How To live a more natural, therapeutic,& sustainable life
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SPRING 2023 ISSUE 26
THERAPEUTICTHYMES.COM
2023 PENNSYLVANIA HERB AND GARDEN FESTIVAL Friday, April 28 11am - 5pm Saturday, April 29 9am - 4pm York Expo Center/ Memorial Hall 334 Carlisle Avenue, York, PA
Celebrate Gardening & Gain Knowledge Of Growing & Using Herbs for Creating Culinary Flavor, Natural Beauty Products, Healthy Living & Wellness NATIONALLY KNOWN SPEAKERS, VARIETY OF WORKSHOPS, NUMEROUS VENDORS OF PLANTS, GARDEN ITEMS, HERBAL CRAFTS, PRODUCTS FOR THE GARDENER, COOK, AND CRAFTER Admission $10 (Children 12 and under Free) Free Parking
(Children age
www.paherbandgardenfestival.com
EDITOR | PUBLISHER | EVENTS Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Khadeeja Zubair Awan | Sophia Harmes | Dana Jefferson Chuck Kruse | Emily Alvarez ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT | EVENTS Mary Soanes Advertising Manager Lisa Karasek admanager@therapeuticthymes.com IT & LOGISTICS Glenn Eckman COVER DESIGN | EDITORIAL DESIGN | PHOTO SELECTION Alex Lucas of Oh The Raven Studio | ohtheraven.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Article guidelines are available on our website therapeuticthymes.com/submissions CALENDER SUBMISSIONS Submit your event via email to info@therapeuticthymes.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION To request a media kit, please email advertise@therapeuticthymes.com or call 717-419-8796. Deadline for our Summer Issue (due out in June) is 1 April. OFFICE Therapeutic Thymes, LLC PO Box 4731 | Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone: 717-419-8796 | info@therapeuticthymes.com © 2023 by Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. | All rights reserved. | ISSN 2474-8315
SPRING, ISSUE 26 | MARCH, APRIL, MAY
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Therapeutic Thymes is dedicated to promoting a more natural, therapeutic, and sustainable way of life. SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Spring CONTENTS 2023 The Joy, Comfort, and Stress Releasing Power of Aromatherapy
Materia Medica: Cleavers (Galium aparine)
By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
By Khadeeja Zubair Awan
Attracting Bees To Your Garden
How to Become an Elder at Any Age
By Emily Alvarez
By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA How to Grow Vegetable in Your Front Yard
How to Make a Vision Board
By Emily Alvarez, MPS, ATR-BC
By Chuck Kruse
Ostara and What it Means for Spring
By Sophia Harmes, Ph.D.
DEPARTMENTS
COVER IMAGE
04
Editor’s Note
76
Book Thyme
07
News & Tidbits
83
Contributors
14
Garden Thyme
88
Advertiser Index
By aaron burden via unsplash SPRING 2023 | 3
EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to our Spring 2023 Issue.
The theme throughout this issue is How To … Spring brings a sense of balance to the Universe. Spring is a time to plant new seeds and ideas. The Universe renews our energy. It is a time of rebirth. As always, whether you are new to the natural, holistic, and self-sustaining lifestyle, or an expert in a related field, I am so glad you joined us on this exciting journey. Grab a cup of your favorite tea and join us a spell.
Blessings!
~ Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman Editor / Publisher
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NEWS & TIDBITS
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NEWS & TIDBITS
WHITEN YOUR TEETH NATURALLY Looking for a low-cost way to whiten your teeth? Banana Peels. After you eat your morning banana, rub the peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes. Wait about 10 minutes and brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush. The banana peel provides potassium and magnesium act as a natural whitener.❁
HEADACHE HELP NATURALLY Do you suffer headaches, especially on Air Quality Alert days? Pine helps to decrease the toxins. Mix 10 drops of pine essential oil with 1 cup of Epsom salt. Dissolve the mixture in a tub and soak for about 20 minutes. ❁
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SPRING 2023 | 7
NEWS & TIDBITS
NEW PRENATAL VITAMIN DESIGNED FOR VEGANS SANTA MONICA, CA (PRNewswire) – A prenatal prepares and supports your body for pregnancy and your unique nutritional needs. The Essential Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin was designed to provide moms the nutrients needed during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation. Future Kind, the leading wellness brand best known for their groundbreaking Essential Vegan Vitamin is expanding their family of supplements with their latest launch, Vegan Prenatal Vitamin. The world's first and only prenatal developed specifically for vegan and plant-based diets, tailored with the right amount of B12, Vitamin D, Methylfolate and many other key ingredients. The vitamin includes 150mcg of B12, which is in line with the recommended amount for vegans and those on plantbased diets by leading independent nutrition experts like Dr. Michael Greger. Future Kind is also proud to use methylated Folate which ensures about 40% of women with the MTHFR gene variation can absorb it. For more information, go to: futurekind.com. ❁
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KROGER CELEBRATES 10 YEAR MILESTONE CINCINNATI, OH (PRNewswire)– The Kroger Co.’s Simple Truth® brand is marking its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of offering customers affordable and unique foods made with simple ingredients. Simple Truth® promises customers products that are Free From unwanted ingredients, including more than 101 artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners. The brand's products contain no artificial ingredients and offer minimally processed, naturally raised meats that are fed a 100% vegetarian diet, without antibiotics or added hormones. Simple Truth® Certified Organic products are produced by organic growers and handlers certified by agencies and organizations accredited by the USDA, free from synthetic fertilizers and genetic engineering. ❁
NAHA TO HOST AROMATHERAPY CONFERENCE IN FALL POCATELLO, ID-- The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) will hold its Beyond Aromatics conference in October in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference is designed to provide opportunities for aromatherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, and other like minded individuals to meet and network. The theme this year will be: “Beyond Aromatics – Cultivating the Future of Aromatherapy and Beyond: Your Passion and Purpose in Action.” The conference will be 5-7 October 2023. For more information, go to: conference.naha.org. ❁
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NEWS & TIDBITS
SOUL PURPOSE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE 2023 SHOWS TIMONIUM, MD – Soul Purpose Productions has announced their 2023 schedule. 24 & 25 June – KarmaFest Unity at Steppingstone in Havre de Grace, MD 5 & 6 August – KarmaFest Summer Sun in Milton, DE
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MATERIA MEDICA: CLEAVERS (GALIUM APARINE)
By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
FAMILY: Rubiaceae COMMON NAME(S): Cleavers, catchweed, goose grass, sweethearts. USDA HARDINESS: Zones 3-9 NATIVE RANGE: Eastern United States, Pacific coast, and Canada.
GENDER: Feminine ELEMENT: Fire DESCRIPTION & CULTIVATION: She is found in moist and grassy areas along riverbanks. She is an annual with white flowers. PARTS USED: Flowers, leaves, and the stems. CULINARY USES: Cleavers can be eaten raw in salads, made into juice or tea, as a pesto, in cream soups, or as a substitute for spinach.
MEDICINAL USES: Diuretic properties which increase the urine flow. Lithotriptics properties, meaning it help dissolve and eliminate urinary and biliary stones and gravel. A note of caution – Galium aparine is high in tannins. The repeated effect of tannins can result in cancerous cells. To make a tincture, simply soak in vodka for about a week. MAGIKAL USES: Cleavers can be used in binding spells.❁
Sources: Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2014. Page 85. Lust, John, N.D, D.B.M., (1974) The Herb Book. Bantam Books, pg.112. Pursell, J. J. The Herbal Apothecary. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2015. Pages 91-92. Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D. (1990) The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, pg. 18, 44, 46, and 346.
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LLINATORS GARDEN TIPS FOR PO . • Plan out your garden Search by zip code at nwf.org/nativeplants. • Provide water for pollinators. • Plant dense shrubs to s. attract hummingbird
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ed • Make a bee house fill es. tub g with nestin • Include butterfly friendly plants.
HOW TO CREA TE A BIRD FRIENDLY SPA CE • Provide water. A birdbath is a great idea. Be sure to change the wate r in warm weather to prevent mos quitos. • Plant native pl ants nearby. • Remove invasiv e plants. Holly m ay look lovely climbing up your house, but it is an invasive plan t. • Do not use inse
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Attracting Bees to Your Garden by Emily Alvarez “If you build it, he will come,” says a voice to Kevin Costner in the 1989 hit movie Field of Dreams. The same is true for the bees and other pollinators. If you plant the right plants, the bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects will in turn come. Bees love thymes. After you picked the leaves for use in your kitchen, let the herb continue to grow. The bees will appreciate the blooms. Other herbs that are known to attract bees
are: borage, chives, cilantro, mint, oregano, rosemary, and sage. Borage grows about 18” tall with a spread of 12”-24”. The leaves are used in salads and lemonade. Bees are attracted to the flowers of this annual herb. There are a couple choices when it comes to chives, all of which are perennial. The leaves and the flowers are both edible. Sizes vary depending on which choice of chives. Cilantro is used with fish and meats. The height ranges from 12” to 24” and the spread is 12”. Cilantro is our featured herb this quarter. Mints are great in teas, marinades, and desserts. This perennial includes spearmint, peppermint, and orange. There are a couple varieties of
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Oregano. The Cleopatra offers a spicy flavor. Common and Italian are good in Italian dishes and sauces. They are more sweet than the Greek variety, which has more of an earthy flavor. All varieties of oregano are perennials. Rosemary and sage are also perennials, as is thyme. Rosemary is very fragrant. It is used with meats, Sage can be dried and used for crafts in addition to cooking.
So which flowers are inviting to bees? Agastache, Asters, Bee Balm, Blanket Flower, Butterfly Weed, Catmint, Coneflower, Goldenrod, Joe Pye Weed, Penstemon, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, and Yarrow. Agastache is a great border plant which attracts bees and hummingbirds, as well as other pollinators. This sun loving plant can tolerate heat and dry soil. Burpee offers a new variety of Agastache this year called Peachie Keen. The small tubular flowers are an apricot peach color. Asters are a low spreading perennial used frequently in rock gardens or as
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a border. It flowers in late spring to mid summer. Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a colorful sun loving perennial. Its flowers make great summer arrangements and cut flowers. There are many different varieties of the Monarda, including Bee’s Knees, a Burpee exclusive. Scarlet in color, the Bee’s Knees is simply captivating and can stand up to mildew. Butterfly bushes grow from 2 feet to four feet depending on the variety so they are best normally in the back of border or bed. They love the sun and quickly attract butterflies and other pollinators. Coneflower, known as Echinacea, are super easy to grow. They bloom summer to fall. Penstemon loves the full sun. It blooms between early summer to late fall, depending on the variety. It likes its soil damp and is a flowerbed favorite. Perovskia is in the mint family. Although there are 10 species, the Russian Sage variety is my favorite
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"If you plant the right plants, the bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects will in turn come." 20 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
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perennial. The silver stems are covered in lavender flowers which give off a deep relaxing aroma. They are super easy to care for and love the heat of the summer sun. this tall plant can grow up to four feet complements ornamental grasses. Rudbeckia, or Goldstrum, is probably best known as Black Eyed Susan. This popular perennial blooms mid-summer to early fall. It complements sedums, perovskia, and ornamental grasses. Salvia add color to borders and window boxes with their vibrant summer bloom. They love full sun and prefer a well-drained soil. Sedum are heat tolerant perennials. They are at home in rock gardens and as bordering plants. Sedums are a summer bloom.
Yarrow is another mid-summer bloomer. This perennial loves full sun to mid-shade. They are drought tolerant and make a great border plant. When planting, do so in clumps when possible. This attracts the bees and other pollinators more so than planting single plants. Another attraction for pollinators are nesting sites. A tree stump or felled branch can house most varieties of bees. As you plant these flowers and herbs, remember your soil and maintenance plan. Avoid pesticide use. Consider your mulch. I prefer using hardwood over black. While the black mulch does make the colors of my flowerbed pop, I just hate the idea of the dye potentially running off into the ground and eventually the water tables. ❁ Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in our Spring 2017 Issue 2.
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by Chuck Kruse Growing vegetables on the front lawn might sound a little unusual to you, and that would be understandable. The front lawn is where most people grow, well, lawns! Maybe a few flowers. A few years ago, that changed for me when I planted food in front of my home. If you would like to get a little more out of your lawn as well, I will tell you how you can! The first thing is to decide where you want to put the new garden. I suggest starting small. You can always go larger next year. I would also suggest that you create a raised bed. Your lawn may have been sprayed with chemicals over the years, and you do not want all that in your tomatoes now, do you?
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Find the spot where the sunshine is the best. This is where the front yard excels. Many homes have the best sun in the front yard. Then mark out your plot. My little front yard garden is four feet by two feet, and as you will see it grew quite a crop. Now dig out the grass in the area you are going to use. Using a shovel, turn the soil over at least six inches. Break it up and make it soft and as fluffy as you can. In gardening talk, this is now friable soil (Use that phrase when discussing your gardening and watch your cred rise). You will need a frame around the area you just dug out. This frame should be at least a foot high. Some folks make the frame out of wood and that certainly does work but the wood will rot in a few years and need to be replaced. You could use pressure treated wood, and the manufacturers claim that the chemicals they use are not toxic today as they were in the past. It is your decision, but I bought a metal
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frame to use since I tend towards caution when it comes to chemical anything. In any case, you now have your ground broken up and prepared, and your frame assembled. The next order of business is to fill the frame up with good fertile soil. Everyone has an idea on what to use in your garden soil. One says to get forty (yes forty) different kinds of compost and mix them together. Another says you only need ten types, but do not forget the sphagnum moss. After several failed experiments and following a few published formulas, I can only tell you what has worked for me. My soil mix contains topsoil, peat moss, and composted cow manure. Simple, but it works. A funny thing about most of the mixtures that I heard about; they do not ask for topsoil. I have no explanation why, but after a few unproductive seasons, I added topsoil to my mix, and it worked.
As for proportions, experience shows that you do not need to be terribly precise but strive for 60% topsoil, 20% manure, and 20% peat moss. Mix it up really well. I do mine in the wheelbarrow, one bag of topsoil at a time. If your frame is a foot high, it is going to take at least nine bags of topsoil and two bags each of composted cow manure and peat moss. Putting this together is some work but it is really good work that gets you out into the sun, hands in the dirt, good smells, and lots of smiles. You will not be sorry.
two of water on a piece of ground (not in the garden area) and cover it with a rock or something. Tomorrow morning, when you take the rock away you should find a few worms that you can toss into the raised bed garden to help you out with the soil. What to plant? Unless you are allergic to them, plant tomatoes for sure. They are great producers and pretty to watch grow. I like plum tomatoes, but this is one place to follow your own heart.
OK now. Our garden is ready to go. Take one last look at the soil and go over it again with a spade or a garden rake to get that soil as friable (Remember that word?) as you can. I go as far as to crush the surface dirt in my hands as a finishing touch. The plant roots will thank you for that in a month or two. You also might pour a quart or
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Eggplant is good for our small garden. There is a variety that is sold for planting in containers that goes crazy in the raised bed. You better like eggplant though because you will have lots of it. A good trick is to plant marigolds around the front edge of the frame. They really do seem to keep insects away, and the flowers are always welcome as bee attractors. Planting unusual vegetables that are either hard to come by or on the expensive side is not a bad thing to consider. I always plant bitter melon which is an Asian vegetable with many health benefits. Hard to find at the normal supermarket, I can grow a year's supply in my little raised bed! Bitter melon will grow up on a trellis, so I put one in next to the plant. If you try green beans, they will also go up a trellis. Another Asian vegetable I grow is Daikon radish. You can plant them in the open areas pretty close
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together and they will come up and be ready to eat before the tomato plant gets so big it blocks all the sun for them. They are the first ones to be harvested, and always welcome. As you can see in the photos, I put tomato cages around all the plants. The cages work to keep squirrels and birds away from the young shoots and they give the plants support as they grow. Do yourself a favor and get the biggest cages you can find.
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If this is something new for you, go to a good nursery and get little plants that are already started. As time goes by you can grow from seed but in the beginning, you will do better with potted plants. When you are picking them out, look for the greenest, tallest, and most healthy-looking ones in the bunch. This is not a time to feel sorry for that little scruffy one who looks forlorn and sad. Do not take pity on it and pick it up. Take that healthy, green one or in a few months you will be looking at this brown dead plant, wondering what you did wrong. You did not do anything, I bet you took great care of it, but it was never going to make it. Save yourself from this. Pick the healthy plant.
not use a high-pressure stream, you can actually harm the plants that way. One watering a day is usually enough but if it is a really hot day, a light watering at noon will not hurt. Spray the tops of the plants at this time, down near the roots for the normal watering. You can get a moisture meter at the garden store that will show you if the roots are wet, and that is a nice thing to have. You just push the probe into the soil, and the meter will let you know how damp the ground is. There is no end to what you can learn about gardening, and your front yard garden can be your start in a lifelong pursuit of growing your own food and spending peaceful time outdoors. ❁
You will need to water your garden, of course, and for that you will need a hose spout that sprays a good wide spray. Do
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OSTARA AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPRING By Sophia Harmes, Ph.D. After a long cold, winter, we gladly welcome spring. The official start of spring is the Vernal (Spring) Equinox which occurs on or about March 21 each year. This is one of two times of the year when the Earth experiences equal periods of day and night. The observance of Ostara occurs on the Vernal Equinox as it is a celebration welcoming spring and its Goddess Eostre. It is this time of year that symbolizes balance, fertility, birth, rebirth, renewal, and reawakening. Balance relates to the 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness experienced around the world on
this day. It also refers to a balanced life and body. Fertility is the result of the integration of deteriorating vegetation in the fall and winter months with the soil for seed growth. This can also mean conception. Birth occurs through the variety of birds and animals that are born in the spring. It also represents giving birth to new ideas or ways of thinking. Rebirth arises from the transition of winter to spring, the old to the new, the dark to the light, and the crone to the maiden. It is also a time for the rebirth of activities that have gone stagnated. Ostara brings promises of renewal through the budding and flowering of trees and plants and the renewal of spirit and ideas. This is
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a time for planting seeds and gardens and the reawakening of ideas and plans to be carried out for the coming year. Incorporating various activities and symbols in an Ostara celebration enhances its meaning in our lives.
Celebrating Ostara Many aspects and symbols of Ostara have been integrated into modern Easter celebrations. Gods and Goddesses are invoked during Ostara celebrations. Each represents some element of Ostara with Eostre being the primary Goddess honored. The Greek God Adonis represents the return of spring, the resurrection of winter’s death. His significance to Ostara is found in two versions of the myth of Adonis. One version is that he was taken by Aphrodite from his human parents and given to Persephone, the Goddess of the underworld, to care for him for a while. When Persephone refused to give him back to Aphrodite, they consulted Zeus. Zeus ruled that Adonis should spend one-third of the year with Aphrodite, one-third of the year in the underworld with Persephone, and the remaining one-third of the year to live where he wanted. The other version of the myth is that the Greek Goddess Artemis killed Adonis when he wandered onto her hunting grounds. Aphrodite pleaded with Zeus to restore his life. Zeus decided that Adonis would live half of the year on Earth with Aphrodite and the other half of the year in the underworld with Persephone. Adonis’ story is representative of decaying and 36 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
dormant vegetation in the winter and its resurrection in the spring. He is celebrated as reassuring the coming of rains and the growth of vegetation. The Egyptian Goddess Isis is associated with Ostara due to her healing abilities and the resurrecting of the God Osiris. Osiris was killed by his brother who cut up his body and placed the body parts all throughout Egypt. Isis searched for Osiris’ body parts and found all but one, and put him back together. Osiris is identified as a God of fertility and since his death, the God of the underworld. Isis’ significance to Ostara relates to rebirth and resurrection. During Ostara the German Goddess Eostre, the Goddess of spring. Is honored. She is tasked with overseeing the reawakening of Earth from its long winter’s rest. She brings fertility in all things. She represents birth, rebirth, and renewal. A time when Earth comes alive with the budding of trees and flowers, the buzzing of bees and other insects, and the birth of birds and other animals. This is the time of year to plant fields and gardens. Have you ever wondered why the Easter bunny brings Easter eggs? Myths surrounding Eostre involve the hare and eggs. One myth explains that Eostre would hold a celebration for the animals and children on the first day of spring. In anticipation of the event, all the animals would prepare something special to present to her when she arrived. The hare did not have anything to give her
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except for an egg. He was going to eat the egg but because the egg represents birth, he decided to decorate it and give it as a present. This would be his gift to the Goddess. When Eostre arrived for Spring all the animals presented her with their gifts. She particularly liked what the hare had given her because she knew that it was an unselfish gift that came from the heart. Because Eostre loved children so much, she declared from that day that every spring the hare would be in charge of delivering an egg the night before Ostara to every child around the world. The other tale is that Eostre found a wounded bird late in the winter. In order to save its life, she magically changed the bird into a hare. Unfortunately, the transformation only converted the appearance of the bird to a hare. The ability to lay eggs did
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not go away during the transformation. The hare would decorate the eggs and present them as gifts to the Goddess, thus explaining why an Easter bunny has the ability to lay eggs. This activity is prominent among children at Easter in modern times.
Symbols and Other Correspondences of Ostara A variety of symbols are associated with Ostara that are also common in Easter celebrations. The hare (rabbit/bunnies) and decorated eggs, discussed above, are not the only things that represent Ostara and spring. The lamb is also a significant animal to Ostara. The lamb has importance in Spring celebrations dating
from biblical times. Lambs were used as sacrificial animals. Blood of lambs was used to mark the doors of Jewish homes to be passed over from the wrath of God on Egyptian families. This event occurred in the springtime. In modern times the lamb represents Christ because he was crucified and resurrected during the week of Passover. Eating lamb at Ostara or Easter is traditional in many cultures. Clover and spring flowers also signify that spring has arrived. Clover is a natural nitrogen-producing plant that aids soil fertility. Early spring flowers such as crocus, violets, pansies, daffodils, and tulips are favored at this time of year. Their beautiful colors of greens, blues, pinks, and yellows are the colors of Ostara. Clover can be used to
line easter baskets that are filled with colorful spring flowers and decorated eggs. In modern times candies and toys are added to these baskets.
Gemstones and crystals related to Ostara Gemstones and crystals are also employed to celebrate Ostara. The following are stones that possess soothing energy that can assist in letting go of the past to start anew. You can place these gemstones and crystals on an altar or throughout your house to decorate for Ostara. Carry them in pockets following Ostara. Rhodochrosite helps to promote an overall balance of physical and emotional
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feelings. Its energy can assist in releasing any pent-up emotions and it can help to reduce stress. Use rhodochrosite to feel emotionally grounded and to promote new beginnings. Apatite is a great stone to motivate and manifest goals. Its energy promotes moving forward while letting go of the past. This crystal stops overthinking to recognize life’s true path. It also promotes new beginnings and renewal as its energy reinforces forgiveness, trust, and empowerment. Apatite can be used to release old, unhealthy, and toxic habits, thoughts, beliefs, and obsessions. Serpentine supports the clearing of blockages to release stagnant energy and promote personal growth. It can help release old behaviors and emotions to stimulate creativity and imagination. It also encourages spiritual insight. Chrysocolla is a stone that promotes emotional balance. It helps create a sense of calmness for new beginnings. Use chrysocolla to connect spiritual beliefs with everyday actions to achieve goals. Angelite can be used to establish balance and harmony through healing emotions and attracting positive energy. The energy of this stone encourages the release of old emotional injuries while enabling the removal of anger and resentment. It also helps with internal
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communication which facilitates in the release of negative feelings. Peridot is a good gemstone to utilize for removing lethargy related to spring cleaning. It is also a stone that helps release bad habits and attract positive life changes. Use peridot to encourage fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Larimar is useful in transforming goals and dreams to fruition. This is another stone that assists in removing old, bad habits to establish new opportunities. It encourages internal harmony and also assists in communication with self and others. Larimar can be used to promote fertility, spirituality, and wisdom from within. Use this stone to communicate with the Goddess Eostre. Lavender Amethyst is an excellent crystal to use to invoke the wisdom of the Goddess. It aids in emotional healing enabling balance and peace in life. Use to remove old patterns and activities that no longer are important or of significance. Orange Calcite is great to remove stagnant energies to increase positive energy. It helps release negative feelings, barriers, and old patterns that drain the psyche. Use orange calcite to awaken creativity and provide a new view of life.
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Herbs related to Ostara celebrations A variety of herbs are associated with Ostara. The herbs discussed are common herbs used in celebrating Ostara. These herbs can be used as decoration for the home and altar. Many are used in cooking and baking foods for Ostara celebrations. All the associated herbs provide medicinal properties that are used in healing and can be processed into a loose herb material for teas and added with other ingredients to make tinctures and poultices for an Ostara herbal first aid kit. Store herbal material in air-tight containers that will fit into a designated first aid box or bag. Calendula is from the marigold family. Its flowers and oil can be used for insect/flea bites, cuts and wounds, and scrapes. The herb possesses antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-
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inflammatory properties. The flowers can be used to make tea that can be applied to cuts and wounds. A poultice can be made with flowers to relieve insect bites and rashes. Lavender is a multifunctional herb. Use lavender to treat burns, cuts and wounds, headaches/migraine, and insect/flea bites. All parts of the plant, including stems, leaves, and flowers, can be used. Lavender possesses antifungal, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. The flowers can be made into a tea or tincture, and all parts of the plant can be used in a poultice. Lemon Verbena is an herb possessing antispasmodic properties. Use leaves and flowers to make tea to reduce fevers, stomach spasms, diarrhea, and nausea. The herb rosemary possesses antioxidant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, and
astringent properties. Make tea with leaves, stems, and flowers for colds, and pain relief. Additional herbs to add to the Ostara first aid kit include peppermint and yarrow. Peppermint is another multifunctional herb that contains analgesic, antifungal, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and astringent properties. The leaves and essential oil of the plant can be used to treat colds and congestion, flu, headache/migraine, nausea, and pain relief. Yarrow is an herb that possesses antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and astringent properties. Use the aerial parts of the plant and its essential oil in a tea, or as a poultice to treat colds, cuts, and wounds, and stop bleeding. Tea can be used for colds and poultices can be used to clot bleeding and disinfect scrapes and cuts.
Ostara share many of the activities and symbols that are practiced during Easter today. It is thought that Christianity adopted them to encourage unbelievers to reform. The observance of Ostara focuses on aspects of fertility, birth, and renewal which was so important to planting fields and gardens for survival. This spring take time to enjoy the new life and beginnings that nature shares with us by taking a walk in the woods or a park, lying in the grass, and observing the budding of new life. ❁
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rt o f om C , y o J The s es r t S and Power ng i as e Rel y p a er ath om r A of By Khadeeja Zubair Awan
Are you living a robotic life due to the same exhausting routine? Are your nerves stiffening and weakening from not getting enough rest? Of course, they are! and you consequently experience ongoing depression as a result. Obviously, you use medications to reduce your stress. However, some traditional natural treatments can be more effective for your mental and physical health. And I am going to share with you the benefits and results of aromatherapy today that you will regret for not knowing them before. WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils with strong, pleasing scents to promote relaxation, ease tension and boost mood. When a person uses scents
to improve his mental and physical health, he uses aromatherapy. These oils can be inhaled (e.g., by spraying the oil, inhaling oil droplets, or breathing them through a steam bath), applied to the skin, or added to bathwater or a diffuser to release their fragrant vapors into the air. EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY: One of the primary reasons that aromatherapy is so effective at reducing stress is that it engages the sense of smell, which is closely connected to the limbic system in the brain. This system is responsible for controlling emotions and memories, and the odors we smell can have a powerful impact on our mood and state of mind. For example, the scent of lavender (scientific name:
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“Lavandula”) is often associated with relaxation and calmness, while the aroma of peppermint (scientific name: “Mentha piperita”) may help to stimulate the mind and increase alertness.
and soothe sore muscles, while others, like frankincense (scientific name: “Boswellia sacra”) and sandalwood (scientific name: “Santalum album”), may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
The scent of Jasmine (scientific name: “Jasminum”) may be associated with romance and sensuality in some cultures, while in others it may be used to promote sleep and relaxation. Similarly, the scent of roses (scientific name: “Rosa”) may be associated with love and affection in some cultures, while in others it may be used to promote feelings of joy and happiness.
Aromatherapy can also be used to support the skin and promote a healthy complexion, with oils like tea tree and lavender being particularly effective at balancing and nourishing the skin. Some essential oils, such as rosemary and peppermint, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
In addition to reducing stress, aromatherapy can also bring joy and comfort to people's lives. The pleasant fragrances of essential oils can help to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere and the act of inhaling or applying the oils can be a soothing and enjoyable practice. For instance, many people find that lighting a scented candle or using a diffuser with an uplifting essential oil, such as lemon or orange, can help to lift their mood and create a sense of well-being. PHYSICAL BENEFITS: Aromatherapy can also have a number of physical benefits. Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus (scientific name: Eucalyptus) and peppermint (scientific name: “Mentha piperita”), can help to clear congestion
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AROMATIC EFFECTS BLOOD CIRCULATION:
ON
Some research suggests that certain essential oils may have a positive effect on blood circulation. For example: • Peppermint oil is found to increase blood flow and lessen muscle spasms when applied externally. • Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory and circulatory results when applied externally. • Cypress oil promotes blood flow and decreases swelling when applied topically on skin. It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of aromatherapy on blood circulation, and essential oils should be used with caution. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before
y p a er ath "Aromn also be ca to support used skin and the e a healthy promot plexion..." com
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applying them to the skin, and do not ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional. IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF BRAIN: Enhancing cognitive function: Some essential oils, such as rosemary (scientific name: “Salvia Rosmeriness”) and peppermint, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function (function that refers to multiple mental talents such as remembering, thinking, figuring, memorizing, problem-solving, making a decision, and paying attention). BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: Essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil have been shown to have antimicrobial properties and may help boost the immune system. They are beneficial for the digestive system and enhance nutritional absorption,
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decrease the number of infections in the stomach, have antioxidant potential, and strengthen the immune system. WAYS TO USE AROMATHERAPY FOR COMFORT: As you have come to know, there are many different ways to use aromatherapy at home. Here are the proper ways of using essential oils for your comfort: Make an aromatherapy bath: Using essential oils while bathing is a fantastically synergistic combination. Aromatic baths can ease stress and anxiety, heal with muscle cramps, or serve
as a sensual start to a romantic evening with your partner. Bath recipe: Here is a common aromatherapy bath recipe for you. However, you can also use other different oils according to your preference. • 3 ounces jojoba carrier oil. • Warm water. • Half-cup Epsom salt. • 10 drops of vetiver essential oil. • 10 drops of vanilla essential oil. • 40 drops mandarin essential oil.
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One thing not to ignore that whenever essential oils are combined with water without a dispersing agent, there is a possibility of skin irritation, since undiluted essential oil droplets can adhere to the skin, often in sensitive places. Therefore, essential oils should first be diluted in vegetable oil or emulsified with an emulsifying agent into an aqueous media. Inhaling essential oils: The best way to inhale essential oils is to fill a sink with hot water, add a few drops of oil, cover your head with a towel, and lean over the sink, forming a vapor bowl. Inhaling essential oils is
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not just enjoyable because of the lovely aromas they release, but it can also have a great positive impact on your physical and mental health. Inhaling from a diffuser: Add water and essential oils to your diffuser and allow them to evaporate. Count on 6 to 8 drops of essential oils. Your diffuser will work better if you add water and essential oils. Count on 6 to 8 drops of essential oils. For improved results, you can combine two or more oils according to your preference. Within a short period of time, your house will be entirely infused with wonderful scents.
Aromatherapy massage: An aromatherapy massage is a popular multi-purpose method of applying additional care for health conditions. Since their skin absorbs essential oils, keeping it smooth and providing pain relief as well as stimulating their minds with the aroma, consumers receive the best massage possible. In order to get ready for an aromatherapy massage, it is recommended to drink more water prior to the therapy. Additionally, make sure your body does not have any sensitive places. For beginners, Swedish massage is the most advised. As the massage therapist uses a combination of circular motions, lengthy strokes, and kneading, the superficial muscles of your body are relaxed.
The effectiveness of aromatherapy may vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of this therapy. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils or starting any new treatment. ❁
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How to Become an Elder at Any Age By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA
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I recently attended a presentation with a focus on Sun Bear’s Medicine Wheel. It was a reminder that in that tradition, we are born in the East, while our teenage to young adult years are in the South. Our adult years are in the West while we are elders in the North of the wheel. As the wheel turns from North to East again, we die, and then new life emerges. Eldership may seem a strange choice of a “how to” article. The topic of eldership can be quite controversial especially in a culture that tends to worship youth. We have creams and Botox to get rid of wrinkles. Plastic surgeons deal with as many optional as required surgeries for those wanting bigger breasts or more sculpted abdominal muscles. There are hormones to turn back the clock. We see all the advertisements on television and in our social media feeds. It is no wonder that our view is distorted. Many are terrified about the idea of growing old with its association of decay and death. It is said that growing old is not for the faint of heart and given my many years, I think that statement holds truth. There is the old joke about how growing old beats the alternative. At my age, I
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TOO SOON OLD, TOO LATE SMART –OLD DUTCH PROVERB
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sometimes fantasize about returning to the body of my younger self or picking which model or movie star’s body I’d like when I reincarnate. Despite the trials and tribulations of growing older, there can be profound beauty and wisdom in the aging process. Ancient cultures venerated and respected the wise and learned elders in their community. Watching some of the shows about Alaska, the young hunters still share a portion of their catch with the elders in their community. Elders not only had knowledge that helped with survival, but knowledge of how to handle difficult situations. It is easy to say that all this can now be found on the Internet or in a self-help book, but the amount of misinformation is mind boggling. Part of the popularity of the youth culture is the pace of technology. New gadgets and tools emerge daily that were unknown a few scant years ago. If pace and overload is all our culture has to depend on, then we may be in a heap of trouble. Let’s have more eldership in our society instead. At a recent gathering of the Allegheny Cathedral of the Wild the theme was the flow of the river. Participants reached into a basket and blindly choose a quote about the river to provide inspiration on the nature walk. I received a quote from Scott Sabile that read, “I was still water, held by my surroundings. I am now a river, carving my own path.” This quote brought to mind one of the great
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benefits of true eldership, carving our own paths. Typically, we spend years worrying about the expectations of our parents or how the community will view our work or our parenting. An elder does not have the same concerns. They have learned that carving their own authentic path is not selfish. It provides a role model for others and exudes an energy of empowerment for all those crossing their path. It is not necessarily about wearing purple and eating pickles like Jenny Joseph’s poem, “Warning”. Eldership is not always about being eccentric unless you are authentically eccentric. Then, wear purple with a red hat that doesn’t match and eat three pounds of sausages without worrying about growing fat like the poem. You may be eccentric, but for you that eccentric thing might be wearing sandals in the snow or singing to the trees at a local park. For elders who are not authentically eccentric, then their outward appearance or behavior may not appear strange, but you may feel a sense of peace and understanding around them. Becoming a crone was a great honor for me. I was also honored when one of my spiritual teachers included me as a recipient of his winter solstice writings which were only for women elders that he respected. I have facilitated croning ceremonies for women of a certain age although I remember one individual in our women’s group who did not want to receive her croning
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ELDERSHIP IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT BEING ECCENTRIC UNLESS YOU ARE AUTHENTICALLY ECCENTRIC.
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crown as she found the idea of aging terrifying. To address her concern, this article discusses how eldership can be attained without the benefit of the aging process. The idea of eldership is about maturity, wisdom, and perspective. Some older people never get there while some younger people get there sooner. The first step in becoming an elder is having a desire to be an elder. If eldership is correlated with the cultural nightmare of growing older, why should one want to be one? For
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me the creation of that desire came early in life. I spent many hours with my grandmother, her sister, my greatgrandmother, and elderly neighbors. I enjoyed spending time with them. They taught me, or at least tried to teach me, everything from identifying trees to baking biscuits to developing relationships with feral cats. I loved seeing the white in their hair and the age spots on their wrinkled hands. I associated those things with emotional maturity, wisdom, and compassion. When you look at an elderly person, what do you see?
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This does not mean that all old people are wise and emotionally mature. Watching the news and seeing Facebook posts from some of my high school friends is sure proof of that. Eldership does not necessarily equal age. You just need to take the first step in the process by desiring to become an elder whether you are 28 or 58. Before I go further, it should be noted that despite my first paragraph, part of eldership is about desiring and working toward a fit and healthy body for one’s age rather than daydreaming about something that is long ago and far away. Wise elders look at their body and think, “I earned those stretch marks having beautiful children” or “That knee might never be the same again, but it hiked many gorgeous trails.” Eldership is about gaining wisdom from experiences. While the older one is, the more experiences have likely been had, that doesn’t mean that younger individuals cannot learn from their experiences. It just may be harder as the younger and more energetic one is, the less time, they may have or take to contemplate recent events and experiences, and this leads directly to step two in the process. Taking time for basic awareness, once you desire eldership, is the next critical step. This means more than taking time for savasana at the end of yoga class or using a meditation app for minutes a day. It means being aware of your words, your actions, and your environment. It means noticing if a
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friend seems sad before you blurt out all the great things in your life. It means sensing if someone needs you to hold them in silence or to suggest doing a fun outing. While knowing how to handle various situations can be helped by experience, taking time to think through a situation can also work. How did a parent or trusted mentor handle a similar situation? If the tables were turned, how would you like the other person to act? American Behavioral Clinics note ten signs of emotional maturity which can apply at any age: 1. Being flexible 2. Taking ownership and responsibility 3. Knowing that they don’t know everything 4. They look for learning and growth from every opportunity 5. They actively seek out multiple points of view to inform their own 6. They stay resilient 7. They have a calm disposition 8. They believe in themselves 9. Approachability 10. A good sense of humor Being aware of how you fit this checklist in various situations, will provide great dividends toward eldership.
WISE ELDERS LOOK AT THEIR BODY AND THINK, “I EARNED THOSE STRETCH MARKS HAVING BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN” OR “THAT KNEE MIGHT NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN, BUT IT HIKED MANY GORGEOUS TRAILS.”
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WE REALIZE THAT TRYING TO CONTROL OTHERS IS TYPICALLY ONE WAY THAT WE CREATE A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY IN OUR LIVES. The items on this checklist will also help with a drama free life. Many years ago there was a huge bestseller titled “The Celestine Prophecy”. The book was a parable with teachings of nine insights. A main thought in the book was the power of control dramas. The author talks more about these control dramas on the website, celestinevision.com. Four control dramas were identified as the “poor me control drama”, the “aloof control drama”, the “interrogator control drama”, and the “intimidator control drama”. Being able to identify and deal with these control dramas in our lives is a mark of eldership. We learn how to create healthy boundaries as well as acknowledging our own responsibility in any dramas that materialize in our lives. We realize that trying to control others is typically one way that we create a false sense of security in our lives. It does not take care of the underlying anxiety that
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created the need for control in the first place. As you move around the medicine wheel into your eldership, you will likely say to yourself, “I don’t want to deal with all this drama in my life. I’m tired of it.” This awareness will lead to a focus on confronting the underlying anxiety creating dramas. The simple two-step process of desire and awareness will have you well on your way to your eldership despite your age. Not only will these steps help with becoming an elder, but they will also assist you in being a more responsible, authentic, and mature human being. You will be a role model, an asset to your community, and spend your life with less drama. ❁
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HOW TO MAKE A VISION BOARD:
Creating Structure and Setting Intentions By Emily Alvarez, MPS, ATR-BC For the past several years, I have been making a yearly vision board. It started as a way to create structure and set intentions during a major transition in my life several years ago. I was beginning my career as an art therapist, recently had a baby, and was planning to move overseas. My vision board flew with me and my family to Trinidad and Tobago, where I built a new community, established my professional work, and grew as an individual. Now, as each New Year and season of life rolls around, I look forward to gathering words and images to help me formulate and attain new goals and visions for the year ahead. A vision board can be used at any time in your life when you are making plans for a major project, life goal, or shift in an area of your life. The New Year is a great time to create a vision board, as it physically marks the beginning of a new season and translates a
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New Year’s resolution into visual form. A vision board can help to solidify a plan, goal, or dream, as well as create structure and guidance in how to achieve it. When you see your goals in front of you, it is a constant reminder of where you are headed and what you want from your life. It can inspire you, motivate you, and help keep you on track.
group in January in which we made vision boards. We started the group with a guided meditation to help us get clear on goals and desires for the year. Then, we journaled to process our thoughts on paper before creating our vision boards. The gathering can also be a social event, where you share goals with others and gain support in achieving them.
If you need community support to help you get and stay motivated, I recommend attending a vision board workshop, or perhaps hosting a gathering with a few friends. I was able to host a women’s
You may find that working alone is more comfortable if you prefer to focus on your own. Depending on how much structure and planning you need, you may want to spend some time journaling
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or writing down any visions or goals you have to help you get started. Quiet meditation may help you visualize your goals and open up to what is possible. Through meditation, you may receive intuitive guidance through an image or vision, sensations in your body, a word or phrase, or an inner knowing or feeling. Do not try to block anything that comes up for you, just acknowledge it. You may write down anything that is useful in formulating your vision, or pocket it for another time. When you are ready to start your vision board, set aside time to focus fully on creating it. Arrange your materials in a clear, quiet space that is free from distractions. You may have the items
for your board already chosen, or you can take the time to glean your content as you go. You may gather words, phrases, or images that speak to you and align with your vision, whether from magazine clippings, personal photos, or stock images found on the internet. You may choose content based on the clear intentions you already made previously from journaling or meditation. You can also work without a clear vision or goal in mind, and simply pull words and images that resonate with you. Working in this way allows your intuition to guide you. Your vision may become clearer as you are able to see and reflect upon your chosen items, which may indicate what is truly important to you. Some things to consider as your vision board comes to
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life include: What stands out the most? What kind of color scheme did you use? Do you recognize any themes? Is your content mostly focused on Self? Relationships? Career? Spirituality? What you choose and how you arrange your images are all significant. Use a piece of cardstock or poster board that fits all your chosen items. You may want to cut the board into a specific shape like a heart or a circle. Then, begin to arrange your collage items on the board as you see fit. There is no right or wrong way to arrange your vision board. Some ideas include placing what is most important or central to you in the center and working outward in a circular pattern. Or the board can read chronologically from left to right to depict the steps and stages of your goal. Another board may be separated into sections to highlight various areas of your life such as relationships, work, health, and family. You are the designer of your own vision, so do what feels right for you. After you have laid out and arranged all the pieces you want to include, begin to glue everything on the board with glue stick or Elmer’s glue. Feel free to add other mixed media such as paint, pastels, paper, or marker to the board.
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When it is complete, I recommend hanging it in a prominent place where you will see it often, such as over your desk, near an altar, or in your bedroom. From time to time, you may return to your journal and your original goals and reflect upon how things have progressed or changed. Perhaps you have achieved a goal and are ready to move on to the next step. Maybe you decide to move in a different direction than originally intended. Or maybe you have a new vision all together that you want to add to your board. The vision board is a living art piece, where you may change and add items as your life ebbs and flows with the seasons. ❁ Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in our Spring 2018 Issue 6
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BOOK THYME
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BOOK THYME
NEWS:
Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic W.W. Norton & Company — Fungi are everywhere. Most are harmless, some are helpful. A few are killers. Though fantastical in its portrayal, the Cordyceps-inspired fungus of popular TV series/game ‘The Last of Us’ is a threat more real than imagined. Collectively, infectious fungi are the most devastating agents of disease on Earth. BLIGHT: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic (on sale July 18, 2023), by Emily Monosson, is a prescient warning about the mysterious and deadly world of fungi—and how to avert further loss across species, including our own. In gripping, accessible prose, Emily Monosson documents how changing climate, trade, and travel are making us all more vulnerable to invasion. Populations of bats, frogs, and salamanders face extinction, and scientists don’t have a cure. In the Northwest, America’s beloved National Parks are covered with the spindly corpses of whitebark pines. Food crops are under siege, threatening our coffee, bananas, and
wheat—and, more broadly, our global food security. In humans, Candida auris infects hospital patients and those with weakened immune systems. Monosson’s critical reporting demonstrates that prevention is difficult, but not impossible. Exposing the connection between pathogens and human action, Blight serves as a wake-up call, a reminder of the delicate interconnectedness of the natural world. About the Author: Emily Monosson is the author of Natural Defense, Unnatural Selection, and Evolution in a Toxic World. She is a member of the Ronin Institute for Independent Scholarship and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She lives in Montague, Massachusetts.❁
Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company (July 2023) Language: English Hardcover: 288 pages ISBN-13: 9781324007012
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BOOK THYME
NEWS:
Learn How to Love and Accept Yourself, and Make Authenticity and Confidence your Everyday Way of Being Inner Traditions — When you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, just keeping your emotions in check seems like a full-time job. Yet, what may hold you back in life even more are your survival patterns. Have you ever wondered why you make yourself invisible, procrastinate, or please others to get their approval? Our subconscious employs survival patterns like these to protect us from rejection, failure, and hurt. However, living in subconscious “survival mode” has significant downsides: when we live “just to survive, “we become disconnected from our true selves and our innate ability to live an empowered life of purpose, fulfillment, and self-reliant confidence. In this step-by-step guide, Friedemann Schaub, M.D., Ph.D., explores how to break free from the six most common survival patterns—the victim, the invisible, the procrastinator, the chameleon, the helper, and the lover—by engaging the part of the mind that created them in the first place: the subconscious. Providing research-backed insights and brainrewiring methods based on his 20 years’ experience, Dr. Friedemann details how, through activating the healing power of
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the subconscious, you can throw off the shackles of these self-sabotaging patterns and “flip” them into the six keys to selfempowerment, allowing you to take selfreliant ownership of your life. Revealing how to work with the subconscious mind and become the leader of your life, the author detailshow to free yourself from living in survival mode, learn to love and accept yourself, and make authenticityand confidence your everyday way of being. About the Author - Friedemann Schaub, M.D., Ph.D.,is a physician, researcher, personal development coach, and the author of the award-winning book The Fear and Anxiety Solution. His research and advice have been featured in many publications, including Nature Medicine, Oprah Magazine, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Teen Vogue, and Shape. He is the host of the “Empowerment Solutions” podcast and lives between Seattle, Washington, and the South of France. ❁ Publisher: Inner Traditions March 2023) Language: English Paperback: 192 pages ISBN-13: 978-1644118252
BOOK THYME
NEWS:
Pleiadian Healing Techniques to Assist Humanity in the Ascension Process Inner Traditions — We are in the midst of a light-filled revolution. As healer and Pleiadian channel Pavlina Klemm explains, humanity is awakening from its sleep, and the Pleiadians are sending wisdom to support the ascension process on Earth. In this high-vibration book, Pavlina shares the light messages she has received from the higher beings known as the Pleiadians on the Great Awakening that is taking place worldwide. The messages highlight the earthly path of liberation from dark forces and stress the importance of incarnation and reincarnation during these challenging years. They describe the oversoul of one’s family, to which every person can connect, as well as how to support individuals, families, and children in the regeneration of DNA through Pleiadian healing techniques. Through their messages, the Pleiadians connect us to the frequencies of cosmic freedom. They show howanyone can effortlessly tap into the Cosmic Pharmacy
through meditations and exercises to support theirown healing. They explain how to heal your chakras, including the light chakras, which go beyond the well-known 8-chakra system. The Pleiadians also provide us with cosmic healing sounds for remembering our pure essence and high-vibration healing numbers that are connected to specific morphogenetic fields and help to heal, purify, and regenerate. Each message, exercise, and meditation in the book has been charged by the Pleiadians with highvibration frequencies to help the soul of the reader not only heal and find health on multiple levels but also rediscover and quickly develop natural healing and intuitive abilities. Supporting you in the ascension process, this guide will help you fulfill your soul’s mission in the cosmic revolution. About the Author: Pavlina Klemmis a healer, medium, and educator who has trained in quantum healing, Eric Pearl’s reconnective healing, Körbler’s New Homeopathy, and Russian healing methods. Born in the Czech Republic, she has been in contact with the spiritual world since childhood and since 2010 has been a channel for the Pleiadians. Pavlina lives and works near Munich, Germany.❁
Publisher: Inner Traditions March 2023) Language: English Paperback: 192 pages ISBN-13: 978-1644118252
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BOOK THYME
REVIEW:
A Year with Anthony De Mello: Waking Up Week by Week BY ANTHONY DE MELLO Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
A Year with Anthony De Mello is a week-by-week workshop of fifty-two passages from De Mello, each followed by a favorite parable or poem Anthony admired to illuminate the passage, and two simple but engaging exercises to actualize the week’s teaching. There are also blank pages for journaling about your
insights during the week. A great selfawareness tool. Highly recommend. Available in paperback and Kindle. ❁ Publisher: Beyond Words Publishing (6 December 2022) Language: English Paperback : 333 pages ISBN: 978-1-58270-872-0
REVIEW:
Edible Plants in the Southeast: A Guide to Foraging Wild Edibles in the Southeast United States BY RICHARD MAN Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
Edible Plants in the Southeast introduces the reader to how to find the best plants, how to cultivate those same plants at home, and how to handle them with care. Very informative. Great supplemental use of photos. This book is part of Richard Man’s Off the Grid Living, Survival & Bushcraft series. Highly recommend.
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Available in paperback and Kindle. ❁
Publisher: Independently published (22 October 2022) Language: English Kindle Edition ISBN-13: 979-8359637503
BOOK THYME
REVIEW:
Recovering You: Soul Care and Mindful Movement for Overcoming Addiction BY STEVEN WASHINGTON Reviewed by Karen Paisley
Recovering You challenges the reader to look beyond stereotypical addictions. Instead, this book provides a framework for anyone who is unhappy with themselves or with unhealthy habits they have developed. While speaking from his own experience with drugs and alcohol, this book spoke to me with regards to my own disordered eating struggles and I was able to connect to it on a much deeper level than I first imagined I would. Mr. Washington doesn’t overcomplicate his words or his messages. Choosing a gentle tone, he focuses on self-care rather than an exact list of items to check off in recovery. His guidance can be applied to any area of life where a person feels like they are lacking support and encourages them to find a community that understands exactly what they are going through. He includes stories from others in his recovery circle, allowing the reader to better understand that healing isn’t something that happens in isolation. All these accounts lead the reader to their own “Discovery Questions” and “Mindful Movement Moments”, letting them further explore and flush out what they
themselves can be changing and shifting. An easy but thought provoking read, Recovering You is a helpful, supportive tool in someone’s journey to real self-acceptance and love for not only themselves, but for the world around them.❁
REVIEW:
Expand the Power of Your Subconscious Mind BY DR. JOSEPH MURPHY Reviewed by Michele LeMon I found this book to be so insightful. I find myself rereading it and sharing small parts with friends to encourage them to buy their own copy. It's not just a good read, but a book for anyone to better their future self. 5 ❁
⭐⭐
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CONTRIBUTORS
EMILY ALVAREZ Emily Alvarez, MPS, ATR-BC is a Board Certified Art Therapist, Women’s Circle Leader, and Yoga Instructor. Emily has provided services to diverse populations in the US and overseas. Her therapeutic approach is person centered, as each individual gains autonomy and resilience by carving their own pathway to wellness. Emily creates safe and beautiful spaces for women, children, and families to gain support, build connections, be their authentic selves, and unfold their wildest dreams. Her personal passions include traveling around the world, cooking odd foods in her kitchen, making art and music, and spending quality time with her family.❁
KHADEEJA ZUBAIR AWAN Khadeeja Zubair Awan is a BS E-commerce student at Hailey College of Commerce, University of Punjab,
Pakistan. She has been a passionate copywriter and a content writer for a long time and writes articles under various categories, including health and botanical categories.❁ SOPHIA HARMES, PH.D. Sophia Harmes is the owner and operator of Terram Olei, LLC and terramoleiwellness.com. Her business provides information, guidance, and holistic health services such as Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Energy Healing and Access Conscious Bars. She has a PhD. In Energy and Environmental Policy from the University of Delaware. Sophia has been in business since 2014 selling alternative health and wellness products and services.❁ DANA JEFFERSON, C.HT., PH.D., SPHR Dana Jefferson has a private practice at the Natural Connection Wellness Center in Huntingdon, PA SPRING 2023 | 83
CONTRIBUTORS
where she is President of the Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association. She is a certified hypnotherapist and honors graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Dana is a member of the American Hypnosis Association and Hypnotherapy Union Local 472. Dana is retired from her work at the University of Massachusetts Boston and as the Director of Human Resource (HR) Management for the state of Delaware. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology, is certified in conflict resolution, and is a Covey Principle-Centered Leadership Facilitator. Dana has taught psychology and HR management at the University of Delaware. Dana has had the opportunity to train with many gifted spiritual leaders including: Michael Harner, Ph.D., Sandra Harner, Ph.D., Larry Peters, Ph.D., Tom Cowan, Serge King, Ed “Two Moons” Rothwell, Jane Ely, Kay Cordell Whitaker, John Perkins, Sandra Ingerman, Geo Cameron, Doña Bernadette Vigil, Nicki Scully, and Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq. Dana is an ordained interfaith minister. Dana is a Reiki Master in two traditions and graduate level Feng Shui practitioner. She is a graduate of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing and a three-year apprenticeship with the Buffalo Trace Society (including a vision quest). She has completed coursework in Harner Method Shamanic Counseling and
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advanced studies in Celtic, Toltec, and Tibetan Shamanism including studies in foreign countries. Dana worked with women’s groups for over 20 years including conducting weekend retreats and Croning ceremonies. She is a member of Red Tents in Every Neighborhood Global Network and has trained in Purple Tents. Additional advanced hypnotherapy certifications incudling Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Pain Management, and Past Live Regression provide a comprehensive toolkit of services to Dana’s clients. ❁
CHUCK KRUSE Chuck Kruse has lived in the woods in Alaska, worked as a deckhand on a freighter, done logging in the Pacific Northwest and North Pennsylvania, owned a residential tree service, and programmed computers for major hospitals. Through it all he has studied and practiced herbalism which he finds fascinating. He can be contacted at woodsman98@gmail.com. ❁
KAREN PAISLEY Karen Paisley is the owner and founder of Crystalline Wellness, created to support and empower motivated women in finding actionable ways to discover their voice, their inner strength, and most importantly, the
CONTRIBUTORS
self-love and self-acceptance they deserve. Based in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Karen offers intuitive Reiki, oracle card readings, group and private yoga instruction, as well as specialized classes and workshops. For a complete list of services and/or events, visit crystallinewellness.com or call 610-392-7049.❁ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK
JEANNE RUCZHAK-ECKMAN Jeanne is the heart, soul, and Publishing Editor of Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, bringing together people and resources in a therapeutic and natural manner. As publisher, she leads the editorial direction and manages the business operations. She has her degree in Mass Communication / Journalism from Lock Haven University as well as a Print Certificate in the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Digital Design program.
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Jeanne shares her love of plants while working part time at a local nursery. She is a member of the Conestoga Herb Guild locally. Through Therapeutic Thymes, she has joined and supports the Herb Society of America (HAS), the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC), and United Plant Savers (UpS). In her downtime, she is a genealogist, seeking Ancestors, hers, and yours. She has authored various articles pertaining to genealogy. ❁
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CONTRIBUTORS
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ADVERTISER INDEX 5 Midsummer Holist Expo 9 Sabor Vapors 10 Drakes Cree Soap Company 23 1 Tree Yoga
Inside Front Cover
PA Herb & Garden Festival
Inside Back Cover
Landis Valley Herb Faire
Back Cover
MUMS Expo
31 Holistic Chamber of Commerce 33 Botanical Medicine 39 Anita’s Crystals 43 Metaphysical Musing Expo 53 Terram Olei 61 Nine Waters 63 Ancestral Passages 65 National Associates for Holistic Aromatherapy 68 Radiance 69 Moon Eir 88 Oh The Raven
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LANDIS VALLEY VILLAGE & FARM MUSEUM’S
An Abundant Array of Herb & Garden Vendors and Artisans
May 12 10 & & 13, 11, 2019 May 2023 Hours: 9am-5pm Rain or Shine Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rain or Shine
80+ Vendors of plants (many heirloom varieties), garden art and more! 80+ Vendors of plants (many heirloom Pack a picnic lunch purchase varieties), garden art,orand more! food at the event. Please visit our website for more information.
Pack a picnic lunch or purchase food at The Herb & Garden Faire is sponsored by: the event. Please visit our website for more information.
Landis Valley
Landis Valley Village Village & Farm Museum & Farm Museum 2451 Kissel Hill Road 2451 Kissel Hill Road Lancaster, PA Lancaster, PA17601 17601 (717)569-0401 (717) 569-0401
WWW.LANDISVALLEYMUSEUM.ORG
Spring 2023 Spiritual Holistic Expo
When: May 20th and 21st | 10am - 6pm both days Venue: AG Hall, 302 N 17th St. Allentown, PA. 18104
Spiritual Advisors Crystals & Minerals Shamans Tarot Mediums Organic Foods Health Products New Age Gifts + POSITIVE ENERGY :)
$10 per day | Veterans $5 |Children under 10 FREE
Need Help? Contact Isabelle mumisabelle121@msn.com (610) 791-2641
Online Vendor Application Now Open @ SpiritualHolisticExpo.com
Free High Quality Lectures Both Days
Reiki Massage Shiatsu Alternative Healing Jewelry Energy Healers Reflexology Aromatherapy + SO MUCH MORE :0
