In the field of pharmacy, a prescription is more than a piece of paper. It is a formal written order from a licensed medical practitioner like doctor or dentist instructing on what medications to prepare or dispense for a particular patient. This practice dates back thousands of years. The earliest written prescriptions, discovered on clay tablets from around 2400 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), detailed ingredients mostly drawn from plants, animals and minerals, alongside methods for preparing and dispensing medicines.

One of the most recognizable symbols in modern prescription is the iconic Rx symbol, usually found in the middle-left section of the document. This simple symbol carry a rich and fascinating history. It stems from the latin word “recipere” which means to “to take”. Long ago, the handwritten letter R would appear at the beginning of the medical formulas, directing the apothecary to take the specified ingredients and prepare the medicine. Some believe the Rx symbol traces its roots even further back to ancient Egypt, linked to the Eye of Horus, a symbol of healing, protection, and well-being. Others suggest that it might be an invocation to Jupiter, the Roman god, calling upon his blessings to cure the patient. Over time the longer instructions were abbreviated to “Rx”which become the universal emblem of medical prescriptions all over the world.

Prescriptions contains several parts :

1. The prescriber’s information – this includes the doctor’s full name or clinic, address,and contact details.

2. The date – to establish the prescriptions validity and prevent misuse of certain medications.

3.Patient information – including the patient’s name, age, gender, and address, ensuring the right person receives the correct dose.

4.Superscriptions – the familiar Rx symbol.

5.Inscriptions – the main body, this includes the name and strength of the medicines prescribed.

6.Subscriptions – the prescriber’s instructions to the pharmacist regarding the dosage form and the quantity to be dispense.

7.Signatura – often abbreviated as Sig this is the prescriber’s instructions to the patient, detailing the dose, frequency, and route of administration.

8. Refill instructions – specifying how many times the prescribed medications can be refilled.

9. Prescriber’s Signature and License Number – this verifies that the prescription is legal and valid. The doctor’s registration number, and sometimes the special license number is indicated if the medications prescribed is controlled substances.

By understanding these key elements, we can ensure that the medications is dispensed correctly and the patient safety is secured.

While traditional prescriptions focus on treating physical symptoms and diseases, the idea of prescriptions can extend beyond as just physical pills. Inspired by my forgotten Pill ( Part two), I imagined Soul’s Apothecary, a figurative pills that doesn’t exist in the pharmacies but addresses emotional healing. Healing is not just physical, it’s mental, social and emotional too. Sometimes what people need is a gentle word of encouragement, a non judgemental listening ear, or a small act of care and can be part of the prescription for true healing.

As I envision my personal concept of a Soul’s Apothecary, I found myself drawn to these three possible symbols similar to Rx: Px, Sx and Psi (Ψ ).

In medical language, Px stands for Patient, Prognosis, and Physical Examination, while Sx refers to Symptoms both rooted in clinical practice. But for my idea, I preferred something occult that can represent the deeper layers of emotional and spiritual healing.

When I heard Greece mentioned on the news, I experienced a eureka moment. In that instant I chose Psi as the emblem because it is rich in history and meaning. It is widely used in psychology and its origin comes from the Greek word psyche, meaning soul. With my deep fascination for Greek Mythology, incorporating Psi felt significant, it beautifully represents the soul and the mind. This trident(Ψ )symbol is associated with the greek God of the sea, Posiedon. Posiedon embodies power, mystery and the unseen forces of nature-much like the hidden aspect of the human soul.

To further express the mysteries of life, I added a smal letter x to the symbol, representing the unknown, uncertainties, questions and complexities that we often face. This addition reflects how our emotional and spiritual journeys are often about exploring what lies beyond clear understanding.

Together, the Psi and the “x” is a perfect union of soul and mind and the unknown- a symbol for emotional healing that soul’s apothecary aims to represent. This epitomize the emotional healing, psychological insights and the courage to embrace life uncertainties. It remind us that healing is not just physical but also a journey of the soul, mind and heart.

Please take a moment to see the full vision of my Soul’s Apothecary similar to modern prescription, yet without a name, for it may serve not only me but you as well.

Ψx Love pill

Purpose: To open your heart to unconditional love for others and oneself.

Active ingredients: Pure heart, active ears, gentle care.

Dosage: One pill daily. Inhale deeply, before swallowing. Let your heart expand with compassion and understanding.

Side effects: Increased empathy, a deeper love for oneself, love for other people.

Warning: Can lead to deep vulnerability. Learn to differentiate love from tough love. Misuse may lead to self loss.

Storage: Hold close to your heart, but protect it. Not everyone deserves access.

Ψx Acceptance Pill

Purpose: To release the need for perfection and embrace life fully.

Active ingredients: Letting go, stillness in discomfort.

Dosage: Swallow one pill with a breath of relief. Embracing your true self and all your imperfections. Repeat when necessary. It works best when you are not resisting.

Side Effects: Peace and freedom to let go of what no longer serves you.

Warning: At first, it may be hard to accept things as they are. But the more you take it, the lighter you will feel. Do not mix with false hope or denial.

Storage: Keep it within you.

Ψx Gratitude Pill

Purpose: To awaken appreciation and restore presence in daily life.

Active ingredients: Soft awareness, reframed thoughts.

Dosage: Take one pill in the morning and at bedtime. Swallow it wholeheartedly. Best absorb with moments of stillness and sunlight. Say it aloud or write down all the things you are thankful for.

Side Effects: Gentle joy, softened heart, improved mood, tears of joy, and sudden urge to say thank you.

Warning: Never skip on bad days. May gently shift your entire outlook.

Storage: Store in the heart. Visit it often.

Ψx Positivity Pill

Purpose: To counter negative thinking, and build inner resilience.

Active ingredients: Positive perspective, laughter, passion

Dosage: Take one pill, paired with a glass of hope and joy.

Side Effects: Spontaneous smiles, humming and dancing, kindness.

Warning: May not kick in right away, it builds up superpower overtime. If people think you’re weird, who cares weirdness is just a creativity and authenticity in disguise.

Storage: Keep it in your mind.

Ψx Courage Pill

Purpose: To face fears, speak truth, and stay on the path of healing.

Active ingredients: Bitter truth

Dosage: Take one pill. Swallow it with persistence and integrity.

Side Effects: Confidence, clarity, inner strength

Warning: May cause discomfort, this is normal. Keep going.

Storage: Keep it safe in your heart and mind. Keep it locked so no one can break it.

Ψx Lightness Pill

Purpose: To release emotional weight, worry, shame and mental fog.

Active Ingredients: Calm, gentleness, and rays of light.

Dosage: Place one pill under the tongue, whenever you feel burdened or weighed down. Melt it slowly with deep breaths, imagining the heaviness is slowly dissolving and your spirit is lifting gently like the birds feather floating in the air.

Side Effects: Peace, Purity, ease in the chest.

Warning: Very precious – handle with care.

Storage: Keep it close to your heart and do not let anyone steal it.

Ψx Forgiveness Pill

Purpose: To free yourself from resentment toward others or to your self.

Active ingredients: Space for healing.

Dosage: Take one pill wholeheartedly, when necessary.

Side Effects: Freedom, peace, emotional clarity, self-respect and boundaries.

Warnings: Bitter at first, but with a sweet aftertaste.

Storage: No need to store, once taken, forget it and move on.

In the end these symbol and elements are invitations to explore the language of the soul, to perceive what is unseen, to deeply hear the deafening silence, to feel what was seem empty but was never lost and to remember that healing is a blend of science and supernatural.

-© 2025 Eorie Faye. All Rights Reserved.