The sun recently entered the sign of Gemini (the Twins), which is ruled by the mutable, changeable planet Mercury. According to the traditions of astrological herbalism, Mercury rules herbs that have finely-divided leaves, such as dill, fennel, parsley, and valerian. Since Mercury also governs the respiratory and nervous systems, many of the plants that are associated with this planet were prescribed by ancient herbalists to treat such bronchial and nervous ailments. The name "dill," for instance, comes from an Old Norse word that means "to lull" or to calm, while valerian is widely used as a safe but effective sedative.