Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Emily Balivet

We are pleased to begin our new monthly Artist Portrait Series by sharing with you a wonderful interview that I conducted recently with artist Emily Balivet.  A fine artist/illustrator living in Vermont, Balivet's work explores the mystical feminine elements of ancient goddess mythologies from around the world through style that reflects her interest in Art Nouveau and the pre Raphaelite movements.
The result?  Strong, confident women focused through a painter's lens of exquisite color and grace.
                                                                                                                           ~ diane fergurson

                                                    "Nepenthe Goddess of Bliss"

MBS: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started as an artist? I know you are self taught, but how did your career develop from something you loved to do to pursuing it actively as a career?

Emily: I was 17 when discovered spending hours upon hours creating things was completely fulfilling and I made a decision to make a career of my art. In 1991 I began marketing my random creations in the craft fair/festival circuit and wholesaling to shops near and far, but nearly always as a supplement to my income. I dabbled in a variety of mediums (woodworking, textile art, silk screening, candle making, jewelry, etc.). However, my big big love was painting (with acrylics) and I painted daily for years without ever displaying my "real art" to the public. Perhaps I felt my skills weren't developed enough or maybe I was too emotionally attached. In 2004 I busted through some psychological barriers and began marketing my artwork online....and it's been a fantastic life ever since! Not only have I been able to make a living doing what I love, but the fears and attachment I once felt about my art quickly dissolved. It's the feeling you get when you know you're doing exactly what you were made to do!

                                                                "Faeries on Parade"

MBS:
I've noticed that the themes explored in your paintings revolve primarily around Goddess and Mythological subjects. How did this evolve into such a focal point for your work?

Emily:  It was definitely an evolution and not planned out at all. I became interested in Greek mythology when I was younger and a later Arthurian legends (books like Le Morte D' Arthur). Around '95 I became fully inspired by the pre-Raphaelites and most of my art for a number of years after reflects that inspiration. For a few years now I've also been adding in a touch of Art Deco/Nouveau influence into my work while maintaining a theme of mythological archetypes. When it comes right down to it I just paint what feels good at the time, so themes and inspirations are subject to change ;)

                                                 "The Lap- Breastfeeding Mother Ocean Goddess"

MBS:
Do you work in a series? And if so, can you tell us a little bit about the one you're currently working on?

Emily:  I most often have a number of projects going, some individual paintings and some that work into a series. I have the Medieval Alphabet, a tarot deck (not yet published), and a few other projects including book illustrations. In fact, I'm currently in the early stages of illustrating a children's story by Vermont author, Tanya Sousa. 

MBS:
Wow...wonderful! Sounds like you are pretty busy. Can you tell us a little about the tarot deck you are working on? The imagery.

Emily:  The imagery of my deck is fairly classical and in quite a similar style as my Medieval Alphabet. However, after completing it and sitting on it for a while, I've decided I need to repaint several cards before publishing. In fact I may make some major changes to the entire project! ... Make it more powerful, more my own, and enhance the symbolic imagery I'm looking for in a deck. It's very important to me that this particular project turns out just right!

                                                       "Persephone- Queen of the  Underworld"

MBS:
What format do you normally work in? A specific size...large, small...or does it depend on the project? Also what materials do you use.... Acrylic, on canvas, boards, paper etc...

Emily:  My main medium is acrylics though I do enjoy oils as well. Before I began marketing my work on the web, I used to work on much larger canvases and Masonite panels. Considering the cost and difficulty shipping larger works involves, I've since switched to smaller pieces, 20x24 usually being the largest.  

                                                        "Brigid- Celtic Goddess of Inspiration"

MBS:
What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep "hours" and go to work painting like a 9-5 job? Or are you less scheduled about it?

Emily:  Oh, much less scheduled than a regular 9-5 job. I like to stay up until the wee hours of the morning painting, but I also like to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to paint! This means that I'm often switching sleeping patterns to have the best of both worlds. The most amazing things occur in my mind at night! (Possibly a side effect from being raised in Alaska and enduring months of darkness)! 

MBS:
That's a great perspective!
I have kind of a nuts and bolts question next. A lot of times one of the hardest things an artist finds is trying to maintain a balance between doing their creative work and having to tend to business...paperwork, promoting themselves etc. Since you expanded your business by putting it online, how do you handle this and what advice can you give to other artists who are looking to branch out in a big way?

Emily:  The business aspect certainly did not come naturally to me. For many years I thought I needed an agent or someone to work behind the scenes, making connections, marketing, etc.
When I began taking on those tasks myself I discovered that every small step I took made a huge difference and (to my surprise) I sometimes enjoyed the business end of things! Having been a freelance artist for a number of years now, I've learned to distinguish between these two very opposing urges in my mind. Some days I wake up with a lack of enthusiasm for my painting, but with a crazy desire to go over inventory or post new paintings around the web. I've learned to go with the flow when the mood strikes. If I miss the opportunity, doing the marketing when I MUST is like pulling teeth for me!
As for what advice I would give other artists? Post your art to as many sites as you can handle. I honestly believe there is a buyer out there for every piece of art. The art and the buyer just need to be connected, so make it as easy as possible for your art to be seen!

MBS:
That sounds like very wise advise. Thank you so much for spending time with us and we're looking forward to seeing your new work when it's published! 

end
 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prints of Emily's work and also some her original paintings are available in her Etsy Shop.
Also through her Website.

You can also email her at art@emilybalivet.com



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The Sun and Moon Tarot Review
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Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 3

A Strong Foundation of Common Sense

 “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram I” concentrated on your starting point, acceptance, contemplating the Tai Chi Diagram, and creating small changes. “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram II” presented the problematic nature of the market solutions, and suggested adopting the Tai Chi Diagram as a lifetime study with you as the master teacher.

I will now discuss some of the thoughts and actions I find helpful.

We hear a lot about “good” and “bad” foods yet the diagram is made of Yin and Yang, White fish, and Golden (or Black) Fish. Make a shift in consciousness from good/bad to yin/yang.

In the world of good and bad you look for information mostly outside of you. In the world of yin and yang you look for information mostly inside of you.

In the beginning you may want to find a teacher that can guide and help you in this transition,

Follow the law of nature:

 Follow the law of nature. Follow common sense. For example, here are three simple, common sense ideas:

1) Eat when you are hungry

2) Eat till you’re 80% full

3) Pay close attention to how food affects you. If a certain food feels not right for your body or mind, don’t eat it for a while

In most cases if you follow these three guidelines your weight will go down, your health will improve, and you will be happier. For some it is that simple, but if you find following the guidelines hard to do you are not alone. For some of us staying sane, healthy and happy is hard work.

It’s all in the mind:

It is all in the mind and that is why the mind is a good place to start. Examine your views, attitudes and habits about and around food and eating. For example guideline 1 tells you to eat when you are hungry. Do you know when you are physically hungry? Have you ever been physically hungry? Can you tell the difference between physical hunger, and emotional hunger? Or habit hunger? Do you eat for recreation? Comfort?  Company? Instead of sleeping? To suppress sexuality? Because you’re angry, and lashing out is not an option? Because you’re sad, and crying is not aloud? The answer is simple: Eat only when your body needs food. Applying this principle to your daily life may take time and work. Contemplating it will lead to developing the awareness in your body, which will give you answers. Then you will need to go back to your mind where you will build acceptance, followed by creating and implementing small changes. The word “gong” (as in Qigong) means achieving/cultivating and it implies time accumulation. Take the time, do the work, don’t over do.

Of course the same line of thought follows for guidelines two and three: Can you sense how full you are while you are eating? Can you sense it after you’re done eating? How do you find 80% fullness in your stomach? What qualifies as discomfort? How do you know if that discomfort came from something you ate? And what was that something? Remember: Small changes! Rome was not built in a day; neither were your habits. Pick something that you can relate or connect to and slowly experiment with incorporating it into your life. Be creative, and be well.

~ Miriam Moran Shankman

Article Part 1
Article Part 2

Mir-Yam School of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation, offers:

• Weekly classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation: practice, theory, and applications
• Medical Qigong sessions
• Guidance in “Eating with the Tai Chi Diagram”
• Workshops and presentations

To contact Miriam, www.mir-yam.com, miriam@mir-yam.com

Also by Miriam:
Slow Down We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season


"Butterfly Summer" Photo Art Print is by artist Karen Casey Smith and available in her Etsy Shop.

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Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 2

ASK YOURSELF

I once read an article that stated that each one of us has his or her own reason for seeking, and sticking with Tai Chi, at the time I was not aware of my reason. For two years I contemplated going to a Tai Chi school. I stepped it to my first Tai Chi class six month after I became aware that my food consumption was hurting me.

I wanted a solution to my problems NOW, and the market had always been willing to provide me with quick and short-lived options. Tai Chi never claimed it would help. Looking back, the best way I can describe what happened is that with consistent practice, over time, Tai Chi taught me how to take good care of myself. It made me sensitive to what was going on in my body, mind, and spirit, and guided me to healthy solutions.

You may say, OK, that’s a nice story, but “How do you eat with the tai chi diagram?”

The story goes that a man passing by a master’s school asked a student exiting a weekly tai chi class: “Have you finished doing tai chi?” “You do not ‘do’ Tai Chi,” answered the student, “You live Tai Chi.” The man looked at him and said: “It’s not possible to live once a week.”

I am changing into living Tai chi. it takes time, practice, and hard work. It is an adventure. Here are a few notes from my journey so far in the hope that they may be of help:

If you are searching high and low for the “right” diet, food combination, book, nutritionist, or secret that once and for all will eliminate your struggle, please consider Jou Tsung Hwa famous saying: “There is no secret, only hard work.” Take a chance, make a 180 degree turn from the society you are living in and come to believe that work may become your salvation. (Please note that the hard work I discuss here is not busy work but the work that needs to be done within you. Many times that will be exactly the work you rather not do. That is what makes it hard!)

Also from Jou Tsung Hwa: “Don’t ask the teacher, ask yourself.”  And: “You don’t need a teacher, only common sense.” You know what is right for you. If you do not know, it may be because you have learned to hide the truth from yourself. Over time Tai Chi will help you uncover what you already know, and become yourself. In the meantime, “Do your best, don’t overdo,” ask for help, and spend time looking, contemplating, meditating on the Tai Chi diagram. The lack of balance and sanity in your food and/or life may be a reflection of something in need of balance within you.

~ Miriam Shankman

End of Part 2
__________________________________


You can read Part 1 of this article here
You can read Part 3 here


Photo courtsey of Creative Commons

Miriam Shankman  is a practitioner and instructor of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the New York, Tri-State area.  If you would like to contact her, you can visit her website at:  http://www.mir-yam.com
or drop her an email at:  miriam@mir-yam.com

You may also enjoy reading this post by Mirian:
Slow Down We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season

Eating With The Tai Chi Diagram Part 1

We're pleased to have Miriam Shankman back, sharing with us a wonderful three part series to help in our cultivation of new thoughts and healthy habits for the new year!

EATING WITH THE TAI CHI DIAGRAM I

 START WHERE YOU ARE

By: Miriam Moran Shankman

Consider where you come from

To know where you are it is advisable to consider where you started. Culture plays a major role in one’s life, and food is part of culture. I found I have a mixed bag: I am of Eastern European heritage, but I was born and raised in the Middle East, and I lived my adult life on the US East Coast, studying the Taoists’ and Buddhists’ ways.

You may ask: “For example, what did you eat today?” I shall be honest in answering that, and tell you I had yogurt with fruit and nuts for breakfast. Through the morning, I drank two cups of my favorite green tea, and for lunch I enjoyed two shortbread cookies with three chocolate shells (the little ones that come from Belgium), and an apple. Great work Miriam! Big fat chance that any health conscious magazine editor is going to publish this one! Well, I hope someone will give me points for honesty, and as for that “naughty” lunch, maybe it will make more sense at the end of this page…

Tai Chi philosophy shows me that each one of us can seek and find his or her own balance, his or her own common sense.

Start Where You Are (I learned it the hard way)

No matter how old you are, where you come from, how many degrees you’ve earned or how much money and/or friends you have, you’ve got to start where you are: check it out. Fess up. Write it down. Tuck it under your pillow.

Back to me…I start with some positive tendencies: A total love affair with fresh veggies, fruit, and low fat, white dairy (I give the credit to the place and culture in which I was born and raised, the Middle East). But I also start with a sweet tooth that includes a great love for the delicate and intricate pastries one can find in my Eastern European heritage. And last, I start with a willingness to skip any consumption of animals flesh. I am not sure where that came from. Maybe it is a combination of growing up on a farm, and loving animals. Left to my own “girl on the town” and “let’s have a life full of fun” I would be dinning on great big vegetable salads and stir-fries, and wonderful pastries of all kinds, shapes, textures and colors along with fresh fruit and frozen yogurt…Putting it that way, it sounds wonderful (your cravings maybe different but the principal still apply) and, in any case, it is where I start.

Accept Your Limitations (I learned that the hard way too!)

That last sentence: “It is where I start” needed time to mature and surface, and I needed time to grow out of the above party menu. I like to call myself a recovering vegetarian. Rarely do I crave meat, and my common sense told me: “Great. I can be animal friendly at no cost to me.” Then came Tai Chi…and taught me to listen to and hear my body. Not my mind. Not my stomach. Not my ancestors. Not my girlfriends. This body I live in told me it needs and wants some animal flesh (please remember this does not mean it is necessarily true for you. You will have to conduct your own research on your own body.) It was painful and humbling to accept that my body would compel me to eat animals. I was once told: “You may have to give up exactly the thing you are least willing to give up.”

No Big Changes

Once in a conversation seeking direction from my doctor, she said to me: “No big changes.” There is a world of wisdom in those three words. Stick with small. Keep in mind that sometimes you may have a set back. Use that set back as opportunity to study your habits and patterns. Make a plan for a small change, and gently put it into action. You may discover that what you thought was a set back has actually become a part of your progress. Think of the Tai Chi Diagram. Imagine it. Draw it. Look at it. See your set back in it. Plan tomorrow accordingly.

Tai Chi seeks balance. Life seeks balance. You are seeking balance (I know because you’ve read this far). The culture we live in…not exactly seeking balance. Go within. Ask your body. But please, at first, do not believe everything your body tells you. It takes time to know “who is talking” and “who to listen too.” With time and practice Tai Chi will guide you.

 Make a small Change

In the meantime make a small change. For example: This afternoon I stopped at “Starbucks.” I had it in my mind to order a tall cappuccino. Why did I want a tall cappuccino? 1) To warm up a bit. 2) To have some milk. 3) To get a treat. 4) To get an energy boost. Then I remembered that in the past, most cappuccinos have actually drained my energy and that took reason 4 away. So I made a small change and ordered tall steamed milk! The lady at the counter asked to make sure I knew what I was saying, and looked down to see what child I must have been ordering this for. No child. Just me. Making a small change. The hot milk was real good. (Don’t forget to ask for foam!) 

End of Part 1

Part 2 can be read here
Part 3 can be read here


------------------------------------------

Miriam Shankman  is a practitioner and instructor of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the New York, Tri-State area.  If you would like to contact her, you can visit her website at:  http://www.mir-yam.com
or drop her an email at:  miriam@mir-yam.com

Our photo "Big Blessing Bowl" comes from Patty Mara's Sacred Heart Cafe which you can visit on Etsy.




You may also enjoy reading an additional post by Miriam:
"Slow Down, We Move Too Fast:  A Prelude to the Holiday Season"

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The Magic of January Snow

         "The universe, silence, a world stretching into all eternity
          They came here from far away- hundreds and thousands of clumps of ice- 
          moving through outer space.  After a long journey through the expanse
          between plants and stars, the grand journey is about to come to an end."

                                                                      ~ masaru emoto
                                                                         The Secret Life of Water

Edgemont Park, Montclair NJ  1-7-11

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Our Unique, Yet Charming Zodiac Sign Flaws

In the February issue of Dell Horoscope Magazine there is a delightful article, "The Charming Character Flaws of the Signs" by Brian Clark that examines the character flaws associated with each Zodiac sign.  Clark explains in a humorous yet informative way, that it's all these little flaws and characteristics that combine to make us all unique and interesting individuals.

Probably one of the amusing aspects of the article is that before Clark describes each sign he prefaces it with a little Astrological quote by the 17th century essayist Joseph Addison.  As he points out in the article, it's interesting that even back in the day, our ancestors were fascinated by the zodiacal quirks of character! 

I thought I would share Addison's quotes with you.  If you get a chance, read the article.  It's great.  A lot of good wisdom and information.

~ diane


 Aries
Who works from morn to set of Sun,
And never likes to be outdone?
Whose walk is almost a run?
Who?  Aries.

Taurus
Who smiles through life-
except when crossed?
Who knows, or thinks he knows. the most?
Who loves good things:  baked,
boiled, or roast?
Oh, Taurus


Gemini
Who's fond of life and jest and pleasure:
Who vacillates and changes ever?
Who loves attention without measure?
Why, Gemini

Cancer
Who changes like a changeable season:
Holds fast and lets go without reason?
Who is there can give adhesion
To Cancer?


Leo
Who praises all his kindred do:
Expects his friends to praise them too-
And cannon see their senseless view?
Ah, Leo.

Virgo
Who Criticizes all she sees:
Yes, e'en would analyze a sneeze?
Who hugs and loves her own disease?
Humpf, Virgo.


Libra
Who puts you all off with promise gay,
And keeps you waiting half the day?
Who compromises all the way?
Sweet Libra.

Scorpio
Who keeps an arrow in his bow,
And if you prod, he lets go?
A fervent friend, a subtle foe-
Scorpio
 
Sagittarius
Who loves the dim religious light:
Who always keeps a star in sight?
An optimist both gay and bright-
Sagittarius


Capricorn
Who climbs and schemes
for wealth and place,
And mourns his brother's
fall from grace-
But takes what due in any case-
Safe Capricorn


Aquarius
Who gives to all a helping hand,
But bows his head to no command-
And higher laws doth understand?
Investor, Genius, Superman-
Aquarius

Pisces
Who prays and serves, and prays and
serves some more;
And feeds the beggar at the door-
And weeps o'er love lost long before?
Poor Pisces

~

16th Century Zodiac Woodcut - Wikipedia



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Finishing Up The Calendar Year

I was watching the snow fall the other day and thinking what a beautiful way to finish up the calendar year.
Just watching the quiet...before the snow changes to rain or the kids come out and tromp it all down attempting to make snowmen (which is nice in a whole other way).

In the practice of qigong, this is referred to as retreating into the energy of the North. Quiet, a rest time when we hibernate our thoughts and ideas. Turning our mental and energetic kettle on low, letting the flavors settle and rest together before developing into the new and bright energy of the Spring (East).

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Take advantage of it for what is is, not what you would like it to be. Remain in the moment, let yourself settle in and gently rework your plans and ideas. Allow yourself some quiet time, give your body permission to rest and take a breath before you charge forward into your next adventure.

Have a good new year.
From all of us at the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace, we wish you well! 

~ diane fergurson

"Colorado Winter Flower Photo:  Rose Sparkle" is by Colorado photographer Julie Magers Soulen and available in her Etsy Shop.

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You may also enjoy:
Winter Solstice 2010:  A time for Light Release and Transformation 
Slow down We Move Too Fast.  A Prelude to the Holidays

Winter Solstice: A Time for Light, Release and Transformation

There is a striking thread that runs through many of the winter holidays, whether celebrated in Jewish, Christian, pagan, or other traditions – that of light, the return of light, and an embrace of light, both within and without. The Winter Solstice is a major holiday for pagans, but can be enjoyed by anyone without stepping on the toes of other faiths. It is the shortest day of the year, the day when the sun shines the least – in ancient times it was literally called “sun standing still day.” After the solstice the days begin to get longer, our time under the sun increasing little by little.

Even if we don’t see a reason to celebrate this as a religious or spiritual event we can see how it might have significance psychologically. For a good example of our reliance on light, I need only look back a couple of weeks to when a big windstorm knocked out power for thousands of people in my area – including me and my family. Reading by candlelight had a certain homey appeal, but there was an awkwardness to brushing teeth or simply walking up the steep narrow stairs in the old farmhouse, by candle. Schedules and routines change – bedtimes tend to be earlier, the dark greeted differently when we have no control over it. If we can be so affected by a diminishment of light, imagine the ancients, who truly set their lives by the light of the sun.

Perhaps of greater meaning to us now is the symbolism of light, especially in a season of growing darkness. I believe many of us are in great need of this renewing return of light – enough events have been taking place in our culture that have thrown some of us into the dark. The loss of a job and one’s income, family members in the military or simply news of war, ugly politics and the threat of individual rights narrowing, personal anxieties and fears… Concurrent with days growing ever shorter (not to mention an increase in cold temps, keeping us indoors even more), our moods may be suffering. Through holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and the pagan Yule, we have the invitation to accept and celebrate this return of light, and on the solstice we see the literal return of that light.

Also occurring on the solstice this year, will be a full lunar eclipse. In itself this is a relatively rare event, and one that astronomers are taking note of. Astrologers are also taking note of it, because the belief is that eclipses and solstices affect change… taking place as they will together, this combined event is expected to bring even bigger changes, on social as well as individual levels.

Major shifts are possible (some would say likely), and the general advice is to approach the day of this solstice with an openness to good things and joy, and from a place of acceptance and calm. If transformation is going to take place, embrace it and make it what you would like it to be – or at least to the extent that you can.

I am still a little on the fence about what I believe with regard to astrology. I tend to think who we are and become is not so governed by where the planets were when we were born, but I find myself making simple assumptions based on astrology more often than I’d like and have recognized some uncanny truths when doing deeper reading into it. I do find it exciting to think that a full moon eclipse on a winter solstice might usher in big change, new direction, and inner transformation, while also helping us release old fears or habits; hopefully all good of course! Experts are saying to check your natal charts for planets that fall between 27 and 1 degree in any sign, for those areas will be affected. I plan on going home tonight and pulling out my chart, to see just which houses might start experiencing some influence on Tuesday. I am just slightly nervous, knowing I have quite a few that fall in those degrees. I will also probably emphasize a practice of mindfulness on Tuesday, and perhaps do some simple meditation on opening to more love, joy, and yes, light.

~ nellie levine

photo, "Through Frosted Glass" is by Jude McConkey.  It's available in her Etsy Shop.

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Enabling the Disabled in India

We'd like to thank Indira Govindan for sharing this touching blog post with us.

Beading and Stringing at the Workshop

During my trip to India in March 2010, I did a workshop on jewelry making to a group of physically challenged girls at the Andhra Mahila Sabha. These girls are victims of childhood polio, one of the last groups of children, before polio was officially eradicated in India a decade ago. 

These young women are not only physically challenged but also economically disadvantaged. Organizations such as the Andhra Women provide them with vocational training in book binding, sewing, computer software, which is their path to economic independence. Occasionally, someone like me will come along and teach them something that is fun. Which woman can say no to jewelry?

The workshop was sponsored by Sukriti Social Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by my sister, Sowmya Simhan, who too was stricken with polio at the age of two. She is highly educated with a career in accounting, and her foundation provides a wide range of services and programs to physically disabled men and women and, collaborates with other organizations that provide similar services.

Since I knew that these girls would not be able to buy the materials for jewelry, I took with me all of the materials from my personal stash. Sowmya felt that these girls could use some help in understanding the use of colors and design principles.  So, I made a color wheel for them. I also took several issues of Bead Style magazine with me.

I did the workshop for two evenings after their day class was over. About fifteen girls, ranging from age 12 to 18, participated. The girls were charming and were quick learners. I taught them to make the wrapped loop and showed them how to use the color wheel. I gave each one a kit for a pair of earrings and a necklace and they were quite thrilled when they found out that they get to keep what they had made. The chorus of “thank you auntie” at the end was touching. I donated a whole bag of beads, wire, the color wheel and a toolbox to the girls.

It is unlikely that the girls would ever be able to go into jewelry making business. They do not have the means. However, teaching them the techniques and, giving them the materials would enable them to make things to sell at craft shows. This condition applies to any skill they are taught. It is not enough to just teach them a skill. To enable them to use it gainfully, they also have to be provided the tools and the materials. Hence, organizations such as Sukriti, raise funds to buy them computers, sewing machines, school supplies and so on. I try to do my tiny bit. All proceeds from sales from my shop are donated to Sukriti Foundation.

More information about its work can be found at http://www.sukriti.org and  Facebook

Sowmya, the founder of Sukriti, is being honored with Ascendas Award for service



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Aromatherapy On The Go

 There are many different forms of aromatherapy on the market these days. Between the use of candles, of oils or tarts in a burner, incense, or diffusers, you have many options to choose from.  But, all of those are meant to be used in your home/apartment/office.  Now, there is a great way to be able to enjoy an instant aromatherapy treatment anywhere you are, anytime that you want/need one.

Aromatherapy necklaces are the perfect way to carry your treatments with you wherever you go.  The pendants on these necklaces are actually bottles.  You just have to fill them with the appropriate oils and you are good to go.  Attached to the screw top of each bottle is a wand.   You can use the wand to apply the oil wherever you need to.  If you don’t want to apply any oil, you can just run the bottle under your nose for a quick treatment.

The preferred method of using these is by using an essential oil mixed with a carrier oil.  The most common carrier oils are cold pressed vegetable oils like olive oil or avocado oil, but some nut oils, like almond oil or sunflower oil, will work as well.  If you are going to apply this to your skin, please make sure it is an oil you are not allergic to! 

Depending on which essential oil you use, you will want to use either a 2:1 or 3:1 dilution (with the carrier oil being the larger portion).  Essential oils are very strong, and should never be applied directly to the skin.  They need to be diffused into a carrier oil.

Now, to choose what sort of necklace to wear, and what kind of oils to use, the first thing you need to decide on is what you want the treatment for.  Gemstones and essential oils both have healing properties.  You will want to choose a stone and an oil that both work towards accomplishing the same basic goal, whether it be clearer thinking, simple relaxation, a boost of confidence, or stress relief.

Here is some examples:

Tourmaline is believed to help achieve calmness, balance, focus and self-assurance.  If this is what you would want in your necklace, then you would need to choose an oil that also worked for promoting those same things.  You could use this with sandalwood oil, since sandalwood is good for relieving anxiety, fatigue, grief, insecurity, stress.  This combination should help you get through a tough work day, a stressful family meeting, even help calm you before an important job interview.

Amber is believed to protect you from negativity and promote attractiveness and energy.    You could pair this with a lavender oil, since lavender is good for relieving anxiety, depression, irritability, panic, or stress.  You could use these two together to pick you up before an important presentation at work, to keep you up and focused during a craft fair, on a first date, meeting the potential in-laws...anytime you just need a shot of confidence.

Now, what if you aren’t currently a practitioner of aromatherapy or find it all just too confusing.  Well, there are other uses for these necklaces.

Perfume - you can simply fill these with your favorite perfume, and carry it around with you at all times.  Face it, your clutch purse is prime real estate.  If you can carry one less thing in there, the better.  Work the necklace into your evening attire, and you can carry your perfume with you that way.  Use the wand to apply the perfume to your wrists, behind your ears, wherever you need a quick touch-up.

Prayer/Wishing - The mouths on many of these bottle are big enough to slip a piece of rolled up paper into.  Is there someone special you want to keep in your thoughts?  Someone who is no longer with us who you always want to remember or memorialize?  A secret wish/desire that no one else knows about?  Well, whatever it is, write it on a small slip of paper and place it in the bottle.  Now, you have that wish/thought/prayer/desire with you at all times, and are carrying it close to your heart. 

Necklace - When all else fails, you don’t really need to carry anything inside the pendant if you don’t want to.  These can be used as simple gemstone necklaces with large, bold silver pendants.  There is nothing wrong with that either.

These necklaces have multiple uses.  One of them is right for you.  You can find the ones pictured here, and many others by visiting my website.


Enjoy!
~ Giani







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Have Your Home Smell Great for the Holidays. A Recipe for All Natural Room Spray

There's nothing better than a heavenly scented home, especially as we approach the Holidays. I like to burn tarts and candles, but when company is coming I like to be able to spritz the curtains, furniture (which sometimes smells like Eau de German Shepherd with our pooch), and the guest bath downstairs.

I am going to share the recipe for my Holiday Blend Ambiance Room Lamp & Linen Spray.  It smells so good!

This is also 100% natural. There is a reason major companies fail to mention the ingredients in their home scent sprays--the Air Wick and other varieties come in aerosol containers and contain a host of ingredients that are bad for you and the earth. This one is safe. It is so safe that you can even spritz some on your clothes or skin if it strikes your fancy--although some people do have allergies and sensitivities to the cinnamon, so you'll want to do a patch test first.

This is how I usually scent my home from Thanksgiving through most of the winter.

You will need:

*Distilled Water

*A small handful of whole cloves

*Witch hazel (I prefer the alcohol free witch hazel hydrosol, but for a room spray, the typical witch hazel from the drugstore is acceptable and more economical)

*Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

*Nutmeg Essential Oil

*Sweet Orange Essential Oil

*Vanilla Absolute (you may also put a vanilla bean in the water/clove mixture if you have one on hand)

To make:

The amounts used will depend on how much you will make. Let's base this project on an 8 ounce recipe. You can make 4 small bottles to give as gifts or keep a large bottle around the house.

Combine 5 ounces of distilled water into a small saucepan. Add a handful of whole cloves. Simmer over low to medium heat for at least 30 minutes.

Strain the mixture so the cloves are left out of the liquid. Cool for a bit on the counter.

Now add 3 ounces of witch hazel to the cooled clove water.

Add in 20 drops of the cinnamon essential oil and 10 drops each of nutmeg essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and vanilla absolute. If you have anise or almond oils, these are also nice substitutions and additions.

Stir slowly and pour into bottles. Shake lightly.

These are best in cobalt or amber glass bottles, but any bottle that is not a clear plastic will work well.

Vanilla absolute is expensive. It smells heavenly, but is pricey. You can put a vanilla bean in the clove mixture and simmer instead.

ENJOY!
--
~Karley

Karley Ziegler Mott


Editor, Chic & Green™
Owner/Designer, Loubird Handmade™
Founder, The Embrace Your Curves Project™

Find me on Twitter, too!




You may also enjoy other articles by Karley:
Essential Oils:  Cold Relief
Essential Oils and Skin Care: Bugs

Mercury Retrograde, For Your Holiday Pleasure

Well, it looks like Mercury Retrograde will be gracing us with it's presence during the Holiday Season this year, December 10-30th 2010.  (November 24 to December 13, 2011.)

What is this astrological transit that always makes me glance over my shoulder and take an extra breath of patience (or just give up) when things aren't going my way? Read on and find out.

2011
March 30 to April 23
August 2 to August 26
November 24 to December 13


2012
March 11 to April 4
July 14 to August7
November 6 to November 26

2013

February 23 to March 17
June 26 to July 20
October 21 to November 10

2014

February 6 to February 28
June 7 to June 30
October 4 to October 25
  ~~~~~~

There are numerous astrological aspects which transit our chart every day, every year. Mercury going retrograde however, is one that has always caused my antenna to rise a little higher and pay a bit closer attention to the situations going on around me.

I grew up with a mother who was a student of astrology. Every time this aspect would approach she would begin her lengthy mantra warning me against signing important documents, beginning anything new, engaging in transactions, and of course...travel plans. Although she is in her mid 80's now, I fully expect a letter AND phone call this week reminding me about the transit. It's something she has obviously learned, by experience, to take seriously.

Perusing through my astrology books to prepare for this blog post, I came across a good description of Mercury retrograde by James R. Lewis in his book The Astrology Encyclopedia Here are some excerpts:

“Retrograde refers to the apparent backward motion of a planet in its orbit. Because all planets in the solar system are moving in orbits of different sizes at different rates of speed, there will be periods in the orbit of the Earth when each of the other planets seems to reverse direction for a period of time. The effect can be compared with that of a jet as it passes a slower-moving airplane that is flying in the same direction at a lower altitude: As the pass is made, the slower craft appears – particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the Earth – to be moving in the opposite direction. Similarly, retrograde planets appear to move in reverse direction when viewed against the backdrop of the fixed stars.”

Lewis continues: “Astrologers tend to pay particularly close attention to the retrograde periods of Mercury, ruler of the Mind, communications, travel, and related matters. The period of Mercury’s retrogradation may be considered fortunate for introverted activities like reflection and meditation but it is considered unfortunate for traveling and making important decisions (e.g., signing contracts). Travel is sometimes delayed while Mercury is retrograde, and decisions made during such periods are often reversed after Mercury goes direct.”

~ diane fergurson

About the image... This illustration of Mercury is originally from De Sphaera, an illuminated astrology manuscript from the Italian Renaissance.

~ Diane

You may also enjoy reading:
Vedic Astrology 101
The Ancestral Path Tarot Deck
Our Unique, Yet Charming Zodiac Sign Flaws

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Happy Hanukkah

* Hanukkah 2012 begins Saturday December 8 and ends Sunday December 16.

Tonight begins the celebration of Hanukkah, also known as Festival of Lights, an 8 day Jewish Holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt on the 2nd century BCE.

There are many festive traditions associated with Hanukkah, in addition to daily prayers and blessings. There is also the lighting of a candle each night for 8 nights on the menorah to commemorate the miracle burning of the oil in the Temple menorah which should have lasted for only 1 day, but instead burned for 8.

Blue and white are the traditional colors of Hanukkah along with silver and gold.  There are also traditional games, music and a luscious variety of wonderful food and treats.

Probably one of my favorite foods associated with Hanukkah are potato latkes (crisp potato pancakes) served with sour cream.
A few years ago in the magazine Everyday Food (December 2006), they ran an updated version of this traditional recipe using sweet potatoes.  I love it and thought I'd share it with you below.

To all of you who are celebrating Hanukkah, The Mind Body Spirit Odyssey hopes you have a wonderful Holiday Celebration!

                                              Sweet Potato Pancakes

1 pound sweet potatoes peeled
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 large eggs lightly beaten 
1/2 cup flour
salt and pepper
3/4 c vegetable oil
sour cream for serving (optional)

Grate sweet potatoes on the large holes of the grater.  Transfer to large bowl and stir in scallions, eggs and flour.  Add 1 tsp coarse salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.

Using a packed 1/4 cup measure of potato mixture per pancake, shape into 12 mounds.  With hands form each into a firm ball and transfer to a baking sheet.  With palm flatten balls into 3/4 inch thick cakes.

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat until hot.  Using metal spatula with a thin blade, carefully transfer 6 cakes to skillet, flatten to about 1/2 inch thick.  Cook until golden brown 4 or 5 minutes per side.  Transfer pancakes to paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with course salt.  Repeat process.
Serve immediately with sour cream if desired.

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