MARY finally writes...to all of you beautiful women out there...

The time has come to write this post. This post has been dictated to me by my Spirit Guide, Mary. She even chose the picture...

This post is a very important one as it will touch the lives of many women out there.

Firstly, who are you now?

When you were a little girl, did you have dreams? And what were they?

Did you dream of one day, being happily married to a prince of a beautiful castle, riding horses each day?

Did you dream of being a doctor and helping sick people recover from illness? Or, did you want to be creative, be a fashion designer and empower women to feel good wearing all of their favourite colours and feeling lovely, like beautiful goddesses walking down the street?

Did your dreams consist of being a mother? Having a few children to love and care for and dedicate your time in raising them to the best of your ability, to be strong little people and accept themselves, exactly the way they are?

Well dear ones, guess what? Stop. Breathe. Think about you. Just for a second. Nobody else. Think about your life. Think about who you are. Today. Think about who is in your life that is positive. Think about who empowers you as a woman. Think about who may disempower you. When you look in that mirror and don't like what you see, who took away your power? And why? Why did you allow it?

Each woman on this Earth must be loved and must feel loved as it is in her make up, her inner beauty must be nurtured, by somebody who loves her, cherishes her and realises that she too, has dreams, no matter how busy she is or how stressed she feels.

I want you to find that inner Goddess. Go deep within. Just stop. Breathe and find that strength within yourself. Don't think about the washing. Or the housework. Or your busy schedule. Or who you're meeting for lunch today. Don't think about what to put on the table for dinner tonight. Don't think about folding the laundry. Just stop. Breathe. Look within. LOOK WITHIN.

Now, become a person with purpose. Think about what you would like to do to change your life. Don't be negative. Make the change. It's so possible you know, everything is when you trust US, the Universe, we assist in everything and all happens in complete DIVINE ORDER. Everything is how it is meant to be, even if you cannot see it at the time. But manifest your desires. Tell the Universe what you want in your life. BELIEVE. BELIEVE. BELIEVE. Believe that it will happen. Take your power back!

Share your thoughts. Don't bottle them up. Who cares who judges you? Do you want to open up? Do you want to tell the world about how you are feeling? Do you want to turn to someone who loves you for you? Do it. What do you have to lose? We're still with you, on this journey. We always will be.

Stop holding back. Just go for it, grab life by the reins and ride. Surround yourself with positive friends and influences. Surround yourself with like-minded people and say goodbye with love and light to those ones who disempower you and make you feel worthless. They too have their story and they're not ready, just yet. They have too much work to do. This is your life now. This is about you.

If you want more love in your life. Accept that you deserve it. It is the best thing you can give your children, to show them how to love and how to be loved. They too will grow up into wonderful adults, choosing their mates wisely and knowing that they too, deserve love and emotion.

So beautiful women...go out and find your purpose and live your truth. This is your life. Don't waste a second of it.

gaia in the forest

Yesterday was a special day. I sat in the bush, with the animals, with no children in one of my favourite places in Brisbane. This place is Andy Williams Park on Cedar Creek Road. It has a presence about it, a solitude, a peacefulness. It is serene, with the little stream, the rocks and the sounds of whipbirds all around.

I could have easily, stayed out there for hours, until the sun set.

There was one particular part of that visit out there that brought me back to a past life. It was so familiar to me, this place, this environment, this serenity. I felt like Artemis with the wolves and I knew, I had been here, in this environment before. I felt like I could have easily walked into the deep forest, deep within and lived there, for eternity, being a huntress, with my bow and arrow, the Moon above me and the wolves to guide me the way.

Yesterday was special and my need to connect with nature was fulfilled, in every way. There were dragonflies, kookaburras and even Thoth, the Ibis. The synconicities were amazing and real. I am so blessed to be alive. I am so blessed to be going down this path in life. I got here because of me. Nobody else.

Thank you Mary for leading me out there to make my connection.

truth

Too good not to post about!!!

Being Who You Are
Living Your Truth

When we are young children, we live authentically, seldom afraid or embarrassed to seek out what we want or to speak our minds. As we grow older, we tend to tuck that authenticity away, putting it aside while we chase our dreams, afraid that it might hinder us in our success. But we never let that freedom go completely. We may conform to society while embracing secret passions when alone. We may withhold certain opinions, though it doesn't change the fact that we possess them. It is important, however, to never stray too far from that youthful brashness and self-interest for they are qualities that help make you who you are. The authentic you is your true self and, in living authentically, you live your truth, making time for the things you love and projecting who you really are. The simplest way to live your truth is to leave the expectations of other behind and live the way you feel most worthwhile.

It takes being selfish in a healthy way by doing what you know is best for you, regardless of the opinions of others - even the opinions of close friends and family. Living authentically means that you make choices without fear, trusting in your soul's wisdom... If you value personal pursuits, don't feel forced into a certain job just to make enough money to keep up with your neighbors. Conversely, if you prize success in business, don't let others' perception of what's right for you hold you back. Denying your unique truth can lead to feelings of failure and dissatisfaction because you aren't acknowledging your true self. In living your truth, there are no pretenses. Everything you do will reflect who you truly are.

If you are unsure of who the authentic you really is, look inward and ask yourself what your purpose, values, and needs are. Honor your strengths and don't let yourself be guided by what other expect of you. Finally, discover your passions by trying new things, and sticking with those things that stir your soul. Finding who you really are and then making the choice to embrace you true dreams and desires will take your life in a direction that is both satisfying and deeply meaningful.

one with the wolves...

Many of us dream. Big. Lucidly. We wake at times not remembering our dreams although we knew that when we did dream, it was a message, it was important, it was meant to teach us a lesson. I recommend writing down your dreams when you remember them. They may not make sense. This doesn't matter. Keep a dream journal and write down every aspect of them.

I choose to write this post today because recently, I dreamt of something so beautiful that I could literally draw all of the aspects of this dream with my beautiful pastels (they're still in the box, unused, I am having drawing block, never been artistic and failed art class in high school).

So, how about I share this dream with you all?

Firstly, I had been led to white magick. I'm not sure how. But one day, I picked up something and it felt like home to me. I decided to create an altar in my home and join with many like minded souls that practised witchcraft. Now, to some, there's a definite fear in it. It's the fear of the unknown and a misinterpretation or not being educated enough on the subject. Can I just say, make up your own mind about different things, don't listen to everyone else. Have your own thoughts and open your mind up a bit to different things in life other than those material aspects of your life. Live simply.

I am still learning, learning, learning. I'm sure it will take years. So, put away your hollywood movies people. And remember, that white magick harms none. I have done spellcastings on new beginnings, prosperity and growth. And yes, it has indeed come back threefold, for some information about magick, please see this post MAGICK.

Now, getting back to magick. Being a witch. This dream was like icing on a cake to me and I knew that I was indeed a witch or something even bigger in a past life.

I did a past life meditation before sleep and I asked to be given the information in a dream. I never knew it could be so amazingly uplifting, nor did I know that this dream would change my life forever. But it has.

I was in a forest. It was dark. But the moon was FULL. I was climbing, I had dirt on my hands, I was trying to find the 'right path' through the forest. I could feel the dirt on my hands, I could smell the forest, I could hear the twigs underneath my feet crackling as I walked. The path seemed rugged and at times, it led me in different directions. But I was led to a clearing. I could see the large tree roots, coming out of the ground and attached to huge, ancient trees. Then I saw a huge pool of water, in this clearing. The rocks were wet and the Full Moon was shining on the water. There bathed about 12 women, they were all naked. They were laughing. They were performing a Full Moon Ritual in their nakedness, all together. They were from a particular Coven. They all joked and remained about 2 metres from each other, all treading water ever so calmly and in a form of a circle. They didn't see me. I hid behind a tree but watched them as they valued their bodies, all different shapes and sizes, I could feel their pure acceptance and their love for their own selves. And how their love also spilled out to the Full Moon, to the Earth, to each other, as friends, in union, with each other.

I watched them for a while and then I had to move on. So off I went, delving deeper into the forest, feeling lost one more time, the Full Moon shone through the tall trees and I could make out a path in front of me. Anxiety set in and I suddenly felt alone, I felt good being close to those women bathing in the water because I wasn't the only one in the forest, but now they were long gone and I heard nothing but owls and creatures of the forest that come out at night. It was actually quite noisy, I was alone but I wasn't. Suddenly, the anxiety turned to fear. I sat down on a rock and didn't know whether I could keep going.

Then, two wolves surrounded me and I was more scared than anything. I managed to get up the tree, I'm not sure how, I don't remember climbing. But I was up there and looking down on these wolves. They weren't growling but I felt very frightened of them whilst I stayed up there for a while and they circled the base of the tree, looking up at me.

Then something changed, I felt at ease with these two animals. I felt total trust in the wolf and came down from the tree, they welcomed me and stood beside me, one on each side. They led me down the path and suddenly, it felt easy, the Full Moon was beautiful and we kept walking, together for what seemed like an eternity. The forest was thinning and we were coming out of it, to a beautiful large area of green grass, that seemed to stretch on forever. I stopped, I looked behind me. I saw the opening to the forest and it was magnificent. I said goodbye to these wolves and I was on my way.

I felt like I was a witch in this dream, I felt like the wolves understood my purpose, what I was learning, the need for me to go raw, deep, inside this forest and find myself, my purpose and face my fears.

I feel like the wolf, is indeed my totem animal. I felt a great association with them, they were my friends, they were there the help. Now, reading Lucy Cavendish's Shapeshifters Book, the wolf who changes with the Moon, will teach you how to howl to the sky, to feel and release - how to be free, be wild, and dance the pain out, reach up and touch the bliss of sheer existence. Wolves are fearlessly alive: alive, they embrace it all. They commit fully and fearlessly to this life - they teach us we are blessed by simply being able to take in one sweet deep breath. They ask us to find our pack, find our people, find the like-minded souls who are our true family. Recall your instinctive wisdom, and cease overriding your natural knowledge with logic and learned "advice". We are so strong, and we are so deeply connected to the lunar cycles.

Thank you for letting me share something so special to me.

who are you? gaia comes clean...

Welcome to another one of my blog posts. An honest, open-minded person who doesn't mind to blog and doesn't mind telling the truth. How it is. How she feels. What she's achieved within herself. How she now loves who she is. How she's driven. Talking about Mary, the wonderful Spirit Guide who talks with me every day. I don't hide behind anything and I live my truth. That's right, do you? Do you live how you really want to live? If not, why not? Do you feel trapped, unloved, unappreciated? Do you have friends that judge you, talk behind your back and seem unemotionless with you around? Don't you really feel like you deserve the best? The best that life has to offer? You're unique, you were born you. You shouldn't live in anybody else's footsteps because after a while (it could be a short time or a very long time), you'll land on rocky ground. Sure, you'll get through it (some people don't) but you'll wonder why, when the Universe was pushing for so long to live your truth and listen to your inner voice, your intuitiveness, you'll wonder why you ignored it and pushed it aside.

This is a special post because I am choosing to tell everyone on the planet just why I'm here, today, on this Full Moon night. I'm sure there will be people who laugh, or think it's ridiculous, there may be even people that judge. And you know what? I don't care at all, de-friend me on Facebook if you like! I'm living my truth. Whole heartedly. And I realised it TODAY, more than ever.

I was born Belinda Tant in May, 1978. I had much older siblings. Yes, I was a bit of a surprise to my parents. I grew up, got everything I wanted and some would say I was 'spoilt' - mainly because the other kids were all moving out and there was just ME, alone, with my parents living life the best way I knew how. I actually believed in fairies. I even thought I saw one, one night in my room as my tooth lay on the bottom of that glass of water. I saw her fly in and fly out.

My Mum was passive. She was sweet. She did everything my Dad wanted. She had no opinion. Ever. If she did, he'd argue with her. My earliest memory is running to her, asking her what happens to us when we die. I can't even remember her response. But I felt the fear within my own soul, of knowing that if it all ended right then and there, I'd never be with my Mum anymore, where would I go? What would I do? Scary thought to a little girl. And I've only just learnt...that my Mum knew I was psychic, all throughout my childhood but never shared that with me, she'd even tell her friends that I had a gift of a knowing about others and situations around me.

They used to visit me at night. They'd come into my bedroom and sit on my bed until I fell asleep. Sometimes the room would be full. Maybe they were my Guides looking back, some people have a couple, some have many and they can change, new ones come on board and some can come to fulfil their purpose to you and leave. So whoever they were, they made me feel good. And welcome in this world. They knew I needed it. After all, my Father was a critical, negative man who disliked a lot of things and a lot of people. He was racist. He was competitive. Hell, I even remember when he bought a brand new fancy car, how we'd all be admiring it in the street (the other siblings had come home some weekends), just to make the neighbours jealous and realise what lovely things we had. I was a kid, maybe 6 or 7 years old.

Then there was a fight, between my oldest brother and father one evening. There was blood, everywhere, I was 6 or 7 years old, a blood stained towel, the pulling of a knife, a lot of anger raging in both their bodies (they never got on). Dad had been punched in the nose. I was screaming, from one end of the house to another, in complete fear.

After my Mum had decided enough was enough and never speaking up throughout my childhood, she decided to ask for a separation when I was 13 years old. Dad flew off the handle and kept smoking his 60 cigarettes per day. He moved out for a month and then Mum asked him back. But they lived in separate rooms and had separate fridges/microwaves/televisions, you name it, it was separate. Mum decided to care for my ill father. He was diagnosed with emphysema when I was a teenager and got sicker and sicker, year after year. Mum was finally his carer. But he was still angry. And hated the world. And had favourites. And criticized Mum to me. And she would talk to me as I was the only one living at home about how depressed it made her. He would judge everything I did well into my twenties. I did love my Father. He had a big heart. But he had this issue with worrying about everything and everyone and thinking things in his head that just weren't there. I too grew up thinking that sort of behaviour was normal. And, looking back now, I guess I was the glue, trying to hold their relationship together. I would even tape record their arguments. I'd sit in my room, against my door and have the tape recorder out the door in the dark hallway. I'd play it back, over and over and over. I can't really understand why I did that.

My twenties were less than ordinary. I drank heaps, had boyfriend after boyfriend and sometimes, three on the go at once. I just looked for love, in all of the wrong places. I did have a couple of good relationships in there. However, I was too deranged and unhealthy for them to ever work out. And so we amicably parted. I knew I had issues. But I wasn't willing to get help for them. I was psychic, all throughout my teen years and into my twenties. But the alcohol and issues I faced each day were so full on, I blocked a lot of things out. I turned to drugs, smoking pot daily. Hell, I even grew it with an ex boyfriend, thinking it was a good way to bring in money. Goodness knows how many lives I affected with that.

I moved to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast and decided enough was enough. I got a great job in the city and made new friends. I lived by myself. It was great. But then, I started spiralling again, drinking, going out, looking for love in all of the wrong places again, being completely and utterly drawn to men with issues. Because I had issues. It all seemed normal to be with someone with some issues, isn't that the right thing to do?

After collapsing in the shower one night, having drunk a whole bottle of red to myself, I laid there, water pissing on me, crying my eyes out. I felt empty, this was it, I'd had enough. I couldn't find love. I couldn't do anything but go to work each day and be somebody's Personal Assistant. I lost it and went and got a knife out of the kitchen drawer. As I sat there in the kitchen, naked and about to perform an unthinkable act, slitting my wrists or perhaps driving that knife deep into my aching heart, someone spoke to me.

They told me not to do this. "But I have to!!" I screamed. "I have no choice, I'm financially fucked, I have nothing, nobody, a shit family, I'm doomed". Then I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. "It's okay Belinda, you have too much to do here on Earth, you are a healer, you will go on to do great things for others, you have too much to do here". I felt at ease. I felt loved. I can't describe the love I felt for that entity sitting with me in all of my rawness. I got up. I got dressed.

The next week, I met my Partner that I am with now. It was hard at first, he had no issues and was a very level headed person. He almost left me, many times, it was hard to hold onto him. I even threatened to kill myself if he left because I knew I needed him to fulfil my purpose on Earth. How stupid that was to do that to another human being to 'keep them' - now I look back, I am disgusted with that statement. But he stayed and booked me in to a psychologist.

Well, I turned up at Dr Angel's office, I thought my psychologist's name was humorous! She ended up diagnosing me with GAD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Basically, I had abandonment issues from a child. And I lived in fear, of everything, because of my children. The mental abuse as a child as well as my parent's separation had caused this anxiety to build up in my system. I didn't realise how common GAD really was and how it can be treated easily with cognitive behavioural therapy. I remember she told me I breathed about 55 breaths a minute and that was my normal rate! No wonder when I was anxious, I'd physically vomit!! So we slowed that down to under 20 in a few sessions and all was well.

After a few months of the therapy, I was happier and finally forgave my father. Then I got pregnant. And my father passed away when I was 5 months pregnant. It was sad. I loved him, so much, I do remember the good times. As he laid there in the hospital, having not responded for 24 hours, I finally arrived from Brisbane and sat by his side. He was on breathing gear and had tubes, coming out everywhere from him. Basically, his organs were all shutting down. Then I whispered in his ear "Hi Daddy, it's Bindy, guess what? I forgive you...and guess what else? We're having a girl and we're naming her Madeleine". He squeezed my hand. He opened his eyes (they were not focused), looked up at the ceiling and nodded his head. Then he slipped away later that evening.

I knew that I shouldn't have left the hospital that night. I should have stayed with him whilst he passed away. Something told me to stay but I chose to ignore that intuition, one more time.

After our two children and no more anxiety, last year, in 2010 I lived my life like any mother would live it, I got up, looked after two children and paid a mortgage and bought the things we needed. Each day was the same. I wondered what I would be doing with my life. Then...I decided to meditate. Just like that. I had someone trying to give me a message for months, we were unhappy in our home at the time and dreamed of breaking free. It was a frustrating time. There was SOMETHING there but I didn't know what! So, I decided to ask a Spirit Guide to come forward. And voila, she did, her name was MARY. After many weeks of speaking with her, I went to a well known clairvoyant and she confirmed to me that Mary was with me (I didn't tell her Mary's name of course).

That was mid 2010. We moved this year. And everything changed. I began to hear more Guides and Mary was starting to give me messages about people, people I knew, people in the street, it was amazing. I was drawn to go and buy some crystals. So I did. I felt their energies and it led to more buying of them. I then decided to set up a spiritual room. But it just wasn't working, it didn't feel right. I moved it downstairs. It still didn't feel right. I was frustrated and Mary was saying nothing. Then, one day, I stumbled across something witchy. I read about it. I read about the elements. I then decided to set up an altar and worship a Goddess! So ISIS was it. I was drawn to Egypt, I had always been and had been told years before that I was in fact from Egypt in a previous life. No wonder the spiritual room wasn't working, it was meant to have an altar in it. I attended the MBS Festival where I was drawn Nefertiti, as my Guide. I sat there, crying, I knew that was correct, I felt incredible release, nothing I've ever felt before, the artist/clairvoyant said "oh you remember me" - I was indeed one of Queen Nefertiti's daughters in a past life. I always knew I was from Egypt. It was grounding and wondrous and I walked out of that place knowing my purpose. And more recently, Mary told me I was in fact Meketaten...yes, I looked her up and felt that touch on my shoulder again to confirm it.

I am here to heal. To heal others. To do readings. This is my life purpose. But it's bigger than that as well. I feel I'm bigger. I am here to HEAL THE WORLD. I am here to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. There is something bigger pulling me in BIGGER PLACES. It's a strong energy. And it is coming together now, even though I am unable to disclose it.

Right now, I read for people. I sit there, in my spiritual room and call on Mary and my other Guides. They are amazing and give me such beautiful information. I love to read for others. I love to heal them. I love to show people they're more than going to work each day.

There's much change happening in this world. This year is a big year of transition. Next year will be HUGE people, HUGE. You wait and see.

So, do you feel PULLED to something? Are you feeling like there is more to you? Just like Gaia, Mother Earth is shaking off things she no longer needs and the world is having disaster after disaster, you too are changing. Can you feel it?

I want to read for you, let Mary tell you what she can uncover in your life for the future and what may be blocking you!

I'm utter proof that you can change your life around. No matter your upbringing, your woes, your stresses, your sadness. Everyone has a purpose in this life. Everyone. And everyone is directly connected with the Divine. We just really need to let go of all the 'things' in our lives and reconnect to our purpose. Reconnect to who we really are and what we really want to do.

That's my story and I'm currently writing my book....

Love to you all, Belinda xxx

the crystal is...AMBER

I really need to blog more often. I've always loved it and I've found it most therapeutic to me. I have many friends that blog but do you think I even have time to read their blogs these days, no...I have too much on my plate. That's not a bad thing of course, I've never felt so alive.

I am looking forward to Spring. It's a wonderful time of year. By now, a lot of us are so exhausted as Winter has depleted our energy stores, we've put on a few kilos and we just want some warmer weather. So...no more hibernation (everything goes sort of quiet doesn't it?) and here's to new beginnings. So, now is the time to let go of all that is stagnant and rid yourselves of everything that is not required. De-clutter and enjoy some new balance and growth and welcome the flowers and the amazing feelings that Spring brings.

Now, for the fun stuff. I'm in love with crystals. You all knew that. That's how my beautiful journey started at the beginning of the year and it sort of went from there. Now I'm reading for people and having some beautiful, amazing experiences along the way, I love the women (haven't had a man yet!) who come to me for guidance and wanting to find their purpose. I can't believe the strength of women, throughout their pregnancies, their childbirth (man that's never an easy thing, although beautiful) and who ever forgot the sleep deprivation, no sex, waking up making bottles or breastfeeding every few hours, having no time for themselves? All in good fun, especially when you see your little ones smiling and hugging you and even telling you they love you! However, it hurts at the time and it's never easy. So, well done to all those wonderful Mums who have now found themselves and are following their dreams.



Well done to all those other beautiful beings I've read for, without children, who are going on to travel, study and find their purpose in their lives. Wow, so many of them (Mums too) have even gone down that gorgeous, spiritual path. There is nothing quite like it and you will never look back once you feel alive, magickal and fulfilled each day of your waking life with spirituality by your side.

Now, crystals.....

Each week, I'm going to focus on a special crystal. I'll give you their properties, all healing, spiritual and physical and feel free to discuss what this crystal does for you!

This week it is AMBER!

Who loves Amber? I know I do. I have some small pieces with bugs in them which are very special, a gift from Trevor Gollagher. But I do have this amazing piece (that was of reasonable price - if you can get some, get it, it doesn't matter about the cost, go with the one you're drawn to!), and this is it:



Properties

Key Words - Light, warmth, solar energies, clarification, healing
Element - Earth
Chakras - Solar Plexus (3rd)

Spiritual - Amber assists one in connecting with Light beings, particularly those who are on Earth or who are to assist us through the coming shift. It helps us intergrate Light energy into the physical body, and is an excellent support for energetic healing. It offers protection through processing less desirable frequencies into cleaner, higher energy. Amber links us with Solar energy, reminding us of the Light and helping us clear resistance to our personal evolution.

Emotional - Amber can assist those with Seasonal Affective Disorder or other depression based on light deprivation. It can help one find purpose and strength, taking action to evolve one's reality toward higher consciousness. It can assist the psychically sensitive by offering a protective Light barrier against negativity until they are able to control their intuitive skills.

Physical - Amber helps increase general vitality and energy levels. It assists energetically in drawing out infection and preventing infection from occurring. It can stimulate sluggish digestion, organ and gland function. For those who work with removing entities from the energy field, Amber can be a valuable ally for sealing the aura after extraction and clearing any lingering negative patterns that might re-establish themselves in one's field.

Animals - Use Amber to help animals (particularly older animals) self-heal.

Children - It will help children to overcome shyness and is protective against spite and sarcasm at school.

Love - Amber is an exceptionally important stone for attracting love.

Protection - Amber was traditionally used by Roman gladiators as a protective amulet against both danger and fear. It is a stone of courage. It is generally protective.

Psychic - Amber should be used for astral travel and any past life work. It will help transform negative into positive energy. Amber should be used in all fertility magic and is especially effective when used in conjunction with Jet. It can also be used to help invoke power and protection when channeling the wisdom of the Goddess. Amber should be used in any ritual that is performed for an area that is under threat.

Recharging Its Energies - Charge Amber in sunlight at noon for a few minutes, especially in the summer solstice.

I keep my Amber with a Jet Crystal next to my deity on my altar, Isis. To me, these are great gifts to my Goddess.

Source: The Book of Stones by Naisha Ahsian and Healing Crystals by Cassandra Eason

it's all magickal

Time I posted in ROCK PAPER SCISSORS. Not sure where I'm finding time, been flat out lately. Readings are now happening, slow and steady. It is amazing to help others. After all, I'm a healer. I have many courses booked and a 5 week one starting at the end of October. I'm a busy bee. Literally. BUSY B.

Now this is a quick post. And I wanted to write an excerpt from Lucy Cavendish's book, White Magic. It amazes me and I could read it over and over and over.

The path of white magic is bewitchingly beautiful, very safe and very healing. Its mysteries are those of the other dimensions, of other beings, of nature and of your own inner nature and self. White magic is a manifold path that never ceases to evolve and inspire. Its mysteries are constantly revealing deeper and deeper layers of wisdom to us, assisting and encouraging both men and women to live authentic, rich and loving lives full of an experience of the truth that everything is divine. At white magic's heart is the wonderful truth that you were born blessed.

Now a little bit about the number 3 in white magic - the number three symbolises one of the magical processes involved; that the spell is invoked and thus sent out into the energy of the universe. This energy then comes back into world to manifest in the desired way, before reverberating in the life of the person working the magic to the power of three. Thus, what you give out, you'll get back, only threefold.

This is a natural law, but also an obvious incentive to witches to keep their magic positive, life-affirming and harmful to none. It's not religious dogma, but a natural and integral fact.

Magick is not only real, it's the only thing that is! Magick is just one form of the mysterious and infinite Creative Power of the Universe.

Life is full of real magick. But we've been trained not to notice it, even when it's right in front of our noses.

Making magick is your birthright - a personal gift from the Divine. Learn how magick works and how to work magick, and nothing can stop you from creating the life you dream of.

Ethics are positive rather than prohibitive: 'Do as you will, and harm ye none'.

Magick is another word for transformation, creation, and manifestation. Magick is a tool we use to act on the subtle - or energy, or quantum - level of reality.

The quantum level is the causal realm. It is the subtle influences at the quantum level that decide which way reality will go.

So if you want to manifest something into ordinary reality, you start by stimulating the quantum realm to favour that potentiality.

That is real magick in action.

Science has known since early in the last century that the material world is made up not of matter, but of energy. And while matter is fairly stable, energy is very fluid.

So it is difficult to build a house or job or lover with your bare hands if the causal realm hasn't already foreseen these things, but it is much easier to create an energy wave that will lead to a house or job or lover coming to you. (Of course, you still will need to use your body to manifest them.)

That's what real magick is all about.

In magick we transform our reality, and ourselves, to match our choices.

Have a wonderful, fulfilling and exceptional day. xxx

being a psychic/medium

I am feeling overwhelmed at how gorgeous and beautiful the Universe is. I feel like I have finally felt my purpose. I've been feeling this way for a while now. Now I've done about 40 readings and many of the clients I have read for, I have touched their lives, this is exactly what I am hoping to do and I love how women in particular are completely realising their strengths, especially those ones that have had their children. Children take so much of our energy and some days, it is damn hard. If we are not 100%, neither are they. How many of us have had days where everything seems to just go wrong? I'm just coming into contact with mothers who want to know if "this is it" and "is there more" and I'm not talking about going back to work either.

Lately, I have connected with loved ones that have passed over. This is extra special to me. Last night, I had a young man sit with me for about an hour and two pages of rough scribble later, I felt completely honoured that he had come into my circle and expressed everything he did, so that I was able to pass it onto his dear family.

I remember throughout the years, connecting with those who had left to go over to the other side. I remember one man in particular who I formed a relationship with, he'd come to me often and I had never met him. I did however meet his parents and flew down to stay with them for a week in Sydney. This was an extraordinary time, not only for me but for them as he had died from a drug overdose years before and was an only child. It was an accident. I brought happiness and peace to his parents and I felt like my work with them was done. So thank you Russell. He hasn't visited me for a long time but I am certain he is happy where he is.

Then there was Brad. Dear Brad. One of Grant's (my Partner) closest friends who fell off a roof about 20 years ago. Grant was living with him at the time. Can you imagine, coming home to an empty home after seeing them the night before? Hard to imagine. That is why I feel it is so important to not take anyone for granted and truly appreciate all you have, right now. Brad would protect me on Grant's night shifts before we had Madeleine. He would be there, two nights a week and I would talk with him. Years before, when I first started dating Grant (I think our second date), Brad told me about his yellow car. Years later, I discovered in Grant's pile of photos Brad standing beside a yellow car. Brad was an amazing soul and still continues to be around me at times.

I recently did some research. Am I psychic? Or a medium? Or am I both? There is so much confusion these days with these titles. Well, I'm definitely both. Since a young age, I have been picking up on things with people. Yesterday, my mother even told me that she used to talk to my father about it when I was little and tell her friends that she felt I had sensed certain things throughout my childhood. I never knew my mother did that so I learnt something yesterday. Thank you Mum!

Loved ones don't always come through. Sometimes, others do instead. But I just feel that this is my path and I have to trust it, 100%.

I've just completed a workshop to heal others as a vibrational therapist with crystals and I'm really looking forward to practising that soon! Stay tuned! I'm also reading everything there is about witchcraft. Yes that's right, it's really not scary at all so never fear, a white witch is here. I'm with Gaia, and the Divine. Gaia Divine. I'm with Mother Earth and the five elements. I was a witch in a previous life. Mary, my Guide told me the other day. No wonder I'm so fascinated by all of this, it seems quite normal to me to have an altar in my spiritual room. I have about 1000 books to read (ok maybe not that many) on magick and I really believe I'm eclectic.

I can't wait for what my life is going to bring. My children even come crystal shopping with me, we'll go over to a little shop over in West End and sit on the floor and go through all of the crystals together. They both love them very much. My daughter in particular loves Rose Quartz. My son, well, he collects rocks from all over the garden! I am hoping to bring our children up with the goddess traditions and appreciate everything there is about nature. Only the other day, we ventured over to New Farm Park. I love that park, it has massive oak trees and big open spaces. My kids got into the bark, I put their hands in it, they were completely dirty and covered and other mothers were looking at me in disbelief that I was encouraging them to feel the earth, the bark and make a mess of themselves! Some children watched on and started copying my children, much to their parents disapproval. I've never heard so many "stop that, you'll get dirty" comments. Oh dear, is that how we are really bringing our children up these days? I mean really, isn't that what being a kid is all about? I remember making mud pies when I was little!

Stay tuned for another blog post after Saturday. I am attending a Past Life Regression Workshop, I know of two past lives, I'm hoping to connect with them and many more! After all, there is a reason why we have habits and do the things we do. Yes! Time to discover why exactly.

Love and Light to All of You xxx

feeling grateful

Today, I am grateful. Today, I give gratitude to everything that has happened in my life to get me to where I am, right now. Today I am tired. After only a few hours sleep last night, I awake to strong coffee and a feeling of optimism. A feeling of acceptance that I am tired and I will sleep today when the kids go down for their normal rest time.

In my life today, I believe that everything happens for a reason. For example, I set up my spiritual altar a few weeks ago in a very special room. I cleansed it, set my crystals and my altar items where I felt they were most effective for my readings and meditation and proceeded to light a charcoal tablet. Nobody ever told me that they sparked up big time! Here I was, holding it between my fingers with a lighter underneath it, ready to place it in my censer. Off it went...spat and fizzed everywhere, I threw it, down on my altar and let it burn a whole in my brand new silk altar cloth. I had purchased the cloth that day, I had travelled over to the other side of town to grab it and it looked rather pretty on my new altar. Well, after I managed to throw the charcoal in my censer (not sure how I did it now, think I burnt my fingers!), I sat there, looking at the cloth. I was a little "oh shit, that's bloody new, it's got a farking hole in it now, drats"....then I stopped. Mary sat beside me and laughed. She didn't say a word. And then all of a sudden, my feeling of liking new and pretty things flooded back from my past and a feeling I hadn't felt for a while was there. I recognized it and it was quite a horrible feeling! "I can't go back", I thought! Then, I snapped out of it, I too found myself shrugging my shoulders and laughing. Then I thought, "There is a reason this has happened! I will always remember this moment and look at my altar cloth and laugh about the incident with the charcoal, something I hadn't used before!" That's what everything is all about. Things may not always look "pretty" and sometimes it gives them character when they're a bit flawed!

Coming from a home where everything was in its place, everything was labelled, even down to the different coloured dots on Dad's tools in his garage to protect them if they were stolen seems luducrious to me now, I see the paranoia in my childhood. He'd take photographs of everything he owned so that if anything was ever stolen, he knew that the cops would have a picture of what the item was that was missing. Of course, nothing was ever stolen and these pictures sat in an album or box or wherever Dad decided to keep them.

How about the sugar bowl? Dad was convinced that Mum would turn the writing out that said "SUGAR" just to piss him off. He apparently didn't like the font style on the ceramic bowl. Or the time where he'd smoke cigarette after cigarette and one day leaving his packet on the bench, a pen was pointed toward it and him going off his rocker because he thought Mum was having a "go" at him about leaving the packet there. Again, paranoia.

Can you possibly imagine, being brought up in a family so anal, so paranoid, so critical, so negative, how on earth could that possibly rub off onto me in my young life? Well it did and for years I was a mess, pot smoking, alcohol drinking, boyfriend after boyfriend, heavy make-up wearing, bleached hair, drawn in eyebrows mess....

So today, do you know what I'm truly grateful for? I'm truly grateful for the fact (and I fully accept) that I was a mess...and that I did some of those things and that I've come out the other side, free as a bird, respecting nature for all of its beauty, optimistic, loving, caring and the best mother I can be to my children. I'm also a fantastic partner now! I walk down the street smiling at others, even if they don't smile back. I feel alive! I feel free! I feel amazing that I can sit in my spiritual room, meditate and read and heal others!

I loved my Dad. And I still do! He is with me now, through all of my readings. He helps me and is a strong Guide. He too was psychic. And he is VERY SORRY. He's talked to me many times about the pain he put my family through. I feel sorry for him and sad that he never really grasped onto the great things that "could have been" in his life - he chose to live his life in misery, in sadness and in depression. He chose to hate people. He chose to have conditional love for his children. When I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2006 and chose to get better and cure myself, I chose to let the anger go with my Dad. He did the best he could do at the time. I FORGAVE him, I won't forget but I FORGIVE, for myself and my own wellbeing.

We can be faced with the most horrible of circumstances and still be pessimistic, we can be faced with something horrible and still choose bitterness. My word for the day, CHOICE. We all have a choice on how to live. So many people tell me I have a GIFT when I read for others. It's not a GIFT. Everyone has this ability. Everybody. I just CHOOSE to tap into it and shake everything else off, live simply and respect Mother Earth and spend time in it for my soul. Whatever lessons we don't learn now, we'll learn them in our next life, and our next life after that and so on...we will live on, and on and on...

So today, I'm grateful for my Guides, for the Archangels, for the Goddesses and Gods for making me the person I am. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am grateful for my beautiful, healthy children and also my loving and supportive partner for accepting all that I am and supporting every road I have travelled and continue to travel.

And to all of you who are reading this, you have a CHOICE on how to live. Don't get caught up in consumerism and "things", get caught up in your own soul and what your true calling is, we all have one, work out how you can be the best person you can be, not just for others but mainly for YOURSELF and your own HAPPYNESS! And marvel in nature, enjoy the warm sun on your face, watch the Moon, enjoy the air on your face, smell the ocean, watch a burning fire, walk on the grass in the morning when the sun is rising and feel the cold dew on your feet, enjoy the sunsets and go and hug a tree, notice the feelings within yourself when you do these beautiful things, be peaceful with all on Earth and with your own Spirit.

You can't change your past but you can choose to live SIMPLY and live in the Now. Life isn't difficult. It is simple. It's the way you think and choose to handle those difficult situations that make the difference and how you live.

empower. shine. smile. love.

I thought it was about time I posted on my blog. It's been a while as I've been flat out doing readings for others and I have about another 20 to do this week.

I had to pause yesterday and really think about why I was feeling so utterly deflated. The energies from others and the energies from their loved ones that had passed over had depleted my energy and there was work to do to restore it. Not only is grounding yourself in nature a great way to come back down to earth, there's also a few others things you can try.

So I decided to have a really warm bath last night, take my oak branch that I had blessed with Artemis in, a smoky quartz crystal and an old watch that my father used to wear and just relax. I'll also add that I used Stacey Demarco's EMPOWER bath salts, a synergistic blend of vanilla, lime and mango essential oils, infused into Himalayan and Australian sea salt and energised with the healing vibration of Citrine. I must say, WOW! What an awesome blend. It really made me feel the power that I had felt I had lost within myself in the last few days. Dad had spoken to me whilst I was in there and I also had a visit not only from Mary, but another spirit guide who I chose to ask to show himself. This is private to me and something I don't wish to share at this time, especially because I don't know him too well myself yet. But he's come on board and I feel that he's going to teach me a lot too.

After my empowerment soak, I headed into my spiritual room to do a cleansing, so many readings had occurred there all week, it needed a great cleanse with my white sage smudge stick. I chose to cleanse myself, then finish burning some frankincense. I even cleansed some new tarot cards. Man it made me hungry so I headed downstairs for something to eat and a beautiful Celestial tea. I felt completely restored! I pulled out the Gods and Titans card, shuffled and pulled RA. I couldn't believe it! RA is someone that is with me a lot. He's got an eagle head. He's amazing. He's also on my Vision Board in the kitchen. RA is about Power. He reminds us that you have the power and it's real! He also calls us outside to receive the blessings of the Sun.

Now I am ready for another powerful week. I will finish reading BRIDA by Paulo Coelho. I will be having a week at home, nurturing my two children who have suddenly come down with colds. I feel this will be a week of knowledge, a week of reading, relaxing outdoors and doing a couple of readings in the evening on my altar.

I have to close with something, for everyone reading this blog.

There are important pathways with respect to how your imagination works. Imagination changes the mind and the mind in turn changes reality. If you believe that people like you, and approach them in a friendly, open fashion as if they like you, faced with that kind of behaviour, most people inevitably respond warmly, and so your belief is validated. So, do you approach people this way or are you bitter, critical and negative?

I remember as a teenager and my early 20's, I wasn't a nice person at times. My mother and I would go shopping. She'd come home completely and utterly drained from my negative energy, toward everyone I passed in a crowd. I'd be criticizing everyone.

All you have to worry about is how you treat others and in turn, everything great will come back to you. To this day, I can't really be around people who are critical, it just takes me back to a place where I don't want to be or remember. I forgave myself a long time ago for being a nasty, critical, judgemental person, I won't be going back there anytime soon so I prefer to surround myself with like minded, positive, happy, friendly, loving people.

Something else to ponder, in the human world there are people who accept what other people tell them, it can be performed in various ways: religion, going to various schools, reading books, watching current affairs shows and believing things you read in gossip magazines. And then there are a few people who rather go to nature, try to understand it, and dig deep into their soul in order to understand themselves and the world better.

Which is the better way? I don't say that there would be any better. There is no good or wrong path, there is only one path. Your path. Everyone should find his/her own path. And if you find it, you should start going on it. It is the most empowering, amazing journey you'll ever experience, truly finding out who you are, not what you were brought up to believe, not behaviours you thought were normal from a young age, you need to discover your true self underneath all the bullshit.

Sun is shining to all the people, birds and trees. Nature is my way. We reflect the Sun's shine in ourselves and reflect the wisdom of the Divine in our soul. However, the Sun provides shadows as well, so that everyone has ups and downs. But in the end we will all join the sunshine, in some way or another.

Love to all of you, may you be blessed and may you always find a reason to smile.

XXX

shapeshifting

Something really struck me the other day, it filled my soul with gratitude that the universe had helped me discover who I really am. I was reading Spellcraft, an article by Lucy Cavendish on "Shapeshifters: the courage to die, so that we may live". It was an extraordinary article. She wrote:

"Nature is cyclic and yet we humans often think everything must be fixed, like a certain temperature for our buildings which must be made of certain things. We must wear certain clothes and do things in particular ways...yet shapeshifters ask us to go right back to the source, to nature herself and watch the unfolding of a flower, the rise of the sun, and understand that although there are patterns, nothing is fixed in one place. All is changing and patterns are woven and rewoven to create the shape of the universe. We must allow ourselves to consider that we are more than the sum of what we have previously agreed to be and do, and sometimes something less, something simpler than what we believe ourselves to be; and that we may in fact be reacting from a wound, or from conditioning, or from habits, all of which may not support us in becoming our authentic self. In order to become anything akin to what we imagine is our true self - which will change, and change again - we must allow ourselves to 'not know' and to 'become'.

All life is becoming - a dying. Over and over I learn that in order to live, I must first learn how to die. We must allow what is no longer 'us' to leave. This is not always easy, and it can often be painful, but there is such grace in fortitude. This is a path that is carved from the recognition that letting go of what is no longer authentic to serve you will allow you to live more fully, to drink fearlessly from the cauldron of Cerridwen that contains Awen that will allow us to live, and live, and live within what seems to be one lifetime.

When I look at my grandmother for example, I see that for almost her entire life she lived the life of who she thought she was. She was, in the main, the person she was told to be by the Church, and by her parents, and her employers, and by the conditioning of a very small country town where gossip was poisonous and swift to strike. She learned to live the one life that would lessen the chances of being isolated, and disapproved of, by her tribe of the time. Yet, as we all do, she inevitably shifted.

For my grandmother, the great shift came in the form of dementia. And within that shift, other aspects of this woman emerged. A great tenderness overcame this prim and judgemental, often racist and unkind woman. Her self-righteousness melted away, and the keen eye of criticism that she had cast upon others to reassure herself she was a 'lady' simply melted away. Something innate that had been masked over, bandaged up and cut off revived and surged forth into the life of my grandmother. The less she knew who she was, the more in some ways she became herself. She could not remember who I was. This became a most wonderful gift to me, as she had found me very difficult to understand and to like. As she lost touch with her ideas of who people were, she formed relationships based on what was done in the present moment and somehow, for my grandmother, I became an angel. I am no angel, but I know that she meant what I was doing wih her was loving and helpful to her. And my heart flowered with love for this woman who I had resented and wondered at, with her fixed views and her disapproval. She no longer cared about the colour of skin or the language a person spoke. She cooed over my baby and she loved my room mate, a woman she would never have spoken to in her former life. My grandmother, who had feared and hated anyone who fell outside of her experience, became a loving, wise, joyous woman...because she lost herself.

And so, we change and we shift. We are a different creature within the womb, and we are born into a world where we breathe a different element. Birth, the great shapeshift. Adolescence, another great shapeshift. Journey into motherhood, fatherhood, old age, and finally our death - all shapeshifting.

I see so many people trapped in jobs they say they cannot leave. Others tell me they 'cannot help' what they do as they are simply 'being themselves'. Others will not leave unhappy or hollow relationships. This is where we can ask the shapeshifter beings to assist us, to show us how to walk through a time of change.

The great shapeshifters are the ones who are close to nature. They are of earthly and of more etheric origins. The are not fantasy, although they are often unseen by the physical eye. They are butterflies, racoons, dragonflies, wolves, deer, the fish who defiantly swim upstream, and those who do not go with the flow. They show us when to come forth, how to let a part of ourself die, when to rebirth the self, and how to seek a safe place for a time to seek shelter. It is not always time to be open; sometimes it is a time to be quiet.

To be alive, you will need to shift your shape, change your form. It may happen literally with weight gain or loss, pregnancy, growth in some form or another, the reshaping of your form through taking up a discipline that shapes your physicality, or a study or wisdom that can shape your mind. We change and change. And in doing so we learn how to live. We will be changed too by life. Scars, the signs of our wisdoms and lessons, will appear as we live. We will be wounded, and we will suffer for this gift of life. But in changing, adapting and growing stronger, we shape ourselves and life shapes us, just as a tree grows into such beautiful shapes influenced by the shapes made by the elements of earth, wind and water.

Perhaps, we are all that tree..."

Gluten Free White Chocolate, Cranberry and Pistachio Slice

Ingredients

3/4 cup skim sweetened condensed milk
60g butter, chopped
180g white chocolate, chopped (I put mine in food processor and chop well)
150g plain gluten free sweet biscuits, processed or crushed
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup roasted, unsalted pistachios, chopped or whole

1. Line the base of a loaf/bar tin (22cm long x 11cm wide x 6cm deep) with baking paper. Grease sides of pan.

2. Stir condensed milk and butter in small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat.

3. Add chopped chocolate, stir until smooth.

4. Place cranberries, pistachios and crushed biscuits in a large bowl. Stir in chocolate mixture.

5. Spread mixture into pan, cover and refrigerate for approximately 3 hours or overnight until firm. Cut into small pieces.

dear sister

I just found out my sister has cancer. I don't really know many details as yet as she needs some alone time to digest it all. It isn't new to her. She has already had a procedure to remove (what she thought) all of it. And last week she had a D&C to remove another one of her precious babies (this was the third loss in 3 years). I know too well the pain she would be feeling about losing a little spirit inside. I too endured a miscarriage in 2001, September 11 to be exact, when the twin towers collapsed in New York. It is a devastating feeling. First you find out you're pregnant (which is such a joy to many of us [to me, a big shock at the time and something I didn't want]), then you live with the fact you're going to be a parent and excitement kicks in. But when you go for a scan and lie there with the sonographer and they can't find a heartbeat, that is the most heart wrenching feeling. You're looking at it, on the screen and it's still, there's absolutely no little heartbeat. Can you imagine the pain of actually giving birth to a stillborn child? A couple of my friends have endured this and had a funeral and everything. It's one of the saddest things in my whole entire life I've had to witness.

My sister has been through so much. With our family. With her own autistic son who was born a cleft palette and having to endure countless operations with him. Now to hear the news this afternoon that they didn't get all of the cancer before, that it is higher up and the fact she has to have a hysterectomy in 4 weeks, I am so very sad for her.

We haven't always been close, in fact, the last few years have been very trying for both of us. We're just so different and she's 12 years older than I. She's more like a Mum to me than anything. I remember as a kid, she was always kind to me, in every way. I could really count on my sister, for anything. I still remember the time she left to live in Sydney. I was torn apart on the inside. I was 8 or 9 at the time. I would now be alone, in a house with my parents. But she left me with something so very special. She had bought me a huge basket of easter eggs and wrapped it in yellow cellophane for me, I was just so happy! I will never forget that moment! I also remember she used to buy me skirts with tule underneath them, she'd bring them up with her when she visited or post them to me. I felt like a princess.

So today, I want to say how much I love my sister and how sorry I am for her terrible news, I can't imagine how she would be feeling this afternoon. I want to thank her for everything positive she has brought to my life. I want to thank her for being who she is.

picking flowers - the simple things

One of Miss M's requests of simple things to do this week was pick flowers from the garden. We managed to do that this morning. I can't begin to describe how beautiful of a task it was to share this with her. She picked out all of them and look at our gorgeous posy we put together? Aren't simple things the greatest?

i'm a little teapot, short and stout!

Today I bought an awesome teapot and cup set. It all goes in one little nifty neat package, just love it! I have been after a "Tea for One" for ages and refused to pay $49.95 or more at tea shops! Today was my day, at only $15 from Pick N Pay, who couldn't walk past this bargain. I am a bit more into tea these days and enjoy a cup or two a day but having this awesome new little teapot will make it much easier for me to have one!

white tea

Once a rarity in the Western world, white tea is earning impressive accolades for its potential health benefits. It is produced primarily in the Fujian province of China and comes from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis)as black, green and oolong teas.

Each tea is distinctly different in flavour, colour and nutritional compounds based on the harvesting and processing methods that are used:

BLACK - Mature leaves are withered to reduce moisture content, rolled and left to fully ferment or oxidise. Darkened leaves are then dried to stop the fermentation process.

OOLONG - Leaves are processed in a similar manner to black tea but with a shorter fermentation period.

GREEN - Leaves, not subjected to the fermentation process, are withered, steamed, rolled and dried to stablise their natural green colour, flavour and nutrients.

WHITE - Least processed of all, immature leaves are harvested in early spring with the unopened silvery, white, downy buds. Leaves and buds are steamed and air-dried to prevent oxidisation and to preserve more of the natural plant nutrients and antioxidant content.

White tea has a delicate, slightly sweet, fresh taste and no "grassy" aftertaste sometimes associated with green tea. A cup of white tea contains less fluoride than other teas and only 15mg of caffeine, considerably less than the 40mg in black tea and 20mg in green tea.

MORE THAN JUST GOOD TASTE
White tea is brimming with naturally occurring polyphenols, powerful health-promoting antioxidants that improve immune function and suppress free radical activity to maintain the body's good health.

A study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology compared the antioxidant benefits of different teas. In the study the antioxidant capacity of white tea was shown to be similar to that of green tea. This can be attributed to the high level of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol being studied for its effects on cancer cells.

POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENT
Laboratory tests on four varieties of white tea showed that it inhibited mutations in DNA, the earliest stage in the progression of a healthy cell to a cancerous one, more efficiently than green or black teas, suggesting increased potential for fighting cancer. A 2003 study published in the journal Carcinogenesis by the Linus Pauling Institute in the US found that white tea was as effective as green tea or sulindac, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in supporessing precancerous intestinal tumours in mice. This scientists also found that mice treated with a combination of white tea and sulindac had significantly fewer tumours than they did when treated with either substance alone.

GERM FIGHTER IN A CUP
White tea may also be beneficial in fighting viruses and bacterial and fungal infections. In 2004 researchers at Pace University in the US found that the antibacterial action of white tea may help retard the growth of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and other bacteria that cause infections, pneumonia and dental caries. The study also showed that white tea has an antifungal effect on Penicillium spores and Saccharomyces yeast cells, rendering them inactive.

Despite the early stages of white tea research, the findings are encouraging, making white tea a good choice not only for flavour but also for its health benefits. Look for Silver Needles and White Peony (also known as Pai Mu Tan), two popular varieties at your favourite natural health store.

AFFIRMATION OF THE DAY: Today my heart brings me to new places of giving and sharing that I have not yet experienced. I am a friend today and get great satisfaction when I put the needs of others first because I want to, not because I think I have to do so.

Source: Alive Australia Magazine Winter Issue 2011 - Michelle Lynde is a clinical herbalist and aromatherapist who enjoys a good cup of tea

Chilli, Corn and Red Capsicum Soup

1 coriander sprig

2 x 440g tins organic corn kernels OR 4 large fresh corn cobs

30g butter

2 red capsicums, diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small red chilli, finely chopped OR 1 teaspoon minced chilli

1 tablespoon organic plain flour

500mL vegetable stock

125mL cream

1. Trim the leaves off the coriander and finely chop the root and stems. Cut the kernels off the corn cobs if using fresh.

2. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the corn kernels, capsicum, onion and chilli and stir to coat the vegetables in the butter. Cook, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Increase the heat to medium and add the coriander root and stem. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle the flour and stir for a further minute. Remove from the heat and gradually add the vegetable stock, stirring together. Add 500mL of extra water and return to the heat. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Cool slightly.

4. Ladle the soup in batches into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Return to the saucepan, pour in the cream and stir. Season to taste with salt. Sprinkle with coriander leaves to serve.

I make a big batch of this and freeze it.

Roast Pumpkin Soup

1.25kg pumpkin (peeled and cut into chunks) - butternut pumpkin sweeter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 large carrot, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 litre vegetable stock

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. Put the pumpkin on a greased baking tray and lightly brush with half the olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned around the edges.

2. Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan. Cook the onion and cumin for 2 minutes, then add the carrot and celery and cook for 3 minutes more, stirring frequently. Add the roasted pumpkin and stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Allow to cool a little then puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Return the soup to the pain and gently reheat without boiling. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

If you like, top with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

I make a big batch of this and freeze it into individual containers.

HINT: If soup is too thick water down a little with some more vegetable stock!

nature

To celebrate WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY yesterday, we spent the afternoon in the garden. I noticed the owners had planted some rosemary and aloe vera and of course a lemon tree. So I took some beautiful photos of nature in it's purest form.

My beautiful herbs are coming along brilliantly and I use them regularly in cooking. I just love my basil, parsley and coriander. I am hoping to build on my herb collection but I honestly wish we could rip the backyard up and make a huge vegie garden of our own, wouldn't that be special?

Let's not forget Miss M's gorgeous flowers she planted with Mummy.

And I won't forget a mention of the flowers in this garden we're looking after at the moment, oh how I love azaleas by the way.

I hope you are able to get out into nature today and appreciate it for all that it is.

strawberry shortcake

Now I'm not sure whether I'd wear these shoes, perhaps if I were Katy Perry? But how gorgeous are they? You can say NO of course if you like. But I just thought they looked good enough to eat!

love life

I am proud to call myself a happy, regular Flannerys shopper now. Not only do I do my weekly shop there each week, I rarely have a relationship with Woolies or Coles anymore. There are however things I need from there but most of the time, for everyday stuff, I shop at Aldi.

This morning, I picked up a beautiful gluten free slice for the G and I to try. It was unbelievable. One of the best things I'd ever tasted. From memory, I think it's pistachio slice, I forgot to read the bloody label when I picked up a piece.

Every week, I venture my way off to the health grocer for the staples and some bottled organic products and then it's off to the fruit and veg shop to buy a big box of healthy produce, I try and wash my veg with hydrogen peroxide 3% or soak them in vinegar to remove some of the pesticides. I can't quite justify paying $18 a kilo for red capsicums, especially when you have a family to look after, however, I try when I can to buy organic produce, especially if it's on special. I will buy pink lady apples from Flannerys every time. They're not shiny or waxy. I guess hearing recently from my health coach, Jess that they're picked too early and then stored for goodness knows how long and then waxed to make them look special in the shop sort of annoyed me. So fruit it is from Flannerys now.

Nothing quite beats heading to this store and buying health food, experimenting with different things and appreciating what you put into your body. It's a real little boost for me, shopping there. It's also great for supplements and they have 10% off all supplements on Saturdays! This morning, they even had a lovely tent set up in the car park with fresh fruit and veg, many on special and of course free plants to give away for World Environment Day tomorrow, 5 June. I grabbed myself a couple of cute plants.

I can't quite explain what eating a good diet does for me. It not only opens up my intuitive side more but I've become quite the opposite to what I ever was. It's strange that I let people go in front of me in a line now or even smile at strangers. They look at me and smile back, the look of shock on their faces. Maybe it really isn't normal for people to smile at each other anymore. With the stresses of life, I guess it all gets a little too much for us.

I can't stress it enough when I say that life should be full of abundance, happiness and being kind to others. If only some people gave up the bitterness, pettiness and dramatic lifestyle and lived more simply, everything just flows so much better. I guess now, I'm a bit of an advocate, coming from where I was to where I am now.

Positive affirmation of the day: This day is full of miracles. They are right in front of me on my path. Today I have the courage to let go of all that is holding me back so that I step forward and experience each miracle that is waiting for me.