Black Locust
The Black Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a United State native, originating in Appalachia in the Ozarks. It grows abundantly in the northeast, preferring wetlands or places of high moisture. In early June, the sweet-smelling pendulous flowers appear, making a display of the at-other-times invisible trees.
Black Locust has been popular as a hardwood for building: for lumber, fence posts and wooden mallets. The wood is dark and ranks as one of the hardest American woods at 1,700 lbf (pound-force).
Although the leaves, bark and roots are toxic, the flowers are sweet, edible and contain antioxidants. Herbal extractions are used as emetics, purgatives and for digestive disturbances. Black Locust honey is one of the rarest and most sought-after honeys because of its liquidity and sweet floral taste.
The hardness of the wood, the bitterness of the herb, the preference of the tree for watery places and the sweet smelling flowers offer an unusually balanced elemental signature.
✻ hardness - earth
✻ bitterness - fire
✻ preference for moisture - water
✻ perfumed flowers - air
The flower essence works to move a person into greater balance on several levels. The first action on the psyche is from the fire. The emotional body begins to release disturbances from the past that have formed into an emotional immaturity: hypersensitivity, aggression, jealousy, self-pity and resentment for example. The release of these disturbances brings more quiet and control to the emotions. The earth signature of the tree works to steady the person so that this phase is not overwhelming.
The next action is on the mental body and the will. Thinking and approach to the world are softened by the water element. The air element acts as an uplifter so that new, healthier beliefs can be formed.
Use this essence for many emotional imbalances: moodiness, anger attacks, regular emotional upsets, emotional withdrawals, aggressive behaviors, antisocial tendencies, negativity.
Use it to balance activity when there is overstriving and then burnout. Use it for laziness, lack of confidence or reluctance to engage.
The Black Locust flower essence is part of the Delta Gardens New England Tree Set.
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David Dalton
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