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Tapioca is known usually as being a yummy pudding-like mixture, but did you know it is actually a gluten-free starch extract from the Cassava plant?
The root of the plant is a useful part, which is where the tapioca starch is acquired. This sweet-tasting flesh should only be consumed after proper cooking. If not prepared correctly, it can be highly poisonous. They are a great source of iron and are naturally low in sodium.
Tapioca has many wonderful benefits including Healthy weight gain, Increased Circulation, Increased red blood cell count, Improved digestion, Protects against birth defects, Lowers cholesterol, Prevent diabetes, Improves metabolic activities, Protects bone mineral density, Prevents Alzheimer’s disease, Protects heart health, and maintains fluid balance within the body.
This is because of a unique composition of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds. These include a very low level of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
It is also a rich source of dietary fiber, the “good” kind of cholesterol, and protein.
Further, it contains members of the vitamin B-complex, including pantothenic acid, folate, and B6, as well as iron, manganese, calcium, copper, and selenium. It’s also been able to help with birth defects in children, possibly.
Because it contains a significant amount of B-complex vitamins, including folic acid, it has been linked to reducing the chances of neural tube defects in infants.
It’s also great for bone health as it’s rich in vitamin K, calcium, and iron. This helps with our teeth' health as well.
Today, Tapioca is cultivated and enjoyed around the world. There are many different recipes that can be added to, one of the most popular being bubble tea. Tapioca balls are added to the bottom of this fun drink, which adds a squishy and surprising element to it. Try it out sometime if you haven’t already! It might just become one of your new favorite drinks.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078018/
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/going-gluten-free-just-because-heres-what-you-need-to-know-201302205916
https://authoritynutrition.com/tapioca/
http://amzn.to/2sVb1tb
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For thousands of years, Sculptures have filled many roles in human life. The earliest sculptures were most likely made to supply magical help to hunters. After the dawn of civilization, statues began to be used to represent gods.
Ancient Kings, possibly in the hope of making themselves immortal, would have their likeness carved, and thus portrait sculpture was born as an art form. The Greeks were also particularly skilled in their sculptures, and they made statues that perfectly formed men and women down to the phi ratio.
Early Christians and Catholics would decorate churches with demons, gargoyles, and devils, reminders of the presence of evil for the many churchgoers who could neither read nor write. The Japanese would also make magnificent sculptures to honor the gods of nature, called Kami, and both Chinese and Japanese cultures would sculpt statues to banish evil forces from the environment.
One of the most renowned statues in the world today is David, sculpted by Michelangelo during the Renaissance beginning when he was only 26 years old. It took him nearly four years to complete, and today it still bears the mark by historians and scholars alike as one of the most perfect statues on the planet.
Today, many artistic sculptures are created, which encourage us to think about the world in new ways and to see things differently than we did before. Thanks to the work of many aspiring artists, sculptures are an art form as important as writing itself and will continue to be so for eons to come.
It’s easy to create your own as well, even if you don’t have any formal training or technical, artistic skill – anyone can do it! All you need is some clay and some patience to carve together an image of whatever you want to express. It’s great for those who aren’t the most hands-on, it helps teach us how to be precise and careful with our hands, and proves that we can truly create anything we put our mind to.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/jun/21/talking-stones-elaine-ling-photographer-in-pictures
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/22/arts/design/looking-into-the-divine-eyes-of-spiritual-sculptures.html
http://asiasociety.org/new-york/exhibitions/kamakura-realism-and-spirituality-sculpture-japan
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Runes, or Old Norse, are letters of a runic alphabet that were used to write Germanic languages before using Latin. The earliest runic inscriptions date back to 150 AD. The first inscriptions found on actual artifacts remain a mystery primarily. The old runes were not only a writing system but magical symbols for spells and charms. The name rune itself means “secret or something hidden.”
Each alphabet has its own set of symbols and meanings.
You can do a reading yourself! Get some runes; they can come carved into crystal or stone, or on ceramic tiles. Make a sacred space, lay down a cloth, and concentrate on asking a question. You can either toss a few of the runes in the air or pull some out of a bag while focusing on your question. Make sure your mind is fully focused and not drawing in different random thoughts. This makes reading much more clear and concise.
Ultimately, you can create your own system for how to read runes, but traditionally you would lay three out. The first one is an answer to a past situation in your life, the middle is in relation to a current situation, and the last rune is about future situations. There are also many variations of the reading, where the first rune represents the present and what influences you right now, the second focuses on any upcoming challenges, and the final rune is the most likely result of your challenges.
There is also a mind, body, and spirit way of reading runes, where each one simply represents one of those three aspects. Look up different layouts and their meanings if you want to broaden your knowledge on how to read them. There are ancient ways of practicing this, as well as new, modern, or intuitive ways that just feel right to you. Practice the different ways and do what feels the most right to you!
Sources:
http://www.crystalinks.com/runes.html
http://norse-mythology.org/runes/
http://www.ancient-runes.co.uk
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Rock salt is among the purest forms of salt, devoid of environmental pollutants and chemical components. It contains 84 out of the 92 trace elements required by the body, including calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, copper, and so on. A lot of the time, this salt is called Himalayan salt or pink salt. Unlike processed white salt, this salt is incredibly good for you and doesn’t raise your sodium and cholesterol levels in the same way traditional salts do.
The consumption of rock salt is a powerful aid for digestion and is often prescribed for laxatives and digestion disorders. It improves appetite, removes gas, and soothes heartburn.
It facilitates the cellular absorption of minerals and plays an important role in replenishing the body’s electrolytes and maintaining the body’s pH balance.
It also aids in weight loss by equalizing minerals, which inhibit cravings and eliminate dead fat cells. Finally, rock salt stabilizes blood pressure and cures rheumatic pain and herpes, inflammation, and irritation from insect bites.
Rock Salt Lamps are very simply, lamps made of rock salt. The aroma created by these lamps help relax the body and mind and is often a useful tool in relieving and managing stress.
Salt Lamps are natural negative ion generators, which are caused in the unique combination of salt and the light source inside the lamp. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning that it attracts water (even mild humidity) to its surface, which then quickly evaporates due to the heat from the light. The negative ions are generated during this evaporation process.
Since things like airborne mold, bacteria, and allergens often carry a positive charge, the rock salt lamp can actually neutralize them by its generation of negative ions. For this reason, Salt Lamps are excellent for decoration around the house. They are simply great Feng-Shui!
You can also put rock salt into bath-water, and it soothes and relaxes your muscles, and stimulates good sleep, lowers your blood pressure, and detoxifies your body!]
Sources:
http://www.ayurhelp.com/articles/ayurveda-health-benefits-rock-salt-or-sendha-namak#.WUphIDPMwUE
http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/15-incredible-rock-salt-benefits-for-skin-hair-and-overall-health-1632127
http://amzn.to/2sVe1Wn
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Reishi Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for at least 2000 years. The mushrooms were known to the ancients as “the mushrooms of immortality.”
They are a non-toxic mushroom that can be taken daily without any side effects; many people take them in pill form, which you can easily find at health food stores. They can also be eaten as dried mushrooms, which can easily be incorporated into different recipes. Some people also put powdered forms of them in protein shakes or take it as a condensed shot of liquid. Do what feels right for you and your body.
When taken regularly, it can restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally.
It is a powerful Immune Modulator, regulating and fine-tuning the immune system.
A considerable number of studies in China, Japan, the US and the UK in the past 30 years have shown that the consumption of red reishi has been linked to the treatment of a vast range of diseases, common ailments, and conditions.
From asthma to zoster, the applications of red reishi seems to be related to a multitude of body organs and systems.
This is because of Reishi Mushrooms:
Protect cellular DNA from oxidant damage that causes aging and cancer.
Protect mitochondrial DNA and the mitochondria themselves from oxidant damage that weakens their energy-producing abilities and makes them inefficient, another major cause of aging.
Increase levels and activity of a large suite of natural intracellular antioxidant molecules, resulting in reduced oxidation of cell membranes and organelles that lead to aging and its related diseases.
Protect kidney tubule cells from oxidant damage that leads to kidney failure.
Increase the expression of a key longevity gene and promote an increased lifespan in species ranging from yeasts to primitive worms to mammals such as mice.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-stamets/reishi-mushrooms_b_2200808.html
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0057431
http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2619&context=facpub
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr_Alok_Nahata/publication/259493336_Ganoderma_lucidum_A_Potent_Medicinal_Mushroom_with_Numerous_Health_Benefits/links/00b7d52c3d2e1e8986000000/Ganoderma-lucidum-A-Potent-Medicinal-Mushroom-with-Numerous-Health-Benefits.pdf
http://amzn.to/2sVbGdV
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The pineal gland is a tiny pine-cone shaped gland located in the center of our brain, between the left and right hemispheres. Our pineal glands synthesize and secrete melatonin, the natural compound released from our brain when we’re going to bed that makes us fall asleep.
The pineal gland has been referenced in countless ancient texts, art, and traditions throughout history. From The Buddha to statues in front of the Vatican itself – this pine-cone shaped gland has been used to represent higher states of consciousness that we are all able to achieve.
It has been referred to as the seat of the soul, as many believe this is the center point of where our inherent psychic ability comes from. Many people report intense pressure on their third eye when experiencing deep meditations, healing modalities, or even just when they’re trying to fall asleep.
Signs of an opened third eye can look like heighten sensitivity to people’s energy, the ability to tap into how someone’s an emotional field, seeing auras, vibrating sensations throughout the body, lucid dreaming and astral projection. Extreme cases of this can encompass episodes of channeling, hearing, or sensing paranormal beings, experiencing visions and telepathy, and much more!
As we awakening collectively, our pineal glands are beginning to decalcify more and more, allowing for higher amounts of information to be absorbed into our being.
Some of the best ways to help open your third eye is staying away from all forms of fluoride, processed food, and harsh chemicals. Eating a predominantly plant-based diet drastically helps as well. Superfoods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, matcha, spirulina, raw cacao, different berries, and almost all leafy greens are high in nutrition that boosts our energy and helps open our third eye.
Meditating on opening our pineal gland is also a great, and one of the most powerful ways to help unlock its amazing potential. Simply getting into a relaxed state, closing your eyes, and gently looking upwards towards the center of your forehead can send energy towards your pineal gland and activate it quite quickly in some cases.
Try it for yourself and see if you can feel some of the amazing experiences that happen when you start to open this aspect of yourself!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190564/
http://spiritualityhealth.com/blog/bess-oconnor/how-decalcify-and-activate-pineal-gland
https://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/ciencia/ciencia_brain65.htm
http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/pineal-gland-activation-third-eye/
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Because of its healing properties, Peyote Cactus has long been recognized by Native Americans as a medicinal plant. Traditionally peyote was often used as an analgesic, treating things including toothaches, rheumatism, asthma, and even cold symptoms. Some tribes, such as the Tarahumara, commonly used masticated peyote as a topical treatment to bites, burns, wounds, and aching muscles.
Of course, one of the common appeals of Peyote Cactus apart from its healing properties is its psychedelic properties. For thousands of years, Peyote has been used in Native and Shamanic circles to induce powerful spiritual insight into the nature of life and reality, as well as facilitate healing in all aspects of life. It is an ancient medicine and shouldn’t be used just for recreational use. If you are looking to create a fundamental shift in your life or undergo a spiritual transformation, this sacred plant can aid in this.
Some of the spiritual effects of consuming Peyote include having closed and open eye visuals, insightful realizations, heightened sense of colors, an increase in energy, an increased sensation of touch, happy and dreamy feelings, feelings of relaxation or rejuvenation, out of body experiences and increased access to spiritual information. In addition, there are also experiences of mood enhancement or feelings of euphoria, changes in perception of what “reality” even is, and a loss of perception of time.
Some studies suggest that there are few if any, long-term neuropsychological deficits attributable to hallucinogen use. That being said, it’s important to stress that medicine such as Peyote should not be taken without the right environment, and for the right reasons. Traditionally, the use of this cactus was a very sacred and spiritual affair and was never used as a recreational drug. It is a powerful teacher of the earth and should be respected as such by those who choose to use it. Be careful and always do your own research before ingesting any mind-altering substance. It affects everyone differently.
To learn more about Peyote and its history with the Native Peoples, please watch our video about the Native American Church!
Sources:
http://discovermagazine.com/2003/feb/featpeyote/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773875/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592297/
http://amzn.to/2tNxc18
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Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo or “holy wood,” is a tree native to Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. These trees live up to 80 to 90 years. It is part of the citrus family, so it has sweet undertones of pine, mint, and lemon.
Palo Santo is used primarily as burning sticks, incense, and essential oil. Shamans use the smoke from lit palo santo sticks to clear the energy field of ritual participants. It is one of the most potent cleansers out there.
Similar to the properties of sage, it’s said to clear misfortune, negative thought prints, and any evil spirits. Just like a smudging ritual, you can use palo santo for the same use.
Take a feather to move the smoke around a room to clear the energy and purify the air. Make sure the smoke goes into all four corners and ensure you’re focusing on a positive intention while smudging. The more you concentrate, the more influential the energy of the room can become. Its smoke is a bit thinner than the smoke of something like sage, so don’t be afraid to light it for a bit longer to ensure it’s smoke can encompass the entire room.
It is also often used for physical pain and reducing inflammation. It contains high levels of D-Limonene and Monoterpenes, which can help reduce cancer symptoms. It has excellent absorption properties and can be used in massage therapy to relieve the pain of the muscles and joints and regenerate skin conditions.
Palo Santo is traditionally used for relieving: Common Colds, Flu Symptoms, Stress, Asthma, Headaches, Anxiety, Depression, Inflammation, Emotional Pain, and more!
Buy some for yourself and experience the incredible power of palo santo – or at least enjoy its sweet scent that can bring a home together. Enjoy it!
Sources:
https://draxe.com/palo-santo/
https://sacredwoodessence.com/benefits/
http://amzn.to/2vZQUal
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Moldavite is one of the rarest materials on earth! This is because it is a naturally occurring glass made by a meteorite impact from central Europe about 14.2 million years ago!
Most scientists agree that Moldavite itself is not a meteorite itself. Their chemical composition fits the sedimentary layers in the mother crater. Despite many who claim it is a meteorite, the data shows that, in fact, it is a product of the fusion of the meteorite with the earth.
Moldavite is thus, the only gem-form of Tektite, although the only translucent green kind you will ever find. Most tektite is dark brown. Because of its origins, though, it has earned the reputation as an “Alien Crystal” in Spiritual and Metaphysical circles all around the world.
In such circles, it is often described as having an enlightening effect on the individual who carries or wears a piece on them. Because of this, it is said to be an excellent stone to meditate with, and that it can assist anyone with opening up their heart and connecting with their purpose in life.
Many people attribute their out of body experiences to the presence of this stone during a meditation.
Moldavite is regarded as a heart, third eye, and crown stone, and even those who are not very sensitive to subtle energies often describe feeling hot flashes or tingling and buzzing in their body when they hold moldavite. Because of its green color, it can easily connect us with the energy of our hearts. It’s perfect for those who feel they might have a closed-off or blocked heart chakra. Use this stone to meditate with and allow it’s intense energies to open you back up!
What do you think? Carry one, and see how it makes you feel!
Sources:
http://geology.com/meteorites/impactites.shtml
https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/moldavite
http://www.crystalwind.ca/crystalsandgems/crystals-in-depth/moldavite-stone-of-transformation
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A Mango is a famous love tonic, and that’s not superstition anymore. The Vitamin E in mangoes helps regulate hormones and boosts your libido as a result! Mangos are a stone fruit that belongs to the plant genus Mangifera. They are native to South Asia but are grown all over the world in tropical climates primarily. They are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the tropics.
Only eating or drinking the pulp or juice of the mango acts as an aphrodisiac, which will increase attraction and stimulation. Many people eat mangos with their lovers to increase their libido if required. They are also the color of our sacral chakra, as it’s truly the fruit of passion and the energy of our relationships.
Today, they are often regarded as the King of all fruits. They fight cancer, alkalize the body, aid in weight loss, regulate diabetes, help digestion, clean your skin, and make the perfect snack. They are high in vitamins A, K, and C. They also have minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and many more nutrients within them!
In Hindu traditions, the Mango was a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The fruit, its buds, leaves, and other parts of the tree are of great spiritual importance and are used in many social and religious ceremonies.
There are so many different recipes that use mangos, especially in salads. Thai mango salads have become a popular dish at most Thai restaurants, and for a good reason!
One of the best and most simple recipes is just mangos, avocados, red onion, cilantro, and some lime. Cut all that together, through it in a bowl, and there you have it! A delicious mango salad that takes no time to make. If you do a quick search for recipes, you will find so many easy and healthy ones out there; it’s hard not to love this sweet fruit!
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-mangos.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275921.php
http://foodfacts.mercola.com/mango.html
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Mandarin Oranges are the fruits of an evergreen shrub native to Asia that belong to the family of Rutaceae and are thought to have originated in the forests of China. These fruits have been used throughout time for a variety of different things.
Mandarins are known to Decrease Liver cancer, Promotes Good Cholesterol over bad Cholesterol, Lowers Blood Pressure, Reduces weight loss, Promotes a healthy immune system, Support Skin Health, And much more!
It’s also really, REALLY good for your skin! The antioxidants make your skin look younger and healthy. The fiber helps flush harmful toxins from your body. The Vitamins are essentials for blemish-free skin. The Oils are helpful in growing new cells and tissues. It’s also good for lessening wrinkles.
There are also specifically essential oil versions of orange extracts that smell absolutely wonderful. Put a few drops in a diffuser to create a calm and peaceful environment. This smell is perfect for a healing and tranquil atmosphere.
Finally, Mandarin Juice can be rubbed into your hair for a very nice shine and bounce.
You can keep a bowl of Mandarin Oranges in the kitchen to bring cheerfulness and relaxation to the environment. Eat some to calm the nerves. Serve them at gatherings to draw people out of their shells. This fruit attracts fun, laughter, and friendship. The peels can be used to help absorb and stop the smell from shoes as well!
Once you’re done eating and enjoying your oranges, put the peels in your shoes for a day or two to help with the aroma. You can also leave the peels out for a few hours to create a yummy, citrusy smell that will encompass the whole room. Finally, to create a longer-lasting smell, rub the inside of the peels on wooden furniture to capture the smell for longer. This is especially perfect for doing in bathrooms.
Sources:
http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-mandarin-orange/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-health-benefits-of-mandarin-oranges-plus-recipes.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-mandarin-oranges-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/mandarins-healthy-2452.html
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The word Mandala means “circle”.
A Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds. Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never-ending. Many mandalas have spiritual significance to an individual or group of individuals. Hindus were one of the first people to use mandalas as a spiritual tool, but the mandalas most individuals are familiar with, are ones made by Buddhists.
Mandalas are said to affect the cognitive process in numerous ways. Specific arrangements of colors, along with vertical and horizontal lines, can have profound visual and psychological effects. This can be seen in its most basic form as optical illusions such as these.
Mandalas are used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe, however, just looking at a mandala will likely not bring you to this state of mind without staring deep into it. The creation of a mandala, on the other hand, can have significant meaning for many individuals regardless of religious or spiritual orientation. “All roads up the mountain lead to the same spot”, so they say. Mandalas can be created by individuals to symbolize their journeys through life. Mandalas can also tell a story of where an individual has been.
In some cases, they will reveal the individual’s path in life. Groups can create mandalas that will reveal what they should be doing in order to grow and develop as a group.
A very beautiful type of Mandala is the Buddhist Sand Mandala, which, after spending weeks at a time making it, it is swept up and effectively destroyed.
The idea is that every grain of sand, as it is being created, is filled with the blessings from those who create it, observe it and see it happening. Those grains of sand are then released into a river, which carries it to the ocean, and the ocean spreads the sand to the entire world. It is in this way, that each mandala touches the hearts of billions of people, in a deeply spiritual way.
A very popular trend nowadays is Mandala coloring books! They help calm your senses and allow you to focus on forms of geometric harmony.
So what are you waiting for?! Go make or color a Mandala!
Sources:
https://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/spiritual-wellness/mandalas-spiritual-practice
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819653/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdUFqkX2d6I
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
http://amzn.to/2spLHKL
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Psilocybin Mushrooms, also known as Magic mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. This plant is tremendously recognized as a sacred medicine; and has been used in ceremonies by ancient cultures all around the world, and many people described having deeply reflective or spiritual experiences that fundamentally shift how they view the world while on this mushroom. Another common expression is experiencing a sense of oneness, connectivity, and what can only be described as pure unconditional love.
Scientifically, studies have found that on a mushroom trip, the psilocybin creates new, natural neural-pathways in the brain that re-write old cognitive patterns and supports clearer thinking and better decision making.
A study was done involving 36 educated adults who had never tried psilocybin before. They were observed for eight hours in the laboratory while under the influence of the mushroom.
One-third of the participants said the experience was the single most spiritually significant moment of their life.
More than two-thirds said it was in the top five most spiritually significant experiences. Two months after the study, 79% of the participants reported increased overall well-being.
Terence Mckenna theorized that Magic Mushrooms were crucial in the evolution of humanity, allowing our brains to develop in new ways back when we were more primitive. This theory is called the “Stoned Ape Theory”, look it up!
Anthropologist John Rush believes Magic Mushrooms gave us Father Christmas. Siberian Shamans would hand out the psychedelic Amanita Muscaria mushroom every December. Often, the snow was so heavy they couldn’t use the door and would climb down the chimney. The color of the mushroom matches the colors worn by Santa Claus, and the Spirit Animal of these Shamans are Reindeer.
Magic Mushrooms also destroy fear! A 2013 study in mice found that when dosed with psilocybin, the animals became less likely to freeze up when they heard a noise they had learned to associate with a painful electric shock.
At least 144 species of mushroom contain the psychoactive ingredient psilocybin, according to a 2005 review in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
They are mostly illegal worldwide for sale and transport but carry a varied legal status across the planet depending on their form. In many places, like Brazil, the Virgin Islands, The Czech Republic, Netherlands, they are Fully Legal.
In other places, like Canada (fresh only), Austria, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Spain, they are decriminalized though still considered illegal.
In the United States, it is illegal to possess, sell, transport, and cultivate magic mushrooms, however, grow kits and spores are legal in most states.
For a complete list of legal status, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_status_of_psilocybin_mushrooms
Sources:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0063972
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4910400/
http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080703/full/news.2008.934.html
http://www.nature.com/news/magic-mushroom-drug-lifts-depression-in-first-human-trial-1.19919
http://amzn.to/2tNbtGF
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The Lotus flower is regarded as a holy plant used only for the highest of spiritual purposes, a symbol of purity in Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
You can place a flower or its roots around a statue of Buddha as a spiritual symbol, and in support of enlightenment. It also represents a communion with the heavens, and thus if you feel you have offended them through the poor treatment of yourself, others, or the environment, you can offer a lotus as a form of acknowledgment to your higher self, and of your actions and karma.
Lotus oil, the essential oil, is also said to decrease carnal urges. A candle anointed with this oil was also believed to help the deceased elevate their souls.
In modern science, this flower has been discovered to Soothe your Stomach, Stop Diarrhea, Lower blood sugar and cholesterol, Relieve Inflammation, Get rid of Acne, Ease your period, Relieve coughing and even helps stop lung cancer cells from multiplying!
You can Boil lotus roots for 10 minutes and eat them to receive a healthy dose of nutrients. It is actually a common ingredient in many Asian dishes and can be prepared in practically every way.
On a level concerning symbolism, the lotus represents important willpower we must find within ourselves. There is a saying that goes: This flower must push through tons of mud to reach the light of the sun. It is an important lesson in getting through our inner darkness, to be able to experience our inner light.
It’s also a representation of beauty within a chaotic world. It grows from the depths of the murky waters to bloom into a beautiful, bright flower. It reminds you to shine your light, no matter where you are. Buy a lotus plant for your house to help remind you of your inner strength whenever you see it!
Sources:
http://www.healthline.com/health/8-uses-for-lotus
http://www.livestrong.com/article/547124-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-the-lotus-flower-according-to-ayurveda/
http://amzn.to/2sRtXcl
https://www.jenreviews.com/stir-fry/
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Kratom is a tree native to southeast Asia. Its botanical name is Mitragyna Speciosa. The leaves of this tree have been used as an herbal drug through history by the people residing where it grew naturally. It is used in folk medicine as a stimulant at low doses, and a sedative at high doses. It is also used as a recreational drug, a pain killer, medicine for diarrhea, and treatment for opiate addiction.
Many people also report that it is also an effective treatment for arthritis and fibromyalgia.
In the native region, kratom leaves are often chewed fresh. Dried leaves can also be chewed, but most people prefer to crush them up or powder them to be swallowed. The most popular form to take it in the US is powdered, mixed with Chocolate Milk.
One of the biggest positives for this medicine is to overcome opiate (such as heroin) addiction. Many people have reported that Kratom is very effective for this purpose. This is because Kratom contains alkaloids that act as opiate receptor agonists, meaning that it can be used as a substitute for opiate drugs, both as a pain medication and to avoid opiate withdrawal.
After switching to Kratom for a while, people say that they are able to reduce and then end their use completely without suffering through difficult withdrawal. Before using it to overcome opiate addiction, it is obviously a good idea to discuss this with an open-minded physician.
Kratom is also not habit-forming when it is used responsibly. If used occasionally as a recreational drug, rather than daily, there is virtually no risk of becoming dependent on it.
That being said, it is very important to practice self-control, and not get into the habit of using it every day.
Much like with anything, alcohol, coffee, tobacco, etc, if used on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time, it could become a habit hard to break.
Kratom is currently illegal in Australia, Denmark, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. While it is still Legal in the United States, the FDA has begun actively blocking and seizing shipments upon import to the country.
Sources:
http://www.sagewisdom.org/kratomguide.html
http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2094342
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657101/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-kratom-be-legal/
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150908006067/en/Experts-Speak-Benefits-Kratom-Mistake-Ban
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Hoods are considered sacred in many religions and belief systems. The use of hoods for spiritual practices span way back beyond recorded time. They have been practically used for shading our heads from the sun, but also hold different spiritual purposes as well. Wiccans would use the hood for cloaking and concealment. In medieval times, the hooded robe was used to conceal one’s identity when traveling to and from a sacred meeting.
If you were seen, you might be burned at the stake. Hoods have been a staple in many different sacred rituals throughout time. Dressing the same as your peers create a sense of unity for those involved. This is especially important with secret societies that needed to keep their identity hidden from the public eye.
In modern Wicca, the hood helps the witch filter out the mundane and go deep within to discover his or her magical powers. If you do not have a hooded robe, you can use a shawl or a black soft fabric to cover the head during the ritual.
Hoods have been known to aid your concentration and focus during your meditation and spell casting. Hoods can be used while in meditation for increasing concentration because when you narrow your vision, your focus comes to you more naturally. There is less of the external world to focus on, so you turn your attention inward. The color of your hood can greatly affect your purpose as well.
As everything is fundamentally energy, the different frequency of color can hold different purposes. A red hood can channel aspects of our root chakra, focusing more on survival and physical health. If you choose a purple hood, that brings in energy from our crown chakra, focusing deeper on our spiritual connection. Choose it carefully, especially if you are sensitive to energy.
Sources:
http://isoulscience.com/2016/08/6-reasons-why-hoods-are-highly-spiritual-the-spiritual-significance-of-hoods/
http://meditationiseasy.com/blog/meditation-supplies/meditation-robe/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XKJGM8P/
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Calvinism is a large branch of Protestantism. Roughly 500 years after the great schism that divided the East and Western European Christianities, another schism took place within Roman Catholicism. The Protestant Reformation of 1517 divided the Roman Church into several new branches. The Lutheran Church began the reformation at the hand of Martin Luthor, but it was John Calvin who took the reformation to an entirely new level.
John Calvin was a French protestant thinker who developed ‘Reform’ Christianity with a radical take away from the old doctrines and formed a new church that looked nothing like the Catholic Church of his day. Today, over 75 million ‘Reformed” Christians share the principles of his theological system, called Calvinism.
At its core, Calvinism teaches the absolute sovereignty of God and the total depravity, original sin, of humanity. According to John Calvin and the supporters of his movement, humans do not have free will, simply because God is so supreme, that everything in creation is already predestined. So, everything we do is completely predestined.
As a consequence of the Fall, which was Adam and Eve’s disobedience of God’s command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, all people are in every respect enslaved to sin. Meaning that sin extends to all parts of every person’s being, thought, emotion, and will.
Some critics have maintained that Calvinism makes God the author of evil, to which Calvinists respond that God is sovereign even over the forces of evil and that he uses evil within his eternal plan for the world and mankind.
The five points of Calvinism are described by the acronym TULIP. These stand for
Total depravity – Man’s heart is evil and a slave to sin.
Unconditional election – God chooses who he wants, when he wants and has nothing to do with you as an individual. It’s all about his divine will. If he hasn’t chosen you, you are simply not chosen.
Limited atonement – Jesus died only for the elect, and for everyone else… Too bad, nothing personal, and nothing you can do.
Irresistible grace – God’s grace is so irresistible that when the elect is called to salvation, they simply cannot resist. While God extends the gospel message to All, the internal call cannot be resisted.
Preservation of the saints – Once saved, the elect is eternally secure. There is nothing you can do to lose his grace or lose Christ, it is with you forever.
Calvinism also introduced something called Iconoclasm, which was the removal of statues and paintings from churches. During the Calvinist reformation, many of the religious icons, paintings, and statues were removed and burned from all of the churches. They also ceased to wear any form of colorful clothing, reducing their garb to whites, browns, and blacks. This belief stemmed from the idea that fashion was a form of vanity, and Christians should not be vain.
There is also a thing called Hyper-Calvinism, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God to such an extent that man’s human responsibility is denied. In actuality, Hyper-Calvinism is a rejection of historic Calvinist thought, which many Calvinists do not agree with.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism
https://www.gotquestions.org/calvinism.html
http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-calvinism
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