The art of making candles has been around since primitive times. Of course, as time went by they become much different in design than what they were back then. In the early days, candles were a necessity for heat and light. Today they serve as decorations, wonderfully smelling mechanisms in our homes, and offer light for romantic dinners and baths.
The first known use of candles is not completely known. The remains of clay candle holders that date back to 4 BC have given us the knowledge that they have been in use for a very long time. Those clay candle holders were found in Egypt.
Candles were also used in ancient times in both China and Japan. These candles were made of wax extracted from insects and seeds. The taper candles of India were made from the wax extracted from boiled cinnamon. Candles are not known to exist in American until 1 AD. It is believed Native American’s burned oily fish and the back of the Cerio tree. When settlers came to New England, they used similar techniques to extract wax from bayberries. Many modern candle makers still use that process to make bayberry candles. However, it is quite expensive to do so.
Tallow was the product used to make candles in the 1600’s and 1700’s. This is a byproduct from animal fat. The product worked well but had a foul odor, especially when it was burning. Beeswax and paraffin wax both were introduced in the early 1800’s, and tallow stopped being used.
The dipping process for taper candles as we know it today began in 13 AD. Traveler merchants went door to door from town to town. While there, they made taper candles for individuals in their homes. Around 15 AD the idea to use molds for various types of candles was introduced in Paris. While this greatly improved the candle making process, there were still issues with getting the candles to burn properly.
In the 1800’s, candle makers felt the wick was the weakest area of the candle as well as the cause for defective burning patterns. A braided wick was developed in 1825 that seemed to greatly improve the burning of several types of candles. By 1830, a process was in place to make candles using paraffin wax and molds. These candles were of good quality and burned well.
As gas and electricity were introduced, the candle making process continued to evolve. It became much easier and faster to melt the paraffin wax. It is believed that the reason so many of the elements of candle making stayed the same, including the hand dipping process is that the popularity of candles diminished with the introduction of electricity.
Today, candle making is a well-known art form. There are many companies who manufacture wonderful candles with some very unique fragrances. There are also small businesses that still make their candles by the home in their kitchen. Candle making is a great hobby and fun activity for the whole family to be involved in.
Candles are now used more for luxury and pleasure than for light or heat. The candle industry continues to grow with new types of candles being introduced all the time. The amount of colors, fragrances, and types of candles to choose from in the marketplace is absolutely amazing.
Candles are a very common home decorating item. They are used to accent any room in your house. They are a common centerpiece for dinner parties and formal occasions. The unity candles that are presided over at many weddings hold a deep sense of tradition in the American culture.
The art of making candles has definitely changed over time. If you are interested in trying your hand at it, choose a candle that is fairly easy to make such as the container candle or the votive. This will allow you the chance to get used to the process. There are several good candle making kits available for a low price as well as books to give you tips and assistance along the way.
The FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission defines honey as ‘the natural sweet substance produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers or from secretions coming from living organisms feeding on plants, that bees gather, transform and combine with specific ingredients, store and leave to ripen in the combs of the hive.’
In Ayurveda honey is called as "Madhu". Its qualities are explained as follows.
“Vaatalam guru sheetam cha raktapittakaphapaham |
Sandhatru cchedanam ruksham kashayam madhuram madhu ||”
“It has sweetness (madhura rasa) with added astringent as end taste (Kashaya anu rasa). It is heavy (guru guna), dry (ruksha) and cold (sheeta). Its effect on doshas is as follows It aggravates vata, scrapes kapha and normalizes pitta and rakta. It promotes the healing process.”
The contents of Honey are
1. Sugars like fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and other disaccharides and trisaccharides.
2. Proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids,
3. Volatile aromatic substances.
4. Ashes and water etc.
Various ingredients of honey have helped it to become not only a sweet liquid but also a natural product with high nutritional and medicinal value.
The medicinal quality, taste, texture, color, aroma of honey differs according to the geographical area and the species of plants from which it has been collected.
Types of Honey:
Eight types of honey are described in Ayurveda depending on the type of bee which collects it. They are Pouttika, Bhramara. Kshoudra, Makshika, Chatra, Arghya, Oudalaka, Dala.
Pouttika - This honey is collected by very large bees from the nectar of poisonous flowers. It increases vata, causes gout and burning sensation in the chest. It is also sedative and reduces fat.
Bhramara - This honey is collected by large bees and Sticky in nature.
Kshoudra - (Honey collected by medium-sized honey bees ) light and cold in nature. Dissolves Kapha.
Makshika - (Honey collected by small honey bees) very light and dry nature. Useful in VataKapha diseases and kapha diseases
Chatra - Heavy and cold in nature useful in gout, Leucoderma (Shwitra),
Arghya - Good for eyes but causes arthritis.
Oudalaka - Useful in skin diseases, and helps in the modulation of voice.
Dala - Dry and reduces vomiting.
Amongst all the above "Makshika" is considered as the best type with immense medicinal properties.
Therapeutic uses of Honey:
1.As it contains sugars which are quickly absorbed by our digestive system and converted into energy, this can be used as an instant energizer.
2.As it is hygroscopic it speeds up healing, a growth of healing tissue and dries it up.
3.Honey acts as a sedative and is very useful in bed wetting disorders.
4.Honey is a very good antioxidant which restores the damaged skin and gives soft, young looks.
5.Honey has antibacterial properties due to its acidic nature and enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide.
6.Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.
In Ashtanga Hridaya the great classic of Ayurveda, the therapeutic uses of honey are explained as follows.
•Honey is very good for eyes and eyesight.
•It quenches thirst.
•Dissolves kapha.
•Reduces effects of a poison.
•Stops hiccups.
•It is very useful in urinary tract disorders, worm infestations, bronchial asthma, cough, diarrhea, and nausea -vomiting.
•Cleanse the wounds.
•It heals wounds.
•Helps in quick healing of deep wounds.
•Initiates growth of healthy granulation tissue.
•Honey which is newly collected from beehive increases body weight and is a mild laxative.
•Honey which is stored and is old helps in the metabolism of fat and scrapes Kapha.
Ayurveda explains another special quality of honey. Honey is called as “Yogavahi”. The substance which has a quality of penetrating the deepest tissue is called as Yogavahi. When honey is used with other herbal preparations it enhances the medicinal qualities of those preparations and also helps them to reach the deeper tissues.
Precautions to be taken before using honey:
•Honey should not be mixed with hot foods.
•Honey should not be heated.
•Honey should not be consumed when you are working in a hot environment where you are exposed to more heat.
•Honey should never be mixed with rainwater, hot and spicy foods, and Fermented beverages like whiskey, rum, brandy etc, Ghee and mustard.
•Honey includes nectar of various flowers of which some may be poisonous. Poison has hot or Ushna qualities. When honey is mixed with hot and spicy foods the poisonous properties get enhanced and cause an imbalance of doshas.
Few Home remedies with Honey
•Mix 2 teaspoon of honey with carrot juice and consume regularly. This helps to improve eyesight and is very helpful for those who sit before computer for long hours.
•In cold, cough and congested chest mix 2 teaspoons of honey with equal quantity of ginger juice and should be consumed frequently.
•A mixture of black pepper powder, honey and ginger juice in equal quantities, when consumed thrice daily help to relieve the symptoms of asthma.
•Regular use of one teaspoon of garlic juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey help to control blood pressure.
•One glass of warm water taken with two teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in the early morning reduces fat and purifies the blood.
Consuming one spoon of honey daily help us to lead a healthy long life.
Indian astrology is based on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past life determine your fate or Karma of your present life, and the actions of your present life determine your future Karma. According to Indian astrology, a person is born at that place, on that day and on that moment when his individual fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven.
However, it does not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology lets you know what you were born with, what your possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points and your drawbacks. What type of life partners and professions suit you and to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various remedial measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Astrology is your roadmap of destiny. However, your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by telling us what is good and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do. You are given a piece of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put into it, what amount of manure and water to add and when how to reap the produce is your job.
After that, it is you who have to act using your knowledge intelligence, discrimination and experience. Fate is like a game of cards where you cannot help the cards that have been dealt with you but how to play them is in your hands. You may get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get bad cards and still may win if you play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly and have an accident!
Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. They are used for their healing properties the world over – in, for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils – but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come into contact with stimulating essential oils).
When used correctly, however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child – ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.
That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness, and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in an oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories:
1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents,
2) Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and
3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.
When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are two methods of using essential oils with your child – INHALATION: through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.
For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.
General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:
Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application:
Newborn (Consult primary care physician before use)
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
2-6 months
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
6-12 months
1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
1-4 years (unless very small)
5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
6-7 years
5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
9-12 years
5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
12 years to young adult
10-15 drops essential oil / ounce
DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away from the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.
Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.
Carrier oils for children
Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend – it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.
There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.
Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature baby’s show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.
Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.
Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method – each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:
Restful Sleep – 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Happy Child – 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
Calm and Relaxed – 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
Emotional Nurturing – 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender
For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of Vanilla essential oil
OR
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil
The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without a carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.
Inhalation of essential oils
For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep – one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier reservoir will do.
For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium – dilute to 10 drops per ½ pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)
Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer – with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.
Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.
Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage – do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.
So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge – finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals – if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.
That said, aromatherapy can be a very fun and rewarding endeavor for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.
Overview of the biological circadian clock in humans. Biological clock affects the daily rhythm of many physiological processes. This diagram depicts the circadian patterns typical of someone who rises early in the morning, eats lunch around noon, and sleeps at night (10 p.m.). Although circadian rhythms tend to be synchronized with cycles of light and dark, other factors - such as ambient temperature, meal times, stress and exercise - can influence the timing as well.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The inability to get to sleep at night is a HUGE problem for many people. If you fall into this category, be assured there IS hope to break out of the cycle.
Insomnia is a silent disease that drains the human resources that allow the body and mind to function normally. Lack of energy, unable to concentrate, grumpiness, prone to catching other ailments – ALL related to not being able to get regular and relaxing sleep.
Doctors are happy to prescribe pills and suggest other ‘possible’ remedies, but they are NOT solving the problem. If the truth is known, they really have no idea how to offer you permanent relief from this affliction, so they follow the basic procedure of offering temporary relief. Repeat business allows them to continue earning the dollars. It’s a sad but true story and you remain a victim of the system.
If they took the time to analyze every patient with a sleeping disorder and coordinated the data collected, they would easily be able to determine that the causes of INSOMNIA, can be directly attributable to stress, no matter what the age of the patient is. Everybody suffers from some form of stress. It’s how the stress is handled that dictates whether or not it affects the person’s sleeping patterns and to what degree.
Controlling stress levels has a positive effect in the battle against Insomnia and a number of other sleeping disorders. Finding a workable solution isn’t rocket science. Below are a few free tips you can try out and you will be amazed at just how well they work.
Breaking the cycle that is preventing you from getting to sleep is what you need to concentrate on. You need to replace the negative stressful thoughts with ones that will assist you in getting to sleep.
All of these are tried and tested by myself and have helped me over the years. They can be used individually or as a group. Some things may not break the negative cycle for you, but others will. Some are also dependant on whether or not you sleep alone.
I still find the most useful method for me, has been the ‘counting of sheep.’ Don’t laugh, it REALLY works, but not in the way you may have tried it. Most people using this method will start at one and count until oblivion. Yes, sleep is achieved, but it is as a result of boredom and therefore not a structured remedy.
To apply this tip properly and achieve quick and regular results, pick a number close to one hundred and count BACKWARDS until you reach one. The reason for doing it this way is that you have a finishing point and, at that finishing point, you will achieve sleep. Each time you count a number, take a long deep breath. It may not work the first time but it WILL work. If you reach one or you forget where you are up to, simply start again at the number close to one hundred. Doing this clears your mind of the other thoughts that are getting in the way of you getting to sleep and gives you a positive focal point for your efforts. It’s simple and VERY effective.
You can also try these to break the cycle.
As you are laying there in bed, waiting for you sleep cycle to kick in, gently start to jiggle your leg or your arm, as if you are keeping the beat to your favorite tune. Put your radio on with the volume as low as possible so you can barely hear it. You straining to listen plus the jiggling will create its own sleep cycle and you will find yourself easily drifting off into slumberland. This method isn’t compatible if you have a sleeping partner. You may have to find a single bed to test this out. A small price to pay to be able to sleep, don’t you think?
Naturally, there are other ‘factors’ that affect whether or not you are able to achieve regular and relaxing sleeping patterns. These are outside influences that you don’t have any control over, like noise and annoying light, etc. Ideally, your sleeping environment should be dark, quiet and a place where you can feel safe and relaxed. Once you have ‘mastered’ and are in control of these simple tips, you will find that you will be able to adapt to any environment quite easily because you will KNOW that you are able to sleep when you want to.
It is timely to mention one more tip that took me a long time to discover. This definitely had a negative effect on any method I tried. I discovered that your body has a better chance of relaxing and therefore give you a better chance of getting to sleep if it isn’t too hot. I used to go to bed with socks on because my feet were always cold. Wearing socks to bed is a DEFINITE NO - NO! They tend to overheat your whole body and disturb any sleep patterns you may develop. The use of electric blankets has a similar bad effect. You have a much better chance of sleeping when your body is cooler and NOT hotter.
I had stress related problems that affected my ability to sleep and I solved the problem. You can as well!
The tips detailed above, coupled with my simple 5 minute – 9 step technique, have successfully helped me achieve regular and relaxing sleeping patterns for over 27 years. I sincerely hope that sharing these tips with you will help you achieve at least some relief from your problem and establish my credibility with you.
Don’t you think it is time to stop repeatedly paying Doctors for partial solutions when they really don’t know how to help you? Isn’t it a better proposition to follow the successful working techniques of someone who has traveled the road you are now on?
Please visit my website for the entire solution and feel free to email me any questions or comments, as many others have done. I wish you pleasant dreams.
Worldwide Renewable energy, existing capacities, at end of 2008, from REN21.http://www.ren21.net/globalstatusreport/g2009.asp Total energy, is from BP Statistical Review.http://www.bp.com/statisticalreview (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Germans have really taken off when it comes to renewable fuel sources, and have become one of the major players in the alternative energy game. Under the aegis of the nation's electricity feed laws, the German people set a world record in 2006 by investing over $10 billion (US) in research, development, and implementation of wind turbines, biogas power plants, and solar collection cells. Germany's “feed laws” permit the German homeowners to connect to an electrical grid through some source of renewable energy and then sell back to the power company any excess energy produced at retail prices. This economic incentive has catapulted Germany into the number-one position among all nations with regards to the number of operational solar arrays, biogas plants, and wind turbines. The 50-terawatt-hours of electricity produced by these renewable energy sources account for 10% of all of Germany's energy production per year. In 2006 alone, Germany installed 100,000 solar energy collection systems.
Over in the US, the BP corporation has established an Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) to spearhead extensive new research and development efforts into clean-burning renewable energy sources, most prominently biofuels for ground vehicles. BP's investment comes to $50 million (US) per year over the course of the next decade. This EBI will be physically located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The University is in partnership with BP, and it will be responsible for research and development of new biofuel crops, biofuel-delivering agricultural systems, and machines to produce renewable fuels in liquid form for automobile consumption. The University will especially spearhead efforts in the field of genetic engineering with regard to creating the more advanced biofuel crops. The EBI will additionally have as a major focal point technological innovations for converting heavy hydrocarbons into pollution-free and highly efficient fuels.
Also in the US, the battle rages on between Congress and the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). The GEA's Executive Director Karl Gawell has recently written to the Congress and the Department of Energy, the only way to ensure that DOE and OMB do not simply revert to their irrational insistence on terminating the geothermal research program is to schedule a congressional hearing specifically on geothermal energy, its potential, and the role of federal research. Furthermore, Gawell goes on to say that recent studies by the National Research Council, the Western Governors' Association Clean Energy Task Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all support expanding geothermal research funding to develop the technology necessary to utilize this vast, untapped domestic renewable energy resource. Supporters of geothermal energy, such as this writer, are amazed at the minuscule amount of awareness that the public has about the huge benefits that research and development of the renewable alternative energy source would provide the US, both practically and economically. Geothermal energy is already less expensive to produce in terms of kilowatt-hours than the coal that the US keeps mining. Geothermal energy is readily available, sitting just a few miles below our feet and easily accessible through drilling. One company, Ormat, which is the third largest geothermal energy producer in the US and has plants in several different nations, is already a billion-dollar-per-year business—geothermal energy is certainly economically viable.
Succulent plants, such as this Aloe, store water in their fleshy leaves (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The aloe plant has been used to treat various types of ailments for centuries. Studies confirmed the many health benefits of drinking the juice such as improving one's immune system and digestion. Drinking the juice can have as many healing qualities as the topical treatments. Aloe veradrinks are definitely a nice way to get refreshed and be healthy at the same time. I must warn you though because the plant contains a vegetable-like taste which will take time for you to get used to. A lot of people can't tolerate the taste and the smell but you can add sweeteners and fruits according to your choice to make the drink tastier.
One of my favorite aloe vera drinks that I like to prepare at home is the choco-banana aloe smoothie. For this recipe, you will need a glass of chocolate milk, 250ml skim milk or soya milk, 8 tablespoons aloe gel and 1 large banana. Just blend everything together and enjoy. If you're not a huge fan of chocolate and banana then you might want to try the strawberry honey aloe smoothie. You need to blend 1 pound of fresh strawberries, ½ juiced lemon, ½ cup ginger tea, 2 tablespoons honey and 8 tablespoons of the gel. This is a really good refreshment. Even the kids are going to like it.
If you're watching your weight, you can make the non-fat fruity aloe smoothie. For this recipe, you will need: ¼ cup sliced apple, ¼ cup banana, 1 juiced orange, 4 tablespoons honey and 8 tablespoons of the gel. Blend everything together and enjoy. Aloe vera drinks are great for improving your digestive system and your overall well-being.
There are plenty of ways on how you can enjoy the best of this miraculous plant. Add any fruit or juice of your choice and crushed ice if you don't have a blender at home. When I'm too lazy to make a smoothie, I just add orange juice with the prepared gel and I take it 30 minutes before my meal to aid with my digestion.
There are so many different ways that we can maintain or restore our health. For most of us, we understand that it is often a matter of restoring a balance in our body in order to enjoy the most helpful response. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that was developed in order to help maintain the balance between positive and negative charges in our body. Although these had specific terms attached to them that were used in Chinese philosophy and religion, the basic principles behind acupuncture are not generally brought into question, even my medical science. In fact, some studies that have been taken on acupuncture actually show that it does promote a flow of energy in the body.
One thing that many people are concerned about is the pain that is associated with acupuncture. One thing that many people do not like, even into their adulthood, are the needles that are typically associated with doctors' offices. Many of these needles are rather large and capable of producing quite a bit of pain in the human body. Most people just assume that the needles that are inserted during acupuncture also produce this kind of a pain in on us as individuals.
The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used for acupuncture are much smaller than the needles typically found in many doctors offices. Whenever they are inserted into the body, many people do not feel any discomfort at all and, in fact, many actually find the experience pleasurable. As a result of their acupuncture treatment, it is also possible for individuals to feel relaxed or even accelerated.
A little more good news about the practice of acupuncture is that it is almost always safe to undergo. The only problems that may occur typically come as a result of the acupuncturist being inexperienced. As long as they are well practiced and are sure to use clean, one use needles then there is rarely ever a problem. The worst thing that can happen is that an organ can be punctured during a treatment but this is extremely rare.
All in all, acupuncture is a safe and effective way for you to maintain your natural health. Although you may be nervous about undergoing this treatment, there really is nothing to be nervous about. Once you take the plunge and go through with the treatment yourself, you will wonder why you waited so long to do it.
Yoga 4 Love Community Outdoor Yoga class for Freedom and Gratitude (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yoga is not only an extremely popular form of exercise but depending on the form you practice, can be exciting or calming, social or meditative, energizing or relaxing. No matter which of these best describes your yoga class, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of every class you attend.
* Go to yoga class with an empty stomach. Yoga is full bending, twisting, lengthening, stretching, and strength moves. Eating a big dinner before that kind of movement could result in you cramping up or feeling nauseous and having to leave the class or not participate as fully as you’d like.
* Communicate with your yoga instructor. If you have a bad back or a sprained ankle, let your instructor know before class. She or he will offer you adjusted versions of poses or give you a nod when you should skip a pose that could make your condition worse.
* Leave your cell phones and pagers outside. Don’t just put them on silent mode, but literally keep them in the car. This is not only a favor to your classmates and their focus, but your mind should be focused only on yoga and not concerned with whether not someone is trying to contact you about work or spilled juice on the living room carpet.
* Don’t be late and don’t leave early. This disrupts the instructor’s train of thought and the concentration of others in the class. Also, you certainly won’t get everything you can out of your hour if your hour is cut to 50 minutes before you’ve even begun.
* Be respectful of others in the class. This means keeping your voice down when you talk to others and in general, keeping conversation to a minimum. Bring your own towel or yoga mat if you need to and make sure that you are clean and not wearing any perfumes or strong scents. If props are used, make sure that you put yours away when you’re finished and by all means, leave them there for the next class.
Sorcery occurs in almost every society in the world. And in my opinion, it is also the oldest and deepest element in the historical concept of witchcraft, which was formed out of pagan religion, folklore, Christian heresy, and theology. Like all magic, sorcery is based on the assumption that the cosmos is a whole and that hidden connections, therefore, exist among all natural phenomena. The sorcerer or sorceress attempts through their knowledge and power to control, or at least influence these connections in order to affect the practical results they desire.
Closely related to sorcery is divination, the determination of facts or prediction of future events on the basis of the secret links between humans on the one side, and herbs, stones, stars, sheep liver, and jackal tracks etc. on the other. In Europe, diviners entered a tradition that brought them close to high magic, while witchcraft took a different path.
The simplest sorcery is the mechanical performance of one physical activity in order to produce another, but the meaning of a given action varies among different societies. More complex sorcery goes beyond mechanical means and invokes the aid of spirits, but mainly the sorcerer or sorceress tries to compel, rather than to implore the powers that be to do their bidding. The thought processes of sorcery are intuitive rather than analytical. For example, they may derive from the individual's observations of single critical incidents.
A critical incident is an emotionally charged experience. So in a state of anger or rage, you wish the death of someone you dislike immensely, and physically, for example, punch the wall, in imitation of a blow aimed against that person. When you find that this person has died suddenly you will probably feel guilty, even to the extent that it was you that caused their death, especially if you assume a universe of hidden connections and have beliefs in the concept of magic.
Sorcery beliefs may also arise from unconscious thoughts expressed in dreams and visions. In societies where dreams are taken seriously and distinctions between dream and physical reality are blurred, dreams and visions do have great power to persuade. In most societies, detailed sets of beliefs regarding sorcery are handed down by tradition and become part of the social and psychological systems of individuals. Those individuals will then all the more accept critical incidents and dreams as confirmation of these traditions.
Often sorcery has a function in society and in some, it is closely related to religion, say for instance a priest or priestess of a public religion may perform ritual acts to make rain, ripen the crop to harvest, or secure success etc. Then as long as they are public and social in intent then sorcery may be of a religion. But when the acts are performed privately for the benefit of individuals rather than of society, then they are antisocial and therefore do not form part of religion.
Usually, societies distinguish legally between public religious sorcery and private sorcery, approving the one and outlawing the other. And so the effects of sorcery are very real to those of us that truly believe in it.
Do you believe in sorcery and witchcraft? Or maybe you just have a fascination in which you would like to believe.
It may seem like a cool idea to use your body as a medium for artistic expression. Body art has become the “in” thing to do among today's generation, young and old alike. One cannot walk down the street, go to the mall, or watch TV without seeing somebody with a tattoo on the arms, nape, navel, ankle or piercings in the ears, lips, nostrils, eyebrows, belly buttons, tongues, and cheeks. Piercings can now be done on just about any part of the body.
But before you think of getting one for yourself to ride on the bandwagon of being “cool” --- you might want to know first how safe it is and the things you need to be aware of if you do decide to have one. A tattoo or piercing may take only a few minutes or hours to acquire but may cause possible risks of bacterial infections which may lead to long-term medical conditions. Getting a tattoo should not lead to health complications and lifetime of regret.
So here are a few short notes on some of the more popular types of body art:
Body art is considered an extension of performing arts where the artist makes use of his or her own body for the purpose of artistic expression. Body art comes in different forms, the most common of which are tattoos and body piercings. Other types of body art are called scarification, branding, “scalpelling”, shaping, full body tattoo and body painting.
Tattoos
A tattoo, also known as dermal pigmentation, is a permanent mark or design made on the skin by inserting pigments through pricks into the skin's top layer for decorative purposes. The procedure entails repeated piercing of a needle into the skin. With every puncture of the needle that is connected to a small machine with tubes containing dye, it injects ink droplets into the skin. There is a small amount of bleeding involved in this process which may last for several hours depending on the size of the tattoo design. The process may cause slight to moderate pain.
The skin acts as the human body's main protective barrier. Getting a tattoo puts a person at high risk of skin infections, allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases, skin disorders, as well as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) complications.
After getting a tattoo, healing usually takes several days. When it becomes itchy, avoid picking at scabs. It may increase the risk of bacterial infections and can also damage the design.
Some people may decide to have their tattoos removed when the design becomes faded or when the design no longer appeals to them. However, complete removal may be very difficult as tattoos are intended to be permanent marks. Though there are many tattoo removal techniques nowadays, scarring and skin discoloration are likely to be left on the skin.
Body Piercing
Body piercing is the insertion of jewelry into any parts of the human body. Body piercing poses certain risks similar to those when you get a tattoo. However, modern improvements in safety procedures and equipment have made earlobe piercing very popular as it is generally less risky than other body piercings.
Traditional body piercing is done with no anesthesia and, as such, is a painful experience. But modern techniques in earlobes-piercing make safe use of ear piercing gun with sterilized, disposable cartridges. This single-use piercing device or gun includes one earring stud and clasp and comes in individually wrapped sterile packages.
For other body piercings, a hollow needle is pushed through a body part to insert a piece of jewelry into the hole. The use of a reusable piercing gun for these types of piercings can put a person at risk for bacterial infections. These devices are difficult to sterilize and can easily damage the skin.
Choosing a reputable piercing and tattoo studio minimizes your chance of getting complications. These establishments employ trained and licensed tattoo and piercing artists. You can be assured of quality service as well as a clean environment. Remember, anytime the skin is punctured, there is a risk of skin infection. More than just getting an intricately designed tattoo or sporting that diamond-studded nose piercing, it's important to know that it's cool to be safe.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines Numerology as the study of numbers as the figures designating the year of one’s birth to determine their supposed influence on one’s life, future etc. American Heritage Dictionary defines numerology as the study of occult meanings of numbers and their supposed influence on human life. So, from these definitions, we can say that numerology is basically numbers that have the potential to influence our life. It has been in practice since time immemorial, but of late, it is gaining popularity because of the hectic modern lifestyle and the unpredictable nature of life. So, people are looking for ways to predict their future. Numerology is one part of Astrology which has worked wonders on some of its ardent believers.
Numerology can be considered as a part of Astrology. Numerologists believe that the numbers for 0 to 9 are ruled by the different planets. For example, the digit 0 is governed by the planet Pluto, 1 is ruled by the Sun, and the number 2 is ruled by the Moon etc. As a result of that, the numbers in the name has different influences on the human beings. So, by changing the numbers in one’s name it is very much possible to change the impacts of the planets on the persons. There are instances in which the fortune of individuals has changed totally for the better merely by changing the numerical values of their names. These “successes” have proved time and again that numerology works in spite of the lack of scientific basis of this field.
Numerology has some relationships with alphabets of the names as well. Each alphabet is assigned a value. So, the total numerical value of the alphabets in a person’s name is calculated and the numerologists will determine the impacts of that numerological value on the person. If needed, he will also suggest corrective measures. Thousands of customers will testify to the positive effects of numerology on their lives. Celebrities around the globe have benefited from corrective measures prescribed by their numerologists. Numerologists affirm that this science of Numerology has a scientific basis.
Scientists do not agree on this, even though thousands of users will vouch for its effectiveness. Numerologists say that by checking and changing the name a person’s fate will totally change. It will also bring good luck to the person. Changing is done by rectifying the name by adding or deleting alphabets in the name. It is also important that the name of the individual and the date of the birth match in order to have positive effects and must have a positive power of planets in the horoscope. Otherwise, the person may not have desired luck. He or she may have to suffer financial losses, business losses, health problems, the enmity between partners etc. Predictions through Numerology can be done with the help of a few documents like the correct name, correct date of birth, Horoscope copies of Kundali Rasi and Navamsa. If Horoscope is not available, correct time of birth, and the place of birth is required for numerological predictions.
BioEthanol for Sustainable Transport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When we speak of energy, power, and development, we all think development, industrialization, advancement; all these leads to pollution and degradation of the environment. You hear advocates say that our environment was a lot purer in long gone ages because people do not use energy.
Who’s Liable?
That is not necessarily true; you see an ancient man used fire to cook things, and then the sun to warm them up. Even humanity itself uses energy to be able to move and go about life each day. We cannot survive without energy and yet we blame it for the destruction of our planet. It is us who use energy to no ends, it is us who abuse its use, therefore, we are liable to find the solution to pollution. It is our responsibility to our selves and the future generation to seek ways of supporting our way of life without harming the environment.
The Scope and Definition of Sustainable Power
Generally, sustainable power is thought to be any renewable kind of energy. Meaning it is any puissance whose source cannot be depleted and does not contaminate the environment on a long-term basis.
Although sustainable power maybe confused with alternate or green energy the two are distinctly different. Sustainable power is conducive to nature but it is set apart from green or alternate energy because its source is unending, it cannot be exhausted.
Sources of sustainable energy vary. It can be as simple as hydrogen to as complex as nuclear energy. When we speak of sustainable development we must consider the basics before heading off to the complex, after all, we haven’t used the newly scientifically discovered energy long enough to know its possible effects. The first things to consider are those that nature itself supplies; like the air, wind, solar, tidal, and water resources.
Techno Speak
With all the media hype surrounding this idealism, you’d think that we aren’t already using sustainable energy! Yes, we already are using alternative energy resources. We have water dams, the waterfall power plants, windmills, geothermal plants, and the nuclear power plants.
There are three technological classifications for the technologies that help us attain sustainable power; these include biomass combustion, hydropower, and geothermal plants. First generation power automatons arose during the industrial revolution. This is the time where people discovered that manufacturing will become faster thru the use of machines, and faster output means larger sales. In a way, sustainable power was researched and invented not for the future but for the moment; to improve lives, industry and the economy.
Second Generation energy resources comprise wind power, various forms of modern bioenergy, solar photovoltaics, and solar energy. These technologies emerged from the need to depend on oil so much. Research and Development were massively funded during the 1980’s and we are now reaping the benefits.
Third Generation sustainable energy resources are those that relatively new; biorefinery technologies, ocean energy, hot dry rock energy, biomass gasification, concentrating solar thermal power and even nanotechnology may make future appearances that will hopefully end our quest for continuous energy sources. On the stage of research and experimentation, these resources are still under development but raise the hopes of those who continually seek sustainable power.
All that have been mentioned are technological advances and discoveries of everlasting energy source, but in the end like everything in our lives, the future is in our hands. Even when we are provided with more nature-friendly energy resources if we don’t conserve and use it wisely we will still end up damaging the very planet on whose existence and well being we very much depend on.
The tarot is a deck of 78 cards, featuring illustrations that can be interpreted in various ways. The deck is divided into two sections, called the major arcana and minor arcana.
The major arcana features the 21 trump cards, and the minor arcana is divided into four suits (wands, pentacles, cups, and swords) each with cards featuring the numbers 1-10, an ace and four court cards (the Page, Knight, Queen, and King).
Origin of the Tarot
The oldest known tarot cards originated in 15th century Italy. The tarot appears to have started life as a card game and was at first restricted to the wealthy upper classes, although after the invention of the printing press, the cards became more widely available.
Some writers have claimed (despite the apparent lack of evidence) that the imagery of the tarot cards suggests a more ancient origin, and have connected the tarot with such cultures and traditions as the ancient Egyptians and the mystical Hebrew Kabbalah.
Later Developments
It was not until the 18th century that the cards became associated with the occult and mystical activities for which they are often known today. This began in 1781 when the freemason Antoine Court de Gebelin made the claim in his work 'Le Monde Primatif' that tarot cards contained hidden meanings (which he associated with the ancient Egyptians) that could be used for divinatory purposes.
Since then other mystic and magical traditions, such as the Order of the Golden Dawn, have claimed that the tarot has ancient roots, together with hidden wisdom to impart to those seeking enlightenment. The tarot was especially popular among such groups in the 19th century.
The tarot became more widely known with the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot in 1910. Arthur Edwards Waite was a Golden Dawn member, and in this new deck, drawn by the artist Pamela Colman Smith, images with occult symbolism were included on the numeric cards, as well as the trump cards. This deck was very successful (and remains popular today), and since then, hundreds if not thousands of diverse new decks have been published, with many enthusiasts creating their own.
Uses of the Tarot
The tarot has several distinct uses, including:
1. Games
This was its original use, and it is still used for gaming purposes in some European countries.
2. Psychology
Carl Jung was the first mainstream psychologist to attach meaning to the tarot cards when he associated them with the fundamental archetypes that he believed to reside in the collective human unconscious. Several therapeutic techniques involving the tarot have developed from this insight.
3. Inspiration
Many artists and writers have produced works inspired by the tarot.
4. Divination
Fortune telling is perhaps the most common use associated with the tarot. The images on the cards may help the person seeking the reading to tap into their own subconscious knowledge. Others believe that the cards themselves hold some kind of inherent divinatory power, which may be read by a skilled person. For this reason, handling another person's cards is generally frowned upon in occult circles, as their energy could become contaminated.
Doing a Reading
There is no set method for performing a divinatory tarot reading. However, there are several popular layouts or 'spreads', with perhaps the most well known being the Celtic cross. This is usually the first method taught to beginners, although it is by no means the most simple. Experienced tarot readers will often invent their own spreads, with their own means of interpretation.
Once the cards are selected by the person receiving the reading, the reader lays them out in a spread and analyses them, taking into account the positions relative to each other, the symbolism of the individual cards, and their position (upright or reversed).
Meaning of the Cards
There is no generally agreed upon interpretation of the tarot cards. They all have imagery of varying degrees of compexity, and the wide range of decks available makes the situation even more difficult.
Nevertheless, there is a huge amount of writings available on the symbology of the tarot, and on the most basic level, the 22 major arcana cards are thought to represent the journey of the Fool from ignorance to enlightenment.
In addition, the minor arcana cards have their own symbolism. The numbers are most obviously associated with numerology, and the suits are linked to the four elements (Swords=Air; Cups=Water; Wands=Fire; Pentacles=Earth). The tarot has also been linked with other mystical and occult systems such as the I Ching, astrology, and the Kabbalah.
There is a huge range of tarot decks to choose from. The symbolism-rich Rider-Waite deck remains extremely popular, as does Crowley's Thoth deck. The early Marseille deck (used by Gebelin to illustrate 'Le Monde Primitif') is another important deck, also. There are also many less conventional decks to choose from.
Feminists, for example, might like the Motherpeace Tarot with its round cards and exclusively female imagery, whereas some of those interested in Paganism might enjoy the Witches deck or the DruidCraft Tarot. Tarot decks can be found representing animals too, as well as various sports, natural imagery and other common activities. In fact, there's a tarot pack available to suit every taste, and most can be bought online as well as from bookstores, new age shops etc.
Where to Start?
If you're interested in learning more about the tarot, I recommend checking out some of the numerous excellent tarot-related sites on the net, as well as online and local bookstores and new age stores. One thing's for sure - there's no shortage of information available!
