A new moon represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of another new month (moonth) cycle. As with every new moon, it’s an auspicious time to set intentions or plant seeds for what we may want to accomplish during this next chunk of time.
This particular new moon in Aries is an especially good moon for starting a fresh health routine. Our bodies, minds and spirits (hence the holographic term) may be due for a good detoxification or new movement practice. The astrology suggests that this is an extra supportive time to cut things from our lives that are not life-affirming.
During my meditation to connect with the plant world, I was so excited to re-connect with the plant who came in to offer its medicine for this new moon cycle- Burdock. Burdock, Arctium lappa, is a close friend of mine, but I had been on a bit of a hiatus from using this plant in my regular routine. I wasn’t surprised it appeared in my consciousness after I read about the energetics of this moon.
Burdock became a beloved friend of mine while I was working on liver issues. Not only did I have eczema inside my elbows during the fall/winter seasons, but I also had unresolved resentment issues with my family. Even though there are several liver herbs I was learning about at the time in school (Dandelion, Artichoke, Milk Thistle, etc.) Burdock called to me. Plus, I liked that fact it was considered a “bear” medicine (my nickname growing up was “Mare Bear”). A very simplified explanation of why Burdock is considered “bear medicine” is because the Native Americans observed that bears dug up the root and ate them after a winter hibernation. The name arctium also comes from the Greek arctos meaning bear.
Bear medicines usually stimulate the gallbladder, liver, thyroid and adrenal cortical functions, encouraging the digestion and metabolism of fats and proteins. The metabolism of the bear, which shifts from winter hibernation to summer feeding, is dependent on these organs for storage and utilization of fats and proteins.
Energetically, Burdock is detoxifying. It helps to release stuck, suppressed anger imbedded deep in our bodies and energy fields from both past and present. If you find yourself upset and projecting your feelings of anger (or any shade of anger including annoyance, irritation, resentment, etc.) outward towards others or external situations, Burdock medicine is for you. “Burdock anger” may also be related to a painful experience of grief or loss.
Burdock is best utilized as a tea, but tinctures of the root are also available. If emotional or spiritual issues are your focus, a flower essence may be the most appropriate.