Herbs have been used for thousands of years in all cultures for both
medicinal and magickal purposes. In this series of articles, herbs will be
considered from both perspectives based on the western model codified by the
herbalogist/astrologer/philosopher Paracelsus, planet by planet. Let us
begin by considering the medicinal and energy properties of the Solar Herbs.
In medicinal terms, the Sun could be considered the Great Restorative. Even
as the returning sun allows plant life to flourish on the earth, the herbs
attributed to the Sun act, each in their own fashion, to restore metabolic
vitality and to stimulate and balance a system suffering from either excess
or deficiency. Many of the plants, of course, may be considered Solar simply
on the basis of appearance. Chamomile, Celandine, St. John's Wort and
Calendula all produce bright yellow flowers, many of which blossom around the
Summer Solstice. The Sunflower follows the path of the Sun during the day,
facing the east as the Sun rises and bending its head to the west as the Sun
sets. Saffron produces the bright yellow-gold dye that may be considered
Solar in effect.
It is in healing, however, that the Solar herbs exemplify their beneficial
attributions. The effects of solar herbs restore equilibrium to the entire
physical system, often serving as tonics to the heart and in the promotion
the free flow of vital energy. The heart is commonly considered the solar
center of the body (the organ ruled by Leo with the Sun as the planet
attributed to Leo) and many effects of solar herbs center around this organ.
Angelica relieves circulatory conditions, such as gout, when used as a
compress, as well as fever, inflammations and headache (all conceivable
symptoms of excess heat or high blood pressure). St. John's Wort relieves
headaches while Chamomile and Celandine reduce fever. Chamomile, Celandine,
Juniper and St. John's Wort also relieve swellings, inflammations and
rheumatic conditions which tie in with the use of Eyebright and St. John's
Wort to relieve symptoms due to colds (the application of restorative, solar
heat on rheumatic joints and congested lungs). Angelica and St. John's Wort
also have restorative properties that
Mistletoe, parasite/symbiote to the oak, attributed in a wide variety of
cultures to solar deities, produces a drastic and often fatal action on the
heart and circulatory system. The berries are never used but the leaves and
twigs can be made in a weak infusion to reduce bleeding by lowering blood
pressure, and it can be used to reduce uterine bleeding after parturition.
As one of the few spots of green in the forest in the dead of winter, the
mistletoe is often viewed as a symbol of the sun and returning life.
Because the Sun is seen in astrology and magick as the planet of the ego or
personality, the magickal/energy effects of the Solar herbs are to promote
self confidence and personal success. The energies of Sun herbs are
represented and expressed by people in the public eye - rulers and authority
figures, as well as people in successful endeavors that give them much
pleasure by personal self-expression. Sun herbs impart a sense of purpose
and a strong will. Used in solar incenses, ritual oils, philters and other
herbal formulas used in ritual, Sun herbs give vitality, health, creativity,
dignity, success and authority. Traditional herbs of the Sun include
Angelica, Ash, Bay, Chamomile, Celandine, Eyebright, Frankincense, Juniper,
Mistletoe, Rosemary, Saffron, Safflower, St. John's Wort, Sunflower,
Tormentilla, and Walnuts.
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