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Earth People Magazine

Volume 4 Number 1

Cover Picture

Friends in the Forest

Photograph by Sitting Owl.
This young little guy was one of my neighbours, living within 50 metres of my caravan for almost a month, which is very unusual as koalas move around a lot, particularly at night. The last night I saw him I heard the grunts of a much bigger one.
Sometimes you may hear one as it begins to climb a tree that it has decided smells fruitful. They let others know that this is their tree and area by grunting with a very guttural sound that many people think sounds like a wild bore.

Spirit had awoken me very early on two consecutive mornings to get me to put down some information. This is my second attempt; I must have done something wrong, as my first attempt of this whole issue was lost. I had a nice article by Rachel Harris and myself on relationships, and the article that spirit woke me for was ‘A Message to All My Christian Brothers and Sisters’, but it is now just ‘To All My Brothers and Sisters’.

I am very pleased to introduce some work by Colin Hill (Laughing Snake). In this issue there is part 1 of his home herbal medicine knowledge. And it looks like he might even share his culinary skills with us through ‘Colin’s Cooking Column’. There is also the first of two charts on cell salts, minerals in colloidal form. As an introduction to the information on minerals I have included some of Dr. Maurice Blackmore’s observations made in the 1930’s. His theories have been proven right time and time again. So I’m not just interested in printing information about the spirit, as it is also important to be physical and care for the temporal vehicle for spirit, the body.

I would also like to introduce you to some work by Catriona (Dancing Horse) who has a vast knowledge of Astrology. And I extend my thanks and gratitude to all those who have been sharing their experiences and lessons of life, both sorrows and joys. And I encourage you all to be a part of ‘Earth People’, and not to fear thinking you don’t have anything to offer or you can’t write very well, because who cares, I failed English at school.

Expressing your highest nature through your work is sometimes easiest when work is not exactly as you wish it to be. There are hidden gifts within friction. Therein lies the secret way to a graceful life. You are not what you do. Your work is a higher mirror, providing a reflection from which to learn in your evolutionary process. A Zen garden expresses the essence of life and a highly perfected skill. Come to the inner truth that produces true skill.

Skill is a South card [North for the Southern Hemisphere], because it has to do with your physicality in the world and tuning yourself to your highest degree of accomplishment. As in all things, there is a lower skill and higher skill. The lower skill is the ability to do something without spirit, simply doing a job. The higher skill requires finesse. It requires the perfected balance of your totality, of physicality and spirit. Then true skill is born.

A monk, a shaman symbol of spiritual activity, is reflecting on a Zen garden, where the stones represent different aspects of life and endeavour. In the centre is a sphere of higher knowledge, of self-understanding of the inner world, which leads you to the higher levels of accomplishment in the outer world of true skill.

Printed with permission 
From: ‘The Power Deck’

Minerals

By: Dr. Maurice Blackmore

My theories began with an argument with a professor in medical school. He admitted the presence of several trace minerals in human cells, but claimed that they were accidental and of no importance.

I could not believe or accept that they were either accidental or unnecessary. These minerals are constant in normal cells – always present in the same amounts and proportions. It did not take long to prove to my own satisfaction that when these minerals were in any way deficient, there was a disastrous alteration to the structure and function of the cells.

Here then, to me was one of the “missing links” in medicine. And I have spent forty years producing proof after proof to support my original theory.

As my research progressed, it became evident to me that these minerals were in colloidal form, and that these colloidal minerals in various groups dictated the type of cells to be formed.

So far, we have only isolated 11 compounds that can help correct a deficiency of these colloidal minerals – they are called Celloids*. There may be more, but these 11 cover a very wide field of deficiency symptoms. They provide the key to direct repair, reconstruction or replacement of any particular type of cell, and thus any particular type of tissue.

Our research established a great host of symptoms that could be relieved by administering one or more of these compounds. This indicates that the symptom is created by the effect of a deficiency of one or more of those compounds.

It also indicates something more important. That is, that these symptoms are evidence of faulty structure and functioning of the cells. Or, in other words, a vast array of disease symptoms is produced by colloidal mineral malnutrition.

One element only may be necessary, but usually the symptoms dictate the use of two, three, or four. No type of cell depends entirely on one element alone, but if only one element is deficient in the cell, a degeneration or breakdown of the whole cell will result.

I should explain my unwillingness to depend on modern diet for supply of these colloidal minerals. In the process of refining of foods a large percentage of these elements is lost. This is known and, in some instances, efforts are made to replace the mineral loss. The replacement minerals used, however, are not in their proper, naturally occurring form.

Large percentages are lost in processing and in cooking. Hundreds of chemicals are being used in food today and, in my opinion, many of them can cause biological chemistry to deviate from its normal course. Many of these chemicals could actually neutralise some of the natural mineral elements. This is why I claim that modern diet is a hazardous source of supply of the essential minerals.

Therefore Blackmores Laboratories make Celloid* Mineral Therapies. Regarding the foods that are high in colloidal form refer to Colin’s chart below.
For foods high in total minerals here is a list of total minerals giving the percentage. Top 10 only.
Beans 3.26 
Almonds 3.10 
Lentils 3.04 
Oats 3.02 
Dried figs 2.86 
Dates 2.72 
Barley 2.70 
Peas 2.58 
Olives 2.34 
Spinach 2.10 

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Materials of Medicine Part 1

 (Home Herbal Medicine)

By: Colin Hill (Laughing Snake)

CREDITS:

Colin Hill (Laughing Snake) has sourced his work from: Jethro Kloss (Author of: ‘Back to Eden') and the Queensland Institute of Natural Science for the course: ‘Herbal Medicine’. Sitting Owl has added just a little to this work by cross-referencing from many sources, especially ‘Kitchen Pharmacy’ by Rose Elliot and Carlo De Paoli, and a variety of writings from Dr Maurice Blackmore (founder of Blackmores Laboratories) 

How to Use the Herbs

 As the following information is simply a collection of information, it is recommended that if problems persist or if there is any doubt you seek advice from a professional medical or naturopathic practitioner. All the herbs in this book can be cultivated in a home garden, and an organic garden is preferred. 

Warning on dosages

When in doubt don’t. Please check with one of the many herbalists available for correct uses and dosages. 

Tisane or Infusions

These are made by pouring boiling water on the fresh or dried herbs and allowing a few minutes to infuse, usually from five (5) to twelve (12) minutes. The strength varies with different herbs, and can be sweetened to taste with honey, raw, or brown sugar. 

Brews or Decoctions

These are made by simmering the herb in water for ten (10) minutes. The proportions are the same as for the teas above. Boiling destroys the active principle or ingredient of some herbs and these are better taken as teas or eaten raw in salads and other food dishes. Dosage varies, but it is difficult to take an overdose of any of the herbs in this book. Herbal medicines act gently and slowly. Instant miraculous cures are as unlikely as harmful side effects. The curative properties of these herbs have been known and described for centuries, so are tried and true. It is recommended that you begin with a smallest dose and gradually increase it This is a hot or cold pack applied to the skin, often over a wound or other damage. It is made by mixing hot water with chopped or ground herbs in a muslin (cotton gauze) bag, often used to draw pus and other debris from a wound. Onion, Linseed and Comfrey are particularly suited to this technique

Parsley

for the Nerves

(Petroselinum)

Therapeutic actions of the leaves and stems:

Neutral to cooling (Slightly Yin)

DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
NUTRITIVE: High Vitamin and Mineral content.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
APPETITE: Increases appetite for food.
DEPURATIVE: To purify the blood (Chrophyill).
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes menstrual discharge.
CULINARY: To give flavouring to foods, particularly salads and sauces.

Therapeutic actions of seeds:

DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.  
Helps to prevent cancer.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
APPETITE: Increases appetite for food.  Helps children in the growing process.

Parsley cleanses and enriches the blood, which makes it good for helping to reduce skin disorders; and the high content of iron along with oestrogen-like substances make it good for weak anaemic women with scanty periods.  Parsley also helps with digestion and Rheumatism.

Freshly expressed juice: 1 Teaspoon to ½ a cup of water, vitamised with the fibre strained off.  ONLY ONE (1) CUP PER DAY taken in the morning helps with voice loss and asthma.  Also a remedy for intermittent fever.

Parsley Tea: About 3 sprigs to 1 cup of boiling water.  Leave for 10 minutes, then strain and drink before retiring for bed.  This is an excellent remedy for kidney and bladder troubles, menstrual colic, and relieves rheumatism.

Note: Because it increases the menstrual flow, parsley should not be taken in the form of tea during pregnancy or by women with heavy periods, although it can still be used as flavouring in foods.

Oregano 

for the Circulatory System

(Oreganum vulgare)

Therapeutic actions of leaves, stems and roots:

Warming (Slightly Yang)

TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
EXPECTORANT: Promotes discharges from the chest and lungs.
DIGESTIVE: Increases the tone of the stomach and aids digestion.
SUDORIFIC: Produces or increases sweat.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
PECTORAL: Helps remedy the complaints of the chest and lungs.
STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.

Therapeutic action of oil:

RUBEFACIENT: (To rub in). Used as a liniment.

Oregano, as well as having a natural antibiotic action, also has a powerful action on the respiratory and digestive systems, so it therefore eases colds and flues of the cold shivery type. It is given to relieve cramps, for the relief of painful menstruation, and for catarrh (inflammation of mucous membrane) of the air passages, head colds, and asthma.

Tea of Oregano: 1oz (approx. 30 grams) of freshly picked or dried leaves to 1 pint (approx. ½ litre) of boiling water.

Sage

for the Lymphatic System

(Salvia Officinalus)

Therapeutic action of leaves:

Neutral to warm (Tones both Yin and Yang)

TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
VULNERARY: A remedy for wounds.
HAEMOSTATIC: Stops bleeding.
CORDIAL: Beneficial to the heart.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
DISINFECTANT: Cleanses infection by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease producing micro-organisms.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
FEBRIFUGE: Drives away or removes fever.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
DIGESTIVE: Increases the tone of the stomach and aids digestion.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.

Sage is one of the finest prophylactics (antibiotics), fighting against infectious diseases. It is a thousand times more beneficial to the human cell than any synthetic antibiotic as it destroys the invading bacteria, but not the essential healthy bacteria, which protect against further infections. As a result Sage helps with almost any biological system especially the immune system and digestive system.

Sage is an excellent remedy for all throat infections and the essential oil can also be rubbed around the throat area. And it is also a fine brain tonic, useful for concentration.

Sage Tea: 1oz (approx. 30 grams) of fresh or dried sage leaves to 1 pint (approx. ½ litre) of boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink when needed for all infections of the throat, tonsils, laryngitis etc. It is a remedy for pleurisy and pneumonia; hence it is good for the lungs. It relieves wind and cramps of the stomach and will help alleviate diarrhoea. Sage also quietens the nerves and makes for a sound sleep.
Sage Gargle: 30g of fresh or dried leaves to ½ l of water. Boil for five (5) minutes, strain and cool. Add some honey to improve the taste.

NOTE: Because it encourages menstruation, sage is not recommended as a tea or rub during pregnancy and heavy periods. As with all herbal preparations of teas, three (3) cups a day for three (3) weeks is sufficient, as overuse or abuse causes reverse effects.

Sitting Owl uses a sprinkle on the tomato along with the salt and pepper for his salad sandwiches.

NB: It was the Bear that gave man his knowledge of herbal medicine. Man observed the bear eating certain plants when he was suffering a particular problem.

Peppermint

for Digestion

(Mentha piperita)

Therapeutic actions of the leaves:

STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
ANODYNE: Allays (represses), soothes or mitigates pain. Sooths or relieves pain (PAIN KILLER)
TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
CALMATIVE: A mild sedative for calming the nerves and combating stress.
AROMATIC: Having an agreeable odour with a stimulating quality.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.

Peppermint is the best-known STOMACHIC, so it is a good remedy for indigestion, flatulence, and digestive disturbances. Gather just after flowering. The flowers can be eaten too.

Peppermint Tea: ½ oz (approx. 15 grams) of fresh leaves to 1 pint (½ litre) of boiling water.

Rosemary

for the Mental Faculties

(Rosmarinus Officinalis)

Therapeutic actions of leaves:

Warm to Hot (Yang)

TONIC: Increases strength or improves the general tone of the whole system.
BRAIN TONIC: Beneficial to the memory.
NERVINE: Acts as a nerve sedative, calming the nerves and combating stress.
HEART TONIC: Beneficial to the strength of the heart.
ANTISEPTIC: Corrects putrefaction and destroys bacteria.
ASTRINGENT: Contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges.
DIURETIC: To excite the secretion of urine, or the driving off (reduction) of fluids.
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes menstrual discharge.
STOMACHIC: Strengthens the stomach and its digestive system.
STIMULANT: Quickens the physiological processes.
SUDORIFIC: Produces or increases sweat.
ANTISPASMODIC: Remedy for muscle spasms attended with pain.
ABORTIVE: Produces premature childbirth.

Rosemary is an excellent brain tonic, which promotes memory; hence it is a good tea for anyone studying. It has a warming and moving (energy) action, so it raises the Yang. It is a proven remedy for digestive disorders, wind in the bowels, diseases of the abdominal organs, heart complaints, and dropsy. And it is a good tonic for the nerves. 
Rosemary Tea: 1oz (30g) of fresh or dried leaves to 1pt (½ litre) of boiling water. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily. As a stomachic, for those suffering from mild digestive upset, it may be made from 1oz (30g) of Peppermint leaves. It is good to have 1 cup in the morning or at night made from 1 sprig of Rosemary to 1 pint (½ litre) of boiling water, a slice of lemon, sweetened with honey.

Note: Rosemary should not be used where high blood pressure, ‘bursting’ headaches, or any hot disease is present.

WARNING: Rosemary should not be taken during pregnancy, due to its abortive quality.

Stay tuned for more in upcoming issues.

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Food Guide to the Stars 

(Symptoms of Deficiencies in Cell Salts) 

By Colin Hill (Laughing Snake) & Sitting Owl

If you can't read these pictures then go to 'Colin's Cooking Column' in the "contributors" section.

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To All My Brothers and Sisters

This began as a message to my Christian brothers and sisters, and therefore the first thing I would like to say is that I am a Christian, I have my Holy Baptism Certificate dated 11th December 1960 to prove it. At the end of this certificate it says: “Endure unto the end. S. Matt. xxiv”, and I can assure you all that I most certainly will do that. I am also a Shaman, whether I or anyone else likes it or not.

I know that to most of my Christian brothers and sisters the word of God and Jesus, which the Bible is supposed to represent, is the absolute law, the will of God, however there are many different Bibles with slightly different words. My main message is not to look at the differences, but to look at the uniting similarities. And I believe this would be Jesus’ message also, especially when you consider the one gospel that is not in any of the many bibles.

The Gnostic Gospel according to Thomas, which was dug up in Egypt, about 40-50 years ago, says pretty much the same as all the other gospels, but it adds extra information. For example: when in all the other gospels Jesus sung a song before going to his death, in the Thomas gospel the words to that song are given. Here are some more very important facts that Joseph Campbell has said about Thomas’ gospel:

“ ‘When will the kingdom come?’ Christ’s disciples ask.” In Mark 13 I think it is, we read that the end of the world is about to come. That is to say, a mythological image – that of the end of the world – is there taken as predicting an actual, physical, historical fact to be. But in Thomas’ version, Jesus replies: “The kingdom of the Father will not come by expectation. The kingdom of the Father is spread upon the earth and men do not see It.” – So I look at you now in that sense, and the radiance of the presence of the divine is known to me through you…

According to the “normal” Christian religion, to say as Jesus said, that “I and the Father are one”, or that “I am a channel for God or Jesus” is blasphemy for us. But the following quote of Joseph Campbell’s from the Thomas gospel shows us that this is the very essence of Buddhism and Christian Gnosticism.

When Jesus says, “He who drinks from my mouth [meaning he who lives by my word or teachings Ed.] will become as I am and I shall be he,” he’s talking from the point of view of that being of beings, which we call the Christ, who is the being of all of us. Anyone who lives in relation to that is as Christ. Anyone who brings into his life the message of the word is equivalent to Jesus, that’s the sense of that. [And Jesus was a shaman.]

We are all manifestations of Christ consciousness or Buddha consciousness, only some don’t know it. According to Joseph Campbell the word Buddha means “the one who waked up”, which is what we all need to do.

Even outside of Christianity there are many different factions; there are a number of different forms and teachings of Buddhism; there are many different Medicine Wheels within the Native Americans’ traditional understandings and teachings; and there are many different groups and publications saying different things about different spiritual understandings. But they all understand that there is one universally, uniting force that is beyond, and yet also within, everything. As a result, this force must be personified so that we FEEL and KNOW this force within, but we must always be open to that impersonal aspect of this personified ‘God’, which the Native Americans refer to as the Great Mystery, because it is never to be known by anyone. These uniting similarities are what we all need to concentrate on. This is where prayer, which is speaking to God; meditation, which is listening to God; and affirmations can help. But as always it must be done your own way, even if shamans, teachers and priests may be able to help you get started.

It is my experience that the prayers, rituals, teachings and ceremonies of the Native Americans make it much easier and simpler to know and commune with God, and therefore to have an idea of the will of God, which I feel is basically to compassionately love, respect and honour ALL other beings of the universe, including the four elements or directions (earth).

When I say, ”it is my experience” I understand that everyone has their own experience, and that experience can be influenced by belief, which is often handed down as dogma. And I can only speak of my experience as best I can, for no language can truly express anything of the impersonal aspect of God, which is never to be known, and yet is experienced, but can’t be fully communicated. This is why I teach mainly Native American teachings, rituals, ceremonies, and prayers (which are always flexible in wording, as they must be your own).

Having said all that I still find it very disappointing to see that so many of my two-legged brothers and sisters spend so much of there time and consciousness being influenced by fears, desires and social duties. Now I know how Black Elk felt near the end of his life when he said that it makes him cry to see that in this modern time when so many people are scrambling for the ball, which symbolises God in the traditional ceremony of ‘The Throwing of the Ball’, there are some who are not even trying to catch it.

I know that it is as important to be physical as it is to be spiritual, but none should be mutually exclusive, they both need to be held in balance with our consciousness, which needs to be balanced between our higher consciousness (spirit, soul, personal God etc.) and our lower consciousness (cellular memory, subconscious, habits etc).

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Childhood Sundays

By: Catriona (Dancing Horse)

She remembered Sundays up to the age of fourteen, walking a mile to church squashing the embarrassing Sunday hat under her armpit, passing the jeering gipsy children. Sunday was a day of heavy silence, six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the day of the Lord, on it thou shalt do no work.

Her mother, a devout Christian of the Wee Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, followed these divine directions to the letter, preparing the vegetables on the Saturday night and washing the dishes on the Monday morning. Sunday School then church in the morning, evening service at night, prayer meeting on Wednesday nights too, if you were lucky. Then prayers before retiring at night, kneeling in front of the couch, face buried in the velvet cushions – please make it quick! “I am not a lowly worm, speak for yourself, you groveller!”

Oh the pious pursing of the lips when she said those terrible things, which “came from the devil”. She could see the thought etched in her mother’s mind. A terrible fear pulsing in her veins – challenging the true faith! Perhaps she thought she might be punished at the final judgement by association with this heathen. Quick, listen to the Sermon on the Mount on the wireless, purify the mind.

She never felt any stirring in her heathen heart during the ranting and raving, fire and brimstone, sackcloth and dusty ashes of the Sunday service, the minister frothing at the mouth with righteous wrath. Her yawns almost broke her jaw. During quieter episodes of the sermon, her head sank closer and closer to her chest then a demented shriek from the pulpit would twitch her awake, her crossed leg kicking the pew in front, the row of churchgoers jerking involuntarily.

Miss Lamond, a retired Matron, consistently pressing barley sugars upon her (she loathed barley sugar), bending over and squeezing her hand in sickly sweetness. A strong vapour of Imperial Leather and mothballs emanated from her flat black chest.

Her mother insisted on stopping at the door of Miss Lamond’s spinster flat on the way home to exchange Bible quotations. “Don’t kick up the wall!” she snapped at the restless girl every week.

End of tirade, congregation swirls and eddies around the front entrance. “Mrs McKenzie has another new hat – that must have been at least $5.” “What has that got to do with God, mother?”

Women overcome by guilt conspicuously dab downcast eyes. “The blood of the Lamb, oh the blood of the Lamb.” The girl is seriously determined to become vegetarian. These displays of Christian sentimentality disgust and sadden her, not what she remembers as spiritual ritual and devotion – an empty shell. Perhaps the incense and ritual of the Catholic Church might have appealed more, but oh the fear and guilt takes so long to vanquish. Lowly worm, indeed.

Later she found out that ‘God’ had really bad press, being blamed for natural disasters, deforming babies and all general karmic misfortune. The idea of the father of humanity being so fickle, vindictive and violent turned her stomach. She decided there was no God, the Christians were following a pathetic myth – one from the Middle East, and they were so scathing about anything Eastern.

Her grandmother from the Highlands was even more fearful and repressed, her entire life being preoccupied by ‘the devil’, Old Nick, who apparently spent a lot of time whispering outrageous suggestions into people’s ears. If these suggestions were followed out, forgiveness could be applied for and the sin forgiven. The devil was a convenient excuse for bad behaviour, she thought.

The urge to scream loud and long in church and stamp the floor shouting “This is not spiritual!” came upon her regularly, but she knew they would pray for her devoutly and at length that the devil may leave her and she be returned to the folk like the straying sheep she was. Baa baa.

Her mother being a Celt and Highlander knew all about ‘the old religion’ and had shown her the ring of standing stones at Callanish, the Druid circle from their pagan past. The girl had walked into the centre of the circle and felt a power and ancient energy still clinging to the mossy stone.

The sun was sinking. She would like to have stayed longer, but her mother shivered and walked quickly away, having a great fear of anything that challenged her faith.

The girl stood among the standing stones in the dusk light, the long shadows stretching across the heather. She knew she would search the world high and low for her truth.

A fine mist rose from a distant loch as the sun sank below the silent hills.

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