Astrological Aromatherapy with Essential Oils

The great 17th-century herbalist and apothecary Nicholas Culpeper wrote several books that combined herbal medicine and astrology.  Of particular interest is his method of ascribing a ruling planet to each plant.  You can use this information to select essential oils according to their planetary influences.

Astrological aromatherapy is growing in popularity and utilizes a great deal of knowledge and ancient wisdom.  Below is a simple guide to help you choose an emblematic essential oil according to your sun sign.

Aries

Aries, the ram, runs from March 21 to April 20.  Aries is a fire sign, and its ruling planet is Mars.  Basil and black pepper have Mars as their ruling planet, and their sharp cephalic qualities make either one a suitable emblematic essential oil for Aries.

Taurus

Taurus, the bull, runs from April 21 to May 21.  Taurus is an earth sign, and its ruling planet is Venus.  Palmarosa, ylang ylang and rose have Venus as their ruling planet.  The sweet, grounded, balancing qualities of these florals make any one a suitable emblematic essential oil for Taurus.

Gemini

Gemini, the twins, runs from May 22 to June 22.  Gemini is an air sign, and its ruling planet is Mercury.  Mercury rules fennel, peppermint, and thyme.  These clean, bright cephalic essential oils all reflect the Gemini character.

Cancer

Cancer, the crab, runs from June 23 to July 23.  Cancer is a water sign, and its ruling planet is the Moon.  Chamomile is ruled by the Moon, and the calm nurturing qualities of Roman chamomile and German chamomile make either one a good emblematic essential oil for Cancer.

Leo

Leo, the lion, runs from July 24 to August 23.  Leo is a fire sign, and its ruling planet is the Sun.  Benzoin, myrrh, frankincense, and helichrysum have the Sun as their ruling planet.  Any one of these warm, sultry, resinous essential oils makes a good choice for Leo.

Virgo

Virgo, the young maiden, runs from August 24 to September 23.  Virgo is an earth sign, and its ruling planet is Mercury.  Lavender and myrtle have Mercury as their ruling planet, and the calm, gentle innocence of these two essential oils makes either one a good choice for Virgo.

Libra

Libra, the pair of scales, runs from September 24 to October 23.  Libra is an air sign, and its ruling planet is Venus.  Venus is the ruling planet of geranium, and the balanced poise of this sweet floral makes it the ideal emblematic essential oil for Libra.

Scorpio

Scorpio, the scorpion, runs from October 24 to November 22.  Scorpio is a water sign, and its ruling planets are Mars and Pluto.  Pluto is the ruling planet of patchouli, and this musty, smoky, aphrodisiac essential oil well reflects the Scorpio character.  The fiery sweetness of ginger, ruled by Mars, makes a good alternative emblematic essential oil for Scorpio.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, the centaur, runs from November 23 to December 21.  Sagittarius is a fire sign, and its ruling planet is Jupiter.  Jupiter is the ruling planet of hyssop, and this sweet, calming, spicy herbal essential oil is well suited for Sagittarius.

Capricorn

Capricorn, the goat, runs from December 22 to January 20.  Capricorn is an earth sign, and its ruling planet is Saturn.  Eucalyptus and vetiver are ruled by Saturn.  Either clean, clear eucalyptus or earthy, woody vetiver makes a good emblematic essential oil for Capricorn.

Aquarius

Aquarius, the water bearer, runs from January 21 to February 19.  Aquarius is an air sign, and its ruling planets are Uranus and, to a lesser extent, Saturn.  Uranus is the ruling planet of both sandalwood and violet leaf.  Either one of these sensuous, deep, mysterious essential oils is ideal for Aquarius.

Pisces

Pisces, the fish, runs from February 20 to March 20.  Pisces is a water sign, and its ruling planet is Neptune.  Neptune is also the ruling planet of cypress, and this sacred, purifying and drying essential oil suits the Piscean character.

*The above is an excerpt from the book “The Aromatherapy Bible” by Gill Farrer-Halls.  For more information on this definitive guide to using essential oils or to purchase the book, please visit our website.  The book is full of recipes, tips, essential oil details, massage techniques, and so much more!