First in the series 'Transformation between the Realms', this book examines the insect group of remedies. Comparisons with other groups are made, birds for example, which are sometimes extremely subtle but nevertheless clear.
"It became obvious that there is a world of remedies out there, which we have been missing (800,000 known insect species) and we need many more provings if we are to properly utilise this source." Tina Burchill (The Homeopath)
The insects are the largest and most important class of the animal kingdom. They are central to all aspects of life on Earth being major forces in both the creation and destruction of life. In spite of this importance they have not yet had a significant role in homœopathy. In the last decade a dozen new Insect provings have opened up the remedy pictures and given us an insight into the properties of the group as a whole. The issues of the Insects correspond to those of the modern world and modern disease yet they are still little understood and considerably underused.
This is the first study of the known Insect remedies and it outlines the features that are common to the whole group and the often subtle distinctions that differentiate between them.
Transformation between the Realms
The remedies that move between the Realms of Sea, Earth, Sky and Underworld have a particular dynamic relationship to that transformation. Understanding this dynamic helps to understand the group as a whole and to find the subtle difference between its members. Groups include the Insects, the Birds, the Spiders, the Snakes, the Lacs, the Drugs and the Trees.
"Peter's series of books has been a revelation. The discrimination between insects and birds is so succinct it is hard to believe it is so true. I can think of no homœopathic books available which give so much wisdom for such a small cost! They have inspired my practice, and benefited my patients."- Geoff Johnson
"This book is remarkably informative, not only in the description of the different Insect remedies but more importantly in delineating how the traits of the insect are expressed in human pathology. The information is practical and brings alive the Insect remedies in a way that is exciting and inspiring."- Janet Snowdon
- Author: Peter Fraser
- ISBN: 9781874581185
- 60 pages
- Paperback
- Published in 2008
- Printed in United Kingdom
Reprinted with the permission of The Society of Homeopaths (From "The Homeopath" Journal, Winter 2008). Reviewed by Tina Burchill.
This book is the first in the 'transformation between the realms' series by Peter Fraser, a bookseller and publisher before discovering homeopathy. Its aim is to examine the insect group of remedies and their movement between the sky and the earth, to determine their most distinctive general features, and then identify characteristics that might help us to differentiate between the individual remedies. This was a Herculean task - perhaps reflecting one of the main features of the insect group - industriousness. Peter has succeeded in pulling together what little information there is on many of these remedies. He has developed ideas which have the potential to transform our understanding of the insects and their role in our prescribing, which until recently has been largely therapeutic. It becomes obvious that there is a world or remedies out there, which we have been missing (800,000 known insect species) and we need many more provings if we are to properly utilise this source.
Reading this book in one sitting, my understanding was literally taken through the metamorphic process of the insect, beginning with the hungry caterpillar and ending with the butterfly, who, taking to the air, is rewarded with an aerial overview of all that is below. In this case giving an overview of the insect themes, not only how these creatures are in the world, but also how this is reflected in human pathology.
The book focuses on the dynamic process that we see in the movement from the realm of the earth to the realm of the sky, and explains that the differentiation between the remedies is in the way this point of transformation is handled. Comparisons are made with other groups of remedies, including birds, and the differences, though sometimes subtle, are clearly explained.
There is much natural history, offered in a way that gives us insight into how insect behaviour is reflected in the pathology that might require an insect remedy. Through careful examination of provings, Peter takes the reader through 25 remedies including some recent provings such as plague locust (Schistocerca gregaria). This is the first study of its kind and is a work that takes us well beyond lists of symptoms. In the very best traditions of classical homeopathy we are offered the very essence of the insect.
Reprinted with the permission of The Homeopathic Links Journal, volume 21, Winter 2008. Reviewed by Petra Wood, UK.
This 60-page booklet is another one in the "Transformation between the Realms" series, adding to the other themes on spiders, snakes and birds. It is set out with a short introductory part followed by entries on 25 different insect remedies.
In the general introduction Peter Fraser establishes his ideas of background and foreground symptoms. Background symptoms are those that establish the patient's standing within the kingdoms, miasms and realms etc. Foreground symptoms are those that mark the individuality of the patient and will lead the homeopath to the indicated remedy. This idea of background and foreground symptoms is picked up throughout the booklet in regard to establishing the general features of insect remedies and in the effort to provide distinguishing features of the different insects.
To me the 15 pages that follow the general introduction are the true highlight of the booklet: in these pages the author provides the main themes of the insect remedies. These are established through studying the biological and social features of this whole class of animals as well as through the information that has been gained in provings.
Next in the booklet follows a small section on taxonomy and families of insects before the main part: the discussion of the different insect remedies. The information here obviously mirrors the accessibility and quality of provings. The author admits that it is of "varying depth", but I did wonder at times whether the information was worth including. The complete entry for Pieris brassicae (Large Cabbage White Butterfly) for example reads: "This also was proved in Germany and is in the repertory but I have not been able to study it."
I would have liked to see all chapters and paragraphs organised with headings and bold type keynotes, to make the information accessible at a glance. I also feel that the author could and should have included the sources for the different provings that are available. As it is, there are no references given at all. Altogether, this booklet provides a good first glimpse of what the insect remedies might offer the homeopathic practitioner. It certainly made me want to find out more.
Reprinted with the permission of The ARH, from 'Homeopathy in Practice' Journal, Summer 2009 edition. Reviewed by Meg Brinton MARH.
This book is the first in Peter Fraser's series 'Transformation Between the Realms', the realms in question being Sea, Earth, Sky and Underworld. Different groups of animals inhabit these realms and, in some cases, move between them; insects, the subject of this book, move from the Earth into the Sky. Peter tells us that understanding the dynamic relationship of the transformation between these helps us to understand each group and to find the subtle differences between its members. For example, insects are escaping from the Earth while birds (the other group that move from Earth to Sky) are moving into the freedom of the Sky.
After a brief introduction to the series, follows a fascinating chapter about insects in general. We learn that insects are the largest class of animals, with some 800,000 species identified to date. Insects are not born in the form that is able to leave the Earth and move into the Sky; it takes a lot of energy (and a lot of food) to achieve the transformation necessary to move from larval to adult form.
The next chapter is on insect remedies in general. Keynotes are: industriousness, work ethic, achievement through effort, benevolence, the need to transform in order to achieve, physical exhaustion, but also laziness and lack of motivation. Insect remedies are concerned about money and poverty, and they have a desire to be seen and recognised. They also have a 'black and white' duality with no possibility of compromise (a caterpillar is a caterpillar until it becomes a butterfly). Insects can be confused and forgetful, and are often sensitive to their environment. They 'are what they eat' and their name often indicates what they eat. Social interaction is important to them, and there can be sexual issues.
Insects want to escape from the Earth which they view as dirty and shameful. (Insects often arouse deep disgust and hatred in us humans.) They don't usually fly until they have reached their adult form. Even those who are now wingless or flightless are descended from winged ancestors. They breed quickly and prolifically but are also often eaten by other species, and have a strong sense of vulnerability. A consistent indicator for an insect remedy is burning pain; by now we can imagine they like the open air, and feel better for it even when cold. Throat symptoms of swelling and constriction are in most insect remedies, and the voice may be hoarse or lost; worth considering for mumps. I've learnt a huge amount already, and only got to page 19!
In the next few pages, Peter introduces the taxonomy of insects, lists by family the remedies discussed in the rest of the book, and discusses how best to use the repertory with them at the moment (it's difficult). There are 27 families of insects, of which 11 are represented in the materia medica - the information being of varying quantity and quality. Where enough information is currently available he tells us what qualities are specific to the different families.
The rest of the book consists of information on 26 insect remedies. The largest entry is three pages on the gregarious Schistocerca gregaria, the plague locust. The author carried out this proving with Misha Norland in 2007. The smallest entry is two lines on Pieris brassicae - large cabbage white butterfly; apparently it has been proved in Germany and 'is in the repertory', but Peter has not been able to study it.
He writes clearly, packs a lot of information into a small space, and the book is beautifully presented. It has certainly added to my comprehension of the insect world - both in terms of zoology and homeopathy. I am looking forward to reading further promised volumes - on birds, spiders, snakes, lacs, drugs and trees.
