Natural Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Medically speaking, seasonal blues are known as winter-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by the change in seasons. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, some 500,000 Americans have the full-blown condition; another 10% to 20% of us experience a milder form. It's more common in women and residents of northern states, where winters are longer and drearier. The checklist of symptoms includes:

• Change in appetite, especially a craving for sweets or starches
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Tendency to oversleep
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Irritability/anxiety
• Avoidance of social situations
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection (wonder how they measured that one?)

Standard treatments for SAD include light therapy, drugs, and psychotherapy.  Martha Howard, MD, medical director of Wellness Associates of Chicago, one of the country's earliest pioneers in the practice of integrative medicine, uses traditional Chinese medicine (she's a licensed acupuncturist), herbal medicine, and other natural approaches in her practice. Here is her advice:

Take the best preventive action in the fall—before winter begins. Between October 1 and October 15, go somewhere with a lot of sun and spend time outside four hours a day, four days in a row.

Get a light therapy desk lamp (like those from Northern Light Technologies). Put it right next to your computer and use it at least one hour a day, especially in the early evening. These high-intensity lamps are easier to fit into good old "real life" than using those expensive light boxes that you're supposed to bask in front of for 45 minutes in the morning, says Dr. Howard.

Exercise at least four to six times a week for 30 to 45 minutes. This can be a 2-mile-an-hour walk on the treadmill, or you can even walk through the halls and up and down the stairs of your house or building. Do something, anything.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work well for some people, but have to be tailored to the individual by a TCM practitioner.

Try SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine). This naturally occurring bodily compound helps produce and regulate hormones, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine; low levels of these are associated with depression. Dr. Howard recommends taking 400 to 800 milligrams daily.

Take a fish oil supplement with at least 600 milligrams of combined EPA/DHA daily.

Take 500 milligrams of vitamin C three to four times a day with plenty of water, and a B-complex vitamin.

Sara Altshul, Health.com

Looking for a Particular Publisher?

Ever wonder which publishers and manufacturers, Magus Books carries?


It's an impressive list....stop on by...


AJNA

Auric Blends

Avalonia

Azure Green

Benjamin Dykes - Astrologer

Conari Press

Dragon Rouge - Lodge Magan

Capall Bann Publishing

Edition Roter Drache

Eternal Ascent Publications

Fred Soll's

Fulgur Limited Publishing

Golden Hoard Press

Holmes Publishing Group

Incense from India

Inner Traditions - Bear and Company

iNSPiRALink Multimedia Press

Kabbalah Works

Llewellyn Worldwide, Inc.

Luxor Press, Inc.

Mandrake Press

Merkur Publishing

Nirvana Jewelry

Original Publications

Original Falcon Press

Puzzle Rings by Pepi

Ramakrishnananda Incense

Red Wheel Weiser

RUNA-Raven Press

Scarlet Imprint Talismanic Publishers

Starfire Publishing

Sterling Publishing

Swallow The Music

Teitan Press

Three Hands Press

U.S. Games, Inc.

Waning Moon Publications

Wholesale Displays

Top Five Books Every Wiccan Should Own

While many pieces of literature are just rehashing untruths that sell, this list outlines the top five best books that any Wiccan practitioner should own. However, most writings encompass modern interpretations of past ideas, rather than the foundation of Paganism and witchcraft.

Complete Book of Witchcraft
The focus of traditions is lost in this book, but the in-depth discussion on rituals and various tools put this guide on the top of the reading list. You will be led step by step through the process of becoming a true Wiccan.

Triumph of the Moon
Hutton, a non-Pagan professor, covers the progression of Pagan religions, especially in modern society. The fact that most traditions labeled “ancient” are actually from Victorian era authors is covered extensively. He provides a fresh, outside view on this uncertain religious practice.

Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
The beginners and those wishing to learn more about Wicca should immediately purchase this starting manual. The basic concepts and practices are covered well enough for anyone to learn correctly.

Witch Crafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic
Learning to appreciate and understand the world is a huge part of the Pagan religion. With this little guide, you can start fully realizing the energy that can be collected from the common. This energy can then be utilized to perform rituals.

Evolutionary Witchcraft
A recent publication that many people hold very highly based on the in-depth coverage of Wiccan descendants. This is an interesting read that will surely improve understanding of Pagans.
With this collection of the five best books available on this mystic subject, you will learn everything necessary to start practicing.

Original Post: World Religion News

Growing the Backyard...

Do you have a garden related skill you would like to share with your neighbors? Want to host a SkillShare in your yard? Want to learn something new?

Topics may include (depending on interest):

• basics of urban farming
• aquaponics
• garden planning
• seed starting
• starting a garden
• garden maintenance
• growing food for personal use
• using sustainable growing methods
• harvesting
• markets and marketing
• food preparation
• food preservation
• seed saving
• food justice
• composting
• soil building
• season extension
• hoop houses
• developing value added products from the produce that is grown.

Tim Page, Urban Farmer and owner of Holistic Health Farms, makes his home in the Backyard neighborhood. He brings lots of experience in both urban farming and leading projects like “Growing the Backyard”. He has worked on the Emerge Streetwerks HomeGrown Garden Club, Frogtown Farm, We Win Institute Garden, North End Urban Farm, Community Food Justice Council. He has served on the board of Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota (EJAM) and the African American Aids Task Force, and he founded two 4H clubs. He has also been instrumental in starting a number of farmers markets in both Minneapolis and St Paul. The Growing the Backyard CHAT will benefit from Tim’s expertise in all areas of urban farming including, product development, markets, community outreach and education.

Immediately adjacent to the Cultural Wellness Center, Tim has transformed the backyard at 2020 Oakland into a Training Center and demonstration garden space. The emphasis at this site has been on growing in containers to demonstrate potential garden mobility. The site also features a high tunnel for season extension, a composting project, and worm composting, with plans to add an aquaponics system.

Tim and his partner Cherry Flowers operate two Twin Cities based consulting businesses called Holistic Health Farms and Page & Flowers. www.holistichealthfarms.com and www.pageandflowers.com.

AlleyNews.com

Winter in Minnesota

While the blizzards of the past week have passed by the land of 10,000 lakes, we remain, as ever, stalwart in our place of winter. One chilly, and downright cold, crisp days, take comfort in the coziness of the season and the hope of spring on the horizon.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. - Edith Sitwell (British poet and critic).

Stock up on your favorite, cozy teas at Magus Books.

Paganicon 2015

PAGANICON 5 - March 13-15, 2015

Paganicon is a Pagan conference offering workshops, panels, discussions, social space, music, a ball, vendors, and much more. In its fifth year, Paganicon is organized by Twin Cities Pagan Pride and a host of volunteers to provide an educational and social venue for Pagans, Wiccans, Heathens, Druids and people of other folk, craft, indigenous or magickal traditions. Discover programming items that challenge you to think in new ways, make new connections, and renew or inspire your religious and spiritual life. Come and get your mystic on! (We also add in some great food, lots of chances to hang out and talk, an art show, and much more.)


Check out the programs, sponsors, volunteer and registration info!

Readings by Cameron

I provide Chiromancy (Palmistry) and Tarot Card readings. (Other services may be offered at a later date.)

They both provide an intriguing route to the same destination, knowledge and enlightenment, but to those who may not be all that familiar, it could be a tricky decision. Here are a few factors to help you choose which one will suit your needs most:

Chiromancy: I view the hands as a roadmap, or blueprint, of their holder. Within your hands, I am able to view the inner aspects of your life via the lines and characteristic shapes of your hand. The Fate, Head, Heart, and Life lines are the major lines which most people contain. There are numerous amounts of lesser lines that are equally useful to deciphering one's life. If you are confused in your life and unsure of your own feelings, the hand is a great choice to give you clarity and to allow for better understanding of the self. It is also a great use to find out compatibility with another! Bring your friend or significant other and compare hands to see how you complement each other. 

Tarot: The tarot cards tell a story that everyone is familiar with: The story of our life's journey. In conjunction with numerology, the symbols that are revealed from the cards paint a picture of the issue at hand. There are a great number of spreads to use in order to capture a snapshot of the querent's current life and allow him or her to take a step back and see it from a fresh perspective. Tarot cards are great for when you're feeling stuck, as you can see all the options available. It's also a fantastic resource for taking a peak into issues that are not in our own lives. 

I offer both services separately, or at the same time. Longer sessions are required if both are desired.

CAMERON WILLIAMS

Hey...Aquarius!

Individuals born under the sign of Aquarius are often quirky and unconventional. Sometimes their eccentricities are obvious -- they may have an unusual sense of humor, or have interests that others do not. Other times, Aquarians will have very small, quirky and sometimes amusing eccentricities which only become apparent as one gets to know them.

Aquarius is a very free-spirited, unpredictable sign, and those born with this sun-sign are often given to a wide range of emotions, and to indecision. Aquarians will often change their mind about certain things, as the mood suits them. While typically intellectual, charming and well behaved, Aquarians will sometimes change their mind regarding important issues, or act in a very self interested way. For the most part, Aquarians are concerned with the "greater good" and express humanitarian interests.



Aquarians are extremely friendly, and very well liked. They are always a mystery -- with their unpredictable responses and often complex personality types. Aquarians typically love to travel and are always ready for adventure.

According to the Western astrologers Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius and Aries make the best partners for Aquarians.

Meet the Magus Minions...Cameron Williams

Cameron Williams is an intuitive palmist and tarot card reader. From a young age, he has always felt connected to the "unseen" world. Occult studies started out as a hobby and rapidly grew into a passion. It wasn't long before he realized it was all a matter of remembering what he already knew: we are all innately psychic. And thus his journey of expanding was propelled forward by personal intuition.

Doing readings just came naturally for him, as it felt like it was something he had done before. He started doing readings professionally when he was 21. Please stop in and meet Cameron or make an appointment online. Click on BOOK ONLINE to the right of this article. 

Consider a Career in Herbalism

Herbalists work with a wide variety of plants to determine appropriate treatments for patients. In this profession, alternative methods of healing and natural forms of medication are used. Herbalists keep up with the healing properties of plants and herbs to treat their patients, offering a natural alternative to modern medicine.

Many herbalists either treat patients through a private practice, or as part of a holistic medicine clinic. Typically they see patients to understand their ailments or health conditions, and determine the best treatment plans based on the patients’ needs. Herbalists work in the same manner as traditional physicians, beginning with patient consultations, working through the diagnosis, and providing an appropriate treatment plan.

It is important for an herbalist to keep up with current trends and medical findings. More importantly, herbalists must keep up with newer practices of medicine including new plants and herbs available as healing properties. Herbalists work in a teaching role as well, especially since this is a new, up and coming type of medicine.

Holistic medicine clinics often hire herbalists to work on staff, where they are part of a team. With this type of medicine, healthier and natural alternatives are used to heal patients. Therefore, herbalists sometimes work in conjunction with aromatherapists or acupuncture specialists. Herbalists keep up with other holistic approaches, in addition to keeping track of the plants that heal their own patients. Therefore, herbalists spend a great deal of time educating themselves, and dealing with appropriate methods of patient care so they can serve those who come to them for natural healing.

Training/Educational Requirements

Since this is a newer form of medicine, there are no set educational requirements. Herbalists often have a medical background, but this is not a prerequisite. The most important educational requirement for an herbalist is to keep up with current trends and healing properties of plants and herbs. Since this is a newer aspect of alternative and holistic medicine, there are always new findings and research to help with patient care.

There is a movement in motion that requires herbalists to become certified as a minimal training requirement. There is a certification program available that provides credibility for herbalists, but is not required at this time. Those who wish to gain certification can do so, especially if they are looking to enhance their patient care skills.

How to Get Hired

As with any other type of medicine, experience is the best way to get hired. Patients want to know the physician they see offers a great deal of knowledge and experience so that they can offer them the best possible care. If working as an herbalist in a private practice, the best way to get hired by potential clients is to have effective marketing techniques. Again experience is the determining factor in getting hired.

If an herbalist is trying to get hired as a part of a holistic medicine clinic, knowledge of plants and herbs as well as experience in patient care is an excellent way to get hired. Additionally, knowledge in other holistic medicine practices such as acupuncture is a great way to get hired since they often work hand-in-hand. This is a relatively new form of medicine and therefore any medical training or experience, even in another field, proves to be an effective way of getting hired.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Since this is a newer type of medicine, there is great potential in terms of growth. Herbalists are just coming into their own as a profession, therefore, there are plenty of opportunities in this field. As more people gravitate to a more natural way of living and seek alternatives to modern medicine, herbalists continue to gain patients who can benefit from their services.

The biggest obstacle for herbalists is to prove they have the knowledge and experience that patients seek. Patients interested in this type of holistic medicine are usually open minded, but they want to know the herbs being prescribed to them are coming from a reputable source. Although the potential for jobs is high for herbalists, it is essential for them to demonstrate knowledge and capability within this area of holistic medicine. The greatest opportunities for jobs in this field are working in a private practice or as part of a holistic medicine clinic. Teaching is another area where herbalists can expect to find potential job opportunities.

Working Environment
The typical working environment for herbalists is that of a typical physician’s office. They can expect to have a small office within a clinic or larger practice, spending time moving between their office and the patient rooms. Patient consultations take place in the office or in an exam room. The office typically consists of a waiting room, a check out desk, and individual exam rooms.

An herbalist spends time doing research or learning about new treatments in a classroom or office. If they have teaching responsibilities as a part of their job, they can expect to maintain a typical classroom as part of their regular working environment. Depending on how involved they get with the research on various plants and remedies, they may spend time in a laboratory learning from scientists within the field. The work environment can change from time to time depending on the herbalist’s role.

Want to learn more? Contact Magus Books' own resident Herbalist, Liz Johnson.

Original post: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7784/Herbalist.html

The Many, Many Benefits of Massage

Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you've never tried massage, learn about its possible health benefits and what to expect during a massage therapy session.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.

There are many different types of massage, including these common types:

• Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.
• Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
• Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it's geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
• Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Paresthesias and nerve pain
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain.

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist.

Schedule your massage today!

Natural Skin Care in the Winter

Winter is a great season to enjoy. In winter, skin gets so dry cause of weather change.

Another big reason of dry skin is that in winter we try to take less water and replace it with hot drinks like coffee, tea, hot chocolate and this is one of the reason of dehydration in body.

Try to take more water even in winter and keep your skin moisturize.

TIPS

Use cream or lotion which contain glycerine.

While taking bath, add a few drops of any oil in it. This will keep your skin moisturized for a long period of time.

Don't use too much heat in your home. Adjusting the humidity in your home can also help to prevent dryness.

In winter, enhance your diet with with Omega 3 and 6 rich foods, such as fish, eggs and milk.

Drink 1-2 glasses of Aloe Vera juice each day. Aloe Vera gel can be applied on the face as a good moisturizer too.

Cover your skin as much as possible when facing extreme cold and harsh winds. Use gloves, mufflers, scarves, and jackets.

Magus Books' Books

Check out our amazing selection of books...available at our Minneapolis Dinkytown location (1309 - 4th St. SE), or ONLINE.

More than 50,000 books.

Everything from anthropology and animals to religious study and yoga.

A few examples from our broad selection...

John Dee's Spiritual Diaries - 1583 - 1608

Red Goddess - Limitless Love Edition - Softcover

Seven Faces of Darkness - Practical Typhonian Magic

Tarot 101: The Basics

So you want to explore Tarot, but you don't know where to begin? You're not alone. Many Tarot newbies find they are confused and intimidated when first learning the art of Tarot cards. With so many cards featuring such complex illustrations and mysterious interpretations, it's not uncommon for beginners to feel a little frustrated. How does it work, and what the heck does it all mean? We're here to help.


What is Tarot?


Like many forms of divination, Tarot cards are a tool to help you tap into your own intuition and the wisdom of the universal energy that guides your life. Tarot, which has origins in 14th century Europe, is not a form of fortune telling. It's more like a mirror that reflects what is happening in your life at the moment. Tarot is able to tap into hidden thoughts, feelings and truths and bring them to the surface so you can use that information to make decisions about life, love, emotions, health, career and more. Try a Tarot reading now »


About Tarot Card Decks


Most Tarot card decks consist of 78 Tarot cards broken into a Major Arcana (22 cards) and a Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana cards typically represent significant life events on a large scale, while the Minor Arcana cards deal with day-to-day life. The Minor Arcana includes four "suits" that each has a theme. Each suit is numbered one through 10, with four additional Court cards (Page, Knight, Queen and King).


Pentacles -- Also referred to as "Disks" or "Coins," cards in the Pentacles suit pertain to things in the material and physical world. Pentacles cards often indicate money matters, career and success, but they also can indicate levels of emotional and spiritual prosperity, too. Learn more about the Pentacles »


Wands -- Sometimes called "Staffs," the suit of Wands is more spiritual and is used to illustrate the energy of movement, growth and new beginnings. Wands represent ideas and innovation. They are often related to your career or your sense of purpose in the world, but they can deliver strong love messages, too. Learn more about the Wands »


Cups -- The suit of Cups is connected to our emotions and to our relationships, and to matters of the soul. Cups cards can reveal how we truly feel -- and how others truly feel about us. They also speak of our emotional well-being. Learn more about the Cups »


Swords -- The Swords cards are most associated with conflict and strife, which can refer to internal conflict, as well. Swords cut to the heart of a matter, revealing our greatest challenges. They can tell of illness, heartbreak, war, loss and death, but they can also reveal truths we need to face in order to move forward, which ultimately is a positive thing. Learn more about the Swords »


About Tarot Spreads


Tarot cards are shuffled and laid out in any number of Tarot spreads. The best known spread is the 11-card Celtic Cross, but there are countless other Tarot spreads you can choose depending on what type of question you want to ask and how many cards you wish to draw.  If you want to start out very simply, you can draw just one card about a specific person or situation. In fact, your question doesn't even need to be a question! It's called an "open reading" when you simply think about a person or situation instead of asking a direct question -- the cards will still provide insight. Browse through our Tarot readings


Each position in a Tarot spread has its own significant meaning, just as every card has its own meaning. For example, your spread may feature positions for "past," "present" and "future," or for "possible outcome," so it's important to pay attention to the position in which each card turns up. A card speaking of heartbreak would surely mean something different if it turned up in the past instead of the future, right?


Laying Out Your Tarot Cards


Once you've determined your Tarot spread, it's customary to shuffle all 78 cards in the Tarot deck and cut the cards as many times as you like while thinking about your question. This allows your energy to interact with the energy of the cards to achieve the best results. It also helps if you do your reading in a peaceful and relaxed environment.

When you are done shuffling and feel the moment is right, speak your question out loud, then pull your first card from anywhere in the deck and lay it on the first position of your spread in the upright position. Do the same for the remaining cards until every card is in place. Now comes the hardest (and most fun!) part -- figuring out how to interpret your Tarot reading.


How to Read Tarot Cards


Tarot beginners will likely need to refer to Tarot.com or to a Tarot reference book to find the meaning of each card in their spread. The illustrations on each card depict archetypes of the human experience, but they can also take on personal meaning for you.


Let's take The Fool card, for example. This card features a happy young man gazing into the distance. He's about to step off a cliff into the unknown as the Sun rises behind him, and he has a small knapsack of supplies. Now think about how this literal description of The Fool might be translated into an insightful message. The classic interpretation is that of a person at the beginning of something new -- perhaps a new relationship or a life-changing adventure -- and they should be feeling positive about it because they have everything they need to succeed.

See, doesn't that make sense? Now you try. Begin by studying each card and the position it is in, write down notes about how the card makes you think and feel based on its imagery and symbolism, then look up the classic meaning and make a note about that, too. Once you have done this for all the cards in your spread, you'll start to see a story developing -- a story that's all about you!

Originally posted @ Tarot.com

10 Easy Tips to Detox Daily for a Healthy Life

Daily Detox Tip #1 – Lemon Water The principal organ of detoxification is the liver. Supporting liver function naturally improves the detox process. Check out this quick liver cleanse — it is so simple — in the morning drink a cup of warm lemon water. The warm lemon water helps purify and stimulate the liver. Squeeze at least a half of a lemon into a glass of the warm filtered water, without any sweetener, then sip and enjoy. Daily detox is only one of the benefits of drinking warm lemon water, here are 10 more reasons to drink lemon water.

Daily Detox Tip #2 – Detox Bath
A detox bath is one of the easiest healing therapies we can do to facilitate our body’s natural detox system. When we take a detox bath, we not only boost our health and well-being, but also strengthen our immune system and prevent disease. A detox bath is a great way to end the day, fill a tub with hot water, add some epsom salt and baking soda to neutralize the chemicals found in the water, perhaps a few drops of essential oils and soak. It is that easy.

Daily Detox Tip #3 – Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been used for thousands of years as a holistic detox remedy. It couldn’t be any easier, just put a heaping teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth, swish around your mouth and between teeth for 10 minutes, then spit it out. There are thousands of bacteria found in the mouth, some healthy and others not so much. The toxic bacteria is a main culprit in plaque buildup, gingivitis, bad breath and cavities.

Daily Detox Tip #4 – Make-Up Make-Over
The average woman puts over 500 chemicals per day on her body. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is also the gateway, for the varied toxins we come in contact with to get inside. It is believed that our skin absorbs 60-70% of any topical products we use. Why not give your make-up a make-over and swap them out for their non-toxic counterparts. Run your current cosmetics through the EWG’s Skin Deep Database and see where they rank. If you are a DIYer Toxic Free is my go to resource for making your own personal care products. I am currently loving this body butter recipe.

Daily Detox Tip #5 – Ditch the Dryer Sheets
Unless you live in a nudist colony, wearing clothes and washing clothes is a part of every day life. One of the most toxic things we do, on a regular basis, is the use of fabric softener or dryer sheets. Those perfume-laden (even fragrance-free) sheets and liquid are full of toxic chemicals. Chemicals that infiltrate the clothes we wear, which in turn get on our skin and absorbed into our body. And according to neurological experts, contribute to dysfunction and disease of the nervous system. Felted wool dryer balls are an easy to make, non-toxic alternative to dryer sheets and commercial fabric softeners. Throw 6 of these in the dryer with your laundry and you will never go back to dryer sheets again. Are you ready to ditch the dryer sheets?

Daily Detox Tip #6 – Clean Up Your Cleaning Products
Most household cleaners are made with toxic ingredients and are labeled with the words CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER. Some are even labeled as HAZARDOUS WASTE meaning they must be disposed of at a permitted hazardous waste management facility. It’s easy to clean up your cleaning products and avoid toxic household cleaners. You can make your own, like this non-toxic all-purpose cleaner for household cleaning, or this easy foaming hand soap for personal hand and body care. If making your own isn’t your forte, this is the only completely all-natural non-toxic cleaner I use for everything from laundry, dog washing, hand sanitizing, baby washing, fruit and veggie washing to natural oven cleaning. I heard a rumor my friend DaNelle uses it for washing her goats.

Daily Detox Tip #7 – Sleep and Slumber
Did you know sleep acts as a “dishwasher” for the brain. When we sleep, the brains cells are cleared of harmful toxins. During sleep, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain increases dramatically, washing away harmful waste proteins that build up between brain cells during waking hours. One of the waste products removed is beta-amyloid, which is why you need sleep if you don’t want dementia. I am not a sleep expert, and I agree, there are some who legitimately have a sleep disorder that requires medical attention. However, a good majority of people do not have a sleep disorder, but need to implement some healthy sleep habits, reduce stress in their lives and balance their hormones.

Daily Detox Tip #8 – Excuse to Exercise
Not only does exercise make you feel better, but it’s an easy way to help your body boost its natural detoxification process. When we exercise, blood circulation improves, bringing nutrients not to just our muscles but all of our organs. Exercise aids the lymphatic sys
tant for daily detox. Toxins not eliminated through our urine or bowel movements can be eliminated though our skin via sweat.

Daily Detox Tip #9 – Master Mindset
Our brain processes negative and positive information differently. And because of this we seem to hold onto the negative toxic stuff and forget the positive. Did you know, we believe more of what we hear ourselves say than anything else? It’s a well-documented fact of human nature! In the early phase of recovering from adrenal fatigue, I did a lot of feeling sorry for myself. I also would say out loud several times a day how tired I was or how miserable I felt. Then I started learning more and more about the battlefield of the mind and how I was prophesying my ill-health instead of my recovery and future robust health. Need a challenge to master your mindset? How about a 40-day no complaining fast.

Daily Detox Tip #10 – Nutrition Reset
Our body’s natural detoxification is dependent on our nutrient sufficiency. This natural process may become sluggish or inefficient due to inadequate vitamins and minerals. When this happens not all toxins are removed from the body, instead they deposit themselves in our fat tissue and nerve cells. Over time this contributes to a wide range of degenerative health conditions. Foods that naturally support our body to detox daily includes, vegetables, fruit, eggs, fish, poultry, meat and even high-quality whey protein. When it comes to the detoxification process, avoiding toxins found in our food supply is also important. Organic, grass-fed and pasture-raised are a wise choice!

VANESSA ROMERO
HEALTHY LIVING HOW TO

North Country Herbalist Guild

Interested in herbal medicine? Have you checked out the North Country Herbalist Guild?

The North Country Herbalist Guild is a non–profit organization dedicated to promoting education in the practice of therapeutic herbalism. Their mission is to serve as a resource to the community and to create a network of support and communication among herbalists in the upper Midwest. Their programs are designed to encourage ethical collection and preservation techniques and to promote education that increases awareness of ecological balance and a healthy environment.

The North Country Herbalist Guild sponsors monthly meetings that take place on the first Wednesday of every month (except for January and July), from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. One or two of our summer meetings are plant walks. We invite you all for social time with tea and snacks from 6:30 to 7:00.The meetings are open to the Guild’s membership and the public. At each of these meetings we sponsor a local speaker who discusses topics designed to advance the study of the therapeutic use of herbs.

Magus Books' Liz Johnson is a frequent speaker and educator at the North Country Herbalist Guild conferences and seminars.

Magus Books: Product Highlight

Mushroom In Christian Art - The Identity Of Jesus In The Development Of Christianity (Includes Bonus DVD With Image Art) 

In The Mushroom in Christian Art, author John A. Rush uses an artistic motif to define the nature of Christian art, establish the identity of Jesus, and expose the motive for his murder. Covering Christian art from 200 CE (common era) to the present, the author reveals that Jesus, the Teacher of Righteousness mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls, is a personification of the Holy Mushroom, Amanita muscaria. The mushroom, Rush argues, symbolizes numerous mind-altering substances—psychoactive mushrooms, cannabis, henbane, and mandrake—used by the early, more experimentally minded Christian sects.

Drawing on primary historical sources, Rush traces the history—and face—of Jesus as being constructed and codified only after 325 CE. The author relates Jesus’s life to a mushroom typology, discovering its presence, disguised, in early Christian art. In the process, he reveals the ritual nature of the original Christian cults, rites, and rituals, including mushroom use. The book authoritatively uncovers Jesus’s message of peace, love, and spiritual growth and proposes his murder as a conspiracy by powerful reactionary forces who would replace that message with the oppressive religious-political system that endures to this day. Rush’s use of the mushroom motif as a springboard for challenging mainstream views of Western religious history is both provocative and persuasive.

Good Health with Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are known for their refreshing flavour and calming properties. They are prepared either by mixing herbs with tea or by simply brewing the herbs. Besides being gentle and readily available, they are also associated with number medicinal and therapeutic properties. Here is a list of top 8 herbal teas with great health benefits you can brew and enjoy.

Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is mild and is very refreshing. The main component of the tea is peppermint oil which contributes to all the therapeutic effects. The tea is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium and contains very low calories. It is best known for its properties to soothe the stomach and promote digestion. A warm glass of peppermint tea can also help to effectively relieve nausea. 
 
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is mild and reviving. It is found very powerful to treat a number of maladies. It has sedative properties that can relieve both sleeplessness and anxiety. It has also been shown to be helpful in relieving skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.

Lemon balm tea
This herb belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries to treat indigestion, anxiety and sleep disorders. This herb is good for the digestive system and is helpful in reducing flatulence and indigestion. Being antispasmodic in nature, it is also effective in easing menstrual cramps.

Ginger tea
Ginger tea is known for its prized medicinal benefits. It is best known for its ability to fight nausea. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve muscle soreness after exercise. Drinking ginger tea during periods can also be helpful in reducing menstrual pain.

Lavender tea
Lavender is known for its bright purple flowers and pleasant aroma. Lavender is an antidepressant, expectorant analgesic and an antiseptic. Lavender tea is primarily used to ease anxiety, insomnia, stress and depression. The tea is also good for relieving indigestion and nausea.

Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass tea has a strong lemony fragrance. Lemongrass contains a lot of volatile oils that are rich in antioxidants and can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce pain in conditions such as arthritis.

Rosehip tea
Rosehip is the fruit of rose plant that is typically red or orange in colour. It not only has beauty benefits, but it can also ward off many diseases. Being rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, rosehip tea has good antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can play a role in preventing arthritis, heart diseases and cancer.

Cardamom tea
Cardamom is often added in teas for a strong and refreshing flavour. Cardamom tea has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. It is also an effective herbal remedy for treating worms in your intestine. Cardamom can help you detoxify your body and flush out toxins from your digestive and circulatory systems.

Original post: http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/health-benefits-of-herbal-tea/

Winter Solstice

Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, on the day of the December solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night. This special day is coming up on Sunday, December 21 at 23:03 UTC (5:03 p.m. CST). A fun fact about the coming solstice is that it occurs within about two-and-a-half hours of a new moon. No matter where you live on Earth’s globe, a solstice is your signal to celebrate.

What is a solstice?

The earliest people on Earth knew that the sun’s path across the sky, the length of daylight, and the location of the sunrise and sunset all shifted in a regular way throughout the year. They built monuments such as Stonehenge in England – or, for example, at Machu Picchu in Peru – to follow the sun’s yearly progress.

But we today see the solstice differently. We can picture it from the vantage point of space. Today, we know that the solstice is an astronomical event, caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis, and its motion in orbit around the sun.

Because Earth doesn’t orbit upright, but is instead tilted on its axis by 23-and-a-half degrees, Earth’s Northern and Southern Hemispheres trade places in receiving the sun’s light and warmth most directly. The tilt of the Earth – not our distance from the sun – is what causes winter and summer. At the December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is leaning most away from the sun for the year.
At the December solstice, Earth is positioned in its orbit so that the sun stays below the north pole horizon. As seen from 23-and-a-half degrees south of the equator, at the imaginary line encircling the globe known as the Tropic of Capricorn, the sun shines directly overhead at noon. This is as far south as the sun ever gets. All locations south of the equator have day lengths greater than 12 hours at the December solstice. Meanwhile, all locations north of the equator have day lengths less than 12 hours.
For us on the northern part of Earth, the shortest day comes at the solstice. After the winter solstice, the days get longer, and the nights shorter. It’s a seasonal shift that nearly everyone notices.

Where should I look to see signs of the solstice in nature?

Everywhere.

For all of Earth’s creatures, nothing is so fundamental as the length of daylight. After all, the sun is the ultimate source of all light and warmth on Earth.

If you live in the northern hemisphere, you can notice the late dawns and early sunsets, and the low arc of the sun across the sky each day. You might notice how low the sun appears in the sky at local noon. And be sure to look at your noontime shadow. Around the time of the December solstice, it’s your longest noontime shadow of the year.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s opposite. Dawn comes early, and dusk comes late. The sun is high. It’s your shortest noontime shadow of the year.

http://earthsky.org/earth/everything-you-need-to-know-december-solstice#where

Magus Books: Product Highlight

Ravener & Others: Six John Dee & Edward Kelley Occult Mysteries

Author: Tyson, Donald

Six exciting esoteric tales of Elizabethan magician Dr John Dee and his skryer Edward Kelley, using their wits and angelic magic to battle a range of supernatural foes and threats.

The Curse - one of the Queen's lady's-in-waiting is threatened by an African curse.

Hackley Grange - terror from beyond the stars strikes close to home.

Black Dog - Edward Kelley meets an old treasure-hunting friend, and gains a familiar, but will it save or kill him?

The Shewstone - Dee and Kelley battle powerful foes to save the realm from destruction.

Nonsuch House - the vengeance of a dangerous ghost endangers John Dee's wife, Jane.

The Ravener - an ancient evil stalks Queen Elizabeth I and her courtiers on a hunt, and the only salvation lies in the wits of John Dee.

About the Author:
Donald Tyson is best known as the author of numerous nonfiction books on the traditions of Western magic. He has written about such varied topics as the Tarot, the runes, the Kabbalah, Enochian magic, astral projection and spirit evocation. He is also the editor of annotated modernized editions of the occult classics Demonology by King James the First, The Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Cornelius Agrippa, and Agrippa's Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy. He originated the unique divination systems of rune dice and rune astrology, and designed the Necronomicon Tarot deck.

He is the author of a biography of H. P. Lovecraft, as well as an original version of Lovecraft's dreaded Necronomicon and several other works based in Lovecraft's Necronomicon Mythos. Tyson's novels include Alhazred, about the life of the author of the Necronomicon; and The Tortuous Serpent, about John Dee and Edward Kelley's occult adventures in Bohemia. Donald Tyson presently lives in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with his wife, Jenny, and his flame-point Siamese cat, Hermes.