Earth medicine, p.16
Earth Medicine, page 16
4.15 ADVANTAGEOUS TIMES
Best months of the year for Woodpecker people are from 21 June to 22 July, 23 October to 22 November, and from 19 February to 20 March. Best day of the week is Monday. Best times of the day are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
4.16 OUTWARD (CONSCIOUS ) AIM AND INNER (SUBCONSCIOUS ) DESIRE
Outwardly, Woodpeckers seem driven to express themselves primarily through their feelings. The problem is that this emotional expression often leads them to feel vulnerable.
Inwardly, there is a desire to know the right time to act, the right time to hold on and the right time to let go, and this leads them to feel unsure and insecure.
Woodpeckers’ attitudes are so often shaped by their past experiences, and especially those incidents when they feel threatened or inadequate. They hold on to these as if they happened only yesterday, and as a consequence have a tendency to harbour grievances for a very long time. Although sympathetic by nature, Woodpeckers can be unforgiving towards people they feel have threatened their security or brought their inadequacy to the surface in the past.
Reconciliation of the outer and inner expressions comes when Woodpeckers learn to let go of the past and let bygones be bygones. The purpose of this apparent conflict is for them to learn to cope with change through adaptation. When that happens they will free their creativity from the boundaries of self-imposed limitations and set if free through outlets where it can also help others. Then their own personal security will be ensured.
4.17 SPIRITUAL ALCHEMY
With so much emphasis on elemental Water, Woodpecker people live on their emotions. They feel so deeply that they often suffer the emotional traumas of other people, especially members of their own family. It is essential, therefore, that they get to understand their emotions and not allow them to become bottled up.
Just as water finds its own level and adjusts to the surroundings it is in, so Woodpecker people must learn to adjust, not just to physical environment but to the people they are brought into contact with.
Since the south-south-east direction indicates the movement from warm to hot it is represented by two yang (=) or (+ +). Elemental Water is an influence both in its directional and cyclical activity (− −). The spiritual sexuality of Woodpecker is feminine (−). So the combination of these essential factors is (+ +, – − and −) which indicates a personality that is more passive than outgoing and is protective.
4.18 LIFE-CHALLENGES
Woodpeckers are born worriers and can see doom and disaster as the outcome of almost any situation. They worry about how a situation might end almost before it has begun.
Part of their life-purpose is to discover how to live in the Now. Every experience in life is endeavouring to teach them the importance of treasuring the moment.
Woodpeckers need to cultivate their intuitiveness and resourcefulness and to come to recognize the healing balm of forgiveness. They need to avoid self-pity, recrimination, feeling sorry for themselves, and harbouring envy. But the quality they need to let go of the most is their possessiveness.
4.19 PRIMARY FUNCTION AND LIFE-PATH
The primary function of Woodpecker is to assimilate experience through the feelings and to draw knowledge and wisdom from them. By so doing, emotional unfoldment is obtained.
The path Woodpeckers are on leads towards the recognition that love has a polarity of its own and has to be given to be received and to be released in order to be retained, and if held by the grip of possessiveness becomes stifled and suffocates.
The emphasis is on total commitment and a need to accept trials and difficulties, conflicts and even defeats, as necessary experiences if one is to emerge a stronger personality. The greatest difficulty on this path is in learning to handle one’s own contradictions, and harnessing the powers that are within.
The prime purpose, then, is to harness the turbulent, instinctive and emotional nature and to bring it under the control of the will in order to attain true maturity.
4.20 THE I CHING TRIGRAM: Tui. The Joyous Lake.
Those born in the Long Days Time are on the south-south-east direction on the Wheel of the Year and share the same trigram as those of the previous time on the south-east direction.
The Joyous Lake represents the desire for contentment, which is very strong in Woodpecker people. It is the joy of satisfaction – the satisfaction of physical love, the satisfaction that comes from achievement, and the satisfaction of attainment and of work well done.
4.21 HOW TO COPE WITH WOODPECKERS
Handle them gently. They are highly emotional and changeable and will withdraw into themselves if they think they and anyone or anything that ‘belongs’ to them is being threatened.
By positive in their company. You may feel better yourself after relating your troubles, but Woodpecker is inclined to be so sympathetic that your worries become their own. Woodpeckers catch worries as easily as some people catch colds.
Don’t try to push Woodpeckers too hard. They will be led, but they won’t be driven.
2.5
Salmon
SUMMARY
5. Salmon
5.1 BIRTH MONTH: 22 July – 21 August
5.2 EARTH INFLUENCE: The Ripening Time
The month from 22 July to 21 August is the period when the Sun is at its hottest in the Northern hemisphere and ripens the fruits of the Earth. It is a time when, traditionally, we pause from our labours to bask in the sunshine and to refresh ourselves before the work of harvesting which is to come. It is the time when the whole of Nature appears to be opening up to the Sun and bringing forth its fruit in abundance.
The Ripening Time was thus regarded as a time of openness and warmth and these qualities are reflected in those people whose birthdays occur at this time.
Half-way through this month occurred a Fire festival of the old religions of Northern Europe which was called Lammas, and by the Celts, Lughnasadh. It was held on 1 August and in Britain was sometimes called ‘the Feast of the First Fruits!’ It marked the first cut of harvest corn while summer was still in full swing and was the season of fairs. It recognized that after the Summer Solstice the Sun had begun to wane and its power was declining.
Although it was a joyous, happy time it served also as a reminder that all is not as it might appear. For though the Sun was shining and the days were hot, the Circle was beginning to dip towards the dark and the days were shortening in preparation for the autumn and the approach of winter.
It was, then, a festival of reminder – a reminder that things are not always as they may appear, and that nothing in the physical world is permanent.
And it was a time for reflection – a reminder of what we are now and what we hope to become.
5.3 SOLAR INFLUENCES
This month is the peak of the summer power with the animating life-force of the Sun reaching maturity and causing bountiful activity. It is the time when the heat of the Sun ripens the fruits of the Earth.
Those born during this month when the Sun is at its most powerful are usually energetic and creative with an outgoing personality and a temperament which could be described as ‘sunny’.
The influence of the solar energies on their ego is evident in their self-esteem for, like the Sun, they like being looked up to and appreciated.
The related sign in Sun astrology is Leo.
5.4 INFLUENCING WIND: South Winds
DIRECTION: South
The warm south winds bring a flow of vital energies to those born in the Ripening Time that gives them a capacity to take on difficult tasks which others might decline, and to accept the burden of responsibility. It is this primal energy that makes them so active and energetic and bold and determined leaders who enjoy the excitement of being out in front.
The totem animal of the South is mouse. For people who can be as bold, aggressive and dominant as those born in the Ripening Time to be influenced by tiny Mouse, may seem ridiculous. But as was stated in the precious section under 4.4, we must not underestimate the value of little Mouse.
Mouse is associated with comprehending things by being close to them. It is especially related to the emotions and feelings, and with the qualities of trust and innocence.
A full explanation is given in section 4.4.
The emphasis in the Ripening Time is especially on the need to trust one’s feelings and intuitions during the pain of change which will be experienced during the process of maturing.
5.5 INFLUENCING ELEMENTS: Fire with Water
Elemental Water is the influence of the directional power of the South and, as we learned in the previous section (4.5), is concerned with the emotions and feelings.
But water is also a ‘mixing’ agent – a means of changing through dissolving and diluting – so it also has to do with transformation.
The change which elemental Water is bringing about in those born during the Ripening Time is not instant, but is a process which takes time. People of this month will have an urge to push ahead and to bring about desired changes, but they will still want to retain that which has been tried and tested. Primarily, it is likely to be the family that they will look to as their anchor and their security.
Elemental Fire is the influence of the cyclical power and it is this influence which makes them activators and trail-blazers and full of zest.
5.6 ELEMENTAL CLAN: The Hawk (Fire) Clan
People born during the Ripening Time come under the Hawk Clan, which is the clan of elemental Fire. Elemental Fire causes them to be outgoing and energetic with an insatiable inner drive to be always doing something. Such individuals are usually at the hub of any activity in which they are involved. They are so full of zest that they are in danger of burning themselves out through their intensity and over-zealousness and lack of caution.
They like the warmth that comes from close relationships, and they like to have bright things around them. The decor of their homes is usually warm and bright. This affinity with the Sun and elemental Fire can be used beneficially by them in times of need. For instance, when they feel wound up through the intensity of their activities, or they feel drained and in need of replenishment, a bask in the Sun, a relaxing session in a solarium, watching the flames in a campfire or fireplace, or just gazing into the flame of a candle, can have a remarkably soothing effect and quickly restore them to balance.
Hawk Clan people have an inner radiance and a fiery temperament, and should familiarize themselves with the Sun in its phases and seasons for it can help them to understand their own temperament and to learn how to temper and control their own inner light. (See also 1.6 and 9.6.)
5.7 BIRTH AND ANIMAL TOTEM: Salmon
In Britain and northern Europe in ancient times the Salmon was regarded as the King of the Fishes. The salmon is a magnificent creature that can grow to a length of up to 120 cm (4 ft) and weigh over 30 kg (66 lb). It displays an amazing feat of navigational skill as it finds its way from the sea to the river of its birth and swims upstream to its spawning grounds. In this journey it can leap waterfalls up to 3 metres (10 ft) high.
Perhaps because of this tremendous achievement, the salmon in legendary tales was said to swim in waters of inspiration and foreknowledge, and was thus associated with wisdom and with strength of purpose.
A similar fish, the sturgeon, was used as a totem among many American Indian tribes. It, too, moves between sea and fresh water, living in the muddy bottoms of estuaries and moving upstream to more shallow waters to spawn in the spring. Its skin is very tough, and it has rows of bony plates which makes it the armoured knight of the waters.
The sturgeon was regarded by the Amerindians as the Keeper of Longevity because it could survive to a ripe old age. Potentially, people who have sturgeon or salmon as a totem are blessed with longevity in order that they shall learn to grow old gracefully.
The movement of salmon and sturgeon through the water is so graceful that the fish cause almost no disturbance. People born in the Ripening Time should emulate their totem animal and learn to move through life without creating friction and disturbance, for it is their resistance to change and the demands that others put upon them that causes most of their emotional upsets.
Since Water is related to the emotions and the salmon is such a master of the water, the lessons of life for Salmon people are to teach them to attain mastery of their emotions.
5.8 PLANT TOTEM: Raspberry
The raspberry (Rubus strigosus) is a tall, woody plant that grows cane-like up to 150 cm (5 ft) tall and whose leaves are light green with pale undersides. It blossoms in May with white cup-shaped flowers, and the berries ripen in July. The berries are made up of globe-shaped segments, each of which grows around its own pip.
The berries are delicious and of considerable medicinal value for they cleanse the system, act as a mild laxative, and stimulate the urinary organs.
The root of the plant is astringent and has antibiotic properties. The leaves can be used to make a mild and pleasant herbal tea which is said to relieve nausea, especially in pregnant women, and can also be helpful during times of menstruation. It helps to cleanse the mucous membranes, and also balances the blood sugar levels.
Like their plant totem, Salmon people are often sought out by others for enjoyment. Like the fruit of the raspberry, Salmon people are not what they appear to be. The fruit appears to be a berry but is, in fact an aggregate of a number of small, separate drupes. Salmon people might appear to be hard and even callous because of their courageousness, but under the surface there is a warm and soft heart. Or they may appear charming and affectionate and even soft-hearted, but can have a prickly interior.
Like the raspberry, Salmon people can be helpful for those around them to get their problems out of their systems.
5.9 MINERAL TOTEM: Carnelian
Carnelian is a translucent to clear chalcedony, a smooth, waxy form of quartz which is found in rock cavities. It is flesh-coloured, or red, orange or reddish-brown. Its name means ‘flesh-coloured’.
It is the stone of integrity and among Indians was often a symbol of strength and beauty of the Earth.
Carnelian has a subtle, vibrant quality and was, therefore, attributed with the ability to stimulate and to stir into action. I am told that it softens anger and disperses strife – conditions which are frequently experienced by Salmon people – and promotes contentment, so it is a stone they should carry or wear.
Since Salmon people are usually intense individuals with a tendency to dominate others and to act impulsively, Carnelian can help them to develop self-control.
It is a stone of blood ties and family unity since its principal attribute is to strengthen.
Amerindians credited the Carnelian with curative powers and it was used in general healing. It was sometimes suspended on a thong and used as a pendulum above a wound and its circular movement was said to start the healing process.
5.10 POLARITY TOTEM: Otter
Salmon’s outgoing temperament and desire for action can lead them into impulsive actions which result in misunderstandings that hurt their inner sensitivity.
They can guard against this by learning from their polar opposite, Otter, which, although considered one of the most noble of animals is also most playful. Otter can serve as an example to Salmon to balance their intensity with periods of playful relaxation, and to temper their aggressiveness with gentleness.
Salmon can learn from Otter to discover for themselves that there is strength in gentleness, and that there is a power in compassion that can bring about desirable changes.
True attainment often comes from letting go, and remembering also that getting is a partner of giving. Otter points the way to the recognition of such truths.
5.11 PERSONALITY EXPRESSION
Adult
There are no half measures about proud, energetic, enthusiastic Salmon. Confidence oozes from them. Not only will they leave no doubt that they should be running things, but that they’re able to run other people’s lives also. Such arrogance is expressed in so warm-hearted a manner that others are inclined to let them get on with it.
Salmon people are just as uncompromising in their opinions. Whatever view they hold at the moment is the only right one. The snag is that they are inclined to change their views quite radically, but they will promote their latest opinion with such fervour and conviction that they’ll convince others it’s the only one they ever had. Their air of self-importance is coupled with a thirst for personal glory and an appetite for self-assertion, but emotionally they are vulnerable, easily hurt by neglect or withdrawal of love.
Although they are quite rational it is difficult for Salmon to make balanced judgements because their egotistical nature makes them vulnerable to flattery and deceit. They love to dramatize and as a result will often inflate problems and situations out of all proportion.
The male Salmon is good at fixing things, whether it is something in the home that won’t work or has come apart, or whether it is a situation in someone else’s life. They are experts at telling people how to run their lives, but they clock up quite a few problems in endeavouring to manage their own.
Although he has an optimistic outlook, he is likely to crumble under the weight of gloom and despondency if he is overtaken by adversity, crossed in love, or betrayed by someone close to him.
