Forecast for September 2010

This September we have an abundance of the Wood Element influencing aspects of Wealth, Growth, Abundance and Placement.

Wood element is typically ambitious, vigourous, and also gentle, patient...exhibiting the qualities we look for to further our goals and dreams. The Wood element is located in the SE and East on the Bagua map, used in Feng Shui to identify certain Life Aspects and energy influences. Traditionally, these two areas are named 'Growth and Wealth' and 'Family and Health' respectively. In the last few years of compiling notes and teaching Feng Shui, I've spent a lot of time in meditation with the directions, and have come up with slightly different ways of describing the energy influences. The SE to me is an Abundance energy, and the East is one of Preparation. The trigrams for each area correspond with my new descriptions; the SE is named 'the gentle' and the East is 'the arousing'....I feel I've captured the Life Aspect description for those with 'western heads' by giving them their new names.

In September the Wood elements are in very powerful positions as two are aligned with Earth element 8, which is also the ruling Star for 2010. The other two are aligned with both the Future Star 9 and the previous ruling Star 7. Ok, enough of all this theory... :) what's in store for the month??!

Centre - Stability is visited by Passions, potentially rocking your sense of 'direction in life'.
Tip: This influence is asking the question 'are you happy in your heart with what you do?'. Either answer the question and solidify your life direction or, weaken the influence by placing pale Fire coloured flowers in the Centre of the building...

SE - Abundance has issues this month with a potential loss occurring from pleasure seeking.
Tip: Avoid potential loss with organising your budget rigorously! Also, on a more physical level take notice of energy drains and protect oneself with Malachite, Tektite, and Black Tourmaline gemstone. If you have any broken or ugly things in the SE please fix them or remove them as this will attract low level energy, and this month with the potential loss combination visiting it will pay to have your building's security shipshape physically as well as energetically.

South - Perceptions are in focus now, you will find that quiet contemplation brings a clarity to the way you wish to present yourself and how you want others to see you. If you aren't ready for this, it can be stressful, so implementing the remedy below should postpone this to a more suitable time :)
Remedy: Add Fire colours (reds, oranges, pinks, purples) and shapes (triangular, pointy, star-like)

SW - Connections are still in a phase of transformation this year, and this month sees a breakthrough of sorts, with the expression of a situation changing. If its still 'all too much' for you, and there are way too many messages being bandied about within a relationship then use the remedy to alleviate the combination of influences this month.
Remedy: Add Metal representation using White, Silver, Gold, Pewter and irridescents (think dragonfly wings...) in boldly curved and globular shapes. Also use 'the sound of metal', an easy and potent 'cure' for the potential associated with Star 5 influence.

image from 'thesmittenimage.blogspot.com'

West - Excellent energy in the Creation sector for any writing projects. This combination sees accumulated knowledge being expressed for your benefit.
Tip: Spend time here brainstorming, or writing with your laptop, pad and pen, sketchbook etc. It will reward you.

NW - Progression is confused by options, and not all of them good. Counsel may be taken, but be sure of the guru you choose. Don't make momentous decisions for the future of anything this month, however if you already have something in the pipeline, plod along with it quietly and avoid people with 'grandiose' ideas about what you 'should be' doing.
Remedy: The Metal representation here again to smudge out that Star 5 influence.

North - Vocations are given a 'long lense' and the propensity to daydream your plans is supported.
Tip: Got time on your hands? a meditation or pleasant daydream in this area can be nourishing and maybe even bring in a few of those precious 'ah hah!' moments too.

NE - Contemplation may be marred by distracting thoughts, company and speech. Internal wars, and unhelpful Mind Chatter can manifest as a result of this combination. At worst you may find yourself complaining and gossiping, or being held in a conversation with someone who is having a right 'bitch' about someone else, and its all quite draining.
Tip: Be polite, be honest, just excuse yourself and do something active and outdoors. Also, you can use this for clairvoyance etc or find an affirmation you love and make it your mantra. Take extra care of your mouth, throat and Heart Chakra area.

East - Preparation of any plans is given a little divine connection. Be on the lookout for glowing synchronicity.
Tip: Place a representation of a divine being (statue, icon, painting, etc) to invite in the kind of assistance you require. eg: Kuan Yin for Mummas and bubs, Buddha for anyone :), Angels for those in need of guidance, favourite ancestors and relatives already crossed over for help with family issues, etc.

Have a lovely lovely September, the mild month. Respite before Winter in the NH, and down here it is the transition from cold snaps of early Spring into the deeper heat of mid Spring. I've got dandelions and wattles glowing gold all around me and loving it :)



Blessings
Jannette

HOW TO do Cultured Veges

Here's a little 'step by step' instruction on fermenting veges for yourself ...

Carrot and Khol Rabi with Black Peppercorns, Fennel, Ginger and Carraway

Once you have 'concocted' your vege, herb, spice mix to your liking and got it in the jar, sealed and on the bench, it can be kind of daunting to get through the next phase :)
Do not fear, you're not wasting the food, it won't 'go bad', and you won't poison yourself or your family. Breathe...its OK.

After the first day you'll notice some bubbles forming in the top of the jar or if you agitate it you'll notice bubbles rising to the top. This is the natural fermentation process, just like beer...

Once or twice a day, undo the lid and let out the gases. It will smell kind of sour, but don't fear, this is what fermentation smells like. Put the lid back on and slowly upend the bottle so the mixture ... mixes.

Like this...

then place the jar or bottle back on the bench and walk away, carry on with Life, etc...

Each day repeat this process. If you don't it will bubble over the lid seal and make your bench all smelly :) It may be good to place it on a saucer or in a bowl so that if it is warm, or a very virile mixture, you won't have to clean it all up, again and again...(you see that I've experience with this one point, yes?)

After 2 to 4 days fermenting, you put the jar in the fridge. The cultured veges can last for a good 4 to 6 months.


Carrot and Khol Rabi sticks are wonderful with some hommus or as a good addition in a salad wrap. Nice on their own too. The Cabbage mixture is great chopped up with salad, or sprinkled on a rice cake smeared with Avocado. It makes lettuce leaves more edible and digestible as the natural acids help to break down the cellulose of the lettuce and helps you to absorb more nutrients.

The water left over is definitely drinkable and in some cases, like the Carrot with Ginger, it makes a really refreshing drink!

Be adventurous with your cultured veges and add some Tumeric, Horseradish or similar to give it some medicinal kick. You can use some fruits as well to culture with veges, have a look at Donna Gates' website www.bodyecology.com for loads of tips.

If you've got any questions please leave a comment or contact me via the email address on the website contact page.

Other combinations I Love:
Carrot, Cauliflower and Ginger
Cauliflower, Brocolli, Garlic and Fennel
Cabbage, Tumeric, Garlic and Carraway

Happy Fermenting...gives new meaning to 'bubble bubble, toil and trouble' doesn't it...

Cultured Vege 'recipe'

What got me interested in fermented foods? Must have been the 15 years or so of battling yeast related infections in my body, and really getting nowhere until a chance trial of some Kefir milk cured an outbreak of dermatitis overnight. It was truly amazing. I'd nearly felt sick looking at the fermented milk drink...but really, the skin condition I'd had was unbearable, and I'd gotten to the stage of sheer desperation, so I was willing to breathe deep and try out the goopy gooey Kefir. Strangely, it didn't stink, and, it didn't taste awful either,... but I'd tried so many other things that I was resigned to disappointment...awful as it seems, I'd completely lost most of my Hope. I went home that evening, washed my face, determined not to scratch or look at it too much, got into bed and went to sleep. In the morning I woke up with the strange sensation of actually not wanting to scratch my face. I stepped into the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and for the first time in close to 5 years my skin was skin colour and not red raw. I think I nearly cried with happiness :)

Since then I have been experimenting with fermenting foods.

Fermentation is so symbolic of tolerance towards our Mother Earth. In today's social climate where everything has to be sterilized, pastuerized, vacuum sealed and heat treated, it is really hard for people to just 'detach' from their fears of bacteria and enjoy a food source that has been the reason why humanity has survived thus far. The germophobes out there get their way, I see it as a real step away from embracing the massive impact that fermenting foods can have on our quality of life. We have become scared of 'germs', but in such a devastating way that it is now quite possible for a human to exist without eating any fermented foods at all.

The most accessible fermented foods for some would be yoghurt from the supermarket, but its nutritional value is compromised by the huge amount in sugar of most the brands available. And, the milk used is not biodynamic. What if I told you that you could make your own fermented foods for a fraction of the price of a tub of yoghurt, and, that the nutritional benefits of it would eclipse that same yoghurt? Pretty good hey? :)


Cultured Vegetables
If you're like me and you really did not like eating salads, or those kind of 'gassy' veges like cabbage and brocolli, cauliflower and similar, you'll be really happy to find out how fermenting these kinds of foods makes them really tasty, and excellent as a source of 'raw nutrition'. I've experimented with a few different 'mixes' and here are a couple of my favourites, with instructions, to help you get started and achieve a success first time.

Khol Rabi and Cabbage with Garlic and Herbs
Start with a Khol Rabi (a kind of root vegetable that tastes something like a cross between and apple and a turnip...odd, but oddly nice too), a small red cabbage and a small sugarloaf cabbage.
Dice them up, shred them, or cut into thin strips...its up to you.
Shred or rip up a selection of herbs and slice up two cloves of Garlic.
Mix it altogether in a bowl, or you can choose to layer your ingredients so the jar 'looks pretty' (like I did)

This is how my layered cabbage and garlic looked..pretty isn't it... :)

Stuff the mixture into a glass jar (preserving jars are great but not completely necessary...you can use a few collected olive jars, or the glass jars from pasta sauces etc...)
Add pure spring water to the bottom layer and then each layer as you fill the bottle or jar.
Really squash down each layer as you fill the mixture into the bottle.
At the top of the jar roll up a leaf of cabbage and shove the layers down so they are under the water surface.

Leave on the bench for around 3 days. More if its very cold weather, less if its very hot weather.
Pop it in the fridge for around 2 days and then its 'ready' to eat. You can keep it for around 4 months or up to 6 months depending on how stable the temperature in your fridge is.

Always use a clean fork or spoon to take a portion out for use.
Always seal the lid tightly and refridgerate.

HOW TO do Cultured Veges is the next post...

If you're interested in finding out more about cultured foods and their benefits you might like to look at...

The Fifth Season and potential ill-health

Ah so here we have this changeable weather and what it brings is 'imbalance',...or the potential is imbalance anyway :)

Traditional Chinese Medicine uses not four but five seasons, and the fifth is the time of transition between the well known other four. During this time of transition the body is put into a potential 'flux' situation, where the energy systems get revved up in one direction or another, only to be given a 'false start' as the weather reverts either colder, hotter, wetter or drier. For those with weakened or low immune system strength it can be a time when you can feel very run down and there is a real possibility of 'getting sick'.

The commonsense thing to do is to boost up on sleep, rejuvenating sojourns of massage, swimming in salt water, or taking tepid baths, and to of course take in loads of fresh seasonal fruit and veges. Now is not the time to give into salt or sugar cravings or to intake harmful fats or alcohol.

But what if you're already 'in it', feeling blue, a little run down, and the glands are aching? A few holistic and natural remedies can assist you in feeling a little better or improving your general recovery.

Massage a little Tea Tree oil onto specific points on the body after a warm shower. Some of these points are the location of some of your lymph nodes:

• under the ears behind the jaw
• down the sides of the neck

• under the armpits

• on either side of your lower abdomen just above your groin
• the top inner part of each thigh
• the Thymus, which is roughly the middle of your upper chest area just below the collarbones. 

This massage, with a powerful anti-viral oil like Tea Tree, stimulates the immune system. You need only rub the oil in gently and for a few moments. If you have very sensitive skin use a diluted essential oil mixture with something like Rosewood, or Roman Chamomile in Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba.

By massaging the area behind your armpits, and to the side of your scapula (shoulder blades) you can feel quite restored quickly. Its good to have someone help with this as its tricky to get to the right spot with your own hands. Same goes for the massaging around the Kidneys, but its more manageable, and it will make you feel much better if you are suffering from an attack of 'the blues'. Our Kidneys are 'the seat of our Emotions', and have the adrenal glands sitting atop them, so its important to give them attention if we are feeling run down, and to also help flush them out with lots of clean and pure room temperature water.

A little crystal therapy using Fluorite and Black Tourmaline is as easy as putting these under the foot of your mattress to promote good detoxification of your organs. Black Tourmaline has a 'drawing' effect and by placing it at the feet it helps the body's own route of cleansing....downwards. Fluorite is from the Latin meaning 'to flow' and will assist in the general movement of toxins in the right direction.

And lastly, listen to some soothing music you love. I particularly love listening to Sacred Earth's music to restore and feel like I'm on a cloud of OMMMMMMMM :)

Blessings for fabulous health and happiness
Jannette

Feng Shui Symbology - Windows

Feng Shui Symbology makes up for a lot of the 'superstition' within its theory, and can sometimes help to explain the importance of energy maintenance, space clearing, de-cluttering and more.  (You can find more by looking through posts under 'FengShui' on this blog)

Take the importance of clean windows and Feng Shui. The windows are the eyes of your building, and as your energy is connected to the place you dwell in, they are also symbolic of the way you will 'see' things. Same goes for a work premises and includes display cases and shopfront windows of course.

There are few helpful things to remember when it comes to the 'windows' of your building.

• Blocking off views can be detrimental to your health as it blocks off 'Sheng' (good, high quality) energy flow and the flow of influence, however, if you block out a 'Sha' (bad, low quality) or 'Si' (very bad, unbeneficial, depleting) view you will improve the energy of your building slightly. The Sha or Si influence is still there affecting your building, so it does not get rid of it for good, but closing off the view of it helps your personal energy to improve.

• Always having the curtains closed over your windows can manifest irrational fears, and promote 'narrow minded' thinking. (people who do this may have something they feel they need to hide from others and have issues with 'shame') As always, energy flow is important for overall good health, and natural light a key factor in good mental and emotional health.

• Cloudy and uncleaned windows bring on confused thoughts and miscommunication because you 'can't see clearly' and you may become prone to making unhelpful choices.

• Beautiful views outside your living area windows and bedroom windows improve your health as you energetically 'connect' with Nature.

Thanks to www.andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com

• A cracked window can signify a connection that has been severed. Identify the connection affected and explore the message's significance in your life. ie: was the connection beneficial and do you need to mend it? or was it a connection that you are happy to have severed? 

• A broken window indicates a loss of energy, or, conversely, a 'breach in your defenses'...so you need to explore which it is. Have you been unexpectedly feeling low and tired? or have you had someone cause you ill-feeling? Psychic-vampire friends, family and acquaintances are all good places to look for 'energy breaches'...and you may need to perform a kind of Space Clearing for you and your building before and after getting the window repaired.  (I also feel this applies to our vehicles, especially if you rely on your vehicle a lot for family or work obligations)

Broken windows can symbolise a 'breach in your defenses'

• Continually feeling the need to clean your windows indicates you are in a Phase of Progression (looking for something coming to you) and are inviting information to come your way :) Keep it up and be happy in your work :) but also explore other ways of inviting in the knowledge you require to proceed confidently. You can be ignoring messages from within if you are always on the 'lookout' for help.

There are perhaps more indicators, but lets not go nuts with it all. Please remember to clean windows with non-toxic products so that you keep the energy of these eyes as high as possible. You wouldn't spray 'windex' into your own eyes so why should you do this to your home or business premises? Using a mixture of White Vinegar and Filtered Water in a 20:80 ratio is great. If you have mould on the window sills or runners use a rag dipped in warm water and a few drops of Clove Oil. This kills mould spore dead as dead can be and prevents it coming back for a long while.

Have you ever had a symbolic window connection occur? Comment and let us know all about it! :)

Blessings
Jannette

Mixing Magics

The magic of using complimentary therapies in a holistic manner gives you the licence to Create any kind of healing you need.
I love this aspect of what I do.

For myself, I like the fact that I can choose to combine (create) a mixture of therapies to suit one focus. When I got involved in healing my skin from a decade of dermatitis, I never imagined it would take me so far into studies of herbology, naturopathy, homeopathy, nutrition, meditation, energy healing, affirmation, and much much more...it's completely astounded me how this 'ailment' has revealed a life that is unfolding untold riches in the form of a passion, and commitment to discovering great health secrets, or just,...great health :)

'Succulent' by Jannette'

The symbology of the Succulent plant resonates with me strongly. I love that they take in as much nourishment and water as they can in order to survive periods of drought. I've used a connection to this plant's energy to motivate my own learning capabilities and found it helps in terms of resilience and will-power too.

I also never imagined it would uncover so many 'issues' in my own behaviours that contribute to ill health, and the consequences of my choices in regard to what I consume.

Whenever I've had a 'success' with one health issue or another it has been because I've chosen to combine one or more therapies together to elicit the best outcome I can. I do not rely just on herbs, or nutrition, or meditation, but combine them to form a 'fabric of healing' that enfold myself in. This 'deep immersion' is the best way I've found of really (really) focusing on manifesting a solution.

And yes, Feng Shui IS a part of all this because it is the explanation of the connection to our natural surroundings. We are not separated from our environments, and our tangible environments have an enormous 'pull' on our emotional and spiritual well-being, which impacts heavily on our physical and psychological health. Feng Shui should perhaps be called 'Harmony Therapy' :)) And Harmony is a magic all its own.

Blessings to all of you...
Jannette

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Decluttering for Health

Hello and welcome to the downhill run from the Full Moon.
During this time you can really get stuck into a heap of detoxing for your home, body and Mind too. Your thoughts are connected with the quality of energy in your home, and that in turn affects the health of your body...
By allowing what is a purely natural process of 'waste removal' to occur, you open up pathways for fresh new energy to come in.

May I be just as quick with my forgiveness

As I am with mop and broom,

Sweeping up the clutter

In my heart and living room.

(www.ladyfarmersparabel.blogspot.com)

Detoxing Your Home
This should be a monthly (at least) 'thing' you schedule in because our homes are constantly receiving energy in the form of visits from people, purchases of items and even the weekly groceries, and the thoughts, feelings, conversations and actions from the occupants.

Detoxing your home begins with a general tidy up and chuck out session, so you can see table surfaces, so that the shelves don't have things like books, bills and correspondence 'pidgeon holed' in them for later attention etc, and so that the staircase or hallway is completely clear. Sweep up around outside each major entrance and exit way, and light some incense to purify the air. A short few hours here and there over a couple of days can achieve a wonderful reward! Don't try and get it done in a madrush, or you will end up feeling exhausted and overworked.

Maintenance of your living areas needs to be conducted in a loving and attentive way so that you imbue this into the spaces that provide you with shelter and protection.

Detoxing Your Body
This can be done by simply removing things that you know clog your system up. Leave off the bread and pasta and rice for a few days. Alternatively you can include some room temperature foods instead of cooked meals like... brown rice (steamed and cooled), salad vegetables, cultured veges, and home-made dips like hommus, to give your digestive system a great cleanse. Enjoy a feast of fruits as a sweet treat.

But the most important of all is to drink a more than usual amount of pure water. The quality of the water you drink is extremely important, and the better quality water you can obtain the better. I love to use pure spring water like Grail Haven, but the best water is a local spring water, and if you can't get that then use a brand that is 'purified water', as it will hydrate your cells more efficiently. To increase hydration take in some good quality rock or sea salt each day. (the recent post on my Real Breakfast Smoothie shows how you can do this without even having to taste it!) Celtic Sea Salt attracts water and it literally enables each cell to get a stack of minerals as well as absorb more water. With your cells pumped up with water and minerals you will feel more energised! Yippee!

Detoxing Your Mind
Don't let this area of detoxing be neglected, because all it takes is a little wind down of energy, a little quietness, and a little reflection. I do like LAZY and SIMPLE ways to get anything done because (a) I'm a busy mum with two businesses, (b) three children and a partner, (c) I belong to a big family and (d) I have lovely friends who I love to make time for...so I need to organise ME time efficiently. I do a Mind detox in two ways regularly.

Salt and Aromatherapy Bath - at least once a week if I can manage it. I love to use Rock Salt and Epsom Salts, and even a little BiCarbSoda to soften up the water and leave my skin soft. The salt is very purifying and I usually use a little Lavender and Geranium essential oils (about 10 drops in a big bath) to soothe and improve my heart energy. Geranium can lift the spirits after a heavy week of 'giving' energy to others.

Earthwalking is a big big big (BIG) favourite thing I do. Taking my slippers off in the morning and padding around on the wet grass outside allows a blast of negative ions to move up through the whole body, easing and soothing the nervous system, balancing my personal frequency. Its all good.

www.heywoodsmeadow.com

So with the natural energy of our planet all geared up NOW to help you detox and remove what no longer supports your best health, get into a little detoxing and 'declutter' for good health in home, body and Mind :)

Real Breakfast Smoothie

 Image from The Healthy Eating Site

I think one of the biggest hurdles I've overcome in regards to my intake of food has been the realisation that 'cereal' is not really a food. Its used all over the globe, I know, but 'cereal' wasn't always this precooked , flattened, and dehydrated mush I was brought up to believe was a good start to the day. Raw, cracked or rolled seeds and grains with fruit is an alternative (think muesli without the harmful sulphites of the mainstream products) but it takes a while to understand you only need a few tablespoons of the seeds and nuts to equal about six 'wheatbix' or a bowl of cornflakes. And then there is the excessive chewing :)

I'm a little partial to be downright LAZY when it comes to the morning intake of food.
I love it when someone puts breakfast together, and at the moment I still eat some cooked food with my partner, but generally I've been starting my day with a smoothie, and I can tell you very honestly that even though I love eggs on a little toast with salt, my body feels better when I go the smoothie...

Here's my 'everyday smoothie' recipe for a kickstart to the morning that will keep you going until lunchtime and beyond. And yes, it'll be GREEEEEN and yummy.

250 - 400ml Oatmilk (depends on how 'hungry' you feel)
One ripe Banana
1 tblsp Flaxseed Oil
1 tblsp Spirulina Powder
1 tblsp In-Liven Probiotic Superfood Powder
A pinch of Cinnamon powder
A quarter of a Vanilla Pod (or use a little Vanilla powder if you have it)
A very small pinch of Celtic Sea Salt
A splash of Kefir Milk (optional...you could use a good biodynamic yoghurt if you wanted to)
1 tblsp Tahini Paste
1 tblsp Raw Honey
A handful of herbs (usually Parsley, Holy Basil 'Tulsi Rama', Oregano...but you can use Sweet Basil, Dill, Coriander or similar leafy and fragrant herbs)

Pulse in a Blender to break up the bigger bits of Banana, then Whizz on 'high' for 15 seconds or so. Adjust to 'low' speed for about 10 seconds or so.

Pour into a cup or glass and down the hatch it goes! Instant good food straight into the body :)

No Chewing!!