness of all the possibilities contained by this new year, and in the new life that we see all around. Such is also the energy of Aries.

POSITIVE QUALITIES

Fearless, pioneering, honest, energetic, enthusiastic, independent, generous, confident, inspirational, passionate, decisive and idealistic. Natural leaders who get the ball rolling.

NEGATIVE QUALITIES

Impulsive, naïve, arrogant, impatient, bossy, aggressive, violent, bloody minded, extravagant.

If you study ancient Roman mythology you will see these traits embodied in Mars, the God of War, and ruler of Aries. According to Carl Jung, myths are archetypes; stories reflective of actual personality types – their strengths,  weaknesses and challenges, and the way to resolve these. Myths can be viewed as therapeutic stories – stories as medicine.

Equally, the Bush Essences, as medicines for the emotions, can be used to help heal and bring into balance the negative traits of any sun sign, allowing the positive traits to be more easily expressed. For each sign, there are certain flowers that are frequently needed, and these can be viewed as constitution remedies.

Black-Eyed Susan is a very important flower for Aries. It is very useful for rushing, something Aries are renown for, so it helps them to slow down (and smell the roses). Unchecked, this tendency to speediness can become impatience or impulsiveness and can further escalate into frustration, anger and aggression. As the mind goes, energy flows. An imbalance in the thoughts and emotions will ultimately be reflected in the physical body, in a very predictable manner. Physically, rushing can manifest as hyperactivity, clumsiness, stress, burnout, aggression, violence or accidents.  Bolting down one’s food leads to indigestion. Black-Eyed Susan addresses all these issues at a causal level. Antarctic Essence is also very appropriate.

Mountain Devil too, is very high on the list of Essences for fiery Aries. If impatience has progressed into anger, aggression, violence or hatred, Mountain Devil is called for. It is also very good for the Aries tendency to become overly ambitious and overly competitive (they like to win). With fire comes passion, and at times jealousy – which Mountain Devil will also help soothe. In western herbal medicine, anger is held in the spleen; in Chinese Medicine anger is held in the liver. Either way, I have found Mountain Devil very useful for assisting restore health in these organs. In medical astrology, the spleen is ruled by Aries, and is vulnerable under stress, so therefore needs to be especially supported. Mountain Devil supports the spleen energetically, and therefore physically.

Aries natives are at risk of burnout. They have so much natural energy that, like children, they go and go and go and then suddenly they drop. Usually, following a good sleep they awaken refreshed – and off they go again. However, as with the young, Aries can take this enormous vitality for granted, and get into a habit of burning the candle at both ends. They’ll get away with this for quite some time, especially in their youth. Sooner or later though, it will catch up. Down they go in a flaming burnt out heap of squandered energy. Macrocarpa is the flower they need to get back up again (Aries always gets back up again). Better still, give Macrocarpa before they crash and burn (prevention is better than cure). Macrocarpa also brings with it the wisdom to ‘eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired’ – to leave something in reserve, to husband your energy well. Macrocarpa is specific for balancing the adrenal glands, another of the vulnerable organs in Aries.

It has to be said that Aries is not naturally the most elegant of signs. Like children, they can be socially inept, gauche and naïve. Kangaroo Paw is very beneficial for helping them develop and grow in this direction. The tendency to rush can bring physical clumsiness no matter what their age. Apart from Black-Eyed Susan to slow down, try some Bush Fuchsia to help improve their physical co-ordination.

Fortunately we have Mulla Mulla to help Aries with their tendency to frequently burn themselves – on the iron, cappacino machine, stovetop, oven, kettle…  you get the idea. Put it on the outside and give it on the inside. Leave a bottle in the kitchen. Aries often have a reddish tinge to their hair, courtesy of their ruling planet Mars. This can bring the temper to match, and a tendency to sunburn. Try Mulla Mulla before, during and after sun exposure.

There are several other Essences that deserve a quick mention – Gymea Lily if they have become bossy or domineering, Isopogon to learn from their mistakes, and Wedding Bush to help them complete their projects (not just start them). And of course Emergency Essence – this enthusiastic, fiery, loyal, adventurous, clumsy trail blazer, with an appetite for life and the exuberance of youth, is going to need it. Oh, and some Calm and Clear + Mountain Devil for when they are driving.

More Information on the Astrology & ABFE workshop

Linn’s Workshop Schedule

Copyright  Linn Wiggins.

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Astrology and Australian Bush Flower essences is a One Day workshop. You do not need to have used the essences, not attended any other ABFE workshop to attend.

No formal training in Astrology is needed.

Everyone can apply this easy, practical and effective information in their day to day lives.

Practitioners can use it with every client for better healing outcomes.

Astrologers will be able to assist their clients to shift embedded patterns discovered in the birth chart.

This workshop uniquely combines modern personal astrology, spiritual astrology and medical astrology workshop to provide you with a simple method to quickly and accurately understand an individual’s personality and abilities.

The main topics covered in this workshop for each of the twelve Zodiac Signs will be:

• Basic qualities and characteristics

• Potential negative attitudes and how these can evolve into emotional imbalances

• Physical vulnerabilities

• Spiritual lessons

• Constitutional remedies

Click here to see when Linn is next teaching this workshop near you.

What People are Saying about this Workshop

Amazing how Linn made a topic I avoid so simple  and easy to understand. A truly fascinating insight into how to use the essences from a fresh perspective. So much depth revealed as to how to help people overcome imbalances. Very Inspiring. Suzie, Yoga Teacher, Bowen Therapist, ACT, Australia

One of the best ABFE workshops I have personally done, that enables me to have a more thorough understanding of myself and others. Jane, Noosa, Australia

A must for understanding easy and accurate ways to apply the essences to other people and yourself. A pleasure – an easy to understand workshop for both novices and practising astrologers. Kellie Green, massage therapist, Coolum, Australia

What an inspiration – “open your eyes’, there is more out there that impacts on what we do as practitioners. A fantastic tool and concept to use with everyone; clients, friends and family. Thank you. Heidi, Office Manager, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Very informative workshop and very helpful to add more pieces to the puzzle of understanding human beings and all that is related to helping with their health. Colleen, ACT, Australia, Administration Officer

Cohesive, stimulating, in depth workshop.I feel like I have a wonderful new layer in my thinking and decision making in relation to my family and my professional work. This workshop is a lovely lateral experience. The ABFE’s open one’s mind and senses, the astrological / medical component is like being provided with safe balcony on which to stand and look out into the world and beyond. I loved it. Linn has a friendly, warm presentation style. Jay, Counsellor, Vic, Australia

The course provided a wonderful insight into both astrology and the essences. It was a great learning experience. Many thanks. Shannyn, Brisbane,Qld, Australia

Great to be able to know essences for a client that I could use straight away from knowing their astrology sign. Donna, Byron Bay, NSW Australia

This is a life transforming workshop because every being has a sun sign and astrological signature that can be used as part of holistic healing with the essences. Debra, Brisbane, Australia.

This has been my ‘best’ ABFE workshop. Maureen, Nurse, Tewantin, Australia

An inspiring, informative insight into the zodiac and how ABFE fits into the picture. Lynley, Qld, Brisbane, Australia

Interesting – and reinforced my current knowledge by looking from a different viewpoint. Mary, Brisbane, Qld, Australia

A great tour of the astrological archetypes and how to balance these with the Bush Flowers. Linn shares her experience with much warmth and humour. An inspiring day!. Jewelli, Brunswick Heads, NSW, Australia

Very informative and definitely a way to extend the use of the essences. Ellie, Brisbane, Qld Australia

An inspiring wealth of information jam packed into a one day workshop. Jenny, Mackay, Qld, Australia.

Refreshes my knowledge of the essences, encourages my wider use of them and rejuvenates ME all at the same time! Gill, Nambour, Australia

Kept me interested every moment. Good at keeping the flow going. Marissa, Dietician, Vancouver, Canada.

This was my first Bush Flower essence workshop and I was inspired by Linn. I now know that I want to learn more about the essences and astrology. Life changing event. Thank you. Wendy, Qld Australia

Very simple, clear, organised, informative and fun. Tanja, Brisbane, Australia

The information will be very useful to help understand everyone and their health problems. Lesley, Brisbane, Australia

This adds another dimension to my consultations, helping me to understand my clients better and helping in the choosing of remedies. Brilliant. Cathy, Gold Coast, Australia

Fantastic insight into the various astrological signs and how they can get out of balance and also how we can help them come back into alignment. Sarah, Noosaville, Australia

Lightly entertaining, inspiring and informative. Jeannie, Nambour, Qld, Australia

Thank you Linn for your wonderful presentation of Astrology and ABFE. I am new to Bush Flowers and found myself wanting to know more. You are a truly inspiring teacher. Lisa, Tewantin, Australia

Thank you Linn – you have provided some valuable information that can be easily applied to selecting an essence. Kellie, Noosa, Australia

I enjoyed exploring traits that were in balance and out of balance and ways to remedy them in a very gentle fashion. Lorraine, Sunshine Coast, Australia

Linn has been an inspiring and a wonderful lecturer. This workshop helped to open up a greater understanding of other personalities, and how the Bush Essences can help and be used with this modality. Dianne, Home Duties, NSW, Australia

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In ancient times, life was intricately woven with the cycles of nature. Our lives were intimately connected with the journey of the sun through the constellations as our Mother Earth transformed through her seasons. In a self sufficient society, knowledge of the seasons and their effect on the food supply were crucial to survival and to quality of life. For the same reason, our ancestors also observed the phases of the Moon and its effect on the tides, plant growth and the behaviour of animals and people. We lived in harmony with these cycles.

Astrology is believed to have evolved as it was also noticed that those born at specific times of the year exhibited distinct character traits. Indeed, Confucius said, “He who wants to understand man must first understand Heaven, for it is Heaven which gives man his nature and his law.”

The ancients were possessed of much wisdom that modern man is only just now beginning to appreciate. Stonehenge (conservatively dated at 1800BC), is a giant astronomical observatory, not remotely understood until computers discovered its ability to accurately predict solstices, equinoxes, eclipses and other significant astronomical events. Zodiacs from ancient Egypt, China, India, Mexico, Greece, Babylon, Assyria and Sumer have all been discovered.

In ancient times, spirituality, health and astrology were all linked. 14th Century Chinese zodiacs show the effect of planets and constellations on health. Archaeologists have unearthed 30000 year old bones with engravings marking the moon cycles, believed to be female fertility calendars. (Francesca Naish’s book “Natural Fertility” details a natural contraceptive method that is 97% effective and includes the use of the moon cycle to predict fertility.)

In the bible, Ecclesiastes and Genesis contain obvious references to astrology to those who know how to read it from that perspective. The 12th Century church doctrinist Thomas Aquinas said, in Opusculum XXII, “When someone uses the judgement of the stars in order to foretell physical effects… this is not a sin…. for all people observe the heavenly spheres in some way with regards to such effects; the farmers sow and harvest at certain times in accordance with their observation of the course of the sun; and boatmen do not go out onto the waters at full moon. When a person is ill, the doctors observe the course of the sun and the moon to foretell the critical days. Therefore it is right and proper to heed the advice of the stars in other cases with regards to physical effects.” In 1586, Pope Sixtus V stated, in his bull, (regarding astrology) “Allowed however, are judgements and natural observations in support of navigation, agriculture and medical science.”

Ancient Greece gave us Hippocrates, known to the medical world as ‘the father of modern medicine’, but like so much of the ancient healing arts, many of his wise teachings have been disregarded through ignorance. Hippocrates was a herbalist and an astrologer. Modern medicine chose to ignore certain of his statements including:

“Ignorant is the doctor who understands nothing of astrology. The role played by astrology in medicine is no small one; indeed it is very large.”

“A doctor without knowledge of astrology does not have the right to call himself a doctor.”

“He who practises medicine without the benefit of the movement of the stars and planets is a fool.”

However the modern Hippocratic Oath did include: “First, do no harm”. Unfortunately this has now gone by the wayside too, and doctors (in Australia) no longer take this oath upon graduation. Thankfully however, “Do no Harm” remains a cornerstone of naturopathic philosophy.

When modern science took hold, we were told that nothing was valid unless it could be measured. One of the consequences of this was that the marriage between spirituality, human nature, healing and astrology dissolved, not least because there were no machines sophisticated enough to measure many of the variables. The “Not True till Validated” mindset of scientists has always perplexed me. How do you measure love? If you can’t measure love, does that mean it isn’t real? Being possessed of a strong sixth sense that revealed to me many things that weren’t necessarily obvious to others, particularly scientists, I spent many years living in faith that one day science would catch up.

Joy of joys, in the 1980s Dr Percy Seymour, an astrophysicist, set out to disprove astrology and instead, his research converted him. His 1997 book “The Scientific Basis of Astrology” makes for fascinating reading. As does Dr Richard Gerber’s tome “Vibrational Medicine” which details how Quantam Physics explains the action and efficacy of flower essences and other natural healing modalities. “Molecules of Emotion” by Dr Candace Pert is another excellent text which eloquently describes how our emotions profoundly affect our physical health and the cutting edge science that explains why this is so.

None of this would have been news to Hippocrates. Nor is it to practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (a healing system dating back over five thousand years), or to those trained in wholistic herbalism or naturopathy. All these therapies have the philosophy that dis-ease is the result of mental and emotional imbalances which, left unaddressed, eventually manifest in the physical body in a predictable manner. The book “You can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay covers this subject beautifully.

Medical astrology is an ancient science and gives us valuable clues as to our vulnerabilities emotionally, mentally and physically. As such it provides a wealth of information for those interested in practising preventative health care as potential weaknesses can be supported or treated with the use of natural remedies including herbs and flower essences.

Flower essences are an accessible healing tool that anyone can use as they are completely safe and natural. If the wrong remedy is taken it simply doesn’t work, so it is impossible to do any harm with them (Hippocrates would approve).

If you are interested in learning more about medical astrology and how Australian Bush Flower Essences can be used to improve your health on all levels, click here to see when and where my one day seminar is next being held near you. If you would like to host one in your area, contact me. Professional astrologers will gain tools to assist those clients with harsh natal aspects and difficult transits, however no formal training in astrology is needed. Everyone can apply this easy, practical and effective information in their day to day lives and practitioners can use it with every client for better healing outcomes.

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Id like to give you an example of how flower essences can be used as preventative medicine for a sun sign.

Each sun sign has specific parts of the body which are vulnerable. As you are probably aware, everyone responds and reacts to stress differently and this is partly due to the filters we each have. We all see life differently and this is due to a combination of our genetics, our cultural background, our family patterns and our own life experience.

Another filter is our sun sign, and this has a powerful effect upon the way we think as well as our emotional responses.

Aries, for example, are high energy people who tend to be impulsive. They act before they think and dash through life, becoming impatient if anyone or anything slows them down. This can emerge as frustration, anger or rage emotionally and high blood pressure physically. Physically they can be prone to accidents due to their hasty, poorly planned actions. Aries leaps in where angels fear to tread so can find themselves in dangerous situations, requiring constant adrenaline to remove themselves from harm.

One of things adrenaline does is raise your blood pressure. With the head and adrenals glands the vulnerable parts of the Aries body, this makes Aries people more prone to strokes. Knowing this in advance, flower essences and herbs can be used preventatively to keep an Aries in balance throughout their life.

Mountain Devil is a very good essence for anger; Black-eyed Susan for rushing and impatience, and Macrocarpa for supporting the adrenal glands. So a combination of these three essences will go a long way towards keeping an Aries calm and balanced and therefore healthier in the long term.

The good thing about flower essences is that they are completely safe and totally natural. They are incredibly easy to use just a matter of putting seven drops of the appropriate remedy under your tongue morning and night. They are also really accessible there is no need to do five years of naturopathy or three years of herbal medicine or acupuncture to be able to use them.

You can learn how to use flower essences in a weekend and because you cant hurt anyone with them, anyone can use or prescribe them. They are also, literally, medicines for emotions. This makes them wonderful for home use you dont to be formally qualified in anything to know if you or a friend, colleague or family member is feeling upset. Flower essences give everyone a tool to safely heal emotionally.

That, said they do also dovetail beautifully with any other natural healing modality, enhancing and locking in any other healing being done. For this reason, an increasing number of doctors, psychologists, counsellors and physiotherapists are using flower essences in conjunction with their more medical treatments. Flower essences
dont interact with medications and it is impossible to overdose on them, another aspect of their safety.

You can learn more about flower essences through Australian Bush Flower Essence workshops – click here for more information on the international workshop series and international schedule.

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