Planetary Ruler: Mars & Pluto
Mode: Fixed
Element: Water
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Scorpio is a fixed water sign, meaning it is the most grounded and stable of the water signs. Ruled by Mars, the archetype of Scorpio is intense, passionate and sometimes stubborn. In the body we see this sign ruling over the process of creation and elimination. In contrast to Cancer ruling the womb, we see Scorpio relating to the process of life creation more than the physical structures. Although Scorpio does rule the cervix and is deeply associated with sexual passion.
In the body
In the body Scorpio rules over the large intestine, reproductive system (prostate gland & cervix. This sign rules over the themes of the sacral chakra and the pelvic bowl in general
It is also related to the pores of the skin and the sweat glands.
In medical herbalism possible illnesses associated with scorpio are: intestional parasites, dysbiosis, STI's, reproductive issues, spiritual causes of dis-ease
An interesting note is this sign is the opposite of Taurus, where we eat the food that Scorpio eliminates. There is also an anatomical similarity between the structures of the throat and the cervix; both of which are innervated by the vagus nerve.
Support your digestion & elimination with the Daily Detox Formula
Get a little sexy and saucy with the Kinection Elixir or Blue Lotus
Herbal Actions
All actions related to the reproductive system, large intestine and the immune system. Since Scorpio rules the organs of the pelvic bowl, the associated herbs will generally be increasing circulation of the vital force to these areas. We also see some correlation with scorpio and the immune system, as Mars rules over the immune response, stress response and the inflammatory cascade. Herbs of Scorpio can have an affinity to the pelvic bowl; but they will also be having systemic effects considering the action of Mars on the body.
Actions Indicated: alterative, bitter tonic, stimulant aphrodisiac, reproductive tonic, laxative, adaptogenic, diuretic, diaphoretic, and immunostimulant
Herbal Allies
Devil’s Club- Opolopanax horridus
A plant ruled by Mars with very obvious martian morphology: sharpness, thorns, red berries, intense boundaries. If you have ever come across a Devil's Club patch, you know there is no way to walk through the thick stands of extremely thorny stalks. This plant is covered in spikes that are covered in staph bacteria, the antibacterial antidote to this is contained in the inner bark; showing how this plant harbours a "poison" and a medicine. A very Scorpio concept, containing the sting and the medicine at the same time; a sort of bittersweet medicine.
Devil's Club medicine is warming and pungent, provinding the stimulation to the stagnancy that Scorpio can accumulate. This makes is useful for cold and damp conditions; think sluggish digestion, thoughts and metabolism.
Other actions this wonderful plant has are: Adaptogen, expectorant, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, immune tonic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, regulates blood sugar.
Magical Uses: protective, helps strengthen one’s will so you can “slay inner demons” and be emboldened on your path, take up space. Boundaries
Lady’s Mantle- Alchemilla vulgaris
Lady's mantle has a long history of use for womb care and as a beauty tonic. She is deeply associated with the goddesses of Freya, Tatiana, and the Virgin Mary. Often with the reputation of prolonging youth and restoring women's beauty. Interestingly, this plant is quite astringent (tightening) and will tone the skin. Theoretically this means that it could fim the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging! So fascinating how the mythos of plants is often related to their constituents and actions in the body.
Scorpio rules the reproductive organs and the pelvic bowl, Lady's mantle has an affinity for the uterus, and sweat glands. This plant is used to restore relaxed tissues; this can look like profuse sweating, heavy bleeding, prolapse or edema. Lady's mantle will restore the water balance of tissue and the position of the uterus.
Can use in a yoni steam, as tea, as tincture
*caution in use with anti-coagulants, do not use if you have anemia
Horny Goat Weed - Epimedium grandiflorum
This plant has quite the reputation as a sexual tonic and invigorator for all sexes.
In male bodies Horny Goat Weed is used for: Erectile Dysfunction: Certain enzymes inhibit the function that allows blood to form a proper erection.
Inhibits this enzyme and allows blood to flow properly. Works much like Viagra.
In female bodies: Increases blood flow to genitals, used during and after menopause to increase sexual desire and lubrication. Contains phytoestrogens which can reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes and boost bone density
We find this plant is best paired with other aphrodisiacs to feel the full effects. It is quite gentle on its own and has a cumulative effect over time with regular use.
Wormwood- Artemisia absinthium
Another plant with a long history of use. Wormwood's actions are true to its name; this profoundly bitter leaf is strongly anti-parasitic and will rid the body of all kinds of parasitic infections. Particularly good at treating tapeworms, roundworm and pinworm.
Given the strong bitter consituents, Wormwood is a stong uterine stimulant. All bitter plants are going to stimulate the uterus. This is from the interconnectedness of the intestines and the uterus, they share some nerves, ligaments and muscles; so stimulating one will often stimulate the other. this stimulant action can be useful for bringing on delayed menstruation and decreasing cramping.
This is a fantastic herb to take travelling with you, remedying travellers belly, GI infections, food poisoning and Chron’s disease
The physiomedicalists used Wormwood to treat melancholy and atrophied tissue states. They believed that mental health conditions were caused by the internal organs dis-ease spreading to the mind and the will. They would often use Wormwood to simulate and energize melancholic patients. This plant is also helpful to restore depleted and feeble states; a place many people end up when they are working through depression.
Black Cohosh- Caullophylum thalictroides
Black Cohosh is one of the primary herbs used in womb care by herbalists, midwives and doulas. It is considered one of the best uterine tonics available in the western materia medica.
Traditionally used in childbirth to encourage and sustain the birthing process. However, due to some safety issues with maintaining a fetal heartbeat during birth; this remedy is rarely used in modern day and is considered unsafe to use during birth.
Outside of the birthing process this herb is a uterine tonic with a wide array of therapeutic use. Herbalists today use Black Cohosh for PCOS, Fibroids, and regulating the cycle. The anti-inflammatory actions allow the uterus to heal, and are also indicated for folks who also suffer from rheumatic pain like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Important to note: Small dosage range 10-20ml per week of a 1:3
Ritual Herbs
- Blackberry
- Foxglove
- Aphrodisiacs:
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pleasure, intimacy, and getting that blood pumping are ways you can ritualy work with this sign
Increasing pelvic blood flow - Damiana, Yohimbe, Cacao, Maca
Euphorics / Entheogens - Blue Lotus, microdosing, Damiana, Kava Kava
Other Aphrodisiacs: Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Valerian, Passion Flower, Sarsaparilla, Sassafras, Cinnamon
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