"Ouch!
That hurt!" Plants of Mars seem to reach out and attack us with
thorns and other prickly parts. Experienced blackberry pickers won't
go near a bramble patch without protective gear, and it doesn't take
long for weed-pullers to realize how much stinging nettles really smart
the skin. Mars governs physical energy, so its horticultural expressions
must make a strong impact on the human body. Martian plants that are
smooth to the touch are only being deceptive. It's not until the proud
gardener cuts into a Jalapeno that its peppery-hot, eye-watering qualities
become evident.
The
Martian Palate
Why does
the natural world contain these difficult expressions of Martian forms
anyway? One reason is that our food would be very dull without them.
Bland diets are great for babies, but adult pallets crave something
more exciting. The plants of Mars are hot and spicy, the kind that helped
make salsa a household staple. Martian horseradish sauce isn't for everyone,
but it can separate the men from the boys.
These plants'
less desirable qualities help them survive in difficult environments.
In addition to thorns, plants of Mars may have sharp pointed leaves.
Animals are unlikely to graze very far into a bramble patch or munch
on a bed of wild nettles. Many herbs assigned to Mars produce heat in
the body and are favorites of humans only. Ginger, mustard, leeks and
chives are but a few Martian edibles. Bitter, sharp-tasting vegetables
such as onions and radishes are members of this plant family.
Fiery
Flowers
This fiery
planet is not completely incompatible with the floral world. Martian
flowers tend to be a startling red or orange. Red-hot pokers make a
bold statement, as do colorful poppies. Mars likes to blow its own horn.
No wonder the audacious trumpet vine tends to grow bigger than expected.
The few fruits assigned to this planet can be recognized by their tartness.
Rhubarb and gooseberries are two obvious examples.
Take
a Chance
Astrologers
associate Mars with taking risks. To risk is to invite change and change
sometimes produces hostility from others happy with the status quo.
Perhaps Martian plants developed some of their hostile qualities in
self-defense. How many wild thistles have been allowed to grow in a
well-tended garden because it just hurts too much to pull them?
Not to
take chances invites stagnation and boredom. If we ignore the scorn
of neighbors and allow a few thistles to grow in our gardens, they eventually
attract hummingbirds, a welcome novelty. Like sticky personal situations,
Mars and its plants occasionally demand that we do something bold in
order to reach the good things...like wade through brambles for a handful
of luscious red raspberries.
Some gardeners
feel we'd be better off with only user-friendly plants. However, we
need Martian plants to add spice to our lives. Flowers of incredible
beauty grow on the stems of thorns. The rose is a lovely metaphor for
the reality of love and a perfect expression of committed relationships.
A thorny Martian stem holds up the beauty of Venus. In the botanical
world, Venus and Mars seem to have worked out their problems well enough.
Beautiful partnerships are sometimes the result of working through difficult
times.
The
Plants of Mars
Trees,
Shrubs and Shrublets
