|
One
of the earliest uses of astrology was to help categorize the natural world.
Since ancient times, each known plant species was connected with a particular
planet. Some were assigned according to their affinity with a quality
of a planet. For instance, those with thorns were given to Mars, which
governs conflict and strife. Herbs were associated with planets according
to their ability to cure ailments or assist the functioning of particular
parts of the human body. Some were named for their specialty such as boneset,
an herb said to speed healing of broken bones. Boneset was identified
with Saturn because this planet governs bones.
Where
Do Saturn Plants Grow?
Saturn
plants grow in woodlands, obscure valleys, high elevations and abandoned,
neglected locations unfit for human habitation. Most shade-loving and
mountain wildflowers fall under the dominion of Saturn. Wispy, pale flowers
that bloom for only a short time distinguish them. Solomon's seal, hosta
and members of the nightshade family fall under the dominion of Saturn.
These wildflowers grow where nothing else will, but deliberately establishing
them in a garden can be troublesome. They are like good habits: difficult
to stabilize but easy to maintain once they've become part of the daily
landscape.
In
astrology, Saturn signifies mountains and rocks. Plant forms that can
take hold in the small crevices of a rock wall or thrive in rock gardens,
such as carpet bugle and alpine poppies, belong to Saturn. Herbs of Saturn
include sage, thyme and comfrey. Many Saturn plants, such as mullien and
amaranth, produce unusually large numbers of seeds. I once innocently
allowed mature seed from one mullien plant in my new herb garden to be
carried away by the wind. The next spring, it was thriving in every corner
of a five-acre plot. Other Saturnian plants spread quickly through shallow
root systems. Gardeners fear the very Saturnian "creeping Charlie"
as much as astrologers dread a bad Saturn transit.
Saturn
Plant Teachers
Modern
gardeners can enhance their horticultural experience through Saturn in
several ways. The first is to choose plants assigned to Saturn for shade,
rock walls and high elevations where other plants won't thrive. Its energies
are also well used during all forms of cultivation by weeding out "volunteer"
Saturn plants. This planet encourages us to maintain good boundaries by
blurring our tidy rows of green beans with pigweed. There's no guarantee
that understanding Saturn will make garden chores more fun. However, gardeners
who work in harmony with Saturn can embrace its energy when they plan
their garden and with each tug on a weed.
Another
way gardeners can find Saturn helpful is when viewing the garden as a
metaphor. All life forms, including plants, are expressions of planetary
energies. Knowing the purpose and function of each planet can enhance
every aspect of gardening. Saturn is known to
astrologers as "The Great Teacher," the planet of karma. Saturn's
cosmic job is to invite humans to take control of their lives through
self-discipline and responsible conduct. If we don't take up the challenge,
Saturn introduces challenges that won't go away until order is restored.
Gardeners
who lose control of their gardens reap an instant weedy karma. Saturn
fills bare, mulch-free spots with its own choice of plant life, one much
less attractive than the pictures in seed catalogues. Humans who take
charge of their own lives don't have to worry about someone else doing
it. A garden gone to weeds is a metaphor for a life become unproductive
due to lack of discipline and control. A well-tended garden is a real-life
representation of a responsible and productive life.
Other
Plants of Saturn
Trees,
Shrubs, Shrublets
- Balsam
fir (Abies balsamea)
- Baneberry
(Actaea)
- Boxwood
(Buxus)
- Canada
hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
- St. John’s
wort (Hypericum coris)
- Scotch
heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Perennials,
Bulbs, Bulblike Plants
- Astrantia
(Masterwort)
- Brunnera
(Brunnera macrophylla)
- Coral
bells (Heuchera)
- False
spiraea (Astilbe)
- Gentian(Gentiana)
- Glory-of-the-snow
(Chionodox)
- Goat's
beard (Aruncus)
- Hellebore
(Helleborus)
- Ice plant
(Delosperma)
- Lady's
mantle (Alchemilla)
- Rock jasmine
(Androsace)
- Sandwort
(Arenaria)
- Snowdrop
(Galanthus)
- Stonecress
(Aethionema)
- Sulfur
flower (Eriogonum umbellatum)
|
