Virtues of Asparagus

April 8th, 2014

Although I’ve always wanted to grow asparagus, somehow I never got around to it.  Unlike most garden vegetables, this plant does not give us instant gratification, as we must wait 2-3 years before its shoots are mature enough for harvesting.

However, wild asparagus (Asparagus racemosus) or better known as Shatavari in Ayurvedic medicine, grows prolifically in India as a medicinal vine, and is renown since ancient times for rejuvenating and healing women’s reproductive organs.

Today, Shatavari’s domesticated cousin, our common dinner table variety of asparagus, still retains medicinal value, and is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C, K, niacin, and phosphorus, while containing a balanced 2:1 ratio of calcium and magnesium.  Its high alkalinity helps reduce blood acidity and serves as a powerful detoxifying agent.  Although asparagus also has a large amount of antioxidant Glutathione,  a substance effective in preventing tumor growth, it should not be eaten by people with kidney problems.

 

Other Virtues of Asparagus

  • Nourishes/Increases Kidney Yin (Core energy reserves)
  • Reduces menopause symptoms
  • Benefits the Lungs by reducing phlegm and congestion
  • Prevents Constipation
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory
  • Can help balance blood sugar levels

 

So when you are preparing to give yourself a  Spring Cleanse, remember to include asparagus.   You will see and feel quick results.

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Astrology Update ~ April 2014

April 3rd, 2014

Hold on to your hats in April for this month promises to be a doozy!, with Pluto turning retrograde, two Eclipses, plus a Grand Cardinal Cross.

With this said, love is in the air on April 5th when Venus moves into Pisces, where compassion and unity reign.  Watch for romance and sensitivity to self and others.

When Mercury moves into Aries on April 7th for two weeks, we may feel more impatient and impulsive than usual.  Be careful not to make hasty decisions that you will regret and make sure you follow-up on all commitments.

Venus and Neptune conjoin on April 11th and heighten our need for sensitivity to spiritual love and understanding.

On April 14th we have a double whammy with Pluto going retrograde for the next five months and a Mercury/Uranus conjunction, both setting the pace for tomorrow’s Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse.  You may feel out of sorts today as Pluto pulls you inward, and the conjunction keeps your mind quick and active.  Listen to your guidance and remember, inner transformation leads to change in your outer world too.

April 15th brings a Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse at 25°16′ Libra, 3:42 am EDT.  Seen from North America, the eclipse will last over an hour. We begin with a stellium in Aries, with two conjunctions

(Sun/N.Node & Mercury/Uranus).  Although obstacles may slow you down, count on intuitive flashes to move you through.

With three planets all conjunct in Pisces (Neptune/ChironVenus)  we have a huge potential for spiritual growth as these planets draw us closer to the highest form of spiritual love, while bringing joy & peace to others.

Moon conjunct N.Node in Libra brings good fortune by being able to go with the flow in all your dealings at home and with women.  A Venus/Pluto sextile and Venus/Jupiter trine enhance the above by bringing in keen perception, balance, harmony, optimism and an understanding that love heals and transforms all.

Although Mars usually likes to be balanced in Libra, in this Full Moon he opposes Mercury & Uranus, allowing us to be vulnerable to explosive outbursts, irritability, undisciplined & impulsive actions.

This Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse also boasts a Grand Square: (Pluto square Mercury/Uranus square Jupiter square Mars square Pluto) and a Grand Cross:  (Mars retrograde opposes Venus/Uranus, Pluto opposes Jupiter) This is huge mix of disorienting energy that will pull at you from several directions.  The key here is to make a choice to move forward with your spiritual development.  Be conscious of all your motivations, and be careful not to force your viewpoints or sexual passions on others.  Sail your ship straight with common sense, moderation, walking your talk, honesty, and discernment in all things. This will probably mark a time of struggle and unrest with the general public and backlash with the powers that be.

April 23rd marks a major crossroad for 2014 with an exact Cardinal Grand Cross in the heavens.  Here we have, Uranus in Aries opposing, Mars in Libra, and Jupiter in Cancer opposing Pluto in Capricorn, all at 13 degrees.

Again the way through this intense, active configuration is spiritual evolvement and development, as the pendulum can swing in either direction.  Although crosses symbolically denote death and rebirth and the equal armed cross works with grounding and solidification, squares and oppositions denote challenge and conflict. However, Mars being retrograde may mute some of the more aggressive actions of this configuration.

On one hand you are being asked to act and transform yourself and our culture by expanding your vision and perception of life. On the other hand it may also catalyze the powers that be to surge forward with more war, and/or political, social and economic disruption. Earthquakes or volcanic eruptions may also occur.

Also on April 23rd, Mercury moves into Taurus, giving this day some practical thinking along with common sense.  Perhaps this Mercury sign change will also help tone down the Grand Cross aggressive energies with its dislike of conflict.

April 25th gives us a Grand Water Trine to help smooth choppy waters with Moon in Pisces, Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn in Scorpio.  Look for common sense in all matters, and forward movement in spiritual development of the masses.

And finally, on April 29th we have the New Moon/ Solar Eclipse at 8°52′ Taurus, 2:14 am EDT.  Although the Grand Cross is still in effect, this New Moon/Solar Eclipse also ushers in a spiritual awakening of humanity that will unfold over the next six – twelve months.

Easy aspects brought into play are:  Neptune sextile Sun/Moon, Mercury sextile Jupiter, Pluto trine Sun/Moon/Mercury, Mercury conjunct Sun/Moon in Taurus, with Neptune/ Chiron conjunct, plus Venus in Pisces.  Quincunxes Mars/Sun and Mars/Mercury teach us to be less aggressive in our actions and thoughts.

 

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Astrology Update ~ March 2014

March 3rd, 2014

You would think that Mercury turning Direct on February 28 would signal us to focus attention on moving forward with new projects; however, not so!  When Mars turns retrograde on March 1 for three months, we will again need take time to move inward, reflecting on previous actions and finding new ways to re-channel our energy into fresh ideas for productive outlets, or run the risk of seeing our plans backfire or loose momentum.

Mars turning retrograde also coincides with the first New Moon in March, 10°39’ Pisces at 3:00 am EST.  Here we have a stellium of Sun/Moon/Chiron/Neptune all conjunct in Pisces, trine Jupiter and sextile Pluto, along with Mars conjunct the N.Node.   Once again there is a tremendous push toward opening the flood-gates into the new paradigm.  Lot’s of energy for spiritual development, sensitivity to others, Divine inspiration, altruism and working for the good of community.  It’s also time to regenerate and release old emotional patterns to make way for new ones based on love.

We are challenged with a T-square (Jupiter opposing Pluto and squaring Uranus), to be practical and consistent in our actions and not force our beliefs on others. Mars square Venus reminds us not to use others for sexual gratification and Venus sextile Saturn, Neptune trine Jupiter teaches us to be loyal to loved ones and remember to use discrimination in all spiritual matters.

On March 5 when Venus moves into Aquarius, watch for an impersonal yet friendly outlook on life, sudden and unusual romantic attractions, mental stimulation and a need for social freedom.

Moving Direct on March 6, Jupiter allows our awareness to move outward toward more spiritual work, study & research and apply our personal integrity in the world to attract new opportunities.

The Full Moon arrives on March 16, at 26°02’ Virgo, 1:08pm EDT.  Here we are graced with a slew of quincunxes (Sun/Mars, Moon/Mercury, Venus/Jupiter) that teach us overcome our fear of rejection, think independently, be less judgmental, accept love into our lives, and be discerning about generosity.

Squares, Mercury/Saturn, Jupiter/Uranus, Pluto/Uranus, and opposition of Jupiter/Pluto, challenge us with catalytic change, erratic energy spurts, worry, being narrow-minded and being tempted in using dishonorable practices to get what you want.

Easy trines (Sun/Saturn, Mercury/Mars, Venus/Uranus Jupiter/Neptune), and Sun/Moon sextile help us go with the flow.  Be prepared to using your resources wisely, an abundance of mental energy for serious study, boundless imagination, having fun!, patience and practicality.

March 17 signals Mercury moving into Pisces, where fluctuating emotions may create vacillating decisions, and our thinking may be easily influenced by the suggestion of others.

The Vernal Equinox takes place on March 20 when the Sun moves into Aires.  Time to move forward with initiating force, but be careful to also listen to the advise of others to avoid unforeseen difficulties.

We end the month with the second New Moon on March 30, 9°59’Aires 2:45pm EDT that boasts a stellium in Aries (Sun/Moon/Uranus conjunct, plus N.Node) that helps us to maintain movement into untried realms of experience, work with higher frequencies, intuition, and imagination.  However, watch out for sudden & unusual mood changes.

The Mercury/Chiron/Neptune conjunction in Pisces supports our spiritual healing and development with vivid imagination, awareness of our unconscious mind, and being receptive to telepathy and prophetic insight.

With Sun/Moon squaring Jupiter/Pluto, conjoining Uranus we must be careful not to promise more than we can deliver, be discerning in generosity, be steady in purpose, and not be forceful and domineering with others.

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Oldest Known Writing System

February 28th, 2014

By studying sacred geometry and astronomical phenomena, prehistoric man excelled in how to track noteworthy celestial events. A new discovery by Dr. Derek Cunningham suggests that these early scientific endeavors may also have spawned the first known writing system called proto-writing.  Dating from 200,000 – 400,000 years ago, recurring line notations and angles have been discovered on numerous tally stones, bones and clay statues.

An excellent example of this can be found on two ancient female figurines, dated 25,000 years apart, with matching lunar astronomical markings.  Because identical notations have been found on objects from Scotland, Europe, Africa and China, researchers believe a world-wide lunar religion may have once existed in ancient times.

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Courtesy of 
Midnight Science Journal

 

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Green Smoothies & Your Health

February 28th, 2014

These days Green Smoothies are all the rage and are promoted as one of the best things you can do for your health because they are made of 40% leafy greens, 60% fruit and often times extra nutritious additions such as hemp protein, chia or flax seeds, coconut oil, raw cacao powder and/or spirulina. And if you have a winter garden you can just go outside and pluck your fresh greens.

This power packed drink, chock full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and fiber promises to be a healthy addition to your diet…or does it?  According to both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, drinking a green smoothie may have just the opposite effect on your body when consumed regularly over a long period of time.

 

Detrimental Factors of Green Smoothies

 Coldness ~ According to Chinese medicine, cold beverages, especially the first thing in the morning can destroy kidney yin, thus depleting our core vitality. Ayruvedic medicine teaches us that regular intake this type of food may aggravate our Vata causing a cold, rough, and dryness in body constitution, promoting symptoms such as variable energy, poor circulation, endocrine disorders, anxiety, or pain in our joints.

Depletes Ojas ~ According to Ayruvedic medicine aggravated Vata is also associated with the breaking down of all bodily tissues. Initially, the releasing of enormous energy makes us feel energetic, however over time our bones, marrow, nerve and reproductive systems can become depleted, effecting our immune systems and helping us become susceptible to auto-immune disease, chronic fatigue and other health issues.

Difficult to Digest ~ The large quantity of ingredients in a green smoothie makes it heavy and hard to digest, especially if you add super foods such as chia/flax seeds, hemp protein or coconut oil.

High in Oxalates ~ Greens are high oxalate foods and over time may help serious health issues to develop such as kidney stones.

 

The important thing to remember is that moderation is the key! Although green smoothies may initially be a great addition to your diet, actually reversing some health problems, you need to listen carefully to your body and know when it’s time to slow down consumption or stop drinking them entirely.

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Inspiration For Us All!

February 28th, 2014

Watch this very inspiring 9 minute TED talk by Amy Purdy who has surmounted incredible life circumstances.  Her phenomenal spirit conquers mind-boggling odds, while helping her understand that life is not dictated by what happens to us, but by our attitudes and the choices we make after they happen.  She teaches us to live beyond our comfort zone to escape limitations and exceed our wildest dreams in life.

Please take the time and watch this extraordinary young woman give you and your life inspiration.
You won’t be bored for one second!

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Healing Prayer for the World’s Oceans

February 28th, 2014

Since the beginning of the New Year Fukushima’s continuing destruction to our air and water has been on people’s minds, as I receive a steady flow of concerned emails from friends and acquaintances with links to various websites portraying the devastation this nuclear disaster is having on our environment.

This past Fall alarmed Native American elders from many North and South American tribes banded together in council to help “restore peace, harmony and balance for our collective future and for all living beings.”  In doing so, they emphasized that we all need to form groups to pray for and visualize healthy oceans free of radiation and other types of pollution.

This request will make perfect sense to those of you who are familiar with Dr. Masaru Emoto’s ground breaking work on observing the physical effects words, prayers, and music have on the crystalline structure of water.

If you are unfamiliar with these experiments here is a bit of background. Dr. Emoto exposed water to different words, word phrases, and music, froze the same water samples and then hired photographers to take pictures of their crystalline structures. The results were incredible!  Water samples that were exposed to nice words and feelings such as love, compassion and forgiveness formed beautiful crystals and samples bombarded with phrases like “I hate you” or heavy metal music formed distorted and ugly crystals.

 

Here are some examples.

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 Courtesy designquarters.co.za 

 

I encourage you all to form as many prayer groups as possible to help restore the health of our oceans.  My friend Barbara Janeway is sponsoring such a group every Thursday evening at 7pm at the Oasis in Carrboro, NC.  Let’s join together and help heal our beautiful planet!

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Astrology Update ~ February 2014

February 2nd, 2014

We begin the month with Mercury in Aquarius going retrograde on February 6th until the end of the month.  Time to contemplate your old worn out patterns in a truthful, and objective way, so when Mercury goes direct at the end of the month you can release them with ease and move forward.

When Mercury retrograde returns to Pisces on February 12, it’s a good time to work on sharpening your intuition and creative visualization.

A complex Full Moon occurs on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 26° 13′ Leo at 6:53 pm EST, with two T squares (Uranus square Pluto/Jupiter, Pluto opposing Jupiter and Saturn square Sun/Moon and Sun/Moon opposition), a Grand Cross (Nodal opposition, plus Mars opposing S.Node and Jupiter opposing Pluto), two conjunctions (Venus/Pluto & Sun/Mercury), Moon/Mercury opposition, two trines (Mars/Sun & Mars/Mercury), and a sextile (Mars/Moon).

With this chaotic mix of energy, quiet time or date with your sweetie may not go as planned.  Plan for the unexpected in all realms!!  And try not to push your thoughts and feelings on your loved one.  This is a time to take the high road in all things to walk the maze of life and come out unscathed.  Practice patience, compassion, self-discipline, honor, and thoughtfulness. With lots of energy to carry out actions to completion, if you stay in this frame of mind and emotion, it may be a good evening to finish a project.

When the Sun moves into Pisces on February 18th, try to stay focused while working with this mellow sign’s spiritual energy.

The spiritual vibe continues with a Sun/Neptune conjuction on February 23rd.  Plug into Divine inspiration for all artistic endeavors during the next few days.

On February 24th, Jupiter/Uranus square for nine weeks, shifts you out of conventional patterns, and brings sudden, unexpected opportunities.  Watch out for impulsive excess and grandiose schemes.  This is not a good time for speculation, for unforeseen events may nullify your efforts and you may loose instead of gain.

We end this interesting month with Mercury going direct on February 28th.  Time to move forward with new projects and endeavors.

 

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Kundalini ~ What is it?

February 1st, 2014

Kundalini is a potent spiritual force that lies dormant in each one of us, and is usually awakened with advanced, spiritual maturity, after sufficient time/study/focus to cleanse your body, thoughts, emotions and spirit.  This lengthy purification process is essential because any blockages remaining in your physical and/or energetic bodies, will stop the flow of Kundalini and cause painful problems.

Historically, this spiritual process was hidden from laypeople through hard to find ancient, symbolic coding, and advanced spiritual teachings originally developed for royalty and spiritual adepts.

Today, however, you could say the knowledge of Kundalini has come out of the closet, as Gurus from India have brought these once secret teachings to the West in the form of Yoga, meditation, pranayama and other forms of spiritual study.

Physiology of Kundalini

Dormant, Kundalini lies as a coiled serpent between our Base and Second chakras. However once activated, it relies upon the nadis, a subtle energy system, to carry it up the spine toward the crown chakra.  Although the Shushuma nadi is the primary channel for awakened Kundalini, the Ida (cooling, feminine) and Pingala (warming, masculine) nadis are important too, as they wind around our chakras, bringing life force to our nervous system, while balancing and preparing us for our Kundalini experience.

 

 Results of a Kundalini Awakening

Bliss

Higher Consciousness

Transpersonal Consciousness

Regeneration of Your Physical Body

Experiencing Oneness

Awarenrss of Life’s Subtleties

Need for Meaning & Purpose

 

Kundalini can be safely awakened through a Guru or teacher’s spiritual transmission or over time through spiritual practices such as Yoga and meditation.  However always remember, that although Kundalini travels through subtle energy channels, once activated, it is a force to be reckoned with and can wreck havoc to the uninitiated.

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Extinct Judea Date Palm grown from 2,000 Year Seed

February 1st, 2014

In 2005, research biologist, Elaine Solowey, decided to see if she could grow the then extinct Judea Date Palm from 2,000 year old seeds found at the ancient mountain fortress of Masada in Israel.

After soaking the seeds in warm water, prepping them with growth and rooting hormones, and then planting them in enzyme rich fertilizer, Dr. Solowey was amazed to see shoots coming up after only five weeks.

 With such vitality, it’s easy to see why the  Judea Date Palm was called The Tree of Life and  Date Bearing Phoenix.  Still thriving today, this resurrected date palm is bearing flowers, and researchers are hoping it is a female tree that will produce fruit.
 Known for a host of medicinal properties the Judea Date Palm was once at the heart of the region’s local economy.  Both the Bible and Quran site its mundane uses of food, shelter, shade, and good fortune, plus its healing virtues for disease, infection, and contraception.

However, after conquering the region in 70AD, Roman legions destroyed these valuable trees to crush resistance and control the local economy.

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Judea Date Palm

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