Happy Summer Solstice!

Acute Ulcer Formula 

1 part Marshmallow root Althea officinalis
1 part Chamomile Matricaria recutita or Anthemis nobilis
1 part Yarrow Achillea millefolium
1 part Calendula Calendula officinalis
1 part Plantain Plantago major
1/2 part Comfrey Symphytum officinale
1/4 part Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis

Prepare as an infusion: Place herb mix in your favorite tea pot or glass jar, and fill with boiling water 
(1 Tbsp of herbs per 1 cup water).  Cover and steep for 15-30 minutes, strain and enjoy!  Not to be used long
 term.  Omit Comfrey in case of compromised liver.  For best results, leave Marshmallow root out of the herb 
mix and infuse seperately in luke warm water for 4 hours - overnight.  Strain and add to the  separate 
strained infusion. 
Credit for this formula:   Sajah Popham, Materia Medica Monthly www.evolutionaryherbalism.com. 
FDA Disclaimer:  This formula has not been evaluated by the FDA, is not intended 
to substitute advice from a physician, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.  If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, please consult with your physician before starting new  supplements or herbs.    

Cancer the Crab

Today we enter Summer and Cancer Season. 
​Cancer is the first water sign of the zodiac wheel, and is Cardinal Water, as it initiates Summer.  Cancer corresponds to water in its liquid and fluid form (Whereas Scorpio is fixed water as in ice, or a deep still pool, and Pisces is mutable water as in evaporated water/clouds) .  
The Water signs of the zodiac correlate with emotions, and here in Cancer the evolving being that was born in Spring is now introduced to its emotional body.  Since every sign responds to and evolves from the sign prior, Cancer can be understood in the context of coming after Gemini.  Having just gathered new information and ideas in Gemini Season, we are now reflecting upon how we feel about this newly gathered information.  After seeking the truth 'out there,' Cancer turns within for its own truth.  No sign is more introspective and internal, which is further elucidated by Cancer's governance of the 4th house, which is the lowest, more internal house of the natal chart.    
Cancer's mascot (so to speak) is the crab.  The Crab is a tender, juicy being, and thus needs a shell to protect itself from the outside world.  Cancer's gift for feeling intensely is balanced by this shell that creates an internal environment in which the crab can safely interact with the world outside.  This ability to feel deeply is what corresponds Cancer to the archetypes of Mother and Healer.  The evolutionary challenge for Cancer is to know when it has outgrown its shell, and to risk vulnerability as it recreates a new one more suited to its new identity.
Cancer Season is a natural time to seek water for its cooling, soothing, and healing properties.  Entering the world of our inner imagination is another tool for healing and growing.  Everything that exists began as a thought, so if we find ourselves wanting to change or enhance our lives, we can go first into the realm of our own imaginations, where all things are born. 
                  
Happy, Healing Cancer Season to you all!