Oleander

Nerium oleander

Aries

Boundaries, Illusion

Oleander are flowering shrubs that grow in warm and subtropical areas. The 5-petal flowers bloom in spring and continue into the fall, growing in clusters of white, yellow, purple, pink or red. In contrast, the pointed leaves are long (up to 7 inches) and narrow (less than 1 inch) and are a deep green. The plants grow from 6 to 12 feet tall and are about the same width. They can grow from 1 to 2 feet a year. Oleander typically grow in mounds but can be trained to grow as trees.

Oleanders like full sun and well-drained soil but will adapt to other soil conditions. Once established, plants tolerate heat, drought, salt spray and wind. Cuttings from Oleander can be grown in water before planting or grown in soil. Oleander can also be grown from seed.

Plants are native to North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean areas. Oleander was introduced to Florida in the 1500s and grows in North American temperate areas. It can be damaged by the cold.

All parts of the plants are toxic to animals and people. Sap from Oleander causes skin irritation. If plants are burned, the smoke is also toxic. 

Oleander flowers have 5 petals. The angelic meaning of the number 5 is that positive life changes are present, and to be optimistic about current conditions to create positive future conditions. 

Oleander's poisonous qualities show you how to set boundaries. You can meditate using the image of Oleander flowers or call on the energy of Oleander if you have the need to set limits on your time, space or resources. It also helps to teach how to set limits on our emotions and how to effectively detangle emotions of others from our happiness.

Oleander shows us the power of illusion. On the surface, Oleander is an ornamental plant that is very tolerant of growing conditions in warm regions. The idea that Oleander is only an ornamental plant is an illusion, as it really is a poisonous plant. It shows us that people can present themselves as "ornamental" when they are really much more complicated. Oleander teaches us to look beyond the face value of a person and beyond what they say (the illusion) to the qualities the person embodies, to their true nature. Conversely, Oleander teaches us about the illusion that life is the whole of our reality, when the universal reality is that we are powerful souls who have a long history and a long, evolving future.  

Oleander has been used for heart conditions, asthma, cancer, and other conditions. It contains chemicals that can slow the heart rate. 

Common names for Oleander include Kaner, Rosebay and Rose Laurel.

 

Poison Ivy

Rhus radicans

Boundaries, Balance

Poison ivy, native to North America and known for causing itching on contact, is a vine with clusters of three leaves on the end of stems. The tip of each leaf is pointy. The plant is green in summer, and frequently turns red in fall, which makes it easier to identify. It can grow as a vine on trees and other vegetation, and can also grow as a single plant. Urushiol oil, which causes a rash and itching, is though out the plant, not just on leaves. Recovery can take from one to three weeks; a severe reaction will require medical treatment. Poison ivy is not toxic to deer, who may eat it as a source of food. Jewelweed is a natural remedy to poison ivy rash.

How are you at setting boundaries?  Poison ivy teaches us that having boundaries is healthy, and when you allow others or events to push or exceed your boundaries, you can get very itchy.

Poison ivy grows as vines and as plants, showing us that things toxic to us can come in any shape or size.

Some people are very sensitive the the oil in the poison ivy plant.  Are you having reactions to what others are saying?  Know that you have your own truth and others will always have opinions and thoughts that may or may not align with who you are and how you think. Let your opinion of yourself be dominant in your experience.  

Nature gave us a plant that causes an uncomfortable rash, and also a plant to counteract the irritating oil.  In this way, poison ivy is an example of how we can look at two sides of an issue, and how balance in our lives is important. If you're encountering poison ivy, meditate on what areas of your life could use more balance.

Myth: A poison ivy rash is contagious.
Truth: Human reaction is only to urushiol oil.
Myth: Some people are very sensitive to poison ivy and some are immune to the effects of the oil.  Truth: People's sensitivity to poison ivy can change over time.