February Intuitive Medicine

Welcome to the second month of the new year-a month which while the shortest certainly does not lack in potent energy and transits which are translating to radical inward and outward shifts for each of us. We begin on February 3rd with a first quarter moon in Taurus. This is a very Earthy waxing moon that begs us to get serious about the vision of our life we desire to see. It’s time that we begin to take physical action-that we make physical representations of what we hope to consciously create in our lives over the course of the next several months. The days for merely sitting in mediation and visualizing are passed. And while visualization is a powerful means of manifesting, this energy begs action from us to match the wonderful energy we have already raised with our intentions and visualizations. As a ritual during this time pull out the journal and ask yourself what you desire to see in your life and just what you are willing to do to make that happen. Then act and make it happen. 

February 10th welcomes the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Leo and it’s a deeply healing and transformative Full Moon. Because it’s an eclipse something is being shed and in this case, it’s the wounds of the past and the structures they have created. All of us came into this world with a perfectly formed, beautiful and radiant personality. We were joyful, open and saw the world as a well of limitless potential. It’s through our experiences, circumstances and conditioning that we began to act in difference to this natural state. This Full Moon asks for us to reach back - to tap into that first state. To embrace the child who thought anything could happen. Who had no shame in who he/she was. Allow this being to come back. Invite this being into your present and release the need to guard, protect or hide your radiance from the world. 

Finally, on the 26th we celebrate the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Pisces. This transit highlights our spiritual side - asking what does our spiritual practice look like? How have we nurtured this side of ourselves and if we have not, then it begs the question what can we do to begin this practice. Eclipses are events which brings shifts and in the case of Solar Eclipses we are looking at new beginnings opening before us. New beginnings to embrace our inner mystic and creatrix. It’s a wonderful time to recommit or finally commit to a spiritual practice reflective of who we are and our modern lives. To bring balance and enhanced creativity as well as flow of abundance. 

It’s time to take things deeper; exploring the energy of the month for each of the 12 zodiac signs. These readings are an alchemy of intuitive channelings, astrology, and energetic imprint - a truly all-encompassing source of intuitive medicine. I have written them in the form of affirmations to assist each of you with putting your intentions into action through the month of February. To gain even deeper understanding of your month ahead I encourage you to read your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. If you happen to fall within 7-10 days of a change in signs, then you will want to read the one after your Sun sign as well (what is called your cusp sign).

Aries

I will embody my most primal, seductive and sensual self. I will let heat build through my senses. Like a glass of fine wine or velvety chocolate I will enjoy every drop life has to offer. I will go after that which I desire and stand strong in the face of anything or anyone who dares suggest I am bound by limitation. I will be unapologetically optimistic and engaging knowing my warm and open nature is the vibration of all that I desire to welcome into my life. I embrace my vibrancy, I embrace my vitality and will see to it that each day is an edict of my radiance. That I know my worth. That the world knows my worth and that my every step ensures no one forgets it. 

Taurus

I open myself to the beauty of partnership and allow my dreams to take form not as a solitary endeavor but one which I can share with others. I acknowledge that I may have, in the past, pushed through what felt impossible to simply show that I could do it. That I didn’t need anyone or anything to help me. That I could support myself. I’ve learned a lot from this route. It has taught me so much about my strength and capability. It’s also taught me about a quieter, but perhaps more noteworthy strength: the strength to know that I can’t do it all on my own. The strength to ask for help when I need it. The strength to see how by aligning with another my vision becomes our vision - richer and more complex in its perfection. 

Gemini

I accept my destiny and walk bravely in the direction of all that I came here to do. I know that this means I must face fears. I understand that it will require that I heal wounds I have held on to for far too long. I equally accept that I can slow down - that I can stop the relentless pursuit of destiny as an outside destination and instead turn inward. Though this road is likely to be the more difficult path to travel, I understand that to step into my purpose it takes more than lip service. It requires that I be willing to see myself fully. To release what no longer serves. To construct a strength that is just as internal as it is external. Because it's time I walk my walk. I desire to have a life which is rich in meaning and purpose and this month I set into motion the deep healing that will make it so. 

Cancer

This month I welcome a new personal ideology. I understand that my thoughts become my emotions and that my emotions become my actions. I understand that to change my life I must first be willing to adopt a new way of thinking. I am willing to acknowledge that my beliefs and ideas may be outdated and no longer fit the reality I wish to see before me. I have grown into someone who may no longer be reflected in the ideas that shaped where I came from. I realize that to live an authentic life my beliefs must be authentic to me and not adopted from those around me. I seek the truth in all things and in so doing grant others the spaciousness to do this for themselves. 

Leo

I have been fortunate to have learned from some amazingly strong and inventive people in my life. I have stood on the shoulders of those who paved the way before me and I am honored to have done so. But I have ideas that are swelling within that require I make a sacrifice. I must sacrifice the path that is known. I must deviate from the well-trodden path and its predictability and instead branch into the unknown. I accept that this may be scary. I accept that I may fall as I round the learning curve but I make the commitment to get back up. I make the commitment to try again. I make the commitment to never give up or go back to thinking that to succeed I must do as others have done. I make a commitment to me. 

Virgo

I make the commitment to embrace the intangible. I have built a life that is pragmatic in nature. That is based upon fact and what I can prove and it has served me well. But I feel an inner calling. I feel the need to broaden my understanding of the world around me and know that I can do so by embracing what my intuition has to share with me. I pledge to listen to my gut and not ignore the sneaking suspicions or “funny feelings” that I get throughout my day. I choose to honor this as wisdom that is coming from a source I may not yet fully understand. But I will understand it - I will dedicate my time and effort to leaning into this knowingly, and learn to blend my rational mind with my growing and ever present intuition. 

Libra

I have gotten to where I am because I have acted with integrity. Because I have tried hard, worked hard and made sure that I did everything to the best of my ability. I am not perfect but I have earned the foundation beneath my feet. I do not seek affirmation or praise from those around me but stand in praise of myself. I am open to receiving. I allow the fruits of my labors to arrive. I accept them with grace and gratitude. I allow myself to enjoy what comes my way and do not resist it. I do not hide from what I have worked hard for out of some misguided principal that I am not allowed to experience the joy of what I have earned. I am standing within the portal, with arms wide open, to fruition and attainment with a grateful and joyous heart. 

Scorpio

This month I commit to evaluating my relationship with balance. I ask myself each day how much of my day was filled with what I wanted to do and how much with what I felt I had to do. I make the commitment to myself to strive for a balance between these two, sometimes opposite, forces in my life. I commit to finding time to doing more of what brings me happiness and joy. To what replenishes my heart and fills my soul. In so doing I know that the rest of what I do, all the roles I take on each day, will benefit greatly because I have taken the time to nurture myself. 

Sagittarius

This month I strive to make my aim true. I know that with a focused mind, deliberation action and stable emotion I can create momentum. Momentum to accomplish whatever calls to me right now. Momentum on tasks I have put off. Momentum that allows me to crash through barriers and leap over walls that I have likely created myself. To acknowledge that I have all the tools necessary to make things happen for myself and with discipline with make 2017 my best year yet. 

Capricorn

This month I work to make each thought, word and action an act of kindness and compassion. In a world that likes to make it seem as though we are all out for ourselves I strive to set the example that many of us have hearts open to see the good in all people. That we are willing to be raw and exposed in order to show love to our neighbor. To set aside bias and judgment so that a person has a chance to shine in their brilliance and not sullied under misperception of the masses. I make it my mission to stand in solidarity with those in need knowing that I once may have been in need. Knowing that one day down the line I may be in need again. I give knowing that compassion and kindness are gifts that are invaluable and that what I receive in return, however intangible it may be, is equally as priceless. 

Aquarius

This month I surrender to the flow of life. I surrender to the flow of what is and accept this may differ from what I envisioned. I let go of the need to control the flow and to hustle my way to the destination, and instead saddle in for the journey. I pause to enjoy the unfolding of what is before me. I accept what may be uncomfortable holds medicine for me and as such I do not resist but rather lean into these moments. I accept that the universe will always bring me what I need, even if that means waiting for what it is that I want. I know that all roads lead to the same place so long as I am willing to travel with an open heart: fulfillment. 

Pisces

To show vulnerability is to show strength is my new mantra for the month. I strive for absolute authenticity in each moment. To allow myself to be raw and exposed. To speak honestly of my achievements as well as my failures. To expose my insecurities and allow a greater intimacy to take root in all my interactions. I accept that within me is a gentle and empathic spirit who cannot help but feel things. I will not hide from this connection as it allows me to see others and for them to see me as well. To witness one another in this space is a great gift and it’s one I will not take for granted. I will show vulnerability this month and for it, welcome a strength that supports me in all that I do. 

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Laura Brown is a Seeress, Intuitive Coach and Medicine Woman. She is the Goddess and Creatrix at Intuitive Alchemy,  a sacred sanctuary for Intuitive Readings & Coaching, Spiritual Development as well as online Apothecary. Ever a sacred Alchemist, Laura blends her skills as a Channeler, Clairvoyant, Reiki Healer, Tarotist and Metaphysician to create sacred offerings for soul seekers. You can stay up to date on her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram for free daily readings

January Intuitive Medicine

January is a portal that can feel a bit discombobulated for many. Most of us begin the new year with a flurry of intentions and so called “resolutions” that require great change, activity and momentum. These qualities are often diminished during this time of year when the energy calls for a slower pace, a more reflective pace. One which assesses and contemplates as opposed to actively build. When we take this into consideration it’s no great mystery why so many of us abandon our resolutions just a few weeks into the new year. While positive change is a wonderful thing we also must honor the cycle of the Earth and her rhythms. We must learn to dance within her tide and swell and shrink accordingly so that we can move with the universal support of Mama Earth and her energy rather than against. 

January 5th, we welcome the waxing moon which falls on a Thursday. Thursday is ruled by Jupiter which governs expansion, propensity, generosity and luck. This is a wonderful time to assess what you wish to manifest in the new year and what must be done in order to do so. This is a great time to begin writing out your affirmations and planning a small ritual to connect you to the essence of that which you wish to bring forth in your life. 

On Thursday, January 12th we have the first Full Moon of the new year in Cancer. This Cancer energy can leave us feeling raw, exposed and as though an emotional tide is rushing through us. This Full Moon begs for us to be our own lover. To tend to our emotional needs. To bathe ourselves in nurturing energy so that we can explore what our emotions have to share. In what ways have we hid our light? How have we diminished what our heart tries to tell us? 

On January 27th, we welcome the first New Moon of the new year taking place in Aquarius. This transit opens the door for us to explore our wild side. To get in touch with our most authentic self and to examine in what ways we have hid our true nature out of fear or conditioning. It’s time to see that this is a year that only when we are our most authentic, the most aligned with our true self, do we see fluidity and flow within our lives. 

2017 is a “1” year numerologically and a “10” year in relation to the Tarot, making 2017 the year of the Wheel of Fortune. Each of these numbers relates to one another as they both signify that our lives are in perpetual motion. That we are never stuck but that the wheel is always in motion. For many 2016 proved to be a year that brought tension and challenge. Though it may have been difficult at times the truth is all the tension and friction was to make us stronger, evolved and enlightened. So, that when we ended this year we did without the limitation of old wounds and outdated patterns that held us in place and brought toxic patterns to our lives. Instead we were able free ourselves, to remove the weight of these patterns. The lighter we are the higher we can soar in the new year. 

I have just a few spots remaining for my Year Ahead readings, and for the month of January you can save $100 off this powerful session. This is a potent reading that proves to be an invaluable tool to clients as they greet each day, each month of the new year. I love doing these readings as it is one of those readings that changes lives. It becomes a guide book for 2017. It helps you to expand upon your many tools so you know how to walk your path month by month. These readings connect you to your inner light - assisting you in unveiling both what energies the new year will hold but how you can navigate each opening, each challenge, each achievement.  A combination of tarot, animal spirit oracle, runes, astrology, direct channeling and my skills as an empath, clairvoyant and claircog makes this reading one of the most comprehensive and expansive that I offer and a favorite of my long-standing clients.

This reading is done and delivered via email in a PDF booklet of 20-30 pages depending on your unique reading. You can print it out, refer to it often and use it as your blueprint into the year ahead!

This is a must for those who would like guidance on how best to manifest their desires this year. Who would like a guide that helps empower as much as it does enlighten. This is for those ready to be proactive, not simply setting what often become empty intentions, but gaining valuable insight that will give your intentions wheels. You can purchase your reading here.

It’s time to take things deeper; exploring the energy of the month for each of the 12 zodiac signs. These readings are an alchemy of intuitive channelings, astrology, and energetic imprint. To gain a truly vivid picture of your month ahead read your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. If you happen to fall within 7-10 days of a change in signs, then you will want to read the one after your Sun sign as well (what is called your cusp sign).

Aries

This month you walk an unfamiliar path. One unique and divinely personal to you. But rather than stumble and fall with each step you walk with unending confidence. You face each day aware that you are in control of the direction taken. You know that you are not selfish to go after your dreams. You know that as the creator of your own life you must actively work to manifest your ideal life. Just as powerful as the outward pursuit of your dreams you actively dive deep into exploring your inner terrain. You explore the fertile ground within so that you may craft a life reflective of the worth and respect you hold for yourself. This is a month of new beginnings for many, but especially for you. You walk each day with confidence. You dance with the tides of your days as though it’s been choreographed and practiced for months. And in many ways, it has. All that you encountered throughout 2016 was the practice. Every change the choreography. You have now before you the stage from which you proudly display your purpose. 

Taurus

The womb is a powerful vessel within which life is created, from which an earthly container births a cosmic force. This month you are that womb - within anything you nurture comes to be. The question becomes what is it that you wish to nurture? What do you desire to see take root in your life that will bring greater purpose and meaning? Where can you nurture acceptance, and forgive transgression so that you can release and make room. Room for love. Room for soulful connection with those around you. Room for divine support that nurtures our ability to create within our lives. The support that allows us to greet each moment with clarity of vision and pure heart? The cosmic womb is aching to conceive magic in your life but you must be willing to face where you have been, weed out what no longer serves and form a clear vision of what you desire. You must search for meaning within the vision before you so that you know the picture before you reflect your highest good. This is not about meaningless manifesting but rather filling our lives with what will truly make the ground beneath our feet stronger. Reinforced. Resilient and radiant, always.

Gemini

All that you are, all that you have been, all that you have taken within and learned is bred from the choices you have made. We are impacted by the choices we make as well as the choices others make and their impact upon us making surrounding my those who we feel make sound decisions even more relevant this month. Choice is a tricky and very powerful force within our lives. We sometimes even become tricked into feeling that we have no choice and yet even that belief is a choice. We make a thousand choices before we close our eyes each evening and it’s an unavoidable and necessary part of life, even when we make the choice to hand the power of choice to another to decide for us. Within choice is great power. The power to strengthen our foundation and the power to weaken it. The power to take us places or to set us back. Choice determines our direction and where our life will go. What choices have you been making, Gemini? What choices have resulted in positive changes and which are choices you would prefer to never make again? Pay attention to the power choice plays within your life, especially at this very auspicious time of year when the slate is clear and upon which our choices will begin to paint the landscape of our life. 

Cancer

There may be a conflict this month between what is believed and what is real. There is a need for deep honesty and bravery to let go of any self-deception that is being used as a shield to hide and protect yourself from a painful truth. The ugly truth you may be hiding from is certainly one you can choose to try to hide from but the fact is its influence will still create dissonance within our life and actively work in a destructive manner. It will give rise to conflicted thoughts, continued avoidance and self-sabotage that unravels the very fabric your being. It will create a reality of separation from those around you which are there to be your support, your mirror. It’s time to face yourself. To specifically face the parts of yourself you have hidden from. Embrace these parts, love them. Nurture them, hold them and see them as parts of you that served you in some way, at some time. And though that time may have passed when we show gratitude for the ugliest parts of ourselves we create the spaciousness for these qualities to simply fall away. Making, facing, and releasing such an effortless task it’s as automatic as breathing. So, breathe. Face yourself and honor all parts of your path, your being, your experience. 

Leo

This month you explore how a positive outlook that shows appreciation and gratitude can influence your life and environment for the better. When you consciously choose to honor what you have, to take pride in all that you do and appreciate all that fills your life you raise your vibration and open yourself to more; more experiences and people that will bring with them happiness and joy. Approach life with fun in your heart and joy in your being. Even in the face of challenge there is still something we can find joy in. There is still something to be happy about and show appreciation for. If you are unhappy, staying the same will not make you happy - so understand that you must consciously choose a higher road. You must actively seek joy and gratitude within so that you can radiate outwards. Open yourself to the watery tide of the emotional experience of joy and gratitude and allow it wash away the bitterness, cynicism, conflict and challenge that has held us back. Because this year gratitude will lead your vessel and joy what makes it flow.

Virgo

This month your arms are raised in victorious celebration. Celebration of the self, celebration of achievement. Celebration of the life that you have. You stand tall and confident and feel the swell of joy and glee that comes when we are about to embark on a most sacred journey that you’ve longed for. You turn and greet the future with a hopeful and confident heart. This energy is a positive affirmation that you start the year with a rather joyous outcome - a reward for all the hard work you have put into something within your life. It heralds a time when you can pause to celebrate and enjoy what you have achieved. To honor the hard work, to honor the journey, to appreciate and show gratitude for the results. These moments of celebration and joy are important to remember as they fuel us forward. They remind us that even when we are so far from our goal that we cannot imagine when it will be before us to keep going. To keep striving because in the end every moment will suddenly be more than worth the radiance that fills your being when everything comes together. 

Libra

Where in your life do you need assistance? What parts of your life could benefit from another’s perspective? This month the energy indicates that you may face a situation or a change you desire to make and lack the skills to go through it alone. This can be hard for many of us - to accept that we may need help from another. But we are a village, a community. It’s when we work together, in the spirit of service and support that we all rise. You are not weak to realize you may need to receive the guidance of another. In fact, it shows great strength to know your limitations. Stand tall this month, knowing that you are not only showing community in action by calling upon someone to assist you with something in life, but you are also giving permission for others to do the same for themselves. Building an even stronger community. 

Scorpio

This month represents a focus on partnerships and alignment with those who share your goals, your visions. This month it’s all about teamwork and working together in a harmonious way so that a creative vision becomes reality. Seek those out who are in alignment with where you stand today. Understand that to do this you must know yourself - to have an awareness of what you need in this moment. This allows you to gravitate towards and bring forward individuals who are in alignment with your current station. Understand that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen. Allow the flow of a mutual combined frequency to open channels for power and possibility in your life. To be able to build something of service for the self and the world. To show the power of community and give permission for others to join hands with others. This month, two or more heads are far better than one. 

Sagittarius

You walk the path of service this month and surrender to a higher purpose than simply your own personal pursuits. You know that there are times when we can practice a bit of sacred selfishness and a time when we must put aside our own desires to walk a path that lends to the greater good. With this comes great power. Great influence to affect change that will ripple across your family, your community. It can sometimes be a lonely road - to do for others when so many walk only their own path with their own intentions in mind. But with this influence comes power. The power to bring happiness and support to those who may need it more than ever. Know that even while you may feel you are giving more than you are getting that there is something spiritually profound and soul satisfyingly enriching when we show up in service to others. 

Capricorn

Taking control of our life can be a daunting task. We may feel we lack the skills necessary or that we simply have no idea where to start. This month, however, the energy favors order, responsibility and accountability. While they are not the flashiest or the most romantic of terms they are exactly the medicine needed to begin to really bring order to our life. Because we are own advocates. Our very life, a reflection of our internal state. This month whether it’s a total life overhaul or simply something you wish to bring to life in your world - there is a need to take charge. To have discipline. To fulfill your obligations and take decisive action. The flavor of this energy is very masculine and for some may take some adjustment. It’s important to flow with what it brings to the surface for you so that you can work with this energy to bring the pieces of the puzzle together. This is a very important, foundational month - the tone of which takes you into the remainder of 2017. Allow this masculine energy to guide, instruct and inspire confidence within. 

Aquarius

Slow and steady wins the race this month. The energy does not favor bold or rushed movement for you, Aquarius. You must embrace each step. To honor each movement from the smallest to the boldest. All that you desire - all that you have worked for and asked for is close at hand but you must allow progress to unfold as it is meant to. We can sometimes grow weary and impatient as we near the completion or attainment of something we have strived for. We want it, and we want it right now! We have worked so hard and are ready to see the results of all we have poured our heart and soul into. Impatience in the final steps can lead to hasty decisions. Decisions which threaten the stability of all that you have built. The key is to reflect on how far you have come. When you first began you likely couldn’t wait to get to where you are now so honor this progress and now settle into the journey. The pace is soon to quicken so rest and recharge your spirit so you can continue forward with the same dedication and determination that got you to this very moment. 

Pisces

This month represents a singular moment of revelation and illumination. When your mind opens and immediately you understand the extent of the power the choices we make hold over our lives. Suddenly you will open your eyes to see the potential that surrounds you. You will see how decisions made by you and those made by those around you have shaped and influenced your world, bringing you to this very moment. In so doing you will understand how every choice you make in the present will shape the future. It’s in this moment of illumination that your perception changes in a flash and so with it your life. You will find that your medicine this month is mindfulness and awareness. From this month onwards choose to take responsibility for what is allowed to influence you. The people who surround you. The thoughts that run through your mind. The beliefs you hold to heart. By taking accountability for the totality of your life you reclaim all your power. You take charge of your life and you step into your personal power -knowing that you and only you control your life.

I wish you all an abundant, joyful and most radiant New Year!

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Laura Brown is a Seeress, Intuitive Coach and Medicine Woman. She is the Goddess and Creatrix at Intuitive Alchemy,  a sacred sanctuary for Intuitive Readings & Coaching, Spiritual Development as well as online Apothecary. Ever a sacred Alchemist, Laura blends her skills as a Channeler, Clairvoyant, Reiki Healer, Tarotist and Metaphysician to create sacred offerings for soul seekers. You can stay up to date on her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram for free daily readings.

Sacred Self Care - Nourishing The Spirit During The Holidays

The holidays are a time to come together with those we love and celebrate community and family. For many, however, the holidays can serve as a trigger for those we have lost, what we feel we lack, not to mention a flurry of obligations that bring more stress than pleasure. Now more than ever it is crucial for us to invest in sacred-selfishness; to embrace self care that nourishes our spirit and elevates our overall experience. Let’s explore what you can do to invite stress-free, soulfulness to your holiday season that heals as much as it nurtures.

Embrace what feels good

This time of year can leave us with a high paced energy that is pushing us beyond our limits. There is so much to do on top of our normal, day to day activities that we can feel depleted and exhausted of our vitality. I encourage each of us to check in with how we are feeling. Are we spending too much time doing things that drain us or leave us feeling poorly and not enough time doing those things that replenish our energy and revitalize us? This is a time when we must be willing to ask ourselves what would feel good for us. Invite in all the senses. Perhaps we need a hot bath with some lavender and rosemary essential oils. We could spend extra time to sit in meditation and simply appreciate stillness. Perhaps this month we increase the time we spend at the gym or in the yoga studio so that we can provide our bodies an additional outlet for the stress. Allow yourself to find several ways to engage your senses in such a way that it feels nourishing and releasing. 

Give yourself permission

When we begin to spend extra time on ourselves, especially in a holiday so consumed with buying and doing for others (which can feel good for some of us, too!), there is a tendency for guilt consciousness to rise to the surface. Know that we when take time to replenish our energy, to cultivate centeredness for ourselves we can show up in a richer, deeper way for those around us. Boundaries that safely allow us to tend to our own needs are an essential part of our self care. Should guilt arise take a moment to honor this quality within you and lovingly release guilt affirming that there is no greater spiritual act than to show up for ourselves in a powerful and meaningful way.

Learn to say no

Along with embracing what feels good and giving ourselves permission to take care of ourselves we must also get comfortable saying no. For many of us this is a difficult task-a trigger all on its own, but it’s equally a powerful boundary that protects our energetic, emotional and even physical well-being. If you know that a certain family member that you have a deep wound with is attending a family function, assess whether you are honoring yourself by saying yes to something which may prove very difficult for you and for those around you. If you are feeling drained after a long week of work and cannot fathom attending the work holiday party it's ok to say no. Part of our reluctance to saying no is a fear of letting others down but when we say yes even when we want to say no we let ourselves down. Honor how you feel and if you are not feeling it, say no. 

Be of service

For many who live away from family or simply chose to not attend family functions there can be a void when you see commercials and hear co-workers and friends regaling tales of their holiday traditions. A great way to nourish our spirit and to fill a void left when we lack the support we desire during the holidays is to spend time being of service to our communities. Get in touch with local women’s shelters, retirement centers or animal shelters. Sometimes one of the most enriching and soul-lifting experiences can come when we see another shining bright simply by our presence. 

While there may be many things about this holiday season we cannot change, or avoid we always control how we react and what we hand our power over to. Hold your power close this season and know that there are many ways to tend to our spirit and find peace during the holiday season. The more that we honor ourselves, chose to act with authenticity, and tend to our internal well the more we can stay above the stress of the season. We can heal and release wounds that have often sullied this holiday for us and we can make new memories and traditions of our own choosing that lift ourselves, and those around us to new heights. 

Have a wonderful holiday season, no matter how you chose to spend it. I wish you many blessings as we enter a most bountiful 2017

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Laura Brown is a Seeress, Intuitive Coach and Medicine Woman. She is the Goddess and Creatrix at Intuitive Alchemy,  a sacred sanctuary for Intuitive Readings & Coaching, Spiritual Development as well as online Apothecary. Ever a sacred Alchemist, Laura blends her skills as a Channeler, Clairvoyant, Reiki Healer, Tarotist and Metaphysician to create sacred offerings for soul seekers. You can stay up to date on her Facebook page and follow her on Instagram for free daily readings.

Butternut Squash & Caramelized Red Onion Pizza

An Autumn and Winter celebration. All of our favorite seasonal goodies on one golden gluten free + vegan cornmeal crust. I see this beauty as a farmer’s market pizza. Everything was sourced from my local market even the organic cornmeal. Simple, delicious food that will warm the home and the heart. Enjoy!

by: Michelle Gerrard-Marriott, The Vibrant Kitchen & Home

The Goods

For the Cornmeal crust

• ½ cup cornmeal
• ⅓ cup sweet rice flour
• ¼ cup gluten free oat flour
• ¼ cup tapioca starch
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 8 tablespoons cold Earth Balance, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the toppings

• 1 cup cashews (soaked) 
• 1 roasted red bell pepper 
• 2 leaves Sage minced 
• 1 lemon 
• 2 cloves garlic 
• ½ cup water 
• Handful of basil 
• Handful of parsley 
• 2 red onions sliced thinly 
• 1 sweet onion
• 1 tabelspoon coconut sugar 
• 1 large or 2 small butternut squash skinned and cut into cubes 
• 4 tablespoons Maple Syrup 
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne or paprika whichever you prefer 
• Salt + Pepper 

Get Cooking

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F 

First you will get your butternut squash roasting! Throw your cubed butternut squash in a roasting dish. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Then sprinkle on salt, pepper and the cayenne or paprika. Toss with your hands until evenly coated and put in oven. 

Now start creating your gorgeous, golden cornmeal crust! Grab your good processor and pulse together the cornmeal, sweet rice flour, gluten free oat flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum and pink salt. 

Then add in your thyme leaves and butter. Slowly add the water a little bit at a time while pulsing. You want the dough to hold together when you pinch it in between your fingers. You do not want it to be too sticky though, just get it to the point where it holds together beautifully.  Now if you want to incorporate the senses, forget the food processor and make your dough in a large bowl. Whisk your dry ingredients then add your butter and thyme and drop the water in a bit at a time and mix with your hands. This is my preferred method as it really allows you to feel the dough. 

Form the dough into a flattened disc and wrap in a tea towel or plastic wrap. Pop in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to an hour. 

Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper with cornmeal and place the dough on top. With a second piece of parchment paper on top, roll the rough into a nice round to fit a tart pan. Remove the top piece of parchment paper and flip the round over into the tart pan, pressing down on the bottom and sides. Carefully peel back the second piece of parchment paper and trim/press the edges. Chill for 10 minutes.

You will bake this beauty for about 20 minutes before adding your filling. 

Cashew cheese and caramelized onions

Add your soaked cashews, roasted bell pepper, sage, lemon juice and zest, garlic and water in a high powered blender like a Vitamix. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste and more herbs or lemon juice depending on what you enjoy! Remember to cook with all of your senses. 

Now to caramelize your onions. Slice your red and sweet onions thinly and put in a large saucepan with a couple tablespoons of warmed olive oil. Once your onions hit the pan add some salt and pepper. When your onions begin to become fragrant add in your tablespoon of coconut sugar. Now let your onions work their magic. Low and slow on medium/low heat for 30-35 minutes. 

Now to assemble your pizza.  Get your par baked crusts and top them with cashew cheese. Now add your roasted butternut squash and then top with caramelized onions and more cashew cheese.  Bake for around 30 minutes depending on your oven. When you get the pizzas out top with freshly cut basil and parsley.  Serve and enjoy! 

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Michelle Gerrard-Marriott is the founder of The Vibrant Kitchen & Home, a site for wellness and elegant recipes that nourish the body and soul. Find her on Instagram and Facebook.

Winter Radiance :: Apple Cranberry Pie

An exquisite way to celebrate the bounty of Winter. Sweet, juicy apples meet tart delightful cranberries in a melody of flavor that does not disappoint. Eating seasonally brings your soul and body closer to nature. It is invigorating to eat what the season provides and to utilize it in fun new ways.  Whenever I bake or cook my senses come alive.  It is beyond taste, you have to use your sense of smell, sight and most importantly touch. We so often forget to use our hands in the kitchen but it truly transforms the dish when you infuse it with your love. This recipe will look stunning on any holiday table. Enjoy beauties.

by: Michelle Gerrard-Marriott, The Vibrant Kitchen & Home

The Goods

Crust:

• 1 cup brown rice flour
• ½ cup GF oat flour
• ½ cup buckwheat flour or all purpose gluten-free flour
• ¼ cup arrowroot starch
• 4 tbsp coconut sugar/dry sweetener of choice
• pinch of sea salt
• pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup cider vinegar

Filling:

• 4 pounds sliced, peeled mixed apples, I love granny smith, pink lady, and some heirlooms if you can find them like Baldwin! 
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• One lemon zested and juiced 
• One Orange zested and juiced 
• 2 cups coconut sugar 
• 4 tablespoons Maple Syrup ( Or Organic Honey if you are not Vegan) 
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder 
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon 
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 
• ¼ teaspoon cloves 

Get Cooking

Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly oil a 10 inch pie pan. In a large bowl, combine your flour blend, sea salt and coconut sugar. In a smaller bowl whisk together coconut oil, water, and ACV. Pour oil mixture into flour mixture and combine with your hands until well mixed. Dough should be a little moist. 

Once combined divide into two. Press one section into pie pan until it forms a beautiful bottom crust. Stick with a fork a couple times and bake for about 15 minutes. Roll our remaining dough and cut out Autumn Leaves, Pumpkins or whatever your heart desires! Set aside whilst making the apple cranberry filling! 

Core, peel, and slice your apples. Put in a large bowl with your washed cranberries. Add lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, coconut sugar, maple syrup and spices. Mix gently and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to develop. 

On Medium/Low heat allow a saucepan to warm. Add in your apple + cranberry mixture.  Allow everything to become caramel-like and delicious. Taste along the way, if you want it a bit sweeter you can add more coconut sugar or maple syrup! Add your arrowroot towards the end and mix gently until combined and thickened. Pour your mixture into your prepared pie crust. Top with your cut outs and sprinkle a bit more coconut sugar on top of the pie!  Put in oven and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. 

Once out of the oven allow to cool for 15- 20 minutes before serving! Serve with Coconut Ice Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream! Enjoy every last bite! 

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Michelle Gerrard-Marriott is the founder of The Vibrant Kitchen & Home, a site for wellness and elegant recipes that nourish the body and soul. Find her on Instagram and Facebook.