Columbine

Aquilegia 

Taurus

Compassion, Inner Wisdom

Columbine blooms in the spring or early summer and continues to bloom for the next four weeks.These perennial plants like sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Columbine can be started easily from seed and, once plants are established, they are drought tolerant. Columbine also self reproduces from flower heads that go to seed.

Columbine consists of about 70 species of plants that grow in clumps from 1 to 3 feet tall, from 1 to 2 feet wide. Flowers are bell shaped with spurs and bloom in yellow, red, orange, blue, purple, pink and white. Plants have dark green, clover-like leaves.

Plants can easily be grown from seeds and will self-seed in the garden. Columbine can withstand extreme cold in winter (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3).

The attributes of Columbine, compassion and inner wisdom, work in tandem. One must be very hardy and be able to withstand the extreme coldness in others to be compassionate. Compassion comes in as many colors as the Columbine flowers and, through example, will spread to those around you just as easily.

Some of the species of flowers have petals that are contrasting colors: purple petals that surround inner white petals, for example. This shows us the outer shell of ourselves and the aspect of inner wisdom.  This wisdom can apply itself in different ways. Some people drawn to Columbine will know their strengths and weaknesses as their own inner wisdom. Others can also use their inner wisdom to know the base motives of others, rather like an internal radar that can see through how someone presents themselves to their true inner self. This aspect is very useful when determining if another person is acting from a compassionate perspective or whether they are motivated by money or personal power.  

Columbine is also called European Crowfoot,Granny's Bonnet and Jester's Cap. Different varieties of Columbine are native to Asia, Europe and North America.

The leaves and stems are used to make medicines that have been used for general stomach and intestinal issues.Through history, Columbine has also been used for other medicinal purposes. Columbine flowers are edible. The seeds and roots are toxic to people and horses.

Columbine flowers are known for attracting hummingbirds.They also attract butterflies.The plants are resistant to deer and rabbits.

The Latin name for Columbine, Aquilegia, is from aquila, the Latin word for eagle.The name was assigned due to the long spurs that grow beyond the flower petals that resemble the five claws of an eagle.Those drawn to Columbine may also want to explore the attributes of the eagle whose ability to soar can be combined with the attributes of compassion and inner wisdom.The number five also brings an emphasis on enhanced well-being. 

The Latin root of the name columbine, columba, means dove. Rocky Mountain Columbine has violet petals and a white cup. It is the state flower of Colorado.  

Goldenrod

 

Solidago

Gemini

Intuition, Optimism

Goldenrod is the name for more than 100 species that is considered both a flower and a weed. It grows quickly, reaching its full height of from 1.5 to 5 feet tall in just a couple of months and spreads aggressively. Its yellow flowers grow in clusters and bloom in late summer to fall. Goldenrod attracts butterflies and bees.

Goldenrod is comfortable in many different growing conditions and prefers full sun for best flower producing conditions. It reproduces through rhizomes, horizontal plants roots, and by dispersing seeds in the wind. A plant produces some 3,000 seeds.   

Goldenrod blooms in late summer and folklore has the plant associated with seasonal allergies. Because it does not produce pollen (pollination is done by insects), it is not an allergen.   

Plants can grow up to 5 feet in height and some may need to be staked. This shows us that it's ok to accept support from those around us; we all need to stand independently and can "lean" on others from time to time. The height of the plant also suggests that it's reaching for the heavens, that those who enjoy goldenrod also have the ability to see further than those around them using intuition. The intense yellow of the flowers is reflective of the sun and the sunshine in our lives bringing us optimism. The plants spread aggressively, bringing us the idea that those people who are characteristically optimistic spread their optimism to others. People who wish to become more optimistic can reflect on the sunny nature of Goldenrod and plant Goldenrod in their garden. 

Goldenrod has the ability to easily reproduce itself through roots and the vast number of seeds dispersed by the wind. Reproduction through roots is symbolic of those people who put out feelers, or their intuition, to sense or feel others. Those who work with the elements can connect with the wind to work with and enhance their intuition. They can also use the "seeds" of their intuition to plant optimism or broader thinking in others. 

Goldenrod is native to North America and Europe and has spread to many other places. It is used medicinally to reduce pain and swelling and for some skin conditions. In Europe, it is used to treat urinary track inflammation. It can be used as a yellow dye.