Universal Magazine issue 2

ISSUE 2

UNIVERSAL MIND BODY SPIRIT

Spirit Made Flesh Black-outs & Spell-casting

Acupuncture

Numerology

Koko’s Kitchen The digital magazine for Holistic Living

UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE

Join our Universal tribe www.facebook/Universal-Magazine

CONTENTS

6

Contributors Gallery

48

Earth and House Healing

10

Well-being

52

Into The Wild - Retreat

12

Natures Community

60

Life After Death

14

Intuitive Tarot

62

The Book Shelf

20

Koko’s Kitchen (1)

66

Numerology

22

Chirology

70

Lemon Water

26

Spirit Made Flesh

72

Yoga - And Breathe

30

Acupuncture

78

Hot Stone Massage

32

Animal Healing

82

Spirit Of Spring

34

Rona Keller Photographer

84

Spell

44

Koko’s Kitchen (2)

86

Archangel Gabriel

46

Black-outs & Spell-casting

88

Competition Page

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Bach Flower Remedies The Bach Flower Remedies are a completely natural and gentle way to help you gain clarity, balance and joy as you experience the myriad of trials and tribulations of life Dr. Bach realised that flowers and trees held natural healing qualities and so created the Bach Flower remedies. He discovered 38 different states of mind and emotions with a coresponding flower remedy to help to bring each one of those emotions back into a state of balance. The Bach Flower Remedies are beneficial for emotional conditions such as; stress, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep problems, lack of confidence or motivation, concentration, relationship challenges, anger and feelings of depression.

Dr. Bach realised that when the emotional state of mind is balanced there is often an improvement in physical conditions as well. With a course of treatments with the Bach Flower Remedies you can find your true self, gain clarity, motivation and renewed direction in your life.

If you are feeling confused or have lost your way I can help you to understand your own feelings and the Bach Flower Remedies will help bring you back to a feeling of wellbeing and happiness.

The Bach Flower Remedies were a life-line for me and this is why I am so passionate about them still, so many years on. Wherever you are I can help you. With a telephone consultation I can create a personal remedy to support you, delivered to your door by postal service.

Many people feel relief and hope in the very first consultation, beginning their first course of flower remedies. Allow me to help you to help yourself as you begin the journey back to wholeness and a lif of fulfillment that you truly deserve.

Dawn Chrystal www.chrystalclear.co.uk

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UNIVERSAL Greetings and welcome to issue 2 of Universal Magazine.

ISSUE 2

MIND BODY SPIRIT

It has been a joyous journey watching this issue unfold and grow from a seed of inspiration to a 90 page issue, bursting with colour, wisdom, radiant energy and a handsome hunk thrown in for good measure, to keep it grounded and in the physical realm.

Spirit Made Flesh Black-outs & Spell-casting

Acupuncture

Numerology

Koko’s Kitchen

The digital magazine for Holistic Living

Cover image by Rona Kellers website flickr deviantart instagram facebook

On page 52 we have the wonderful ‘Into The Wild’ retreat feature

by Frankie Sikes for Walking In Spirit. This has been torture working on this feature as it has been on my ‘To Do’ list for quite a while now. It looks amazing and just what I need!

We have 4 new contributors, a warm welcome to our Universal Tribe to Lily Bayliss - Acupuncture on page 30, Linden Thorp Spirit Made Flesh on page 26, Daniel Parmeggiani - Life After Death on page 60 and the magical Goddess Lilith Llewellyn - Spirit of Spring poem on page 82 and a Spell for Aspiration...

Inspiration...and Abundance on page 84.

Our series of features continues with part 2 of both Chirology by Ursula Oak on page 22 and Intuitive Tarot by Gill MacDonald on page 14. Maybe I could ask them both if I will go on the retreat this year? Or is that abusing my position and not allowing the natural flow of the Universe to deliver my blessings in the fullness of time?

Patience is a virtue, that I have not yet mastered with my other perfect imperfections. The joy of being a human and embracing the duality of all that this physical life has to offer.

Universal Magazine are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic individual to join our Universal Tribe, working freelance to secure advertising for the magazine. For more information contact Samantha Yates

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty - beneath its covering - that you will find that earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage, then, to claim it - that is all. But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.

FRA GIOVANNI

I wish you all a wonderful Summer filled with love, laughter and abundant blessings.

Samantha xxx 5

Our UNIVERSAL Tribe Greetings, I’m Samantha; Editor and Chief at Universal Magazine. I have a passion for life, sharing knowledge, holistic health, any subject dealing with the hidden aspects of existence and our fabulous British weather!

For me the secret of happiness is integration, blending the spiritual and the physical into a harmonious balance. I feel as excited and inspired today as I did when I began my spiritual and personal development journey many years ago.

The magazine is the platform to share my discoveries and those of others, to offer an alternative perspective on reality and to infuse you with the courage and inspiration to embrace this amazing serendipitous journey that is LIFE! I wish you an abundance of love, laughter and happiness on your journey.

Samantha Yates - samantha@universal-magazine.com Sandra became a registered nurse in 1980 and since 1996 has gained qualifications in a range of holistic therapies. These include Massage/Aromatherapy, Crystal Therapy, NLP, Hypnotherapy and EFT. Sandra offers Life Coaching and Crystal Healing in both personal sessions and group workshops, with the intention of bringing emotional balance, coupled with deeper clarity and understanding of how we can live our very best life, despite circumstances. AND she still has time to run a full-time dancing school!

She believes passionately in people learning, exploring and discovering their own inner source of wellbeing and happiness, and then sharing that joy with the rest of the world!

Sandra Boatman www.insightsandinspirations.co.uk As a qualified psychologist Niki had a very scientific view of life – until she suffered a stroke at the age of 24.

This was her awakening, she found Druidry and she re-trained as a complementary therapist 20 years ago.

Her deep connection to animals from the age of 8 led her to develop a unique animal healing technique which she has taught professionally for over 10 years. In 2010 Niki was awarded training school status and is 1 of only 3 in the UK that offers professionally certificated animal related therapy training; Animal Magic School of Animal Therapy.

Niki Senior BSc (Hons) VTCTDip IIHHTDip AMHC BABTAC & Reiki Master Teacher – 17 Years. www.animalhealingcourses.co.uk Telephone: 07939 722792

I have always been at home with the spirit of nature, content with the trees and grasses, flowers,moon and stars. This affinity fuels my writing and is the source of my inspiration. Nature is the real world.

Ecology, transition and positive change feature strongly in my work, so does esoteric thought. Man stands between the heavens and the earth and we are all equally linked to both realms. My writing expresses elements of this sacred space. www.annefallas.fr

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.....the Contributors Greetings! Gillian here. I specialize in Tarot & Rune Readings but also offer Reiki healing and EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques as well as Past Life Regression.

I try to be flexible in my approach to my work and fit in with clients wishes as much as possible. There are many types of readings and deals to choose from. For clients living farther afield I can offer email and phone readings and also offer EFT via Skype.

I am fully covered by third party insurance and accredited to AAMET the regularity body for EFT Therapies. For much more information please see my website.

Gill Macdonald www.tarotandhealing.co.uk Barbara Ives is a qualified B.W.Y. Diploma and Foundation Course Yoga Teacher, Business and Health and Wellbeing Coach and NLP Practitioner.

Barbara has a passion for people and it is through her love and passion of yoga and coaching that she is able to help individuals make positive changes within their own lives, to develop self-awareness, mindfulness, realise opportunities, discover their true Self and their vocation in life.

She has a unique ability to inspire and instil in others, the philosophies of yoga and to inspire them to live a conscious, happy and healthy life.

Barbara Ives (BWYDip) Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Holistic Health & Wellbeing Coach www.yoganorfolk.com T: 07788581662 E: barbara.ives@tesco.net As a qualified accountant Pauline Street had always had a very logical approach to life. It was when her parents passed away in her early 20’s that she began to realise life wasn’t quite as organised and rational as the safety of numbers is. She began to explore her spiritual side and during the last 20years has trained as a qualified Crystal Healer and Reiki Master. Her business, Serenity For You, was launched in 2012 with a view to helping clients overcome obstacles and progress on their life path.

At Serenity For You, treatments on offer are Crystal Healing, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedy consultations, earth and house healing,and spiritual counseling.

Pauline can be contacted on 07900988138, email info@serenityforyou.co.uk, find her on facebook https:// www.facebook.com/serenityhealingforyou or www.serenityforyou.co.uk I’m Louis. I was born in Gods own county of Yorkshire. I’m from a line of psychics which are of Romany Jewish background, I’m very proud of my ancestry with all its colour and diversity. My Aunt is the famous Sheffield witch Patricia Crowther.

I am a Seer & Psychic. There are many words to describe the mystic life. I give readings indivi ually or for group or party bookings. I also teach in many subjects of occult and psychic sciences.

I’m also a vintage entertainer and run psychic vigils. It’s a wonderful life.

Be happy in all you do! www.norfolkpsychics.co.uk www.soulspirit.co.uk

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Our UNIVERSAL Tribe After many rewarding years as a Hospice Staff Nurse, Ursula chose early retirement to allow her to care for her husband following his devastating stroke. This allowed her to discover a passion for writing. She devised a formula using magical wishing and visualisations for personal enhancement, happiness and fun and created the Wish Magic series of e-books.

Ursula has also published a vegetarian cookbook, and a compilation of loving and uplifting messages received from spirit during 25 years of giving psychic palm and tarot card readings to family and friends is the next project in the pipeline.

Ursula Oak www.UrsulaOak.blogspot.co.uk UrsulaOak@gmail.com Lily Bayliss - Lily first became interested in Acupuncture after experiencing first hand the wide reaching benefits of Acupuncture on the mind, body and soul and she developed a lifelong interest in the subject and decided to pursue a career as an Acupuncturist. She completed her degree in Chinese Medicine at the University of Westminster. Since qualifying as an Acupuncturist, she has worked in private practice in west London and practiced ‘Acupuncture at sea’ treating hundreds of passengers from around the U.S, Canada and Caribbean. Lily’s lifelong passion has been to assist and naturally heal people using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Lily is a member of British Acupuncture Council and adheres to a strict code of ethics and hygiene, she is also dedicated to a programme of continuing professional development.

She currently practices privately and runs several multi-bed clinics around Norwich.

Tel: 07530744917 info@lilybayliss.com www.lilybayliss.com Phil Cole is a registered British Complimentary Medicine Association Therapist. A member of The Association of Light Touch therapists. He accomplished training in Touch for Health therapies in 1990, then for 2 years in 2002 with The School of Body Mechanics Therapy, Sarling Technique and several eastern therapies in recent years.

Therapies include; deep or soft tissue Massage, Warm Bamboo Massage. Light Touch (Musculoskeletal realignment), Eastern and Western Cupping. Japanese Eastern & Western Reiki and Touch for health.

For information on therapies & courses please contact: Philip R Cole B.C.M.A A.L.T.T 07879 243117 supacoley@hotmail.com www.sarlingtouch.co.uk Daniel Parmeggiani is a modern-day spiritual teacher whose approach is unaligned with any particular religion or tradition. Driven by intense psychological turmoil, Daniel discovered within himself a deeper reality that not only saved his life, it also showed him the way to permanent happiness and inner peace.

Feeling it is his responsibility to present this important spiritual message to the world in a ‘real’ and unpretentious way, Daniel decided to write his first book, The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence, out April 29th, 2014. He lives in Pompano Beach, Florida, with his wife, Susan, and their dog, Chewy.

www.magnificenttruths.com

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.....the Contributors Vikki Lightweaver - I am an hereditary psychic and Empath and have worked as a Healer and Numerologist at events around East Anglia for over twenty years. I offer Intuitive Numerology Readings, Charts, courses and workshops. Tarot readings ,Sacred geometry readings, workshops and courses.

Reiki Attunements to Master/Teacher level and Healer development. Meditation classes and development circles. I am fully insured and work mainly from home. Many of my courses and readings are available online via web chat or e-mail.

For more information you can contact me at: www.lightweaver.co.uk www.facebook/TheNumberwitch vikki_lightweaver@hotmail.com I am a teacher/author (both non-fiction/fiction)/editor (academic/general/religious) living and working in Japan. I am an ordained Japanese Esoteric Buddhist priest (Shinnyo-en), Alexander Teacher, Sound/ Music Creativity Therapist, Indigenous Peoples’ Advocate, and involved in the Cathar revival. My mission is world peace and harmony. My religious pathway has been from Christianity, through Hinduism, Islam, Sufism, Humanism, Catharism, to schools of Hinayana, Vajiriyana, and Mahayana Buddhism (I am now serving and training in the final teachings of the Buddha Shyakyamuni).

C. Linden Thorp M.A. (E.L.T.) lindenthorp@gmail.com www.lindenthorp.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/linden.thorp.9 Jennifer Lynch is an experienced holistic therapist and life guidance counsellor who firmly believes that the key to healing involves integrating the mental, physical and emotional bodies, treating the client as a unique ‘whole person’.

She works from her home in the Suffolk countryside giving Massage, Reiki and Angelic Aura readings whilst also attending various events throughout the UK. Author of 3 books;The Silver Lining, Skin Deep and Liberty Angel, which can be found on Amazon.

She recently ventured onto a new path as presenter of a new radio show on Natural Health Radio called Natural Co-Creators, on Thursdays between 12.00 and 1pm. Jennifer is looking for therapists and creative people to interview for her show. For details go to www.naturalheathradio.co.uk More about Jennifer and her work can be found on her website: www.angelwisdom.co.uk

If you would like to join our Universal Tribe and become a contributor contact me; samantha@universal-magazine with a brief outline of the subject matter i.e alternative therapies, books, Astrology, Herbal Medicine and anything else in the Holistic Living and Mind Body Spirit genre. I look forward to hearing from you, Samantha xxx

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Well Being The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer wellbeing that places harmony in one’s life.

Peace Pilgrim

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It’s beyond happiness, and perhaps it’s what we should all be searching for…

The phrase “well-being” means different things to different people, depending on its context. We can enjoy physical well-being, when we are healthy and free from illness; we can experience economic well-being, when our material state is in good shape, and our finances, housing and income are all under control and providing us with enough of everything.

Unfortunately, these types of well-being are dependent on everything continuing to be OK in the outside world. If that stops being the case, our sense of well-being, which is completely subjective, will be lessened to the extent that we perceive ourselves to be in a worse place from our expected and accepted norm.

True well-being comes from finding that place within us where everything is understood, calm, accepting, loving and, more importantly, connected to something greater than us. Then we know that, whatever outside circumstances and situations plague us, they cannot ever destroy our inner peace.

This place is always there and always available to us, but we disconnect from it, simply by thinking.

It takes only one thought to move us from a connection to our inner source of innate wisdom!

Conversely, it can take just one thought to get us back there too, although more realistically, it is the quietening of our thoughts that helps most.

Many methods are available for us to return to the sanctuary of our well-being, including of course, meditation, yoga, tai-chi and mindfulness, and there are a host of other techniques. It must be whatever works best for the individual.

Unless these methods are practised however, there is a high chance that we will spend a lot of time far from true well-being, possibly in the mistaken belief that “if everything’s ok out there, I’m ok”, and deluding ourselves that we are in the best place for us.

However, we do not always make our best decisions when we are looking to the outside world to fulfil us, because we are looking in entirely the wrong direction!

Instead, we always make our finest choices when guided by that intangible something, that we access when in true well-being, which we call gut-feeling, intuition, higher self, the Universe, or even God. It is, therefore, a good idea to familiarise ourselves with how we are when we are in true well-being – to know absolutely what it feels like, so that we can also know when we are not there. If we become conscious of the difference (and we are very easily distracted), we can avoid making decisions from the wrong place. Learning to trust our bodies and then our feelings will tell us where we are in relation to our “wise self ”.

Being mindful, being conscious, so that we can live and experience our best life, and fulfil our greatest potential, just by knowing what wellbeing really is, and remembering how to get to it – as often as possible. We all deserve the best!

Sandra Boatman www.insightsandinspirations.co.uk

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Natures Natures community is made up of a vast network of energy that constantly aims to produce a harmonious state of balance.

Nature is never static, it is progressive and constantly changing. The evolution of nature bends and shapes according to its law, it does not detract from its principles.

The celestial energy at the core of nature gravitates to its rightful place and creates a synergistic flow of energy and pattern. These patterns are present throughout the whole of nature. We are not only surrounded by these structures, they are also within us.

Sacred geometry is present in every aspect of nature including our own bodies. The mystic spiral can be seen in many natural things including the spiraling galaxies, tiny grains of sand, shells, flower petals and evenin our own DNA. The mystic spiral is the spiritual symbol of growth and evolution.

As a living part of natures community, we share the inherent life force that is progressive and constantly evolving. WE are constantly evolving and this progression is enabling us to emerge as completely natural, spiritual beings.

The celestial energy at the core of our own nature is gravitating to its rightful place. We are shifting,

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moving, and bending with the changes taking place. Old patterns are ceasing to serve us, new patterns are stimulating a greater sensitivity.

As a sensitive part of natures community, we are able to live closer to the earth and closer to the heavens. We can recognise and live within the living laws of nature, thus allowing natural development to take place.

The shift that has awakened us is now drawing us home.

Dissatisfied with the old, many of us seek the fullness of the new. We are uniting in thought and in direction and becoming active members of natures community, the true guardians of mother earth.

Anne Fallas www.annefallas.fr

Community

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Intuitive Tarot In the very short introduction I gave you in issue 1, we looked briefly at how to begin practising intuitive Tarot. This month I aim to elaborate on how to increase the activation of your third eye by means of a chakra meditation.

In the very short introduction I gave you last month we looked briefly at how to begin practising intuitive Tarot. This month I aim to elaborate on how to increase the activation of your third eye by means of chakra meditation. Last time we only looked a very basic method. This one is in more depth and in my eyes is essential work should you wish to improve your intuition and learn the inner mysteries of the Tarot.

To begin with you need to allow at least thirty or so minutes of guaranteed peace and quiet. Make sure you are dressed comfortably and able to either sit in a lotus or semi-lotus position or upright in a chair. Lying down when meditating can make you fall asleep. Turn off all artificial lights and light a candle instead. You might like to light some incense as well to aid you to get into a meditative state and relax you. Turn off any phones and or TV’s etc. By minimising electrical impulses you are also limiting interference to your pineal gland or third eye.

Now take your Tarot deck and separate the major cards out. There should be 22 of these numbered from 0-21. Shuffle them and pull out one random card. Look at the card for a few minutes and remember what you got from it before and see if any new thoughts arise. Once done place it in front of your candle and close your eyes. Then as before visualise imaginary roots growing out of your feet into the ground. See them reaching the warm earth below and both see it and feel it as golden light coming up into your feet and up to the base of your tail bone.

Here you are to visualise a red glowing or spinning (whichever is easiest) light getting bigger and

more intense until you can almost feel a pulsating or tingling feeling in this area. Don’t worry if you don’t get this straight away it comes with practise.

This will help to activate your root or kundalini chakra, the one that concerns your survival and earths you. Your early development energies, continued growth and healing energy is all rooted here. This is a chakra you need to work on the most if there have been any childhood or ongoing survival issues that you feel need healing.

Now move the energy by process of mental visualisation to the sacral area where your hips are.

Here you need to see an orange light, this is your sacral chakra and is concerned with your sex life, reproduction, creativity and the support you feel you have in life. Here how you relate to others and process emotions is experienced.

Once happy move up to the next one which is the solar plexus and is level with the part of our ribs that meet in the middle at the front, this chakra is yellow and governs our digestive tract and is also a part of how we process and experience our emotions and our reactions to life. It is where we sense things from others and get our ‘gut reactions’ to things. It governs our personal power and self esteem.

Now move on up to the next area which is the heart chakra this is the one is green and is the one that allows us to both give and receive love in our lives and is the pulse of our life giving movement and rhythm to our being centred with our breathe.

It is where the lower chakras converge and meet the connection with our spiritual selves, all experienced through the power of love in its purest form.

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Then on up to the throat chakra this one is blue and is where our voice is located allowing us to communicate and express ourselves. Here we can channel higher wisdom and increase our ability to become clairaudient.

The next one up is our third eye or pineal gland and is purple this is important to be able to keep healthy as many things in our everyday environment and diet can calcify it and render is less active. Here we can visualise our imaginings and both transmit and receive information from inner planes of existence, guides, ancestors, angels, deities etc. and pick up psychically and telepathically from others. Once this is working is often feels like anything from a buzzing sensation to a really powerful throb sometimes.

And lastly the crown chakra which is white and is a place that directs divine energy where both inner planes and outer ones converge. On the Kabbalah the crown is equated to ‘God’.

It does take time and regular practise to get them all properly up and running so don’t worry too much if some are easier than others or if it seems hard to do. You will get there eventually. Now it is time to channel energy. Some people find it easiest to imagine the energy continuing to be drawn up from below and some like to add either sun or moon energy down from above. And many like to see two flowing rivers of energy from both directions surrounding you as two loops. All that really matters is that you attempt to imagine this energy as either golden, silver or white light flowing up and down your spine. If you are very lucky you might experience what is called a kundalini pulse. This can be likened to waves of divine bliss flowing up and down you. When you get this happen you will know it and it is proof that

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your root chakra is healthy.

Now to remember your card. Take a quick look at it and then close your eyes again and allow any images to come into your mind’s eye. Don’t force them. Just be receptive to it happening. Ask the universe to show you what the deeper meaning of this card is to you at this time. No matter what you get whatever you pick up on will have relevance.

Remain open in a mild trance and meditative state and allow for any healing to take place that you might need at this time. We all need healing and this is a great time to ask for it. Once you feel you have done all you can in one session then you need to shut your chakras back down. See each of the lights getting dimmer in turn from the top downwards. Some people believe we should keep them active and open all the time and others disagree. My own opinion is that is you are highly sensitive then leaving them open can make you a psychic sponge and you could end up absorbing negative or harmful energy from people so I prefer to play safe. Even exposing wide open third eyes to modern technology can sometimes be bad for us let alone what we could pick up from a visit to a crowded place.

Try doing this exercise as often as you have time for. Each time use a different card. Begin to keep a record and build up a story that hopefully your inner spirit or what many describe as your higher self is trying to relay to you. Our greatest individual spiritual work is to clear negative issues and become more aware in order to become the people we wish to be. To become a half decent psychic or intuitive person it helps to guide ourselves towards better states of being and heal ourselves or at least through insight seek any help we might need from elsewhere.

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Traditionally Tarot packs are usually kept wrapped in silk in their own separate boxes. This does help keep them safe and also silk seems to be a very good material for containing energy raised during meditation exercises. Every now and then lay your cards out and either smudge them with a smudge stick or allow incense to be burned all around them. This is especially useful if you have allowed other people to handle them and will cleanse them.

Now you have your own interpretations recorded we will look briefly at the first half of the Major Arcana as energetic forms. Tarot packs vary in their interpretations and the order of the major arcana. The pack I use the most is a very popular one called The Mythic Tarot by Juliet SharmanBurke and is based on the Greek Myths. Don’t worry if the order of yours is different the basic energetic aspects are virtually the same in all.

0

The Fool - Potential Energy about to be released.

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Justice - Balancing energy, energy restored.

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Temperance - Moderate energy, energy in flux, movement but between two places.

10 Strength - Emotional energy, either destructive or controlled.

11 The Hermit - Solitary energy form self, inner light energy, core happiness.

12 The Wheel of Fortune - Interconnecting Energy, the fates or web of wyrd.

13 The Hanged Man - Static energy, time in suspension.

14 Death - Rebirthing energy, energy in transformation.

15 The Devil - Resistance and unconscious energy.

16 The Tower - Sudden unexpected energy.

1

The Magician - Energy released and poised between inner and outer planes of existence.

2

The Empress - Fertile or infertile divine feminine energy, mother Earth.

18 The Moon - Subconscious energy, emotional,

3

The Emperor - Energy taking form to create physicality, masculine.

19 The Sun - Light energy, creative, masculine.

4

The High Priestess - Hidden energy, dark matter, intuitive.

5

The Heirophant - Energy forming beliefs, inner wisdom, knowing.

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The Lovers - The power of love in its purest energetic form.

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The Chariot - Dynamic energy, driven and in movement.

17 The Star - New positive energy. feminine.

20 Judgement - Karmic energy, cause and effect.

21 The World - Universal complete energy.

This breaks them down into their most simplistic energetic forms. There is much more to each of them than this. But by keeping it simple you can add your own layers of revelations. Next time we will begin the journey into the people in your life as revealed by the court cards.

Gill MacDonald / www.tarotandhealing.co.uk

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Raw Lemon Lavender Cupcakes A raw food recipe for lemon lavender cupcakes. The base ‘cake’ is made from nuts and dates with edible dried lavender.

The silky lemon icing is made from the meat of young coconuts.

Gluten-free and dairy-free.

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Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Almonds - 1 cup, soaked overnight and drained Medjool dates - 1/2 cup, pitted Coconut Nectar Syrup - 1/4 cup Edible Dried Lavender - 1/2- 1 tsp Water - 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest - 1 Tbsp, grated Himalayan Pink Salt - Pinch Coconut Meat from Young Coconut - 1/2 cup, reserve coconut water Coconut Butter - 1/4 cup Cashews - 1/2 cup Coconut Oil - 1/4 cup coconut Nectar Syrup - 1/4 cup Lemon Juice - 1/3 cup lemon Zest - 1 Tbsp, grated Himalayan Pink Salt - Pinch Reserved Coconut Water to thin as needed

Instructions: To assemble the cake, combine all ‘cake’ ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until only small chunks remain. Wet hands, a press into silicone cupcake liners. Place in fridge until chilled and you can pop them out easily- in a few hours.

For icing, combine all ingredients in high powered blender, like a Vita-Mix, and blend until smooth, adding a touch of coconut water if needed. Pipe icing on top and garnish with lemon zest and lavender.

www.kokoskitchen.com

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Chirology In our second part in a series of features, Ursula Oak shares her wealth of wisdom on how to take palm prints and examine the thumbs.

Welcome to the second part of palm reading for beginners, using my personal style and method of palm reading this series will give you an overview of palm reading and show you how to conduct a basic reading for yourself and your friends, it will help you to understand what the length, shape, and size of the fingers, and the lines marks and mounds on the hands represent. This knowledge can give you a wealth of information about the character of your own palm, or of the owner of the palm you are looking at.

When I was beginning palm reading I found the very best way to gain confidence and information was to ask lots of people to give me palm prints. I asked all of my work colleagues and my husband’s colleagues to provide palm prints. Each person was only known to me as a number and I was told whether they were male or female. I had no idea who the prints belonged to. Using this method I collected a stack of prints full of information.

I produced a reading for each print, each reading was handed back to the owner of the print and I waited for feedback. There were some very interesting responses. Some people felt I had described them accurately, others thought I was way off the mark!

One incident sticks clearly in my mind. I had the palm reading of a male volunteer; I could see that the person was likely to be a bit of a ‘one’ for the ladies. I worded this very carefully in my report and got a very short sharp response telling me in no uncertain terms that I was completely wrong.

I was fine with that as anyone can make mistakes.

However, about 6 months later it emerged that the person had been having an affair behind his wife’s back and was furious that I had picked up on it.

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The only time I have found that people are not happy to have their palm read is when they have something to hide!

Taking palm prints - There are several ways I use to take palm prints; Ink and paper, lipstick (this really works) and using a photocopier.

INK; to take a print using ink you need a supply of good quality paper, and an ink pad (nonpermanent). Ask the person whose print you are taking to press their palm into the ink pad and cover every part of their palm with ink. You then need to press the persons hand firmly on to paper trying hard not to smudge it. Do this for both palms. Write the date, and beside the prints the person’s name age and sex, also write which is the left print and which the right palm print.

LIPSTICK; to take a print using lipstick you will need some good quality paper and a dark coloured lipstick, red seems to work very well. Cover the palms of the person whose prints you are taking with the lipstick, ask them to rub their palms together so that the lipstick can get into all of the creases and crevices. Press their hands onto paper and write the date, and beside the prints the person’s name, age and sex, and which is the left print and which the right.

PHOTOCOPIER; using a photocopier or scanner is my preferred method. It is not at all messy and produces nice clear prints which are easy to read and easy to store. If the copier is large enough place both hands on it, for smaller machines do one hand at a time. Write the date, the person’s name age and sex, and which is the left and which is the right palm. Keep your palm prints in a safe place.

If you are able to repeat a palm print every 5 years

Palm reading for beginners

you are likely to see subtle changes, the lines of the palm change over time to reflect the changes in a person’s life.

The thumbs Indian palm readers consider the thumbs of more importance than the fingers, they believe that the thumbs hold the majority of information in a person’s palm. The lines and mounts of the thumbs contain a wealth of information about our

health, life’s ups and downs, and our friends, how we cope with stress and our general constitution.

Look at as many thumbs as you can, write a detailed report on the thumbs of your five case studies. The thumb area is enclosed by the life line.

We will look at this line, friendship lines and stress lines later in the series. The thumb is divided into three sections, the sections represent will power, logic and love.

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If you look at the example below, you will see that the thumb digit itself is in two sections representing will power and logic, and below that is the mount of Venus representing love. The large arched line to left of the mount of Venus is the life line.

In this example the top section of the thumb, representing the person’s will power is the larger of

the thumb, this area represents a person’s ability to love and be loved. You can see from the photo that this mount is of average size, it is not over large or flat, this represents an average loving nature.

If the mount of Venus was large and fleshy, the person is likely to have a love of all aspects of the good life. A firmer mount is often owned by very practical people, they may come across as distant or restrained, they like to keep their emotional feelings to themselves.

The angle of the thumb will also give you a great deal of information about the person’s character.

In the example the angle is about 45 degrees, this person is confident and believes in themselves.

If the angle of the thumb to the hand was 90 degrees you would be looking at a very confident person, happy with themselves and not afraid to take chances, any greater angle would indicate over confidence. Should the thumb be held close to the palm the person probably lacks confidence in themselves and lacks belief in their ability to succeed, if the thumb is tucked away under the palm the person is likely to be shy and anxious.

For your notebook.

Observe and make notes about how people hold their thumbs in relation to their hands. Look at your friends and family, notice how the thumbs will be held differently depending how they are feeling at that moment.

the two sections. This would mean that this person is very strong willed, they will achieve whatever they set their mind to. If a person has a short section of will they are likely to find it very difficult to stick to a decision or a life path, they can do it, but it is likely to be harder work than for the person with a long section of will.

On this person the middle section which represents logic is the smaller of the two sections, this person probably makes instant, sometimes impulsive, decisions, they are likely to think ‘if it feels right it is right’. A person with a longer logic section is likely to take longer to make any decision as they weight up all of the pros and cons. They are not likely to be impulsive.

The Mount of Venus is the large area at the base of

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Look at photos of people in the public eye. If their thumb is held straight and away from the hand they are likely to be feeling confident and happy, a thumb tucked behind a person’s palm could mean they are insecure and not happy with where they are at that moment in time. Hiding the thumb is like hiding a part of the personality. Think about a time when you have felt insecure or anxious, you more than likely tucked your thumb inside your palm.

This groundwork will continue to be invaluable as you move forward with your lessons.

NEXT ISSUE Palmistry for beginners part three.

The fingers. www.UrsulaOak.blogspot.co.uk

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Spirit Made Flesh

‘Spiritual pathway.’ We hear this phrase quite often today, but it seems to separate people into two groups: those on the path and those not. Similarly, we become divided into clergy and lay, men and women, young and old, etc., such is the dualism at large in the diversity of the modern world.

Perhaps ‘pathway’ then is a mistaken metaphor, bound by concepts such as space and time. The way to achieve spiritual peace and enduring happiness is inside us all, all along. We don’t have to go anywhere, let alone on a vague route to an unknown destination. Through materialistic attitudes to modern life we have mostly lost touch with our own hearts. We allow fear and guilt to overwhelm us and slam closed the doors of our hearts, or we project emotions on to others. We may even reinvent ourselves instead of embracing what we already are and have.

in this universal way is precisely why we are here in human life, and what equips us to live with compassion.

The gods and Holy Beings once dwelt among us making the divine accessible. Our purity was once breathtaking, untarnished, our karmic debts nonexistent. In recent times we need intermediaries, temples, churches, rituals, etc., and we need to make our debts good. The route to the divine in ancient times was not an interminable winding path leading to a summit as it is today. If the aspiration was there, the flame could burn quickly, so we could transcend.

Spiritual elevation or training seems to imply hardship, sacrifice, loss of identity, or making continued effort with little reward. But there are two important and glorious jewels to be unearthed in this pursuit: one is unearthly and pure joy; and the other is a realization that the spiritual world (invisible world) and the human world (visible world) are one, so we cannot regain our spiritual purity without our original spirit, our true self.

Perhaps we can call this joyful uniting of visible and invisible ‘integration,’ an ability to live fully in the moment; to live as if we are candles, giving of ourselves to provide a bright light for others.

Another way of looking at our divinity is as our ‘True Nature.’ This so-called ‘true’ nature is at one with the Universe, connecting us with all beings of spirit or flesh in eternity. Communing

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Accordingly, we each have a choice in the way we use the power of our minds. We each have the potential to be either beastly or beautiful.

My most striking experience of this integration was during my time with indigenous Australians.

In their natural state they live without thinking or making concepts. Their way of integrating is through ‘The Dreaming,’ the belief that every element of nature has a spirit form. Their Creation Heroes work in the landscape to make stories or indications of the lessons they must learn.

Artist: Mariko Kinoshita

Today, we each have that divine spark inside us still passed down faithfully through the line of our ancestors. But we need to watch carefully that it does not go out, taking time to kindle it with mindfulness. Putting aside thinking and speculating means we can focus fully on preserving that unique spark.

So, instead of working hard always to apprehend the spiritual outside ourselves, we must realize that we are originally beings of spirit with divine connections.

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Spirit Made Flesh I moved around their vast Lands with them, visiting various physical features such as hills or large rocks, caves or billabongs (natural pools), and singing the stories associated with each one.

Australia has amazingly unusual land formations, which make their roles in Lands stories highly plausible.

The scrupulous caretaking of their environment creates perfect conditions for such spiritual practices, and the climax of their human lives is their death, or the Djang, when if qualified their spirit will be released from their body and rise up into the night sky to go on travelling to other realms to learn other lessons.

One example is: there was a group of creamcoloured spherical rocks, which looked like onions, and indeed to the Pdjindjara tribe they were the onions that a giant lizard known as Wadi-Nintuka, vomited up because he ate too many. We sang the songs - repeated narratives accompanied by skirt-drumming and skillfull finger-clicking - to pay homage to this hero who is important in their Creation Myths.

One night I was sitting around a huge bonfire with the women of the tribe gazing up at the star-filled night sky. Mable, an elder, roughly elbowed me and asked what I was looking at. I said ‘the incredible number of stars.’ Mable was outraged at this reply.

She said, ‘Those are not “stars!” They are the campfires of the traveller spirits as they move on their way. They get a hungry or cold and light a fire to warm themselves or cook.’

All of their hero-ancestors manifested in landforms are honoured out of sheer gratitude and awe.

The omnipresence of those divine beings, which fills their daily lives, was tangible. Their seamless union with the Great Mother Nature and Father Earth replaces any kind of thinking, making their bodies strong and durable for survival in one of the harshest environments on the globe.

Artist: Mariko Kinoshita

Indigenous peoples living traditionally are ‘empty’ and living out their true nature, which is one with the divine. They believe that babies are born not of a union between a man and woman, but when certain spirits are ready to learn human lessons.

There is no word in most indigenous languages to equate with the word ‘star’ because it is merely a scientific concept.

After this experience, I truly began to grasp the idea that everything we perceive through our senses is impermanent. I also was able to live in the positive knowledge of my Djang, and to long for it with joy. How glorious to be an integrated human whose spark of divinity is truly lit.

Linden Thorp www.lindenthorp.wordpress.com

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Acupuncture ... Anxi

‘Balance recognizes that many good things in life are g of something wonderful. Most virtues, taken to excess b becomes utterly consuming, it doesn't allow room From nine years of working as an Acupuncturist with patients in clinic I have witnessed that anxiety is in epidemic proportion in our society today. I often treat back pain, sleep disorders and headaches in clinic, but on first consultation it becomes quickly apparent that anxiety is primary to these secondary conditions. After speaking to Western doctors about this, it was explained to me that anti-depressants are no longer really prescribed for depression, but for anxiety.

Unfortunately anti-depressants have their own side effects and don’t treat the cause of the problem.

This has lead me to question why in a society where we are considered to be so privileged and have so much access to tools to manage stress; such as health and wellbeing classes, meditation, exercise and various styles of counseling; why are we suffering in silence?

Anxiety is a blanket term used for many signs and symptoms which vary from person to person.

Common symptoms reported as well as emotional symptoms are worry, disturbed sleep, irritability and poor concentration and physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands, muscle tension and aches, trembling and twitching (American Psychiatric Association, 2000; WHO 2007).

I believe that when our lifestyles become imbalanced, anxiety occurs. It is important to take time to look at your life to see where you are doing too much or not doing enough for your self.

How can Acupuncture help with anxiety? Chinese Medicine views lifestyle and health as a whole and will look for the root cause of your anxiety.

Dietary, lifestyle and various techniques for reducing anxiety such as visualising and NLP techniques may be recommended. In general,

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iety – The Silent Sufferers

good only in moderation. There really can be too much become vices. When an interest, affection, or endeavor for other kinds of goodness’ – Chinese philosophy

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules acting on areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worry (Hui 2010). Acupuncture also increases serotonin hence altering the brains mood chemistry to help to combat negative affective states (Lee 2009; Samuels 2008; Zhou 2008; Yuan 2007). Patients often report feeling very relaxed and having a sense of clarity and well being after treatment.

Acupuncture is a complete natural medicine, you are not adding anything to the body, you are simply causing a natural reaction from the body making it safe for everyone.

The most important thing to remember is that anxiety is not something that people need ‘just live with’ it can and will stop, in my experience it is just a few simple changes that have great effect.

Lily Bayliss www.lilybayliss.com

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Animal Healing

What on earth are you doing with daily from my parents during th 8, Dad bought home a scrawny company’, I nam After just a few days Timmy had to see the Vet. He was thin, not able to eat and very unhappy. Numerous tests showed a renal tumour - the size of a small orange. The Vet gave Timmy 6 weeks to live and put him on medication. I was distraught and concluded I would not allow this to happen to my best friend. Every day I sat with Timmy on my knee and placed my hands over his tiny body. Out of nowhere I saw a white light surrounding him. I knew it was doing him good. As the days turned into weeks he began to eat, regain strength, play and become like any normal cat. We took Timmy to see the Vet a few months later and he was astounded. The tumour had gone.

Who can say whether it was the healing energy or the medication, but one thing for sure is that Timmy lived happily with us for another eight years passing to spirit aged around 16. He even saved the lives of my Mum, Dad and me, but that’s a story for another time.

So what is animal healing? In a nutshell it’s working with the animals’ own energy field and linking it with our own and that of the vibrational energy that we are part of everyday.

I teach many forms of animal healing but the modality that proves to be ever popular is ‘hands on healing’.

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Animal healing is an exchange of energy. The energy is channeled through the healer’s hands into the animal by placing hands on specific points throughout the animals body. There are many energy centres from which the healing is absorbed.

An Exchange of Energies

that cat” I would hear these words he 1970’s. As an only child aged black semi-feral cat to ‘keep me med him Timmy.

There are many benefits to animal healing and although animal healing cannot be a substitute for veterinary medicine it is a non-invasive, non-toxic system of bringing about positive health changes to the animal concerned. I do work alongside Vets.

I have seen near miracles with some of the animals I have in my clinic and on an average week I can treat between 10 and 20 animals, with a wide variety of health concerns. These can range from behavioural and emotional problems, physical health issues like arthritis, muscle problems and then I see many rescued animals who may need help with a combination of the above.

I do have a 5 week waiting list but thankfully I have the support of my Animal Magic graduates, people that I have trained through my training school. This allows me to refer on many more animals in need of healing.

One of the main areas is the butterfly centre which is located just below the shoulder area. This centre has condensed and complex energy and quite often just by healing this one area, profound healing can take place throughout the animals’ body.

If you would like more information about Animal Healing or would like to become a professional animal healer, please go to; Niki Senior www.animalhealingcourses.co.uk

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Rona Keller

Photographer

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"I have spent half of my life having experiences I wouldn't remember a few years later, feelings I couldn't quite express at the time, and seeing parts of the world I couldn't fully grasp. One of my favourite things to do today is dig through the photos I have taken over the past seven years, and thinking back to all the little things they show. Because not only do they tell me about the stories that are pictured, but they also convey a feeling of nostalgia that makes me think of what could have been. I am a strong believer that it is important to not only remember the good times in life, but even more so those that influenced who I am today. My name is Rona Keller, I take photographs wherever I go - and especially where I choose to stay."

Rona Keller

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Rona Keller - Contact Details: 42

website

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Grilled Veggie Tart This recipe is very easy to make, and you can easily adapt it to include other delicious ingredients- mushrooms, red onion, or sun dried tomatoes would all be great add ins. Make this for a light meal or serve it as a delicious summer appetiser.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •

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15oz puff pastry, thawed ( I used Tenderflake, which is vegan, but any kind will do!)

1 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 lb asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1 tsp dried basil sea salt and pepper 2 oz mozzarella 2 oz feta 2 oz parmesan

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a grill pan, saute garlic, asparagus, red pepper, and onion in olive oil until tender crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.

Roll puff pasty out onto a baking sheet ( I used a SilPat underneath). Sprinkle puff pastry with mozzarella, leaving a 1 inch crust. Spread cooked vegetables evenly on top. Add kalamata olives. Sprinkle crust with crumbled feta cheese.

Bake for 15 minutes, remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 4-5 more minutes, until lightly browned.

Koko’s Kitchen was started as a way to share healthy, delicious recipes with people from

around the world. It has grown into a place to share my knowledge in raw foods, natural health and beauty, as well as my love of travel. I want to use my passion for food and natural health to help others reach their best body, mind, and soul.

www.kokoskitchen.com

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Black-outs &

Some of you may read the title and think “w not, the blackouts or power-cuts relate to boxes of cheap white candles that were mor were grim da Due to the frequent power cuts it did give me chance to read, to think, and to play. There were no television, no X Box, no laptops; which I believe was a godsend as I wouldn’t want to be a child now.

I started to take notice of my Mum when she spoke of spell-work, witchy things, intention, all sorts of things of magickal things that impressed greatly on a young mind. I wanted to be involved in all of this, and I was.

I created what I thought was a spell. It included all the excitement, all the build-up, all of my intentions went in to it. It worked. Simple; I thought, why isn’t everyone doing this?

I was 15 when my brother Robert gave me a pack of Tarot cards. I was amazed at their deep, fantastic imagery, their messages, and the way they made me dream. That was then and I have many decks now and read my tarot every day, either for myself or for others, and even now I’m amazed at the guidance and information that they share with me.

Little things started to add up in my childhood, things that I didn’t always realise then, but in retrospect I see them now as parts of me which made me who I am. Some of it is hereditary, some from past lives, some from personal experiences. I remember a time my Grandmother rescued a Jackdaw. She fed it, cared for it, played with it and it stayed with her for long enough. I remember her numerous attempts at releasing it back to the wild, but each time it came back to her. It was then I became acquainted with the story of English witch Sybil Leek who had a Jackdaw called Mr Hotfoot Jackson. It was then my Grandma’s Jackdaw had more of a deeper meaning for me.

As time moved on my curiosity went wild. I wanted to know more,

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Spell-casting

what’s he going to say about 1940”? Well I’m the 1970’s; days when we had to stock up on re sought after than gold nuggets. Yes, they days at times. do more and be more. I attended Spiritualist churches, séances, readings and meditation sessions. I got to know witches, psychics, ghost hunters. It was, and is, a world in a different gear shift. I read books on magic, Qabalah, runes, spiritualism, rituals, Tarot, the list was endless; it still is.

I have since, evaluated, tried, tested, practiced and attempted all manner of schools of thought and the knowledge I have gained is tremendous. I formed a framework of all these schools and their similarities. In my mind and soul and made myself a path through all their condensed wisdom.

I am the person I am today and I’m grateful for all those who have gone before, treading unknown territory so that people like me can pick a bit here and a little there and make sense of my own personal universe. We meet the people in life we are meant to; good or bad.

The life lessons are impartial. I found myself giving readings, advice and comfort to people. I realised we are all heading for the same city, taking different routes, differing means of transport, and individual length of time. But, and it’s a big but, some of us drive, some walk, some need maps, some are lost, some of us leave our destiny to chance, but whatever your route, we all need each other, the city is a long way off sometimes.

Next time, the Native American fella who seems to be everywhere I am.

Blessings Louis www.norfolkpsychics.co.uk www.soulspirit.co.uk

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Earth and H

You home is your sanctuary, a place you can r often we’re unaware of the negative energies

These negative energies can arise from Geopathic Stress and Electromagnetic Stress. Geopathic Stress is an imbalance of energies and toxins. It is the result of natural earth energies (which are intended to be positive) that has been distorted into negative energies. This negative energy can build to high levels until it is dispersed which can affect the health of all living organisms.

Geopathic Stress can come from many sources including: • Electric/Gas mains and substations • Underground water • Communication masts • Ley lines • Spirit lines/routes • Energy grids • New roads/constructions sites • Old scenes of trauma • Military bases • Unpleasant environmental factors (refuse/lack of trees)

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House Healing

relax in and revitalise yourself. However, very within our homes that can be making us ill.

Electromagnetic Stress disperses negative energy into our environment and arises from man made items which is not limited to but can include: • Tv’s • Microwaves • Mobile Phones/WiFi routers • Computers/gaming stations • Fluorescent lighting The presence of Geopathic and Electromagnetic energies affect our immune system and reduces its ability to function properly. As a result you can become unwell as a result of spending too much time surrounded by these energies. This is more commonly known as Sick Building Syndrome.

Symptoms could include: • Disturbed sleep • Fatigue and lethargy • Nightmares • Headaches • Recurring colds and infections • Depression • Lack of concentration

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Earth and House Healing

We have evolved at 7.83 Hz, but strong GS can vibrate as high as 250Hz. Even though you may not have heard of GS you will have felt the effects of it. We have all walked into a house and felt uneasy or wanted to get out - what’s more, some people always seem to be ill!

Healing your house By working remotely to dowse your home with a pendulum it is possible to ascertain levels of Geopathic and Electromagnetic Stress and the causes of these. These issues can be neutralised and protective energy grids can be put into place, then the levels are then re-checked. This can take a period of time to complete as to avoid too much of a dramatic change in the energy, just like a healing

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session on a individual, each session works on a slightly deeper level. As the energy settles down it is quite natural to notice a difference in the “feel” of the environment and a change in your own physical being.

Healing does not have to be limited to a house but can be any property - work environments specifically carry higher levels of electromagnetic stress due to the amount of electronic equipment used. A simple way to help lower this slightly is to place clear quartz crystals next to any equipment which will neutralise the negative energy.

For more information contact Pauline Street www.serenityforyou.co.uk

Let the Eos Programme help you figure out what really matters to you, and give you what you need to make it happen.

I've thought about it a lot, and I can't really describe what Eos is. All I know is tht over the past two weeks, since I did Day 1, I’ve gone from 'I'm not the of of person who does anything out of the ordinary to Just wat me!

Intrigued?

Call 0843 523 5373 or visit: www.eosprogramme.com to find out more

INTO THE WILD It’s always challenging for me to describe the Walking in Spirit retreat, it’s just one of those things that really reveals the inadequacy of my ability with words, so hopefully the pictures will say what I cannot.

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INTO THE WILD Imagine waking up when you feel like it, stepping outside and hearing nothing but birds, insects, rushing water and the gentle tinkling of cowbells.

The silence and the tranquility of the valley are overwhelming in all the right ways. Picture the morning sun lighting up an ancient beech forest, topped by a 2000m mountain directly in front of you. Imagine the mixture of excitement and deep relaxation that this awesome environment spontaneously brings about. This is what it’s like to wake up at La Pinietsa, our base for the WIS retreat. Now imagine your self, free of thoughts and worries and able to just bathe in the sensory experience of beautiful, wild nature with everyday a new adventure to look forward to, and everyday a new journey of development.

Walking in Spirit, (WIS), is a seven-day retreat based around walking in some of the most incredible wild scenery imaginable and making simple, personal rituals of reciprocity at places of spiritual power deep in the forests and high in the Cantabrian mountains of Northern Spain.

It’s also about enjoying what the culture and mythology of Somiedo has to offer.

2014 will be the fourth year I have held the retreat and this year there will be retreats in June, July and September. WIS is not one of those earnest affairs with a strict dietary or exercise regime;

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instead it is a relaxed and down to earth opportunity to engage in spiritually developing practices in unpretentious company. Groups are deliberately small, (no more than eight) and the accommodation is in a wonderful stone cottage containing four self-contained apartments in Valle de Lago, one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of Somiedo Natural Park.

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mysterious source of what we truly are. The spirit thrives in natural surroundings and the wilder the environment is; the more powerfully it pulls us back into alignment and connection.

This is the simple logic behind the Walking in Spirit retreat. It provides our guests with an opportunity to spend a concentrated period of time walking effortlessly through the breathtaking forests and mountains of Western Europe’s most pristine natural environment in a way that allows this spontaneous, spiritual cleansing to take place.

Not Doing Unlike everyday life, no effort is required to fulfill this purpose. In fact, all “doing” and trying becomes obsolete and, as the internal dialogue fades away, we surrender to a profound, sensory engagement with the simple and immediate experience of being alive in a beautiful world.

Walking in Spirit is like a homecoming for the soul, a precious opportunity for our nature to connect deeply with Mother Nature. And, amidst the wild tranquility, our defenses - guardians if you like happily step aside and allow our subtle energies to safely, show up in the world and play and mingle and merge with the abundant energies of Somiedo.

A Divine Territory Alfred Korzybski famously observed that “the map is not the territory”, meaning that the world we apprehend with our senses is not the real world but rather a mirroring of the instrument of our perception – ourselves - abstracted from life’s mysterious flux into incredible forms. This is as true of the city as it is of the natural world but, unlike the city, the natural world generates itself in patterns and processes that flow directly from the source and, as wondrous as the constructions of humanity can be, without our maintenance they quickly crumble and return to nature’s ways.

Nature Knows Nature The human spirit is also like this and, when we remove ourselves from the constructed environment and its mental projections and introjections; eventually and inevitably we realign with natural patterns and reconnect to the

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INTO THE WILD

Somiedo Natural Park Asturias is probably the least well-known Spanish province and, without doubt, the most beautiful and ideal place for those seeking a peaceful spiritual retreat and nature at its purest. Within Asturias, Somiedo Natural Park stands out as one of the most pristine and preserved areas, not just in Spain, but also in all Western Europe. It is a lush, green and fertile landscape of ancient beech and oak forests, interspersed with rivers, rushing streams and wild flower meadows. It is a hidden, natural oasis of incredible biodiversity and one of the last places in Europe that is still home to bears and wolves. One of the great pleasures and excitements of walking in Somiedo is finding the signs and sometimes seeing some of the many wonderful animals that live here. We always see eagles and vultures, deer and chamois and occasionally spot wild boar and even bears. There will be optional trips out in the evening to bear watch, depending on what information comes in at the time.

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Practicalities Walking in Spirit takes place in June, July & September and is easily accessible from the UK. Flights from Stansted to Asturias OVD are reasonably priced and the journey time is just one hour and a half. You will be collected from and returned to the airport at the end of the week.

Check out the website at www.walkinginspirit. co.uk and facebook page https://www.facebook. com/walkinginspirit.co.uk for more information, prices and availability and get ready to book your place in paradise.

Follow your bliss. If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you. I say, follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.

Your host and guide Frankie Sikes

INTO THE WILD

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Joseph Campbell

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Life after Death... ...Is This Life All We Have?

In part 1 of this 3-part series, author Daniel Parmeggiani explores life after death and considers the validity of the scientific stance that this life is all we have.

We are born without an instruction manual, without caring or feeding directions, and without a road-map telling us where we should go or what we should do. Naturally, we believe we are perishable bodies and when we die, it’s over. End of story. But is it?

While I don’t claim to know what happens after we die, nor am I a seer who can remember past lives or peek into the afterlife, what I can do is shed some light into this scary but vital subject just by applying some simple, common sense.

Let’s start by considering the scientific, “rational” stance that “this is all there is.” Common sense alone tells us that this world view makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. The main reason is that we are all born with an intrinsic need for meaning, justice, safety, and connection. Yet none of these basic requirements for happiness can be fulfilled if we are created with an expiration date. Where is the deep sense of meaning we all crave if we, and all that we ever learn and accomplish, are destined to disappear as if they never even existed in the first place? Why do we crave safety in our lives if we are ever-vulnerable and destined to lose that battle? Where is the justice we long for in a world where you may be randomly born into prosperity or, far more likely, into misery? Why are we so desperate to find a sense of connection if we face total disconnection in the end?

Scientists insist it is irrational to believe in an afterlife. I say that what’s irrational is to think that we are all born with intrinsic longings that can never be truly satisfied. In nature, nothing happens that is unnecessary or absurd. Why would we be the exception, wanting what is impossible to have?

More than wanting them, we need these conditions of meaning, fairness, safety, and connection in order to find the state of happiness, the state of

inner heaven, we all seek. If life is nothing but a physical phenomenon that originated by chance in an ancient primordial soup, then why are we endowed with unattainable spiritual longings?

If we really only live once, nothing really matters.

End of discussion. If, after we die, we cease to exist, Shakespeare’s Macbeth was spot on when he lamented that “Life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” If we are just this body, all doors to the state of fulfillment and satisfaction we crave would be closed for good and the existentialist’s view of life as a pointless existence would suddenly make a lot of sense. Let us assume instead that our existence is more than an accidental, microscopic flash in the universal pan. Let us say that our natural, absolute drive towards harmony, personal improvement, and real happiness can actually be fulfilled. What makes sense then for an afterlife?

If we accept that we do go on beyond this life, we currently have two main belief systems to choose from: We are judged and sent off permanently to Heaven or Hell, or we keep coming back until we “get it right.”

Next week, in Part 2 of this investigation into life after death, we will figure out which of these two belief systems, if any, is suitable for the true fulfillment of our deepest needs. Thanks for checking in, and may these truths bring you the perfect happiness, love, and inner peace that you so rightfully deserve.

Excerpt taken from the book ‘The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence’ by Daniel F. Parmeggiani www.magnificenttruths.com

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THE BOOK SHELF

Buried by the Church

by Neal Sutton Buried by the Church is a controversial book that seeks to encourage readers to rethink religion, to question the Church and the Bible and to use their new-found knowledge to find a different spirituality. Written in a simple, easy-tounderstand manner it aims to demystify some of the more challenging concepts with Christianity, while demonstrating that true spirituality is within us all.

Neal Sutton’s work charts 12,500 years of spiritual truth from the real pyramid builders to Moses, the Mayans. Freemasons, Pharaohs, Jesus, Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist. it details the battle for hearts and minds that has played out across thousands of years within the Church, and looks at the truth behind the Bible stories.

We Hear You Angels

By Jennifer Lynch This book explores connecting to your Guardian Angel and learning how to listen to your angel. It also looks at different types of angels as well as light beings. How by surrendering and passing your wishes up to the angels, is not the same as the Law of Attraction. It looks at archangels and my own angelic experiences. It helps you bring angels into your life with a realistic and balanced perspective.

There are a few meditations or ‘opening up’ exercises which will allow you to have a closer connection to the angelic realms, as well as clearing and balancing your energy fields.

There are also channeled messages which I have received from angels, which explain about what’s happening on planet earth, at this evolutionary time.

“This is a book for the present times and beyond!

A phenomenal offering at a time when we are so disillusioned with traditional religion and searching for answers to so many questions. This book gave me the answers and is also confirmation that I am not alone in my search for the truth infused with Spiritual fulfillment.” Samantha Yates Editor.

Why angels choose to be here now through our transition, both as a race and as a planet. How angels come close to us in times of great upheaval both personally and universally. Why we find feathers and what this means. It asks, are angel feathers different to bird feathers and what makes them so special?

Available at all good bookshops and on-line retailers. Ebook coming soon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/149525481X Also available on Kindle

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A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.

Edward P. Morgan

The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence

Vegetarian Home Cooking

By Daniel Parmeggiani

By Ursula Carr

We are all fully entitled and capable of existing in a permanent state of completely fulfilling happiness, free of any guilt or shame, and filled with unconditional love for ourselves and others.

The requirement is not external possessions, powers, accomplishments, or even recognition and acceptance from others.

During the 25 years I have been a vegetarian I have created and cooked many vegetarian recipes, following many requests for my recipes, and wanting to leave a record of my cooking for my children and grandchildren, I decided to create a book of my favourite and most used recipes, and so Vegetarian Home Cooking was born!

All that is needed is a simple yet powerful shift in how we interpret ourselves in the world.

I like to eat ‘normal’ food and enjoy a choice of real home-cooked food. I also like my food to be ready with the least amount of fuss and to be full of flavour.

The highest spiritual aspirations of happiness, love, compassion, and inner peace are simple mental states of awareness, dependant only on our ability to perceive our true innocent nature and our real identity as unconditionally worthy spiritual beings.

The Magnificent Truths of Our Existence presents our flawless true nature in the same remarkably clear and straightforward way in which the author experienced it. Welcome to the ultimate journey of self-discovery. www.MagnificentTruths.com/order

In my cookbook you will find delicious vegetarian recipes for every day cooking and for celebration cooking, including soups, main meals, cakes, biscuits and desserts.

This book is for everyone, vegetarians, non-vegetarians, anyone wanting to try vegetarian cooking, and for the host cooking for a vegetarian. Happy cooking!

Available on Amazon

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THE BOOK SHELF

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to selfchosen ignorance Confucius

The Earth Changes by Anne Fallas Anne Fallas’s allegorical tale challenges us head on to question our views on our dependence upon consumerism; the politics of greed; our general apathy as to the power of nature; and asks should we consider alternatives before one or other catastrophe engulfs us, or will circumstance be allowed to dictate our ultimate condition?

form a close relationship. On an individual level they face personal challenges, overcome hurdles and move into positive change.

As a group they build a small self-reliant community and together they face immense challenges. Supporting each other they adapt and with a greater awareness and a new vision, they help create a new world.

“This is a very rare animal, an eco-novel written well. Set in France at time when the Earth’s climate is unravelling, it tells the story of a group of people who are struggling to make sense of their lives, build a small, self-sufficient community and prepare for a post-technological world. Rather than being gloomy, it treats the exploration of a new way of living with optimism and joy.

Encoded in the tale are metaphors about human and planetary evolution that would be familiar to students of esoteric psychology. The novel works.

I read it cover to cover and enjoyed its style and structure and I didn’t find it obvious or preachy.

Worth seeking out.” Maddy Harland, Editor, Permaculture Magazine

‘I realised when I was young that I was living in an unstable world,’ Charlie shrugged. ‘I didn’t and I still don’t, want to depend on a society I can’t trust.’ [ext chap 13]

A small group of people are drawn together and

www.annefallas.fr

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‘The rules and confines of man were being replaced by an order that was natural, pure and whole. It had no limits. It was linked to and by the waves of celestial thought. This was truth radiating and illuminating itself.’ [ext epilogue] “We are nature, we are human, we are spirit and we all share the vision.” Anne Fallas.

ISBN: 978-0-9568937-0-3

Mind Body Spirit l

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Chelmsford

Sat 7th-Sun 8th June 2014

10am-5pm Marconi Sports & Social Club, Tydemans, off Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9FH International TV Psychics and Clairvoyants Sue Hudd, Maureen Flynn, Melayne Stone l Many free workshops & talks by inspirational speakers Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, Chrissie Astell, Sheila Steptoe & Ian Tucker l Meditation Room l Aura Photos l Wellbeing therapies; Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology, Crystal Healing, Reiki l Empowered Healing Space l Oils & Incense l Mystic Art l Spiritual Gifts l Stage Performances l Healthy Food & Refreshments l Crystals & Gems l

Adults: ÂŁ3.50 Concessions: ÂŁ2.50 16 and under: FREE For information visit

www.lifearts.co.uk

Life Arts Holistic Events & Courses

CHRIS COZENS

chris@lifearts.co.uk www.lifearts.co.uk

Supporting local people living with cancer Registered charity number 1052861

In aid of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and organised by Chris Cozens of Life Arts in association with the European Buddhist-Hanmi Association

Numerology...

For this issue I will give a short reading for Editor Samantha Yates to give an example of the kind of information and energy of the numbers hidden in the christian name and a date of birth.

Vikki - When I look at the energy contained within the name Samantha I can see that Samantha is a very independent person. The first vowel of the first name gives the number of the essential spark or inner self. The letter A resonates to the number 1 which re-enforces independence.

At a deep level it is important for Samantha to be able to take control of what is happening within her own life. She is very independent and strong willed and much prefers to find her own way through life.

Samantha also has a natural ability to motivate others through example.

Samantha - I am extremely independent. I have had numerous businesses in the past and find it difficult to work for others. I do indeed like to be in control and manage my own schedule so being self employed is the only way forward for me.

Vikki - Samantha’s day of birth number is 28 which reduces to 10 and then again to 1. As 10 this suggests that Samantha will have a lot of changes throughout her life almost as though she is living several incarnations within one lifetime! As 1 this brings the ability to start again so whatever life throws at Samantha she will pick herself up and start again. We can see that there is a natural ability here to lead and to 66

motivate others. Number 1 is influenced by the Sun and brings a warmth to the personality which brings people to

Samantha.

She also have a knack for bringing people together and so is are very good at starting new projects.

Samantha - I remember writing an article saying that I feel as if I have already lived many mini-lifetimes.

Nothing keeps me down for too long, I’m

. a personal perspective a warrior goddess! I brush myself down, pick myself up, dig my Capricorn hooves in and start again. I’m a glass half full kind of girl. I do love to motivate others to make the best of their abilities and life. In the past I have organised courses and workshops on Tarot, Numerology, Bach Flower remedies etc. If I believe in something I will shout it from the rooftops! I think my best

character trait is my sense of humour and hope that’s why people warm to me. I am very down to earth and honest, what you see is what you get with me.

Vikki - The month of birth is 12 which reduces to 3 and suggests creative abilities

and a love of family. Three is the number of creativity and reminds us to love life.

Samantha is generally an optimistic person with a huge capacity to love people. There is a natural ability to teach or to pass on to others what you have learned.

Samantha - I need to be able to work and express my creative nature, being self employed and working on the magazine is a dream come true. My family come before anything else, my daughter is my number one priority. I am very close to my family and relocated to be near them.

Vikki - The year of birth also reduces to 3 and so part of Samantha’s life journey is to “remember” the power to create. We all create our future as we journey through life and 3 reminds us that we have the power to manifest the future we wish to have.

Samantha - I started writing many years ago and then stopped as life events took over. I began writing again 18 months ago and re-discovered my love of words and the written language. I do firmly believe we can achieve anything we set our minds to with the power of intention. If I set my mind to do something, nothing and no-one could persuade me otherwise.

Vikki - Samantha’s life path number is 7 which is the number of spirituality and inner wisdom. Scientists are beginning to prove now that everything we need in order to fulfil our life journey is encoded within our DNA. This is something spiritual teachers have been teaching for a 67

long time - “Know thyself.” Samantha has a natural understanding that the answers we seek are within. As a life path number 7 suggests either a spiritual/teaching path or work which entails analysing and paying attention to detail. With 7 as a life path number there will be times when Samantha needs to retreat from the chaos of the world and connect to nature. Samantha’s natural strengths are a natural ability to lead and motivate others and to stay focused on what she is doing. She has a well tuned intuition which will often present itself as a “Knowing” and also has natural healing abilities. Samantha sets very high standards for herself and can be a bit of a perfectionist.

Samantha - As Chief and Editor at Universal Magazine I feel that at long last I have found my calling. The motivation for starting the magazine is to share knowledge and information - knowledge is power and offers people the choices to make informed decisions. I do have to pay close attention to detail with all of the proof reading. I am a perfectionist, if a jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing well! I live in a beautiful little village in Norfolk by the broads, I have stunning views and a tranquil setting to live and work from. This is my retreat, surrounded by nature. When I feel the need to retreat I come home to recharge my batteries. I trust my intuition and listen to my body if something doesn’t ‘feel’ right. When I connect to spirit and receive messages, it is clairsentiently which is ‘a knowing’. I practice Reiki on my daughter and myself but decided against this as a career choice.

Vikki - There is a great deal of sensitivity here and Samantha has the number 22 in her date of birth grid which suggests empathy. Whilst this can be overwhelming 68

at times there is an ability here to verbalise feelings and to ground the emotions.

Samantha naturally puts family and others before the self and has a genuine desire to help people. It’s all about empowering people . Honesty is incredibly important

to Samantha and she is not afraid of hard work. There may be a tendency to over think at times and this can result in stress but as long as she makes time to connect to Nature she will be ok. Seven is also the number of music and so you may well find that you would benefit from sound therapy.

Samantha - I am incredibly sensitive and try to keep my exposure to technology and the media to a minimum as I am easily

moved to tears! I’m a passionate lady and need to verbalise my feelings and emotions.

Integrity to me is paramount. I’m not afraid of hard work, that’s true. I do occasionally get stressed like anyone but at such times I turn to the Bach Flower remedies which

leads to a new beginning. This could be either a new job or a new project or a complete lifestyle change. Either way it is the beginning of a new life cycle which brings the promise of good things.

Samantha - I have learned to embrace change and from personal experience have found that each time I release the past something new, exciting and positive enters my life, so bring it on!

March is a good month for study or for spiritual work but it may be difficult to pin things down on the material level.

Samantha - March was a difficult month in which I felt as if I was chasing my tail, going round in circles.

April should see Samantha feeling much more settled and in control of things.

Samantha - Things have settled down this month and I’m looking forward to issue 2 going live in May, it’s a great issue!

May brings the ending of a cycle and opportunities to “let go” of the old in order to make room for something new to come into your life.

are fantastic, I swear by them! They help to balance my emotions so that I can gain clarity. Music is something I can’t live without, I have diverse tastes and choose the music to reflect my mood or use music to change my mood. I can’t stand still if I hear a Latin beat!

Vikki - Samantha’s Personal Year Number for 2014 is 10 which reduces to 1, this suggests some kind of big change which

I believe that Numerology can be a powerful tool in helping us “remember” our true purpose for being here. By getting in touch with our true self and realising that we are all “divine beings” we are able to grow and develop and become the best that we can be. Numerology can help us to pinpoint our strengths and weaknesses and help us to return to our personal path of destiny.

Vikki Fosdal www.lightweaver.co.uk

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Lemon Water A natural refreshing way to welcome a new day....

Simply drop a slice of squeezed lemon into a glass of boiled water, leave to cool to a drinkable temperature and take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to benefit from the numerous cleansing and healing effects.

Strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute.

A source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies.

It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile.

It helps to purify the blood.

It helps cure the common cold.

It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver.

Prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne.

Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins.

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A great source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session.

It aids in the reduction of phlegm (mucus) produced by the body.

Prevents the growth and multiplication of bacteria that cause infections and diseases.

The potassium content in lemon helps to nourish the brain and nerve cells.

It has an alkalizing effect on the body.

It balances to maintain the pH levels in the body.

It helps dissolve gall bladder stones and other calcium build ups that are dangerous to the body.

Reduces pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid.

It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems.

Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial.

It can treat a sore throat; gargle with warm lemon water to help ease a sore throat.

Aids to relieve indigestion and excess gas.

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And Brea Prana is life. You can think of ‘Prana’ as breath, like a thread or a chain that links and connects all the events of your life from birth the beginning, to death - the end.

The breath is always there every moment, moving by itself like a river. In yoga we refer to the breath as ‘Pranayama’. The word ‘Prana’ is comprised of two roots prana plus ayama. Prana means ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’ and yama translates as ‘control’.

Therefore pranayama is to control one’s breathing. Prana can also be referred to as energy.

According to one of the ancient texts called ‘The Upanishads’, the various levels of existence form a continuum, the physical, the pranic, the mental and the higher levels of our consciousness. These levels are layered one upon the other. If the mind wants to affect the body, it alters the flow of energy or prana. If the body wants to affect the mind, this too is accomplished through an effect on the flow of energy, which in turn has an impact on the mind.

Prana is said to be the vital link between psyche and soma -“vital” because energy is the very basis of life and vitality. The vital energy is referred to as the pranic sheath. The pranic sheath is said to have 72

reath... an extremely complicated anatomy and is composed of pathways called ‘nadis’ in which prana (energy) flows. As you can imagine Prana is a vast topic therefore for the purpose of this article I will keep it simple and we shall refer to prana (energy) as the breath. The average person uses their chest muscles rather than the diaphragm when breathing and such breathing is usually shallow, rapid and irregular. As a consequence, the lower lobes of the lungs, which receive an abundant supply of blood, are not adequately ventilated so the gas exchange which takes place between the air in the lungs and the blood is inadequate.

Respiratory physiologists refer to this as a ‘ventilation-perfusion abnormality’. With diaphragmatic breathing, such inequalities between ventilation and perfusion are minimised.

Have you ever noticed how the breath changes with our moods and the circumstances we find ourselves in. Short and shallow when we’re tense or angry.

Faster when we exercise or are anxious, slow and full when we are happy and relaxed and almost disappearing when we are faced with fear. The breath is a great tool, an anchor, to bring stability to the body and mind when we deliberately choose to become aware of it.

We can tune into our breath at any moment during every day of our lives.

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Much of the time we’re not in touch with our breath - it’s just there, forgotten. So one of the first things we practice in yoga is to notice without judgement, our breath, to be mindful and observe our breath. We notice how the breath changes with our moods, our thoughts, our feelings and body movements. We don’t have to control the breath we can simply notice it and get to know it, like a long lost friend. All that is necessary is to observe, watch, and feel the breath with a sense of interest, in a relaxed manner.

With practice, we become more aware of our breathing. We can use it to direct our awareness to different aspects of our lives.

For example, to relax tense muscles, or focus on a situation that requires attention.

Breath can also be used to help deal with pain, anger, relationships or the stresses and challenges we can face in our daily lives.

The belly moves to the tune of the breath.

When we are at ease, the diaphragm becomes the primary engine of the breath.

As we inhale, this dome-like muscle descends toward the abdomen, moving the abdominal muscles and inviting the belly to gently swell. As we exhale, the diaphragm releases back toward the heart, enabling the belly to release toward the spine.

Don’t confuse this action with tensing and releasing the abdominal muscles, though.

The rise and fall of the breath is initiated from the breathing muscles, while the belly muscles remain quiet, soft and unrestricted.

In a resting body the muscles of the upper 74

chest remain soft and unstrained during each cycle of breath. The real work occurs deeper in the ribcage, minimising feelings of heaving or gripping in the shoulders and throat. To promote this relaxed breathing pattern, consciously relax the eyes, mouth, tongue, jaw, throat, neck and shoulders, and visualise the breath sweeping into the deepest parts of the lungs as you breathe in and out. The breath is smooth, soft and rhythmic.

Although some breaths may be deeper or faster than others, in a resting body the alternating rhythm of the inhalation and exhalation feels like a lullaby – rhythmic, smooth, soft and uncluttered by jerks and jags. Consciously relaxing into this wavelike, oceanic quality of the breath deepens our sense of peace and ease. We want to aim for a long effortless and gentle exhalation. When we’re stressed or threatened, our exhalations grow short and choppy. When we’re relaxed, the exhalations extend so completely that they are often longer than the inhalations. Some yogis teach that in a body truly at ease, each exhalation will be twice as long as the inhalation.

To facilitate this pattern, when you reach the end of your exhalation consider whether you might be able to gently extend the breath by just another second, without forcing. A short pause develops at the end of each exhalation. In our most relaxed states, the end of each exhalation is punctuated by a short pause that leaves the body completely at rest and still.

Lingering in this sweet spot where the body is neither swelled or settled by the breath can be deeply satisfying and can evoke feelings of profound quietness and stillness within. The whole body breathes.

to the heart. A slow breathing rate keeps the heart stronger, and better nourished, and contributes to a longer life. Whilst this theory is interesting there is no scientific evidence to substantiate this.

In a body that has been softened by ease and well-being, the whole body participates in the breathing process – not just the abdomen. Consider a sleeping baby – when he/she breathes in and out, the belly swells and releases, the hips rock to and fro, the shoulders bob, and the spine gently undulates to the tune of the breath. This offers a mini-massage for the muscles and organs of the whole body, and turns each breath into a soothing melody that further calms and quiets every cell within.

There are some things that can hinder our natural breath for example; there are two items of clothing which can prevent us from normal breathing - leather belts and bras.

If these items are tight they can restrict the breath so if you need an excuse to remove these items then this is it. But the physical obstacles are even more daunting: the hard tense stomach which encumbers every breath, the rib-cage as inflexible as a breastplate; the diaphragm immobilised by the wind - itself caused by spasms - which has accumulated in the alimentary canal.

It is said that human beings breathe approximately 15 times per minute and 21,600 times per day and that our breathing influences the quality of our life, the length, or quantity of life is also dictated by the rhythm of the respiration. The ancient yogis, and rishis studied nature in great detail. They noticed that animals with a slow breath rate such as pythons, elephants, and tortoises have long life spans compared to those with a fast breathing rate, such as birds, rabbits and mice live for only a few years. From this observation they realised the importance of slow breathing for increasing the human lifespan. They concluded that those who breathe in short, quick gasps are likely to have a shorter life span than those who breathe slowly, and deeply. On the physical level, this is because the respiration is directly related

The first step is to relax all these muscles, which when permanently tense are designed more successfully than any corset to prevent normal breathing; and this is why relaxation is the open door to yoga.

Priority given to exhalation Yoga, maintains that all good respiration begins with a slow and complete exhalation, and that this perfect exhalation is an absolute prerequisite of correct and complete inhalation, for the very simple reason that, until a receptacle is emptied, it cannot be filled. Unless we first breathe out fully it is impossible to breathe in fully and correctly.

In yoga we focus on cultivating diaphragmatic breathing. This is easy, simple and beneficial however the ‘habit’ 75

of it has to be learned and consciously cultivated before it can become ‘automatic’ and authentic.

How to Become the Witness of your own Breath and Cultivate Diaphragmatic Breathing: Begin by finding a quiet space where you will not be disturbed and give yourself at least 15 – 20 minutes for this practice.

Wear comfortable and loose non-restrictive clothing.

You can either sit on a chair, on the floor (use a wall to support your spine if this helps) or you can lie down just as you would in shavasana (relaxation).

Place a folded blanket or small towel underneath the back of the head just to encourage length through the back of the spine/neck and chin toward the chest (do not press chin to chest).

If lying down use a bolster or rolled yoga mat or rolled blankets behind the knees.

Whatever position you choose, allow yourself to begin to settle and relax.

Develop an inward smile and soften the forehead, eyes, jaw, mouth and throat.

Allow your shoulders to drop away from your ears and allow your whole body to soften and release.

Begin by noticing your breath, breathing in through the nose and out through the nose.

Bring awareness to your nostrils and feel the cool air entering as you inhale, as you exhale feel the warm air leave your nostrils.

Witness your breath – don’t attempt to control or be judgemental, observe the 76

steady ebb and flow of your breath.

If you feel yourself drifting off to sleep – open your eyes or choose another posture e.g. seated.

Bring awareness - follow the breath to the throat, upper chest, the lungs, the rib cage, side, front and back.

Feel the abdomen move upward on the inhale and downward on the exhalation.

Become aware of the whole breath observing from your nostrils down to the pubic bone.

Place your right hand just above the naval and your left hand over the centre of your chest.

Your right hand will move with the inhale and exhale, your left hand should not move with the breath, if it does begin to focus on breathing into your right hand.

Completely empty the exhale and do not be in a rush to take your next inhale.

Begin to gently lengthen your exhalation.

Once you have mastered this begin to lengthen your inhalation. Don’t rush or force it.

Practice for at least 10 minutes to start with and practice daily until you feel comfortable.

Once you have mastered the technique you can use this breath in your daily life and remember the your breath is always there to support you.

Barbara Ives (BWYDip) www.yoganorfolk.com

Breathe in Space Journey Retreats in Kefalonia, Greece.

“See a part of Kefalonia tourists rarely see.”

Experience the magic of this beautiful Greek Island where Creative Life Arts offers a space to breathe, rest, relax, recover, rediscover, re-juice and restore. In this magical place you will find time to rediscover your creative gifts, work through stumbling blocks and challenges, try out new things you’ve always been interested in and find creative inspiration for work, rest and play. It's a sanctuary from a busy world and a place to find your authentic self. Re-discover and replenish your creative spirit, deepen your deepest dreams, share your wildest longings, and learn new ways to make real lasting and significant changes, to help you live a life you love.

Jennifer Lynch Amazon bestselling Amazon Author, Life Guidance Counsellor, Angelic Aura Reader and Holistic Therapist will be joining Writer/Artist & Creativity Coach Detta Darnell, for a very special one off group retreat this September. They will be hosting a wonderful week of Angels, Auras and Magical Memories. This lovely guided retreat will give you the chance to gently dip your toes into the waters of Psychic Development (as well as the impossibly clear blue waters of the Ionian sea!)

“During your week you’ll get to experience an authentic Greek way of life - which is fast disappearing!”

GREAT VILLAGE ACCOMODATION CLOSE TO THE WARM BLUE IONIAN SEA! BREAKFAST, WELCOME MEZE DINNER, LEAVING DINNER AND SOME LUNCHES ARE INCLUDED plus A MOUNTAIN PICNIC AND BEACH BARBEQUE! FOR MORE ABOUT THIS LOVELY TAILOR MADE RETREAT including dates, price and full itinerary please go to https://www.creativelifearts.com Twitter – Dare to dream big Facebook https://www.facebook.com/retreats.kefalonia.uk.spain Or contact Jennifer Lynch on email jenniferlynch7@gmail.com

The Ancient Art of Hot & C

The utilization of stones for health and healing has been around for thousands of years, in most cultures. The Japanese were known to have used heated stones to warm their abdomens to aid digestion.

The Chinese have been using heated stones to relieve muscular tension and improve the function of the internal organs. Native Americans believed stones have souls and invoked memories of lost truths. Hawaiian Kahunas, (medicine-men), would heat smooth volcanic stones in the coals of a fire, rolling the stones leaves and castor oil.

Marble is a kind of metamorphosed limestone that is white or light in colour and formed beneath the sea floor. Physically, it is thought that the benefit of cold marble, improves the processing of calcium in the body.

In 1993, Mary Nelson developed what is known today as LaStone Therapy which uses a system of 54 heated stones, 18 cold stones, and a single room temperature stone. Include a spiritual element, with use of Chakra crystals to heal the 7 inner energy vortexes.

Warm Stones or Thermotherapy soften fascia structure faster and go much deeper than traditional massage therapies. Heated stones increase blood circulation, lymph flow, digestive fluids and create sedating effects. It also assists in alleviating aches and musculoskeletal pain.

A variety of natural stones can be used; Basalt stones are often rounded and smoothed, the volcanic thermal mineral structure retains heat longer than Jade or river stones.

Combining thermotherapy with massage techniques can provide an effective healing therapy. The use of natural stones in conjunction with massage, uses powerful earth energies to help the patients own healing process.

Ocean or river tumbled stones can often be used in a natural state, but are not as heat-retaining as basalt.

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White or green jade are often used more for cold treatments and crafted for specific tasks (facials or under eyes). Although jade can be used for heat, it will not hold the heat as long as basalt.

Warmth from stones also has the benefit of geomagnetism from a Earth source; creating a

Cold Stone Healing Therapy

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balancing and healing effect on our anatomical system. Iron can be present in basalt stones, also aiding magnetic therapy. * The localised placement of heat on a particular area increases circulation of fluids, this can assist to alleviate organ congestion and may even help dissolve stagnated tissue. * Stones placed along meridian points can assist in removing energy blockages that lead to the development of illness, preventing long term ailments. * The stones aid to relax hyper-tense muscular

regions much more effectively than other massage utensils and systems. * Warmed stones placed on the sacrum on a towel, can be highly effective during a back massage to ease localised pain.

Many clients have also stated that treatments felt like warmed soothing oils are being poured on to the back as the stones are moved in a circular motion around the whole of the back, with the transference of the warmth within the stones.

There are a few conditions that may be exacerbated with the use of hot stones. Something to

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remember is, any condition that is not safe to receive a common massage with, will definitely be contraindicated with a hot stone massage.

Cold stones or Cryotherapy is a powerful decongestant, pushing blood, fluid and wastes out of chronically tense or inflamed tissue. * It is cooling on a warm day or during hot flushes. * A cold stone massage will ease swelling or inflammation. After musculoskeletal injury; the tissue and blood vessels that deliver oxygen and

nutrients to that area, are damaged. The cells around the injury increase their metabolism in an effort to consume more oxygen and repair themselves. When the oxygen is used up, the cells are at risk of dying, the damaged or constricted blood vessels cannot remove waste.

Blood cells and fluid, in an attempt to protect those tissues, seep into the interstitial spaces in the surrounding area, which results in swelling and bruising. * Cryotherapy lowers the temperature of the damaged tissue through heat exchange and constricts local blood vessels.

* The cold stone massage slows metabolism and the consumption of oxygen, therefore reducing the rate of cell damage and decreasing fluid build-up or swelling. * Muscular injuries such as tendinitis, may benefit.

pressure can be decreased. * Fatigue; energy levels may be revitalized, increasing circulation easing hyper-tense muscles.

* To relieve anxiety smooth chilled marble stones are often used for this treatment and when placed on the body, the mind focus is on the body, rather than the mental stress issues of life.

A cold stone massage is a rejuvenating therapy, causing the blood vessels to alternate between dilation and constriction. Stimulating the autonomic nervous system, increasing metabolism and invigorating the body. Dispersing congestion, alleviate swelling and halter muscle spasms.

* Menstrual pain and bloating may be calmed

Hot and Cold stone alternating, strengths the

with a cold stone therapy. Cold stones placed in the abdominal area will help draw swelling away from the uterus and thus may help lessen menstrual discomfort. * Sinus problems may be soothed, the stones are placed on top of a cloth placed over the face to protect the skin. The cold temperature of the stones can work to alleviate nasal swelling and reduce sinus congestion. * To treat high blood pressure, stones are placed at strategic locations on the body, increasing the overall circulation of the body, high blood

immune system. Too much heat can be draining and depleting, producing laxity in tissues, which can increase inflammation. Dramatically moving fluids within the circulatory system, alternate constriction and dilation of the blood vessels. This can be extremely effective with sports or over-use injuries.

Always check with a registered professional before commencing with treatment.

Phil Cole www.sarlingtouch.co.uk

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Spirit of Spring Winter wanders winsomely into spring...buds bursting from boughs making birdies sing...time to nest ...their eggs to lay...ensuring creation for alway....new life stirring ... nature awakes...her creatures abundant in woods and lakes...Green Men peep and peer and yawn...stirring with the break of dawn....Early frost glitters on the grass... but in time this too shall pass...making way for wonders new...inspiration...and exuberance in all you do....May Day poles with ribbons bright...

Beltane fires are set alight...time for cleansing home and hearth...Brandish Besoms sweep your path...!!!...

Truculent trolls tweak squirrel tails...tiny Pixies carry nectar pails...sparkling fae weave gossamer silk...Hobgoblins march in search of milk...catkins shimmer like golden rain...cherry blossom petals are all aflame...violets wink with faerie eye...tiny faces raised to sky...dandelions with manes of yellow...daffodils a hue more mellow...Hawthorn aroma bittersweet...secret places where lovers meet...dark and lush with scent so heady...ardent arousal to make ready... Fertile and fecund is May Milk Moon...wave your wands tis time of boon... adorning altars with flowers white... a sprig of pine and candles light...Honour the Lord and Lady true...Magickal blessings thou shall imbue...

Goddess with her belly round...new life growing safe and sound...Natures bounty in the making.... glorious gifts are for the taking...Hopes and dreams... prolific seed...soon will bring you all you need...creativity with passion fueled...weaves a tapestry all bejeweled....treasure trove tis in our core...believe and never want for more....nurture all which you Aspire...traverse the ethers ascending higher...As Bluebells tinkle in zephyr’s sigh...The Ancients Whisper...Summer’s Nigh........

Lilith Llewellyn...Voyager of the Veil.... www.facebook.com/lilith.llewellyn

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...Aspiration...I

...Abundan You will need...

• 1 Silver Candle...to represent the Goddess/ Lady • 1 Gold Candle to represent the God/Lord • 1 White Candle to represent Spirit...and Fire • 1 Green Candle to represent Growth • A flower pot or seed tray (not plastic) • Bulbs or seeds of your choice • Soil or compost • A stick/cone of incense - floral scent..to represent Air • small dish of salt...to represent Earth • small dish of water Best time to cast this spell is during a waxing Moon...

Make a clear clean area to work...outside if possible...if not near a window/door...

Set out your candles and other ingredients...

Take a moment to breath in deeply...3 times... each time breathing in universal love and energy... positive vibes...and breathing out negativity...on the third out breath...release your love into the universe...then return your breathing to normal... still your mind as you connect with the other realm...let the mantle of magick envelop you as you traverse the veil where miracles manifest... and anything is possible...fell the energies of the otherworld ...bathe in their enchantment...

When you feel ready...light the candles ...honouring the Goddess...God...and Spirit as you do so...

Light the incense Then prepare your pot/seed tray ready for planting...as you do so...imbue the soil compost with positive thoughts and love and light...then

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Inspiration...

nce Spell... ready...plant them ...and thus the seeds of your desires into the fertile soil so that they may grow and flourish...hold the pot/tray again...blend your essence and energy with your seeds/bulbs so you meld as one...do not rush this...when you feel ready...extinguish the candles...thanking the Goddess...God...Spirit and the Elements for their assistance...

Place your pot/tray in a suitable place...water... nurture and talk to them each day...tell them of what you hope...your aspirations...dreams... wishes...ambitions...as your plants grow..and mature...soo these will your spell come to fruition...

Thank your plant/plants for each wish granted... and give something back to the earth in gratitude...for instance...feed the birds..pick up any litter...leave an offering of milk /wine or honey for Faerie...so they will tend to yourplants and dreams also...

The wonder you will experience as you little plants grow...will inspire...and astound you...

Magickal Blessings Lilith...)O(... consecrate it in the elements of Air...Fire...Water and Earth...

Take your bulbs/seeds...and consecrate them as before ...then hold them to your heart chakra...as you do so imbue them with all that you desire... your hopes...dreams...wishes...take time to do this... be sure of what you wish for...and when you feel

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Archangel Gabriel Is known as bringer or messenger – primarily associated with compassion.

Gabriel is the 8th Archangel. Gabriel with Michael rule over the etheric soul which give light to soul and body but astrologically he rules the moon (emotions of the soul) and the star sign Cancer.

Gabriel is the source for our inspiration and imagination. He helps us express our creativity as he shines divine light and celebrates our individuality. Gabriel’s energy is relentless as he guides humanity and points us in the right direction. At times we can feel like lost sheep but he is always there as a pillar of strength and encouragement. When we get stuck and don’t know which way to turn he acts as a sign post for us and enables us move forward.

Archangel Gabriel also helps with new creative ideas. His energy is very strongly associated with creation, birth and maternity. He helps our confidence and enables us to move forward with love and awareness. He is extremely strong and helps us to confront our own barriers and reflect upon our limiting beliefs! He is gentle kind and re-assuring and can also be called upon to comfort and heal our pain.

He can be seen in the Tarot as blowing a trumpet on Judgement Day! Rays Silver and Deep BluePlanet Neptune Crystal for confidence – Citrine Dream recall – Red Jasper placed under the pillow.

Affirmation to connect with the energy of Archangel Gabriel; Angel of Love and Compassion I am an extension of Your Love, I am willing and open, I feel gratitude for my many blessings, Each day is a gift which enhances my life.

Jennifer Lynch www.angelwisdom.co.uk

Artist: Julie Albion

I see Gabriel pointing his finger like a guiding star

who is giving us both direction and wisdom. Trust in Gabriel as he can bring balance, inspiration and wisdom to us by showing us a clear way forward.

A bringer of positive messages Gabriel assures us that it is safe for us to be powerful. He also helps us understand our dreams and enhances intuition and clairvoyance as Gabriel rules those going beyond the astral plane.

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UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE We have 3 fabulous books to give away from Singing Dragon Publishing House - Authoritative books on complementary and alternative health, Tai Chi, Qigong and ancient wisdom traditions for health, wellbeing, and professional and personal development.

Anni’s Cancer Companion An A-Z of Treatments, Therapies and Healing ANNI MATTHEWS When Anni Matthews was diagnosed with cancer, she decided to do something really valuable with the experience: she produced a book that is a friendly companion for those who must face the disease.

The Secret of Everlasting Life The First Translation of the Ancient Chinese Text on Immortality RICHARD BERTSCHINGER

Of huge practical help to anyone diagnosed with cancer and those who care for them, this book is a one-stop guide to making sense and use of the orthodox treatments, complementary therapies, and psychological, spiritual and holistic options available.

Subjects ranging from the most current major advances in treatments and diagnosis to the small but effective ways of relieving the side-

The Secret of Everlasting Life is the first translation from the Chinese of the second-century Can Tong Qi. This ancient work, the earliest known text on transformation and immortality, echoes the wisdom and poetry of both the Tao Te Ching and I Ching. The Can Tong Qi is also the ancestral text of all Qi Gong exercises in China. This translation reveals for the first time the meditation methods practised for thousands of years by Taoist sages.

Presented here with its original Chinese commentaries, the Can Tong Qi is full of practical information and advice about the process of human transformation and how to nurture and develop the natural life-energy within us. Richard Bertschinger’s additional commentary explains the intricacies of Chinese allegory and symbolism for the Western reader. This book is an insightful read for anyone interested in Taoist thought, Chinese philosophy and culture, or Chinese medicine. 2010.

Paperback: £15.99/ $24.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-048-1

For a chance to win one of these three books simply ‘LIKE’ our Facebook page and post one word to describe the magazine or the book title that you would like to win on the launch post, dated May 7th. Closing date June 14th.

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effects are explained clearly and concisely, often with humour and always with warmth.

Written by a bright, articulate woman, who was determined to have an informed say in what happened to her, Anni’s Cancer Companion marks a new generation of books about cancer.

It is that rare thing: a reference book that is human. 2011.

Paperback: £10.99/ $16.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-067-2 MAKE YOURSELF BETTER A practical guide to restoring your body’s wellbeing through ancient medicine.

PHILIP WEEKS Applying his deep understanding of holistic medical traditions from both East and West, Philip Weeks guides the reader through the process of restoring the body’s wellbeing using a simple combination of natural techniques, diet and herbal medicines. He explores five key interconnected

Alternatively you can email samantha@ universal-magazine.com, subject Universal Competitions and leave your one word to describe the magazine or book title.

areas through which wellbeing can be attained nourishment; detoxification; lifestyle; activation; and mind, emotions and spirit - based on his analogy of the wheel of health.

The author explores in depth the importance of good nutrition and detoxification, with clear explanations of specific methods and techniques and of the general principles to adhere to. He includes simple recipes and clinically-tested detoxification plans. The health benefits of activity and physical exercise are explored, as are the effects of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, additives and plastics, and the simple steps that can be taken to avoid these. He also looks in a holistic way at specific emotional difficulties the reader may be faced with, such as anger, stress and grief, and at how to deal with these in order to achieve wellbeing on a mental, emotional and spiritual level.

Compassionate and realistic, Make Yourself Better will empower the reader to make more informed choices in their day-to-day life to achieve a greater level of health and vitality. 2012.

Paperback: £9.99/ $16.95 ISBN: 978-1-84819-012-2

For more information about Singing Dragon - Jessica Kingsley Publishers please visit their website: www.singingdragon.com 89

ISSUE 2

UNIVERSAL MIND BODY SPIRIT

ISSUE 2 MAY 2014 ISSUE 3 - OUT JULY Editor SamanthaYates Publisher Andrew Dibble - WADIT