Astrological Influences on Spagyrics

Aligning Plant Energies with the Cosmos

Spagyrics, a branch of alchemy focused on the preparation of herbal medicines, is deeply intertwined with the cosmos. If that sounds like imaginative nonsense to you, remember women's menstrual cycles and the tides of the ocean depend on cosmic cycles. Practitioners of this ancient art believe that the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies exert a profound influence on the natural world, including the plants used in spagyric preparations. By aligning their work with astrological cycles, spagyrists aim to create remedies that are not only potent but also harmonized with the universal forces of nature.

The Foundation: The Seven Planetary Principles

Central to the astrological approach in spagyrics are the seven classical planets of antiquity: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Each of these celestial bodies is associated with specific plants, metals, and qualities, influencing how and when these plants should be harvested, processed, and prepared into spagyric remedies.

For instance:

• Sun: The Sun is linked with vitality, leadership, and the heart. Plants associated with the Sun, such as rosemary and sunflower, are typically harvested on a Sunday during the Sun’s hour, particularly when the Sun is in a favorable astrological position, like during Leo.
• Moon: The Moon governs emotions, the subconscious, and bodily fluids. Lunar plants like cucumber and watercress are best harvested on Monday, during the Moon's hour, preferably when the Moon is in Cancer or Pisces.
• Mercury: Mercury is associated with communication, intellect, and the nervous system. Herbs like lavender and fennel, which are ruled by Mercury, are ideally collected on Wednesday during Mercury's hour.
• Venus: Venus governs love, beauty, and the reproductive system. Venusian plants, such as rose and thyme, are best harvested on Friday during Venus’s hour, especially when Venus is in Taurus or Libra.
• Mars: Mars is linked to energy, aggression, and blood. Plants like nettle and garlic, governed by Mars, should be collected on Tuesday during Mars’s hour, ideally when Mars is in Aries or Scorpio.
• Jupiter: Jupiter rules over growth, abundance, and the liver. Jupiterian herbs like sage and mint are harvested on Thursday during Jupiter’s hour, particularly when Jupiter is in Sagittarius or Pisces.
• Saturn: Saturn governs structure, discipline, and the skeletal system. Saturnine plants, such as horsetail and comfrey, are best harvested on Saturday during Saturn’s hour, when Saturn is in Capricorn or Aquarius.

Timing the Harvest: The Influence of the Moon Phases

In spagyrics, the phases of the Moon play a crucial role in determining the optimal time for harvesting plants. The waxing Moon, when the Moon is growing from new to full, is considered the best time to harvest plants intended for growth and expansion, such as those used in tonics and stimulants. Conversely, the waning Moon, when the Moon is decreasing from full to new, is preferred for harvesting plants meant for purification, detoxification, or removal of excess, such as diuretics and astringents.

The specific phase of the Moon—whether new, first quarter, full, or last quarter—can further refine this timing. For example, plants harvested during the full Moon are believed to be at their peak potency, as the lunar energy is most intense. This is an ideal time for collecting plants meant for high-energy applications, like those used in protection or healing talismans.

Planetary Hours: The Daily Influence of the Planets

Beyond the broad astrological considerations of planets and Moon phases, spagyrists also pay close attention to planetary hours. Each day of the week is ruled by a particular planet, but within each day, every hour is also governed by a planet. By timing their work to the correct planetary hour, spagyrists believe they can harness the specific energy of that planet to enhance the effectiveness of their preparations.

For instance, if a spagyrist is creating a remedy that requires the influence of Venus, they would ideally perform key operations, such as distillation or tincturing, during a Venus hour on a Friday. This alignment with Venus’s energy is thought to infuse the remedy with qualities of love, harmony, and balance.

The Role of Astrology in the Circulatum Minus

One of the most profound applications of astrology in spagyrics is found in the creation of the Circulatum Minus, an alchemical solvent believed to have extraordinary powers. The preparation of this substance is highly dependent on astrological timing. Traditionally, the spagyrist must begin the process when the planets are in a favorable alignment, often involving a conjunction or harmonious aspect between Mercury (as the principle of volatility) and Jupiter (as the principle of expansion and growth).

This careful timing ensures that the resulting Circulatum Minus is potent, capable of extracting the essential oils and active components of plants with exceptional efficacy. The entire process is a testament to the deep connection between the heavens and the earth, as understood in the spagyric tradition.

The Cosmic Dance of Plant Alchemy and Astrology

Astrology's role in spagyrics cannot be overstated. It serves as a guiding framework for every stage of the alchemical process, from the timing of the harvest to the creation of potent remedies. By working in harmony with the celestial cycles, spagyrists believe they can tap into the fundamental forces of nature, creating medicines that are not only physically potent but also spiritually aligned with the greater cosmos.

In this way, spagyrics is more than just a method of preparing herbal remedies—it is a sacred practice that seeks to harmonize the human soul with the rhythms of the universe, drawing upon the ancient wisdom of astrology to unlock the healing potential of the natural world.