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Healing & Alternative Health :
Flower Essences

Healing the Illusion of Separation
by Donna Cunningham
The persistent illusion of being separate from those around us, even of not belonging in the community of humankind, is a painful condition. On an individual level, it evokes an aching loneliness and the sense of an inability to love and be loved. On a global level, the illusion of separation results in indifference to the suffering in underdeveloped nations and even to war.


Spiritual teachings of all times and places say that separation is not real, that we are children of All That Is, all emanating from the life force and the love that indwells every atom of the universe. It is so very hard, especially given the current world upheaval, to hold onto this truth. There are, however, some essences that remind us of it and provide healing for our hearts and souls from the pain that separation brings.


One essence which touches deeply into the sense of separation is Monkshood, made by both the Alaskan Flower Essence Project and Hummingbird Remedies, but from somewhat different species. AFEP's catalog says it is for those who are repelled by others and who shut themselves off from meaningful emotional and physical contact in order not to feel vulnerable. It helps establish strong energetic boundaries so that they can relate to the world fearlessly. Hummingbird Essence's description cites it as especially important for men who have become so rigidly locked into their masculine roles that they have difficulty relating on a heart level and who thus create barriers to true connections with others.


To return to the doctrine of signatures discussed in the last issue of Vibration, monkshood is named for its resemblance to a monk's hood. Also known as aconite and wolfsbane, it is a plant with a very ancient and magical history, being used in protective spells and to protect oneself from werewolves. All parts of the plant are poisonous, though the essence is not, and this parallels the defenses we erect to protect ourselves from others.


In the first years of my essence work, I lived in New York -- possibly the world capital for the illusion of separation and a place where one quickly learns good boundaries as a survival skill. It was there that I first encountered this plant. Living in a paved-over city, I had little contact with the flowers that essences were made from and thus little capacity to contact the powerful flower angels called devas. One of my essence students brought me a bouquet of monkshood, and I was taken aback by the powerful and palpable presence it radiated. (Monkshood is shown here and in this issue's Mandala Gallery.)
Having the bouquet around for a week or so moved me, finally, to take the essence. It was remarkable how Monkshood eased that tough New York shell of protection and opened me up to warmer and more relaxed connections with others.


With Water Violet, the Bach Remedies or Healing Herbs have an essence related to a certain type that separates themselves from humanity. The character type described in most Bach literature is that of calm, quiet, self-reliant, dignified people who are aloof and do not interfere in the affairs of others, or tolerate other's interference in their own affairs. They go their own way and can have a sense of superiority -- and, in fact, they are often exceptionally capable and knowledgeable. After taking Water Violet, their sense of separateness diminishes, and they serve humanity better for their increased compassion.


Another root of separateness is addressed by Shooting Star, a remedy made by the Flower Essence Society and Pegasus. The blossom, shown here, does literally look like a shooting star. (To see the mandala.) This remedy is profoundly healing for people who do not feel that they belong on this earth and who are deeply alienated from humankind. They often feel that they should not have incarnated and suffer from a profound homesickness for another realm. Some believe themselves to be starseed -- that is, beings from another solar system who have for some purpose taken human form.


Whatever the cause, Shooting Star types hold themselves back from full participation in the community of souls on this planet. With Shooting Star, many of them are able to drop their sense of separation, embrace being in bodily form, and enter into a heart connection with others. (Incidentally, astrologers, who can feel isolated from the mainstream by merit of their vocation, have often reported that Shooting Star deepened their understanding of the influences of the various planets in the horoscope.)


While Shooting Star and Water Violet types may be born with a deep sense of separation, Mariposa Lily (shown here, left) is for those who feel alienated from others due to a poor bond with the mother. This lack of true bonding may exist from their earliest days or because of a traumatic separation.


I use the Flower Essence Society version and have found it very helpful in long-term healing work where the capacity to bond with others has been impaired. These folks' sense of being unwanted and unloved abates, and they are also able to be more nurturing and accepting of others.


The belief in separateness causes us pain and often leads us to develop attitudes and patterns of behavior that isolate us even further from mates, family members, and humanity at large. The illusion of separation probably cannot be fully healed without a spiritual awakening, but while we wait to be struck sane by Spirit, we can begin the healing process by trying some or all of the remedies above. You may also find the remedies for forgiveness in Annabeth Meister's article helpful. The remedies in both articles can soften attitudes and defenses that keep us feeling alienated, while opening the heart to the love that is underneath our fearful barriers to oneness with All That Is.






The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.






Donna Cunningham,
Astrologer
& Healer

Donna Cunningham is an internationally respected astrologer and the author of 13 books on metaphysical topics.



Donna Cunningham has a dual background in astrology and psychotherapy, with a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University and over 30 years experience as a professional astrologer. She considers doing the astrology charts of children to be a sacred trust. It is a way of knowing who these Indigo children are on their own terms rather than as their families, teachers, and society expect them to be.



In these sessions, she focuses on typical childhood concerns such as family and peer relationships, the best educational approaches, and the child's special gifts and abilities. She can be reached for consultations at (503)291-7891, by email, or at her web page. Ask about her special rate for children's charts.



Donna is also co-editor of Vibration and a frequent contributor. She has written fourteen books on astrology and other metaphysical topics, including her Flower Remedies Handbook. Astrologers who want to know the special considerations involved in doing children's charts can read the chapter on this topic in Donna's text, The Consulting Astrologer's Guidebook.
Listed in several Who’s Who volumes, she has given seminars on astrology around the world and won the prestigious Regulus Award at the 1998 UAC.



She teaches astrology classes online at: astrocollege.com



You may reach her for long-distance astrology consultations at her web site:
DonnaCunningham
MSW.com



by email:
moonmaven
@inetarena.com


or by calling:
(503)291-7891.
For the past 20 years, she has worked with the flower remedies, and she is co-editor of Vibration Magazine, a free online educational quarterly at:



essences.com/
vibration/







This series is reprinted with gracious permission from Donna Cunningham.

©2002 Vibration Magazine/The World Wide Essence Society
PO Box 285
Concord, MA 01742
978 369-8454



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