Noises associated with plants aren’t unfamiliar to those of us who spend time with plants. We hear plants in the wind, in the rain, and even when fruit capsules explode to release seeds.

Generally, plant noises are considered to be the by-products of mechanical processes, rather than the ways in which plants intentionally communicate with other organisms.

In fact, it almost seems too esoteric to suggest that plants communicate using sounds, yet new research offers insights into the unique ways in which plants may do just that.

Interestingly, many news outlets have picked up on this story and are now reporting on the ability of plants to “scream” in stressful situations. These situations include drought-like conditions and the physical cutting of stems.

But is that what plants are really doing? “Screaming” when cut or deprived of water?

That’s the topic of this week’s video, so if you’re unfamiliar with the ability of plants to emit informative airborne sounds in stressful situations, check it out!

Mushrooms utilize all kinds of organic material for sustenance… including the stems and leaves of moss. If you’re unfamiliar with this particular moss-loving fungus, check out the recent Instagram post!

Thanks for reading and watching, and as always, thank you for your continued support.

-Adam Haritan

2nd Moon of Winter 2019

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn Energy Update

Happy New Moon and Solar Eclipse!

This Solar Eclipse brings us good news, good luck and new growth. This New Moon activates and aligns with Jupiter trine Uranus which brings us luck and positive change.

This Solar Eclipse is conjunct Jupiter which makes it a very positive cycle. Jupiter is associated with expansion, prosperity and growth. This good fortune is enhanced by the trine to Uranus making it a very exciting time!

This eclipse marks the end of the eclipse cycle that began in July this last summer. It marks the beginning of a new eclipse cycle that will last until June 2020, making this the perfect time to begin a fresh start. Write out your intentions, goals and choose word of the year for the coming new year! The current Jupiter Trine Uranus and Solar Eclipse will help you discover where you need this growth the most!

The New Moon and Solar Eclipse takes place on December 25th or December 26th depending on your location. This eclipse is conjunct Jupiter which brings us a sense of optimism, generosity and good luck. There are many opportunities for growth right now in your personal and professional lives.

This new moon solar eclipse is an exciting one. Not only are we offered new opportunities, we can also sense the good fortune and positive changes up ahead.

Read complete article at: Spirit de la Lune ~ New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn Energy Update

Crystals to Support Empaths During the Holidays

To my fellow empaths, the chaotic and overwhelming vibes of the holiday season can be difficult to manage with a sensitive and reactive nervous system.

For those get-togethers that we sometimes dread attending, consider carrying Black Tourmaline as an energetic defense and grounding influence, Amethyst to help relax an overstimulated nervous system and to protect against psychic invasion, and Citrine to promote the confidence to socialize and a sense of generosity to give without attaching to any return.

Allow yourself to get into a pleasant observer mode by imagining positive energy flowing from your eyes into the room and even step away for some space when necessary, as small talk and group settings can burden and overstimulate an empath’s system. Selenite can help transmute and move any of the empathic transmissions that were absorbed by placing pieces in any areas you perceive discomfort, overwhelm, and even physical pain. Lepidolite can help calm an overstimulated nervous system, alleviate anxiety, and even promote restful sleep.

For those who are experiencing loneliness at this time, allow Malachite to support the release of heavy and intense emotions; Morganite to promote a state of gentle and unconditional self-love, deep peace, and joy; and Apache Tear to process grief, encourage forgiveness, and release emotional blocks to a feeling of connection.

Warmest wishes this holiday season,
Rachael Shaffer
urbanempath.com
youtube.com/c/urbanempath

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spiced Honey Cookies — Gather Victoria

Ever since I called upon Baba Yaga to be my winter baking muse this season – I’ve had nothing but trouble. Which should have been no surprise, Baba Yaga is renowned for testing your mettle with endless impossible tasks which determine whether she will help you- or hinder you – according to her liking! And…

via Baba Yaga’s Wild Spiced Honey Cookies — Gather Victoria

Moons of the Winter Solstice

Meditation

Two More Reasons To Add Mushrooms To Your Holiday Menus

Greetings!

If you’re looking for reasons to eat more mushrooms, read on.

Two new relevant studies were published in the scientific literature this past year, each one highlighting the importance of mushrooms in the human diet.

1. Mushroom consumption and mild cognitive impairment

As part of a recent study design, and to determine any association between mushroom consumption and mild cognitive impairment, researchers in Singapore analyzed diet and lifestyle factors of 663 participants over the age of 60.

After controlling for factors including age, education, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activities, meat consumption, and vegetable consumption, participants who consumed greater than 2 portions of mushrooms per week had lower odds of having mild cognitive impairment compared to participants who consumed mushrooms less than once per week.

Findings were similar in males and females, and results were published in the Journal Of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers concluded: “Mushroom consumption could be a potential preventive measure to slow cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in aging.”

2. Mushroom consumption and prostate cancer

A brand new study published in the International Journal Of Cancer looked at the association between mushroom consumption and prostate cancer in over 36,000 Japanese men between the ages of 40 and 79.

This was the first long-term cohort study ever published on the subject. (A cohort study follows participants over time to determine the incidence of, or mortality from, a disease or other outcome.)

Results indicated that higher mushroom consumption in men over the age of 50 was related to a lower risk of incident prostate cancer. Additionally, researchers found a beneficial effect of mushroom consumption on the prevention of prostate cancer regardless of clinical stage of tumor development (localized or advanced and metastatic).

Researchers in this study concluded that “habitual mushroom intake might help to reduce prostate cancer risk.”

So… if you needed yet another reason to eat more mushrooms, perhaps these two studies will influence your decision in a positive manner.

Lastly, today (Sunday) is the last day to enroll in Foraging Wild Mushrooms, as registration will close at midnight. This online course is designed to teach you the skills necessary to safely and confidently harvest wild fungi for food, for medicine, for study, and for fun.

Additionally, a portion of all proceeds derived from course sales will be donated to the Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation — a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks and forests.

You can learn more about the course here.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll consider adding more mushrooms to your holiday menus!

-Adam Haritan