symbol:

Lightning

keynote:

Cleansing

astrological influence:

Mars

elements:

fire + air + water

uses:

nourish the kidneys; cleanse the digestive tract; move stagnancy of water and blood; promote illumination of mind; banishing, binding, and removing any detrimental energies or entities within and around the self, work, and home environment; alleviate stress and anxiety; prevent heart disease and cancer; reduce cough and other respiratory discomforts; fortify the heart; expels worms and parasites from the body; stimulate menstruation; promote discharge of bile for proper digestion; get rid of nausea and fatigue

the story:

The story of The Tower is one that we see in biblical verse - it goes that a united human race, following The Great Flood, agrees to build a city and tower hall that can reach the heavens. God, observing this, decides to confuse them through language and scatter them across the world. The purpose of this chapter is to explain how different languages came to be, amongst other things. Yet, there is something deeper here. When we witness the experience through The Tower, it is about shifting our thought process and how this impacts the action (Mars) we take, aka how we exercise our will. The path with Key 16 is one where we are confronted with our own emotional forces and are made to deal with them in a more thorough and healing way. The aspect of language comes through in that often times this work necessitates a reprogramming of mental frameworks and the creation of more expansive neural pathways - in a lot of ways, this is like learning a new language because we are charged with the task to absolve old patterns and habits and replace them with more harmonious ways of being. Holy Basil and Sarsaparilla are effective blood toning and detoxifying agents. As Mars deals with the blood, it is only right that such allies be included here. Holy Basil is commonly used to help reduce stress and anxiety. The constituents in this plant make them ideal for everything from acne to asthma to inflammation. A highly nutritious ally, Holy Basil also prevents heart disease, relieves headache, and can slow premature aging. Sarsaparilla comes forward as one that purifies the blood, while encouraging sweating and urination. This action combined with that of Cinnamon’s, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine is often used for gastrointestinal complaints, really helps in ensuring that the cardiovascular system is functioning optimally. Cinnamon, like Holy Basil, can also treat eye disorders such as conjunctivitis or other such inflammations. Now, Wormwood is where the potency of this formula shows up full force. Bitter in taste, this one ensures that all of the above mentioned do what they do. Wormwood is also one that can neutralize bacteria growth and support the cleansing process of other allies while also serving as a key herb in the formula. Astragalus is a now well-known adaptogen, bringing balance to the hormones and toning the energetic systems in such a way that they are considered an herb of longevity. In a moment such as the one with The Tower, Astragalus promotes endurance and confidence through the contractions. As one rich in antioxidants that assist in eliminating dead cells and other free radicals floating around, this Key is useful for all sorts of balancing, banishing, and cleansing within ourselves. It is safe to call it the self-exorcism blend. Key 16 encourages us to tear down the old walls and let new life and light into our experience.

combines well with:

Key 12: The Hanged Man

ingredients:

krishna holy basil (tulsi), astragalus root, sarsaparilla, wormwood, cinnamon bark, gluten-free alcohol, spring water, honey

invitations for use:

Take 20-35 drops under tongue, up to 2 times a day between or up to 30 minutes before meals. Can also be used as personally intuited through meditations with the medicine. Shake well before use. Store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life varies, usually lasts up to one year.

flower connection:

House of the Dawn: Star of Bethlehem Flower Essence

(Each purchase comes with herbal information cards, detailing stories and facts regarding your medicine; keeps well for 1 year.)

• Not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people.

• Not safe for children.

• All herbs used are certified organic + 30% are sustainably wild-harvested and/or cultivated by Gold Water Alchemy.

• REQUIRED DISCLAIMER: This product is for bringing balance; it is not intended to diagnose or cure disease. If you require medical treatment, please seek a qualified medical professional. These statements have not been approved by the FDA.