We use the term monograph in herbology to refer to a piece of writing that gathers together information about a particular herb or plant. In traditional herbology that information is about the physical aspects of the herb. What it looks like, how it acts in the body and recommended usages.
When I started our research I read stacks of monographs for plant species I wasn't familiar with. I loved them, so organized and full of my favourite big medical words like 'cicatrizant' (which sounds like a fun dance, but is really a fancy term for 'helps skin to heal').
Our research is a little different, but I still wanted to share our information, about the spiritual aspects of different plants and herbs using the familiar structure of the time-honoured monograph, so I give you the 'spiritual monograph'! Enjoy.
Name: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Spiritual Properties: Bergamot is the royal oil because it puts your mind into what is called ‘rightful place’. That means you have the understanding that you’re in the right place at the right time—you are always in your perfect moment. Bergamot gives you the crown and sceptre of authority over your own life.
The spiritual message of this beautiful citrus is a reminder that you are the one and only authority in your life. It reminds you and empowers you to your free will. It can enhance your discernment, your intuition and your instinct, as it brings your mind into an assuredness and confidence in making your own decisions.
When someone has gone through a long period of time when they couldn’t make decisions, or were always told that they'd made the wrong decisions, or were insecure about their decisions—bergamot can be a salve to their spirit and self-esteem.
Bergamot reminds you of your own strength—that you have the have the right to be here, and that it’s time for you to take your own seat of authority. This strength does not come through as bossy, but rather as an awareness of honour and dignity within yourself.
Have you ever had the experience of talking to an individual that's very balanced in their spiritual energy, and you are discussing a concern and they simply nod, smile, and listen politely? They will not engage because they maintain energetic neutrality. Energetic neutrally allows you to stay in the moment and connected to spirit despite whatever is occurring in your environment. Bergamot—the oil of ‘rightful place’— builds the energetic strength, awareness, and confidence required as a foundation within so you can begin to hold onto that type of neutrality.
Physical effects: Pain-reducing (analgesic), anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anxiety-reducing, and neuro-protective.*
Traditional uses: In Europe for the treatment of fever, wound healing, skin ailments, and upper respiratory infections.
* Assessment report on Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau, Aetheroluem Eurpean Medicines Agency September 13, 2011