Karelian Magic – Elder Mountain Dreaming

Various folk (shamanic) tradition practices are called Folk Healing, like the Grandmothers in this video (in other traditions its called medicine woman). The Slavs, Balkans and North regions like the Karelians pretty much have the same basic rituals for healing. The feet are important because they are both where the greatest amount of our detoxing of sickness releases. The folk singing (chanting and/or spells its called in some traditions) are the direction in which the healing “intent” of the energy is given.

Song, movement, specific parts of the body, water and fire rituals, all work together as the root foundation, be that medicine chanted or spoken into sacred clothing through embroidery, or the folk healer (who whisperers) a directional energy, or our relationship to the spirit (benevolent energies) of earth to work with the healer (in shamanic way), which is closest to our body and soul of the sick.

The Karelians are a nation that belongs to Baltic-Finnic ethnic group that are currently living in Finland and Russia. In Russia Karelians mostly settle in the Republic of Karelia and in other north-western parts of the Russian Federation. There are also significant Karelian enclaves in the Tver and Novgorod regions of Russia, as some Karelians migrated after 1656 because of war.

In Finland they traditionally settle in the regions of Savonia and Northern and Southern Karelia. The historic homeland of the Karelians has been the Karelian Isthmus, Ladoga Karelia, Olonets Karelia in Russia and the provinces of Northern and Southern Karelia and Savonia in Finland. Many became refuges from German Occupation (of ww2) and their numbers are very small today.

Source: Karelian Magic – Elder Mountain Dreaming

New Lucid Dreaming radio interview tomorrow night! – Ryan Hurd

What are you doing tomorrow evening February 10, 2017, (Friday night) at 7pm Pacific/10pm Eastern. I hope you’ll consider tuning in to our snazzy expert panel on lucid dreaming on KGRA’s Q.Psience Project.

I’ll be there with my lucid colleagues Robert Waggoner, author of (most recently) Lucid dreaming plain and simple, and David Jay Brown, author of Dreaming wide awake: Lucid dreaming, shamanic healing and psychedelics.

It’s going to be a fun conversation, hosted by Jill Hanson, who loves to talk about the mysterious side of consciousness studies, such quantum theory and anomalous events. How does this relate to lucid dreaming? Let’s find out.

I also have a special announcement I’ll be making on the radio show about my next live lucid dreaming training (hint: it’s coming soon!)

So here’s the internet tube to get to the radio show. It’s live streaming over the tubes at 7pm Pacific/10pm Eastern tomorrow, Friday February 10. (BTW if you click over early, you’ll hear a different show so set a calendar reminder!)

Yours,

Ryan

Source: Dream Studies Portal

goodreads giveaway!

This is your reminder that there are only two days (today and tomorrow) left to get your name in over on Goodreads to be entered into a drawing for one of two signed copies of Through Shade and Shadow…

Source: goodreads giveaway!

Solar Eclipse 26 February 2017 The Wish – Astrology King

The solar eclipse on 26 February 2017 is at 8 degrees Pisces. The solar eclipse February 2017 astrology is dominated by the spiritual planet Neptune to bring hope of a brighter future. Good fortune and lasting happiness come from the stars in this region of the sky.

The February 2017 solar eclipse is just as happy and magical as the February 10 lunar eclipse. Acting in unison over coming months, this eclipse phase gives you an opportunity to turn your dreams into reality by drawing on your god given talents.

You can look forward to enduring results especially in relationships, so long as you remain humble and grateful to a higher power. Extravagance, greed or selfishness will see an end to your good fortune by the beginning of the next eclipse phase in August 2017.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Meaning

Like any new moon, a solar eclipse represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. The strongest and most important aspect in all of astrology is the Sun conjunct Moon. It means that all possibilities are on the table and you can rightly put yourself in the forefront of new plans for the future.

Old habits, behaviors and beliefs can be questioned as you search for new and inventive ways to make progress. This is the ideal time to make a fresh start by writing a to-do list on a blank sheet of paper.

This solar eclipse will compliment themes found in the February 10 lunar eclipse. Together they act as an eclipse phase which lasts until the eclipses of August 2017.

Solar Eclipse February 2017 Astrology

Solar eclipse February 2017 is located in Aquarius Constellation in the Sky. Due to precession of the equinoxes, however, it falls within the Pisces Sign in your Horoscope. At 08°12′ Pisces it will most strongly affect Pisces decan 1 but also those born in early Pisces decan 2.

One star and one planet close by provide more information about how this solar eclipse will shape your life over coming months. The closest is the star in the Water Bearer and just a few degrees further away is the mysterious blue planet Neptune.

Fixed star Skat at 09 06 aligns with solar eclipse February 2017 giving good fortune and lasting happiness. It is also provides safety in a deluge. This is a star for good leaders in any adventurous field of activity, physical, economic or social. The name Skat means The Wish. This is a solar eclipse for making wishes come true. However, the promised good fortune will only endure if you have earned it.

With the Sun and the Moon, this star is especially good for relationships. You can make new and influential friends, get help and valuable gifts from friends, and gain the love of respectable women. The enhanced emotional sensitivity from Skat can make you psychic, but together with the associated criticism and persecution.

New Moon Solar Eclipse February 2017 Astrology

Solar Eclipse Neptune

Neptune shows how we rise above physical limitations. Spiritual development involves feeling more at one with people around you and with life in general. There is something scary about stepping into the unknown but the positive side of Neptune will be more noticeable following this solar eclipse.

A solar eclipse in general is a positive event giving an energy boost for a fresh start. The fixed star between the eclipse and Neptune is a very positive one, with wishes and dreams both being ruled by Neptune. The positive side of Neptune is also more prominent now that the fearful influence of Saturn square Neptune has passed.

Sun conjunct Neptune increases your sensitivity, intuition and empathy. Setting some boundaries will allow you to enjoy a sense of togetherness with loved ones. You may benefit from joining or learning more about environmental, charity, social or community work and groups. Spiritual or occult subjects like astrology may be better understood through higher awareness. This is a good time to go to the movies or escape from reality through a fantasy novel.

Moon conjunct Neptune increases your emotionally sensitivity. With conscious self-awareness provided by the Sun, you can filter out any background noise and use your sensitivity for good. While some psychic impressions may be off the mark, your compassion and empathy are genuine. You can be of great assistance to the victimized and outcast. The emotional comfort you offer has a healing quality.

The influence of the Sun and Moon with Neptune gives great potential for psychic awareness. The influence of the fixed star makes it even more likely that you will experience some kind of psychic activity following the February 28 solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Minor Aspects

The conjunction of Sun, Moon, Neptune and fixed star is definitely a harmonious and beneficial one. However, your fortune and psychic talents are at risk of turning against you because of the big opposition in the sky, shown by the solid red line in the solar eclipse February 2017 astrology chart above.

Jupiter opposite Uranus greatly increases your need for personal freedom and excitement. You will feel a strong urge to react, or rebel against anything that is stopping you from having fun and doing what you want. There is likely to be particular sudden event that releases your built up tension and leads to a major change in circumstances.

Not only is this opposition happening at the same time as the solar eclipse, it is directly linked in space by the 8th harmonic aspects of the 45° semisquare and the 135° sesquisquare. These minor aspects are like an itch that needs scratching, or a weaker version of the square aspect.

Sun Sesquisquare Jupiter (Sun square Jupiter) is like a double-edged sword. It can make you feel extremely confident, proud, lucky and optimistic. The manner in which you express your exuberance is critical in determining the final result, which can range from good fortune and success, to loss and embarrassment. The best way to handle it is with respect, moderation and discipline.

Sun semisquare Uranus (Sun square Uranus) requires open-mindedness and flexibility as you enter a stage of uncertainty. You may start to feel uneasy and anxious as you sense impending change. A buildup of nervous tension can result in unpredictable behavior on your part which can lead to abruptness, rapid changes in direction and even accidents.

Adding Mars conjunct Uranus to the equation makes these minor aspects even more like squares. This increases the danger of over reaction, rebellion and greed spoiling the original benefits from Neptune eclipse on the happy fixed star.

Sun semisquare Mars (Sun square Mars) can lead to tests of character from your competitors or enemies. The boss or men in general may be looking to assert their power, leading to ego conflicts. You may already be irritable and impatience, likely to react to any provocation or threats with aggression. Do not go on the offensive because your strength and courage are at a low point.

Solar Eclipse February 2017 Summary

You can expect to feel extremely sensitive to the extent of having visions or premonitions following the February 2017 solar eclipse. You should notice more compassion and generosity around you compared to previous months and last year in particular. Increasing wealth and happiness can be found by following a more spiritual path and being inclusive of others.

This solar eclipse acts as a companion to the February 2017 lunar eclipse. The spiritual nature of the solar eclipse blends perfectly with the mystical lunar eclipse. The many talents provided by the previous lunar eclipse can now be put to use following your hopes and dreams. The good fortune and happiness found in following your dreams has the potential to be substantial and enduring, especially for relationships.

Remaining true to your morals and belief is vitally important once your hopes and dreams are realized. Any good fortune is intrinsically tied to your spiritual development. Excessive lust, greed or selfishness will see any benefits erased. Worse than that, the interconnectedness highlighted by the solar eclipse February 2017 astrology means that your loved ones would also be adversely affected by the error of your ways.

Solar Eclipse New Moon February 2017 Visibility

On the morning of Sunday 26 February 2017 the solar eclipse will be visible from south America. It then ends in south-western Africa at sunset. Being an annular solar eclipse, not all of the Sun will be darkened. In this type of partial eclipse, the apparent diameter of the Moon is smaller than the Sun’s, leaving a ring of light around the eclipsed Sun.

If this solar eclipse directly impacts your horoscope decan you can read about its effect in your monthly horoscope. For more detail about how it affects your natal chart see Sun Transits.

Previous Moon Phase: Lunar Eclipse 10 February 2017
Next Moon Phase: Full Moon 12 March 2017

Solar Eclipse September 2016 Times and Dates

Los Angeles February 26 – 6:58 am
New York February 26 – 9:58am
London February 26 – 2:58 pm
Delhi February 26 – 8:28 pm
Sydney February 27 – 0:58 am

Source: Solar Eclipse 26 February 2017 The Wish – Astrology King

Hundreds of Bison Sent to Slaughter Over Tribes’ Objections | Straight from the Horse’s Heart

Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure said state and federal officials “slapped the Fort Peck tribes in the face” by not using the facility.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday started shipping hundreds of wild bison to slaughter for disease control, as a quarantine facility on a Montana Indian reservation that could help spare many of the animals sat empty due to a political dispute.

Fifteen female bison initially slated for quarantine on the Fort Peck Reservation were instead loaded onto trailers near the town of a Gardiner, Montana and sent to slaughter. Hundreds more will be shipped in coming days and weeks, park officials said.

More than 400 bison, also known as buffalo, have been captured this winter attempting to migrate out of the snow-covered park to lower elevations in Montana in search of food. More animals are expected to be captured and shipped to slaughter through March.

Fort Peck’s Assiniboine and Sioux tribes built their quarantine facility to house up to 300 animals in hopes of using it to establish new herds across the U.S with Yellowstone’s genetically pure bison.

Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure said state and federal officials “slapped the Fort Peck tribes in the face” by not using the facility.

“They knew we were building a quarantine facility. A lot of money and time and effort were involved in this and all of a sudden they throw a monkey wrench in it,” Azure said.

Montana livestock officials and federal animal health agents oppose transferring bison to the quarantine site because the animals have not been certified to be free of brucellosis, a disease that can cause animals to abort their young. Ranchers in the state fear bison could transmit the disease to cattle and would pose competition for grazing space on public lands.

No transmissions of the disease from wild bison to cattle have been documented.

The park and state severely limit bison migrations into Montana under a 2000 agreement intended to guard against such transmissions.

The agreement set a population goal of 3,000 bison inside the park.

There were an estimated 5,500 animals at last count. To reduce that number, park officials want to kill up to 1,300 bison this winter through a combination of slaughter and public hunting.

A Democratic lawmaker from Missoula introduced a bill Wednesday to the Montana Legislature to change a law that calls for the state veterinarian to certify bison as brucellosis free before the animals can be transferred to tribes. Rep. Willis Curdy, whose family runs a cattle operation in western Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, said he understands the ranching industry’s worries about brucellosis but thinks the tribes’ wishes deserve fair consideration.

“The state of Montana is continually getting very bad press for its policy in terms of the slaughters,” Curdy said. “We need to make a move in a positive direction, not only for the tribes but also for the bison.”

Hunters in Montana have shot more than 300 bison so far this winter. Meat from slaughtered animals is distributed to American Indian tribes. Many tribes historically relied on bison for food, clothing and other needs until the species was driven to near-extinction during the settlement of the U.S. West in the late 1800s.

Gov. Steve Bullock temporarily halted the park’s slaughter plans last month after Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk said 40 animals once slated for the quarantine would be killed to make room in corrals used to hold migrating bison.

Bullock lifted the ban after the park, state and U.S. Department of Agriculture reached a deal that would spare 25 bull bison for future shipment to Fort Peck, once they undergo a lengthy quarantine at a U.S. Department of Agriculture facility just north of the park in Corwin Springs, Montana. That’s now down to 24 animals after one of the bulls was shot Tuesday when he broke his leg inside the park’s corrals.

To make room for the animals, federal officials will send to slaughter 20 Yellowstone bison that took part in a government research program at Corwin Springs, said Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Bullock spokeswoman Ronja Abel said state officials continue to work toward a long-term solution to the issue. She declined to say if that could include future use of Fort Peck’s quarantine.

Yellowstone spokeswoman Morgan Warthin said the park still wants to transfer bison to the tribes’ quarantine and plans future negotiations to make that happen.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of slaughter as a first step toward conservation,” Warthin said.

Source: Hundreds of Bison Sent to Slaughter Over Tribes’ Objections | Straight from the Horse’s Heart

Ten Alternative Cold and Flu Remedies to Try – Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Homeopathic medicine has great potential when used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Here are ten simple remedies you can try to help stop colds and flu symptoms in their tracks.

1. Lemon

Even though lemons taste acidic, their juice helps to alkalinize the body. Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which is known to support the body’s immune system. Lemon, as well as lime, is reported to decrease the strength of the cold and flu virus in the body and reduce phlegm.

How to use: Drink the juice of a lemon, or a few drops of lemon essential oil, squeezed into a cup of water or tea every few hours to build resistance or speed up healing.

2. Garlic

Garlic is great in treating sore throats and infections. Garlic contains the immune-boosting compound allicin, also known to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

How to use: Crush five cloves and mix with half a cup of honey. Let it sit for a couple of hours and the mixture will become runny and thin. Take a teaspoonful at a time, as needed. If you’re worried about a severe odor or taste, crush a couple of cloves of garlic and “steep” them in hot water. Drink it like a mug of tea.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known as a natural antibiotic, is a powerful antioxidant.

How to use: A teaspoon of raw honey and a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon can knock out a cold within a day or two.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin, which has a strong cold and flu-fighting properties. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and turmeric tea has been used for extensively worldwide for colds, congestion, headache, and sore throats.

How to use: Stir a teaspoon into a glass of water or use it in your cooking. In addition, the combination of honey with turmeric powder is an excellent remedy for a cough.

5. Cayenne pepper

Peppers are a heart-healthy food with the potential to protect against cancer, as well as common cold and flu viruses. Cayenne pepper is a natural remedy for a sore throat that can often precede a cold or flu.

How to use: A mixture of hot red chili powder and orange juice is an effective remedy for sore throats and congestion. Or take a teaspoon of pepper in a glass of water immediately when you feel a cold or a sore throat coming on. Its strong stimulatory effect can be enough to knock a cold out in the early stages.

6. Oregano

Oregano is one of the best herbs for a cold. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory that contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, and color compounds that increase resistance and boosts immunity. Oregano is known for its antibacterial, antivirus, anti-fungus, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, and anti-parasitic properties.

How to use: Oil of oregano is even more potent, and traditional healers since ancient times have used oregano extract to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, and bronchitis. Add three to 10 drops of oil to a glass of water twice a day and continue until symptoms subside.

7. Ginger

Ginger is a stimulant that will also warm you if you’re feeling chilled with your cold. It’s best used fresh rather than as a powder.

How to use: Peel and grate a small piece of ginger root and place in a cup of boiling water. Allowed it to steep for five minutes, sweeten with honey if desired, and sip whenever needed to soothe a scratchy throat or a cough.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint can clear blocked noses and sinuses. It can also help the body fight off illnesses.

How to use: Enjoy it as a stimulating tea or add some peppermint teabags of it to your bath. A few drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of water, or diffused, can also work wonders.

9. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can fight off infection, ease digestion, reduce inflammation, kill fungus, regulate pH balance, and wash toxins from the body. It’s also known to restore alkaline acid balance.

How to use: Add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a tablespoon of honey and a cup of hot water to create an elixir to help ward off cold and flu symptoms.

10. Honey

A daily dose of honey can help you to feel energetic and stay healthy. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so, if you do develop a sore or scratchy throat, honey will soothe and help heal. Research shows that children who take a spoonful of honey before bed, cough less and sleep better than those who take over-the-counter products for coughs and colds.

How to use: Adding a little lemon to the honey will increase its anti-microbial effect. Honey and lemon can also be combined with hot water to make a soothing tea.

Source: Ten Alternative Cold and Flu Remedies to Try – Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs