Coneflower

Echinacea

Pisces

Knowing, Healing

Coneflower is also called Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), a wildflower native to eastern and central North America that is used to treat bacterial infections. It also refers to Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) which also has a cone center surrounded by yellow droopy petals.  The "paradoxa" references the paradox of this plant having yellow flowers instead of purple. This paradox points out the uniqueness of people who work with Coneflower medicine - they make look like everyone else but have a better sense of knowing, both themselves and through all of their senses, including their connection to spirit.

Coneflower grows from 2 to 4 feet in height and likes full sun. The purple and pink flowers blooms in the summer and often into the fall.  It grows well in many types of well drained soil, including soil with clay. The plant is heat, drought and deer resistant. This suggests resilience and tolerance which are traits of people who know themselves, who know their own resilience and are tolerant of those conditions, places and people who are not like themselves.  This knowing extends to intuition or claircognizance, where people who are attracted to Coneflower were born with strong intuition to see into the dark: to know the truth of others, their true nature and motivations and their true personalities, which may or may not match with what they say. The concept of knowing may be seen in people with a strong sense of purpose, such as professional athletes, painters and others who have a passion for what they do.  To outsiders, these may look like extraordinary abilities.  To the individual, the unique ability feels very comfortable, and they likely see themselves as no different than anyone else. 

Coneflower attracts birds and butterflies which is symbolic of connection to higher realms of intuition and knowing. 

If the flowers are left on the stems, the plants will self seed.  The leaves and flower petals are edible. Roots are used to make echinacea tea. 

The plant was used historically by Native Americans as a medicinal herb. Extracts from the plant roots and leaves are used currently to treat colds and the flu and some have used it to treat other types of infections such as ear aches. It has also been used to reduce inflammation and has been explored for use as an antioxidant. 

Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning sea-urchin in reference to the spiny appearance of the center cone on the flowers. 

Sedum

Sedum

Sedum

Gemini

Strength, Steadfastness

Also called Stonecrop, Sedum refers to a variety of  perennial plants that have thick, succulent leaves that store water along fleshy stems and grow flower clusters in pink, red, white or yellow in summer and fall.  The plants very from 3 inch tall creeping sedums that are frequently used as ground cover to tall sedums that grow up to 3 feet in height.

As flowering plants, Sedum attracts birds and butterflies. The plants are deer and rabbit resistant.  Sedum can be easily divided for propagation into more plants. Once established, Sedum is drought tolerant and requires very little watering. Sedum will grow in rocky soil.

Sedum plants have thick stems and leaves that are symbols of strength.  Sedum bring to us several concepts of strength.  The first is the concept of inner strength.  Call on the energy of sedum when you need to fine tune your inner strength or to shore up the strength you need to carry a project to completion.  These energies can also be used to remind us of our own strength when surrounded life challenges.

Tall sedum plants have many stalks bearing flowers.  Think of these stalks as a group of people who are like minded who are standing together.  They can also represent your family group or friend group.

The strength sedum brings also carries the energy of steadfastness.  If the family of sedum is of interest to you, you likely have beliefs that have evolved over time into a solid base of who you are.  You use this base of beliefs to make sense of the world around you and the world of spirit and can use that base to navigate both easily. Sedum energy also introduces the question of whether your beliefs are too firmly based.  Can you see the perspective of someone else introducing a new idea or are you willing to discard old beliefs that no longer serve you? 

Sedum points out the choices we have in how we progress through life. What do you prefer?  The relative safety of growing close to the earth, safe from the wind, or taller and more visible, yet vulnerable to more risks? Or do you choose a combination of both?

• Creeping Sedum - produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in yellow, pink or white.
• Tall Sedum - grow up to 3 feet with succulent leaves along the stems with flower clusters in summer or fall.

Baby's Breath

Gypsophila

Capricorn

Baby's Breath

Creation, Eternalness, Profusion of Life

Available as an annual or perennial, Baby's Breath is a dense plant with very small white flowers.  Some varieties produce small pink flowers. The plants prefer full sun but will grow with 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day. The plant grows to 3 feet in height and width.  Baby's Breath blooms for weeks during the summer, often from May until August, and attracts bees and butterflies.

The flowers are commonly used in bouquets and flower arrangements.  Single stalks can be used to augment a bouquet, bringing to mind the value of one single flower type and the compatibility it has when matched with others - the Baby's Breath is a compliment to them.  The flowers are also used to make bouquets - and when observed, the bouquet is composed of many slender stalks with a profusion of flowers. The whole is greater than each of the stalks. This shows us how, when like-minded individuals grouped together, they can effect a paradigm shift.

The plants are salt, drought and deer tolerant.  he profusion of flowers both on plants in a garden and in those grouped into a bouquet is symbolic of the profusion of life.  It mirrors the profusion of plant life in all of its forms from the plants that propagate through root systems to the weeds that find a toe hold in the crack of a sidewalk.  It shows that life is perpetual and persistent.

The plants like soil with few nutrients, such as sandy soil areas, and enjoys being left alone once established. Like all of creation, the process knows what to do and does not need encouragement or influence from human kind.  The role of humans is to expand the eternalness of the process of creation by taking thought into new areas.

Baby's Breath grows quickly from seed and it can be propagated from cuttings.

The plant originated the area from Eastern Europe to Western Siberia. The scientific name, 'Gypsophila’ means "likes gypsum" in the earth. Gypsum contains calcium which helps plants absorb other essential nutrients.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum

Scorpio

Collaboration, Completeness

Also known as Mums, Chrysanthemums are fall blooming flowers. Chrysanthemums wait until the height of summer in many locations, until there are about 10 hours of sunlight per day, to produce buds and then flower 6 to 10 weeks afterwards.  A hard frost stops bloom time. The behavior of this fall blooming flower bring to us the energies of collaboration, cooperation and completeness. Completeness means projects are wrapping up so you can look forward to the next, as well as transitions from the present to completion. The idea of completeness brings the concept of new beginnings. The fall bloom time signifies a time of maturity in the cycle of life.

The plants grow in a range from under 1 foot to up to 6 feet, and are perennials but are often grown as annuals. The flowers are in white and many shades of red, pink, orange, yellow and purple. Some varieties are bi- and tricolor. Blooms are from 1 inch in diameter to 3 inches. 

The lengthy sunlit days needed to begin flowers blooming is symbolic of the time spent learning a trade or honing skills to proficiency or performing a job to the point where one has achieved a number of life goals, such as a stable job, a stable home, a stable family or circle of friends. It represents the jumping off point to levels of higher satisfaction reached through collaboration and cooperation, with work associates, with family and with one's spirituality or spirit.  It very much carries the satisfaction of reaching a plateau, of perceiving that one doesn't have to work so hard to achieve goals, and of the ability to have a more balanced perspective that things really do work out well.

Mums like well drained soil and bloom more profusely if planted in full sun. The wide variety of plant heights and flower sizes and colors are indicative of the wide variety of interests and traits of all of us. 

Chrysanthemums originated in Asia and are now grown worldwide. The flowers are edible. Flowers and leaves are used in Chinese medicine for reducing fever and other uses. The flower has also been studied and is sometimes used for anti-inflammatory purposes. Dried flowers have been used to make tea.

Chrysanthemums can be propagated from seed. New plants are fairly easy to start from cuttings, suggesting that even as the plant represents maturity in the cycle of life, so also does it show us new  beginnings.

Zinnia

Zinnia

Zinnia elegans

Aries

Comfort, Diversity

Grown in a variety of colors and shapes, Zinnias are annual plants native to dry grasslands and can withstand hot temperatures and drought.  Zinnias do well in fertile soil in full sun. Flowers are in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, purple and multicolor.  Some varieties grow up to 4 feet tall.  Zinnias are easy to grow from seed, and progress to flowering plants within weeks.  Flowers continue to bloom throughout summer. At the end of the summer, gather flower heads and allow to dry for seeds for the next year.

The simplicity of growing zinnias and the wide variety of colors imply comfort - a version of life that comes easily and is colorful enough to add some variety to the every day normal.  Zinnia is a great plant for those who want life on an even plane with enough simplicity to even out those highs and lows and enough variety to hold off complete boredom.  Use zinnia if you feel like your lows need to be brought up or if your levels of excitement are so intense you get tired from them.

Zinnia plants and flowers also bring us diversity within the comfort of everyday life.  For those who are willing to take a deeper dive with their experience, to go beyond the every day and to consciously create their desires, Zinnia is a great example for contemplation.  This simple flower that grows easily has levels of complexity: varieties grow from 6 inches to 4 feet tall; have a single row of petals with a visible center or multiple rows of petals; and are in many colors, including multicolor.

Zinnia is unique in that it represents simplicity - the comforts of every day - as well as complexity - the diversity and advancement of your consciously created life.

The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The flowers are native to Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America.

Lobelia

Gemini

Love, Grounded

Lobelia is a primarily low-growing plant primarily grown as an annual but some varieties are biennial and can grow up to 4 feet.The low-growing blue variety that is used as garden edging has tiny flowers with five petals. It blooms continuously in the summer up to the first frost. The continuous bloom cycle, given somewhat moderate weather, is symbolic of the steadfastness that is required for the attribute of love. The vibrant purple color is also symbolic of the heart area, or heart chakra, which is associated with a person's ability to receive and give love. 

The concept of love has as many interpretations as there are people. The concept of love referenced here is one that means giving and receiving in appreciation, without conditions and attachments. It speaks of the continuous appreciation one has for self, and the continuous love given to others. It brings to us all of the reminders in life that we are loved by our ancestors and by the creator. Lobelia stops blooming when the weather is too hot; the energy this flower brings is not the kind of love that burns hot or cold but is the type of love that is a constant foundation for life. For example, Lobelia brings the emotion of love one feels when holding a sleeping baby. If you chose to border your garden with Lobelia, you are creating an area of love and appreciation. If you have a strong affinity to these plants and flowers along with the color purple, you are one who finds it easy to love others.You may be someone who was born with an unlimited well of love and was encouraged to or was able to keep that love flowing into adulthood. And as with most who find it easy to love others, you have self love and know your own value.

Lobelia flowers have five petals, resonating with the energies of the number 5.  The number brings in the concepts of positive live changes and making healthy lifestyle choices. You may chose to consider those topics, in combination with the concepts of love and being grounded, to accelerate any positive life changes and choices underway. 

Lobelia blooms in blue, purple, pink and white. Only 10% of the plant kingdom blooms in blue, emphasizing the uniqueness of Lobelia.

Most varieties of Lobelia grow up to 4 inches with some reaching up to 12 inches. As with most ground covers and plants that provide a carpet of color low to the ground, the plants bring in the energy of being grounded. You are able to deal in the here and now without much effort.  As with knowing your own value, you are also highly in tune with your mind, emotions and physicality and the connections among them.

Lobelia are deer resistant. The flowers attract butterflies, which are also symbolic of reaching beyond ordinary reality to the realms beyond. 

• Lobelia Erinus - also known as trailing Lobelia, this plant is an annual or perennial if the climate is perfect. These bloom in blue, purple, pink and white; some have white eyes. Lobelia are also known as Dwarf Annual Lobelia and Edging Lobelia.  
• Lobelia Siphilitica - also known as great blue Lobelia is a perennial herb with vivid blue flowers.  It has upright stems and can grow up to 3 feet.  This plant also grows as a wildflower and blooms in late summer.  
• Lobelia Inflata - also known as Indian Tobacco or puke weed, this variety is considered a poisonous plant.  Native to eastern North America, it has spread across the continent.  The plant was used by Native Americans to treat skin ailments and body aches. 
• Lobelia Cardinalis - also known as the cardinal flower, is native to the eastern North America.  This perennial grown up to 4 feet and has bright scarlet-red flowers with two upper petals and three lower petals that resemble birds in flight.  Hybrids are also available in white and pink.  The plant grows as a wildflower in wet areas such as marshes and stream beds.

This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost

Read more at Gardening Know How: Annual Lobelia Plant: How To Grow Lobelia https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm

enjoys cool weather. This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Annual Lobelia Plant: How To Grow Lobelia https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm

enjoys cool weather. This summertime bloomer will continue to produce flowers on up through the first frost.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Annual Lobelia Plant: How To Grow Lobelia https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobelia/lobelia.htm

Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

Lilac

Gemini

Far Sight, Clarity

Lilac, also called Common Lilac, is a flowering shrub that produces strong-scented purple flowers and  grows 12 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide. Lilacs are easy to grow and are hardy.  The flowers are very fragrant and attract butterflies.  Lilac shrubs do not like to be in standing water, and will not bloom when consistently wet. Most lilacs have purple blooms; some varieties bloom in many shades of purple and in pink and white.

Lilacs height is symbolic of reaching for the sky or reaching for other realms. This lends those who enjoy the sight and smell of Lilac clear vision.Those who use Lilac energy can often understand the meaning of what someone is saying, and at the same time, use far sight and clarity to understand the meaning behind the meaning, or the truth at the core of a matter. Far sight and clarity are both attributes that can be developed with intention and practice.  Those with a true affinity to lilac are usually those who had those abilities at birth and who have learned to use them in their relationships and in the business world.

Lilacs attract butterflies and hummingbirds. People who are attracted to Lilac and have clarity in their lives attract others who either have the same or who like that trait and want to develop it. These people make good teachers in all areas.

Although lilacs grow profusely in Europe and North America, they originated in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Mature lilacs, those that grow to about 8 feet, can be pruned after they flower. At this time, dead branches can be removed and the plant pruned for shape and size.This is a good approach to our lives also - to remove that which is no longer useful or serving us, such as an old habit, and setting intentions to bring a new "shape and size" into our lives, whether physically (our bodies, homes or  surroundings), mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Lilac provides the clarity to determine what new aspects will serve us best at this time.