The Herbal Tarot deck book:
"Astragalus is an herb of creativity. It is a digestive and a diuretic. The root is used to increase energy and aid assimilation and digestion. It is also the most powerful herbal immune tonic known. (Mercury).
'Symbolically used for: Poor assimilation of food and ideas. Weakness, fatigue, sluggishness. Tendency to be cold.
'Divinatory Meaning: Creativity. Unlimited possibilities. Ability to do whatever one imagines or decides.
'Reverse Meanings: A person who is too busy, too outwardly directed, selfish."
At #1, the Magician is the male power of creation by willpower and desire. He draws divine power down from the heavens, molds it with that energy of thought, and makes it manifest on Earth (his finger pointing to the ground). This is that most ancient magic to make real whatever he imagines in his head merely by saying it aloud.
When I fist learned tarot, I was taught that the Magician is the card that represents one of the most basic of magical tenants - As Above, So Below. His gestures represent this saying and he is the card of manifestation and understanding of this concept.
In the Witch School First Degree lessons, As Above, So Below is explained thus:
"What is mean by this phrase is that all of creation, whether great or small, reflects the same Divine Nature, or plan...For this reason, the same truth will be discerned in a galaxy of star and in a single grain of sand, if one is open to it."
The Magician is often represented by Mercury. Mercury is the planet and god of smooth talkers and salesmen. Also clever with the sleight of hand (Mercury *was* the god of thieves!) and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil.
Astragalus (Astragalus hoantchye, Astragalus membranaceous)
Common Names:Huang qi, Yellow Leader
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Medicinal Properties: Immune tonic, diuretic, lowers blood pressure, Qi tonic, Cancer
Astragalus is one of the best-researched immune system stimulants now available. It works like echinacea, in that both herbs increase the number and activity of immune cells. However, astragalus concentrates on building the immune system, and unlike echinacea, it can be taken on a daily basis.
Astragalus has also shown some vasodilatory as well as anti-inflammatory action. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. Quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve hay fever and other allergic conditions.
Magical Properties: Healing, Hex Breaking, Protection, Purification, Energy.
Use Astragalus Root in magic spells and incense for concentration and to focus your energies. Excellent for using in dedication or self initiation rites.
Luci Johnson lists Astragalus in her
Kundalini Magical Potion
Astragalus and peony root, red wine.
Drink to stimulate the arousal of kundalini energies. Brings enlightenment, inner balance and understanding of the Divine Mother and Father.
as well as her Magician Tarot potion based on The Herbal Tarot:
Astragalus, schizandra and aswaganda with red wine.
***I hope that you all are enjoying my Herbal Tarot posts. If you're just now joining use, feel free to previous three posts:
Introduction
About Tarot
0 The Fool Ginseng
thanks. I enjoyed getting this information. Trying to learn tarot meanings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a very informative article! How would you use Astragalus in a protection spell and hex breaking spell?
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