Therapeutic Thymes Spring 2022 by Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

6 Best Herbs for Your Immune System

Crystal Healing Layout for Renewed Energy

As Simple as Silence

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Remember the last time your family visited the forest? It’s a place of wonder and imagination for the whole family—where stories come to life. And it’s closer than you think. Sounds like it’s time to plan your next visit. Make the forest part of your story today at a local park near you or ﬁnd one at DiscoverTheForest.org.

EDITOR | PUBLISHER Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cyndi Ball | Moon Eir |Dana Jefferson | Mary Mannix Brittney Morris | Daniel Powers | Gita Rash ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mary Soanes IT & LOGISTICS Glenn Eckman COVER DESIGN | EDITORIAL DESIGN | PHOTO SELECTION 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 Summer Issue (due out in June) is 1 April. OFFICE Therapeutic Thymes, LLC PO Box 4731 | Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone: 717-947-4974 or 717-419-8796 | info@therapeuticthymes.com © 2022 by Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. | All rights reserved. | ISSN 2474-8315

SPRING, ISSUE 22 | MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY

MISSION

Our mission is to raise the vibration of human consciousness by bringing together light-filled, love-centered experts in the natural and spiritual worlds to offer help and support for all walks of life wherever they are on their life’s journey. 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. © 2021, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Spring CONTENTS 2022 15 As Simple as Silence …

57 Soul Journey of Letting Go:

By Cyndi Ball

Crystal Healing Layout for Renewed Energy

23 Nadam: Embracing the Sound

By Dr. Moon Eir, CCH. “The Divine Medium”

of Silence

By Brittney Morris 61

31 A Soulful Promise

By Gita Rash

39 Six Best Herbs for Your Immune System

Temperance: Rejuvenation Through Balance

By Mary Mannix

67 Enhancing Your Life by Preparing Your Death

By Daniel Powers

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

46 Materia Medica: Catnip

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

DEPARTMENTS

COVER IMAGE

By Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

Editor’s Note

Contributors

News & Tidbits

Advertiser Index

Garden Thyme

Book Thyme

EDITOR'S NOTE

Welcome to our Spring 2022 Issue. The theme throughout this issue is Rejuvenation, I needed some rejuvenation. I was feeling … lost and … tired. I had lost my purpose. Rejuvenation is a noun, which means the action or process of giving new energy or vigor to something. New energy. Vigor. We have some great plans. Garden Thyme is back. Book Thyme will continue. We will again host the Midsummer Holistic Expo in July. As always, whether you are new to the natural, holistic, and self-sustaining lifestyle, or an expert in a related field, I am so glad you joined us on this exciting journey. Grab a cup of your favorite tea and join us a spell.

Blessings!

~ Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman Editor / Publisher

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NEWS & TIDBITS

PA HERB & GARDEN FESTIVAL RETURNS TO YORK YORK, PA – The Pennsylvania Herb & Garden Festival returns to York in April. The two-day festival features nationally recognized speakers, workshops, and a wide variety of vendors. The scheduled feature speaker for 2022 is Denise Schreiber. Schreiber authored “Eat Your Roses, Pansies, Lavender, and 49 Other Delicious Edible Flowers.” The festival is slated for Friday, 8 April from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 April from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the York Expo Center Memorial Hall East in York, PA. For more information, visit: paherbfest.com. ❁

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NEWS & TIDBITS NAHA STUDIES CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL USE IN PREGNANCY POCATELLO, ID – The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is partnering with Franklin Health Research to study the use of clary sage essential oil during pregnancy. According to Franklin Health, the Franklin Health Research team, in partnership with the NAHA, is conducting a randomized, doubleblinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to quantify the effects of prolonged prenatal topical exposure to clary sage essential oil on maternal estriol levels, maternal oxytocin levels, and total length of pregnancy. The study is expected to be completed this year. ❁

HSA ANNOUNCES ANNUAL MEETING KIRKLAND, OH – The Herb Society of America (HSA) will hold its Annual Meeting of Members 28-29 April 2022 in Charleston, SC. For more information visit: www.herbsociety.org. ❁

DR. ELLEN LAKE JOINS MT. CUBA CENTER HOCKENSSIN, DE - Dr. Ellen Lake recently joined the Mt. Cuba Center as the new Director of Conservation & Research. In her role, Dr. Lake

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will lead the Mid-Atlantic botanic garden’s conservation, research, and collections management programs, as well as oversee operations of the Trial Garden, greenhouse, and natural lands. Dr. Lake has extensive experience in invasive plant management, which is inextricably linked to creating healthy habitats where native plants can thrive. While completing her master’s degree in Entomology (2008) and Ph.D. in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology (2011) at the University of Delaware, she researched biological control of mile-a-minute weed and integrating weed management techniques to restore native plant communities. Her scientific expertise in these areas will be invaluable to carrying out Mt. Cuba’s mission to protect native plants and the habitats that sustain them. Mt. Cuba Center is a botanic garden that highlights the beauty and value of native plants to inspire conservation. Once the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, the public garden opened for general admission in 2013 and now spans more than 1,000 acres. It features captivating blooms along garden pathways in formal and woodland settings, picturesque meadows, and ponds with stunning vistas, and more than two miles of scenic trails throughout its natural lands. Mt. Cuba is recognized as a leader in native plant research and open space preservation, having protected more than 13,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region. ❁

ILLUMINATE FESTIVALS ANNOUNCES SHOWS AND SPONSORSHIP FREDERICK, MD – Illuminate Festivals has released its 2022 schedule. Beginning in Frederick, MD on 24 April, the Illuminate Festivals is slated to visit Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee this year. A full schedule is available at IlluminateFestivals.com. Illuminate Festivals is a sponsor of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC) this year. The HCC is an organization for holistically minded professionals. The organization includes practitioners, business owners, and resource providers. For more information on the HCC, visit holisticchamberofcommerce.com. ❁

addition to being 100% vegan, and melatonin-free, their new product offerings bring the increased bioavailability of nano-emulsified CBD to the table for their consumers.

DNVR8 ANNOUNCES NEW CBD PRODUCTS DENVER, CO – PRNewswire – DNVR8 is proud to announce four new CBD products to its lineup. In

"The majority of existing CBD products utilize a raw distillate or isolate as an ingredient foundation. While this method is effective for some, others may find their products "to not be working" or "have a short-term effect" and a lot of that has to do with the failed CBD absorption and bioavailability into the body's endocannabinoid system," says DNVR8 founder Robert Jennison.

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NEWS & TIDBITS "We use a water soluble (nano) CBD foundation approach to our entire product line that breaks down the CBD molecule (<100 nanometers) to be small enough to freely pass through our bodies natural barriers increasing rapid absorption & enhanced bioavailability to our enzyme and cannabinoid receptors. Blend that with rich all-natural vitamins and nutrients we aim to help consumers relieve their discomfort and achieve enlightened health." 500mg Rise Vegan Broad Spectrum CBD:CBG Gummies with Vitamin B-12: Containing a proprietary blend of nano CBD:CBG in combination with Vitamin B-12, these gummies work to naturally improve mental clarity and focus while soothing chronic pain and discomfort. AM Rise provides consumers with immediate, full dosage absorption along with an uplifting mood boost from dusk till dawn because of their nano-enhanced stability. 500mg Rest Vegan Broad Spectrum CBD:CBN Melatonin-Free Gummies with Vitamin B-12, L-Theanine, 5-HTP, & Magnesium Glycinate: Unlike other CBD products on the market, these PM Rest gummies are 100% melatonin-free. The majority of CBD products marketed for natural rest and relaxation include 10 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

1-3 mg. of melatonin per serving to compensate for a lack of natural CBD bioavailability. However, if melatonin is taken regularly from an outside source, debilitating rebound insomnia can potentially occur. Instead of using artificial melatonin as an unhealthy shortcut, their gummies promote natural sleep using a proprietary blend of CBD:CBN, Vitamin B-12, L-Theanine, 5-HTP, and Magnesium Glycinate. L-Theanine, an amino compound found within green tea, encourages natural bodily relaxation. 5-HTP and Magnesium Glycinate work together to gently increase the natural production of serotonin, which can have a beneficial impact on consumers' sleep quality. Finally, DNVR8's proprietary nano CBD:CBN blend works in harmony with the addition of Vitamin B-12 to naturally increase individuals' melatonin production while inducing restful and restorative sleep that leaves consumers refreshed the next morning. 750mg Anytime Vegan CBD Oil Tincture with MCT Oil, Natural Peppermint Flavor, Sunflower Lecithin, & Stevia: "Anytime" CBD tinctures utilize a proprietary blend of broad spectrum nano CBD and organically

sourced MCT Oil to promote enhanced recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, relief from body aches, and improved mental clarity. DNVR8 utilizes Sunflower Lecithin as an emulsifier to vastly improve the bioavailability of their broad spectrum CBD:MCT oil blend. Moreover, their tinctures include natural peppermint flavoring and stevia to create a delicious final product. 300mg Therapeutic Cayenne & Peppermint-Infused Vegan Body Rub with Vitamin E, Eucalyptus Oil, Cocoa Butter & Avocado Oil: DNVR8's "Therapeutic" CBD Lotion contains their proprietary blend of nano CBD, Cayenne & Peppermint to promote relief from joint and muscle pain. Their CBD rub is fully and immediately absorbed through the skin to target exercise-induced inflammation, sharp pains, and itchy sensations. A combination of peppermint and cayenne provides heating, cooling, and comfort in tandem with the moisturizing power of Vitamin E, avocado/eucalyptus oil, and cocoa butter. All of DNVR8's products are 3rd party full-panel tested, 30-day money back guarantee, a scannable QR code, and are produced with 100% organically sourced cannabinoids that remain in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. ❁

“ Early detection allowed us to take control of the situation and make a plan together.”

If you’re noticing changes, it could be Alzheimer’s. Talk about visiting a doctor together. ALZ.org/TimeToTalk

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NEWS & TIDBITS

BETTERME SELF-CARE YEAR CHALLENGE:

12 MONTHS - 12 NEW HABITS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - PRNewswire/ – BetterMe Health Coaching is introducing a 365-Day Challenge for sustainable and long-lasting results. While practicing one new habit for 30 days, you can focus on different areas of your well-being in a holistic way. Each month is dedicated to a specific and realistic goal. This provides enough time and space for the biggest impact. BetterMe Self-Care Year Challenge focuses on 12 areas of life to be improved, including: January – Go dry for 30 days. Give your body a break! Quit alcohol for 30 days, and you will improve your sleep quality, boost your energy, and lose weight. February – 28 days plank and push-ups challenge. Learn how to do the plank and push-ups correctly. You will develop a healthy posture, build core strength, improve body alignment, and boost your metabolism. March – Inner harmony. This month you will experience all the benefits of meditation. Staying healthy mentally is just as important as being physically strong.

and reap all the possible benefits. June – Maintaining water balance. Staying properly hydrated is not as easy as it might seem. Maintaining good hydration improves your metabolism, skin and hair condition. July – Walking. Motion is life. The more you move, the healthier you are. Add more steps to your daily routine and become more agile. August – Giving up social media. Living mindfully will help you to appreciate each moment to its fullest and maintain good mental health.

April – Cardio workouts. Boost your level of endurance, and you will be surprised to feel your best and see your body transform in no time.

September – Quit sugar for 30 days. Beat that sugar addiction and show it who's boss! Go sugar-free for 30 days to prevent acne, headaches, obesity, and mood swings.

May – Plant-based month. Veggies are an awesome source of fiber. Try eating less meat and at least 400 grams of vegetables

October – Boosting flexibility. Flexibility is the answer to your problems.

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It promotes a positive state of mind, good physical performance, and a sense of balance. November – Sleeping soundly. Proper rest is underrated. Learning to sleep better as a good night's sleep is essential for a strong immune system, a sound mind, and body. December – Practicing self-appreciation. Everyone needs compassion, and you are not an exception. Show yourself some love and understanding.

You do not need a hundred habits to live a happy life. 12 right ones are enough to make a difference. Keep it to one goal a month, focus all your energy on it, and be determined to succeed. Do habits make us or break us? That's up to us to decide. Change might be uncomfortable at the beginning, but in the long run, it can turn your life around. So keep an eye on the big picture. Rather than trying to change everything about your life at once, try tackling life one habit at a time. ❁

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As Simple AS Silence By Cyndi Ball

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I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING AT A GUEST RANCH IN THE MAJESTIC ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF MONTANA FOR TWO YEARS. THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE AND CHATTER OF NEW GUESTS ARRIVING; OTHER GUESTS SAYING GOODBYE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR TIME IN THE BEAUTY OF MONTANA. THE FRONT DESK DOOR IS CONSTANTLY IN MOTION. THE EXCITEMENT AND ENDLESS QUESTIONS OF OUR WONDERFUL GUESTS MAKES ME SMILE.

If you have worked in customer service, then you know. Hours upon hours of smiles and finding answers and solving problems can take a toll on your emotional bank each day. It is not unheard of to work 12–16-hour days. Constantly being “on” can begin to drain me. After a few days or even one day, I find myself longing for the space to rejuvenate my spirit and to fill my emotional tank. The guest ranch sits high in the Rockies at 6500 feet, surrounded by wilderness. Rivers, wide open skies, the occasional moose, elk, and even bear are seen all around us. On days when I have given everything within me, I head to the mountain trails. I have only to walk a little ways past the last cabin on the ranch and

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I enter the most incredible scenery and silence. No man-made noises just the gentle breeze through the pine boughs, the rushing water, screeching eagles overhead. My own soul takes flight and there is a lift in spirit that fills every fiber of my being! I have learned to embrace the sound of silence; I yearn for it. Learning to love the sound of silence did indeed take a bit. My first entrance into silence was deafening and a bit scary. No sensory stimulation other than what was natural

and even my being was not sure what to do when I entered the cathedral of silence. The softness of stillness slowly enveloped me. I could hear myself breathe. My thoughts stopped racing. I stood taller, twirled to see all that was surrounding me… and to check for bears! With outstretched arms, I breathed deeply and then deeper. I sat by a creek and forced myself to really listen to the ripples of water splashing over rocks. I raised my face to the sun and intentionally felt the warmth upon my skin.

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Every physical sense in me was alive! The pungent pines, the depth of blue in the sky, the rustling of breezes in my hair, the calm and reverence of silence. I long for those moments…. I realize not everyone has access to the silence of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, but we do have access to the “off” button on all our electronic devices, the ability to quietly shut doors and remain in a noise free atmosphere. I understand it is difficult to find this

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solace in most places nowadays. The cacophony of civilization has become the norm. But the search for the sound of silence and learning to embrace all the comfort and rejuvenation silence brings is so worth the journey to find your place. And once you have received all that the sound of silence offers, you will be longing to find that soulful rest whenever you are able. Remember, rejuvenation of spirit can be as simple as the sound of silence. ❁

REMEMBER, rejuvenation OF spirit CAN BE AS simple AS THE sound of silence. Drakes Creek Soap Company Wholesale and Retail Sales of Artisan Soaps. We offer custom labeling and made to order soap bars Contact us for all your soap needs 717-269-9941

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Nadam: Embracing the

Sound of Silence By Brittney Morris

THE ALARM CLOCK BLARES. HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON… TWICE. FEET HIT THE FLOOR, PADDING LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT DOWN THE CREAKY STAIRS. Pit stop in the bathroom,

flushing, then water gushing down the sink drain. To the kitchen where the coffee pot buttons beep. Flip on the news channel, or perhaps some music, or maybe a viral social media video. Coffee perks and brews. Cabinets squeak as they open. A glass bowl clinks against the counter. Cereal cascades from the box, pounding against the bowl. The fridge door opens and closes with a thud. Milk glugs out of the carton. Spoon hits the side of the bowl. Coffee pot beeps again.

So much noise. And you’ve only been awake for ten minutes. In our fast-paced world, have we, though, forgotten the art and the magic and the benefit of silence? Have we become so uncomfortable with sitting in silence, risking hearing our own thoughts and feeling our own feelings or simply just being, that we subconsciously fill up all of our moments with noise? And what about sitting in silence with others? Why have we become so quick to fill the silences? Is there a fear of awkward and uncomfortable? In Sanskrit and yoga there is a word called nadam. Nadam is the sound of silence. We might even consider this “white noise.”

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Why have we become so quick to fill the silences?

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Have you ever pulled into the driveway, turned the car off, and just sat alone in the silence for a few minutes? That sound, that quiet hum, that still small vibrational hum that hangs in the air is nadam. It is the same sound experience as walking outside after a fresh snowfall. All is quiet from the fresh blanket that covers the ground. We live in the most highly technological era of all time. There is always an electronic of some sort buzzing, beeping, or dinging. Even when we are not actively using them, our devices continue to put off frequencies that disturb our minds and our bodies (even if we aren’t aware of it). The TV might be “ON” but no show plays- the frequencies of the TV still hum. The ceiling fan whirls or the

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electric heater buzzes. But what if we could power down for just long enough to hear the silence? The real sound of silence- nadam. What if we could sit- even if for only five minutes a day- in that silence? What would happen? It is easy to become overwhelmed and overstimulated by the constant barrage of noise in life. If one is highly sensitive, even more so. Is there any wonder that we are irritated, frustrated, and just plain annoyed when we can never escape the noise of the world? But silence offers many benefits. One such benefit is an overall sense of calmness. One does not have to sit silently meditating for an hour to

gain this benefit. Take five minutes- in your car, laying in bed, sitting in your favorite comfy chair- and simply breathe. Without rehearsing your to-do list. Without constructing your shopping list. Without checking the time. Set a simple timer on your phone for five minutes, sit, breathe, and watch your shoulders fall away from your ears! Another benefit of silence is deeper self-introspection. With all the noise everywhere all the time, do you ever think to yourself- I can’t even hear myself think!? When we can steal away even just a few moments of silence a day we can not only hear our own thoughts, but we create the space to begin to process them. We can more deeply understand what we think, how we feel, and who we are. Silence does not have to be synonymous with “nothing”. We can think and ponder and pray and meditate. We don’t have to cease thinking all thoughts and feeling all things simply to soak up the benefits of silence. Heightened awareness also comes with the art of embracing silence. Not only can you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, but also of your physical body and your surroundings. This is a simple thing to try. This is also often a great way to begin a home yoga practice. Sit in a comfortable position in the silence. Take a deep breath in and close your eyes. What sensations do you notice in the body? Is there any tightness or discomfort? How does the breath feel in the body- does it catch, is it shallow or naturally deep? What do you notice about your surroundings? Is there a scent

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in the air? Can you feel the coolness of the air on your skin? It doesn’t take long to increase your awareness in a few minutes of silence. Creativity is also increased when observing the silence. Often it is in the silence alone, that we have our greatest strokes of creativity! Inspiration seems to well up best there. We have the opportunity to problem solve, to freely think, and to allow the thoughts to wander where they may. It is here, in the golden space of nadam, where we can imagine without judgement or fear of failure. Another area of benefit is increased

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concentration. Like creativity, when we have silence carved out in our daily schedules, concentration can increase as our minds have the ability to focus on the thoughts or questions we may have (verses the noise that typically surrounds us). That problem at work…when faced with silence, you may just come up with a creative response. But also, do you ever feel like your mind is running a million miles a minute and you struggle to even keep up with the thought train? Silence can help you slow the train down. You can utilize the silence to focus on one thought at a time and simply breathe through the temptation to allow it to continue to race on ahead of you before you are ready to move on. There are so many other advantages of observing silence. But physically, there are many benefits, as well! For instance, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and a boosted immune system. Sometimes our

"Creativity is also increased when observing the silence." minds and our bodies just need a break- a reset. With only five to ten minutes a day, we can give our systems the rightful break they deserve from the onslaught of noise. Try taking a few minutes of silence to wind down before bed at night. Or when stress feels high after visiting the loud

grocery store, sit quietly in the car before heading home. Are you uncomfortable with silence? Do you fear what you might think or feel? Perhaps your greatest breakthrough or the next big idea is just on the other side of embracing the sound of silence! ❁

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A Soulful Promise By Gita Rash

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ANOTHER NEW YEAR, ANOTHER RESOLUTION. HAVE YOU BROKEN IT ALREADY? DO NOT FRET, NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS ARE SO PASSE. The same old diet and exercise resolutions which seem to fly out of the window as soon as you make them. Think instead of a rejuvenation experience for the body, mind, and soul. What comes to mind at first are more traditional methods like spa treatments, massages, facials, aromatherapy infusions and so on. Why not push the envelope and think further to other ideas that would feed and nourish your mind and soul as well? Try something new. One positive outcome of the Covid pandemic is that we now have more time at our disposal. Even if you do not work from home, shrinking social and cultural engagements have afforded us the extra time that we didn’t have before, so we can now indulge in acquiring a new hobby or skill. Have you “not have had the time” to do something you wished to? Now is the time to let that inner child take hold and lead you to a joyous, exciting world.

Rejuvenation literally means becoming young again. Neurologically, keeping the brain active stimulates the creation of new nerve cell generation. “Teach that old dog new tricks” is the mantra to follow. By engaging your brain and stimulating the cells in the hippocampus, you can clear away the cobwebs, reduce stress and feel more productive and purposeful. There are literally hundreds of “tricks” you can learn. Rejuvenate yourself by learning a new language or art form, whether it is playing an instrument, writing in any form, or 32 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

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brushing up on your photo editing skills, so you can capture beautiful images of flora and fauna on your nature walks. The plethora of how to videos at no cost on social media, makes it so viable and convenient to select any tutorial in the comfort of your home. Other ways you can enhance your mind is to volunteer to read audio books, an inexpensive way to improve your diction and acting skills I might add. Memorizing monologues and scripts increases memory and cognitive

function. For you dance/fitness buffs, change up your tired old routine and pick up a new format. If you have been stuck on Yoga or Pilates, for example, spring for Tango or bachata. You may discover a new path to your self. A workout that is unchanged for a length of time not only gets boring, but you can also plateau. Additionally, it can be less effective in achieving your fitness goals. To improve your overall fitness, you need to challenge yourself by working muscle groups in a different way. Fortunately, we are bombarded with new dance and exercise formats each year, which give us plenty to choose from. If you have been apprehensive about growing plants or gardening, try cultivating a less challenging plant in a small pot. The growth and vibrancy of the plant will not only boost your self-confidence but also add tremendous joy to your soul, besides purifying the air and adding organically to your décor. There are many varieties of plants that require minimum care, for instance, the Aspidistra elatior is called the unkillable plant. A plant is like a pet, a very quiet one at that. There are several gardening groups both online and off to lend support and act as a resource besides being a great avenue to make friends. Making social connections and cultivating friendships can boost the production of endorphins and other feel-good hormones. The sense of belonging can ease loneliness and depression.

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Asp

idistra ela t i o r

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Explore options that you vaguely considered before. How about experimenting with a new cuisine, your taste buds may thank you for the experience. Awaken the chef in you and make your own concoctions, your friends will think you’re a genius. At your next dinner party your guests will be floored by your impressive creations. Besides, you can transport yourself to any part of the world with varied aromas and a little imagination. Sustainability is the new buzzword. There is so much to learn about this concept and then share your knowledge and ideas with groups that you can form. Who knows, you may contribute in leaps and bounds by creating greater awareness to make our planet eco-friendlier and more sustainable. You might even develop an interest in making it your new career. Every solution is created by a problem. 36 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

The secret to staying young while aging gracefully is to engage in pleasurable interests that are at the core of our sense of aliveness. While the pandemic has curtailed travel and many social and group activities, advancement in modern technology has enabled us to access other avenues which were not possible before. By looking at the glass half-full with a positive attitude, we can accomplish so much more. Before soon, we will be looking in the rear-view mirror at this havoc caused by Covid and reflect on it as a faint memory. Most likely the very young may totally forget it ever happened. Humanity has been through many crises and successfully overcome them. This will be no different, life will continue as before. We may have to add another vaccine to our list but then, it will be just as uneventful as the rest.

The act of giving in any small way has innumerable rewards for the soul. The act of giving in any small way has innumerable rewards for the soul. The brain‘s pleasure and reward centers light up and get activated. Many of us have several items, some that have never been used, lying around in unopened boxes and bins. As an avid crafter I had accumulated copious supplies over the years. At the end of the year, I decided it was time to donate them so someone could enjoy them. In a large carton, I emptied out the contents of my bins containing boxes of unopened crayons, glitter, gel pens, beads and wires, duplicate rubber stamps, ink pads, rolls of satin ribbon etc. When I dropped the carton off at the local day care center, the smile on the face of the principal made my day, my week, and my month. With a sense of joy, I returned home feeling lighter and freer, basking in the “helpers high”.❁

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6 BEST HERBS FOR YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM By Daniel Powers

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS THE INNER PROTECTION YOUR BODY USES TO FIGHT OFF INFECTION. If you are sick, or tend to get sick often, immune-boosting herbs may be just the thing that your body needs. Herbs are an all-natural remedy for immune health and can be used in conjunction with other treatments. The key is finding what works best for you.

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Elderberry

WHAT IS AN IMMUNE BOOSTING HERB? An immune-boosting herb is one that has been shown to help strengthen the immune system so it's able to ward off infections more easily. A lively immune system reduces inflammation throughout the body - which means fewer symptoms, less pain, fewer allergic reactions, and less chance of contracting certain illnesses. A strong immune system also equates to less downtime fighting off sickness and infections. 40 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

HERE ARE THE BEST HERBS FOR STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: 1. ECHINACEA This herb is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Studies show that echinacea can help control symptoms and help you get better faster. It is especially effective when taken at the first signs of a cold or fever (Jawad et al, 2012). Echinacea can be taken as a tea, in capsules, or as a tincture. If you take it

in a tea or tincture form, be aware that it gives your mouth a "buzzing" sensation, this is due to the alkylamine content found in Echinacea. The more buzzing you feel from the herb, the more active and fresher it is! 2. ELDERBERRY This herb is an immune-boosting herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat flu, colds, and other infections. The flavonoids in elderberries are well known to have antioxidant properties. These work to aid the immune system. Elderberries have been shown in studies to reduce cold duration and symptoms if you do get it (Tiralongo, Wee, & Lea, 2016). Elderberry is one of the most enjoyable herbs to take. It tastes delicious in syrup form. Perfect for kids and adults alike. 3. GARLIC

Garlic

Echina cea

This herb helps boost immune function thanks to a compound called allicin, which can help to stop infections from spreading in your body (Josling, 2001). Garlic also has anti-viral and antimicrobial effects, these properties go a long way towards benefitting the immune system (Bayan, Koulivand, & Gorji, 2014). You can add garlic powder to your food every day, but I recommend using fresh cloves because this allows you to eat more immune-boosting garlic with less processing and cooking time. Just make sure you chew it well before swallowing; otherwise, it can be hard on your digestive system.

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4. ASTRAGALUS ROOT Astragalus is an Asian plant that has a long history within traditional Mongolian plant medicine. Modern research shows that it can help to reduce upper respiratory tract infections (Zou, et al, 2013). Additionally, this herb has antioxidant effects that reduce free radical production, this is an important aspect for healthy aging. Astragalus is readily available in tincture and capsule form. 5. ANDROGRAPHIS Andrographis is an immune-boosting herb that can be helpful in aiding the body to effectively fight off respiratory infections like colds, bronchitis, and the flu. Andrographis has immune-boosting

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properties that fight off viruses and reduce symptoms like fever, sore throat, and cough (Hu et al, 2017). Andrographis is extremely bitter, so while you can find it in tincture form, I recommend getting an encapsulated version. That way you can consume the powder without having an unpleasant taste experience. 6. GOLDENSEAL ROOT Goldenseal root is a powerful immune booster that can help to stimulate the immune system. This is primarily due to the Berberine content found within Goldenseal, which has strong antiviral activity (Warowicka, Nawrot, & Goździcka-Józefiak, 2020). The herb can

even help reduce sore throats (Manipal et al, 2016). Similar to Andrographis, Goldenseal is also extremely bitter (due to its berberine alkaloid content). I recommend taking an encapsulated formula

liquid form, often in a tincture bottle. I recommend against getting this form of the product. When you take the liquid straight, the flavor can stay with you for a while (to put it mildly).

BONUS: OREGANO

This article has touched on some of the most popular herbs from around the world. Each of these herbs has a long history of traditional usage, as well as modern research showing effectiveness.

Oregano oil is immune-boosting, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral. It also has immune-strengthening properties that help keep the immune system strong while also fighting bacterial infections (Leyva-López et al, 2017). Oregano oil can reduce inflammation and boost immune function while also fighting off bacteria that could lead to infection. Oregano oil comes in

THE BOTTOM LINE

Next time you are feeling run down, consider trying these natural herbs to support your body's immune defenses. ❁

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References: Bayan, L., Koulivand, P. H., & Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 4(1), 1–14. Hu, X. Y., Wu, R. H., Logue, M., Blondel, C., Lai, L., Stuart, B., Flower, A., Fei, Y. T., Moore, M., Shepherd, J., Liu, J. P., & Lewith, G. (2017). Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 12(8), e0181780. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0181780 Jawad, M., Schoop, R., Suter, A., Klein, P., & Eccles, R. (2012). Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 841315. https://doi. org/10.1155/2012/841315 Josling P. (2001). Preventing the common cold with a garlic supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Advances in therapy, 18(4), 189–193. https://doi.org/10.1007/ BF02850113 Manipal, S., Hussain, S., Wadgave, U., Duraiswamy, P., & Ravi, K. (2016). The Mouthwash War - Chlorhexidine vs. Herbal Mouth Rinses: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 10(5), ZC81–ZC83. https:// doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2016/16578.7815

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Leyva-López, N., Gutiérrez-Grijalva, E. P., Vazquez-Olivo, G., & Heredia, J. B. (2017). Essential Oils of Oregano: Biological Activity beyond Their Antimicrobial Properties. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 22(6), 989. https://doi.org/10.3390/ molecules22060989 Tiralongo, E., Wee, S. S., & Lea, R. A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind PlaceboControlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 8(4), 182. https://doi. org/10.3390/nu8040182 Warowicka, A., Nawrot, R., & Goździcka-Józefiak, A. (2020). Antiviral activity of berberine. Archives of virology, 165(9), 1935–1945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-020-04706-3 Zou, C., Su, G., Wu, Y., Lu, F., Mao, W., & Liu, X. (2013). Astragalus in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infection in children with nephrotic syndrome: evidencebased clinical practice. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 352130. https://doi. org/10.1155/2013/352130

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MATERIA MEDICA: CATNIP (NEPETA CATARIA)

| TherapeuticThymes ThymesMagazine Magazine 46 46Therapeutic

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

FAMILY: Mint COMMON NAME(S):

Catmint, catnep, cat’s wort, and field balm. GENDER: FEMALE ELEMENT: WATER DESCRIPTION & CULTIVATION: Catnip is a perennial in the mint family. Its stem can grow three to five feet high. The flowers grow in spikes during the summer months. These bilabiate flowers appear white and have purple spots. PARTS USED: Leaves and flowers CULINARY USES: Tea MEDICINAL USES: Catnip tea is beneficial for upset stomachs, colic, flatulence, and acid. It is also used to treat for chronic bronchitis and diarrhea. Combine with spearmint to help reduce a child’s fever. MAGIKAL USES: It should be of no great surprise that catnip is associated with Bast. Catnip creates a psychic bond between us and our cats. It also is intoxicating to the felines. Use catnip in

a love sachet with rose petals. Grow catnip near your house, or hang some near the entryway, to attract good spirits. Its large leaves can be pressed and used as bookmarks in journals. Catnip should not be confused with cat grass. Cat grass is great for your cat’s health and supports digestion. Catnip, on the other hand, will excite her for a little while. Every cat differs but generally the euphoric feeling lasts about 15 minutes or so. KITTY SAFETY TIP: Hand wash those fabric catnip toys. Do not use detergent, as the chemicals could stay with the fabric. Be sure to air dry the toys, since the heat of the dryer will cause the catnip to loose its potency. ❁

CATNIP TEA Catnip tea – like most mint teas – is very simple. Literally snip some leaves and add hot water. You can combine with another mint – like spearmint or peppermint – for a little more flavor. You could add a little lemon or even a touch of honey. Steep for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

Sources: Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2014. Pages 75 Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2012. Page 204. Lust, John. The Herb Book. New York, NY. Bantam Books, 1974. Page150.

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age to • Trim foli . new growth ge ra encou r soil.

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KNOW YOUR ZONE

Do you know

your zone – planting zone, that is ? Check out the USDA Plant Hardin ess Zone M ap at: planthar diness.ars.us da.gov

MULCH Mulch controls weeds, retains moisture, prevents soil erosion, protects against temperature changes, and maintains soil nutrients. It is normally suggested to use a two-inch layer to prevent weeds. How much mulch to get, is nothing more than a math equation. Several websites have a mulch calculator as a free tool.

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SOUL JOURNEY OF LETTING GO: Crystal Healing Layout for Renewed Energy By Dr. Moon Eir, CCH “The Divine Medium”

THE SOUL TRAVELS FOR HUNDREDS OF MILES AND SLOWLY SHUFFLES ALONG THE DUSTY PATH IT WANDERS, DRAGGING BEHIND IT, A SIZABLE WOODEN TRUNK ENDOWED WITH GOLDEN FLORAL ENCRUSTED EMBOSSMENTS AND A LARGE, HEFTY LOCK. The soul becomes desperately fatigued for the weight of the large container has become too oppressive. It has dealt with great pain and loss along the way. The soul has been lugging around past memories, past life book records, and traumatic vibrations within this chest for far too long. Towing it everywhere it goes.

Agony finally sets in as the soul exasperates itself in its efforts to pull along such a powerful weight. Deciding it’s best to let go of its tight grip on the large box, the soul lets down the trunk to the ground and unlocks the vessel to reveal the contents inside. As it gently lifts the cover, it is propelled back by the intensity of the cargo. Regaining its composure, the soul takes a long look inside and becomes greatly discomforted over what it sees encompassed. In a sudden mindful decision, the soul determines its own vitality by unpacking some of what is holding it back. Image after image. Reminder after reminder. Experience after experience. The soul liberates the trunk’s weight, one past memory at a time, leaving

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behind the unpleasant energy of each incident and encounter. The wooden vessel becomes less burdensome for its journey. As the soul closes the lid and begins to take hold of the trunk once more, it smiles at the profound lightness of the container. And so, the soul begins back on its voyage with great feelings of vigor and jubilation. The box now only containing one large velvet green book inside. This grand book now holds many parchment pages awaiting to be imprinted upon with new life stories that express magical experiences of cheer and enthusiasm. Like the soul in my little story, I find many cling to their own baggage, convinced it somehow makes them more in control of what they can do and where they can go on their paths. Carrying around the pains of the old like this overpacked trunk. Letting go, for many, means stepping into the unknown. It means having the courage to let go of what is familiar, even if that familiarity is a constant negative reminder. To most, feeling exposed is not enough to welcome what lies ahead. Many become fiction writers with their lives by making many ‘what if ’ statements that create a storyline of what they assume will happen. By doing this, they cement themselves in fear. Never allowing the true reality of ‘what could be.’ They walk a lonely fictional path within their minds instead of simply taking the first step towards great possibility. To those I say, you will never know the benefits

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that await you until you let go and see for yourself, without fear holding you back from those possibilities and generous paths. If you are unhappy with your current path of circumstances, it is time to face your fears and like the soul’s story of letting go; open your own wooden trunk of traumas, take out what no longer serves your purpose, and move on with your life. If you find it difficult to even take the first step towards this process, I have some crystal suggestions that can help aid you in getting through your current situation and thrust you onto a path less heavy and tired. There is something truly awe-inspiring about leaves in the fall. How they can change their internal settings and simply just let go of the branch that grips them tightly. When I ponder on their yearly experience, I cannot help but bring the energy of Aquamarine into the mix. Being the gem of courage, I find this crystal to be the best at letting go and moving forward. Just like our colorful leaves that calmly and without fear, focus on change and not wasting their energy on things that are out of their control, Aquamarine also expresses these same qualities within its energy of healing. This is their seasonal message to us. Their soul’s communication to help us gain clarity in their fearless acts.

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When opening that metaphorical trunk of emotional discomfort, activate your path with the transmuting energy of Chrysoprase. This crystal turns old. negative emotions and thoughts into more positive ones, making it the ideal stone to have when trying to let go of a situation that no longer serves you. Especially, when you cannot change the outcome due to foreseen actions and communications with the other party. Chrysoprase will also help you release any anger tied to a situation you can’t let go of by helping you to focus more on progressive aspects of your life and stimulating acceptance of not only yourself but others, as well. The only person you can change… is yourself. With its soft pink hues, a Morganite gem can bring the soul warmth and comfort. Supporting you through healing, compassion, and honesty. This sacred crystal is the catalyst for moving on in a more confident but harmonious way. Sometimes one can become stuck in the cycling pain of the past where forgiveness never sees the light of day. In this down energy, our sweet Morganite rushes in like the rescuing best friend holding a bowl of chocolate HaagenDazs ice cream and a box of Bonbons. Just like a listening ear, Morganite becomes useful in her best friend tactics by helping you release those old attachments to relationships that ended badly and no longer can find a resolution. She encourages you to move forward with an open heart and by holding her energy in the palm of your hand, she will help you through, like a best friend would. I have handpicked these three crystals to promote healing and letting go so you may 56 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

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“The world became a miraculous realm when Mother Gaia grew her own crystal medicine.” - MOON EIR

reach the path you desire most in life. It is time to call upon your crystal allies to pull you through the hardships. In this endeavor, I’ve also created a quick and easy body crystal layout for letting go of those nasty path strings that energetically need cut or reset. After finding a cozy comfy place to lay, grab your favorite smudge stick and swirl it around your body. Get rid of any particles or impurities from your energy field. You will also want to smudge the crystals you’ll be using for this ritual. Program your intention upon your crystals by declaring a loving ‘letting go’ objective for them to work towards. Now, place one Morganite in the palm of each hand and place a third below your feet, between your legs. If you have a raw Selenite wand handy, carefully place it vertically down the middle of your chest for extra boosting divine energy. Four Aquamarine

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and two Chrysoprase on each side of the upper frame of your body will emit a powerful light of restoration throughout your physique. A vibrational light frequency will absorb into every cell of your whole being while the Chrysoprase stimulates glowing energy that transmutes throughout your mind, body, and soul from negative, into positive. When you begin to feel complete in your crystal ritual session, slowly begin to stand up and perform what I like to call the “energetic dog shake.” Shaking off the particles of residue energy like a dog shaking off water. Once you have completed this task, you will want to make sure to place your crystals in a bowl of lukewarm water along with a tiny dash of salt. Let them sit for ten minutes. After your crystal buddies have had their mini salt bath, rinse them off with lukewarm water for two more minutes. They enjoy that that extra loving care. No

one likes to be a sticky salty mess! This exercise will help you understand how releasing absorbed energy from a crystal is cleared by water and salt vibration. After doing this practice a few times, you will start to notice a bit of sticky residue on your hands. This alerts you when the crystal is or is not fully cleansed from the bonding experience it just had with you. The less sticky your hands, the more the crystal has released. The better it feels. Whether you want to move on from a specific hurtful experience or simply just want to let go of your past in general, crystal healing energy can assist tremendously. Letting go is very similar

to grieving the loss of a dear loved one. So, when enduring these losses, I suggest experimenting with an Apache Tear gem or even a Smoky Quartz tumble to aid you in feeling more at ease with your emotions of loss and granting you access to truly let go of your pain in order to move on. If you seek clarity on how to take the first step towards rejuvenation, acceptance of a painful end to a negative situation, or even guidance in finding your own true path in life, crystals will always encourage you to move forward with a renewed sense of wonder and confidence in who you are in this world. They have the intuitive ability to support us through it all. ❁

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TEMPERANCE: Rejuvenation Through Balance By Mary K. Mannix

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ANY OF THE 78 CARDS OF A TRADITIONAL SIZE TAROT DECK CAN CONFIDENTLY BE USED TO ANSWER ANY TYPE OF QUESTION. Whether they query is about love, career, money, the future, health, whatever someone in wondering about. Every card provides guidance. That is what makes the tarot an especially versatile oracle system. Each card has a core meaning, but that meaning is just the center of the onion. They all have many layers. How the layers are peeled is dependent upon the deck, the reader, the querant, the spread, and the question. Of course, there are cards that can be read more easily on certain topics. The Lovers and 2 of Cups scream relationships and emotion, though they, too, can be helpful for a financial question. A card whose interpretation fits more easily into questions of health is the major arcana card Temperance, number 14, once known as Alchemy, and at times referenced as “The Healing Card”.

In many decks, such as the Rider-WaiteSmith (RWS), an angel is front and center in the card’s imagery. They are shown mixing the liquid from two cups, passing between the cups in a manner that defies

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the laws of nature. It can be seen as an act of balance. Temperance is generally internal balance. The tarot loves to talk to us about balance! It is also an act that requires a great deal of focus and skill. How do they do it! The RWS angel appears to be hovering over a pond. They are not quite standing in it, perhaps a little toe is in the water. Again, an act of balance. Yes, they are an angel and angels can do things, but still a feat to be admired, especially when we realize that this pond is the water of our subconscious. This is an image that appears throughout this pivotal deck. Balancing our subconscious and our conscious in our day to day lives can be a major task in this busy, troubling world. It certainly can be tiring. Rejuvenation is often needed. In the major arcana, Temperance comes right after Death and right before the Devil. Death warns us of an organic ending. Contrary to horror movies this is not a physical death, but painful nonetheless, and there is no turning back. Temperance following Death teaches us that we can pull our lives back together, we can gain control, and restore balance. Death is a kick in the pants, Temperance is a healthy way to respond to the kick. The Devil, the card of addiction and

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attachment to something that simply is not good for you, is generally not a good response. Taking its name literally, Temperance encourages us to be temperate, to not go to extremes, to maintain, or create, equilibrium. The Temperance card of the Ellis Tarot, shown here with permission, depicts an angel that appears to be both male and female. In front I see a swirling version of the Yin and Yang symbol. This Yin and the Yang contain water and fire, each coming from a separate cup. This card shows the equilibrium maintained between those often-conflicting elements. Temperance encourages us to integrate all aspects of ourselves – male, female, fire, and water. Healthy integration leads to rejuvenation.

Some decks refer to card 14 as Alchemy. Alchemy is transformation, magical transformation. The most common alchemical example is the historical search to turn lead to gold. I have experienced the Temperance card to relate to chemotherapy, which is certainly an alchemical act. In life we can accomplish what alchemists across the centuries have not been able to do. We can turn our lives from lead to gold. Something important in our lives might end. This happens and happens too often for most of us. Death comes. Temperance shows us that we can all be alchemists. We can use the dregs of our old life and mix them together. We can stand inside our subconscious. We can develop balance and we can rejuvenate ourselves and our lives. We can do magic. ❁

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Enhancing Your Life by Preparing for Your Death By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA

“Death is our constant companion, and it is death that gives each person's life its true meaning.” Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

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YOU MIGHT BE THINKING HOW MORBID IT SOUNDS TO BE PREPARING FOR YOUR OWN DEATH. I HAVE TO ADMIT IT IS NOT SOMETHING I FOCUSED MUCH ON WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, BUT MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE. TO ME, IF SIN EXISTS, IT MAY MANIFEST AS NOT LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST. HOW CAN PREPARING FOR YOUR DEATH AT ANY AGE ASSIST WITH LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST?

Start by thinking of what you would spend your time and money on if you only had one year to live. Would you stay in the same job or the same relationship? Would you want to travel throughout your country or throughout the world? Is there someone that you would want to make sure that you saw once more? What are the things you really want to do or see that you put off thinking you would have plenty of time to do later? One of my grandfathers died the same year he retired. I wonder about all the things he waited to do until retirement only not being able to do any of those things. It was such a sad situation that my father planned carefully so that he could retire at a much younger age than his dad. But this is not about retirement planning because death can overtake us at any age. And I am not suggesting that you decide to stop working at the age of thirty unless you hate your job and have alternative legal sources of income. I am suggesting that you spend a bit of time in honest conversation with yourself about what is important to you and what you would like your obituary to say about you. That process can provide great 68 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

insight so that you do not live a life with regrets. I want to focus this article on one of the things that we tend to do throughout our lives, often without thinking, and that is the accumulation of material things or stuff. I am talking about the stuff that just adds up over the years in our homes, offices, and even cars. Maybe your stuff does not make you eligible for the show “Hoarders” although there is a non-Hoarder continuum from a neat Zen-like minimalistic home to a home where every storage bin and cabinet is filled. We permanently moved about six years ago. We had the luxury of owning the new house a couple of years before we sold the old house. We would travel to the new house on holidays. Each time we traveled we pulled a trailer behind us of stuff. We ended up hauling nine trailers of stuff to the new house and then still required a moving company with a big truck when it was time for the final move. It seemed too much of a task to go through all the material items before the move. After all, I was still working part-time, and I was not sure what we would need for the new house. We knew for several years that we would be moving even if we weren’t sure where. I could have said, I’ll go through one box or drawer each week prior to the move. That would have solved schlepping unneeded stuff across state lines, but no I didn’t do that. It would have been an easy thing to sort through a box while watching a TV or streaming show. I convinced myself that I had already done enough that day and just needed the self-care of numbing entertainment. What is ironic is that later going through boxes, a work still in process, has given me the

joy of memories which serves as self-care. Some memory items were kept, some were photographed and released, some were gifted to new owners that would love them, and some were just trash or duplicates. Who needs to save two bulletins from the same play; one is more than sufficient. There is a new Swedish phenomenon which does not relate to cars that are great in the snow or “easy to put together” furniture. It is called döstädning or death cleaning. It is getting new attention with the publication of “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta

Magnusson. With Margareta’s age estimated between 80 and 100 years old, this was very personal for her. The ideas behind this death cleaning are similar to decluttering in Feng Shui in that less clutter creates a better flow of energy making the home feel better to all who enter. Not only does the decluttering decrease stress levels and increase productivity, but decluttering is also essential as we age. Falling is a major indicator of decreased health outcomes as we age. Decluttering and removing unused objects can reduce the risk of falling. At any age, you want to make sure that there is

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plenty of free space to evacuate your place in case of emergency. Another major idea of death cleaning is saving whoever inherits your stuff from the painful and tremendously time-consuming task of going through everything. It is also helpful to have some records or labeling to assist your heirs. They may not know that one large crystal is common and therefore not worth much while a smaller crystal is very rare and expensive. They may not understand that the paint in a prized thangka is actually gold not just a gold color or that a not so beautiful picture was painted by their great-grandmother. I recently inherited all the belongings of a friend. This included two giant tubs full of pictures and photograph albums. There was a segment of those pictures where I recognized the individuals, including myself

in my younger days. I definitely saved those pictures to prove how different I looked at 35 rather than at 65 years of age. The problem was there were many more pictures where I had no idea who was in the picture or where the photo was taken as nothing was labeled. I guessed a few pictures were her long-dead parents, but otherwise a whole host of unidentified pictures remained. She had no living relatives who might be interested or helpful. We brought the two giant tubs to her memorial where one high school friend took a few pictures of individuals they bought knew in high school. That still left me with one and threequarter giant tubs of pictures. Ceremonially at Samhain (Halloween), we burned all these pictures so they could join her on the other side. It seemed like the best option available as she loved taking pictures and had doubles of many prints. It took almost four hours to

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complete the burning ceremony. Another idea in döstädning is talking to your family or heirs in the current moment. What would they like to take now or have you save for them? If you have something they want and you are not using, why not let me have it now. I have treasures like expensive crystal from my mother and grandmother. I cannot remember the last time I used that crystal. My son has made it clear that his family will never use that crystal. Is there a friend or family member that would obtain great joy from such a gift, 72 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

or would your heirs appreciate your selling the items and giving them the cash which they could use now? Do you have items that you are sure are meaningful, but you cannot remember what the meaning might be? I have stones all over my house from travels and ceremonies. Some I clearly remember. There is a stone wrapped in fabric that put my luggage over the airplane’s weight limit from a Bear Ceremony in Michigan. There are two red rocks in a wicker basket used for a weaving a new world ceremony. These rocks and stones are the exception. I do not

have a clue about the origins of most of the other rocks and stones. Instead of keeping these unremembered rocks in my house, it is time to ceremonially return them to the land rather than their being dumped in the trash by heirs that do not honor the stone people.

Margareta Magnusson differs from the declutter guru, Marie Kondo. Instead of discarding them, Ms. Magnusson suggests having a box marked “Throw Away” with a note on it to heirs identifying it as a personal memory box that they do not need to sort.

Another part of death cleaning is getting rid of old diaries and journals that may contain information that could be hurtful to someone reading them later. Also, if you have any sexually explicit notes, you may want to make sure that your children are spared seeing them. No need to create a reason for your heirs to seek therapy. If there are letters or reminders of travel that you want to keep for sentimental reasons,

Obviously, death cleaning is an on-going process for most of us as we do not know exactly when we’ll die. The good news is that the process does stop for us when we die. And, if we’ve done a good job of döstädning, then our family and heirs will likely have better memories of us than they would have after taking tons of stuff out of our house. To paraphrase Paulo Coehlo, let death give your life meaning. ❁

"...let death give your life meaning."

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BOOK THYME

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BOOK THYME

NEWS:

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Winterseer Animal Oracle By Siolo Thompson ISBN: 0738767948 Publisher: Llewellyn Publications Language: English

REVIEW:

Paganism for Prisoners By Awyn Dawn Let’s begin by saying that this book is NOT just for prisoners. While in prison for drug addiction, Awyn Dawn began to search for her spiritual side. She found it in Paganism. Awyn found a greater clarity and a deep sense of peace. The text is directed towards those

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BOOK THYME

incarcerated or those helping them (like a chaplain). However, any one can use this guide to find solace. Paganism for Prisoners shows you how to embrace your spirituality and learn from deities, ancestors, and spirits. Using only the resources you have at hand, she walks you through the exploration of the power of meditation, self-reflection, and rituals. This text covers various deities, elements, the moon, the Wheel of the

Year, and spiritual guides. Whether your prison is a physical prison or a mental one, this book is a great guide on finding your way in day to day living using the resources and tools at hand. ❁

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications ISBN: 0738767867

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REVIEW:

Stop Fixing Yourself Wake Up, All Is Well By: Anthony De Mello Review by Michele Le’Mon-O’Steen

This book offers the reader a chance to view all aspects of their life from a new perspective. On a personal level, I didn't feel I gained anything having read it. However, I can see how it's message could help others. 2.5 out of 5. ❁

Publisher: Beyond Words ASIN: B08TX6LT4K

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REVIEW:

Tarot by the Moon Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Victoria Constantino offers an easy-to-read month by month resource in Tarot by the Moon. She offers a variety of tarot spreads to help you manifest change, exploring new opportunities, and connect to your higher self. Tarot by the Moon is beautifully illustrated and offers tips on for each moon phase. This book has helped me grow closer to my tarot deck and encouraged me to continue my tarot

journal with renewed energy. This is one reference book that I am sure I will consult often. ❁

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications ISBN: 0738767123

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CONTRIBUTORS

CYNDI BALL Cyndi has been homesteading for over 30 years and is dedicated to cheering on and supporting those who want the homestead dream. She is an avid educator, author, agri-preneur and international speaker. Currently, Cyndi is a dual cabin dweller between Pennsylvania and Montana. She is the Founder and CEO of the National Ladies Homestead Gathering, focused on creating local communities for like-minded women interested in homesteading. For more info, NLHG. org. She is also the owner of Homestead Profit-Ability, a company passionate about helping homesteaders create a profit from their homesteads. For more info, CyndiBall.com.

She is the proud momma of six amazing children and the enamored Nana to 6 adorable grandchildren!❁ 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

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CONTRIBUTORS 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 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 ThreeYear 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

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Loss, Pain Management, and Past Live Regression provide a comprehensive toolkit of services to Dana’s clients. ❁ 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. ❁ BRITTNEY MORRIS Brittney is a RYT 500 and certified in both Chair and Restorative yoga. She completed both her 200- hour and 300- hour training programs in York, PA at Open Heart Teacher Training at Ignite Power Yoga of York. She has been teaching for nearly 5 years. In addition, she is a certified Reiki practitioner. She is an avid essential oil lover and educator. Brittney has a passion for aiding students in emotional release through physical (asana) practice, breath work (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), essential oils, and Reiki.

CONTRIBUTORS Brittney found that after the loss of her grandmother, yoga could help heal someone both inside and out. It is now her mission to help others in the same way. Operating under Famous Warrior Yoga in homage to her late grandmother, she can be found teaching at Hereford High School through the 7th District Rec. Council in Parkton, MD. She offers in home private sessions of yoga, meditation, and reiki. Brittney’s hope is to help you find your peaceful warrior and your inner strength. Brittney seeks to bring light to the worth and value of each individual. She hopes to help bring clarity and union to the topic of faith and yoga. As a Christian yoga teacher, you will find that she often writes about melding together her passions of faith and fitness. In addition to writing for Therapeutic Thymes, Brittney also blogs and is currently penning her first manuscript. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram @brittneymorriswriter or visit her website at brittneymorris.com. ❁ DANIEL POWERS, MS Daniel is a graduate of the Maryland University of Integrative Health with Master’s in herbal sciences. His passion is in finding the intersection between traditional herbal usage and modern scientific research. He lives on an organic |herb farm where he has unlimited access to play & experiment with herbs. He also runs the website

botanicalinstitute.org where he frequently writes about herbs. ❁ GITA RASH Gita Rash is a certified fitness instructor, artist, actor, author and psychic medium. For more than 15 years she has been teaching and training as a life coach in several modalities. Her publications include “The low-fat Indian cookbook” and the recently released “The Mahabharata Oracle”. Her mission in life is to educate, assist, and guide people on their journey. Connect with her at www.gitarash. com or www.gitaart.com. Her YouTube channel is at: youtube.com/channel/ UCs_fF-i5W_Di655cWhBm6Hw. She is gitarash on Instagram. ❁ JEANNE RUCZHAK-ECKMAN 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.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Jeanne shares her love of plants while working part time at a local nursery. She is a member of the Conestoga Herb Guild locally. Through Therapeutic Thymes, she has joined and supports the Herb Society of America (HAS), the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC), and United Plant Savers (UpS). In her downtime, she is a genealogist, seeking Ancestors, hers, and yours. She has authored various articles pertaining to genealogy. DR. CHRISTINA CAY WATTS, CHH Christina 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! Christina 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

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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. Christina 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 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

CONTRIBUTORS

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. ❁

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