Tarot Card of the Month - Strength

The tarot card for this month is Strength. The value of this card is either 8 or 11 (depending on the deck) and is associated with the zodiac sign of Leo.

A woman is standing in a field with her hands around a lion’s head. There is a peaceful smile on her face and it appears she has successfully tamed this wild beast. Instead of preparing the bite, the lion is sticking out his tongue which suggests that he is happy to submit and surrender to the woman. She has the infinity symbol above her head and her white robe indicates spiritual purity. The lion is a symbol of our animal passions and desires. The maiden represents that part of ourselves that has the ability to nurture and love.

This card represents inner strength, determination and power. It reminds us of the power of the human spirit to overcome and endure life’s obstacles by drawing upon our inner strength and confidence. While strength is normally associated with the masculine, this is a feminine card. The woman depicted is compassionate and caring. She tames the lion through a gentle approach using love and patience rather than by sheer force.

When the Strength card appears in a spread, it signifies that strength is required for challenges ahead. It also tells us that we have the inner strength required to meet these challenges and urges us to use compassion, love and gentleness to achieve our goal.

Keywords for the Strength card – strength, courage, patience, compassion, understanding

Fennel Tea

Fennel has been used for centuries not only to add flavor in cooking but also for its many health benefits.

Fennel has a mild estrogen-like activity which inhibits spasms in the intestinal tract. It is wonderful for the treatment of gastrointestinal afflictions such as indigestion and fullness. It has also been shown to possess diuretic, pain reducing, fever reducing and antimicrobial actions. In fact, fennel was formerly an official drug in the United States and was listed as being used for indigestion.

Fennel tea is available from any health food store but it’s easy enough to make yourself. Simply buy some dried fennel seeds from the herb section in the supermarket and steep a few teaspoons in a teapot or boiling water. It will aid digestion after a meal and is particularly effective for settling an upset stomach. It has a lovely aniseed flavour and makes a delicious tea which can be enjoyed at any time.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Devil

This month, I would like to introduce one of the less popular cards in the Tarot deck, the Devil card. The value of this card is fifteen and is ruled by Capricorn, the goat.

A winged horned figure sits on a pedestal with an inverted pentagram on his forehead. The black background represents what is hidden or ignorance. Two naked figures, a male and female are chained at his feet. Although the two figures are chained, if you look closely you will see that the chains around their neck are loose. This symbolises that our restrictions are always self imposed and there is always a way out if we choose.

On first glance, this seems to be a foreboding card as many people believe the horned figure to be Satan. In actual fact the figure is Pan, the half goat Nature God or Dionysius (Bacchus). As God of Nature, Pan represents the physical realm and the primal desires of man.

This is not a card to be feared, but rather one that should be embraced. It not only encourages us to face our deepest and darkest fears but also to accept our animal nature. As human beings we are part animal and part spirit. Both are equally important and should be in balance with each other. By denying our animal nature, we deny what it is to be human. The same can be said if we deny our spirituality.

The Devil Card has several meanings, but basically it symbolises bondage of some kind whether it be to a person or a situation. This card lets you know that you are caught in an unhealthy or unproductive circumstance. Most of us are aware of being caught in a negative situation, but often we push the truth away, choosing instead to bury it into the darkness of our subconscious. This card urges us to face what is hidden and to bring the truth to light.

As this card also represents base desires, it can be associated with addictions, obsessions or focusing too much on the material realm. Deceit is often associated with this card as is lust, an over indulgence of sexual pleasure or an extra marital affair.

Keywords for The Devil card – bondage, restriction, sexual desire

Pamper Yourself with Oat Milk

Not only are oats an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, but they are also possess some of the best skin care properties. Because of their high silica content, they make great emollients that help restore the skin’s natural moisture.

Oats have been clinically proven to help heal dry, itchy skin. They are a soothing treatment for conditions such as eczema, chicken pox, dry itchy patches and insect bites. They are also said to be highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, soften and soothe the skin; suitable for most skin types.

A great way to help moisturise dry, irritated skin is to have an oat milk bath. Simply cut the foot off an old flesh coloured stocking and place about ½ cup of rolled oats into the toe. Tie off the end and place it into your bath. Within minutes your bath will be transformed into a luxurious milk bath, leaving you feeling re-energized and your skin soft and supple.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Magician

This month’s featured Tarot card is the Magician. The value of the this card is number 1 and it is ruled by Mercury.

The Magician is the bridge between the spiritual and material worlds. In his right hand he holds a staff (wand) pointing upwards to the sky (the spirit realm) while his left hand points towards the ground (the physical realm). Other symbols on the card include an infinity symbol above his head and a table displaying a chalice, a pentacle, a wand and a sword, representing the four elements. His red and white robes symbolize innocence and worldly knowledge.

When the Magician appears in a spread, it suggests that we have been given all the tools needed to manifest our visions and dreams into reality. This is the card of creative power. The word magic comes from the ancient ‘magh’, meaning power. It tells us that we have the ability to tap into universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Ruled by the planet Mercury, it suggests excellent communication skills and a strong intellect. Planning and co-ordination skills are also featured. As this card is at number one, it heralds new beginnings and new ventures with positive results. Skill and initiative will be applied to accomplish goals and happiness involving new projects will follow.

Keywords of the Magician – Originality, creativity, imagination, communication, self-reliance

Clary Sage - Nature's Anti-Stress Tonic

Clary Sage is one of the most calming and euphoric of all essential oils. It soothes and eases tension and is an effective nerve tonic. If you are feeling tired, Clary Sage will help boost your energy levels. It is wonderful for treating depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension.

The hormone balancing properties of Clary Sage can also be beneficial for the female reproductive system. It helps to relieve painful periods, PMS and abdominal cramps. In skin care, Clary Sage oil is helpful as it promotes cell regeneration and regulates sebum production.

Some of the therapeutic properties of Clary Sage oil are antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, digestive, euphoric and sedative.

Keep in mind that Clary Sage is a stimulant and too much can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can produce euphoria in some individuals. Clary Sage oil should be avoided during pregnancy as it can induce labour.

Uses

* If you are having a social gathering, use some Clary Sage in a vaporizer or burner to promote communication and relaxation.
* Clary sage is calming to the nervous system, particularly in cases of depression, stress, insomnia and deep seated tension. Several drops in a burner or bath should help to ease symptoms.
* Used in a cream or lotion, Clary Sage oil can be beneficial for skin problems, back pain and muscular tension, as well as for PMS and cramps.
*Use any time you need to feel uplifted in a blended massage oil, burner or diluted in the bath.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Tower

This month’s tarot card is the Tower. The numerical value of the Tower card is sixteen and it is ruled by the planet Mars.

The symbols on this card show a tower hit by lightening. There is fire coming out of the top of it and two figures are falling to the ground. Just by looking at the symbolism on this card, we know that something is about to happen and chances are we are not going to be happy about it!

Sometimes referred to as 'the destroyer', the Tower represents change and upheaval. As suggested by the suddenness of the lightening bolt, this upheaval is usually unexpected. Typically, changes in our lives occur slowly, giving us time to adjust. Sometimes, however, we choose to ignore what is happening around us, preferring instead to turn a blind eye. The trouble with this is that eventually the truth will come to light, and this is where the Tower comes in.

The Tower breaks down existing forms in order to make room for new ones. It gives us a ‘jolt’ to wake us up from our zombie like state. Often this rude awakening is not going to be easy or pleasant, but the resultant changes are what are best for us in the end.

Keywords for the Tower are – sudden change, eruption, upheaval