Re-DO!   What to do when html fails you?  Dig into the source code and remove the wayward text that insists on repeating itself.  Thanks for your patience as I resend this newsletter, sans duplicating text. 
Solstice Blessings! ~Donna

Celebrating Summer Solstice/Litha!

Welcome to our seasonal newsletter containing information about the Summer Solstice/Litha and scheduled classes for Summer 2012. 

Ah!  The Summer Solstice/Litha!  The energy of the plants is palpable as the longest day of the year infuses warmth, vitality and abundant sunshine into everything it touches.   Festivals and celebrations abound in various traditions honoring the fullness of the earth, the burgeoning juiciness of fruit, berries and vegetables, and agricultural communities looked forward to bountiful harvests in the coming weeks.  Traditionally, this is a time to celebrate the long days and revel in the extra daylight since there is always so much to do!

Here in the northeast, temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-90's over the next few days as we welcome summer.  Be sure to take a few minutes to get outside and be a part of the earth ripening, of the wonder of the season, and the magic that is created by the fire-flies at dusk!

Green Blessings!
Donna at Willow Moon Herbals

In this issue:


 

Celebrating Summer Solstice/Litha!

On the Summer Solstice/Litha, the earth is ripening with life, fertility and abundance.  This time of year, when the sun is at its zenith, many cultures and traditions still honor the sun and the Green Man, both in their full glory.  The date can vary slightly, and generally falling on June 20th to 22nd.  From this day forward, daylight will diminish by a few seconds each day, until day and night are equal again on the Autumnal Equinox in September.

 In Celtic lore, as well as many other cultures throughout recorded history, the Green Man is a symbol of rebirth, representing the expansive cycles of growth.  The power of the sun at Litha is at its most potent, as one can see all around with the bounty of growing life.  This is a time of year of brightness and warmth, when crops are growing in their fields with the heat of the sun.  In addition to festivities honoring the plentiful sun, the 'yang', male energy that is so verdantly abundant, Summer Solstice/Litha is a time when the Holly King retakes his throne.  It is reminiscent of the battle between light and dark.  The traditional lore follows that the Oak King, who rules the half of the year from the Winter Solstice to the Summer Solstice, relinquishes his power on the Summer Solstice/Litha to the Holly King, who then rules from the Summer Solstice through to the following Winter Solstice. 

Litha is a wonder-filled time to celebrate outdoors, especially if you have children.  Go swimming or turn on the sprinkler and run through it.  Have a bonfire or barbeque at the end of the day.  Make it a special night with music, storytelling, holiday sparklers or dancing at dusk with the magical fire-flies.  Consider letting them stay up late to say 'goodnight' to the sun.  Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the gifts that each season brings.  Blessed Be!

[Above graphic is of the Wise Green Man speaking in hawthorn leaves.  Found in Parish Church in Sutton Benger, UK  (c.1300)]

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Note: Any remedies or information listed on this newsletter are from historical references and used for teaching/educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

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 Holistic Consciousness of One!

A new Holistic Practitioners support and Community networking group in Chester, NJ!


Finding a home within the historic business district of Chester enables the Holistic Consciousness of One to reach out to and provide a central meeting place for holistic practitioners and folks interested in learning more about holistic modalities within the surrounding communities.  Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00PM - 8:45 PM.

So spread the word!  Come and join us as we support each other and work collectively to promote all holistic healing modalities and build our Holistic Community.  Visit our website for updates, community events and speaker schedules:  www.hcoo.org

RSVP to Sue at The Art of the Heart, 908/879-3937 or admin@hcoo.org.  

 

 

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Currently Scheduled Classes

 .UnlessUnUnless noted otherwise, RSVP by email to:  donna@willowmoonherbals.com or call 201/650-7500.  Checks can be made out to Willow Moon Herbals and mailed to PO Box 147, Schooley’s Mtn, NJ 07870, or visit our website and use PayPal to register.  Remember to bring the receipt with you.
 

 The following class is scheduled at The Art of the Heart, 15 Perry Street, Chester, NJ during the "Mini-Workshop" Day. The Mini-Workshop Day runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and includes many holistic practitioners, mini-classes, etc.  Come and take an active role in your own wellness. See more info at http://www.theartoftheheart-chester.com/calendar_of_events.

Saturday, June 23, 2012
Time: 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Class: "Your Medicinal Backyard"
Presented in PowerPoint format, this class introduces the medicinal side of common weeds that grow in your yard. Learn the Latin binomial name, the common name, common growing conditions, medicinal actions, and the common illnesses for which these herbs can provide healing. About 40 common herbs/weed are covered in this class, including trees, some spices and even Italian herbs/weeds. Fee: $38. Please register in advance.

Register with Sue at The Art of the Heart:  sue@theartoftheheart-chester.com or 908/879-3937
 

This class is held at Chubb Park, Chester, NJ

Saturday, July 28, 2012
Time:  10AM-12PM   OR   2-4PM
Class:  Herb Walk
Fee:  $15/person/session
Come and get acquainted with your local medicinal heroes!  Many of the plants that are commonly known ~ and masquerade ~ as weeds are really giving plant beings just waiting to be recognized and acknowledged.  An her walk will open your mind and soothe your soul by encouraging familiarity with common botanicals on a deeper level.  When we see plants as teachers, we understand the abundant gifts they offer us as they share their many practical and/or medicinal gifts, including being used as food ~ all of which we discuss as we walk.  And let us not forget our noble tree friends who contribute to the unconscious feeling of being safe by lending stability and strength to our communities!

Mowing your lawn might never be the same again!

 
The following classes are scheduled at  The Room Above, located at 2 East Main Street, Brookside, NJ.  Be sure to check out the other wonderful holistic services and educational classes offered at The Room Above!  Visit   The Room Above on Facebook

Saturday, July 21, 2012
Time:  1:30-3:00PM
 Class:  "Your Medicinal Backyard"
Presented in a PowerPoint format, this class introduces the medicinal side of common weeds that gtow in your yard.  Learn the Latin binomial name, the common name, common growing conditions, medicinal actions, and the common illnesses for which these herbs can provide healing.  About 40 common herbs/weeds are covered in this class, including trees, some spices and even Italian herbs/weeds.
Fee:  $35/person

 Saturday, September 15, 2012
Time: 1:30PM-3:00PM
Class:  "Your Apothecary Kitchen"
Sample a nourishing tea as we learn to make an infused oil, a soothing salve and a stimulating liniment for sore muscles.  As a bonus, we'll sample a medicinal liqueur - herbal remedies need not be boring!  Attendees take home a sample salve and liniment.
Fee:  $35/person

Saturday, October 13, 2012
Time: 1:30-3:00PM
Class: "Embracing Menopause"
The transition through peri-menopause to post-menopause is a natural process, NOT a deficiency disease or syndrome as is commonly viewed and treated in conventional allopathic medicine.  This class does not treat Menopause as an isolated process, but encompasses the entire transition cycle and examines diet, exercise and the medicinal botanicals that support the body systems herbally for a healthier menopause transition.  Attendees will sample a nourishing tea during class.
Fee: $35/person 

The following class is scheduled at the Essex County Environmental Center (ECEC), located at 621 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ.  Reservations are made directly through the ECEC by calling:  973/228-8776.

  Saturday, August 18, 2012
Time:  Noon - 1:30PM
Class: "Your Medicinal Backyard"
Presented in a PowerPoint format, this class introduces the medicinal side of common weeds that gtow in your yard.  Learn the Latin binomial name, the common name, common growing conditions, medicinal actions, and the common illnesses for which these herbs can provide healing.  About 40 common herbs/weeds are covered in this class, including trees, some spices and even Italian herbs/weeds.
Fee:  $35/person

Reservations are made directly through the ECEC by calling:  973/228-8776.