Making Sense of Medicinal Plant Research

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarCrooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Anyone who claims that “there’s no scientific evidence to support herbal medicine” clearly hasn’t been paying attention. Scientists have conducted hundreds of thousands of scientific studies on medicinal botanicals, and this data complements our long tradition {several millennia} of using plants safely as medicine. But to the general public and budding herbalists, this research seems locked away in a world of science, out of reach to the everyday person. The truth is, anyone can access the majority of this research. Once you get over a bit of a learning curve, you will better develop your understanding of healing plants and boost your science savvy.

Most of the scientific research you hear about in mainstream media comes through a filter. Some outlets are impartial, others incredibly biased, with the goal of either boosting herbal product sales or convincing you that herbs offer no value. By assessing the studies for yourself, you…

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Card of the Day – 9 of Pentacles – Monday, August 27, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

What an adorable 9 of Pentacles from a deck-in-progress by Joanna Nelson Studio, titled ‘Whispering Spirits’.  If  you will be in the Denver, Colorado area September 7 through 9, you can stop by the Body, Mind and Spirit Expo at the Denver Mart, and meet both Joanna Nelson and Kayti Stewart (a/k/a Kayti Creator), both of 78 Tarot fame.  They will have plenty of artwork, goodies, and Tarot items with them for your perusal.

As we bask in the glow of the Pisces Full Moon, and enjoy the vibe of the Grand Earth Trine, with the Sun in Virgo, Saturn in Capricorn, and Uranus in Taurus, I am not sure if I could have chosen a better card for today. Pentacles are, after all, the Earth suit, and the 9 of Pentacles, is basking in all of your comforts and luxuries and those things which make you…

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Spirit Animal Oracle: Grandmother Spider (Creativity)

Mother Spider is a very powerful spirit. Far from the ugly critter image we usually use to depict her, she is a master creator. The Spider is certainly one of the most talented architects in Nature, and symbolizes art and creativity.

Spider encourages you to express yourself in a creative form. It is also reminding you that you are the creator of your life. We all constantly weave complex mental, emotional and social patterns. How does your web look? Clean and structured, or rough and messy? Maybe it is time to use your creative power to bring harmony back into your life and to focus again on what is important. As the creator of your reality, you have the power to consciously weave the life of your dreams. Ask the Spider to guide you in this process.

As a side note, spiders are also wonderful loving parents. Some species don’t hesitate to offer their own body so that there babies can feed. This is certainly the ultimate sacrifice a mother could make for her children! So please, next time you see a spider in your house, don’t kill it. Thank it for it’s creative message and if you don’t want to have it as your guest, gently relocate it outside.

MESSAGE FROM THE SPIDER: “You are the architect of your life. Be creative!”

Spirit Animal Oracle | The Mole (Introspection)

Here is a beautiful Sioux legend which says a lot about the spirit of the Mole. In ancient times, The Creator gathered all of Creation and said, “I want to hide something from the humans until they are ready for it. It is the realization that, as a part of me, they create their own reality.” Many creatures suggested places to hide this knowledge, but none of them were really satisfactory, as humans would finally explore them. Finally, Grandmother Mole, who lives within the heart of Mother Earth and sees with her spiritual eyes — rather than her physical eyes — spoke up: “Why don’t we hide it inside the humans? That is the last place they will look for it.” The Creator laughed, and replied in an instant: “It is done.”

The Mole has a profound and rich connection with its inner self. Like the Mole, you may benefit now from solitude and introspection. Don’t look for solutions around you, as all your answers are only within yourself. Get back to yourself, and look inside Examine your emotions and understand your patterns. It may not be pretty, but explore even your darkest corners and deepest wounds. Be honest and don’t try to embellish things. Only when you really know yourself, will you be able to initiate deep changes.

MESSAGE FROM THE MOLE: “Look within yourself and find your own answers. You can only heal what you are aware of. Know thyself.”

Matt Kahn | A Message From The Universe

Hello Friend

When tuning into Source, here is what the Universe wanted me to share with you today:

“As the golden rays of summer sunshine fill up the spaces created by our spring cleaning, we rejoice in the radiance that brings deeper moments of self-reflection, inner renewal, and inspired direction. We may not yet know exactly where we are headed, but going backwards is no longer an option. Instead, we bask in the joy of knowing within the depths of our hearts, we have been chosen for the mission of this lifetime and we are fulfilling it, whether we see the effects of our light or not. We are always doing exactly as we are guided to do, going precisely where we are guided to be, and responding from the level of consciousness that opens inner doorways into even higher realms of freedom, magnificence, and perfection. Not because we are doing things right versus wrong, but because we committed to evolving our consciousness within the grace of our human bodies.

Perhaps these channeled words are urging us to stop exactly where we are and to make the choice to rejoice — all that has been overcome and all the blessings on their way. Can we take a moment and revel in the absolute miracle of being a soul in physical form? To be given a chance to manifest our infinite capacity through the majestic beauty, individual characteristics, and unique attributes of who we’ve come to be.

“Please tune into the energy encoded in these words and allow this moment to help you break open and set you free. It’s all here to be revealed. We just need an opportunity to let it all in.”
When we make the choice to rejoice, the human condition is given permission to transform into the gift of life that is here to be received. As empaths and energetically sensitive souls, we know one of our main growing edges is opening up to receive more often, instead of always putting other goals or people first. As a building block to being a better receiver, we are only able to perceive greater gifts to receive, once we rejoice in the celebration of there being gifts to open and take in. Whether we sense miracles on the horizon, or stand in a darkened tunnels with no light in sight, simply by making the choice to rejoice, we anchor the vibration of gratitude, which expands our energy fields, elevates our vibration, and allows our hearts to feel safe enough to remain open.

From this space, life can shift away from bringing us outcomes and circumstances to confirm our most limiting beliefs and begin delivering us the synchronicities, resources, relationships, insights, and guidance that shows us the Divine plan we are always fulfilling that we cannot veer away from or ever get wrong.

Let us come together as a community of energetically-sensitive heart centered beings to rejoice in the arrival of 5D consciousness. It may not yet be apparent in the climate of current events or visible in the actions in others, but Mother Earth is already 5D, and those of us already attuned to her sacred calling are waking up in astounding numbers and at record speed. We’ve done the work, continue to hunker down and dive deeply, and now, we shift into welcoming the arrival of a Truth we’ve been contemplating for lifetimes, by rejoicing in celebration for the light that we are.

“Today, the Universe asks us to help uplift the vibration of humanity to alleviate our own inner suffering and wipe away the despair of others by taking the time to be grateful with renewed enthusiasm and relentless joy.”
If this sounds like too big of a leap, then just start with a smile.

Whether toward another or as a gift for yourself, smile as a way of confirming, “no matter how hard its been, life has a bigger plan for me and my smile confirms it’s coming to me now.”

Card of the Day – The World – Saturday, August 25, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

If you are one of the many who has already listened to my Finish Line video, then you will certainly understand where I am coming from today with this card.  Life is all about cycles, so when a cycle completes, a Finish Line, if you will, there will always be another Starting Line.

With that being said, we are on the doorstep of the most glorious Full Moon of the year, this one being in the sign of Pisces.  Pisces itself always brings up the rear and completes the cycle, and whether you realize it, or not, you are poised to walk through the next door, to begin something new that will be unfolding over the coming months.  Finally, you have reached a turning point, and the actions you take heretofore will aid you in ensuring the positive outcome you desire.

See you here tomorrow!

Source:  Petrak Tarot

This…

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Card of the Day – 8 of Cups – Friday, August 24, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

The promise of new opportunities beckons on the horizon, but what about your current life? It has served its purpose up until now, some good, some bad, but so much more awaits you just on the other side of the impending Full Moon in Pisces which we be here in two more days.

The 8 of Cups is often associated with disappointment, abandonment, and moving on, likely in search of a better life. The timing is right, especially as Mars turn direct in three days, to set out on a new adventure of discovery. If there has been nonsense, whether it was Eclipse and retrograde related or not, being able to turn your back on this part opens you up to new possibilities. There is no remorse with this card; you are ready and willing to venture forth and see what the Universe has in store for you next. The…

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Science and the Metaphysical | Ancient Quasars Provide Incredible Evidence for Quantum Entanglement

Using two ancient galactic cores called quasars, researchers have taken a massive step forward toward confirming quantum entanglement — a concept that says particles can be linked no matter how far apart in the universe they may be.   […]

Source: Ancient Quasars Provide Incredible Evidence for Quantum Entanglement

Paradigm Shift | The Top Four Reasons California Is Unsustainable, by Thomas Del Beccaro

In the land of “sustainability,” decades of California’s policies are making California unsustainable.

California is a place unlike any other on the Globe.  It boasts perhaps the greatest natural resources of any state along with shining high-tech industries.  However, like many good economic stories, government policies threaten its future.   […]

Source: The Top Four Reasons California Is Unsustainable

A Glass Of Salt Water And Vinegar Will Detect Negative Energies In Your Home – The Minds Journal

We all have felt negative and positive vibes from people quite a few times in our life. Even if science is not yet ready to put a name to it, emotional energy is very real, and important like thermal energy or potential energy of matter.

A Glass Of Salt Water And Vinegar Will Detect Negative Energies In Your Home  … […]

Source: A Glass Of Salt Water And Vinegar Will Detect Negative Energies In Your Home – The Minds Journal

Card of the Day – 7 of Swords – Thursday, August 23, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

Wow! This card is aptly placed today. First, let us start with you, continuing to fly under the radar during this heavy retrograde period. While Mercury is direct, it is currently in shadow through September 2, and Mars remains retrograde until August 27. It is still stealth mode time for you, and soon you will be able to emerge from the shadows and move forward full force with your plans. Keep things under wraps and basically to yourself for the time being.

Next up is the shady business, lies, deceit, and betrayals, associated with this card. Let’s not forget that a direct Jupiter, planet of expansion, is still in Scorpio, the sign of the great detective. Over the course of the coming weeks, and likely moreso once Jupiter leaves shadow in October, you will see more and more of what has been hidden in the shadows being brought to light…

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Myers-Briggs Compatibility: Does It Matter In Relationships?

Do opposites attract? Or should you look for a partner who is just like you?

Romantic relationships are a vital part of our lives, so it makes sense that we’d want to maximize our chance of finding the best possible life partner. But is there a way to use science and psychology to give us an edge? Many people feel that the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) is a tool to figure this out.   […]

Source: Myers-Briggs Compatibility: Does It Matter In Relationships?

Card of the Day – Queen of Pentacles – Wednesday, August 22, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

What an appropriate card for today! Our Queen of Pentacles, a/k/a Queen of Earth, is here to keep you in grounded practical mode today. She is the proverbial nurturer, a provider, not just in the financial realm, but in life’s comforts as well. She does not need to be rich to wield her power, for it comes through her hard work and ambition to be secure.

Today, we have no less than three energies in the earth sign of Capricorn. Retrograde Mars, retrograde Saturn, and the Moon, are all hanging out here. There is a tendency to want to get things done, perhaps tie up a few loose ends, and taking the projects at hand seriously in order to see them through to completion. Use all of this grounded energy which the Universe is providing to see to it that the job gets done right. You’ll be glad you did.

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Perspectives | The Upside To Criticism, with Matt Kahn

Hello Luminaries

Reality is literally an expression of consciousness coming to life.
From its birth, each manifestation is constantly growing in an upward trajectory.

Because of its ever-evolving nature, along with a growing sense of self-awareness throughout the tapestry of time and space, we refer to everything as a creative expression of source energy.

That which lives as an expression of Source (or creative energy) manifests the creative energy of Source in those who view it.

One of the first levels of creative expression is how creatively someone imagines changing the landscape of perceptions in view.

This occurs through the formation of an opinion. As opinions get formed, one decides how they feel about the things in view, unaware how their feeling is not due to what exists to be seen, but reflective in the quality of how they choose to see it.

Instead of thinking of criticism as a personal attack, rest in knowing it is your creative energy, whether expressed simply in your existence, or
reflected in the artistry of your creation that inspires a greater wellspring of creativity in others.

As creative energy matures, each of us is able to spontaneously pull inspiration out of the ethers. This occurs without projecting our need for change onto the perfection of existing creations, in order to express the artistry of our aliveness.

“As creative energy matures, each of us is able to spontaneously pull inspiration out of the ethers.”
From this space, the upside of criticism occurs in recognizing that while others may critique your existence, they are merely in the process of cultivating a deeper inner awareness; preparing to bring out the inner artist waiting to be born in their heart.

Those who criticize may not know their criticism as a crucial rite of passage along the journey of awakening. It might just be mindless projections keeping at bay the potential for intimate connections where one has more to lose in being open and vulnerable when hiding behind the mask of ego.

No matter how cold-hearted or mean-spirited others seem to be, as long as you know the deeper inner workings that occur, you are less likely to judge and condemn those whose evolving creative energy is internally fighting for a more expanded way to see their world in view.

May all be met with patience, tolerance, and compassion with respect to the evolving artist in every heart — no matter how often they use their creativity to limit themselves by how often they ridicule another.

May all be healed by the light of love, so our creative energy may be used consciously for the greater good of all.

All For Love,
Matt Kahn

Through the Eyes of Tarot – Sun in Virgo – August 23 through September 22, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

While you have the free will to choose, it is possible that, at the time of the Sun entering Virgo, you remain undecided how to take charge of a situation. This can either be due to fear on your part of the unknown, or a lack of clarity which lingers as a result of Mercury shadow and some continuing retrogrades. There may be questions as to laws and authority as to whether you should circumvent a few rules in order to achieve your goals, or whether you should follow them and just continue working behind the scenes as you await your new beginnings.

Keep giving everything its necessary attention, but be mindful of your own needs as well. As the Universe prepares to push you forward toward your hopes and dreams like a slingshot over the next four weeks, it is important to have come to terms with what you…

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Card of the Day – The Emperor – Tuesday, August 21, 2018

tarotbycecelia's avatarTarot by Cecelia

What a perfect Emperor card with which to close out the Sun in Leo! As the Sun winds up its last two days in its home sign, there is no doubt that you are excited to see some new energy in town. The Cancer and Leo stints have been tough with the Eclipses and retrogrades, so by now you are ready for something new.

The Emperor is the father figure, authority figure, protector, solid-as-a-rock, unwilling to budge, and you can probably think of a person or two who fits the bill. He is also your stable foundation. You have worked for a long time to get to this point. Many of you suffered at least one serious implosion in life, which left you picking up the pieces and cleaning away the debris from a life which is only a memory now. So, if the Emperor is your new, better-than-ever, solid…

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Health | Weaponizing oxygen to kill infections and disease

Bacteria with nanoparticle photosensitizers grow before illumination (left), but are killed after illumination (right) as oxygen is activated. Credit: Peng Zhang

The life-threatening bacteria called MRSA can cripple a hospital since it spreads quickly and is resistant to treatment. But scientists report that they are now making advances in a new technique that avoids antibiotics. Instead, they are using light to activate oxygen, which then wipes out antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The method also could be used to treat other microbial infections, and possibly even cancer.  […]

Source: Weaponizing oxygen to kill infections and disease