AROMATHERAPY is emerging as a popular holistic treatment.

People are looking for new means to

relieve themselves of stress and are focusing on total well being of the mind and body. What better can
one get than the combination of astrology and aromatherapy?

This unique combination is a branch of aromatherapy that focuses exclusively on the characteristic
traits of the individual based on his zodiac signs. Have you ever wondered why a particular fragrance
smells differently on different people? This is because our individuality is different and is determined
by our Sun Signs.

Our zodiac signs are divided into four elements namely earth, air, water and fire. A person belonging
to a particular zodiac sign has a specific element that respond better to certain fragrances or flower
extracts. This science belongs to the ancient civilizations of the world and is in a revival phase once
again. The great 17th century herbalist and apothecary, Nicholas Culpeper write several books that
combined facts about herbal medicine and astrology. He ascribed a ruling planet to each plant and
thus made it easier for one to distinguish his/her essential oil.

Planetary influences have a deep impact on our senses and include a great deal of knowledge and
wisdom. If you know your fragrance you are likely to develop a better relationship with it and achieve
great benefits from its regular use.

Aries (21 March-20 April): Aries is a fire sign and its ruling planet is Mars.
Quality: Cardinal
Signature Oil: Rosemary

The Zodiac year begins with the sign of Aries, the Ram. The sun enters this sign at the spring equinox
in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of new energy and the beginning of the ‘natural year’ as opposed
to the calendar year.

This sign is related to the head and Ariens are often prone to headaches, migraine, catarrh, sinusitis
and other problems affecting the head. Fortunately, all these conditions respond very well to
aromatherapy treatments. The planet associated with Aries is Mars and is fiery in nature. Thus it is
wise to look to Mars plants and essential oils in order to restore some of their innate energy. These are
typically fiery ones such as Black Pepper or Ginger.

Conversely, when an Aries person is agitated or stressed, the soothing effect can be brought by using
oils ruled by Venus such as Rose and Geranium. Ariens are also vulnerable to fevers and inflammations
which need to be cooled down by using Moon-related oils such as Camomile or Melissa.
If you are an Arien who is prone to depression, Sun oils are most helpful as they bring the fire element
in a gentler way. The Sun in recognized as the ruler of the resins: Benzoin, Frankincense and Myrrh,
all of which have warming properties along with their calming and meditative properties. The ‘happy
oils’, Bergamot and Orange also belong to this category and are great anti-depressants.

Taurus (21 April-21 May): Taurus is an earth sign and its ruling planet is Venus.
Quality: Fixed
Signature Oil: Rose

The Taurus Bull is known for its shrewd appreciation of assets and values, both maternal belongings
as well as intangible assets such as talents and capabilities but they also tend to indulge in all the
pleasures of the flesh such as food, wine and sex. Venus is the ruling planet known as the Goddess of
Love and patron of beauty and the arts. Taureans are talented and possess a keen aesthetic sense. They
appreciate fine clothes, comfort and tasteful surroundings. Taureans tend to overindulge at times that
can lead to digestive difficulties, weight problems or cellulite. They love the sensuous delight of fine
aromas and are likely to respond well to therapeutic massage.

Taurus governs the neck and shoulders which are often stiff and tense as all the worries are stored up
there. They are also prone to throat infections and sometimes to thyroid deficiency.

Taureans dote on the luxurious oils ruled by Venus such as Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood and Ylang-
Ylang. For digestive troubles, Caraway is the best oil for Taureans and Fennel is great for eliminating
the results of Taurean overindulgence.

Gemini (22 May- 22June): Gemini is an air sign and its ruling planet is mercury.
Quality: Mutable
Signature Oil: Basil

Gemini is affiliated with mercury, the planet of communication and understanding. Gemini people
tend to have lively minds, quick, versatile, enquiring, sociable and may have a higher than average IQ.
They make great speakers and writers. Charming Geminis also tend to be flirtatious, though in a very
innocent way. Their natural responsibility leads them to shift from one interest to another, change
careers, homes or marriage partners more often than what others might find comfortable. They also
have the habit of taking too many commitments at once. They are likely to be subdued by mental stress
as the Gemini mind is restless and these people find it difficult to relax. Insomnia can also be a major
problem in Geminis accompanies with depression and anxiety.

Some Geminis have the tendency to skip meals or eat too much of junk and food. They neglect sleep
and exercise because they are totally preoccupied with their metal processes.
Gemini rules the arms, lungs and the central nervous system. Rheumatic or arthritic pains have long
been treated as typically Gemini problems. Geminis are also prone to bronchitis or asthma,
particularly in childhood and there is often a tendency to breathe too shallowly, which can contribute
to feelings of nervousness or even panic.

Mercury is associated with a great deal of plants and essential oils, of which Lavender can be very
useful in treating Gemini problems. Basil, the signature oil is useful in treating lung infections and
asthma as well as helping with mental alertness when the Gemini is feeling tired or down. Thyme and
Peppermint can have the same effect while lavender can slow down the overactive mind.

Cancer (23 June-23 July): Cancer is a water sign and its ruling planet is the Moon.
Quality: Cardinal
Signature Oil: Blue Camomile

The Sun enters the sign of Cancer at the time of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the
Northern Hemisphere. The home is important to Cancerians, not only as the physical place where they
feel safe, but as the place where the family belongs. Mothering and parenthood are most important to
Cancerians.

Cancer dominates the stomach and pancreas and digestive problems of emotional origin are very
common in this sign. Cancerians are often ‘secret worriers’ and tend to keep their concerns to
themselves. Cancerians are likely to have long mood swings and in a few extreme cases even paranoia.
Cancerians may not be some of the easiest people to help with aromatherapy however essential oils do
good to them as well.

Moon-ruled oils are of a cooling nature and most Cancerians need to be warmed up during times of
distress. Just as the Moon reflects the Sun’s light, most Cancerians benefit from oils ruled by the Sun
such as Benzoin, Bergamot, Orange or Tangerine.

Leo (24 July-23 Aug): Leo is a fire sign and its ruling planet is the Sun.
Quality: Fixed
Signature Oil: Jasmine

Leo is traditionally the sign of kings and by extension to political leaders. It is also the sign of a
performer— an actor, musician, dancer or pop star. Leos suffer of their creativity is blocked due to
various reasons. This is also the sign of fun, hobbies and leisure pursuits and Leo people need adequate
time for recreation.
Leo correlates with the heart and the arterial circulation. Leos are prone to high blood pressure,
palpitations or more serious heart problems. Aromatherapy helps these people relax and de-stress.

Calming oils such as Camomile or Melissa possessing the qualities of Venus have a good calming effect
on Leos. Ylang-Ylang, Venus oil is particularly helpful with heart palpitations. If a Leo has undergone
a break-up or defeat in career, he is likely to be prone to depression. Sun oils such as Benzoin or Myrrh
are beneficial.

Virgo (24 August-23 September): Virgo is an earth sign and its ruling planet is Mercury.
Quality: Mutable
Signature Oil: Lavender

The Sun moves through this sign during the season of harvest and Virgo was originally associated with
the mother-goddess. Virgo is the sign of service and work and is often associated with health and
healing. Virgos have a deep need to feel they are doing something useful and worthwhile.

The Virgo keenness of mind shows itself in precision and attention to details. Most Virgos are very
particular about their surroundings and what they want to achieve from them. They tend to be highly
organized and make excellent accountants, librarians, indexers, or proofreaders, though if taken to
extremes this ability can sometimes become nit-picking, critical or obsession.

The Virgo ideals often lead these people to put their own needs secondary to the needs of others and
health problems tend to arise as a result of this. They work for long hours and carry on even when
exhausted.

Anaemia is a common problem Virgos need to add nutritious food to their diet in order to make up for
this. Many Virgos worry endlessly and are liable to stress. Virgo dominates the liver, solar plexus and
lower digestive tract. These areas are where problems are likely to arise when Virgos overwork or worry
endlessly. Ulcers and colitis are common problems among Virgos that can be helped by essential oils.

Mercury is Virgo’s ruling planet and many of the herbs that are appropriate for Virgos include Caraway,
Fennel and Peppermint which are helpful for the digestive system. Lavender helps induce relaxation
that Virgos often deny themselves and for the deep nurturing of their mind they need Rose or Jasmine.

Libra (24 September-23 October): Libra is an air sign and its ruling planet is Venus.
Quality: Cardinal
Signature Oil: Geranium
Libra symbolizes a pair of scales and is the only sign represented by an inanimate object. Justice,
fairness and balance are very important to Librans. They are known to view both sides of a coin before
reaching the conclusion. Libra is the diplomatic peacekeeper of the Zodiac.

The Roman understanding of Libra revolves around the fact that the Sun this sign at the autumn
equinox and Libra the two halves of the year in balance.

Libra is associated with the kidneys and lower back. Lower back pain can be treated with the help of
aromatherapy. Geranium, Rose and Ylang-Ylang will appeal to the Libran taste for luxury. For the
digestive problems oils like Angelica, Cardamom and Cinnamon are great while Fennel is an excellent
detoxifier and diuretic. For low back pain, warming analgesics such as Marjoram or Rosemary are
recommended.

Scorpio (24 October- 22 November): Scorpio is a water sign and its ruling planets are
Mars and Pluto.
Quality: Fixed
Signature Oil: Patchouli

Scorpio marks the descent into winter and the association with ghosts and ghouls ahs something in
common with Scorpio’s nature. Pluto, its ruling planet represents the underworld, the domain of
phantoms and many of the legends associated with the constellation of Scorpio concern he descent of
a hero into some lower world and his eventual return to the light.

Scorpio is the deepest and most secretive of all zodiac signs and people falling under this sign have
very strong emotion but find it difficult to express them. The traditional ruler of this sign, Mars is
associated with energy, but in Scorpio this energy may be dormant and hidden.

Scorpios don’t readily ask for help and tend to believe in self-medication. Scorpio is associated with
the urino-genital system, the colon and (in men) the prostrate gland.

A Scorpio will benefit from Mars oils, those that bring stimulating warmth such as Pine, Ginger or
Black Pepper. Sun oils might be helpful too: Rosemary is an immediate choice also Jasmine or
Bergamot if there is depression.

Sagittarius (23 November-22 December): Sagittarius is a fire sign and its ruling planet
is Jupiter.
Quality: Mutable
Signature Oil: Black Pepper
Sagittarius is the last of fire signs associated less with the Sun and more with the fires of mid-winter
celebrations. Sagittarians are inquisitive and enthusiastic and want to clarify and comprehend. They
are sociable people, genuinely interested in other people, open spontaneous and optimistic. They love
conversation, especially if it involves philosophical or metaphysical matters though this can become
one sided. They have a well-developed sense of humour which they often extend to practical jokes and
clowning. In close relationships, the value truth and almost above anything else and any form of deceit
on part of their partner can bring the relationship to an end.

Sagittarians are most often very physical people, energetic, quick-moving and strong. This sign is
associated with the hips and thighs and they may seek help in aromatherapy.

Sciatica is a problem where massage and baths with essential oils may prove helpful in Sagittarians.
For exhaustion they can rely on Mars oils like Marjoram and Nutmeg or Ginger, Pine or Black Pepper
for acute depletion. When a Sagittarian is suffering from jittery nerves and is almost insomniac,
Rosewood would be the ideal oil owing to its association with Jupiter and the higher mind.

Capricorn (23 December-19 January): Capricorn is an earth sign and its ruling planet is
Saturn.
Quality: Cardinal
Signature Oil: Vetivert

Capricorn is the deepest of the Earth signs. Its ruling planet, Saturn represents time, responsibilities,
boundaries authority etc. Saturn people tend to value tradition and like order in work, friendships and
relationships. They take all responsibilities very seriously and show immense courage in defending
others.

The part of the body associated with Capricorn is the knees which might result I joint pains due to
conditions of the bone, muscles or tendons around the knee joint. Warming oils associated with the
Sun, Jupiter or even Mars are helpful.

Saturn is also associated with the skin and aromatherapy is highly effective in this area. Capricorns are
also highly prone to stress and exhaustion. Birch, which is one of the few oils attributed to Saturn is
analgesic and anti-inflammatory and is an ideal choice for joint pain. Capricorns will appreciate oils
with a deep aroma such as Cedarwood and Vetivert.

Aquarius 20 January-19 February): Aquarius is an air sign and its ruling planet is
Uranus.
Quality: Fixed
Signature Oil: Neroli
Aquarians are attracted to new ideas, new technologies, anything conventional or unorthodox and are
often ahead of their times. They tend to dislike routine and will be much happier working in unusual
settings that offer plenty of variety or being self-employed. Many Aquarians are social reformers
though their revolutionary ideas tend to stay that way. They have a certain reputation for coldness and
aloofness which may be because they are reluctant to confide their thoughts or feelings to anybody but
their closest friends, who are probably few in number. In a relationship, mental rapport is often the
most important consideration and their ideal partner is one who will respect their independence and
the need to be alone at times.

Aquarius is associated with the lower legs, particularly the ankles and the circulation in this part of the
body. Varicose veins are a common problem and strains of the Achilles tendon, sprained ankles or
ankles swollen due to fatigue and standing for long periods of time are also common. Deep, grounding
oils, particularly those associated with Saturn can help Aquarians connect with their body.

Vetivert and Cypress would be an ideal choice to improve blood circulation also recommended for
varicose veins. To tone the ankles or strengthen them when recovering from a sprain, massage hot or
compress with warming Sun or Mars oils and for cold compress, Camomile is the best choice.

Pisces (20 February-20 March): Pisces is a water sign and its ruling planet is Neptune.
Quality: Mutable
Signature Oil: Melissa

Pisces is associated with Neptune, a planet that can deeply inspire great idealism, spiritual aspirations
or artistic inspiration, but on the downside, Pisceans can be elf-deluding or duplicitous.

Pisceans are prone to addiction, not necessarily to a physical substance, it may as well be an idea. They
love aromatic massages, water being their key element. They require psychological warmth which can
be brought on by oils like Bergamot, Jasmine and Frankincense.