No 3 Juniper
JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS
WOOD ELEMENT
EXUBERANCE QI 木
Juniper is a small shrub, 4-6 feet high, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is a common shrub where bands of limestone occur. The berries are for the production of the volatile oil used in Gin for its flavor profile. Juniper is revered (even by non-gin drinkers) as the plant of succor—Jesus is believed to have been sheltered from Herod’s wrath by a juniper bush and Elijah was saved from Queen Jezebel by a juniper possessed of a divine presence.
Since the time of the Egyptians Juniper has been used to purify and protect the home from evil. A juniper bush planted by the front door would ward off witches and demons (unless the witch could guess the number of needles on the tree, in which case, look out) and burning juniper twigs would purify the home and keep disease and ill-fortune at bay.
In aromatherapy juniper oil is known as the “oil of protection”. In medieval times juniper was an icon of chastity and virtue—a fact that will come as news to anyone known to enjoy their gin.
- Bodily Effect: Juniper is used to “detoxify” the body and promote healthy digestion and skin health, among many other things.
- Emotional Effect: Juniper has a calming and grounding effect.
- Spiritual Effect: Juniper gives purity to thoughts, health to the body, and a blessing to the spirit.
"As a magical plant, we use Juniper in protection and cleansing rituals."
—Dr. Krystal Couture, Homeopath + Plant Whisperer @drkrystalcouture
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