From the book 'The Spirit of Homeopathic Remedies' - "The classic image of Phosphorus is that of a phosphorus match which burns, brilliant, then is consumed and shrivels up, curling in on itself. Phosphorus individuals are ablaze; they consume all their energy and become exhausted. In everything that happens to them, it seems as if the soul or life energy is unable to become fully incarnate in the physical body, which is then cut off from the energy it needs and becomes sick. Phosphorus subjects live with their head among the stars, soaring at thirty thousand feet, unable to settle into the petty details of the earthly world. On the other hand, their sense of esthetics gives them a taste for harmony and beauty, attracting others." Key characteristics: - sympathetic, craves connection - vivid imagination - feels deeply, sensitive, intuitive - profoundly affected by storms (both emotionally & physically) - clairvoyance - very in tune, somewhat mystical - craves salt, very thirsty (like Nat Mur, but not so reserved) - stomach/gastric issues - acute pancreatitis - problems with the liver, lungs and/or kidneys - bleeds easily & profusely (heavy periods, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, slow clotting) - fears: thunderstorms, night, being alone, death - anxiety increases at night - sweats profusely at night - craves cold drinks & ice cream - sensitive to light, sound, touch and smell - all sensory channels are amplified - exhaustion after social interaction, despite craving it The key essence: "Phosphorus shines brilliantly for others — until they forget to protect their own flame." Do you know a phosphorus in your life?!

Merc Sol, derived from soluble mercury. If you think of the characteristics of mercury - it's commonly used in thermometers and therefore is ever changing it's levels! The Merc Sol individual may struggle in finding equilibrium in life. Everything may feel and BE extreme for this individual. Whether they are too hot or too cold, sweating, but still chilly, ultra passionate about something and then burnt out the next day. This person tends to live in the "in-betweens" and can never truly settle. Key physical keynotes about this remedy: - profuse, offensive perspiration - all discharges smell, breath smells, etc. - increased salivation, drooling on the pillow at night, yet very thirsty - coated tongue, with tooth marks impressed in the tongue - swollen glands, ulcers, anything that breaks down at a surface level - worse at night, and also worse from the warmth of the bed - usually has to keep at least one foot or both feet poking out from the covers If you think more about Mercury as an element, we know it's fluid and ever changing. This person may also be guarded and somewhat secretive on the surface, with a lot of inner chaos. They may be slow to answer and slightly suspicious. They are deeply sensitive to criticism with a lot of retained resentment. They can be very intelligent and perceptive at their best or on the flip side, scattered and unable to find equilibrium at their worst. The main thread that ties all the themes of this remedy together is the offensiveness. The smelly discharges, the body struggling to eliminate properly, sitting right on the edge of holding it all together. Can you think of any Merc Sols in your life? I'll add a celebrity example in the comments!

Since we briefly chatted snake remedies in the Coffee Chat today, I thought I would give a lil' breakdown of key traits where a lachesis remedy may be well indicated. Key symptoms where lachesis may be well indicated: - left sided pains/ailments that move to the right - sleep aggravation - sensitivity to constriction - whether it be tight things around the neck (can't stand turtlenecks or fear of necklace around neck while sleeping, etc) or simply constriction in life, sore, tight throat, etc - jealousy & suspicion - loquacity - menopause - worse for it, hot flashes, etc. - purple/mottled skin (in acute cases) - cardiovascular ailments - hemorrhages, hot flashes, big affinity for heat Now the key personality traits of the Lachesis archtype include being intensely charismatic, passionate & magnetic with the ability to draw others in effortlessly. Highly intelligent with rapid thinking where ideas may jump and overflow (excess). Deep jealousy and possessiveness in relationships. Suspicious mistrustful, can become easily paranoid, fears being controlled. Talkative to an excess where speech become circular or pressured under stress. Think of some of the key characteristics of the Bushmaster snake from which this remedy is derived - constricting, coiling up to strike. The lachesis individual may be snappy or "strike" aggressively with behavior, words or out of jealousy. We can think of some narcissistic traits that overlap here with the lachesis individual. Usually these individual's symptoms are aggravated by sleep and worse on waking. These individuals may not be able to tolerate any sort of touch or tight clothing (constriction). There may be many ailments from suppressed discharges (menses, grief, eruptions). There's also a big aspect to the heat of this remedy/individual where they are significantly worse off in the heat, with hot drinks, sun, yet are better in the open air. See my comment for a real-life celebrity example of this remedy type!! 🐍

"the quiet keeper" Nat mur is a remedy we often reach for (in chronic cases) when there has been a history of substantial or supressed grief. Now the thing that separates Nat Mur from the other well indicated "grief remedies" is the Nat Mur doesn't show much emotion outwardly. They hardly ever shed a tear and appear well put together from the outside. You might never know the Nat Mur is carrying so much within - as they may feel that they are capable of carrying the burden themselves rather than being vulnerable with others about what has been "pent up". There's often been a history of hurt (particularly in close and intimate relationships) that never got fully expressed or resolved. And over time, the suppression of that emotion tends to find some sort of other outlet - in the form of physical symptoms. Often the gut, skin, sinuses and even the throat are where a Nat Mur will store their emotions. The body will start speaking for them, because they just can't speak up for themselves. Nat murs are very loyal, honest and deeply principled. They remember EVERYTHING. They can hold a grudge not out of bad intent, but because the hurt went super deep for them personally and they just couldn't process it. They are often the ones others lean on - very dependable, but silently suffering internally. Now Nat Mur is actually derived from salt, so it only makes sense that one of a Nat Mur's main cravings is SALT! 🧂 Other key notes of this remedy include: - sensitivity to the sun - a tendency toward dryness (mucous membranes, lips, skin) - headaches - emotionally - they resist consolation & being comforted can actually make things worse for the Nat Mur At the core Nat Mur is a person learning to find and use their voice, to let people in, and to grieve what needs to be grieved so the body doesn't have to keep carrying that burden for them. Do you know a Nat Mur in your life?