Single Essences: A - E Alchemilla New Beginnings 'The little magical one' Useful during periods of significant change and growth. Provides trust and faith that 'all will be well'. Also helpful when we feel trapped or stuck in a rut.         Archangel Protecting, clearing, balancing The flower's strong associations with Archangel Michael make it a powerful protector from unwanted energies and negative influences.  It also strengthens our connections with spirit so we feel stronger, more peaceful and secure.  At the same time, Archangel cleanses and balances our own energy systems.  We feel less torn apart and fragmented and more authentic and whole with a solid, central core.  From this position we can respond to life's stresses and strains in a more balanced, flexible and creative way.     Bluebell Childhood difficulties Provides nurture for the inner child.  Helps serious or sad children of all ages walk a more joyful path in life.  Keeps up young at heart.      Bramble Boundaries Helps us maintain safe, personal boundaries when people are crowding our space or trying to prevent us working or developing at our own rate.       Bramley Apple Clearing Helps clears and repair the aura.  Useful for those who feel they need a good clear out of their lives or condition.        Broccoli Safety in a Siege For those under seige from people, evens or unwanted energies. In such situations, Broccoli provides protective boundaries in which we can find a safe, quiet place to gather our strength, hold ourselves together and assess the situation in a detached way. This gives us the security to open up to the guidance and help, we know is available, to see us through.       Calendula Set backs Lightens, encourages and reassures after set backs.  Also protects our energy fields from various kinds of radiation.              Catmint Good Night Helps us feel more confident and secure when we are alone at night.  Also rebalances our energy systems after disturbing dreams or nightmares.       Christmas Rose Coming in from the Cold  For those who feel excluded and alone because of their appearance, behaviour, beliefs, etc.  Christmas Rose provides a safe anchor from which we can accept ourselves, unconditionally and find our inner strengths.  This helps us reach out rather than pulling away from others.  We feel warmth and compassion towards those who we feel reject or may reject us.  Those hiding dark secrets may feel drawn to 'come out'.  In these circumstances the essence gives us courage and confidence and love we need to live in the light of acceptance rather than with the dark fears of exposure.  Others may simple, in loving themselves more, find that they attract or are guided to like-minded friends.  Thus Christmas Rose draws us out of the cold into the warmth of love.     Cleavers Confidence Builds confidence and self love. Counteracts feelings of inadequacy by helping us build our strengths and our weaknesses.               Columbine Emotional triangles Columbine, the traditional emblem of 'cuckoldom' supports couples through the emotional traumas that result from infidelity. This is the most likely to be sexual infidelity but it can also be over-devotion to work or a hobby that feels like an affair. At an emotional level, the essence cools and sweetens the bitterness, anger, humiliation, confusion and fear that can result from discovering or being asked to reduce contact with the 'additional presence' in one's life. It also helps everyone to keep their heads so they can re-assess their own positions with creativity, wisdom and enlightenment. In this way, sadness does not turn into madness or badness. Columbine's strong connections with the throat further encourages truth and diplomacy on all sides. This limits poisonous 'blaming and shaming' which can bring so much harm to a relationship. Finally, the essence promotes the forgiveness necessary for all concerned to move on, together, or alone, in strength and friendship.     Comfrey Heartache For hurt, grief and heartache.       Convolvulus Intellectual activity  Balances the upper chakras after mental activity such as studying and creative problem solving.  Can also provide insight and wisdom.     Couch Grass Steadying Holds us steady when all is crumbling around us. Also stops us shifting and drifting.       Crab Apple Shame Links the solar plexus with the heart chakra so that those who feel ashamed or embarrassed by their lifestyle or dis-ease are helped to accept and love themselves as they are.        Dandelion Loosen up Useful for normalising and rebalancing our energy systems after emotional or physical stress.        Day Lily Enjoying 'now' Helps us to stay in the present rather than worrying about what has happened and what might be. Thus we can concentrate on, cope with or simply enjoy 'now'.       Elder Vulnerability For those who feel vulnerable, insecureor exploited. This essence also helps us to be more assertive, to stand up to bullies and to say, 'no'.     Enchanter's Nightshade Transformation Named after Circe, the 'dark goddess' who could totally transform any situation or living thing in a positive and compassionate way.  Use whenever you want your state, condition, circumstances or affairs to change.