Mind Body Spirit Odyssey 2012 Holiday Gift Picks

The Holiday Season has arrived, and once again Abby Horowitz and I have put together some of our favorite Mind Body Spirit related items that we have found online this year.  Some of these products may be familiar to you because they were previously featured on the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook Page, which is updated with new items everyday.  Others are personal favorites.  Some of the products are handcrafted and available from independent shop owners, others are traditionally manufactured and sold through online retail sites.

For additional gift ideas I recommend that you revisit our 2011 Holiday Gift Pick List, and even go back and look at our 2010  selections.

A lot to look at and enjoy.  I'm sure you'll find something for everyone on your list - and even for yourself!

I hope your Holiday Season is a healthy and happy one.  Stay positive and thank you for following our Facebook Page and supporting our blog.  Oh, and don't forget to tell your friends about us -  spread the word!

                                                                                          ~ diane fergurson


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 Gift Ideas From Diane

Lotus Candle Holder and Candle from Dharma Crafts

This stunning Lotus Candle Holder and candle is from the wonderful catalog and website Dharma Crafts Meditation Supplies.  The site features a large selection of mediation related items and also beautiful handcrafted jewelry.  The candle holder and lotus candle pictured above are sold separately.  Great site!

The Winter Solstice
The Sacred Traditions of Christmas
John Matthews with contributions from Caitlin Matthews
Quest Books

If you, or if you know of someone on your Holiday list, that is interested in the history of different cultural traditions, then this book is really a must.  The Winter Solstice is not a new publication.  In fact I stumbled across my copy in a used book store during my travels this summer.  But it was so well written and beautifully illustrated, it gives the reader a wonderful sense of the history and an understanding of the cultural traditions from many belief systems.  Available on Amazon, new and used.

 Moosup Valley Designs

moosupvalleydesigns creates jewelry, wall plaques and giclee prints that are created from the designs of their one of a kind scrimshaw pieces.  All is Connected pictured above, is a beautiful pin which can be purchased in their beautiful Etsy shop.

TyberKatz

If you are a Pug lover or a Cat lover, you are going to fall head over heels for Tyber Katz's wonderful
little Zen sculptures.  They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and really can't help but brighten your day every time you look at them!  Available in their shop on Etsy.

astrolaboratory

When we featured this stunning Bee Mandala Screen Print Shirt earlier this year as our daily Marketplace feature on our Facebook Page, it was one of the most popular items to be viewed this year.  The Bee Mandala was made to help bring awareness to the devastation of Colony Collapse Disorder and to lend support to the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign.  10% of the proceeds from the sale of each shirt is donated to the NAPCC.  This shirt, and many other wonderful mandalas and spirit animal related items by artist Adam Stare are available in his shop astrolaboratory on Etsy.

Jesus, Buddha, Krishna & Lao Tzu
The Parallel Sayings
by Richard Hooper
Hampton Roads Publishing

Reprinted in May of this year, Jesus, Buddha, Krishna & Lao Tzu, The Parallel Sayings is a fascinating little book which organizes and reveals the common spiritual threads and sayings found within the world's major religious traditions.  Organized under topics such as "Suffering" and "Love and Compassion", the quotes of each spiritual leader are presented side by side in columns.  A great gift idea for anyone who is interested in religion, spirituality, philosophy, history or inspiration.  I purchased a copy of this book and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and thinking about the wise words it contains.
Available from Amazon.

DeShawnMarie

DeShawnMarie creates a wonderful line of handmade soap that is vegan friendly, cold process, glycerine and organic.  Pictured above is her fabulous Rose Lilac Soap.  For even more selections visit her Etsy Shop or her Website - and don't forget to check out those great gift sets she has available too!

Loving Kindness Blessing from Karen Casey-Smith

When we posted Karen Casey-Smith's Loving Kindness Blessing on our blog, the response to this stunning print and the blessing it contains was enormous.  One of the most beautiful sentiments I've come across in quite awhile.  A beautiful print, and a wonderfully positive gift to give someone on your Holiday list (or to have yourself).  Available in Karen's stunning shop of photography on Etsy.

 
Veggieyana:  The Dharma of Cooking
by Sandra Garson
Wisdom Publications

Probably one of my favorite cookbooks I've come across this year, Veggieyana is a wonderful collection of recipes of wholesome food from around the world. The recipes are vegetarian, but even non-vegetarians will enjoy the variety of dishes in this book.  Simple ingredients, easy, healthy and delicious.  Can't beat that!  Available on Amazon.

The Raven from Baba Studios Prague

Every season Baba Studios in Prague seem to come out with a new bag or two that just shines above all others.  This year it has to be The Raven...and it's just stunning.  Available in their shop on Etsy.  Note - it may take several weeks after you order for your bag to be made.

Original Artwork, Prints and Jewelry by 

Diane Fergurson can be found in her shops on Etsy 

and ArtFire. 

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Gift Ideas from Abby

Ganapati Studios

I came across a collection of the most wonderful cards from Ganapati Studios at the Rubin Museum
recently.  I bought several of the 5x7 cards and framed them!  They have an online shop where you will find greeting cards, pendants, art prints, journals tote bags, booklets and magnets.  Their wonderful collages will delight your eyes and heart, and will make a great gift!

Tiger House Art

Tiger House Art on Etsy has a wondrous selection of Asian, Celtic, Egyptian Art and Historic Designs.  The prints are sure to make terrific gifts.  Stop by this shop for a journey through space and time.

Soap For Your Soul

Soap For Your Soul makes vegan soap in small batches, using the finest extra virgin olive oil, natural colorants, and over 12 years of soap making experience.  I love the textures, colors and scents.  This husband and wife team create wonderful products sure to make great gifts. 

Robin Wade

I love Robin Wade's magical work.  She focuses on angels, fairies, and strong goddess like figures as they symbolize hope and strength.  Check out her shop on Etsy and you find yourself in an original, whimsical and soulful world.

Peace Blossom Candles

This year I'm going to order this really cool Ganesh candle for stocking suffers.  Peace Blossom Candles are made by Angelika who married into a beekeeping family and uses their pure beeswax to create these beautiful candles.

Solstice Stones

Solstice Stones has a wonderful collection of crystals, minerals and jewelry.  These Moldavite pendants are awesome and are sure to make someone very happy on Christmas day!  Moldavite is born of interplanetary collisions and has an intense frequency which is sought after for it's ability to accelerate our personal and spiritual evolution.  Available in their shop on Etsy.

Mystarrs

Mystarrs on Etsy is a shop filled with one of a kind Stained Glass Art Jewelry and keepsakes.  These Tarot Card Necklaces are wonderful!  Stop by Mystarrs' shop to see this artist's very special work!

South Industry

South Industry creates wonderful wallets and bags from vintage Molas.
The vibrant colors and designs are sure to delight that special
someone on your gift list!  Available in their shop on Etsy.

 

Innovative Stone Art

I recently discovered this Etsy shop and I am enamored with this
talented gentleman’s work.  He creates beautiful stone art sculptures,
garden art, and cast stone wall plaques. From Celtic stone art to
zodiac wall plaques, you’ll find an array of terrific gifts at very
affordable prices!

Sweet Vegan Delight

 
Sweet Vegan Delight on Etsy has the perfect gifts for your favorite Vegan baker!
This assortment features Ginger Gems, Shortbread, and Snickerdoodle cookie
mixes along with instructions.  Yum!  They also make a luscious assortment of
cookies baked to order! Enjoy!

Thank you Abby!

Jewelry by Abby Horowitz can be found in her shop on Etsy.

 Follow the daily updates of the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace on Facebook.

Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 9 - Onyx

Welcome to Part 9 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series.
The ninth sign of the Zodiac is Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Sagittarius is Onyx.

History/Mythology

Onyx is a Greek word that means the nail from a finger (or claw).  According to legend, Cupid cut the fingernail of Venus while she was sleeping on the banks of the Indus River, and they fell into the water.  Because no part of a God or Goddess can every really die, these fingernails settled on the bottom of the river, and were turned to stone, thus giving birth to onyx.

Onyx is from the microcrystalline quartz family knows as chalcedony.  Chalcedony gets its name from Calcedon, a port town on the Marmara Sea in Asia, where the stone was first discovered.  These days, onyx is mined not only in India, but in Brazil, Uruguay and California.

While most people associate onyx with being black, there are multiple colors of onyx, including white, red and green.

Onyx Properties


Black Onyx

Black onyx, due to its ability to absorb light, is looked at as one of the more powerful protection stones.  It is a root chakra stone, which helps keep you grounded and focused.  Onyx has a strong association with Saturn, so those with Saturn in your birth charts (Capricorns especially, but not solely) might want to look to onyx for protection. 

Based on the myth of Cupid and Venus, onyx is believed to add to the belief of the life cycle, in that death is not looked at as final, but merely party of a cycle of continuing life.  This is why mediums look to black onyx to help connect to the spiritual realm.

On the more physical plane, black onyx is looked at to help increase strength, stamina, energy and self control.  It is also thought to lessen tensions, worries, and can help quell confusion and bad dreams.


White Onyx

White onyx balances the system by tying the root chakra to the crown chakra.  So, while the root chakra will keep you grounded,  the crown chakra ties you to the heavenly.  This further enforces the concept of the continual life cycle, and how death is not a finality, but a phase.  Think of it as a continual sense of renewal, a continual balancing of your energies.


Red Onyx

Like black onyx, red onyx is also tied to the root chakra, and is a grounding stone.

Green Onyx

 

Green onyx is for the heart chakra, which is about connection, transformation, and powerful healing.  It is the center of the conscious and spiritual. It helps bridge the three chakra above it with the three below it.

Combining Onyx With Other Stones

Since onyx is not only a protection stone, but also a grounding stone, it is a great stone to combine with other stones, depending on what you want to achieve.

Tiger eye is also from the chalcedony family, which, like onyx, works for people with Saturn in their birth chart (including, but not limited to, Capricorns).  The combination should help you not only stay grounded, but draw that energy further up your chakras, and give you strength to channel that groundedness into power.  As a Capricorn myself, onyx and tiger eye has always been my favorite combination, and I use it together often in pieces such as these:

Onyx and Tiger Eye

That piece above is one of my personal talismans.

For those seeking a more feminine approach:

Onyx and Tiger Eye Flower Necklace

 As you may remember from our story on agate, like onyx, is good for balance and strength.  You can channel them together in a piece such as this:

Onyx and Agate Necklace

 Cleanse and Purify Your Stones

For information on how to cleanse your stones, see this wonderful article published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.

This is the ninth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more

 in the upcoming months!  I thank Giani

 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey. 

The beautiful jewelry pictured above can be found in Giani's website and on CraftStar.

                                                                                  

 ~ diane

  

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 

Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire

Series Article 3 - Amethyst

Series Article 4 - Moonstone

Series Article 5 - Diamonds 

Series Article 6 - Agate 

Series Article 7 - Jasper

Series Article 8 - Pearl

Series Article 10 - Emerald

  

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Mind Body Spirit Artist Series - Betsey Harries

When we featured the beautiful felt sculptures by artist Betsey Harries on our Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook page last month, the response was overwhelming.  Our readers found themselves totally captivated by and engaged with her wonderful, Native American inspired "Earth-Felt People".  I'm so happy that I was able to contact Betsey and interview her for our artist series.  What an interesting story and artistic process that bring these beautiful little figures to life. Hope you will enjoy this interview as much as I did!
                                                                                                                   ~ diane fergurson

Kindness Matters

MBS:  Can you tell us a little about yourself?  How did you get started in art?

Betsey:  My story is a little surprising, as I only started creating art a few years ago; my occupations prior to that were about as far from artsy as you can get. My first job out of college (where I earned my forestry degree) was as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, where I was a military policeman and Provost Marshal (what you call a police chief in the military).  Following my military service, I practiced forestry in a remote area of the Missouri Ozarks and in northern Wisconsin for several years, followed by a stint as a writer/editor for a federal agency, writing and editing fairly dry and uninteresting technical documents.  My desire to create beauty began to emerge on the weekends when I became interested in traditional Native American beadwork and started studying the beadwork of the Plains Indians.

MBS:  From a technical standpoint, your sculptures are just amazing...but to me, they go way beyond that.  They really seem to capture something very quiet, elusive and beautiful about Native American Culture.  What drew you to Native American culture as a subject matter?

Betsey:  I've always been impressed that Native American beadworkers created such beautiful works of art with whatever they had at hand.  They could not order up 20 different shades and sizes of blue beads and have them delivered in 3 days time, as we can today.  They had to use what was available to them, and I imagine they were quite intentional about recycling beads and other supplies.  And you know, there are hundreds of nations of Native American people; today's bead artist could pick one single decade and one single geographic region of the country, spend the rest of your life studying the beadwork created then and there, and never master it.

Curiously, I never intended for my little people to represent a specific geographic area or nation of people.  Many people assume my art dolls are Inuit or Alaskan, and it’s true that they all wear parkas, mittens, and mukluks.  But I intentionally create some of their faces with dark clay, and some with very light clay.  Their hair may be black or white or gray or red.  They could be any of us who live in the colder regions of the world.  .

They do have one important thing in common, though: each little person honors our spiritual connection with nature, music, and the arts.  They carry positive messages:  be kind to others, handle animals with great gentleness, respect the earth, delight in making art and music, and enjoy the movements of our active bodies.  I named this line of my artwork, "Earth-felt People", to connect the respect they "feel" for their "earth" with the fact that I handsew their outfits from wool "felt".

The Reader

MBS:  What is your process when you create the "Earth-Felt People"?  How do you go about it?  Do you work on more then one piece at once?

Betsey:  I make a skeleton of sorts, out of wire, to start.  I don't use a pattern or jig; I form it by eyeballing it and bending it with my hands and trying to keep the dimensions within basic limits.  Surprisingly, it almost always works out O.K.  I then attach the head, which I make out of clay.  I cut and handsew the clothes out of wool felt fabric (the patterns and templets took me FOREVER to perfect), and put them on the body; at this point, I have 3 or 4 different needles and threads attached to the clothes and it is a task to keep them all from getting tangled.  Then I use fibers harvested from buffalo, alpaca, or sheep to make the little person's hair.  I often make braids for the figures, because braids speak of female history and traditions, and also add a whisper of innocence.  At this point, the really difficult step starts: the detail trim around the parka hood, mukluks, and mittens.  And by now I've already got a good start on what the little person is going to be holding; I will finish that part of the sculpture as I get to the last steps of the whole process and can put it into their arms and hands in the final position, and secure the item in their grasp.  I try to secure everything by sewing, rather than glueing, because it seems more professional and clean...and much more difficult, so I take pride in that.  Sometimes, however, glue just can't be avoided, so I make every effort to make it invisible.

I avoid working on more than one little person at a time.  This kind of art unfolds much more smoothly if I focus on just one piece at a time, from beginning to end.

The Knitter

MBS:  Do you have an idea in mind what you would like the piece to reflect before you make it?
Or does the personality or theme of the "person" reveal itself to you after you finish?

Betsey:  Ha! I always THINK I know what the little person will be holding before I start her.  Once in awhile it takes a sudden turn during the process, and she turns out totally different than I envisioned, but that is rare.  They take several hours to make - on average, 16-24 hours - so I have a lot of time to think about their stories and personalities as I sew, mold their heads, carve their paddles, or needlefelt the animals they cuddle.  Since all of them reflect a message of peace, kindness, or happiness, those feelings surround my work area as I mediate on their stories, wrapping the whole process in joy for me.  Lovely fun....

One of the biggest surprises to me is how I make all the faces basically the same....same expression, eyes calmly closed, a little smile....but just by changing the position of their shoulders, the tilt of their heads, a bit of slumping to the spine....each figure expresses a totally different emotion.  This one expresses sadness, that one pride, and that one serenity; just like humans, their body language says so much more than their faces ever could.

Double Dog Dare

MBS:  Are there favorite materials that you like to use in your pieces?

Betsey: I do like to use buffalo hair to make the hair for my little people, but it can be hard to come by.  The last batch I got was from a friend who was traveling across the Great Plains and took the time to gather some for me.  I also use fibers from alpaca and sheep, and if I can get it from local farms, that's even better.

MBS:  Do you have a favorite figure? (and why)

Betsey:  My favorite piece is "Double Dog Dare", with the toboggan hurtling down the snow hill, and the rider covering her face, her braids flying out behind her.  She's my favorite because people laugh out loud when they see her, and that tickles me.

A few of my pieces make people cry; the first time that happened, it took me by surprise and I had to think about what that meant, and my responsibility as an artist -- to create something so sad or so beautiful that it can make a stranger cry.  It takes days to make each piece, so I have a lot of time to think about my little people's "stories", which I write down and position near their display cases.  Some of the stories touch people's hearts more deeply than I understand.

The Turtle's Heartbeat

MBS:  What is a typical work day like for you?

Betsey:  I work for 60-90 minutes at a time, then take a break to relax my back -- take the dog for a 15-minute walk, for instance.  This type of work is very sedentary, and I spend much of my workday hunched over my work table focused on detailed sewing.  I have a black cat named Lucy, who is both naughty AND intelligent (a dangerous combination in a cat), and she often sits near me and "helps".  I listen to soft music, books on tape, or public radio, while I'm working.  I love the freedom of a flexible work schedule, and sometimes work late into the night, and sometimes take an entire afternoon off to take advantage of a sunny day.

MBS:  I see that you sell your work on-line.  What has your on-line experience been like?

Betsey:  When I started my business 5 years ago, I made the mistake of trying to launch into three separate markets simultaneously.  I applied to several juried art shows, created my Etsy on-line shop, and traveled around the Midwest visiting and selling to art galleries and gift shops.  In hindsight, I should have just picked one market that first year and focused on learning it well before adding other major challenges.  (Live and learn, right?)  My Etsy shop didn't always get the attention from me it deserved because the two other markets required so much time and travel.  My Etsy shop has always served me well as a place where customers who saw me at art shows could rediscover my work and reconnect with me, but it's only been in the past year that my Etsy shop has had a visible presence to new customers who have never seen my work before.  

MBS:  What are you currently working on?  Do you have any particular shows or sales coming up in the near future?

Betsey:  I am working on several commission pieces right now, which I consider to be the most challenging of all.  It takes a lot of communication with the customer who is ordering the piece to ensure that I "get it right" for them, without compromising the basic principles of "Earth-felt People".  For instance, if someone asked me to make a little person carrying a rifle, I would decline to accept that order, as my figures all represent peaceful activities.

My show schedule is winding down for the winter, but I have an extremely intense schedule tentatively planned for next year, to include not only juried art shows, but also exhibitions at art galleries.  I create my art during the cold winter months, when the roads in Minnesota are often snowy and not well-suited for safe travel; spring, summer, and fall is when I am very busy traveling to shows to display my artwork.

Namaste

MBS: What have you learned about yourself that has surprised you since you started creating your sculptures?
Betsey:  It might sound funny, but I'm surprised that I can actually do this -- make something unique and beautiful that people love and are willing to buy and display in their homes.  Every time I dream up a new design and actually pull it off, I'm surprised and delighted.  I never knew I had this beautiful artsy spirit within me; it sometimes feels like it's not ME who's creating the artwork.  It's like there is something magical going on and I'm just the messenger that bringing the message forward.  It's a wonderful mystery to me, and I feel very, very lucky.

MBS:  What advice do you have for anyone who wishes to (seriously) pursue an artistic path?

Betsey:  I would offer two pieces of advice.  First, find a mentor to advise and encourage you.  You can't expect yourself to know everything right from the get-go, and there is SO MUCH to learn.  I have found the artist community to be very, very friendly and helpful.  We all have been helped by other artists along the way, and we love to pass it on. Secondly, understand that your artistic development, and the success of your art business will not be a straight-line path.  Don't be discouraged when things aren't unfolding exactly as you had envisioned them when your first launched yourself onto an artistic path.  Detours are normal....just keep moving your feet!

Thank you Betsey! 



Betsey's beautiful sculptures can be found online in her Etsy Shop or you can email her at
betseyharries@yahoo.com

Links to other interviews in the Mind Body Spirit Artist Series.

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11 Ways to Shine Bright and Feel Better

Let it Shine

by Karen Casey-Smith

Letting your light shine is pretty easy when the sun’s out, when things are going well. It can feel a lot more challenging when things don’t seem to be going your way.

Here are a few thoughts, strategies, and uplifting quotes that have helped me find my way to a better place when I’ve needed some assistance. I hope you’ll find a few that will work for you, if you ever temporarily forget the way back to your center. Depending on how you feel at the time you use these, different ones might be more helpful at different times.

Oh, and it really makes things easier for you if you’ve practiced this stuff before you need it. 

• Breathe slowly. Count your breaths. As your breath becomes calmer, your mind will be calmer. If you do this, it works every time.

Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace

We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see. ~ Zen quote

• Ask for help, and trust you’ll get it. It was promised. Help can come from the Divine through so many avenues, including family, friends, strangers, angels, and in ways you’ve never dreamed. We are all connected. Remember, you’re asking with your feelings – they count more than your words.

Don’t hold to anger, hurt or pain. They steal your energy and keep you from love. ~ Honore de Balzac

• Remember, you aren’t alone. You don’t have to do/ handle _____ all by yourself. (See Ask for Help above.)

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.  ~ Glenn Turner

• When you request help, don’t micro mange the outcome you’re asking for. What if there’s some wonderful solution you haven’t thought of? There is. So, ask for the best possible outcome. Feel appreciation for the wonderful solution that’s on its way. Say thank you.

Your imagination is your preview to life’s coming attractions.  Albert Einstein

Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~ Native American saying

• Take good care of yourself – get sleep, nourish yourself, etc. Go for a walk. There’s wisdom in your body. Listen.

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. ~ Jim Rohn

• Being peaceful, and centered, always has positive benefits, not only for you, but for everyone around you.

If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. – Thich Nhat Hanh  Being Peace

• Pet or talk to your cat, dog, or other pet friend. If you let them, they’ll show you peace, and how to be in this moment. They can lead you back to center.

Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms. ~ George Eliot

• Count your blessings. Let yourself really feel appreciation. Gratitude takes you out of your head and into your heart.

What we see depends mainly on what we look for. ~ Sir John Lubbock

Go to your bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know. ~ William Shakespeare

• Help someone. Send blessings. It helps you, it helps them, and it can really bring perspective to your own life.

Student says, “I am very discouraged. What should I do?” Master says, “encourage others.”  ~ Dogen Zenji

It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside of the frame.”  — Author Unknown

• Sing! Sing with all your heart. I’m convinced that the vibration of your singing helps to clear your energy. Singing in the shower might be even better. If you think your singing is scary, well, that might not be a bad thing!

He who sings scares away his woes. ~ Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

• Treat yourself with sweetness, yes, with sweetness – in your thoughts, your words, and your actions, just as you would a dear or beloved person. You are that. ♥

Yeah we all shine on, like the moon, and the stars, and the sun. ~ John Lennon

Karen Casey-Smith's beautiful print "Let it Shine", along with a wonderful selection of her other inspirational photographic work, is available through her shop on Etsy.  A big thanks to Karen for sharing this wonderful post with our blog!

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Top 10 Reasons to Avoid and Label GMO's

A big thanks to Cory Trusty and the ECOEtsy Team for sharing this article with us.  Although there is a vote coming up in California, this is an important issue that we all need to become more educated and vocal about.  It directly effects our health and well being.  Chances are if you are not currently feeling the effects of eating GMO food (increased allergies etc), you most likely will in the future... or your kids will ~

 Vote Yes on Prop 37 T-shirt by EmanateVitality on Etsy

Proposition 37, a Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food Initiative, is on the November 6, 2012 ballot in California.  The EcoEtsy team is in favor of GMO labeling and we hope you will support this initiative.  Before I tell you why, do you know what GMOs are?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, and GE stands for Genetically Engineered.  This is not the same as hybrid creation by normal cross breeding means.  GMOs are created in a lab by combining DNA from completely different organism.  For example, BT corn is corn that has been created with the addition of a bacterial gene which encodes for the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin.  This toxin is then made in every cell of the corn.  GMO foods have been on the market in the US for the last 20 years.  Some of the most common GMO foods include corn, soy, safflower, Canola, Hawaiian Papaya, sugar beet, Aspartamate, milk from rBGH treated cows, yellow crookneck squash, and zucchini.

Top 10 reasons to label and avoid GMOs

1) We have a right to know what is in our foods, so we have the freedom to choose what to eat and what kind of agriculture practices we support.  Without labeling we don’t know what is in our food, though it is estimated that 80% of processed foods contain GMO.

2) The US falls short in best accepted policies for GMO labeling.  50 countries now label genetically engineered foods including Australia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the European Union and China.

3) Serious health issues are linked with GMOs in humans and animals including: cancer, infertility, allergies, and irritable bowels.  We do not have assurance of safety.  The Food and Drug Administration does not test GMOs despite warnings from it’s own scientists.  GMO manufacturers suppress independent safety testing with patenting of seeds.

4) Herbicides and Pesticides used in GMO farming are highly dangerous to farmers health.

5) GMO farming increases use of toxic herbicides creating superweeds.  These superweeds lead to more pesticide  use.

6) GMOs contaminate the natural and Organic seed supply through pollination between GMO and Non-GMO crops.

7) GMOs do not improve crop yields.  This is particularly important in the context of climate change and drought.  Organic crops have shown to consistently produce better under drought conditions.

8) GMOs are dangerous to the livelihood of farmers.  Unlike traditional crops farmers are not allowed to save seed to replant for future sowing.  Farmers face expensive court battles, including Monsanto versus Vernon Hugh Bowman whose case will be heard in the Supreme Court.

9) GMOs promote seed slavery.  A seed is not an invention. That is why patents on seeds are illegitimate. Even in a genetically engineered crop, the original seed come from farmers. Patents on seed are based on biopiracy… Patents on seed allow corporations to prevent farmers from saving and exchanging seed. Thus patent violates farmers’ right to save, use, reuse, breed and exchange seed as their commons.

10) Labeling will offer more options for the consumer at no extra cost, because they will have the opportunity to vote with their dollars.  Opponents of Prop 37 suggest that labeling GMOs will result in increased food prices.  However there is no evidence that  food prices have increased in the many countries that have implemented GMO labeling.

Photo by Soul Role

Nancy of Soul Role is an EcoEtsy team member living in Hawaii.  She echoes these concerns as a consumer and farmer and summarizes as follows:
"As a consumer it is very important to me to know WHAT is in everything I eat and feed my family.  I have read studies with US government data showing GE crops have produced an overall increase, not decrease, in pesticide use compared to conventional crops. I am working hard in my life to limit my families exposure to pesticides and chemicals and anything that requires the use of more known carcinogens is not ok in my opinion.  From what I have learned there has been very little long term testing on the effects of GMOs on the human body which is another huge reason why I do not trust them.  As a farming family, we do not support GMO seeds, because plants grown from  them will not produce their own seeds which makes the farmer a slave to the GMO seed companies.  There are many more reasons why we want to see all products using GMOs to be labeled accordingly."
Need more evidence about the dangers of GMOs?  Watch the full length film Genetic Roulette now through November 6th

Californians, will you vote yes next month to label GMOs?  Everyone else, will you ask you friends in Califonia to vote yes on prop 37?  You can also volunteer by making phone calls.  Spread the word and feel free to repost this top 10 list to your blog or website.





This post was written by...

aquarianbath – has written 3 awesome posts on Eco Etsy.
Cory is the owner of AquarianBath.com She is an Etsy Bath and Body product seller, soap maker, community herbalist, organic gardener, and homeschooling mom. Her background is in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Biology. Cory and her family live in Daytona Beach, which is USDA growing zone 9a. Follow her blog for more articles.

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Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 8 - Pearl

Welcome to Part 8 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series.

The eighth sign of the Zodiac is Scorpio (October 23 - November 21).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Scorpio is Pearl.

Fun fact: Pearl is the only gemstone that is made by a living being.  The harvesting of pearls does not kill the animal.  After the pearl is harvested, the mollusks can be put back in the water (where they will produce more pearls).

History/Mythology

Pearl is the oldest known gemstone.  The oldest known piece of pearl jewelry dates back to the 6th century BC, and was found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess.  It is on exhibit at the Louvre in Paris.

In Classic Rome, only people above a certain station were allowed to wear pearls.  The Incas and Aztecs prized pearls, and believed they held magic powers.  Other cultures also believed this, largely because they felt the pearls resembled the moon.

In the 13th and 14 Centuries, there were laws in many European countries about who could and could not wear pearls.

The most famous of all pearl stories involves Cleopatra and comes from Pliny the Elder.  According to the legend, Cleopatra wagered with Marc Antony that she could produce a banquet that cost “ten million sesterces” (in today’s currency, that would be over $1 million).  After feasting on a banquet that was in line with many he had before, he challenged her on where this most expensive feast would come from.  Cleopatra then summoned a servant, who produced a single glass of liquid (vinegar).  Cleopatra then removed a very rare pearl from a pearl earring she was wearing, dropped the pearl in the vinegar, and, after it dissolved, drank it down.  (Note:  while a pearl can be made to dissolve in vinegar, it could not happen fast enough for the events in this story.  So, either Cleopatra had softened the pearl in advance, or Pliny was exaggerating his story.  It is still a great legend).

In ancient times, Egyptian women would grind up black pearls, mix them with olive oil, and use that for eyeliner.

Pearl Properties

Pearls symbolize faith and purity, and are also believed to increase fertility.  This is why they are a standard in wedding gowns and wedding jewelry.

Pearls are thought to neutralize poison and lower acidity (which is why Cleopatra was said to dissolve the pearl and drink it.  The base pearl balanced the acidic vinegar).

Pearls are also thought to bring foresight, and to protect from harm, especially from the evil eye.

Beyond its healing and symbolic properties, pearls are also believed to have magical powers.  The type of magic depends on the color of pearl.

White pearls are believed to bring freedom.

Brown pearls are believed to bring wisdom.

Yellow pearls are believed to bring wealth.

Green pearls are believed to bring happiness.

These colored pearls were not dyed to get their color.  The color of the natural pearl is wholly dependent on the color of the inside of the shell of the mollusk from which they were produced.

While any mollusk can make a pearl, saltwater pearls come from oysters, while most freshwater pearls come from mussels.

Cleanse and Purify Your Stones

For information on how to cleanse your stones, see this article by Diane Fergurson, published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.

This is the eigth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more

 in the upcoming months!  I thank Giani

 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey. 

The beautiful jewelry pictured above can be found in Giani's shop on CraftStar.

                                                                                  

 ~ diane

  

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 

Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire

Series Article 3 - Amethyst

Series Article 4 - Moonstone

Series Article 5 - Diamonds 

Series Article 6 - Agate 

Series Article 7 - Jasper 

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The End of Summer and All Hallows Eve

I'd like to thank Celestial Elf for sharing this wonderful, informative article with us.  You can read more about Celestial Elf and his amazing machinima film work in the Artist Interview we conducted with him earlier this year.

The most magical night of the year,
All Hallow's Eve on 31st October is more important than All Hallows Day itself.
The Celts called this time Samhain (pronounced Sow-in), which means 'summer's end' and this marked the end of the Old and Beginning of the New Year for the Ancient people, as the New day begins at dawn, so the Ancient New Year begins at the darkest time, the turning point.
(The Christian clergy later co-opted Samhain not as a feast for All the dead, but only those hallowed (made holy) by obedience to God - thus creating All Hallow's Day.)

The Celts were a pastoral people and the end of Summer was significant to them because it was the time of year when their lives changed, the cattle were brought down from summer pastures in the hills and the people gathered into the communal halls for the long winter nights of story-telling, which held a very important role in earlier times....

To commemorate Samhain, the Druids built huge bonfires ( bone-fires ) where the people gathered to honour their deities with burned offerings of crop and creature.
During these celebrations they wore costumes of animal masks, horns & skins.
When the celebration was over they would re-light their home fires from the sacred bonfires as this consecrated fire would protect them during the coming cold and dark of winter.

In the Celtic belief system such turning points as the turning of one year into another, as well as the time between one day and the next, the meeting of sea & shore, were considered as very magical times.
The turning of the year was the most powerful of these times.
This was the time when the 'Veil Between Worlds' was at its thinnest.

They also believed that when their beloved people died, they went to a land of eternal youth and happiness called 'Tir Nan Og'.
At this time they held a Feast for the Dead, as it was believed the dead could return to this land of the living for just one night, to celebrate with their family, tribe, or clan. Thus the great burial mounds were opened up, with lighted torches lining the walls, so the dead could find their way & extra places set at the table for any who had died that year.

The dead were sometimes believed to be dwelling with the Fairy Folk, who lived in the fairy mounds or Sidhe (pronounced Shee) that dotted the countryside.
The Celts did not have demons & devils in their belief system, nor the concept of heaven and hell that the Christian church introduced.
The fairies however, were considered potentially hostile & dangerous to humans because men had taken over their lands.
On this night then, they might trick humans into becoming lost in the 'fairy mounds', where they could be trapped forever.
This would seem to be the origin of 'Trick-Or-Treating' & possibly of the 'Jack-O-Lantern' as well, which was used by people who traveled this night to frighten away spirits or faeries who might otherwise lead one astray.
Set on porches and in windows, the Jack-O-Lantern cast the same spell of protection over the household.
An offering (often food or milk) was left out for the fairies and spirits on the steps of the house or hall, so the homeowner or clan could gain the blessings of the 'good folk' for the coming year.


Such Halloween 'Games' as we have today clearly devolved from earlier rituals and beliefs..
Divination was practiced at Samhain and thought most likely to succeed at this time because the Ancient New Year's Eve exists outside of normal time, as the cyclical order of the universe collapses before re-establishing a new cycle, and therefore may be used to view any other point in time.
Young women placed hazel nuts along the front of the fireplace, each to symbolize one of her suitors,
& to find their future husbands they might chant:

'If you love me, pop and fly;
if you hate me, burn and die.'
They might also peel an apple, making sure the peeling comes off in one long strand, reciting,
'I pare this apple round and round again;
My sweetheart's name to flourish on the plain:
I fling the unbroken paring o'er my head,
My sweetheart's letter on the ground to read.'

Bobbing for Apples (sacred fruit to The Celtic people) evokes a Pagan baptism called a 'Seining' in which the water-filled tub is a Cauldron of Regeneration, into which the novice's head is submerged.
That the participant in this game was blindfolded & with their hands tied behind their back also evokes a 'Craft' initiation ceremony.

There are often two Halloween/Samhain celebrations,
The First, a Halloween party for non-'Pagan' friends,
& The Second a more private Samhain gathering held on Halloween night,
At which invisible friends may be present...


About the painting: 
This picture, which looks like a John Anster Fitzgerald painting and was titled 'Going to the Masked Ball', reveals the elusive nature of faeries, particularly at this time of year (Samhain) as it has been proven a fake/perhaps it was painted by the faeries themselves .....
Bought by London Art dealer who took it to his restorer, they removed the "over paint"and discovered the use of nickel titanium yellow, a substitute for the 19th-century "Naples yellow". Nickel titanium yellow was not patented until 1939; Fitzgerald died in 1906.

Dr Nicholas Eastaugh, a scientific consultant specializing in the analysis of paint, made a detailed study of the painting technique under a microscope, and compared it with known fairy paintings by Fitzgerald in Tate Britain and other collections. What he discovered, which was again hardly visible to the naked eye, was that Going to the Masked Ball lacked the precision of brushwork and finer details found in the other paintings.

For me however the mystery over authorship of this work adds to the fascination of this very beautiful painting.

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