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November 2009 Ezine Articles Archives

Greetings Cosmic Interlopers and Celestial Star Gazers!

Can you believe that cosmic storm we’ve encountered? During the lastThe Star sign centre stage is Scorpion. Oh don’t go groan – Scorps have the worst reputation of the zodiac and most of it unfounded. Of course I am speaking from experience – being a Scorpio myself I have been the recipient of slurs, eye rolls and obvious physical distancing. Sure, Scorpions are passionate and intense but if we are focused on a positive route then we are relentless and resilient. So, I guess this is where I should inquire – is that a good or bad thing? Of course it is a great aspect of our personality. Well I must say that I appreciate the plutonian power of transformation. This inner drive has served me well throughout my life and I draw on the combination of Mars and Pluto whenever I am exhausted and ready to give up then it’s like a sirocco wind bellows up from inside my combustible centre giving me the impetus to move toward my goal. Does that mean I am filled with hot air? I guess so. At times I can be a bit of a wind bag and other times I see myself as a hot air balloon. It is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?

The main Moon events are beginning with the Full Moon on 3 November in Taurus 11 degrees 5:15am. The most sensual Full Moon of the year brings a reminder of the importance of good health and physical vitality. If the past few weeks have been intense and life-altering, now is the time to reconnect with your body. Pleasure in all forms is in focus, so treat you to something decadent. Venus aligns with the fated nodes and it may be make or break time for rocky relationships. If you commitment is genuine reinforce it through your words and actions now.

The New Moon on 17 November in Scorpio is 25 degrees and takes place at 6:13am. This New Moon encourages deep introspection. Nothing is out of reach now, if you’re prepared to truly examine your motives and desires. Release and purification are possible as you face your truth. Passion and sexuality are in focus, too. Saturn and Pluto combine to challenge long term patterns and outdated behaviours. Team work is the way forward so negotiate your way into a fair win/win.

Scorpio rules power and transcendence and some relevant wishes/goals to consider are:

• Empowerment
• Change
• Crisis skills
• Self-mastery
• Sex/soul mates
• Financial partnerships
• Avoiding power struggles
• Transformation
• Eliminating old baggage
• Restoration
• Forgiveness
• Obsessions
• Strength
• Commitment
• Depth of character

Scorpio rules the 8th house of sex, death and other people’s money so this may be a time to consider wills and inheritances, loans, taxes, contracts and business. Mercury (communication) is in Scorpio this month so if you are negotiating it is a good idea to put on your diplomat’s hat.

November is an 11/2 month which gives an extra boost to the extra-sensory perception skills of the carrier. A heightened state of awareness is usually noticeable during the 11 vibration and using this awareness can give you a substantial advantage over others in a purchase, job application or point of order.

The seven of wands is the next card in our tarot journey. The seven of wands augurs a struggle with other people’s creative ideas – still competition. The individual is challenged to improve upon and develop his or her project in the face of an envious and competitive world and needs to learn to value his or her ambition and competitive instinct. So set your sights on your goal and prepare to negotiate your way to success.

Crow is our animal totem for November. Crow medicine signifies a first hand knowledge of a higher order of right and wrong than that indicated by the laws created in human culture. With Crow medicine, you speak in a powerful voice when addressing issues that for you seem out of harmony, out of balance, out of whack or unjust.

Remember that Crow looks at the world with first one eye, and then the other-cross-eyed. In the Mayan culture, cross-eyes had the privilege and duty of looking into the future. You must put aside your fear of being a voice in the wilderness and “caw” the shots as you see them.

As you learn to allow your personal integrity to be your guide, your sense of feeling alone will vanish. Your personal will can then emerge so that you will stand in your truth. The prime path of true Crow people says to be mindful of your opinions and actions. Be willing to walk your talk, speak your truth, and know your life’s mission, and balance past, present, and future in the now. Shape shift that old reality and become your future self. All the bending of physical laws to aid in creating the shape shifted world of peace.

Our Goddess for November is Guinevere. From early times, the Great Goddess has been a trinity: her three faces are typically virgin, mother, and crone. Guinevere is the ancient Welsh Triple Goddess, the goddess of dawn and spring. Her ancient role is echoed in the version of the Arthurian legends in which King Arthur marries three women, each named Guinevere, and in the Celtic tradition that in order to be king a man must marry the goddess. Guinevere means “while waves,” white being the traditional colour of the virgin. Here “virgin” refers to a woman or goddess is complete in and of herself. Waves associate Guinevere with the regenerative power of the sea. As queen she is the eternal feminine principle of strength and order in a peaceful universe.

The crystal for Scorpio is Apache tear. Scorpio’s challenge is to master power in all its manifestation. Black Obsidian is helpful in this, buy only if we are prepared for the depth of psychological insight it brings, and for the darkness it releases before transformation occurs. Apache tear is more gentle (the translucent form of Obsidian) more conducive to control our power surges. It is for this reason that I’ve invested in a beautiful Apache tear bracelet for me as a special birthday gift.

On that note my friends I bid you farewell for November 2009 and look forward to continuing our cosmic conversation in December.

Take care of you and enjoy the blessings of Spring in the southern hemisphere and Fall in the northern.

Peace and Love and all things wonderful,
Harles

Dearest Jems,

Spring has finally arrived in Australia. The snow has defrosted and the abating of our harsh winter wind has subdued and melted into a comforting warmth which is pleasant – to say the least.

I was working in my garden yesterday planting a few new Australian ground covers and mulching the rest of the garden beds. It seems that spring has crept in under the cover of the unrelenting winds and kissed some of my plants with new growth and some shy little blossoms.

I love spring with a passion. I feel renewed at this time of year. I feel lighter and brighter – shedding layers of warm woollen coats and replacing them with fresh cotton clothes. Ironically, my clothes seem to reflect the colours of the season like a camouflage.

Since our arrival in the ACT nearly three and a half years ago I’ve become even more aware of four distinct seasons. In contrast, living in Coffs Harbour was like floating around in a temperate zone hardly reaching for a cardigan let alone a woollen coat and scarf. Now my wardrobe boasts a great divide of summer and winter attire. Even my shoes are segregated and positioned seasonally.

Speaking of seasons, Saturn (chronos/crone) has shifted from my eleventh house into my twelfth. This shift began on October 29. Already I feel the subtle changes taking place with a more vibrant social life. I must admit that I’ve not socialised a great deal over the past two and a half years; whereas since the shift I have accepted a couple of social invitations and am actually looking forward to them.

I guess the lack of a social life was more prominent in the midst of winter. After arriving home from work the last thing I felt like doing was braving the cold and wind and going out again.

I know that you are about to hunker down for the winter. How do you prepare for that? I’m aware of the chopping and storing of wood and stocking up on supplies. What else takes place in your preparation for the winter?

Actually I feel a little guilty. I am already embracing the warmth of summer. Excitement is building within about short treks to the ocean for holidays and retreats and you are about to submerge into winter.

I am sending you warm summer thoughts and brilliant sunshine to cast tiny crystals across your path, My Friend. Until December, rug up and keep warm.

Love and Friendship,

Jar

Dear JAR,

How lovely to hear your story of spring! It is always a welcome relief to close the parentheses on winter. Now it is time to open a new paragraph and embrace the pastel punctuation of this season’s garden composition. Spring brings renewal, joy, and hope, of which I wish you an abundance.

I chuckled when I read that you were feeling a bit guilty about revving up for short treks and warm weather activities. We are definitely hunkering down for the upcoming winter, but I am really looking forward to it! I do admit that the preparations are a bit much (and necessary) in this part of the world, but the actual experience of winter has a place of love within my heart. It took quite some time to develop, but the love is definitely there.

We are just getting used to having all the leaves on the trees gone with the wind. For many weeks we watched nature splash the trees with all the colors from her palette. And, like every year, we foolishly wished and hoped that this magic would never end. But of course we know better! We wistfully waved goodbye as the leaves blew about like rainbow confetti, and were once again reminded of our place in the fleeting and fragile cycle of life. The once lush woods now loom skeletal.

We had five cords of wood to stack recently, and that did take a lot of time, with only three people working at it. Each cord measures 4’x4’x8’ and the wood is heavy ~ it is a fantastic workout! Once all the props are in place (wood stacked, pantry well-stocked with plenty of food, batteries, and candles, I am so ready to seal myself in and get cozy for winter. I love having a fire in the wood stove, with the wind howling outside, and a hot bowl of soup or cup of cocoa on the table. Reading good books and doing art work is so satisfying during the winter, as is strapping on the snowshoes and trying to plod through the deep snow that piles up quickly around here. But that is still several weeks away. For now, the grey November skies are closing in around us like a fleecy blanket, prompting us to find shelter for the months to come. We are still preparing.

At this time of year there is a feeling that the veils between worlds are extremely thin, and what we witness is stark reality. That reality can create a sense of gloom or unease, but it is also a reminder that we are not alone.
I notice that there is always news of illness and death at this time of year. Last week my beloved 14 year old dog passed away, and I also acknowledged the anniversaries of the deaths of my grandparents and mother who chose to pass at this time of year. The air feels pregnant with transformation and change.
With Saturn entering the twelfth house, that awareness of the veils seems more pronounced and vivid. I guess you and I both share this current aspect! Now that Saturn left our 11th house, the social aspect of our lives has been stabilized. For the next couple of years our subconscious will be displayed ~ kind of like wearing our hearts on our sleeves! The inner will seem like the outer and vice versa. Let’s keep tabs on what occurs during this transit – it will be interesting indeed!

I once again wish you all the joys of renewal, and look forward to hearing from you next month!

Many bright and beautiful blessings,
JEM

Moonhawk’s Musings

Greetings.

This month I have decided to write about Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, St Mary’s Thistle, Blessed Thistle or silybum. This herb is well known for its hepatoprotective properties, i.e it’s really good for the liver. Here’s a tip, anything with the word ‘hepato’ or ‘hep’ at the beginning generally refers to the liver e.g hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, hepatotoxic is toxic to the liver.
I’ve chosen a recipe for spring herb chicken this month.

Spring is well on the way and early herb growth should provide the fresh herbs needed for this recipe.

Wishing you many good things
Moonhawk

Milk Thistle – Silybum marianum is a biennial herb that grows up to 2m in height. This plan originated in southern Europe, but has become naturalised in many other countries, including Australia, where I suspect it is considered to be a weed. The ripe seeds are used in herbal preparations. The active constituents in S.marianum are referred to collectively as ‘silymarin’. For a herbal preparation of S.marianum to be effective, it must contain standardised amounts of silymarins. Which is why you should always purchase herbs from a qualified practitioner, as they generally have access to herbal preparations that have been checked and will contain the correct standardised silymarins.

S.marianum prevents toxins from entering liver cells and stimulates regeneration of liver cells. This herb has been proven to assist patiens with cirrhosis and toxic effects to the liver.
As well as being an all round good herb for the liver, S.marianum is also an antioxidant, protective of the gastro-intestinal tract and kidneys, anti-inflammatory, and protective against tumours.

Ideally, S.marianum is combined with other liver herbs, such as Schisandra chinensis, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Cynara scolymus (artichoke) and other key liver herbs. Combining these herbs will not only help liver cells to regenerate, and protect the liver form toxic damage, they will also assist the liver to process toxins that have entered the body.

As a liver detoxifier, S.marianum has been shown to protect against hepatotoxicity in the case of ingestion of the death cap mushroom,provided it is administered within 48 hours. This herb also reduces liver damage caused by excessive ingestion of paracetamol. Quite impressive really.
Will St Mary’s Thistle help prevent a hangover if you’ve consumed too much alcohol? No, but it will help the liver recover from the damage caused by the alcohol. Also, if combined with herbs that help the liver process alcohol (a toxin), St Mary’s Thistle may lessen the unpleasant feelings that come with a hangover. Remember, the only reliable cure for hangover is not to drink too much alcohol. Good advice with the Christmas season almost upon us.

The Liver

I feel that to understand what S.marianum does you have to first have a basic understanding of the liver. The liver is the largest of the visceral (abdominal) organs in the body. It sits on the right hand side unde the lungs, and is protected by the rib cage. The liver has 2 main lobes, the left and the right. Each lobe has around 100,000 liver lobules, which are the basic functioning units of the body. Through these units the liver regulates composition of the blood (i.e how much glucose, nutrients, cholesterol, tri-glycerides etc are in the blood), metabolises carbohydrates (regulates glucose stores in the body, synthesise glycogen, and berks glycogen down to glucose), metabolises triglycerides (fats), including production of cholesterol, removes excess amino acids (proteins) from the blood, removes toxins and waste products from the body, stores some vitamins and minerals, and is intricately involved in the metabolism of pharmaceutical drugs.

The liver also produces bile, which is essential for the breakdown and absorption of fats. Bile is stored and concentrated in the gall-bladder, a muscular sac located near the right lobe of the liver. When nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine, they are carried to liver and distributed via the hepatic portal system (a fancy name for the way blood flows from the digestive system, to the liver, then off to the rest of the body).

Looking at this list it’s easy to see why it’s important to keep the liver in tip top condition. Assisting the liver to regenerate cells that will develop into functioning liver lobules is beneficial.
Remember, always consult with a qualified practitioner before taking any herbs. The NHAA and ATMS both provide lists of accredited practitioners.

References: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone. Herbs & Natural Supplements – an evidence based guide by Lesley Braun and Marc Cohen. Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink. Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology (6th Edition) by Frederic H Martini.

Spring Herb Chicken

You really need fresh herbs for this recipe. If you don’t have a herb garden, then see what is available from the green grocer. You need to have enough mixed herbs to end up with 1 cup of chopped herbs.

6 chicken Marylands, or 6 chicken breasts, depending on you preferred cut.
1 cup chopped, mixed herbs. Rosemary, thyme and sage are good choices, as are parsley, coriander, Bay, lemon balm, or mint.
3-5 cloves of garlic (crushed) ½ cup olive oil
Rind of 1 lemon (skin only, no pith), cut into strips, or use a lemon zester.
Juice of the lemon.

Mix the herbs, oil and lemon rind. Rub under the skin of the chicken, and over the bare meat. Place in a china/glass bowl, cover, and leave for 4 hour, or overnight. Add the lemon juice around 10 minutes before cooking.

Cook the chicken over the bbq grill, or bake in a hot (200c) oven until cooked. Serve with a green salad, baked potatoes, Greek salad, or similar.

NB: For a low fat version, leave out the oil, or only use 1 tablespoon.

The Green Back Pack at the Baker Flood Book Launch

The adventure begins in cramped surroundings and the doggy breath is seeping into my zippers. Crikey do they have to take the mutt everywhere? This is my trip and shall I say quite possibly my finest hour! I have the media to face and I have to look my best – and I can’t possibly do that coated in white fur – now can I? And of course enduring doggy snoring for hours on end will see bags under my eyelets for sure.

Whoa! Dreams do come true – we are turning into the doggy prison – there is a God of the Knapsacks after all. Now, we’re ready for some serious travelling – let’s go!

Wearily I peep out of my sleepy eyelets and become immersed in the rolling green duvet dotted with golden swatches of canola. The rock and roll of the car lulls me back to sleep as the scenery blends into a virtual blur.

Voices, doors slamming and I am startled into the moment – “here over here – here I am! Hey pay attention – look I carried her books, I assised in the research of this book, the midnight visitations and ancestral conversations – I’ve seen and heard it all. The ethereal urging of a tale that must be told – its all here in my sleepy folds – it was me can’t you see – I was there I did it and now I should have the fame and glory. What is wrong with people these days?

Mistress’s family greet with a multitude of hugs and kisses. Tony and Karen welcomed us into an extension of their huge hearts. Baker’s Swamp is the place to be – it’s a happening locale.

Early Sunday morning I’m woken by the tiny hands of my Mistress exploring my pockets fumbling for her journal. She is relentless – her writing is an obsession. I guess it’s not a bad obsession when you think about alternatives. I know one thing for certain her passion and dedication is unfathomable.

Breakfast and verbal navigations to the Burrendong Dam are delivered in short bursts and unfinished sentences. Everyone climbs into the vehicles and we are off to bring the climatic finale of the Baker’s story.

It is the 22nd June 2008 and we arrive at the Dam. A rock has been chosen (on our previous trip) and a brass plaque engraved. The inscription honours those who perished in the flood of 1867. This memorial is a statue of remembrance for those family members who lost their lives. A family almost obliterated from the face of the earth – it was if they didn’t exist – until today. The book launch and dedication will make sure that they are remembered on this cold and sombre day.

A death chill rolls up from the Lake. In a stark reminder of the Baker’s Flood it is suspected that the Dam has claimed another life in the same spot as the cabin once stood. In a macabre and fated event another life has been taken – a young man is missing after his boat capsized while fishing with his mates last night.

The solemn start to the launch is surpassed by the gathering of the Baker ancestors. Various interested neighbours and folk from the region have gathered to hear the tale of the Baker’s story. Natalie Holmes, reporter for the Daily Liberal is a vivacious and curious young professional reporter. She is sensitive and interested in the tragic tale.

Eris Thorpe capitalised on a local TV reporter and clinched a live interview for the launch. My straps burst with pride as I watch my shy Mistress taut the legacy of her family right on cue. She revealed her desire to bring their story to a respectful and honourable conclusion and did not forget to mention her great great grandmother Cecelia Baker as a spiritual beacon.

After the interview Mistress spoke with deliberate respect and devotion of the spirit of Cecelia. Here is an excerpt from her speech:

Good morning and welcome,

Thank you, Eris and the Burrendong Trust for allowing us to erect this Memorial in the State Park. I would also like to thank and give respect to the original owners of the land.

The purpose of this gathering is to dedicate this plaque to the memory of those who perished in the flood of June 22nd 1867. One that night a woman – a mother, died along with her seven babes. A neighbour, Mr. Frederick Smith paid the ultimate price in the name of mateship. Fred died along with the Bakers in a selfless act of friendship.

While we honour the ones who perished, I would also like to remember the ones who lived. How difficult was it for them to continue to live on the 23rd June and the days, weeks and months thereafter. Some people say that the spirits of our ancestors shape our lives. That they inspire us to survive, thrive and make a difference each day of our lives. I’m inclined to agree.

I often think about Cecelia Baker who at the age of 15 nursed her baby sister in her arms until she realised that the frozen body was lifeless and released her into to the surging tide. With her broken heart and tormented soul she moved from the roof of the shack toward her own watery demise. From all accounts she could not swim, I am positive that she too considered her own death. Fortunately, she did not succumb instead thrust her head above the raging flood waters and somehow propelled her in the direction of the nearest tree.

In the midst of the torrential rain and darkness a hand reached down and grabbed her – her brother was the rescuer. She climbed the tree and joined her father, Daniel and the three lone survivors clung like drenched cockatoos to that limb.

In the early hours of 23rd June, Mrs. Smith paddled a makeshift canoe through the devastation of the flood. In the distance she heard the pathetic cries for help as they responded to her coo-ee. She followed the ghostly sounds looking for her husband, Fred. Sadly, Fred was lost in the calamity of the Baker Flood.

If Cecelia did not persist that night, if she hadn’t pushed herself above the water – well I wouldn’t be here and neither would some of you!

Today is about acknowledging the lives lost but I’d also like to suggest that is it s celebration of friendship, survival and most of all, life.

I would like to thank my parents, Betty and Jim Ashton, my husband, Roger Sayers and his love, support and ongoing dedication to my dreams. I would also like to thank my Green Back Pack who is the star of the show! (Just kidding thought I would add that just for fun ).

May you all enjoy the spirit of Cecelia and live each day with passion and determination.

Thank you,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

See I told you, she was pretty amazing. I am so proud my eyelets are drizzling with moisture. Oups sorry that is a sprinkling of rain. Does this mean we’ve brought rain to the dry and dusty drought stricken country – it’s a miracle! I wonder, has the sadness of the day reflected in the sky? This region was once a thriving community – sheep grazed down yonder and now ski boats and fishermen float in hope of the ultimate ride or the best catch of the day.

Look, who is that? My Mistress walks over to the ramp to greet them – in their ethereal state they stroll up the ramp to thank her for the dedication today. Mary Ann Baker carrying her baby on her hip – her baby daughter only 8 months old when she died closely followed by her boys – Henry, Andrew, Charles, John Isaac, Thomas Edwin and even Mr. Smith. Rubbing my eyelets I can see one more figure – he gently pushes past his brood and walks toward my Mistress. A wide smile broad with contentment, it’s Daniel Isaac Baker. He must found and connect with his family in the after life.

Well I’ll be a green back pack – oh my goodness – well sew my seams and call me greenie – it’s Cecelia (and how could you miss her with all that flaming red hair?) And look yonder, it is George Moses is just off to the left of his family gathering hoping not to be noticed. Is that a smile I see – yes, I do believe it is – it’s a wry smile from George Moses – how brilliant is that? The best part of is that they’ve come back together to give thanks for the launch. Their story is out there for us to enjoy, listen to and be told.

The Baker’s gather around my Goddess of the Spirit World; she is surrounded by love, joy, respect and admiration. She has heard their whispers, enchanted by their story and with the devotion of her husband, Roger, published an e-book (let’s not destroy any more forests).

This journey began with a phone call to announce an impending birth. The first great grandchild of Beatrice and James Ashton was on his way into the world. This call became the corridor of esoteric conversations and many hours of dedication writing, talking, researching, editing and finally publishing and eco-friendly record of a family’s existence and their eventual obliteration from this world. The lives lost on the night of the 22 June 1867 have not only been remembered and revered they have been recorded for eternity. This story along with their spirit will live on – what a gift to us all?

The family melt into the mist of the morning. An echo whispers up from the Lake – if you build it they will come. This is the confirmation of the constant chant revolving around and around throughout the duration of this journey. Many times when Mistress was collaborating with TB Jackson through the recording of this story, they would hear this phrase over and over, “if you build it they will come!” Now with the realisation that the memorial stands proudly on the point adjacent to their cabin was the focus of the message – don’t you agree? I suppose it goes to prove if you listen and act on the prompts of the messages you dreams will become real.

People mingle around the rock and the atmosphere becomes electric. Interested attendees lobby for a copy of the eBook and mistress writes a personal message and signs them one by one. I look at her and my heart skips a beat as she listens to their personal testament to the connection of the Baker Flood.

Scrap books on bonnets and local historians share the preamble to the connection to the region. Already I can see how the memorial is working its magic – if you build it they will come!

Sadness folds over my flaps as I gaze at Pa. He is frail and leaned over sitting along in a fold up chair. His sheer Arian determination has brought him to the launch but I can feel that the years are catching up and he wont’ be with us for much longer.

Mistress connects with him too – she shields him from the cold – she is going to miss him so much when he finds it too painful to go on.

People pour back into their vehicles redy for the return home. Mistress has decided to stay the night and absorb the energy of the land. The Ancients are calling her and I have a strong suspicion that her connection to Baker’s Swamp is not over. I’m told that she will return again and again and one day establishes her creative legacy. So, watch this space as the adventure continues,

Your mate,
Greenie
Memorial Dedication and Book Launch
"The Baker Flood"
22nd June 2008
At
Burrandong State Park
10am

The roots of the family tree run deep. Julia Ashton-Sayers and TB Jackson have written this book based on actual events of the -
"Tale of Terror" (Bathurst Times - July 10, 1867)

"Of all the appalling calamities that have been produced by the recent floods, that which befell the BAKER family, at Burrandong, forms the most heart rendering picture of humane misery and suffering. The story sends the blood with a shuddering chill to the heart and chokes expression by the depth of emotion it creates. Oh! The misery of the dreadful night"