The Doctrine Of Signatures
As above - so below. To the Ancients this aphorism was not just a
metaphor. It represented the centerpiece of mediaeval cosmology.
Everything, but everything was governed by the planets and their movements
through the heavens. Their inherent qualities were reflected in all
animate and inanimate things on earth - stones, minerals, animals, plants
and people. As the planets moved along their path through the Zodiac
their expressions changed depending on the particular characteristics and
elemental quality of the sign through which they were passing. The elements
then provided the backdrop to this cosmology. Everything in the Universe
was not just ruled by a particular planet but was also perceived as a
manifestation of the 5 elements - Spirit (Ether), Fire, Air, Earth and
Water - and their respective qualities (i.e. hot and dry, hot and humid,
cold and dry, cold and humid). These elements were understood in a
spiritual/metaphysical sense, not necessarily in a literal sense.
The basis of this cosmology was formed by the idea that Ether/Spirit
permeated everything in existence and was regarded as the prime element,
the Chi energy from which all the other elements were formed. The Zodiac
then was perceived as a kind of archetypal blue-print through which the
elements manifest in the world of matter - which is but a denser
reflection of the world of ideas. Thus the nature of a sign was firstly
defined by the element it is ruled by, whilst the planets represented the
dynamic forces which modify their basic expressions.
To the modern mind these concepts may be archaic and difficult to grasp,
but they are essential in trying to understand the context from which the
Doctrine of Signatures arose. The human mind has an inherent urge to
make sense of the environment, to detect patterns, to classify its
impressions and to create order out of chaos. In the pre-rationalistic
age the spiritual dimension of our material world still represented a
reality which was taken into account by the early scientists
and philosophers. Thus their concepts and explanations of the Universe
was steeped in mystical symbolism and archetypes, the basis for which can
be found amongst the principles of Astrology the oldest science of human
history. According to this cosmology the planetary energies reverberated
through the spheres and echoed through the four realms of existence
leaving their mark or signature in all aspects of the manifest and
non-manifest world.
It is beyond the scope of this article to elaborate
in detail on each planet, element and sign of the Zodiac - and there are
plenty of good books on Astrology on the market which will do just that.
However, in order to understand the Doctrine of Signatures it is essential
to examine some of these basic principles and the way in which they
manifest in the different realms of existence:
The Sun represents the life-force in everything. It symbolizes the
principles of strength, righteousness, virtue and honor. It rules the
domain of logical understanding (left brain) and clarity, consciousness,
self-awareness and pride, health, integrity, vigor and creative energy
per se. In the world of metals and minerals these qualities found their
resonance in the metal Gold, and in diamonds the purest, hardest and most
precious metals and stones of them all. In the animal kingdom it was the eagle and the lion
and other noble creatures that most appropriately expressed the regal
power of the Sun. In the realm of plants the issue becomes more complex
as each planet is responsible for a specific part or growing process in
all plants as well as giving their signatures to certain plants in
particular. Thus, the solar principle draws plants up towards the light
and manifests as straight, upright stems and radiating flowers with a
color range from white to golden orange. Their tastes are often aromatic
and their healing properties are tonic, purifying and strengthening. All
like to grow in sunny places and they often respond to the rhythms of the
Sun, turning their heads towards the God of light as he travels across the
sky. Solar Herbs include Sunflowers, Marigolds and St. Johnswort. In the
human physiology the Sun rules the heart, blood, brain and the eyes.
(Traditionally, right eye in men, left eye in women). The Sun symbolizes
vitality in general as well as the powers of recuperation and resistance
to disease in general.
The Moon on the other hand represents the yin principle, receptivity,
sensitivity and yielding. It has an affinity with water, and rules the
domain of the night, the unconscious mind, the world of dreams, fantasies
and imagination (right brain).
Its expression is through empathy,
intuition and nurturing. The corresponding metal is the
reflective Silver whilst in the realm of stones it rules those that
reflect faint shimmers of light or are of an iridescent quality, such as
Moonstones and Labradorite. Animals governed by the Moon are night
creatures such as owls or those that embody the nurturing principle.
Cows, for example, with their docile nature, who not only provide us with
milk but even carry a symbolic Moon in the shape of their horns on their
heads are a perfect representation of the lunar archetype. Other animals
associated with the Moon are those that live in or near water and are
affected by the tides, such as all manner of fish and crabs. In the realm
of plants the Moons signature manifests along the same guidelines. Luna
rules all sprouting and germination processes. She also governs the roots
of all plants which represent the mouths in the vegetable kingdom. The
Moons signature is found in fleshy, watery leaves and fruits like Pumpkins
and Cucumbers, and in plants that flower at night or grow in or near water
and in marshy environments such as Waterlilies and Willows. A milky juice
(latex) is also a signature of the Moon. Lunar Herbs are often soothing,
pain- killing, tranquilizing and sometimes even hypnotic or narcotic .
The flower coloration varies from pastel colors of all shades to lilac and
purple. In the human body the Moon rules the womb, fertility and the
child-bearing functions, along with the breasts, stomach and body fluids.
She also governs the astral or dream body and the subconscious mind.
Mercury, the messenger of the Gods signifies the qualities of rapid
change, transmutation, learning and growing. and By this virtue of his
adaptable and changeable character he is capable of traveling in-between
the worlds. In mythology he is the messenger who relays messages from the
realm of the Gods to the world of humans.
He can even enter into the
Underworld and return unscathed in his role of the psychopomp who
accompanies the souls of the dead on their last journey. Furthermore, he
is associated with commerce (exchange), travel, trickery and healing. His
metal is quicksilver/mercury the most liquid and changeable metal of all.
His stones are multicolored and patterned ones such as Agates. In the
realm of animals he rules swift and clever creatures. Monkeys and Dogs
have frequently been associated with Mercury, though he also rules those
that are not bound by one particular environment, such as birds, who can
fly as well as hop and often travel long distances. In the realm of
plants Mercury signifies the rapid growth process in the metamorphic
development of young plants. He rules fast growing or winding plants such
as Morning Glory, as well as other climbers, creepers and vines. The
stems are rarely upright but rather flexible and bendy - they hardly ever
become solidified in a woody form. Flower coloration is non-specific and
encompasses all shades of the rainbow-spectrum though the flowers tend to
be rather small. His signature is also present in feathery leaves and in
seeds with wings. The healing properties associated with mercurial plants
are equally divers and difficult to pin down. They are often demulcent
and have a somewhat slimy quality. They may be purgative or alterative,
aid digestion (especially in the passing of winds!), act as demulcents for
the respiratory system or have a stimulating or balancing effect on the
nervous system and the mind. Mercurial Herbs include Lavender, Fennel,
Speedwell, Valerian and Elecampane. In human physiology Mercury rules the
intellectual faculties of the mind, the nervous system, and the
intestines.
Venus, the Goddess of love and beauty symbolizes the pleasure
principle. All things bright and beautiful are under her domain.
Peacefulness, harmony and balance are her characteristics. Her metal is
copper and her stones are generally either green as are Malachite and
Emerald or pink ones, such as Rose-Quartz. Watermelon Tourmaline combines
both ends of her spectrum. Her sacred animals are of a peaceful nature.
The dove for example has become a universal symbol of peace. Deer,
antelopes, swans, cats, rabbits and other graceful animals are all under
her domain. In the realm of plants Venus is responsible for the soothing
green colour of mother nature cloak. She rules the leaves and flowers of
plants in general. Many healing herbs come under her domain. Their
qualities are often cooling, cleansing, balancing and soothing and may
have diaphoretic or diuretic properties. The color variation of the
petals ranges from green-white to pink. Most have a delicious fragrance
and provide us with a sensory delight. Most fruit blossoms come under her
domain (Apples, Cherries). Other plants that carry her signature are
Yarrow, Geranium, Roses, Orchids and Mallows. In the human body Venus
rules the reproductive systems and the kidneys who are responsible for
inner cleansing and fluid balance.
Mars, the reckless warrior God signifies courage, strength ambition and
drive. Without the get-up-and-go principle embodied by Mars, nothing
would ever get done. But Mars does not go gently about his business,
whatever it may be. His signature is rashness, defensiveness, sharpness
and an aggressive drive. His metal is the unyielding iron, whilst his
stones are usually red and glowing such as rubies and garnets. In the
animal kingdom his allies are fierce and aggressive like sharks and
Hyenas. In the world of plants Mars manifests as the stamens (sexual
organs) of all flowers in general. His signature can also be found in
sharp thorns and the stinging quality of some plants such as Poison Ivy
and Nettles. The flowers are usually red and the smell and taste are
peppery and hot. Many pioneer plants are ruled by Mars as their role is
to defend disturbed grounds against further intrusion. The healing
properties of Marsian plants are often styptic or stimulating for
the circulatory system of the blood. In the human body Mars rules the
gallbladder, muscles, the reproductive organs and the adrenal glands.
Jupiter, king of the Gods embodies the principle of generosity,
expansiveness, justice and the process of maturation. His characteristics
are grandeur, honor and wisdom. He is the philosopher and seeker of
spiritual wisdom and symbolizes faith and hope as well as ethics and
morals. His metal is tin and his stones are purple in color, such as
Lovulites and Amethysts. Jupiters animals are large and powerful like the
bear or the elephant for example. In the world of vegetation Jupiter is
responsible for the maturation process and thus governs the fruits and
nuts of the harvest which represent an aspect of his generosity. Herbs
under his domain are often bitter-aromatic and rich in essential oils.
The coloration of the flowers tend to be either bright yellow or purple.
Their healing properties are tonic, hepatic and purifying through their
action on the liver, the main organ of the human body under Jupiters rule.
He is also responsible for sugar-metabolism as he governs the pancreas and
for spiritual well-being by governing the pineal gland. Some of his herbs
also act as anti-depressants. Some of Jupiters herbs are Blessed Thistle,
Sandalwood, Sage Dandelion and Loosestrive. Many regal trees such as Oaks
and Maple are also ruled by Jupiter.
Saturn, the grim reaper and lord of time embodies solidification,
concentration and hardiness. He is the merciless teacher of duty and
responsibility. He governs the aging and dying process and his character
is inflexible, rigid, dry and cold. His metal is lead, the heaviest
metal of them all. His stones are black like Obsidians and Jet. In the
animal kingdom his signature can be found amongst the cold-blooded
reptilians and amongst certain insects such as the workaholic-seeming
ants. In the world of vegetation Saturn governs the drying and wilting
process that concludes the growing cycle of a plant. He is also
responsible for the formation of seeds which in concentrated form contain
all the potential growing power for the next season. His herbs are often
straggly looking plants such as Horsetails, and frequently are grayish-
blue in appearance or are marked by blue flowers. Their taste often is
acrid, pungent and bitter. Their healing properties are styptic,
astringent and sometimes even anesthetic. Saturn rules a number of
deadly poisonous plants as well, which in the right dosage can be
powerful healers but administered in the wrong proportions have the power
to kill. Some of Saturns herbs are Chicory, Comfrey, Woad, Aconite and
Belladonna. In the human body Saturn rules the skin, bones and teeth.
Many of his Herbs are used to heal strains, sprains, bruises and broken
bones.
From the above description of the planetary influences in the different
realms of existence it can be seen that the Doctrine of Signature lies
far from our modern concept of a system of classification. Instead of a
structured approach that takes into account measurable and countable
units it presents us with images and archetypal symbols that require a highly intuitive mode of observation in order to make any sense.
As we have seen, each plant not only bears the signature of one planet,
instead different planets are represented in different parts of the plant
or manifest at different stages of their growth cycle. Thus it is not an
easy matter to apply this system in a practical way. It requires very
thorough understanding of each Planets inherent qualities. Nevertheless,
once upon a time this highly symbolic system was used by many physicians
who took themselves quite seriously. The 16th century physician Nicholas
Culpeper is perhaps the most widely known personality amongst these
physicians, though in no way was his practice exceptional (only in as much
as he encouraged ordinary people to take responsibility for their own
health, by pointing out that cures for many common illnesses may be found
amongst the herbs in ones backyard).
However, the doctrine with its highly subjective parameters, left much
room for argument and disagreement amongst the medical profession -
though the rulership over certain plants was generally accepted, others
left much room for ambiguity and dispute. How then was this system applied
in practical terms? Lets hear Culpepers advice:
" ...And therein let me premise a word or two, The Herbs, Plants,
etc. are now in the book appropriated to their proper planets. Therefore,
First, Consider what planet causeth the disease; that thou mayest find it
in my aforesaid Judgment of Diseases.
Secondly, Consider what part of thebody is afflicted by the disease and
whether it lies in the flesh, or blood, or bones, or ventricles.
Thirdly, Consider by what planet the afflicted part of the body is
governed: that my Judgment of Diseases will inform you also.
Fourthly, You may oppose diseases by Herbs of the planet
opposite to the planet that causes them as diseases of Jupiter by Herbs of
Mercury, and the contrary; diseases of the Luminaries by the Herbs of
Saturn and the contrary; diseases of Mars by Herbs of Venus and the
contrary.
Fifthly, There is a way to cure diseases sometimes by Sympathy,
and so every plant cures his own disease; as the Sun and the Moon by their
Herbs cure the eyes, Saturn the spleen, Jupiter the Liver, Mars the gall
and diseases of choler, and Venus diseases in the instruments of
Generation."
Essentially, in order to find the right remedy for a person,
a horoscope was cast for the time of the onset of the disease. From this
horoscope the nature of the disease was judged along with its possible
duration and final outcome. Furthermore, the actual affected body part
and its planetary rulership also had to be considered. Once these factors
were known the real skill of the physician was to determine whether a
disease should by treated by sympathy i.e. homeopathically or by
antipathy, i.e. allopathically. Next he had to find an appropriate herb
under the rulership of the planet which he had figured should cure the
disease. For example, a fever that affects the whole body is ruled by
Mars. The best way to treat it would most likely be allopathically, by
giving a herb of Venus such as Meadowsweet or Yarrow. On the other hand a
broken bone is ruled by Saturn and would probably best be treated
sympathetically by applying poultices of Comfrey.
Though these examples make the process appear rather oversimplified, in
truth it was not always so easy to find the right remedy. Obviously
there are many different herbs with different specific properties under
the rulership of each planet. To find the appropriate one for each case
not only required a good understanding of the astrological symbolism
involved in determining the nature of the disease and the affected body
part, but also demanded a very thorough knowledge of the plants
themselves. The symbolism then was more of a way of gaining an insight
into the underlying principles and forces at work. This mode of applying
the Doctrine was particularly useful in the approach to more
psychosomatic symptoms.
Astrological symbolism works itself out not just through the physical
levels of reality, but also through the psychological dimension and thus
can provide insights into the relationship between the mental/emotional
body and its effects on the physical well-being of a person. This is a
very holistic approach to dealing with dis-eases, and one, perhaps modern
physicians should reconsider in their practices. Whilst in the
pre-rationalistic age the body-mind-soul connection was a given fact that
was prevalent everywhere, the connection has become dissected since the
arrival of Descartean thinking. Suddenly physical problems had become
mechanical dysfunctions, divorced from their psycho-spiritual
connection. The beauty of the Doctrine of Signatures then lies in the
fact that it opens the observers inner eye in the process of determining
the planetary interplay at work. It provides an insight into the
archetypes that manifest within and without and help one understand the
processes by which they are woven into the rich tapestry of life. In
todays age of alienation it may serve our souls and spirits well to once
again seek such a symbolic understanding of the interconnectedness of all life. To gain a truly holistic perspective we need to go beyond the
physical cause and effect theories prevalent in modern scientific
thinking. What the Doctrine teaches us is to observe our environment
from an inner perspective that lets us glimpse the nature of the
archetypes and their echoes which resonate throughout the manifest and
non-manifest realms of existence.
As above : so below
As within : so without
"The Doctrine Of Signatures, a mediaeval system of classification"
was written by
Kay Morgenstern
SacredEarth Website
Web presentation designed by
Matthew Sleigh
The Doctrine Of Signatures at Ishtar’s Gate
Bibliography:
Von Heilkräutern und
Pflanzengottheiten, Wolf-Dieter Storl, Aurum Verlag Gmbh, Braunschweig
1993
The Mystery and Magic of Trees and Flowers, Lesley Gordon, Grange
Books, London 1993
(excerpt from: Complete Herbal, Nicholas Culpeper,
Manchester 1826)
