Page 39 - the NOISE May 2013

Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus
(Echinocereus engelmannii) (Cactaceae)
Primary Quality: Passion
Oh how I love to see the splashes of pinks and magentas the Strawberry Hedgehog brings to the Southwest des- erts, rocky flats, and hillsides as they greet the Spring with passion and life force!
It is amazing that a beautiful, sensual, soft flower can emerge from a cucumber- like organ that is covered with needles. The cylindrical stem of the cactus is ac- tually very delicate, and the needles pro- vide protection. This signature in and of itself is certainly symbolic of both the male and female, and gives a strong bal- ance of male and female roles in posi- tive ways. The needed protection of the spines or needles indicates sensitivity to- ward each other.
Even the flower is able to find its place to emerge from the skin of the stem at a cluster of spines, protected yet free to express itself. The stem (resembling the male organ) is able to receive the flower’s (resembling the female) sweet nectar from within the skin, even with the spines all around. And the stem is able to give to the flower so that the flower can emerge from the stem’s sustenance. What a fasci- nating signature!
And as if this isn’t enough, the Straw- berry Hedgehog’s flowers are elastic, giv- ing a feeling of stretching. Yes, this is true. The petals are strong, yet yielding and gentle. This signature certainly points to female sensuality and passion. An- other added attraction to this signature is the male-looking pistil in the center of the flower. The pistil is firm yet soft, and emerges right from the very center of the flower as yet another gift from Mother Nature. Also, it’s another indication of the balance of giving and receiving sexual energy.
Traditional Use
The Strawberry Hedgehog cactus is a survival plant of the desert. Although it reduces in size in the summer heat, it recovers in size and moisture with the downfall of rain. Thorns can be removed by cutting off the outer skin from the cac- tus while the stem is still rooted. Placing the thorns back into the ground allows them to propagate. The inner cactus flesh can then be used for sunburns, bites,
stings, open wounds, cuts, abrasions, and even to treat earaches.
The flesh, as a food, can be eaten raw in hot weather and either cooked or roasted in cold weather. Although the texture is slimy, it is a good emergency food in the desert. The Pima Indians regarded the fruit as a delicacy, and the fruits are im- portant in the diets of birds and rodents. The ripe, succulent fruit is juicy and rich in sugar, and may be eaten like strawberries.
blooming period: March to April
other names: Strawberry Cactus, Hedgehog Cactus, Engelmann Hedge- hog, Engelmann’s Cactus, Torch Cactus, Strawberry Echinocereus.
The “strawberry” part of the plant’s common name comes from the dark red mahogany-colored fruits that are juicy and rich in sugar and may be eaten like strawberries. “Hedgehog” refers to the plant’s stems, which are rounded like a hedgehog.
energy impact: first, third, & fourth chakras
positive healing patterns: Promotes relationship and sexual openness based on trust, security, protection, intimacy, and expressing love with a partner freely and passionately. Increases our sensitiv- ity, creativity, appreciation, and aware- ness of ourselves and our partner. Gives a strong balance of male and female roles in positive ways. Awakens the kundalini life-force!! Promotes heart-centered en- ergy that opens us up to love, creativity, compassion, and passion.
symptoms & patterns of imbalance:
Aggression, insecurity, insensitivity, inhi- bition, shut-down sexuality
taste of the flower essence: This subtle pink flower essence will support you to awaken your passions, heart, and creativity. Enjoy!
Affirmation
“I allow the creative, sensual petals of my personality to burst forth and to re- ceive, give, & share in life’s celebration.”
| Rhonda PallasDowney is the founder of Living Flower Essences and the Center for
Plant Studies & Healing Arts. Author of The Healing Power of Flowers and Voices of Flowers. info@centerpsha.com centerpsha.com
thenoise.us • the NOISE arts & news
• MAY 2013 • 39