The base of the century plant (Agave parryi) is thick with grayish green, spatula-shaped leaves up to twenty inches long growing in a basal rosette. The signature of the century plant gives us many clues to the qualities of this essence. The massive clusters of blooms reach toward the sun, which gives a feeling of strength and fortitude. It takes eight to twenty-five years for this plant to produce its only flowering stalk, which is another signature of the plant's strength and endurance. After blooming, the plant dies and new plants already growing on the root system replace the old one. The birth/death cycle of this plant plays a significant role in understanding and experiencing the cycles of birth and death in our lives.

EDITOR'S NOTE: To understand more about the Doctrine of Signatures and what observations like these teach us about an essence, see our previous article on the subject.

Century Plant essence, made by Living Flower Essences, has the following healing patterns:

Helps us to stay focused on life goals and feeds us with strength, praise, joy, harmony, confidence, and creative expression.

Helps us take time to nurture ourselves in order to feel strong and empowered.

Teaches fortitude and the inner and outer strength necessary to survive in a harsh environment.

Embraces a new cycle of birth and celebration. Helps us celebrate the departure of an old pattern and a renewal of energy in a new and positive direction.

Here are a few exercises to do while you work with this essence:

Affirmations and Exercises to Use While Taking this Essence

1) Think of something you would like to do that would give you strength and confidence, and visualize yourself doing it.

2) When someone asks you to do something that doesn't feel "right," stop and ask yourself how you feel; act according to what would serve you and the other person best.

3) When you find yourself not meeting your needs, stop and ask yourself what you're doing, what you're thinking, and how you're feeling, and get in touch with what would serve your highest interests.

4) Participate in physical exercises and activities that help you feel strong.

Affirmations to use with this essence:

"I am willing to let go of the old and become who I see myself to be."

"I take action for my own growth and changes."

"I empower myself to be focused and creative, and to embrace my highest goals." "I am creating each moment."

A Case History

Marie was a woman in her thirties who divorced an abusive partner two years ago. She described herself as having dug a hole in a deep dark tunnel and now realized it is time for her to come out of the tunnel and face the light. Through her past abusive relationship, she lost her will to nurture herself and to regain her power. She also lost the intention to pursue her life goals, and she felt weakened by her lack of enthusiasm for life. Marie said that she was in need of letting go of the old and wanted to create a new expression for herself in the world.

The Century Plant helped Marie regain her intention to follow her dreams and lifetime goals. By accepting her old situation as something that was and is no longer, Marie felt empowered to regain her strength and confidence by finding new ways to express herself. She began daily affirmations and focused on the messages of the century plant itself. She visualized herself as the century plant and journeyed with the plant in her dreams.

Marie continued flower essence therapy with the Century Plant essence and eventually returned joyfully back to the world with a new job that supported her creative expression. She began participating in community activities, made new friends, and found new resources. Marie experienced a new zest for life and discovered a part of herself that was able to celebrate her power and strength as she gradually surrendered her past and let go of the bondage she had felt.

The Century Plant helps us feel a new freedom, giving us the strength needed to break through our barriers. Its clusters of blooms are symbolic of being guided by the light of the sun, and are associated with our own abilities to strengthen our minds and our visions to find purpose and direction in our lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rhonda PallasDowney has a diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and is a fellow, graduate, and tutor with the British Institute of Homeopathy, and a staff member at Arizona School of Integrative Studies, where she teaches herbal studies, plant life, and flower essences. She is a professional in the human services field, and conducts ongoing research into flower essences, color and energy healing, and the chakra system. She lives in Arizona. See another excerpt from this excellent book here.

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The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.

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