Help Clean The Air In Your Home With The Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a beautiful plant and one that can improve your indoor air quality by as much as 60 percent. It helps to reduce the levels of mold spores that grow in the home by absorbing those spores through its leaves and them circulating them to the plant’s roots where they are used as food. In bathrooms, the Peace Lily can help to keep shower tiles and curtains free from mildew and the plant can absorb harmful vapors from alcohol and acetone.

Peace lilies get their name from the white leaf at the top that resembles a white flag waving in surrender. They remind us to let go of the stress that can build up in our day when the pressures of jobs and family mount. Peace lilies are great for offices to create a sense of calm during a hectic day or in bedrooms to provide a sense of tranquility and restful sleep. As a gift, peace lilies are a sign of good will. Their glossy spiked leaves speed of the flow of good energy in your home, particularly in narrow hallways or small doorways.

The Peace Lily Plant or Spathiphyllum first came to Europe in 1824 when it was found by Gustav Wallis in the Colombian jungle. Wallis is remembered for his discovery in the Peace Lily's latin name of S. Wallis. Along with the lush foliage, it's a cheap plant to buy, simple to care for with easy to follow care instructions .

Peace lilies love shade and some indirect light. A spot 5-7 feet away from a south- or west-facing window will often provide the right mix. Yellowing leaves, brown spots or streaks may mean that your plant is getting too much light, so try moving the plant a little further from the window or experiment with a new, less sunny location. Peace lilies can sometimes even do well under a fluorescent light without any sunlight at all! If you move your plant into a shadier location and its leaves are still brown, it may need a bit of misting on the leaves.

Peace lilies like a consistent temperature between about 65 and 80 degrees F. Protect your plant from drafts and cold or drastic changes in temperature.

Spring and summer, use an organic fertilizer to help your plant bloom. Organic options are best.

Peace lilies like to be watered a lot at once, but also need a chance to dry out afterward. The plant will droop a bit when thirsty, telling you when it needs a drink! If you pay attention to when it usually starts to sag,  you can plan to water one day before it generally happens. Watering about once a week and spritzing leaves with water throughout the summer will help keep your peace lily hydrated. If your plant seems to completely droop, don’t give up: water and spritz and give it a chance to revive. If your water is chlorine-heavy, let a container of water stand overnight before watering the plant.

Peace lilies are susceptible to root rot, so it’s very important to make sure the plant has a chance to dry out between waterings and that the container it lives in drains well. If your peace lily starts to wilt, check the roots to make sure they are firm and light-colored rather than soggy.

When your plant’s roots show or your peace lily seems to be drinking up all its water within a few days, re-pot into a larger container. Your plant may need to be gradually moved into larger and larger containers, but generally peace lilies won’t need to go into a pot larger than 10 inches.

Expect your peace lily to show off its familiar white blooms in the spring. The plant is mildly toxic to animals and humans, so keep away from small children and your pets, and wash your hands after handling your plant as it produces crystals that can irritate skin. Follow these peace lily care tips and, with some experimentation, your peace lily should bring beauty to your house for years to come!

Angelica Essential Oil

Angelica essential oil comes from the roots of the Angelica archangelica (Archangelica officinalis) plant. It has a herby, spicy scent and is a base note oil.

In Germany, angelica was historically referred to as the “oil of angels,” in part because of its ability to calm anxiety, restore happy memories, and bring peaceful sleep. Traditional medicine practitioners used angelica as a stimulant, digestive tonic, and expectorant.

There are two angelica essential oils, one distilled from the seeds, one from the roots. Sometimes they are combined. As an essence, angelica has been distilled only recently in Europe. At first it is colourless, but with age it turns yellow and then dark brown. It must not be used when dark brown. It is quite thick, but still fluid. The seeds contain more essential oil than the roots, but the root oil is much stronger and more concentrated. The seeds are dependent on the variety but include angelic acid, sugar, valeric acid, volatile oil, bitter principle and a resin called angelicin. The angelica essential oil is extracted from the roots when the plant is approximately one year old.

Origin of angelica oil

The plant is said to originate from Africa and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is considered a native plant of northern and eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and the Soviet Union, and is found in Scotland, Holland, Lapland and Germany.

It is called Angelica, since it normally flowers on the 8th May, which is St Michael the Archangel's Day, and for this reason it is often planted in monasteries and is referred to as "Angel Grass".

This herb is included in the famous Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur. When the Black Plague swept Europe, the herb was considered an antidote for it, and "Angelica Water" was taken up in a Royal Prescription and published by the College of Physicians when the plague swept London in 1665. It is also used to flavor gin, perfumes, and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery.

It is a rather large, water-loving herb, with broad pointed leaves dividing into smaller leaflets and has small white-green flowers. It has a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.

This oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system. It generally detoxifies the body. It can also be used to great effect on respiratory ailments and is a great help in stomach related problems; including flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, discomfort and indigestion.

Burners and vaporizers

In vapor therapy, angelica oil can be used to help clear lungs, for bronchitis, pleurisy and to ease shortness of breath as well as asthma.

Blended massage oil and in the bath

Angelica oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath, to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, detoxification, digestive problems, to help with colds and flu, as well as to fight fungal growths.

Blended in a cream or lotion

As a constituent of a cream or lotion, angelica oil can be used to assist with circulation, arthritis, gout, sciatica, migraines, colds and flu, as well as helping to encourage the natural production of estrogen - this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.

It is a remarkable healer for scars, wounds and bruises. Mix about 5 drops of angelica oil with 10 ml (2 tsp) of a vegetable oil like almond, and apply three times a day at first, then once every day until cured. Patience is necessary. Caution: Don’t expose yourself to the sun or ultra-violet light straight after use.

Add 2 drops of Angelica Essential oil along with 1 drop of Eucalyptus oil to steam inhalation for treating migraine pain, nasal congestion, cold, whooping cough, headache, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma and breathing difficulties.

A weekly rejuvenating massage with 5 drops of Angelica oil blended with 3 drops of Rosewood oil, 3 drops of Petitgrain oil, 3 drops of Chamomile oil and 1 drop of Rose oil with 75 ml of Jojoba oil can alleviate nervous tension, anxiety, pain, anger, and negative feelings due to depression and hypertension.

A Few Words of Caution: It should be avoided during pregnancy and by diabetics. It can cause skin irritation in higher concentrations and also photo-toxicity. In higher doses, it can cause excessive stimulation or hyperactivity of the nervous system.

Blending: The Essential Oil of Angelica blends well with basil, chamomile, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin, and patchouli essential oils.

Brighid's Mantle

In Celtic Pagan stories, Brighid's mantle carries with it blessings and powers of healing. Many people believe that if you place a piece of cloth out upon your hearth at Imbolc, Brighid will bless it in the night. Use the same cloth as your mantle each year, and it will gain strength and power each time Brighid passes by. The mantle can be used to comfort and heal a sick person, and to provide protection for women in labor.

A newborn baby can be wrapped in the mantle to help them sleep through the night without fussing.

To make a Brighid's mantle of your own, find a piece of green cloth long enough to comfortably wrap around your shoulders. Leave it on your doorstep on the night of Imbolc, and Brighid will bless it for you. In the morning, wrap yourself in her healing energy.

An old Gaelic name for Brigid was "Brighid of the Tribe of the Green Mantles." The green of Brigid comes to us in the promise of the return of spring, the promise of renewed life on earth, through the birthing of the new calves of the season which takes place during the time of the Festival of Brigid. Green shoots begin to appear in dark, cold earth as the sun begins to melt away remaining drifts of snow.

Art By Barrie Maguire

Meaning & Symbolism of Aster

With their wildflower beauty and lush texture, asters have long been considered an enchanted flower.

In ancient times, it was thought that the perfume from their burning leaves could drive away evil serpents. Today, they're known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience. Also known as starworts, Michaelmas daisies or Frost flowers, the name aster is derived from the Greek word for "star," and its star-like flowers can be found in a rainbow of colors – white, red, pink, purple, lavender and blue, with mostly yellow centers. The September birth flower, asters also hold the honor of being the 20th wedding anniversary flower.

One ancient myth arises from the Iron Age, when people learned to make weapons of iron, the god Jupiter, was angered by all the fighting with these iron weapons that he decided to destroy the entire race by a flood. The gods fled the earth and the last to go, the goddess Astraea, was so saddened that she asked to be turned into a star. When the flood waters receded, all that was left was mud and slime. Astraea felt so sorry for them she wept, her tears falling as stardust which turned to lovely starflowers or asters. 

Another myth comes from Greek mythology. Every year Aegeus, king of Athens, would send seven young men and seven maidens to the king of Crete. There they would be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a creature with a bull's body and human head. One year Aegeus' son Theseus volunteered to be one of the youths, believing he could slay the Minotaur. When he sailed for Crete he told his father, who dearly loved his son, that when he returned he would fly white sails on the ship instead of the black ones that were raised when the ship left. Theseus did arrive at Crete, where he fell in love with the king¹s daughter Ariadne. With her help, he entered the labyrinth and killed the Minotaur. However, on his return to Athens, Theseus forgot to hoist the white sails. Seeing the black sails his father, believing his son had been killed, then killed himself. Purple asters sprang up from the ground where his blood flowed, the result of a spell put on him by sorceress Medea, who had been once been his wife. 

According to the Cherokee Indian legend, two warring tribes, fighting over a choice hunting ground, waged war over a hill, down a valley and into a village. All the villagers were killed except for two sisters who hid in the woods. Both wore doe skin dresses, one dyed lavender-blue with fringe, the other one bright yellow. The sisters sought out the Herb Woman who lived over the mountain in another valley. This woman gathered herbs by day and brewed magic potions by night, a gift given to her by the gods. As the sisters slept that night under the stars, the Herb Woman looked into the future and saw that these little girls would be hunted down by the enemy. So she sprinkled them with a magic brew and covered them with leaves. In the morning there were two flowers where the sisters had been. One was the lavender-blue aster, the fringe from the dress having been turned into the outer flower petals of the aster. The other flower was the yellow goldenrod. 

Walking The Red Road - By Terri Jean

Walking The Red Road

Daily Inspiration

This is not a calendar in the true sense of the word. It is instead a daily inspiration of priceless ancient knowledge from Native American elders. This wisdom has been passed on from generation to generation for centuries. By reading the messages for each day we learn to move positively down our personal road without fear or doubt."

365 Days Of Walking The Red Road: The Native American Path to Leading a Spiritual Life Every Day (Religion and Spirituality)

You will find a monthly lesson to help your spiritual journey on the Red Road in the book that begins on January 1st and goes through each month and day of the year. Includes important dates in Native American History. You will learn the proper uses of dream catchers and other symbols and crafts.

There are inspiring quotations from well known and historically significant Native Americans such as Chief Joseph, Geronimo, Tecumseh and Black Hawk to name just a few.

An incredible book to read each day of the year to learn more about your own spiritual journey from the Elders of different tribal traditions. Learn your way from those who came before you as leaders of their people.

Ruby Gemstone

Element: fire

Planet: The Sun, Mars

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn, also Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio

One of the four “precious” gemstones, the ruby is a well known, captivating stone of nobility named for its rich red color. Revered throughout history in numerous cultures, it is still regarded as one of the most magnificent of all gems to this day. Indeed, to ancients, it was more valuable than the diamond and exceeded all other stones in virtue. It is said that in exchange for a sizable ruby, the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan would give an entire city. It is red corundum and an aluminum oxide, and the credit for its famous red color goes to chromium. The shade of red can vary, however. Depending on the location from which it is mined, it may appear red-orange, pink red, violet red, deep wine, or pigeon's blood (the most desirable) in coloration. Ruby falls at 9 on the Moh's scale, putting it behind only moissanite and diamond in hardness. It displays a trigonal crystal system and a dull or greasy lustre in its rough form. Natural forms always have imperfections within them, helping to distinguish them from synthetics. These imperfections manifest as rutile needles referred to as “silk” or color impurities. Almost any ruby you see on the market today has been treated in some way, but even high quality untreated rubies are often pricey. Significant gem localities include Afghanistan, Australia, Burma, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Greenland, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Rubies are not only valuable to collectors, but also in technology. For example, they are used in medical instruments, lasers for microscopic surgery, and watchmaking.

Metaphysically, ruby is a stone of intensity. It may be uncomfortable or overstimulating to wear for some people. It is said to promote courage, success, heightened awareness, concentration, and mystical communion. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac. Keeping it as a companion may deepen your relationship with your spouse by facilitating closeness and commitment. It may restore and maintain lost passion in lovemaking and even increase the chance of conception. It is claimed to have protective qualities as well, guarding the home from intrusion or destruction, the body from physical, psychic and psychological attack, and the mind from fear and nightmares. It resonates with the base chakra. Stimulating of the base chakra can result in an increase of strength, stamina, sense of security and personal power. 

On a physical level, ruby is considered to be a blood stone. It is believed to strengthen the circulatory system, including the heart, ventricles and coronaries, myocardium, and blood flow. It can serve as an aid in the treatment of blood or heart disorders and stimulate the spleen, adrenals and kidneys. Additionally, it may assist in healthy and less painful menstruation, early menopause, pregnancy in older women, detoxification of the body, fever reduction, and in operations of a gynecological nature. It is said to fight sexual infertility and dysfunction, inadequate circulation in the lower body, infection, and unhealthy weight gain. 

Spearmint Uses

Spearmint

PARTS USED
The Whole Herb

GENDER: Feminine
ELEMENTS: Air and Water
PLANET: Venus

FOLK NAMES
Brown Mint
Erba Santa Maria
Fish Mint
Frauen Munze
Garden Mint
Green Mint
Lamb Mint
Mackerel Mint
Menthe de Notre Dame
Mismin (Irish Gaelic)
Our Lady's Mint
Sage of Bethlehem
Spire Mint
Yerba Buena (Spanish)

POWERS

Healing
Love
Mental Powers
Healing and some Love wishes.
Burn for healing wishes especially respiratory.
Carry the herb in sachet for healing, drink the tea
for healing or take a bath for strength and vitality.

MAGICAL USES

Spearmint ia used in all healing applications.
especially in aiding lung disease.
Spearmint is sometimes used to provoke lust.
Smelled, spearmint increases and sharpens mental power.
For protection while asleep.
stuff a pillow or mattress with spearmint.

Source
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
by Scott Cunningham

Essential Oil Blend For Troubled Sleep

Sleep Tight Oil Blend

If you have a hard time sleeping at night, this is a great blend to diffuse right before bed.

3 drops lavender

2 drops marjoram

1 drop orange

1 drop roman chamomile

Lavender Mint Bath Salts Recipe

Lavender Mint Bath Salts Recipe

There are so many health benefits to a relaxing salt bath.

Salt baths are great for:

Stress relief

Reducing muscle aches

Improving circulation

Better nutrient absorption

Headache relief

Speeding up wound healing

During illness, especially respiratory illness

For children to help mineral absorption and improve sleep

For acne, eczema or other skin problems

For joint pain relief

Improving skin hydration

Ingredients:

2 cups epsom salts or try using magnesium flakes as an alternative

1/2 cup baking soda

1/4 cup sea salt (optional)

30 drops of lavender essential oils

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl.

Store in an air-tight jar and use 1/4 cup per bath.

Aegerine Crystal Meaning

Aegerine Crystal

Alternate Names & Spellings: Aegirine, Aegerite, Aegirite, Agrine

Aegerine is named after the Teutonic god of the sea, Aegir.

A Stone of Integrity and Self, Aegirine is a most noble crystal, aligning with one's truest convictions in life and providing the courage and confidence to follow those convictions. It encourages acceptance of self and others, and to follow the heart.

With its connection to the earth and the natural world, Aegirine activates a strong, protective energy, guarding the aura and physical body, as well as fortifying the Spirit in times of difficulty. It eliminates negative thoughts, energies and attachments, and replaces them with the Light of the positive. It promotes wholeness and healing.

Aegirine is a member of the Pyroxene group, a sodium iron silicate that forms as long, prismatic crystals often terminated by a steep asymmetrical pyramid. It may also form as compact and fibrous disseminated grains. Opaque to translucent, it is dark in color, most often black, though sometimes greenish-black or brownish-black, and is commonly found in alkali-rich volcanic rock.

Aegirine is a powerful protector of those suffering jealousy, malice, mental influence or psychic attack from others. Use once a week as a wand in the hand you write with to thrust energies away from you in all directions as you state your intent of protection.

As a black stone, Aegirine may be used to honor Manat, the Arabian Goddess of Time, Destiny and Death. She is honored because time brings us all a transition we call death, but in life she can bring a world filled with magic, wisdom and protection.

Black crystals also honor Cybele, the Roman Earth Goddess and Modern Goddess of Spring Break. She is the Earth Mother and embodies the fertile Earth. Her festival is the first on the Roman calendar, the Festival of Joy.

Metaphysical Properties:

Activates root chakra

Banishes attachments within the auric field

Aligns one to their truest convictions in life

Activates a strong, protective energy to guard the aura

Fortifies the spirit in times of difficult situations

Eliminates negative thoughts, energies and attachments

Promotes wholeness and healing

Helps over-come self-consciousness

Shields from electromagnetic fog

Expands the power of other stones

Boost the body’s own ability to self-heal

Deepens connection to the physical plane

Protects against psychic attack

Aids in healing relationship problems

Relieves fears

Stabilizes energy fields during Kundalini awakening

Healing Properties:

Boost Immune System

Eliminates Toxins

Helps Overcome Depression

Heals The Auric Field

Since we live in an age filled with electronics and technology, aegirine is one of the best crystals for protection from EMFs. It provides a powerful energetic shield from electromagnetic energy emitted from computers and other electronics. Place your aegirine crystal with Quartz crystals, next to your computer, television and other electronics. 

Aegirine is common in high-soda, low-silica rocks, in the fine-grained equivalents. This entire family of high-soda, low-silica rocks, however, is quite uncommon. The best U.S. occurrence is at Magnet Cove, Arkansas, where slender crystals several inches (10 cm or more) long are very abundant. In Canada, St. Hilaire in Quebec has become famous for its feldspathoid group of hundreds of nepheline syenite associates.

In Russia, the Kola Peninsula is equally famed for a like assemblage, commonly with rare-earth, zirconium, and titanium minerals. Acmite needles are set in a dark-hued dike of this material at Beemerville, New Jersey. Mid-size crystals are found in low-silica rocks in the Bear Paw and Highwood mountains in Montana and near Colorado Springs. The same sort of rock is found in Greenland; at Langesundfjord, Norway; and near Poços de Caldas in Brazil.