Earth Mother Moon Journal Issue 8
Winter Solstice December 21, New Moon in Sagittarius December 20
Winter Solstice December 21, New Moon in Sagittarius December 20
This journal was a lot of fun for me this month. It includes- simplifying the holidays, the birth moon, winter solstice, herb of the month, and information on cleansing, and begins with my own sharing of my journey in the darkness...
Happy Holidays to each and every one:)
Love,
Calesta Ana
Happy Holidays to each and every one:)
Love,
Calesta Ana
The Return of the Light:
If I wasn't a mother, I think I'd sleep in more, and this time of year, I'd sleep a lot more. It calls to me, to stay still in the darkness, when the wind blows and the temperatures drop, and it's dark before supper time. Candles burn, starchy meals in the oven, and the fire is warm and I am called to curl up by it to rest. More than my body is reacting to change in the seasons- my mind and spirit is as well. As we step in to darkness of the Earth's cycle, I'm reminded of the Hermit card in the tarot deck. This is my card, my number, nine, so it resonates with me well. But there are truths in all of the cars we can learn from. In the picture on the card, the hermit climbs in to his darkness, in to his cave, armed just with a small lantern... where does he go? What does he do? What do we do as hermits? Each journey is different, but I think there are some universal lessons. In the darkness we find ourselves. We find that we are a part of something larger than ourselves too, and we can celebrate that in many ways, the winter solstice and wheel of the year is one of those ways. We find the something- dark before, illuminated in the light. We can die, grow, and be reborn in that darkness and light. We can then come back out and be together, share ourSelves, and what we've found.
I think this time of year, we find ourselves sooooo very busy, and I wonder if one of the reasons for that is to avoid that internal darkness. It is hard to sit with ones self, sit in the dark night, wondering, frightened, or alone. I know from my own experience, when I find myself running around, it's generally FROM something, not towards it. I wonder if you can stop right now and think, have you been so busy you haven't had time to sit, to think, to meditate, to be a part of a great Spirit, your Higher Power? And if so... can you acknowledge it and stay still enough to be able to go into that cave this week, as the days grow shorter and shorter.
I'm finding more of me, more of those truths, more of Spirit. I'm finding I need to let go MORE, and let Spirit GUIDE. You know what else I'm learning about this hermit? Her light shines of it's own accord, in looking, in seeking truth. Someone told me, oh about a month or two ago now... that the SEEKING is the purpose. I've heard that before, but somehow this just stuck with me that day. I'll say it again- the seeking, the journey IS the purpose. I don't need to be anyone different, or better. I just take each step on my journey as it comes. In other words, going back to the beginning of this entry- I don't need to run around, I don't need to be the best anything, or perfect anything, social or partying, great gifts, etc. I just be the seeker I am, and follow my heart, being true to myself. I encourage you to stop sometime this week... stop running away, with your lantern out in the streets busy with others- and step into the darkness that surrounds you... and discover the light.
Simplicity
It is at this time of the year we spend our most money per month. The holidays, a vacation, our wedding anniversary. I find that this month is always jam packed with holiday events, activities, visits... and I have spent the last ten years or so something out ever year to make things simpler. It still seems an uphill struggle to find simplicity at this time of year! I know I'm not alone on trying to find a less materialistic holiday season. For me, it started with the fact that holiday stuff was mostly something about someone else's religion, about someone else's beliefs, and having to meet a lot of expectations (in terms of expensive gifts I did not have the money for) that I simply didn't care to meet at some point. It was then I realized that I was making myself upset and unhappy trying to help everyone else have a great holiday, living for values that were not my own. At that time, I was in college, and I was just learning about simplicity. Then I realize the impact of the holidays on the environment, on top of my own mental and physical health, and realized something had to change. So each year I've taken one more step to doing that. Now that I'm a mother, I find myself trying to find more balance with this, because I'm passing something on to someone else- values (good or bad!) and memories. Last year I suggested we not do family gifts except for immediate family, and instead focus on hand made things, and time spent together. Instead of a gift, how about a meal, or a trip sledding with some hot cocoa. And the kids learn about the value of time, and the value of hand making things. The holidays are becoming for me more about the experience of joy, the experience of light in the darkness, of love and giving and hope... and less about what they were in my past... money, family fueds, and expectations of grandeur. It's been a lesson, and each year I learn something new... this year's lesson I think is more about giving, and making time to give of myself, of my time. But also giving to myself- because without my own rest, and health, I certainly have nothing to give to others.
Over the years I've come up with some ideas, some that worked more than others, and I've listed them here, along with some links to other sites with ideas. Good luck!
Websites:
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/ this one even has 'gift of time' cards
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2001/cc1412/note1412.html at the bottom of the article is a good list of resources
http://stress.about.com/od/holidaysurvivalguide/...
http://simplifytheholidays.blogspot.com/
The Birth Moon
The following is quoted from the book "Earth Time, Moon Time" by Annette Hinshaw
The defining event of the Birth Moon is Yule, or Midwinter, the winter solstice, which many cultures celebrate as the birth of the Sun or of the Divine Child.
The primitive within us, legacy of our animal selves, lives more in the eternal Now than we 'civilized' moderns may recognize. We have come so far in learning to override our deep animals instincts that we sometimes forget that beneath our modern cerebral cortex lies the primitive brain we inherited from the first animals that walked on the land. On an atavistic level, in the reaches of our reptile brains, the weakening of the Sun before the Solstice is terrifying. Whatever our minds may know, or bodies cringe in fear that, this time, the light that nourishes all life may be extinguished, and with it, our own lives. If we are in tune with our inner selves, the turning of the Sun can be an extraordinary joy, a promise to our innermost selves that we will not cease to be when we pass over in the transition we call death.... The glitter and the abundance of holiday parties, evergreen trees ablaze with lights, even our tendency to stoke up on high calorie foods, are symbolic of our expressions of our rage against the dying of the light and of our personal fears of being cast forever into outer darkness.
The obvious spiritual energy of the Birth Moon is hope... On a literal, material level, the Birth Moon celebrates the sacredness of making babies and of creating all other forms in the material world. It is also a celebration of the many ways we have of making- from planting flowers and digging ditches to composing symphonies. Those who risk resources (the trauma of birth) or risk the pressures of society (fear of failure) to make something new celebrate the energies of the Birth Moon. In order to take such risks, we have to trust that we have or can find what we need to carry through. We must also be willing, for some creations, to destroy what lies in the way, as we might raze an old building to make room to build a new one.... we must continue to strive, no matter how discouraged we may feel. What does violate this moon's message is repeatedly choosing to avoid bringing new things into the world, or choosing to destroy without replenishing. We are set on our life path with access to all the resources we need for our life's work.
Jesus' advice, "Seek, and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened unto you" is in the spirit of this moon. We are assured by the Birth Moon that we may begin an infinity of times, and that something productive comes from every trial, if only the knowledge of how to do it better next time.
HERB of the Month: HOLLY
Quoted from Cunningham's Encylopedia of Magical Herbs
Holly: Ilex auqifolium or I.opaca
Folk Names: Aquifolius, Bat's Wings, Christ's Thorn, Holy Tree, Holm Chaste, Hulm, Hulver Bush, Tinne
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Anti-Lightening, Luck, Dream Magic
Magical Uses: A par excellence protective herb, holly guards against lightening, poison and evil spirits. Planted around the home it protects it and its inhabitants from mischievous sorcerers. When thrown at wild animals, holly makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone, even if you don't hit them with the plant. Holly water (infused or distilled) is sprinkled on newborn babies to protect them. Holy is also carried to promote good luck, especially by men, since the holly is a male plant. Ivy is the corresponding plant for women. It is also hung around the house for good luck at Yule. After midnight on a friday without making a sound, gather nine holly leaves, preferable from a non-spiny plant (one that has smooth leaves). Wrap these up in a white cloth using nine knots to tie the ends together. Place this beneath your pillow, and your dreams will come true.
Winter Solstice:
The Winter Solstice in the wheel of the year, is the time of rebirth. After all these days of darkness, the tide finally turns and now the days will begin to lengthen again. We celebrate birth, and the sun's return, for we know that warmer days will come (although it sure does seem like a long ways away!!). The following is a little bit about observing cycles, and their meanings, quoted from "A Woman's Guide to the Earth Traditions" by Vivianne Crowley.
The seasonal festivals help to overcome our individual fears, depsairs and sorrows at the difficulities of life by showing us that we are part of a greater scheme of things that transcends our individual pain. The way chosen by our ancestors to come to terms with the realities of existence is to celebrate the mysteries of life and death as seen in Nature. It is through observing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Nature that we understand that this too is our own fate- to be born, to die, and to live again. The seasonal celebrations echo the cycles of creation and destruction on the microcosmic and macroscosmic scales. Through particpating in these rituals, we come to terms with the processes of ageing and death and understand that they are but part in the life process that is eternal.
The Winter Solstice or Yule celebrates the birth of the young Sun God. The Goddess is venerated as the Mother. Evergreen boughs or a tree are brought into the house to mark the continuance of life in the cold winter season. Yule is a time of celebration, gift-giving, and great rejoicing; for in the cold, dark days of winter, there is the promise of spring to come.
Cleansing and Fasting
A friend of mine asked me about doing a fast earlier this month. Both our experiences with fasting were that our bodies just weren't able to handle the stress of fast for different reasons. So I looked through my books to find some other alternatives to fasting. This was a great alternative- a healthy cleanse. I thought it would be nice to include at this time of year, for something to do after all the heavy foods we may consume during the holidays. Please remember to always trust and follow your own bodies needs- and not following a program rigidly when it makes you ill! Please consult with a doctor before beginning any diet and exercise program, and remember this is not medical advice, and I am not a doctor!
The following is quoted from:
"The Self Healing Cookbook" by Kristina Turner. I hope you enjoy it! After all of the stress of this time of year, I'm thinking many of us could use this:)
Feeling low energy, overhwlemed, or irritable? Trying to cope by eating unhealthty snacks? Time to pause and take positive steps to renew yourself, before you get sick. In Winter, our kidneys/bladder are most affected- it's best to avoid the following foods that stress these organs: ice cold food and drink, milk and dairy foods, too much aw food, sugar and honey, over salting. The beneficial foods for this organ are: brown rice, buckwheat, aduki beans, strudy greens, roots, winter squash, kombu, hijiki, arame, miso soup, ,watermelon and berries.
How to start a cleanse? 1. Right timing: first sit quietly and ask yourself: "Is this a good time to start a cleanse?" 2. Start simply! For 1-3 days eat light bland meals. Low in fat, sweet salt, spices and protien- think clean tasting. Chew very well. Keep menus easy: soup, cooked whole grain (not bread or cereal) steamed boiled or raw veggies, spring water and/or mild tea. Take care of your body! Dry brush skin on your whole body. Walk and relax before and after meals. Stretch and dance. 4. After 3 days- if you crave sweets or your energy lags add protien to your meals, with toasted seeds, aduki beans, lentil, tempeh, etc. If youc rave oily/salty foods have sesame salt or sunflower sea palm cruch with your meal. Also try veggies sauteed in a few drops of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce. Be quiet with your body every day. Listen for changes. If you feel great keep going. Trust your intuition. 5. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect to do it perfect!. 6. Cleanse with the seasons.
A few other guidelines: Ease in to this by taking 3-7 days where you take a break from protein, fat and sweets. Warm soup relaxes the intestines- have some every day. Emphasize whole-cooked grains (brown rice, millet, quinoa, etc.) and organically grown veggies- especially quick cooked leafy greens and fat dissolvers such as kale, chinese cabbage, daikon and scallion. Eat gently- chew everything well. Destress your colon by avoiding most flour products and hard, dry foods (rice cakes, popcorn). After 3-7 days include protein as needed... aduki, lentil, garbanzo, toasted seeds. SImplify- reduce salt and spices, avoid mucus forming foods: nuts, oil, tofu, and dairy foods. Season with a little ginger, garlic, umeboshi, caraway seeds, fennel, dill or thyme. Drink spring water and mild tease (clover, nettles, twig, roasted barley, etc.) For treats enjoy local fruit apple or vegetable juice. To renew intestinal flora, have small amounts of miso or tamari in soup, and a little daikon pickle or sauerkraut after supper (if these causes candida flare up- switch to non-fat yogurt, acidophilous or megadophilous). Keep it moving- walk daily, or dance and stretch. Gentle rhythmic movement stimulates colon action.
I wish you the best during this Moon Time:)
Feel free to email me using the contact form.
<< Previous Moon Journal Entry
Next Moon Journal Entry >>
If I wasn't a mother, I think I'd sleep in more, and this time of year, I'd sleep a lot more. It calls to me, to stay still in the darkness, when the wind blows and the temperatures drop, and it's dark before supper time. Candles burn, starchy meals in the oven, and the fire is warm and I am called to curl up by it to rest. More than my body is reacting to change in the seasons- my mind and spirit is as well. As we step in to darkness of the Earth's cycle, I'm reminded of the Hermit card in the tarot deck. This is my card, my number, nine, so it resonates with me well. But there are truths in all of the cars we can learn from. In the picture on the card, the hermit climbs in to his darkness, in to his cave, armed just with a small lantern... where does he go? What does he do? What do we do as hermits? Each journey is different, but I think there are some universal lessons. In the darkness we find ourselves. We find that we are a part of something larger than ourselves too, and we can celebrate that in many ways, the winter solstice and wheel of the year is one of those ways. We find the something- dark before, illuminated in the light. We can die, grow, and be reborn in that darkness and light. We can then come back out and be together, share ourSelves, and what we've found.
I think this time of year, we find ourselves sooooo very busy, and I wonder if one of the reasons for that is to avoid that internal darkness. It is hard to sit with ones self, sit in the dark night, wondering, frightened, or alone. I know from my own experience, when I find myself running around, it's generally FROM something, not towards it. I wonder if you can stop right now and think, have you been so busy you haven't had time to sit, to think, to meditate, to be a part of a great Spirit, your Higher Power? And if so... can you acknowledge it and stay still enough to be able to go into that cave this week, as the days grow shorter and shorter.
I'm finding more of me, more of those truths, more of Spirit. I'm finding I need to let go MORE, and let Spirit GUIDE. You know what else I'm learning about this hermit? Her light shines of it's own accord, in looking, in seeking truth. Someone told me, oh about a month or two ago now... that the SEEKING is the purpose. I've heard that before, but somehow this just stuck with me that day. I'll say it again- the seeking, the journey IS the purpose. I don't need to be anyone different, or better. I just take each step on my journey as it comes. In other words, going back to the beginning of this entry- I don't need to run around, I don't need to be the best anything, or perfect anything, social or partying, great gifts, etc. I just be the seeker I am, and follow my heart, being true to myself. I encourage you to stop sometime this week... stop running away, with your lantern out in the streets busy with others- and step into the darkness that surrounds you... and discover the light.
Simplicity
It is at this time of the year we spend our most money per month. The holidays, a vacation, our wedding anniversary. I find that this month is always jam packed with holiday events, activities, visits... and I have spent the last ten years or so something out ever year to make things simpler. It still seems an uphill struggle to find simplicity at this time of year! I know I'm not alone on trying to find a less materialistic holiday season. For me, it started with the fact that holiday stuff was mostly something about someone else's religion, about someone else's beliefs, and having to meet a lot of expectations (in terms of expensive gifts I did not have the money for) that I simply didn't care to meet at some point. It was then I realized that I was making myself upset and unhappy trying to help everyone else have a great holiday, living for values that were not my own. At that time, I was in college, and I was just learning about simplicity. Then I realize the impact of the holidays on the environment, on top of my own mental and physical health, and realized something had to change. So each year I've taken one more step to doing that. Now that I'm a mother, I find myself trying to find more balance with this, because I'm passing something on to someone else- values (good or bad!) and memories. Last year I suggested we not do family gifts except for immediate family, and instead focus on hand made things, and time spent together. Instead of a gift, how about a meal, or a trip sledding with some hot cocoa. And the kids learn about the value of time, and the value of hand making things. The holidays are becoming for me more about the experience of joy, the experience of light in the darkness, of love and giving and hope... and less about what they were in my past... money, family fueds, and expectations of grandeur. It's been a lesson, and each year I learn something new... this year's lesson I think is more about giving, and making time to give of myself, of my time. But also giving to myself- because without my own rest, and health, I certainly have nothing to give to others.
Over the years I've come up with some ideas, some that worked more than others, and I've listed them here, along with some links to other sites with ideas. Good luck!
- I got this from an ellen dugain book- "if you don't like the holidays, bow out". It's hard the first time, but I tell you from experience, this is well worth it in terms of happiness and peace. I'm sure I've shared this before- my very favorite thanksgiving my husband and I were newly dating (I think about a year and a half together, so not so new)... and we took off, and decided to stay at the jersey shore. We ate spaghetti from a jar, stayed in sweats, and walked the beach on thanksgiving- it was fabulous! And my favorite christmas? We again, took off... eloped in the snow on christmas eve:) Now I don't know... with the kids and seeing their joy this year may top it- we're taking a vacation together as our 'gift' and have a lot of fun planned:)
- Cut back on christmas cards, and also do more ecards
- make your own wrapping using recycled materials, or use something re-useable (bags, fabric, etc). We have used the same boxes for about four years now.
- BUY LESS. there are lots of ways to do this. make a gift, give a gift of time, of an experience, a charity, and also share with others your ideas of buying less. A great idea a friend gave me this year- in fall, split up your plants, and give the gift of a plant baby!
- Do Less. Look at your schedule- what is going on? Do you have time to rest? What are the MOST important things for you to do this month, prioritize, and cut out the bottom third.
- Do what you LOVE. Make time for the important stuff. For us, we love sledding, decorating the house, hot cocoa, taking a trip to see the lights, the holiday parade in our town, making wish bread together, visiting the cemetery to honor our daughter, and going upnorth for a sleigh ride together.
- Take some time out to rest. It's so busy, make sure you make downtime, and you likely need to schedule it in.
- Communicate. Talk to others. Yes, some will not understand your choices, but that's ok, you'll likely be surprised at how many people are thinking the same as you and don't want to do gift exchanges either.
Websites:
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/ this one even has 'gift of time' cards
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2001/cc1412/note1412.html at the bottom of the article is a good list of resources
http://stress.about.com/od/holidaysurvivalguide/...
http://simplifytheholidays.blogspot.com/
The Birth Moon
The following is quoted from the book "Earth Time, Moon Time" by Annette Hinshaw
The defining event of the Birth Moon is Yule, or Midwinter, the winter solstice, which many cultures celebrate as the birth of the Sun or of the Divine Child.
The primitive within us, legacy of our animal selves, lives more in the eternal Now than we 'civilized' moderns may recognize. We have come so far in learning to override our deep animals instincts that we sometimes forget that beneath our modern cerebral cortex lies the primitive brain we inherited from the first animals that walked on the land. On an atavistic level, in the reaches of our reptile brains, the weakening of the Sun before the Solstice is terrifying. Whatever our minds may know, or bodies cringe in fear that, this time, the light that nourishes all life may be extinguished, and with it, our own lives. If we are in tune with our inner selves, the turning of the Sun can be an extraordinary joy, a promise to our innermost selves that we will not cease to be when we pass over in the transition we call death.... The glitter and the abundance of holiday parties, evergreen trees ablaze with lights, even our tendency to stoke up on high calorie foods, are symbolic of our expressions of our rage against the dying of the light and of our personal fears of being cast forever into outer darkness.
The obvious spiritual energy of the Birth Moon is hope... On a literal, material level, the Birth Moon celebrates the sacredness of making babies and of creating all other forms in the material world. It is also a celebration of the many ways we have of making- from planting flowers and digging ditches to composing symphonies. Those who risk resources (the trauma of birth) or risk the pressures of society (fear of failure) to make something new celebrate the energies of the Birth Moon. In order to take such risks, we have to trust that we have or can find what we need to carry through. We must also be willing, for some creations, to destroy what lies in the way, as we might raze an old building to make room to build a new one.... we must continue to strive, no matter how discouraged we may feel. What does violate this moon's message is repeatedly choosing to avoid bringing new things into the world, or choosing to destroy without replenishing. We are set on our life path with access to all the resources we need for our life's work.
Jesus' advice, "Seek, and ye shall find. Knock and it shall be opened unto you" is in the spirit of this moon. We are assured by the Birth Moon that we may begin an infinity of times, and that something productive comes from every trial, if only the knowledge of how to do it better next time.
HERB of the Month: HOLLY
Quoted from Cunningham's Encylopedia of Magical Herbs
Holly: Ilex auqifolium or I.opaca
Folk Names: Aquifolius, Bat's Wings, Christ's Thorn, Holy Tree, Holm Chaste, Hulm, Hulver Bush, Tinne
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Protection, Anti-Lightening, Luck, Dream Magic
Magical Uses: A par excellence protective herb, holly guards against lightening, poison and evil spirits. Planted around the home it protects it and its inhabitants from mischievous sorcerers. When thrown at wild animals, holly makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone, even if you don't hit them with the plant. Holly water (infused or distilled) is sprinkled on newborn babies to protect them. Holy is also carried to promote good luck, especially by men, since the holly is a male plant. Ivy is the corresponding plant for women. It is also hung around the house for good luck at Yule. After midnight on a friday without making a sound, gather nine holly leaves, preferable from a non-spiny plant (one that has smooth leaves). Wrap these up in a white cloth using nine knots to tie the ends together. Place this beneath your pillow, and your dreams will come true.
Winter Solstice:
The Winter Solstice in the wheel of the year, is the time of rebirth. After all these days of darkness, the tide finally turns and now the days will begin to lengthen again. We celebrate birth, and the sun's return, for we know that warmer days will come (although it sure does seem like a long ways away!!). The following is a little bit about observing cycles, and their meanings, quoted from "A Woman's Guide to the Earth Traditions" by Vivianne Crowley.
The seasonal festivals help to overcome our individual fears, depsairs and sorrows at the difficulities of life by showing us that we are part of a greater scheme of things that transcends our individual pain. The way chosen by our ancestors to come to terms with the realities of existence is to celebrate the mysteries of life and death as seen in Nature. It is through observing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Nature that we understand that this too is our own fate- to be born, to die, and to live again. The seasonal celebrations echo the cycles of creation and destruction on the microcosmic and macroscosmic scales. Through particpating in these rituals, we come to terms with the processes of ageing and death and understand that they are but part in the life process that is eternal.
The Winter Solstice or Yule celebrates the birth of the young Sun God. The Goddess is venerated as the Mother. Evergreen boughs or a tree are brought into the house to mark the continuance of life in the cold winter season. Yule is a time of celebration, gift-giving, and great rejoicing; for in the cold, dark days of winter, there is the promise of spring to come.
Cleansing and Fasting
A friend of mine asked me about doing a fast earlier this month. Both our experiences with fasting were that our bodies just weren't able to handle the stress of fast for different reasons. So I looked through my books to find some other alternatives to fasting. This was a great alternative- a healthy cleanse. I thought it would be nice to include at this time of year, for something to do after all the heavy foods we may consume during the holidays. Please remember to always trust and follow your own bodies needs- and not following a program rigidly when it makes you ill! Please consult with a doctor before beginning any diet and exercise program, and remember this is not medical advice, and I am not a doctor!
The following is quoted from:
"The Self Healing Cookbook" by Kristina Turner. I hope you enjoy it! After all of the stress of this time of year, I'm thinking many of us could use this:)
Feeling low energy, overhwlemed, or irritable? Trying to cope by eating unhealthty snacks? Time to pause and take positive steps to renew yourself, before you get sick. In Winter, our kidneys/bladder are most affected- it's best to avoid the following foods that stress these organs: ice cold food and drink, milk and dairy foods, too much aw food, sugar and honey, over salting. The beneficial foods for this organ are: brown rice, buckwheat, aduki beans, strudy greens, roots, winter squash, kombu, hijiki, arame, miso soup, ,watermelon and berries.
How to start a cleanse? 1. Right timing: first sit quietly and ask yourself: "Is this a good time to start a cleanse?" 2. Start simply! For 1-3 days eat light bland meals. Low in fat, sweet salt, spices and protien- think clean tasting. Chew very well. Keep menus easy: soup, cooked whole grain (not bread or cereal) steamed boiled or raw veggies, spring water and/or mild tea. Take care of your body! Dry brush skin on your whole body. Walk and relax before and after meals. Stretch and dance. 4. After 3 days- if you crave sweets or your energy lags add protien to your meals, with toasted seeds, aduki beans, lentil, tempeh, etc. If youc rave oily/salty foods have sesame salt or sunflower sea palm cruch with your meal. Also try veggies sauteed in a few drops of toasted sesame oil and soy sauce. Be quiet with your body every day. Listen for changes. If you feel great keep going. Trust your intuition. 5. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect to do it perfect!. 6. Cleanse with the seasons.
A few other guidelines: Ease in to this by taking 3-7 days where you take a break from protein, fat and sweets. Warm soup relaxes the intestines- have some every day. Emphasize whole-cooked grains (brown rice, millet, quinoa, etc.) and organically grown veggies- especially quick cooked leafy greens and fat dissolvers such as kale, chinese cabbage, daikon and scallion. Eat gently- chew everything well. Destress your colon by avoiding most flour products and hard, dry foods (rice cakes, popcorn). After 3-7 days include protein as needed... aduki, lentil, garbanzo, toasted seeds. SImplify- reduce salt and spices, avoid mucus forming foods: nuts, oil, tofu, and dairy foods. Season with a little ginger, garlic, umeboshi, caraway seeds, fennel, dill or thyme. Drink spring water and mild tease (clover, nettles, twig, roasted barley, etc.) For treats enjoy local fruit apple or vegetable juice. To renew intestinal flora, have small amounts of miso or tamari in soup, and a little daikon pickle or sauerkraut after supper (if these causes candida flare up- switch to non-fat yogurt, acidophilous or megadophilous). Keep it moving- walk daily, or dance and stretch. Gentle rhythmic movement stimulates colon action.
I wish you the best during this Moon Time:)
Feel free to email me using the contact form.
<< Previous Moon Journal Entry
Next Moon Journal Entry >>