Herbal Tarot - Four of Wands - Fennel Seed

Soaring Eagle

You can see the minor arcane cards in Constellation 4.

Description: Two fairies are flying close to a large fennel plant. There are four staffs propped behind the fennel plant.

Significant Details: The staffs represent strength of will.

Keywords: Prosperity, Celebration, Enjoying what you’ve attained, Construction

Medicinal Uses: Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare) is used as flavoring in medicines and is used to disperse flatulence. “It is an ingredient of the official compound powder of liquorice.” Culpeper’s Color Herbal. Fennel has been used in culinary for atleast 2,000 years. In the 17th century it “acquired a reputation as a slimming aid.” American Nature Guides Herbs by Anna Kruger. “During the Middle Ages it was in great demand . The rich added the seed to vegetable & fish dishes, while the poor used it as an appetite suppressant to be eaten on fasting days. As a highly aromatic herb it has been used traditionally by many cultures for cooking and medicinal purposes. Its oil have a relaxing effect on the intestine as well as possessing anti oxidant and anti microbial actions. Its tea made from seeds, is a famous natural treatment for digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, heartburn, infant colic and irritable bowel syndrome.” It is stomachic, carminative, aromatic, orexigenic, anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, diuretic, galactagogue. “Fennel is an efficacious remedy for respiratory congestion and is a common ingredient in cough remedies. An infusion can be used as a eye wash. Its tea made from the seeds beneficial to stimulate the flow of breast milk & can be taken as a carminative with antispasmodic actions that can be used to treat cramps of the digestive tract in combination with flatulence. Fennel can be used efficaciously for bad breath, constipation, colds, flu and as a diuretic. It is many times added to baby formula to aid digestion. As a diuretic, is used to treat urinary calculi. It is also a beneficial treatment for upper respiratory catarrh and has a soothing effect on bronchitis and coughs. Scientific research on animals shows that its volatile oil has able to protect the liver from toxic chemical injury. The volatile oil is bactericidal and anti-fungal actions,which is efficacious in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans .” Side effects: “If taken in excess amount fennel can disrupt the nervous system. Please consult a health practitioner before administering any home remedies. Fennel may produce photo dermatitis, contact dermatitis and cross reactions. The oil may induce hallucinations, seizures, etc. If individual may have the following side effects such as vomiting , upset stomach & convulsions .Tell to doctor promptly.” http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/fennel.htm

My Interpretation: You may be enjoying what you have recently attained. This is a time of prosperity and celebration. You may be completing one cycle and be ready to start another.

Number Significance: 4 – Foundation, Structure, Stability

Thoughts/Points to Ponder: The 4 of Wands is ruled by Venus in Aries. Fennel Seed is ruled by “Mercury under Virgo and bearing antipathy to Pisces.” Culpeper’s Color Herbal. The 4 of Wands is in Constellation 4 with IV Emperor, XIII Death, 0 Fool, and the Fours. Completion and Transition. Establishing and Building. Releasing. Mortality and Immortality. Rites of Passage.