A Biologist’s View on Wild Horse and Burro Fake News

“…any devastation of western rangelands, is due rather to an overpopulation of cattle, which have been found to outnumber the wild horses 100 to 1…”

photo by Carol Walker of Wild Horse Freedom Federation

As a biologist, I have been involved in documenting the issues concerning this nation’s wild horses for years, along with many others. While keeping in mind the emotional effect that the wild horses have on millions, both in a negative and positive way, I have also devoted myself to understanding and communicating, from an objective and scientific standpoint, the truth about wild equine. Nature has proven herself to be able to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance, untouched and unmanaged, if allowed, without artificial intervention by mankind. This, also incorporates this nation’s wild horses. Wild horses and burros are not overpopulated as many have attested, nor are they a detriment, but rather…

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Herbal Support for Stress and Trauma: Part 2, Adaptogens

Ancestral Apothecary

Adaptogens are some of our best herbal allies to help ourselves cope with chronic stress. Adaptogens are herbs that help increase the body’s ability to adapt to all kinds of stressors: physical, emotional, environmental, social, and biological.

Adaptogens help build the body’s resistance and reliance to stress by supporting the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. They help to increase the body’s strength, stamina, vitality and immunity.

Many adaptogens have been considered supreme herbal tonics in the cultural systems from which they come. For example, reishi mushroom was considered in ancient China to be the “herb of immortality”and Holy Basil is considered a panacea in India and in Ayurvedic medicine.

Dosing for adaptogens: The more we need the adaptogen, the more we need to increase the amount and frequency of dosage. For lower stress levels, stick to the lower recommended doses. For higher and acute stress, higher doses more frequently are…

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Herbal Support for Stress and Trauma, Part 1: Nervines

Ancestral Apothecary

Herbal nervines are herbs that support, strengthen and nourish the nervous system. They can help with stress, shock, tension, pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other nervous systems disorders. Nervines are great herbal allies to support our bodies during acute or chronic stress. They also help the body, mind and heart to heal from stress and trauma.

Oatstaw (Avena sativa): Great for nervous exhaustion and burnout; helps with headaches from stress; good for skin rashes caused by stress; good tonic for adrenals, helps with insomnia, helps with detox from drugs and alcohol, high in minerals, very nutritious, works best long term.

Dosage: 1-4 cups herbal infusion per day; 10-30 drops of tincture 3 X/ day.

IMG_20150819_171138 Scullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Excellent to calm stress, agitation, tics, tremors or road rage. Useful for insomnia, quiets mind chatter, revitalizing to nerves, helps with insomnia and nervous agitation from grief…

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Second Annual Holiday Herb Fair

Ancestral Apothecary

Saturday November 25th from 1 to 6 PM

Studio Grand Oakland, 3234 Grand Ave, Oakland

Join Ancestral Apothecary for our second annual Herbal Fair this holiday season! This a great opportunity to have fun doing holiday shopping and to support your local community of herbalists. All the vendors are students or teachers from our Cecemmana Herbal Programs.

You’ll find unique, hand-crafted herbal gifts and products like herbal chocolate, tea, flower essences, tinctures, salves, body care, and much more. We’ll also be offering limpias, Reiki and have a raffle with great gifts.

This event is also a fundraiser for our Herbalism Diversity Fund. We are raising money for scholarship for our students of color. If you can’t make this event but still want to donate to this fundraising campaign, check our our Generosity Fundraising Page.

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Ozark Encyclopedia – M – Mistletoe

Crystal Skulls

By Nikki Boatright

There are three types of crystal skulls: ancient crystal skulls (skulls that were created over 1500 years ago), old crystal skulls (skulls that were created less than 1500 years ago), and new or contemporary skulls, which are created by carvers today. Crystal skulls have been around for thousands, maybe even millions of years. The origin of the crystal skull is unknown. There are different theories as to where crystal skulls originated from. Some people believe they’re relics of lost civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria and some people believe they were placed on earth by aliens.

Crystal skulls have the basic shape of a human skull. Most people believe the shape of the skull symbolizes death. However, to ancient civilizations, skulls represent not only death and destruction but also rebirth, knowledge and wisdom. Ancient crystal skulls are believed to hold ancient knowledge, but only a small amount of this knowledge has been accessed.

Once a crystal is carved into the shape of a skull it takes on a different vibrational frequency. Each crystal skull, whether ancient or contemporary, gives off its own unique energy. Crystal skulls can be used for energy work and are powerful tools of spiritual awareness; they can be used for many different purposes. They can focus energy, reflect energy, refract energy, amplify energy, attune energy, transmit energy, transform energy, store energy and may also act as a witness.

Many times people will see a crystal skull and feel an uncontrollable urge to hold it or buy it. Crystal skulls can and will call out to people. I personally have skulls in many different types of crystals and in many sizes, from one inch to six inches. The skull I have the strongest connection to is a contemporary life-sized Madagascar petrified wood crystal skull. I was drawn to it and felt a connection to it and had to have it from the moment I saw it. I recently had a psychic say to me, out of the blue, that she feels that I have projected my higher self onto it. Whether it is an ancient or contemporary skull, I recommend that everyone experience the energy from a crystal skull when given the opportunity.

Crystals for Halloween

By Tara Mideaker

Many holidays celebrated today are products of Celtic/Pagan traditions. Perhaps none are as interesting as Halloween. While other customs of the Pagan culture have been adopted and adapted by various religions, Halloween is unique in that it is celebrated worldwide as a non-denominational holiday. So why does Halloween stand apart as such a popular and universal holiday? Samhain, the traditional Pagan holiday, is the most sacred day of the year to Pagans. It is a time of endings and beginnings that is naturally tied to the Earth’s cycle when the dark and cold of winter approaches and nature “dies”, only to be reborn in the spring. It is a celebration of the life/death cycle and, more specifically, a time to remember and honor those ancestors who have passed into spirit. This connection to the earth, to the cycle of life, and to the past is something that we all share despite any religious or cultural differences we may have. Perhaps it is these roots that lie deep within each of us that encourage us to unite on Halloween Eve. Halloween Eve is a night when the world comes together to recognize the dark while celebrating the light that constantly surrounds us, so carve your Jack-o-lanterns, choose your costume and gather around the bonfire for a very Happy Halloween! Here are some crystals to carry along with you to make the most of this special night.

Agate and Jasper

The many varieties of these crystals embody the energy of Halloween. Jasper has a grounding/earthy quality that can help you feel connected to the earth and its endless cycles. Red Jasper draws the nurturing energy of the Earth to you while Brown Striped Jasper encourages vitality. Jasper can help you to reach for the sky while still keeping you grounded. All members of the Jasper family offer immense comfort and protection which can sustain you during the colder days ahead. Agates are immensely creative crystals that can help you to deal with any situation in the most positive manner possible. These crystals provide stability and balance when everything seems too jumbled and confused. Many Agates have a banded quality that promotes perspective and focus when clarity is needed. Botswana Agate is a wonderful tool for bringing fun and joy into any situation. White Agate makes an excellent meditative tool for the darker months ahead. If you celebrate Samhain, Fire Agate will connect you to the past, while Moss Agate will welcome in the New Year.

Calcite and Quartz

Calcite is a powerful cleanser that is perfect for ridding yourself of old habits and situations. Now is the time to “bury” those things that no longer serve to be transformed over the coming months into something more positive. Orange Calcite will encourage happy transitions and Blue Calcite will offer comfort and reduce any fears. Quartz is a powerful crystal that will amplify positive energy and reduce negative thoughts, while relieving any mental, spiritual or physical pain you may be experiencing. Remembrances of the past can be difficult and any Quartz crystal will make it better. Ametrinebrings balance to the elements of light and dark that are prominent during Halloween and is a valuable addition to a Samhain altar or table.

Obsidian and Carnelian

Obsidian and Carnelian are the two crystals that are most essential to your Halloween and/or Samhain celebrations, and not just because they are Black and Orange (although that does enhance their energy!). Obsidian connects you to the deepest layers of Earth where true change can occur. At the same time, it offers solace and protection and reminds you that everything has a season. Obsidian can help you find meaning when you are feeling lost. Mahogany Obsidian enhances the nighttime energy and Snowflake Obsidian calms any sadness you may be feeling. Samhain rituals are enhanced by Black Obsidian. Carnelian allows you to let go of the past and focus on the here and now. It will boost your personal power, your energy, and your creativity as it harnesses the energy of the Earth and the Sun. Carnelian is an excellent companion as you head towards a new cycle. Its protective qualities were used to accompany those who had passed on from this life in Ancient Egypt, making it a true welcome guest for a Samhain Dumb Supper.

Other crystals that will enhance your festivities include Petrified Wood, Cuprite, Opal, and Sunstone. Find the crystal that speaks to you and let it accompany you on your journeys this Halloween. Most importantly have fun…be safe…and maybe you’ll get some rocks in your Trick or Treat bag!

Happy Halloween!

Feel Good Sunday: Dewey Bunnell of “America” speaks out for wild horses

Straight from the Horse's Heart

Each and every person can make a difference. Each and every one of you are the voices for the wild horses and burros. Stay strong.

This video, featuring Dewey Bunnell of the classic rock band “America” was produced by our friend Jetara Sehart, of Love Wild Horses

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Brutal Outlook for Healthy Wild Horses and Burros: BLM Calls for Shooting 90,000

Straight from the Horse's Heart

By Return to Freedom

“There needs to be a fairer distribution of resources—not more biased reports and recommendations aimed at capturing, removing or killing wild horses…”

On Thursday, the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board recklessly voted to approve recommendations that call on the Bureau of Land Management to shoot tens of thousands of healthy wild horses and burros.

At its meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado, the advisory board recommended that BLM achieve its on-range population goal of 26,715 wild horses and burros while also phasing out the use of long-term holding facilities—both within three years.

If Congress allowed BLM to follow through on the independent board’s recommendations, that would mean the government shooting at least 90,000 healthy animals. The advisory board has no power to control policy.

The board also called for allowing international adoptions and sales, which have not been allowed before. During its deliberations, the board…

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