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The moon starts her new cycle today in Libra at 3:31pm. Moonth in Libra Circle is at 7pm The New Moon energy is potent October 16th 3:31pm - 18th Each NEW MOON offers an opportunity to take charge of our lives by harnessing the potent power in the atmosphere to solidify our intentions/wishes. Get your tarot/oracle cards and journal ready I suggest you get use a specific journal for your moonthly intentions and tarot spreads. This makes it easier for you to refer to in the future. Here are some details about Libra energy Key Phrase: My need to cooperate with others and to create beauty, balance, and harmony. Sun in Libra Dates: September 23rd - October 22nd Libra Moonth Dates: October 16th - November 14th Element: Air Planetary Ruler: Venus symbolizes beauty, leisure, and how cash is spent Quality: Cardinal Yang Mental and Social Initiating Action Motto: I Relate, I Balance Astrological House: 7th Partnerships: romantic ,business, and close friends. How you approach and care in relationships. Lawsuits, legal issues, conflicts, contracts. Skillful Application: Agreeable, Charming, Tasteful, Fun Unskillful Application: Indecisive, Passive -Aggressive, Idle, Manipulative North Node Birth Dates: Jun 17, 1958 – Dec 15, 1959 Jan 8, 1977 – Jul 5, 1978 Aug 1, 1995 – Jan 25, 1997 Things to do: Put into practice things conjured up in Virgo. Reach out to pitch an idea that requires people skills and open minds. Have a party. Our sense of aesthetics is heightened - make design descions, go shopping, redecorate, get a new hair cut. Put together a new outfit with old clothes. Tarot Cards associated with Libra For potent results make your intentions/wishes AFTER the exact time of the New Moon 3:31pm . Make a list of 10 intentions or less for most potency. Libra Rules Over: Partnerships: Marriage, Agreements, Sharing, Interdependence Fairness: Balance, Equality, Negotiation, Counseling Harmony: Peace, Beauty, Art, Decorations Teamwork: Collaboration, Cooperation, Team Identity, Supportive Relationships Sociability: Tact, Diplomacy, Affinity for Others, Getting Along Refinement: Luxury, Elegance, Pampering, Good Taste, Grace Loss of Self-Identity: Co-dependency, Appeasing Behaviors, Indecision Health: Adrenal Glands, Buttocks, Diabetes, Kidneys Libra Sample Wishes/Intentions: These are ideas please modify to fit your life style I want/intend to easily attract and begin a happy, committed relationship with a partner with whom I experience mutual _______ (support, respect, appreciation, love, passion, etc.) I want to be fully receptive to and appreciative of being pampered by others I want to easily find myself filled with the energy of grace and elegance as I move through my daily life I want to naturally find myself attracted to purchasing items that are in good taste at a price I can easily afford I want to easily find myself fully appreciating the luxury that is in my life I want to easily find myself graciously accepting gifts from others in a happy, healthy way For potent results make your intentions/wishes AFTER the exact time of the New Moon 3:31pm . Make a list of 10 intentions or less for most potency. Libra Moonth Spread What is the seed (foundation) of the Moonth in Libra? What begins to grow as the moon waxes in Aquarius? What peaks as the moon becomes full in Taurus? What do I let go of as the moon wanes Leo? What is the seed (foundation) of the next moonth in Scorpio? (use this card as card number 1 next moonth). Pro Tip: Take a picture of your spread and notes to keep on your phone for quick reference Share your spread online with the hashtag #moonthlyspread Libra Moonth Cycle Next up in the Libra Moonth Cyle is the 1st Qtr Waxing Moon in Aquarius on Friday October 23rd at 9:23am.

The dark moon is when no sunlight is reflected on the moon towards the earth and it is not visible in the sky. This occurs two or three days before the New Moon arrives. Figuratively speaking, this is the time of death before rebirth. This is a great time for reflection, meditation, and introspection. It is a time to review the intentions set at the beginning of the moon and analyze where you stand. It is a great time to let go of the old and tired things in order to make space for new and exciting beginnings. The moon is currently back in Virgo, where we started. Virgo is about analyzing, discriminating, and functioning efficiently. It rules over: Physical Health: Diet, Exercise, Healing Work: Career, Jobs, Work Projects, Structured Routines Creative Organization: Orderly Spaces, Detailed Oriented, Efficiency & Planning Discrimination: Analysis, Critical Thinking, Focus, Discernment Service: Willingness to Adapt, Practical Helpfulness, Conscientiousness Excessive Perfectionism: Worry, Criticism, Blame and Judgement, Workaholic Health: Bowels and Intestines, Constipation & Diarrhea, Digestion,Solar Plexus Read the questions below and sit with them a moment. Take a few long deep breaths. On the inhale visualize your intentions manifested. On the exhale visualize yourself releasing the things that no longer fit in your life. Continue for a few minutes until you feel ready to answer the questions below (or just pick one question or if you know what you want to release skip the questions). Use your Intution or pull some Tarot/Oracle Cards 1. Is there anything holding you back from (exercising, going after that job you want, or keeping an orderly home, etc. Virgo thing)? 2. What are you willing to let go of? 3. What is no longer working in your life? 4. What are your self-defeating thoughts/beliefs that have to go? Now it’s time for some Burning and Banishing Herb Craft Things you will need: Fireproof bowl (or pot) Bay Leaves (or paper) Sharpie or Pen Matches or candle The Ritual Write out things you want to banish on the bay leaves or paper. Be specific, for example: “release fear about X” “banish limiting belief about X” instead of "fear" or "limiting belief". I would limit this to 10. Take the Bay leaf (or paper) and light with the flame from the matches or candle, saying out loud (or quietly) what you have written. For example: “I hereby release all fear about X”, or “I banish limiting beliefs about X" Drop the leaves onto the fireproof bowl or pot, and visualize the attachments being broken. After you are done banishing these energies, invite a peaceful vibe back into your space by putting on some music you can dance to, doing a little shimmy shake, and expressing gratitude for all that is well and good in your life.

Adaptogen herbs help the body to treat stress, anxiety, and to remain in equilibrium. They build up the immune system and are preventative remedies. I live in Manhattan, New York City an island with 1.6 million people, skyscrapers, and little nature. The pace here is fast and stress and anxiety can be found around any corner with sirens, crowds of people, cars honking, subway delays, crime, etc. This exposure to constant chaos drew me to study herbs and apprentice at New York City's Flower Power Herbs and Roots as a way to understand how to naturally deal with stress and anxiety. The National Institute of mental health states that stress and anxiety is normally treated with medication and or psychotherapy. The medications include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta-blockers none of which are a cure as they only treat symptoms. Medications prescribed by doctor may have side effects such as, building up a tolerance and dependency and suicidal thoughts or behavior. During my studies as an herbalist apprentice, I was most drawn to herbs that (see list below) treat stress, anxiety, and help the body remain in equilibrium. These herbs are known as Adaptogens which help the body deal with different types of stress including: physical, biological, emotional, and environmental. They have immune building properties and are more preventative than curative. Adaptogenic herbs are not actively discussed in popular media because they are preventative remedies and preventative medicine is invisible. Invisible meaning that it prevents the dis-ease in the body that causes the state of imbalance. If the disease is prevented did it ever exist? What are Adaptogen Herbs? Adaptogens are natural substances (herbs and botanicals) that help the body adapt to stress, increase the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors, and they provide a defense response to acute or chronic stress. The formal and simple definition of adaptogens is that they are relatively nontoxic, produce a nonspecific defense to stress, and have a normalizing influence on the body. Nontoxic means they cause minimal side effects on physical and mental health. Nonspecific defense to stress means it builds adaptive energy to keep the body balanced as it faces daily stressors. Normalizing influence means it enhances the body's natural balance by helping to return to a natural state. Adaptogens are able to influence the body in a calming or energizing way, depending on what the body needs. This is known as a bidirectional effect. Whole Plant vs Individual Constituents I am drawn to adaptogen herbs because they are the whole plant versus individual constituents. An example of an individual constituent you may have heard of are flavonoids, found in fruits, vegetables, and Tulsi. Even though the constituents are considered the active ingredient by drug makers, each plant has dozens or even hundreds of constituents that work together as a microscopic army to build up the body's defense system. If the active constituent is isolated then it is working alone on the body without its "army" that helps it to prevent adverse effects (aka side effects) on the body as a whole. Types of Adaptogens There are well-researched adaptogens, probable adaptogens, and possible adaptogens. There are also complimentary herbs for adaptogens including nervines and nootropics that work synergistically to combat stress and anxiety. Personal Apothecary The herbs below are the ones that I like and keep stocked in my personal apothecary. You can find most of them at your local grocery store, health food store, or herb shop. Well-researched adaptogen Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera - I include this herb in many of my herbal blends. The flavor is light and pleasant and mixes well with many herbs. It is one adaptogen that is well researched and officially classified as an adaptogen herb. It is calming and helps to regulate the thyroid and adrenal glands. It works to relieve anxiety, fatigue, and nervousness. I also like the alcohol tincture and the glycerite both are pleasant tasting and a great addition to your medicine cabinet. Add this herb to your day time - energizing herbal blends and/or to your night time relaxing/calming herbal blends. Probable adaptogen Holy Basil (aka Tulsi) – Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rama), sanctum (Krishna), and gratissimum (Vana). I love all three varieties and usually have at least two on hand. Rama is cooling and mellow, Krishna is crisp and peppery and Vana is floral and fragrant. Tulsi can enhance immune function and relieve anxiety while promoting cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision making. Tulsi has a beautiful flavor and is a complimentary addition to many herbal blends. Add this herb to your day time - energizing herbal blends and/or to your night time relaxing/calming herbal blends. Possible adaptogen Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra – this herb is SUPER sweet and a little goes a long way. It is typically used in herbal formulas for coughs and respiratory issues. It is an antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It also works well as a sweetener of bitter herbs and to mellow spicy herbs like ginger. This is another herb you can freely add to most blends but treat it the way you would treat a sugar alternative, it is extremely sweet. Nervines Nervines are calming herbs that help restore emotional balance and nourish the nervous system. They help to relieve stress and anxiety. Both of the herbs below are gentle enough for children. Chamomile – Matricaria recutita – is sweet yet slightly bitter. It is one of the most popular herbs used as tea and most people already know it and have it on hand. It provides relief to anxiety, upset stomach, and insomnia. Good for kids and adults. Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis – smells lemony and minty and is on the sweet side. It helps to improve mood, promote better sleep, and it also has antiviral properties. This herb blends well with the other herbs mentioned. Good for kids and adults. Nootropics Nootropics enhance memory and improve mood. These are the herbs known as smart drugs. Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia and latifolia – this is a well-known herb used as medicine and in perfumes. It is calming to the mind and gut. It promotes restful sleep and prevents night-time waking. A small of amount of this herb goes a long way. It is so mighty that even the scent induces a calming force. Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis – this is a well known culinary herbal spice and it also used as medicine. It is used to treat cloudy thinking and reduce anxiety. Add it to your herbal teas, infusions, and foods. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by David Winston with Steven Maimes (pictured above). Most of the information in this blog post is attributed to it. It goes into detail on all the herbs above plus many others. It is a great addition to any herbal reference library. Recipes Daytime Infusion Blend Recipe Ashwagandha 2 parts Holy Basil 1 part Lemon Balm ½ part Licorice ¼ part Nighttime Infusion Blend Recipes Ashwagandha 2 parts Chamomile 1 part Lemon Balm ½ part Lavendar ¼ part Sources: Anxiety Disorders, The National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders#part_2225 David Winston with Steven Maimes, Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

I’ve had an interest in Astrology since I was a kid. It all started with, the Astrologer Walter Mercado (if you don’t know who he is you MUST watch the documentary based on his life on Netflix called Mucho Mucho Amor). Walter Mercado used to be on day-time Spanish television reading horoscopes for all the zodiac signs on a daily basis. Anytime I caught him on I would wait to hear what he had to say about my sign, Leo. Later, I would turn to the horoscopes in newspapers and magazines, but it wasn’t until about two years ago that I decided to take a deeper dive. It started at the Tarot Salon while discussing the cards some of the students would bring up the astrological associations of the tarot cards. This led me to want to know more and the Universe complied when I was gifted the book Tarot for Magical Times by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig which listed the cards and their astrological timings. This led me to a yearlong project where I posted 36 minor arcana cards associated with the 36 decans of the astrological wheel. You can see it by searching the hashtag #tarotformagicaltimes on Instagram. I completed this project earlier this year and now I’m interested in taking an even deeper dive into what is Astrology. To answer this question, I’ll leave it to the experts, here is what revered astrologer Demetra George has to say in her book Astrology for Yourself, How to Understand and Interpret Your Own Birth Chart “Astrology is a language, art, and science that studies the relationship between the cycles of celestial bodies and the affairs of people on earth. Derived from the Greek roots astron (star) and logos (word or speech), astrology literally means “star talk.” The purpose of learning astrology is to better know and understand ourselves and our place in the cosmos.” I also subscribe to the Tarot Lady’s, Theresa Reed’s description in her book, Astrology for Real Life, A Workbook for Beginners “Astrology is a system that studies the effects that the planets and stars have on humans. Astrologers examine the correlation between the positions of the heavenly bodies and their relationship to events on earth. By studying the patterns and positions of the planets at the time of a person's birth, astrologers believe we can get an idea of that person's character and potential. Not only can astrology give insights into your personality and possibilities for achievement (or trouble), but it can also help with timing events, exploring compatibility with your boo, and making conscious choices.” One way I learn is by finding patterns in things. The easiest way I know to find patters is by making spreadsheets. I know spreadsheets are boring, but I am certain I love spreadsheets because I have a Virgo North Node leading me to be organized and analytical. Below is part of my master Astrology Spreadsheet I compiled using information from the book Astrology for Yourself. I also made the chart below so I could have a visual of where the Tarot cards sit on the chart. You may be wondering what on earth I’m doing with all this information, first I’m learning how to understand myself as self-development plays a huge role in my life and is the basis of YesSpiral. I also want to understand how Natal or Birth Charts work. If you don’t know what that is, I suggest you check out Channi Nicholas’ website breaks down the birth chart in an easy to understand way. In order to get your birth chart or natal chart you will need to have your birthdate, birth time, and birthplace. The other thing I’m doing is incorporating the information in the moonthly Circles. Every new moon is centered around one of the zodiac signs which colors the energy of the time. Right now, we are in Virgo and the energy is efficient, analytical, and discerning. If you recently had an uncontrollable urge to clean, organize, and purge things you have fallen under Virgo’s spell. If you want to learn more about Virgo or Libra, or Scorpio or... join me in my moonthly circle or purchase the Sun and Moon in Virgo workbook.

I started following the moon 5 years ago with a monthly tarot spread which I now like to call my moonthly tarot spread because it happens on the new moon each month. As time went by I became curious and added more aspects to my moonthly ritual as I answered the questions: where is the moon? What astrological sign is it in? What does that astrological sign rule over? How does it affect me? One of the first things I noticed about the moon was it appeared unpredictable to find in the sky. The windows in my apartment face east and every day the Sun comes up in the east in the morning and sets in the west in the evening. The moon on the other hand seemed to be out at random times. Have you noticed its out during the day, evening, night, middle of the night but its unpredictable to know when it will be out? This spiraled me to stalk the moon and a bit of research taught me the moon rises in the east and sets in the west every day like the Sun but, unlike the sun it rises and sets at different times throughout her cycle. Here is the moons orbit method: · New Moon rises at sunrise, is at its highest in the south in the middle of the day, and sets in the evening like the Sun. · First Quarter Moon rises in the middle of the day, is at its highest in the south at sunset and sets in the middle of the night. · Full Moon rises at sunset, is at its high in the south at midnight, and sets in the morning at sunrise. · Last Quarter Moon rises in the middle of the night, is at its highest in the south at dawn, and sets in the middle of the day. I like to use the WeMoon calendar to keep track of the moon monthly. I also use the app iLuna because it notifies me when the moon enters a new sign and when the moon is void of course. I also like the app The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases because it provides the moonrise and moonset times and has a calendar showing which astrological sign the moon is in at any particular time. The new moon is always in the same sign the sun is currently in. For example, today is August 15, 2020 and the Sun is in Leo until the 22nd of August and the new moon will be in Leo on August 18th at 10:42pm EDT. This is why I focus most of the attention on the astrological correspondence of the new moon and set my intentions around the sign where the new moon is. Another aspect that got me spiraling was what sign is the moon in at any particular date and time. I already knew the new moon is in a new astrological sign every moonth like the Sun. However, unlike the Sun which stays in an astrological sign for about a month, the moon is FAST. It moves around all the signs every two or three days giving us the flavor of all twelve astrological signs every moonth this is when the apps come in handy. When I first started following the moon, I started with Joanna Powell Colbert’s Gaian Tarot’s New Moon Spread #2. If you don’t have the Gaian Tarot, I highly recommend it, the cards are focused on nature and community and the book that accompanies the deck provides insightful meanings, affirmations, questions, and spreads to use in your own practice. Over the years, when I started sharing my moonthly ritual in a circle of friends I simplified the New Moon Spread to five cards: 1. What is the seed (foundation) of the Moonth in sign? 2. What begins to grow as the moon waxes in sign? 3. What peaks as the moon becomes full in sign? 4. What do I let go of as the moon wanes sign? 5. What is the seed (foundation) of the next moonth in sign? (use this card as card number 1 next moonth). One thing that I like about this spread is that each moonthly spread cycles into the next month connecting them in concentric circles as we spiral through life. After all that, you may still be wondering what is a moonthly circle (mostly known as a new moon circle)? A circle is an indigenous practice of sitting together in deep sharing and listening in community. In my moonthly circles we come together virtually on zoom on the day the moon starts a new cycle - the New Moon - (once pandemic times are over I will host in person circles again) and we review the attributes of the astrological new moon, what the astrological sign rules over, we set intentions based on the astrological sign, and we use tarot or oracle cards to create a framework to keep us on track to manifest our moonthly intentions. We also share our personal insights as one of the magical aspects of being in a community circle is that what comes up for one may be a shared theme around the group or may have a significance for others in the group, so sharing is an important aspect and what happens in the group stays in the group. You can sign up for my Moontly Circles here. If you rather not meet in circle or the timing does not work for you (the moon is new different days each moonth) I have two alternatives for you: 1. you can download my Astrological moonth workbook in my shop 2. You can sign up for a new moon interactive one on one workshop to review the astrological sign, set intentions, and draw cards for the moonth, tip you can also utilize this service with a group of close friends at a time that suits you best. I look forward to circling with you and I would love to hear what your moonthly rituals are. If you don’t have a ritual, what made you interested in the moon? In the meantime, I wish you many blessings and manifestations under the energy of the moon.

I love flowers! You may have noticed I put up a lot of flower photos on my social media feeds and I love to have them as a backdrop mostly because they are beautiful and graceful and illicit great joy. This is why they are given as gifts (feel free to gift me flowers anytime :-) Katie Hess, Flower Alchemist, and owner of Lotuswei, says in her book Flower Evolution, Blooming into Your Full Potential with the Magic of Flowers that "recent research demonstrates that bees are attracted to the energy of flowers, not their fragrance or color. Flowers emit electrical impulses in the form of vibrations, and the bees are able to detect the electrical fields of different flowers.” (Hess p 26) This confirms why I always feel good when I’m around flowers. Their vibration is so high it has the power to turn negative moods into positive moods. Also, they are gorgeous and smell great. There are many ways to take advantage of flowers (this sounds a bit bad, but I think Flowers are happy for us to employ them). One is to have a flowering plant; I love this because every time it flowers there is a reason to feel happy. Another is cut flowers to display in a vase (this is good for a few days but it’s a bit depressing when they die). Some flowers are edible, and some are poisonous (be cautious), some can be infused to make fragrant and or medicinal teas, some can be distilled to make essential oils and many even the poisonous ones can be solar or lunar infused to make flower essences. I’ve been drawn to flower essences for some years and a few years ago I took a deep dive and completed a 9 month apprenticeship in Flower Essence Therapy. I did it to immerse myself into the magic of the flower essences and to learn more about what they are, how they work, and how I could build a relationship with them. What I learned is that flower essences are subtle, they awaken what sits dormant, light up what lives in the shadow, and help us to see ourselves in a new way. Flower Essences capture the consciousness of the plant which is concerned with the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of ourselves. You know, that part that keeps us up at night, or the part that tells us we can't do something or convinces us that we are not good enough for whatever it is that we want. However, Flower Essences have the magical ability to awaken the other part of ourselves that helps us get restful sleep, encourages us to stay focused, and reminds us we are of the same stuff stars are made of. Taking flower essences is simple and the dosage is minimal with only 2 – 7 drops sublingually at least 3 times per day until there is a shift in your emotional state. The flower essences dosage can also be put into drinking water, tea, or other beverage of choice. I find it is best to recite a personal affirmation with each dosage of flower essence to bring myself into balance and put myself in the vibration I want to be in. Here I am preparing Bleeding Heart Flower Essence This summer I’ve made two essences one of Rose and another of Bleeding Heart. Both flowers support emotional stability and help one to feel balanced during this time of uncertainty and grief. They are for sale while supplies last.

This year we get to have two New Moons in Cancer giving us the opportunity to review the goals that were set up in the first moonth (June 21st) and adjust according to the progress of our circumstances in the second moonth (July 20th). The energies of the moonths will be similar but, with more wisdom and awareness, we can better manifest the intentions we set for ourselves. The Moon Rules Cancer and Cancer Rules: Home and Family Safety Growing Intimacy Feelings Nurturing Releasing Insecurity The Moon rules the High Priestess in Tarot "Just as the moon reflects the Sun’s light, it also reflects our unconscious needs and desires. Because the Moon is shrouded in shadows and darkness, it represents secrets and mysteries that may not be understood or even recognized. The Moon reflects our fears and insecurities, as well as our desires for nurturing and safety." From Tarot and Astrology, Enhance Your Readings with the Wisdom of the Zodiac by Corrine Kenner If you’d like to learn more about this, set your own intentions, and create a framework to manifest your intentions for the Moonths in Cancer join me on Sunday June 21st at 7pm. Click here to sign up. Take a look at this post from Space.com which discusses the Double New Moon and shows a video depiction of the phases of moon which we will also discuss during class on Sunday.

Dandelion Leaf, Flower, and Root are all medicinal. (Dandelion Flower to Seed Cycle. Filmed by Neil Bromhall over a one month period) What are the names of Dandelion? Dandelion Also Known As Tarxacum officinale Flower of the Sun Lion’s Tooth Blow Ball Fortune Teller Piss in Bed Wish Plus, many more names Dandelion may have so many names because the roots, leaves, and flowerheads are all edible and medicinal. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it grows globally. The European colonizers thought so highly of it they brought it with them across the seas and spread it across the United States. Everywhere else they went, they spread Dandelion making it prolific worldwide. (Hourdajian) (Dandelion grows wild in NYC) Why is Dandelion villainized? In the United States, Dandelion has been villainized as a weed because she grows where she wants. The website Science and Plants for Schools says that some weeds can cause harm such as: poison animals and crops, be a host to pests and diseases, and block drainage and irrigation channels. However, they do not mention that many weeds are highly revered and medicinal. Dandelion is loved by animals, from bees to bears. It creates drainage channels in compacted soils and restores mineral health to abused soils. It aerates and attracts earth worms to soils making them beneficial to any garden. (Weed). Also, dandelions are pretty in flower and seed. As a child I called dandelion seed heads "wishes." I would take a seed head and my blow my wishes into it whenever I found one. Blowing dandelion seeds is one of the ways the plant is so prolific. As the seed head flies away it can travel hundreds of miles depending on wind strength. Dandelion seeds do not need to be planted and can germinate on their own under most conditions. (Hourdajian) Another reason why Dandelion has a bad name is because she interferes with the dream of the sprawling green lawn with no agricultural value. The green lawn is perceived as a status symbol and was popularized by patriarchs of the United States; George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in the 1770’s. Take a look at David Botti’s video; The Great American Lawn: How the Dream was Manufactured, to learn more about the American Dream of owning a house with a great green lawn. Does Dandelion have folklore? While the plant is a villain to some, it is a savior and revered by many. The North American Indians have folklore around Dandelion, summarized like this: “A long time ago, there lived a Medicine Man named Kosi Agu, Flower of the Sun. Kosi had two friends that were always at his side and ready to help him carry out his duties as a medicine man. They were the Eagle and the Mountain Lion. The Eagle brought messages and medicines from the sky and high mountain tops while the Mountain Lion gave Kosi strength of body and protection whenever it was needed. Together the three worked tirelessly in helping the community, Kosi by caring for the community’s sick, the Eagle by flying and collecting herbs high up the mountain, and the Mountain Lion would help by digging up roots from the earth when they were needed. When the time came for the three friends to return into the earth they asked to be buried in a meadow where in their place a plant would grow. The Flower would be like Kosi Agu’s name and heart. The leaves would be like the teeth of the Mountain Lion, and the roots would be like the legs of the Eagle. The plant helped the sick and fed their bodies, today you can always count on Dandelion to help you stay healthy" (summarized from text by Walking Night Bear & Padilla) What are the medicinal properties of Dandelion? Today Dandelion is considered a medicinal plant by herbalists. It assists the gut, liver, and kidneys in functioning at full potential. Susan Weed dedicated a whole chapter to Dandelion in her much referenced book Healing Wise. She says Dandelion root is hepatic meaning it strengthens and nourishes the liver and its functioning. It is a tonic that nourishes the functioning of a muscle, organ, or system, it invigorates, and strengthens all activity. It is a digestive stimulant. And, it is also deobstruent defined by Weed as slowly loosening and removing obstructions to health and the healthy flow of life. Dandelion leaf is nutritive, providing vitamins and minerals to assist with health wholeness. The leaf is also stomachic meaning it nourishes and strengthens the stomach. Dandelion flowers used externally are emollient (softens and soothes) the skin. The flowers are also hepatic, strengthening and nourishing the liver and its functioning. Dandelion Herbcraft ideas Tea Vinegar Infusion Tincture Oil Flower Essence Who is Dandelion in tarot? Inspired by the Fool, in the Herbcrafter's tarot, I made a Dandelion vinegar to use in my salad dressing and in cooking. This is a great tasting way to infused my foods with the medicinal benefits of Dandelion. I purchased dandelion leaves at the farmers market. If you live in the country or have a backyard, and know an area that is not poisoned by weed killer harvest it. Dandelion leaves in the spring are delicious added to salads. In the summer harvest the flowers and leaves to make teas (infusions), tinctures, flower essences, vinegars, and oils. In the autumn harvest the dandelion root to make tinctures and teas (infusions). Dandelion Vinegar Recipe Loosely fill a jar with dandelion Fill the jar to the top with Apple Cider Vinegar Cover the jar with parchment paper to prevent metal lids from rusting. Or use a plastic lid. Infuse for 2 - 4 weeks. Strain vinegar, compost or discard plant material. I use my dandelion infused vinegar on salads or sip it to be bold and audacious as the Dandelion Fool from the Herbcrafter's Tarot suggests. Sources: Botti, David. 08/09/2019. The Great American Lawn: How the Dream was Manufactured. NYTimes.com. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/09/video/lawn-grass-environment-history.html?auth=login-email&login=email Hourdajian, Dara. 11/13/2006. Introduced Species Summary Project Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale). Columbia.edu. Retrieved from: http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Taraxum_officinale.htm Walking Night Bear and Padilla, Stan. 1983. Song of the Seven Herbs. Book Publishing Company Weed, Susan. 1989. Wise Woman Herbal, Healing Wise. Ash Tree Publishing Weeds Versus Plants. SAPS.org.uk. Retrieved from: https://www.saps.org.uk/saps-associates/browse-q-and-a/482-what-is-the-difference-between-a-weed-and-a-plant

I’ve joined Carolyn Cushing on her e-retreat Walking the Ways of the Summer Light for a few years. This year, she’s asked me join her in co-facilitating and injecting my urban and herbal perspectives. We will be working with the Herbcrafters Tarot and making herbal preparations. I live in the heart of New York City but I don’t let that stop me from finding bits of beauty and nature near my door. This is one of the things I like most about Walking The Ways. It’s a daily invitation to embrace one’s surroundings and see them with fresh eyes through the lens of each of the elements. Its also a great way to connect or reconnect with your tarot or oracle decks. For six weeks we receive an email with a daily journaling, contemplating, or divination prompts. I love journaling and pretty much do them all even if I do two or three in one days as life tends to get in the way. For this reason the e-retreat comes with an overview booklet and a journal so you can work at your own pace. The part I like the most is getting out and just noticing when the elements speak. One day, while we were in the Earth week I was at on my lunch break in midtown Manhattan when I saw a tree guard and immediately conjured up my Earth guides (from the Gaian Tarot), I took a photo with my phone. Later when I went home I created the image on the right and came up with the following questions: Where and how am I most relaxed like the Empress? What in my life needs my attention so it may come to fruition? Click the image to see the post on Instagram. In Walking the Ways, the thing to do is to find the questions, as it is in the questions where the path of transformation starts to emerge. For four weeks we jot down the questions and then on or around the time of the Summer Solstice review the questions and set out on a pilgrimage (near or far from our door) to find the answers. On Sunday, May 24th, Carolyn and I will be hosting a call to connect with the elements of earth, air, water, and fire. We will also discuss Dandelion and how to make Dandelion vinegar for ritual use or for splashing on your salads. Click here to learn more and to sign up for our free introduction call on Sunday May 24th Click here to learn more and to sign up for Walking the Ways of the Summer Light. May 25th - June 5th 2020.

I'm just back from my fourth annual Readers Studio hosted by The Tarot School's Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone in New York City. The Readers Studio is a conference of about 250 of the worlds most renowned Tarot readers including Rachel Pollack, Benebel Wen, and Ethony. The conference runs from Thursday through Sunday and is its packed with masterclasses, celebrity readings, study groups, tarot incubators, merchants and much much more. This year included a Divination Day where Rana George author of The Essential Lenormand: Your Guide to Precise & Practical Fortunetelling taught a class on Lenormand, Heatherleigh Navarre a psychic, medium, and teacher of tarot, mediumship, and psychic development taught a class on Crystal Ball Divination, and Carrie Paris who holds a Masters Degree in the Cultural Study of Cosmology and Divination from the University of Kent taught a class on Charm Casting and Tarot. All this on just the first day! We had three masterclasses. The first one was taught by Ethony, tarot reader and oracle deck creator, and Headmistress of the Tarot Readers Academy on 13 Tarot Muses whom she described as archetypes of the types of readings that are most common. The second was taught by George Koury who has taught alongside Rachel Pollack and Mary Greer taught us his Peter Pan Reading to connect one with their life purpose. Finally Sasha Graham taught us her Seven Sacred Cornerstones of Constant Magic. As usual I barely got any sleep as the days started early at 8am and ended late at 11-ish pm. I did not have to do all the activities but I didn't want to miss out on anything and I didn't want to miss the chance to connect with the tarot community. My favorite part of the Readers Studio is that all the masterclasses take place in one room. Everyone tarot master and novice all sit in one room and and read for each other. There are no egos at the Readers Studio. I also look forward to the Foundation Reading where we pick a partner to do a reading with on Friday and then revisit the same reading with the same cards on Sunday with our newly gained reading knowledge. I'm always amazed at how much depth is added to the reading after just three days. I'm looking forward to RS20.

Some years ago, I made the choice to say yes to the opportunities that were presenting themselves instead if saying no. Very soon after making this choice I almost instantly became more popular. I noticed a lot more invitations were coming my way and I was exposed to a more diverse set of people and circumstances. It’s like the old saying: when the student is ready the teacher appears. In 2010 I went to Barnes and Nobel and walked out with my very own Tarot deck. For the next few years I immersed myself in tarot learning as much as I could from books, websites, and classes around NYC. In 2013 I enrolled in an intensive program called Five-Day Spring Detox for a Vibrant Life at Kripalu with Tiffany Cruikshank where we practiced yoga, learned about nutrition, & myofascial release. In 2014 I went all in for an intensive immersion into Gendai Reiki Ho with Audrey and James Pearson. In 2015 I went to 2 days 2 nights Readers Studio Tarot Conference where I advanced my Tarot knowledge and joined an international tarot community. In 2016 I went through 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training en Espanol at Kripalu with Rina Jakubowicz. In 2017 I plunged into the world of Herbalism in a 5 day program called Everyday Herbalism: Backyard & Kitchen Remedies where we learned how to identify herbs in their natural habit, how to forage them, and prepare them in different ways taught by Jacquelyn Dobrinska. In 2018 I enrolled at CUNY School of Professional Studies to pursue a Bachelors degree in Communications and Media. I’ve created this blog and website as part of a homework assignment for one of my classes. I’m sharing this with you because the choices we make propel us forward, hold us back, or keep us in place. We are constantly evolving into positive or negative spirals of synchronicity. In present day 2019 I am dedicating myself to be of service. I want to share with you quick and easy tips and tricks to lead a more curated life. Of all the spirals I went on over the years Yoga, Tarot, & Herbs are the ones I find to be foundational to any lifestyle. Yoga grounds the body and mind connection, Tarot facilitates a connection to the spiritual and mental realms, and Herbs preserve and support the body in self-restoration. I was born in, raised in, and continue to live in, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. A small and congested island filled with diversity, inclusion, and expansion. Finding and sharing bits of nature amidst the paved streets and towers is of great nourishment to me, so is traveling, and of course learning the ancient arts of our ancestors. My intention with this YesSpiral is to connect with you by sharing the tools I have accumulated over the years. I would love for you to find what nourishes you so you can return to the ever-full well within you and continually be rejuvenated. Sign up for my newsletter if you want to keep up with what I’m up to, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, or check out my website. I look forward to connecting with you soon! #lifestyle #decisionmaking