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-Jethro Kloss

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Blue Moon News- Late Autumn 2005

Greetings,
I am sitting on the beach this dreamy October evening allowing the full wine (or blood) moon to intoxicate me with it's beauty. Watching the waves ebb and flow I experienced a sense of tranquility that has been lacking in my life lately. With all that has gone during these last 2 months both in my life and the world in general, I honestly have found it difficult to sit and concentrate on writing. With genuine delight, I found my voice on our beach during these wondrous Indian summer days. This time is truly a needed blessing from the goddess. Autumn, AHHH! Each year I look forward to the equinox, pumpkins & gourds, and savor the gorgeous riot of leaves changing colour. I try to enjoy the chill in the air, even though it is a harbinger to the cold days of winter. But along with finding my voice, I am swirling around in a sea of ideas, with creative blends shattering my dreams at night.

Change has also occurred on the home front as I have moved closer to the bay (insurance made this necessary). This time instead of just stones and sand, I now also have inherited a much-neglected garden. I am already planning my herb and medicine wheel.

So happily a good month after my deadline (a deadline internally set by me, I must say), it is here. Invariably, when I start a newsletter, I reflect and think.... Why? What do I want to say? Newsletters are mostly used as a sales aid, but this one has definitely evolved into a mélange of random thoughts, quotes, medical & spiritual information and more. My mind has been plagued with sadness and worry for friends and family in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. It's at times like these that we feel so helpless…. Mother Earth is speaking and it is up to each of us to listen. We are her caretakers and must learn to co-exist with all living on her. Working together as one, we can facilitate change in our world. Working together as one, we live from the heart.

Let this be our vision.

I received many calls and e-mails last month after a posted interview with Donna Maria of the Handmade Beauty Network. Discussion centered on the healing arts and non- invasive healing methods, my experiences and the work I do now. I was amazed at the stories some of you told. Your beauty, strength and determination inspire me. It is all about healing the heart, healing the body. And when thinking of the heart, the rose always comes to mind.

From a monologue in a play about mastectomy- (the character had a tattoo of roses across the scarring, making the scar into a thing of beauty)- Her Motto was:

We take this disease, embrace it and learn from it…growing new roses, just like the phoenix rising from its ashes. We will no longer ignore our bodies' needs. We will no longer ignore the fire within. Illness is a signal for change. The wise woman will see beyond the surface, connect with her spiritual essence and wisdom and heal holistically.

There is nothing better than savoring the sweet fragrance of a wild rose bush growing untamed. Indulge your soul with a rose drenched treat. Traditionally, associated with the feelings of love and tranquility, this oil is a wondrous aid to ease the feelings of depression and stress. For those of you looking for rose with an edge, there is nothing better than our Ritual of Love Empowered Oil. Used by many for love work, it is a blend of many roses,both oils and attars, aligned with crystals and rose petals including garnet, rose quartz and aquamarine. What a perfect time to embrace and love yourself!!!

November always brings back our luscious Hot Chocolate bath made with cocoa butter, cocoa powder, flower & gem essences, salts, the decadent cocoa absolute and more. I worked a batch the other night while watching one of my favorite movies, Chocolat. I love hot chocolate and wish to share the following recipe with you, made the spicy Mayan way. The Mayan believed it gave them power & sexual energy. Delight in a cup after your next chocolate bath.

1 cup half-and-half cream + 1 cup milk or all milk
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
2 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
few pinches dried ground chile powder or cinnamon
Whipped cream, optional

In a saucepan, combine cream, sugar, chocolate pieces & cocoa powder. Place over medium heat & stir with a whisk until the sugar is dissolved & chocolate is melted; do not allow to boil Turn the heat to low & whip until frothy. Remove from heat & stir in vanilla & the chile pepper. Let sit a minute or two, stir & taste for seasoning. Serve hot with whipped cream, if desired.

With the holidays soon upon us, this year Blue Moon will be promoting our version of the 12 Days of Christmas with 12 days of Magickal savings! More on this in a mini letter near the end of November.

I am also excited to collaborate with Theresa of Theresa's Faeries, a gifted artist who makes the most beautiful winged creatures. Our Faerie Lines has now increased to include a Dance of the Faeries Herbal/Crystal Bath Brew and Faeries Dance Potion joining the Faerie Mist and Powder already available. Upcoming? 2 new potions- the first is dedicated to Ixchel, channeling the energies of the moon, and guiding the healing work; the other is symphony of scent dedicated to Sappho.

The Meaning of "Namaste" The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."

To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word "Namaste" is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

Hope you have enjoyed this newsletter. Want to share an oil "experience or ask a question? I LOVE to hear from you. Just write to me at debbi@bluemoonherbals.com. Wishing each of you a splendid autumn

Namaste, Peace & Blessings,
Debbi Quinn
www.bluemoonherbals.com
Vibrational Aromatherapist
Reiki Practitioner