Homeopathic Constitutional Types: Lycopodium

Reprinted courtesy Allyson McQuinn from: https://arcanum.ca/

My exploration of the six Genotypes (homeopathic constitutional or personality types) leads me today to Lycopodium. This is one of the more IQ types (grounded more in intellect and reason than feelings), and one which is very strongly grounded in the rational mind. The quintessential marriage partner for Lycopodium, by the way, is the Pulsatilla type, who is most grounded in the emotional mind.

Being so strongly grounded in their rational mind, the Lycopodium can have trouble making true emotional connections, even to their own spouse or family. I know that this is often the complaint you’ll hear about husbands, but it is equally true for female Lycopodiums. Socially, they are extremely adept and versatile, and able to climb to the top of a social or workplace hierarchy, but this is much truer in terms of outer social conventions, and not from a true inner emotional connection. At home, Lycopodiums like for other people to be around, but not too close or in the same room.

There is often some challenge for student homeopaths to learn the difference between Lycopodium and Silicea, and one way you can start to see the difference is to consider that Lycopodium is more akin to following the letter of the law, whereas Siliceas follow the spirit of the law. In that sense, Lycopodiums make better lawyers, and Siliceas are better judges.

Physically, Lycopodiums can have weakness in their digestive system, and can easily suffer from gas or indigestion. This is actually a commonly used remedy to help support the liver functions, regardless of the patient’s constitutional type.

They have the strongest sweet tooth of any constitutional type, which is a stimulant both for digestion, as well as the brain, which they draw on a lot. They may also be prone to impotence, as an offshoot of their deep tendency to feeling inferior, and always trying to compensate by proving themselves.

Their biggest challenges include confidence and commitment. Much of their behaviour is motivated by covering up, or compensating for their own perceived inadequacies, and this is a big part of why they can sometimes appear to have such an over-inflated ego.

It can be very challenging for them to commit to a single relationship, which implies a depth of emotional connection and vulnerability. This often makes them the “players” on the dating scene, who are much more comfortable moving through several superficial relationships, rather than finding true love and exploring their deeper emotions within a relationship.

At their best they are very reasonable, confident, and even charming. At their worst, they are egotistical, competitive, and manipulative, doing whatever it takes to get ahead in the game of success. This worst side can be described as the type who is very popular and charming outside of the home, but a dictator to their family in private.

Conversely, they can successfully “put on their game face” at work, but need a lot of emotional support and nurturing at home from a supportive spouse and family. A healthy Lycopodium has worked to connect to their emotional life, as a servant to their often over driven rational mind.