Facilitating Personal Growth:
The use of Bach Flower Essences through the Lunations
by Rachelle Hasnas
The Bach Flower Essences
"The action of these Remedies
is to raise our vibrations and open our channels for reception of our Spiritual Self; to flood our natures with
the particular virtue we need, and wash out the fault which is causing the harm. They are able, like beautiful
music or any glorious uplifting thing which inspires us, to raise our very natures, and bring us nearer to our
souls, and by that very act bring peace and relieve suffering. They cure, not by attacking disease, but by flooding
our bodies with the vibrations of our Higher Nature, in the presence of whom disease melts away as snow in the
sunshine."
-- Dr. Edward Bach
In the early 1930s, noted British physician
and research scientist, Dr. Edward Bach developed what has now become known as the Bach Flower Essences. Dr.
Bach's discovery was one of the first in what is now known as Vibrational Medicine. Originally trained in the
orthodox practice of medicine, Dr. Bach eventually turned to homeopathy when he became aware of the need to
treat the whole person for a true and lasting cure to take place, and not just the symptoms of disease, as was
the current practice of doctors.
He also began to realize that it is the patient
who heals themself; that doctors, medicine, and all medical interventions merely are the catalysts that triggered
the internal healing mechanism we each possess within. And so it became his mission to find a healing system
that was simple and natural, so that the common person, without medical knowledge, would be able to treat themself.
His search led him back to Nature, to the the flowers and trees of the field from which he felt natural healing
was available.
He eventually found and developed 38 different
herbal essences that related to the different negative States of Mind he had observed in his patients and that
he felt to be the underlying cause of the ensuing physical manifestation of their disease. His essences had
the ability to bring balance and harmony back to the mind and emotions, and therefore to the body itself, in
a safe and simple way.
To illustrate how the essences work, if one
is experiencing the stress of fear, the essence that relates to this negative state of mind is Mimulus. By taking
a few drops of this essence several times daily, for perhaps a few weeks, the state of fear is slowly and gently
released. If one is experiencing stressful feelings of inferiority, the essence that relates to this negative
state of mind is Larch. Again, by taking this essence, the state of not feeling good enough is also released.
You may be thinking this sounds too easy, even magical. Well, it is said that the proof is in the pudding. Only
until you experience the essences yourself, will you know that somehow they do work.
With my deep interest in holistic healing,
coupled with my experience and knowledge as an astrologer, I have begun to work with the Bach Flower Essences
along astrological lines, especially in regard to the annual cycle of lunations. Beginning with the Aries New
Moon, a time of new beginnings and the start of the yearly cycle, I have made some correlations between the
energy of the lunations and the mental/emotional issues that may be triggered by them, and particular Bach Flower
Essences that may prove helpful in moving through these issues.
It is my hope that the following information
may be helpful to those of you willing to experiment with what I now present. Please also be aware that the
Bach Flower Essences are FDA approved, natural, non-toxic, non-habit forming, safe and gentle homeopathic preparations.
They are available at most health food stores.
The Annual Cycle of Lunations
There are 8 phases that comprise the yearly Solar/Lunar Cycle: New, Crescent, First Quarter, Gibbous, Full,
Disseminating, Last Quarter and Balsamic. To keep things real simple (K.I.S.S.!), I have divided this yearly
cycle into 4 Quadrants that coincide with the seasons of the year - namely, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter,
with each quadrant containing two of the yearly phases. A really wonderful and visual way took at the yearly
cycle is to see it as a process of birth, maturation and death - with the seed of new life held within the death
process itself at the end of the cycle, to begin anew the next yearly cycle of birth, maturation and death,
that continues like a spiral - up and up, on and on, over and over.
First Quardrant: Spring
The following recommendations are offered as suggestions to help you in working with the cyclic energies. The
essence combinations for the Aries, Taurus and Gemini Lunations which take place in the first quadrant are:
Impatiens - Aries With new beginnings there is usually impatience. I want it now! is a feeling
we all can relate to, I'm sure. Yet, in all new beginnings, there is a process that takes place, and we cant
get to the top of the ladder without first going up each rung, one by one. This essence embodies the virtue
of patience and eases frustration.
Gentian - Taurus We may also
be dealing with setbacks and delays, becoming discouraged when new plans do not move forward as we hoped. We
may lose faith and even give up. This essence embodies the virtue of faith and helps us to hold on to our purpose.
Cerato - Gemini There may be
times when self-doubt regarding our decisions begin to plague us, and we find ourselves constantly seeking the
advice of others. We may mistakenly listen to others and regret not following our own inner guidance. This essence
brings to us inner creativity and confidence in our own judgment.
Second Quadran: Summer
We have moved through one-fourth of the yearly cycle. We have firmly planted our seed for this year to come
and are ready to take our first big step to insure its growth. We are now more aware of what we need to do to
nurture this process and move forward in confidence. The essence combinations for the second quadrant are:
Clematis - Cancer At this point
in the cycle, we may find ourselves losing focus, and need grounding to continue the process wed begun in Spring.
Our fantasies and imaginings need to be made practical that they may manifest. This essence brings focus to
the here and now, living in the present and grounded.
Vervain - Leo There may also come
a time at this point when were burning our candle at both ends, and need to slow the pace to what the physical
body can handle. This essence helps us to balance our energies so as not to burn out.
Centaury - Virgo As we move out
to promote the growth of our years goal, we may find ourselves being drained by the needs of others. To insure
being able to take care of our own needs, when others would demand theirs over ours, this essence gives us the
ability to say "NO" when appropriate. It is important to serve our own growth as much as it is to
serve others. To be able to balance both is crucial.
Third Quadrant: Autumn
We have moved through half of the yearly cycle as we come to the Libra New Moon. The fruits of our work are
soon to be realized, bringing illumination and realization. The essence combinations for the third quadrant
are:
Scleranthus - Libra Many times
we find ourselves vacillating back and forth in making important decisions at the midpoint of the solar cycle.
This essence embodies the virtue of poise and balance, assisting us in choosing between our options.
Chicory - Scorpio Perhaps we may
be feeling unappreciated, that we are not receiving all that we desire from loved ones, our expectations not
being met. This essence helps us to realize that it is in the act of giving that we receive, and embodies the
virtue of selfless love, giving freely with no strings attached.
Agrimony - Sagittarius Often,
we put on a brave front, a cheerful facade, not allowing our true feelings to come to the surface. We may repress
our heavy emotions, to our detriment. We need to know it is OK to express ourselves, and to do it in a positive
and assertive way. This essence carries the virtue of joyfulness and the ability to confront.
Fourth Quadrant: Winter
We have come to the pinnacle of our yearly cycle as we move into the Capricorn New Moon. This is the time of
the cycle where we have achieved what we set out to, where we find success and reap the rewards of our years
work. The essence combinations for the fourth quadrant are:
Mimulus - Capricorn Are we afraid
of success? Do we find ourselves thwarting the efforts made to achieve our desired goal? It is now time to release
our fears and receive the fruits of our labor. This essence carries the vibration of courage, allowing us to
move through our fears.
Water Violet - Aquarius There
are times when we hold ourselves back from others. In doing this we are unable to share our gifts, gifts that
were meant not for ourselves alone. This essence holds the virtue of humility and wisdom, assisting us in knowing
we are all part of the family of humanity.
Rock Rose - Pisces As the yearly cycle
is winding down, with the seed having come to fruition, the growth part of the cycle is over. As in all cycles,
there is birth, maturation, and then death. It is now a time of transition a time of letting go and releasing
a time of allowing a death of sorts to take place. This can bring up fear, a fear of the unknown, as we question,
what's next? This essence brings to us the virtue of steadfastness, allowing us to hold steady through whatever
doubts or fears that may shake us as we pass through this transition.
© 1996 Rachelle Hasnas
All Rights Reserved
