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BOX (Buxus sempevirens)
Key: clarity
A few groves of box exist on the chalk and limestone of the North Downs, Chilterns and Cotswolds. Its heavy dense wood is the only native wood that, when green, sinks in water. Being heavily cropped for its timber, few large mature trees now exist in the wild. It can grow to a height of 35 feet (11m). Box has small, dark evergreen leaves and a smooth, finely cracked light brown bark. The yellow flowers appear in April at the leaf axils, each cluster containing up to five male flowers surrounding a central female flower.
Box is a useful essence to stimulate the immune system and the quality of life-energy within the individual. This is particularly appropriate where emotions are involved. Sorrow, disappointment and grief are known to seriously deplete the natural immunity to disease, and this is often why so many people become seriously run-down soon after suffering a significant sadness in their life. Box helps to sustain the flow of positive energy and optimistic view of life.
This process can reduce the tendency of becoming physically blocked – such as in the sinuses of the head and in the cleansing action of the kidneys. There is a calming effect that may sometimes prove useful with inflammations and irritation such as hayfever and other immune system over-reactions.
The Stomach meridian is stimulated and will more effectively cleanse and repair issues of negative self-image, particularly to do with belief systems where there is conflict between desires and feelings of disgust and dirtiness. Understanding and letting go of old conflicts is made possible.
The causal body, connecting self to the collective soul of humanity, is also given healing. There will be an increased feeling of connectedness to the energy of the universe and a reduction of feelings of separation, isolation and unworthiness.
When these false concepts begin to be removed extra energy can be redirected to mental and spiritual states. So there is an increase in energy levels and more constructive activity. Strong feelings can now be focused in creative, helpful ways and a greater spiritual maturity can emerge.
Box can also be used as a way to purify and cleanse the atmosphere, both on a physical level as well as from negative or dulling thought-forms and spirit energies.
Signature: The finest and hardest of native timbers, box was used almost exclusively for woodblock engraving, being stable and very hard-wearing. The signature of maintaining its integrity under pressure. The yellow wood suggests confidence and positivity of the solar plexus chakra. The leaf is notched at the end as if the box energies are turning back inwards on themselves – again conserving and maintaining personal energy status.
Comment: Box wood was formerly powdered and together with the leaves was used as a powerful purgative. It was also used to treat both people and animals suffering from parasite infestation. In lesser doses box is a sedative. Very few box hedges are seen in flower unless they have been left to grow out naturally for a while. There are many varieties of box for use in hedging.