Chromatic Healing

Across the Zodiac

Chromotherapy, Phytonutrient Therapy, Astro-Colors, Astro-Anatomy, and Magic



Here is what we learn in this post:

  • Sagittarius

  • Jupiter and Neptune

  • Astro-Anatomy of Sagittarius, Jupiter, and Neptune

  • Astro-Color of Sagittarius: Sapphire

  • Color Psychology and Color Therapy of Blue

  • Blue Phytonutrients:

    • Quercetin and Histamines

  • This month’s Herbal Monograph: Borage


Hello, Friends!

          Welcome to Part Two of the Phytonutrients Per Zodiacal Series. Check out Libra through Virgo in the Holographic Herbal Chapter on this blog. Last year, we started this series in the sign of Libra, and continued until we reached Virgo this year. I took a small break, but now I am back with Part Two! Because I am focusing on more than just Phytonutrient Therapy, I wanted to call this series something different that encompasses everything that I want to convey in this series. This year I have titled it Chromatic Healing Across the Zodiac to encapsulate the idea I am trying to express in these blog posts.

If you’re new here, Hello! My name is Samantha Giacalone (Phyto-Holographic Sam). Some of you may know me by my artist name, Polaris. I am an Herbal Medicine Consultant, Healing Diets Coach, and Holistic and Spiritual Practitioner. In this series, we walk through each zodiac sign monthly and integrate different healing modalities for a richer, well-rounded, and creatively holistic program. This information is based on how I’ve come to understand the medicinal properties of all of our botanical allies, not just our herbal ones! In this blog series, you get a glimpse into how I work with phytonutrients and Astro-Colors in my Holographic Phytomancy program in a 1:1 client setting.

We will explore the healing properties of blue phytonutrients, with integrated concepts such as medical astrology, the colors associated with chakras, and color therapy, which is essentially the basis of how I approach food! I take on artists and magicians, and by focusing on the color of whole foods in their diet (instead of restrictive dieting), my clients rediscover their inner creativity. I want to help others find trust in their bodies (and intuition) by developing an allyship with whole foods and plants.

It is my belief that phytonutrients are the lost language between plants and humans, and our ancestors may have been able to determine the healing properties of their food just by observing their color. Of course, there is a lot of nuance, information, vitamins and minerals, herbs, and so much more that can be discussed and therefore, it’s best to work with me 1:1 so I can help you navigate through the Holographic Phytonutrients Program I created, and their vibrational medicine as I’ve come to understand them. It’s wonderful to incorporate the rainbow per each Zodiac Season, but never underestimate whole foods that are literally in season in your area.

Currently, I am offering Holistic Color Oracle Readings for the holiday season only (Oct 21 - Dec 30th). Click the button below to learn more.

So, what if we merge food, color, magic, and healing together? If you have been with me for a while, you’ve learned how I use the Zodiacal Color Wheel to enhance my intuition, and how Eating the Rainbow is something I am passionate about. I allow color to tell me how it can heal me, and I focus on ensuring I get more foods that are naturally the color I want or crave. In this post, we will learn about phytonutrients, specifically quercetin which is one of the phytonutrients I utilize in the Blue/Sapphire/Sagittarius Spectrum of The Holographic Phytomancy Program.

Remember, I am not a doctor. This post is exclusively educational for those who wish to explore body awareness and the Language of the Body Consciousness and is not meant to diagnose or treat. Please speak with a licensed healthcare professional before experimenting with herbal and natural medicine. To learn more, see my Terms & Conditions page.

Before we dive in, let’s run through the basics since this is the first post to part two of this series:


What is a phytonutrient?

Phytonutrients are chemical compounds that are found in plants, veggies, & fruits. They are what give our food their color, and are divided into categories depending on the color they express in different fruits and vegetables. Each color offers biological activities (health benefits).

What is Astro-Anatomy?

Astro-Anatomy is the study of how the zodiac signs and planetary influences correspond to different parts of the human body. It’s a fusion of astrology and anatomy, where each sign and planet is associated with specific organs, systems, or functions within the body. Astro-Anatomy differs from Medical Astrology in that it focuses on the symbolic and energetic connections between zodiac signs, planets, and specific parts of the body, helping individuals enhance body awareness and align with cosmic energies. In contrast, Medical Astrology is broader, using the entire natal chart to diagnose, treat, and predict health issues.

What is Holographic Phytomancy?

The Greek word phyto (Φυτό) means plant, and mancy (Μαντεία) means divination. A combination of these words would look something like: Φυτόμαντεία, meaning plant divination. Holographic Phytomancy is an Omnipathic and multidimensional healing practice that integrates astrology, color therapy, phytonutrients, and vibrational medicine to align the body, mind, and spirit. This unique approach begins with the client’s natal chart, which provides insight into their energetic blueprint. From there, I layer the artist’s color wheel over the zodiac wheel, starting with red for Aries, red-orange for Taurus, and so on, aligning each zodiac sign with its corresponding color. Each color on this zodiacal color wheel is then connected to the phytonutrients found in foods and herbs. For example, red phytonutrients are used for Aries, which also corresponds to the Root Chakra. This system creates a "wheel within a wheel," where the zodiac, chakras, and color energies intersect in a pattern that resembles a fractala repeating, self-similar structure that reveals deeper complexity and harmony at every level. The "phyto" (Φυτό) in Phytomancy refers to the use of botanicals and their chemical constituents, where I communicate with the spirits of the plants while also focusing on their scientifically studied properties to support the client's healing goals. The "mancy" (Μαντεία) aspect speaks to the divinatory nature of this work—reading the subtle signs and energies to guide the healing process. The "Holographic" part of Holographic Phytomancy reflects the layered, interconnected nature of this practice. It acknowledges that each part of the system—whether it be a color, a plant, or an astrological sign—contains the whole, and that healing can occur on multiple levels simultaneously. Like a fractal, this approach reveals that each element is part of a larger, infinite pattern of healing, incorporating vibrational medicine and quantum healing techniques, such as flower essences, meditation, dream magic, and the felt sense, to facilitate deep, holistic transformation.


Sagittarius, Jupiter, and neptune: astrology & astro-anatomy


The Zodiacal Color Wheel

Today we are going to be focusing on the blue spectrum of this wheel.

          Sagittarius Season starts on the 22nd of November until the 22nd of December. It is the 9th zodiac sign that is represented by the centaur and embodies archetypes like the explorer, the adventurer, truth-seeker, and philosopher. It is a mutable fire sign, which means it transfers energy in adaptable ways. In the tarot, fire is connected to our movement, energy, passion, will, and drive.

Gemini is the opposing sign of Sagittarius, and it is an energy that enjoys data, information, and communication. Both Sagittarius and Gemini are sociable signs who prefer intellectualizing concepts, but Sagittarius can take that information and bring esoteric meaning to it. In addition, Gemini rules our respiratory system, and in opposition to Sagittarius, it rules the inhale whereas Sagittarius rules the exhale.

Sagittarius’ realm is the Ninth House of Mental Exploration, Long-Distance Travel, Philosophy, Publishing, and Liminal Spaces, where in Ancient Hellenistic Astrology, the Sun finds its “joy.” This is a realm of expansion, exploration, and higher learning, where we seek truth and meaning through philosophy, spirituality, and traveling to expand our worldview. The Sun is luminous in the Ninth House, both literally and metaphorically, as the Sun in this house denotes High Noon (clock time) when the Sun is at its peak. One may argue that other planets could find joy in the Ninth House, with Mercury on their pursuit of knowledge, Saturn mastering wisdom through order, Venus finding pleasure in exploring diverse cultures and spiritual practices, and Mars passionately and philosophically fighting for truth and beliefs. However, the Sun's joy in the Ninth transcends these individual expressions. While other planets may find specific fulfillment in the Ninth, the Sun's joy embodies a transcendence, and it brings holistic meaning to the expansion of the mind, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. The Sun aligns our identity with a higher purpose, encouraging us to broaden our horizons and connect with guiding truths and principles, ultimately expanding our consciousness. The 9th House is the Domain of the Wayfarer, Philosopher, and Guide, a wise seeker who embodies the Sun's powerful and illuminating energy, guiding others to their truths.

Sagittarius is under the dual rulership of Jupiter and Neptune. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, drives Sagittarius's appetite for wisdom, new experiences, and a holistic understanding of the world. It brings a buoyant demeanor to Sagittarius and is the reason behind “Lucky Person Syndrome”, where one is in a state of constant positivity while remaining confident things will work out in their favor. Neptune, on the other hand, is the planet of dreams, subconscious, imaginal realms, and intuition and adds a supernatural dimension. Under Neptune’s influence, Sagittarius can connect with their inner world through practices like astral travel, metta practice, meditation, and more. Neptune's influence is tricky, however, and can also blur the boundaries of reality which can lead to patterns like escapism or idealism (which ties quite nicely to the naive Jupiterean belief that one is effortlessly and continually fortunate no matter what). Jupiter and Neptune create a unique dynamic within Sagittarius that drives them to seek truth while exploring the different realms of existence, especially their dreams or daydreams. One final note about escapism and Sagittarius is that a person with prominent Sagittarius placements will often say they require space, air, or freedom from people, places, or situations. We will return to this concept later.

Remember, Sagittarius is a fire sign, so the dual rulership of Jupiter and Neptune offers a reflective twist to the fire element. While the other fire signs, Aries (The Warrior) and Leo (The Sovereign), express their energy boldly and directly, Sagittarius is the Court Wizard, incorporating wisdom and intuition into their fiery pursuits. Fire signs are known for their passion and outwardly expansive energy, making them quite impulsive, enthusiastic, and action-oriented. However, Sagittarius must travel outside of themselves (outward expansion) to recognize their truths, become passionate about them, and finally live by those truths. Sagittarius ventures outward, gathering knowledge and experiences that provide the fuel that ignites their inner fire, transforming them into a brilliant expression of their authentic self. This journey of self-discovery is deeply connected to the Ninth House where we seek higher knowledge, explore different philosophies, and connect with our deepest truths. The expression of self is reflected (Neptune) in their outside world, deeply absorbed and settled into the body and mind as divine truth (Jupiter). Then, Sagittarius can express these truths externally (fire element) through their gifts and skills, whether it is writing, singing, dancing, protesting, orating, drawing, creating, and so on.

In Medical Astrology, Sagittarius rules our thighs, hips, sciatica, Neuromuscular system, and locomotion. As mentioned before, Jupiter and Neptune co-rule this sign, and Jupiter rules the liver, gallbladder, metabolism, and fat. Neptune doesn’t exactly correspond to an organ or system in Medical Astrology, but I associate it with our fluids, pineal gland, melatonin production, lymphatic fluid/system, and sleep cycles. A.T. Mann gives the following to Sagittarius [1]:

Sagittarius governs these body parts and organs: hips, thighs, sciatic nerve, arterial system (iliac arteries), coccygeal and sacral bones, gluteus and sartorius muscles, pelvis, femus, and sacrum. Sagittarius diseases and symptoms include the following: injuries to hips and thighs, baldness, disorders of lower extremities, falls, coxalgia, dislocation of the femur, danger from animals, gout, hip diseases, and leg disorders. Of note: if you are a Sagittarius, it does not mean that you will experience any of these diseases or conditions.

The Astro-Color of Sagittarius: the chromotherapeutic uses of Sapphire Blue

The Zodiacal Color Wheel

I created this wheel to illustrate how one can utilize color for body awareness in relation to astrology and holistic healing.

It might seem counterintuitive to associate the color blue with Sagittarius, whom we have already established as a fire sign. We typically associate fire with red or golden hues but have you ever observed a candle or turned on a gas stove and noticed that there is a color present that is not necessarily associated with flame? Well, an interesting phenomenon happens when there is enough oxygen to fuel the candle’s flame to burn efficiently, which turns the flame blue. Interestingly, fire is hotter and most intense when it burns blue rather than red or yellow. Recall that we discussed Sagittarius's need for space, air, or freedom from people, places, or situations. This need for air (or in a candle’s case- oxygenmirrors Sagittarius's occasional desire to escape restrictive environments or situations that stifle their growth or expansion.

Why do we find blue to be a trustworthy color? Why is it a color that brings clarity, calm, and serenity? In his book, The Color Code, Paul Simpson quotes color consultant Sally Augustin:

To our ancestors, blue in nature signified a good day, whether it was the blue sky on a sunny day or the blue of a calm sea. We subconsciously associate blue with calmness, coolness, tranquility, and a sense of security- we feel we can trust a blue sky and blue sea.
— Sally Augustin

As it relates to Sagittarius’ connection with spirituality, philosophy, and religion, Simpson writes this in his Chapter “Into the Blue”:

The tablets on which Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Ararat were of blue stone, according to the Jewish Talmud [...]
— Paul Simpon, The Color Code

The stones were said to be made of “sapir”, which may have been lapis lazuli (a stone revered by many ancient people) however, sapir was translated into sapphire [2], a color we are going to focus on for this blog post.

In chromotherapy, blue is a potent color associated with tranquility, healing, and truth. Its calming properties can soothe the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep, making it ideal for meditation and stress reduction. Blue is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, aiding in physical healing and reducing fevers. The concept of bringing calm to an inflammatory state is something we will circle back to in the phytonutrients section.

Zodiacal Colors (Linear)

This is a chart I made to help visualize how to increase body awareness with color, especially if you work with Chakra Healing. It is not meant to introduce “new chakra points”. See the graph below for more information.

The Astro-Chemico-Phyisological and Chromatic Chart by Occultist and Medical Astrologer Inez Eudora Perry

The color blue has a connection to the throat chakra, and the use of blue in Color Therapy can enhance authentic communication and self-expression, allowing for clear and honest transmission. The Throat Chakra, which aligns with our larynx and thyroid, is associated with our authenticity, our expression, and our voice, and as Dr. Deanna Minich PhD. puts it, “our truth”. Dr. Minich is one of the wonderful leaders in Quantum Healing who has inspired this work of mine. She is the Queen of Phytonutrients and has done a lot of work with food, color, and chakra healing. I highly recommend her book Whole Detox if you truly want a better relationship with food from the perspective of a creative or magician.

We discussed previously how Gemini is the opposing sign of Sagittarius. Where Gemini is the inhale, Sagittarius is the exhale. Air is taken in and blown out through our noses and mouths, fills up our lungs, and is also governed by Gemini and Mercury. However, when we use our breath to bring strength to our voice and project our thoughts and feelings into the world, we engage the Sagittarian energy of outward expression. This is where the exhale, symbolized by Sagittarius, becomes a vehicle for communicating our truth. Sagittarius seeks to expand its wisdom and share its knowledge, and it’s the breath that carries our words and ideas outward, connecting us with others and contributing to the collective conversation. Purposefully using your breath to support your communication might support your efforts to express yourself authentically.

Try this:

  • Take a moment to gather yourself and find center, balance, peace, etc.

  • Breathe in the color orange for Gemini, who represents sociability, communication, information, and thought. This calls in the vibration that allows connection and creativity in a social dynamic. When we inhale, we take in oxygen (remember: the fuel that burns the flame efficiently, generating a blue flame).

  • Breathe out the color blue for Sagittarius, who represents authentic expression, philosophy, and mental expansion. This calls in the vibration that allows your words to flow with clarity and conviction. Visualize your breath carrying your message outward.

For those who utilize colors for spiritual exploration, blue can facilitate prophetic dreams, astral projection, and a deeper connection to intuition and inner wisdom. Its association with truth, loyalty, and justice makes it a supportive color for those seeking clarity, balance, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. To practically employ blue for these reasons, you can dress in blues while meditating or purchase blue blankets and bedsheets to sleep in. 

Phytonutrient Therapy: Quercetin


Phytonutrients are chemical compounds that are found in plants, veggies, & fruits. They are what give our food their color, and are divided into categories depending on the color they express in different fruits and vegetables. I connect Sagittarius with the color blue, and blue foods contain lutein, zeaxanthin, anthocyanin, resveratrol, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Nutrients and herbs associated with Sagittarius include, but are not limited to: fats, herbs that support the circulatory system and locomotion (hawthorn berries, etc), B6 (pyridoxine), and inositol.

In Part I of Phytonutrients of Sagittarius Season (the predecessor of Chromatic Healing Across the Zodiac), we talked about the following:

  • Anthocyanins which help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity (Jupiter rules Sagittarius, insulin, and the liver).

  • Vitamin C which protects the blood vessel lining, connecting to circulation and locomotion promoting ease of movement (important for Sagittarius, who rules locomotion). It also supports tissue health, including skin, hair, joints, and nails (Silica is the tissue salt of Sagittarius which the hair, skin, and nails are made up of).

  • Resveratrol which may help slow age-related cognitive decline (important for Sagittarius's association with philosophy and mental expansion).

  • Vitamin B6 which aids in dream recall, which is relevant to Dream Work and Neptune's influence on Sagittarius (dreams and sleep).

To read more, click the button below.

Recall that we discussed how blue can be used to quell inflammation. In fact, in his book Practical Color Magick, Ray Buckland devotes a chapter on Chromotherapy and color in healing. Buckland cites Dinshah P. Ghadali when introducing the therapeutic uses of color, and notes that blue is anti-puriritic (relieves itching).

Therefore, for this blog post, I want to focus on quercetin found in blue whole foods for inflammation, but more specifically histamines. In fact, the following section is fully inspired by my very own navigation through sudden Histamine Intolerance throughout this entire year. Because I was desperate to bring relief to these symptoms, once again, I did a deep dive into trusted sources to find natural remedies for chronic conditions. If you are experiencing Histamine Intolerance, I highly recommend checking out Michelle Shapiro’s Highly Sensitive Body Hub. 

Blue foods that contain Quercetin

  • Blueberries

  • Bilberries

  • Purple cabbage

  • Black currants

  • Elderberries

Quercetin is mainly found in red and purple foods but can be found in blue foods like blueberries. It is a powerful antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. It acts as a natural antihistamine by stabilizing mast cells, which are white blood cells that protect the body from pathogens, parasites, and bacteria [3]. They are found throughout the body: in connective tissue, under the skin, near blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, intestines, and lungs. They release chemicals like cytokines and histamine during immune responses [4]. Quercetin works on the mast cells by inhibiting the release of histamines and pro-inflammatory mediators. This inhibition reduces symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, which are often associated with inflammation [5].

Quercetin also has a curious relationship with Sagittarius in that it supports Phases 1 & 2 of the liver’s detoxification process, and it is Jupiter, Sagittarius’ ruler, that governs the liver [6]. The liver has a multi-step process for filtering out toxins, where the first phase breaks down harmful compounds, and in the second phase, these compounds are neutralized. However, during the breakdown of these toxins, free radicals that damage cells can be formed. Eating foods high in quercetin suppresses these free radicals, and effectively protects the liver from harm. Other nutrients are needed to aid the liver detoxification process more efficiently like B Vitamins and Vitamin C, which we discussed in Part I: Phytonutrients For Sagittarius. Of note: it is interesting how Vitamin B6 aids in dream recall, lucid dreaming, and dream awareness, but can also aid the liver’s detox stages. We discussed in the Neptune, The Moon, and Melatonin post that the liver must not be overburdened during sleep because sleep is the body’s natural detoxification state where it focuses on repair and regeneration. It is during this state that melatonin is produced, which has many, many health benefits, but is mainly known for its ability to induce sleep.

To learn more, read the two posts mentioned above- it is fascinating!


Herbal Monograph: Borage

Please work with a licensed professional or ask your doctor before exploring herbal medicine. Borage isn’t for everyone, so please make informed decisions with trusted professionals before experimenting.

I’ve chosen borage for this month’s Chromatic Healing Across the Zodiac: Sagittarius Season for these reasons:

  • It’s blue!

  • It brings out the courage to express yourself authentically.

  • It’s ruled by Jupiter, who rules Sagittarius.

  • Eases swelling and pain to support locomotion, which is not only ruled by Sagittarius but is extremely important for Sagittarius placements!

  • It is amazing for skin and skin conditions, especially psoriasis. The skin has some association with Sagittarius (along with Venus and Saturn) due to silica’s association with Sagittarius. I have seen improvement when using borage oil in the ear (NOT ALL THE WAY IN- do not put anything in the ear canal) for those with psoriasis in the ear.

Borage

BORAGO OFFICINALIS

Family: BORAGINACEAE

COMMON NAMES

Star Flower, Herb of Courage, Bugloss (Ox-tongue, Greek), Burrage, Langue de Boef (Ox-tongue, French)

NATIVE REGION

Mediterranean Basin; believed to have originated in Aleppo, a city in Northwestern Syria.

PARTS USED:

Flowers and above-ground parts of the plant.


CAUTION

Borage leaves and its flowers contain “pyrrolizidine alkaloids” which can be toxic in high qualities. Remove hairs, as they can be irritants.


ACTIVE INGREDIENTS/NUTRIENTS:

  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids - (PAs) contains two fused five-membered rings. In both of these rings, a Nitrogen atom is common among them. It is the precursor to PAs is ornithine.

  • Essential oil

  • Linolenic acid

  • Phenolic compounds

  • Saline  

  • Mucilage

  • Tannin

  • Gum.

  • Calcium

  • Potassium

  • Vitamins F & FF

  • Richest known source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)

FLOWER ESSENCES:

  • Soothes mucous membranes

  • Mood booster

  • Eases swelling and pain

AROMATHERAPY & ESSENTIAL OIL:

  • Soothes the mucous membranes

  • Relieves sore throats

  • Raises spirits; brings feelings of joy and reduces melancholy

  • Alleviates arthritis and rheumatism 

BODY SYSTEM:

  • Nervous 

  • Reproductive

  • Circulatory

  • Skin

  • Glandular

  • Respiratory

  • Immune

  • Heart

  • Lungs

  • Stomach

  • Adrenals

Internal

  • Lowers fevers

  • Supports adrenals

  • A lung decongestant

  • Cools

  • Increases kidney action

  • Relieves pain and swelling in joints

  • Counteracts inflammation in a wide range of diseases.  

External: A poultice can be made for inflammatory swellings.  


THERAPEUTIC ACTION:

ADRENAL: Aids the normal function of the adrenal glands 

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Counteracts inflammatory responses

APERIENT: Mild evacuants or laxatives to the bowels

DEMULCENT: Mucilaginous properties, internally soothing and protective to irritated/inflamed areas.

DIAPHORETIC: Increases skin elimination

DIURETIC: Increases the secretion and flow of urine

EMOLLIENT: Softening, soothing, and protective of external surfaces

EXPECTORANT: Promotes and facilitates mucous drainage

FEBRIFUGE: Reduces fever

GALACTAGOGUE: Increases milk secretion

PECTORAL: Healing to complaints of bronchi-pulmonary areas

SUDORIFIC: Produces profuse perspiration when taken hot; acts as a tonic when taken cold

STIMULANT: Increases functional activity and energy in the body

TONIC: Stimulates nutrition and permanently increases systemic tone, energy, vigor, and strength 

REFRIGERANT: Lowers body temperature and relieves thirst 


INFORMATION ON ITS ACTIVITY:

  • The whole plant taste of cucumber 

  • Leaves and seeds stimulate milk flow in nursing

  • Anti-inflammatory in pleurisy

  • Releves fevers

  • Treats all inflamed conditions

  • Starry flowers can be crystallized for decorating cakes.

  • They grow on wasteland, especially in the South of France.

  • STEM AND LEAVES: contain saline and mucilage 

    •  The healing qualities are said to be attributed to the saline

  • Related to Comfrey, and are both healing herbs

  • BORAGE SEED OIL is obtained from the seeds and contains gamma-linolenic acid, vitamins, and minerals.

USES

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Menopausal problems

  • Heart disease

  • Psoriasis

  • Eczema

  • Prematurely aged skin

  • Regeneration of the skin

FOLKLORE / FOLK MAGIC / HISTORY:

I, Borage, bring always courage.
— Pliny

Some debate surrounds the name Borage, and where it derived:

Latin Borago, corruption of corago.

(Cor = the heart, ago = I bring)

  • Italian “Borra”

  • French “Bourra”

The Celtic term “Barrach” means “man of courage, and Celtic warriors would drink wine with borage in it to give them courage before their battles. In the medieval age, tea made from borage was given to competitors in tournaments to boost their morale. Its name also could be derived from the Arabic “abou er-rach”, which means “Father of Sweat”, alluding to its sudorific qualities.

  • Records say Borage came from Aleppo, a city in Syria.

  • Traditional uses were for relieving depression, and this has been described many times in old manuscripts.

  • Ancient Greeks used the flowers of Borage to perfume salads and wines

  • Ancient Greeks named it Euphrosyne, meaning “cheerful

In Arthurian times used as a symbol of courage; participants in jousts and war used to drink Borage tea  before fighting; flowers were used on crests, shields, and in embroidery; 19th-century pot herbs, drinks and to decorate  salads and cakes; women preserved and candied the flowers; Dioscorides and Pliny believed it to be the famous Nepenthe of Homer that brought forgetfulness
— Bonny Casel, ND- The School of Natural Medicine, UK

CHINESE MEDICINE: Parasympathetic adrenal tonic

AYURVEDA: Reduces Kapha and Pitta, but increases Vata

CHAKRAS: Strengthens Root Chakra

ELEMENTS: Earth

TASTE:  Astringent + sweet

EMOTIONS: Works with fear through adrenal action (fight or flight)

GOVERNMENTS AND VIRTUES :

  • According to Sajah Popham, borage is ruled by the Moon because of its sleep-inducing qualities

  • This herb is ruled by Jupiter, according to Agrippa

They are all three herbs of Jupiter, and under Leo, all great cordials and strengtheners of nature. The leaves or roots are to very good purpose used in putrid and pestilential fevers, to defend the heart, and help to resist and expel the poison or the venom of other creatures: the seed is of the like effect; and the seed and leaves are good to increase milk in women’s breasts: the leaves, flowers, and seed, all or any of them, are good to expel pensiveness and melancholy; to clarify the blood, and mitigate heat in fevers. The juice made into a syrup prevaileth much to all the purposes aforesaid, and is put with other cooling, opening, cleansing herbs to open obstructions, and help the yellow jaundice, and mixed with fumitory, to cool, cleanse, and temper the blood, whereby it helpeth the itch, ringworms and tetters, or other spreading scabs or sores. The flowers candied, or made into a conserve, are helpful in the former cases, but are chiefly used as a cordial, and are good for those that are weak with long sickness, and to comfort the heart and spirits of those that are in a consumption, or troubled with often swooning, or passions of the heart: the distilled water is no less effectual to all the purposes aforesaid, and helpeth the redness and inflammation of the eyes, being washed therewith; the dried herb is never used, but the green; yet the ashes thereof boiled in mead, or honey-water, are available against inflammations and ulcers in the mouth or throat, to wash and gargle it therewith. The roots of bugloss are effectual, being made into a licking electuary, for the cough, and to condensate thin phelgm, and rheumatic distillations upon the lungs.
— Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, Page 56

SPIRITUAL PROPERTIES:

Causes exhilaration, makes the mind glad, comforts the heart, drives away sorrow, increases the joy of the mind, diminishes melancholy, dullness, and sadness.
— Bonny Casel, ND- The School of Natural Medicine UK

APPEARANCE

  • Thick stem. 

  • Large, slightly fleshy wavy dull green leaves are covered with coarse hairs. 

  • Borage grows blue (something pink or white) flowers.

  • There are five petals, in a star-shape pattern. 

  • The young leaves taste like cucumber. They can be used in salad. Older leaves can be cooked like spinach. 

  • They bloom between May and June



Resources:

The Color Code, by Paul Simpson

Practical Color Magick, by Ray Buckland

[1] - The Round Art of Astrology, by A.T. Mann

[2] - Tablets of Stone

[3, 4] - Mast Cells

[5] - Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases

[6] - Lauren Popanos Ms, RD, CSSD; The Highly Sensitive Body Hub

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants by Andrew Pengelly

Medicinal herb Info: Borage

100 Plants That Heal by Gérard Debuigne & François Couplan

Three Books of Occult Philosophy, by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa

Evolutionary Herbalism, by Sajah Popham

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper 

Bonny Casel, ND- School of Natural Medicine UK

Sajah Popham



I’m offering Color Oracle Readings for the holiday season to make a little bit of income while I am in my last year of school full-time (so I can buy presents!) If you are interested, check out the booking link below where you can learn more about the readings I’m offering!

Act fast though, because this offer ends on December 30th, 2024.




Phyto-Holographic Sam

Healing Diets Coach, Herbal Medicine Consultant, Holistic and Spiritual Practitioner, Etruscan Enthusiast, Artist, and Performer

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