Philosophy
Water Element Pattern Language Water is life December Creative Astrology Jing: The Vital Essence Your Energy Bank Account Primal Blueprint
Food As Medicine
DNA & Longevity
Kitchen Pharmacy Juniper Tea
Water Energy Practices
Dao Yin With Mike Ninomiya
Water Element Qi Gong
Cherry Juniper Sauce Braised Juniper Chicken Tacos Antioxidant Juniper Latte Juniper Sauerkraut
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Water element is associated with the season of winter, it is the element that returns us deep into the core of ourselves, where we engage in a relationship with the truth of our value. These foundational energies are the underpinning for our will and power that together combine for the expression of willpower, which allow us to tap into our greatest creative potential through ancestral vital essence and preservation. The water element is said to rule our sensuality, sexuality and reproduction, it connects us to the capacity to carry on our lineage through procreation and the preservation of existence, a willingness to survive. The core energies of the water element relate to the kidney and bladder and rule the structures of the low back, nervous System, bones and reproductive system. Our DNA and vital energies are infused into the tissues of our bodies and found in the hardness and structure of teeth and bones. Water gives us the capacity to carry potential forward though power and application of consciousness. As the descent into the core brings us to a standstill the season of winter gets us in touch with the emotional qualities of fear. Fear being one of our greatest pathways to actualizing our power and our courage to face life’s challenges. Winter invites a place where we can cultivate the capacity to survive and evolve, enduring close connection in inside warmth through the harsh cold temperatures, sinking into inner listening and the bare necessity of our souls expression. There is an inner reflection that requires full contraction stillness, awaken-
ing a deep listening that taps us into value, traditions and integrities that carry through the underlying maturation phases that we evolve through year by year. The water energies of maturation and growth juxtapose evolution, with the process of death. Death of a cycle, death of an evolution of development, or the full decline and letting go found in putting the body to rest. Outworn ideas, potentials and personalities die with the winter season making space for the future to survive another season beyond our failures and faults, The listening of winter brings us closer in relationship to truth when we understand who we really are, death becomes a natural process setting up the invitation for renewal and rebirth to come into fruition when the snow melts and spring season’s rebirth and renewal return. The water element is modulated and ruled by the Yin energies of the kidney system, and the Yang expressive energies of the bladder. Together these two functional organ systems work to support the foundation of health reproductive system, nervous System and psychological relationships to survival courage and power. From a Western standpoint, the kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and producing urine. They modulate the fluid balance of the body, and help the body circulate and move liquid, through our entire system. Fluids in the body assure supple juiciness in all functions and processes of our thinking, reproducing and actualization of our power and its allocations towards action. The kidneys in their role in producing urine support the body in ridding itself of toxins
Water Element
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and impurities, cleansing and renewing the body through the release of fluids.. From an energetic standpoint the kidneys are deeply related to the vital essence or Jing, which is said to be stored in finite amounts, within the kidney complex to hold the core power of the body. Jing energy gives rise to the bone marrow which evolves to nourish the vitality of the brain. Jing modulates all of our secretions and fluids providing a vital substance for delivery, protection and storage of energy through the body system. This fluid, vital energy is the foundation to healthy reproduction and fertility and supports the tissues of the nervous system to interact with consciousness powering our thoughts to manifest into action. This willingness to manifest and express our power is known as the Zhi, or willpower, which gives us the capacity to create and produce in life. Life seeks for us to discover our power and shape the world around us, whether that be the tangible production of children and child rearing or the creative gifts and expressions we bring to the world. We relate the kidneys energetically to the sense of hearing and the ears, as there’s a dynamic relationship to hearing inner truth. Truth connects us to what we choose to put our vital substances into through the process of creation and living. When we know what is at our core, we know how to use our power effectively in life. Having a clear relationship to our truth assures us to allocate the vital resources of our life essence into the things that are important and of value to that inner truth. The urinary bladder is the yang aspect of the water element, From a biological standpoint it is responsible for collecting and holding urine then eliminating waste through peeing. It is a reservoir, that holds on to urine as a storage site before, eliminating and clearing out. Bio energetically this holding process relates to the emotions of resentments and holding on to what
“pisses� us off. The urinary bladder energetically is also related to the emotion of fear and modulating the electric impulses of the nervous system. The channel of the bladder is one of the longest channels that moves from the inside of the corners of the eyes, over the crown of the head, then down the back infusing neurological energy and direct transferring of power into all of our organ systems. Powerful circuit breaker points reside on the back along the spine infusing impulse and animation into the electricity of our organs consciousness. From there, this channel moves downward though the back of the pelvis and the hamstrings and out the pinky toe edge of the feet. Bladder energy connects us to the stability of the past and the will to survive by giving us ancestral support and courage to stand on.
Kidney Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids Eat a health nutrient & mineral dense diet Use salt sparingly Cut back on alcohol Keep a balanced BMI Keep blood pressure balanced Tap into courage when faced with fears
Bladder Drink plenty of water!! Pee often and when the urge arises, don’t hold your urine Practice good hygiene particularly for women avoiding tight synthetic clothing Wear cotton underwear Urinate before and after sex Keep resentments in check
Use power and energy for things that matter
Process anxieties and fears
Express creativity and sexuality in a balanced nurturing way.
Let go of control and holding back Check in with what “pisses” you off
Dao Yin
Winters Descending Inward Practice
Steep a cup of juniper tea and sip slowly while hot before this yin practice
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In winter juniper tea is a wonderful simple remedy to support over all water element balance. considered to be bitter, pungent & sweet, which correspond with the Chinese energetic framework heart/pericardium, lungs/large intestine & stomach/spleen. Their energetic temperature is warm & drying Juniper works well to support cold, damp conditions that can lead to stagnation - the specific the energetic quality of Winter. While the body is more at rest there is less energy (qi) available to circulate & the metabolic processes of the body can lag, leading to accumulation of excess, toxicity and lethargy & depression. Juniper acts as a tonic to stimulate the metabolic processes (‘warm the body’) and move fluids to maintain healthy currents & cycles. Allowing for supported rest and a harmonization of energies necessary for the kidneys & whole system to regenerate.
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Our body is said to be 80% water, just as the oceans, lakes, rivers and tributaries that travel though earths vast landscape covering cover 80% of her surface. Water comes in many forms and power expressed in the nuance of each pattern. Rains that mists the surface of plants and land, like perspiration on the back of the neck after a hard workout. The pathway of torrential downpour cutting through the landscape as a tributary, like a bead of sweat dripping off the brow leaving a saltwater trail behind it. The pooling on the surfaces crust seeping in, penetrating the ground becoming a resource for crops delivering vital nutrients from the soil. Like a body sinking deep into a mineral pool, coming out hydrated and intoxicated by the nourishment and cleansing renewal after being harden by time and work. Lakes collecting over a stable foundation underneath them, creating vast reflections that become the mind of consciousnesses mirroring the image of that which is around it. Holding these wells of depth, stillness and reverence, housing and pooling the strength of water to be contained in great depths as an ecosystem for our power and reserve wells of energy. Rivers cutting through the sides of a mountain naturally flowing downward. The pull of gravity collecting purity from the snow capped frozen reserves of mountainous ice only to follow the course of directionality flowing with great force, creating rapids and wearing smooth surfaces across the base of its earthly bed forming river rocks. Like the discipline of our commitments foraging a course that models and wears a new version of us. The expression of our creations over time enriched with mineral vitality and aliveness of procreation.
The branching creeks finding their way back to the vast ocean of existence housing the unseen realms of oceanic existence within our souls and psyches. The water that nourishes the consciousness of our blood, enlivening and electrifying is as it moves through the arteries, veins and capillaries like creeks and rivers delivering consciousness and nutrients to all of our existence. The pooling saliva, like that of a spring bubbling up from the core, undeniable passion awakened desire to exist, to live, to feel expression on our lips as we taste the essence of life. The tears that fall from joy, empathy, happiness and sadness through the process of loss and connection. The magic of alchemizing the perfect fractal mixture of emotional cleansing, seeping from the nervous systems response to the ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and ever changing expression of life, water in its many forms. The sweat from action expressing the deepest parts of our power through movement. A willingness to work and put ourselves into existence. To the refined deepest concentration of fluid found in sperm, egg, sexual fluids reminding us of the arousal of potential. The vast intimate parts of ourselves we share with others secreting the juiciness of fluid interplay. Mixing of two things, a universal solvent, to become one, procreation, survival and existence. Maybe we are just simply water. Created consciousness containers that reflect the myriad of rainbow light in our eyes, vibrated by fractal sound waves, braided beings of frequency and DNA
Creative Cosmos
December Astrology
New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius December 14
Again, it’s an eclipse here, so except what was hidden to be revealed, and spend time delving into the deeper or darker (shadowed) aspects of these parts of our lives.
The sun is opposite the moon right now in Sagittarius, sign of learning, spirituality and travel—asking us to begin to dream into our larger selves and visions of the world. The sun will move through Sag from November 22 to December 21, and will draw our attention even more squarely onto these themes at the solar eclipse.
Do the work here to examine your belief systems and spiritual values, and root out anything toxic, bypassing, or that just no longer resonates for where you are now so that you don’t carry it forward in your future patterns, and in the annual intention-setting energy that arrives with the winter solstice.
On December 14 at 9:16 am MST, the moon will meet the sun in Sagittarius for a new moon (always a conjunction of the two luminaries). This total solar eclipse will heighten the energy of the new moon and also prime us into the upcoming Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.
The Great Conjunction in Aquarius + Winter Solstice
Sagittarius is the adventurer of the zodiac. I mentioned some of the themes of Sagittarius above. Other aspects of our lives that may be intensified include goals and plans that expand our horizons and lead to deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the grander scheme, our faith, our beliefs, our visions.
On December 21, the winter solstice (in the northern hemisphere), one of the most important astrological moments of our lifetimes will occur. This signature is one of the major reasons astrologers have been looking at 2020 for decades—not knowing how necessarily, but recognizing this was going to be a very big, very intense, very disruptive, and pattern scrambling and resetting year.
This moment is the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. Jupiter and Saturn conjunct (meet together in the sky) and meld their very different energies approximately every 20 years. They last conjoined on May 28, 2000. Making this a generational cycle at any time—however, this year they meet in an air sign, setting off a new pattern that will last for the next 200 years. For the past two centuries, these two have joined in earth signs—ramping up the industrial revolution at the turn of the 19th century and coinciding with two hundred years of collective focus on the physical, earthly plane—including the destruction of our planet in the name of progress. Now Saturn and Jupiter will connect in air signs until 2200. The last series of these planets meeting in air signs began in the 13th century (and contained the birth of the Renaissance). A lot of astrologers are talking about socialism with this signature, and while I do see the tides carrying forward progressive values, I also think Aquarius is deeply interested in individual power and autonomy, along with innovation and the new, and also a strong desire to up-level the collective. So I think we’ll see forms of structuring our world and society which work toward mutual evolution through honoring individual creativity. Aquarius is a very humanitarian and social justice oriented sign that, as mentioned, also really supports individualism. It’s open-hearted, open-minded, and very interested in human rights. It’s also a very queer-supportive sign and energy. And I think these are all issues that will be held in focus in the coming months, the next twenty years, and will find new expressions in the next 200. I think we’ll rewrite our ideas of gender and sexuality, among other things, through this cycle. It is likely in the next two hundred years
that our values will shift from the emphasis on material wealth and physical production to the valuation of ideas, innovation, and creativity. Things will go even more ethereal and online. The collective consciousness and likely the economy will shift away from tradition and rigid structure, along with things like manufacturing and industry, and move further into the realm of ideas and communication. Think of the changes we’ve seen since the 1980s (when this conjunction did a forward leap into air signs before returning to earth for its last hurrah) in terms of computers, the internet, cell phones… Now imagine that on steroids. Buckle up. Both of these planets are teachers, but they take very different approaches. Saturn is the energy of limitations and restriction, boundaries, and learning through hard work and patience. Jupiter is expansion, blessings, and learning through pleasure and fun. Together, they can balance each other and speak to deep and wise change. But this is bone-deep, fundamental change that will ripple through our world for centuries to come. This conjunction occurs at 0° of Aquarius, highlighting its role as a brand new beginning. Add the fact that it occurs on the winter solstice—witch’s new year—and you can see this is a powerful time for setting new patterns, intentions, and structures in your life. Dream big with this energy, and use it to propel you into your personal and our collective future. On the night of the solstice, light blue and purple candles, write out the creative and innovative visions you will commit to in the next year, the next twenty years, and what you want to plant to grow in the next two centuries.
Full Frost Moon in Cancer December 29th The full moon in Cancer completes the cycle from the new moon in Cancer which happened to fall on the summer solstice this year, on June 21, 2020. (There was a rare, second new moon in Cancer on July 20 as well, heightening the need to explore and honor our emotions.) What have you learned, progressed, released or shifted over the past six months around your emotional wellbeing, your ability to honor your emotions without drowning in them, and how to nurture others and even more so, yourself? I find it quite compelling that the protests in response to George Floyd’s murder reached a sort of crescendo last summer around this point, rejoining celebrations of Juneteenth on June 19 and calling into mainstream cultural consciousness ideas around defunding the police shifting resources for mental health, addiction, houselessness and other issues into the hands of social workers and counselors rather than police forces. Bringing forward the emotionally intelligent and nurturing aspects of Cancer on a societal level.
Use this full moon to celebrate and honor what you personally, and we as a collective, have learned and begun to evolve into in these past six months—and to acknowledge and recognize where we still need to grow. What stories and narratives around nurturing, mothering, family, wounding, healing, and forgiveness are you ready to begin to shed in these next six months, to clear room for the seeds you will plant at the next Cancer new moon. Carry this energy into the new year, because in two days we leave 2020 behind and move into the also dramatic but less tumultuous energy of 2021.
Happy new year!
If you’re interested in learning more about moon cycles, astrology, and how to apply them to your writing and creative practices, follow Courtney at www.CourtneyEMorgan.com. And if you’d like to go deeper, contact her for creative and writing coaching with the cosmic cycles.
Jing
Life’s Vital Essence At the moment of conception, the blending of the concentrated essence from our mothers ovum and fathers semen comes together to create a fluid vibrational potential that contains the blueprint for our entire existence. This is the moment our essence is born. essence is the underlying frequency that builds character that rises through our personality and capacity to manifest potential through growth and development throughout our lives. Essentially Jing is like our vibration or our frequency blueprint that carries the information of our existence waiting to be unlocked through the phases of growth and pleasure that we endure in life. Jing essence is related to our genes and is the vital substance that rules the fluids and maturation of the structures of the body system. It is closely related to our genetic blueprint and how information is carried ancestrally through our being as well as the imprints of the planets, moons, stars, and seasons at the time of our conception. The essence is responsible for the maturation cycles that develop the body, physically, mentally and emotionally throughout our life. These maturation cycles are closely related to the water element, reproductive system, as well as the growth and development of the bones, teeth, brain and nervous system. Physically the essence is most related to the fluids of the body or deepest yin energies contained within the fluids that give rise to semen, eggs, tears, blood sweat and all secretions that the body. On a physical level these fluids nourish the deeper parts of our tissues and keep our hormonal system in balance and adaptable.
At the moment of conception, the blending of the concentrated essence from our mothers ovum and father semen comes together to create a fluid vibrational potential that contains the blueprint for our entire existence. This is the moment our essence is born. essence is the underlying frequency that builds character that rises through our personality and capacity to manifest potential through growth and development throughout our lives. Essentially Jing is like our vibration or our frequency blueprint that carries the information of our existence waiting to be unlocked through the phases of growth and pleasure that we endure in life. Jing essence is related to our genes and is the vital substance that rules the fluids and maturation of the structures of the body system. It is closely related to our genetic blueprint and how information is carried ancestrally through our being as well as the imprints of the planets, moons, stars, and seasons at the time of our conception. The essence is responsible for the maturation cycles that develop the body, physically, mentally and emotionally throughout our life. These maturation cycles are closely related to the water element, reproductive system, as well as the growth and development of the bones, teeth, brain and nervous system. Physically the essence is most related to the fluids of the body or deepest yin energies contained within the fluids that give rise to semen, eggs, tears, blood sweat and all secretions that the body. On a physical level these fluids nourish the deeper parts of our tissues and keep our hormonal system in balance and adaptable. It is not only necessary for the fluid balance of the body to provide flexibility and suppleness to the tissues as they grow and mature; but also to feed an animate the tissues with the vibrational qualities of our inherited personality and expressions. The health of the essence isis related fertility, the most concentrated essence is found within the semen and the eggs that mature and grow
through life to then give rise to our procreative potential outside of our bodies. This vital energy is what we transfer into the world to create and manifest the expressions of ourselves whether that be through our artistry, our work, or the rearing and development of our children. In Taoist energetics, there are different schools of thought that argue that the essence Is a finite substance. Many sources believe that this finite substance is gifted to us from the essence of our parents at the moment of conception and when it runs out the lifeforce energy of the kidneys stops working and we take our last breath. From this school of thought it is important to preserve this essence and use it sparingly for the purpose of growth and maturation in life. This is where the origin of alchemical practices such as Qi Gong, meditation, Tai Chi, and lifestyle approaches to right living in connection to our truth were developed to help preserve and enhance the usage of this essence throughout life. Other alchemical schools of thought believe that through practices and deeper wisdom of understanding there is a transformational potential to build more essence and replenish what may have been lost through living. Either way, both schools of thought can agree that this valuable source energy needs to be honored, cultivated, and worked with properly to assure health throughout our lives. There’s a strong connection between the vital essence and the reproductive system as well as the hormonal system. Metaphorically the reproductive system is designed to in the most tangible sense, to give us the capacity to create life outside of our bodies. on another level, it also provides us the framework to bring our creative potentials into the world, through artistry, business, through service or whatever the expression of the self seeks to be manifested.
This system is kind of like an engine that runs the function of the body to replicate and bring ideas into existence in the physical form. The vital essence is stored within the kidneys and known to be the foundation of longevity and the source energy we tap into preserve our body. This energy is naturally depleted by living and the cycles we move through in life. However, it can rapidly decrease in the case of stress, over stimulation and overwork, and any type of excessive activities that take us into experiences of extreme sensation and sensory overload. The prenatal Jing is the energy that supports us as a fetus during pregnancy, and directly is inherited from our mother’s kidney essence. This energy determines our basic makeup for vitality, as well as endurance and stamina in life. It is the prenatal Jing is thought to be fixed in a finite amount that is determined at birth. The Health, vitality and energy of our parents at our time of conception has a direct impact on the quality and amount of jing they can transfer to us. It is valuable to learn lifestyle practices of preservation of this energy throughout life. Throughout antiquity this substance has been seen as one of the foundational treasures of precious energy and substance which should be preserved and not wasted. Postnatal Jing is derived from the blending of eating, breathing, and drinking. Jing depends on the roles that the lungs, spleen and stomach play in gathering energy from the food and drink we consume. This processed energy is mixed with the air we bring in through the lungs then distilled and refined to support general functioning within the body system.
Seasonal eating and consumption of a balanced diet that includes all flavors pungent, sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Exercise in a balanced fashion that doesn’t overdo or burn the body out. Introduction of supportive herbs and practices to bolster lost fluids and energy from athletic training.
For sexually active men working towards retaining semen through withholding ejaculation to preserve the vital fluids and creative seeds of life For women assuring healthy nourishment and stable blood as well as balanced hormonal systems.
Jing Conservation Making sure you have a balance of yin and yang in your activity ie: work and rest balance. Too much of either can create imbalance, finding the perfect medium for your needs.
Avoiding excessive alcohol and drug consumption.
Following the rhythms of the season, naturally slowing down in the winter preserving more energy by doing less activity
Regain quiet & stillness to set up conditions for inner listening and awareness.
Integrating meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi & Yin restoration practices daily
In childhood, this is seen as an expression of the health of the hair, teeth, bones and brain. If this kidney essence is weak in early life, you may see things like weak or broken bones, issues with tooth development and or stunted or restricted growth and even mental retardation. In puberty, the kidney gene supports the development of fertility and reproductive health through the transition from childhood into adulthood. Jing plays an important role in conception and pregnancy. The capacity to have sustained fertility and a healthy pregnancy is reflected in the health of the jing. weakness in the essence can contribute to infertility or problems with pregnancy such as miscarriage. Through life, the essence naturally begins to decline as the body ages showing up as loss of hair or graying of hair, weakness in the teeth and bones as well as cognitive function, decline or loss of memory. Observing these seven to eight years cycles gives us an understanding of timing and knowing when the body pulls from this vital reserve essence and how we can nurture the body systems to support these major changes in development in life. At age seven or eight, the child starts looking outside of themselves away from the family structure and begins to develop playmates and creative interaction, which later in life develops into sensual or sexual exchange. At age 14 to 15, puberty happens and physical sexual maturation evolves. At age 21 to 22. into later adolescence and growing up, youths begins to venture out seeking independence, growing into sustaining themselves in the world. At age 28 to 29 the emerging adult begins to find their way in life, understanding how they will carry their expression out into the world professionally, through serious relationships and child rearing. You can continue to do the math and observe the natural, psychological and physical maturation that occurs through life. Eventually finding the system in its natural decline, the preservation and cultivation of pre and postnatal aging is a vital pillar to health throughout life.
Depletion can result from over stimulation, overwork, extensive states of chronic stress. Anything that taxes the sensory aspects of the body or creates an excess can begin to deplete the Jing as well. Excess exposure to loud music, strain and over stimulation of the visual cortex, extreme exercise as well as too much or improper sexual activity all pull and weigh heavy on the jing. We can look at jing like an estate or savings account that supports us and our long term energy throughout life, we don’t want to tap into or use it or use for day to day energy expenses. Instead we treat it as a reserve account that we only tap into, when necessary in times of maturation phases, creativity and fertile expression. It is important that it is cultivated and protected through a balanced lifestyle and a connection to its value and relationship to with truth. The preservation of jing requires healthy nourishment to help our bodies have the energy they need to get through the day with out tapping into the reserve tank. Jing likes a balanced lifestyle that doesn’t endure excessive stress and chronic over stimulation. Jing is maintained by engaging in regular moderate exercise that is not over taxing or injuring to they body system. Jing is deeply connected to our hormones and sexual fluids, expenditure of these fluids and energies should be patterned by balanced sexual interaction that is not draining literally and figuratively though extreme emotions and physical release. Restorative practices like meditation or Qi Gong and clear inner listening to the body’s physical and psychological needs supports being in touch with the value of the inner essence. Learning how to not overdo it burn ourselves out or push ourselves too far, especially when the body is craving restoration to the preservation and right allocation of our jing. Modern stress and lifestyles that have disconnected us from our truth or rigorous expense of energy though childrearing, athleticism or over work has left many modern
people burned out. The practice of bringing in Jing tonics or herbal formulas coupled with lifestyle practices is a potent approach to healing for our 21st century frameworks of living. Jing tonics correspond to our body’s specific needs and are broadly typically broken up into either Yin, or Yang. With the help of an educated practitioner or deepened self awareness, choosing the proper tonic for you based on your needs, is a great support to winter health. From a yin standpoint you want to work on the bodes ability to support rhythm and acclamation of stored energy for later use. This approach helps to moisten and nourish the tissues and calm excessive energy, building up vitality, enhancing fertility and increasing sexual fluids. These type of tonics will also help to strengthen the joints, the lower back and the knees. can help to clarify the mind and counteract stress while bringing in hormonal Balance. From a yang perspective you would want to consider support the capacity to manifest and bring action into our lives and creations. From this standpoint, we’re looking at building endurance and strength, as well as sexual vigor and vitality that will help the body through Exertion. The yang energy provides us with power and motivation as well as the capacity to desire and create or attract the life we want. Think willpower, creativity, athletic stamina, and sexual energy.
The Jing is like a metaphor for our reserves and estate, how we conserve it and enjoy it though life marks the greatness of our potentials to thrive. to this though provoking dialogue on wealth management and our energy bank account
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“Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” --BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Primal Blueprint
Unlocking DNA potential though lifestyle
The idea that the genes do not solely determine the outcome on our physiology, psychology, behavior or health, but that there is a factor of environmental influence that drives the expression of our genetics is at the center of the epigenetic revolution. The term “Epi� is translated from Greek to: Over, outside of or around. In the expression of Epigenetics Epi refers to factors that exist in addition to, or above our inheritance. These factors are aspects that effect the expression or outcome of genetic potential. It is common place understanding the environmental factors have an influence on development, as well as evolution of cellular processes. The epigenetic school of thought evolved to look at the concept of trans generational inheritance which refers to factors, or markers that are transmitted from one organism to the next, and the impact of their effect on future generations, this is also known as epigenetic inheritance. Researchers have shown impacts and epigenetic influences on the process of gene transcription, to structural template and the potential for evolution and adaptation of our innate, as well as acquired characteristics. The study of epigenetics opens us up to a deep awareness of looking into the impact of our beliefs, foods, climate, social behavior and other environmental impacts such as toxins and technologies will have on the evolution of our genetic code. This study also opens us up into the important understanding of how these influences can be controlled, altered and augmented though behavior, choice and awareness. When people understand the role of environment, belief and behavior they have access to the power of enhancing the expression of their genetic code. In example, we know that toxins have a damaging impact on the DNA, so the removal of toxins from the body or avoidance of toxins by choice is powerful way to enhance genetic performance and health. In
practices such as eating organic or using products free of toxins one has a direct impact on the longevity and vitality of their genetic code. Preventative medicine and lifestyle medicine taps us into being in control of our health and evolutionary potential though access to our will power and choices wound living a healthy life. As we stand at the cross roads of medical technology, genetic testing we have future just as promising if not more sustainable and powerful as we take back health in our own hands though our behavior. Instead of waiting for a laboratory solution or augmentation that nanotechnology may offer in the future for our health we can choose lifestyles that give us the best possible outcome of unlocking genetic potential. The approaches to lifestyle medicine are simple and have a profound impact on supporting, not only health of this generation, but generations to come though teaching our children healthy habits and passing on more robust vital energies. Dr. Bruce Lipton, author of the Biology of Belief, and pioneer in the field of epigenetics has extensively researched the impact of thought and consciousness on the expression of the genetic code. His work has shown that our consciousness and construct of beliefs play a powerful role in the expression of our genetics. If you think that you are not capable of something, or that your body is unhealthy or designed to break down, you essentially are sending that message to your body system and it will, in time, express those negative physiological traits and begin to break down based on your thoughts and beliefs. Researchers looking at the impacts of stress have discovered the ideas and belief we attach to our bodies experiences and sensations change the way we use those signals, or how physiological states effect us. In example if you feel your heart rate increasing it is a sign your body is giving you more energy to complete a task if you go
with the flow of increased blood you have to boost you need to get through. However if you perceive the increase to be overwhelming or too intense, possibly as a sign of danger or negative stress, and back off the task at hand you never fulfill the completion of the task, and shifting towards the hormonal reward state accomplishment. This leaves the body in a heightened state of overwhelm that doesn’t get calmed through transformation of that energy into an outcome, in a sense you work yourself up for nothing and the body doesn’t have the pathway to process all that extra energy and biological charges.
This look into epigenetic factors also gets very interesting when we explore the psychology of the relationship we have to ourself and others. We can find nuances in the patterns we perpetuate through our lives, based on the conscious or unconscious belief systems we hold from our acquired experience in life as well as our genera-
tional experiences of trauma or greatness inherited from generations past. Mind body medicine and the journey of deconstruction though various spiritual pathways has opened up doorways of awareness for people transforming their behaviors and beliefs. The pathway to understanding subconscious and inherited personality characteristics as at the core of many contemplative studies and supports practitioners to become more evolved interpersonally and socially. Dr. Lipton’s work has show us that states of love, bliss and happiness have long term impacts on the physiology and health of our DNA as well as our potential to grow. Relationship satisfaction whether family, intimate or professionally is constantly informing our bodies ability to grow and mirroring inner tendencies. The greatness we experience though shared joy, intimacy and play strengthens our immune systems, growth hormones and overall biological potential. The ability to create and procreate though loving and joyous relationships will have a dramatic impact on the health and development of our children and creative projects. The Process of discovering our patterns in relationship that err on the side of tolerating dissatisfaction, trauma, abuse and dysfunction is a powerful place to investigate for us personally as part of overall health and wellbeing. Are we creating our of necessity and survival in a dead end job, or settling in a relationship because “its the right thing to do” Asking ourselves how we cultivate together and what qualities we are engendering together will have dynamic impact on our ability to be honest with our truth. Living life authentically and only giving investment of energy into things that are built on love, integrity, empathy and joy had profound impact on motivation, satisfaction and health.
There is an interesting movement looking at how we can return to our primal blueprint. The primal blueprint concept brings us closer to our evolutionary process that connects us to activities and behaviors of our ancestors, that were habits and functions that led to creating and preserving versatile, strong, capable human health and expression. The concept behind the primal blueprint is simple and brings us closer to natural ways of living that includes the consumption of a balanced diet, eliminating the bulk of processed foods, incorporating movement, playfulness, rest and mental capacity as a framework for healthy living.
From a dietary perspective eating real whole foods and avoiding foods that have been processed or contain refined sugar as well as avoiding hydrogenated fats. Many schools of primal though avoid newly engineered modern grains or eliminate all grains and opt for a more hunter gatherer style approach to eating. Trends around intermittent fasting and paleo diet are associated with primal diets as well. Seasonal eating and eating foods that are hyper local or growing you own food is not only a way to control what is put into your food but also assure more nutrient density. Eliminating any genetically modified foods that will introduce foreign DNA that has been altered is also advisable.
Movement and exercise include movement that engages the body’s natural tendency to do heavy lifting, have bursts of intensity and maintain regular consistent movement. We’ve seen an upswing in the high intensity interval training processes in conjunction with primal living approaches that activate cellular mechanisms for enhancing the release of growth hormones and burning fat. The approach to lifting heavy things helps us search back to our ancestors strengths and tendencies as farmers, as well as manual laborers, to be using their body to create. Movements that include pushing, squatting, pulling and twisting are favored to impact and influence on the production growth hormones, metabolic function, increased dynamic flexibility and muscle strength. Moderate activity that is incorporated into daily living that isn’t too intense, such as brisk walking, bike riding, hiking or even swimming is especially important to our modern culture that spends a lot of time sitting at desks and in front of computer screens.
The depth and quality of our sleep has also been considered one of the factors in the primal blueprint. Looking at the process of growth, regeneration and rehabilitation from action is key. The body’s capacity to restore and balance is assured though a healthy sleep cycle. Avoiding swing cycles that include changes in daily rhythm of rest and wakeful periods is a simple starting point, the old adage of “up with the sun down with the sun” is a phenomenal framework to set our body’s internal circadian rhythm to the natural rhythms around us. Naturally engaging active energies during the day and shifting into reprieve and turning inward during the night time is key. We want to do most of our active processing while the sun is out and then wind down into rest when its is dark so the body can have every to do its daily repair and growth. In sleep we mature physically and psychologically learning our lessons and reaping the benefits of our life.
Taking in daily sunlight allows the body to make vitamin D that is vital to health, and has a powerful effect on immune system function and mood, which in turn impacts capacity to interface and connect with others through productive and capable outcomes of achieving. Being with the sun, particularly in the early hours of the day after sunrise and late hours of the afternoon before sunset allows the body to safely consume direct exposure to sunlight. Connection to the sun enhances the circadian rhythm, by tapping us into our natural inner clock that is modulated by light. Spending time actively engaging in joyful activity that brings us into a state of playful connectivity is an important factor in negating harmful effects of stress and overwork. Play is a powerful psychological tool and resource to help us connect to freedom and creativity. Bringing a natural sense of expression and exchange into our relationships and curiosity. Avoiding undue emotional overwhelm and stress is a very important strategy to help us maintain a healthy mind body balance. Self medication and altering our functioning through drug use, whether it be recreation or prescription based, and tendencies to escape stress and trauma cause us to disconnect from reality and our environment. Self destructive behaviors that have many detrimental effects on the mind body system impact our capacity to understand our instincts and can lead to a distorted sense of self awareness. Aberrant or maladaptive psychological and or behavioral practices caused by stress or trauma should be worked through on mental, spiritual, physical and emotional levels. Making sure we are not living in false realities or lies and excuses that limit our potential to grow. We are facing challenges that are more and more difficult and dense to navigate in the realm of toxicity and poison. Making healthy choices in food eating organic when possible to avoid food based chemicals
and additives. Learning to read labels and assure you are avoiding personal care products that have toxic and harmful ingredients. Air and water pollution has a detrimental effect on the function of the DNA as well as the biological day to day processes of our body. Toxicity is found to be a contributing and causative factor in many disorders and disease processes, including hormone issues digestive issues, cognitive dysfunction, as well as mental and emotional disturbances. Making a concerted effort to avoid toxins at all possible, rates, as well as enhancing dietary or supplemental support for detoxification is crucial in navigating our modern times. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, as well as supplements that have high antioxidant profiles like C60 Purple Power have a powerful counter action to toxins and can help support relieving some of the burden on our body systems. Assuring that our pathways of elimination are open and expanding us through a daily expression of releasing wastes crucial to modern health. Making sure that you are exercising your consciousness and brain through intellect and creativity is a powerful way to stimulate awareness and expand, evolve and express ourselves in the world. Taking time to challenge yourself mentally through learning and interaction is an important aspect of assuring overall health and well being. By tapping into your inner inventor, innovator or creative self you will naturally engender more motivation and seeking out of purpose, which makes life worth living. We’re facing a shift in medicine, as we know it towards cultivation, preservation and prevention, whether that be through the emerging technological advances coming into medicine or it be tapping back into the natural rhythms of our existence and awakening potential through lifestyle medicine.
Now more than ever, we are faced with redefining how we live our lives and care for ourselves. Our ancestors’ habits and patterns are found, deep within our tendencies and our sources that we have the capacity to transform and tap into as sources of strength and evolution into forward generations. The winter time taps us into the deeper core of our codes of genetic information the seasonal highlight is on how we will carry this preservation of information and intelligence into future generations. It is a valuable lesson to learn how you may begin to preserve and enhance the energetic blueprints or genes you were given, and your potential for rewriting and mastering their expression. When we touch into the deeper core potentials of the self, it naturally brings us closer to understanding our nature and learning how to nurture that potential through lifestyle choices. Knowing what makes you tick, and the stories of your ancestors, discovering what is in the shadows or expression of their influence is information carried within your bones, your genes and the core potential deep within the self. It is through this discovery, we awaken the patterns of our karma and tap into the frequencies of our destiny, a space where lifestyle gives us an opportunity to work with fate and carry us closer towards our greatness. A place to transform the deficits that were endured before us. Looking inward in the winter time, year by year carries a closer potential of listening to the deeper truth of the self, which gives you immediate access to understanding how you wish to preserve and cultivate that essence through your work, your willingness, your creations your fertility and ultimately, sexual exchange, procreation and preservation of your lineage. As we navigate a changing environment and the social and biological expressions of our past that are bubbling to the surface of our awareness. The question of 2020 brings us back to what are you investing your energy into? We are at a place in history where there is a split on the pathways forward of human evolution a place where we give our power over to powers that are crumbling or remember the future that awaits us though uncoiling the pattern language within nature and ourselves as one in the same.
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On the role of antioxidants in DNA health & longevity with Ken The Scientist
Experience
Water Element Qi Gong
Qi Gong has been practiced though antiquity as the foundation of health and longevity. The simple yet powerful union of breath and movement has innumerable heath benefits and potentials. Qi gongs relationship to the ancient art of Taoist and Classical Chinese medicine has roots in alchemy and preservation of the vital substances that run the mind, body and spirit. Qi gong has a particularly important relationship to the water element because of its impact on the core reserves of power. Longevity strategies for preservation almost always include practices that get at saving the vital energy of the body and boosting the energy we build through life. The art and practice of qi gong is one of the quickest ways to restore balance to the body mind and over time has profound capacity to support the reserve energies. This water element practice focuses on 4 movements: Clearing Qi, Rolling forward momentum, Collecting Qi and activating the Kidney power.
Juniper Yang of the Yin Mover of the Waters Midwife of Winter
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The Juniper Spirit holds the spirit of December. She is jovial and kind. In the dead of cold season she stays green and active for those in need of prayers. She is light and angelic and whispers blessings in the ears of those that can hear. She is saintly, correcting and strongly protective. The main theme of juniper is hope which is made manifest in the deep blue berries she provides.
The winter season shifts the realm of activity, from the exterior to the interior realms to allow time & space to reflect, transform, release and restore. The lovely smell of juniper smoke has lifted & supported me in these times of invoking boundaries, protection & renewal and they (Juniper) have been doing the same for humans in a variety of ways for as long as we have existed as a species. Juniper warms and moves the ‘waters’, emotions, spirit and energies of the body, important during periods of lessened activity, shorter days, and more inward focused energies. In this way, Juniper protects from damp, cold, depression, fear and illness in these times of greater stillness and rest, so the body can move into deep rejuvenation.. They are a part of the Cupressaceae plant family, relatives of Cyprus, Ceder, Sequoia and Redwood. This family of plants made their appearance in the Triassic period, around 250 million years ago. They are evergreen gymnosperms, which is the name for their method of ‘naked seed’ dispersal, common amongst conifers & very old plant families, like Gingko. In fact, the berries of juniper are actually cones (think pine trees) that layer tightly into the shape of a ball. Juniper is an ancient being. They are resilient & adaptable coming in many forms depending on their environment. Though not very large, growing only to about 30 ft tall, they appear in a wide variety of forms, ranging from trees to shrubs to ground cover & for this reason are very popular landscaping plants. They are also very strong, having wood prized for its density & resistance to rot, making it popular for crafts, tools, talismans, storage containers that repel insects (‘Ceder boxes”) & fence posts. Juniper is actually often mistaken for Ceder and their medicinal & spiritual uses have often overlapped throughout history.
Juniperus communis is the species found most abundantly throughout the world, perhaps the most out of any woody shrub in fact, however there are over 62 species each with somewhat different medicinal profiles, expressions & habits. Younger junipers tend to have short spiky needles in whorls of three and later develop rounder more scale-like leaves as they age, though this varies from species by species. Juniper Communis, for example, tends to stay in needle form even as it ages. Juniper is a long & slow growing tree that can live 200 - 300 years, production of berries begins when they are around 10 - 25 years old, becoming a life sustaining food for wildlife (especially birds) especially birds with whom they share ecosystems. They thrive primarily in the Northern hemisphere across North America/ Turtle Island, Europe, parts of the Middle East, Asia, Russia and Japan. Their use in medicine traditions follows this range, and tho often separated by time & space, these ways are strikingly similar throughout history & across cultures. Juniper supports & maintains life as the energies of the body turn inward to rest, die, transform, replenish & birth/rebirth in the springtime.
urinary tract infection to stimulation of insulin production and as a general restorative. Juniper is a powerful anti-fungal. The leaves, branches or berries as a wash can aid in the mending of foot fungus. Infused in vinegar, and used to clean house mold. Juniper contains up to 100 medicinal constituents that vary by ripeness, species, location & age. The medicinal compounds are concentrated in the berries with concentrations of volatile oils ranging from .2 - 3 percent volatile oils. Its actions alternative, antiseptic, bitter, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, in traditional Chinese medicine its tastes are considered, Bitter, Pungent, Sweet, which correspond with the heart, lungs, large intestine & stomach/spleen. It is considered energetically hot & drying, making it useful for warming up formulas, as many bitters are energetically cooling.
The berries and twigs are diuretic & antibacterial, so it’s used for UTIs. It helps the body to push out bad bacteria while also killing back that bad bacteria. Juniper berries are bitter and act on the bitter receptors, increasing digestive capacities of the body & stimulating appetite. Juniper is a general tonic and digestive aid, especially for poor digestions of fats, Can be eaten a few a day for short periods of time for resistance to illness. Antimicrobials can affect the microbiome balance when administered for long periods of time so should only be used for short periods.
Shown to be an effective antiseptic useful for topical skin conditions & as an inhalant for respiratory conditions also as a gargle, Juniper is indicated in conditions of cold/ The compound pinine (also found in pine depression of the system: Cold hands / Feet, trees) can be mildly stimulating to the respilow / slow pulse. Pale dull complexion, low ratory tissue & act as an expectorant. Steam libido, thick white tongue coating, a tenden- for bronchitis and other lung infections. cy to have trouble sweating, edema, poor circulation. Especially cold depression in Will relieve muscles aches caused by exthe liver - poor metabolism, low production cess lactic acid, Infusion has been used for of bile, deficiency of nutrients, a tendency gout. Used to treat rheumatism both intertowards despair nally & externally, Taken internally & applied topically its anti-rheumatic effects are The medicinal use of juniper is widespread likely due to its diuretic ability. Known to among indigenous, particularly North stimulate the uterus, Juniper is best avoided American, cultures, with citations of effect during pregnancy, and has been used in ranging from contraception to treatment of some cultures as an abortifacient.
Juniper Human Relationships History Juniper use has been found in some of the earliest human settlements the world over. Although methods vary, their use for protection, and cleansing appear widely. The Interior Salish and Northwest Coast tribes used juniper to banish evil spirits and protect themselves from witchcraft. Among the southwestern Pueblos, Junipers were believed to heal an illness described as ‘ghost sickness,’ which could affect bereaved relatives or people who handled the bodies of the dead. Plains Indian tribes, such as the Dakota, Cheyenne, and Pawnee, often hung juniper boughs on their dwelling or burned them in the campfire to keep their homes safe from storms. Juniper is one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. In Europe it was often used as a ‘strewing’ herb, it was scattered on the floors of indoor
spaces to freshen & offer some protection from airborne pathogens while doors & windows were closed up for the winter. In Scottish New Years house Sainings (blessings) the woman of the house would go from room to room with a smoldering juniper branch, filling the house with purifying smoke, then the windows would be thrown open and smoke released. There is also a long history of use in Celtic rituals of Beltane (winter solstice.) Ancient Germans hung the branches over doorways to guard against evil, in fact, many European cultures hung Juniper above their doorways, in barns or near beehives to protect their homes from ill-intent & bad-magic. In Russian, Easter European & some Scandinavian cultures, Juniper was (and is) used in the traditional Sauna, as well as in Banya (bath houses) in the form of small brooms used to gently hit the body, creating heat and releasing oils from the plants. In Wales it was said that if you cut down a Juniper tree you would die within the year. Juniper has been considered magical and protective via it’s smoke through burning the leaves pretty much wherever it grows. It has been made into incense for intended for clearing both the physical and energetic realms. Juniper smoke has been regarded as an aid to divinatory practices around the world & is burned both practically & ritually. Used in shamanic practices from siberia to northwest Pakistan to induce trance states before performing sacred, magical & healing rites. Juniper is a plant of boundaries. See what it feels like to burn a sprig of Juniper and smell it, or tap the branch against your body to sense into your relationship with its medicine.
Juniper
Food As Medicine
If it tastes like food it probably is, if it taste like turpentine leave it alone, though most species of juniper are used in medicine, a few such as J. sabina and J. oxycedrus are very poisonous and should not be consumed therefore proper identification is important Mature blue berries are used to flavor game, red meat & heavier foods in the wintertime which are aided in processing by juniper. They are also used to flavor stuffing, marinades and stews. In Europe one cannot make authentic sauerbraten or sauerkraut without juniper berries. In the southern Alps a dark syrup is made from the berries and is traditionally eaten as a dessert with cream or hot milk. (Some berries are as much as 30% sugar.) The cone scales are high in dextrose which is fermentable. J. communius is the main species that grows in Europe and Scandinavia. It is used in cooking food, preserving and pickling vegetables. It’s method of use varies in Europe, A spirit that most folks recognize as a favorite ingredient in slightly bitter, sometimes citrusy mixed drinks. The word ‘Gin’ is derived from the word Juniper and it is the primary herbal ingredient. It is also required that anything labeled and sold as Gin currently must have a certain percentage of Juniper berries in it. Flavors vary according to location of the Juniper plant. Different soil and climate conditions can affect the flavoring of Juniper berries in Gin. Juniper berries are primarily used dried as opposed to fresh in gin production, but their
flavor and odor is at their strongest immediately after harvest and declines during the drying process and subsequent storage. Traditionally J. communius was used, and is still used to make Gin in Europe. Gin is often used in bitters drinks: cocktails combining some amount of bitter herbs infused in sugar, honey, alcohol, glycerin, vinegar or some combination thereof and taken before or after a meal with added tonic water to increase the efficiency of digestion. These can be called Aperitif (before the meal) and Digestifs (after the meal). It seems like Juniper’s use in brewing is universal in Europe with the most concentrated popularity being in northern Europe, perhaps where it’s use in brewing originated. The use of juniper in brewing is manifold. Sometimes the branches and berries are boiled in the brewing water, rendering an extract with which to conduct the brew. In other cases the branches are used as a rudimentary strainer to separate the wort from the mash in a wooden trough.
This is often accomplished with the addition of straw and harks back to primitive brew craft. And in some instances the mature berries—actually fleshy cone scales rich in dextrose— are used as a source of fermentable sugar. Juniper berries and branches have historically been used both as a flavoring for and as a fermentable ingredient in beer. Its use is traditionally common in the Nordic countries, and particularly in Finnish sahti, an ancient beer style that is still produced today. See sahti. It has also at times been mentioned as a constituent ingredient of gruit and is of course the
The berries are high in vitamin c, d3, b amino acids Trace minerals - Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc
T raditional uses across the globe: Scandinavia - Game, Gravlax German - Pot roast fermented veggies, sauerkraut, French - Pate, charcuterie Swiss - Add juniper berries to heating fuel to sanitize classrooms. Juniper - Delicious on duck, goes well with purple fruits Add to roast goose & duck to reduce the taste of fat. Add to bread stuffings. Add a few berries to braises
Juniper Cherry Sauce 1 Cup Dried Cherries 2/3 Cup Water 2/3 Cup red wine vinegar 1/4 Cup homemade or store bought gin 1/4 Cup sugar 1 Tbs juniper berries 1 Tbs black peppercorns Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat. Let cool then blend until smooth. Use as a glaze for roasting game or other meats or as a mop sauce & grilling glaze or a chutney to accompany vegetable dishes.
Slow cooked chicken with Juniper Cherry Sauce 6 chicken thighs Âź cup chicken stock 1 cup Juniper cherry sauce 1 tbs soy sauce
Place all ingredients in a crock pot and cover. Cook on low setting for 5-6 hours. Shred the chicken with a fork while in the cooking sauce. This sweet and aromatic recipe pairs nicely over corn tortillas as a taco dish served with lime, cilantro and pickled onions. You could substitute other meats and serve shredded on sandwiches, as part of a barbecue plate.
Herbal Gin 16 Oz good quality vodka 8-10 muddled Juniper berries 8-10 Rose hips 1 tbs Black pepper corn 1 tbs Schisandra Mix all herbs in a quart jar and pour vodka over, seal and shake. Let infuse 24-48 hours before straining herbs. You can add more flavoring like fruit or additional herbs (cardamom, cinnamon, rosemary, anise) after straining for an additional infusion. Strain through a water filter like Brita to clarify liquid, this step is not necessary but useful if you prefer a clear spirit. You can also experiment with longer infusion times deepen the potency. Traditionally herbal gins were used for digestive issues, kidney stones, urinary tract infections and pain and historically were a staple in many apothecaries as a tincture form of dosing juniper. The mixing of gin with tonic water also has been used to treat fevers and even malaria. Gin can provide good relief for menstrual and low back pain as well. Use like a tincture 1-2 droppers a few times a day for kidney and bladder support or enjoy as part of a creative cocktail or traditional gin and tonic
Juniper Pine syrup ½ Cup water 3 tbs Juniper 2 tbs fresh pine needles 1-2 cardamom pods ½ cup raw honey Combine water, juniper, pine needles and cardamom pods and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes then strain herbs. Combine liquid with raw honey and hard boil for 5 minutes. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Use in hot water for chest congestion or add to tea. Add to coffee for a juniper latte or as a base for cocktails.
Juniper Super Antioxidant Latte with C60 Purple Power
Combine 1 Cup strong brewed coffee with ½ cup steamed milk of your choice with 1tsp C60 Purple Power and Juniper Syrup to taste. Juniper combined with C60 Purple Power combines to create a double antioxidant boost for your daybreak coffee routine. The pungent automatic juniper flavor gives a subtle background of earthy vitality to round out the morning.
C60 Purple Power is a super antioxidant that works at a cellular level to support a health inflammation response and boost energy.
Juniper Salt 5 Tbs course salt 15 dried juniper berries Combine and grind to a rough mixture in a mortar and pestle Sprinkle over fried potatoes, use as the base for a rub to flavor roast game meat or as a flavoring for simmered cabbage.
Juniper Sauerkraut 1 Head of cabbage 1 Carrot 1 Tbs Salt 6 Fresh juniper berries 1tbs Black pepper corns 1tsp Caraway Shred cabbage and carrot thinly, place cabbage, carrot, juniper, peppercorns and caraway into a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Use a kitchen mallet or heavy bottom glass to press the cabbage and release its juices, work for about 5-10 minutes until cabbage is soft. Fill a wide mouth mason jar with the cabbage mixture and press down to release juices and pack the cabbage down. Fill the jar leaving about 1-2 inches of headroom at the top for the cabbage to expand. Press the cabbage down until it is fully submerged in its juices. If you need to add a few tbs of water to cover the cabbage do so. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band. Let the sauerkraut ferment for 3-5 days on the counter depending on taste preference checking that the liquid is covering the cabbage, press down if need be. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy as a topping to a variety of meals.
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A letter from the editor: Reasons & Seasons is a creative labor of love, wellness and elevation! We are an educational platform designed to support health and welling though following the language of nature, rhythm and creativity. Interested in getting this information out to your network? Please Share and contact us for partnership and advertisement opportunities! Now more than ever people need to activate the medicine within them though behavior, creativity and expression. Seasonal living and natural stages of change are the metronome of our existence. Look to the stars, follow the sun patterns and remember you are a part of this vast experience, giving and receiving, your purpose is needed now! In Wellness
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