in the morning fog

By Natalie J. Case

Winter in San Francisco generally means temperatures in the mid 40s to mid 50s and fog. Sometimes really thick fog. That does seem to be the case this year. Even though I live a good 45 minute BART ride outside of the city, my little city can get pretty socked in too.

Fog means dangerous driving conditions, particularly when you don’t know the roads you’re driving on. For me, I find fog mysterious and beautiful, especially when it hangs low over the mountains or the bridges. I never do seem to get out into it with my camera however. One of these days I’m going to get up to the Marin Headlands when the fog rolls in.

Just imagine what the world of horror movies would be like without fog! It sets a mood, for sure.

If you have been waiting for the paperback to get your copy of Where Shadows Fall, your wait is over. As of this morning, the paperback is available. Click HERE to get it.

We’re headed into the busiest time of year, with holiday parties and get togethers, shopping and cooking and chaos of all kinds. My life is no exception. I’ll be trying a new-to-me cookie recipe this coming weekend for a company pot luck, and I have my first holiday party tomorrow evening.

Then it’s all a landslide into Christmas for me.

What about you, Readers? Do you have a special holiday tradition, no matter what holiday you celebrate?

Learn to be an Herbalist

The Herb Society of America Blog

By Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine

how to be an herbalist It’s an exciting time to be an herbalist as more and more people are using medicinal herbs for health and well-being. Nearly one-third of Americans use medicinal herbs, and the World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of people worldwide still rely on herbs as their primary form of health care. This botanical medicine momentum translates to more interest in herbal products and herbalism; there are more opportunities than ever for rewarding employment in the field as well as golden opportunities for entrepreneurship.

To help spread the herbal word, the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine has put together a *free* guide on how to start your herbal career. It’s 95 pages gushing with information for brand new and seasoned herbalists alike, including:

How to become a thriving herbalist
Getting the right herbal education
An herbalist’s salary & career opportunities
Debunking the mythic “Certified Herbalist”

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Food as Medicine Update: Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus, Apiaceae)

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs

Widely available at most supermarkets, the common root vegetable carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus, Apiaceae) is a biennial plant with erect, green stems and fine, feathery leaves.¹ The plant produces densely clustered white blossoms in an umbrella shape, which is typical of plants in the Apiaceae family. The edible taproot comes in a variety of colors: orange is the most widely available in stores, but the root can also be white, yellow, red, or purple.²

The modern carrot is a domesticated cultivar of wild carrot, Daucus carota, also known by the common name Queen Anne’s lace. Indigenous to Europe and southwestern Asia, frost-tolerant carrots are now cultivated in a wide range of environments.¹ Carrots are popular with home gardeners due to their colorful varieties as well as their hardiness.

Phytochemicals and Constituents

Favored for their sweet flavor and versatility, carrots contain a vast array…

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Announcement: Conversations in Real Time

By Nicholas J. Finch

Good News!

Conversations in Real Time now Available at Amazon!

If you’ve already bought the book and loved it – please leave a review on Amazon!

If you haven’t read it – now is a good time!

Or you can give it as a gift.

To keep updated on my Published work subscribe to my Website.

Or friend me on Facebook

OPENING THE ROAD: A CRYSTAL FIRE RITUAL

By Krista Mitchell

Crystal Fire Ritual / krista-mitchell.com

What are you ready to let go?

As we near the end of the calendar year, this is a big and important question.

Why?

Because no matter how this past year went for you (stellar, some hits / some misses, total clunker), this next year represents an opportunity to go bigger and better, achieve more goals, or have a fresh start.

And while many of us focus on what we intend to attract, create or achieve in the new year, not as many contemplate what they’re willing to release in order to create space for their dreams, opening the road to success.

So far in this year-end series we’ve cut cords to past relationships, and unblocked our inner resistance to positive change. Now, we’re ready to release what’s inside that no longer serves, and open the road.

Continue reading “OPENING THE ROAD: A CRYSTAL FIRE RITUAL” →

Sylum Advent 2018: December 8th

Summary:After being kidnapped from her family, Ababuo never expected to be a parent again, but while traveling through North Africa carrying messages to her old Clan, something happened to change that expectation.

Story is the song of a person’s life. We need to sing, and we need someone to hear the singing. Storytold, and story heard. Story written. Story read creates the web of life in words. …Christina Baldwin, Storycatcher

Herb Maker Gift-Giving Idea: Glassware

The Herb Society of America Blog

I’ve asked five blog contributors to share their favorite herb-related gift ideas. HSA’s blog will be running one per day during the first week of December. – Paris Wolfe, Blogmaster

By Andrea Jackson, HSA Member

glassware 2 I spent some time thinking about herbal holiday gifts. What is it that I just can’t do without and what is it that always thrills me when I receive it. Are you ready?

Glassware! Yup, all different kinds.

Mason jars of all sizes for jams and jellies and to age potpourri and to store bulk herbs and to keep elderberry syrup and habanero hot sauce. And then there are corked topped glass cylinders for stacked potpourri and roller top glass vials for perfumes and tiny glass cork topped vials for mixing essential oils to make new perfume blends. Oh, and recycled decorative liqueur bottles for homemade herbal liqueurs and cordials. Lovely antique vanity jars look…

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GIFTING WITH INTENTION: HERBAL DIY

Good Witches Homestead

So much of the holidays get lost behind the buying and gifting that it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that this time of year is about love, family, and doing good in the world. Gifting with intention has been our goal when it comes to thinking about the holidays, and it seems especially important these days, as we live in such challenging times. As herbalists, we love giving herbal gifts, as they are unique and are always well loved.

These simple and easy DIY recipes can be made at home, and the ingredients can be sourced at your local health food store/ co-op, or on Plant Therapy.

Flora-Forager-by-Bridget-Beth-Collins-6

DIY AROMATHERAPY SPRAY

It makes an excellent gift for anyone who experiences stress and worry. This aromatic blend of herbs is traditionally used to promote a joyful spirit and positive mental attitude*.

It pairs exceptionally well with this easy DIY…

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New Moon In Sagittarius- Moonthly Energy Report

Happy New Moon, beauties!

New Moon in Sagittarius Moonthly Energy Reading Spirit de la Lune

We have a beautiful moon cycle ahead of us! As we walk deeper into the darkness of Winter, it is important to remember what is most important to us and embody our lightness like the pale snow covering the ground.

What is most important to you? How can you keep it glowing in your heart?

Keep these questions in mind while you flow through this Wolf Moon cycle.

Now cozy up with a warm blanket, light the fire, and with a hot cocoa in your hand keep reading our moonthly energy.

First Quarter in Aries December 15th

Aries energy keeps the momentum high and energy is building up. The card pulled for this phase is Movement. Make sure you do not lose your patience or waste your precious energy.

Now is the time to focus and channel your energy into your big plans and let this energy move through your body in a healthy way. Burn any excess energy off by moving your body and tap into your strength. You are stronger than you think!

Do not procrastinate or let the energy settle and stagnate in your body… You will most likely get sick that way!

Read the other three quarters of the moon at Spirit de La Lune

Nature’s Solution To Staying Healthy This Winter Season

Greetings!

It’s no surprise that I love finding, researching, and discussing medicinal mushrooms. Plenty of research suggests that these wild fungi demonstrate powerful anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral effects, and many experts consider them to be top candidates for immune-system support.

Here’s what the research says:

A 2012 study from ISRN Oncology found that the Turkey Tail mushroom significantly improved the immune systems of breast cancer patients following conventional treatment.
The Chaga fungus is one of the richest sources of betulinic acid, a compound that has been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, anti-malaria, and antioxidant effects (Current Medical Chemistry, 2005).
A Maitake mushroom extract has been shown to demonstrate protection against diabetes by slowing glucose absorption in the body (Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2013).

And the list goes on and on.

In addition to sharing the videos I film, another passion of mine is creating high-quality wild food supplements using the finest ingredients, including wild harvested mushrooms and locally gathered Pennsylvania spring water. These are all medicines I consume on a routine basis to optimize my health and maintain a robust immune system.

For the next two weeks, I am offering a sale on all medicinal mushroom extracts from the online store. All products are discounted, and all orders placed in the United States will receive free shipping!

Because I create extractions in small batches to ensure quality, I only have a limited amount available. Once these tinctures are sold out, I won’t have another batch ready for about 8 weeks.

If you’re seeking new ways to optimize your health, especially for the new year, check out the online store!