Merging Science & Spirit: how to honor Aquarian and Uranian energy through food and their phytonutrients

Preface:

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Please also see the Introduction to the Holographic Herbal post for more information on how I use color and astrology.

What we learn in this post:

• What is Aquarius and its significations?

• What parts of the body does Aquarius rule in Medical Astrology?

• What is a phytonutrient?

• What is a Chakra?

  • Aquarius and Anja, The Third Eye

• What are the Aquarius phytonutrients and what can they offer the body?

  • Polyphenols

  • Anthocyanins

  • Resveratrol

  • Vitamin C

  • Nootropics

Aquarius

         So, we have come to the Aquarius Season in the Phytonutrient Per Seasons Series! What is interesting about this zodiacal season is the fact that, not only is the Sun entering Aquarius, but Pluto has come into this sign shortly after. Pluto’s transit from sign to sign takes about 20 years, whereas the sun takes about 30 days. This means, at the most, we might see Pluto entering only five different signs in our lifetime, if we live to 100 years old. The transit of Pluto marks historical times, so we are all prepared for change. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was during the French Revolution, and oftentimes, this transit through Aquarius speaks about new technologies, revolutions, and revolutions aided by new technologies. Pluto is a planet that signifies transition, death, rebirth, what has been occulted, inheritance, what’s been inherited, treasures buried and found under the Earth, and fear. I made a blog post last year talking about some of my feelings in reference to what we may see change, so if you’re interested in reading my predictions, take a look at that post!

Aquarius is a sign that represents the collective, humanity, technology, and innovations. With Pluto coming through this sign, it may signify technological revolutions and advancement, social revolutions, challenges to authority, a power shift back to the people, and awakenings to what’s been hidden or occulted from view. All of this could be helped by AI or new technologies. Personally, I think we will see more conversation about quantum computers, and how we can utilize them for Quantum Medicine. As an herbalist, this excites me. One plant has many chemical constituents, and some of them are unknown, underresearched, and unstudied. To research one constituent in one plant takes time, resources, and funding for research. Then, researching all of the other chemical constituents in one plant will take even more time, resources, and funding. Now, to take those chemical constituents in one plant, and study how they interact in a blend of other herbs with their own chemical constituents would be near impossible. A quantum computer, which is fast, can determine all possible paths and could help us study all of these chemical constituents in one herb, and then within a blend of herbs with minimal resources and time. I am sure public access to quantum computers is an era that is far off in the distance, but the proper utilization of quantum computers to aid humanity towards optimum health, wellbeing, and ways of living with ourselves, within a community, and finally on planet Earth is a Utopian Vision I hold. Time will reveal if quantum computers will be used to support life on Earth, or if they will be used to further our suffering.

Aquarius is a fixed air sign, and it is ruled by Saturn, and co-ruled by Uranus. Saturn is the planet of obstacles, mastery, limitations, and boundaries. Uranus is the planet of innovations, awakenings, revolutions, and sudden changes. When these two planets rule this one sign, there is a sense of revering the past, but having a top-down view of the whole and understanding what needs to be changed for the good of all. Fixed air references the modality and element that Aquarius represents. Its modality is fixed, which means it sustains energy in a purposeful way. Its element is air, which means it is a social, intellectual, curious, and observational sign. In the tarot, air is represented by swords which signify our communication and intellect. The Star is the major arcana card that is associated with Aquarius, and it symbolizes hope, inspiration, spiritual insight, humanitarianism, innovation, and a sense of purpose beyond personal concerns. On the card, there depicts a naked figure pouring water from two different vessels under the North Star.

Aquarius in Medical Astrology & AStro-anatomy

          In Medical Astrology, Aquarius rules the ankles, calves, nerve impulses, venous circulation, circulatory system, and the electrical body. Aquarius also rules the parathyroid glands, which are located behind the thyroid, and they produce the parathyroid hormone. This hormone helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood. Calcium is needed for the bones, and bones are ruled by Saturn (remember: Aquarius is ruled by Saturn). When supporting Aquarian energy within myself, I tend to lean towards bolstering imagination and intuition, all while supporting the nervous system, circulation, and the electrical body. Therefore, we will look into phytonutrients to support the previously stated systems and functions. Typically, we don’t associate Aquarius with the mind in particular, but we will shortly see how Aquarius lines up with violet. Violet is the color of Anja, the Third Eye Chakra. Anja means beyond wisdom in Sanskrit, and it is known as the Perception Center. So, how do we support our insight and imagination?

Dr. Deanna Minich, the Queen of Phytonutrients, wrote in her book Quantum Healing that the pituitary gland is the inner-eye, and is constantly receiving and transmitting signals throughout our body, and especially our brain. She goes on to explain that the Third Eye Chakra, or inner-eye, is the pivot point for meditation in Ancient traditions. Today we know it as the center of our psychology, physiology, and our insight, and it is where our neurons and neurotransmitters either literally or metaphorically interpret what we see. The Third Eye is widely associated as the color purple or indigo, and it aligns with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, eyes, ears, nose, brow, and forehead. Therefore, Dr. Minich gives blue-purple phytonutrients to the Third Eye chakra, which are known for their neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Berries are her go-to to protect the brain and nerves, and promote neuronal plasticity (meaning it improves the brain’s ability to create new pathways to improve cognition, learning, and retain memory). The neuroprotective properties of berries are attributed to the phytonutrient called resveratrol.

Resveratrol and vitamin c

       To quickly reiterate, resveratrol promotes neuroplasticity, and is popular for its “fountain of youth” properties. There was a short resveratrol craze where people were drinking red wine for its anti-aging properties. This was due to the studies done on resveratrol that showed that it could possibly lengthen the lifespan of animals [1]. This could be due to how resveratrol is chemically related to estrogen [2], and it is possible that estrogen has an anti-aging effect, especially for the skin [3]. Another possibility is that resveratrol may activate ancient proteins called sirtuins:

“One possibility is that it turns on genes that make sirtuins, ancient proteins found in virtually all species. Activating sirtuins kicks off a response that fights disease and prolongs life.” [33]

— Patrick J. Skerrett, Former Executive Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

I was introduced to sirtuins when researching resveratrol, and it seems they are considered “ancient proteins” because they are present in all living organisms, which indicates that they have been structurally unchanged and were conserved as all species evolved. I cannot think of a more Aquarian concept. Aquarius is a fixed sign, which means it does not respond to change well. However, the very symbology of Aquarius is about change and evolution for the benefit of humankind and all other living things. So many ancient texts describe humans living hundreds of years old, but today the average life expectancy is 70 [4]. These sirtuins have many different bodily functions, but one of them is the modification of gene expression and longevity of life, and yet they are present in all living things. I guess I don’t need to remind us all that if something is living, it also has an expiry date. I also love how activating these proteins in the form of medication has been elusive to researchers. That’s also very Aquarius- you can’t quite figure them out. They are there, and yet they are not. I have always associated my Aquarius placements to have a spectral or phantasmal quality to them. I’ve mentioned that use of quantum computers in the evolution of quantum medicine could benefit us all to live optimal healthy lives. Maybe through quantum science, we can further activate these proteins, and know exactly how to utilize them.

Unfortunately, it takes many, many glasses of red wine to receive the anti-aging benefits of resveratrol. I do not recommend this, as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is associated with liver damage. So, do what Dr. Deanna Minich says, and stick to your berries! Berries are associated with slowing the progression of age-related cognitive decline, as resveratrol may interfere with beta-amyloids, which are protein fragments. These protein fragments are responsible for the formation of plaque that coincide with Alzheimer's Disease [5].

Berries are also high in vitamin C, so you typically consume resveratrol and vitamin C together. Vitamin C is so crucial for skin health as it promotes collagen gene expression, stabilizes the collagen molecule by hydroxylation, and stimulates collagen mRNA production by fibroblasts [6]. Together, vitamin C and collagen improve the health of tissues, skin, hair, joints, and nails, which are all ruled by Saturn.

polyphenols: anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a group of antioxidant compounds responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in various fruits and vegetables, such as berries, grapes, and red cabbage. Anthocyanins are part of a larger group of antioxidants called polyphenols.

We have discussed polyphenols and anthocyanins before in these blog posts, so catch up here for the full overview:

If you’ve previously read these posts, you know that polyphenols are protective and antioxidant. Their antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress that cause damage to our DNA, and DNA makes me think of our ancestors. We discussed why I attribute DNA to Saturn in the previously mentioned blog posts above. We also discussed that polyphenols support the gut microbiome, which is made up of bacteria. This bacteria may be responsible for the gut-brain axis communication, and I proposed in the blog posts that our gut bacteria could also be responsible for our intuition and insight. We learned that bacteria evolved parallel to us, and that we developed a symbiotic relationship with them. Therefore, they are the ancestors of our ancestors. 

Remember that Aquarius is both ruled by Saturn and Uranus, and that Saturn rules the bones, knees, and skin. Anthocyanins may protect the skin from skin cancer, as well as inhibit ovarian and leukemia cells from spreading [7, 8, 9]. They have been shown to improve memory, verbal learning, attention, and brain processing speed in children and adults with cognitive impairment, as well as those without cognitive impairment [10, 11]. Just like Phytonutrients for Sagittarius, tending to cognitive support is also crucial for Aquarius. I’ve always found a similarity between Aquarius and Sagittarius because they are both the outsiders looking into society, while trying to provide evolved philosophical or humanitarian advice to the collective. They both need mental stimulation and mental endurance to think five steps ahead of the collective to offer a new outlook or perspective. Moreover, anthocyanins may have the ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease [12]. A study done on elderly participants with moderate dementia improved their verbal fluency and memory (both short & long term) within 12 weeks by drinking 6.6 ounces/200mL of cherry juice every day (cherries contain anthocyanins) [13]. Recall from the Microbial Animism & Intuition & Coffee Mediumship posts that Saturn represents our elders and ancestors. The health and wellness of the older people in our communities must be included- we cannot leave them out!

Nootropics

        Before moving on, I want to touch on Nootropics, and how they can positively influence cognition and imagination. We will absolutely circle back to nootropics in the Phytonutrients for Pisces Season post- so my Pisces and Mercurial friends reading this: don’t worry! I will make sure to include your GABA-supporting plant allies in the Pisces post, and your cerebral-nourishing plant allies in the Gemini and Virgo posts.

The word “nootropic” is derived from Greek, and it means to “act on the mind” [14]. In essence, nootropics are compounds that improve the function of our brain by altering the balance of our neurotransmitters [15]. There are different kinds of nootropics, but some enhance the flow of blood to the brain, which then increases oxygen to it. We mentioned before that blue-purple foods contain polyphenols that combat oxidative stress, while also supporting our cognition. Well, it turns out that our brains need a constant support of oxygen [16]. The brain takes up about 2% of our body weight, yet needs 20% of our oxygen intake through our respiratory system [17] (remember that Aquarius is an air sign). Ironically, because of its high demand for oxygen, our brains have an increased potential for oxidative stress due to the fact that there isn’t a way for the brain to counteract oxidative stress [18]. This oxidative stress has been implicated in neuronal cell injury and neurodegenerative disorders [19]. 

Our brain’s aren’t completely defenseless, however. They have something called the blood-brain barrier, and it is a semipermeable barrier that separates the bloodstream from the brain's extracellular fluid. It is made up of endothelial cells, which prevent pathogens from entering the brain. This ensures that the brain is protected. Circling back to anthocyanins, these phytonutrients may actually have the ability to cross this monolayer in the blood-brain barrier [20], which can help transport phytonutrient support directly to the brain. Remember, Aquarius rules circulation!

Here is a list of nootropics

(I have no affiliation to this company or their products, but this is a pretty decent list with concise explanations for each item listed).

Note that in the above list is caffeine, which is a stimulant. To reiterate, we’ve discussed the health benefits of coffee here and here. If you’ve read these blog posts, then you know that caffeine is a Saturnian and Plutonian plant. However, it has Uranian qualities as well. Caffeine is part of a class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants called methylxanthine, which have an antagonistic effect on our adenosine receptors. Adenosine is a natural chemical found in our cells, and it blocks electrical signals (Uranus rules all things electrical and the electrical body) in the heart that cause irregular heart rhythms. There are many bodily functions for adenosine, but stimulating bronchoconstriction (the constriction of airways in our lungs), protecting the brain in oxidative stress events, and modulating the release of neurotransmitters [21] are a few that are more Uranian in nature. Through the antagonistic effect of methylxanthine on the adenosine receptors, caffeine increases the metabolism of energy in the brain, activates noradrenaline neurons, and releases dopamine [22].

Now, I feel like I have been writing about coffee and caffeine since the summer of last year. I want to make it clear that although there are many health benefits to coffee, there are also non-beneficial properties to this plant, especially when used improperly. Uranus represents sudden changes and stress to our nervous/electrical system in our body. Coffee is a plant, just like any other plant, that needs to be respected when utilized otherwise it can produce detrimental effects to the system. First of all, I always try to look for lab-tested, organic, and fair-trade coffee beans. Lab-tested coffee beans ensure that there are no heavy metals, mold, mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi) or pesticides in our coffee. Non-organic coffee has been sprayed with pesticides that cause inflammation [23], and it is inflammation that drives chronic conditions and vice versa (meaning, if you have a chronic condition, you should try to purchase organic food where possible to put a cap on the inflammation that is dealt with on a daily basis). Furthermore, the most detrimental thing you can do for your system to set you up for a very Uranian Day, is to drink coffee first thing in the morning before water or food. Drinking coffee before breakfast is associated with increasing the stress hormone called cortisol. This is so very harmful to your system, and puts you in a fight-or-flight response, interrupts your circadian rhythm, causes imbalance to your hormones, disrupts your digestion, and negatively alters your mood. I always support case study/clients when they want to continue drinking coffee, but I cannot advocate for the improper usage of this sacred plant. Do your best to get yourself in a morning routine where a lab-tested, organic, and fair trade cup of coffee awaits you after breakfast. You want to consume all of the nutrients of this plant without negative side effects or toxic substances!

Another of my favorite nootropics is ashwagandha, since it has so many benefits for people with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I won’t go too much into detail here about the benefits of ashwagandha for PCOS, but it is known to work on the endocrine system, and it regulates cortisol. Chronic cortisol loops increase androgen levels, which may present some painful symptoms in people with PCOS. It may also help to regulate insulin, as insulin resistance is oftentimes associated with PCOS. I may go into the benefits of this herb for PCOS in length at some point, but please make sure you talk to your doctor before experimenting with herbs. Ashwagandha’s endurance enhancing properties are more Mars in nature, so I will save that information for the Phytonutrients for Aries Season post. However, its cognitive supporting properties can fall on the Aquarian spectrum, although Aries (ruled by Mars), rules the head in Medical Astrology. One study [24] showed that ashwagandha had an effect on promoting cognition in children with memory deficit and older patients with memory loss. Moreover, it was found to help in neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s). This study also showed that ashwagandha also has a GABA-mimicking effect, and GABA is a inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes ease and calm. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic which combats inflammation associated with arthritis. Lastly, it promotes mitochondrial health. Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, does have some association to the structures of all things. Our cells are the building blocks (Saturn), and the mitochondria are the powerhouses of those cells (Uranus).

Another wonderful nootropic herb is schisandra, which I have recently been introduced to. Schisandra is a berry native to China, Korea, Russia, and Japan, and it is also known as the “Five Flavor Fruit”. Hunters would take the dried berries with them to promote endurance and strength, but to also quiet their mind. Schisandra was also used for asthma and respiratory conditions, insomnia, and kidney ailments. One study [25] showed that schisandra’s chemical constituents induce cell arrest and apoptosis, which arrests the spread of cancer, displays antimicrobial effects against pathogens, stimulates insulin secretion, protects against skin photoaging, osteoarthritis, the dysfunction of mitochondria, increases physical endurance, and supports overall cognitive and behavioral functions in study participants. All of its medicinal uses are said to be linked to its anti-aging properties. Recall that Saturn, who rules Aquarius, is associated with aging, elders, and ancestors.

One last herb that I’d like to mention is both Uranian and Neptunian, and I often think of my Pisces placement friends when I hold it. This nootropic herb is passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), and I love this herb. I will mention passionflower when we do the Phytonutrients for Pisces Season, so I will just stick to its Uranian properties for this blog post. One study [26] showed that passionflower showed an anti-anxiety effect that was similar to midazolam, a drug used for anesthesia and procedural sedation. To have their third mandibular molar tooth extracted, one set of patients were given passionflower, and the other was given midazolam. Remember that Saturn rules teeth! Because of studies like this, passionflower is named one of the herbal remedies for Dental Anxiety or Dental Phobia.

As we have mentioned earlier, chronic stress has been associated with insomnia, poor concentration, and loss of memory, and other conditions. However, passionflower has been used for cognitive issues associated with chronic stress [27]. Another study [28] set out to show GABA currents in hippocampal neurons, and found that passiflora extract has a direct impact on a specific type of brain cells in the hippocampus by activating GABA receptors. Moreover, passionflower extracts were found to have the highest GABA content when compared to 21 other plants that were studied. The mentioned study observed that passionflower may be a natural anticonvulsant (anticonvulsants reduce epilepsy and convulsions), and happen to think convulsions to be very Uranian. However, more studies must be done on this anticonvulsant property of passionflower. In this last mentioned study, the researchers question if flavonoids are the main sedative compound in passionflower.

Flavonoids

       So, now we’ve come back around to phytonutrients! Just like Uranus, we’ve hopped from subject to subject, and arrived back at square one with a wider view of the topic. Mentioned in the study in the last section [29], was the fact that flavonoids, present in passionflower, may have an anxiolytic effect similar to that of benzodiazepines, a class of psychoactive drugs that are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety, combat insomnia, and treat seizures [30, 31]. Because Saturn is associated with melancholy, and Uranus is associated with sudden changes, especially to the nervous system, flavonoids are an interesting phytonutrient to mention for Aquarius Season. Flavonoids are neuroprotective and cardio-protective, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and express anticancer properties [32]. Typically, in Medical Astrology, we give the heart to Leo and circulation to Mars (blood), but Aquarius/Uranus have rulership over venous circulation, and obviously, we can’t have one without the others!

Natural food sources of flavonoids include:

• Berries (such as blueberries and strawberries)

• Apples

• Onions

• Tea

• Dark chocolate

• Red wine

Bridging the Science & Spirit

       I always try to mention this wherever possible, but I am not trying to reinvent Astrology, Medical Astrology, Chakras, or Natural Medicine. To reinvent Ayurveda and the Chakra System would be extremely appropriative to this sacred and ancient healing modality and practice, and to change Astrology would be a large undertaking of unraveling many, many years of developing Astrology. I am, however, trying to make food fun for magicians and artists like me who have had a broken relationship with food, have a chronic condition in which food causes debilitating pain, and have developed a fear of food. As a ritualist and animist, it is my belief that we can utilize the medicinal qualities of our whole foods to bring healing to us. It is my belief that phytonutrients are the lost language between plant and human, and that our ancestors were able to determine the medicinal properties of whole food just by observing its color. Food, although not accessible to everyone, can be our greatest plant allies as we navigate health and sickness if we tune our awareness to their language. Using modalities we already know and love to help us learn about the body is a practice I want to encourage everyone to try to do. For me, it has been color and astrology with the addition of our association of the colors of chakras. For you, it could be numerology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, I-Ching, Runes, tarot cards, the names and embodiment of specific deities, sigils, etc. 

I like reaching for the “low-hanging fruit” when it comes to healing. As mentioned before in other blog posts, medicine, education of health and wellness, and healing is not always accessible for everyone. It can be behind paywalls, gate-kept, not safe for non-white folk or non-cis folk, and generally confusing. My friends and I had a saying when I lived in America: everyone is one sudden and scary condition away from having their savings account emptied out. Ambulance, hospital, x-ray, and medication costs are way too high, and a lot of Americans refuse medical help because of this. I often had to choose between tampons, food, or medication every week, and I held down four jobs. When I had my x-ray done for PCOS, I was begging my parents for money because the cost of those x-rays were in the thousands, and I wasn’t aware of this before getting the x-rays done.

The body has many systems that work together, and it is sort of impossible to find a doctor who practices mainstream medicine that will take the time to educate you on the why and how you’ve arrived at your chronic condition. If only we were born with an instruction manual to the maintenance of our bodies! To make matters worse, some alternative medicine communities aren’t always welcoming, either. A lot of my time is wading through harmful conspiracy theories (to themselves and to other people).

There is my Aquarius Moon soapbox, if you will.

On that note, this Aquarius season, I’d like for you to take care of your mind and nervous system, which will strengthen your insight and imagination. The way to do that with whole food, would be to reach for your blue-purple foods to support cognition, memory, and learning. An added benefit is the presence of vitamin C, which is available in blue-purple food like berries, and they boost your immune system. Vitamin C is also considered a beauty vitamin for its supportive properties on health, skin, and nails (ruled by Saturn). Resveratrol, also found in blue-purple foods, has anti-aging benefits which help to stave off chronic conditions and oxidative stress which damages your DNA. Anthocyanins and polyphenols support the gut-microbiome which continue to strengthen your intuition and insight, as well as provide neuro-protective properties. Lastly, nootropic herbs can stimulate the brain, and bring oxygen to it. On the other hand, nootropic herbs can also be sedative, and increase GABA which inhibits neuronal activity to bring a sense of calm, ease, and peace.

So, I’ll end my posts how I always end them in this series:

What Aquarian Phytonutrients will you include in your daily dietary ritual this month?

Resources and Research Citing:

Bonny Casel, ND

Dr. Deanna Minich, Ph.D., CNS

Kira Sutherland, Medical Astrologer and Nutritionist

Judith Hill, Medical Astrologer

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