Colds, Crystals, This & That

Healer of My Soul



Here are a few nice articles about Herbs and Oils and Crystals in the Bible.

Herbs from the Bible
Stones of the Bible
Precious Stones of the Bible
Healing Oils of the Bible
BibleHerbs.net

Or, check out my Book Store

Just some tips for cold and flu prevention and things to keep on hand during the flu season.

Clear Quartz is the ultimate healing stone. Use it for its own properties and to give the other stones more power. Keep one in your pocket, under your pillow and in your water glass. (but be careful not to swallow the quartz - Don't say I didn't warn you)

For the sinus congestion, try washing your sinuses with a salt water solution. Keep a piece of Labradorite, Fluorite or Lapis Lazuli (a particular favorite of mine) in the salt water, along with a piece of Carnelian.

A couple stones specifically helpful for a cold are Larimar, Sulphur, Jet, Emerald or Yellow Topaz. Try wearing them.

Got coughing, add an Aquamarine or Blue Agate to that water glass. Or, just wrap a cloth around your neck with one of these stones over your throat.

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Your thymus is a fist-size gland located behind your sternum in the center of your chest. It plays a critical role in the functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. To benefit thymus health, use astragalus root. It's believed that astralagus is an adaptogen, which means it corrects both high and low metabolic imbalances, acts on invaders wherever they attack the body, and promotes overall vitality. The usual dosage is 100 to 150 mg per day in capsules or you can drink astragalus tincture or tea. Another way to stimulate your thymus is to use acupressure. With your index and middle finger, gently tap against the sternum (midway between the nipples) 50 times, in the morning and evening.

Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep every night. Studies show that your immune system function drops by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep.

Keep your stress level low with meditation, tai chi, or yoga. Have fun with crystals, relazing essential oils or whatever else does it for you. Music is always nice too.

Dry body brushing daily can activate lymph circulation that is important to clear out toxic debris and stimulate immunity.

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The following herbs are among many that help support the immune system.

Ligustrum has undergone much research recently, which has revealed this herb's immune boosting functions. Its actions include increasing white blood cell production, phagocytosis, and T-lymphocyte help cell activities.

Cherokee Rose is traditionally used to protect the body from external pathogens with its astringent properties. It is also one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C.

Honeysuckle is a natural anti-microbial herb that has been used for centuries to increase resistance and fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

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Elder or Elderberry

The entire elder bush is medicinal, but individual actions vary significantly for each part. Flower: diaphoretic, expectorant, anti-catarrhal, astringent. Leaf: emollient, vulnerary (external use only). Berry: anti-viral, diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, laxative, diuretic, astringent. Bark: emetic, cathartic, astringent, anti-inflammatory

CURRENT USES: Although all parts of the elder shrub have medicinal properties, the flower and berry are most commonly used in herbal practice. Leaf preparations are for external use only. Bark is rarely used. Hot infusions of elder flower are diaphoretic, expectorant, and decongestant; they are commonly used to treat colds and influenza. Taken at the onset of cold and influenza symptoms, elder flower supports immune response. Elder flower also relieves itchy eyes, runny nose, and throat irritation due to allergies.

Not to be given to babies under two years of age.

Find out more about the use of Elderberry and other herbs HERE

The Gentle Healer

Not Much

Obviously I'm not doing much blogging lately.
That's how it goes, I suppose.
Just waiting for some inspiration or something.

In the meantime, might as well listen to some more music.
Now I just have to figure out what sort of music mood I'm in today.
Guess I'll go with...

"Weightless"
by Dog's Eye View

A Song from the Heart

sons and daughters of the most high, may his love and mercy be yet a cover unto you, until the time has come when you rest your heads 'gainst the bosom of your redeemer. for he has given all for you, by his sweat and blood. for your sake he contains his wrath, but for a time, until it will be poured out upon his enemies. and you will approve judgement over those angels which have been persecutors unto you. and the song of victory and of the lamb you will sing, and be adorned more beautifully than the lilies. for this were you created. for this chosen and sealed from before creation. his own. his beloved, who desire him, and for whom all things are performed.

arise, you daughters. cry out, you sons. call unto the lord that he will make haste. give account unto him who created the stars in heaven that you might have but a glimpse of the splendors that await you, when the veil shall be removed and you shall see colors more splendid than all the jewels of earth and you will walk amidst them and upon them. his beloved, who desire him, and for whom all things are created so that he may delight in your pleasure, and you in his, forever.

© Rachelle

Pearl Jam

Great version of an old favorite by The Who.
Brings back nice memories.

"Love Reign O'er Me"
Pearl Jam

Old Age

I think when I grow old I'm going to be a hippie (again). I'll grow weed in my back yard and wear tie dyed skirts. I'll sell incense and candles on the side of the road, wear lots of beads and dance around barefoot.




"Freedom"
Richie Havens
Woodstock 1969

The Dance

The dance of the flesh
is to weave and believe
the romance of hips and toes
and in a trance and the eyes
does call and befall
and by chance no force impose
through the prace of mind
to teases and appeases
that which dance does not disclose
yet the glance from the heart
it does tell and excel
of that which within bestows

© Rachelle


"So She Dances"
by Josh Groban

Lyrics:
A waltz when she walks in the room
She pulls back the hair from her face
She turns to the window to sway in the moonlight
Even her shadow has grace
A waltz for the girl out of reach
She lifts her hands up to the sky
She moves with the music
The song is her lover
The melody's making her cry
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently
A waltz for the chance I should take
But how will I know where to start?
She's spinning between constellations and dreams
Her rhythm is my beating heart
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently
I can't keep on watching forever
I give up this view just to tell her
When I close my eyes I can see
The spotlights are bright on you and me
We've got the floor
And you're in my arms
How could I ask for more?
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is
From afar calling me silently
I can't keep on watching forever
And I'm givin' up this view just to tell her

A Poem by EE Cummings

I Carry Your Heart With Me
by EE Cummings

I carry your heart with me,
I carry it in my heart.
I am never without it.
Anywhere I go, you go, my dear.
And whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling.
I fear no fate, for you are my fate, my sweet.
I want no world, for beautiful, you are my world, my true.
Here is the deepest secret no one knows.
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
And the sky of the sky of a tree called life,
Which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide.
It’s the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart.
I carry your heart,
I carry it in my heart.

"Secret Garden"
by Bruce Springsteen

Lyrics:
She'll let you in her house
If you come knockin' late at night
She'll let you in her mouth
If the words you say are right
If you pay the price
She'll let you deep inside
But there's a secret garden she hides
She'll let you in her car
To go drivin' round
She'll let you into the parts of herself
That will bring you down
She'll let you in her heart
If you got a hammer and a vise
But into her secret garden don't think twice
You've gone a million miles
How far did you get
To that place where you can't remember
And you can't forget
She'll lead you down the path
There will be tenderness in the air
She'll let you come just far enough
So you know she's really there
She'll look at you and smile
And her eyes will say
She's got a secret garden
Where everything you want
Where everything you need will always stay
A million miles away

Zuzu's Petals

All year I've looked forward to going back to Zuzu's Petals... a Rock Shop in Helen Ga. I figure it would be pointless to try to describe how that little shop makes me feel. I just know when I walk in, there's a sense of happiness that comes over me. I'm not a geologist and surely no expert when it comes to all that. I wouldn't even say I'm one of those 'chakra' whatever kind of people. I just know certain rocks and crystals seem to effect me. And I know that there's a certain sense of serendipity or synchronicity about some things. I found the place by accident last year, and as I said, have looked forward to this years vacation so I could go back. I bought a very nice fossil piece. Orthoceras. You can see some here. I wasn't aware of the 'healing' properties until I got it back home and looked it up. I also bought some lovely lapis earrings. Next year I hope to purchase something to match or compliment them.

Anyway. Zuzu's Petals was sort of my trip to the milkyway for the weekend, you might say.

Other links for ZuZu's Petals August 1, 2008 and July 4, 2011 and Septarian

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"Drops of Jupiter"
by Train

One of the Best Ever

Jeff Healey (born Norman Jeffrey Healey, March 25, 1966 - March 2, 2008) was a blind Canadian jazz, and blues-rock vocalist and guitarist.

Healey began playing guitar when he was three, developing his unique style of playing the instrument flat on his lap. On March 2, 2008, Healey died of cancer at St. Joseph's Health Centre in his home town of Toronto. He was 41. He'll be missed.

"As the Years Go Passing By"
Jeff Healey

No Thought to Trace

Half moon, bright
in walk of night
clouds clear open space
In evening breeze
'neath stirring trees
no rambling thoughts to trace
'midst summer heat
such fate complete
the self one must replace

© Rachelle

"Picture Of the Moon"
Gary Moore

The Pleiades and a Girl

Then Job replied: "Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can a mortal be righteous before God? Though one wished to dispute with him, he could not answer him one time out of a thousand. His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear (Arcturus)and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. When he passes me, I cannot see him; when he goes by, I cannot perceive him. [Job 9:1-11 NIV]

I Once Was A Girl

When When I was a girl
and like a girl I did twirl
I dressed puppies in pajamas
and stuck my thumb in pies
blueberry and rhubarb and raisin
When I was a girl
and like a girl I did twirl
I turned kites into paperdolls
and ran from witches
up stairways of soot and cobwebs
When I was a girl
and like girl I did twirl
I formed castles from clay
I sang into spinning fans
that blew through screened windows
When I was a girl
and like a girl I did twirl
I hid in bundles in barns
and popped my cowgirl gun
and kissed a boy and held his hand
When I was a girl
and like a girl did twirl

© Rachelle LeCount

"Dog & Butterfly"
by Heart

Lyrics:

There I was with the old man
Stranded again, so off I'd ran
A young world crashing around me
No possibilities, of gettin' what I need
He looked at me and smiled
Said "No, no, no, no, no child"

See the dog and butterfly
Up in the air he like to fly
The dog and butterfly
Below she had to try
She rolled back down
To the warm soft ground laughing
She don't know why, she don't know why
Dog and butterfly

Well I stumbled upon your secret place
Safe in the trees you had tears on your face
Wrestling with your desires, frozen strangers
Stealing your fires
The message hit my mind
Only words that I could find
Are see the dog and butterfly
Up in the air he like to fly
Dog and butterfly, below she had to try
And she rolled back down to the warm soft ground
While laughing to the sky, up to the sky
Dog and butterfly

We're getting older, the world's getting colder
For the life of me, I don't know the reason why
Maybe it's livin' , making us give in
Hearts rolling in taken back on the tide
We're balanced together, ocean upon the sky

Another night in this strange town
Moonlight holding me light as down
Voice of confusion inside of me
Just begging to go back where I'm free
Feels like I'm through
Then the old man's words are true
See the dog and butterfly (dog and butterfly)
Up in the air he like to fly
Dog and butterfly, below she had to try
And she rolled back down to the warm soft
Ground with a little tear in her eye, yeah
She had to try, she had to try
Dog and butterfly, yeah

Up in the air he like to fly
The dog and butterfly
Below she had to try
And she rolled back down
To the warm soft ground, laughing
She don't know why, but she had to try
She had to try
Dog and butterfly

My sister and me with Poncho, Cisco and Chico
at Grandma's farm Mother's Day 1962

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Barring the Way

From Ecclesiastes 3

To every thing there is a season, and a time to
every purpose under the heaven: a time to be
born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a
time to pluck up that which is planted; A time
to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,
and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time
to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather
stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to
refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time
to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep
silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a
time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he
laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath
given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:
also he hath set the world in their heart, so that
no man can find out the work that God maketh
from the beginning to the end. I know that,
whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:nothing
can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and
God doeth it,that men should fear before him.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be
hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

"Another Time, Another Place"
Robin Trower

Response to a Dream (Sedrick & Diaphanous)

"The dream troubles you?" Diaphanous inquired.

Sedrick wondered if he should, or even could, bring himself to recount the thing. The feeling of it being all too fresh and vivid. But he knew the words of the storyteller, who had stood before him in his sleep - if it was indeed sleep - were not going to go away simply because he'd not repeated them. And so he began to recite the tale the teller had told.

She spent her time waiting for the first breath of life
A love that her heart could call home
When at least it came though yet from a distance
She packed all she had and all that she was
Wrapped up in ribbons and bows and set out to seek its source
At the crossroads she stood, determining her course
Had he'd called from the left or the right she wasn't sure
Tilting her head perhaps to better hear
Standing on tiptoes so she might see farther into the distance
And she wondered how long had she been there
And she thought of time and how it passed
As she watched the others as they went ahead two by two
Toward life and love that their hearts would call home
She stood with her package of all that she was
As the once vivid colors of the ribbons fade
And the flowery bows wilt in the heat of the day
Days that seemed like years and the years longer still
As a picture grows dim and fades out of view
So my vision of her as she waits for his voice
To be her clues and her courage or to say perhaps
Here I am to the east or to the west move toward me
But where is she now the one with her package
Her heart wrapped like a present in wind worn paper
Last I saw her she was still standing at the crossroads
On tiptoes perhaps to see farther into the distance
Wondering how long she'd been there, waiting.

To Sedrick, it seemed as if it wasn't even his own voice he heard as he had repeated the song-like story. But the question didn't remain long. Diaphanous, who now, it seemed, wasn't at all surprised or shaken in the least, and Sedrick wasn't required to wait for long at all before she replied.

"It is a tale of a girl who waited. Yes. A rather sad seeming tale, told through the eyes of a Teller. But I know of another part of that tale - a part of the story the Teller left out, or perhaps wasn't aware of, or even perhaps forgot.

Though the tale might create, for the mind, images of the roads that cross and a girl who stands there, waiting, as if those roads were dry and barren, as if one might see the dust rise on the slightest breeze. Yet if one looks a little closer, just to the side, there is a scene easily overlooked.

There you would see an oasis. A beautifully shaded place of rest and refuge. And a brook, where cool water babbles and sparkles under the light of the full moon. There, under a dogwood tree, he has left for her comforting words, written on by his own hand, on pages that shine like silver tablets.

She reads 'I love you' And with that thought, she rests peacefully, and whispers, 'When I rest here, beneath this tree, beside this brook and read the words you have written and left for me - in those moments I am content.'"

Diaphanous said no more. In the silence, somehow instinctively, Sedrick knew that there must be some connection between this story - the dream - and Leala. He was able to determine so little about her past that he couldn't be sure how. Now, there seemed a kind of glimpse of something he couldn't quite grasp, yet knew was quite real, even though the understanding of it was fleeting.

Sedrick still wasn't used to the fact that Diaphanous often times seemed able to read his thoughts and hadn't expected his ponderings to be interupted by her words, once more.

"Your heart tells you this is part of Leala's story. If I could tell you more, I would do so, but these are questions you must ask Leala."

Yes. He planned to do just that, as soon as he managed to catch up with her on the other side of Belwich, as was their agreement. But at this point it was more a question of "if" than "when."

© Rachelle

"Drive"
The Cars

The Heart of a Mother

What mother doesn't know what it means to 'keep' and to 'ponder' in her heart?

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds F9 said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." [Luke 2:15-19]

"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." [Luke 2:41-51]

Happy Mother's Day
to Some Very Special Ladies

Wishing For Sidewalks

Silently we go, understanding not what lies ahead, but knowing something is missing. Our pack? Our pony? But the daunting darkness reveals not the answer.

Stumbling, we cannot say where we are going, or even where we are. Time drags. Loud footsteps race up from behind and we are frozen with fear.

We wish for successful outcomes, for softer terrain and the smoothness of sidewalks, but none are to be found and outcomes are yet unknown.

There is no compass. No map. There is night. There is sleep. It's tempting to stay safe under the cover of pitched tents and crackling fires, waiting for mornings that never come.

Yet, we know. Somehow we know this is our illusion. It is not real. It is deception.

Though the road be long and wearisome, we have but to move forward following the one who travels ahead. Making the burden that small bit lighter. To simply listen to his guiding call. That voice that soothes if only our souls hear.

© Rachelle LeCount
"Time Waits For Noone"
by The Rolling Stones


Lyrics:
Yes, star crossed in pleasure the stream flows on by
Yes, as we're sated in leisure, we watch it fly
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
Time can tear down a building or destroy a woman's face
Hours are like diamonds, don't let them waste
Time waits for no one, no favours has he
Time waits for no one, and he won't wait for me
Men, they build towers to their passing yes, to their fame everlasting
Here he comes chopping and reaping, hear him laugh at their cheating
And time waits for no man, and it won't wait for me
Yes, time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
Drink in your summer, gather your corn
The dreams of the night time will vanish by dawn
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
And time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me
No no no, not for me....

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Mystics & Watchers

Public Service Announcement

Here's a little public service announcement. I think this is generally attributed to Abe Lincoln but I read somewhere that's not the case. Not sure where it came from, really, and it could be a complilation of quotes for all I know. Nonetheless, it makes sense, and that's what matters.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World"
by Tears For Fears

Lyrics:
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world
I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world
Say that you'll never never never need it
One headline why believe it ?
Everybody wants to rule the world
All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world