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Potent Potable Potions and Wicked Halloween Brews : Before I give you a few recipes to concoct a magical witches brew for your Halloween bash, lets delve into the history of witchcraft and it's association with Halloween. First, the word "witch" originates from the old English word "Wicca" (meaning healer). A witch was once considered a wise-woman, skilled in the use of herbs and they were considered valuable local healers. They used cauldrons (pots) to mix magical potions and to scry... Read Full Story

We refer to most seasons by the names that were commonly used by our ancestors. Winter is from the German word meaning "time of water" (of rain and snow.) Spring refers to the springing forth of life from the earth. The word autumn comes from the original Latin word "autumnus". The alternate term, fall, originated with the Germans but became commonplace with the mid16th century English who typically referred to fall as meaning "the fall of the leaves." Here's a look at some common symbols... Read Full Story

Top Gifts for Terrific Teachers! : Great teachers are special people who seem to have a magical quality to not only kindle our curiosity and imagination but also leave us with a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. "A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others." ~ Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, (Turkish Quote) Whether you are a parent, a student or a co-worker of one of these amazing teachers, the holiday season is a perfect time to give a unique... Read Full Story

There are many vacation sites around the world that radiate a spiraling force of energy that emanates from inside the earth itself. These energy centers are called vortexes. Vortexes are very similar to the motion of a whirlwind or a tornado but the flow of energy is gentle and constant. Many believe these locations have an ancient spiritual power that resonates in harmony with our body's physical energy to produce a positive, even life-changing experience . Sedona, Arizona is one the most... Read Full Story

The Sparrow, returning from it's winter home, is the herald of spring, a symbol of the mother goddess , rebirth, and the Resurrection. It is a symbol of hope, fertility, a renewal of life, and represents the love of God for even the "least" among us. The Sparrow was an attribute and messenger of Aphrodite. The long battle at Troy was forecast when nine sparrows, representing the nine years of war, were eaten by a snake. In the art of Feng Shui, Birds in general, bring good luck when... Read Full Story

Are you interested in learning more about planting an environmental landscape to help create a healthier planet? Would you like to decrease your monthly yard cleaning costs, reduce the cost of heating or cooling a large space, all while spending less time mowing the lawn? By taking the time to create a healthy intelligent landscape design you can reduce water and air pollution while improving the overall health of the planet, it's people and our wildlife.   To see some startling facts... Read Full Story

About one in four people think that they are allergic to certain foods. In fact, only about 4 percent of persons age 5 and older actually have a food allergy. In a true food allergy, your body's defense system, called the immune system, reacts to a certain food or food component as if it were a harmful substance. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a food usually develop within a few minutes to an hour after eating the food. If you are allergic to a particular food, you may first feel... Read Full Story

In southwestern mythology, the Coyote is known as a "Trickster God", and is famous for his adaptability, ego, humor, insight, and mischievous playfulness. The Coyote symbolizes the earth, duality and balance and he has the unique ability to present both sides of an issue. In difficult times, through his wisdom and protective nature, the Coyote can discover a trap hidden within a foolish situation you may unknowingly be caught in. For example, If you are in a relationship where you think... Read Full Story

At Meals: •To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product – such as eating whole-wheat bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice. It’s important to substitute the whole-grain product for the refined one, rather than adding the whole-grain product. •For a change, try brown rice or whole-wheat pasta. Try brown rice stuffing in baked green peppers or tomatoes and whole-wheat macaroni in macaroni and cheese. •Use whole grains in... Read Full Story

If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year. Most people with SAD are women whose illness typically begins in their twenties, although men also report SAD of similar severity and have increasingly sought treatment... Read Full Story