Today is 12 / 12 / 2022… A very significant day in astrology, about wholeness and completion and a day I feel like sharing the story of how my “Full Cold Moon Photo” happened. It’s really a very simple story, about following our intuition, heart, body and soul to experience magic and divine timing. But somehow the message feels significant to what is being asked of us, at this moment in time…
On the evening before the Cold Full Moon, I left the house knowing that she would rise over the mountains somewhere between 4.30pm and 5pm…
Orginally, in my mind I “thought” I needed to climb up higher to find the “perfect view”…So, I took a path into the forest (I didn’t really want to take it because I knew it was quite rough and steep)…I walked for some time, taking it slowly as I always do…After a while, I was blessed to see a beautiful male Chamois run over my path and hear his call…However, at some stage, my body started to feel tired…I crouched down in the snow and poured myself a chaga chai from my thermos 😊…Still after my chai, it just didn’t feel right to go on…So, I turned back…
I decided instead to collect some pine cones and tree foliage for our home christmas decorations. I had stopped thinking about the moon rising, even though, every now and then, I had a stunning view of the mountains and the beautiful changing light through a momentary forest clearing. Eventually, my forest path ended. Carrying my new gifts from the forest, I made my way back home along a road to our home…I felt happy and relaxed…
I JUST arrived at our front entrance – HOME! I looked towards the mountains in the distance and then saw magnificent Grandmother Moon rising over one of my favourite mountains…
I was stunned! 😲 I could not believe the magical, divine timing. It felt very powerful to see and experience the moon this way from our new home. Knowing that I had chosen to listen and follow my body and heart and not push myself with my mind, made me feel even happier!..
A wonderful confirmation in true BEING, trusting my feelings and really in flow & harmony with the magic surrounding me…
Wishing you all a beautiful day, of listening and following the SUBTLE intuitive messages of your body, heart and soul. 💓
In ancient times, the Celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated as a mandatory holiday that lasted not 1 full day…but 3 full days and nights…
As Samhain occurs at roughly the midpoint between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice, it was to mark an ending to the harvest time and the beginning of a new cycle…Celebrating, honouring and connecting deeper with nature’s transition from lightness (summer) to darkness (winter)…
Last night and today (until sunset), is a good moment to reflect on what we have learned during these past months,…What lessons, gifts and wisdom do we wish to take forward into winter?…What are we most grateful for?…🙏
We might also spend some time exploring our shadow,…Recognising beliefs that we have outgrown or any other limitations or ways of being that no longer serve us or resonate. What are we feeling ready to let go of?…
Seeing ourselves not separate but “in sync” with Mother Natures rhythms and cycles, means;…
…Like our ancestors, we harness the energy available to us, to move forward into a new cycle lighter, more free, and grateful for the lessons our journey provided us…Our energy can expand to encompass new experiences. Or, more simply, we give ourselves permission to go within, and embrace the deep rest, relaxation and quiet, incubation time of winter ❄
Our ancestors and guides are always nearby and offering their support and guidance when needed…We only need to ask!…
Can you feel them and their love surrounding you?…
In ancient times, the Celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated as a mandatory holiday that lasted three full days and nights…
Samhain today in the Northern Hemisphere began last evening (October 31) and will end tonight (November 1)…
As Samhain occurs at roughly the midpoint between the Fall Equinox and the Winter Solstice, it was to mark an ending to the harvest time and the beginning of a new cycle…celebrating, honouring and connecting deeper with nature’s transition from lightness (summer) to darkness (winter)…
Today and right now, is a good moment to reflect on what we have learned during these past months,…What lessons, gifts and wisdom do we wish to take forward into winter…? What are we most grateful for?…🙏
We might also recognise beliefs that we have outgrown or any other limitations that we can now freely let go,…
Seeing ourselves not separate but “in sync” with Mother Natures rhythms and cycles, means we harness the energy and opportunities to move forward lighter, more free, and trusting our journey…
Our energy can therefore expand to encompass new experiences and ways of being and sharing more of our true self and gifts in the world…
Our ancestors and guides are always nearby and offering their support when needed! 💓 . . . . . Sharing some foraging summer moments in the forests and mountains, where I was truly being in my flow, grateful and “in sync” with the abundant healing medicine and nutrition of Wild Nature 💓🙏💓
.
.
.
.
.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog or register to receive notifications in your email box for my future posts. Thank you!
I have learned,…’Soul Timing’ is the SLOW medicine of being and trusting in the perfection of all,…It’s knowing that everything in life arrives at the right time,…when it is ready…
It’s not about being so “driven” for “results” and acknowledgement coming from the outside…that we try to force and control everything with our mind (not listening and feeling from our heart)…
This time of chaos, change and much loss in the world is offering many people a chance to go ‘within’,…
…to review, re-evaluate and reflect on what is of true value, authenticity and nourishment in our lives…
Chaos, disharmony and loss can give us the opportunity to see that change is necessary…
Learn to become more at ease with your Inner Self,…Overtime,…you will realise…
…the peace, love and contentment you have been searching and longing for – through numerous ways on the ‘outside’ – can only be filled from within,…
…and your connection to the Great Spirit that moves through you and all of life…💓
. . 🌎🌟A happy and peaceful Equinox🌟🌍 . . . Much love,
I am often inspired by the humble, devoted, and divine role, which bees play in our world…
I have long believed that bees are doing so much more for the planet other than crop/food pollination, honey etc (although, of course all of this is majorly important for our survival and the beauty, health and sweetness of nature!)…
…It’s a bit like hearing the spring birds singing to the sun every morning and at dusk…even with out seeing them, you might hear their bird song and it encourages a lightness in your heart and your emotional, spiritual body. This gently reminds you, even if you have been feeling out-of-sync or anxious, you ARE woven intricately into the fabric of all life around you…
…You belong to this earth, you are needed, you are loved…
It has been said that for humans to dwell in the places where bees visit daily – it does wonders for the soul. As a an artist, writer, musician, dancer or poet, you might find that when you are near bees you can more easily access the right-brain, irrational, sensory, higher mind and receive inspirational ideas and creative visions more easily.
There are many unknown secrets about bees and I think this is why I have felt so drawn to them!
Bees have mystical connections with the ether, the elemental “unseen” kingdoms that are very much a part of our world and have been honoured by more receptive and spiritually attuned cultures, since ancient times.
Just like in the bee hive, I feel that we each have an important, unique role to play. We will always be given a choice; for example,…Today: what kind of ripple effect or sound/energy wave am I co-creating with my words, feelings and actions? 🤔
Despite the challenges, may you keep finding the light and courage to walk your own Sacred Journey – knowing that Mother Nature always has your back. When you need a safe, loving place (hive☺) to fall back in too – it is quiet, reflective, “beeing” time spent in nature, which can soothe your soul and remind you who you truly are and why you came here for this time…
There were many women before me,… connected to the ancient world of herbalism and the sacred feminine… What matters most to me, is that I follow my intuitive guidance and make time to listen for the gentle wisdom wanting to hold me in a nurturing, safe space – so I may grow, bloom, share and be all of who I came here to be. – Jaymie Elder May, 2021
I hope you find/enjoy the bees where you are and that they have special messages and inspiration to share,…just for you.
Please let me know in the comments, if you also feel drawn to the spiritual symbolism of the bee, you have your own bees or you make extra sure they have a loving home in your garden!
If you like, you will find further reading in a post I created around 4 years ago in the Italian Alps during summer, about the alchemy of bees and how this relates to our own spiritual journey of soul growth, healing and evolution.
Local bees drinking at a village creek, last Spring in Italy.
Sadly, many of the local bees I photographed last year at this village creek, did not make it through the unusual cold months of March & April. But after the spring rain 🌧 I intend to visit again, and honour the brave, divine bees who made it through 🙏 🐝
Below, is a beautiful “Bee Prayer”; I found on the Animal Totem website. I hope you find it to be inspiring!
Bee Prayer:
Winged spirit of sweetness, I call on you. Teach me the ways of Transformation and fertilisation, The path from pollen to sweetness honey. Teach me to taste the essence Of each place I alight, Carrying that essence with me To continue creation’s cycle. Teach me the ways of hope, Reminding me that what seems impossible May yet be achieved. Flitting tears of the gods, Draw me ever closer to the wisdom Hidden within beauty. Give me flight and sunlight, Passion and productivity, Cooperation with those around me And sharpened strength to defend my home. May I ever spiral out from my heart, Searching for what I need, And return there once again To turn those lessons into nourishment. Bee spirit, I call you.
Source: Animal Totem
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, photographer and traveller offering intuitive Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here.
Please share your feedback in the comments below…If you enjoyed this post, please share it, follow my blog or register to receive notifications in your email box for my future posts. Thank you!
Dandelion Spring Tonic: Apple Cider Vinegar with chopped dandelion roots, leaves and flowers
As I am making this Dandelion Spring Tonic from the roots, leaves and flowers of Dandelion – I am being reminded of how wonderful it is that Mother Nature shares her abundant medicinal wild plants to support us on our healing journey through life.
For many beautiful and magical reasons, my love friendship began with dandelion as a small child. However, it was not until later in my mid-twenties, (feeling burned out, and having developed digestive imbalances and food allergies), that I began to reconnect with the ancient medicine of this remarkable healer and plant ally.
My Swiss partner had the herbal wisdom and knowledge of dandelion instilled in him from childhood and throughout his adult life. Often he would go with his Grandparents to collect dandelion in spring, even if they lived inside the city. An example of a delicious, typical and simple springtime dish in Switzerland is a dandelion, walnut and egg salad.
Freshly picked wild, free and delicious dandelion leaves and clover buds with egg, roasted hazelnuts and a dressing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, honey and seasoning.
When I met Juerg 16 years ago, it was springtime in New Zealand. He showed me the many dandelions growing on his land, and we gathered the leaves and flowers for salads every day. Over time, I got so used to the bitter flavour of dandelion leaves and I found my body craved it!
During Autumn, we collected dandelion roots for tea. We also cleaned, dried, roasted and ground the roots with Juerg’s Grossmama’s antique coffee grinder to make coffee. Often, we stir-fried dandelion greens mixed with other wild weeds in garlic, turmeric, a bit of soy sauce, lemon juice and sesame oil.
Stir-fried dandelion greens mixed with other wild weeds in garlic, turmeric, a bit of soy or tamari sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil and sesame seeds.
Especially in springtime, dandelion is a wonderful natural tonic to stimulate your liver and your immune system – building up strength, shifting and filtering out any toxins from the body, flushing out kidneys, supporting the function of your pancreas and generally bringing your digestive system back into tone and balance.
Tasting dandelion before a meal, (whether in salads, a few drops of a tincture made of the root or a tablespoon of the dandelion vinegar tonic like I have made) helps to stimulate digestion, which in turn can help you to get more vitamins and break down fats in your food because it supports and enhances your stomachs beneficial and natural acids.
I believe that dandelion’s medicinal and overall effect for me was – slow and steady – on my body’s immune and digestive system. Overtime, my heartburn, indigestion, allergies etc balanced out and disappeared. Like a loyal and true friend, dandelion supported me to feel safe and inwardly strong – so that I could dive deeper in my own healing process.
Some of my core wounds related to savouring food came to light for me to face and heal through love, understanding, forgiveness and compassion. I am now confident to say that dandelion medicine enhanced and supported me to begin to truly savour life again – connected to the vitality and joy of my playful inner child.
I began to reconnect again with a world of magic in nature around me – a magical world I had felt intricately a part of as a small child. Since then, my favourite “being-time” in spring has been watching and photographing bees and other pollinators while they collect the pollen of the dandelion – one of the first and most important food sources for bees after winter hibernation.
If you are collecting dandelions in spring, please always make sure you leave plenty of flowers for the bees and other pollinators. Also, be aware and very careful of areas that may be polluted by poisons like pesticides or harmful fertilizers.
It has been said that the flowers of dandelions have higher levels of antioxidants than the leaves or roots! Other possible benefits include relieving pain from headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps, stomach cramps and depression. The flowers also contain Vitamin A and Vitamin B12, which are both good for eye health.
In spring (when there are enough flowers), we love to make syrup from the bright yellow flowers together with young pine shoots. Some people also make dandelion wine from the flowers but I have never tried this!
We also have a spring ritual of making healing massage oils from the dandelion flowers. Dandelion oil is exceptionally soothing for tired muscles and can be simply rubbed into tense muscles or joints for relaxation and pain relief.
Flower Fairy Food! – Super Tasty Dandelion Flower Fritters.
Dandelion flower fritters are so easy to make, delicious and full of healthy vitamins, iron and antioxidants. A wonderful, simple recipe to make with children after foraging for dandelion flowers on a sunny day.
To make these dandelion flower fritters: Prepare a simple batter and replace normal flour with rice flour for gluten-free. I used rice milk. Some recipes use a teaspoon of baking powder but I prefer without it! After gathering, make sure you leave the blossoms for some time out in the sun, to let any insects disappear, but don’t wait too long after picking, as they will close up their petals!) Gently dip the flower blossom in the batter and fry both sides in oil.
Ingredients: Freshly picked dandelion blossoms 1 cup flour (replace with rice flour or other gluten-free flour) 1/2 water or sparkling water
1 cup rice milk or milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or (cinnamon if you prefer sweet)! sea salt olive oil or coconut oil for frying
For more about dandelions health benefits and uses, watch our short video below:
What are some of your favourite ways to use dandelion? Feel free to leave a comment below…
About us
Juerg and I have been journeying together for the past 16 years. While Juerg is originally from Switzerland we have both lived and met in New Zealand in 2005. We have since traveled extensively in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Nepal, North America, North Africa and Europe.
Both Juerg and myself are offering support to people who long to connect more deeply with the magic and abundance of Mother Earth, including learning, gathering, and using/cooking with wild medicinal and edible herbs, mushrooms, and other edible wild foods. However, we strongly believe it is not just about benefiting from what Mother Earth has offered us for millions of years but that we also have an obligation to do our inner work, to heal and grow in love and soul wisdom.
We advocate a simple, humble and authentic way of life. For many years, we have lived and traveled in small campervans being as close as possible to nature, in particular mountain regions such as for the past few years in the pre-alpine region of Italy, France and Switzerland.
Over the years, we have created many videos, which can be viewed on Juergs YouTube channel. Juerg is the author of the book “Sacred Journey” which you can learn more about on his website. We have a shared “Sacred Journey” page on Facebook. I regularly post writings and sharings on this blog, which I also link with Instagram.
Both Juerg and I are available for personal guidance and couple sessions via skype. These sessions are for people who long to grow more deeply towards an authentic relationship based on heart and soul love. If you are interested to know more about working with myself or Juerg, please contact us.
I love how Mother Nature always shows divine timing,…especially in spring.
Last year at the beginning of spring (during lock-down here in Italy), I observed a local bee colony returning to drink water from our village creek…just when the sun’s rays had warmed the area to a perfect climate and life-giving vitality…I recognise this as divine timing in nature.
Yesterday, on the warmest spring day we have had so far, I observed many of what I think are “Mason Bees” (Solitary Bees) arriving at a beautifully, locally crafted “Insect Hotel” to make their yearly nests. After 3 years since this Insect Hotel was constructed, I have never seen it so “buzzing” with energy, so busy and occupied!
Every time I connect with these magical little beings, they remind me of the “unseen” worlds existing all around me and a much greater, guiding, spiritual force – interconnecting all of life.
To align myself with this same force I see in nature all around me, I need to trust, be patient and recognise the synchronicity and divine timing in all aspects of my life.
A wonderful and very simple way to do this through out the day, is to connect with the humble, hard-working and devoted bee.
Around 4 years ago, I have written a blog post about the spiritual meaning of the bee.
Jaymie Elder is a soul journey guide, artist, photographer and traveller offering intuitive Soul Sessions internationally via Skype. Jaymie is dedicated to supporting others to heal and grow towards their authentic self – and a life in harmony with their heart and soul being. Learn more about Jaymie and her work here.
Please share your feedback in the comments below…If you enjoyed this post, please share it, follow my blog or register to receive notifications in your email box for my future posts. Thank you!
Bring your grief, sadness, loss of hope, emptiness, despair, – whatever you are feeling – to a wise, ancient, tree being. A true, majestic, spirit friend.
Climb up high in your tree beings branches, sit or lay down low near your tree beings trunk.
Take several long, deep, breaths… let your heaviness and tears be comforted by the great loving arms of your tree beings branches.
Let your hurt be softened by peace as you become one with your tree (true) being.
Remain with your tree being, as long as you need too. Close your eyes, fall asleep, dream…
Exchange your blessings and gratitude. – whatever it was you needed – energy, balance, peace, unconditional love, wisdom, courage, inner strength… you can now move forward on your journey.
Always remember, the potential for a true friend – a spirit brother or sister – exists in the heart and frequency of all living beings!
We only need to feel, become more receptive and patient with an open, loving heart.
Copyright Jaymie Elder, Spring Equinox, Italy, 2021
If you enjoyed this post please feel free to share it, follow my blog and register to receive notifications in your email box for any future posts. Thank you!
More reading from Rainbowtree Woman about the Soul Journey and the path of healing and transformation: – Click here
Rainbowtree Woman 