Healing With Gemstones - Getting to Know Turquoise

Welcome to our latest installment of Healing with Gemstones.  This month, we will take a look at the beautiful stone Turquoise.

In addition to being one of the modern birthstones for Sagittarius, it is also an astrological birthstone for Taurus, a planetary stone for Aquarius, and is also looked as an anniversary stone for the 5th and 11th wedding anniversaries.

 Turquoise Origin

Turquoise is formed when water seeps through cracks in rocks.  These rocks would be rich in copper or aluminum.  The shade of turquoise stone would be dependent on the chemical composition of the original stone.

There is more than one story about how it received its name.  Some believe the name comes from the Greek word “Turkois”, meaning “Turkish”.  Another story says that its name is derived from the French “pierre tourques”, which means “Turkish stone”.  Either way, the name would suggest that the stones that reached Europe were probably of Turkish origin.

Turquoise History and Mythology

Turquoise is one of first stones known to man.  Four bracelets made with turquoise were  found on the arm of Queen Zar, part of Egypt’s first dynasty (c. 5,500 BC).  Texts credited to both Aristotle and Pliny also mention the stone.

Turquoise that made its way to Europe and the Americas originally was mined in Persia.    The area had a high copper content in the earth, making the stones a rich, beautiful color.  Stones of that particular color turquoise are very rare (and very expensive) in today’s world.

In the Mayan culture, no living person was allowed to wear turquoise.  The stone was only used on statues and other images.  It was used solely as an offering to the gods.  The bright blue color was looked upon as the sky manifesting itself within the earth.  As such, they took it as a most holy of stones.

Native American culture also revered the stone.  To be a true medicine man in Apache culture, you had to have turquoise stones.  Without them, you were not looked upon as favorably.

Ancient Healing Properties

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the wearer of the stone could tell the condition of his health by the color of the stone.  If the stone changed color and became moist, it was believed the person was in ill health.  Once the stone returned to normal, it was believed that the person was no longer ill.  Legend as it that King John was able to detect the poison that killed him because his stone changed in this manner.

In the Ancient Orient, it was believed that a turquoise would protect you from harm and bring you happiness and great fortune.  However, in order for this to work, the stone had to given to you by a true friend.

In the early 1600’s, the court physician to Emperor Rudolph II wrote that turquoise was such a revered stone that no man was through to be properly attired until he was wearing one.

The Turks believed the stone would benefit a horse and its rider, assuring them both to be free from falling or being otherwise injured.  Camillus Leonardus, in the 1500’s, wrote  “So long as a rider hath the Turquoise with him his horse will never tire him and will preserve him from any accident, and defend him that carries it from untoward and evil casualties.”

The Apache believed that, without turquoise, a hunter’s spear or arrow would not find its prey.

In modern times, turquoise is looked at as a stone of protection against injury or theft, especially when traveling.  

New Age healers use the stone to help with communication, positive thinking, creativity and intuition.  It is believed that, to get the best benefit, it should be placed either at the throat (as an amulet or other jewelry), the third eye, or the solar plexus.

Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise jewelry on its own is very beautiful.  Due to its popularity in the Native American cultures, it has become one of the cornerstones of “Southwestern Jewelry”.  This has led it to be mixed with many other southwestern stones.  I always use it in conjunction with other popular southwest stones to make it easier to mix and match with your other southwest pieces.  It goes well with smoky quartz, lapis, coral, amber and pearls, as you can see below:

Southwest Earrings

Turquoise and Smoky Quartz Necklace

Watch Set

Southwest Necklace

Cleanse and Purify Your Stones

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

http://www.mindbodyspiritodyssey.com/2012/03/cleansing-your-healing-stones-crystals.html

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

This is the first 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.

                                                                                  

 ~ diane

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The Glass, Astrologically Half Empty

My husband and I recently found ourselves cleaning out my mother's apartment so that we could move her into an Assisted Living facility.  As I went through her library, I was amazed to find book after book after book, on how to be positive and live a good life.  I'm talking about old books.  Books that she has had and referred to for at least 50 or 60 years.

As long as I can remember my mother strived to be a positive person.  Considering that she was someone who managed to envision the worst possible outcome for every conceivable seniaro known to man, and that gloom and doom seemed to dominate her outlook on life, and I'm sure there were times when it was very difficult for her to maintain any kind of positive balance what so ever.  Looking back, her attitude often made me quite tired.   But, I really don't think I truly appreciated how difficult her efforts to be positive must have been for her at the time.

Today I was looking on Facebook and took special note of all the beautiful, positive quotes that normally pop up every morning in my feed.  I know, those are the pages that I select.  Who I choose to friend and who I want to see in my feed.   No, I don't care to see who got drunk last night, or what political spew is trending for the day.  The people and pages that I view are the ones who gently remind me to be happy, centered, and hopefully, more enlightened.  I thought about my mother again as I looked through my feed.  How she off handily would joke that I could somehow manage see the sunshine no matter how rotten the situation.  Yes, I suppose there's truth in that, but is it something that naturally occurs within me? What I naturally gravitate towards?  Do I seek out the constant prompts and reminders?  Or, do they seek me?

A few weeks ago I found my mother's natal chart tucked away in a book that I had shipped home.  My mom was a pretty astute astrologer.  Definitely ahead of her time in many ways, especially given that she grew up and lived her life in a conservative area of the Midwest.   Evidently she had commissioned her own birth chart to be drawn up by a respected astrologer sometime in the early 1950's.  As I looked it over, there plain as day in the interpretation, the astrologer had written - "try as they may, this individual will probably always manage to view life through a half empty glass", and that "they should seek to overcome this tendency during this lifetime".

I was surprised, though not surprised when I read that, yet I couldn't help but wonder.  How set in stone are our lives as designated by our birth charts?  Sure, we can strive to live good positive lives and be the best we can be, but if you are given a predetermined set of parameters to function in within this lifetime, with specific karmic constraints in your path, are you still destined to function within the confines of those set measures?  Can an individual only improve so much or progress so far in this lifetime?  Maybe.  It's a very interesting subject if you think about it.  There are certainly a variety of religious and philological beliefs and interpretations that explore those questions, yet alone the opinions of those who study and practice astrology.

As I write this article and my thoughts continue to wonder, I should point out that if you are a student of astrology or metaphysics and have never had a proper chart drawn up by a respected astrologer, you really should.  My mother, of course, had mine drawn up at birth.  I have to say, it has provided invaluable insights into by life over the years.  I have definitely benefited from knowing what my personal sinkholes are, and also when and how to not fly too close to the Sun, so that I do not become my own Icras.
Going through your birth chart when you are in your 20's vs your 50's is also an eye opener.  The years just affirm and reaffirm what was charted so long ago - what you've noticed about yourself and the trends in your life over the passing years. 

Getting back to subject of positive living and half empty glasses -
In my birth chart did the astrologer say that I would also probably view life through a half empty glass?

You can probably guess -

Not hardly.

Here's to you mom.
You certainly get an A for effort anyway ~



enjoy your day

diane

Flower photo by diane fergurson

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Remembering Julie Magers Soulen

We are very sad to have learned that photographer Julie Magers Soulen, who was such a vibrant and active supporter of the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace, has passed from this lifetime. 

Her vibrant, positive spirit and beautiful Colorado photography was a very important and active part of our blog and Facebook page, and will be missed very much. 

I feel very fortunate to have (cyber) connected with Julie during this lifetime.  She was a regular contributor with us since our days at 1000 Markets. 

I was also very happy to have interviewed her for our Artist Series. 

Julie's energy will continue to live on through her stunning nature photography, and I'm sure her bright light will stay with us all - shinning strong, and illuminating our paths forward.

We love you Julie! {{big hug and kisses}}
diane

   "Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park" courtesy of Julie Magers Soulen

The photograph, one of my favorites, originally was used in our
article on Earth Day in 2011.

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Silence on the Spiritual Path

There is no denying, it has been a long and difficult winter for many of us this year.  

As with anything else in life however, we do have a choice how

we handle it. 

Try to embrace the natural quiet and silence that winter brings into our 
lives instead of becoming frustrated.

As pointed out through the words from Taoist author Deng Ming - Dao,

silence is actually a very 
important aspect to our spiritual development.  

As one progresses on the path, one seeks silence more and more.

It will be a great comfort, a tremendous source of solace and peace.

Once you find deep solitude and calm, there will be a great gladness in your heart.

Here finally is the place where you need neither defense or offense - 

the place where you can truly be open.

There will be bliss, wonder, the awe of attaining something pure and sacred.

After that, you will feel adoration of silence.

this is the peace that seems to elude so many.

This is the beauty of the Tao.

"Snowy Crossing" courtesy of Jude McConkey Photography.  

Prints available through her shop on Etsy.

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2014 Year of the Wood Horse

Chinese astrology is considered to be one of the world's oldest forms of Astrology.  Unlike the other Moon-school traditions; Tibetan, Vedic and Judaic, which are couched in religion, Chinese astrology is purely secular, a direction shared by Sun-school astrologies (Western and Arabian).

Ming Shu (Circle of Animals), is just one form of Chinese astrology, but it seems to be the one that is most commonly recognized by westerners.  This system is what Sun signs are to Western astrology, meaning, you only have to know the year of your birth to create a general personality profile.  Like all of the world's major astrological traditions however, a person's time, date and place of birth are essential to create an accurate, true birth chart.

2014 is the year of the wood Horse (ma), and people born between February 3, 1954 and January 23 1955 are members of the Wood Horse Zodiac Sign.

Although there are general behavioral patterns associated with the Horse (ma) sign, the delineation is further augmented according to which element (earth, metal, fire, water, wood) happens to be in control the year that you are born.  For example, the personality of a fire horse is very different from that of a wood horse etc.  So, just because you are a Horse (ma) in Chinese astrology does not mean that this is your year.

In general, the horse (ma) is a symbol of masculinity.  A ma person is lively, passionate, quick tempered and very impatient.  This person needs to always be the center of attention and is often quite egotistical.  Brilliance, wit and elegance makes this person attractive to others, but he or she may lack intellectual depth.  Horse people do well in groups, and thrive on social contact.  They often form close relationships and will give up anything for romance, although romantic love is not a priority for them. The ma is also naturally talented at making the best of any opportunity presented.  The Year of the Horse is often marked by an increase in business and commercial activity.  Households should make sure they do not over spend their budget during a horse year.

The wood-hsing ma is self-disciplined and systematic, but resists domination.  This person is always will to try unconventional methods.  He or she likes to start new projects, but often has difficulty concentrating on the projects at hand or completing their responsibilities.

2014 is associated with the Horse (ma), the color green, and the element wood.



*Information for this post was taken from Miller and Brown's "The Complete Astrological Handbook for the Twenty-first Century"; Understanding and Combining the Wisdom of Chinese, Tibetan, Vedic, Arabian, Judaic, and Western Astrology.  Also, Qi Journal.

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Pizza - Gluten Free or Not, Your Choice

When I was growing up, Saturday night was pizza night.  My mom would begin making the tomato sauce early in the morning and let it simmer all day.  She would start the dough in the afternoon, letting it rise at a nice easy pace, then punch it down and let it rise again.  In the early evening she would roll out the dough very, very thin, put it in a round pizza pan, top it with the sauce, some mozzarella cheese and sometimes some ground beef or sausage.  The oregano would go on last.  My mom would bake her pizza it until it was very crispy.  It was so delicious, it honestly was to die for.  Everyone who tasted it was hooked.

Later on when I became older and met my husband, he too fell totally in love with my mom's pizza.  He began making it for us when we got married, using her her original recipe.  He was fascinated with the dough process and how also thin he could roll it and how crispy he could make it.  Our sauce, unfortunately, was never quite the same as my mother's.  It's probably because I did not can fresh tomatoes like she did, so I never could replicate that deep rich taste.  

Eventually we did create a substitute.

A few years ago when our household became gluten free, the pizza was one of the first things that had to go.  We missed it, the kids missed it, and even though we dutifully tried just about every gluten free crust and dough recipe, the pizzas were just never the same.

  The crusts were just too thick, and over all tasted pretty icky.

One day my husband came across my mom's dough recipe and decided he would try to make it exactly as written, only substituting gluten free flour.  No other additions or adjustments.  We had a feeling it might actually work because we were going to use the Cup 4 Cup Gluten Free Flour, which I think is the closest replication on the market to regular white or unbleached wheat flour for baking.

The big difference you'll find when using the Cup 4 Cup GF Flour compared to others is that it's so light.  So many GF flour blends that are used for baking, even by some of the most popular gluten free bakeries, are just way too heavy to be used for a lighter baked good.  The Cup 4 Cup GF flour is primarily a very light rice flour and you use as it is - literally substitute it cup for cup in any type of recipe.  No other additions are required.

As requested by friends, below is my mom's dough recipe. 

You'll have to work your own magic for the rest of the pizza.

Gluten free or not gluten free, enjoy!

This recipe will make 2 pizzas.

Pizza Dough

2 1/4 c. flour

3/4 c milk

1 Tb. sugar

1 pkg yeast

2 Tb. oil

1 tsp salt

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 c lukewarm water.  Scald milk, add oil, sugar and salt to milk.

When lukewarm add dissolved yeast and mix.

Put part of flour in milk and mix really well.

Then add the rest of the flour.

Grease top of dough and cover.

Let rise up to 1 1/2 hours.

Roll dough out very thin. 

Transfer to greased cookie sheet.

Add sauce and toppings.

Bake 15 - 20 minutes

Notes: If you use GF flour, your dough will not rise very much.  It also will not have the elasticity when you roll it out, so it may take some finesse on your part to learn how to manipulate it.

In addition, they do sell a Cup 4 Cup Pizza Crust Mix.  It think it's less expensive however, to buy a bag of the flour and make the dough recipe.

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What is Wisdom?

 "To be wise means being thoroughly familiar with all aspects of human duality 
and to apply mastery of these aspects in all our relationships.  

Wise is the one who always shows the way to follow without ever 
imposing it and who never does for others that which they are always well 
advised to do for themselves.  

Wise are also those who know who to be silent when they should just listen,
 and to speak when they can and must be heard.  

The true wise person is not the one who is favorably spoken of because of his or 
her actions.  
From all the foregoing, it follows that true wisdom always listen more than it talks, much 
less that it acts, and never acts without thinking ahead.

To show wisdom does not mean to want to absolutely reform the evil we 
believe we see in others, 
but to harmonize with the good that we are certain 
to perceive within them.  

Broadly speaking, the mission of wisdom is to preserve harmony where it exists
 and 
to do everything

possible to put it where it is not."  

~ Christian Barnard

Daisy Photograph Courtesy of Jude McConkery.
Prints available through her shop on Etsy.

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Time - Welcome to 2014

If you stop and think about it, during the last two days a large majority of people on this plant have been preoccupied with the concept of time.  Saying goodbye to a period of time - New Years Eve - and welcoming in a new conceptualized period of time - 2014.

I was recently looking through a stack of very old books from my Grandmother's library and I found a well worn, 1939 edition of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.  

A 75 year old book - wow - although the book was first published
 in 1923 and continues to
be one of the best selling books of all time.

I loved Gibran's words concerning time, and thought I would share 

them with you to begin this new year.  

Hope yours is a good one

 

                                         ~ diane fergurson

And an astronomer said, Master, what of Time? 

And he answered:

You would measure time the measureless and 

the immeasurable.

You would adjust your conduct and even direct 

the course of your spirit according to hours 

and seasons. 

Of time you would make a stream upon whose

bank you would sit and watch its flowing.

Yet, the timeless in you is aware of timelessness,

And knows that yesterday is but today's

memory and tomorrow is today's dream.

And that which sings and contemplates

in you is still swelling with the bounds of that 

first moment which scattered the stars into

space.

Who among you does not feel that his power 

to love is boundless?

And yet who does not feel that very love,

through boundless, encompassed within the 

center of his being, not moving from love

thought to love through, nor from love deeds to

other love deeds?

And is not time even as love is, undivided and

paceless?

But if in your thought you must measure 

time into seasons, let each season encircle all the

other seasons,

And let today embrace the past with remembrance

and the future with longing.

Photo by diane fergurson

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey 2013 Holiday Gift Picks

The Holiday Season has arrived, and once again Diane Fergurson and Abby Horowitz have put together some of their favorite Mind Body Spirit related items that they have found online.  This is the 4th year that the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey has featured this list, and every year it's popularity continues to grow. Some of the products that are featured 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 Diane and Abby's 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, you might want to revisit the  2012 Gift Picks List, and even go back and look at the 2011 Holiday Gift Pick List, and 2010  selections.

There is lot to look at and enjoy!  You will definitely find something for everyone on your list - and even for yourself!

Hope your Holiday Season is a healthy and happy one.  Stay positive and thank you for following The Mind Body Spirit Marketplace Facebook Page, Twitter, and Pinterest page.  Also for supporting and following this blog.  
(Oh, and don't forget to tell your friends about us -  spread the word!)

  
Gift ideas from Abby :

Connie, the creator of Eco Chic Soaps says that OH! Christmas Tree Handmade Soap smells just like the forest did when you were a kid chopping down that Christmas tree with your folks - piney, brisk and fresh. It's a fantastic "woodsy" scent; the pine notes really come out in the soap, making it a "must have" for the Holiday Season! Her shop is filled with wonderful gifts for the season! 

This handmade wire wrapped necklace features three rough-cut clear quartz crystals ranging in size from 1.12 to 1.25 inches, accompanied by silver moon and sun charms on hanging chains.  The perfect gift for your favorite Christmas Angel!  ArianaSierz creates a wonderful array of talismans, necklaces, and earrings featuring angels, fairies, deities, day of the dead, crystals and minerals. Seventeen year old Ariana has late stage Lyme Disease and the money she earns from her shop helps with the cost of her treatments.

 

HeidiLane created this lovely Gratitude Candle to create a sacred space to celebrate the holiday season, meditate, pray or simply sit in silence as you thank your creator for the gift of love and life. She hand rolls each candle upon ordering and lightly anoints each sheet of pure beeswax with her own anointing and blessing oil. Each candle has 1 mini clear quartz crystal tucked in the base that has been set with the intention of Gratitude and Giving Thanks to our Creator. Each beautiful crystal has been charged under the Full Moon and basked in the rays of the Summer Sun. Her shop is filled with wonderful gifts!

Julia Pasichnyck makes colorful environmentallyfriendly baby toys. This braided toy of wooden beech and juniper beads and organic cotton thread is the perfect gift for the special little one in your life!  She says that this interesting accessory helps your child to see and distinguish colors and develop fine motor skills. This toy is made entirely from natural materials in the Carpathian Mountains!

Lauren Gray’s shop was born of her love of woodworking, crystals, and minerals. She offers Crystal and Mineral Curio Sets as well as art prints, sage, and beautiful examples of her woodworking.

The smoke of white sage has been used for centuries as a natural incense and for smudging purposes. It is a great way to cleanse your home, your work space and of course your crystals and minerals of negative energy.

Robert from Belfast, Northern Ireland creates these lovely hand made Dreamcatchers.  You can choose one from his shop or have one created especially for you. Choose your favorite colors for web, trim, beads & feathers. A great gift to keep those bad dreams at bay!

 

When I found KV’s shop, I knew it was very special.  She tells us that it is her soul's purpose to bring us tools that help us to stay grounded during these shifting times as we move into a new epoch. She has created several items that help us to remember who we really are so that we can take charge of our life and truly BE the master co-creator we are so that we can set our dreams into motion. She offers custom Birth Chart Books up to 80 pages!  I know I’ll be ordering several of these.  Check out her wonderful shop!

Are you or someone you know struggling with expressing their creativity? This is an amazing gift for anyone who has wanted to draw, paint, write, or compose music. The Artist’s Way helps you to find the artist within through a 12-week program that takes you on a journey of discovery.  The seeker will learn how to unlock their hidden creativity, break through blocks, and how to connect with the energies of the universe. 

Kat O'Sullivan’s sells the most amazing Sweater Coats and lucky for us she also offers instructions on how to create your own!  What a perfect gift for someone who loves to sew and has lots of old well loved sweaters just waiting to be given a new life!  Check out her shop and see for yourself!  A wildly colorful Sweater Coat just may be in your future or someone you gift with her wonderful Guide to Sweater Coats!

Oriana Rodman’s SantaFeOrnaments Shop on Etsy is filled with enchanting examples of her colorful artwork that is inspired by the diverse cultures of her beloved SantaFe. The ornaments feature sacred hearts, retablos, owls & hawks, milagros, birds & hawks.  Stop by her shop and get lost in her imagination!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gift ideas from Diane








                                                                             

Silver and Earth creates a gorgeous line of earthy, organic jewelry which combines natural elements with natural gemstones, fossils, and exotic beads.  Featured is a stunning Red Jasper and Silver Pendant - one of may gorgeous pieces in their shop on Etsy.  #SilverandEarth is also one of the original sellers in the Mind Body Spirit Marketplace when it was located on 1000 Markets.  I love how their work has evolved over the last few years.  so lovely ~

When we spotlighted The Yoga Poster earlier this year in our Marketplace on FaceBook, it was easily one of our most popular features.  The poster is a visual guide to the practice of yoga...and I can't think of a nicer, affordable gift to give someone who is really into their practice.
#TheYogaPoster can be purchased on Etsy.

I originally purchased Stones of the New Consciousness by Robert Simmons at a gem and mineral show earlier this year, but was surprised when I found out the other day that my local New Age Shop also had numerous copies in stock.  This book is not a lightweight intro reading guide.  It is a thorough, in-depth guide to sixty-two of the most important stones for awakening and healing, while exploring the attunement relationship between man and mineral.  Definitely a good gift idea for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge base on gems, minerals, crystals and healing. 


Also - if you have not checked out our intro series, Gemstones of the Zodiac, here is a link that will get you there.

I know what you're thinking....
Really??
I had my doubts too, but honestly, this is probably one of the best cookbooks to be released recently containing recipes for healthy, natural, clean eating.  This book has become a go-to both in my household for sure, especially since it contains recipes that are both gluten-free and vegetarian (although there are plenty of meat and fish dishes too).  Everything our family has cooked from this book has been wonderful.  Doesn't get any better then that!
Good job Gweneth!
Available on Amazon.

This is one of cutest kids' toys I've seen in quite awhile.  My First Buddha is one of several great items in Dharma Crafts' Children's Collection which is available on their website.  A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of My First Buddha goes to Save the Children, the world's largest child protection organization.

Lavender Cottage on Etsy is another former 1000 Markets shop that we had the pleasure to re-connect with earlier this year.  Sterling sliver artisan jewelry that is made by hand - the pieces reflecting love of the natural world around us.  Featured is their gorgeous Bee Ring, one of many stunning choices in this beautiful shop.

Colorado photographer Julie Magers Soulen is known for her stunning shots of the natural world.  Putting these images on to cards however, has given them a whole different life.  This gorgeous butterfly card set astounds me every time I see it.  One of many beautiful card sets available through her shop on Etsy.  A lovely gift for someone special! 

Another of our features which gained quite a bit of attention earlier this year, was the stunning, hand painted scarfs from Australian artist  #Shovava on Etsy.  A wonderfully unique gift that is definitely reasonably priced.  Many different wing and bird styles are available. Just gorgeous ~ 

Continuing forward with the winged theme...
Kino Lorber is releasing the DVD version of the very interesting and informative documentary More Than Honey in a few weeks.
It's available for pre-order from Amazon, or you can purchase it as a download.  The film profiles the current decimation of bees and beehives that is spreading globally.  50% to 90% of all local beehives have disappeared.  A very education and timely film...  Narrated by John Hurt.

In addition, last year as one of our Gift Picks, you may remember we featured a beautiful screen printed Bee Mandala Shirt by astrolaboratory on Etsy.  Part of the proceeds from that shirt go to the North American Pollinator Project.  Definitely worth checking out again ~

The Hermetic Tarot was originally released by US Games in 1979, and was brought back by popular demand.  I ran across the deck during my travels this summer, and was absolutely knocked over by the amazing black and white illustrations (by Godfrey Dowson) and also the powerful symbolism depicted.  This deck is a great addition to anyone's tarot deck collection.  Some people collect decks to use to use for divination, other people collect for the artwork.  Whichever you are interested in, this one is a must.  Very powerful deck ~  Available on Amazon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Thank you to our blog contributors this year:

 

Galleira di Giani

Jude McConkey Photography

Karen Casey-Smith

Salt Springs Malas

Adam Fergurson

Darren Orr

Abby Horowitz Designs

Diane Fergurson

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Mind Body Spirit Book Review: The Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For A Fresh Start

Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For A Fresh Start
by Theresa Rogers and Tika Altemoller
Published by Kalindi Press 

Reviewed by Diane Fergurson


The Dharma Feast Cookbook - Recipes For a Fresh Start, is definitely the kind of cookbook that you are going to want to own because chances are you are going to find yourself using it all the time.  In fact, after briefly looking over the PDF for the book that I was sent for review earlier this year, I promptly placed an ordered to Amazon for a physical copy to keep in my kitchen. Clean, was the word that kept coming into my head. Clean flavors, healthy and fresh food.  Something we can all benefit from.


As you look through the book you will notice that the premise for the book draws off the best of the nutritional ideas put forth through traditional diet, vegetarian cooking, macrobiotics, and raw food cooking and acid/alkaline ph considerations.  There is a section of the book which offers a step by step guideline to help eliminate unhealthy eating habits.

This book is the perfect addition to anyone's cookbook collection, and it is especially a nice, affordable addition or gift for anyone who is vegetarian.  I was going to add this book to our Holiday Gift Picks list, but I've honestly enjoyed it so much I decided to give it a separate review.

Below is one of my standing favorites from the book...a great Tabouleh recipe using quinoa.
This is also perfect for the person, like me, who loves Tabouleh but is also gluten free.

enjoy!

~ diane

Link to the book on Amazon.

Quinoa Tabouleh

5 cups quinoa

10 cups water

1 bunch parsley, chopped very fine

1 red onion, chopped very fine

3 red bell peppers, chopped very fine

1/2 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook quinoa.  Set aside.  It should be fluffy.  If it's mushy use less water next time.

Combine vegetables in bowl.  Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.  Pour over vegetable mixture and stir.  Let sit 1 hour.

Mix marinated vegetables with cooled quinoa.  Add more olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

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The Artist Awakens

Dispersing New Flavor by Adam Fergurson

The artist knows, up to a point, what he or she wishes to express but also feels it, senses it - feels and senses it so strongly that something like awakening has occurred.  The ordinary self that entered the studio is still there, but there is someone else in there as well.

...The theme, the task at hand, is clear and unclear.  The mind may conceive it precisely or, on the contrary, feelings and the body in motion may have a sense of direction that the mind hardly knows.  The forces must come together to serve the theme:  the sheer energy and closeness to materials dwelling in the body, the sensitivity to small differences dwelling in the feelings, the organizational clarity and the critical capacity of the thought.

...Entering more deeply into the creative process, the artist begins to receive spontaneous gifts; signs and meanings suggest themselves "from nowhere" - forms previously unimagined, new themes or motifs that seem remarkably fertile.  The working faculties and the companion self have come to life, shedding seeds with abandon and generosity....A degree of spontaneous ability has made itself known, always a gift however one reaches for it.

  ~  Roger Lipsey, from the book

"An Artist's Book of Inspiration"

Compiled and Edited by Astrid Fitzgerald



Artwork courtesy of Adam Fergurson

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