Lindsay Mack: Soul Tarot Reading

House of Citrine first connected with Lindsay Mack at this year's Spirit Weavers Gathering. What immediately stood out to us about Lindsay was her pure, blunt authenticity—the kind that hits you in the face but shows you straight to the heart. Her candidness comes from the belief and healing practice that acceptance brings clarity, and it’s the clear and honest path that travels forward.  

A happy survivor of childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD, Lindsay is dedicated to bringing healing to those experiencing mental, emotional, or physical suffering and helping people to arrive at their whole selves as she did. In addition to her offerings of Soul Tarot Readings and spiritual counseling, Lindsay’s writing on the Tarot can be found in numerous novels and journals.

Lindsay is based in Brooklyn, but her teachings live all around the world as her travels spread her readings and healing practices. She is also the co-facilitator of Brooklyn Fools, a six month Tarot immersion program. Lindsay offers readings, healing sessions, and tarot classes from her apartment, but teaches in workshops across the country and is reachable for her services across the world through phone or Skype in addition to her travels.

1. First off, we’d just like to say that we love and admire your passion with which you help those suffering from mental, emotional, and physical distress. How do you feel you were drawn to this form of healing?

Honestly, how I serve is really no different from how I am in real life—lots of wisdom, warmth, and compassion with a few “motherfucks” thrown in. I keep it very real, very authentic to how I actually am. 

I feel that this work chose me. I never had any intentions of walking a healer’s path. In fact I wanted to be a performer, and did that for many years before being birthed into the initial phases of the work I'm doing now. It all came from choosing to stay alive through tremendous pain, trauma, and suffering, something I think that many healers share. 

I bought my first deck of Tarot cards at age 12 and never thought for a moment that it would become a part of my adult life. I was always someone people came to for advice and guidance, and I always was aware I was somewhat intuitive, but it never occurred to me that that was an option in terms of a life path. It was only after moving through a life-changing breakdown a few years ago that I chose to actually say yes to my gifts and embrace my path as a seer and a healer. It began with a click for me, that all of my trauma, all of the physical and emotional abuse I had endured throughout my life, all of the supposedly terrible, shattered pieces were actually forming this incredible whole. They became the foundation upon which my entire soul’s journey as a healer was built on. 

Everything I offer other people has come from being freed by it myself. I really surrendered to and embraced every dark, hellish thing I had been handed in my life as a gift and an opportunity to evolve. I just started to say yes to it all, and once I did, I started really healing and thriving. My tribe of clients soon followed, and the two still walk hand in hand. Tarot’s walked it's way back into my life and became the beautiful glue that binds it all together. My entire life transformed and continues to do so, all because I began to say yes and accept the issues that I had spent a lifetime trying to fix, neuter, eradicate, banish. I woke up to the fact that whatever arose in my inner landscape was a sacred teacher, one I could bow to and learn from. That's when I started to receive sacred offerings and began channeling my healing work. 

I had no idea of all that would happen—I simply wanted to be at peace with myself, so I embraced everything in me, and everything hence flowed from that intention. 

2. What is Tarot, exactly? What is your style for Tarot reading?

Stripped to numbers, the Tarot is a set of 78 cards—22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana—that are said to offer a visual range of the entire human experience. From deck to deck, there are different sets of images and archetypes used to provide the symbolism for the reading.

I myself facilitate an offering called Soul Tarot Readings. This is the intention to utilize the Tarot for the evolution of the soul, and for the continued disidentification from brain chemistry, old wounding, and the ego. Soul Tarot was born and channeled out of my own intimacy with my guides, my tarot deck, and my journey through deep healing. My practice continues to evolve with me, and the deeper I go, the richer the offering becomes.

3. How have Tarot cards helped you in your life?

I wouldn't be here without Tarot. The Tarot is the language I speak with God, and the visual representation of prayer for me. That sounds really out there, but it's true. It feels like a beloved pet, a guide and a friend. It brought Source and magic into my life when everything was dark. 

Tarot helps me to understand what I am evolving through in any given moment, and to trust in myself and to grow. When I was healing from PTSD and I didn't trust my own connection to my guides, Tarot served as the bridge. Now it has blossomed into the most incredible tool for me. I channel through it, I see life through it, and I have fun with it. My relationship with my deck literally helped to save my life. It's a language that just makes sense to me.

4. Can you tell us a little bit about Wild Soul Healing?

Wild Soul Healing is the name of my beloved wellness practice, under which I offer Soul Tarot Readings, Intuitive Coaching & Mentorship, and Soul Tarot Intensives and classes. Wild Soul Healing is also my heart’s mantra—it’s the drumbeat I walk to in my own life. I believe, to quote Sweet Medicine Nation, that “wildness is our first medicine”. When the soul feels wild and free, we are truly in alignment with Divine. When the nervous system is free of trauma and fight/flight/freeze, we are liberated to live in this wildness, which is synonymous with the truth of us. Our inner children, our wisest knowing, our sexuality, our laughter, our tears, our raw, messy, beautiful selves—all makes up the treasure that we can claim once we commit to a path of healing the wild soul. Everything I offer within Wild Soul Healing is intended to return back to that essence of us.

5. How would you describe a person’s “true soul path”?

It's here! You're on it! The true soul path is this very moment. It's just us, being as available as possible to master and evolve through the moments and situations we are currently in. It's actually the moment we try and figure out what our soul path that we start drifting away from it a bit. You don't have to find it; it's already here, waiting for you with open arms. 

Everything that we believe is a block or obstacle to the soul path IS the true soul path. It's whatever is inviting you to tea, so to speak, and it's usually the RSVP we are quickest to decline. Once we drop the notion that there's a problem with our current life, or that we have to “get on” our soul path (which the primal brain LOVES to think, by the way), we become available to effortlessly receive shifts, upgrades, and changes that are truly aligned with our highest and our best. At times, the soul path is rocky and dark as night. Sometimes it's so clear we can see for miles. It is wherever we happen to be moving through in this moment. It's all good medicine, no matter what. 

6. If you could give one gift to everyone in the world, what would it be?

I would give to each person an embodied knowing that feelings are not facts, and that they don't have to believe their thoughts. 

And a Chakrub. Everyone needs to own a Chakrub! 

7. Throughout all your travels, what has been the most interesting experience involving your work? Where did it take place?

Without question, the most interesting work experience I've ever was teaching at Sacred Tarot for the Wild Soul at Spirit Weavers Gathering in Mendocino, CA. It was a very profound experience to be able to serve so many women from all kinds of backgrounds, all of whom truly aligned with the material I was teaching. That there was so special for me to witness. Holding class outside on the grass, surrounded by redwoods, birds, and butterflies didn't hurt, either!

8. Who has been your best teacher in life? What has been the most valuable lesson that you have learned?

Hands down, my mentor and sacred teacher, Michelle Sinnette. She is a master, and has given me the keys to unlock everything I am on this path and more. I love and cherish her and her work deeply. I've also been profoundly impacted by the works of Tara Brach, Thich Nhat Hanh, Susun Weed, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Furthermore, I find that my own fears, traumas, anxieties, jealousies, and shadows have been the best guides and exemplary teachers.

I'm in the practice of intentionally saying yes to anything that arises in my inner landscape; alas, I think that the most valuable lesson to impart regarding teachers is that in any moment you are present, you have the greatest one available to you. Whether it's your child, an asshole in traffic, or an surge of grief, it's all walking you home. I thank Michelle for having absolutely locked this in for me. 

9. If you could choose one piece of wisdom to speak to all those in the depths of suffering, what would it be?

I would simply offer this quote by Rilke: 

“Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. Just keep going; no feeling is final.”

10. How do you feel that people can benefit from a Tarot reading?

People can profit from a tarot reading in so many astounding ways. 

A good tarot reading offers truth, clarity, and empowerment. It holds a mirror up to our Divine nature. Tarot doesn't fix, cure, or tell the future, but is an excellent guide for the moment, so we can truly embrace the present from our heart. 

A great tarot reading can serve as a healing tool, and can truly help the nervous system and the body let go of some of the trauma and embrace more of freedom. It all depends on whatever is in the client’s highest and best. It's really an amazing experience, and one that can often be life changing. 

11. How often should someone consult a Tarot reader, in your opinion?

As often as they feel the call! Once every three months is a great baseline. 

12. What is the most misunderstood thing about spirituality (Tarot reading)?

In terms of Tarot, the biggest misconceptions are that you will be told your future or your fortune, that it will predict catastrophe, death, or divorce, even that all tarot readers are psychics or cheating you out of money...I could go on and on! 

13. What do you feel has been your greatest triumph as a spiritual guide?

That I don't feel like a spiritual guide. I just feel like a person, a person who is fucking blessed and honored to be able to walk a life of sacred service. It's a triumph for me that I've continued to do my own soul work consistently while working in this way. Sometimes I swing over into too much ego, but I'm knocked out of that pretty quickly by my guides. I am literally in a constant state of evolution, which is at once very uncomfortable and amazing! It's just my life rhythm. Honoring that has kept me very humble; it has kept my work very clean, ethical, honest, and ever-expanding. I'm delighted to be a raw, messy, imperfect human being, on this path with everyone else. Who the hell am I to be a guide if I'm not walking the same path as my students and clients? In truth, they’re just as much the teacher as I am. 

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Lindsay Mack is a Brooklyn based intuitive tarot reader who offers Soul Tarot readings, mentorship, coaching, and healing work. Visit her website to learn more, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook. 

Crystal Kingdom

Shanna Fanelli is a certified Crystal and Sound Alchemist, Faeriologist, Energy Artist and Reiki I and II practitioner. Deeply in tune with the mysteries of the ancients and a Star-child, her minimalistic lifestyle and sacred reverence for the elementals reflect her beliefs and loving relationship with the Nature. She implements Crystal Energy, Vocal Healing and Earth-essence into her daily practices and energy sessions, focusing on a holistic lifestyle that honors love and light for all life-force. Shanna has over three decades of working with faeires, nature spirits and stars. She has studied under Silkander Scott Von Heldt, Doreen Virtue, Nicole Pigaeult and Antea Rood. 

It seems like there’s a lot of seeking going on. Every-other street corner, natural foods store, metaphysical hot-spot and couch cushion is being scoured for the newest token of manifestation and spiritual awakening. It’s beautiful, it’s exciting, and it’s all the rage, which can suddenly manifest itself as soggy granola in life’s cereal bowl of irony.  Suddenly the “rage” issues a rage, and it’s no gluten-free-vegan-biodynamic-cupcake of bliss when confronted with the oodles of options spirit weavers, fortune tellers and the latest Instagram account tell us we need in order to be in “our personal power…”  We are left with a panic that our dreamcatchers don’t work, our birthdays screwed us for life, and that if we don’t have every precious gemstone there is to mine, we won’t activate our LightBody (you were thinking about all of this stuff to do that, right?).

I can’t tell you the way to enlightenment, but I can tell you that it’s ok to relax. I can’t stretch my body into sacred geometrical shapes and walk on water, but I can tell you that you should really try (and if you do this – please call me!). I can’t tell you all of the downloads and chants that can be integrated to achieve this heightened state of Divine Awareness, but I can tell you about one of the many tools and Master Teachers our amazing planet has provided to enable us to remember who we are – crystals.

I state this as fact, because I believe it to be so and because I’ve been working with the Plant and Crystal Kingdom all of my life.  You have too, if you have ever had the sudden urge to climb a tree, sit on a rock, dig your hands through the sand, or just walk barefoot across the grass. Our natural state is to be at ease with the elements, and the Crystal Kingdom presents us with tangible representations of the innate powers we possess.  Each stone resonates at a special frequency that touches us, allowing our physical bodies to begin to vibrate at that frequency. The ultimate goal is to embody all of those vibrations and continually resonate at a crystalline current. Our limitless LightBodies are already crystalline, and eagerly awaiting integration into our physical selves. The crystals, nature’s gifts, help us with this sacred union.

I often get asked about how to work with the crystals. I say play with them! The crystals are living objects of outstanding energy – they want you to be open to be able to receive their gifts!  Never doubt, feel foolish, or intimidated by the concept of bonding with a crystal. There is no wrong way to play within this world. One of the easiest things to do is to literally go to a location where there are crystals and walk around, opening yourself up to the idea that there is a new friend waiting to find you. It’s delightfully surprising to see what crystals will call out to you at different times in your life.  When you find a special stone that “feels good” (really!) hold it in your hand. You can close your eyes if it helps you to concentrate, you can gaze at it in wonder (or confusion), you can sing the theme song from The Legend of Zelda and triumphantly hold it atop your head – whatever feels good.  Notice if it heats up or cools down. See if it fits into the grooves of your palm and snuggles into the nooks where the fingers attach to the hand.  In a world of overstimulation, the art of just being, just feeling quiet and focusing on a simple act can be one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. This may not happen immediately, and that’s ok. Be gentle with yourself. Expect the best and if nothing happens at first, know that you are destined for something better, something magical! Once you find that perfect piece, you will know.

Continue to carry your crystal with you. Get used to its distinct size, shape and lovely crevices. Feel the lines, points, hollows, dips and mountains upon its surface. Does it bear any physical similarities to you? (You know what they say about humans and their pets, well, if you were a crystal…) Check out the coloring – does it have rainbows? Is it a smooth, unified shade or does it have spots and gradual fading? Is it actually quite hideous to you, but for whatever reason, you just love it?  It loves you too.

There is a never-ending plenty when it comes to crystal play. You can make mandalas with them, create special altars of intentions, grid your home, office (I used to keep a grid right on my desk when I worked in the corporate world) and make a special “blend” to keep in the car or on your bike for protection. You can do beautiful dedication ceremonies for yourself, others, or the Earth with crystals. You can take them and plant them back into the Earth with intentions. One of my favorite things to do is to charge a quartz crystal with a specific intention, and then plant it in a spot with an amethyst. To charge a crystal is to cleanse it, and then in whatever way feels best to you, to state your intention for the highest good and the highest frequency (you always want to preface an intent with some sort of prayer that acknowledges the highest of frequencies, as we want to continually raise our vibrations and all that is around us). There is no wrong way to charge a crystal. You can hold it to your third eye, you can place it on your heart chakra, you can give it a good stare or simply fold it between your hands. I like to blow my breath into them before I state an intention, as I feel it imbeds both my life force as well as my spirit.

Quartz crystals are the easiest to program with intent, and quite receptive. They work with all chakras. The wee slivers of quartz are just darling to program for use in planting and gridding – they get so excited, you can see them start to sparkle and get rainbows! I always include a small piece of amethyst or kyanite when doing this play, as these two stones vibrate at such a high frequency, they never need to be cleansed. In fact, they are so evolutionarily advanced in spiritual vibrations that they will also cleanse, charge and empower objects and space around them – that’s any stones, jewelry, rooms and you!

This leads me to the concept of cleansing your crystals.  Crystals are our master teachers in remembering who we are and connecting ourselves back to our Higher Selves, connecting us back to Source. They assist us in recognizing our power and enable us to travel this earthly plane with a spiritual air. It’s important to respect them and keep them clean and happy – they will do the same for you. One of the most common ways to cleanse a crystal is with sage or palo santo.  The Latin for sage is ‘Salvia,’ meaning ‘to heal.’  The name of the plant itself, ‘sage,’ means wise, elite, advanced. The vibrations of the plant embody its name, which is why the ancient Druids held it sacred and would burn it, and the Native Americans.

Palo Santo, (“Holy Wood”) is a magical tree from South America that has healing properties. Its delicious scent raises vibrations, which enables you to form a deeper connection to Source. Though it does not burn as long as sage, it is literally, Divine. Your crystals will sing for you when you bathe them in the smoke of the Palo Santo.

And speaking of baths, there are some crystals that just adore a good soak in some salt water or a running river. If you live near a natural body or spring of water, give those crystals that are ok with getting wet a treat.  You can dip them one-by-one, or create a special netted bag and just swish them in. Quartz is fine with water. Selenite is not. You’ll actually get a funny feeling in the pit of your stomach (and that intuition should develop even more as you continue to bond and play with your crystals!) about whether or not a crystal would like to be immersed in the water element. Trust it. One of my choice baths for my crystals is to use a special bowl or dish that I fill with good Himalayan salt and just let those critters soak in it for three days. After their soak, I like to rub them and will put them on a tree root or cover them with some flowers (awesome for rose quartz, kunzite and morganite!).

You can keep a little pot of earth or sand as well to soak your crystals in – the earth element will draw out anything that does not serve your crystal in the highest good and purify it.  For protective and super grounding stones, (like Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Shungite, Onyx and Hematite) it’s best to cleanse regularly, as these particular crystals shield your energy field against psychic attacks and electro magnetic fields (EMF). Think of them like vacuums - you want to keep them empty so that they can continue to cleanse for you. Be careful of putting your crystals in direct sunlight for too long, as the powerful rays will bleach your crystals. This is actually an amazing way to bring back any crystals that have turned cloudy, a result of being ignored or hidden. In this case, a good sun bath is most appreciated. Full moonlight is an incredibly potent time to cleanse crystals. Put them out in a safe spot and let them bask in the silver rays of the moon overnight – they will thank you for this special energy and you, in turn, will resonate with it as well!

Talking to the crystals is a wonderful way to form a connection – they love attention! Rubbing them is not only a beautiful way to bond, but also will encourage growth. Notice how your crystal will sparkle more, create rainbows and even change colors! This is all a reflection of you and your growth.  Make sure that you are keeping your crystals on natural surfaces – no plastic! If you’re feeling crafty, perhaps you can construct a special shelf or area for them. I keep a majority of my crystals on my wooden countertop in the kitchen, as this is where I do most of my play. The crystals displayed change as my needs or focus does. Any grid-work that I am doing has its own special place where it will remain undisturbed until the intention has manifested (and this happens rather quickly, as the crystals are quite powerful!).

I have amethyst and selenite in every room, as they continually raise vibrations. I keep a white Himalayan salt lamp the size of a small child in my bedroom. Himalayan salt is one of the most holistic minerals, as it emits negative ions, which counteract the positive ions emitted from electronics and keep a clear space. Keeping the physical space, the environment, as sacred and charged will keep you in the same vibration; you will align to these high frequencies, identify with them, and resonate with them. When we allow ourselves to fall into harmony with these amazing tools of nature, we integrate our spiritual lives into the mundane with grace and ease, and begin to allow others to feel those vibrations.

There are so many wonders and initiations that the Crystal Kingdom has to offer, and it is eager to integrate itself into our lives. That is the beautiful relationship that we have with the nature, to orchestrate these highest of frequencies with us so that our spiritual essence, our LightBodies, can easily integrate into our physical selves. It’s such an exciting gift that is our birthright, to work with these Rock Stars and truly see that heaven is a place on Earth. 

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Shanna Fanelli is a certified Crystal and Sound Alchemist, Faeriologist, Energy Artist and Reiki I and II practitioner based in Santa Monica. Learn more about Shanna and her services at ShannaFanelli.com. 

HoC Brain Tonic

Waking up in the morning and drinking a tonic is a must for someone who wants to bring his or her wellness to another peak. Drinking adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms are a great gentle way to get nutrients in your diet. This particular tonic has a wide range of nourishing vitamins, minerals and fats. This drink can be made anytime of the day, but is best before 4 o’clock because the cacao can be a bit energizing.

We added raw cacao to the tonic, which is certainly very high in antioxidants, and it contains an abundance of magnesium and iron.

We also added mucuna puriens that contains a principle ingredient; L-Dopa, a naturally occurring amino acid that transforms into dopamine in the brain. It is also known to enhance brain function.

 Reishi mushroom is known as the "queen healer mushroom". This mushroom is a great immune supporter. Reishi helps with balance within the body and inner strength.

We also added a touch of Cordyceps. This potent yang tonic helps with oxygenating the body and is known to build strong endurance.

The fat from the oil (whichever you choose) helps with nutrient absorption and keeps you full longer and is great for brain health.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ teaspoon Reishi
•  ½ teaspoon Cordyceps
• ½ teaspoon of Mucuna Pruriens
• 1 teaspoon of Raw Cacao
• 1 teaspoon of Ghee (or Grass-fed Butter, Coconut Oil)
• a pinch of Raw Vanilla Bean Powder
• a tiny pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt
• 1 cup of tea or milk (coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon of Raw Honey or your sweetener of choice

We love using Sun Potion for our tonic ingredients. 

Enjoy!

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist and herbalism student, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body, embracing the liberty and power of mindful living. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Science in Public Health Education from California State University Northridge and studied Holistic Nutrition at The Natural Healing Institute.

Golden Milk

Golden Milk is the perfect warming drink for those cooler winter mornings.  This tonic will warm and nourish you all at once, so you can take on the day feeling great.  In Ayurveda, this drink is also enjoyed in the evening; it sets you up for the perfect dream-filled, uninterrupted slumber.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of milk of your choice (as long as it's nutrient-dense)
• 1 thumb of turmeric root
• 1/3 thumb of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla bean powder
• 1½ teaspoon of local raw honey 5 drops of Omica stevia
• ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon of cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon or less of black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of himalayan sea salt

While the plain Golden Milk is heavenly on its own, here are a few upgrades!

Jing Replenisher

• ½ teaspoon of He She Wu
• ½ teaspoon of Cistanche

Uplifting Golden Milk

• ½ teaspoon of Reishi
• ½ teaspoon of Pearl

Libido Enhancer

• ½ teaspoon of Pine Pollen
• ½ teaspoon of Polyrachis Ant

2 Minute 2muric

Here’s the perfect Golden Milk recipe when you’re on the go.  Not only does this taste great, but in half the time it takes you to stand in line at Erewhon, you could be sipping your own handmade nourishing tonic.  We hope that you use the best quality organic ingredients.

Turmeric is an extremely well-studied root.  It’s been widely used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory to treat stomach and liver ailments.  It’s also been used topically, too, as an anti-microbial.

To make this Golden Milk:

• Add your milk of choice to your blender.
• Grate the turmeric and ginger into the blender, and add the coconut oil and honey. 
• Blend until well-combined.  If you want your drink warm, keep blending.
• Add the spices and herbs, if you’ve chosen any. 

Blend and enjoy!

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Sima Morrison, founder of House of Citrine, is a vibrant soul with a potent zest for life and the beauty in its simple pleasures. As a holistic nutritionist and herbalism student, Sima has made it her life's journey to experience, to empower, and to explore the synergy between the mind and the body, embracing the liberty and power of mindful living. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Science in Public Health Education from California State University Northridge and studied Holistic Nutrition at The Natural Healing Institute.

Sleeping Monk

Sleeping Monk is a company based in California producing high potency herbal extracts that promote better sleep, beautiful skin, better sex, protected immunity and happiness.  The formulas are crafted in a manner akin to an ancient philosophy - Chinese Tonic Herbalism - which dates back to 2950 B.C.  

We visited the owner, Louis Lenard, at his Malibu home on a gorgeous summer day.  We lounged by the pool and discussed all things herbalism.  

What was your journey to create the Sleeping Monk line?

I grew up in Malibu, California and operate from there currently. From an early age, I was drawn to excel at whatever I put my mind and heart into. I found out later that this was the result of searching for love and approval from others, as I lacked it for myself. 

First it was surfing, then music. When the success and accolades only produced a fleeting sense of peace, I did the only logical thing I could think of – do lots of drugs. I got to experience what it felt like to destroy my body, mind and spirit and eventually the pain and demoralization reached a point where I had to change or call it quits.

So, with the familiar type passion and energy I grew up with, I completely re-focused on a healing lifestyle that helped me turn my life around and become someone that people can count on and actually respect and look up to, imagine that!  

Among other healing regimens, this path ultimately lead me to the beautiful system of Chinese Tonic Herbalism, which would become the basis for the 6 products we currently offer. 

With Sleeping Monk, we just want to help you build long-term health and happiness, from the inside-out. We strive to do this by carefully crafting formulas with Adaptogenic and Super Tonic herbs that regulate, balance and optimize our cells, organs and systems first – then tonify by nourishing and strengthening them. Then we’re left to flourish with more natural, grounded, calm and powerful energy, beauty and greater resistance to stress and both short term and degenerative disease. 

Why are tinctures so important?

I feel tinctures are important because they are the most powerful, safe and effective way to extract and deliver herbal medicine that I’m aware of. This is also a way to avoid many heavy metals that commonly contaminate powdered herbal products during processing. 

What is your ultimate vision?

My ultimate vision is to have as much fun as possible while helping others achieve meaningful change with their health and happiness, both with our products and with my daily actions and a loving attitude toward all.

I want to be a positive role model for my daughter and leave a legacy that she’s proud of, and to see her flourish with her own meaningful vision of like mind. 

What does “conscious business” mean to you?

In simplest terms, I feel conscious business equals customers’ health and happiness first, and profits are secondary. When we’re driven by passion for what we do, this often comes naturally. 

To me, it means having an awareness of, and being an example of what we stand for. I believe making meaningful change in the world requires having a conscious mindset within us first, then spreading the vision outward from there, again, with our loving attitudes and actions.  

We clearly want to make the smallest environmental footprint possible, and constantly strive to improve our mission and products to best help raise awareness that supports optimal health and the fair treatment of all involved in the process of what it takes for us to bring these precious herbal formulas to you and your loved ones.

Using the safest, highest quality, purest, most powerful and effective, organic and lab-tested materials is requisite, as are the manufacturing practices and facilities from which they come. 

Giving back is also key. We’re currently in the process of setting up an alliance with Waves 4 Water to help bring clean drinking water to those all over the world that currently don’t have access.

What inspires you?

Nature inspires me… waves in particular. My daughter’s drive, charisma and beauty inspire me. Music inspires me. Watching people light up with realizations and insights on their spiritual path inspires me. Observing others in the process of living their dreams inspires me. Being of service inspires me. Hearing feedback from customers’ testimonials and seeing smiles on their faces inspires me. Honesty and vulnerability inspire me. Courage inspires me. This question inspires me!

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of being a good father, for being clean and sober for nearly 12 years and for making a living doing what I love. 

What rituals keep you balanced and grounded?

While affirmations are more often finding their way into the mix, prayer, meditation and service have never failed to bring me back to what’s important. Surfing, yoga are laughing are rad too!

What is something you wished everyone knew about you?

I wish everyone knew how legendary I am, hah! Anyway, I wish everyone knew that I love surfing.  So, if any of you out there love to surf too, hit me up and let’s get some waves! 

If it was your last day on earth, what would you want to do today?

Last day? Surf with my daughter somewhere epic, with all my family and friends on the beach, or surfing with us. Then we’d eat some awesome food and play music by a campfire at sunset. 

Is there anything you want us to ask you, but haven’t?  And what is the answer?

Why yes! Do you have any new products available? And… Did you write guitar for the music score of the Kurt Cobain documentary, ‘Soaked in Bleach’, due out this summer? 

• Yes, we do! Goddess in Bloom, our divine female formula and Enter the Dragon, our supreme male formula. Check ‘em out at sleepingmonk.net 
• Yes, I did, thank you for asking! Keep your eyes peeled and thank you for your love and support! 

Keep up with Sleeping Monk on Instagram, Facebook, and their website!

Alchemy Arts Center

Alchemy Spa is the premiere healing sanctuary.  From Ayurvedic cuisine to sensory attenuation tanks - there is a doorway to every desire inside Alchemy.

The owner, Emma, was lovely enough to sit down with us for breakfast.  Emma's life is dedicated to her mission of healing at Alchemy Arts Center.

Could you tell us about the history of the center?

Alchemy opened four years ago in March after being inspired by a two-week retreat I experienced in Thailand that changed my life. Everyday I did yoga, ate cleansing foods, and was supported through healing treatments like acupuncture. I felt incredible! My energy was boundless and I felt clear, strong and positive—something I hadn’t felt since I was a child. 

I found myself asking, “Why did I have to go all the way to Thailand to experience this?”  That was question was answered for me shortly after landing back in Santa Barbara where I intuitively decided, “It’s going to be here.” My intention was to create a sacred space for both guests and employees to thrive and heal.

Our priority at Alchemy is to provide people with support and inspiration to lead a more balanced life. Creating Alchemy Wellness Spa has been the most incredible experience, but it’s also been intense. There’ve been many challenges (especially in the beginning), but this is my passion—I had to push through! I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to have gone through this experience and been so closely involved throughout the journey of manifesting this idea.

Can you tell us about your offerings?

We are all dealing with a lot of stress in this modern, fast-paced world of ours. Whether that stress is from the environment, a divorce, the death of a loved one, an injury, the loss of a job, etc., it’s essential to allow the body to release that stress – along with any other negative emotions. It’s also important to have the consciousness to learn how to take care of one’s self. People need a place where they can go to learn how to do this, to reset themselves so to speak, so they can enjoy life to it’s fullest. Alchemy is that sacred space. 

All year-round we offer organic cold press juice cleanses and a cleansing food program. It’s really important to understand that our organs are our guidance system for this life of ours. Even if we have a super clean diet there are environmental pollutants that store in our bodies. 

Once a month we offer featured cleanses facilitated by our beloved Siddhi. 

Our last cleanse focused on the liver. The participants gathered in the morning and were guided through movements and breath work focusing on cleansing the liver which supports weight loss, healthy sleep, renewed energy, better digestion, relief from depression & balanced hormones. 

There are also food treatment packages designed for liver support; Alchemy’s amazing wraps with macerated herbs soaked in specific oils. 

We also have an incredible float tank full of Epsom salts with a special Memon ® transformer to remove any harmful energetics from the water; Much like a crystal, water stores energy. If we have “unhealthy or bad” information/radiation that enters our cells (us), the water in our cells, naturally transmits this to the cells next to it making reproduction of healthy cells more complicated. This is the natural process of our body’s intelligence. The usual  "purification" process used to treat water is great at removing potentially dangerous chemicals and ionic materials from water. Though these potential dangerous contaminants are removed, the water still remains, with electrical "imprints" of bad things that were in the water, attached to the water molecules before those chemicals were removed, or simply "imprinted" into the electrical characteristics of the water molecules from external sources. The tank is especially amazing after a massage. 

We have a wide array of services and have ways for people of all budgets to interact with us. For example we hold a group acupuncture class every week . They are an amazingly economical way to experience Alchemy at $15 . 

We also offer Aura-Soma, which is a non-intrusive, self-selective soul system. Combining the energies of colour, plants, and crystals, these vibrational tools can support all levels of our being, bringing harmony and balance within the subtle fields promoting wellbeing and a joy for life.

What treatment do you suggest for first timers?

I love the crystal healing facial. Using the healing vibration of crystals, this experience very calming. We use fresh Rose cells and Rose Damascena to rejuvenate and raise the vibrational energy of the skin. Deep lymphatic drainage and acupressure with hot poultices and Rose Quartz, restores a glowing radiance to the skin..Pure Bliss…

Then to complete the Alchemy experience I would recommend our Pearl and Jasmine body renewal with an amethyst wrap. This mineral-rich Himalayan salt crystal treatment, has the immediate effect of restoring energy, mental clarity, wellbeing and strength. This is followed by a gel body wrap to relax and restore the nervous system; stimulating the circulation, regeneration of skin cells and cell growth.

What are your favorite spots in SB?

Santa Barbara is a truly incredible place to live.  I’m a swimmer so I love the ocean. But really there’s so much to love here—the sunsets, sunrises, the trails, the trees, the restaurants, the people. The list goes on.

What is essential that you can’t live without?

My essentials are my family, my spiritual practice, friends, Ayurveda, and last but not least adventures.

I was just going to say that.  You seem like an adventurous person.

Humans can get stuck in repetition, so I like doing something that takes me out of that. Like getting up early in the morning and going for a swim in freezing cold water, Sleeping under the stars—something that gets me out of my usual comfort.  

It’s strange that as humans we are often afraid of change, yet we change all the time. At each breath our molecules are transforming. We often look for safety in not changing, even if it’s not supportive to our well-being. I like to ask, “Who would you be if you were really just present living your life right now in this moment?” This is all we have . This moment ! We have to show up the best that we are able to…To Forgive, To be grateful, To Laugh, To share, To Love.

We’re not necessarily taught how to do that.  When you give yourself to the moment, you start to live your life from a different perspective.

What does alchemy mean to you?

Transformation, transformation of one thing into something greater and more refined. Alchemy is a place to come together, share ideas, find connections, release old patterns that no longer serve us and transform ourselves into something better.

Why is self care so important?

I believe it’s vitally important to take care of yourself. In our culture we are taught that it’s selfish to put ourselves first. When in actuality, unless you know how to take care of yourself (love and fully accept yourself), you won’t be able to do that for another.

Tel: 805-899-8811

35 West Haley Street,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

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