Cosmos

Cosmos 

Libra

 

Universal order and beauty

Named after the Greek word "kosmos," meaning order and beauty, Cosmos is a vibrant flowering plant that produces
Daisy-like flowers with a central disk and radiating petals. Flowers are on upright stems and grow from two to four inches across Cosmos are colorful and can be found in white, pink, red, purple, orange and yellow. Plants like full sun and well-drained soil and can grow in poor to average soil. Flowers bloom profusely from summer to fall. People who are attracted to Cosmos flowers can look on the symbolism of continuous blooming and apply it to life - these are the people who continue to grow and thrive. These are the people that demonstrate continuous color and joy in their lives and extend that joy to others. These are the people you want as friends.

The Greeks named this plant after its primary attributes, order and beauty. Those with Cosmos energy see the natural order and beauty both on the earth and on a universal scale. These are the people who have an innate knowing that all is well at home and on a grand universal scale. These are the people who see through the chaos, disorder or ugliness of a situation to the natural order that guides all systems. For example a decaying garbage dump smalls and looks unsightly but will become compost; the house that was torn down will make room for new land use. They trust that even with violent cosmic events, the point of destruction will become the point of creation. They understand that as above, so below, and therefore all is well with humanity.

Cosmos attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and hoverflies, which help pollinate nearby plants. Cosmos supports the cycle of life by facilitating pollination and continues the propagation of beauty of nearby flowering plants.

Cosmos grow from one to six feet (60–180 cm) tall; their height can provide light shade for shorter, sun-sensitive plants. Plants have feathery, fern-like leaves that are a medium to bright green. Plants grow from  1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) wide.

Plants are typically grown as an annual but some species are perennial in warm climates. Plants are most commonly germinated from seed, which takes from 7 to 21 days. In keeping with the theme that points of destruction lead to creation, cosmos self-seed fairly easily.

Cosmos are heat-tolerant and grow best in warm temperatures.  Plants are deer-resistant and are native to Mexico and Central America. These plants belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, sunflowers and asters. 

 

Lily

Stargazer Lily

Lilium

Taurus

Balance, Stability, Unfolding

Lily is a perennial plant known for its large flowers and fragrant aroma. The trumpet-shaped flowers grow wide range of colors including white, pink, orange, red, yellow and purple, some with contrasting spots or stripe. Flowers have six petals which are often curved backward or flared out. The angel number six which is symbolic for balance. Flowers can be upright, downward-facing or trumpet-shaped, depending on variety. They can be 4 to 10 inches across.

The leaves are usually long, narrow and lance-shaped, growing in an alternate pattern along the stem. Lily stems can range from 2 to 6 feet tall (60 cm to 1.8 meters).

Lilies grow from bulbs. Lilies like full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Most lilies are perennial and will multiply over time. Plants can be divided every 3 or 4 years.

The number of petals, six, is predominant in the symbolism of this flower. Six is an even number and the first perfect number -- the sum of its proper divisors equals itself: 1 + 2 + 3 = 6. It is also the number of faces on a cube. Mathematically and from an angel number perspective, six represents balance and stability. People who are drawn to lilies can look at balance in their lives, work and home, material and spiritual needs, and responsibility for self and service to others. Lily also brings the energy of stability; people working with the energy of lily will find it easier to balance these areas of their lives and will be able to easily bring their lives back into balance if they focus on one area for too long. 

Lily also brings the energy of unfolding: a life path unfolding in front of you, education on topics of interest unfolding in a balanced manner, the truth of a subject or area unfolding. People working with lily understand this process; often things are revealed as a series of steps unfolding before you. Lily shows us that this is a natural process. People working with Lily know that all sides of a cube are not visible at the same time; they have the innate knowing that everything unfolds and is known in perfect timing.

Lilies are toxic to cats and mildly toxic to dogs and some livestock.

Lilies are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe and North America.  

Daylilies are not considered Lilies as they do not grow from bulbs.

Below are some well-known types:

Asiatic Lilies (Lilium asiatica): Flowers are upward-facing and have no scent; earliest bloomers.

Oriental Lilies (Lilium orientalis): Large, fragrant flowers in bold colors; bloom later in the summer and often hang down. Native to Japan.

Trumpet Lilies (Lilium longiflorum hybrid): Large, trumpet-shaped flowers, often with a strong fragrance. Native to Asia.

Martagon Lilies (Lilium martagon): Nodding blooms (downward facing) with recurved petals. Plants are woodland-friendly. Native to Europe and Asia.

Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium): Orange flowers with dark spots bloom from mid- to late summer. Originated in East Asia.

Easter Lilies (Lilium longiflorum): Produces white flowers in summer. Native to Japan.

Madonna Lilies (Lilium candidum): Flowers are white and bloom early in the summer.

Stargazer Lilies (Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer’): Produces pink and white flowers with a strong aroma. 

Crinum Lily

Crinum Lilies (Crinum): Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia and the Americas. Plants have strap-like leaves that can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length.

Clover

Trifolium repens

Aries 

Natural cycles

Sustainability

Clover is a small perennial plant that has three leaves and is often found in meadows, lawns and pastures. It is a common name for plants in the genus Trifolium, which means "three-leaved". Some clovers have the rare four leaf structure, which are considered to be a symbol of good luck. Plant leaves are oval shaped and are typically green with a faint, lighter green or white "V" or crescent pattern near the base. Clover contributes to sustainability of nearby plants: flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen, which attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The presence of clover increases pollination rates for surrounding crops.

Clovers are generally low-growing plants. White clover, for example, tends to spread along the ground, creating a dense mat. Red clover is more upright and can reach heights of up to 20-30 inches (50-75 cm). Clover likes moist, cool climates with well-drained soil.

Clover plays a beneficial role in sustainable agriculture, soil health and biodiversity. Clovers are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which enhances soil fertility.  Clovers convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enriching the soil. Clover's dense root system helps stabilize soil and reduces erosion. Clover is a high-protein, palatable forage for livestock. It can be grazed or harvested for hay. 

Clover represents sustainability for the earth, for animals, and ultimately for people. Clover is a benefit for the earth: it enhances soil nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Future crops planted in the same soil benefit from the enriched nitrogen, providing food for animals and people. Clover is often used to restore nutrients in soil that housed nutrient-draining crops. Clover also suppresses weeds naturally. 

Clover is easy to grow - it will germinate from seed thrown on the ground. 

Clover provides a nutrient-rich food source for domesticated and wild animals. It assists in the food chain: cattle, sheep, goats and horses graze on clover in pastures or eat it in hay. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs and wild turkeys also eat clover. 

Clover fits into the cycles of support for animals and our growing cycles. People with a passion for clover may find they also easily fit into working in areas of nature of with part of natural cycles.

Well known species of Clover:

• White Clover (Trifolium repens): A low-growing perennial plant with white or pinkish flowers, commonly found in lawns and pastures. It's often used as a ground cover due to its ability to spread quickly.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Taller than white clover, this species has red or purple flowers and is often grown as a fodder crop for livestock or as a cover crop to improve soil health.
• Lesser Trefol (Trifolium dubium): Native to Europe and is often considered the plant representing the Irish Shamrock. Produces tiny yellow flowers.
• Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): Known for its vibrant crimson flowers, this clover is frequently used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.

 Four leaf clovers are a genetic anomaly. Chances of finding one are one in 5,000 to 10,000. 

 
 
 

Clematis

Clematis spp.

Gemini 

Personal growth

Personal support and beliefs 

Perennial vine (deciduous or evergreen depending on variety), that produces large, often showy blooms in white, purple, blue, pink, red or bi-color. Plants like full sun on top, with cool/shaded roots. Vines will climb trellises, arbors, fences or trees by twining leaf stems.

Clematis flowers are star-like, with 4 to 8 petals (sepals) that may be flat, ruffled or recurved.  Bloom times depend on variety, from spring bloomers to fall bloomers. Leaves are deciduous or evergreen and are a medium green. As the vine grows, it sends out long stems with leaves spaced along them. Each leaf is attached to the stem by a slender stalk (the petiole) and when the petiole touches a support (such as a trellis), it coils around it anchoring the vine in place. Without a support, vines will sprawl on the ground. Plants are deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Clematis teaches us about personal growth. It reaches ever higher and blooms brightly - with support. What are you reaching for? Regarding personal growth, do you need continuing education, experience or mentorship to reach your goals? All of these support our continued growth for a lifetime. Have you chosen the mentor, the educational institution and your support network wisely and for the right reasons? Do all of them have the integrity that you have?

The other side of being supported is an examination of what you may be clinging to. Are you relying on continued mentorship or learning when you've become the person with experience who should now be the teacher?  Do you have old beliefs that are not your own or old boundaries that served you in your youth, such as keeping people at arm's length, that are no longer needed? 

Are you ready to let go of your support and "sprawl on the ground" for a while as you grow you own support in life? Keep in mind that without support, Clematis continues to bloom. 

Clematis blooms in a variety of colors and in a variety of seasons. You can chose your own color or season in which to bloom, as well as the color of your beliefs. You can chose to bloom in all colors and all seasons. Be prepared for your beliefs to change as you grow ever higher on your own trellis and reach for the stars.

Many popular ornamental species originated in China and Japan; plants have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Clematis is used in folk medicine for topical and other ailments and is also used as a Bach flower remedy to help with focus.

Some varieties are:

• Clematis 'Jackmanii' – deep purple, summer bloomer
• Clematis montana – spring bloomer, fragrant
• Clematis 'Nelly Moser' – light pink with deep stripes
• Clematis 'Sweet Autumn' (terniflora) – late bloomer with white flowers and a strong scent
• Clematis vitalba-- found across central and southern Europe. Also called Traveler's Joy or Old Man's Beard

 

 

 

 

Edelweiss

Leontopodium nivale

Strength, Reflection

Edelweiss produces star-shaped, white flowers. Plants grow at high altitudes, reflecting the stars back to the cosmos and representing the stars on Earth. Edelweiss is for people who feel a strong affinity to the cosmos or if you look at the night sky and you feel you are part of or connected to universal energy. Edelweiss flowers represents the earthly symbolism of the cosmos, an energy that may help with defining your truth, your core beliefs, within your musings and meditations. 

The plants are well-adapted to harsh environments, showing the strength of the people of the Earth and our ability to survive in difficult conditions. Edelweiss has woolly, white flowers and leaves covered in dense, tiny hairs that protect it from cold, drought and intense sunlight. Plants grow low to the ground, from 3 to 8 inches in height. It forms a compact, mat-like cluster of stems and leaves, allowing it to thrive in rocky, high-altitude environments. This plant shows us how to gather ourselves into the core of our being to survive difficult external conditions as well as the glare of the opinions of others. People who work in public jobs can reflect on this energy to gather themselves into the strength of their own truth, to move forward, while those them may offer opinion and speculation on what they think that truth means. 

These small, perennial alpine plants are native to the mountainous regions of Europe, particularly the Alps and the Carpathians. Edelweiss grows in rocky, limestone areas at high altitudes, often above 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). Flowers bloom from July to September. 

What appears to be a single Edelweiss flower is actually a cluster of small, yellowish florets surrounded by several leaf-like bracts. The plant's leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and also covered in a silvery, woolly texture. This adaptation helps the plant retain moisture. Edelweiss tolerates strong winds, low temperatures and poor soil. It shows us that we too can bloom no matter where are we are planted and can thrive in difficult or harsh living conditions.

Edelweiss can be propagated from seed.  Seeds respond best when kept cold for a period of weeks before planting and take from 2 to 6 weeks to germinate.

While once picked almost to extinction, Edelweiss is now a protected species in many areas. In traditional herbal medicine, Edelweiss has been used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The flower is also used in cosmetics. 

Edelweiss is the national flower of Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland. 

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, Taurus

Journey from darkness to light

Mullein is a tall, biennial herbaceous (non-woody) plant known for its tall, yellow flower spikes, medicinal uses and resilience in a variety of environments. Mullein has a taproot that helps it access deep water sources, allowing it to thrive in dry or rocky soils.

Mullein leaves are oval to lance-shaped, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Leaves are larger at the base of the spike. The leaves grow in a circular pattern close to the ground during the plant’s first year. The leaves are covered in dense, soft hairs, giving them a velvety feel and are typically a gray-green or silvery color due to the fine hairs. Exposure to cold is required for the plant to flower the following year. 

The second year, plants produce a flower stalk that is 6-10 feet (1.8-3.04 meters) tall. Each stalk is covered in numerous small, five-petaled flowers.  The flowers are typically bright yellow, though some species may have white, pink, or purple flowers. Flowers bloom a few at a time in late spring or through summer. Historically, mullein stalks were dipped in tallow or wax and used as torches due to their long, straight form and slow-burning qualities. 

Plants produce tiny seeds that require light to germinate. Seeds can live for a very long time in the earth then germinate when the earth is disturbed and the seeds are exposed to light.

Mullein has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for respiratory issues. It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory and for topical pain relief. Flowers and leaves have been used to produce yellow or green dyes.

Mullein is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, though it has spread to many other parts of the world.

Mullein is symbolic of our journeys of moving through darkness to reach light. Mullein's taproot enables the plant to live in dry and rocky soils.  Sometimes we too need to live in areas that are challenging, and the plant's taproot symbolizes that we can be grounded even as we move through those challenges. The taproot keeps us deeply rooted in our humanity as we move away from the undesirable toward that which brightens our souls. 

The journey through darkness can be where one travels to a more open level of spirituality, towards a more comfortable level of health, towards greater financial stability or towards other aspects that make life more fulfilling or comfortable. If this is your path, you can use the image of Mullein being used as a torch that lights your way, that illuminates the path before you and helps you to see it clearly. If you are drawn to Mullein, know that even if you are in a difficult situation that needs improvement, the path before you is well lit. Your job is to take the needed steps along that path.   

Mullein types include: 

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): This is the most well-known species, often found in North America, is identified by its tall flowering spike and densely hairy leaves. Also known as Common Mullein, Flannel Plant or Wooly Mullein.

Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria): A shorter species with white or yellow flowers, commonly found in disturbed areas.

Purple Mullein (Verbascum phoeniceum): Known for its attractive purple flowers, this species is often grown in gardens.

 

Lantana

Lantana

Abundance, Knowing (Cognisance)

In tropical and subtropical climates, Lantana is a fast growing perennial. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual. The plants like sun to part shade and, once established, are heat, salt and drought tolerant.  The plants like well drained soil. 

Lantana grows clusters of small, tubular flowers that are from from 1 to 2 inches across, that may be of different colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple or blue. Flowers start with one color hue then gradually transition through a spectrum of colors as they mature. Flowers grown as annuals bloom from April to October. Plants in tropical climates bloom year round. Lantana flowers attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Leaves are deep green and are poisonous to most animals.

Lantana can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.  The plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas of North, Central and South America and have have also grown in Africa for hundreds of years. 

Lantana has been used as an herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties.

Abundance - profusion of flowers throughout the growing season. Lantana is good for people who may have been practicing the concept of lack - that they are not deserving or worthy of all the richness in life or can't afford the lovely things life has to offer. If the richness of life is not flowing to you, meditate on how your beliefs: are you not deserving or worthy? Do you think that being spiritual or creative also means you need to live in poverty? Check to see if your belief system is holding you back from abundance in life. 

Lantana keeps blooming all summer so if you falter in thinking you are not deserving of abundance, the profusion of flowers provides a fresh reminder that abundance is available to you and to everyone at all times. The need to deadhead or prune the flowers to encourage new growth is a reminder to pay attention - keep your focus on abundance, on feeling as if the abundance of life is available to you, and it will continue to flow for and to you. 

Lantana produces nectar in their flowers which attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The butterflies and hummingbirds land and consume nectar, then fly away. Imagine each contact establishing a small thread from flower to another destination, from earth to spirit, from our present consciousness awareness to another dimension. People who experience spiritual knowing have these similar threads from their consciousness to spirit - many, many delicate connections that manifest as a deep trust or knowing. These are the people who came into this life not seeking a connection with light but with their lights already on. If you are one of these people, you'll have deep spiritual awareness as part of your being. While others may have powerful awakening experiences, you will already have a solid base of knowledge of what it means to be spiritual and connected to spiritual realms. So don't be surprised if you experience a small wave of change when others experience a tsunami.