tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33955484904372392312024-03-14T02:18:26.459-07:00Hidden Witch~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-49488879530992163962012-05-10T17:18:00.001-07:002012-05-10T17:18:35.310-07:00Datura Dreams<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544252_3776878461138_1252155258_33486313_875079533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/544252_3776878461138_1252155258_33486313_875079533_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just about to open!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/576409_3777139987676_1182176604_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/576409_3777139987676_1182176604_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So fragrant!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJduONTY00/T6xYtKhBMLI/AAAAAAAAAbw/GJ0cJXFJO7g/s1600/IMAG0796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihJduONTY00/T6xYtKhBMLI/AAAAAAAAAbw/GJ0cJXFJO7g/s320/IMAG0796.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all her glory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Note: This is POTENT magic. Do NOT play with datura! She is best for watching & enjoying her fragrance.<br />
<br />
Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
<br />
~*Rhi*~~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-34525925599279143652012-04-11T06:38:00.000-07:002012-04-11T06:38:18.569-07:00Warrior<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She comes in time of deep hurt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tears flow unchecked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>She sees.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protective black wings, hardened by battle, wrap around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Shriek of crow rises in my throat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Macha, Babd, Nemain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tripple Goddess, Passionate & Powerful. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great Queen of strife & warfare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother of battle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Justice severe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harsh love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Liberator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morrigan. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drum & Bagpipe sound deep in the bones of my being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ancient passion quickens my body & soul.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raven’s wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bold & cunning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Protectress. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Priestess </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warrior.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bather of the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feared shadow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unrecognized strength.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morrigan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Great Queen – knows.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She who would heal must learn to curse.</span></div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-23606089371809089262012-03-31T06:14:00.000-07:002012-03-31T06:14:29.632-07:00A Song-Prayer for Planting<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">A song-prayer for planting:<br />
<br />
May you be blessed<br />
In this earth<br />
May you grow & prosper<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> Multiply<br />
May all who find <br />
Your presence here<br />
Be healed by the earth<br />
<br />
May the earth herself<br />
Be blessed by you<br />
And the love <br />
with which I plant<br />
May your roots begin <br />
To heal the scars <br />
I have laid upon the land</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">This song came spontaneously as I planted babies in Faeryland this morning. I hope you are blessed by it.</span></span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> ~*Rhi*~ </span></span></span></span></h6>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-18569977047436059162012-02-01T15:32:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:32:22.060-08:00Imbolc 2012Here is my Fire Festival:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfN6wh7IOsc/TynKfuMVFAI/AAAAAAAAAa0/zL6hvyd1__E/s1600/Imbolc12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfN6wh7IOsc/TynKfuMVFAI/AAAAAAAAAa0/zL6hvyd1__E/s320/Imbolc12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pot of soup, medicinal oil in the background, some incense in the sink, a picture of Brigid & a pile of candles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfOGzcZ45lzxCp-2bWxfbHnirK9tmIx9QISkMm3Mm6gml3oPRUtA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfOGzcZ45lzxCp-2bWxfbHnirK9tmIx9QISkMm3Mm6gml3oPRUtA" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Imbolc everyone!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rhi</div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-67713474108814903802012-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-31T11:30:08.739-08:00Soothing Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjnZvcWuxd4/TyhAMkOjJ4I/AAAAAAAAAag/5iQZI4X8jOo/s1600/IMAG0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjnZvcWuxd4/TyhAMkOjJ4I/AAAAAAAAAag/5iQZI4X8jOo/s320/IMAG0585.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>Today, I'm creating my favorite balm, Soothing Flowers. Full of the goodness of Violet, Chamomile, Calendula & Chickweed (when in season), Soothing Flowers is my go-to remedy where skin is involved.<br />
<br />
<br />
I use this balm for almost everything:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Itchy skin<br />
Moisturizing<br />
Bug bites<br />
Lip balm<br />
Tattoo healing<br />
Minor cuts & scrapes</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Wherever I am, you can be sure that I have a tin of Soothing Flowers close by.<br />
<br />
Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
<br />
Rhi ~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-16743028162339803232012-01-26T16:20:00.000-08:002012-01-26T16:20:55.781-08:00Grandmother Oak is WoundedToday, I felt called to visit Grandmother Oak. She is a powerful & <a href="http://hiddenwitch.blogspot.com/2011/01/mighty-oak.html">majestic tree </a>that I have been communing with for a while now. I didn't really have the time to visit, she is 15 miles from home & my schedule has been tight lately. But, honoring her call, I walked down the path, anticipating our reunion. I've felt sad all day & thought maybe she was calling to cheer me. <br />
<br />
She & I have bonded nicely over the past year (I can't believe it has been more than a year since we met! I didn't even realize that until I revisited the initial blog post.). She has given me many messages, including her name. <br />
<br />
As I touched her extending branch, something felt different. The branch moved. It is a HUGE branch that NEVER moves when I touch it. "Odd," I thought, "maybe I'm pushing on her." I approached her mighty trunks, feeling & seeing the energy in her center.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNsNSNiqm8s/TUHqVwn_k9I/AAAAAAAAARU/f2S9II0Rgug/s1600/IMAG0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNsNSNiqm8s/TUHqVwn_k9I/AAAAAAAAARU/f2S9II0Rgug/s320/IMAG0018.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
I didn't notice the wound at first. She was throbbing with energy. First I saw the pentagram drawn in the mulch that makes up her womb. "Another witch has found her," I thought. I felt a strange, sinking sensation & looked up. <br />
<br />
Immediately, I realized that a witch was not responsible for the drawing in the loose mulch. The numbers 666 were carved deeply into my friend's bark. Opposite this desecration was an inverted cross carved even deeper into another trunk. The wounds took my breath away. <br />
<br />
Sacred, holy, ancient. These are the words I use to describe Grandmother Oak. <br />
<br />
Now, she is wounded, scarred. These are not her first scars. A small hart was cut from her bark last year; initials are placed in her skin occasionally. But these wounds, these marks were of utter disrespect. Not the marks of lovers or possession, but the marks of anger & rebellion. <br />
<br />
My heart broke. I tried to send healing to my friend, but felt only empty, tight, constricted. It is not really Grandmother Oak that has been wounded, it is me. She will heal as she has before. She bears many scars, both human-inflicted & natural. She is strong & resilient. She knows that time will bring a softening to those who wounded her & will bring protective callouses to her skin. She is wise & patient.<br />
<br />
I feel violated. A space that I thought of as "mine" has been invaded. A sacred spot feels vulnerable.<br />
<br />
There are lessons here. I can feel them growing in my chest, but cannot articulate them quite yet. Before the assimilation of the lesson, I will grieve. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I will visit again, though there is little time in my day. I will leave offerings for the Fae to request a speedy healing of her bark before fungus sets in. I will meditate & find the energy to send to her.<br />
<br />
Tonight, I cannot even cry. It is just so disheartening.~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-27518777225825396592012-01-25T06:09:00.000-08:002012-01-25T06:09:04.477-08:00Imbolc - Fire FestivalJust some inspiration for upcoming Imbolc:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6mpuu18cZpY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LF81QGTLxA0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-S0gqI6koJw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nGHetszK4Jo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-82646983583889849282011-12-22T18:46:00.000-08:002011-12-22T18:46:39.231-08:00A Witch Is ...<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> ~Author Unknown<br />
<br />
a healer<br />
a walker between the worlds<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> ... a weaver<br />
a shaman<br />
a wise one<br />
<br />
Witches weave all these thread together. Witchcraft gives you a frame of reference to experience the world by being open to all possibilities. He or she borrows from many cultures and is encouraged to find the path that works for him/her, the individual.<br />
<br />
A witch is also ...<br />
<br />
a therapist<br />
a priest or priestess<br />
a herbalist<br />
an environmentalist<br />
a mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend<br />
a counselor<br />
a researcher<br />
a writer<br />
a psychic<br />
a teacher<br />
<br />
Nothing is prevented or forbidden. The path of the witch is the path of knowledge and wisdom. It changes and adapts as new information is discovered. Witchcraft is a LIVING religion.</span></span></span></h6>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-79305791424519379712011-11-26T13:55:00.000-08:002011-11-26T13:55:50.127-08:00Kitchen WitchEvery Fall I turn into a Kitchen Witch. There's something about the change of seasons that brings me to the hearth.<br />
<br />
This is also the time I bring the last blooms of the season to my kitchen altar. Very little about my altar screams witch, but it is my place of celebrating & honoring the bounty in my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh0ntToAtHg/TtFfA4zVG-I/AAAAAAAAAaE/BtG4BzPNaSA/s1600/IMAG0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh0ntToAtHg/TtFfA4zVG-I/AAAAAAAAAaE/BtG4BzPNaSA/s320/IMAG0514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My kitchen altar sits on a shelf hovering over my medicine-making table. During medicine-making times I remove the mortar & pestle & place a Moon Goddess as the center piece, add incense & a lit candle. In the plate she holds, I can place a bit of medicinal herb as a representation of what is to be blessed. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNImk9w6H4/TtFezApeulI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/WX6vl6OotEk/s1600/IMAG0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oNImk9w6H4/TtFezApeulI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/WX6vl6OotEk/s320/IMAG0513.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>In her place of honor, she transforms a simple shelf into a full-blown witch's celebration!<br />
<br />
Goddess presides over & blesses the medicine for my family, my friends & <a href="http://mountaingypsyherbs.blogspot.com/">Mountain Gypsy Herbs</a> stock. When not in her place of glory at the center of the altar, she sits in the medicine cabinet watching over a variety of herbs & remedies. <br />
<br />
As a hidden witch, I need to get pretty creative in how I honor deity, I really haven't had many statues up until now. But...she called my name, so I brought her home. <br />
<br />
Recently, I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.confessionsofakitchenwitch.com/p/ebooksservicescourses.html">Confession of a Kitchen Witch's Kitchen Altar e-course</a>. If you're new to creating a kitchen altar, it is a lovely start.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #4c1130;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></b></div><div style="color: #4c1130;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></b></div><b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: small;">~*Rhi*~</span></b>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-21939953896732525622011-11-24T07:46:00.000-08:002011-11-24T07:46:31.228-08:00The Iroquois Thanksgiving Address<div class="slim" id="blueBarHolder"><div class=" fixed_elem" id="blueBar"><div class="clearfix slimHeader" id="pageHead" role="banner"><div id="jewelContainer"><div class="fbJewel" id="fbRequestsJewel"><a class="jewelButton" data-gt="{"ua_id":"jewel:requests"}" data-target="fbRequestsFlyout" href="" name="requests" rel="toggle"></a></div><div class="fbJewel" id="fbMessagesJewel"><a class="jewelButton" data-gt="{"ua_id":"jewel:messages"}" data-target="fbMessagesFlyout" href="" name="messages" rel="toggle"></a></div><div class="fbJewel" id="fbNotificationsJewel"><a class="jewelButton" data-gt="{"ua_id":"jewel:notifications"}" data-target="fbNotificationsFlyout" href="" name="notifications" rel="toggle"></a></div></div><div data-gt="{"ref":"permalink"}"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Greetings to the Natural World.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> The People</span></span></i></div><div data-gt="{"ref":"permalink"}"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Today we have gathered ans we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.</span></span></i></div><div data-gt="{"ref":"permalink"}"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span></i><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Earth Mother</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Waters</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Fish</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Plants</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Food Plants</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Medicine Herbs</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Animals</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Trees</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Birds</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Four Winds</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Thunderers</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Sun</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Grandmother Moon</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Stars</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Enlightened Teachers</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Creator</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now our minds are one.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Closing Words</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.</span><br style="font-weight: normal;" /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></i></h6></div></div></div></div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-73418277273548035512011-11-01T14:56:00.000-07:002011-11-01T14:56:22.153-07:00To Listen<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1038"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <div class="WordSection1"> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Listening is a special kind of magic. It is a blessing we bestow. A communication of respect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone wants to be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are social beings who long for connection with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In today’s hurried world, filled with distractions, being a good listener can be a rare & important skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By listening well, we offer others the gift of being truly heard.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you a good listener?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Assess your listening skills by thinking about how often each statement below is true for you:</span></b></div></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span></b> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I make regular eye contact with the speaker</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I ask questions for clarification</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I show concern by acknowledging feelings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I seek first to understand, then to be understood</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I respond non-verbally, with a smile, nod, frown, or touch if appropriate</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t change the subject without warning</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I interrupt often</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I jump to conclusions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I finish other people’s sentences</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I find my mind wandering or am easily distracted during conversation</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I respond to the beeps & buzzes of my cellular phone while listening</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am parental & answer with advice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I make up my mind before the other person is finished speaking</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t give any response</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I lose my temper<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think about my reply while the other person is speaking</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br />
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By now, you should have a pretty good idea of how to improve your listening skills if they are lacking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Listening is a skill, like any other that can be mastered through practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are not a good listener today, you can be a better listener in moments by following four simple guidelines:<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The Four Basic Rules of Active Listening </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Seek to understand before you seek to be understood</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Suspend judgment</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Focus your full attention on the speaker </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Allow for silence </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you continue to struggle with effective listening, try this:</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Cat</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ch yourself in the act – recognizing your unwanted behavior is the first step towards correction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stop yourself! – As soon as you recognize a poor listening habit has appeared, stop yourself, acknowledge the error & apologize “I just interrupted you, I’m sorry” or “I drifted off there for a moment, sorry, could you please say that again?”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Replace an old habit with a new habit – Focus on one method of improving your listening & work to include that skill into every conversation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cut yourself some slack – No one is perfect, self-improvement is a life-long project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you find yourself sliding back into an old habit, just start over without condemning yourself</span><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Chinese symbol “To Listen” has deep meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lovely symbol </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">explains the difference between simply hearing and truly listening. By integrating representations of not only our ears but of our eyes, our heart, and the selfless act of undivided attention, the Chinese have truly captured the essence of listening. By doing this we show respect and value for the other and leave ourselves open to understanding a larger truth. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHDjpOfb7OI/TrBpDa3TuMI/AAAAAAAAAZU/Bk_Iv0MLx8E/s1600/To+Listen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHDjpOfb7OI/TrBpDa3TuMI/AAAAAAAAAZU/Bk_Iv0MLx8E/s320/To+Listen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></div><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1M0k3i3SeA/TrBqzfcQizI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_nfowR5wbTg/s1600/To+Listen.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-53902800843534135502011-10-15T19:52:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:52:09.134-07:00Moving to Facebook for nowWell, magical friends, I'm officially overwhelmed with<br />
<ul><li>School</li>
<li>Work</li>
<li>Starting an herbal business</li>
<li>Friends</li>
<li>Family</li>
<li>Home</li>
<li>Drumming</li>
<li>Dogs</li>
<li>Cooking</li>
<li>Blogging</li>
</ul>So, for the time being, I'm moving <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/HiddenWitch/279161848772270?sk=wall">HiddenWitch to Facebook</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
This way, I can quickly post fabulousness without the depth required of a blog. I'm leaving HiddenWitch up & will continue to post occasionally in this format, when I'm feeling long-winded, but for now, you can follow me by "Liking" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/HiddenWitch/279161848772270?sk=wall">HiddenWitch on Facebook.</a> <br />
<br />
Or, by "friend-ing" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001782456510">Rhi HiddenWitch on Facebook</a>.<br />
<br />
Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
<br />
~*Rhi*~~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-10824738837003138052011-10-01T16:04:00.000-07:002011-10-01T16:04:37.407-07:00Florida WaterOk, I'll admit it - I despise Florida Water. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theshaveden.com/store/images/uploads/howFloridaWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://theshaveden.com/store/images/uploads/howFloridaWater.jpg" width="110" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It reminds me of a brothel. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/funny-faces/fullsize/Ewwww--A-Flower--4e389b45abda1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/funny-faces/fullsize/Ewwww--A-Flower--4e389b45abda1.jpg" width="160" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, last year I caved into <i>witch-peer-pressure</i> (really, what was I thinking??) & bought a bottle. I have never used a drop. It just disgusts me & takes me totally out of my nature-witch mindset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3M0srkq0wd77Ua3AOHRdB598yPx1lXYhrkqOrqJyehTB1ZQ24DJnncEct" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3M0srkq0wd77Ua3AOHRdB598yPx1lXYhrkqOrqJyehTB1ZQ24DJnncEct" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a conservation-minded gal, I still couldn't stand to throw it away...but no one wanted it. What's a witch to do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://l.thumbs.canstockphoto.com/canstock4561586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://l.thumbs.canstockphoto.com/canstock4561586.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Today , being October 1st, my <i>Fall Cleaning Fever</i> hit hard <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNpEnedfP1ksfiKhZ7tgkhfP14JL9EujOpj5k-paEnXozyfabPL_Wja6X-qwdJskaF2bE0SmqUKbKVY5-1K6V2NZBC8-gLeFtiJQvhyxbRlycm2terJTQKAV37Jtr1WHPQ8ck0k5G7e0/s1600/spring-cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNpEnedfP1ksfiKhZ7tgkhfP14JL9EujOpj5k-paEnXozyfabPL_Wja6X-qwdJskaF2bE0SmqUKbKVY5-1K6V2NZBC8-gLeFtiJQvhyxbRlycm2terJTQKAV37Jtr1WHPQ8ck0k5G7e0/s200/spring-cleaning.jpg" width="200" /></a>& I knew it was time to discard the whore-house perfume that has aggravated me for a year. So I made a decision & sprinkled the stuff around our property as protection & cleansing water (I hope the plants don't mind!!! Oh MY GODDESS, I didn't think about offending them!!!).<br />
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Only one problem:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I ended up sprinkling my feet & now I smell like...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sexualfables.com/images/04181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.sexualfables.com/images/04181.jpg" width="146" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">well, you get the point... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Headed to the shower now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #741b47; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #741b47; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #741b47; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span></div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-57438598613059975732011-09-27T05:54:00.001-07:002011-09-27T05:54:40.952-07:00The Edges<p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/--j6u9wYmJhI/ToHHjZYYK-I/AAAAAAAAAZI/3USnOL8Ey70/IMAG0462.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/--j6u9wYmJhI/ToHHjZYYK-I/AAAAAAAAAZI/3USnOL8Ey70/s400/IMAG0462.jpg' /></a></p>Witches are walkers between worlds, communicators with spirit, manipulators of energy that exists in multiple dimensions. We employ many techniques & tools in our work. The best tool, for me, is edges. <br/> <br/> I do my best magic at the edges. The symbolism of edges opens a portal in my mind. <br/> <br/> Some of my favorite physical edges are: <br/> <br/> Shorelines <br/> Hedgerows (including the forest edge) <br/> Mountain tops <br/> Horizon lines <br/> Doorways <br/> Windows <br/> Garden borders <br/> <br/> Other edges are powerful as well... <br/> <br/> Some of the most powerful edges are lunar & astrological. The edges of the lunar month are, often, a witch's favorite times. We are famous for our Full Moon antics! The most fun is Full Moon at midnight...quite an edge there (even though our ancestors often measured their days by moon & sun rise, not our clock). <br/> <br/> Are you working with edges in your practice? They are great places & times to do witch-work. <br/> <br/> Wild & Bright Blessings, <br/> <br/> ~*Rhi*~ <br/> <br/> <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-17051032244667612202011-09-08T06:12:00.001-07:002011-09-08T06:12:20.149-07:00Stirrings of FallIt is still in the 90's here in Central Florida, but the stirrings of Fall have begun. <br/> <br/> Today, the sun is shadowed by dark, rain clouds. Many around me are complaining. I celebrate! <br/> <br/> The season of the witch is drawing near! <br/> <br/> Fall brings to me the signs of abundance, along with the caution that abundance must be appreciated. Stewardship is important in the Fall. Historically, root cellars were filled & abundance was preserved in the Fall to sustain the community through the Winter. <br/> <br/> It is tempting, in today's big-box grocery world to forget Fall's chores. We can bop down to the store & grab fruit & veggies from Equador, Mexico, wherever. <br/> <br/> There its great benefit to returning to the old ways. By preserving today's fresh harvest, we preserve the vital nutrients in these live foods. Did you know that once a crop is picked it immediately begins to degrade, losing nutrients? <br/> <br/> Before I began practicing witchcraft I never thought about seasons (in Florida we don't really have real seasons like the rest of the U.S.). I never really thought about eating seasonally or preserving abundance. <br/> <br/> Fall has now become a time of preparation. <br/> <br/> And CELEBRATION! <br/> <br/> As I bring apples, acorns, berries, squash onto my altar for blessing, I am reminded of my connection to the earth. As I preserve (usually in the freezer out of sheer laziness & busyness) I am reminded of the work required by or ancestors to simply survive. <br/> <br/> These actions prepare me for honoring activities in upcoming sabbats. <br/> <br/> Oh, & it is almost time for bonfires! Woohoo! <br/> <br/> Happy Mabon my fellow witchy friends! Fall is coming!!! <br/> <br/> Wild & Bright Blessings, <br/> <br/> ~*Rhi*~ <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-54067964400027332272011-09-06T15:00:00.000-07:002011-09-06T15:00:48.309-07:00Oil of Earthworms!I just discovered a wonderful video series called the Victorian Pharmacy. One of the ancient recipes they offer is Oil of Earthworms. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ewwwwww! </span> Gross!<br />
<br />
Other than that yicky recipe, it is a wonderful series full of beauty, herbal lore & the promotion of natural remedies from our ancestors.<br />
<br />
I invite you to watch The Victorian Pharmacy<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gpBe8bU6SH0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
There are 4 episodes on youtube. Enjoy!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
<br />
~*Rhi*~~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-9013385492369191982011-09-02T09:37:00.001-07:002011-09-02T09:37:42.120-07:00Mugwort Smudge<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iQbHX8UQJH8/TmEGUWETQRI/AAAAAAAAAY8/yz4eZWBVaac/IMAG0425.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iQbHX8UQJH8/TmEGUWETQRI/AAAAAAAAAY8/yz4eZWBVaac/s400/IMAG0425.jpg' /></a></p>It is way past time to harvest the mugwort! Much of mine has gone to flower & unless I want a whole yard full of this lovely friend I need to gather mugwort bunches. <br/> <br/> Because there was so much, I decided to create smudge sticks. <br/> <br/> The bundles are bound & blessed & drying. My whole house smells of this dreamy herb today...how lovely! <br/> <br/> Wild & Bright Blessings, <br/> <br/> Rhi <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-483216270179928652011-08-10T14:41:00.000-07:002011-08-10T14:41:00.720-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcC1ls6HiKQ/TQaksP7J5DI/AAAAAAAAAOo/mwTRCC4CAM4/s1600/monkey-meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcC1ls6HiKQ/TQaksP7J5DI/AAAAAAAAAOo/mwTRCC4CAM4/s1600/monkey-meditation.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-59321546543632764442011-08-08T08:24:00.000-07:002011-08-08T08:24:00.326-07:00Oh Dear Goddess, Make Me a Better Witch...After <a href="http://hiddenwitch.blogspot.com/2011/08/im-done-being-lemming.html">my rant yesterday</a> & in the name of becoming a more critical-thinking witch, I thought it best to provide some framework for abandoning rules. <br />
<br />
Sounds like a list of rules, huh? <br />
<br />
Actually, it is a list of questions:<br />
<br />
<br />
Will ___________________________ make me a better person?<br />
<br />
Will ___________________________ make me a better witch?<br />
<br />
Will ___________________________ help me connect with _______?<br />
<br />
Will ___________________________ help my spell work? <br />
<br />
Does __________________________ improve my life or the lives of others?<br />
<br />
Some examples to fill in the blanks:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>An athame/wand/cauldron/etc.</li>
<li>Community Ritual</li>
<li>The latest book (omg...take away my credit card!)</li>
<li>Wearing black/hippie skirts/pointy hats, whatever</li>
<li>Reading blogs</li>
<li>Working in the garden</li>
<li>That <i>awesome </i>stone</li>
<li>A new tarot deck (another great weakness, right behind books)</li>
<li>A class at the witch shop (oh, why must I ask these questions?)</li>
<li>A class at the local college</li>
<li>Running naked in the forest (ok, of course it would make me a better person!)</li>
<li>Going to the beach (uhm, duh.)</li>
<li>Celebrating a sabbat </li>
<li>Meditation</li>
<li>Exercise</li>
<li>That blueberry muffin</li>
<li>That sip of Absinthe </li>
</ul>You get the point. We have choices. Choices guide our lives. Make your own choices. Make them wisely.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqkVig3s01k/Tj6x_nHMGfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/tpGDuYWSHz4/s1600/REMEMBER-JONESTOWN-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqkVig3s01k/Tj6x_nHMGfI/AAAAAAAAAYo/tpGDuYWSHz4/s200/REMEMBER-JONESTOWN-small.jpg" width="200" /></a>And Remember:<br />
<br />
Do not believe everything you think.<br />
Do not believe everything you are told.<br />
Do not believe everything you read.<br />
Do not believe everything on the internet.<br />
<br />
Use wisdom & discernment. <a href="http://hiddenwitch.blogspot.com/2011/05/dont-drink-cool-aide.html">Do not drink the Koolaid</a><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span><br />
<br />
Critical Thinkers ROCK!~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-31255340407726670892011-08-07T07:58:00.000-07:002011-08-07T08:01:40.613-07:00Witch EnoughI'm done being a lemming. I felt such joy in witchcraft before I found out about all the <i>RULES </i>about being a <i>real witch. </i>I thought I found a religion & practice where I could shine as my true self. <br />
<br />
Today I'm throwing out the rules. I will no longer follow the Official Guide to Being a Witch. Oh, dear Goddess, here comes the high priestess to tell me I'm not a <i>real witch, but just a fluffy bunny.</i> <br />
<br />
Why did I just spend 3 hours standing in a circle (inside a New Age shop) with a bunch of people I don't really like celebrating the first harvest while my garden wilts under the Florida sun? Isn't the <a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/f/PersCelebrations.htm">Wheel of the Year about connecting with natural cycles</a>?<br />
<br />
I did it because that's what <i>real witches</i> do. We dress in black. We collect expensive tools. We buy stuff. We build elaborate altars. We join hands (even with people we don't trust). We say just the right thing. To just the right deity. We celebrate the right thing at the right time. We aspire to become the <i>High Priestess</i> <i>almighty </i>standing in the middle of the circle collecting energy. We follow the rules.<br />
<br />
Wait just a minute. That was <i>such </i>bullshit! I've never followed the rules for very long.<br />
<br />
My witchcraft was <i>much more connected & powerful</i> when I didn't know all these rules. I practiced solitary ritual weekly. I connected with deity daily. I used my body as my tools. I dug in the earth. I opened my heart. I made things happen in accordance with my will. I taught others. I inspired others. I was a witchy role model. <br />
<br />
So what happened? How did <i>I </i>become a lemming? Should I never have tried to learn all the rules?<br />
<br />
There really is great value in learning about the ins & outs of ceremonial witchcraft. Witches need to know the rules. The rules help us have a point of community & a basis for conversation. Rules are like scaffolding. The scaffolding is necessary until the structure is solid.<br />
<br />
Rules are training wheels. They help us keep balance when we don't quite have the strength & coordination to keep ourselves from falling.<br />
<br />
But at some point the scaffolding becomes redundant. The training wheels need to come off. We have to ride the bike & risk falling.<br />
<br />
We begin to make decisions about risk & reward, finding our own boundaries. Which rules are right for us? Which rules are oppressive?<br />
<br />
For some, fundamentalism is a comfort. The rules of ritual bring them safety & therefore allow larger exploration.<br />
<br />
Others need to color outside the lines. We need to be free. We learn best from our own experience. We are the ones on the edge. With strict rules & boundaries we wither.<br />
<br />
<br />
I loved connecting with the Wheel of the Year as a new witch. I felt excited to be celebrating holidays so often. The Wheel introduced me to cycles of nature. It brought ceremony & celebration to a life muted by technology & disconnection. The Wheel was my trainer. <br />
<br />
But my broom will not fly with training wheels. They are too heavy.<br />
<br />
So I'm creating my own customs. My own celebrations. I'm going back to my beginning.<br />
<br />
Nature made me a witch. It is Nature I follow.<br />
<br />
I don't care if I'm a <i>real witch. </i>Standing in my garden I'm witch enough.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span><br />
<br />
Oh, & P.S. Follow your bliss!!!~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-32701635138882061652011-08-01T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-01T19:53:12.979-07:00Spiritual & Medicinal Herbalism<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><!--[if !mso]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft_BGDZJejg/TKC8eVD_qyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/aR1ZqqRivNI/s1600/journeys+trees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ft_BGDZJejg/TKC8eVD_qyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/aR1ZqqRivNI/s400/journeys+trees.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="WordSection1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over the past 2 years, I've been studying Western Herbalism & have recently finished my Family Herbalism Certification. Now, I move on to Community Herbalism & clinical practice. </span></div><div class="WordSection1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="WordSection1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of this study, practice & research has led me to a theory:</span></div><div class="WordSection1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is little difference today between the practice of medicine & the practice of folk healer or shaman:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Physician</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Shaman</span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Begins study in teen years & maintains professional knowledge through continuing education</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recognized by early teens & apprenticed/studied since that time; modifies practice based on experience & further study</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prescribes medications & behavior modification for healing</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Prescribes medicinal/magical herbs & behavior modification for healing</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Uses ritual to establish authority during healing process</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Uses ritual to establish authority during healing process</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bases decisions on tests & intuition</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bases decisions on tests & intuition</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Knowledge is based on experimental data & tradition that is tested for validity</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Knowledge is based on experimental data & tradition that is tested for validity</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Has varied success rates </span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Has varied success rates</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Treatment carries risks</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Treatment carries risks</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All patients eventually die</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All patients eventually die</span></div></td> </tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, obviously, there are GREAT differences in the way these healers think. Those immersed in conventional Western medicine are rooted in science, where traditional healers are rooted in mystery. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wise men & women of the past & present were & are very connected to the land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of our modern medicines have their roots in the practices of these respected healers, but have completely abandoned the mystery & spirit of the land from which their practices are rooted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of us have been living immersed in the idea that these experts are responsible for health. We have forgotten that 80% of the time, our bodies will heal themselves if we just support them & get out of the way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have been so disconnected from our own bodies & nature that we have developed a collective amnesia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have forgotten how to commune with nature, how to recognize healing & nourishing plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span></span>Even we, who call ourselves Witches, tend to rely on the study, experience & advice of others rather than our own intuition & experience. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So, what are we to do?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is time we reconnect!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The best way to know nature is to spend time with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plants have spirits, unique energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They WANT to connect with us. Our genes are programmed to connect with them. Together, we can heal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is high time that we, witches, women & men of the Earth, start chatting up our plant allies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If the thought of having a chat with a daisy makes you feel silly, think of this:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plants and people, actually all living beings, have, at the very core of their being, within their very DNA, particles of light that can become coherent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These particles of light are called biophotons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biophotons are ultra weak light rays, that do not break apart, but maintain a beam of light that radiates out & interacts with other biophoton rays in the surrounding environment. The theory, presented by Fitz Popp, German biophysicist, is that this light carries with it a certain intelligence that is the foundation for communication between living things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when you’re with plants, animals, basically any living being, you ARE communicating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biophotons are only one method of communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also know that everything carries with it a vibration from the movement of atoms & sub-atomic particles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Using these principles, it is pretty easy imagine our communication with any living being.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But, even if we acknowledge the possibility of communicating with flora & fauna, we are also conditioned by our upbringing & society to classify everything using a system of hierarchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Typical Western Hierarchy:</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Deity</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Self</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other Humans Like Us</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Other Humans Unlike Us</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mammals (divided into edible & non-edible animals or predator & prey, etc.)</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Avian Creatures</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sea Creatures (also divided)</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Reptilian/Amphibian Creatures</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Insects</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Plants</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bacteria & Fungi & Viruses</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the biggest impediments to our communication with plants, animals & even other humans is this notion of hierarchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span></span>As soon as we start to classify one person or life form as being greater than another, we begin to distance ourselves from that living being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In order to open ourselves to the wonders of the world, we need to abandon our ideas of hierarchy & think less of food chains & higher levels of evolutionary development & begin to think In terms of the interconnectedness of all, the web of life. </span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, it's time to reconnect, how do we go about it?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A Few Activities to Connect with Nature</span></b></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span> <div class="WordSection2" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take a walk in nature</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Grow plants</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visit a local nursery</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Taste fresh herbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Head to a botanical garden</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meditate in a garden</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take a Wild Weed Walk</span></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" /> </span> <div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Connecting With a Particular Plant</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Abandon Hierarchy – remember we live in a Web, all connected</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Spend Time & fully connect (lay directly on the ground)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maintain skepticism, but suspend disbelief</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Use all your senses</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider the automatic connection that occurs with respiration – oxygen/carbon dioxide</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Be aware of the tendency to anthropomorphize – useful to a point</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Notice & Identify your feelings using feeling words</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Observe aerial view of the habitat –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a clue to plant’s properties</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: .5in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sun</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Shade</span></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Partial Sun/Shade</span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Drying</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Moist</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Balancing</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Warm</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cool</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Masculine</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Feminine</span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt;" valign="top" width="213"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Use a 10x magnifying glass to observe the details</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Touch</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Taste</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Smell – most stimulating to memory (genetic memory also) </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Observe throughout cycles (day/night, seasons)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Communicate </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meditation works nicely at first</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Verbal communication isn’t usually effective unless you are a "natural" plant communicator </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Use light, breath, sound, care, offerings</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When you get bored, stay! Only then will you open to the next level</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Record your experiences</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Journal your feelings & findings</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Photographs</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Return & Repeat</span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /> </span> </div><div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you continue these exercises & those that come to you from your intuition, you will soon find plants calling to you in your dreams...honor them, look them up. You may be amazed at how accurate plant dreams become once you deeply connect with these allies!</span></div><div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> </div><div class="WordSection3" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></span></div><div class="WordSection3" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><br />
~*Rhi*~</span><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /> </span> </div>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-16840010018170196892011-07-28T11:49:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:49:12.622-07:00Bath of VisionsWell, I'm all done with Family Herbalism & am on to Community Herbalism. Whew! Time for a bath.<br />
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One of my favorite baths is a Bath of Vision. I've used this multiple times & it has been quite consistent in bringing on a vision in coordination with meditation. The first time FREAKED ME OUT it was so powerful. I would be very careful to cleanse & shield your area prior to doing this & then soak, relax, get into your meditative state & delve into the world of dreams.<br />
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Bath of Vision<br />
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Add 20 drops of Clary Sage & 1 ounce of dried Mugwort leaves (in a muslin bag) to a warm bath. Pour yourself a small glass of your favorite wine*. Light a stick of your favorite incense. Put on some peaceful music that keeps a steady tempo (I like Reiki music or shamanic drumming for this purpose).<br />
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Sink into the bath & use whatever method brings you to your meditative state (I love Christopher Penczak's Inner Temple Meditation) & let the visions come to you. <br />
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It is best to ground & center after any vision work, but I've found it very important after a vision bath! <br />
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*Most resources suggest that "clary sage enhances the effects of alcohol, so it is not wise to imbibe during use. I'll leave this up to you, but remember <i>The information presented on Hidden Witch is for entertainment & education purposes only & is not a substitute for good judgment or medical advice. </i><br />
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Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
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~*Rhi*~~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-13989593964703458492011-07-17T10:43:00.000-07:002011-07-17T10:43:19.710-07:00Chia Milk RecipeSince so many people have asked for my recipe for Chia Milk, I thought I'd share:<br />
<br />
5 Tbsp Chia Seeds<br />
2 Cups Water (plus 3-4 more cups)<br />
1/4 cup Walnuts<br />
2 Tbsp Almond or Cashew Butter<br />
1 Tbsp Honey<br />
pinch of Salt<br />
<br />
Soak Chia seeds & Walnuts in water 2-12 hours in the refrigerator. <br />
Pour mixture into a high-powered blender (if you only have a regular blender it will be fine, just not as smooth). Add nut butter, honey & salt. Fill blender to almost full with additional water (leave room for movement in your blender).<br />
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Blend at high speed until smooth. <br />
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Chia Milk will store for 3-5 days refrigerated. My favorite way to use this wonderfully healthy mix is as the liquid base of a green smoothie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bN72mEWy-k8/TiMe2qH3bmI/AAAAAAAAAYU/7s5dEnr0HqY/s1600/171759_1807485507545_1252155258_32054782_302784_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bN72mEWy-k8/TiMe2qH3bmI/AAAAAAAAAYU/7s5dEnr0HqY/s320/171759_1807485507545_1252155258_32054782_302784_o.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Blessings,</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-10510024952937071242011-06-27T13:32:00.000-07:002011-06-27T13:32:58.220-07:00Witch in SchoolThis Hidden Witch is in school. For the past year, I've been studying Family Herbalism at the Florida School of Holistic Living. It is a wonderful program, but is taking me forever to complete.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Il94hahUui8/Tgjo4KDrRNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/lN45fbCsTAI/s1600/study_owl.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Il94hahUui8/Tgjo4KDrRNI/AAAAAAAAAX8/lN45fbCsTAI/s200/study_owl.gif" width="191" /></a>Luckily, Emily, the school's director is offering an Intensive this July. If I can really apply myself over the next month, I will finish the Family Herbalist Certification & enter the Community Herbalist program!<br />
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I'm excited & also a bit anxious about the volume of work. <br />
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So, I guess I'm saying - that's why I've been a bit absent from the blogosphere lately & will be just dropping in occasionally over the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I complete this intensive program, my eyes are further opened to the magic of our plant allies. I hope to be able to share some tips when I return (but may be so over the herb thing that I pick totally different topics).<br />
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<div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wild & Bright Herbal Blessings,</span></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">~*Rhi*~</span>~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395548490437239231.post-23938275746362401552011-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:002011-06-22T10:32:49.581-07:00The Hidden Beauty of PollinationAs I watch my garden melt under the hot, Florida, Summer sun I am reminded of the importance of planting appropriate species in harmony with nature.<br />
<br />
The closer we come to mimicking our natural environment, the easier it is to garden & the more our gardens improve our local ecosystem. By planting native species, we avoid the need for fertilizers & excessive watering. We also support our local wildlife, especially the local pollinators. <br />
<br />
Our gardens are currently about 50% native. Flowering plants are more like 90% native. We learned the hard way that Florida has freezing temperatures & the typical tropical plants cannot survive without serious intervention. As we moved more & more towards natives, we automatically invited in more birds, butterflies, bees, & other beneficial wildlife (and the armadillo family as well, but sometimes things just happen).<br />
<br />
Our medicinal & edible plants are all organic, but not all native. Many are suffering in the intense heat of this year's early Summer. Does this mean I'm giving up on them? Is my palate & medicine cabinet going to go all native? Probably not. I will continue to baby these plants with organic matter, shade & extra water, hoping they survive the heat. Some plants will be grown in a more forgiving season next year. Plus, we are adding some native medicinals that have been ethically wildcrafted.<br />
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The closer I connect with plant spirits, the more I am in awe of the complex relationships between plants, insects, animals & humans. We truly are all connected.<br />
<br />
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Wild & Bright Blessings,<br />
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~*Rhi*~~*Rhi*~http://www.blogger.com/profile/09149862596816235322noreply@blogger.com0