Uses Of ALOE VERA In Modern And Folk Medicines

The healing benefits of aloe vera have been recorded throughout the world's history for thousands of years, but only recently has modern medicine placed the "miracle plant" under laboratory investigation and began to unlock the deep secrets of aloe's amazing chemical composition.

Aloe vera (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aloe has such unique healing abilities, proven scientifically, like no other plant. There have been many studies on aloe. The key ingredient in aloe vera is mucopolysaccharides [MPS] (long-chain sugars) that have very strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties proven scientifically. Many articles on aloe's remarkable healing abilities were published in the most prestigious medicinal magazines.

Even if you think it is easier just to buy a commercial aloe product, like gel or juice, it is still not going to be the same as aloe gel squeezed from a fresh aloe leaf because many aloe products on the market are either diluted or improperly processed. While traditional medicine has been using aloe as part of some drugs or cosmetic products for decades, folk medicine has been using aloe for a few thousand years and has built up an impressive collection of home remedies for many ailments.

There are two ways to prepare aloe gel at home: a regular method and a biogenic stimulation method. The biogenic stimulation method is very easy to do at home. It is a powerful weapon against tumors and serious illnesses, like stomach cancer, tuberculosis, radiation burns and mastopathy. This method was proven scientifically in 1930s and has already been successfully used by traditional and folk medicines in treating various diseases in the last 70 years.

Aloe vera can be used externally and internally.

Aloe vera gel used externally helps with acne, sunburns, thermal and radiation burns, boils, dandruff, gum sores, dermatitis, edemas, hemorrhoids, inflammation in the eyes, insect bites and stings, psoriasis, skin rashes and irritations, ulcers, varicose veins, warts, wounds and wrinkles. When you apply freshly squeezed aloe vera gel on the affected area of the skin, it creates a protective coating which speeds up the healing process, decreases swelling and redness, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, promotes synthesis of collagen in tissue and prevents blisters in case of burns.

Taken internally, it reduces inflammation which is involved in such diseases as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, and gastritis, helps with the reduction of blood sugar with both type I and II diabetes and has a powerful healing effect on AIDS, cancer, tumors and many different immune system disorders. Mucopolysaccharides found in aloe vera are very effective intracellular antioxidants which is very important in preventing and treating arteriosclerosis, heart disorders and Parkinson's disease.

Today home remedies have become more and more popular because people have become aware of the harmful side effects of synthetic drugs.

If you are interested in treating your health problems naturally, with home remedies that cost just pennies, download today the report Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor, which is filled with over 150 tested home remedies.

By Yulia Berry Yulia Berry is a professional makeup artist. It has been her passion to collect the most interesting natural home remedies, healthy diet plans, and beauty and makeup tips from different countries. She spent a few years researching alternative cures and healthy dieting. A part of her huge collection has been published on the website Great Home Remedies. In September 2007 she released her ebook Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor where over 150 unique and tested home remedies based on an aloe vera plant were published for the first time. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Drawbacks to PILATES

Instruction in the Pilates method can be quite costly. These costs are justified by instructors due to their expensive education, the cost of equipment and also the cost of studio rentals.

Sometimes a person new to Pilates will be given individual supervision until the instructor believes that the trainee has developed enough knowledge to continue his or her training in a group or a class.

Curso de Instructor de Pilates (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is another less obvious drawback to consider. While Pilates can serve to tone the transverse abdominis and rectus muscles, when it is performed to often or wrongly, it can cause an over-development in the internal and external oblique muscles of the abdomen.

This usually results in a flat stomach but sometimes a wider waist. This is because a lot of the Pilates exercises are practiced through flexion while the torso moves in a linear, forward fashion.

Exercising during pregnancy has been found to be important for preventing musculoskeletal problems and for maintaining muscle strength.

When Pilates is used in pregnancy, it has been found to have many benefits both physically and mentally.

However, many exercises during pregnancy are contra-indicated. The use of Pilates when a woman is

pregnant should first meet with the approval of her doctor. Then it should only be used if one is being guided by a qualified expert.

Legal action

In recent years, the term -Pilates- came under fire and resulted in a lawsuit. However the U.S. federal court ruled that this term was generic and was free for unrestricted use.

This has caused confusion among consumers because many people do not know what Pilates really is and what credentials they should look for in an instructor.

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Effective ACUPUNCTURE Treatments before Surgery

There are times in which our health necessitates us going in for surgery for one reason or another.  For some of us, it may be what is referred to as a routine procedure but for others, the surgery that we are going through may be life altering and very severe.  Regardless of why we are going in for the surgery or of how severe the treatment, acupuncture is one way that has been used to help us to get through the process easier.  What different things can acupuncture do for us when we need to have surgery?

Acupuncture needles
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Acupuncture has actually been used for thousands of years but it is only recently become popular in the westernized world.  As more people are using the procedure, they are finding that it benefits us in many different ways.  One of the ways in which it benefits us is through pain management and by keeping our body in a balanced state.  The entire concept of Chi, the energy that flows through our body and of the balance that needs to exist in all things is what brought about the art of acupuncture.  Now, they're using this ancient Chinese medicine in order to help us when we are undergoing surgery.

Acupuncture can be administered before and after surgery as a way to reduce the amount of pain that an individual is feeling.  As a matter of fact, it is sometimes administered during surgery in order to keep the individual from feeling some of the pain of the surgery itself.  Not only is it available to block pain to a certain extent, it is able to help us to heal so that we have a shorter recovery time that involves less pain.  It also keeps us from having to take too much pain medication during that time.

Another thing that acupuncture is able to do is to reduce the amount of nausea that is experienced by women who are undergoing breast surgery.  Nausea is a fairly common side effect that is felt by these women but acupuncture is able to overcome some of the discomfort and negative experiences that they may have.

As we continue to learn more about the benefits of using acupuncture during surgery, it's hard to tell how frequently it will be used in order to control pain and to help keep the body in a balanced condition.

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Vitamins Used To Treat ACNE

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What vitamins can be used to treat acne?

Due to the incredibly unhealthy diets that have become the norm in modern day America, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies are so rampant. Only about 10-20% of Americans consume the recommended amount of the important vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. This vitamin deficiency has led to many problems in the bodies of Americans, and obviously the skin, the largest organ of the body, is affected by this deficiency as well.

There are many vitamins that can all contribute to fighting and preventing the formation of acne on the skin. Different vitamins have different uses ranging from antioxidants (clearing the skin of harmful toxins) to antibacterial (fighting bacteria which can cause acne, helping to prevent it from forming) and more. This article will help to point out and explain which vitamins can be used to help against acne and what it is that they do.

The main vitamins that help to combat acne are Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Chromium and Zinc. Each of these vitamins helps to fight acne in a different way and when used in conjunction they can help greatly to reduce the affects of acne and even prevent its breakout altogether. If you decide to use these vitamins, most likely through form of supplements since trying to consume the right amounts through dieting can be difficult, it is extremely important to follow the dosage instructions and to never take too much of any vitamin. Taking too much of many vitamins can be toxic and can lead to illness and worse problems, so always be careful and patient.

Vitamins A and E are strong antioxidants and help to promote healthy skin. Zinc is also an antioxidant but more importantly it helps to regulate the production of oil in the oil glands. Chromium aids in reducing the infections in the skin which can prevent acne from spreading. The B Complex vitamins and Vitamin C are more like super-vitamins. Both of these have countless functions in maintaining a healthy body and involving these in your daily diet is only too important.

The main reason that each of these vitamins is so important is not only their assistance to fighting and preventing acne but also the simple fact that a deficiency in any single one of these vitamins can lead to acne breakouts. Because of this, the importance of consuming the correct amounts of these vitamins every day through either diet, which can be very difficult, or in supplement form is simply undeniable. By being knowledgeable of these vitamins and by attempting to meet the recommended amounts each day, a person can combat acne much more effectively and help to prevent it from occurring altogether.

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A Gift of Sight: Visual Perception Treatment for AUTISTIC CHILDREN

A little autistic girl. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Autism effects every child differently, so it is difficult to find the exact treatments your child needs to cope with his or her symptoms. One thing that effects some autistic children (though, not all) is problems with visual perception. By using some standardized methods to help improve visual perception, you can give your child the ability to see the world more clearly, making learning and comprehension easier and possibly curbing some behavior problems as well.

Autistic children mainly have problems with sensory overload and distortion. These are some of the same problems many people not suffering from the disorder develop, and so many treatment options have become available. Individuals with autism often find, however, that the sensory overload of the world due to light, colors, contrast, shapes, and patterns, is too much to handle, causing them to act out or shut down in general.  This is sometimes a genetic condition that is simply enhanced by the autism, so if the child's parents have trouble with reading or have been otherwise treated for visual perceptive problems, there is a good chance that the child needs help as well. 

The Irene Method is one effective way to treat visual perception disorders. This method uses color to create a more harmonized world. You may have heard of these methods if anyone has ever suggested using a color filter over the page when reading to be able to read better and more quickly. This method is proven to work, and if your autistic child is at the maturity level of reading, you may want to try these color filters to see if there is a difference in speed and comprehension. However, it is more likely that your autistic child will benefit from color filters during the entire day, not just when reading. Special glasses have been made using colored lenses to conquer this problem. Not every child responds the same way to every color, so it is a process of trial and error to find out which color is the one blocking the harmful light. You can also choose to use colored light bulbs in your home to help autistic individuals with their visual perception problems. 

This method mainly helps children in 4 areas: depth perception, social interaction, learning, and physical well being. The colors help the child determine how far he or she is from an object, and the world becomes more three-dimensional, helping depth perception. Social interaction also improves because the child feels as though he or she is in a calmer world and can more clearly see and interpret facial expressions. The colors make it possible to learn, especially when reading, and overall, the child will feel better, because it helps reduce headaches and dizziness. By testing this technique and others to help visual perception problems, you can help your child better cope with the world and his or her autism. 

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DHYANA

Almost everyone has experienced the fact that when one starts concentrating his mind on any immediate object or an idea, the mind starts wandering. It is very difficult to keep the mind busy with a single thought. The ancient sages too encountered the same problems. Arjuna, in Gita had mentioned that controlling the mind is an impossible thing on earth. Hence, he was advised by Krishna that though mind control is difficult, it can be made silent and steady by regular practice of vairagya and abhyasa. However, he has warned that yoga is very difficult for people whose minds are not steady and controlled. Pantanjali, in Yoga Sutra has emphasized these two qualities to achieve mind control. Hence ,these are the very qualities that make the essence of yoga.

Lord Krishna instructing the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in Kurukshetra.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mind is like a disturbed pond with many impurities. First you need to stop the inflow of fresh impurities and then remove the existing impurities to clean the mind. Abhyasa is one of the practices for purifying the mind. Dhyana is one of the sub practices of abhyasa. This is a stage that a person reaches after practicing concentration for some time. At the start of dhyana, the mind is steadier and only a single thought about an object arises in the mind. Now it is safe to say that the state of dhyana is reached. Here, the mind becomes very stable like the flame of a lamp in a calm atmosphere and its contact with the object of experience becomes intense and complete.

There are two varieties of dhyana called sagunadhyana and nirgunadhyana. In the first dhyana, the stillness of mind is associated with an object of experience which can be experienced through the sense organs. The second one is completely mental. It implies complete absorption of mind into itself. Here, the mind is not associated with any external object. It becomes completely still in this state. This mind is supposed to remain still, silent and sensitive such that it can understand any past, present and future event that might have happened anywhere in the universe.

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VOODOO and WITCHCRAFT - Parallel Histories and Modern Spell Casting

Witchcraft and Voodoo are fundamentally very similar. Each is a venue for spirituality. Both reach out to the divine.

The motivation behind both Voodoo and Witchcraft is also similar; not evil or malicious, Voodoo and Witchcraft at their core are made to help real people solve the real problems that occur in their daily lives. These are holistic spiritual practices meant to touch every aspect of a person's life; they promote spiritual development, personal enrichment, and love.

Voodoo Altar, French Quarter, New Orleans
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The history of Voodoo and Witchcraft also has parallels. While Voodoo is an African magical tradition, Witchcraft is primarily a European tradition. However, both Voodoo and Witchcraft have been severely repressed. Many Witches suffered torture and death at the hands of religious authorities throughout Europe and the Americas. Similarly, when Voodoo Priests were stolen from Africa as slaves and brought to the Americas, slave masters feared the power of Voodoo magics and attempted to stamp it out at every turn.

Nonetheless, Voodoo and Witchcraft have survived. This is a testament to the power and love that lives within the hearts of devout practitioners of both traditions. Despite many centuries of severe persecution, both have retained their traditional beliefs, spells, and practices. Each has emerged stronger and more powerful in this modern world. And both are still readily available at the fingertips of those who need help from the modern Witch or Voodoo Priest.

Aside from this parallel history, the thing Voodoo and Witchcraft have most obviously in common is the practice of spell casting. As both have retained ancient magical practices the mainstream world has forgotten, they are able to offer something to us in this modern world that virtually no other venue can. It is these traditions, as well as others - such as Santeria, Candomble, Obeah, Kabbalah,

Ceremonial Magic, and more - that have retained the secrets of the ancient world and the mysteries therein. The most common workings of these - spells - can take many forms.

Voodoo and Witchcraft share many elements when it comes to spell casting. Although the rituals are very different, the purpose of the rituals is what is similar. Voodoo and Witchcraft can certainly be used for high spiritual ends, but they are also very practical. People frequently visit the Witch or Voodoo Priest for love spells, spells to help out with money, and other types of workings that generally make life easier. This is one of the amazing things about both Voodoo and Witchcraft that many mainstream religions miss out on - they understand you. They are very down to earth, understand your specific problems as a human being, and can proscribe spells and rituals that will actually help them.

The choice between Voodoo and Witchcraft is largely a matter of personal taste. When you are seeking someone to help you with spells, spiritual matters, energy work, or anything else it is important to find someone you are comfortable with. Many people have an affinity for Voodoo; if Voodoo calls out to you, by all means you should find a Voodoo Priest to help you. If Witchcraft appeals more to you, you should find a Witch. As spiritual beings first and foremost we know what is best for us; listen to your heart and find the tradition that speaks to you.

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The History Of TATTOOS

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years.  Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos.  In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills.  Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist.  Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

Tattos of Cross on Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time.  Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier.  Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants.  Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well.  The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites.  During this era, Borneo women were the artists.  They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with.  Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common.  Tattoos were a long way from being perfected – which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren’t well accepted at first. William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas.  During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions.  He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas.  Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos.  During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money.  A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun.  In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison’s electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today’s guns.  The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price.  These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well.  People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off.  They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere.  These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ½ of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo.  They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member.  There are millions of designs out there for tattoos – including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

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10 Important Concepts of TAI CHI

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention on the things that are not brought up every once in a while because even though if things seem so basic, they are indeed important.

Picture: Wikimedia

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with emphasis on every movement and the fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning every motion made must always start from the spine, going down to the waist, then moving lower to the legs and the feet, then it is simultaneously going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers. 

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped so that any tension will be eliminated. Shoulders that are always propped are said to have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Your wrists must always be straight in order to form a lady’s hand if you are performing the Cheng form. All points apply to all forms of Tai Chi but the lady’s hand is basic and a very important trait of the Cheng form in order to cultivate the energy flowing in the body.

Concept #4

Moving slowly should always be done every step of the way. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every instruction. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen carefully to the instructions so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale. 

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AURA: Unravel the Mystery

Aura or etheric human bioenergy field 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are there times when you feel uncomfortable in crowded places? Are there moments when you  feel as if your space is being invaded?Some people can only come so close to you. This is a reaction triggered by your aura.

It’s possible that someone else’s aura is intruding  upon yours.

At times, you feel uneasy in the presence of a certain person. You enter a room, you have this sense that something is wrong. The human aura  is a strong electro- magnetic field. We give off electrical energy and  absorb magnetic one.

You can feel this energy force in a room full of people, where varying energies, positive and  negative are being intercharged.

The aura is an extension of our energies, be it strong or weak, fair or otherwise, light and bright or dull and dense.

It is a band of energy that surrounds us, a life energy that can be sensed around every living thing, plants, trees, animals, birds and people.

There are seven layers of aura, but the most accessible to the human perception are the first three layers surrounding the human body.

Auras can be seen with the eyes wide open. It can also be seen psychically with the eyes closed. Auras can be best seen under a soft light. You can check your own aura by looking at a mirror against a light color background with dim lighting.

Look beyond the object and do not focus on it.Auras are observed more prominently around the hands, between the shoulders, neck and head area.

Those who can see aura mostly observe the mental and etheric layers or planes. These are the colorful layers of aura.

Physical Aura 

Closest to the body is the physical aura. It represents the body’s physical growth, strengths and weaknesses, physical sensations, pleasant and unpleasant. This band is very strong in athletes and people who are in touch with themselves- enjoy life’s pleasures like food, comfort , sex, etc.

Mental and Emotional Aura 

Moving away from the body is the second layer. This reflects the person’s  emotional moods and mental feelings, about how one feels about oneself. Any block in this area slows down the flow of energy. This part of the aura is changeable and fluctuates through the day,  depending on the mental and emotional stimulations one feels.

Spiritual Aura 

This part of the aura reflects the energy of the spirit  and its development. The color on this level is most distant. Mental sluggishness shows in this area.

Negative thoughts accumulated over time shows in this area. It is believed that yellow is predominant in at this level.

                         

Reading the Aura 

These levels can be read separately or in conjunction with each other.The colors are not physically  separated by a line or space between them. They seem to fuse or change into one another. One color  may be more dominant than others. As one develops the ability to read auras, viable information can be derived from the different levels.

There is no hierarchy of judgement involving the colors and their placement in the aura. The colors are only indicators of the person’s current state, can be read to strengthen the positive and / or help alleviate problems .

Remember, as living things change, so do the energy fields. As we develop, as we solve our problems, as we work through inhibiting blocks, we continue to balance our energies.

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Exercise: 

When reading an aura, do no stop yourself after sensing the colors. Recognizing the colors is the beginning of the aura reading. Verbalize what you see, this not  only defines what you see, it enhances  the flow of your intuition and helps with an insightful reading.

You could see one color, or a combination thereof. The colors may grow  stronger or brighter as the reading progresses. Rely on your ability to interpret responsibly with a clear mind what you see or sense.

When people are comfortable with one another,their aura tend to compliment each other in an attractive manner.

Learning about aura helps you to raise your intuitive faculties.

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Essentials of a SOLAR GREENHOUSE

Plant breeding and plant production is a very productive hobby and livelihood. It is good way to earn some living by producing high-valued crops. It is also a good way of contributing to the environment. The best way to sustain this endeavor is to get a solar greenhouse. Read on to learn the basics of the solar greenhouse.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Is a Solar Greenhouse?

The very purpose of any greenhouse is to collect solar energy whenever the sun shining high. However, solar greenhouses serve a more specific purpose. It is able to do more than collect the solar energy. The solar greenhouse is able to store heat that can be used during nighttime, cloudy days or the cold season. It provides adequate heat that the plants will need for their growth even during the night time or the cold seasons.

The good thing about solar greenhouses is that there are choices to choose from and to suit the needs of the owner.

They can stand alone. This is very ideal for big production greenhouses.  The freestanding ones are ideal for commercial production. These are used to produce ornamentals or vegetables. They have two primary designs, the shed type and the Quonset type.

The shed-type has a long axis running from the east to the west. It has a south-facing wall glazed to collect maximum amount of the energy from the sun. The north-facing wall on the other hand is very much insulated to avoid heat loss. These features are what contrast a solar greenhouse from the ordinary ones.

The Quonset type can sometimes look like an underground pit. This is a low-cost greenhouse. It has a Quonset-shaped frame and looks like a tunnel. It has a layer or two of plastic film. This can save as much as 40% of the heating fuel.

They can also be merely attached to the greenhouses, very ideal for backyard use. The attached solar greenhouses are structures that form some sort of a room protruding from a house. This is a good space for transplants or herbs.

Passive or Active

The solar greenhouse is classified into two. It can be the passive solar greenhouse or the active. These two makes use of different resources, but still serve a same purpose.

The Passive Solar Greenhouse

In some places, where colder seasons tend to endure longer, there may be a need to resort to passive solar greenhouse, using gas or electric heating system. This is the only way to protect the plants from getting too much cold.

This is very ideal for growers as it can still give way to so much productivity despite the conditions. The use of heating systems for greenhouses to be cost-effective is best utilized if there are high-value crops to be produced.

The Active Solar Greenhouse

The active solar greenhouse makes use of supplemental energy. It transfers the solar heated air from the storage area to the other parts of the greenhouse.

Designing a Solar Greenhouse

Most would claim that managing and maintaining an ordinary greenhouse does not differ much with the solar greenhouse. However, there are a number of ways that they differ. These are significant distinctions.

Solar greenhouses, unlike the ordinary ones, have oriented glazing to get utmost solar heat, even during winter. Its materials are designed to minimize loss of heat. It uses heat storing materials. It also has insulation especially useful when there is no sunlight. The solar greenhouse also depends heavily on natural ventilation for cooling during summer.

Solar Heat Storage

This is one main feature in designing a solar greenhouse. To remain warm even during cool nights, there must be sufficient amount of solar heat stored. One common method used to store this energy is to put rocks or concrete directly receiving the sunlight to absorb the heat.

Cinder block walls at the north side of a greenhouse are also used as good heat storage. Dark-colored ceramic floorings can also be used to store the heat. Any wall or flooring not used for heat absorption is supposed to be colored light. This should be designed to reflect the heat and light and distribute it to the plants.

The management of a greenhouse can also determine the amount of heat stored. A greenhouse that is full of plants and structures can store heat easier compared to an empty one. Composts can also complement the heat storage goal as they help produce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the microorganisms in the compost also contribute to the increase in plant production.

Some would rely on any structure that would resemble a greenhouse to accommodate the plants. However, to be efficient and cost-effective, aim for the optimum setting in your solar greenhouse.

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SHAMANS And Psychic Powers

Even though you find many people will scoff at the idea that people have psychic powers, there are a lot more believers than non-believers. This is the reason that psychics have always been part of our culture.

Mongol on Jurkie Shaman with drum, Central Asia - Photo:  Wikimedia Commons

There will always be skeptics and those who are simply terrified of the prospects of someone else knowing everything about them or having the ability to do amazing things, but for the most part people are accepting if not appreciative of what a psychic brings to society.

Some psychics have learned to be psychics, while many more were probably already born with this power inherently in them. Psychics themselves don't know where this power comes from, as they will freely state, and they don't understand everything about it. But they do know that the ability to see into the past or the future, or to discern more about the present than most people do, is very real and very established.

In technical terms, it is called ESP, or extra sensory perception. As you might expect, this simply means that a natural psychic, or a person who has undergone psychic training has the ability to see or know more than other can perceive with their five basic sense.

While it's unclear exactly how many individuals possess psychic abilities, it is probably safe to assume that the number is small. This likely has something to do with the fact that the majority of psychics have never undergone any psychic training and aren't really aware that they have a gift. Of course, these people are probably aware that they are different from others and realize that they have some unique insights, but they usually dismiss this as nothing more than intuition. They would never consider calling themselves a psychic.

Of course, there are even people who have absolutely no psychic powers but who put on the act in order to make a living. Some do readings over the phone or Internet while others read tarot cards for a living. Most people who go in for these readings are doing it in good humor, though some may really believe in a particular psychic's abilities.

On the other hand, there are more altruistic psychics who use their very real abilities to help other people. Probably the most respected of these psychics are those who help the police locate violent criminals. In the past, police psychic have given the authorities invaluable clues that have lead to the arrest of countless killers.

Now, about you. Do you think you are psychic? Before you simply say 'no,' let's take a look at one simple fact: many respected psychics do believe that everyone has at least some innate psychic ability. However, it's blocked because most people aren't willing to open themselves up to the possibility that they are psychic. It may also be true that they haven't received any formal training (but need to), such that psychic abilities continue to be dormant, for so many.

We do believe that this is often true, and that with some educational intervention and some effort, you can learn how to tap into your psychic gifts, too. This 'educational intervention' can take the form of psychic training.

For anyone interested in psychic training, the first step is to clear the mind of anything negative. You want to do deep meditation, stretching, and other forms of relaxation and train the mind to focus on positive things, removing the negative thoughts and attitudes prior to beginning psychic training.

Any real psychic will tell you that fear and negativity will cloud both your mind and your senses which make it impossible to tap into your true abilities. Meditation is used in more scenarios than just psychic training. Many people use meditation to get rid of stress and open themselves up to their psychic abilities without even knowing it.

Meditation should be a part of the psychic training, and you should do this for half and hour each session. You should meditate in a quite place where you will not be disturbed. Many of the advanced students also meditate outdoors.

This is going to be the first and most important thing you do with your psychic training, so do some meditation every day. If you happen to dispense with regular sessions, when you go back to meditation, you're probably going to notice that you've lost a lot of ground since your previous training.

During your meditation sessions, be sure you use deep breathing techniques. These special breathing techniques are perfect for releasing negative energy. They are also perfect for helping to reveal you hidden psychic talents.

One important note is that when you train to uncover your psychic abilities, there is no set timetable. Instead, this is a personal journey all your own. When you feel you are ready, then it's time to go onto the next step.

New psychics ultimately develop and strengthen their skills by practicing with tarot cards. These are a main staple in the psychic's arsenal, so it is only fitting that new students pick up their own deck and start practicing at some point.

Most of all, remain patient and have fun. Offer to give free reading to your family and friends. Get lots of practice. If you take these steps you will undoubtedly find that your abilities are rapidly becoming sharper, clearer, and a lot easier to control.

By Derek Jowes To discover more, please visit the popular http://www.psychic-info.com site. Discover for yourself how easy it is to do a psychic test. Visit here and get over thirty free psychic training audios and videos on DVD! Article Source: EzineArticles

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What Can Norse Mythology Teach You About RUNES?

In my eyes, it is not possible to understand the true nature of the runes without studying the Norse mythology. A common mistake made by New Age "runemasters" is that they study the runes from divination point of use, and not from the ancient tradition. But the people of the North were using the runes in many different way, the divination practices were only part of them.

It is important, for every runemaster wannabe to remember, that if you want to master the Norse runes, you must read the Norse mythology, explore Poetic Edda and Northern sagas. What can these teach you? Many things, I might say.

This romantic representation of the norns depicts one of them
(Verdandi according to the runes below) with wings, contrary to folklore.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For example, I have learned many different runic spells and rituals that have not been described in any book about runes I have ever encountered; therefore, it is my belief that their authors never really studied the mythology behind runes. A lot of interesting uses of runes in spells and high magick can be found within the Poetic Edda itself. More information can be found in classic Sagas. For example, no book about runes I have read ever mentioned that the Thurisaz rune can be used to cause mental illness.

Another interesting thing that you can find with the help of Northern mythology is the correspondence between runes and Northern gods. For example, while most book about runes agrees that Thurisaz is the rune of the god Thor, I haven't found many books that mention that Heimdall was the god of Daguz and few more other runes. Or, that Nauthiz, Isa and Hagalaz are the runes "guarded" by the Nornes - Urd, Werdandi and Skuld. This leads to interesting interpretation that the Hagalaz guarded by Urd is the rune of the past; Nauthiz guarded by Skuld is the rune of the future; and Isa, guarded by Werdandi, is the rune of the present. This can be used in many different divination and magical practices.

Exploring the Norse mythology is not only fun, but also educating for everyone who is interested in the Runes. You can find explanations of each rune, descriptions of spells and rituals, and examples of uses for each rune, scripts and bindrunes. It is important to remember that mastering the subject of the runes require not only learning the runes themselves, but also the culture from which they originate - the culture of the Vikings, and people before them. Without this, no one can become a true runemaster.

By Nathaniel Webb Nathan is a runemaster, grab his ebook and learn everything you need to know about nordic runes for magical purposes and divination. Article Source: EzineArticles

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