90's Rastafari - Herb-Sniffer

एकतरफा प्यार - क्या होता है ?

2024-06-23T21:14:00.004+05:30

*एकतरफा प्यार*

दिल में छुपाए अरमानों का गुलदस्ता,

बिन कहे ही हर ख्वाब को समझता।

वो न जाने, न पहचाने हमारे जज्बात,

फिर भी मोहब्बत में लगा दिल का हर रात।

तुम्हारी हर हँसी में बसती है मेरी खुशी,

तेरे बिना भी ये दिल करता है गुफ्तगू।

इकतरफा इश्क़ की ये कैसी राह है,

जहाँ हर दर्द भी एक मीठा गुनाह है।

तुम्हारी आँखों में खोकर, सपने बुनता हूँ,

तुम्हारी खुशबू में ही अपनी जिंदगी चुनता हूँ।

कभी न मिला जवाब, फिर भी करता हूँ इंतजार,

क्योंकि एकतरफा प्यार ही मेरा सच्चा इकरार।

___________________________________________________________________________________

*एकतरफा प्यार के लिए*

तुमसे मोहब्बत करके ये जाना हमने,

एकतरफा प्यार भी एक हसीन अफसाना है।

तुम्हारी यादों में जीना ही हमारी मंज़िल है,

तुम्हारी खुशियों में खो जाना ही हमारा फ़साना है।

दिल के हर कोने में बसी है तस्वीर तेरी,

इस मोहब्बत की राह में हर दर्द को सहते हैं।

चाहत की राहों में सिर्फ़ तेरा ही नाम है,

एकतरफा प्यार में भी हमने पूरा जहान है।

इस एकतरफा प्यार का आलम कुछ ऐसा है,

तुम्हारी हँसी में ही बसते हैं हमारे सारे सपने।

तेरे बिना भी ये दिल खुश रहता है,

क्योंकि तेरे ख्यालों में ही हमारी दुनिया है।

(Part-2) The Most-20 Beautiful Places In India Have To See In 2023 To Believe.

2020-06-21T20:20:00.000+05:30

The Most-20 Beautiful Places In India

Have To See In 2023 To Believe

(Part-2)

With a geography as vast and varied such as ours, it is hard not to find a beautiful place in India. We have the snow-capped Himalayas in the North, the beautiful stretches of sand dunes in the West, the picturesque lands and hills in the East, and a coastline of over 7500 km in the South.

Since there’s so much to see, one would be compelled to know about the different places in the country that stand out. When looking for some of the most beautiful places in India, you’ll stumble upon many. However, there are a number of places that you must visit.

20 Most Beautiful Places In India

Manali – The Adventurous Retreat In Himalayas
Matheran Hill, Raigad – Plethora Of Green, Serene Beauty
Zanskar Valley, Ladakh – A Mystic Dale
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – The Calm Monasteries
Munsiyari, Uttrakhand – Miscellany Of Verdant Slopes
Chilika Lake, Odisha – The Unexplored, Hidden Gem Of The East
Agumbe, Karnataka – A Dashing Source Of Fresh Air & Vistas
Rann Of Kutch – Salt Desert Of The West
Loktak Lake, Manipur – A Source Of Power Generation
Caves, Meghalaya – Pothole Of The East
Palolem Beach, Goa – Nature And Nightlife
Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu – A Wonder Of Western Ghats
Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh – Tranquility And Sacredness
Lonar Crater, Maharashtra – A Lake With Awe-Inspiring History
Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir – For A Heavenly Travel Experience
Gandikota Canyon, Andhra Pradesh – Enjoy Learning About The Vast History
Kudremukh Grassland, Karnataka – Nature And Heritage
Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra – A Flowery Experience
Sundarbans Mangrove, West Bengal – Lush Greenery And More Natural Wonders
Ziro Hill Station, Andhra Pradesh – A Famous Census Town

21. Manali – The Adventurous Retreat In Himalayas

Renowned for its snow-covered mountains, scenic beauty, history and culture, Manali, often referred to as the “Valley of the Gods”. A paradise for lovers of adventure sports, Manali is best for trekking and paragliding.

Best time to visit: May to October

22. Matheran Hill, Raigad –

Plethora Of Green, Serene Beauty

Matheran is an amazing place where nature is playing active role with you and where you can enjoy every breath with nature within in the weekend time. Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed.

23. Zanskar Valley, Ladakh – A Mystic Dale

Wrapped in snow capped peaks and huddled amidst two tiny alpine lakes, Zanskar is a beautiful tourist destination in the northern parts of India. It is one of the scantily inhabited Himalayan valleys blessed with immense natural scenic beauty.

Best time to visit: April to June

24. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – The Calm Monasteries

A thinly populated mountainous tract lying on the Northwest extremity of Arunachal Pradesh in north east India, Tawang is the seat of one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in India. Being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, it also houses Geluga, the premier Buddhist school in Tibet.

Best time to visit: March to October

25. Munsiyari, Uttrakhand – Miscellany Of Verdant Slopes

Munsiyari literally translated means a place with snow. Also referred as the little Kashmir, it offers stunning views of snow capped higher Himalayan ranges. Panchachuli is a group of five peaks and is the star attraction at Munsiyari. It is rich in diverse flora and fauna.

26. Chilka Lake, Odisha –

The Unexplored, Hidden Gem Of The East

Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon with water spread, Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika Lake offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species.

Best time to visit: November to February

27. Agumbe, Karnataka – A Dashing Source Of Fresh Air

& Vistas

The hill station of Agumbe is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. One can find several species of flora and fauna which are rarely found elsewhere. The lush green view all around, the attractions for the visitors is the spectacular sunset and vast opportunities it offers to the trekkers.

28. Rann Of Kutch – Salt Desert Of The West

Kutch district is the largest district of India having its origins from the Sanskrit word “Kutchboo” meaning tortoise. Kutch has always been a land brimming with festivity, excitement and an unparalleled vigour for life. This vigour is evident in every aspect of the lifestyle of its people. Kutch in every sense is a land which never fails to amaze.

Best time to visit: November to February

29. Loktak Lake, Manipur – A Source Of Power Generation

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, located in Manipur. It is also called the only floating lake in the world due to the floating phumdis. This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation drinking water supply and wildlife.

Best time to visit: November to May

30. Caves, Meghalaya – Pothole Of The East

Caves enhance the natural beauty of Meghalaya, located in most of the districts of Meghalaya. While exploring the caves, your journey will pass through the dark and murky interiors. Caves provide a sense of exhilaration to your journey.

31. Palolem Beach, Goa – Nature And Nightlife

When looking for the best places to visit in India, you can’t miss out the breathtaking beaches of Goa. Palolem beach is one of the most picturesque locations in Goa. Apart from its natural wonders, tourists as well as locals love this beach for its nightlife. There are several silent discos on this beach. Moreover, you’ll also get to witness the best of wildlife, including turtles, birds, gaur, and wild boars.

Best time to visit: November to February

32. Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu – A Wonder Of Western Ghats

A part of the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills lie in the western region of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. When looking for some of the most iconic locations in the country, you should definitely explore these awe-striking hills in the south. Doddabetta is considered to be the highest mountain in the Nilgiri Range at a height of 2637 meters. More than 24 peaks reach beyond 2,000 meters.

Best time to visit: September to November; March to May

33. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh –

Tranquility And Sacredness

Located in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Bhedaghat is counted amongst the most wondrous towns in the state. Established beside river Narmada, at a distance of 20 kilometers from the city of Jabalpur, Bhedaghat is a must visit for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Some of the sites that are worth witnessing here are Marble Rocks, Dhuandhar Falls, and Chaunsath Yogini temple.

Best time to visit: September to March

34. Lonar Crater, Maharashtra –

A Lake With Awe-Inspiring History

Also known by the name Lonar Lake, Lonar Crater is one of the most visited sites in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. This tourist attraction is quite a prominent National Geo-heritage Monument and its formation happened due to the collision of an asteroid in the Pleistocene Epoch. The lake goes as deep as 150 meters and as long as 1830 meters.

Best time to visit: November to January

35. Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir –

For A Heavenly Travel Experience

Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is known to be an ideal place for skiing and is a must-visit hill station where you’ll get a chance to see the best of nature. Located in the Baramulla district, amidst the awe-striking Pir Panjal Range, Gulmarg is admired for its dreamy natural setting. If you’re looking for those beautiful places in India where you can also try some of the best adventurous activities, then you must visit the town of Gulmarg.

Best time to visit: March to June

36. Gandikota Canyon, Andhra Pradesh –

Enjoy Learning About The Vast History

When searching for the most beautiful place in India, you’ll come across many but Gandikota Canyon in Andhra Pradesh definitely deserves to be on the list. Established on the bank of Penna River, this village is admired for its historicity. This village is essentially a fort and used to be a power center for numerous dynasties, namely Pemmasani Kamma Nayakas, Golconda Sultanate, and Kalyani Chalukyas.

Best time to visit: September to February

37. Kudremukh Grassland, Karnataka –

Nature And Heritage

Kudremukh is a renowned range of mountains. Kudremukh is also the name of a peak, which lies in the district of Chikmagalur in Karnataka. Established at a distance of 20 kilometers from the temple town of Kalasa, Kudremukh is rightly known to be one of the most amazing places in India. This place is historically famous in the state of Karnataka and is an ideal tourist site for both nature lovers and history buffs.

Best time to visit: March to May

38. Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra – A Flowery Experience

This plateau is also famous by the name Kaas Pathar. Kaas Plateau is located at a distance of 25 kilometers from the city of Satara. The plateau is a part of Sahyadri Sub Cluster in the Western Ghats and has been recorded as one of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in the year 2012. It has been established at a height of 1200 meters. On your visit to this plateau, you’ll get a chance to witness above 850 species of flowers – clearly, it is one of the most beautiful places in India.

Best time to visit: September to October

39. Sundarbans Mangrove, West Bengal –

Lush Greenery And More Natural Wonders

For those who want to spend quality time amidst nature, one of the most amazing places in India that they can visit is Sundarbans Mangrove. This region is in the delta that has been created as a result of the unison of Meghna Rivers, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. If you happen to be in West Bengal, make sure you visit Sundarbans Mangrove without fail

Best time to visit: September to March

40. Ziro Hill Station, Andhra Pradesh –

A Famous Census Town

Located in the district of Lower Subansiri, Ziro is a popular census town in Andhra Pradesh. This town is established at a distance of 115 kilometers from the city of Itanagar. This is counted amongst the most amazing places in India owing to the fact as to how beautifully the heritage of Andhra Pradesh is depicted here, becoming a part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative.

Best time to visit: March to October

Further Read: LUCKY 13 --- Haunted Places In Delhi ...

MUST VISIT & TO DO LIST ON RISHIKESH TRIP

Food of Bihar | DishesThat You Shouldn’t Miss

22. Street Food In Delhi That Is Worth Every Calorie

Now that you have gone through a list of the most beautiful places in India, don’t forget to add them to your itinerary for a fulfilling travel experience. Each place listed here will easily make your vacation in India worthwhile.

(Part-1) The Most-20 Beautiful Places In India Have To See In 2023 To Believe.

2020-05-20T22:14:00.000+05:30

The Most-20 Beautiful Places In India

Have To See In 2023 To Believe

(Part-1)

With a geography as vast and varied such as ours, it is hard not to find a beautiful place in India. We have the snow-capped Himalayas in the North, the beautiful stretches of sand dunes in the West, the picturesque lands and hills in the East, and a coastline of over 7500 km in the South.

Since there’s so much to see, one would be compelled to know about the different places in the country that stand out. When looking for some of the most beautiful places in India, you’ll stumble upon many. However, there are a number of places that you must visit.

20 Most Beautiful Places In India

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim – The Bowl Of Flowers
Stok Kangri, Ladakh – The Paradise For Trekkers
Nubra Valley, Ladakh – The Undiscovered Realm Of Nature
Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji – Cascading Water That Changes Colour
Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand – The Towering Marvel Of Nature
Drang Drung Glacier, Near Kargil – A Heaven For Travelers
Andaman And Nicobar Islands – The Undisturbed Honeymooners’ Getaway
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh – India’s Version Of Switzerland
Chandertal Lake, Himachal Pradesh – The Crescent Shaped Fantasy For Trekkers
Dal Lake – The Epitome Of Perfection And Serenity
Valley Of Flowers, Uttaranchal – The Sea Of Flora And Refreshing Aromas
Pangong Tso, Leh Ladakh – The Mesmerising Vistas Of Blues And Browns
Khatling Glacier – The Snowy Delight For Trekkers & Photographers
Ghats, Varanasi – The Realm Of Spirituality And Divinity
Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer – The Colours Of Royalty
Lake Pichola, Udaipur – The Lake City Of India
Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Beatific Waters Of North-East
Dudhsagar Falls, Goa – The Ivory Cascades
Agatti Island, Lakshadweep – The Beautiful Underwater Atolls
Munnar, Kerala – The Hill Town Of God’s Own Country

So here is a list of some of the most beautiful places in India that you must keep handy when planning a vacation in the country.

1. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim – The Bowl Of Flowers

On top of our list of the beautiful places in India is Yumthang Valley, the bottomless vale with a remarkable variety of flowers to boast of. It offers an eye-catching vista of peaks along with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. The valley is an amazing treat where you would become the element of the ceaseless picture exclusive of any sort of infringement.

2. Stok Kangri, Ladakh – The Paradise For Trekkers

Next on our list of beautiful places of India is the stunning Stok Kangri Peak that displays multiple thrills along the way and towers at a height of 6,000m. Located in the dreamy destination of Ladakh, the Stok Kangri Climb is ideal for both novice and experienced trekkers.

3. Nubra Valley, Ladakh – The Undiscovered Realm Of Nature

Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries; surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. There are sand dunes, monasteries, a ruined palace and at Turtuk, a whole different culture (Balti) to discover. The picturesque and breathtaking view of the valley puts this place on our list of beautiful places in India.

4. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji – Cascading Water That Changes Colour

Nohkalikai Waterfalls is around 5 km from Cherrapunjee and is the fourth highest waterfall in the world. Falling from a height of 1,100 ft, this fall is a great attraction of Cherrapunjee and hence finds a place in our list of the most beautiful places in India. The force of water has carved a waterhole which remains blue in the winter and turns green in the summer months.

5. Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand – The Towering Marvel Of Nature

Nanda Devi is the second highest peak in the world, surrounded by Nanda Devi National Park is a must visit place. A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna includes the brown and Himalayan black bears, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, serow and cheer pheasants.

6. Drang Drung Glacier, Near Kargil – A Heaven For Travelers

The 22km long Drang-Drung-Glacier is the largest glacier accessible to tourists in the Ladakh region. The three day voyage from Leh-Zanskar valley is crammed with natural marvels like stunning glaciers, spectacular mountain ranges and fruit orchards.

7. Andaman And Nicobar Islands – The Undisturbed Honeymooners’ Getaway

Long fabled among travellers for its legendary beaches, world-class diving and far-flung location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman Islands are one of the most beautiful places in India for honeymoon. Its lovely opaque emerald waters are surrounded by primeval jungles and mangrove forests, and snow-white beaches that melt under flame-and-purple sunsets.

Best time to visit: October to May

8. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh – India’s Version Of Switzerland

The Mini Switzerland, Khajjiar, is next on our list of most beautiful places in India. A popular hill station located in the Himalayan mountain range about 26 km from Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is also referred as Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh. Vast expanse of green meadows and dense forests besides vistas of majestic snow-clad Himalayan peaks make Khajjiar a popular destination with tourists.

Best time to visit: March to October

9. Chandertal Lake, Himachal Pradesh – The Crescent Shaped Fantasy For Trekkers

Chandertal lake, aka the Moon Lake, is a crescent-shaped basin, surrounded by the gigantic Himalayan Mountains on all the sides. Chandertal Lake is a treat for all the trekkers and adventure enthusiast as it is the starting line of the famous, Batal – Chandratal Lake-Baralacha Pass trek which takes them to the cool forest, valleys, undiscovered monasteries, etc

Best time to visit: June to September

10. Dal Lake – The Epitome Of Perfection And Serenity

Kashmir has often been called the heaven on Earth by poets and rulers alike. Dal Lake, considered as the Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India.

11. Valley Of Flowers, Uttaranchal – The Sea Of Flora And Refreshing Aromas

The Valley of Flowers, situated in the Garhwal state of Uttaranchal in the foothills of the Himalayas, looks like a fairy land and is arguably the most beautiful place in India. According to the legends, the valley of flowers has been spiritually associated with Lord Hanuman. The virgin beauty of this mystical valley has always lured botanist, nature lovers and adventure lovers.

Best time to visit: July to September

12. Pangong Tso, Leh Ladakh – The Mesmerising Vistas Of Blues And Browns

Remember the scene from the movie 3 Idiots when Kareena Kapoor comes riding on a scooter to meet Aamir Khan? Situated in the upper reaches of Himalayan Mountain range in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir, the most notable feature of the lake is the ever changing hues of the lake.

13. Khatling Glacier – The Snowy Delight For Trekkers & Photographers

The Khatling glacier trek is a very scenic one, and travels along the Bhilangana river valley with its source at the Khatling Glacier – the point of emergence of river Bhilangna. The Bhilangna Valley is a delight not only for nature lovers and trekkers but also for photographers, and replete with stunning views of snow capped peaks and hanging glaciers.

14. Ghats, Varanasi – The Realm Of Spirituality And Divinity

Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity.

Best time to visit: Any time throughout the year.

15. Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer – The Colours Of Royalty

Camel Safari is one of the most memorable and delightful experiences you can have. It gives you an exclusive approach to discover colorful villages in Rajasthan. Travel through the crests and troughs of the naturally formed Sand Dunes on a camel back and experience the essence of life in the Jaisalmer region.

Best time to visit: October to February

16. Lake Pichola, Udaipur – The Lake City Of India

Limpid and large, Lake Pichola reflects the cool grey-blue mountains on its rippling mirror-like surface. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. At the time of sunset, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone. This lake is, indeed, amongst the top beautiful places in India.

17. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim – Beatific Waters Of North-East

Gurudongmar Lake at a height of 17100 ft, is among the top 15 highest lakes in the world and is the second highest lake in Sikkim as well as in India. The panoramic and scenic beauty of the place is a sight to behold and puts it right on top of our list of most beautiful places in India. Surrounded by snow clad mountains and crystal clear icy water, it is considered to be a very sacred lake.

Best time to visit: November to June

18. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa – The Ivory Cascades

Dudhsagar waterfalls are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. Water plummets hundreds of feet in cascades of large volume, creating a mist all around, giving it a milky white appearance, hence the name. This is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers.

Best time to visit: Mid-November to Mid-February

19. Agatti Island, Lakshadweep – The Beautiful Underwater Atolls

Agatti Island Beach Resort presents a breathtaking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons, silvery beaches and lush green coconut palms. Here time stands still in the mesmerizing beauty of a virgin nature. It is one of world’s most spectacular tropical islands untouched by the tourist rush and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in India.

Best time to visit: Jan to March and October to December

20. Munnar, Kerala – The Hill Town Of God’s Own Country

Munnar – breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Best time to visit: October to November

Further Read: LUCKY 13 --- Haunted Places In Delhi ...

MUST VISIT & TO DO LIST ON RISHIKESH TRIP

Food of Bihar | DishesThat You Shouldn’t Miss

22. Street Food In Delhi That Is Worth Every Calorie

Now that you have gone through a list of the most beautiful places in India, don’t forget to add them to your itinerary for a fulfilling travel experience. Each place listed here will easily make your vacation in India worthwhile.

MY SECOND HIT......

2020-05-20T22:10:00.000+05:30

I take my second big hit
The dark room becomes lit
It’s starting to make me feel good
Just like it should

I’m confused and I don’t care to worry
My memories are becoming blurry
By the time the joint comes back around

I can’t get off the ground
Starting to loosen up, I’m starting to forget
My heart is beating so fast, I’m starting to sweat
Can’t remember what pill I took
Didn’t bother to look

As long as it takes everything away
And eases the pain for today
It’s my turn again, I cough and choke
But I still take another toke

I’m so happy it’s unreal

I can’t explain how great I feel
So many ridiculous words are spoken
My heart no longer feels broken
Laughing so hard I begin to cry

I can hardly hold my head up high
He is no longer swaying from a tree
Now nothing can bother me
My pulse is really starting to race
But at least I can’t see his face

I can try to quit
Or cut down a little bit
But this is all I can do to make him go away
Because he haunts my mind every second of the day.

aasaan kar diya ?

2020-05-20T22:09:00.000+05:30

Chase Dream - long time

2020-05-20T22:07:00.000+05:30

inkinsideherb
माना पोस्ट मैं वक़्त लगा दिया
करता भी क्या
जरूरी नही की
जो भी हम लिखे
हर बार पोस्ट किया जाए
कुछ चीजें अपने लिए
खुद के लिए होती है
हर रात आँखे बंद हो
और सुकून भरी नींद हो
हर किसी को नसीब कहा होती है
कुछ आँखे सोती है
कुछ आँखे रोती है। .

आंखो की नमी ....

2020-05-20T22:06:00.000+05:30

nami wahi kahi hai

Jhute Waade....

2020-05-20T22:05:00.000+05:30

Rastafarian beliefs - Early beliefs + Modern Rastafarian beliefs

2020-05-12T22:06:00.001+05:30

Modern Rastafarian beliefs

From the 1930s until the mid-1970s most Rastafarians accepted the traditional Rastafari beliefs.

But in 1973 Joseph Owens published a more modern approach to Rastafari beliefs. In 1991 Michael N. Jagessar revised Owens's ideas, devising his own systematic approach to Rastafari theology and providing an insight into the changes in the group's beliefs.

The key ideas in contemporary Rastafari are:

The humanity of God and the divinity of man
- This refers to the importance of Haile Selassie who is perceived by Rastafarians as a living God. Likewise, it emphasizes the concept of God revealing himself to his followers through his humanity.
God is found within every man
- Rastafarians believe that God makes himself known through humanity. According to Jagessar "there must be one man in whom he exists most eminently and completely, and that is the supreme man, Rastafari, Selassie I."
God in history
- It is very important to see all the historical facts in the context of God's judgment and workings.
Salvation on earth
- Salvation for Rastafarians is an earthly idea, rather than heavenly.
The supremacy of life
- Human nature is very important to Rastafarians and they should preserve and protect it.
Respect for nature
- This idea refers to the importance and respect Rastafarians have for animals and the environment, as mirrored in their food laws.
The power of speech
- Speech is very important to Rastafarians, as it enables the presence and power of God to be felt.
Evil is corporate
- Sin is both personal and corporate. This means organizations such as the International Monetary Fund are responsible for Jamaica's fiscal situation, and that oppression is in part influenced by them.
Judgment is near
- This corresponds to the nearness of judgment for Rastafarians when they will be given greater recognition.
The priesthood of Rastafarians
- Rastafarians are the chosen people of God and are on earth to promote his power and peacefulness.

(Joseph Owens The Rastafarians of Jamaica, 1973 pp. 167-70 and Jagessar, JPIC and Rastafarians, 1991 pp. 15-17.)

To modern Rastafari, the most important doctrine is the belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie I. Although some Rastafarians still regard Haile Selassie as the black messiah, many modern adherents do not see this as central to their faith.

Haile Selassie's death in 1975 was described by his followers as his 'disappearance', since they refused to believe he has passed away. Following his death and the increased acceptance of Jamaican culture in society, many Rastafarian beliefs have been modified.

According to Nathaniel Samuel Murrell:

...brethren have reinterpreted the doctrine of repatriation as voluntary migration to Africa, returning to Africa culturally and symbolically, or rejecting Western values and preserving African roots and black pride.

Nathaniel Samuel Murrell in 'Chanting Down Babylon', 1998, page 6.

The previous belief that white people are evil has diminished and is no longer central to Rastafarian belief systems.

The idea of Babylon has also developed to represent all oppressive organizations and countries in the world.

List of Herbs - an herb for a pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medication

2020-05-12T21:59:00.001+05:30

List of Herbs

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Most people think that using herbs is simply about substituting an herb for a pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medication. For example:

Have a cold? Use Echinacea instead of Tylenol.

Have arthritis? Use turmeric instead of Celebrex.

Have reflux? Take marshmallows instead of the purple pill.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach. It’s simple. And sometimes it works.

But it’s not herbalism.

My vision for this website is to help people see there is an art to herbalism, that using herbs can be a lot more creative, fun, and effective when used within a system of herbal theory.

There is a lot more to herbs and herbalism than a simple “natural remedy”. Herbs can connect us to nature and they can empower us to take responsibility for our health. And while herbs can lower someone’s high blood pressure or soothe a sore throat they can also heal emotional wounds.

There's a beauty and art to herbalism that goes as far down the rabbit hole as you are willing to go!

My herbal monographs below are thorough essays to illustrate how herbs work within the framework of herbalism. I write these for people who are truly interested in learning about herbalism, and not simply for what they can take to replace their pharmaceuticals.

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R

S

T

Thyme

Tulsi

Turmeric

U

Usnea

V

Valerian

Violet

Violet by Jim Mcdonald

Y

Yarrow

Yellow Dock

The Pattern of Lyme Disease

2020-05-12T21:56:00.001+05:30

The Pattern of Lyme Disease

I didn't want to talk about Lyme disease. I wanted to talk about herbs and my joy of them. I wanted to talk about healing and transformation and how that can happen - for you, for anyone. I wanted to talk about stars and planets and nature... anything but my story with Lyme disease.

But that's not how this works, is it? That's not how healing or transformation or plants or anything works. So I'm practicing my own medicine - and I'm going to share that with you.

Everything that our bodies and diseases express, do so in 3 ways - body, spirit, and soul. (Or you could say body, mind, and spirit) . The pattern of spirit is not about our eternal, spirit self - but more like a bridge. It is the communication, movement, and respiration between the very physical, tangible parts of us and the elevated soul of us(our higher selves). That bridge is extremely important, because without it we either remain very physical (body) or very spiritual(soul) and too much of anything leaves us imbalanced. But what happens when the bridge gets closed, broken, or encumbered by debris? What happens when those lines of communication shut down, the movement becomes constricted, or the respiration becomes inefficient? These are exactly the types of things we see in Lyme disease.

Because it primarily affects the nerves, the communication within our body becomes mis-wired, shut down, or can be the other direction - loud, noisy, and overstimulated. But this shut down of communication occurs outside of our bodies, too. The person suffering can't truly communicate with the medical field or their friends or family,(because they often don't understand themselves!) The medical field can't communicate with the CDC or the insurance companies, or with holistic and alternative therapies. Most people from Lyme disease end up really feeling alone and isolated with no hope because of it. The bridge breaks down on the inside and out.

Fortunately we have amazing bodies, spirits, and souls that are capable of repairing and restoring! And what I DO want to talk about is that you can heal from Lyme disease. I'm proof of that. And I'd love to help you on that journey.

PLANT COMMUNICATION

2020-05-12T21:49:00.000+05:30

PLANT COMMUNICATION

Plant Communication. What does that phrase conjure up for you? Scientists gathered around in rooms full of plants hooked up to polygraph machines to measure the minutest of fluctuations? Your quirky Aunt Tilly who speaks to her houseplants? Or a weathered medicine woman performing mysterious rituals with strange brews made from powerful plant medicines? Plant Communication can involve all or none of these things and you’ll find that it can be as varied as the people doing it.

To help describe plant communication or plant consciousness let’s travel back to a time when humans were in awe of the natural world and acutely aware of their dependence upon her. Their senses weren’t dulled by daily sitting in front of a computer screen, TV, cell phone, or e-reader. The natural world was their constant home, their survival, and they were in touch with the tiniest of fluctuations in that environment. Native American, and other cultures living close to the Earth, recognized (and still do) that all of nature has a “spirit”, a consciousness, a personality even. This consciousness of nature was recognized in all beings, the stone people, the animals, the insects, the elements such as sky and fire as well as plants. These beings were understood as being equal to humans. No greater, no lesser but equal. A part of a whole organism that worked in harmony with each other. Each being had its own lesson to teach, its own “voice” or song, its own vibration, and each being was honored and treated with respect. It was understood that we as humans can interact with these beings of nature. Of course most often plants don’t speak in the way that humans do but have a language of their own. Many modern humans have forgotten this language and stopped communicating with nature but the connection is not completely lost. It is the language of the wind, the water, the falling leaves in autumn, the opening of the flower, the falling of the rain, the rays of the Sun as they touch the Earth. To those that have not lost this ability, nature is continuously engaged in communication. It speaks to a part of our spirits even though our minds don’t usually comprehend the message. It is the language of the Heart. For others it is possible to learn to hear these messages, to open to these communications, and truly it is time that humanity did listen, for nature has much to teach. Lessons of cooperation, of how to get along with one another, and even answers to many of the current challenges we face such as climate change and energy shortages. Nature is the greatest builder and innovator ever to exist and we would do well to listen to this wise teacher.

As we spend more time in nature and most especially consciously in nature, we can tune into these plant energies and know things that science is just beginning to catch up with. This type of knowledge is a “knowing” that surpasses the mind and penetrates into the Heart and Spirit. When I was a child I spent much time in the woods and fields of my childhood home and the backyard of my grandmother’s house both of which were home to a few most beloved Maple Trees. I climbed those trees from the time I was a small child right up to my teenage years. In the spring and summer lazy afternoons were spent reading, daydreaming, and simply being in the trees. Autumn, raking leaves into enormous piles to jump in. I always loved the different point of view of being up high and examining the tree bark and leaves up close. Trees were never inert things but were my friends and companions. I had a sense that the trees held me and not coincidentally they had broken several careless falls that could have been disasters. In those quiet moments with the trees I had a sense or a knowing of their presence. Within that presence, that energy, there was a communication. The trees spoke to me. I felt no need to share these conversations, but accepted them and they became part of the secret knowledge I carried inside of myself. I knew that once you were introduced to one tree that all the trees would know you. Most especially the trees of that particular species. Today, science speaks of the underground network of mycorrhizal fungi that helps the trees to communicate with one another even so much as a warning of predators and sharing needed resources. I think soon they will discover that this network extends much further than previously thought and many other things they currently believe is not possible.

This communication extended to plants as well. Many family photos show me as a young child engrossed in intently gazing at a plant or flower. I often had potted plants on my window and my dad and I grew enormous gardens from the time I was small. As an adult I found that I could often engage with a plant and know what its name was or what its uses were. This is a type of knowledge that must be experienced to be fully understood. Spending much of my life wandering throughout the natural world, getting lost in backwoods, obscure trails, and forgotten fields, has taught me more about our environment than any other resource. Spending days consciously focused on this energy I was able to feel the unconditional love that radiates from all of nature. That is a mind-blowing experience. So palpable is the energy it is undeniable and defies mere words.

To me plant consciousness and plant communication are nearly one and the same. Once we become aware of how plants communicate, then we become aware when communication is happening. Plants communicate physically via hormones and reach out to humans via scent. Energetically they communicate through conscious energy which can be received as a knowing, a vision, or a dream. Likewise, we can open communication with plants and all of nature. We do this by moving out of the ego and into our heart space. Spending meditative, quiet time in nature will make us more receptive to their messages. One of the most important elements I find to plant communication is an open heart and a receptive mind. Once we believe we know everything about a particular topic or when our ego is engaged to the extent that we feel we “know it all” then we become unteachable. In the study of Zen Buddhism the idea is to practice having a “beginner’s mind”. A beginner’s mind is open and receptive, an empty cup. We’re not coming to the work with a cup that is already full but one that is empty and thirsting for knowledge and most especially experience. From that place of being, there are many techniques we can learn to help to open this channel and facilitate communication and healing. If you’d like to learn more about Plant Communication, sign up for the Green Girl email list to learn about upcoming classes and be sure to view the Calendar on this website.

The "L" Word - Whatever the disease is, it’s not an identity – it’s a dive out of an airplane. Laissez-faire.

2020-05-12T21:46:00.000+05:30

The "L" Word

I don’t know when I got bit. I suppose I can point to multiple times in childhood, spending summers in the woods, barefoot and free. We didn’t think anything of it. Most of my adult life was also spent living in the country, heating a house with wood. No one thought anything of it, least of all me.

But at some point the bite from a tick – somewhere, sometime, turned into a life-altering story. So many people out there have a similar story. But this is mine. Just after diagnosis, I joined some discussion boards with people who had Lyme disease and I kept thinking, “This just can’t be. This is just not me. This can’t be right.” It was very Twilight-zone ‘esque’. But, they were right and my story became part of the collective of Lyme disease. The dreaded ‘L’ word.

I knew I was not well. I knew something was wrong. I kept pushing past all of the symptoms, kept up my usual life pace, thinking, “I’m the medical professional here. I’ll figure this out myself.” In some ways, I did. I blamed everything on my hormones. Which was not too far off the target since I had suffered for years with PMS, Endometriosis, and fibroids. I was coming up on 40 years old and all of the women in my family had the same history. It didn’t explain some things, however; like the constant tremor in my muscles, the feeling that I needed to run away from something all the time. When the migraines set in, I acquiesced to needing a doctor. One day I may share every detail of how I came about to find this particular OB/GYN, but it’s enough to say that it was a sheer miracle. He was sent from God. There is no other way to describe it. I underwent a hysterectomy in February of 2009. I was relieved. I was happy and believed I would be restoring my health, and getting my life back. But 6 weeks after surgery, I was coming up on having to go back to work and I couldn’t walk across my house, let alone do a 12 hr shift with high acuity patients. This wasn’t ordinary ‘being sick’ weakness like with the flu or strep throat. This was paralyzing, debilitating, muscle, brain, and physical weakness that I could not do anything about. There was no pushing past this. I experienced migraines so bad that I was blinded, and the vertigo made it impossible to stand up straight. I was frightened and distressed because my job was waiting, my family needed the income, and I could not hold my head up. My OB/GYN was the one who diagnosed me. He was looking for everything he could: autoimmune diseases, thyroid issues, Epstein-Barre, Guillian-Barre. “Spaghetti medicine” is what he called it. It’s where you throw everything on the wall and see if something sticks. Out of sheer inspiration from God, he chose to test me for Lyme disease. And it stuck on the wall.

But Lyme disease is not as straightforward as getting a diagnosis. It’s a very controversial and hotly debated subject in western medicine. Even now. People suffer and they can’t get help, and that is the reality. Most discussions about Lyme disease argue over whether or not the problems exist after a short course of Doxycycline. And few doctors will even touch it because those who try to step up and help are taken into court and prosecuted; and run the risk of losing their license. It’s a game most will not play. So, when you go about finding a doctor and help with this diagnosis, you have to “pretend” to have other diseases. I was fortunate enough to find an infectious disease doctor that was at least willing to make an attempt. I went through 3 rounds of IV antibiotics, and one round of an antiparasitic. But beyond that she wasn’t willing to entertain the notion that I would need more than that, AND she began talking to me about antidepressants. Which I took to mean that she thought it was all in my head. I wanted to fight. I wanted to get better, I was trying to get mobile. But it wasn’t happening. Through a support group I found out how to get in to see a doctor close to me that would treat Lyme disease. I had to make the appointment by saying I had fibromyalgia. It felt like I was going undercover on a spy mission. But she at least validated that this wasn’t in my head. I had Lyme disease, and babesiosis, and I wasn’t pretending.

I did eventually end up back at work, but when you are using the break room to hang IVs on yourself, in between hanging them on others; well, it’s not something you can keep up with. People look at you with a raised eyebrow. And yet I tried. I convinced myself that I could beat this, I could manage everything I had always done and I would NOT be a statistic on a discussion board. Until one day I was asked to resign. I’ve never been so beaten, so defeated. I had failed. I had let Lyme disease take me out, like it had done so many other people. My whole world fell apart.

I had an illness that was making me less and less human all the time. My brain was so foggy most of the time that I didn’t process things correctly. It took me a long time to make decisions. I was on the paranoid side of things, making irrational assumptions and having the wrong emotions for situations. If I did anything strenuous, I would pay for it for days because I was in pain and the fatigue made it impossible for me to move. I cut everything out of my life that was not vital. And the only thing vital was my family, and my religious practice, but even that was hard. I would attend church, but I would sit in the pew in agony and I felt like an empty shell, my physical body was sitting there but there was nothing inside it. I heard nothing, felt nothing, and spoke to almost no one. I left the doctor’s office one day and got lost going home. I called my husband in a panic because I didn’t recognize anything. I didn’t have any clue where I was, and only a flip phone to connect with reality. I had driven too far south on a highway and when things got unfamiliar, my diseased brain turned it into an episode of The Twilight Zone. I didn’t really go anywhere alone after that.

One of the worst things was the hypothermia. I was morbidly cold, all the time. I would lay in bed, covered with blankets, and would still feel like there was a pocket of cold air surrounding my body and blowing on me. If I went to the store, I carried a coat with me and wore it – even in the Texas summer heat. If I was in the store too long, the temperature in the store would shut my brain down to the point that I would just stop and stare at the shelves; completely forgetting what I was doing, and what I was getting. My son would just take me by the arm and get me out.

I don’t know exactly how I came to this pivotal moment. I suppose it was divine intervention. But I remember that I just let go. Up until that point I had this white-knuckle grip on my life, my circumstances, my disease, my family, even my nonexistent job, and the tighter I squeezed, the more my grip slipped. So, I let go. I decided that if this was now my path in life, then it is what it is. I don’t have control, and I never did. If I’m meant to live out my life with these circumstances, I will just let it be so. The French have a phrase for it – ‘laissez-faire’. I guess you could say it became my new ‘L’ word. In a lot of ways, it was a relief. I didn’t expect myself to be anything more than where I was that day. I didn’t volunteer to do things I couldn’t do. I didn’t worry about the housework, the yard work; I didn’t participate unless I was in a place I could, and only if I really wanted to. I focused on the things that I loved dearly; my family, my faith, and my herb books. I found solace in study and research. And when I let go, I also opened up. It freed me to start seeing things from a different perspective, it freed me to be able to see the possibilities. The windows began opening and the light started pouring in. I found my plant allies, (Pokeroot) the ones who showed up and made themselves known so I would know how to use them to get well. I found other ways of thinking, other lines of spirituality. I found more joy in my scriptures because the mysteries of God began unfolding.

I began to discover that it wasn’t just about taking some herbs or an antibiotic and getting well. It wasn’t about getting physically able to make things just go back the way they were. I couldn’t get my house back. I couldn’t go back to work. But it wasn’t about that. There was so much of me, the real me, that was tied up in this process. If I ignored those changes and I ignored the process that involved ALL of me, then I would never be well. I would remain forever trapped in a loop of the ‘diseased’ and I couldn’t live there. Even if I never regained the physical ability or mental capacity, I knew I could not live in that place. That place was full of fear and anxiety and in that place I was a victim and would forever be; letting the medical conspiracies define help. I had to let go of any notion of who I thought I was, everything I had tied identity to, and every false belief I ever held. I LET GO.

They say that once you jump out of the plane and begin free falling that the fear leaves. Will Smith said, “God placed all of the best things in life on the other side of terror.” My fear had been, if I let go of all the things I know, everything I thought about who I was, what then? The unknown. But in the unknown, I found the best things in my life. I don’t mind talking about Lyme disease, or even saying that I had it. I’ll even help you with yours. But I won’t join you in the place where fear and darkness remain. Let’s talk about the “L” word, or any other life-altering thing you want, as the door of that plane. Let go.

I’m well. That isn’t to say that things went back to ‘normal’. That isn’t what healed looks like. I’m well, and cured of Lyme disease. Being healed means that I changed – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Those changes are necessary if you’re going to ever feel the exuberance of what it means when you truly let go.

But what did I “DO”? I can hear you ask. I did a lot of research and study and I did what was right for me. That meant that I acted out of inspiration from all aspects of the process. I took ownership of the leap. I sat in an infrared sauna every day for 3 months, – and still do on occasion – to give myself a fever. I changed my diet – cut out the sugar and the carbs. I took my herbal mixture religiously and never failed to take care of myself when needed. My many years and countless hours of study led me to wonderful plant allies that gave me my life back. I learned how to meditate, how to find the missing pieces of spiritual practice that became vital to restoring my spirit. When I started to feel better, I began the process of rehabilitation – restoring the muscle mass I had lost. I’m still pursuing the next level of ‘healed’. I found support and help every step of the way – not because I was ‘fighting’ the disease but because I had let go.

Whatever the disease is, it’s not an identity – it’s a dive out of an airplane. Laissez-faire.

I'm Afraid of Herbs

2020-05-12T20:30:00.003+05:30

I'm Afraid of Herbs

Me too. After all, who wouldn’t be afraid after reading things like “Deadliest Plants in America”, or “Wicked and Evil Plants”? Ok, I made those titles up, but I have read article after article and even a couple of books that looked at plants that way. If you look up information on the internet you’re bound to get scary reports of people dying and having horrible emergency experiences because of these terrible plants that come out of the woods and attack! Do you detect a hint of sarcasm here? You should.

First, of all there is no such thing as evil or wicked plants. They do not have a vengeful vendetta against mankind. There are indeed plants that exist that have unpleasant and even deadly consequences if the right circumstances exist. But that does not make them evil, it makes them important. Why? Because those plants show us by their flashy clashes with us, that plants and their pharmacological makeup are real, and not to be shrugged off as myth, legend, placebo, or folklore. They prove without a shadow of a doubt that they are powerful and in their own right, just as effective as their synthetic counterparts. But here’s where the common sense breaks down.

If I make a bold statement, like plants are as powerful as drugs, you end up with two spectrums. There are the medical personnel who think that you are discounting all of their hard-earned education and research and throwing it away for the sake of the weeds in the backyard. I, myself, was in this camp at one time. Shocking, I know. Or, on the other hand, you have those who think the ONLY safe thing is the weeds in their backyard and that no harm can come to them because it’s “natural”. And the rainbow between those spectrum includes every other idea, big pharma, witch doctors and all.

So, I asked myself, “where does common sense lie?” Let’s start with the line of thinking that plants are effective. If that’s true – and hemlock doesn’t lie – then the pharmacological components of all plants are not to be taken trivially. In fact, there is still very little known about their true make-up, and many many chemical components that aren’t even identified as to their purpose. Sometimes, the chemical compound found in a plant is only found in that one plant – so they name it after the plant. But what does it do?? Only God knows. And I mean that literally. But, there is also this incredible capacity that plants have in their make-up to alleviate side effects with their symbiotic compounds. In other words, when a plant is used correctly, and as a whole, it works and there are few side effects. Which brings me to the other line of thought. Medical personnel are often opposed to the use of herbs – for this glaring fact. They DO work, and there ARE side effects. But it is the unknown that truly bothers them. They don’t want people foraging and using mushrooms for pain because of the person who ends up eating C.filaris and dying of liver failure. Because for all their years of knowledge, they still don’t know how it works or how to save someone from that mistake. That’s not a criticism, it’s an observation of the dedication to keep people alive and safe. However, there is a tendency for them to believe that they can disregard the potential that herbs have in safe and effective treatment simply because they didn’t get it from their textbooks. And if they don’t know something, and they give incorrect information they could be sued. So best to say stay away, right? The common sense thing to do is this – treat herbs as effective and powerful allies, get educated, and use wisdom; including correct dosage, consistent production quality, and good use practices.

” Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 That’s why I’m not afraid of herbs – even supposed evil ones.

The Pattern of Fire

2020-05-12T20:24:00.000+05:30

The Pattern of Fire

Who doesn't love a glowing fireplace in the winter, or a marshmallow over a campfire? How about staring awestruck at lightening or enjoying the sun at the beach? But fire isn't just about temperature. It's the process by which things are broken down and turned into something else. It is also seen as force or defense. In essence, fire in nature is transformation. For example, trees become ash, which becomes particles in the soil. Sand becomes glass. Fire brings things up from deep in the earth and creates something new - like an island! So how does this pattern of transformation help us understand our bodies?
In our bodies, fire is reflected in our break down, build up processes, like digestion and metabolism. It is also seen as force - the heart forces blood around the body, or the muscles force movement in the body. The immune system is the defense. Fire is life-altering illness, or tragedy. Have you ever felt like life burned you down, only to ask you to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes?
When we ask a plant to help us with something in our body that reflects the pattern of fire, we look to those same patterns in a plant.
So what does fire look like in a plant? They aren't exactly shooting flames from their leaves, you might say. But think about our transformation pattern. We will be looking for a plant that has an affinity for the body parts and processes that we described. These will be plants that help get things going, move things around, break things down, or help defend the body. But we can also look to plants who might offer the opposite - water. For water puts out fire, after all. It may be that you need a little of both.
It would be easy to drop back into the 'this for that' system of healing, but we have to remember that no process or expression of nature exists in isolation. Each is dependent on the other and they exist in balance and harmony with each other. So next newsletter we're going to talk about Air!

Who Has Seen the Wind?

2020-05-12T20:19:00.001+05:30

Who Has Seen the Wind?

Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you.
But when the leaves are trembling, the wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I.
But when the trees bow down their heads, the wind is passing by.
Christina Georgina Rossetti
Sing With Me Songs For Children

How does it feel to step out outside on the first real spring day? You almost can't help but take a deep, healing breath of that clean, lighter air. And with the inhalation of that sweet scent, you just know the season has changed and warmer weather is on the way. Have you ever stood on the beach and inhaled the salty, moist clean air of the wind off the water? Or walked through an old forest and smelled the damp and moss, and noted how gentle and listless the leaves move in the breeze?

Our relationship to the air element is not necessarily in its presence, but in its effects. We don't think about breathing, or about running out of air. Air just is. The only time we think about it is when it is affecting other objects (like blowing leaves around) to make its presence known, or say, in the case of asthma, presenting us with the possibility that we can't get enough. In these ways, we can see how the air element doesn't exist in isolation, but is always in flux between all the other elements. Air is in constant movement, back and forth, up and down, and it doesn't even have a steady pattern - it exists in randomness, chaos, and disconnectedness. It would seem then, that it shouldn't be very effective at all - except that its very nature makes it powerful. This ability to move about helps the other elements interact with one another, creating the pattern of communication as well.

In our bodies, the pattern of air manifests mainly in the respiratory system, as you would expect. However, the nerves are the communicators in the body and so this is part of the pattern as well. But the most significant thing about the pattern of air to us is the seemingly come and go symptoms, or the symptoms that seem random, hard to pin down or diagnose, and our ability to communicate and be heard in our relationships. Does all of that seem to not fit together? Yes! Because it is the very nature of air to express that way.

Air's reflection in us can be subtle, like that spring fragrance, or very destructive. Combine air with water and you'll get hurricanes and tornadoes! If you experience not being able to breathe, or not being able to express your feelings these are powerful reminders that air's expression is not always light and sweet.
As we learn to understand these elemental patterns in our body, our healing and balance become as natural as the winds of change, and sweet as the summer breeze.

Speaking of summer... next newsletter we're going to talk about the pattern of water! No one can swim without it.!

Does this sound like the pattern expressing in your body? I can help you tailor an herbal mix that will support balancing and healing. Contact me through email, FB messenger, or through my website

The Pattern of Water

2020-05-12T20:16:00.001+05:30

The Pattern of Water

I don't know anyone who isn't immediately influenced by water. When you think of water, what is the first image that comes to mind? Is it a trickling, clear brook or a roaring, cascading waterfall? Do you think of soaking, torrential rain or misty rain? Or is your favorite expression that of a lazy river? My personal favorite is the ocean; with its crashing waves, the vastness of intrigue and wonder, and sheer power. If ever I require centering myself, or just feel out of sorts, I take a drive out to the beach and with the first deep breath of that salty mist I am restored.

For all its manifestations and forms, the gift of water is connected. Water exists in nature in a cycle, which takes it from liquid to gaseous, to solid, and is the perfect example of how matter is never destroyed, but simply finds new forms, new paths, and new expressions. But it is all one thing - water. Not only is it magnificent in its shapeshifting abilities, but it is essential to all life. Maybe that's why a connection to others is one of the most sought after and longed for human experiences and essential to our life as well.
The body's nutrition, essential life-sustaining molecules, and lubrication for movement is all a function of the waters of the body - blood, lymph, and fascia. Every cell in the body is wrapped in a layer of fluid and it is through this layer of fluid that every essential particle must pass. So while air definitely seems to have the quality of being everywhere in the body, water truly is; and there would be no way to have life without it.
This connected nature is also reflected in our emotions. Ever heard the phrase, 'flood of emotions'? Someone who seems to not have any emotions at all is referred to as 'frozen', another quality of water. To say that we have the power to exist without emotions, would be to say that we can hold back the tide. Now there's an illusion!
Water is what is referred to as a yin movement. It is downward and inward, much like our feelings. It is most definitely feminine is its energy. And just as there is nothing more soothing to tissue as cool water, there is nothing better than the soothing, comforting moment of having someone wrap their arms around us and say, 'it's going to be ok." Like aloe to a burn, connection soothes the emotions like nothing else.

It's interesting to me that something as essential as water - and ergo - emotions are so feared and resisted. Is this why most of us are slightly dehydrated all the time? Our emotions create empathy, compassion, but also distance and arrogance. And yes, they are very powerful at times. So are floods, and waterfalls. But what is there to be feared? If we see our emotions as a reflection of water, then we see that they rise and ebb like the tide, or flood and wash away, or cascade and then are still. They are reflections like that crystal pool, and when viewed as such, bring us essential signals and information about what needs to be healed, changed, or that comfort and balm of connection. Just like water brings our body essential nutrition. What a blessing that nature has given us a way to see ourselves! To be healthy, water must move and must remain cyclical. To bless us with its gift of connection it must be allowed to be free. So let those tears flow!
An imbalance of water in our bodies can be seen as water that is trapped and can't move, or water that won't stay in its container (like a river that's overflowed its banks), or dehydrated tissues. These conditions can exist in everything from edema, abscesses, pneumonia, constipation, varicose veins, to runny noses, and excessive menstrual bleeding. To bring water into balance, sometimes we need some earth. But that's the next newsletter...

The Pattern of Earth

2020-05-12T19:46:00.000+05:30

The Pattern of Earth

I'm a little behind in getting this newsletter out, but that would be very fitting to talk about this newsletter's pattern - earth. The hallmark of the pattern of earth is to take time. Whether we are referring to the Earth itself, or the element, we can think about how creation, evolution, change, or recovery takes time. And even with our demand and impatience that those things happen faster, earth teaches us to stay firm and stay the course.

But we don't often want to hear that do we? We look at something like these rocks and think, "it's just sitting there, doing nothing." But that would not be true. Despite the almost imperceptible changes, they are there. It is only when we take the time (there's that word again) to tune into the stillness, the quiet, and the reservation of earth that we notice what it's doing, and how very very powerful it is.

Don't mistake that quiet and slow movement for weakness. Because when earth wants to make a big statement - it does - like in an earthquake. Or when we view the ruins of former great cities and civilizations, or even old houses - the earth reclaims everything it has given. And eventually even our own bodies will return to the same elemental process as everything else. Just because you don't see it happen in an instant, doesn't mean there isn't movement.

Often the stillness and quiet of the earth element is what is needed in our fast-paced world. Winter is the season that reflects this pattern. It suggests to us that every season has importance and has a purpose. There is a time to go within, get quiet, and restore and rebuild. When the plants die back for the winter, on the surface it appears as if they are dead. But down inside the soil, in the roots a lot is happening. The roots are growing, gathering nutrition, and even communicating through the mycelium about the conditions of the soil. These processes are necessary if the blooms and leaf production is to occur! You can't have fruit without this process - and we cannot be productive and create in our own lives if this process is left out. Inward reflection and restoration of our mind, body, and spirit are essential to a balanced and whole experience.

A lot of plants that support our earth element are ones that support and move our digestive tract. Our digestion is a combination of breaking down, and building up as we take in the world, use what we need and then expel the rest. It is the perfect reflection of what earth does for us. Our bodies are perfect in this process. Anybody who's ever swallowed a piece of gum, or a marble as a kid knows that. But most of us could use a lot more higher vibration input and a lot more letting crap go! Literally. The building up and breaking down processes of earth are essential in our lives, and can be subtle or a big challenge. Is it any wonder then, that plants are the first ones to show up when something needs broken down and surrendered to earth?

An imbalance of the earth pattern shows up in our bodies in a couple of ways. It can either be sluggish, toxic, or chronic conditions, or it can be body parts that function at a diminished or nonexistent rate. Often the body will increase the movement in another element (say fire) to try to alleviate the imbalance. Most of the time this is what we focus on, and never get to the real problem. For instance, in the case of chronic inflammation or chronic pain. The fire reflection of inflammation and pain gets our attention because by nature, fire gets our attention! We take some anti-inflammatory and tell our body to be quiet again - which furthers the quiet and stillness the body is trying to re-balance. But the quiet and still quality that is the underlying problem is what actually needs the support. If you think this might be the case, go down and in, and get deep. There's that darn introspection again!

What do you need to make time for?

GOLDENROD, FALL ALLERGIES, AND OTHER FAIRYTALES

2020-05-12T19:43:00.001+05:30

GOLDENROD, FALL ALLERGIES, AND OTHER FAIRYTALES

Nothing heralds the coming Autumn for me like the very beautiful and showy yellow flowers of Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis, Solidago spp.). Although, Goldenrod, in all her golden glory, is the scapegoat for fall allergies, it is actually the common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisifolia ) with its inconspicuous green inflorescence also blooming at this time that is usually to blame. Goldenrod has very little pollen and what pollen it does have is very dense and sticky to be carried off by insects that visit. Ragweed on the other hand, makes a profusion of pollen that is distributed on the wind. Solidago canadensis is a Native perennial that spreads rapidly through its rhizomes. Often found in dense stands, there are approximately 60 species of Goldenrod in the Northern Hemisphere found in all states except Hawaii, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Goldenrod is also found in nearly all of the Canadian provinces. Goldenrod is found in moist meadows, near waterways, and prairies in locations with full or part sun. It ranges in height from 1 to 7 feet with bright flowers arranged in drooping panicles.

Many Native American tribes utilized the Goldenrod plant for a variety of ills including the Iroquois who employed infusions of the roots and flowers for pain. The Potawatomi made a tea from the blossoms to bring down fevers. Other tribes used the plant topically to treat snakebite, and the root for burns. Indeed, Goldenrod is rich with medicinal healing powers, and with its astringent qualities can be used to quell fall allergic reactions as well as cold and flu upper respiratory mucus and fevers. Goldenrod can be taken to help tune our immune systems for winter and as nature is so wise, she has arranged that Goldenrod is available for us just in time. Goldenrod is a friend to the urinary system and healing to the kidneys, coming to the aid of those suffering with urinary gravel or stones, and frequent urination. A tea can also be taken to prevent gravel, kidney stones, nephritis, and issues of the prostate. Goldenrod is an effective digestive and possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. As a cleansing herb, it is helpful in the treatment of arthritis. Goldenrod can be used as a tea or tincture and the seeds are an edible trail food. All Goldenrods are safe to use and many can be used interchangeably.

Goldenrod is an important food source for native pollinators in the fall allowing them to store up food for the winter. As with all plants, Goldenrod also performs important functions for the land. As a phytoremediator, Goldenrod helps to stabilize the soil and revegetate disturbed areas. Goldenrod is a friend to both humans, insects, animals, and Earth. Leaving areas to remain wild allows this important medicinal and other useful plants to show up. If you have a yard or field, consider leaving at least a part of it free from mowing and pruning, nature will thank you for it!

Spider Medicine

2020-05-11T23:15:00.000+05:30

Spider Medicine

When an orb weaver spider begins a web, she sends out a line of silky, sticky, thread. She sends it out and allows the wind to take it wherever it will, until it attaches to a structure at a distance from where she is. This may be a branch, or leaf, or an old bicycle wheel. She then carefully crawls along this line, attaching new threads to the anchor points, forming a strong and secure bridge. From the center point, she sends out another line into the breeze and the unknown until it attaches to another structure from which she can form another supporting bridge. She repeats this process until she has the strong, foundation spokes which she can then connect in a circle to form the familiar structure of a web.

This web is her own creation – everything of her own choosing, except where the wind takes her threads. The spider doesn’t worry about where the thread goes, what it attaches to, or that it won’t attach. She doesn’t consider time constraints, or fear that she will run out of thread. She isn’t even worried that she may spend all this time and energy weaving threads, only to have them broken or torn down by external factors. She only concerns herself with weaving. She can weave a small web or a huge one. It can be intricately, and magnificently engineered, or be simple and unobtrusive. She may use bridges made by other spiders or be completely alone. She doesn’t spend any energy concerned that another spider may not like her web. She does not judge it herself, let alone concern herself with another’s. She just concerns herself with weaving and living – creating and fulfilling life’s purpose; relying on the foundation of the unknown paths the wind may take her to.

Her children will not truly know her. She will be a mystery to them; except they will know that she gave them everything, including the ability and the know-how to weave for themselves.

She has a dark secret, a shadow that follows her everywhere. This shadow fills others with dread, horror, and leads them to seek her destruction. Such power in one so small – to be able to fill giants with dread! Her sister, the black widow, has even darker secrets. Still, she does not concern herself with fear, or destruction, or judgment. The black widow is who she is, and the orb weaver is who she is; shadows and all. The fact that there are secrets has no bearing on the quality of weaving, or the quality of living. It just is.

There is something magical in the fact that she can weave an entire spectacular array, but it go so unnoticed, almost invisible, until direct contact is made. Then her influence is as spectacular as fireworks! But the orb-weaver will

be the victor. Tomorrow’s sunrise will find her sending out another silky, sticky, thread into the unknown; allowing the wind to set the direction and the foundation. She trusts the unknown to help her create again.

Whole Plant Medicine

2020-05-11T23:12:00.000+05:30

Plant Medicine

Plants are very good at what they do, and when employed to assist someone they do so willingly. But face value has never sat well with me. I’m a ‘why’ person. Why does this plant work? Why does it have this effect on you? Why does the physiology of our bodywork so well with this chemical? I’ve done years and years of research on the subject.

I wanted something tangible that I could point to – a system, if you will. I started out trying to make classifications. That didn’t work. Then I tried to look for patterns, maybe something was connecting their properties that wasn’t on the surface. I tried to make exhaustive lists of their phytochemicals. (I still have this dream!)

But one day, I was laying on the couch, half asleep, half awake. I saw this image clearly in my mind of the outline of a human body. There were lines drawn from words to the brain, heart, and the torso – similarly if you were labeling an anatomy diagram- and the words were: mind, body, and spirit. The brain was labeled ‘mind’, the heart was labeled ‘spirit’ and the torso ‘body’. It was a fleeting moment in a dream-like state, but I could not let go of it. I had done so much questioning, so much asking, I knew I was getting an answer but it wasn’t clear as to what had just been handed to me. The concept of healing is, of necessity, then going to need support for all three parts of us. What if my modern medicine anatomy and physiology classifications of body systems were too disconnected? What if what I understood about the relationship between body systems was not necessarily correct? What if I could change that relationship to a meaningful and tangible way to connect plants and their purpose?

I realize of course, that the concept is not new. Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine have long seen the human body as not being so disjointed and complicated as western science, but it isn’t as simple as ‘humors’ either. Each type of medicine has its benefits and place. But what I was focused on was a way to put together a clear understanding of plant and human biology so that they supported one another.

This idea then began to form in my mind. The respiratory system is not entirely separate from the cardiac system. The digestive tract is not entirely separate from the nervous system. They are pieces of a whole, dependent upon one another for proper function and stability. A plant has the same makeup and function. The roots depend on the leaves. So what if, to have a completely supportive herbal medicine, it requires that you use a complete plant!?

It’s very common in herbal practice to use the leaves of one plant, the root of another. I suppose over the centuries we figured out which parts of the plant were most effective. But it’s also true that the flowers and the leaves on the same plant can have completely different uses! You would need a botany degree to begin to try to figure out every little nuance of the parts of plants (but then again, we do that with the human body, don’t we?) If you combine the root of one plant, the leaves of another, and the flowers of yet another you get whole plant medicine! Even though it was three different plants, the ‘whole’ plant would be represented, therefore giving support to the whole being; body, mind, and soul.

It has proven to be a very effective system. You will find that all of my combination products follow this pattern. The combinations have either three or four plants represented and they are a root, leaf, flower and sometimes I will add in a seed or fruit. There are other parts like bark, resin, etc but that’s a botany lesson for another day.

This system is reflected time and time again in nature. It represents parts; seemingly small but very necessary; combined into a greater whole. None of our body parts can do without the others. No plant can be without its roots or leaves. The animals could not live without plants and the plants could not exist without the sun. The trees need mushrooms, who need the trees. We need the trees. We are bound together in the glorious tapestry of the earth – from the very smallest bacteria to the stars and the moon; the whole universe in fact. So it makes sense that ‘whole plant’ medicine would be the most supportive of our whole being. It’s a very good system, don’t you think?

What Does Healed Mean?

2020-05-11T23:05:00.003+05:30

What Does Healed Mean?

Healing is mostly used as a term to describe the process of someone who’s been physically ill or injured and then they come back to “health” or “normal”, whatever normal means. But the truth is, healing is about a transformation that takes place because of any circumstance that takes you out of your present space, and changes you. It doesn’t matter if that circumstance happens on a physical, mental, social, or spiritual level, you will never be the same. And so when I talk about healing, I’m describing processing everything that happens in change, and bringing that about to be a positive beautiful thing.

It is not meant to be a negative thing. It just is what it is. I am talking about the need to process the experiences and take the very good things that you learned about yourself, life, and spirituality, and make them effective and integral tools for life.

I worked with cancer patients for several years. It was a unique experience and gave me valuable insight into the idea of healing. The reason that cancer is such a life-altering experience is because there is no question of its effects on every single aspect of your life. And it is indiscriminate. It affects young and old, the healthy and infirm, the strong and weak, the rich and the poor, the ones who eat only organic and the ones who eat junk food, the ones who smoke and the ones who don’t. I noticed that sometimes it destroyed families and sometimes it brought them together. It destroyed fortunes and made others money. It took people out of their present circumstances and forced them to have to change – and those who went with it and accepted it fared better than those who resisted and remained in conflict with it. Those who used it as an opportunity to be changed and transformed, healed. That does not mean that they lived. That does not mean that their entire life wasn’t a chaotic mess. Healing, in the way that I use the term, means that they processed the experience on all levels; physical, spiritual, emotional, social, into a state of wholeness and peace, despite the threat to their physical life and because of the unique experience.

So, when I talk to you about healing, I’m talking about processing the change in you on all levels; body, mind, and spirit into a state of wholeness and peace. And it does not matter what the outcome of that process is, or becomes. It does not matter if your relationships are forever different, or your path suddenly changes and you go down an unknown road. It doesn’t matter what healing looks like. It only matters that it happens.

My Companions

2020-05-11T22:59:00.000+05:30

My Companions

When people find out that I’m an herbalist and make herb products, one of the first things they’ll ask me is;” Do you have anything for _____.” You can insert whatever ailment or complaint you want in the blank. But, after 20 something years of doing this, I’ve come to realize that what they’re really asking me is;” Do you have a panacea?”

At first I was naive and thought that if I could come up with something for them, and it would really do the trick, then I would be a hero! That would make all of this worth it! After years of research, study and preparation, and hard work, I could bottle it up and it would be genius! Not only was that naive of me, but it was also pretty arrogant. As you might have guessed, that never happened. Don’t get me wrong – I have used and seen herbs do some really miraculous things, but rarely did something I suggest have the panacea effect that we were all looking for. In my heart, what was important to me was not some wonder product, but actually being able to do something to alleviate suffering. What I was really after was being able to heal someone. And I realized that that’s what all these other companies who provide the “wonder product” thought they could do too. I was never after the next “infomercial” inspired thing, I was after real healing. And that put things in a whole new perspective.

It’s true that if you have an acute complaint, it can be addressed with one or more herbs. Sometimes the complaint needs a set of herbs that complement each other, and when taken over time resolve the complaint satisfactorily. The occasional indigestion from over-indulgence can be quickly remedied by a capsule of artichoke extract, but… I digress. When you encounter a chronic, or long-standing situation or state of being, then with this approach you are talking about symptom control. In other words, the complaint for which you want to take the herb, is a symptom of a deeper or larger issue. If the larger issue is not addressed, the symptoms will return. (I could talk about how this is how western medicine works, but that’s another story)

What kind of deeper or larger issues? The answer to that is so utterly individual, so nobody can answer that for you except you. I would have told you some years ago that I was a healthy, normal, well-adjusted, individual until my body decided to get my complete attention. Like most people, I had symptoms that I attributed to being acute and I treated them that way. I took medications, herbs, and supplements to alleviate the pain and the discomfort and I ignored the signals that were trying to tell me there was something else going on. That worked… until it didn’t. What resulted for me was a greater, broader understanding of what it means to be healed. For true healing to take place, it involves supporting and addressing the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energetic parts of us. This is the panacea that everyone wants, but it doesn’t come in the form of a tablet or pill, so it’s rejected. “I don’t need all that”, I thought. Until I did.

So, I took another hard look at my tinctures and knowledge of herbs. And some powerful allies and friends were capable of incredible support, but I (and everyone else) was asking of them what they could not be. Nature doesn’t work that way, they said. They were not solely responsible for healing, but assume a powerful and intimate role that aids in that process. And they fill that role perfectly. They became my companions.

Pokeroot

2020-05-11T22:49:00.000+05:30

Pokeroot

I like to think of every encounter
I’ve had with a plant as the forming of a friendship.
I have learned to pay attention to every new plant that I spy in the yard because it means they’ve shown up for some reason.

One summer afternoon I sat in my yard, watching my kids play in the pool. I was in the throes of a horrible illness. (The L Word) When the kids got out and were sunning themselves, I did a tour of the yard and this gorgeous plant, about 4 feet high, suddenly caught my attention and drew my gaze. It must have been months since I was out here, I thought. It had gorgeous green leaves, thick succulent stalks that had a purple hue, and the darkest, black-purple berries on a stalk of white with each berry having its own stem. Beautiful thing, I thought. Why don’t I know you?

As always, I quickly had a book out, looking for the identification of this being. It only took a few moments. It was Pokeroot (Phytolacca americana). I hadn’t heard anything about this plant since I was a little kid. There was a familiarity there.

As I began to do the research, I realized this was not going to be a straightforward relationship. The fear that permeated the information about this plant was rampant – and I suppose rightly so. A quick Google search for Pokeroot will yield warning after warning. And so, at first I was just content to admire it but I wasn’t going to touch it.

But it wouldn’t leave me alone. There was also page after page of the glories and benefits of this plant. And one day I was reading about its use in treating mastitis and other diseases in the lymph system. An incredible sensation shot through my body. It began in my chest and grew to fill every cell, every organ. I knew that I was receiving confirmation that this was the answer I had been looking for and praying for. I would be able to heal my illness through this plant. But how was I going to do that without ending up in the ER?

Step by step, Pokeroot revealed its uses and secrets to me. I started with some topical uses. To this day, it is the best thing for an ingrown toenail. A berry, straight from the plant, is smashed into the crevice where the nail is cutting into the tissue. It’s nothing short of miraculous. And over time, the process of how I would use this beautiful plant and create a powerful ally came to be.

Just like a faithful companion would, this plant always supports when called upon. And never fails.

Homesickness - Whisper to yourself, “Welcome home.”

2020-05-11T20:52:00.000+05:30

Homesickness

Whisper to yourself, “Welcome home.”

I am like many of you that stare out into the night sky and cannot resist the feeling of awe and inspiration that takes over your thought process. How big is the universe? How many stars are there? How do you wrap your head around the numbers that scientists use to describe the immensity of the distances in space? But what one experiences, especially if you allow your thoughts to reach you spiritually, is this intense longing and desire. If you let those feelings settle into your energy and your spirit long enough, you will realize that the desire is to remember. What is it that you are trying to remember? It’s not a desire to gain knowledge about the universe because that brings it back into an earthly condition. That brings it down to numbers and graphs. No, the feeling belongs to that of something far more intense. Your spirit knows without doubt that you knew this once… So you’re actually trying to remember. But what did I know? All of it. Where am I trying to get to? Back there. Back there, where? Back to where I remember. Why do I feel this way? Because deep down inside you know that you belong there. Why did I leave? Experience. We needed the kind of experience that only comes from having ‘been there and done that. ‘ And we were invited to take on this experience so that all we knew would have much more value to us.

That’s where we are right now; on the earth, in a physical body, surrounded by creations and part of all of those creations. This experience is for our benefit and for our learning. So while you might be struggling with your life experience, remember this: it was all designed for you specifically. Your path and your experience is yours alone – to bless you. That may be hard for you to wrap your head and your emotions around. Life is incredibly painful sometimes. But taking ownership of this truth will actually help free you from that pain. It’s all for you. It’s all mean to bless you – The stars, the tree, the sky, the wind, the storm, the sunshine, the river, the bear, the bird, the grass, the flower, the tears, the pain, the happiness, and the joy.

So the next time you go out at night and gaze up into the stars, allow yourself to be carried away in the moment. Find connection with that vastness and soar away into it. Spend time in it. Breathe it in. Then bring that vastness back down to Earth to be with you. Whisper to yourself, “Welcome home.”