Chapter Twenty Four

Phosphorus
IDEA My survival depends on my ability to know who I am, to balance my need to connect
and my need to have space and not to burn out and lose myself.

KEYNOTES
• Openness, sensitivity, excitability, naïve, innocent.
• Connecting, clairvoyance, sympathy.
• Sensitivity, fragility, thinness. < slight causes, emotions.
• Spaceyness, floating, psychic, disconnection. Out of body.
• Fears, phobias, anxieties - being alone, the dark, horrible things.
• Rapid growth, delicate features.
• Exhaustion, burnt out, indifferent.
• Anger, rage.
• Burning.
• Lungs, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia.
• Digestion, liver, gallbladder, intestines.
• Bones, spine.
• Nerves.
• Blood, blood vessels.
• Aggravated by cold, better by heat.
• Aggravated by changing weather, thunderstorms, twilight.
• Desires salt, spicy, cold drinks.

Intrinsic State
Open, sensitive, sympathetic, connecting, clairvoyant.
Naive, innocent.
Imaginative, creative.
Passionate, sexual.
Anxious, fearful nature.
Thin, delicate, vulnerable.
Aggravated by cold weather. Easily takes cold. Chilly. Tendency to coughs.

COMPARE Argentum nitricum, Bacillinum, Causticum, Dysentery Co., Gaertner, Lachesis,

Parathyroid, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Thymus, Thyroidinum, Tuberculinum, Tuberculinum aviare.

Compensated State
Fearful, anxious, < alone, dark, horrible things, health.
Desires company, needs support.
Too exposed, over-sensitive, suffering from too much sympathy, cares. Psychic awareness.
No boundaries.
Physical fragility, vulnerability, easily fatigued.
Burning pains.
Recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia, coughs.
Throat, larynx and trachea. Voice easily lost.
Liver, digestive problems; hepatitis, nutritional issues.
Nose bleeding and easy hemorrhaging.
Degeneration of bones and nervous system. Tuberculosis.

COMPARE Argentum nitricum, “bird” remedies, Calcarea phosphorica, Causticum, China, Ferrum
phosphoricum, Kali phosphoricum, Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum, Natrum phosphoricum, Oleum
jecoris, Neon (gases), Silicea, Stannum.

Decompensated State
Paralyzing fears and phobias.
Spacey, floating.
Anger, rage, losing control.
Exhaustion, great depletion of mind and body.
Mental exhaustion, indifference, difficult thinking.
Neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson’s disease.
Bone degeneration, caries.
Great burning pain of parts, bones, spine etc.
Lung destruction, T.B.
Destructive blood disorders, leukemia.
Many cancers: stomach, liver, bones.

COMPARE Argentum metallicum, Argentum nitricum, Carcinosin, Causticum, Conium, Hydrogen,

Kali phosphoricum, Lac maternum, Manganum, Mercurius, Phosphoric acid, Picric acid, Silicea,
Stannum, Tuberculinum.

PROGRESSION
As long as boundaries are known, there is freedom and light and the imagination and feelings can roam
free but the boundaries are often lost, identifying with the suffering and feelings of others. There is too
much sympathy and physically there is a vulnerable and delicate constitution. There is no strength to
resist, and as more compensation is seen,there are increasing fears and anxieties, especially of the dark
and of something horrible happening. As decompensation takes over there is greater depletion and
weakness with lung, stomach, blood and nerve problems. The body and mind are breaking down with
no stamina or reserve. Destructive forces dominate the body.

Peter Pan
Phosphorus is often described as being like Peter Pan, which has these connotations – eternal youth,
flying, floating, ephemeral. Phosphorus has qualities of a mineral, vegetable and a gas. It is one of the
broadest and deepest of homeopathic remedies and also can be compared with many other remedies,
both well-known and smaller remedies.
Phosphorus is one remedy where the physical characteristics can help identify the remedy – fine features,
elegant and refined, the face having an open and delicate quality, especially the eyes, or a vulnerable
fragility. The bone structure is often small and refined, even in those people with extra weight.
Phosphorus people are generally very open but not necessarily extroverted. There is a sense of
vulnerability there. This vulnerability, openness, sensitivity and often refinement create the foundation for
the remedy and its stages of development. When in the intrinsic state, the person can be enthusiastic,
passionate, open, responsive, engaged, sympathetic, often artistic and full of life. They are sensitive to
what is happening around them and can respond to people and situations in a full way. They can be a bit
too vulnerable and even naïve though in their relationship with people and become easily anxious and
fearful. As the compensated stage develops, they can become too sensitive, too sympathetic, their
boundaries are not clear. They can get spacey, easily tired and don’t have enough stamina to endure doing
things for a long time. They need to withdraw to recoup their forces, as they easily feel burnt out. Their
fears can become stronger, their imagination running wild. Physically they may have vulnerability in the
respiratory region, the digestion or the nervous system. As the decompensated stage develops, they
become much more broken down, especially physically with degenerative changes. They become
mentally unstable, fearful, angry, full of rage, lose all boundaries and become seriously depleted.

Openness, Sensitivity, Vulnerability

The natural enthusiastic and open disposition needs distinguishing with Argentum nitricum, which is
often more extroverted and expansive than Phosphorus. Argentum metallicum and nitricum may share
certain areas of affinity as Phosphorus, including the larynx/trachea and digestive tract, with a
characteristic burning but they are not as delicate as Phosphorus generally. The fears of Phosphorus tend
toward areas where the imagination runs amok – when alone, at night, that something will happen,
disease, etc. whereas Argentum focuses more on phobias such as claustrophobia, agrophobia, heights.
Physically, Silicea can look like Phosphous and may be compared with Phosphorus when the area of
symptoms are in the bones and joints. They have sensitive and delicate constitutions, often thin narrow
bodies and can feel to be quite vulnerable in both physical and mental disposition. Both remedies have
destructive metabolisms, leading to bone and nerve degeneration. However, the pains of Phosphorus are
mainly burning in nature, whereas Silicea has more stitching pains. Silicea often looks paler than
Phosphorus and lacks the symmetry in physical features. The Phosphorus physical characteristics tend to
be more refined. In the periodic table, Silicea and Phosphorus are next to one another, with Alumina
coming before Silicea. Here we see a movement from the confusion and doubt of his identity of Alumina,
to the fixed identity of Silicea and the ephemeral identity of Phosphorus, which merges with its
surroundings. Following Phosphorus is Sulphur, which also often has a fixed ‘ego’ identity and like
Phosphorus can be somewhat self-centered and narcissistic in their concerns about themselves.
On the mental level, the open, charismatic, compassionate and passionate qualities of Phosphorus can
also look like Lachesis, as well as Medorrhinum. The main difference between them though is that with
the latter remedies, they are more obsessive and intense, with a somewhat heavier feeling to them and
generally not so sensitive as Phosphorus. Lachesis in particular is one of the most extroverted remedies
in the materia medica, often expressing itself with wit, jesting, charm and seductiveness. There can
be a sexual quality to all three remedies, Lachesis and Medorrhinum being more aggressive in their
sexual presence but the sexual nature of Phosphorus is well known (Mind, lascivious; amativeness) and
in Phosphorus they may give themselves to sexual exploration, looking for more ways to connect to
people.
Both Lachesis and Phosphorus have a strong affinity for blood conditions, with conditions such as
epistaxis, easy bruising, heavy menses, metrorrhagia, internal bleeding and destructive processes of
tissues. Phosphorus however, affects the bones and nerves more, with more actual destruction of tissues
on a chronic level. The destructive qualities of Lachesis and other snakes tend to be more acute. When
describing the two remedies, mention has to be given to Crotalus horridus, often seen as having equal
qualities of Lachesis and Phosphorus. They can be sympathetic and have a fear of thunder but also will be
loquacious, in a rambling kind of way.
Medorrhinum can have the passionate side and be very sensitive, yet the feeling with Medorrhinum is
one of extremism and obsession, a somewhat unpredictable and unstable feeling. Medorrhinum is more
likely to have addictions, be it drugs, alcohol, gambling or sex, whereas Phosphorus often doesn’t have
the stamina for such indulgences, at least not for long.

Tuberculinum and Optimism

Tuberculinum is perhaps the closest remedy to Phosphorus, along with Calcarea phosphorica, all
significant remedies of the tubercular miasm.
Mentally, all three remedies can look alike - an imaginative, creative spirit that is always seeking new
experiences, that relishes travel and the new, that always see the positive in all things (Mind, optimistic,
Mind, hopeful). Only Tuberculinum is found in these rubrics but it is a central quality of the Tubercular
miasm and therefore can be seen in Phosphorus and Calcarea phosphorica too). They want to see the
optimal potential of situations and hate to consider limits. The main difference is that the person needing
Tuberculinum is more intense and desperate to seek the next thing, is willing to risk it all, whereas
Phosphorus has more self-preservation in general and less extreme drive. Both remedies may be indicated
in bone and nerve problems, though Phosphorus is seen more in distinct neurological conditions such as
multiple sclerosis. They can have the classic tubercular chest, which is thin and sunken. There is a strong
vulnerability in the lungs and Tuberculinum is often used to complement the action of Phosphorus and
address the underlying tubercular miasm. This is often seen in children who always tend to get a cough
when the weather turns cold or having a tendency to bronchitis each year, or chronic asthma.
Calcarea phosphorica will often be compared with Phosphorus, in children and adults based on the
dominant mental and physical characteristics. The Phosphorus component of both remedies will lead
them being compared when a person shows a sympathetic, sensitive character with a strong desire to
travel. As known with Calcarea phosphorica, there is a greater dissatisfaction and discontent, as if they
can never find what they want. It may be seen as state of ennui (Mind, ennui), a somewhat depressive,
peevish angst, as nothing ever seems to satisfy. When at home, they want to be away and vice versa. This
is seen often in young children and especially in teenagers, but can also be seen in adults. Phosphorus has
more affinity for the lungs and the liver whereas Calcarea phosphorica affects the joints and bones more.
This quality of openness and vulnerability is not always easy for a Phosphorus person to handle, so
although they are naturally drawn to the “light” of other people’s energy, they easily lose their own sense
of identity when around people a lot and therefore need to retreat in their own world. So the natural
enthusiasm and responsiveness is often tempered with a more withdrawn quality in which being on
their own is needed. When in a healthy state, they know when they need to protect themselves, but like
other tubercular remedies they can tend to burn themselves out and push the envelope, leading to more
destructive physical and emotional consequences.

Sympathetic, Naivety, Innocence

When the oversensitive, sympathetic side is prominent, then Phosphorus will often be compared with
Causticum and Pulsatilla. Causticum is said to be inimical to Phosphorus and that it should not follow
or be followed by Phosphorus. However, that may not be true but often these remedies need to be
compared, based on both the mental picture as well as sharing a strong affinity for the nerves and
joints. Both are indicated in multiple sclerosis and other neurological remedies. Although Causticum
can be seen as being seen open, extroverted, passionate and sympathetic, this is only seen in the early
stages of the Causticum situation, when they still have the energy, passion and enthusiasm for life.
Later, they become more pessimistic, cynical and burnt out and then look much less like Phosphorus.
One distinction between Causticum and Phosphorus is that Phosphorus is often much more connected
to people than Causticum. For Phosphorus types, connecting to people is central whereas for Causticum,
more abstract ideas and notions of fairness and justice predominate. The sympathy of Phosphorus is
such that they feel another’s pain, it becomes their own pain, whereas with Causticum, it is more the
ideas of unfairness, injustice and suffering that they feel themselves, not the actual individual pain.
Causticum are essentially more closed and eventually more suspicious. Phosphorus are more naïve and
innocent. Their boundary issues are more to do with sensing the energy around them and picking up
on both positive and negative things. It is an energetic oversensitivity, leading them to easily become
burnt out. In Causticum, the oversensitivity is more like a wound, a vulnerable state of rawness, which
they react to, sometimes by becoming involved in political or social projects or by becoming hard and
cynical as the state deepens.
This feeling of naivety and innocence make one also think of Neon (see below) and Pulsatilla, both of
which can often look like Phosphorus – open, sympathetic, passionate, caring and pleasant. The main
distinction with Pulsatilla mentally is that they are often needy for love and care. Phosphorus wants only
connection and perhaps consolation, whereas Pulsatillas need that extra feeling of exclusivity. The moods
of Pulsatilla are more unpredictable with the characteristic easy weeping or inability to weep. Phosphorus
moods are usually more predictable. Physically there are major differences between the two, found in the
weather and food modalities. Also, the physical pathology often differs, Phosphorus acting deeper into
the system and Pulsatilla more limited to the mucous membranes, digestive system, menstrual issues and
acute and chronic inflammation of the joints. Both can be worse at twilight though.
Natrum muriaticum can also, strangely enough, be mistaken for Phosphorus. While they are both
sensitive and sympathetic, Natrum muriaticum characteristically has the opposite type of personality,
being more closed and hidden, without the naïve openness of Phosphorus. However, some people
needing Natrum muriaticum can appear quite open initially and even over-friendly, which can be
compared with Phosphorus. Natrum muriaticum is much more indicated than Phosphorus for unresolved
grief or disappointed love, but if that is not strong in the case, then differentiation is not always easy. It
may need to be made on the physicals and generals in the case. If Natrum muriaticum is being considered
then Natrum phosphoricum has to be thought of. This remedy is often ignored as a constitutional remedy
but is probably needed much more frequently and can look like Phosphorus. Although Phosphorus often
desires company, especially if anxious or not well, at other times they like to be alone and can also feel
lonely and isolated, again making a comparison with Natrum muriaticum and Natrum phosphoricum.

Clairvoyance, Spaceyness, Gaseous

One other strong characteristic of Phosphorus is the clairvoyance and also spacey, floaty feelings. It can
be hard for Phosphorus to stay on the earth. It is here that the gaseous qualities of Phosphorus are seen.
If these symptoms are dominant, then the main other remedies to be considered are Cannabis indica,
Lachesis, Medorrhinum, Neon and milk remedies. The clairvoyance of Lachesis and Medorrhinum tends
to be more specific to having certain experiences, whereas with Phosphorus the feeling is that they are
too open on all levels. With Cannabis, there is a greater feeling of unreality, as if they are living in
a totally different world, which one doesn’t feel with Phosphorus. With Neon, the feeling is one of a
bouncy, teenage spirit, never wanting to settle down, seeking the light. This can be quite like the feeling
of Phosphorus. All gas remedies have a similar quality. Phosphorus therefore can also be compared with
Hydrogen and Helium. Hydrogen and Helium have a quality of innocence about them, and a lost feeling,
which is also seen in Phosphorus. Phosphorus can feel as if they are all alone and therefore seek
connection to address this basic feeling. Whereas Hydrogen and Helium may feel they don’t know where
to look, Phosphorus spontaneously connects, but the overall quality can be similar. Phosphorus has visual
symptoms, often with headaches, with flashes of light, which are white, red or green. The light flashes
also make one think of Neon. In the proving of Neon by J. Sherr, there were virtually spiritual experiences
of being at one, with no boundary and no sense of limit. There were also qualities of being utterly content
alone (similar to the dynamic of the noble gases which are not looking to relate to other elements), even
withdrawn, not wanting to have to deal with life. Qualities of being content, but aloof, distant, even
superior, detached, happy, spacey, remote, indifferent etc may be seen. There can be a state of aloneness
and in distinction with Phosphorus, a feeling that this is the natural state and nothing is to be done even
if they want to. There can be a sense of profound isolation. Phosphorus tends to want to connect again
or is able to do so. Neon is more removed and distant. People needing a noble gas like Neon may seem
ephemeral, naïve and childlike, which is why it is is similar to Phosphorus. One can also consider other
gases, such as Argon, Xenon, Krypton and Radon. In this case, using the group analysis of qualities of the
noble gases can be useful in finding one of these more unusual remedies. The noble gases may also be
compared to certain bird remedies, discussed below. Aether (ether) is another gas that may be compared
to Neon and which is known for its spacey, drug like effects and the feeling of being quite at one with
oneself, a sense of connectedness to all things.

Fears, Anxieties
The fears and anxieties are a strong element in the emotional pathology of Phosphorus. It has some of the
strongest fears of any remedy, especially of the dark, being alone, of ghosts, of their health, of something
going to happen, of impending death etc. When the fears are strong, especially of their health, then
Arsenicum album is one of the remedies to be compared with. The basic nature of Arsenicum album is
quite different but when the anxieties and fears are prominent, it may not be easy to differentiate. There
is usually more restlessness in Arsenicum and more desperation. The Phosphorus person is generally
easier to assuage of their anxiety. Argentum nitricum will also be thought of with Phosphorus when
anxieties are prominent, but it tends to focus more on phobias such as claustrophobia, agrophobia and of
heights and is more impulsive and unpredictable. Causticum again has to be compared with Phosphorus,
especially when both are found strongly in the rubric, (Mind fear, happen, that something will). The
imagination of Phosphorus is very active, so they easily imagine something horrible happening, if for
example, somebody they are expecting comes home late. They just tend to let their imagination run wild.
The Causticum anxiety comes as part of a general feeling of doom and oversensitivity, a general negative,
gloomy aspect that is gradually developing. In more acute states of fear, especially of impending death
and of the dark, then both Aconite and Stramonium may need to be considered with Phosphorus.
However, the former are usually in response to some specific event, a strong fright, fear or shock,
whereas with Phosphorus it just seems to come from within. Medorrhinum should also be compared with
Phosphorus when these fears are present. Medorrhinum and also Platina can look like Phosphorus in
general, with a sensual quality to them, and a combination of openness and also fearfulness. Platina tends
to have a more haughty air, whereas Medorrhinum is often more wild and unpredictable or has more of a
sycotic background, seen in family history of physical generals.

Burning Out: From Phosphorus to Acids

The tendency to burn out, on both a mental and physical level is a key aspect of Phosphorus. When seen
on a mental level, they become exhausted and can become indifferent to everything and everybody.
Here the main remedies to compare with will be Phosphoric acid and other acids and Causticum and
Kali phosphoricum. It can be difficult to distinguish these remedies in this state. Also, with Phosphoric
acid, it shares with Phosphorus the physical exhaustion, burning pains, weakness in the back and even
degenerative changes in the nerves and joints. The back is a major area for both remedies, both having
strong burning feelings in the nerves of the back, including the cervical region. Here these remedies will
be compared also with Kali phosphoricum, Mercurius and Picric acid. Kali phosphoricum, Phosphoric
acid and Phosphorus will be compared when there is easy exhaustion from mental activity, or emotional
upset such as shock, grief, disappointed love etc. The result of these experiences may make the person
feel indifferent, irritable and even angry toward family and loved ones. All the remedies mentioned
would be used in chronic fatigue type cases. Picric acid often is compared with Phosphoric acid, though
it is said that Phosphoric acid states come from emotional grief, shock and exhaustion and Picric acid
more specifically from mental exhaustion and prostration, similar to Kali phosphoricum. In remedies like
these, we see a basic susceptibility to being easily worn out, affected by slightest excitement, which
brings on headaches and burning of the spine. The headaches from mental exertion would also make us
consider Calcarea phosphorica, Natrum muriaticum and Silicea, as well as various phosphorus
compounds. In its physical pathology we see burning and degeneration of the spinal nerves, again like
Phosphorus and also Zincum metallicum and Zincum phosphoricum.
There are many acid remedies in homeopathy, some more connected to each other than others and some
sharing certain types of pathologies. The theme of exhaustion is common to many of them, whether
from emotional or mental exhaustion or from physical exhaustion and debilitating diseases. We see this
strongly in Phosphoric acid and Picric acid as described above and also in Acetic acid, Butyric acid,
Lactic acid, Muriatic acid, Sarcolactic acid, Sulphuric acid etc.
We see joint symptoms, including arthritis in some of the acid remedies, especially including Lactic acid,
Salicylic acid and Sarcolactic acid. In Butyric acid, it is written that:
Butyric acid is the most gaseous of the three acids of fermentation. It lacks the burning, gnawing
and ulcerative pains in the stomach of Acetic Acid. It lacks the constant nausea and the hot, acrid
fluid eructation from the stomach to the throat of Lactic Acid. [Griggs]
Scholten in his books Homeopathy and Minerals and Homeopathy and Elements has described acid
remedies as having the following themes: Exhaustion, Apathy, Active, Hurried, Lively, Fresh, Extrovert,
Aggression, Fighting, Desire for unity, Isolated. When reading the materia medica of many acid
remedies, one gets the impression of a person who has been pushing things too far, either from absolute
necessity or by an over enthusiastic, over energetic yet oversensitive nature that burns the candle at both
ends, or simply doesn’t know when to say no. It all becomes too much. Or simply it can be situations in
which the body or mind has broken down by extreme circumstances. There is nothing left to give. In
some cases, the acid state is imposed by a debilitating illness, e.g., a really bad flu, leaving the person
exhausted and debilitated, as in Natrum salicylicum, Sarcolactic acid etc. Or from an over excited and
over stimulated nature and mental state, it leads to a physical breakdown, with symptoms like chronic
fatigue, joint pains and inflammation, digestive disorders, as seen in Acetic acid, Benzoic acid, Lactic
acid, Salicylic acid, Sarcolactic acid etc. We also see great emotional and mental exhaustion, as in
Phosphoric acid and Picric acid. Often there is an active, irritable nature mentally and then the opposite,
a flat, passive, exhausted state. Physically there is an easy breakdown of the system leading to serious
debilitating illnesses of all sorts whether blood, digestive, joint or other inflammatory or malignant
conditions.
Other acids to consider in general are Carbolic acid, Gallic acid, Muriatic acid, Nitric acid, Oxalic acid,
Succinic acid, Tartaric acid etc. Morrison, in his book Carbon: Organic and Hydrocarbon Remedies in
Homeopathy has also classified some acid remedies according to the carbon structure they have. He first
addresses whether they are Aliphatic or Aromatic in nature and then sees which chemical family they
belong to. Some acids are alcohol based and some others belong to Carboxylic acids, including in the
Aliphatic group -Acetic acid, Butyric acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Oxalic acid, Sarcolactic acid,
Succinic acid and Tartaric acid. In the Aromatic group there is Benzoic acid, Gallic acid, Salicyclic acid,
Tannic acid and others. He states that the Aliphatic group are passive, have a lack of reaction, slow
thinking, lack of worth, desire for help, blandness, invisibility. The Aromatics are rapid, excited,
compulsive thinking, loquacity (mentalized), preoccupation with past or sad memories, lasciviousness,
blood disorders.
Morrison has identified the themes of sinking, falling, weakness as a keynote of carbon based remedies,
which is clearly seen in the various acids. It may be expressed as collapsing, falling, draining etc, and
at times can be accompanied with feelings of isolation, separation, abandonment. It can be felt as if a
person has lost their foundation and direction, not knowing where to go or even who they really are
in life. They can feel lost. They may need the support, structure and connection to others to really feel
safe and secure. Comparing Calcarea carbonica and Graphites here examples some of these themes. If
extreme weakness is a result of this state then acid remedies may be needed (See Graphites chapter –
Graphites and Graphites, Sisters and also Calcarea carbonica chapter – Burnt Out Carbon).

Vertigo
The vertigo in Phosphorus can be very strong and make one consider Alumina, Cocculus, Conium and
also Lac caninum and other milk remedies. Milk remedies, including Lac humanum can be considered
when thinking of Phosphorus, at the same time as considering the gas remedies, including Ozone and
Oxygen.
Lungs, Cough
The lungs are one of the strongest areas of affinity for Phosphorus. Consistent with its significance as
a major remedy in the tubercular miasm, any kind of lung condition, acute and chronic can be an
indication for Phosphorus. The characteristic cough of Phosphorus is dry, hacking, tickling, continual
and often chronic. It can often be associated with a strong tightness in the chest (Chest, constriction,
cough, during). It is generally much worse going into cold air or from a change of temperature in any way
(Cough, temperature, change of ). The nearest remedy to consider with these modalities is Rumex crispus,
another tubercular remedy. It may be very difficult to distinguish the two remedies just on the cough
symptoms. Drosera is another remedy that has to be compared with Phosphorus. It is a tubercular remedy
and has a very intense, hard, often barking cough, which is worse on first lying down. It is usually a more
deep and violent cough than Phosphorus. The irritation feeling is deeper in the chest than with Rumex
or Phosphorus. Spongia also has to be considered when thinking of Drosera and is one of the great croup
remedies, along with Aconite and Hepar sulph. When the cough is much worse in cold air, Phosphorus
will need to be compared with Causticum, Hepar sulph and Rumex. In bronchitis with this type of
cough, Phosphorus is one of the strongest remedies to be considered. In laryngitis, with or without
cough, when the voice is either lost or hoarse and which is worse for talking, Phosphorus needs to be
considered, along with Argentum nitricum and metallicum, Causticum, Drosera, Hepar sulph, Rumex,
Spongia, Stannum, etc. (Larynx/trachea, voice, hoarseness, talking with). Stannum often is compared
with Phosphorus as both experience a feeling of emptiness or hollowness in the chest, a keynote for both
remedies (Chest, emptiness, sensation of ). Stannum generally feels weaker than Phosphorus, the
weakness focusing in the chest (Chest, weakness). Stannum also characteristically brings up balls of
expectoration on coughing (Expectoration, balls, in shape of ), but it can have both easy and difficult
expectoration as the exhaustion makes it difficult to raise even loose expectoration, (Cough, loose,
expectoration, without).
Phosphorus is one of the great pneumonia remedies. It is often indicated in the beginning and later
stages of pneumonia, with the characteristic hacking cough, weakness, fever, tight chest and a strong
thirst for cold water. The pneumonia may be either side of the lungs, but perhaps more on the right.
In these cases Phosphorus should be compared with Chelidonium, Kali carbonicum, Lycopodium and
Sanguinaria. Another remedy to think of in pneumonia is Ferrum phosphoricum, which often looks
like Phosphorus. In cases of severe pneumonia, Kali carbonicum may be an important remedy used to
complement Phosphorus, or vice versa. Tuberculinum and Tuberculinum aviare should also be compared
with Phosphorus in cases of bronchitis and pneumonia and may also be used to complement the action
of Phosphorus. Phosphorus should also be thought of for asthma due to the tubercular miasm.
Phosphorus will also be compared with Carbo vegetabalis, Lachesis, Silicea and Sulphur in pneumonia.
If burning pains are seen, then Arsenicum album, Carbo vegetabalis and Sulphur should also be thought
of. Carbo vegetabalis is an important remedy to compare with Phosphorus and also with Kali
carbonicum in serious cases of pneumonia. The person can often be very weak, be worse from cold air,
and have a sunken look on the face. There may be a tendency to bring up blood with the sputum, making
one also consider Ferrum phosphoricum and Lachesis. In chronic asthma, Phosphorus may be
considered, especially with a history of pneumonia.
Digestion, Liver
The liver is another major area of Phosphorus pathology. It is indicated in both acute conditions such as
hepatitis A and in more chronic conditions such as hepatitis B and C. It may also be indicated in cirrhosis
of the liver. In acute situations, there may be characteristic jaundice and also nausea and vomiting,
especially soon after ingestion of food and liquid. The characteristic symptom is vomiting as soon as
liquid becomes warm in the stomach. In acute liver conditions, Phosphorus will be compared with
Berberis, Carduus marianus, Chelidonium, China, Lycopodium, Magnesium muriaticum, Podophyllum,
Ptelia etc.
Both Podophyllum and Phosphorus may have amelioration from rubbing the liver. In more chronic
conditions, especially when there is a feeling of hardness in the liver, Phosphorus will be compared
with China, Cornus circinatus, Digitalis, Magnesium muriaticum, Natrum sulphuricum, etc. (Abdomen,
hardness, liver). In more chronic cases, then more constitutional information as well as the clinical liver
symptoms will need to be considered. China is perhaps the one remedy that will most frequently be
compared to Phosphorus in both acute and chronic liver conditions. Both have liver pain worse from
touch, along with Chelidonium, Lycopodium, Sepia, etc. Phosphorus also covers other digestive disorders
such as gastritis, ulceration, heartburn, reflux, vomiting etc. As always, the characteristic symptoms of
Phosphorus need to be there, which are burning pains, which would also make us consider Arsenicum
album, and an empty, hollow feeling in the stomach and abdomen, and vomiting once liquid has become
warm in the stomach. There can be a ravenous hunger at night, similar to China, Lycopodium, Sulphur.

Faulty Nutrition
There are a number of remedies that are described in the books as being useful for problems of “faulty
nutrition”, meaning that basic problems of metabolism and normal development are impaired. The
result can be delayed development on all levels – teeth, speech, walking etc., and symptoms of difficulty
of basic food absorption, leading to anemia, bone weakness, nutritional and digestive disorders,
liver problems and other fundamental functions of the organism. In these cases, some of the most
common mineral remedies are indicated, such as Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Magnesium
carbonicum, Natrum carbonicum, Natrum muriaticum, Silicea, Sulphur as well as Phosphorus. Four
other remedies to consider in such conditions, which can also be compared to Phosphorus, are Lecithin,
Olea europa (olive), Oleum jecoris (Cod Liver oil) and Ricinus communis (Castor Bean oil – the remedy
though is made from the toxic bean, whereas Castor oil has been produced to eliminate the toxin ricin).
These remedies show an affinity toward nutrition, anemia and liver function. Lactic acid is another
remedy to consider for difficult nutrition, especially for infants when breastfeeding.

Neurological, Bones, Degeneration, Burning

Phosphorus has a strong affinity for the bones and nerves. It is to be considered in multiple sclerosis,
and needs to be compared with Agaricus, Alumina, Argentum nitricum, Causticum and Conium. It is
often difficult to distinguish remedies based on the symptoms of the pathology, confirmatory symptoms
coming from more constitutional features. When there is history of strong grief associated with the MS,
then Conium, Causticum, Natrum muriaticum and Physostigma may be compared with Phosphorus.
Phosphorus symptoms often have burning, with lightning flashes of pain, symptoms ascending upwards,
similar to Conium, and the classic MS symptoms of tottering gait, dragging the legs and numbness,
similar to many other remedies for MS. However, the burning pains are often a strong indication for
Phosphorus. There are a number of other remedies to consider for MS, such as, Curare, Gelsemium,
Lathyrus sativus, Nux vomica, Physostigma, etc, the latter remedy being one of the comparisons with
Phosphorus as both have visual symptoms of flashes of light, which are associated with MS.
In bone symptoms, Phosphorus is one of the important remedies to consider for back problems such as
spondylitis, degeneration of the discs and bones of the spine and general back problems of a structural
nature. The symptoms are mostly burning pain, especially in the cervical region, (Back, pain, dorsal
region, scapulae, between, burning; cervical region, burning), and between the scapulae, and a general
neurological irritation in the whole back. One main remedy to compare it with in these conditions
is Phosphoric acid, which has very similar symptoms to Phosphorus, perhaps with a greater feeling of
weakness. Picric acid also needs to be considered with such symptoms, and is very close to Phosphoric
acid (Back pain, spine, burning). Agaricus, Alumina, Alumina phosphorica, Gelsemium, Physostigma,
Zincum metallicum and Zincum phosphoricum also need to be compared with Phosphorus. Agaricus
has burning pain in the spine, with characteristic jerking and spasms of the whole body, including the
spine, which is much worse for touch. Phystostigma has similar irritation feelings, but not as strong as
Agaricus, but it has the similar aversion to cold water as Phosphorus and also can have feelings of
overpowering sleepiness, which is similar to Gelsemium. Magnesium phosphoricum may also be
compared with Phosphorus based both on local symptoms and on constitutional information, both sharing
the phosphorus component. Zincum metallicum and Zincum phosphoricum have strong burning pains in
the spine, often with formication, trembling and spasms, which can be felt throughout the body. There can
be great restlessness of the feet and legs. There can often be great physical and mental exhaustion and
depletion. The spine symptoms are often worse from touch, noise and any overstimulation. Picric acid
again needs comparing here.
Calcarea phosphorica has to be compared with Phosphorus in spinal conditions, with spondylitis,
curvature and general joint problems such as degeneration of the bone. However Calcarea phosphorica
does not generally have such a neurological impact as Phosphorus, its affinity being more for rheumatic
problems of the joints and “nutritional” problems with bone weakness and early bone degeneration.
Aurum and Mercurius may also be compared with Phosphorus in bone problems with burning pains and
necrosis of the bone. Mercurius and Phosphorus both have a strong burning pain in the cervical region
and Aurum and Phosphorus are both indicated in necrosis of the jawbone, along with Angustura vera.

Blood
The affinity of Phosphorus for blood disorders, especially hemorrhaging is well known. All sorts of blood
conditions are covered by Phosphorus, from spontaneous epistaxis, easy bruising, bleeding from the
rectum and from the lungs. In children who are sensitive and somewhat delicate and who often have
nosebleeds, then Phosphorus is one of the main remedies to consider, along with, Calcarea carbonica,
Calcarea phosphorica, Ferrum metallicum, Ferrum phosphoricum, Hamamelis, Silicea and
Tuberculinum.
Many remedies have bleeding from the lungs, including Crotalus horridus, Drosera, Ferrum metallicum,
Ferrum phosphoricum, Stannum and Tuberculinum. Phosphorus is also indicated in all forms of bleeding
from the female genitalia, including from fibroids and unnatural bleeding with the menstrual flow. Blood
is mostly fluid, bright red and profuse (Female, metrorrhagia, bright red; fibroids with).
Phosphorus, Bird Remedies and the Tubercular Miasm
The body type of Phosphorus, along with its affinity for bone and nerve conditions can make one also
consider remedies from the bird realm. There is also a tubercular connection between Phosphorus and
many bird remedies, although some can be identified with the cancer and syphilitic miasms. While
clinical evidence is still accumulating for bird remedies, it makes sense to associate them with the
tubercular miasm. Tuberculinum has a fear of birds and one of the main themes of the miasm is that of
feeling trapped and restricted and desiring to be free from this restriction which is an essential theme in
bird remedies. Many needing a bird remedy can have a desire to travel and be free, not to be contained in
any way. Routine and petty things bore them. They may get easily distracted and have difficulty focusing
on the small things. They like excitement and similar to Tuberculinum can be very optimisitic, excited
and enjoy life. They want to have fun and experience as much as possible.

Birds
The bird remedies are a good example of the challenge of identifying a particular family of remedies
and the need to recognize the main themes that can lead to a bird remedy, especially when individual
information for each bird remedy is either scanty or difficult to differentiate from other birds. There is
now information on quite a number of bird remedies but as has been stated by Jonathan Shore, Judy
Schriebman and Anneke Hogeland, authors of the main textbook on bird remedies, Remedies of the
Bird Realm, over 80% of the information is similar to all birds. Even given the diversity of birds and
bird families, the vast majority of information is common to all birds. So, even though it is useful to
categorize bird remedies by their zoological family, this does not necessarily help in looking at uinque
features of individual bird remedies. There is also much less variety in the morphology of birds than
other animals, making it challenging to identify unique characteristics.
One of the mistakes made in some provings has been in identifying certain themes as only for one bird
when in fact they cover the whole bird family, similar to the snake family and others. The important thing
is to identify the main themes that can lead one to a bird remedy first and then to identify individual
themes. Also, when considering new remedies such as the birds, recognizing when the major polychrest
remedies are not indicated can help lead to a new direction of possible remedies. For further study of
bird remedies, one should consult Shore’s book and also a book by Peter Fraser called Transformation
between the Realms, Birds. Some of the information in this book has been gleaned from Fraser’s book
and it is an excellent synopsis of all the bird remedies used in homeopathy.
Although there is not one bird remedy that acts as an archetype for the whole family as Tarentula
has done for the spiders and Lachesis for the snakes, the remedies Falco peregrenis (peregrin falcon)
and Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) can perhaps represent bird remedies as they have both been
substantially proven and are well represented with rubrics in the repertory. Adding Corvus corvax (raven)
may give a more complete image and it was one of the first more modern provings of a bird and also
holds a strong totemic imprint on human consciousness. However, other birds will be needed as
frequently as these three and they should not dominate bird remedy prescriptions. Birds that are not
raptors will also have very different qualities that need their own consideration. Other bird remedies that
deserve more attention are the swan remedies (Cygnus Cygnus, Cygnus bewiicki, Cygnus olor), the
Peacock (Pavo cristatus), domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), the Pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis),
the Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), the Red Tail Hawk
(Buteo jamaiensis), the Andean Condor (Vulture gryphis), the Great Horned Owl and the Barn Owl (Bubo
virginianus and Tyto alba), the Wood Pidgeon (Columba palumbus), the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), the
house crow (Corvus splendens) and the Raven (Corvus corvax). However, other bird remedies may be
equally as useful and interesting and many birds, as with other animals, often have a totemic influence on
human consciousness and as such become part of the collective imagination and therefore are part of us.
The birds mentioned all have that quality.
One of the first bird remedies to be explored with a modern proving was Corvus corax. It was proven
by Greg Bedayn in California in 1996, and the following themes were identified: Separate realities, not
of this world; Surviving theft, deception, trespassing, invasion; not belonging to the earth or body; A
rush of emotions – anxiety, fear; Screaming, yelling, telling the truth; Prison, torture, protection, escape;
Resistance, frustration, stuck; Antagonism with family, at home, with damage, destruction, injury;
Trickery; Injuries, explosions, war zone; Death, dying, suicide and killing; Pity, sympathy and sensitivity
to pain of others; Lonely, abandoned, needing company; Waves of symptoms and water; Frightening
dreams without fear; Black and white, light and dark, clean and dirty; Appetite increased; Teaching and
socializing; Powerful, proud, queenlike; Pestilence and poison; Old boyfriends. Physically, there seemed
to be an affinity for lungs/chest, shoulders and back (although the proving didn't focus much on these).
When identifying animal remedies by themes and general observational behavior of the animals, it is
easy to over generalize and to make anthropomorphic comparisons in reverse (attributing normal animal
behavior to human behavior and consciousness). While that can definitely give some useful information
and at times be extraordinarily precise in helping identify a remedy, it can also be a loose and easily
abused generalization, one that at best gives a backdrop of information to identify a family but which
does not give precise symptoms and unique qualities to identify the exact remedy. The proving of Corvus
corax is a good example of a fascinating proving with a totemic bird and where the knowledge of the bird
and its behavior is helpful to identify bird themes as well as specific aspects of Corvus corax. However,
this bird remedy will have to carefully compared with Corvus splendens, the house crow. Themes around
being the trickster, being playful, making antics, joking and laughing, easily angered and argumentative,
issues around unfairness and protecting the law may be seen in both. Themes of death and transformation
can be seen in the corvids, as well as birds in the Falconiformes family.
Also, one of the challenges with bird remedies is that there are so many qualities in birds that do mirror
human behavior, even more than with other mammals. It is interesting that creatures of such different
consciousness and experience and being related to dinosaurs can mirror so much of human behavior.
Birds often exhibit a level of intelligence and self-awareness, as well as sympathy and care for other
creatures, not only with birds of the same family. In fact they can at times have more tolerance of other
birds than they do of their own species.
The following categorization gives a list of the major bird remedies used in homeopathy. This is taken
from Peter Fraser book on bird remedies, Transformation Between The Realms: Birds.
Galloanserae (Fowl)
Anseriformes Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Anas barbariae Barbary Duck
Anser anser Greylag Goose
Branta Canadensis Canada Goose
Cygnus Cygnus Whooper Swan
Cygnus bewicki Bewick Swan
Cygnus olor Mute Swan
Galliformes Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse
Pavo cristatus Peacock
Gallus gallus domesticus Domestic Fowl
Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey
Neoaves
Pelecaniformes Pelecanus occidentalis Brown Pelican
Ciconiiformes Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis
Ardea Herodias Great Blue Heron
Charadriiformes Larus argentatus Herring Gull
Falconiformes Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon
Falco cherrug Saker Falcon
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle
Vultur gryphus Andean Condor
Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture
Procellariformes Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross
Gaviformes Gavia immer Common Loon
Spheniciformes Spheniscus Humboldti Humboldt Penguin
Strigiformes Bubo virginianus Great Horned Owl
Tyto alba Barn Owl
Apodiformes Aerodramus fuciphagu Edible-nest Swiftlet
Calypte anna Anna’s Hummingbird
Columbiiformes Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon (Dove)
Columba livia Rock Pigeon
Psittaciformes Ara macao Scarlet Macaw
Cuculiformes Geococcyx californianus Greater Roadrunner
Trogoniformes Pharomachrus mocinno Resplendent Quetzal
Passeriformes Corvidae Corvus splendens House Crow
Corvus corax Raven
Muscicapidae Erithacus rubecula European Robin
Passeridae Passer domesticus Sparrow
Guano australis Bird droppings
Tuberculinum aviare Bird Tuberculosis

Some of these remedies have been proven more than once and some of the species are very similar, so
there can be little distinguishing factors between them. Also, the question always arises as to how many
bird or other animal remedies do we really need to have? How precise is it possible to be when much of
the bird information is common to all birds. Fortunately the Law of Similars allows some flexibility here!
Some of the most important qualities indicating a bird remedy are as follows:
Trapped: a strong feeling of being trapped by life, that it is very difficult to escape from, or that one
always has to go back to, even if one can escape. One is caught in obligations, duty, responsibility, often
to do with family, children, friends, or work and society at large. The feelings are of being restricted,
trapped, caught, tight, constriction, limited, suffocated, caged etc. The word heaviness may be used.
Lightness: the body needs to be light, so people often have a thin, wiry body, a fast metabolism, with
thin bones. Strong but delicate.
Flying: an obsession with flying, as flying means freedom in every way, the ability to escape. Floating,
falling, out of this world.
Speed: a desire to travel at speed, whether in cars, bikes or in any other way. Speed is excitement and
freedom. Speed and falling. Hurriedness, activity.
Freedom: a need to feel free, to escape confines, limitations of all sorts.
Group identity v. autonomy: issues between the need to identify with a group and to be alone, to be
free to be oneself. Feelings of aloneness, isolation. Individualism v. the group. Detachment.
Communication: giving importance to, working in areas to with communication skills. Having overall
perspective on thing.
Beginnings and endings: a time of endings and the need to begin things anew. Struggling with finishing
and beginning things.
Sensitivity: to noises, odors, touch, to the world around them. Feeling easily penetrated by noise etc.
Sympathy: empathy, justice, caring to those around, especially to children. Easily burning out.
Egotism v. humiliation:
Anger: rage, irritability. Desire to kill, but rarely malicious. Remorse after anger, also indifference,
detached, cold and calculating.
Sexuality: appearance, attractiveness, elegance but also opposite feelings of sex being dirty, feeling
prostituted. Rape. Needing to escape this.
Ugliness, dirtiness: body image. Contamination. Feeling of being poisoned.
Childish, naïve:
Spirituality: transformation, different realms of being. (Flying, floating etc) Struggling between being
on the earth and transcendent experiences.
Depression, grief: darkness, despair. Thoughts of death. Obsession with death.
Playful: singing, dancing. Jesting, eccentricity.
Fearful, anxious: fears something will happen.
Fastidiousness: attention to detail. Conscientious.
Pains: intense, sharp, like knives, piercing, also aching.
Hunger, voracious:
Neck: headaches. Both shoulders, < right.
Sensitivity in eyes: acute vision. Piercing pains, shooting, inflammation, discharges.
Nose: sinuses, respiration.
Influenza: tendency to get or NBWS.
Nervous system: sensitive, nerve pains. Peripheral neuropathies, with tingling, numbness.
Feel the cold: yet often feels warm.

In order to justify a bird remedy some of these themes and keynotes have to be there. It is not generally
possible find a bird remedy based on physical characteristics alone at this time, as our experience is
limited. Some qualities of the central experience of birds needs to be expressed, most importantly the
conflict between the desire to be free – to fly, float, to go fast, to escape, and the feeling of being trapped,
restricted, contained, limited in whichever way and often the feelings of guilt, duty, anger, resentment,
violence and hatred etc., that arise from this predicament. There may well be some physical symptoms
that come from this struggle, ideally using the same type of language – tight, pressure, constricted,
heaviness, limited, piercing etc, often manifesting in the neck, shoulders and the nervous system which
may feel overwrought, nervous, oversensitive, with sharp, piercing or cramping pains. If the feelings of
constriction and of being trapped are being more intensely expressed, then it could make one think of
snake remedies, spider remedies, Tuberculinum, Nux vomica and other Loganiaceae, the Cacti family etc.
However, the polarity is the desire to be free, which means to fly or to leave to another world, another
situation. Whereas other remedies may only talk of being trapped and constricted, with the bird remedies
there is nearly always an eye out of the door. They know there is a way out, similar to the tubercular
miasm.
Some people needing bird remedies may have already escaped from this conflict and so the feelings of
lightness, freedom, spirituality, higher connection, floating will be much more strongly expressed. Here
the bird remedies may be compared with drug remedies, especially Anhalonium, Ayahuasca, Cannabis
indica, Psilocybin and Tabacum. The hallucinogenic drugs in particular are concerned with spiritual
realms, whereas sedative drugs such as Opium seek to escape the pain of the world. It may also lead one
to consider some gas remedies such as Helium, Neon, Argon, Xenon, Krypton and Radon.
As with many animals, there can be an issue with sexuality and sexual identity, with the polarities of
attraction, glamour and vivacious sexual behavior on one hand and a feeling of being dirty, ugly,
prostituted and even raped on the other level. However, this is not essential information to have to justify
a bird remedy. Many other remedies can have this conflict, especially certain animal remedies, like the
milks (Lac caninum, Lac felinum), insect and spider remedies, snake remedies (for example Cenchris),
sea remedies such as Ambra grisea, Asterias rubens and Sepia, Lilium tigrinum and other Liliaceae and
Platina. The bird remedies that seem to express negative feelings about their body, about being ugly and
dirty etc. are especially the water birds of the Anseriformes family and also the chicken (Gallus gallus
domesticus). Two existing remedies to compare with the chicken are Ovi gallinae pellicula (egg shell
membrane) and Calcarea ovi teste (egg shell).
There can be strong feelings of disgust, either toward themselves or toward the outside world. Many
remedies express feelings of disgust, all in different ways. See chapters of Lac caninum, Mercurius,
Platina, Pulsatilla. The feelings of disgust will also make one compare bird remedies with insect
remedies, which often may need comparison. In insects, the sense of disgust or some other problem is
likely to be more internalized. The disgust is about themselves, not something outside themselves. Falco
peregrinus may express a disgust at physical things to which he/she is attracted, to food, especially meat,
to sex, to the terrestial world at large. It represents a trap to them, which they wish to escape from but
which they still need or feel they have to have. In this way, the word prostitute may be used to describe
how they feel about themselves and feel humiliated as they also have pride. This conflict and
contradictory state may also be seen in the desire for company but also the need to have their own space,
to do their own thing. All the birds in the Falconiformes family can feel similar things.
Bird remedies in the Anseriformes family may express a sense of being ugly, similar to other animal
remedies, especially about their legs and how they walk. As part of the Galloanserae (fowl) family, they
have issues of being domesticated. One other theme in this family, acccording to Fraser, is a tendency
to be playful, to sing and to tell jokes. In the proving of Anas platyrhynchos there were feelings of being
unloved by parents or that the parents loved the siblings more. There was a theme of speed, everything
happened fast, issues around water and nature, flu like symptoms, a desire to sing, dance and have fun,
but also irritability with a desire to be alone. Eye symptoms were strong, with styes, weeping, visual
disturbances and the color yellow was importtant. A common quality in the Anseriformes bird family is
an issue of being part of the group or of feeling isolated and that the group is important for survival, but
which needs structure. There were three provings of swans: Cygnus cygnus, Cygnus bewecki and Cygnus
olor. They revealed similarities to other Anseriformes. All the sea birds, including the pelican, albatross
and loon had issues about moving on and starting out, a struggle to leave things behind, to begin new
things, leading to apathy and even despair. There can be homesickness and a desire to move away. In the
swan provings, especially Cygnus bewicki, the conflict with being part of a group was seen, with much
sadness and aloneness, and yet a desire to be alone. Common to all the Cygnus remedies one can see a
difficulty in moving on from grief and other trauma. There is also nostalgia from the past but also often
still a playfulness and childishness. But sadness can be felt as a deep, dark, hopeless despair, especially in
Cygnus cygnus and here the playfulnes won't be seen.
One distinction between Falco peregrinus and Buteo jamaiicensis is that it is said that Buteo is trapped
more specifically by duty and responsibility to family, friends and social obligations. They can show great
sympathy toward others, especially children and those with some form of handicap, but this ultimately
traps them and they need to escape. In Falco, this feeling of being trapped can be anything that limits
their freedom. In Haliaeetus leucocephalus, there is not so much conflict between the group and their
individuality. Fraser describes a state in this remedy where there is an awareness of a split, of there being
two worlds, like two parallel lines never meeting, the world of physical reality and the world of spirits,
of dreams, and Haliaeetus is traveling between these two worlds. It sees the distinction and can exist
in both. Its struggle is to rise high enough to connect to this other world, a spiritually transformative
place. A person needing this remedy may therefore be attracted to a spiritual life and transformative
experiences, being aware of where this may take them, to rise above the identity of the individual
ego, but if there is a struggle, then they may feel fragmented and split in their own psyche, creating
great frustration, depression and also anger. It can be in dreams where this dimension is accessed or
blocked. The potential psychic split may be expressed rather like on the edge of the abyss. This quality
of transformation may be seen also in Vultur gryphis, both birds being totemic to Native Americans in
North and South America and interestingly shows symptoms similar to Nicotiana rustica, the tobacco
used by Native American people. In the common loon, Gavia immer, Fraser states that the spiritual
dimension is accessed through tranquility and stillness but which can lead to inertia and apathy which
inhibits this state. The split between the earth and the sky may create a conflict between the material and
spiritual realms, or between the need for food and sex and ideas of transcencence. Humiliation, shame
and guilt may be seen when dealing with these issues. This brings comparision with Lilium tigrinum,
Platina and Staphysagria.
The anger, rage and potential violence sometimes seen mostly brings up other animal remedies for
consideration but one could also consider remedies such as Anacardium, Hepar sulph, Nux vomica,
Veratrum album, etc., especially if the issue of knives is associated with violence. Medorrhinum and
Tuberculinum would also be compared. In the bird remedies, one would consider remedies in the
Falconiformes family, but many other bird remedies may be indicated when anger and violence is a key
theme, including the Strigiformes (owls) and the robin and sparrow. The Anseriformes (duck) family
of remedies may also express a tendency to violence and are associated with military martial dynamics
(the goose step etc.) and also the rooster (Gallus gallus domesticus) is known for its violence when used
as a fighting cock. The Corvids (crow and raven) also express violent tendencies with a desire to smash
things especially when taking offence very easily. Anger and violence may be expressed in a very cold,
detached way, and at time with a malicious detachment. This is found more in the Falconiformes and
the Stigiformes family. It may need comparison with other animal remedies, especially snakes and
spiders, including Androctonus. However, in general with bird remedies, maliciousness is not seen,
with anger or otherwise, especially in contrast to spider, insect and snake remedies. Those needing bird
remedies are much more empathetic in general. Anger and violence is more of a last resort and only
when necessary.
The isolation, forsaken feeling and also the darkness, despair and obsession with death can bring up more
syphilitic remedies for comparison, like Aurum, Mercurius, Platina, Thallium etc. and even perhaps
less heavy remedies, such as Cimicifuga, Pulsatilla, etc. This isolation and forsaken feeling seems to be
indicated for many bird remedies, often in conflict to the struggle for identity within a group or when
alone. Here Pavo cristatus (Peacock) may be a good example. The peacock is, like many birds, given
much symbolic meaning around the world, in eastern cultures connected more to spirituality and fairness,
and in the west with pride, aloofness and other negative connotations. The peacock doesn’t like to fly but
will often find high places to hang out, especially at night. There may be a split between material and
spiritual aspects of life, and there is strong desire for company but at the same time feeling detached and
distant from people. They may feel that friends are not cooperating with them, or not making a similar
effort that they are, especially when they are giving of themselves or being charitable. This may evoke
anger, disgust and a feeling of being alone. They may feel that the world is basically corrupt and dirty
and they don’t want anything to do with it. This may be where the quality of arrogance can be seen and
may be compared with a remedy like Platina. It is also commonly observed that the peacock seems to
walk in a stately and tall manner (similar to the Heron and Ibis in the Ciconiiformes family). There can
be great suspiciousness in Pavo cristatus and here compared with Gallus gallus domesticus (which feels
dirty and picked upon by others) both in the Galliformes family, along with Bonasa umbellis (ruffled
grouse) and Meleagris gallopavo (wild turkey). They can be suspicious of strangers and protective of
their privacy. The qualities of fairness and rightness can seem to come through strongly in Pavo cristatus
as it can with many birds remedies. Sensitivity, justice and fairness are important. A concern with
speaking the truth may be seen and fears about doing this. It may tie into an overall feeling of being
incorruptible, to not be sullied by the low things in life. Here is where the self-righteousness may be seen
and it shows perhaps a more sophisticated image than other Galloanserae remedies, especially the more
oppressed nature of Gallus gallus domesticus. In the picture of Bonasa umbellis, there was seen a sense of
grossness or creepiness about the world around them, a strong feeling of being a teengager finding it hard
to accept the complexity of the world and feeling out of control and unable to find a direction. There was
a naïve feeling and also issues of anger with throat issues. In the possible picture of Meleagris gallopavo
(wild turkey), there was intense emotional and physical pain, like being in hell, a sense of
overstimulation, oversensitivity and overload, and with drug abuse and eating disorders. Emotional
manipulation and being manipulated was seen and issues around domestication and wildness with a sense
of suffocation.
In the larger Neoave family, we have many bird remedies (see listing above). One well proven one is
Pelicanus occidentalis (brown pelican). Fraser states that it shares certain qualities with the fowl and
water fowl remedies, in particular that of being judged and criticized, but not on how they look or
who they are but more in what they do, leading to confusion and over responsibility. Perfection and
purity were important qualities, along with discipline, obedience and communication. Another family
of water birds are the Ciconiiformes. Two remedies are used, Threskiornis aethiopicus (sacred ibis) and
Ardea Herodias (great blue heron). Both remedies showed a tendency to boredom, monotony but also
detachment and calm meditation state. Threskiornis showed symptoms of envy and jealousy, issues of
integrity and death, graves and murder. Ardea showed greater detachment, and calmness, but not an
unfeeling state. Awareness of justice and fairness could also be seen, as in Pavo cristatus.
The general demeanor and body type of a person needing a bird remedy would most likely be compared
with Phosphorus, Silicea and Tuberculinum, a type of refined delicacy. In some situations, there will not
be seen to be much conflict as the person has found an escape from the potential trap that terrestrial
life represents. The Silicea comparison is in the body type, which may look delicate and the overall
fastidious, conscientious nature. Physically there may be great stiffness and rigidity of parts, and great
sensitivity, for example to noise, which may feel as if it penetrates the body. Both can be very sensitive to
their surroundings. The affinity for the neck, shoulders, joints and nervous system is similar.
The strong sympathetic nature identified with many bird remedies will also make one consider
Phosphorus. There has been described in provings the desire to look after people, especially children,
the weak and the infirm. This strong empathy has been seen in much bird behavior too. This sympathy
can be combined with a feeling of duty. Bird remedies are often extremely sensitive, both physically and
emotionally, similar to Phosphorus. Other remedies such as Carcinosin and Causticum could also be
compared. The fearful, anxious nature, especially of something horrible going to happen also brings up
the same remedies. Empathy when seen in a softer personality or where anger has been suppressed, more
like Staphysagria, can bring a comparison with Columba palumbus, the dove. This is different than the
predator birds described, although the dove can show violent tendencies when required. There will be
much greater softness, a gentle open hearted nature perhaps, especially if one looks at the more
anthropocentric perspective. Similar to Carcinosin and Staphysagria, there is much emotional
suppression, but with less mortification than in Staphysagria. Of all the bird remedies connected to
Carcinosin and the cancer miasm, perhaps Gallus gallus domesticus (and the similar existing remedies of
Calcarea ovi testae - toasted egg shell, and Ovi gallaneae pelliculae) is seen, the experience of the
domesticated and farmed chicken representing the suppressed nature of the cancer miasm. Gallus gallus
domesticus also has many symptoms in the female genitalia, looking like Lachesis and Sepia and
mentally has fear of anything new, a fastidious about small things, a sense of boredom and lack of self
worth.
Spider remedies will often need to be compared with bird remedies. The body type can be similar and
also the feelings of haste in doing things. However, the spider remedies usually want to be industrious,
to be active in doing things, even if not productive, but especially doing repetitive things and with a
focus on rhythm. This is not generally found in bird remedies, which prefer speed for its own sake and
the excitement this gives. The anger, rage and violence found in bird remedies is mostly less malicious
and there is not the same feeling of threat and attacked that most spider remedies (and insect remedies)
feel. Also most spider and insect remedies will express a self-centered focus. One does not see much
sympathy or compassion expressed. Birds can be very social animals and show great compssion for other
birds and animals. They can often form collaborative bonds with other animals. This is not seen so much
with spiders and insects. In bird remedies there is often a voracious appetite (similar to insect remedies),
whereas in spider remedies, there is often a great lack of appetite. Bird remedies can show an aversion to
tobacco whereas in spider remedies it can be either way.