Last year here on my blog, I covered the topics of pheromones (you can find that post here).  Pheromones are the scents produced by our hormones, which are
excreted from our bodies.  These scents, our pheromones, serve various purposes, among signaling sexual attraction, alarm, fear, etc.  Our pheromones are how we attract a partner.  This is generally an unconscious process, but nonetheless, how we subconsciously evaluate our mate’s immune system and whether they are compatible to us.

Upon sharing my piece about pheromones on my website, a friend linked me to an article relative to pheromones and how pheromones relate to the partners we attract.  The article described a study done on Women who were using the birth control pill as a contraceptive and the men they attracted as partners, as compared to Women who were not on synthetic contraceptives.

It has been known for some time, that the birth control pill tweaks our hormones.  Tweak is really an understatement.  The “pill” totally ravages our endocrine system.  It sends our body into a state of thinking it is pregnant, by heightening our progesterone levels significantly, and then abruptly dropping, upon the ending of the cycle of pills.  In more common terms, the “pill” gives users a monthly abortion.

The study brought awareness to the fact that because of the hormonal imbalance from the pill, Women involved in the study were attracting the wrong type of man for them.  According to the study, the imbalance of hormones induced by the pill, seems to alter the type of pheromones a Woman is attracted to in a man.  The hormones in the pill influence a Woman’s assessment of male sexual attractiveness.  The study showed that Women literally became attracted to men who were genetically incompatible for them.  Hmm… Synthetic hormones = Synthetic partner?  Sounds like it.

Women are naturally attracted to men who have immune system genes different from their own.  We sense this through their pheromones.  The hormones in the pill were attracting Women to men who had immune system genes similar to their own.  We purposely attract the opposite sex with different immune genes from us for a variety of reasons.  A wide range of immune genes passed on from a couple to their offspring decreases the child’s vulnerability to disease, the couple is less likely to experience fertility problems and/or miscarriages, etc.

Not only is it a problem that the pill was influencing Women to attract the wrong man genetically, but it was found that when Women went off the pill, they lost their attraction to their partner and relationships fell apart.  Any correlation to the massive amounts of divorce in society today, since the abundant use of birth control has taken reign?  Potentially!  Subconsciously, Women must realize once their hormones are not under the influence of the pill, that the man that are with isincompatible for them due to the mismatched genetics.  On the surface, it seems the relationship is simply deteriorating, when in fact, there is much more to the story.  How interesting!  But how unfortunate…  Not only are our feminine bodies being manipulated with these synthetic substances, but the pill is controlling our senses!  So, Women are riding the emotional roller coaster due to the hormonal balance from the pill, but also from being in a relationship unsuitable for them on a cellular level!  Fascinating!

Reading this article, I made a connection;  Had a realization.  I may have gone through this exact experience.  I started using the birth control pill at age 13-14 and stayed on it for a few years, having many relationships, in search of the right partner.  The year that I chose to stop the use of the pill (about 5 years ago), I was two years deep into a relationship.  We were totally into one another – Moved across the country to California together, got our own house, etc., etc.  While in California, my quest for health began and I discontinued the use of the pill.  Looking back on the experience, the relationship really began spiraling downward immediately after my discontinuation of using birth control pills.  My sexual attraction to my partner ceased abruptly.  I never wanted to spend time around him.  He had me on edge constantly.  It was a mess.  I never understood what the problem was between us.  Where did the connection go?  The more I furthered my passion for health and alternative lifestyle, the more my hormones began regulated, my moods feeling more stable – I was so happy!  How could I feel so good in my own being, but so unhappy with my partner?  Now I know the answer.  It may seem like a dramatic statement, but this truth about the pill makes so much sense.  It literally calls in a partner that is totally wrong for us.  On a level of genetics, no less!

I am happy to say that I have been off the pill for quite a few years now.  I am more tuned into my hormones and endocrine system than ever, and feel healthier that I could have imagined.  The old relationship I mentioned ended in due time, as clearly he was not the match for me.  Since then, I have attracted a partner whom I connected to naturally, without the influence of synthetic hormones and our relationship couldn’t be more magickal and balanced.  Going by the ideas listed in the study, I clearly have now attracted a partner whose genetics are opposite mine, creating a perfect balance of attraction between us!  My body picked up on this naturally, on a subconscious level, having not been influenced by synthetic hormones circulating in my system this time

This study simply brings to the surface yet another dramatic hindrance that the pill can project into our lives.  It is unfortunate that Women are fooled into thinking that they need to dose themselves with these hormones to control their fertility;  Commonly, to please their husband and withhold from conceiving.  Rather than disempowering our bodies and immersing ourselves in relationships that aren’t fit for us, let’s pursue a natural way of life, calling in the partner who is truly made for us, who’s genetics are a perfect match! We don’t need the synthetics… We just need our authentic selves!

If you would like to read the article about the study for yourself, you can find it at:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4516566.ece

Epic Eden Retreats combine the undeniable healing power of  7 geothermal hot spring pools, vortexes of the ancient land, sacred ceremonies, inspiring lectures and “play”shops, delectable cuisine, invigorating yoga, various modalities of dance and many optional healing services.

  The retreat curriculum at Eden invites you to activate many modalities of moving your body, opening your mind and discovering new things. It is a safe place to renew your creativity and tap into your full potential. This retreat time can also be utilized to relax deeply and commune with nature. Most importantly, it is an immersion into a community that is helping to create the new earth paradigm where connection, community support and living in harmony with nature are essential.

This retreat is about rejuvenation ~ Employing what is essential to your well being: pure food, healing water, sunshine, earth, fresh air, community, and lots of laughter and joy! You will have the opportunity to connect with nature, make new friends, soak in any of the legendary geothermal hot spring pools, learn about vibrant living, clear your mind, purify your body, and soften your heart.

This is truly the Event of a Lifetime!

If you have any questions about the retreat or would like information regarding payment options please contact Rebecca: destinationbliss@gmail.com

$500 Investment ~ Secure your space today!

Lately, I have been thinking about the young girls.  Primarily, those girls that are coming of age but not limited to them.  The age where the feminine cycles being initiating themselves feels like such a pivotal and influential time in a female’s life.  I know it was for me, at least.  I only now wish that I had had a wise woman mentor their to guide me through that initiation consciously, with grace.

I have been considering what it means to raise a young girl in this day and age – Raising her with openness.  With truth.  Openness and truth about her body’s rhythms, about her sexuality, about her feelings and experiences.  I have witnessed friends and women in the natural health community raising their little girls openly and what that looks like is magick.  A young girl without suppression?  That is almost unheard of these days.  But witnessing a young girl, with little to no suppression, freely expressing herself is incredible – Magnificent to say the least, knowing she will continue evolving in her power, helping others along the way.

I am just going to be honest.  I worry about the future of women sometimes.  Not often, because I am so trusting in our power and transformative abilities, though I do worry on occasion.  There is such a powerful movement of feminine energy that is spreading women’s wisdom.  Women continuing the wise woman tradition, educating about taking care of ourselves naturally, passing on the wisdom of our cycles and her-story.  At the same time, mainstream media continues to push to the forefront of culture these “iconic” women who supposedly symbolize women’s beauty, health, power, etc. today (think magazines you see in the grocery store, etc.)  To me, this image projects a message lacking authenticity, personality, meaning, power, and so on.  Personally, I feel that this image furthers the suppression of the divine feminine and women’s inherent beauty.  Headlines of these magazines highlight the dramatic personal lives of women, idealizing them and featuring them looking sickly and distressed.  Ads campaign across the TV channels, advertising tampons and pharmaceuticals to cloak and/or inhibit women’s natural bodily rhythms.  Women are getting sick from birth control.  Women are dying from HPV vaccines.  The truth is dark, but it is the truth.

On the other side, so much progress is being made in the de-programming and re-educating of the female populous.   More women than I sometimes am able to fathom are spreading our her-story and empowering women with knowledge and understanding of our natural cycles, our feminine capabilities, and the magick we are able manifest.  I witness miracles amongst women on a regular basis.  Several of my close girlfriends have given birth at home naturally in the past year.  Some with midwives, some unassisted.  Want to talk miracles?  Yeah, natural birthing is one.  I could name several women who are spreading women’s spirituality and empowerment like their lives depend upon it.  Women like ALisa Starkweather come to mind.  ALisa is a visionary and founder of many women’s initiatives, such as the Red Tent Temple.  Another woman who comes to mind is Isadora Leidenfrost, who is currently making a movie called “Things We Don’t Talk About:  Healing Narratives from the Red Tent” – This is a movie about women gathering together in sacred space for healing, ritual, and sharing.  It is spaces like Red Tent’s and Moon Lodge’s, holding space for healing that are helping women today find their power and knowing.  Women dedicating their lives to this work is a miracle.  I am dedicating my life to this women’s work.

The younger generations need education.  It is the maidens who truly need us, in that moment where she shifts from the innocence of childhood to the years of development where she begins writing her story.  It is the young girl coming into her moon time, prepared by society to plug herself up with a tampon – She needs us.  Let’s teach girls they don’t have to hide.  Let’s explain to them how their female cycles are not bad and wrong, and what they are feeling is natural.  Let’s continue being shining examples of authenticity so as to communicate to them that truth is where the beauty stands.

It is our influence on these young women that really impacts our future as women.  Let’s keep the tradition alive; the rituals, the ceremonies, the wisdom.  Spread it all like wildfire.  If you don’t know the tradition, learn it.  Find a wise woman who can teach you.  Where is there a young girl, ready and waiting for her Goddess mentor?  How can you support a young girl who is present in your life?  Perhaps it is that little girl who has looked up to you since she was a child.  Find her.  That is the girl who needs you.  She needs your consciousness, your sharing of our innate power.

Wake up a maiden near you -

Our future depends upon it.

Blessings,     ~Ali

Everything That We Are

Intimate Words About Femininity

We are knowing.

We are understanding.

We are patient.

We are resilient.

We are strong.

We are loud, yet we are quiet.

We speak our truth.

We are supported.

We are present.

We are loving.

We are intentional.

Our passion is so clear… Though truly, we are just winging it.

We feel.

We are deep.

We are real.

We are so real, we birth life through our bodies.  It doesn’t get much realer than that.

We are creation and we can also be destruction.  Which do we choose?

We embrace the darkness, though we are pure light.

We grieve.  We heal.  We regenerate.

We bleed each month but do not die.

We renew ourselves.

Is there anything that we can’t do?

Is there anything that we are not?

We are the void.  We are wholeness.

We are death and rebirth, over and over again.

We are divinity in its full expression.

We are juicy, we are sensual, we are sexual.

We are ecstatic.  We ARE ecstasy.

We are shapeshifters.

We are healers.

We are magick.

There is nothing that we can not be or do.

We have done it all.  We have been it all.

We are everything and we are nothing at the same time.

We are a collective.

We are inherently feminine.

We are maiden, we are mother, we are crone.

We are sisters.

We are woman.

Written on 11-11-11 at ALisa Starkweather’s Belly & Womb Conference

Walking into the space, there is nothing but friendly and familiar faces to behold.  So much red infused through the crowd and decoratively adorning the space.  I am immediately reminded of the sacred space this collective group of women hold.  What a blessing.

Women are simply themselves here.  They sing, dance, laugh, cry, scream and let the Shakti energy move them here – Because they can.  No judgement.  Now that is beauty.  The false sense of self can be dropped because the space is so held.  Only the true self checks in at the door there.  Every woman there is ready to welcome you into the space with a sly smile of knowing that we can all share.

In one corner of the room I see one of my sisters belly dancing in front of the drumming women.  She is dancing alone, in front of everyone – No shame.  At the front of the group another sister is signing along with passion and deep connection to the song being sung on stage by our other sister.  It is incredible to see such a large group of women in one space, with all of their masks removed – This includes myself.

Dropping my subconscious mask is one of my favorite parts of this women’s circle.  I enter and without thinking, release the image that I feel I need to fulfill and show up as the person I am.  I cry and release grief in circle, I giggle with the women, I dance and open myself to the energy, I connect with new women, I left my sexy self shine.  I expose my soul.

When it comes down to it, I don’t really have a choice to do anything but be vulnerable there anyway.  There is a “tough love” inherent in the circle.  The most compassionate and loving tough love I have ever experienced.  We do deep emotional work in this circle.  If someone is locking down some part of themselves, or stuffing down some charged emotion, guaranteed it is going to come out here.  All the stored “stuff” winds up coming out because there is sacred space being held for that very reason.  Women supporting women, who each expect that because you showed up here, you are here to do the work.  Done and done.  Trust it is always valuable processing and the end result is a more freed soul.

(Image to the left is the Occupy Womb, Occupy Belly Altar at the conference this past weekend.) It is such an inspiration to show up to a circle like this, filled with so many authentically beautiful women.  Women being present, being themselves.  For me, it is a magickal mirror, reminding myself of my authentic beauty which is equally as inspiring to other women.  It is a reminder that the real me (by saying the “real” me, I am referring to whats true to my soul) is way cooler than whatever I might be trying to cover it up with at times in life.

My experience over the weekend reminded me of some incredibly sweet and juicy advice I received from a close woman of mine recently when I was feeling a bit distressed.  I was sharing with her how I was feeling triggered in a few ways and how when that happens to me, certain reactive behaviors emerge from me that don’t feel good to express.  So, she encouraged me to draw an image of myself in my minds eye – An image of my most authentic, beautiful, magnetic, enchanting, joyful self.  She asked me to name this “self” so I could call on it when I felt the need to.  I decided to name this persona of mine, Alexandra, which is my full name.  Once I had this image created, she said “Okay – This is your superhero self.  The archetypal self you wish to live in, in all-ways.  I encourage you to actively embody this when you feel yourself slipping into less than optimal reactive patterns.”  She went on to say, “But here is the secret:  That image you created of your superhero self in your mind – That is already you.  That is your soul envisioned.  Just let your soul shine.”

The perfect advice, in my opinion.  Alexandra is my soul and I let her shine constantly.  Damn does that feel good

Shine on, peeps.

Blessings,

~Ali

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I feel that everyone can use a good ego obliteration every once in awhile.

Sometimes I just want to leave society and go live with an indigenous tribe to learn with a Shaman.  While I know it is not always a realistic desire, the desire to run away is because I sometimes get sick of listening to my own ego at work.  I am my own worst critic, no doubt.

It was all quieter in Peru.  I didn’t truly notice it until I returned home, but my ego was close to silent while in Peru.  My ego and inner critic was the closest to silent I could remember it having been in the longest time, and, well, as silent as an ego is ever really going to get, I suppose

Traveling in this environment that was so foreign to me, I did not have anyone to impress, little to no expectations of myself – I was simply holding the intention to live moment to moment, exploring Pachamama’s beauty and utter magnificence.  I did not have tasks to complete while I was there in terms of things like housework or job related duties.  All I really had to concern myself with was cleaning my body as I saw fit and feeding myself when I was hungry.  Even then, all meals were prepared for us there so one less task I was distracted with.  Some days I chose to hardly eat anything, while other days I feasted.  Some days I didn’t shower at all, while others I rinsed off several times per day.  It felt liberating to be unattached to a schedule.

While some structure in my normal day to day life at home usually feels productive and comfortable, the break from it all felt so good.  The lack of things to concern myself with aside from my spiritual growth and the exploration of the physical plane we were doing in Peru contributed to my ability to move my focus from being so mind oriented to being more heart centered.

It was a truly care-free journey I had in Peru.  I traveled there to intentionally have my ego obliterated, learning in pure reverence and admiration of all the teachings that this sacred part of the earth has to offer.

As I mentioned, I didn’t really realize until I returned home from our adventure that my ego had been on as much of a vacation as I was.  It was getting back into my day to day flow at home, that I realized how unattached from self-judgement, ridicule, and negative thought processes I had been.  Bliss!  Perhaps this goes for all, as I know each of us has a small (or large) inner critic within the confines of our mind – But I feel as though my intense Scorpionic nature supports my being prone to judging myself frequently and consistently, as Scorpios can be quite dark by nature   I suppose it is all just a process, like anything, in learning, remembering (and sometimes forgetting) to make space for more peace of mind.  In summary, this lack of ego was revelatory for me.

The enamoring beauty of Peru and my deep inner personal work had taken my focus throughout my journey.  It has been a beautiful and inspiring reflection since I returned home, observing what kind of energy has the power to quiet the ego in such a profound and clear way for me.  In this experience, it was the energy of humbleness, receptivity and the desire to dive deep within myself that seemed to grant me such a break from my ego.

The lesson I have taken from all of this feels like it is to bring that powerful energy of reverence and openness into my day to day life on a more frequent

and regular basis.  For me, this looks like doing my very best to drop out of my critical mind and down into my heart in order to receive and appreciate all that I create in my life with gratitude.  For me, this also looks like trusting my power and intuition…  Straight up loving myself, unconditionally.  It is also remembering to give myself a break from the structure and personal ridicule, just to simply bask in the embrace of Pachamama.  That kind of attitude also makes for a way happier Ali who is much more fun to be around, anyway

I suppose I won’t always need a vacation to honor all of this within and without myself, though in this instance, the traveling in such openness was the catalyst for this remembering.  I am grateful that this understanding came to me on such a potent and pivotal journey in my life.

Hey y’all!

I wanted to share an update with you about my feather earring collection ~ I have several new pairs added to the collection, which can be viewed in my shop here on Gaia Scouts, or in my Etsy shop!

These new pairs are my most favorite I have made thus far! The pair featured in the photo the to right are made from Wild Hawk Tail Feathers which I found myself!

I am very excited to be selling my earring collection at the events I will be present at during my travels in the next weeks. I will be selling them at the Longevity Now Conference and the Epic Eden Hot Springs Retreat!

If you will be at either of these events, come find me and lets connect!

Take a peek at the newest additions to the collection in my shop!

I love feedback ~ Feel free to contact with me any questions or comments! Thank you for the continued support!

~ Ali

It is official… The health seminar of the year is just three weeks away! The Longevity Conference ~ September 24th-26th. A large-scale event, with people gathering for a common cause – Longevity! Could it get any better?! We will be hosted by the Longevity Now crew, in Costa Mesa, California. The weekend long conference consists of  15+ speakers, all sharing their personal wealth of knowledge in their skill-set, relating to health and longevity. Among those speakers will be David Wolfe, Daniel Vitalis, Frank Giglio, John Robbins, Dr. Mercola, Donna Gates, Truth Caulkins, Nick Ortner, and quite a few more! For those immersed in the world of natural health, you are probably aware of some of these community leaders, as they have all made quite a name for themselves!

There will also be a few dozen exhibitors at the weekend-long conference, with personal tables where they will have their companies products and treats for sale. Some of those companies include SurThrival, Jing Herbs, Franks Finest, Living Libations, Aimee’s Livin’ Magic, The Alchemy of Self, Omica Organics, Body Ecology, and MUCH MORE! The exhibitors will be open for sales all weekend long.

I am blessed to join this event with SurThrival supporting Daniel Vitalis, assisting at the SurThrival booth in providing the most cutting-edge products to the attendees of this epic event! I am thoroughly excited to make connections and share knowledge with the public around SurThrival’s amazing products, which I stand strongly behind. I look forward to getting the download from all of the amazing speakers that will be present to share for the event, as well! The line-up is phenomenal, and I can only imagine what some of them have up their sleeves to share. What a great opportunity for community education and expansion! This event is NOT to be missed… That is for sure!

To top of the already amazing conference, there will be a private “Meeting with the Masters” workshop ~ A “BEHIND CLOSED DOORS” EVENT! A seven-hour experience with three of the world’s top Longevity experts!

In this advanced workshop, Daniel Vitalis, David Wolfe, and Truth Calkins, will go more in-depth on elixir crafting, the art of tonic alchemy, the secrets to abundant health, complete cell rejuvenation, and longevity!

With these inspirational and educated health experts, you will discover the cutting-edge technologies that will vastly improve the main systems in your body: neuro endocrine immunology, telomere theory, antioxidant theory, stem cell theory, cell binding theory, and quantum brain theory.

There will also be a 90-minute panel where members of the audience can ask their most burning questions to these three extraordinary masters.

Register for this exclusive workshop on the Longevity Now Conference home page, which you can access through the banner at the top or bottom of this page.

Join us there, to get the download from all of the amazing speakers that will be present to share at the event! The line-up is phenomenal, and I can only imagine what some of them have up their sleeves to share. What a great opportunity for community education and expansion! This event is NOT to be missed… That is for sure! Join us at the Longevity Now Conference, September 24-26th in Costa Mesa, California. It will be well worth it, without a doubt!

If you are interested in finding out more about this off-the-charts event and its supreme speakers, click the banner below!

Today, I feel compelled to share some rather personal writings, which I would normally keep to myself. The following flowed through me after the first sweat lodge I have ever took part in, a few weekends ago. The sweat lodge was done in traditional Lakota ceremony, led by a Sister of Lakota lineage. It was a potent experience for me, both physically and emotionally. My body was renewed and my emotions re-charged. Aho.

Sweat to Release

The drum beat of my heart echoes melodically within my body, flowing out through my ears. A symphony of repetitive noise ~ Can an organ inside of me really create this much sound? The chance of my Heart bursting through my chest at this moment, is nothing short of possible. As my mind spins further out of control, I am able to take the reigns of it at the same time. My emotions step up to the plate to govern my thoughts. My sanity may have exited the structure when my clothes did, but my consciousness is more present than ever.

. . . Dun Dun . . . Dun Dun . . . Dun Dun . . .

The heat is so unbearable that I can bare it. I am living through this? I AM living through this ~ This painful, yet ecstatic experience. My strength and will take their natural place, in a far from ego driven manner ~ Not to honor a false desire for independence this time, which is a change… I am here to experience and to go deep ~ Journey through my soul and the souls of my surrounding Sisters. Simply enough ~ It is brute will, love, and gratitude that is carrying me through these Heaven and Hell polarities.

My mind calms, some.

So, I sit.

I am a creature of the Earth ~ A Daughter of the Earth ~ Pouring forth condensation from my body, in a way I never imagined. Sweat; Crystalline beads decorate my naked body, as I sit, positioned cross legged in front of my Ancestors. My body’s perspiration is my offering to them ~ The droplets are an embodiment of the emotions I am releasing in that moment. All of the grief, pain, loneliness, sorrow, anger, hurt ~ Those not of service are gone ~ Exiting my soul to be taken away by my Ancestors.

To All My Relations…

I pray.

I hold my meditative space to remain calm while in ceremony, which becomes a state of ease, as my prayers spill forth from the depths of my gut. I give thanks for such a blessed, blessed, abundant reality. What an honor it is to walk my path. To be held in Gaia’s embrace ~ Walking on her abundant body, swept away in the breezes of her mystery, enlivened by her firey spirit, and cleansed by her gentle waters. What a gift to be mirrored by such Divine beings that surround me ~ Aligned with my twin Soul in this paradigm ~ Compassionately loved by the most extraordinary friends ever ~ Birthed into a beautiful lineage. I pray for abundance to all my loved ones, and myself ~ In ALL-ways. For the highest alignment with my Divine Soul Purpose, in complete Service.

Ahomataquiase.

So, we smoke. We sweat. We give our thanks ~ Our prayers lifted up by our ancestors, rising with the heat and the steam from the rocks… Up to the Heavens.

Sisters praying together; Naked Priestesses ~ Sitting in circle as it all began ~ Changing the world with our manifestations. What potency! We are nourished.

Ahomataquiase.