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

An Introduction to Meditation

The wide open expanse of the view,

the true condition of mind

is like the sky, like space: Without centre, without edge, without goal.

~ Dzogchen Master Shabkar Rinpoche

At the basis of all spiritual and psychic development is the practice of meditation. It not only increases clarity and awareness but restores wholeness within our spiritual and physical bodies. It has been around for thousands of years and can be used by anyone at any time, whatever their state of health.

Meditation is a way of life. It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and patterns. There are many different ways to meditate, such as using colours, mantras or chanting. The techniques I offer in this article have been passed on to me by a Thai Buddhist Master and a Tibetan Rinpoche. Both are highly respected teachers and I was very fortunate to receive their teachings.

What is Meditation?

Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. Watching your breath, listening to the birds or even walking is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation. The objective of meditation is to stop the mind chattering and to cease internal dialogue. In essence, meditation means ‘a cessation of thought process’.

Preparation

Seating
There are many different ways to sit during meditation, but the most common are either sitting on a chair (Egyptian position) or on a cushion on the floor (Buddhist position), either cross legged or kneeling. Everyone is different, so choose the seating position that makes you feel most comfortable.

Breathing
Meditation is all about the breath. Notice that when we are stressed, we breathe fast and shallow, which leads to further stress. In meditation, the objective is to breathe deeply and slowly, thus reducing stress and allowing us to feel calm. After meditating regularly, breathing slowly and deeply will come naturally.

Posture
It is very important to maintain a straight spine during meditation and not slump. Think of your back straight, like a stack of coins.

Focus
Many people fall asleep during meditation. This is not meditation. Meditation is a state of awareness so it is important to remain alert and focused and not allow the mind to wander. Eyes can be either open or shut. For beginners, I would recommend starting with eyes closed as it is easier to maintain focus. However, having eyes open is the optimum way to meditate, focusing your eyes gently on an object or point of reference.

When and Where to Meditate

The traditional times of meditation are at dawn and dusk but you can meditate at any time. Try to stick to a routine and do it the same time every day. Create a quiet, sacred space for yourself where you will not be disturbed by the telephone or other distractions.

How to Meditate

1. Take three deep breaths slowly in and out, relax and centre yourself.


2. Close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out through the nose. Let your attention focus on the breath. A general guide to breathing is ‘in’ for four breaths, hold for two, then ‘out’ for four breaths. The more you practice, the slower and deeper your breathing will become.


3. As you meditate, your mind will begin to wander. When this happens, just allow your thoughts to come and go without holding on to them, then gently bring the mind back to the breath.


4. Thirty minutes is a good amount of time to meditate, but even 10 minutes will be beneficial.

Basically, that’s it! So easy and so simple.

A lot of people are reluctant to meditate either because they think it’s too difficult or because they become easily distracted. Remember, it takes discipline to meditate and it takes practice to still the mind. The (ego) mind will create all sorts of excuses to not meditate but once you start seeing the benefits, you’ll love it. You may even find that meditation becomes addictive.

Grounding

It is important to ground yourself after meditating. You may feel light headed when you finish, so try to come back to your body slowly. A useful grounding technique is to pat your legs/calves or gently stomp your feet on the ground. Always drink a glass of water when you finish as it helps to ground and rehydrate.

At the end of a meditation, I always dedicate my practice to a higher source and offer thanks. Happy meditating!