Wild Herbal-Holy Basil *Tulsi*Ocimum tenuiflorum

In this new monthly series we’ll be exploring some of my favorite medicinal plants and ways to implement them in to your daily life and diet. This month we’ll be exploring Holy Basil (aka Tulsi)

What is Holy Basil?

Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb that can help with anxiety, stress, and inflammation , the oil has antioxidant properties that help reduce the damaging effects of stress and aging on the body and studies have shown that it protects healthy cells from the toxicity of radiation. Holy basil also has anti-depression properties! Additionally, it has can help with:   Acne, Asthma, Fever, Headache, Heart disease, Inflammation, Kidney Stones, Lung disorders, and even Respiratory disorders. Though indigenous to India, I’ve had amazing luck growing Holy Basil in my mineral deprived NC soil. It’s one of my most favorite herbs- to grow, smell, eat, drink and make medicinals with. In Ayurvedic medicine it’s known as an adaptogen (which means it has the ability to adapt to what your body needs) to counter life's stresses. It’s considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines-the Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." Medicine can be made from the leaves, stems, and seeds. And it can even be applied to the skin for ringworm. In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."

Tea: As a tea I use a 1 tbs. of the dried herb in hot water and steep it for five minutes. Add a little honey and its so soothing- I love it before bedtime. (Organic India has a great tea blend if you don’t have the plant)

Capsule: I do suffer from some pretty heavy social anxiety, and I take it as a capsule every morning as a preventive. (I take Gaia’s capsule)

Eat:The plant has one of the most delicious scents and when I’m in the garden I like to chew on the leaves. The plant is also amazing in all of my curry dishes.

Topically: I infuse apricot oil with dried holy basil for a month in a mason jar (giving it love and a shake every couple of days) then I strain it and bottle it in an amber dropper bottle and use it as a serum and/or cleansing oil for my face-because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties it de-puffs my skin and gives me a pretty yummy glow!

Tincture: I’ve also made a tincture using high grain alcohol and a 1:5 ratio with dried plant matter- I like to carry it with me in case of unforeseen anxiety attacks. I personally take a dropperful. (More on creating tinctures coming this week)

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Properties: adaptogen, antibacterial, antiviral, hypotensive

Warnings: No known Warnings

The information I provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.

28 Days To Your Path

Welcome to the 28 Days to your Path Challenge! For the Month of February you will be visiting your magical path(or perhaps you are just building your foundation) and going back to some basic practices. 

 I get asked questions about Witchcraft and how I practice all the time. The questions are usually like, “How can I bring more magick into my life?”, “How do I become a Witch?”, “What does your daily practice look like” or “How do I create a ritual”….I LOVE these questions, it means you’re curious! Curiosity drives learning, and through knowledge and practice, we build a solid foundation for our craft. We all practice differently and what better way to learn about the different practices under the umbrella of Witchcraft than to explore them? There are plenty of things you can do each day that will help you draw more magick into your life, and taking time each day to do something magickal is how one learns to practice the craft. The questions got me thinking about my path and how I got to where I am today. I explored as many paths as I could before I realized mine. The path I follow today is vastly different compared to how I practiced 20+ years ago. I encourage exploration- this is how you discover what works for you and what does not!

I decided to offer you something that will help guide you. Below are 28 daily activities that will help you bring more magick into your life. These practices will also help you learn about how the craft is practiced by others. Take one day at a time and take time to explore! This is how you learn and grow stronger within your path.

You can document these daily topics in a variety of ways. You can post photos on Instagram, post live video on Facebook, or post your links to our Pinterest Board for this event and come back to it later to review. You don’t even have to post anything about it on social media, though if you do, please use #28daystoyourpath so I can follow your journey!

The #28daystoyourpath Challenge

I recommend starting each day with 5-10 minutes in meditation. You choose what type of meditation you would like to conduct for yourself (Yoga, walking, sitting silently, chanting a mantra, etc.)

Feb.1- Grounding: Sit quietly (5-10 minutes) in nature and feel the sensations of your mind and body. Listen to the sounds of nature, the breeze on your skin, and the temperature of your surroundings.

Feb.2- Centering and Breath-work: Spend 5 minutes today (and every day this challenge) focusing on your breath. Notice your breath as it enters and leaves your body. Try alternating between breathing in through the left nostril and out through the right. Use your fingers to close each nostril if you need the extra assistance. Try to add time as you do this every day this month.

Feb.3- Create a sacred space: It doesn’t have to be fancy, but creating your own sacred nook to practice daily will help increase your energy and the reverence of your practice.

Feb.4- Intention: Set your intention for this month. Write it on a piece of paper and hang it near your sacred space so that you can see it everyday and increase the power of the intention.

Feb.5- Bubble Up: Practice working with your shields today. Every magickal practitioner needs to have strong boundaries and defenses. Make sure yours are strong and ready for whatever life throws your way. Start by envisioning a bright white light coming around you in a circle or a bubble. Surround yourself with a protective layer of energy and then imagine ‘tightening’ it around you like zipping up a sweater. Practice this throughout the day until it becomes second nature to you. For more info on protecting your self research on the topic today. 

Feb.6- Put the “craft” back in Witchcraft: Get a notebook and and decorate it to create your own Book of Shadows(BOS). This will be the place where you write your recipes, practices, spells, rituals and any other magickal findings special to you.

Feb. 7- Cleansing: Perform a self-cleansing as you bathe at the end of the day to shake off the yucky energy you carried home with you. Or, if you shower in the morning, focus on strengthening your personal shields/aura/energies. You can take this a step further and even enchant your body wash and shampoos to strengthen your physical appearance and confidence.

Feb.8- Divination: Learn to use a certain divination method. Take five minutes a day and pull a tarot card, choose a rune, scry, throw bones or whatever, just DO it. Don’t stress about it, just do it. Write your findings in your BOS.

Feb.9- Plant Allies: Choose a plant ally to connect with. Or let one choose you! Listen to the earth, study herbal guides, or even checkout Pinterest for some plant information. Pick one plant and study it’s properties as well as listen to the energy of the plant. It will speak to you if you give it time!

Feb. 10- Create a Spell: Spells are you embodying words and/or objects with your energy and intention. Try something simple, bubble up, and then perform your spell!

Feb.11- Crystal Energy: Pick a crystal or stone and discover and study it’s properties.

Feb.12- Deity: Research a deity that you’ve always been drawn too.

Feb.13-Elemental: Research the elements and how they fit in to your path.

Feb.14- Self Love: Since this is the day of love, what better way to celebrate it than to offer yourself love all day? Dress up for you and buy yourself a special gift.

Feb.15-Moon Phases: Research the cycles of the moon and their significance to your craft.

Feb.16- Sacred Smoke: Create an incense recipe to help you focus on your daily practice. Infuse it with intention and use it in your daily practice.

Feb. 17- Kitchen Witch: Make your meal a magickal one. All you need to get started is the intention to infuse good vibes into your food. If you infuse it with good vibes, you get good vibes from it. If you fill it with bad vibes, you get bad vibes from it. This is why almost every spiritual path promotes the idea of praying over your food and drink. Think of adding good energy into your food from the beginning of preparing it until you eat it. Food is our friend and fuel and we need to respect it and offer it love as it nourishes us.

Feb. 18-Amulet: I think of jewelry as a physical shield and each item I wear is like armor. Create an amulet or charm to carry or wear with you always.

Feb.19- Raise Energy: Drum, hum, sway, play- lift energy from the earth through your body and when you feel it build lift your arms towards the sky and let it release through your palms.

Feb.20- Ethics: What are your magical ethics? Write down a core list of ethics for your own practice. No judgement here-this is for you and you alone! There is no wrong way to practice your craft.

Feb.21- Sigil: Do you have a symbol you use in your daily practice? Are there any that you are drawn to? Create your own personal sigil. Try carving it into a candle and burning it while you meditate on that sacred symbol. You can also draw it on a piece of paper and carry it with you every day. 

Feb.22-Energy Work: Start out rubbing your hands together, and then once they are warm, hold your hands about six inches apart. Push them together and then pull them apart and feel the energy between your palms. Do this every day after your breath-work. See how large you can make the energy form. What shapes does it take? How does it feel? Make it your own! After you’re done, press your hands to your chest and let the energy sink into your heart space, filling you with the energy of your own manifestation.

Feb.23- Study the Craft: Read a book (or 20!) on the many facets of the craft- my first “witchy” book was Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler. And I’m currently obsessed by the word enchantress Danielle Dulsky .

Feb.24- Communication: Practice spirit communication by calling the aid of various local spirits as you go about your day. For example, throw a petition to the guardian of a parking lot for an open parking space, to the roadside guardians for safe travel on a busy road, or even to the spirits lingering about your favorite coffee shop to keep from being interrupted or bothered by others. Consider beginning with introducing yourself and building that relationship before jumping right into asking for help. This, too, needs not be complicated: literally just address the spirit, saying hello and acquainting yourself with their “feel.” As the relationship progresses (and especially once you begin to work with them) be sure to leave an offering once in a while. I like to leave flowers, or change and even sweet stuffs.

Feb. 25th- Warding: Throw a ward on each door and window as you lock up at night. This doesn’t have to be a physical ward; something as easy as tracing a banishing pentacle or protective sigil you created over the door/window is great way to learn to work with physical protection energy and is also highly effective. 

Feb.26th- Study: Research a new form of magick that interests you (candle, garden, tea, knot/cord, blood, kitchen, spontaneous, etc.).

Feb.27- Astrology: Find your moon and sun sign and study the patterns of your sign(s) based on your life and habits.

Feb.28- Commit: What practice are you going to continue past this month? Take a few minutes today to write about your journey over the last 30 days and see how this challenge has affected your spiritual practice. Are there things you want to keep from this challenge? How have your thoughts changed about yourself and your Craft?

This challenge is for you and you alone. Release any sense of judgement or competition, this isn’t a win or lose contest. It’s simply a way to come back to center, create your daily practice and have some fun. I like to journal about my experience each day as well. I can’t wait to share this journey with you!

Welcome 2019 with ritual

Entering into a new year is an important transition, and many believe that the way you spend New Year’s Eve sets the tone for the coming year. While our culture places a huge emphasis on doing something special on New Year’s Eve-champagne, fancy outfits, the ball drop- many of us are looking for a more profound way of honoring the space between old and new.
If you’re ready for a different kind of New Year’s, why not try a ritual? New year rituals are perfect for those seeking more spiritual connection and fulfillment during this transition time. Whether you’re spending New Year’s Eve alone or with others, I’ve created some rituals that will help you honor the current year and welcome the new year with the right energy. A ritual is a customary series of actions that typically holds deep significance. Rituals affect our consciousness on both subtle and energetic levels. These changes to our consciousness can manifest as thoughts, choices, emotions, and physical sensations that often ripple outward into the world around us. Rituals also have practical physical benefits, having been shown to reduce anxiety, increase confidence, improve attention, and increase emotional stability. A ritual does not need to be long or complex to be powerful and effective. Any of the rituals can be modified to suit your individual needs or desires or combined for greater effect. Experiment to find which combination works best for you, and may you have a peaceful and profound New Year’s Eve!

Move- 
In order to receive abundance you must be open to it. So, let’s ditch the slumped over shoulders and rounded spine and start by getting your body in touch with the abundant energy of the universe with some heart opening poses.Try this heart opening ritual to get grounded and open. (Think of opening your heart center as dis-armoring yourself and allowing in all of the gifts you wish to receive.)

In a seated position (cross-legged on the floor or in a chair), imagine a golden thread of energy traveling through your body, your seat, and into the core of the Earth. Feel grounded and weighted to the Earth.
Take 3 deep breaths here acknowledging how grounded you feel. In each breath that you take feel your spine elongate. Imagine that the air you’re breathing in is expanding the discs in your vertebrae and making you taller from the ground up.
In your next inhale bring your shoulders up by your ears, and as you exhale draw your shoulder blades down your back. Repeat this three times.
On your last exhale place your hands on your thighs, gently squeeze your shoulder blades together on your back to broaden your chest, and feel your spine expand and open in your heart center.
Take several breaths here. Feel the expansion in your heart center while simultaneously acknowledging how grounded you are to the Earth. Welcome any feelings and ask for openness.

Set and reset your intentions with the moon-
I’m sure you’ve set intentions for the New Year before, and come March they’re a distant memory. I’ve been there too. The phases of the moon are a potent tool for goal setting, abundance bringing and manifesting. (Check out https://www.moongiant.com/ for all the upcoming phases.)
Here's a quick guide I use for using the moon's phases to bring my intentions to actualization:

New Moon: Focus on your intentions. This is a good time to focus on some of the smaller steps you need to take to get to where you want to go.

Waxing Moon: Take actions towards your goals-You gotta do the work!

Full Moon: Let go of things no longer serving you. Leave that negativity behind you!

Waning Gibbous: Be grateful for any gifts that have come your way as a result of your work in the previous phases. Thank the spirits and the Universe around you.

Waning Crescent: Rest, renew, restore-time for nourishing yourself and spirit.

These small actions can have a profound affect on your year to come. You deserve all of the gifts the universe has to offer- but you have to ask! Open yourself and your heart to the gifts you want.

Meditation-
One simple yet potent way to end one year and begin the next is to do so in a deep state of meditation—either alone or alongside friends. Simply choose the type of meditation that brings you into the deepest state of peace and tranquility and decide how much time you want to devote to it. Light some candles and incense and plan to end your meditation at (or after) midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, be sure to relish the peace and harmony you are feeling.

Fire-
A puja is a devotional ritual to welcome the Divine into your home so that you may freely receive blessings and prayers. One specific type is a fire puja, which also incorporates the element of releasing negative energies. It is a powerful way to let go of things that no longer serve you and make space for your New Year’s intentions and goals. Your fire puja ritual can be as simple as journaling, or you can use slips of paper to write down ideas you wish to release, then burn them in your fireplace, fire proof container or in a bonfire.

Altar or sacred space-
Create a special altar dedicated to your new year’s resolutions. Include at least one item, image, sigil, or quote to represent each goal you’ve committed to. Spend ten minutes every day, or once a week visualizing yourself as the person you are after you’ve achieved all your new year’s resolutions. Bask in the energy of your best self, living your ideal life.

You can keep this altar up all year, or use a special box to keep these items in. If you don’t have these items in plain view, make sure you set aside time on a regular basis to take the box out and look at your items. You can do this every new moon, or once a season. Discard any items that no longer resonate with you, and add any items you’d like to bring into your life.

No matter what you do to welcome in the new year, make sure you celebrate yourself and your growth. Honor your spirit with joy and love. And enjoy the day as well as the upcoming year!!

New Moon Ritual

I wanted to share my new moon ritual with y’all. I like to set an intention on the new moon and then allow it to strengthen throughout the moons cycle. I allow my energy and intent to help me do the work and bring my goals to fruition. I hope this finds you well!

*Start by clearing your space and organizing your tools. I cleanse with smoke and rearranging my altar and space.

*Light a candle- (I anoint mine in a new moon oil blend, and then bless it before lighting)

*Ground yourself, this may look like breath work or visualization. Deep breaths and connecting my root to the roots of the Universe work for me.

*Meditate- understand and clarify your intention, then meditate on it, using your intention as a mantra.

*Write your intention on a piece of paper and place it on your altar.

*Lay your hands over the paper and imbue it with your energy and intent. You are now charging the intention with the spirit and power of you.

*Blow out your candle and sit in darkness and silence for a few minutes allowing your magick to permeate the space.

Close out how you see fit. I always bring my self ‘back’ by drinking water and ‘shaking it off’.

Celebrate every phase of the moon and your spirit by creating your own ceremonies and rituals. You are sacred and to recognize that intensifies your power and magick in the realms.

Moon Phases and Magick

 Magick By The Moon

The phases of the moon and its cycles can impact the potency of spells/rituals and their successes. It can amplify the energy behind the intention of the spell! As Witches, we utilize the elemental forces, surrounding nature and intent for magick.
And of course, the moon.

The list below is what works for me in my path- 

Dark Moon (no moon is visible)

Dark Moon is a night of stillness, contemplation and banishment. The best types of spellwork that should be done on the Dark Moon is banishment work or hex work. The Dark Moon is also ideal for all types of divination, as well as working with the departed. 
 

New Moon (when the first crescent is visible, waxing to Full Moon)

The New Moon is when the very first crescent or sliver of the moon is visible. This is typically 1-2 nights after the Dark Moon.

The New Moon is the ideal time to begin spellwork that draws a life experience, physical possession or situations to you. This can be for love, money, health or personal development. 
It is also the ideal time to begin a new venture, get married, apply for a job or embark on a journey. The same energetic attributes apply throughout the Waxing Moon, all the way up to the Full Moon.

Full Moon

The Full Moon is not only the most magically potent and powerful time of the month, but it is also the most physically stimulating. As the moon affects the ocean tides, so too does it affect our bodies and our emotions. This is the night that gives any spell the extra boost into manifestation. The Full Moon is best used to draw something into your life, such as love, financial prosperity or self-development. If you are choosing not to perform any magick on the night of the Full Moon, simply sitting under the moons rays and energetically absorbing the magnetism will reawaken and energize your spirit. 
 

Waning Moon 

As the moon wanes, the energy becomes particularly effective for ending various relationships, habits and overcoming hurdles. Whether you're having a difficult time leaving an unsuitable relationship or are trying to quit smoking, the Waning Moon is perfectly capable and willing to help you align with your greater good. 

The Waning Moon reminds us of things yet to be done and that time is slipping away. Anxiety is usually heightened during this time, therefore self-care is especially important.

The rhythm of the moon and its pull is faintly palpable and just sitting with her nightly energy can be magical. Spend time alone in its beams and allow yourself to listen to the surrounding sounds and focus on the stillness. And always remember to trust in yourself!

Lunar Beltane

Full Moon in Scorpio

Tarot Spread for the Scorpio Moon

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1. What do you need to listen to? What is your subconscious and environment trying to tell you?

2.Love, where is the love in your life? What is that love?

3. What do you need to let go of?

4. What root work can you do during this lunar cycle?

5. How will you transform(either yourself or the surrounding energy)

6. Where do you need to focus for deeper connection?

Remember to set your space and energy before laying out this spread. Ground yourself and create a peaceful state of mind and then throw the cards. Look for the colorways, energy, symbolism...and be open to the unexpected!

Making Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are all the buzz right now. Native Americans used the flowers, berries, and bark of the elderberry trees to treat fevers and joint pain (it's a great anti-inflammatory)for hundreds of years. Pages upon pages have been written about elderberry and their success at shortening the length and severity of colds and flu.Today, elderberry is now best known as an aid in fighting the flu. I make and take plenty of Elderberry Syrup at home. I also put elderberries in my smoothies, salads, yogurt, and we've even made a BBQ sauce with it (it was crazy yum!). They're easy to use and generally easy to grow or buy (unless you're in the height of flu season) so I thought I'd offer my version of Elderberry Syrup that you can make for yourself at home!

Ingredients:

*1 Cup Dried Elderberries 

*3 Cups Distilled Water

*1 tbs Whole Cloves

*4 Sticks of Cinnamon

*2/3 Cups Raw Honey (Local is best!)

To Make:

Put all of your ingredients except for the honey into  a stock pot and bring to a boil. Then, simmer on med-hi until the syrup is reduced to one half. Let it sit covered for an hour and then remove the lid and mash the berries to further release the juice. I use a wooden spoon and smoosh all the berries on the bottom of the pot. Strain the juice into another pot with cheesecloth, squeezing the excess juice into the container as well. Add the honey, stirring over low heat until you get it blended (I don't add much heat, you want to maintain the integrity of the honey) and then let it cool before you bottle it up and place it in the fridge. It lasts up to 4 months in the refrigerator. If it's too bitter for you feel free to add more honey! Other medicinal additions that I sometimes add are- dried tumeric, ginger, echinacea, and or olive leaf. 

Let me know what you think and if you add anything different!

Dried Elderberry Sources

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com

https://www.starwest-botanicals.com

https://www.frontiercoop.com

*** Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Please use common sense and always consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns before using a remedy. ***

A Course in Witchcraft

 There's a Witch in all of us, coiled up ready to be released if you are ready to accept that feminine energy and the ability to be wide awake. The power to focus, manifest, feel the energy around you, appreciate the world around you, find magic in the everyday. And there are a few Witchcraft/priestess/shaman classes and schools of late that will offer you classes and courses in witchcraft and the like. Some charge a fee, some are donation based, some offer fellowship, all can be beneficial in their own way. But they aren't necessary if you trust yourself and do your own work. They're great for building a sense of togetherness, and helping to guide you if you're a novice to the craft. And they're also helpful if you are inexperienced in the many paths of the craft (there are SO MANY) and you're not sure which one is you. But really, the only thing you need to become a witch is a want and/or need to connect to yourself and the earth and energy around you. It's a personal journey that involves research, ritual, self trust, patience, study, and self reflection.

I've been a practicing witch since I was 15 years old. I've had so many bumps and bruises and learning curves and slipups and failed spells and with all of it I've grown and become a better witch. In my 20's I'd even given it up and put away all my tools and works and vowed to never practice again. But I couldn't deny who I was, and I couldn't help but to praise the Goddess/Universe/Energy that had blessed me with the spirit that I have within me. The one thing that remained the same throughout the years is my want and yearning to learn and understand myself and the energy around me. I don’t have a diploma in witchcraft. I’m not certified to practice magic nor did I take CEU’s in spellcasting. But I feel it intuitively, in my gut and body when I'm manifesting, and I've learned to trust myself enough (THIS, self trust, IS VERY IMPORTANT) Being a witch does not mean that you have to seek outside of yourself to find power. It doesn't mean you need to take a class or course or intern under this or that famous Insta-witch. Being a witch is something you feel, and find within yourself. It means that you're open to the thin places, you recognize energy and the vibrations of energy... That you believe in the fantastic. Following your true path and being authentic to yourself and those around you are the mainstays of Witchcraft in my world.

Image courtesy of Pinterest.

These things have worked for me in strengthening my practice:

Reading a LOT of books on the craft and others experiences. 

Trail and Error(Sucks, but effective)

Getting OUT into nature.

Meditating daily.

Figuring out what I believed in, and how that worked in my life.

Writing EVERYTHING(failed or not) down.

Practice.

Practice.

Practice.

Faith in myself and my Intuition.

Image courtesy of Pinterest.

If you think that you might be a witch, or want to be a witch, and you're serious about being a witch, then guess what, you're a witch. You walk your path, dedicate yourself to raise your energy and to raise your vibration, and do what feels right for you. It's all energy baby, and what you do with it, the intent you apply to that energy is what's important. There is no Witch police, nobody can tell you that you're doing you wrong-that's crazy-and you don't need to be certified by anyone when you know and trust your path. Yes, it's nice to have guidance from experienced practitioners. But that can be gained from reading and practicing for yourself. If you decide that a group practice is your thing, then seek them out, cast a spell of intent and don't forget the internet- awesome way to meet those like minded folks who are seeking kinship just as you are. But always listen to your intuition. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  
You should feel comfortable in your own skin, comfortable in whatever spiritual practice you choose and never let anybody shame you or make you feel weird. Think about your practice seriously-sit and listen to yourself, meditate, is this what you want do? Journal a little bit maybe offer a little prayer or thanks for all that you have. Take yourself and your practice seriously and you'll gain serious results. 

Oatstraw

Oat Straw (Avena Sativa) is AMAZING. I make an infusion and drink it everyday. Not only is it rich in minerals and b-vitamins, it helps support the nervous system integrity, adrenal glands, supports a healthy sex drive, and is known as the herb of longevity. I take it because it REALLY helps with my anxiety as it's such a calming herb.

To make an infusion:

Get 1oz of dried Oatstraw and put it in a heat safe quart (i use ball or mason) jar, pour boiling water over it to fill and cap it with a lid. It needs to sit 4-8 hours. I make mine at night, then strain the plant matter out and keep it in the infusion in the fridge. You can sweeten it with honey, but I like it straight...drink it throughout the day(it lasts about 48 hours, then the proteins start to break down and it tastes...off) I blend other herbs when I want a soothing tranquility blend. 

Happy Imbolc!

Imbolc reminds us that spring is coming soon, and that we only have a few more weeks of winter to go. There are the stirrings of seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are noticed (the first sprouting of leaves, flowers, animals are returning to forage). In other words, it is the festival commemorating the passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year. Celebrate with candles (Fire here represents our own illumination and inspiration as much as light and warmth.), foods that honor the hearth and home (breads, 'stored veggies, dairy), and decorate with flowering branches or store bought floral arrangements.

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art by Jessika Galbreath

Mainifest Your Own Power

The time is now to stop wishing and start doing. For so long I sat on my couch and wished and wanted to be so many things. Once I realized that my fairy Godmother wasn't coming to save me, I had to decid to save myself; Manifest my own magic and destiny. All those Super Star folks with (what seems like) everything their heart desires all have one thing in common...THEY BUST THEIR ASS ALL THE TIME TO GET IT. Stop making excuses and waiting till tomorrow- GET UP, START TODAY and be your own hero, make your own magic, believe in yourself.

My path, my journey.

In my never ending search for my truth, I've learned a few facts about myself...

1. I love to create.

2. I love to help others heal and grow.

3. In art and creativity, I have been healing and growing.

4. Creativity is a HUGE part of my spirituality, it helps me get to the root of me.

5. Art and Creation are my true medicine.

That being said (listed), I've decided to take a leap of faith and trust completely in myself and the Universe. I'm opening a Creative and Healing Arts studio, combining my love of all things creative, and all things natural and healing. 

So heres the plan:

In the studio, I will offer weekly wine and paint parties, as well as sip and paint for children. In addition to those classes I will be offering- open studio time, craft lesson (such as knitting, crochet, sewing, spinning, weaving, papermaking etc.) Art Parties(great for birthdays, showers, reunions, office gatherings), private lessons and YOGA! The main area of the studio is workshopping, however, there will be room for Gallery Space and some artistic retail. It's VERY exciting, but also super scary! I found the perfect place in the perfect price range and it all so PERFECT. The Universe is a magical place and once you set your sights and focus on what you REALLY WANT in life, it delivers! I have another website called Madhatter Paint Parties that I'm going to attempt to merge with this one...eventually. But until then be sure to check back often for progress reports and updates on construction and decorating. I'll still be teaching my current classes at the Hive in Gastonia and  On Track Yoga until my doors open, but after that who knows what the Universe has in store for me! 

The Wheel. Of. Medicine. !!!!

You were supposed to imagine me saying that in the voice of Charlie O'Donnell (announcer from the Wheel of Fortune) !

 The medicine wheel symbolizes the interconnection of all life, the various cycles of nature, and how life represents a circular journey. The number four is sacred and can represent many things: the four seasons, the four parts of a person (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual); the four kingdoms (animal, mineral, plant and human); the four sacred medicines (sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar and sage). Hence, you may see the medicine wheel represented in several different ways:

(1) The four points of the compass, each with a guiding spirit, symbolizing stages in the life journey. The East, direction of the daily birth of the sun, represents a person's birth and early years. The South relates to childhood and intellectual growth. The West symbolizes adulthood and introspection, while the North represents the old age, wisdom and the spiritual aspects of life. The center of the wheel is symbolic of Mother Earth and the Divine, and their role in the beginning and continuation of life.

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(2) The four points also represent the balance between spiritual, mental, physical and emotional aspects of health.

(3) The quadrants of the wheel are often colored red(South), yellow(East), black(Autumn), white(Winter)- and/or green (I usually place this in the center for balance).

(4) They can also represent the different symbols of the tarot...

For a traditional healer, an imbalance  in any area of your personal wheel may create an imbalance within and around you. Since not everyone has a large piece of land or the time to create a huge outdoor wheel, I've come up with an idea to bring one inside to you! A mobile medicine wheel!

I brought all of the elements that I choose to represent MY wheel together in a planter dish. You may feel drawn to different things...make this personal! It's your place of healing. Your emotions will heal through different totems, images, plants smells etc. 

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Materials

Planter Dish

Semi precious stones and crystals

candle, matches

incense

feathers

moss

shells

seeds

wood, branches

Starting with white, in the Northern quadrant I used white stones and feathers to represent air, North, winter, New Moon, Mental, logic, receiving energy.  I placed all of my yellow items (candle, matches, stones) in my eastern quadrant, representing spring, East, new beginnings, fire, spirit, birth, determining energy and the 1st quarter of the moon. In the Southern quadrant I use red stones and pine needles as well as shells for South, Summer, water, growth, giving energy, Full Moon, trust, innocence, youth, emotions. And Finally, in the west I placed earth in the form of soil and plant matter as well as black stones for West, physical, adult, physical, introspection, insight, shadows, evening, 2nd quarter of the moon, and holding energy.

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I also placed moss in the middle for centering, balance, harmony, self love and beauty...with some incense to cleanse the entire area.  By creating my little mobile medicine wheel, I can use it to contemplate or meditate as well as realize what needs to be worked on within and around me. And, it's freakin BEAUTIFUL to look at. 

I hope you enjoy creating a sacred place of healing for yourself. Please feel free to ask any questions or leave comments!

You Say You Have a Resolution

So...What next?

January 1st has come and past, and we've made all of these promises to ourselves to be 'better*'. 

How can you keep them without going mad?

I've got a few ways that I 'better*' myself that I wanted to share with you! These methods always help me keep my promises and reset my bad habits.

1. Set Small Goals- It's easy to say- "I'm going to paint EVERY day", and then you get sick, or work happens or even, you know, life. And then you fall off the wagon and get pissed and give up. Sound familiar? Instead, create  little goals for yourself, and small manageable time frames. I'm going to paint a canvas a week. So I create daily to do's that get me closer. And I take it one step at a time. Step one- Canvas a week. Step two- get my supplies together. Step three- sketch out my work. Step four- paint the background...and so on. Those can be daily steps or I can accomplish a few in a day...the point is, have a plan of attack, pick one step, do it, and do it well before you go to the next step!

2. Face Fear- there's that nasty word again. It rears it's head and places seeds of self-doubt and procrastination all over your new promises. Fight through that fear! And if it get's the best of you...start over.

3. Setbacks Are NORMAL!- Simply rededicate yourself, you can do this after you slipped on a diet- eat healthy for the rest of the day! No yoga today? Practice tonight, or twice tomorrow! Don't paint one day? So paint passionately the next. I have total PJ days where I don't do dick. Sit around, watch TV, drink coffee all day and watch reruns. I call those my recharge days. And everyone needs one every now and then! Vut the point is, you get back to it the next day or even for the rest of the day. It doesn't take a Monday or a holiday to start. It takes you, making your mind up, and meaning it!

4. Learn As You Go- I surprise myself by what works and what doesn't. Some days a pep talk works, some days it doesn't. Learn what will work for you, and use that tool...and if you know that the buddy system, or 5am isn't going to work for you then don't set that as a goal. You're sabotaging yourself before you even start!

5. Blab It Everywhere!- Accountability is key. If I tell my husband that I'm gonna do _______ for now on, he reminds me, a lot. Sure, I get pissed, but then I realize it's because I got caught going back on my word. So yell it from the rooftops. Declare it on facebook. Hold yourself accountable and you will follow through!

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I made a few little goal sheets for you to print out or use as templates for your own. Use these to set your main goals in monthly increments, and post it somewhere you can see it every day. It'll help you reaffirm your promises and goals!

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Coyote Spirit Animal

A spirit animal or totem is  a representation of the traits and skills that you need to learn or have. Spirit animals carry meaning, wisdom, and power. Finding out what your spirit animal or totem means is like a going on a learning path. Meanings will be revealed as you deepen your personal connection with it. I'll explore deeper the different meanings of each animal every week.

I set my Intentions last night with the New Moon...

And I realized, 

all I want is to be-

Good

Helpful

Honest

Healing

LovedThese seem like easy enough requests of myself. But the more i think about it, the more I think about all of the things I've done in the past...all of the people I  may have hurt, all of the shameful things I've done. All of the times I've been intoxicated or out of control.Can I be good Can I change Wasn't it just two weeks ago that I showed my ass and hurt someone I loved Wasn't it just three years ago that I betrayed my best friend Haven't I made others cry Haven't I lied, stolen, fought, been Pure hateful, angry, ugly, MEAN? I have.

And I want so badly to be forgiven by all of those I've wronged in the past, that it makes me sick to my stomach. 

So last night, I created a ritual for myself. I made promises to my God and promises to myself that will not be broken. I prayed to the moon and all above for strength and forgiveness; and help forgiving myself. I lit candles and incense and smudged myself and my circle. I meditated and I prayed...

And I forgave myself.

I've asked for forgiveness and apologized to all of those I've hurt in the past, if I haven't come to you personally and apologized, please accept my sincerest apology now......I hope that eventually, I can be forgiven. But I must move on. I MUST grow. My path is ahead of me and my travels have begun.
 The things I want for myself- they are true. And the qualities in myself that I'm not so sure of can be changed. I am a work in progress, a living growing maturing being. Still human, I may slip up from time to time, but I will do my damnedest to never slide, to never fall, and to never hurt- ever again.

I Am Good

I Am Helpful

I Am Honest

I Am Healing 

I Am Loved

Ch ch ch ch changes

BIG changes will be coming to my life...I have made the conscious decision to live completely fearless next year. I'm starting now, and e-a-s-i-n-g myself into it. But I will not turn away opportunities for fear of not being 'good enough' or excepted. Judgements be damned...I have held myself back numerous times in the past and missed out on so many open doorways...well NO MORE! Every call for artists, every exhibition, market, show, flea mkt...whatever! I will show my art and creations and tell the world about my point of view. So for the year of 2015, I choose my word. 

FEARLESSLY.

And thats how I will live. 

What word are you choosing? How will you change your life and path for the better?

A little of my loves

My sisters, my tribe...Without their magic, I'm not sure my magic would be so bright. I am blessed to have found a group of women who get me, honor me, listen to me, and believe in me. When I second guess myself, they are there to steer me in the right direction, never telling me where or what but letting me find my way through love and encouragement. No judgement just understanding. Yeah, I may be bragging a bit, sorry...I'm just really touched and honored by my tribe.

Unapologetically and Authentically You

When I was younger I was always 'different' from the other kids. If I didn't like it then I fought the 'norm'. And then, some(most) things really just didn't appeal to me, or make sense to me,  so I didn't like them. Little things like- Wearing fancy clothes and shiny shoes...why? If i did then it meant I couldn't run, play and get dirty, because I'd get into trouble for messing up my clothes. Barbie dolls, boo. All you do is fix their hair and change their clothes...boring. BUT- if you could make them into spies that were going to raid a jedi camp then YES, can I play? That didn't make me any less of a girl, or weird. It just meant that my sense of identity was strong and I spoke up for the things I liked. Luckily, I had parents who encouraged me to do whatever the hell I wanted. Wear cowboy boots and a bathing suit? If that's what you want to wear to the grocery store then go right ahead. They encouraged my little sister too, and she loved all things silky and soft, long and flowy, and super feminine. They allowed us to be who we wanted. But then as I entered school, things changed. I was mocked if I wanted to wear a tutu and boots...the other kids called me weird if I didn't look and act like them. And that shamed me, and made me strive to 'fit in'. But the longer I did that, the more miserable I was, until finally I declared "I am me, and you can suck it!" And I haven't looked back. And now I've realized, most adults appreciate originality. I think children are (were) being taught that you had to be 'normal' to fit in...maybe it was the eighties. IDK, but I believe that's changing. I don't apologize for being myself. I WON'T apologize for being myself, and I won't be around people who judge me for not being like them. (That's fear, btw. they are letting fear hold them back). So now, I've decided that I would love a world of people who were ALL authentic. Who were original and unapologetically so. 

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 Here are some reasons to be authentic.

1. Decision Making Becomes A Lot More Easy

If you are absolutely true and faithful to your vision then nothing will be able to keep you from achieving it. You will no longer spend time on projects that do not 'feel right' because you will only agree to take on things you can handle.

2. Copycats Will Have Nothing On You

Your true fingerprint will be on everything you do. So no matter who tries to imitate you, it won't matter. It'll never be as good as the original (thats you!!)

3. You Will Attract The Most Awesome People To Be/Work With

I always want to be surrounded by folks who are like minded and REAL. You are not alone. Get it? You are original, that's for sure, but there are others out there who are original too, and they are worth seeking out and being with and around. 

4. You Will Never Have Any Regrets

Sure you will still make mistakes and misjudge situations and people at times, but you listened to your gut and trusted that AT THAT POINT IN TIME. You will always know that every decision you ever make is made because that's what is true to you. 

5. Your spirit will SOAR.

My spirit and emotions are so light and airy when I feel as if I'm following my true path. And to me that means being true to myself, and not following anyone or anything if my (true) intuition tells me that it's not right for me. 

6.Originality is the Mother of Invention!

Toast is here. The world has experienced it and you can't make it again. And, if you did it again, folks would say "yeah, but it's toast, seen it..." But your original ideas are; ORIGINAL. New! Innovative! Take a chance on you, and others will too!

So, who are you? A drone? A Jedi? Original? Copycat? Search your heart, listen to your spirit. Be true to yourself. And be 

Authentically and Unapologetically You!

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