Therapeutic Thymes Fall 2023 by Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

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EDITOR | PUBLISHER | SPECIAL EVENTS Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Moon Eir | Dana Jefferson | Sara Johnson | Chuck Kruse Mary Mannix | Mary Plaza | Kumudha Venkatesan ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / MYSTICAL THYMES Mary Soanes ADVERTISING MANAGER admanager@therapeuticthymes.com IT & LOGISTICS Glenn Eckman CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Lucas of Oh The Raven Studio | ohtheraven.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Article guidelines are available on our website therapeuticthymes.com/submissions CALENDER SUBMISSIONS Submit your event via email to info@therapeuticthymes.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION To request a media kit, please email advertise@therapeuticthymes.com or call 717-419-8796. Deadline for our Winter Issue (due out in December) is 1 October. WHOLESALES: Interested in carrying Therapeutic Thymes in your store on shop? Email info@therapeuticthymes.com or write us at the address below. OFFICE Therapeutic Thymes, LLC PO Box 4731 | Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone: 717-419-8796 | info@therapeuticthymes.com © 2023 by Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. | All rights reserved. | ISSN 2474-8315

FALL, ISSUE 28 | SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER

MISSION

Therapeutic Thymes is dedicated to promoting a more natural, therapeutic, and sustainable way of life. We serve as a resource to the mind, body, spirit community through our print and digital publications and our hosted and sponsored events. SUBSCRIPTIONS

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Therapeutic Thymes, LLC does not necessarily endorse the opinions and statements expressed in the articles and advertisements. We are also not responsible for any products or services advertised. If you have a condition requiring medical attention, you should see your primary physician. © 2023, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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fall CONTENTS 2023 13 Community Education on Providing the Right Support to Veterans

49 Improving Wellness as An Energy Practice

By Mary Plaza

By Sara Johnson, CEO of Mission 22 21 Eating With the Seasons

Are You Well?

By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA

By Jean Burchett 57 Four of Swords Taking Time Our For Wellness

27 Materia Medica: Mugwort

By Mary K. Mannix

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman 63 A Soul’s True Journey of Healing

29 Iron Palm

By Moon Eir

By Chuck Kruse 35 Six Ayurveda Concepts for Vibrant Health

By Kumudha Venkatesan

DEPARTMENTS

COVER IMAGE

By Lokana Via Shutterstock.com

05 07

Editor’s Note

69 Book Thyme

News & Tidbits

Contributors

Garden Thyme

Advertiser Index

FALL 2023 | 3

Handmade intention-based essential oil blends kissed softly by the full moon.

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Welcome to our Fall 2023 Issue. The theme this issue is Fall Wellness. This issue I would like to share a personal story with you. It is not the story I envisioned writing but as I read through press releases and emails for our News & Tidbits section, I knew it had to be shared. So, grab a cup of your favorite tea and join us a spell. There was a time – shortly after my twins were born – that I lived on Diet Coke. In addition to taking care of the twins and their older sister, I also was an overnight server at a local restaurant. I needed to stay awake and functional but so desperately believed “diet” would help me lose those baby pounds. On most days, I drank a two-liter bottle before I went to work and drank all night there. After a while, I noticed a few health issues and like many of us do, I simply explained them away. My teeth hurt but I thought I just had been avoiding the dentist. I had headaches, migraines actually. I had vision problems; my ears rang; my hair was falling out. I was always out of breath feeling like my heart was beating so fast. I lost feeling on one side of my body. That’s just a few of my issues at that time. The doctors ran every test possible. No answers. Finally, my primary admitted defeat and said I must have Bell’s Palsy. No reason why one gets this. No cure. Then my mom called me one day and told me to check my local news. They did a segment on the dangers of aspartame. I threw the Diet Coke out and switched back to coffee. Only time I get migraines now is if I forget and chew gum (most have it in there) or if a waitress mixes up my root beer for diet coke. So good news – I am better. In other news – WHO, IARC, and other alphabet soup organizations have determined that aspartame is a possible carcinogen. That brings me to a plea. If you are a nutritionist, a naturopath, or a healthy foodie, we would like you to consider contributing to Therapeutic Thymes. Submission guidelines are on our website. We are both print and digital. Reach out. We would love to hear from you.

Blessings! ~ Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman Editor / Publisher FALL 2023 | 5

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NEWS & TIDBITS SAGE MOUNTAIN BOTANICAL SANCTUARY REACHES OUT VERMONT – For 35 years, Sage Mountain has been a sanctuary to plants, animals, and people. It was founded in 1987 by herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and her family as a conservation education center. On 10 July, a historic and catastrophic thousand-year-flood swept through the state and the road to Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary was washed away. The flood waters stripped the road down to bedrock. For more information on Sage Mountain, or to contribute to their Flood Recovery Fund, visit: sagemountain.com. ❁

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NEWS & TIDBITS

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NATURAL PRODUCTS EAST COMES TO PHILADELPHIA IN SEPTEMBER BOULDER, CO – Informa Markets’ New Hope Network, producer of Natural Products Expo, has unveiled the New Hope Innovation Experience, part of Natural Products Expo East 2023, a one-day event for attendees looking to learn about, engage with, taste and even challenge the newest innovations that have potential to shape the future of food and CPG. The Innovation Experience is open to all Expo East attendees and will take place Friday, September 22, during Natural Products Expo East. The event is designed to be an environment of learning and conversation with education sessions, keynote talks and experiential demonstrations alongside exhibitor

booths. Themes for participants to explore will include responsible technology, retail and foodservice transformation, sustainability solutions and inventive business models. The Innovation Experience is open to all badge holders at Natural Products Expo East 2023, which will run September 20-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Follow @NatProdExpo on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Visit @Natural ProductsExpo on LinkedIn to join in on ongoing conversations. Natural Products Expo is a business-tobusiness trade show and is not open to the public. ❁

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NEWS & TIDBITS

ASPARTAME CITED AS A POSSIBLE CARCINOGEN (WHO) – The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in conjunction with other likeorganizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), has released the aspartame hazard and risk assessment results and have classified aspartame as possible carcinogenic to humans. Aspartame is an artificial (chemical) sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins. “Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Every year, 1 in 6 people die from cancer,” said Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO. “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.” ❁

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FOUNDER OF CALIFORNIA BABY® TO KEYNOTE AT BEYOND AROMATICS SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Jessica Iclisoy will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)’s Beyond Aromatics Conference in October. She will present a. Fireside Chat How to Build a Biz Based on Aromatherapy and Naturals. Iclisoy is the CEO and founder of California Baby®, a natural plant-based skincare now-global company. Beyond Aromatics provides opportunities for aromatherapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, reflexologists, complimentary health practitioners, students and individuals interested in aromatherapy to meet, network, share, and learn about integrating holistic aromatherapy approaches into practice, self, and family care. The conference this year is 5-7 October in Salt Lake City. For more information, visit: conference.naha.org. ❁

HARVEST SNAPS ORGANIC SEA SALT IS A TASTY SNACK FAIRFIELD, CA - Harvest Snaps is stepping up the crunch experience with its new organic Artisan Sea Salt Baked Green Pea Snacks. Great for taking on relaxing fall hikes or snacking at the local football game, these USDA certified organic snacks feature whole organic green peas milled in house as the first ingredient, plus a bold sprinkle of sea salt. The tasty baked (this is a no-fry zone!) snacks are packed with plant-protein and a good source of fiber, plus certified gluten free and vegetarian-friendly. They also contain no artificial flavors or preservatives, no GMO's, no wheat, no soy, no nuts, no peanuts, and no eggs. Sold in 3oz bags, Harvest Snaps' organic Artisan Sea Salt Baked Green Pea Snacks are available for retailers nationwide. ❁

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COMMUNITY EDUCATION ON PROVIDING THE RIGHT SUPPORT TO

VETERANS By Sara Johnson, CEO — Mission 22

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Veteran support is a cause regularly on the minds and hearts of many Americans, especially those with loved ones who have spent time deployed in combat zones. Though the United States has an extensive veteran benefits program for those currently serving and those who previously served, many veterans still struggle with getting the support they need once their duty to their country is complete. Even though veterans have access to comprehensive benefit programs, educational assistance, and medical care through the Veterans Administration (VA), a focus on the veteran’s emotional and mental wellbeing, connection to their families, and the veteran community at large is often left to the wayside. As such, education is still needed in order to highlight the ongoing needs of veterans in all communities, as well as what can be done to help get them the support they need and greatly deserve.

RAISING AWARENESS Most people are aware of the VA and what they provide to members of the military during and after their service, though they may be misled into believing the VA handles all needs of veterans and

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their families. Thus, it is necessary that awareness is raised, and that veterans’ communities are educated about the challenges veterans face and remain aware of what kind of support veterans need, and how they can help facilitate that support. Through our work at Mission 22, we have been able to create events with the help of 4,000 ambassadors. Through

these events, we have had the opportunity to disseminate knowledge and foster an understanding of the unique needs of veterans and their families, including information about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, and a focus on growth and healing from harmful experiences. These social impact events and outreach not only raise awareness for the needs of veterans, but allow them to see that they are not alone — there is an entire community behind them offering support. We also understand that healing starts at home, which is why we provide programming that encourages wellness for the entire family.

TRAINING PROGRAMS In order for veterans’ communities to successfully support their needs, there must be instruction for those within these communities, including — but not limited to — healthcare professionals, community

leaders, and law enforcement to have the necessary skills to assist veterans. The training programs we provide at Mission 22 focus on issues of mental health awareness, recognizing the signs of PTSD or brain injury, understanding the culture of the military and specific behaviors, and how to provide appropriate referrals to specialized services when necessary. Statistics show that seven out of every 100 veterans will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lifetime, and that approximately 185,000 veterans have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. These veterans are living, working, and raising their families in our communities. With proper training, community support systems can better understand and appropriately handle any issues that may arise. Through these education channels, communities can come to better understand accommodations veterans might require as well.

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"...SEVEN OUT OF EVERY 100 VETERANS WILL SUFFER FROM PTSD... AND APPROXIMATELY 185,000 VETERANS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES."

RESOURCE DIRECTORIES

COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPS

One challenge that veterans and their families may face is not knowing where to turn — or who to turn to — when they need help, whether that be for mental health support, assistance finding a job, or educational opportunities. But with comprehensive resource directories, the help veterans need is available right at their fingertips.

Those who have served in the military are acclimated to working within a collaborative environment. Once their military service is over, however, the lack of partnership and collaboration they may experience within their communities can be unexpected, and even a little jarring.

These directories outline the local and national support services that are available and help veterans avoid the frustrating red tape that often comes with seeking services. They should also be regularly updated and distributed within the community, so veterans have access to them when they need them.

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This is why education on veteran needs should emphasize a need for collaboration and partnership between local organizations, government agencies, and veteran advocacy groups. By working as a collective, these organizations can pool their resources, coordinate their efforts, and create a strong support network that meets the multifaceted needs of veterans and their families. Encouraging collaboration and partnership strengthens veterans’ surrounding community and lets

them know that, even though they are no longer in the military, there is still a team of allied comrades that has their back. Ultimately, the commitment to veterans’ needs is a personal one. Yet, the veteran experience is one felt and shared by veterans’ families and communities alike. There are currently 16.5 million veterans in the United States who all have individual concerns, lifestyles, and needs that require addressing by those with insight into the military culture. Through education, collaboration, and a concentrated effort to understand how the varied needs of veterans can be met, we can all help them live full, successful lives once they return to civilian life. ❁

Learn more and get involved at mission22.com

Are you interesting in learning more abour your family history? Need help connecting to your ancestors? Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman can help you connect to your ancestors and walk your Ancestral Passage. Learn More at ancestralpassages.com @AncestralPass

@AncestralPassages

Contact Jeanne at jeanne.eckman@comcast.net or 717-419-8796 SCAN ME!

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recipients were This year's grant aningful role they selected for the me nic sh, nutritious orga play in making fre eir th les accessible in fruits and vegetab lly Ke red garden: communities. Featu . (NYC), New York x on Street Garden- Br ❁ e's Path Foods Inc.) (CNW Group/Natur

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Eating Seasons WITH THE By Jean Burchett

This beautiful planet Earth that we live on is the only one that so perfectly suits our needs if only we pay attention. One of the ways that the Earth provides for us is through the foods that we require for sustenance. Whatever the time of year it is the Earth readily brings forth what we need to nourish our bodies at that time. In the spring time we receive the first bright bursts of green to lift our spirits after winter. These first vegetables of spring can include spinach, peas, asparagus, and dandelion. Not only do these first vegetables provide color to our gardens they detoxify our bodies after some of the heavier foods we consume over the cooler months.

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Summer gives us a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that require very little preparation at a time when the weather is such that we may not relish the thought of heating up the kitchen. In the fall typically comes the main largest part of the harvest season and vegetables that work well in a big pot of soup or stew. As the temperatures cool there is nothing quite like a warming, aromatic pot of soup or stew simmering on the stove. Some of the last of the fruits and vegetables that are harvested in the fall are the hardier types such as potatoes and squashes that keep well over the winter until we once again see those first welcome bursts of green in the spring. This was how we lived for centuries. We seem to have forgotten how to eat with the seasons now that just about anything we might be hungry for is available year-round, but if we could learn to eat with the seasons again, how much better could we feel. How much happier would we be to see our favorite foods if we waited until they were in season to enjoy them? How much healthier would we be if we really listened to what our bodies need, when they need it?

Eating Locally Eating seasonally can go hand in hand with eating locally. There are exceptions in that it is possible to eat seasonal foods that have been shipped from other places and out of season foods that have been raised locally in greenhouses. When trying to eat as locally and seasonally as possible, it helps to get to know what is in season in your area. This can be done by talking

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"How much healthier would we be if we really listened to what our bodies need, when they need it?"

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to those who have been raised locally, talking to local farmers if possible or by contacting your local extension office. Your local extension office can be found by typing “extension office near me” into your browser. Learning to eat seasonally and locally can be good for our budgets as well as our bodies. Eating as much locally grown foods as possible depending on where you live can mean that you can often obtain your food directly from the source in order to avoid shipping costs and additional charges added on by retailers. Foods produced locally are also picked closer to the peak of freshness than foods that are picked early so that they continue to ripen during the shipping process.

Fresh locally grown foods can be obtained, depending upon where you live, from sources such as farm stands, farmer’s markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), co-ops, and even your own backyard or patio if you have a green enough thumb. Obtaining your foods directly from the farmers that grow or raise it has the added advantage of allowing you to ask questions about seasonality, growing practices, and even ways to use something that you may not have tried before. There are many farmer’s markets that are local to me in Lancaster County, PA, including the Lancaster Central Market. This is the oldest continually operated farmer’s market in the country. I am lucky to have such a source available, but it is worthwhile to seek out what is available in your area. ❁

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Your local full-service Metaphysical destination! Hanover, PA sacredmooncircle.com

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MATERIA MEDICA: MUGWORT (ARTEMISIA VULGARIS)

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

FAMILY: Asteraceae COMMON NAME(S): Mugwort, sailor’s tobacco, Artemis Herb USDA HARDINESS: : Zones 3-9 NATIVE RANGE: Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.

GENDER: Feminine DESCRIPTION & CULTIVATION: Mugwort is a bitter perennial that can be found along roadsides and in ditches or bushy areas. It blooms in Spring. The grooved stems grow approximately one foot to five feet. The leaves are green on the topside and “downy” on the bottom. Yellow to reddish brown grown flower heads grown July to October. PARTS USED: Rootstock and leaves. CULINARY USES: Tea

MEDICINAL USES: Appetizer and digestive. It is known to help regulate menstruation and can help with associated cramps. As a bath additive, it may help with rheumatism and tired legs. Mugwort tea is helpful in relieving the itch of poison ivy, bronchitis, colds, and fevers. It has been known to relieve insomnia and restlessness when smoked. MAGIKAL USES: Ancestral work. It is also used to purify bad spirits. Used for astral projection and prophetic dreams. NOTE: Avoid if pregnant. ❁

Sources: Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2014. Pp. 178-179 Lust, John, N.D, D.B.M., (1974) The Herb Book. Bantam Books, pg. 284. Roth, Harold. The Witching Herbs. Newburyport, MA: Weiser Books, 2017. pp. 141-153. Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D. (1990) The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, pp. 35,191-192.

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IRON PALM... SERIOUSLY? By Chuck Kruse

So Fall is here and we are adjusting our practices and activities to accommodate for the changing season. The warm summer days are slowly passing us by to be replaced by cooler winds, and eventually downright cold conditions. Perhaps we will move inside a little more. But you know we still want to continue working on our own improvement and evolution. It could be time to begin Iron Palm!

What do you think about when you see the words Iron Palm? Conditioned martial artists breaking bricks? Cinder blocks? Yes, this is what the mainstream feeds us, and yes, it can certainly be a part of the Iron Palm world, but it goes far deeper than that. Let us explore how Iron Palm can be added to your life as a beneficial health practice suitable to be done indoors as well as out, day or night, by anyone even if martial arts are the last thing you worry about. In Asian medicine, the concept of Chi (Qi) is a central tenet. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this Chi travels throughout the body

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in defined channels called Meridians. Modern research has shown that Chi is actually the body's electrical system and by mapping areas of electrical resistance on the body, those meridians can be measured. Experiments along this line have shown that the TCM meridian mapping is almost exactly what the electrical resistance experiments have shown to be the path the electricity takes in your body. Now the meridians have to end somewhere, and many of them end in your hands. The Iron Palm practice of slapping a bag of beans will stimulate the chi throughout your body through those meridians, and in Asia, this activity is performed well into old age. I am not talking about breaking cinder blocks with a well-timed slap here, but a much gentler method aimed at your well-being instead of a cement slab! OK, now that we have laid the foundation of Why to do Iron Palm, let us proceed to the How. For an Iron Palm practice, we need two things. We need liniment for your hands, and we need something to slap. Iron Palm liniment, called Dit Da Jau in Cantonese, can be a deep subject of its own. Many formulas have been developed over the centuries. Some contain dozens of herbs, resins, and minerals. Some of them are rather simple. Most of the hard core martial arts formulas have the distinct property of being mildly poisonous believe it or

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not, and come with a warning not to use them over open cuts or abrasions on your skin. This has always seemed strange to me since the pursuit of martial arts is very likely to produce at least small open wounds on the hands! So, early in my own practice I developed a Dit Da Jau formula made only from non-toxic materials. It has worked well for me, but for our purposes of Iron Palm as a health practice we don't need to soak herbs in vodka for six months in order to do ourselves some good. Get yourself one of the many arthritis creams currently on the market. If your local pharmacy carries Tiger Balm, that would be fine. Tiger Balm also makes a liquid liniment that would work well for

FIGURE 1: TOOLS

FIGURE 2: PALM UP

FIGURE 3: PALM DOWN

FIGURE 1: TOOLS Here are the items you will need. FIGURE 2: PALM UP Hold the hand about eye-high, palm down, over the towel-wrapped beans or rice. FIGURE 3: PALM DOWN Drop the palm without adding force, let gravity do the work and try not to let your fingertips hit the bag.

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our purposes. If you can get an arthritis cream containing Capsium, so much the better. It's worth reading a few labels for this. So now you have your liniment, next you need the bag. The best medium for Iron Palm practice is certainly Mung beans. If you have an Asian grocery available to you, go there and get two pounds of dried Mung beans. If this is not an option, go to the grocery store and get two pounds of dried split green peas or small white beans. You could also use a bag of rice if you wish. Put a pinhole in each bag of beans to let any air out, then put the bags into a larger plastic bag that will keep them close but not tightly packed. You want some room for the beans or rice to move as you slap the bag but not so much that your hand goes through to the table.

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Now wrap the bags in a towel, put the whole assembly on a sturdy table, and you are ready to begin. The bag needs to be just above your navel. Stack up some books if necessary to get it to the correct level. Once you do this, you won't have to take much time to do it again since you will know exactly which volumes to set up. Spread some liniment on your hands paying most attention to your bottom palms. You don't need to soak them but make certain to apply enough that you can tell it's there. Now lift up your arm so that your palm is roughly at eye level, palm side down. Then just let the hand and arm drop, ending with your palm on the bag. Take a look at the photographs to make this clear. Do not apply force, just let gravity take its course. Try not to slap

with your fingertips, just the palm. Then, raise the other arm and let that palm drop and slap the bag. This is one repetition. After a few repetitions, you might begin to feel your Chi moving in your hands and body if you are sensitive to it. If you feel nothing, that is also fine. Everything comes with time, patience, and practice. You always want to start slowly. For the first week, perform ten repetitions and that's that. Next week, try twenty repetitions. Work up by ten or even five more per week until you get to fifty repetitions. At this point, you can level off and continue throughout your life and the practice will continue to do you good. If you prefer a more meditative experience and don't like to count, after getting to the fifty-repetition level obtain a timer and set it for three minutes. That

way, just do your slaps and stop when the timer goes off. You can do your Iron Palm every day. The ancient methods ask for two practice sessions a day but I have had great results once a day and I do it in the morning. I encourage you to determine the best time for yourself, by yourself. It can be another exercise in self-knowledge to figure this out. For maximum benefit, when you are done with the session, shake your hands out and then stand still, close your eyes, and concentrate on your breathing for a little while. Take time to absorb the benefit of the practice you have just engaged in. Smile to yourself, you are taking yet another step towards your good health. Congratulations! I welcome you to the ancient art of Iron Palm! ❁

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Six Ayurveda Vibrant Health CONCEPTS F OR By Kumudha Venkatesan

Thousands of folks following ancient Ayurveda concepts live a long life, always healthy and happy! According to Ayurveda - mind and body are deeply connected. Dr Vasant Lad, Ayurveda legend in North America says," According to the teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of life contributes to overall health." Deepak Chopra, holistic health expert and popular author says," When mind, body and spirit are in harmony, Happiness is the natural result." And the ancient Ayurveda text proclaims," The utility of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of the healthy individual and heal the disease of the sick." Ayurveda says human beings are formed by the combination of three Doshas (body

type). The three Doshas - Vata (Air and space), Pitta (Fire and water ) and Kapha (earth and water). Each person is made up of combination of Doshas, and this is the reason each person is unique according to Ayurveda. Usually one prominent Dosha, and the other two are secondary Doshas. The balance of Doshas keeps a person healthy. When there is an imbalance of Doshas, it gives rise to disease. You can find out your Dosha online by answering a few questions. It is perfectly okay if you are unable to find your Dosha because Dosha changes according to the season and lifestyle. These basic six concepts of Ayurveda will help to keep your three Dosha balanced, and always healthy and blissful.

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Dinacharya: Dinacharya (Daily Self-care) refreshes and tones body and mind for the day. According to Dinacharya - Wake up around sunrise, scrape the tongue to remove the white residue, oil pulling (swishing coconut or sesame oil in mouth for 6 to 7 minutes), drink warm water, bowel elimination, Abyanga (massage body with sesame oil or coconut oil), take shower, exercise, and meditation before working. Dr Vasant Lad says," Regularity in sleeping, waking, eating and elimination brings discipline and helps in good health." I feel so good and rejuvenated after Dinacharya, and I'm brimming with positivity to perform my duties to the best of my abilities. For abyanga and oil-pulling, it is good to use cooling coconut oil in summer and warm sesame oil during winter.

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According to an Ayurveda text," Doing Abyanga every day will reduce premature ageing, reduce tiredness, brings clarity to eyes, nourishes body, facilitates sound sleep, and makes one's skin healthy. It is good to apply oil to the whole body, but if it is not possible, one should apply it to face, ears and feet." Many folks do Abyanga on weekends as it can be done leisurely.

Food: Food, sleep and balanced lifestyle are key pillars for healthy life in Ayurveda. An Ayurveda text says," When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Ayurveda endorses seasonal and locally grown, fresh cooked food with lentils, beans, and vegetables. Processed, refined, sugary and oily snacks disrupt digestion - cause for many diseases,

from diabetes to heart diseases. "Eat when you are hungry "is an important Ayurveda concept I try to follow every day. I feel energetic and vibrant if I have two meals in a day. I usually have my lunch between 12 to 1 p.m., filled with beans, greens and a little brown rice or quinoa. Drinking warm water throughout the day is extremely rewarding for digestion. It is okay to indulge once in a while, but everyday eating should be more wholesome meals. "Moderation is the key" is another great Ayurveda concept. For folks used to a non-vegetarian diet, eating meat once or twice a week is okay. According to Ayurveda, consuming Dairy with meat (including sea food) or fruits causes everything from bloating to acidity.

Food should be eaten in a calm and pleasant environment. Negative emotions - everything from anger to jealousy creates toxins, called Ama in Ayurveda. Negative emotions are "junk food" to the mind and disrupts digestion. "Listen to your Body" is another gem from Ayurveda. This morning, I had a white coat on my tongue as I indulged in eating three bagels last night.

"Food should be eaten in a calm and pleasant environment."

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So, I decided to eat wholesome lunch only when I was extremely hungry. In Ayurveda, Fasting is recommended once a week and fasting plays a pivotal role in curing many diseases. Herbs and spices are powerhouses of medicinal properties. Fenugreek, a spice in Indian cuisine has robust flavor and can cure diabetes. Fenugreek seeds when sown grows like weeds in summer, and fenugreek herbs taste amazing in soups, pasta, pilaf, and savory items. Sprouted fenugreek can also be used in everyday cooking. When I suffer from indigestion or bloating, drinking warm water infused with cumin gives me relief. Spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek are commonly used in Ayurveda. Herbs such as mint, fenugreek and cilantro can be easily grown during summer, and really give amazing flavor to many dishes!

Sleep: Going to bed around 10 pm is good according to Ayurveda. I love meditating on the vast sky while I'm trying to sleep. I do not get good sleep if I have to make some important decision. Now, I resolve my problems before going to bed, and I am calm before sleeping. Ayurveda says, "Happiness, misery, nourishment, strength, weakness, virility, sterility, knowledge, ignorance, life and death all these occur depending on proper or improper sleep."

Yoga: Ayurveda and Yoga go hand in hand. Yoga is more than postures and stretching! Dr Deepak Chopra says," The true purpose of Yoga is to discover that aspect of your being that can never be lost." Yoga helps in mindful living, and helps to lead a meaningful life. An integral part of Yoga is Yamas (external discipline). Following Yamas (Truthful, kindness, non-stealing, moderation, and generosity) has immensely helped me to be balanced and mentally strong. Along with Yamas, I also try to follow Niyamas (internal discipline), Asanas (Yoga postures), Pranayama (control breathing), Prathyahara (controlling senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (freedom)- 9 limbs of Yoga . An ancient book on Yoga- Yoga Sutras say, “Be happy for those who are happy, have compassion towards the unhappy, and maintain equanimity towards the wicked."

Balanced Lifestyle: Yoga helps to control my five senses, which in turn helps in "Mindful living.” Years ago, I wanted to eat whenever I saw some chips or chocolate. Now, following Yoga has helped me in "mindful eating." I make sure not to have my lunch until I have completed my 20-minute walk. The Ayurveda text says," The right amount of exercise makes the body

"...Yoga helps in mindful living, and helps to lead a meaningful life."

light, increase stability, and improves digestion." In Ayurveda, "eating" means what your five senses absorb every day. I love walking, but I make sure not to walk more than half an hour, as I get body ache. I love YouTube, but I make sure not to watch more 20 minutes. I do not go to bed unless I meditate or listen to ancient chanting for 10 minutes. Ayurveda concepts has helped me realize that each person is unique, so now I do not get angry, overwhelmed, or annoyed by others. Avoiding gossip has helped me to be calm and peaceful. Following the ancient saying, "Speak the Truth that is pleasant. Never speak the Truth that is unpleasant." avoids anger, and unpleasant situations. Yoga Sutra says," when improper thoughts trouble

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you, then think opposite thought". Following this has immensely helped my mind towards positivity and happiness when negative emotions engulf me occasionally. Practicing Yoga (Yamas), forgiving and cultivating endurance greatly helps to reduce stress and anger. Practicing Yoga has immensely helped me to be mentally strong, positive, and calm even in challenging situations. In short, I have become non-judgmental, adjusting, and compassionate to everyone. In Ayurveda, three modes of Minds – Sattva (Purity), Rajas (Passionate), and Tamasic (Lethargic) is present. When Sattva predominates, the state of mind is always happy, pleasant,

flexible, energetic, progressive, flexible and face all kinds of challenges with positivity and calmness. Determination, persistence, tolerance, humbleness, endurance, and noble virtues are due to Sattva. Meditation, balanced life-style, nature, gardening, Yoga, gentle music, greatly helps mind to elevate to Sattva. The mind is devoid of confusions, and negativity when mind is in Sattva. The right decisions are taken when the mind is in Sattvic mode.

Spirituality: According to Yoga Sutras, " if you can control the rising of the mind into ripples, you will experience Yoga." Spirituality has been helping mankind for eons to be calm and graceful. My spiritual journey is the most thrilling and spectacular as I observe, and introspect my inner feelings and emotions every day. Spirituality has helped me to explore and discover my "True self". I feel so good as positive emotions embrace me even when I face challenging situations. I feel energized when I'm aligned with spiritual values. Selfless work, and meditation feels like taking vacation! I wholeheartedly agree when Deepak Chopra says, “Spiritual energy is the kind that never runs out." My material desires have greatly reduced going Spiritual! Spirituality has helped me to be positive and see only positivity in everyone and in all circumstances. I am free from anger, fear, sorrow, and anxiety. Meditation, reading ancient scriptures such as Bhagvad Gita and Bible with an

open mind will entice folks to explore spirituality. And finally, an Ayurvedic text declares, “Those who speak the Truth and nothing but the Truth, those who become never angry, those who lead a pure life and those who are always serene, are all considered to be rejuvenated daily!" ❁

“Those who speak the Truth and nothing but the Truth, those who become never angry, those who lead a pure life and those who are always serene, are all considered to be rejuvenated daily!" FALL 2023 | 41

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of Holistic & Natural Health on Your Phone or Tablet! Our digital issues are now available on Issuu.com/therapeuticthymes

SCAN ME

By Mary Plaza

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• Going to a chapel, playing the organ, and singing to the Creator • Fly fishing • Playing with a baby • Laughing, Singing, Dancing, Praising • Watching Birds • Writing • Adoring yourself in the mirror • Eating at your favorite restaurant • Cooking, Bowling, going to a movie, Attending a performance. • Taking a nap with your dog, Playing with your cat • Riding your horse, Feeding

• Building a treehouse • Gardening • Painting, Sculpting, Molding pottery • Volunteering • Kayaking, Windsurfing, Surfing, Paddle-boarding • Hot Yoga - Cold Yoga - Warm Yoga • Snorkeling, Swimming, bathing in Hot Springs • Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Rock Climbing • Sacred Ceremony • Sewing, Needlepoint and Crochet • Basking in nature, walking through a forest, smelling the flowers and on and on…

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Four of Swords: TAKING TIME OUT FOR WELLNESS

by Mary K. Mannix of Tarot Is More Than Cards

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Several tarot cards have nicknames, such as “Happy Family” or “Wishes Granted”, that serve as quick snapshots of their most basic meanings. These catchy phrases are often used by readers to start the discussion of how a card relates to the energy surrounding the querent (the person receiving the reading). The Four of Swords is the “Time Out” card. This is not a “time out” in the punitive sense, which might be administered to a child or dog. It is taking time out to regroup, to reorder yourself emotionally or psychologically. The 4 of Swords encourages us to take time to work on our own mental wellness. In the traditional Rider-WaiteSmith deck of 1909 the 4 of Swords shows a knight lying on top of a sarcophagus. Hands are in prayer. Three swords hang over their head. The suit of swords is about what goes on inside our brains and, yes, thoughts can cut. The fourth sword is easily accessible to the knight along the side of the tomb. Could this be a new idea, a way to counteract other ideas pressing down on our psyche?

and contemplate what has happened, and how will you move forward. There is much to recover from. The knight is dressed in his armor, he has been through a battle, even if the battle was an internal one. You learn to not only accept the pain but to remove the swords from your heart and go on. This may not be the easiest thing you have done or the most comfortable. The top of the sarcophagus does not appear comfy, even if there is a pillow.

The card that proceeds the 4 is of course the 3 – the Heartbreak card. The 3 of Swords, in decks with illustrated minors (pips) almost always shows a heart pieced by three swords. When the 3 of Swords enters your life you have become aware of something that has pierced your heart. You have gained new knowledge, as painful as it may be, and it is without a doubt painful.

Taking the time to work on our own wellness can be a battle, an internal battle, and sometimes an external battle with those who are closest to us. What about us while you are on top of that box? When the 4 of Swords appears in a reading it tells us that we need to take time out of our busy days, and busy heads, to rest and contemplate. Sometimes even if we are not lying on top of a sarcophagus, spending time alone with ourselves can be challenging. Our thoughts, new

Your next step, the 4 of Swords, is to go within, to take time in meditate

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"...is to go within, to take time in meditate and contemplate what has happened, and how will you move forward."

"And, sometimes the 4 of Swords is simply advising that it is time to take a nap, no matter where you are... no matter what is hanging over your head."

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thoughts, old thoughts we’d rather forget, hang over our heads getting ready to fall and pierce. But don’t forget the fourth sword. The 4 of Swords directs us to not only take time to ourselves, but indicates that our wellness requires it. It also requires that we learn to defend ourselves during our own internal struggles. Do not be afraid, you have a sword at hand and you are in communication with the recipient of your prayers. That sword can symbolize many of the practices of

wellness. What new ideas do you need to integrate into your life for your own self protection and growth? They can easily be at hand. And, sometimes the 4 of Swords is simply advising that it is time to take a nap, no matter where you are, even on a sarcophagus, no matter what is hanging over your head. Good reason to always keep a pillow, along with a sword, at close reach. ❁

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56 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

Are You Well? By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA “Wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind, and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness.” - Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu

I don’t know about you, but I spent a majority of my life thinking wellness was about being fit, healthy, and thin. Maybe not understanding the essence of wellness led us to hours of goat yoga, using a “Shake Weight”, and participating in aerobics classes wearing truly ugly outfits. Wellness is about much more than health, fitness, and thinness.

You can be healthy, thin, and fit and still not be a portrait of wellness. There are individuals with perfect body-mass indexes, and even those who are skinny, who are not healthy. Depending on what they eat, they are sometimes malnourished. You can eat a small number of calories a day, but if those calories are coming from junk foods, then you have not mastered wellness. There is a reason that cable TV is peppered with commercials about fruit and vegetable supplements. Eating healthy foods in moderation (especially those multi-colored fruits and vegetables) is essential. Exercise is also important. Some

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folks are able to get the exercise their body needs from housework, gardening, and walking everywhere instead of driving. Some folks are addicted (yes with endorphins being released) with going to the gym or engaging with online exercise apps. A variety of physical activities work different muscle groups, help to prevent boredom, and can prevent bone loss. Wellness is not just a physical game. Wellness incorporates body, mind, and spirit. If you’re not using or challenging your mind, especially working to keep a level of openmindedness, then you should not consider yourself a completely well person. What are you reading and watching? Is your world filled with sitcoms or public television documentaries? Do you only read romance novels or historical non-fiction? Do you do puzzles of any type? Are your conversations with friends and family about stimulating topics or fashion and gossip? This is not to say that your mind needs to be associated with only one end of the spectrum. Your mind needs relaxation as well as stimulation. Moderation is the key. Relaxation of the mind is boosted by the use of meditation. Of course, there are loads of apps available to help with meditation. A simple mantra or rhythmic breathing is available to all free of charge. Listening to specific sound frequencies

through headphones can also be relaxing. Your spirit is the third part of the mind/body/spirit wellness trinity. Your spiritual wellness could come from your spiritual or religious pursuits or beliefs, or it could come from your outlook on the world. Are you a happy person? Do you see the good in even bad situations? Are you grateful for what you have as opposed to lamenting what you don’t have? Do your religious or spiritual beliefs give you hope for the future or a reason for pursuing the most out of life? If your spirit is unhappy or not filled with hope or purpose, then you should not consider yourself a completely well person.

wellness is not just a physical game.

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Like most things in life, wellness starts with an intention. Is it your intention to live in wellness or do you find that there’s a part of you that just doesn’t have the energy to change or that somehow relishes your lack of wellness? The lack of energy seems easy to understand, but relishing a lack of wellness may seem a bit confusing. This may be thought of as self-sabotage or even feeling safer with an unhealthy known than a healthy unknown (a principle of hypnotherapy per Dr. John Kappas). This may manifest in different ways for different people. In my experience, there are a number of reasons why individuals stay stuck beyond homeostasis (the

tendency to remain stable) when it comes to wellness. Some may like to have an easy excuse to not do things that frighten them. For example, if you are not fit enough to get into a kayak, then you avoid your fear of water. Some are afraid of outliving their beloved partner, so they avoid taking steps towards wellness. There may be a fear of failure. Perhaps you tried to become more fit and healthy in the past and your efforts did not give you the desired results. There is a funny part of the movie, “Mean Girls” where one of the mean girls was given a bar to eat that was supposed to help her lose weight yet it was a bar used by athletes to gain weight. All her efforts for weight loss were in vain. You might not have been purposedly sabotaged on your health journey but maybe you picked a wellness

program that did not suit your body giving you unwanted results. This might have taught you that efforts towards wellness were hopeless. Some of you may be afraid of success. Would being healthy estrange you from family and friends who do not live in a state of wellness or who feel better about themselves when those around them fail? Would success take away your excuses for not fully living your life? Your attitudes and actions around wellness may change over the course of your life. I know that my drinking and caffeine was greatly curtailed when I discovered I was pregnant. I also stopped riding horses when I was kicked in my padded rear end and realized that kick could have been to my pregnant belly. Were there significant events in your life

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that changed your attitudes and actions around your wellness? Were there changes during specific periods of your life? My spiritual and emotional wellness was almost like a ping pong match from my teenage years until my forties. My emotional and spiritual wellness is still not unchanging, but the wild swings have been tempered through experience and hard work. It sure was easier to maintain physical wellness when I was younger, but maybe that’s the result of a flawed thought form. If the cells in our bodies change at least every seven years, then they will show the results of aging if that is what we believe. What if folks like Deepak Chopra are correct that aging only happens because that is what we expect? What if our attitude and thoughts determined our wellness actions and habits? This morning I watched a video of my former boss, and friend, a U.S. Congresswoman announcing her run for the U.S. Senate. It brought me back to

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her amazing love story. I was working for her when she met a man, working in China, who was part of her larger friend circle but who she never met until that time. They were so cute messaging each other and developing a wonderful relationship meeting in San Francisco as a halfway point. They married and eventually moved back to the Eastern United States. Charles was a health nut, always exercising and putting good food into his body. He tore his Achilles tendon playing ball. One day I’m in Philadelphia at a Society for Human Resource Management conference, and I forget my phone (something I rarely do). Other friends are desperately trying to get hold of me. That day Charles had blood clots that went to his lungs and this relatively young healthy man died. My friend was devastated. Charles truly was the love of her life. I worried that my friend would just waste away after his death. Trying to convince her to eat became a major challenge. Her own wellness of mind, body, and spirit was seeming to evaporate before the eyes of her family and friends. As I saw in her campaign announcement video this morning, she talked about remembering Charles always saying how you “have to get right in your mind.” This was her turnaround and the point when she decided to run for Congress. Serving others seemed the best way for her to make a new life for herself. You may have seen my friend on TV on that dreadful day of January 6th. She was filmed praying in the House of Representatives. For her a mindset of hope and an intention to be of service

pulled her back into her own wellness. It is time that I let her be an inspiration for my own wellness journey. Maybe this mindset and intention will assist you as well. In a recent class with Sandra Ingerman, she mentioned that there can be no miracles unless you love yourself. For each of us, our wellness journey into wholeness of mind, body, and spirit has to be based on self-love and self-empowerment even if our intention is to be of service to others. It is not an easy journey. It may mean ridding your house of soda and chips or setting an early alarm for exercise

or meditation. It is remembering that each decision we make has consequences so is each choice in alignment with our wellness intention. Is each choice one step forward in your wellness journey as you turn intention into action and action into a habit? As Charles said, we have to get our mind right. We have to love ourselves. We have to find the motivation to become a beacon of wellness for ourselves and others. ❁

"...we have to get our mind right. We have to love ourselves. We have to find the motivation to become a beacon of wellness for ourselves and others. "

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A Soul’s True Journey of Healing By: Dr. Moon Eir, CCH., The Divine Medium Spiritual awareness seems to be pushed in our faces lately. Especially, self-care tips, spiritual health advice, and improving who you are as a human being. We often see this going on in movies all the time as the main character goes on this grand adventure of discovery and in the end does something to gain success with that journey. They always seem to be on a spiritual path of sorts that has been viewed differently for all the wrong reasons but return to renew their passion and gain a deeper sense of meaning through it all. It all seems too cliche, right? It has become a common thing for many to get so caught up in the

storyline and forget the purpose of deep learning along the way. We tend to lose our passion for life in the mundane routine and simply go through the emotions. UNTIL… something shakes us to our core. Then suddenly we become the main character in the movie going on this grand adventure of discovery. We become our own clique. Learning to truly dig deep down in this world’s learning process in order to find its inner purpose and connection will lead us TOWARDS spiritual awareness and wellness of being. We do not suddenly find ourselves IN spiritual awareness. You must first go towards it in order to develop and engulf yourself within it. We as humans find this to be crucial

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but what if we are doing it all wrong and THAT is why we are not getting very far with this life. This actually reminds me of the history of the dinosaurs. Yes dinosaurs! The bones of these reptiles were found deep underground. So of course, the mind of a human assumes that they naturally lived here and then died here from a catastrophic disaster. But what if I told you… humans had it wrong this whole time? Let me take a second to blow your mind…

This would have consisted of houses, buildings, schools and so on. So, bones would have been found in these areas due to all the digging. I also ask that you take into consideration the decaying process of an animal. As an animal dies and they begin to decay, their bones lay upon the ground like any rock or stone you may find. It does not matter how much dust kicks up, those bones do not move, and they are certainly not hidden deep into the ground. So, why have so many dinosaur bones been found buried underground?

"Their rituals of death share a great compassion for the dying process. "

What if I told you that these reptilians crash landed here, and the bones found by humans are of their great demise. And what if they were aware of the countless civilizations stationed around this big blue ball and in order to avoid those areas, they maneuvered their craft to avoid destroying others in their way. The main place to be aware of with the dinosaur destruction is the Grand Canyon.

Bones have mostly been found in desert areas which is why they were never found in any major cities. We see this even now with UFO crashes mostly being found in deserted areas like Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Peru, and the most popular area of New Mexico (Area 51). These ancient civilizations excavated areas in order to build their societies. 64 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

These ancient cultures established themselves on earth having learned throughout the centuries how to take care of their own race once their soul departed the physical to enter the other world. Their rituals of death share a great compassion for the dying process. Their experience with the giant reptilian creatures established a deep compassion that compelled them to bury and practice their ritual of death for this alien species that ultimately died upon arrival, even though some survived. But that story is for a later time! So, why does this little history lesson remind me so much of a spiritual wellness journey? Because humans are going about it all wrong! Most believe that you must have some kind of epiphany to get to a path of great wellness. A miracle of sorts.

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Others believe it must be a grand struggle or great challenge to go through in order to get the magical surprise in the end. While some fake their way through with a mask of deception that "everything is alright” and “things are so much better now.” As the cultural society buried the sacred dinosaur bones, 100 million years into the future, an Oxford man digs up what will be the first of thousands of bones that would be discovered over many years. The bones being dug up and discovered strongly correlates with your own hidden turmoil of life challenges. Your higher-self is constantly excavating to seek out the buried discomforts of hidden trauma that continually lead you right back to feeling lost, alone, and unhealthy. Sometimes, that journey takes some nasty twists and turns, which is why you never want to take that tough terrain alone. I meet people every day and you want to know the number one thing I notice about them? Their eyes! They encapsulate great depths of sadness, confusion, and identity masking. Many of them pretend to be someone they are not. They pretend to be another person, whether that is to conform to others’ perceptions of who they think they are or who they think they should be around those people. I see a lostlessness within them where they try to plug their soul cord into people, things, and paths that have nothing to do with their own soul’s purpose or mission. I have made it my mission, in this lifetime, to do all I can to help those with this “particular” look in their eye. I can spot it from a mile away. I even tend to pluck them out of crowd of their friends

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and family and focus in on their energy with deep conversation. Some even notice I do this to them and mention in passing to others they care about. This information eventually comes back around to me, which makes me smile. To know they understood the mission I had with them in that specific moment of time, in order to help them see a little bit clearer about who they truly are. What they truly do not understand is how to fully fathom the learning that it takes with this kind of depth of pain and uncomfortable emotional roller coaster ride. They do not grasp the proper process the soul must take in order to conform to the agreement the soul was to follow when providing itself with all this complicated learning. The soul brings on a path of pain so the higher soul can learn levels of intensity. The soul does not want to waste its time here. In my next article, I hope to take you on a journey of discovering what it truly takes to heal and find your true soul’s identity. I have recently created an allinclusive Soul Retreat to help souls around the world find their soul’s compass of healing. This compass will point them in the right direction of who they truly are by removing all the old programming, trauma, fear, and chaos developed along the way. This same process will be revealed to you in the following articles. I hope you come along this journey with them. I hope to help guide you towards your soul’s true compass. ❁

"I hope to help guide you towards your soul’s true compass."

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BOOK THYME

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BOOK THYME NEWS:

Fifth-Generation Druid, Jon G. Hughes Provides Instructions for Harvesting, Crafting, and the Practical Use of Flowers for Ritual as Magic ROCHESTER, VT — Flowers are found in magic traditions around the world, from those in ancient Egypt, China, and India to the traditions of the Norse and Native Americans. Yet many of today’s well-established flower traditions—like bridal bouquets—originated in the Druidic magical lore of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. As fifth-generation Druid Jon G. Hughes explains, flowers hold a preeminent position in Druidic folk magic with their own special branch of magical workings. In this practical guide, Hughes details how to use flowers in magical practice, focusing on flowering plants with a long history of magical use going back to Druidic times yet many of which are commonly found throughout the world such as buttercup, blackberry, and dog rose. He discusses what type of flower and form of flower magic is best for specific enchantments and rituals in the areas of love and sex magic, well-being and good fortune, and protection. He looks at the magical use of fresh flowers and provides detailed instruction on every stage of the harvesting, crafting, and practical use of flower magic potions, including a comprehensive herbarium of all the flowers that may be used. 70 Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

Examining the complex relationship between flowers and bees, the author looks at the physical and spiritual gifts of bees, such as honey, propolis, and bee’s wax, and the importance of bee culture in Druidic flower magic, including the tradition of the honeymoon, the significance of the hexagon, and medieval beekeeper lore. Inviting you into the gentle yet powerful realm of Druidic flower magic, the author also details how to plan, plant, and take care of your own magical flower garden with all the botanicals you will need to pursue the path of flower magic. About the Author: Jon G. Hughes is part of a lineage of Druids that has been practicing for five generations in a remote area of Wales. He teaches the tradition in Ireland and gives workshops and seminars throughout Europe. He is the director of the Irish Centre for Druidic Practices and the author of several books, including A Druid’s Handbook to the Spiritual Power of Plants and The Druidic Art of Divination. He lives in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. ❁ ISBN: 9781644116395, May 2023 Also available as an ebook Paperback: $19.99, 200 pages, 6x9 Includes 8-page color insert Imprint: Destiny Books

BOOK THYME

NEWS:

An Around-theWorld Tour of Ancient Christmas Celebrations, Pagan Solstice Customs and Magical Seasonal Plants ROCHESTER, VT — Whether viewed as a midwinter observance of the Winter Solstice or a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, for millennia cultures have taken time out to honor the darkest days of the year with lights, foods, and festivities.

In ancient Egypt, people decorated their homes with greenery at the festival of the re-birth of the God Horus. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with vines and ivy and shared gifts, especially candles, at the midwinter festival of Saturnalia. In Scandinavian and Germanic cultures, the Yule Log was burned in the hearth, fruit orchards were wassailed, and sheaves of wheat were displayed to carry luck into the New Year. In Celtic cultures, mummers and guisers went door to door and European mistletoe (Viscum album) was gathered by Druids as a medicinal and magical aid. Presenting an around-the-world tour of ancient Christmas celebrations, Pagan Solstice customs, and magical seasonal plants, Ellen Evert Hopman shares lore, recipes, rituals, and crafts you can make as a family activity to enliven your Yuletide observance. She explores the origins of the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, as well

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www.sheridan.com/contact FALL 2023 | 71

BOOK THYME as female gift bringers, holiday Spirits, and Yuletide animals. She shows how to make a Yule Log and decorate your house with greenery and grain weavings. She explains how to perform Winter Solstice divinations and cook traditional foods and drinks such as Wassail and Elizabethan gingerbread cookies. And she looks in depth at the medicinal and magical properties of the many herbs, barks, and berries associated with the Christmas and Yuletide season such as Frankincense and Myrrh, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Hibiscus, Bayberry, and many more.

About the Author: Ellen Evert Hopman is a master herbalist and homeopath, who has been a Druidic initiate since 1984. A member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages and a former professor at the Grey School of Wizardry, she has presented at schools and workshops across the United States and Europe. She is the author of several books, including Secret Medicines from Your Garden, The Sacred Herbs of Spring and The Sacred Herbs of Samhain. She lives in Massachusetts. elleneverthopman.com ❁

Woven throughout with mystical seasonal lore, this guide offers practical and magical ways to celebrate and honor the darkest days of the year.

ISBN: 9781644117804, September 2023 Paperback: $29.99, 344 pages, 6 x 9 Imprint: Destiny Books

NEWS:

A Complete Guide to Shamanic Drumming for Enhancing Reiki Practice ROCHESTER, VT — Advance your Reiki practice to the next level with vibrational sound healing and shamanism combined in the beat of the drum. In this guide, Reiki master and shamanic teacher Fay Johnstone explores in detail the practices and benefits of shamanic drum journeying in the context of Reiki healing. She shares Reiki drum techniques and step-by-step shamanic practices to bring empowerment, healing, connection, and clarity to you and your clients. She explains how the vibration of a drum enhances the efficacy of

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BOOK THYME a treatment by inviting the client’s energy field back to its optimal vibration as well as inducing relaxation and the release of tension. She shows how drumming allows a Reiki practitioner to dive into shamanic journeying for deeper guidance and insight on a client, and she reveals how vibration and sound can strengthen the energetic potencies of Reiki symbols. Exploring the magic of the drum, the author explains the essence of shamanic journeying, including how to set intentions, access and navigate the three shamanic worlds, meet spirit guides, and connect deeply with your intuition. Outlining the protocols of drumming for yourself and others, she presents a shamanic Reiki treatment flow protocol for the basic structure of a session, whether in person or distant healing. Highlighting personal healing practices with the drum, the author details exercises that combine with Reiki self-care and shamanic journeying to release negative energy, reclaim power, shift mindset, and manifest goals. She offers simple practical exercises to restore connection to our true self through drumming with nature, exploring the cosmos, and honoring the ancestors. She also presents guidelines for conducting ceremony and holding drum circles or Reiki shares for group healing and shamanic journeying. Welcoming Reiki practitioners into the rhythm of the drum and the path of shamanism, this book will inspire you to journey deeper into the unseen web that connects us all.

About the Author: Fay Johnstone combines 20 years of Reiki practice with herbal and shamanic training to assist us with our personal transformation through the healing power of nature. The author of Plant Spirit Reiki and Plants That Speak, Souls That Sing, Fay offers training and retreats from her home near Edinburgh, Scotland. fayjohnstone.com ❁

ISBN: 9781644118849, September 2023 Paperback: $19.99, 208 pages, 6x9 Also available as an ebook. Imprint: Findhorn Press

NEWS:

Veneration Rites of Curanderismo Shows How We Can Reconnect with The Ancestors ROCHESTER, VT — Exploring the diverse and dynamic ancestral veneration rites of the ancient Mesoamericans as well as those practiced in contemporary curanderismo, Erika Buenaflor shows how we can draw from these traditions to reconnect with our ancestors, deepen our

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BOOK THYME healing journeys, and shape our lives. She explains how ancestors contain a sacred energy that can continue in their direct physical heirs, be reborn in the landscape at sacred sites, or manifest in other beings that inhabited the same lands. She describes the deification process of esteemed ancestors and how this opens access to special powers for those sharing that ancestor’s lineage. Buenaflor examines the sacred offerings and ceremonies used to invoke, renew, and strengthen an ancestor’s soul energies, which in turn ensured their aid, guidance, and intervention, as well as their well-being and comfort in the afterlife. She shares numerous veneration rites and healing practices to strengthen your bonds with your ancestors, including limpia rites, ritual craft-making, trance journeys, shamanic breathwork, energy work with past and present lives, sacred gardening, and ancestral altar-making. She introduces you to nepantla spirituality, the path of reclaiming sacred liminal space, and shows how you can heal your ancestral lineage and reclaim your esteemed ancestors, those who anchor you with a feeling of belonging to something greater, divine, and beautiful. Whether you are able to create a long and detailed family tree or have no knowledge of your grandparents or even parents, this book offers many ways to connect with your spiritual forbearers, heal your lineage, and receive spiritual aid as you reclaim your ancestors and welcome them into your life.

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About the Author: Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., has a master’s degree in religious studies with a focus on Mesoamerican shamanism from the University of California at Riverside. A practicing curandera for more than 20 years, descended from a long line of grandmother curanderas, she has studied with curanderx in Mexico, Peru, and Los Angeles and gives presentations on curanderismo in many settings. The author of several books, including Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo, she lives in Tujunga, California. realizeyourbliss.com ❁ ISBN: 9781591434962, September 2023 Paperback: $20, 216 pages, 6 x 9 Imprint: Bear & Co.

NEWS:

Chloe Kemp's awardwinning inspirational Wisdom Keeper memoir and her intuitive energy healing sessions are transforming lives ASHEVILLE, N.C., (PRNewswire) — Inspirational teacher, international energy healer, and award-winning best-

BOOK THYME selling author Chloe Kemp shares her ancient wisdom to help you explore your gifts, connect with your passion, find your purpose, and create lasting change and empowerment. She is an advocate for those who are ready to reclaim their power and heal their lives. "I firmly believe that we all can tap into our intuition and wisdom and heal," said Kemp. Drawing on her expertise as a spiritual teacher, knowledge of ancient healing modalities, psychic abilities and sage wisdom, Kemp helps clients connect to the power of their souls and reach their highest potential. She guides them to break through subconscious blocks, healing and transforming their lives. Kemp's inspirational teaching memoir, Wisdom Keeper; My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, praised by experts and readers alike, has been recognized with several awards and bestseller lists, including a #1 Amazon Best Seller and GOLD WINNER— Memoir by a Female—Living Now Awards, FINALIST—Non-Fiction: New Age—2022 International Book Awards, and FINALISTS - New Age: Nonfiction & Spirituality: Inspirational—19th Annual BEST BOOK AWARDS In her book, Chloe shares her spiritual journey from a childhood of trauma

and serious illnesses, to a thriving and healthy life as a wisdom keeper, bestselling author, and intuitive shamanic energy healer. Her story is a testament to how we can all reclaim our power through self-discovery and healing. With great courage, Chloe reveals the secrets of her journey and the profound wisdom it has unlocked. She takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing as she breaks down spiritual concepts into relatable, everyday language and stories. The narrative follows Kemp's transformational experiences, offering readers inspiration, motivation, practical tips, and tools to step into their power for a more conscious, healthy, and happy life. For more information, visit: chloekempwisdomkeeper.com

@therapeuticthymes RESOURCE DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE AT: THERAPEUTICTHYMES.COM/RESOURCES-2

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BOOK THYME

REVIEW:

COMMUNICATING WITH PLANTS BY JEN FREY

Reviewed by Heidi Root Benard

Author Jen Frey awakens your senses to the natural world, invoking a remembrance of deep knowledge long since forgotten. Throughout this book Jen explores sixteen different plants. She has a unique way of weaving tales of anecdotal and ancestral stories, creating a tapestry sure to pique your curiosity. There are exercises at the end of each chapter meant to inspire you to interact with the plants, encouraging you to look at the world with childlike wonder. Get ready

to move your body, awaken your mind, and engage all of your senses. Reading Communicating with Plants is like cozying up with a long-lost friend you did not realize was missing in your life. Brew yourself a cuppa and dive into this world of unspoken language. Highly recommend reading this book, even if the only plant you have growing in your space is a dandelion; you never know what stories and healing ki holds for you. Available in paperback. ❁ Publisher: Bear & Company (June 2023) Language: English Paperback Edition ISBN-13: 9781591434597

REVIEW:

Danny’s Day in Heaven WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY MARIE ANTOINETTE KELLEY Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman The beautiful illustrations drew me in instantly. Being written for children, the message is simple and to the point. Sorry – no spoilers here – you’ll have to read it! The book is adapted from Saved by the Light by Dannion Brinkley, which recounts his near-death experience but simplified for children. It is designed to be read with your children or grandchildren and includes discussion questions at the end.

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The story does only give the heaven option to death and – again children being the intended audience - is a “happy” book. Non-Christian parents may want to read through the book themselves before reading to their children. ❁ Publisher: Beyond Words (June 2023) Language: English ISBN-13: 9781582708935 Pages 40

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CONTRIBUTORS JEAN BURCHETT Jean has learned how to stretch her family’s food budget while still being healthy. She is a mother of seven and grandmother to six. The wife of a veteran, she learned the fine art of juggling eating healthy and keeping the meals in budget.❁

DR. MOON EIR, CHH Moon Eir is known to thousands as the spiritual galactic walk-in communicator who arrived from Heaven in a car accident with messages for humanity. She is also known as a “world renowned” modern day Prophet, Shaman, and Healer who uses a specific sensitive, healing approach to delivering these messages from the other side. In the years she's been doing this work/mission, she finds that many who are of 'walk in' energy have been brought to her for help in understanding what has happened to them and why. She feels blessed to be able to help these lightworkers and galactic workers get back on course!

Moon has just recently acquired many credentials that which deem her as a Crystal and Sound Therapist. This path has led her to opening the first Metaphysical Spa in Johnstown, PA. Not to mention her Crystal Shop is also the very first shop this town has experienced. Her shops are teaching facilities and by going LIVE on Facebook with her readings (with permission from the client of course) and teaching LIVE on Facebook, she allows thousands to witness how spirit connects and how to properly see what you are meant to learn from this world. Her clients are family to her and if you ask any one of them, which she encourages you to, they will admit to this method. Moon recently became an Executive Producer for Creative Laughter Productions and not only has her own TV Show in the works, but this path had allowed her to broaden her search in helping children who need mentoring with their gift(s). Over six years ago, she created the "Mystic Healer School" which is a global training academy that mentors and teaches gifted kids to take hold of their missions by exploring FALL 2023 | 79

CONTRIBUTORS

their gifts fully. She is deemed by thousands as a modern-day prophet who is committed to aiding humanity to do better and adjust their paths to the greater good of man. This mission is fueled by love, grace, and a desire to make sure that the messages she returned to Earth with in 2009 are heard by thousands. Many seek her assistance, especially law enforcement, with homicide cases, cold cases, missing person cases, lost/ stolen animal cases where she consults with law enforcement and families in the search for answers. She is what the spirit world calls a "tracker." This simply means she is able to track the last steps a soul took before going missing. She is the ONLY Spirit Communicator in the world known to communicate with ICU coma patients, since her gift consists of communicating with the living and the dead. She prides herself on integrity, honor, truth, and love which shine through when she connects to a Soul’s Spirit. As the receiver of the messages given, she is able to authentically bring you into conversation with your loved one once again and also be able to describe what they are doing now on their soul journey since their passing since she was able to retain all the images and experiences upon her arrival back from crossing over from our true home to this world we are now learning from. ❁

DANA JEFFERSON, C.HT., PH.D., SPHR Dana Jefferson has a private practice at the Natural Connection Wellness Center in Huntingdon, PA where she is President of the Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association. She is a certified hypnotherapist and honors graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Dana is a member of the American Hypnosis Association and Hypnotherapy Union Local 472. Dana is retired from her work at the University of Massachusetts Boston and as the Director of Human Resource (HR) Management for the state of Delaware. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology, is certified in conflict resolution, and is a Covey PrincipleCentered Leadership Facilitator. Dana has taught psychology and HR management at the University of Delaware. Dana has had the opportunity to train with many gifted spiritual leaders including: Michael Harner, Ph.D., Sandra Harner, Ph.D., Larry Peters, Ph.D., Tom Cowan, Serge King, Ed “Two Moons” Rothwell, Jane Ely, Kay Cordell Whitaker, John Perkins, Sandra Ingerman, Geo Cameron, Doña Bernadette Vigil, Nicki Scully, and Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq. Dana is an ordained interfaith

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CONTRIBUTORS minister. Dana is a Reiki Master in two traditions and graduate level Feng Shui practitioner. She is a graduate of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing and a three-year apprenticeship with the Buffalo Trace Society (including a vision quest). She has completed coursework in Harner Method Shamanic Counseling and advanced studies in Celtic, Toltec, and Tibetan Shamanism including studies in foreign countries. Dana worked with women’s groups for over 20 years including conducting weekend retreats and Croning ceremonies. She is a member of Red Tents in Every Neighborhood Global Network and has trained in Purple Tents. Additional advanced hypnotherapy certifications incudling Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Pain Management, and Past Live Regression provide a comprehensive toolkit of services to Dana’s clients. ❁ SARA JOHNSON Sara Johnson is the CEO of Mission 22, a non-profit that provides support to Veterans and their families and works to combat the staggering veteran suicide rate. For more information, visit mission22.com

CHUCK KRUSE Chuck Kruse has lived in the woods in Alaska, worked as a

deckhand on a freighter, done logging in the Pacific Northwest and North Pennsylvania, owned a residential tree service, and programmed computers for major hospitals. Through it all he has studied and practiced herbalism which he finds fascinating. He can be contacted at woodsman98@gmail.com.

MARY K. MANNIX Mary K. Mannix, of Tarot Is More Than Cards, has been a professional tarot card reader and educator since 2013. A librarian and historian in her other life, Mary strives to not only interpret the cards during a reading, but to also help folks understand the history and symbolism of the cards they are dealt. Mary loves the cards and wants other people to experience that love, too. She can be found via her website at tarotismorethancards.com and heard at youtu.be/XKCt9KezxUo. ❁

MARY PLAZA Mary Plaza combines over 3 decades of experience in overlapping fields as an energy healer, structural engineer and business consultant. Her personal mission is assisting humanity into compassion and living in harmony

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CONTRIBUTORS

with Mother Earth. This mission is described in detail in her book The Matrix Teachings. Although the book is about dream birthing, it was inspired from decades of her healing work with combat veterans. Her unique skill set combines her ability to access the quantum field, read energy and also be totally grounded in this reality. She loves the combination and is often referred to as a bridge between realities. She calls herself simply a spiritual business coach at this point. She grew up on a ranch in remote Montana. The ranch was a sacred place for Native Americans. Her Grandpa, although white, understood the Native American teachings and passed these on to her. Mary lives in the mountains in rural Montana. After decades of traveling and moving, she found the mountain's home once again. She balances her dream career with her wonderful husband, dogs and cat. Bouncing from office time, to watching elk, to smoking wild game she is living her dream. "We have to give humanity and Mother Earth every amount of assistance we have to offer right now. That also includes us living the actual lives that we want to create on this beloved Mother Earth." Mary Plaza To learn more about Mary visit maryplaza.com. ❁

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JEANNE RUCZHAKECKMAN Jeanne is the heart, soul, and Publishing Editor of Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, bringing together people and resources in a therapeutic and natural manner. As publisher, she leads the editorial direction and manages the business operations. She has her degree in Mass Communication / Journalism from Lock Haven University as well as a Print Certificate in the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Digital Design program. Jeanne shares her love of plants while working part time at a local nursery. She is a genealogist, seeking Ancestors, hers, and yours. She has authored various articles pertaining to genealogy and maintains. AncestralPassages.com. ❁

KUMUDHA VENKATESAN Kumudha Venkatesan, based in Atlanta, writes about healthy lifestyle for online and print magazines. Kumudha Venkatesan loves Ayurveda concepts and thrives to promote Ayurveda lifetsyle to friends, and communities across the world. Kumudha Venkatesan can be reached at kumudha_1998@yahoo.com ❁

CONTRIBUTORS

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Therapeutic Thymes Fall 2023

Articles inside

Are You Well?

Six Ayurveda CONCEPTS FOR Vibrant Health