Therapeutic Thymes Summer 2023

EDITOR | PUBLISHER | SPECIAL EVENTS

Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Moon Eir | Sophia Harmes | Dana Jefferson

Chuck Kruse | Mary Mannix

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Mary Soanes

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IT & LOGISTICS

Glenn Eckman

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© 2023, Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

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

By Mary K. Mannix

By Moon Eir

Welcome to our Summer 2023 Issue.

The theme this issue is A Focus on the Masculine.

Summer is a wonderful time of healing and restoration. It is a time of growth. This summer – if you are in the South Central PA / MidAtlantic area – join us in celebrating the 3rd Annual Midsummer Holistic Expo. This two-day event will be held in July at the Farm & Home Center in Lancaster, PA.

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

NEWS & TIDBITS

A SURGE IN MEN’S COSMETIC SURGERY

PRNEWSWIRE – Male cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures increased by 29% between 2000 and 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The increase is influencing

dermatological and plastic surgery practices across the United States.

In 2020, top treatments among men included botulinum toxin, laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, and soft

tissue fillers. Laser skin resurfacing rose by 482%, cheek implants rose by 1616%, and soft tissue fillers by 137% since 2000. Botulinum toxin treatments increased by 182% and became popular among men as “Brotox”. Over 265,000 male patients received botulinum toxin procedures in 2020 to treat crow’s feet and frown lines, indicating a continuing “Brotox Boom”.

This significant increase in the number of men undergoing cosmetic procedures highlights a shift in societal norms and the growing desire for men to enhance their physical appearance. ❁

POPULAR PA HERB FARM CHANGES NAME

Last year, Barefoot Botanicals underwent a rebranding, which included a name change. The popular herb farm based out of Eastern PA, is now Bluestem Botanicals. Partners

Linda Shanahan and Eric Vander Hyde recently sent out an email about the name change, new website, classes, and upcoming events. Their new site is: bluestembotanicals.com ❁

7 STRESS BUSTERS TO HELP YOU COPE

NASHVILLE, TN – Stress is an issue that impacts millions of us and can have dire consequences if it goes unchecked. Having a strategy and prioritizing stress management is crucial to improving stress reactions and living a higher quality of life.

"There are times when stress is going to be there no matter what, and it may be unavoidable, but we have to take steps to minimize the impact it has on our lives," explains Laura Purdy MD, MBA. "If you don't give stress the attention it needs, it can impact your health, and then you will be forced to prioritize that potentially bigger problem."

According to the National Institutes of Health, stress that lasts a long time can harm your health. Some ways it can impact one's health include weakening the immune system, so people get sick more often, have digestion problems or trouble sleeping, and headaches. Stress has also been linked to the development of such severe conditions as depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. ➤

The key is learning how to cope with stress so that it will not have a long-term impact. Here are seven stress busters from Dr. Laura Purdy to help everyone manage and thrive:

1 .

Make self-care a priority. Most people, especially women, are busy taking care of the needs of everyone around them yet neglect their self-care. That needs to change so that self-care becomes a priority.

2.

Do a self-evaluation. Think about what is missing and what needs to change, and then move toward that. If it's something that needs to be added, then work toward adding it. If it's something that needs to be removed, then make that happen.

3 .

Engage in self-calming activities. Daily, do at least 10-15 minutes of a calming activity you enjoy. This can be yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply sitting on the back porch listening to the birds. Shut everything out and only do that one thing.

4 .

Be sure to exercise regularly. While you have repeatedly heard about the importance of being physically active, it has to be said. Being physically active helps to melt away stress and improve quality of life. Keep moving!

5 .

Be mindful of consumption. This goes not only for what you eat that may make you feel better or worse but what you listen to, watch on television, read, etc. At times, social media and news, for example, can make people feel more stressed or even depressed.

6 .

Pace yourself. Everyone is in a hurry for everything, and all that does is lead to more stress. Learn to say no, go slow, plan ahead, and avoid the rush.

7.

Treat yourself. If the funds allow for it, get a massage once a month. Research studies find that massages help to reduce stress and anxiety and are positive for one's mental health.

Dr. Purdy offers her services virtually via telehealth across the whole country. To get more information, visit the site at: drlaurapurdy.com

"Making stress reduction a priority will go a long way toward keeping you healthier and happier," added Dr. Purdy.

MAKING ORAL HEALTH A PRIORITY

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – People often overlook the importance of oral health and its role. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among adults ages 20 and over, around 90% have had at least one cavity. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infections and may lead to abscesses under the gums, which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results. Gum disease, an inflammatory disease that affects the structures that support the tooth, is the leading cause of tooth loss. Nearly half of all adults over 30 show signs of gum disease.

• Drink a lot of water, especially after eating. This will help to dilute the food and bacteria. This is especially helpful if you will not be brushing your teeth after eating.

• Eat an apple, or make it the last thing you eat. An apple will help get something out of your teeth. Each bite of an apple helps to scrape plaque off the teeth. It helps prevent plaque build-up, and you can end your meal with something healthy.

• Aim to brush your teeth twice daily, and opt for an electric toothbrush. Research shows that powered toothbrushes are more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than manual ones are.

• Visit the dentist at least once per year for cleanings and exams.

According to the American Dental Association, early detection of oral cancer can decrease morbidity and increase long-term survival. According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, every hour throughout the year, someone dies of oral or oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the oral cavity and upper throat). Regular oral cancer examinations are available at the dentist's office and can help detect it in its early stages. ❁

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

If you ever had a sunburn, chances are you have used aloe vera. The succulent is known for its soothing properties. It is often used for minor burns, cuts, and scrapes. It is beneficial for gums and dental health. It reduces constipation. It is also said to lower blood sugar levels. ❁

TREAT THOSE SUMMER BOO BOOS

It’s summer. School is out. Kids play hard. Boo boos are natural. So treat them naturally! Soak a black tea bag in a cup of warm water then hold the bag against your skin for five minutes. The black tea constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. ❁

Here are some simple ways to make oral health a priority and take better care of our teeth:

7 BENEFITS OF WITCH HAZEL

1. Takes the bite out of bug bites.

2. Treats skin irritations.

3. Soothes eczema.

4. Treats acne.

5. Provides hemorrhoid relief.

6. Treats varicose veins.

7. Soothes razor burns.

MATERIA MEDICA:

HORNY GOAT WEED

(EPIMEDIUM GRANDIFLORIUM, EP. SAGITTATUM)

By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

FAMILY: Berberidaceae

COMMON NAME(S): Horney goat weed, lusty goat herb, bishop’s hat, fairy wings, and barrenwort. It is also known as Yin Yang Huo.

USDA HARDINESS: Zones 4-8

NATIVE RANGE: Asia. However, it can be grown in North America..

GENDER: Epimedium is hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female organs and is pollinated by bees.

DESCRIPTION & CULTIVATION:

The Horny Goat Weed is a perennial that does well in acidic soil, as well as sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It blooms in Spring. It prefers full to part shade. Its flowers are a pinkish purple.

PARTS USED: Flowers, leaves, and stems.

CULINARY USES: None

MEDICINAL USES: This is a traditional Chinese medicinal treatment for erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis. It boosts the libido and increases blood supply which in turn balances erectile dysfunction issues. It is also for kidney and liver issues.

MAGIKAL USES: None noted.

NOTE: Horny Goat Weed should not be confused with simply Goat Weed. Goat Weed is also known as St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). While the folk names may be similar, these are two totally different plants with different purposes and results. ❁

Sources:

Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2014. Page 224.

“Epimedium sagittatum” Plants For A Future. https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Epimedium+sagittatum. Accessed 1 April 2023.

Pursell, J. J. The Herbal Apothecary. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2015. Pages 115-116.

Did you know your plants have genders? A male plant grows more circular “ball” leaves, while the female plant’s pre-flower is longer and thinner. Once the flowering stage begins, look for pollen sacs or balls in the men. These will not flower. The female plants develop pistils which will grow and eventually bud

JAPANESE BEETLES

Roses(Rosa)isanother floweringperennialthatis hermaphrodite.Tomatoesare alsohermaphrodites.

Every year gardeners complain about Japanese Beetles, an invasive species that feeds and destroys the foliage of many flowering shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. The larvae feed on the roots of your plants, while the adults feed off the leaves and the stems. There are plants – like garlic, onions, chamomile, marigolds, and catnip that repel these pests. Have you ever noticed a border of marigolds around certain plants? That is one reason!

and flowers. Fill it a little less for roots, barks, and berries.

3. Pour in your alcohol of choice to the very top, so that the plants are completely covered.

Now You Wait

Store the tincture in a cool, dry place. The cabinet works nicely. A couple times a week, shake the mixture and be sure the herbs are still covered. If not, top it off with more alcohol. Allow it to sit for six to eight weeks.

• One last Suggestion

• Store in a cool, dark place.

• Label your tincture. Note the name of your tincture, the herbs used, fresh or dried, and the date.

for HERBS MEN

By Chuck Kruse

Herbal medicine is a broad spectrum that covers everyone. Men can benefit from correct application of herbal formulas, and in this article, I will give you a peek into what botanicals can do for men.

Men commonly overdo it when it comes to exercise, sports, or yard work, and herbs can certainly help with that. A very good formula, which I call 'Knee Tea" consists of:

• Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)

• Morinda (Gynochthodes officinalis)

• Eucommia Bark (Eucommia ulmoides)

When you get the herbs, they will be dried and need to be washed. Put them in a strainer

and run water over them, scrubbing lightly with a brush or even your hands. Yes, there are different opinions about this with some saying that washing gets rid of the surface nutrients that help the herb to work, but then there are accounts of herbal vendors in other countries even running trucks over a floor dusted with green herbs to dry them quickly and get them into the market. I have personally had great results with washed herbs, so I think it's best to err on the side of safety. Unless you have total confidence in your source, go ahead and wash them.

For the dosage, I recommend that you start with a small amount, a gram, of each. Preparation consists of placing the herb in a small pan of water, at least enough to cover and go over the herbs, which you bring to the boil, then down to your lowest heat and let it barely simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out and drink. You may benefit from a higher dose, but go slowly and listen to your body. As always, if you

detect any issues do not hesitate to contact your physician. I have found this valuable for my joints, and perhaps you will as well!

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), the herb formerly known as 'Siberian Ginseng' is a great herb for men. It is an adaptogen, which means it assists with your immune system. I have

found it to be helpful with endurance as well. This one is best consumed as a tea, steeped for 20 minutes. Start small, a half teaspoon to see how it works for you.

Herbs can help with age related issues in men. To keep the mind clear, Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) are very useful. These herbs work on blood flow to the brain. The more I learn about herbs and health in general the more it seems to me that the object of the game is to keep the pipes clear and open. When blood vessels clog up, trouble is near. When the digestive system does not move along as it should, no end of issues may ensue. Even the lymphatic system needs be kept open, and so it goes. Herbalism is certainly a holistic treatment, and when you help the brain's blood flow you help all the blood flow which cannot be bad. I have had good results with Ginkgo and Gotu Kola tea, extract, and capsules. Ginkgo capsules are actually the only herb that I have seen work for me when taken in a capsule.

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

deserves mention as it is the herb used in beer to add bitterness and balance the flavors of all the ingredients. Hate to tell you this but men should avoid hops which have been shown to lower testosterone levels and contribute to depression. If you drink beer, you might want to check out a craft brew that does not include hops. Today, that is possible.

One time I was down in Philadelphia's Chinatown to buy herbs. I had a new formula that I had worked up that consisted of two ingredients. I gave the formula to the herb shop owner. He looked at it, his eyes opened wide, and he said "This is very good for you! Where did you get this formula?" When I told him it was one of mine, I do not think he believed me, but he did sell me the herbs and could not stop saying how much he thought this was a good medicine. I use this as a tonic, or general wellness, tea. The two ingredients are:

• Morinda (Gynochthodes officinalis)

• Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum)

The herb shop owner showed me how much to use for a dose, and I have never used that much for a single dose ever! Asian herbalists seem to like large amounts of herb in their formulas, and they do have the experience (something like five thousand years) to back up their methods! However, I always say start small and work up if you need to.

For all the herbs mentioned here, be sure and check possible interactions with any drugs you take. A quick way I have found to do this is to search on the Internet for "your drug" + "the herb in question". A better way is to ask a pharmacist, of course, but not all of them are up to date with herbal interactions. Medicine taken to manage a heart condition is very likely to interact with herbs so be especially careful if this is something you deal with.

It is very empowering to use herbs and enhance your own health, and I encourage you in your journey! ❁

"Herbalism is certainly a holistic treatment, and when you help the brain's blood flow you help all the blood flow which cannot be bad."

HOLISTIC & ALTERNATIVE HEALTH & MEN

By Sophia Harmes, Ph.D.

Holistic and alternative approaches to healthcare have been on the rise since the 1970s. Increasingly men’s attitudes toward health and healthcare are shifting. Men used to wait until the last minute before seeking any professional and medical help for their ailments. It is typically difficult for men to admit that they need help whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. More men are beginning to understand that it is more beneficial to be proactive about their health than to wait until a health issue arises. Many men may have been exposed to holistic and alternative health care through their spouses or significant other.

THE SHIFT IN ATTITUDE

Some men are beginning to pay more attention to their health by asking more questions and paying more attention to their significant others and medical practitioners. They are utilizing natural medicines such as herbs and essential oils, many of which can help them to control some of the typical male diseases, such as cardiovascular disease or low libido.

Also, as the cost of medication increases more women and men are turning to traditional and alternative therapies to improve their health and wellness. Men are turned off by mass marketing schemes to solve men’s health issues, especially with regard to libido. For example, there is an inundation of mass marketing to say which pill is better for erectile dysfunction. And the cost of that pill is ridiculous. Fortunately, nature itself provides many natural medicines that are naturally occurring that can be accessed on a daily basis without the risks of side effects.

More, men are making the shift to embrace and focus on a holistic longterm approach to their health. They are beginning to become proactive when it comes to their health and wellness rather than waiting for an issue to occur like they used to do before seeking professional advice.

TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE.

There are a variety of holistic and alternative medicine approaches. Traditional approaches include therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Ayurveda, Chinese or Oriental medicine, and naturopathy. It also focuses on the body through touch therapies such as Reiki, massage, chiropractic care, osteopathic care, chakra balance, and energy healing. Tai chi, yoga, and other body movement therapies are becoming popular approaches. Focusing on the diet is also Important. Watching diet and consuming herbs such as those that are found in your own backyard, could consist of fruits, vegetables, and grains in addition to relying on dietary supplements. Therefore, maintaining good nutrition and a healthy diet is especially important.

External energy is another form of alternative medicine approach that helps to redirect energies in the body to other areas or to dissolve. This is through energy healing therapies such as Reiki, and qigong. Focusing on the mind is also important, especially for maintaining mental and spiritual health. Meditation is important and can be done on a daily basis to help reduce stress and anxiety. Other therapies that dwell deeper into issues regarding the mind include hypnosis and biofeedback. There should

"MORE, MEN ARE MAKING THE SHIFT TO EMBRACE AND FOCUS ON A HOLISTIC LONG-TERM APPROACH TO THEIR HEALTH."

"MEDITATION IS IMPORTANT AND CAN BE DONE ON A DAILY BASIS TO HELP REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY."

also be a focus on the senses of touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste. These can affect overall health as well as engage in activities that you enjoy and help to release your creativity which will help to reduce stress.

Alternative and holistic medicine can complement mainstream medical treatments. The focus is to address the cause of an illness instead of treating the symptoms. Focusing on alternative and holistic medicine enables one to consider the patient and the root cause of the illness rather than the symptom because each individual is considered a separate entity rather than part of the cumulative average. As such, treatment is specialized and tailored to that individual. It is important

to understand that the body works as one system. If one part of that system is out of balance or is not working properly it can have an effect on other parts of the system. Chakra balancing and Reiki are good therapies that can be performed to help to realign the body and regain normal energy flow. Men are beginning to understand that when they embrace, holistic and alternative medicine, that the benefits are greater than any possible side effect. Some of the benefits that may be realized could include better sleep habits, faster healing, increased energy, and pain relief in addition to many other benefits.

Many of the holistic and alternative therapies that men are currently using include yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic

care, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and herbal remedies. Some men are even trying Chinese medicine and hypnotherapy. Many holistic and alternative therapies can be used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies for severe conditions, such as lung cancer, asthma, and anxiety. Men of all ages can utilize these types of alternative therapies. Men in their 20s and 30s are considered to be in the “prime” of their health and wellness years so the best therapies for them would be to focus on eating a proper diet, working out, or any other type of physical activity that helps to improve their body and muscle function and helps to reduce stress. Massage therapy and Reiki are also beneficial for men of all ages, especially when used to reduce

stress. Men in their 40s might feel that they are starting to slow down. They may have begun to feel pain from injuries when they were younger, they can rely on therapies such as massage therapy, acupuncture, Reiki, and chiropractic care. Men in their 50s may begin to experience health issues for the first time such as heart issues, diabetes, cancer, and chronic pain. They may begin to feel a loss of mobility. They can use therapies such as herbal remedies, massage therapy, acupuncture, chakra, balancing, homeopathy, and Chinese medicine. Regardless of age, it is important to focus on reducing stress because stress can be a major impact on health issues later in life.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Complementary and alternative medicine, (CAM) embraces a variety of alternative holistic and alternative health systems that include herbalism, acupuncture, homeopathy, and intervention practices, such as

chiropractic treatment and osteopathy, and diagnostic activities, such as iridology and reflexology. In addition to these, it also includes dietary interventions, meditation, and spiritual healing. These activities can be performed with a skilled practitioner or can be done through selfresearch and practice. Adopting these types of holistic and alternative medical approaches enables ownership over health and wellness and being responsible for it.

Old male ideologies with regard to health focused on behaviors that were not beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing. Men usually are risk-takers and therefore will have riskier health beliefs. They are less likely to seek screening for health issues. Men tend to adhere to therapies if there is a medical professional involved such as for severe illnesses like chronic illnesses.

Men who are most likely to use holistic and alternative healthcare, are men who are younger, have higher incomes, tend to be better educated, and might have functional disabilities and severe illness over non-users of the same therapies. The importance of using holistic and alternative medical therapies is to take control of your own health and wellness. This is because these therapies provide independence. They allow individuals to make choices that are flexible to their schedules and their lifestyles. More men are relying on these therapies because of the adverse effects of

using pharmaceutical medications. It is important to note that friends and relatives play a part in whether or not men will adopt holistic and alternative health and wellness therapies. It is more likely that if their significant others rely on these therapies that they will also. Overall, these therapies have the purpose of improving physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellness for the user. ❁

References:

Alam, Saad. The Men’s Guide to Integrative Medicine. https://keepmeprime.com/integrative-medicine/ Cant, Sarah and Peter Watts. Hidden in Plain Sight; Exploring Men’s Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Journal of Men’s Studies. 2019, Vol. 27(1) 45 –65. © 2018 SAGE Publications

Laux, Marcus. Taking a Holistic Approach to Men’s Health. July 17, 2008. https://www.nutritionaloutlook. com/view/taking-holistic-approach-mens-health

THE MASCULINE, THE Feminine, AND NEW GENERATIONS

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

ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHERE NOBODY COULD DETERMINE

YOUR

GENDER BY YOUR FIRST NAME?

Obviously, the world is much more sophisticated than when I was growing up in the 1960’s. We understand now that sexuality can be fluid and more than a binary concept. There were few who had this understanding during my childhood. Many of those with this understanding may have been living in traditional native cultures. For me, as am emerging woman, it was receiving my letters addressed to “Mr. Dana Jefferson “. Getting these letters during my adolescent years (and remember

how traumatic those years can be without additional complications), always made me question exactly who I was. There are many benefits to being male in this culture. I remember being excluded from boat trips with my work colleagues as there was no bathroom on the boat. That boat trip was where much information was shared, and decisions made. I was left out because of my sex. My future promotions were compromised because of my sex organs. However, being masculine is not about your sex organs. It is not whether you are male or female or identify in other terms. Today, I saw a new perspective on masculinity. Today, my husband’s first cousin died.

My husband has two first cousins that are brothers who he has been closer to than to his own living siblings. My husband is straight. Both of these cousins, the only two siblings in that family, are gay. We have many stereotypes in this country about gay men. My experience has been that some appear very masculine to the point that others may not easily identify them as gay. There are others that show their feminine side more readily. So, what does this mean, if anything, about their masculinity?

I have been taught that the left side of our body is feminine and receptive while the right side of our body is masculine and outward, action oriented. Today it was my straight husband who was action oriented taking care of his cousin’s cremation, shutting down checking

accounts, and finding placements for his cousin’s surviving dogs. All of the family lived hundreds of miles away from where the death occurred, but it was my husband taking care of everything. Was it because the dead cousin’s brother was gay that made him unable to handle such dealings? Was it grief that prevented action even though the two brothers had not been close for a very long time? Was it simply my husband’s training as a lawyer that made the entire family turn to him for assistance? Does any of this tell us anything about masculinity? My husband was the outward, actionoriented individual in this story, but as I listened to the many phone calls he made, especially on behalf of the two surviving dogs, I listened to his caring, nurturing, and empathic words on those calls. I do not think his care, nurturing, and empathy made him any less masculine. Maybe the only point, is that we are in an era where masculinity and femininity transcend not only sex but our outdated views of the entire subject. It should be noted that there were no close female relatives in this situation.

"...WE ARE IN AN ERA WHERE MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY TRANSCEND NOT ONLY SEX BUT OUR OUTDATED VIEWS OF THE ENTIRE SUBJECT."

I have written previously about the importance in the indigenous world about the balance of the masculine and the feminine. Why was this so important to them, and did it mean something different to them than it does to us today? It is hard to answer these questions as a non-indigenous person in this period of time. A current trend is the use of pro-nouns in our culture. I have to admit that I have a hard time with the use of “they/them”. My hard time is simply grammatical since I honor all paths. It is difficult to erase sixty years of speaking in a particular way where singular and plural defined proper grammar. On the other hand, there is part of me that thinks “they/them” may be a doorway into the future where our reproductive organs and our sexual preferences are less important in defining us. I am not assuming that all those that currently identify as “they/them” have a perfect internal balance of feminine and masculine traits and qualities. But imagine a world where we all thought of ourselves as a perfect blend of masculine and feminine. We could be both receptive and action oriented. We would

not be considered strange for playing with dolls or trucks no matter our sex. We could be the CEO of a company or a fulltime caretaker of our children even if our sex is the opposite of the majority presently fulfilling those roles. This does not mean that we do not express that which is authentic to self. If you do not like childcare or you do not like business, then you should make choices that best fit you. It could mean that we are internally whole to the point where we have the traits and skills allowing us to make such ventures possible even if we do not want to do that particular venture. This internal wholeness is currently hampered as a result of gender stereotyping during our formative years. Men should be allowed to cry. Women should be able to be firm without being considered a “bitch.” Why should any of this matter anymore? We end up hurting everyone.

Being internally whole in terms of masculine and feminine balance is not about how you are seen by the world. It is a developmental step for an individual and maybe an evolutionary step for

"BEING INTERNALLY WHOLE IN TERMS

OF MASCULINE AND FEMININE BALANCE IS NOT ABOUT HOW YOU ARE SEEN BY THE WORLD."

humanity. Our thinking, our actions, our spirituality, etc. should come from a place where nothing is fragmented. It is about being able to view a situation with both compassion and boundaries. It is about nurturing while not enabling. It is about caring for others and caring for self. Yes, it is hard to hold both of these polarities at the same time. Especially when you have been criticized for behaviors, thoughts, or actions at either end of the continuum. And beyond polarities, it is recognizing that everything is connected. The linear line of polarities is actually a circle or more accurately a spider web. None of the traits we associate with the masculine or feminine stand on their own. They are part of the context in which they are expressed or repressed. Either expression or repression of the masculine or feminine traits can impact all those in that environment. And, if chaos theory is correct, it could impact those outside of the local environment. Everything we do, or do not do, makes a difference.

The masculine and feminine traits that we value can become a liability for anyone if taken to extremes. For example, being nurturing is wonderful until it becomes smothering or being strong is great until it becomes domineering. The goal

should be to internalize the best balance of such traits. Whether male or female, we should be nurturing and strong, not smothering and domineering.

I just finished reading Rebecca Traister’s book, “All the Single Ladies.” The book was published in 2016 so recent history is not included, but it details the choices available to women throughout the last several hundred years. The choices women make, which are statistically changing over time, also have impacts on the men and children in their lives. As women are defined less by their sex in terms of work, economics, independence, etc., it allows for the potential of change for the rest of society. It allows for the possibility of moving from thinking in terms of sex organs to honoring the journey of all humans as they fully develop emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

I know there are still families that reject their children or grandchildren because of their pronouns or sexual identity. Unconditional love is exactly that. Our children and grandchildren deserve to be loved for who they are even if that is not who we want them to be. I know my father wanted me to be a lawyer. It was not what

"THE MASCULINE AND FEMININE TRAITS THAT WE VALUE CAN BECOME A LIABILITY FOR ANYONE IF TAKEN TO EXTREMES."

I wanted for me, and I was lucky that I was still loved despite not choosing to go to law school. I was lucky to be born into a female body with a father who thought law school was an option for me. Maybe karma does work as his only grandson became a practicing lawyer.

As an eleven-year-old, I remember the only joke my mother ever told me as I had a friend over to spend the night. I was not sure what the joke even meant at the time. It was about two lesbians in bed (maybe the thought of two young girls sleeping together gave her this thought). One says to the other, “I’ll be frank.” The another says, “No, I’ll be Frank.” I laughed even though it took some time before I got the joke. May the future be a time of wholeness where everyone can be who they want to be whether Frank, Francesca, or another option. It could be that nobody even thinks about it any longer except for times when a mutual sexual encounter is being anticipated. ❁

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"MAY THE FUTURE BE A TIME OF WHOLENESS WHERE EVERYONE CAN BE WHO THEY WANT TO BE WHETHER FRANK, FRANCESCA, OR ANOTHER OPTION".

The Emperor:

PROTECT AND DEFEND

by Mary K. Mannix of Tarot Is More Than Cards

There are cards throughout the tarot that represent common life events and situations. Also incorporated are the people that most of us encounter along the way, including our mother and father. The Emperor, the fourth card of the Major Arcana, is the daddy of the deck. It is also the most masculine card though it is not, of course, gender specific. The Emperor represents stereotypical masculine energy – protection, action, and assertion. The card before him, number three, is the nurturing Empress, the most feminine of the cards. The mommy of the deck. Creation occurs through the implied relationship between the Empress and the Emperor. The Empress cultivates and the Emperor protects what they have together created.

The Emperor guards the realm, he safeguards hearth and home and kingdom, allowing for growth. I like to think of the four kings of the court cards of the Minor Arcana as subsets of the Emperor. He guards all the four elements – Air, Fire, Earth, and Water – and thus the four suits – Swords, Wands, Pentacles, and Cups. It is, therefore, important to remember that he can play a role in all aspects of our lives, including the emotions and intuition of Cups.

In the influential Rider Waite Smith (RWS) Deck, of 1909, the Emperor sits on a throne made of rock. He cannot easily be moved and not easily fooled, whether you

are invading the realm or trying to explain the new dent in the car. He is alone, in a wasteland, surrounded by impenetrable mountains. Leadership is lonely.

He is dressed in royal robes, but armor is clearly visible beneath. He is willing to fight, he is ready to fight, but it is not necessarily the first action he will take, though he has an outward facing foot. He can rise quickly when needed. But the suit of Swords is as much of him as is the Suit of Wands, he can be driven by passion and anger but will also stop to think. His long thick white beard signifies wisdom as much as it does testosterone.

The Emperor from the Ellis Deck is double crowned, as well as regal in his purple robes. He holds the symbols of rule – an orb and scepter. There is no doubt of his position in this kingdom. In many depictions of the Emperor, including the RWS, an ankh, the Egyptian sign of life, is incorporated as the scepter. This is a reminder of the role the Emperor has played in creation. Virility is part of his masculinity. His masculinity is also obvious in his moustache and beard and the two heavy horned rams that flank him. Rams are seen as aggressive, bold, and fearless. Their head-butting battles are to settle hierarchy, leadership, and also sexual dominance. Alpha maleness at its utmost.

There are two particular “take away” features of the Ellis Emperor. The first is his size; this Emperor overwhelms the card. Even if traditionally many of us spend more time with our mothers than our father, it is often our fathers who seem larger than life. Their authority towers over our lives. The threat of “Wait to your father gets home” has become

folkloric even if the mother is the true disciplinarian and the father home during the day. The second feature to be noted is his throne. This Emperor’s throne is even more solid and grounded than most. It is embedded in the mountain. He is not going anywhere.

If you pull the Emperor, consider what do you need to protect? Are there situations where you need to “man up” and take the authoritative lead? If it is reversed, are you being overly controlling, too pushy, too demanding? Or are you, as expressed in the song “Holding Back the Years” by Simply Rad ““Strangled by the wishes of pater”?

The Emperor reminds us of the duality, a concept we encounter often in the tarot, between masculine and feminine, between mother and father, and the importance of not only mothering ourselves but also fathering ourselves. And give deep thought to whether there is someone you need to head-butt? ❁

pOlArIzE YoUr VIBE

By Moon Eir - The Divine Medium

The Divine Feminine has received quite a bit of attention, especially in the last few years as this world shifts and transforms its own vibration.

For centuries, we have been under a strong hold patriarchal leadership which has brought us to a onesided point-of-view. This left no room for allowing feminine energy to stretch her legs and run. During those times, it would have been difficult for many to view, regardless of their biological gender, that we possess a mixture of masculine and feminine energies within us and can tap into both on a regular daily basis.

"MASCULINE ENERGY CAN BE DEFINED AS DOING AND ACHIEVING WHEN USING OUR LOGICAL SIDE OF LIFE. FINDING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS AND USING REASONING FOR THOSE ISSUES."

During our early childhood years, we have been programmed to go along with the masses and allow masculine energy to rule with an iron fist. We stood silent as we watched the beautiful goddess energy be repressed time and time again by masculine leadership. However, in recent years, we have witnessed this beautiful light energy rise like a phoenix from the ashes. We now witness how both energies can walk simultaneously in elevated harmony and fully understand how both roles hold great importance for our collective community. To see the wholeness taking place now as we shift realities, is very important because when we tap into the Divine Feminine, we connect with Mother Gaia and when we tap into the Divine Masculine energy we are connecting to God. When these energies are balanced and aligned, we can then experience a greater sense of peace and achievement. When these energies are out of alignment, we may begin to feel more resistance and agitation during our day.

Masculine energy can be defined as doing and achieving when using our logical side of life. Finding solutions to problems and using reasoning for those issues. The feminine energy, on the other hand, is all about deep connections when receiving and allowing experiences to pull in intuitive but also insightful energy. This could be looked upon as simply… being in the present moment of silence with your higher self.

If you are one of those people who are on the go, go, go and continue to do,

do, do, you will not naturally connect to the most important moments of your day. You will not experience any kind of balancing within your vibe when those peaceful moments of energy alignment take place. Moments that teach you meaningful factors about yourself. Moments when all the outside chatter is dulled, and you can actually hear your own inner voice of direction and enlightenment.

I will use my own experience in dealing with masculine and feminine unbalanced and how it can affect your life. For almost 10 years now, I am one of those people who must be doing something and achieving the goals I have set for myself. There was no down time for me. I had to be productive and get sh-t done! However, recently in the past couple of years, I developed a gallbladder issue that affected any and everything I ate. And I LOVE to eat! My gut was screaming every time I ate something that my body refused to process through. It took me some time to realize that my work ethic had a direct correlation to my stomach problem. However, anytime I found myself in a natural moment setting, whether this be while on vacation or in a deep meditative state, the symptoms I normally endured suddenly eased up and improved. I instantly took notice of the connection that was taking place within me. The one thing that I enjoyed the most in life was also my source of pain and suffering. I was not balancing work with pleasure enough to satisfy my higher self with

my physical self. I knew something had to give. I needed to polarize the critical, logic part with the acceptance, intuitive part in order to bring balance back to my health and wellness.

I now choose to take a few moments throughout my day to appreciate the silence and go deeper within myself. I try not to just simply push through my day but take those moments to really tap in. I have started to feel the benefits of these brief calming meditations that seem to shift my physical body from doing into being. This subtle conscious support began to also improve other aspects of my health like my sleep and immune system. I felt less sick and weighed down.

I have also learned that balancing these energies takes metaphysical support because sometimes we cannot do these things on our own. It is a constant sacred process to always keep your mind in check and your intuition on point. Simply making little, tiny shifting adjustments along the way makes a whole lot of difference. But also try not to look at it as a chore either. Have fun with this process and see how it may affect your own balancing act upon your internal and external energies.

One way I enjoy connecting to this process is by traveling deep into conversation with my crystals. Since I can communicate with them, it benefits me greatly to find out all I can about their magical contributions to our lives that can’t simply be found on google or in any crystal knowledge books. I can easily

explore their worlds freely and obtain the wisdom needed so I can implement those contributions to you, the reader, who will gain insight into all they have to say about these issues.

When I think of masculine energy, my thoughts immediately flow towards the sun and when I ponder upon feminine vibrations, my mind drifts to the ever present but ever so mystical moon. Which is why I am choosing Sunstone and Moonstone for these particular frequencies. Both create a circle of wholeness and balance of continued familiarity. You can always depend upon the sun warming you with Vitamin D during your busy day and providing you with energy. While the moon relaxes you at night and prepares you for your magical travels into dreamland. Both representing the powerful god and goddess energy that harmonizes that continued cycle within our lives. But also, within those cycles, we must never forget that we choose who stands beside us, what we choose to experience with them, and which direction we will go next on our journey of learning. We are the creators of our own realities, and we choose what is present in those moments of learning and what is not.

While working on this article, I decided to tap deeper into my beautiful Smoky Quartz Tower. I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her. She goes by Fonuletta which I found to be unique to any earth names. She explained that her name is an abbreviation of her cosmic

known name used from her past life as an Ashtarian being, but she also has past life connects that led to the Nihalians, Vegas, and the Maldecians. She is what we would consider a Galactic Traveler. She holds no ties to any race or planet. She simply loves to travel and explore different places and races. Perhaps you are like Fonuletta. Maybe you are one who absolutely loves to travel and can’t see yourself staying in one place for too long. Most would look upon that kind of behavior as unsettling but in all reality, there is nothing wrong with you. You simply love to learn and want to explore as much as you can before ascending onto your next grand adventure.

Fonuletta informed me that she not only helps with deep depressions, but she also removes negative energy from a sacred space like your home or office. She especially focuses on those lower vibrations found in the divine masculine and divine feminine perspectives of what negativity looks like to both of these viewpoints. Shadow parts of ourselves that we find toxic and do not necessarily share with others.

After discovering this wisdom, I felt it so important to balance these energies out and Smoky Quartz can help us avoid these toxic energies by removing it all together. Fonuletta allowed me

"I NOW CHOOSE TO TAKE A FEW MOMENTS THROUGHOUT MY DAY TO APPRECIATE THE SILENCE AND GO DEEPER WITHIN MYSELF."

to know that she helps my higher soul become aware of it when it rears its ugly head around me.

Involving Smoky Quartz into your sacred daily practice and connecting deeper to its energy, can provide your life with an abundance of uplifting, relieving vibrations. Make sure to always ask your sparkling gem if they can assist you along your journey of balancing these two energies together. Add in that request, if they could also keep your energy positive and uplifted in the higher source vibration of love and kindness.

Lastly on our harmonizing crystal lineup, I recently restocked our Ametrine tumbles which I had not had in the shop for years. The beautiful array of purple and yellows brings such calm but also brings such bright energy to the soul. I had to include it in our list of crystals for this article.

Amethyst can be seen as more feminine than masculine with its energy center focused on intuition and spiritual nurturing, while Citrine is powerfully

masculine due to its deep connection to the sun strength energy. So, it was no brainer when bringing this crystal into the mix. Ametrine seeks to help us bring balance to our spiritual gifts and provide energies that heal while giving strength to fight back crippling diseases like a powerful warrior going into battle. Ametrine is kindhearted and only wants the best for us. It almost acts like that great grandmother who would give you the last dime out of her leather, small change purse. Or make you that warm cup of tea on a stressful day. She balances both disarray and tranquility like a clown juggling pins. Who would not want Ametrine on their side?

If you find yourself overly doing or even feeling overly sensitive, your polarity of masculine vs. feminine are totally out of whack. Having a balanced relationship with both energies and allowing these crystals, above all others, in helping achieve that goal, as well as assist with other concerns in your life, will bring you to an alignment even Mother Gaia, herself, would envy. It is important to

can work with all four crystals at once or one at a time. This will depend on your own vibe and your chemistry with the crystal or crystals you choose. And always remember to cleanse your crystals weekly by playing singing bowl music to regulate their dominant oscillatory rate, which simply means their own singular soul vibration they vibrate at. Just as your soul has a singular vibration of musical tone that it vibrates at. What is that saying, again? “Dance to the beat of your own drum,” whether the world desires your rhythmic sound or not.

Some other forms of cleansing methods when removing unwanted energy from your balancing crystals are wisping your crystal through thick smudge smoke to form a strong

protection barrier and running your sparkly gem through lukewarm water to remove any auric sticky film layers absorbed by your crystal while fighting back those unwanted energies. When your hands do not feel like you stuck them in honey anymore, that’s when you know your gem has been cleansed and feels like a brand-new crystal going on a mission. Remember… they work hard, so you do not have to!

By doing these methods, you are showing how much you care about them. The stronger the bond you make with your crystal, the harder they work at protecting your energy field with love and respect. And that is something you can always cherish! ❁

Anita’s Crystals and Gifts

BOOK THYME

Practices for Empaths to Protect Themselves, Heal Energetically, and Discover Self-Employment

Inner Traditions — In this comprehensive guide to empathizing and energetic protection, energy worker and psychic empath Suzanne Worthley explores all of the ways one can feel and perceive energies from human energy fields, places, paranormal situations, and across dimensions as well as how to energetically protect yourself and your loved ones. She looks at the different types of empaths and empathing, including sensitive empaths, psychic empaths, quantum empathing, and multidimensional empathing.

Explaining how multidimensional energy works, Suzanne reveals how it affects each of us, including through our chakras and the auric field. She discusses how learned and programmed beliefs trigger empathic behavior and explores how to identify and release different types of limiting beliefs to evolve from fearbased empathing to love-based empathy. She examines the differences between empathy and sympathy— and why one is truly helpful and the other, limiting. She shows how to identify energy fields that may be risky alongside advanced strategies for protecting yourself, including how to prevent unwanted energy transference. She also details the Four Discernment Practices, techniques that demonstrate how our empathic behaviors are connected to the health of our energy field.

Sharing extraordinary client case studies from her professional energy healing and psychic empath work, Suzanne explores the practices of quantum empathing, paranormal empathing, and empathing places and the natural world. She also looks at soul contracts, the Akashic Records, the energetic stages of dying, and healing people, places, and objects in the present, the past, and the subtle energetic dimensions.

Teaching empathic readers how to understand their abilities and energetically protect themselves, this guide shows how empaths can live an empowered life and contribute in a responsible and meaningful way to creating a more positive, lifeaffirming reality.

About the Author: Suzanne Worthley has been an energy healing practitioner, intuitive, and psychic empath for more than two decades. She teaches about consciousness. studies and energy work and offers spiritual tours in Peru and Sedona, Arizona. She is the author of An Energy Healer’s Book of Dying and lives in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. ❁

Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company (July 2023)

Language: English

Hardcover: 288 pages

ISBN-13: 9781324007012

Comprehensive Guide to Recovery from Long Covid

Inner Traditions — Vir McCoy contracted Covid-19 in December of 2020, which then developed into PostAcute Sequelae Covid (PASC), commonly known as Long Covid or Long-Haul Covid. Drawing on his journey to heal his chronic Lyme disease years earlier, he began collecting intuitive information, as a medical intuitive, and scientific information, as a scientist, about the nature of Long-Haul Covid. Integrating his intuitive impressions with extensive scientific and medical research, as well as other protocols and support group success stories, he developed a comprehensive

healing guide for a successful recovery from Long Covid.

McCoy discusses the primary symptoms and predispositions of Long Covid and outlines the basic steps for dealing with each of them, including brain fog, tinnitus, loss of smell and hair, debilitating headaches, hormonal dysregulation, immune malfunction, limbic system dysfunction, gut issues, mental instability, sleeplessness, and intolerance to certain foods. Backed up by more than 350 scientific references, he presents medicines and methods for healing Long Covid, ranging from pharmaceutical, herbal, and homeopathic remedies to breathwork practices, detox therapies, lymph drainage exercises, gut biome restoration, neuroplasticity retraining, immune modulation, and shamanic techniques, as well as meditations and mantras for

calming the limbic system and the PTSD that can accompany chronic illness.

Detailing the art of “intuitive access,” the author teaches how to discover your own unique remedies and presents a guide for incorporating these intuitive therapies with modern medical treatments and other healing strategies. He also explores the deeper significance of disease and how the “disease” may be teaching us something greater: a way to reclaim our power.

About the Author: Vir McCoy is a teacher, healer, musician, and ecologist. The author of Liberating Yourself from Lyme, he lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, California.

liberatinglyme.com ❁

Publisher: Inner Traditions March 2023)

Language: English

Paperback: 192 pages

ISBN-13: 978-164411825

NEWS: ychic Medium Salicrow Provides a Straightforward Guide to the Spiritual Process of Dying

Inner Traditions — Death is a mystery that fascinates most of us. Whether facing our own, assisting a loved one in their last days, or grieving the loss of someone dear to us, we all have questions about dying and what happens to our soul after we depart physical form.

In this compassionate and straightforward guide to the spiritual process of dying and what happens after death, psychic medium Salicrow explains how active dying exists outside of normal reality, in a state in which the dying person and their caregivers often experience a heightened state of

consciousness. Describing how the spirit is separate from the body and continues to exist after death, she shares thoughtprovoking stories of spirit contact and synchronicities that occurred for those actively involved in the dying process. She reveals how these encounters are common and act as guideposts along the journey into death, helping to ease the transition. She offers simple techniques for helping loved ones who are stuck or struggling to cross over and shares practices designed to help honor our beloved dead and develop living relationships with our ancestral spirits. She explores the time when a soul is actively dying or recently departed. She explains the multiple ways spirits reach out to communicate with us and provides a deep understanding of the signs, symbols, and sensations that spirits use to contact us as well as ways to strengthen that connection. She also explores challenging situations such as suicide, murder, and healing unresolved issues with the dead.

REVIEW:

Heal Your Ancestral Roots

BY ANURADHA DAYAL-GULATI, PH.D.

Reviewed by Jeanne

Ruczhak-Eckman

Anuradha Dayal-Gulati offers a guide to releasing negative family patterns. The wounds and experiences of our ancestors are implanted in us and can affect us as those patterns reappear throughout the

Crafted through years of spirit communication sessions, this guide details how the spirit world works while revealing the beauty, healing, and love that exist in death.

About the Author: Salicrow is a natural psychic medium who weaves the traditions of her Irish Traveler and Blackfoot heritage with modern magical techniques. For more than 30 years she has worked as a spirit channel, seer, and intuitive healer, offering readings and teaching workshops throughout the United States and internationally. The author of Spirit Speaker and The Path of Elemental Witchcraft, she lives in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

salicrow.com

Publisher: Destiny Books (April 2023)

Language: English

Hardcover: 128 pages

ISBN: 9781644117286

family. Patterns are not always negative. Have you ever known a family that seemed to always have good fortune?

Recognizing the patterns is the first step. Dayal-Gulati offers exercises to help recognize those patterns and learn from them. She helps guide the reader through the ancestral healing process of breaking negative patterns while honoring the ancestors.

Heal Your Ancestral Roots is a deep guide for understanding your ancestors, healing their trauma, and moving forward in a positive manner. ❁

Publisher: Findhorn Press

Date: 14 March 2023

Language: English

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781644117743

REVIEW:

Pagan Sigils

BY MARK B. JACKSON | Reviewed by Mary Soanes

A fully illustrated in-depth guide to Pagan and Neopagan symbols, Mark Jackson introduces the reader to symbols and sigils from prehistoric times to the present. The book called to mind that the runes that go around Vegvisir are actually the runic wheel. an almanac, and their position can actually tell time and seasons. I learned too that

the triskelion – a triple spiral associated with the Celts – was found in Buddhist writings as well. Always refreshing to learn and be reminded of things. Some information seemed “out there” but that makes me want to read thru his research to learn more. On the con side, the book

was poorly edited, I felt, with numerous spelling errors. ❁

Publisher: Green Pharmacy

Magic Publishers

Date: 4 January 2022

Language: English

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781838418564

REVIEW: Super Powered Immunity

BY MICHELLE SCHOFFRO

COOK, PH.D., DNM

Reviewed by Jeanne RuczhakEckman

If you are looking for natural remedies for everyday issues in an easy to read and understand manner, this is the book you should consider reading. She discusses the immune system, foods, and supplements. She covers herbs, mushrooms, and essentials oils and how to best use them. The “immune-boosting breakfast ideas” are great. Simple. Easy to follow. Dr. Cook takes the mystery out of the immune system. She offers natural remedies and discusses healthy habits. ❁

Publisher: Healing Arts

Press

Date: 2 May 2023

Language: English

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 1644116022

REVIEW:

Moldavite –Starborn Stone of Transformation

BY ROBERT SIMMONS |

Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Come explore the magick of Moldavite!

Robert Simmons explores the energy of Moldavite, combining it with other gems, and using her as a tool for healing. She is a great transformational stone, as he explains. She will open worlds for you, if you allow it to happen.

He combines his scientific knowledge and data with the spirituality of the moldavite

in an easy to read, interesting text. Full color. Well explained. Inspiring. Need to go shopping now! ❁

Publisher: Destiny Books

Date: 7 March 2023

Language: English

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9781644119129

Veterans, when you’re struggling, soon becomes later becomes someday becomes ...when?

Don’t wait. Reach out .

Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to do it alone.

Find resources at VA.GOV / REACH

CONTRIBUTORS

DR. MOON EIR, CHH

Moon Eir is known to thousands as the spiritual galactic walkin 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 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. ❁

SOPHIA HARMES, PH.D.

Sophia Harmes is the owner and operator of Terram Olei, LLC and terramoleiwellness.com. Her business provides information, guidance, and holistic health services such as Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Energy Healing and Access Conscious Bars. She has a PhD. In Energy and Environmental Policy from the University of Delaware. Sophia has been in business since 2014 selling alternative health and wellness products and services. ❁

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 Principle-Centered 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 JEFFERSON, C.HT., PH.D., SPHR

Dana Jefferson has a private practice at the Natural Connection Wellness Center in Huntingdon, PA where she is

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 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. ❁

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 ❁

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. ❁

NEXT ISSUE: FALL 2023

“Fall Wellness“

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: JULY 1

FOR ADVERTISING, CALL: 717-419-8796

5Moon Eir

11Ancestral Passages

13 National Associates for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)

21 Sabor Vapors

35Alternatives For Healing (AFH)

37Radiance

45 Nine Waters

49 1 Tree Yoga

53Tarot Is More Than Just Card

57Terram Olei

63Sacred Moon Circle Apothecary

67 Anita’s Crystals

71Sheridan Printing – place in Book Thyme Section

84Oh The Raven Studio

Back CoverMidsummer Holistic Expo

Inside FrontHolistic Chamber of Commerce

Oh The Raven Studio & Shop