Kip Andersen : Acclaimed Documentarian & Activist

July 27, 2017

Interview by: Molly Helfend and Sima Morrison

We had the unique pleasure to bump into Kip Andersen, creator of the acclaimed documentaries Cowspiracy and What the Health, while practicing yoga at Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, California. He shared with us some insight on veganism, sustainability and his selfless social and environmental justice projects. You can learn more about Cowspiracy and What the Health on their websites and watch the documentaries on Netflix or Vimeo.

What are some of the take away messages from your films?

To learn the truth, do your own research. Find what is best for you and yourself. Your greater self comes when everything combines into one. And all beings are yourself. All animals. All plants. Be in harmony with it all. That is a powerful form of activism, which taps into a communal sense of you. You can always be much more powerful and active. And go vegan of course!

What changes have you seen since going plant-based and completely vegan, both in your own body and the community around you?

For me, it all started at once. It was ethical and environmental, and then health came later. I really just didn't want to do any harm to any other beings. I didn't realize that in about a month or two I was connecting with my inner child that I had put away for a long time. I was doing something I would never do as a kid, like I wouldn't kill an animal. I was reconnecting with the whole me of who I truly am and what I believe in. I began to feel this sense of growth, that I am connected to everything. I suddenly didn't feel so alone. I was and am connected to all of life. I'm doing my part and living in alignment. I didn't expect to have that sense of peace and calmness.

This idea that all beings are interconnected seems to resonate with you a lot. Do you believe that the more we build walls from nature, the more we are pushing our own health away, creating disease and a sense of isolation? Do you think there is any way to eat meat sustainably?

Yes, I definitely agree with that. We need to be connected with all beings to find true health. And, no, there is no way to eat meat sustainably because there is nothing you cannot get in animal products that you cannot get from eating plants. There is nothing. So, when people say “hey, I crave meat,” I always ask, “well, what is it you are craving exactly?” The calcium? The iron? What is in it that you need? If you do need something, you can find out and do blood tests on yourself. You can always live a healthy life and if you have questions you can contact me or even the clinic True North in Santa Rosa, who will do blood tests and tell you what you are deficient of. They will find what you need from plants, not dead rotting animal flesh. There is nothing in there. It is mostly a mental addiction, just like any other drug.

How do we raise awareness on big pharmaceutical and governmental corruption?

A big part is living a healthy lifestyle. Once you find the truth, you do not need to be a part of that corruption. Big pharmaceuticals are trying to make money, that is what they are doing. So, if you are living the truth of a healthy lifestyle, then that is powerful activism. Now, the demand has gone down and now their power has been diminished because we are all healthy living vibrant beings just by being and living the truth. That is such powerful activism.

What do you say to those people who use the argument that living healthy is too expensive?

We actually have at the end of our film “What the Health” a part called Plant Based on a Budget, created by Toni Okamoto, where she shows us how a plant based diet can feed an entire family of four for 21 dollars for an entire week. So, check out your bulk section or farmers market or her website. Do your research. It’s an excuse. Even if you live in a food desert, you can still make once a month or week trip to a Cosco or somewhere.

What has been the impact of your movies? What have you noticed?

More recently, whether it is our films or not, trends show that we are at a time in the evolution of humanity where, well every movement has its time and place, but they all had to lead to this one. We had women rights, civil rights, gay rights, etc. and they are starting to resolve themselves. Now there is this one that is emerging and leading to this conscious shift that we are starting to see everywhere. Studies show that veganism has risen around 500% in the last three to four years and the trend of people searching vegan on google is rising as well, so this new consciousness is exploding and we are entering into a new realm and that is part of it.

Where has your inspiration and drive come from?

They come from justice. Really they come from animals. I represent animals and that inspiration that things need to be done. I feel a very large connection to farm animals specifically for some reason. I cannot explain why. But, also to the environment and my health. It's just a win win win, combining all three. I think a lot of other social movements had one thing…ethics. It was purely ethics that didn't have the environment and health and look how passionate people were and still are. This has ethics, health and the future of our environment. That is a powerful trinity trio.

How are you building momentum from the film? Any new projects in the works?

We have several new projects. We have a new film we are working on called “Seaspiracy” and some other powerful films down the road. This one is about fish and the misconception that there is such a thing as sustainable fishing and about the destruction of the ocean. We are really diving into the devastation of overfishing and pollution from the energy sector running into the water. We also have a new What the Health meal plan to check out to make the how a lot easier.

Anything else you want to tell the HOC readers?

I think it's a really exciting time in humanity to be alive. We are so fortunate that in the last 4 to 5 years we are starting to see the shift we have been waiting for hundreds and hundreds of years. This patriarchal society that we have been living in is turning into a matriarchal one that focuses on protecting and nurturing and we are finally here. To embrace that while you are young and then look back later on in life, you will be so glad you were a part of it because it is an incredibly special time.

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.

Molly Helfend is part of the HOC team and is an herbalist and environmental activist. She graduated from University of Vermont in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Holistic Health. She will be attending University of Kent in Canterbury, England to receive her Masters Degree in Ethnobotany in 2017. She has worked for Urban Moonshine, Greenpeace and received her training with Spoonful Herbals. Her goal is to receive her PHD and become a professor at University of California Santa Cruz. Molly resides in Monte Nido, California.

Sara Crow : Floracopeia

June 28, 2017

Interview by Sima Morrison and Karli Quinn

You are an herbalist, psychic and acupuncturist who believes in nature-based beauty and created your company Floracopeia to embody this principle. How did you begin?

I have always felt a strong connection to the beauty and healing power of nature. Spending time outdoors and utilizing nature’s healing pharmacy has been a way of life for me since the very beginning. Whether it’s the beauty of a flower, fresh organic greens harvested from a local farm, or the way the natural elements are made into medicine, nature-based beauty is the ultimate nourishment for body and soul. For me, nature-based beauty is not only about creating good-looking skin from natural ingredients but rather a deeper beauty that comes out of a cultivated reverence for the natural world.

I got started in the field of natural medicine in my early twenties after my parents, who utilized natural remedies for common ailments, laid a strong foundation. Natural medicine embodies the principles of natural forces and elements, interconnectedness and interrelatedness to prevent and correct imbalances on multiple levels: body, mind and soul. Early in my career, I worked in an herbal apothecary as a grassroots herbalist, healer and natural product formulator and buyer. I sought medical training in New York City and Santa Monica as a holistic licensed clinician. I developed my clinical skills as an acupuncturist and herbalist by incorporating the principles of Chinese Medicine into my Western medical training with the goal of effectively helping others to cultivate advanced health and inner contentment.

For me, the most appealing aspect of holistic medicine is its acknowledgment and treatment of Spirit or ‘shen.’ Shen is a term from Traditional Chinese Medicine that encompasses our psychological health and spiritual well being. It is also the way consciousness infuses itself into matter. The study of consciousness and the spiritual side of healing and plant medicine have spoken to me the most, which is why flower essences are a favorite healing tool. A large part of my healing practice is working with Shen through acupuncture, energy medicine, psychic readings, and flower essences. Finally, I’ve come to understand that the best incarnation of natural medicine is when it supports nature while gleaning its healing gifts. Floracopeia is based on this supportive principle and was established to nourish a harmonious reciprocal flow that can exist between the greater natural world and us as individuals.

What were the initial goals and vision for Floracopeia?

The initial vision of Floracopeia remains the centerpiece of our work in the world. Floracopeia was established to provide the highest quality botanical treasures and health education, to support ecological agriculture, and to preserve ethnobotanical knowledge. We do this through our various eco-projects and by sourcing organic and sustainable botanicals that promote healing on individual, community and planetary level. We believe that botanical treasures like essential oils, flower essences, and organic skincare can have a significant positive influence on our mental, physical and spiritual health. Furthermore, these things affect the economic health of small communities throughout the world.

What’s one of your favorite blends?

For flower essences, I love the Renewal Blend. Flower essences stimulate a shift in consciousness to create a healthy empowered life. The floral essences in our Renewal Blend hold a vibrant energy of rebirth and optimism! It opens our awareness to roads previously unseen and helps us perceive life in a more expansive optimistic light— similar to the how the light returns each spring to transform the darkness and dormancy of winter. I also love the Immortelle Cleansing Dew. It is a facial oil filled with flower essences and essential oils to nourish inner and outer beauty. It really embodies the utterly divine and intoxicating aromatic biome of Corsica in the springtime.

Can you recommend natural ways to relieve allergies?

Yes! I’ve really dialed this in over the years! If it’s seasonal allergies it’s always helpful to clean up the diet and eliminate those problem foods. Identifying any potential food sensitivities or allergies is key to bringing down systemic inflammation and giving the poor hard working immune system a break! Some common food culprits: corn, soy, wheat, gluten, peanuts, other nuts such almonds (often irradiated too) and dairy.

I always make a big distinction between non-organic dairy from cow versus organic raw artisanal goat and sheep dairy. Raw artisanal goat products are a very high quality dairy that is often harmonious with most people and provides health-promoting probiotics and Vitamin D for bone integrity and hormonal vitality. Likewise, I find that it is non-mucus forming and is compatible even with those with dairy allergies (mild to moderate). In conjunction with cleaning up the diet, herbal medicine provides much needed relief for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Some key ingredients are quercetin, bromelian and vitamin C.

Source Naturals makes a great duo that is both convenient and effective. Take Aller-reponse alongside their Activated Quercetin and then pair that with Reishi Mushroom for supreme immune regulating effects. I tend to use Dragon Herb’s Duanwood Reishi but there are many great reishi products out there. One I like is Harmonic Arts Wild Reishi from gorgeous and prana-rich British Columbian rainforests (heart heart heart). Tulsi tea and ginger is a great addition to harmonize digestion and bring in an additional level of anti-inflammatory action and anti-microbial power. Eyebright tincture is great taken internally to target dry, scratchy, itchy or irritated eyes. I also like using our Rose Hydrosol as a gentle eyewash if the eyes have been exposed to blowing dust and pollen. Use an eye wash cup or use a clean dropper to drop a few drops in eye.

What’s a typical weekday look like for you? Take us through it!

Most of the year, I wake naturally with the sunrise. I love the peace of the morning coupled with vibrant energy of the nature awakening. Like most people, the first thing I care for is my teeth. I alternate between unflavored ozonated olive oil and a tooth powder for brushing alongside using a water pick utilizing a strong sea salt and baking soda solution (swear by this!). Next up is a quick skin care routine to wake up my face - I really aim to stimulate circulation through a quick massage and invigorating botanicals, such as the Immortelle Cleansing Dew I mentioned earlier. One natural skin care principle I teach on is how advanced stimulation and circulation is a key to youthful healthy skin. I can’t live without our facial toner—the Mist of Immortelle—it’s sunshine in a bottle. It’s neroli, golden helichrysum, frankincense and blue tansy aromatic gorgeousness and it immediately invigorates and refreshes my sleepy face. I then sit near my favorite year-round open window with an uber-strong green tea to breathe in beauty of the morning; ocean breezes, soft light, crashing waves, bird songs, and seal barks all effectively nourish my heart and mind.

My energy is high throughout the day but my mental energy is especially good in the morning so I find that it’s in the earlier part of the day that I can focus best and get my work completed. I spend most days juggling healing session, developing and teaching my online courses, and doing various Floracopeia related tasks. I close work down around 6pm to make a simple dinner, have a walk and a bath. Most nights I give myself an acupuncture treatment before retiring for bed.

Tell us about your favorite meal and please don’t spare any details! Are you picturing eating it alone or with a big group of loved ones?

My ideal meal would be to gather with loved ones (and maybe a few nice strangers too) in a small village in Corsica, say Pigna, overlooking the ocean. We’d be drinking a copious amount of wine and feasting on the wide array of artisanal meats, cheeses and organic produce—all infused with the aromatic herbs from the island. Live local music could play in the background while the village cats (hundreds of them!) meander around trying to charm snacks from the humans.

What are your top five favorite ingredients?

Corsican immortelle
Rose
Goat kola
Cistus
Cacao

What is your beauty ritual now and how does it compare to your routine before Floracopeia?

Truth be told, I didn’t have much of a skin care routine before Floracopeia! I really got my act together quick! I think because I’ve always had naturally good skin (great diet) and I was younger and felt like I didn’t need to put that much effort into it— haha! I moved from NYC to LA and starting spending a lot of time on my bicycle. I lived in Venice and rode everywhere. I tried to not use my car. After several years of being out in the elements all day every day—sun, beach, and wind. This, paired with a few life stressors while going to school, poor water, and a touch of hormonal imbalance, I started to really notice a decline in my skin’s appearance. It was hyper pigmented, a bit tougher and thickened in certain areas. You know, your classic sun damage presentation! Well, I was able to reverse all of that, and many years later I feel like my skin is pretty close to how it was when I was younger and before the damage.

Through this personal experience and through helping others with their skin I have really come to understand just how multifaceted and far-reaching botanicals can be for skin health and beauty. It was a natural realization to have since I clearly understood these same far-reaching benefits for whole body health. I started to see more and more how botanicals like rose and immortelle impacted skin health and then built a skin care video series for the general public as a way to educate others on the benefits of botanical skin care. I’m releasing an advanced inner and outer botanical beauty course this year stemming from my research and experience in working with the botanicals now for over twenty years.

You embody health and all things natural and so we are curious, what’s your splurge?

My true splurge would be to take an exotic trip to some amazing place to feast on fine tequila or wine, cacao, and fresh local cuisine while soaking up the culture and the surrounding natural world. I really want to swim with the whales, like as a lifestyle! But that’s pretty natural eh?

Do you have a favorite book?

Don’t make me pick!

I love and respect Paul Pitchford’s classic book, Healing with Whole Foods.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up and the last thing you do before bed?

I smile and give thanks for being alive on this gorgeous planet.

Sara Crow is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist practicing on California’s central coast. She has extensive training in both Eastern and Western medical approaches. She holds a Masters degree in Traditional Asian Medicine and has over 3100 hours of formal training in acupuncture, herbology, and nutrition. Sara is uniquely gifted as an intuitive and subtle energy healer. Her overall approach is designed to be a multilayered and holistic healing program targeting the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Health consultations, and energy medicine healing and readings are available via phone and Skype.

One of Sara's specialties is flower essences. She is a flower essence expert and educator with over 17 years of experience. She uses flower essences extensively in her clinical practice and is the creator of Floracopeia's FlorAlchemy line. Sara combines her lifelong experience in the natural product industry with her holistic health expertise as the director of Floracopeia's product development department. Alongside formulating her flower essence line, she is the creator of Floracopeia's cherished organic skin care line. She is a natural skin care educator, teaching on the importance of high quality nontoxic botanical ingredients for skin beauty and overall bodily health.

Karli Quinn joins our HOC team. Motivated to connect with the increasingly prevalent health community that exists, she hopes to educate others through her own perspective on conscious consumerism and normalize the conversation about what it means to live a healthy lifestyle.

Top 10 Products We Love for June

June 13, 2017

1. Hanah One

Hanah One is a game changer. This Ayurvedic superfood supplement will completely revolutionize your workouts with increased energy and stamina. It is made with 30 wild-harvested botanicals, Keralan mountain honey, and artisanal ghee and is so delicious, we cannot help but eat it right off the spoon. Day or night, add a dollop of this magic to your morning smoothie or cup of coffee and experience a jolt of vitality.

2. La Aquarelle Wildflowers Sleep Mask

These enchanting plant-dyed sleep masks are handmade with tenderness in London, England. Using botanicals, plant matter, and minerals to dye 100% chemical free fabrics, you bring nature closer to your mind, body and soul as you enter a calming dream state. We adore this pure silk face mask infused with locally collected wildflowers.

3. Davids Natural Toothpaste

Finally a toothpaste that is Fluoride, SLS, and Cruelty-Free and actually whitens, gets rid of plaque build-up and freshens the breath with natural USA farmed mint oil. What a mouth full! We love lathering this minty goodness in our mouths for a radiant healthy smile. So fresh and so clean.

4. Gaia Collective Moon Box

One of the highest quality and beautifully presented subscription boxes on the market, this set of spiritual goodies arrives at your doorstep before each full moon.

With your membership, you will receive monthly gifts of crystals, essential oils, herbs, guided mantras and meditations, and any other surprise items. We are instantly transcended into gaiety, as we explore our package of spiritual novelties.

5. Sun Child Silks

As the summer heat approaches, nothing will make you feel more like a goddess then throwing on your Sun Child Silks. With these fantasy and high vibes soaks, you will be blessed with comfort and glamour. Each collection is exquisitely designed and curated with love in both Topanga Canyon and Goa, India. Sun Child also philanthropically donates proceeds to several charities in India.

6. Barely Bread Onion, Garlic, Sea Salt Grain-Free Bagels

Being grain-free, we have seriously been missing a quality bagel in the morning. However, we finally have found the remedy to our cravings. Barely Bread has created the most scrumptious grain-free artisan bagels that we love munching on with our favorite wild caught lox and Leaf Cuisine Classic Plain Not Cream Cheese spread. Bonus, they are low glycemic as well.

7. Osea Sea Minerals Mist

This vegan, non toxic seaweed based skincare line flawlessly hydrates and revitalizes the skin during June Gloom. This lightweight elixir exudes botanicals and essential vitamins and minerals, balancing, toning and softening complexion with supercharged Mineral Peptides. You will radiate with the pearly glow of a deep sea mermaid.

8. The Real Coconut Himalayan Pink Salt Coconut Flour Tortilla Chips

Created in Tulum, Mexico, Daniella Hunter has created the most addicting coconut flour tortilla chips that are gluten free, grain free, dairy free and refined sugar free! Cooked in organic Coconut Oil, these wholesome chips are guilt-free crispy snacks that are gone within the first few minutes of opening the bag. Trust us, we are completely addicted.

9. Blöde Kuh Herbie Vore Vegan Cheese

The ideal dip for our Coconut Flour Tortilla Chip obsession, this plant-based cheese tastes as unique as it sounds. Although Blönde Kuh is only found at Los Angeles based farmer’s and speciality markets, it is worth contacting them directly via Instagram or call at (414) 507-6888 to learn more about purchase and delivery. Their vegan cheeses and yogurts are the crème de la crème on toast, crackers or any finger-licking snack.

10. Outdoor Voices Terracotta/Rose Quartz/Sand Tri-Tone Kneecap Legging

Chic and stylish, Outdoor Voices is all the rage amongst trendy exercise enthusiasts. Using quality materials and adorable tri-tone patterns, you can span from gym-life to life-life while looking flirty, fun and fabulous. Great for any season or activity, complement these comfortable leggings with the Rose Quartz Athena Crop to finish off your wardrobe ensemble.

June Intuitive Medicine

June 1, 2017

Welcome to June, a month of sunny days, warmer nights replete with crickets chirping and fireflies illuminating the yard. At the end of this month we will officially be midway through 2017, a transition which asks us to evaluate if we are living this year with intention and purpose. With each passing day we come closer to another year under the belt - how do you wish to finish this year?

This month we welcome Jupiter heading direct which signals finality to a massive expansion. For many of us this may bring changes to the way we live our life, the people we surround ourselves with and the work that we do. We have grown and shed the skin of old and now we adjust things accordingly. On June 9th, the same day that Jupiter goes direct, we have a full moon in Sagittarius. Don’t be surprised if what took great effort just a few weeks ago suddenly comes with great ease. Doors are opening and opportunity awaits. The new moon in Cancer arrives on the 24th and asks us to get in touch with how we feel about our lives now and how we desire to feel about our lives. Is there a gap between the two? If so now is a time to dial into the feeling you desire with your life. To allow your feelings to guide you to the actions you should take to manifest a life that is whole, authentic and ripe with joy.

Let’s take a deeper look into the month ahead sign by sign. To create an even more vivid picture of the month ahead read both your Sun and Moon sign. Should your birthday fall within 7-10 of a sign transition you will want to read the sign after yours as well.

//Aries & Aries Rising//

You may feel the pressure of your successes more prominently this month, Aries. The trick to keep in mind is that not all pressure or responsibility is a bad thing. When we get something we’ve worked towards our responsibility grows in proportion to that which is attained. When we get that long sought after promotion, when we have a new baby, when we decide to finally purchase that dream house, each of these welcomed transitions bring forth added pressure and responsibility. The medicine is in finding balance. What help is available to you that may lessen the responsibility you shoulder? It’s not always easy to accept help but sometimes merely delegating a few things to someone else can free up much needed time. This month is also a great time for a thorough evaluation of all that is on your plate. What tasks or activities no longer serve you that you could release to free up space? In the end this may be a wonderful time to appreciate the responsibilities that are on your plate. They remind us of what we have achieved and places where we can still grow.

//Taurus & Taurus Rising//

This month brings the reminder that you are exactly where you need to be, Taurus. You have worked hard to get to this place and have been diligent in the pursuit of your heart’s desire. So, you may question, why the sudden setbacks? Why the appearance of slow forward progression when you are ready to barrel full speed ahead? When things slow down, and setbacks appear we are reminded to honor the moment we are in. Rather than becoming upset because the pace has slowed let’s look at what may require your attention or retooling. Instead of getting frustrated that you must wait, let’s honor this pause as a Universe gifted calm before things really begin to move. Or maybe what is really needed right now is you to harness just a bit more personal resolve to bring the momentum you desire.

//Gemini & Gemini Rising//

Whether sudden or sought this month marks a period of complete change. In some ways, this energy can feel as though the rug is being pulled right out from under you as you are forced to shift perspective and awaken to a new reality. To make this period one which imparts long lasting stability and room for growth you are encouraged lean into this change. When our foundation crumbles it’s an opportunity for us to build something strong and infinitely more sustainable in its wake. To examine the beliefs and patterns that may have fit the old foundation but now must be released as you rebuild. And rebuild you will; armed now with the wisdom of experience and the consciousness bred from your evolution.

//Cancer & Cancer Rising//

Success can be lasting when it's bred on the principles of both integrity and hustle. We need to know what we value to find a success that feels resonant and then the drive to make it happen. When what we value is obfuscated or otherwise unknown to us when often veer too far in one direction over the other. We value possessions but not being of service. We rely on validation on things instead of cultivating the untouchable strength from within. It’s not that possessions or validation external to ourselves is inherently bad or wrong. It’s simply that when not balanced with purpose and meaning we easily become lost and taken far off course. This month it’s time to define what you value in a superbly clear way. Then, you make it happen.

//Leo & Leo Rising//

A new beginning knocks this month and it’s up to you to answer the door. Embrace the fresh energy and opportunity that comes your way, you’ve worked long and hard for it. But even the things we want can leave us feeling scared. What if we fail? What if everything falls apart? What if we are not good enough. The truth is we all question these things when faced with change, which is ultimately what comes attached to any opportunity. But I will let you in on a little secret…you have everything that you need. You have the skills, the magic and the creativity. Whatever is coming your way, whatever doors are opening they are opening because you have done the ground work. You’ve shown that you are ready for this. Now it’s time to allow it all to unfold and trust that you’ve got this.

//Virgo & Virgo Rising//

This is a month to feel the warmth and count your blessings. The energy this month is expansive and is filled with both love and joy. This is a month where you will have a renewed sense of gratitude for the life that you are living. You will then radiate that light outwards and find that when you begin to infuse your every interaction with this positivity suddenly the world responds in kind. We always have a choice in how we approach our lives and our approach becomes the determiner of the experience before us. This month you are choosing to shine and help others shine as well.

//Libra & Libra Rising//

The setbacks that are coming to the fore require you to honor your truth and make your priorities clear. There may be those around you who are keen on offering their opinion, something which may clash with the vision that you have for yourself now. Opening to the thoughts of others is fine so long as you stand firm in your vision and what resonates with you. Otherwise you risk becoming distracted to the point of losing your way. Balance is something which you strive for strongly in life and this month you will need those tools to toe the line between respectful of what others to have to say and firm in your convictions. This month be open to everything but take only that which makes your heart sing.

//Scorpio & Scorpio Rising//

This month marks a new beginning. A beginning that says goodbye to the confusion and uncertainty of the past. It’s a beginning that allows for you to crystalize the vision of your life as you wish it to be. It marks a time when you are no longer wallowing in self-doubt or confusion and instead can move ahead with deep personal wisdom and truth. You know that right now the energy surrounding you is so strong it cannot be stopped so now is the time to actualize the plans that you have had on the back burner. You are creating new positive changes in your life that will allow you to not just stand against all odds but that will be a personal victory over demons that have long clung to you.

//Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising//

There is so much to be said for feeling energy being freed. This month you experience a growing awareness that everything is moving in the right direction. That your intentions have been solidified and that you are nearly to the point of attainment of that which you have worked towards. This is a month to honor your dedication and your vision. To feel your life expanding in love and to celebrate the growing good news that seems to arrive at every turn of the corner. There are many times in life when we may feel that life is all uphill but this is not one of them for you, Sagittarius. In fact the more you commit to your intention, the more that you increase your focus the more that life opens with bountiful blessings. Enjoy!

//Capricorn & Capricorn Rising//

Ever wonder why children are able to make the impossible possible? How they can crystalize the vision of flying through the air and soaring above the clouds in the two seconds it takes to jump from the couch to the cushions below? We are all untethered and completely open to the Universal truth that is gained within each incarnation. It's why we are free to be our beautiful, wacky and most authentic selves when young, before we are “taught” differently. This month you are primed for a great awakening to that same Universal truth. That spark within you that allows you to achieve the impossible. Your inner child, your most authentic self, is waiting to show you that when you release expectation to outcome there is precious little you cannot achieve with half the effort and in half the time.

//Aquarius & Aquarius Rising//

The energy of this month encourages you to pause. To understand that when we run into obstacle after obstacle; when we face one setback after another there is something we are missing. Something we need to learn, do or experience and it’s not going to be done by pushing forward, stubbornly. Instead we must retreat. To take a break from the action to not only understand what we are facing and why better but to revitalize. To restore and replenish all that sustains us on our journey. The break will open your eyes to a different perspective that will allow you to see over obstacles that once stood in the way and with a vitality that will take you well into the next phase of your quest.

//Pisces & Pisces Rising//

You are shining bright this month, captivating everyone and everything with your effortless charm and skill. Your mind is alight with inspiration and creativity but asks that you focus on standing in your power. We all possess within inherent skills and talents that are designed to help us achieve that which we are here to achieve, when we are ready to achieve it. Balancing the energies within and confidently channeling these talents into the world around us is no easy feat but this month you make it appear otherwise. This is not a month for simply ruminating, however, rather it’s a time for acting to manifest your intentions, whatever they may be, so that none of this inspiration goes to waste.

Laura Brown is an Taroist, Master Certified Life Coach, Healer and Intuitive Reader located in Denver. Her purpose is to help women look deep within themselves to find healing, wellness and greater self-worth which facilitates their deepest and truest potential. She holds space for women, radicalizing the notion of therapeutic discussion by working with tools of both a holistic and traditional persuasion. You can schedule a session at Laurabrown.co and follow her visual diary on Instagram.

Spirit Weavers Survival Kit

May 30, 2017

One of the most spiritual and giving events of the year is finally approaching! Spirit Weavers Gathering, a five day celebration of cultures past and present, invite females to join together and trade knowledge and love amongst fellow sisters, ancestors and nature. This year, the gathering has found a new home in ruggedly beautiful Cave Junction, Oregon, where forest, river and land come together in harmony. With days filled with skill sharing, movement and magic; and nights filled with song, reflection and chilled air, and we must prepare ourselves for this intense outdoor journey ahead. Whether you are attending the Sun or Moon Sessions, this list will assist in your voyage mentally, physically and spiritually. Please share with your fellow sisters and get ready to be embraced by powerful feminine energy amongst the pine trees.

Into the Wild Lion Moccasin Shoe - Represented with indigenous cultures in spirit, this versatile Apache designed moccasin shoe will ground you closer to earth as you walk along the Oregon forest floor.

Living Libations Salt Inhaler - When extreme winds and weather hit, it is important to clear your sinus passages and breathe easy as you travel.

Enchanted Crystals - Don’t forget your essential crystals to guide your path and protect your spirit along your journey. (Great to use for bartering as well). Rose quartz: open the heart chakra with a rose quartz near your sleeping bag or even in your pocket. Clear Quartz- this crystal will balance your body and help you keep the equilibrium with all the energies you will encounter.

Five Elements Gem-Water Bottle By Vitajuwel - Harmonize the five Chinese elements in your life in order to feel balanced and strong for the long days of classes and workshops.

Living Intentions Wild Berry Sprouted Trail Mix - A probiotic rich nut, seed and tangy fruit combination to give yourself a sustainable activated boost.

Blue Mountain Organics Sprouted Extreme Mix Nut Mix - A digestible, protein rich nut-based mix that will nourish your hungry belly.

Health Force Intestinal Movement Formula - While traveling, our bowel movements can get irregular and these non-habit forming supplements will get your back on track.

Source Naturals Wellness Oil of Oregano - Anti-bacterial and anti-viral, oil of oregano will boost your immune system and keep your sharp throughout your forest journey.

Sisters of the West Futuro Tincture - With all the knowledge being absorbed, you might become feeling overstimulated and this tincture will help calm the mind and give you a peaceful sleep in your tent under the stars.

Enzymedica Digest Gold - Outside of your comfort zone and personal home kitchen your body may need a sidekick to help digest unfamiliar meals.

Stasher Bag - Keep your personal snacks and treats safe from bugs and wildlife with this essential non-plastic bag alternative.

Zenbunni Rainbow Box - Who can travel without a stash of Zenbunni chocolate?!

SDBING Women's Wool Crew Socks - Keep your feet warm and cozy from the chilly pacific northwest breezes.

100% Organic Textiles Cotton Covered Wool Filled Pillow - Bring a piece of home with you and sleep with your head literally on a cloud.

Suntegrity "5 in 1" Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen - Tinted , Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - Vegan and chemical-free, this sunscreen will keep that summer sun at bay and give you the added bonus of tinted color.

Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream, Osea Essential Hydrating Oil, Osea Brightening Boast - We cannot travel without our favorite vegan, non-toxic seaweed based skincare line, bringing with us skin protecting face cream and hydrating oil to combat heat and dryness and a white algae mask and serum to illuminate the skin even with lack of sleep.

Sun Potion Prash and Sun Potion Reishi Mushroom - Another must have company, you know how we cannot live without Sun Potion. Prash will ensure you get your essential fats and herbs, while Reishi will protect your body from toxins and illness along your travels.

Uncle Harry’s Peppermint Toothpaste - Easy and compact, this toothpaste will remineralize your mouth and keep you minty fresh and clean.

Living Libations Fortifying Frankincense Dry Shampoo - It can be hard to find a shower to wash your hair, so keep your scalp clean and restored with dry shampoo.

Hair Print Fermented Bamboo Shampoo and Bamboo Conditioner - If you do find a way to shower, use this Made Safe certified shampoo and conditioner combination to keep your body and the environment’s health a priority.

Boiron Arnica Montana - A first aid kit must, Arnica is important to keep in your pouch as a natural pain reliever.

Jungmaven Hemp Baja Hooded Sweatshirt - Stay stylish and sustainable in a Jungmaven sweatshirt while feeling gratitude around the campfire.

Wishgarden Kick-Ass Immune - If you do catch some sniffles, we guarantee this will kick any bug left in your body to the curb!

Additional Options

Make your own natural Bug Spray with catnip, citronella, rosemary, clove, lemongrass, cedar, and/or witch hazel
Bring sage to burn
Bring a sheep or faux skin rug to make your campsite more comfortable

May Intuitive Medicine

May 1, 2017

May delights us with the promise of fertility and abundance! The Earth comes alive and flowers, trees and bushes are in full bloom; filling the air with blissful aromatics and energy teeming with possibility. We begin the month of May with Mercury moving direct on the 3rd. The shadow period of this transit takes us to the 21st so you may still feel the energy is a bit foggy and miscommunication still possible. Take this shadow period as a time for retooling and putting the finishing touches on anything which Mercury has highlighted for you.

On May 10th, we welcome a Full Moon in Scorpio and with it profound transformation. We are encouraged to destroy that which no longer serves to make room for new life to flourish within. It is not enough to simply affirm the desire to change. We must solidify our affirmation with intention and then commit to action. This is an excellent time for breath medicine-activating and cleansing our cells of any stuck energetic and emotional gunk holding us in place.

The New Moon in Gemini on May 25th is a wonderful time for taking the blank slate created after the Full Moon and get creative. It’s through our creativity, writing, communication and learning that we will see new life take root in our lives. Set into motion new ventures and do not be afraid to enroll in a class or three if needed to have all the skills necessary to make this venture a successful one. Gemini is an energy which encourages that we stimulate our minds in all ways possible.

This month opens a portal through which we foster deeper awareness about what we desire in this life. With the Saturn/Uranus trine taking place in May we find that we can assimilate lessons learned from our past to help us with crafting a narrative for the future. We may encounter a few surprise endings that bring limitation to the fore but bear in mind that anything ending now is meant to leave our lives. Rather than grasp we are encouraged to allow, knowing that with this space we get closer to actualizing our most authentic expression.

Let’s take a closer look at the energy guiding each zodiac sign this month. I encourage you to read your Sun and Moon sign and should your birthday fall within 7-10 days of a signs transition read your cusp sign as well.

Aries

This is a tender month, Aries. Our capacity for love expands as does our awareness of how we love and nurture ourselves. This month you get acquainted with the love that flows through your veins. The love that you show to those around you. The love that you share with the world. The relationship between our wounds and our openness is examined. To engage with the world around us in an authentic and open way we must be willing to be tender. To be vulnerable and willing to break, and break we sometimes shall. Our hearts are gentle organs that bruise easily and in a sometimes harsh world we may fear and turn away from vulnerability. We may feel our best defense is to harden ourselves when in truth this only makes us more breakable. This month you learn to create the spaciousness needed between your present and wounds of the past. You learn the power of forgiveness and make the conscious decision to approach the world with a heart wide open and spilling the love you have with each step forward.

Taurus

Your world has been shaken and you feel as though you are trying to stand still in quick sand. And while many may resist or fight this sense of instability you are instead surrendering to it. Creating a technicolor vortex that sets things into motion in a most profound way. In a truly lasting way. Because now you are the observer. You are the witness. You create breakthrough in the most interesting way - by standing completely still and quiet; by letting go. By allowing and honoring what is happening in this moment. You are listening to the words coming through the veil and seeing the patterns that have limited you. It’s time to shake off the dust of the past and welcome a luminous and truly rich future. While you may have a very serene approach this is not to imply you will not feel the challenge that arises when we must let go of the control we all crave on some level. It is time, however, to trust in the Universe to lead you to the next phase, the next tier of your journey.

Gemini

Your relationships provide you with a deeper reflection this month, Gemini. You are seeing “you” through the eyes of those closest to you. For some this may be a rewarding and truly uplifting experience. For others, we may see things we dislike about ourselves and how we are perceived. Our relationships are tools through which we work on our karmic lessons. We attract to us those who can mirror the essence of what we are to see within ourselves now in our journey. They bring the gift of evolution and no matter how long or short the connection there is always a mirror held for us to see ourselves, perhaps for the first time. We honor and welcome the deep emotional interchange that takes place when we bond with others and learn from this how to bond to ourselves.

Cancer

It’s not the ether that calls to you this month. Nor is it the emotional. This month you are encouraged to examine the landscape of your material world. To honor the exquisite body of work you have created and ponder how you can make your life better, bigger and grander. The material world has so much to offer us when we exchange with it with balance and integrity. There must be a balance between the spiritual and the physical so that we find wholeness and equilibrium in our lives. So, we take with us this month the practicality of this energy. We tend to the garden of our lives. We master ourselves by mastering that which we may have let go untended. We mind the small things, the mundane things and we make a ritual out of tidying our physical life in all ways possible to us now.

Leo

What do you desire, Leo? What is it that you want out of this experience, this life? This month opens a door through which you can cultivate greater awareness around these questions. You are to touch the very essence of that which brings heat to your body. That gives rise to the excitement within your cells. What mysteries call to you now? To achieve our deepest dreams, we must first be aware of them. We must have a crystalized vision that leaves no room for doubt or confusion. Rather a vision so clear, so detailed that we cannot help but taste it and experience it even in its intangible form. You may be afraid of your deepest desires. You may have created a gap so large between you and them that you question the ability to get back. You may even fear getting so lost in your desires that you never find your way out. But its through this emersion of that which lights us up, that brings zeal to our lives, that we attune to our desires in a way that makes them achievable. That makes them safe and that makes them accepted not as some far-off dream but as our immediate reality.

Virgo

This is a month of taking charge and utilizing what the physical world, the physical body offers us. This is a month where we lead not through grand or flamboyant actions but through practical application of what we know and must accomplish. We have, as they say, our nose to the grindstone. This month you become deeply acquainted with the goals that drive you each day. You begin to create the structure needed for us to manifest our deepest desires. This is about having a plan and knowing that right now we need the structure of routine to make real that which we dream of. This is not the time for extraneous distractions that drain you of your precious energy but rather a time for honoring what your body needs. What your mind needs. Taking the time to honor the rest we need today that will fuel our action tomorrow. The portal is open but it takes your effort, your hard work to make this opening fruitful. Do not let this energy go to waste or spend it on the wrong things or the wrong people. Get focused, get clear and get moving.

Libra

This month feels like arriving to an abundant oasis after a long and tiring journey. You stretch out your arms and flex your fingers. The power has returned and you feel it humming through your every cell. This is a time of celebration and reverie. This is a time of feeling in control, clear and commanding. You can look back upon the challenges you faced and see them as the blessings they are. These challenges have forged you into the splendid creature you are in this moment and every moment here forward. And now you can rest. You can look around at all that you have created, all that you have moved through and faced and feel secure. Secure enough to sit for a moment and simply be. To tend to the needs of your body, mind and spirit. To honor the deep calling within and celebrate that which you still have to achieve. Because now you know. Now you see that no matter what the path ahead contains you have everything you need to see your way through it. To make the impossible, possible. To bring life to previously dormant parts of yourself. The power has returned.

Scorpio

There is an inner knowing that resides within us all. A guidance system which knows what to do and when. What to say and how. Where to go and how to get there. For many of us, however, this guidance goes unheeded. It is chalked up to happenstance or coincidence and we train ourselves instead to only trust in that which we can see and touch. But these senses are oh so limited and offer up only a fraction of that which exists in every moment of every day. This month you are encouraged to honor this guidance. To honor that deep inner knowing that is as old as time itself. That exists within you and within me. That is here to be served and be of service. That will add dimension and color to our lives beyond our comprehension. We are all entitled to a life that is as abundant, colorful and filled with love as we can dream and with intuition guiding us forward we find achieving this infinitely possible.

Sagittarius

We are all glorious puzzles pieced together in a divine order to create a complete picture. There are parts of this puzzle we adore and take great pride in. Others we like to hide, gloss over or ignore entirely. We see these parts as unsavory or unacceptable. We feel guilt or even shame that these pieces are part of us. But like all things in this life there is a balance. When we hide from our shadow we hide from our light. To ignore one is to reject the other. We must embrace both for the transformation to be complete. This month you must obliterate your shame and guilt and explore the darkest, most hidden inner corridors. There is great change on the horizon and now, as we near the end, is when we tend to lose focus and find our energy lacking. But now more than ever we must push forward. We must integrate all parts of ourselves to find the power necessary for crossing the threshold. You are nearly there, do not give up now.

Capricorn

This month presents the challenge of feeling stuck and limited in what you can do. You see what you desire - you reach out and can nearly touch it but it resides just beyond your reach. You are stuck in a gilded cage. This reminds you that sometimes the structures we build in our lives end up becoming our own personal prison; confining us and holding us hostage. If you feel like effort is all in vain you may be tempted to throw in the towel and let desperation to take hold. The problem with this course of action is that desperation, in this case, leads to more inaction and inaction is not necessarily the wisest approach. A different tactic is called for. What we have done in the past likely were the very actions that resulted in the situation we see, at least in part, so it stands to reason that doing the same things will only result in more resistance. Instead we must open our eyes and elevate our perspective. Thinking outside the box and seeing what actions we can take that can alleviate at least some of the tension and will help restore our sense of personal power. From here the burden begins to lessen and we find we are dominated no more by hopelessness. Instead we step beyond our confinement and onward to personal revolution.

Aquarius

You stand atop the mountain with arms outstretched, coursing with personal power and fully open to the vast and prevailing energy that surrounds you. You have outgrown the narrative you once told about your capabilities and are shedding the skin that once held these cells together. You are becoming and with this comes greater self-knowledge. You no longer question if you are capable for you know that you are. You take the risks that will allow you to travel far and wide. You embrace the cosmic force guiding you now and take every opportunity to attune to the raw potential it holds. You are ready and will not compromise yourself for anyone or anything. Your values, what makes you, you, is precisely what will carry you forward.

Pisces

For many years, we wander the world in a bubble where concerns are focused primarily upon the self. It’s our needs we seek to have met. It’s our desires we seek to attain. We see the world through the lens of impact that is deeply personal. Then comes a moment when something or someone strikes us in such a way, hitting such an emotional chord that our previous perception is annihilated. Suddenly we want the world to better for them. We are protective and guard what we value from outside harm and molestation. We find, perhaps for the first time, a sense of valuing something/someone beyond ourselves and with this realization we move beyond the authority of vanity and self-absorption. The energy of May is opening the way for connection of the deepest and most profound kind. For those who have felt adrift, without a family to call their own, this is a time when you can make active and great strides towards creating supportive community. This is a time when we give of ourselves so selflessly to those we value that we find in return we have a sense of support and nurturing otherwise unattainable. A support that allows us to feel safe and capable of ascending to our highest, most divine potential.

General forecasts are great but nothing goes as deep as a one-on-one session with me. Arrange your personal intuitive reading session and gain profound insight and guidance to assist you on your journey. Schedule your session today!

April Intuitive Medicine

April 1, 2017

Welcome to April, a month known for its melody of colors and sometimes tumultuously sporadic weather. The Earth is yawning and adjusting after her winter sleep and we too experience an inner awakening. A call that asks we begin anew and open to the fertile possibilities before us.

This month is rich with astrological events which pave the way for new beginnings and contemplation and begins with Mercury Retrograde beginning April 9th, the day before the Full Moon. Mercury will first retrograde in Taurus, a phase which could bring trouble with how we choose to use our words. The penchant for oversharing or even gossiping will be strongly balanced with moments of extreme reticence where we hardly speak at all. When Mercury moves through Aries our words will become tools where we can clearly pitch our ideas and convey our thoughts in a manner which will be highly persuasive - again being mindful that we are using our power of increased persuasion as a means of doing good and not for selfish or manipulative ends.

On April 10th we welcome a Full Moon in Libra. This transit has us balancing the fiery individualism of Aries (where the Sun will be positioned) with our interaction in our relationships and community. We are encouraged to explore how our sense of self is shaped by the awareness that we are part of the collective. When we look into the mirror we are encouraged to see not just the face of the person we are today but every version of ourselves that has come before. We celebrate our evolution both past and present as the face that will stare back at us in 5 years’ time will be different than the one we see today. The fantastic joy of being an organic and constantly evolving human being.

April 26th ushers in a New Moon in Taurus - a time when the seeds we planted during the New Moon on March 27th begin to take form. They start to open and curl up through dirt, reaching ever skyward. This is a great time to take a look at the intentions you set last month and explore what added stability you can lend. Taurus, as an Earth sign is a powerful energy for grounding our desires. But its more than simply desire - intention is a commitment to creating achievement. This means that this transit will be more about the actions we take, or don’t take, then it will be simply sending out our desire into the collective consciousness.

Let’s take a look at the intuitive transmissions for each sign, this month paying attention to what we can awaken to within ourselves just as the Earth is awakening, stretching her limbs upward. I encourage you to reach both your Sun and Moon sign and should your birthday fall within 7-10 days of a signs transition (cusp sign) read that sign as well.