February- Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)
In Chinese Medicine, used in moxa, where it is burned, much like incense; the smoke travels through meridians, regulates qi and blood and promotes heat/ expels. It also has analgesic properties.For disease prevention, as a tonic that helps bolster organ health and immune system.
Treats: menstrual issues, pain, insomnia, liver tonic, digestive issues, and more.
Western variant: Artemesia ludoviciana; not to be confused with Wormwood Artemesia absinthium, also medicinal, used differently
Song of Myself, Walt Whitman
[Image:Jaio Ferrao, Unsplash](Excerpt)
"Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems,
You shall possess the good of the earth and sun, (there are millions of suns left,)
You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, nor look through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the spectres in books,
You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me,
You shall listen to all sides and filter them from your self." Click link for the whole poem...
Videos (Image by Jakob Owens; Unsplash.com
Short Video Instruction on classes, etc.I Ching Readings 2021
Weekly Hexagram (s) for study and meditationRumi
January:Rumi:
“Do you know what you are?
You are a manuscript of a divine letter.
You are a mirror reflecting a noble face.
This universe is not outside of you.
Look inside yourself;
everything that you want,
you are already that.”
"Do not think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It is quiet, but the roots are down there riotous."
February- Ziwa Universal Love
“Universal Love commands attention. It is needed to bridge the gaps. It is needed to unite mankind. It draws us together in strength. It is waiting to be shared freely without holding back. Universal Love radiates warmth. It touches the Soul. It frees the Mind. Share it freely.” (p. 189- Zibu book)January- Rikomana- Listen Within (p. 115)
February Animal -Bear Image by Girl with red hat
February BearJanuary Crows and Sea Petrels
January- Astragulus/ Huang Qi
2021 Herb/Botanical Plant Focus:January:
Astragalus/ Huangqi
(astragaulus membranaceous)
Part used: Root
Considered one of the top 50 foundational herbals used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus is generally used as an immunity booster, tonic and in cancer recovery. "It is adaptogen, antipyretic, diuretic, tonic, uterine stimulant and vasodilator (see link). There is a growing body of scientific evidence that this powerful and popular herb does positively impact health.
Winter/Early Spring Movement Practice Tips
Bear Qigong for Spine, Bone, Brain and Kidney Health. Click link for a pdf outlining how to do this practice. Enjoy!Show More