Handfasting-by-Design            

weddings and Handfastings
Rev. Thelma E. Youron-Smith
531 Luzerne St
Freeland, PA 18221
United States

ph: 570-636-2410
fax: 570-6362410
alt: 570-4015475

HEALING



angelryanx.gifHealing by the Moon                                   
by Rachel Raymond
Moon goddesses are also goddesses of magic and herbal healing. Isis, Artemis, Hecate, and Diana are just a few of the many lunar deities who were invoked in herbal healing rituals and spells. The very first forms of magic were healing magic. Healers used the energies and properties of the world around them to bring their ailing patients back into a state of health. They observed that all living things responded to the waxing and waning of the Moon. During the Full Moon shellfish are plumper and more succulent, and mammals have more blood in their bodies and stronger heartbeats. Women tend to menstruate during the New Moon and ovulate during the Full Moon.
The herbs used by ancient healers were said to be best when picked during a particular phase of the Moon. As a modern herbalist, I have found the Moon to be a powerful healing ally. Unlike my healing predecessors, I am spoiled by a ready supply of prepared herbs. Therefore, I don't spend a lot of time picking my herbs during the optimal phase of the Moon. However, I have found using herbal therapies in harmony with the phases of the Moon to be a very powerful healing strategy.
The waxing phase of the Moon is the best time to build the body up. This is when I use nurturing herbs and tonics to strengthen the body's natural immunities. Raspberry leaf is an excellent tonic for female reproductive organs; hawthorn berries are good for the cardiovascular system; nettle is a great blood tonic; burdock is a good liver tonic red clover builds fertility; at straw is good for the nervous system; and alfalfa is a fantastic all-around nutritive tonic. These herbs are simple and gentle. They are best taken in a cup of tea, three to five times a day. During the waxing phase I also like to increase water intake to avoid water retention. The more water we ingest, the less water our bodies attempt to retain. This is also a good time to apply medicinal salves and to take therapeutic baths. Most importantly, I work during the waxing Moon to ensure that the body has all the nutritional support it needs. This is the body's building time and it needs a good supply of minerals vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids to be healthy. I would also not attempt to fast or to lose weight during the waxing Moon.
The Full Moon lasts about three days. It is a very intense phase. Many women still ovulate with the Full Moon. This is the time when I apply the most powerful herbs. like to use cayenne capsules to treat infections of any kind. Goldenseal is a well-known herbal antibiotic. Echinacae and lomatium are anti-viral. Dong quai is an excellent herb for female hormonal fluctuations. Energy healing work during the Full Moon is very powerful. On the energetic level, it acts like a magnifying mirror. The strong lunar energy pulls everything out of hiding and reflects it back at us. This is often the time during an acute illness when people feel their worst. The Full Moon intensifies whatever else is going on. Often people aren't even aware that they're sick until the Full Moon hits. This is also an excellent time for psychological therapy. Emotions seem closer to the surface than usual and social inhibitions melt away. Agendas that have been simmering under the surface tend to come out under the light of the Full Moon. This is a time to strengthen relationships and reaffirm bonds. Never underestimate the healing power of simply holding someone's hand and listening. This is not the time for isolation or introspection. The Full Moon draws all life toward it. Even the solid ground rises several inches when the Full Moon passes overhead!
The waning Moon is the best time to employ therapeutic fasts. I avoid drastic fasting. There is usually no need to starve the body to heal it. However, I found it helpful to limit my intake to juices and soups for a few days during the waning Moon, particularly when I was struggling with the flu. I like to use purifying herbs in moderation at this time. Sage usnea, ginger, lemon, thyme, lavender, and peppermint are all cleansing and clearing herbs. The waning Moon is also a good time to do seats and diaphoretic(sweat producing) baths. In addition, if I was trying to kick a habit, I would do it during the waning phase. Full body massages help circulation and strengthen the eliminative systems. Use energy healing techniques to sever unhealthy bonds and strengthen boundaries.
New Moon is as powerful in its own way as the Full Moon. It is a time for taking stock. It is a phase of hibernation, retreat, and contemplation. Avoid crowds and gatherings and seek a little time for yourself. Unless an illness is at a critical phase, I frequently cease all therapies for a day or so and allow the body to seek its own level. Rest is crucial during the New Moon. Simple foods and quiet times are powerful healers. Many women menstruate with the New Moon It is natural to want to curl up in bed with a good book and nice cup of chamomile tea. Stronger nervines (relaxing herbs) are skullcap, hops, catnip, oat straw, and valerian. After the New Moon ends and that first crescent appears, then the healing lunar cycle begins all over again. Most acute diseases do not last a full lunar cycle.
The information in this article is only intended to be an educational tool, not a prescription. It is always wise to consult with your health care provider when experiencing any illness or discomfort. Awareness of the rhythms of nature can assist you and your health care provider in determining the best course of treatment at any given time. Naturally, some conditions will require that you apply therapies that don't necessarily "fit" with the phase of the Moon. However, I have found that my own therapies are much more effective when I am not fighting the tides that flow around and through us. May the lunar goddesses of healing--Artemis and Isis, Diana and Hecate--bless your healing efforts with Moon wisdom and Moon magic.
From Llewellyn's 1999 Magical Almanac
 

Cancer Meditation

The following meditation technique was excerpted from The Inner Traveler, the official
newsletter of the Meditation Society of America.

Cancer is a wonderful equal opportunity provider. There may be no more powerful facts
of life teacher. The choices of how to respond to it physically are usually between
surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The beneficial effect these have can be hampered
by the stress of worry, fear, obsessive thoughts, and energy squandered in negativity.
Medical science has produced a large body of work that proves that it is most
advantageous to cease doing those things that continue to cause stress and begin doing
those things that promote the optimum functioning of the immune and healing systems.
Changing to a healthy diet, exercising, and other "alternate healing" methods are
gaining respectability in the orthodox medical community, but none more than
meditation. This ancient practice has been shown to be a tremendous tool for healing.
There is no better way to undo the negative reactions on the body, mind, and emotions
that are produced by the adrenaline release fear, anger, and worry invariably
precipitate. The endorphin release that comes with meditation properly primes the mind
and emotions in a way that will let the body do its healing most advantageously. With
that in mind, the following technique is offered in the hope that it will set the stage
for a complete cure. It is aimed at those warriors blessed with the chance to do battle
against this terrible dragon armed with the weaponry of either surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy, or some combination of them.

Position yourself in whatever posture you have found most condusive to concentration.
Think about each of the procedures that you will be going through in as great detail as
you can. Visualize them relative to the maximum benefit they will bring you.

In your minds eye, see the surgical procedure removing 100% of the cancerous tissue.
See healthy cells growing and repairing the area. See yourself whole and healthy.

Visualize radiation passing through your body, frying any cancerous or precancerous
cells. See new healthy cells evolve and multiply. See yourself whole and healthy.

See chemotherapy molecules traveling through your bloodstream attacking and killing all
the aberrant cells. See healthy cells swarming to the affected area and bring healing.
See yourself whole and healthy.

As well as visualizing the physical healing processes, feel your self-love and deep
inner desire for good health fill and heal you emotionally and mentally. This effort
will stimulate and allow your immune system to do its job unimpeded by the damage that
unchecked negativity brings.

Most of all, know your Self to be the unchangeable, eternal universal divine
consciousness that is transcendent of your body, mind, or emotions, and live happily
ever after.
http://www.meditationsociety.com/    

CHANNELING HEALING ENERGY
by Rose Ann Schwab

The channeling of healing energy occurs when one allows
oneself to be a vehicle or channel through which healing
energy can flow. In the use of healing energy it can have
a profound effect. Colors of the chakras also used by Healers
to read energy in the auras and whether it is healthy, unhealthy, blocked or
free flowing. It is important when acting as a channel
for healing energy or channeling, to centering and protection of oneself. By
using deep breathing exercises and visualization, the Channeler is able to
prepare themselves for the gift they are about
to use.

The secret of channeling healing energy is ALLOWING yourself
to feel connected to a positive energy source and allow the free
flowing of the energy through you to someone else.
By tapping various energy sources within our bodies and
without we are able to connect in other ways. These centers are
natural doorways to positive energy. When we associate words with
the experience, we can also open doors in this manner. The word
"love" will make us feel relaxed and peaceful. Using the
word "love" connects us to the energy source that is love.
Words therefore can be used as a connection to a positive energy
source.

Colors are sources of positive energy with each color having
a different source and connection to the energy. Red is the color
of physical energy and energizes us. To over energize will
cause restlessness. The color red when used in healings
signifies physical strength and vibrancy. This color is also good
for sluggish livers. Orange is the color of emotional happiness.
Cloudy orange is seen in an aura when there is some kind of physical
irritation. It is a good color to use healing on bladder and hips.
Yellow is the color of the intellect and usually large amounts of
yellow around the head area can be found. Those who are
intellectual or make their living using their minds will have a
great deal of yellow in their auras. This color is good for
general toner and can be used to bring healing to the kidneys.
Green is the basic color of physical healing and you will
find this color predominantly used in healings and the most
predominant color in the aura because light souls are going
through a continuous healing process. In using this color you are promoting
growth, health, security, and regeneration.
When concentrations of green are found in a particular area,
it indicates healing is taking place. Blue is the color of peace
and can be used for most situations as a general healing color.
This color if found as a predominant color indicates this
light soul is inclined to be spiritual and peace loving.
Channeling the color blue then white will help in calming effects.
Indigo is a mixture of more blue and then red. In a light
soul it represents spirituality and passion. It can also indicate wisdom
which is spiritual (blue) and knowledge gained through experiences and
lessons (red). It is used to quiet anger and any negativity. It can also be
used on light souls who have had a lot
of lessons or experiences and have not developed into wisdom.
Violet - represents spiritual mediation and is also a stimulant
for psychic awareness. This color is used for general spiritual or
emotional healing. Usually significant amounts are found in the Aura. This
is perceived as advancement in spiritual growth and levels.
White has all the colors including the healing colors and can be
used for any type of healing. It represents purity, protection and
unconditional love. If you are feeling threatened or someone is bombarding
you with darkness and negativity, using and enveloping
white light through and around you will protect you. White
represents a very high degree of spirituality. Predominant
white auras are rare. Pink is the color of unconditional love
with the physical energy of red and the spiritual qualities
of white. This color would nourish someone who has trouble giving
and receiving love. Pink as a predominate color aura represents
modest or quiet and loving light soul. This color also shows
large capacity for devotion. Gold has a quality to create a
structure for healing within a light soul. With using this color
and surrounding the area then with green healing energy it will
help in aiding the physical healing. Gold as a healing color
is used for restructuring, but also is considered very
spiritual. As with white, the gold represents unconditional love.
Gold auras are rare. In channeling using white light and channeling using
mother earth energy helps to give an equal balance of positive energy force.                                                             
     

HEALING BY THE MOON PHASES

The Waxing Moon

The waxing phase of the Moon is the best time to build the body up. This

is when I use nurturing herbs and tonics to strengthen the body's
natural immunities

Raspberry leaf is an excellent tonic for female reproductive organs;
hawthorn berries are good for the cardiovascular system; nettle is a
great blood tonic; marshmallow root is a soothing tonic for the urinary
tract; astragalas is a wonderful immune system tonic; burdock is a good
liver tonic; red clover builds fertility; oat straw is good for the
nervous system; alfalfa is a fantastic all-around nutritive tonic.

These herbs are simple and gentle. They are best taken in a cup of tea,
three to five times a day.

During the waxing phase I also like to increase water intake to avoid
water retention. The more water we ingest, the less water our bodies
attempt to retain.

This is also a good time to apply medicinal salves and to take
therapeutic baths.

Most importantly, I work during the waxing Moon to ensure that the body
has all the nutritional support it needs. This is the body's building
time, and it needs a good supply of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates,
lipids, and amino acids to be healthy. I would also not attempt to fast
or to lose weight during the waxing Moon.

Use energy healing techniques to strengthen and reconnect with the
earth. Be careful to ground and center when healing so that you never
use up your own life force energy. The universe is full of energy to
use, and by tapping into it you will be able to help many more people
than you could by using just your energy alone.

FULL MOON

The Full Moon lasts about three days. It is a very intense phase. Many
women still ovulate with the Full Moon.

This is the time to apply the most powerful herbs. Cayenne capsules to
treat infections of any kind. Goldenseal is a well-known herbal
antibiotic.
Echinacea and lomatium are anti-viral. Dong quai is an excellent herb
for female hormonal fluctuations.

Energy healing work during the Full Moon is very powerful. On the
energetic level, it acts like a magnifying mirror. The strong lunar
energy pulls everything out of hiding and reflects it back at us.

This is often the time during an acute illness when people feel their
worst. The Full Moon intensifies whatever else is going on. Often people

aren't even aware that they're sick until the Full Moon hits.

This is also an excellent time for psychological therapy. Emotions seem
closer to the surface than usual and social inhibitions melt away.

Agendas that have been simmering under the surface tend to come out
under the light of the Full Moon.

This is a time to strengthen relationships and reaffirm bonds. Never
underestimate the healing power of simply holding someone's hand and
listening.

This is not the time for isolation or introspection. The Full Moon draws

all of life toward it. Even the solid ground rises several inches when
the Full Moon passes overhead!

WANING MOON

The waning Moon is the best time to employ therapeutic fasts. Avoid
drastic fasting. There is usually no need to starve the body to heal it.

However, it may be helpful to limit your intake to juices and soups for
a few days during the waning Moon, particularly when struggling with the
flu.

Use purifying herbs in moderation at this time. Sage, usnea, ginger,
lemon, thyme, lavender, and peppermint are all cleansing and clearing
herbs.

The waning Moon is also a good time to do sweats and diaphoretic (sweat
producing) baths.

In addition, if you are trying to kick a habit, do it during the waning
phase.

Use energy healing techniques to sever unhealthy bonds and strengthen
boundaries.


NEW MOON

The New Moon is as powerful in its own way as the Full Moon. It is a
time for taking stock. It is a phase of hibernation, retreat, and
contemplation.

Avoid crowds and gatherings and seek a little time for yourself. Rest is

crucial during the New Moon. Simple foods and quiet times are powerful
healers. Many women menstruate with the New Moon. It is natural to want
to curl up in bed with a good book and nice cup of chamomile tea.

Stronger nervines (relaxing herbs) are skullcap, hops, catnip, oatstraw,

and valerian.

After the New Moon ends and that first crescent appears, then the
healing lunar cycle begins all over again. Most acute diseases do not
last a full lunar cycle.

*

The information in this article is only intended to be an educational
tool, not a prescription. It is always wise to consult with your health
care provider when experiencing any illness or discomfort.

Awareness of the rhythms of nature can assist you and your health care
provider in determining the best course of treatment at any given time.
Naturally, some conditions will require that you apply therapies that
don't necessarily "fit" with the phase of the Moon.

Full credit for article & content from
<http://fortunecity.com/roswell/chaney/>

                                                             
   

 
March 12, 2009
Tao of Healing
Dean Evenson
2000

When something works it's worth doing again, and New Age flutist-composer Dean Evenson's collaboration with guqin (Chinese zither) master Li Xiangting is proof of this. Tao of Healing is one of a series of collaborations between these two gentle old souls, and it's a profound, humbling beautiful journey into the place of stillness where healing can occur. The wafting sounds of Evenson's flute create the air and the wind, while Li's zither creates the grass and the trees and the stones in the inner garden of contemplation. Put this on after a stressful day at the office, or when recovering from a bad cold, or when you’re meditating and getting in tune with your energy centers, realigning your out-of-control prana. This is music that's not going anywhere; it's right in the moment, circling and creating, and defining in a ceaseless ebb and flow of shadow play. Let yourself get lost in the flow and find what's missing.

"Clouds on Mountain" is a typical example, with Li using the low, wavering strings of the guqin to create a feeling of endless dropping gravity in your spine, balanced by the high spirited lift of Evenson's silver flute in the back of the neck. When Li switches to the high, ethereal, almost sitar-sounding high notes, the merging of instruments is complete, and it feels in your ears as if the revolution of the earth itself is working to wash away the angry residues of your day. "Deeper Forever" is busier, with rising tides of keyboards and flutes seeming to fly like swirls of happy morning doves around the sleeping depth of the slowly waking resonance of Li's guqin.

While there are derivations from the usual here, such as the solo flute track "Silver Bamboo" or guest musician Scott Huckabay on guitar, the bulk of this amazing album flows from two like minds—Evenson and Li—that work as one to create simple, deeply grounded meditative environments. This music is the musical equivalent of Monet’s impressionistic landscape paintings, only mistier and more contemplative. We should always endeavor to keep to the tao (or path), and with the Tao of Healing always at hand, getting there can be as simple as closing your eyes and breathing in the beauty as it pours into your lungs, ears, and heart.

                                               
On Thursday evenings at 9 P.M. we do healing candles and prayers.  If you would like to have some one put on the list, please contact us. Rev. Elizabeth Pres. Rev. Thelma Elizabeth Youron-Smith Pocono Region Interfaith Ministry

Copyright 2009 weddings and Handfastings. All rights reserved.

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weddings and Handfastings
Rev. Thelma E. Youron-Smith
531 Luzerne St
Freeland, PA 18221
United States

ph: 570-636-2410
fax: 570-6362410
alt: 570-4015475