• home
• |
• about us
• |
• labyrinth
• |
• classes
• |
• calendar
• |
• products
• |
• holistic services
• |
• ceremonies
• |
• testimonials
• |
• blog
• |
• gallery
• |
• contact us

Archive

Select Month March 2013 October 2012 February 2012 November 2011 October 2011 August 2011 April 2011 December 2010 July 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 January 2010

Categories

• Herb of the Month (2)
• Uncategorized (18)

Search for:

• login

 

Maypole Celebration

             &

World Labyrinth Day

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Festivities Start at 10:00am
Kids of all ages welcome!

Dance the Maypole, Potluck Lunch, Walk as One at One

Each person should bring 4 yards (12 feet) of cloth ribbon with no knots in it; no less than 1/2 inch and no more than 1 inch wide works the best. Choose a color that represents something you are wanting to bring into your life experience. Also dress festively for springtime & bring a dish to share!”

We will come together as a community to dance the Maypole and celebrate a rite of spring. Afterwards we will share a potluck lunch while enjoying the company of friends old and new. World Labyrinth Day is acknowledged with a guided Labyrinth walk at 1:00pm to add our energy to the theme “Walk as One at One”.

Celebrated together in only one place….

Peaceful Spirit Enrichment Center, New River, Arizona

Pre-registration is Required. Click here to join the festivities and celebrate spring!

 

Gathering women in sacred space to explore, integrate, express and celebrate our authentic selves.

Women’s Dream Quest

an overnight event

April 12-13, 2013

7:00pm Friday – 11:00am Saturday

A “Quest” is a search for something important.

There are always challenges and obstacles along the way. These challenges are necessary, because as the questors successfully overcome them, they build up knowledge, self-confidence and determination. Without these attributes, they would be unable to reach their goal.

Thus in a quest the search is just as important as the finding!

Only $99 includes food & overnight stay

Space is limited so Click Here to reserve your space now!

We will spend the evening with activities and time to reconnect with our spirit guides, finding and embracing our own inner wisdom.

An overnight stay assures each woman a quiet dream time. The next morning brings light to your new awareness.

And just as our mothers and grandmothers before us, we will gather together in the kitchen to prepare breakfast, laugh and share.

Are you ready to go deeper and nurture your very soul? Register today and change your tomorrow.

I woke up eagerly anticipating the day of wildcrafting that I had planned. As I told my friends of my plans I realized many of them did not recognize the term. Wildcrafting is the art of going out into nature and collecting plants that are to be used as healing medicines.

On this particular day I am off to gather a small wonder of the desert called Bursage. As I gather together my wildcrafting bag, the sacred tobacco, my walking stick and my water, I start to feel my energy shift. As I arrive at the spot that I picked out for today’s harvest I am excited to see that the recent monsoon rains have provided for a beautiful flush of growth in all the surrounding hills.

As I begin to walk out into the desert I feel the plants calling to me. I lightly touch the plants and trees as I walk along, drinking in the energy of the land and the power of the giant Saguaros that watch over me. As my eyes take in the beauty of the hillside I discover a beautiful Bursage nestled under a majestic Saguaro and cuddled up to a young barrel cactus. I know this is the grandmother bush to whom I will ask permission for today’s gift of healing.

I sit down on the earth beside this grandmother, put my attention to my breath, and feel my energy shift. I sit for several minutes in gratitude, breathing and waiting, beginning to gently stretch my energy to meet that of the grandmother Bursage. As I continue to breathe deeply I feel her reach back to me, I feel our energies mingle and I know that she has accepted me.

I will not harvest of grandmother Bursage, I will honor her and seek her blessing. I ask grandmother for permission to collect from her brothers and sisters and explain that I wish to help people on their healing journey. I offer my prayer and I wait. Within my breath I hear grandmother’s reply, “yes my daughter we give you freely of our medicines and we are grateful that you honor us and the old ways”.

Again I offer gratitude and make an offering of sacred tobacco to grandmother. Then quietly I begin to sing, I do not recognize the sounds coming out of my mouth but I do recognize the energy. It is an ancient song that’s been given to me by the Earth, it speaks of gratitude and respect for my ancestors. My singing starts softly at first but I feel the energy take over and I get louder and louder until I’m singing to the entire field. As my singing tapers off I know that grandmother has blessed my wildcrafting today.

Roses seem to be everywhere this time of year but the usefulness of these beauties is year ’round. Roses have been recognized for their medicinal qualities since Greek & Roman times. The strong aroma of roses made them popular in baths and strewn across the floor in banquet halls.

Rose essential oil acts as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral. It can be used on skin conditions such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema and rashes providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The uplifting fragrance makes it a big player in aromatherapy. Soothing for depression, insomnia, stress and emotional drama. Rose’s aphrodisiac properties come from not only the essential oil but also receiving the flowers. Just ask anyone who has given a beloved a bouquet!

The fruits of the rose are referred to as rose hips. Known most often for their vitamin C content, rose hips also have high levels of calcium, iron and phosphorus. They are used to treat colds, flu, sore throat and to boost the immune system.

 
Roses have a variety of culinary purposes. You will want to smell and taste your roses before using them in recipes since they differ in each type of flower. To prepare roses for kitchen use, rinse and shake the water from them, Turn the bloom over, grasping the open flower in one hand, so the stem is facing up. Use a sharp pair of scissors and snip right above the stem and the petals will fall freely. If the petals have a bitter white part at the base of each petal simply snip that away.

 

Rose-Scented Sugar

1 – To prepare scented sugar, use a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the jar about 1/3 full with sugar and scatter a small handful of very fragrant rose petals over the sugar.

2 – Cover petals with sugar so the jar is 2/3 full; add another small handful of flower petals and cover with sugar to fill the jar, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.

3 – Shake the jar and place on a shelf in a cool, dark place. The sugar will be ready to use in 2-3 weeks and will become more flavorful with age. As the sugar is used you can add more plain sugar, which will take on the fragrance in the jar.

Thyme has long bee considered a valuable culinary and medicinal herb. The ancient Greeks called it thimari, meaning “courage”. Most often thought of as a cooking spice, Thyme is beneficial for winter illnesses and immune system support. It is often recommended for digestive and respiratory concerns, sore muscles, throat and skin health.

Native to the Mediterranean, Thyme prefers hot, dry climates and soil that is not too rich. It will grow well in containers, with its fragrant leaves and beautiful flowers attracting pollinators.

Thyme can be used as an antiseptic mouthwash and as a gargle to relieve sore throat. Rely on its antispasmodic action to ease a dry cough and help bring up phlegm. A cup of dried plant infusion twice daily helps treat lung infections. Thyme honey is excellent for dealing with colds or bronchial congestion. Do not use when you are pregnant.

Thyme is a useful disinfectant. Clean your kitchen counters, sinks and floors with a strong Thyme infusion mixed with vinegar. Thyme has also been used as a bug repellent against gnats and mosquitoes.

Used in preparing food, Thyme shows its best qualities by balancing the flavors of beef, lamb and pork; it brightens chicken and fish dishes. Stuff handfuls of Thyme inside whole roasting chickens. It also pairs well with fruits such as citrus, apples, pears & grapes.

 

Pan Fried Apples with Thyme

2 apples, Golden Delicious or Granny Smith

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

1 – Core apples and cut each into 1/2 inch thick slices

2 – Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat; add apple rings and cook 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Add thyme, cover and cook over low heat 3 minutes, or until apples are soft. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

 

Skullcap

The use of this herb dates back at least 2000 years. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that Skullcap is most useful for “draining fire” from the “upper burner,” to treat symptoms including high fever, irritability, thick mucus or swelling. This herb treats digestive upset and symptoms of emotion excess that cause blushing, flushing, irritability or headache.

Calcium rich Skullcap is a nourishing ally to anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, nervous exhaustion and insomnia. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headaches arising from incessant coughing. Also useful for pain and inducing sleep without any unpleasant side effects.

Skullcap is also beneficial in healing diseases like arthritis with its anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially effective when stress and anxiety worsens arthritis.

A few drops of Skullcap tincture can help induce a calm and peaceful state of mind. Use it before meditating, when doing a healing or body work or practicing yoga.

Rubus idaeus is the scientific name for red raspberry. The name comes from the Latin word “rubus” which means red and the Latin word “ida.” According to folklore, when the early gods were just infants, it is believed all raspberries were white. Legend claims that the nymph Ida, when baby Zeus was having a crying spell, went on a hunt for berries to soothe him. She pricked her finger on the raspberry bush and her blood dripped on the white berries making them bright red, hence raspberries.

Red raspberry is a highly nourishing reproductive tonic, providing nutrients that tone and strengthen the entire genitourinary system. One of the richest sources of iron, raspberry is used to replenish iron-poor blood. The abundant calcium also helps mend bones and strengthen hair, teeth and nails.

This is an especially good herb for pregnant women. The tea drank in the morning helps relieve morning sickness and it supports the uterus in preparation for childbirth, promoting an easy, uncomplicated delivery.

As a tea or tincture, raspberry leaf is valuable for treating diarrhea and dysentery. Because of its astringent properties, it is a good mouthwash for sore or infected gums. Use it as an nutritive tonic when energy is low, when recovering from illness and at times when an endocrine tonic is needed.

The leaf is quite tasty but tastes nothing like raspberries!

Do you use energy healing as a form of first aid when an injury happens? In our monthly Reiki shares I tell people to be comfortable using Reiki, or any energy modality, so that they can use it in a first aid situation. Well I heeded my own advice today.

Knowing I had a late client to see, I stopped at the grocery store on my way home from a networking meeting to pick up a couple things I needed to prepare a quick, easy dinner. With my eyes on a bag of lettuce, I headed straight through the produce department to claim the green nourishment. What I failed to see was a piece of produce that had fallen to the floor right in my path. My foot caught that slippery substance, twisted my ankle under and dropped me hard, landing flat on both knees. The force of the fall knocked the wind out of me and pain shot up both legs.

A very sweet man whose face I never did see immediately came over to me, asked if I was alright and helped me to my feet. As I stood there wobbly and embarrassed, he got a paper towel and cleaned up the mess that had tripped me up. I told the other lady that had seen my ungraceful landing that I was fine and took my wounded pride to the next aisle. My knees hurt, my eyes were watering and I was trying to get out of there as fast as I could. I knew I was hurt.

I did self checkout with my two items and walked out to the truck. Pain was shouting at me now. I got in the truck and pulled my pant leg up to see the damage and there was already a huge goose-egg and two visible bruises on my left knee. “Damn”, I thought, that is my good knee!

Fortunately I was only about 5 miles from home so I headed there as fast as I could. As I drove I was sending energy to my knees and planning my strategy. My husband came out to greet me as I pulled in the driveway and I told him I was hurt bad, his brow furrowed worriedly and he helped me into the house. He knows that my knees are not my strongest body part.

I immediately changed into a pair of shorts to have access to the knee and went right to work. Going through my list of healing plant allies I started first with a liberal rub down of St. Johns Wort oil to prevent any more bruising and help with swelling. I then took a healthy dose of my Pain Relief Tincture, by now I needed some pain relieved and I knew that the Valerian and White Willow Bark combo would do the trick. An ice pack wrapped in a towel shot pain up my leg as I sat on the sofa and began now to earnestly send Reiki energy to both my knees. For 30 minutes I sat there channeling healing energy, my intent was no pain, no swelling and no additional bruising. I was very focused and believed in my heart that I had the power to fix this.

I was having what I thought was minimal pain considering how much weight had landed squarely on my precious knees, so I got up to walk around and see how I was doing. Pretty good, a little stiff but good range of motion and no additional swelling or bruising. It had worked! The left knee was a little stiff and sore from the bruise but my right knee was pain free and not a mark on it. I expressed my gratitude to the Universe. I continued with my day, working at my desk until the late client arrived for her massage. I was able to give her the massage without any pain!

Even after all the energy work I have done with clients, and all the amazing things I have seen healed I am still in awe of such a great gift. A gift that we all have access to, a divine healing power that flows freely from Source. I am happily enjoying the gift of healing energy tonight.

Treat arthritis with this traditional Ayurvedic drink known as Golden Milk:

Mix 1/4 cup turmeric powder with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a boil.

Cook until a thick paste is formed, then store in the refrigerator.

To make the drink, mix 1 cup milk with 1 teaspoon almond oil, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste and honey to taste.

Stir on low heat and bring just to a boil. Blend to make a foamy beverage.

I’ll admit I have been in a dark mood for a while now. No I’m not proud of it. I try to shake it but it keeps coming back. When I check in to see what it is I find fear. It paralyzes me. Not good for my state of mind, my relationships or my business.

Why do I have this fear? What am I afraid of? I have done inner work many times to try and figure out this demon but I never seem to be able to shake it. One thing I have figured out is that around this time of year it always rears its ugly head.

But today is December 1st and Winter Solstice just around the corner on December 21st. The Winter Solstice is the day of longest darkness, on the next day the light begins to return and overtake the darkness. I have decided that this is a perfect time to deal with my own inner shadow! In earth based spirituality the time of Winter Solstice is when you go inside and look for the things of darkness that need to be brought to the light….I know mine….fear.

So I have pledged a path to work with this shadow and bring it to the light.

I am walking the Labyrinth and meditating every day for the next 21 days to try and understand my shadow side.

So today I took my first walk to begin my journey. Honestly I was not expecting much today because I figured it would take me a while to get into the flow. Yes I was in my head…and I know better

I walked to the center and sat facing the North looking to the ancestors to give me guidance. As I sat there thinking about fear and why it is so paralyzing in my life I had an insight.

My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. From that time forward I bounced from one parent to the other to live because my parents would ask me who I wanted to live with. When I was mad at one parent I would go and live with the other one. Young children should not make that choice….I ended up going to 13 different schools growing up because of constantly bouncing back and forth.

What I learned in the center of the Labyrinth was that as a child every time I expressed what I want someone I loved got hurt. If I said I wanted to live with one parent the other one felt pain. I believe that has a huge bearing on why I have trouble making decisions.

I have been working with a business coach and part of the process is to figure out what you want for yourself and your business. I have had so much resistance to that part of the work and now I understand why. I’m afraid if I want something it will cause others pain.

Wow did that hit me between the eyes!

So I will continue my daily walks and see what other insights the Universe has in store for me!

I invite you to do some inner work leading up to the Winter Solstice and bring your shadows to the light.

Blessed be