Gnostic iss2

NATURAL LIVING ON THE CENTRAL COAST

ISSUE 2

Gnostic Healing Centre

Wholeness, Wellness & Wellbeing Lana Aitken-Jones NATuroPATHY (Monday to Friday)

Lana’s main focus is on finding the underlying cause of your health issues & supporting your own body’s natural healing abilities. Lana is also passionate about longevity & anti-aging medicine. registered with all major health funds.

Tiffany Smith eNerGY HeALING & NATuroPATHY (Monday, Tuesday, Friday,

Saturday) Tiffany combines energy Healing & Naturopathy to help people feel more

mentally, emotionally, spiritually & physically connected & well balanced. registered with all major health funds.

Stefan Hafner ACuPuNCTure (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Acupuncturist specialising in the gentle Japanese Toyohari style. Stefan treats most health conditions with this ancient drug free holistic system. He also provides Leech therapy and Shonishin – Japanese Paediatric Acupuncture. registered with all major health funds.

Wayne Carroll boWeN TeCHNIQue & reIKI (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) Advanced diploma bowen Therapy & reiki Teacher & practitioner. Wayne uses gentle moves over muscles, ligaments and tendons to release and reset muscle tension. This relieves joint pain and disfunction returning the body to balance and harmony. Amazing results.

Joanne Cameron LoMI LoMI, reFLeXoLoGY & reIKI (Friday)

Trained in Hawaii and Australia, Jo offers the ultimate goddess treatment for rejuvenation and activating your inner pharmacy for healing on all levels. using warm stones and luxurious coconut oil, the treatment also incorporates reiki energy to revitalise and restore.

Karin Holyman TrIGGer PoINT (Thursday)

Karin is a drM Trigger Point specialist, Aches & pains, decreased strength and/or restricted movement, headaches and poor circulation can all be treated by activating Trigger Points.

Karin also performs remedial massage.

Morgaine May reFLeXoLoGY– VArIouS ModALITIeS, reIKI-SeCHeM (Wednesday)

A range of styles from remedial to pregnancy, aromatherapy, lymphatic & reflexology – hands on healing for deep relaxation and emotional wellbeing. Treatments that support all body systems & help to relieve chronic & acute pain conditions.

Margie Braunstein CouNSeLLING & PSYCHoTHerAPY (Saturday)

Therapy provides a caring, safe, relationship in which one can address the challenges of living and reorganize one’s perceptions of the world. Gently explore and unravel old patterns and create new behaviours that will change the way you experience life forever.

Sarah Cyterman bIodYNAMIC CrANIoSACrAL THerAPY (Wednesday, Thursday)

This a very gentle, non-invasive holistic whole body therapy that assists your body’s natural capacity for self-repair. Need some more words here, some more words here. Some more words here some more words.

BEAUTY, GEL NAIL & WAXING SERVICES Megan Green HoLISTIC beAuTY (Monday, Tuesday & Saturday)

Megan provides quality beauty and waxing services. Megan uses all organic products and the skincare is made up for you at time of consultation to specifically suit your skin type.

NEW – MOBILE THERAPY SERVICE Can’t get to us? Now we can come to you. Naturopathy, Holistic beauty, Massage & remedial Therapies available by appointment in the comfort of your own home. Call us for details or check out our website or Facebook page.

CLINIC HOURS: Monday–Friday: 9am–6pm • Saturday: 9am–4pm • Clinic appointments available after hours by prior arrangement.

G

2

Tel: (02) 4342 0434 • www.gnostichealing.com.au feeingbetter@gnostichealing.com.au Shop 1, No 31 Chambers Place, Woy Woy NSW 2256

W

Photo: Lachie Mcgarvie

elcome to the second edition of the new look Gnostic Magazine.

SEVEN It’s always exciting to see what happens WOMEN when you just say “Yes” to life. As a result, page 5 since the last magazine, a new Gnostic shop has begun hatching and we’ve been on buying trips to Nepal and Melbourne.

Movement and newness abounds!

In this edition we were lucky enough to get an interview with the busy, brilliantly talented artist and author, Selina Fenech up at beautiful Somersby Falls.

For the health nuts, we have some great info on immune boosting herbs, a new yoga pose for you bendy people and Kate Toon explores the health benefits of swearing your $%&# off....

For the lounge room travellers out there, I share my adventures with Lauren “Monty” Montgomery in Nepal. We were lucky enough to meet the inspiring ladies from Seven Women and party with thousands during Holi festival!

Till next time we meet – keep it real, laugh SEVEN WOMEN........................................................... 5 it out and see what happens when you just NUDE REGATTA AT WOY WOY...........................9 say “Yes” to opportunities!

IS SWEARING GOOD FOR YOU?........................10 Emily PERSPECTIVE............................................................ 12

inside:

SOULSPEAK/FATHER ROD BOWER..................13 IMMUNE BOOSTING HERBS................................ 14 IN SEASON/ORGANICS.........................................15 INTERVIEW/SELINA FENECH ...........................16 Advertising: Mary Holstein Advertising enquiries to Mary at: gnosticlivingmag@gnosticcorner.com.au Published by Gnostic Magazine ©2013 Gnostic Living Magazine is proudly printed on EcoStar recycled paper by Evolve Printing.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions, please email: info@gnosticcorner.com.au

EAT/AMARANTH.....................................................19 ART@MANA............................................................... 21 YOGA POSE.................................................................23 ON THE CORNER.................................................... 24 PARABLE/JUST PASSING THROUGH............26 TRAVEL/HOLI FESTIVAL IN NEPAL...............27

Disclaimer: The information contained within Gnostic Magazine is given in good faith, obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers who do not expect or invite any person to act or rely on any statement, opinion or advice contained herein.

Interested persons should rely on their own enquiries.

Astrology...............................................................30

READ US online at gnosticcorner.com.au

Readers......................................................................31

REVIEWS......................................................................28 IN THE CARDS..........................................................29

G

THE SEASONS

Winter

A restful period of tranquility and peace

T

here are positive things you can do during each season to maintain a connection with the flow of the Earth’s cycles. During winter we must relax and recuperate. Utilise the colder months as a time for reflection and contemplation. Many people find they are challenged with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in winter. Find your happiness by doing pleasant things for yourself, talking with friends, having long hot baths and eating delicious food. Pay attention to following a diet that allows you to build up energy levels; include hearty organic soups, casseroles, baked dinners, porridge and warming drinks. Stay warm, physically challenged and energised by practicing yoga or by walking. Essential oils of frankincense, cedar wood, lavender and sandalwood perfectly capture the stillness and beauty of winter, helping you see the light during the darker times. – Rita Balshaw, Author of Hippies in The City

Gnostic Magazine is also available from our friends at: The Bamboo Buddha Vegetarian Cafe | Gallery | Nursery | Tea Garden

221 Wattle Tree Road Holgate, NSW 9am–4pm, 7 days a week Tel (02) 4365 5810 bamboobuddha.com.au The Glass Onion Society Espresso Bar | Clothing boutique | Gallery space

Shop 1&2/308 The Entrance Road Long Jetty, NSW Tue–Fri: 7:00 am–3:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am–4:00 pm Sun: 10:00 am–3:00 pm Tel (02) 4326 1650 facebook.com/TheGlassOnionSociety

Gnostic School of Higher Learning Monday 7pm: Philosophy Philosophical discussion group comparing science and spirituality. Exploring quantum theories and helping you to “know thyself” and understand your place in this world.

Contact Gary 0408 206 164 Tuesday Drumbala Ladies Beginners: 10–11.30am Advanced: 11.15am–12.15pm Come along and have some fun being uplifted while awakening and expanding your inner rhythm.

Contact Katy 4342 1112 Tuesday 1pm: Soul Food A forum for creating your own Soul Food Journal. Practical guidance through weekly exercises designed to formulate a personal life plan to happiness.

Contact Pat 0418 164 514

Tuesday 7pm Meditation All are welcome to join in on a beautiful Chakra Meditation followed by Oneness Blessings.

Heal yourself, your life and those around you.

Contact Dani 0413 805 485

Wednesday 7pm: Introduction to Philosophy Explore and understand the universal principles of both eastern and western wisdom.

Suitable intro for other philosophy studies.

Contact Gary 0408 206 164

Wednesday 10am: Free Talk An informal but informative talk is given on various topics by a variety of speakers including authors and practitioners.

Gold coin donation.

Thursday 7pm: Energy Current Meditation Oscar offers the energy current meditation in an evening class.

Contact Oscar 0431 636 586

Wednesday 1.30pm: Philosophy Philosophical discussion group comparing science and spirituality. Exploring quantum theories and helping you to “know thyself” and understand your place in this world.

Contact Gary 0408 206 164

Saturday 11am: Energy Current Meditation Experience the flow of energy running through your body, feel the light dimension and the spiritual realm while meditating within a current of energy.

Contact Oscar 0431 636 586 Sunday 10–12pm: Tarot Classes Contact Gnostic Forest 4342 4466

It is our intention to offer space for the distribution of knowledge. Each facilitator shares their opinions and students receive through their own interpretation taking full responsibility to discern their own gnosis.

G

WORLD

SEVEN WOMEN – Words: Emily Holstein / Photos: Lachie Mcgarvie

The sun drenched roof top verandah huMS with quiet activity. Hands dance around knitting needles, skeins of wool and in between, clutch at cups of tea to re-fuel.

Feeling useless around this buzz of action, I play peek-a-boo and mirroring games with a toddler as the women around us work.

Our relationship started online. A few quick emails, a phone call or two and suddenly my travel buddy and I are hurtling across Kathmandu on the back of motorbikes.

A gorgeous 24 year old woman meets us.

She is the diligent, smiling, energetic pocket rocket Anita. She escorts us upstairs and we get comfy on the floor with Masala tea.

Anita’s face lights up when she talks – her love and energy for the women of the centre and the project extends far beyond a normal job. Having lost her father, the family breadwinner, at a young age, Anita was spurred into work and self propelled education to support her mother and young sisters. “Everyday I come to (the) centre and when I see smiles on the women’s faces and see them laughing and working that makes me feel very proud to work with Seven Women.”

She embodies the importance of female education and empowerment within Nepal.

The Seven Women project was formed by Melbournite, Steph Woollard in 2008 after an extended trip to Nepal. She was introduced to seven tenacious women with disabilities working out of a tin shed. They were making candles to sell at the local market to help feed their families but needed support.

From its humble beginnings Seven Women has expanded. It is now exporting its craft items internationally and moving forward with education programs for the women involved.

As Australia moves forward with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) it provides a stark contrast to a country where some view disability as “punishment” for bad behaviour

“We aim to assist 100,000 women by 2025 through our work in Nepal. We are busy building connections to local villages where we will train up group leaders to assist women in remote areas to learn handicrafts and receive education.”

– Steph Woollard (above right) Find out more at www.seven-women.com

in past lives, the will of the gods, some believe.

Society here still dictates that men are the breadwinners and women are the homemakers. This social stigma means women with disabilities are disregarded as marriage candidates or “taken on” and treated poorly. Women who are unmarried, widowed or divorced have many financial burdens and few options to escape them. Compound this with low rates of education (77.7% of women with disabilities G

KRISTINA VISSER

Soul

food

CELEBRANT FOR ALL OCCASIONS Civil Marriage Celebrant (CMC)

Commonwealth-authorised Marriage Celebrant 2006–2013 Member of Australian Marriage Celebrants Inc.

Beginnings/namings Enchantments/ Weddings/ Commitments/ Renewal of vows Twilight/funerals/ memorials I work from Horsfield Bay, New South Wales, but I’m authorized to marry you anywhere in Australia!

I look forward to meeting with you.

Best wishes, Kristina

“Our wedding day was perfect… Cloud 9 is where we still are months after the event!

Reminiscing with friends and family , looking at photos and re-reading the service again and again, Kristina has given us the happiest memories.”

– ALLY & NEILL

Mobile: 0417 298 046 Email: Kristina.divacelebrant@yahoo.com.au Web: www.celebrantcity2surf.com.au

Create your own Soul Food Journal – practical guidance through weekly exercises designed to formulate a personal life plan to happiness.

For more info & bookings call Pat at Best Life Moments Mob: 0418 164 514

Please contact us for a quote Ph: (02) 4341 8900 • www.gnosticorganics.com G

6

in Nepal have no access to education) and you begin to get a picture of the uphill battle the women at the centre are facing.

Education for children with disabilities in Nepal is quite rare. According to a Human Rights Watch study from 2011, of the 330,000 school aged children not attending school in Nepal approximately 270,000 are those living with disabilities. Disabled Nepalis aren’t afforded the same support as others and sometimes simple medical care or procedures are ignored due to shame or financial difficulties.

Whilst Nepal has ratified a number of international human rights treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), their is still much to be done to break down the societal barriers within the Nepalese culture.

The day we arrived at the centre, Anita proudly told us how, recently, she had helped the women in the project open bank accounts for themselves for the first time in their lives.

The women used their new found penmanship from the education program to sign their names and make their first deposits. As we left the second day the women were sprawled on the floor deep in concentration doing exams in the lounge room. There is a great feeling of warmth, support and family here.

One of the ladies I interviewed whilst there, Selina, is in her late 20s. She became sick with influenza as an infant and as a result suffered an eye infection. Her family did not have the education or finances to seek help for their daughter and Selina grew up with a weeping wandering eye that drew taunts and negative attention. Through her involvement with Seven Women and with Anita’s support and WWW DRUMBALA COM

!DULT $RUMMING #OURSES ,ADIES $RUMMING 'NOSTIC &OREST „ $RUMMING #OURSES )N 3CHOOLS „ #OMMUNITY $RUM #IRCLES ¯ -ONTHLY „ "IRTHDAY $RUMMING 0ARTIES ¯ !LL !GES „ (OLIDAY $RUMMING 0LAY 3HOPS „ 7EDDINGS %VENTS 4EAM "UILDING „ 1UALITY $RUMS !CCESSORIES &OR 3ALE

&OR INFO BOOKINGS CALL +!49 7!22%. OR

There is excitement within the centre as the samples of knitwear are well received in Melbourne. A big order has come through for winter woolies. The women are now busy at work to fill the order.

encouragement she was able to beat her fear of doctors and have her eye replaced with a glass eye. Her confidence has since skyrocketed, she is mastering new craft skills, cooking, getting an education and earning money for herself. Not a bad investment for the $6.75AUD it cost to fix her eye.

As we leave the centre we have photographs with the women. The language barrier is deep but their eyes talk. The shyness does little to hide the fire in their eyes. They are beginning to feel confident and see their own worth despite the discouragement from the society around them. They are workers. They are independent. They are becoming educated. From here, the sky is the limit.

blissfeng shui Marlih Jung Bliss Feng Shui Consultancy Phone 02 4388 2160 Mobile 0411 536 084 marlih@blissfengshui.com.au www.blissfengshui.com.au G

The largest range of Spiritual and Self Help Books on the Central Coast and Music to help create a peaceful life.

Chambers Place, Woy Woy

G

8

MIND

NUDE REGATTA AT WOY WOY F ritz Perls believed that dreams are a spontaneous expression of the dreamer. Each element represents disowned or projected parts of our personalities. Unlike Freud and Jung he did not interpret by analyzing the symbols. Perls insisted we must never interpret dreams, but rather become parts of the dream. To speak or act them out is to create an emotional, rather than an intellectual, understanding.

‘Don’t interpret,” he said “Just be that thing, be that plate, be that pot, be that friend of yours.’ This is the Gestalt approach to dreams.

I am at some kind of festival or regatta at Woy Woy wharf. There is a guy out on the water and his boat isn’t moving. I don’t know what my connection with him is because another girl is going to help him.

People are heading down to the mangroves to watch the boats go by. I say something about her going to help him and they say, ‘Yeah, she’s going to pull the boat… that’s what you do.’ Young people start walking past and they are naked. I realize I’ve been here many times but I’ve never gone down to the mangroves. I never knew people stripped off and pulled the boats along.

Some of them don’t have boats…

Inside a dream we find a community of selves: the dreamer, the young man, the girl who goes to help him, the boat, the water, the mangroves, the uninhibited young people who have gathered to watch the boats go by.

Working with dreams in a Gestalt way usually involves some kind of dialogue, and often a physical re-enactment.

The Dreamer: I am a guy stuck in a boat that won’t go. The tide is slipping by but I don’t move. I am puzzled. I can’t think of a solution.

The “helper” girl: I am wading through water that swirls around me. I am movement gliding.

I am naked and free, gliding. I know I can easily make the boat slide through the water. I am an apparition, a solution. I understand him, and the boat moves easily. It is no effort for me.

The Boat: I am afloat on the sea. He has no real connection with me and is making me

stuck. I resent him because I want to join the other boats and glide. I move gracefully with the lightest touch of her hand. I put my faith in her and I am free.

The Water: I am receiving these people, the boats; I am the sea. See me, but you don’t see me. I am movement. I get agitated when they are stuck. I am deep and a little scary. The people come and go, but I will always be.

The Mangroves: Its difficult to walk through me but these people find it easy because they are naked. I am glad to have them here. I am a secret place. She doesn’t come here because I am difficult to navigate. If she wants to know about me she will have to join them, let go of her clothes. She wants to, but doesn’t know how.

I deliberately make it difficult for her. A challenge.

The People: I am young and naked, we all are.

Children of the water. We are innocent. I don’t really see the mangroves because I move around them easily. I feel very at ease with everyone. I am laughing and singing and dancing as though I don’t know any other way to be.

The Clothes: I protect her, keep her hidden. If she left me behind I would fall in a heap, forgotten and abandoned with all the other clothes, maybe she would not find me.

Through Gestalt therapy we work through the internal community of our dream lives to lay bare the conflicts of our waking lives.

In the words of Perls: ‘All right. This is as far as I want to go … You know everything; you know much more than I do and all my interpretations would only mislead you. It’s again, simply the question of learning, of uncovering your true self.’’

Liz Macnamara is a dreamer and subconscious diver practicing Gestalt hypnotherapy. Actually she thinks the idea of a Woy Woy regatta would be rather fun ;) G

TOOn in

is swearing good for you?

H ave you ever noticed how much the people around you swear? Wherever I go I hear people joyously communicating through a storm of colourful language. As a non-swearer myself (most of the time), I find it somewhat unnerving, but after a little bit of reading I’ve found that saying ‘bad’ words might be good for you.

The fact is that people love to swear, and for most it’s part of every day life and for many an essential part of communication. but did you know, there are actually five types of swearing?

1. Dysphemistic = I have to take a p*ss 2. Abusive = F*ck you 3. Idiomatic = I was pretty f*cked up last night 4. Emphatic = I’m not doing a f*cking thing 5. Cathartic = F*ck, I’ve spilt my coffee

The glorious Fword can be sued as an adjective, adverb and noun. Are many other words that versatile? but why do we swear? Professor Timothy Jay from Massachusetts College claims that children learn swear words at a very early age; as soon as they learn to speak they start to swear, repeating words they hear. My threeyear-old loves to say ‘bum’ and ‘poo’ (the worst words he knows), especially when angry, or taboo ‘toilet words’, as he describes them in a whisper!

Kids learn that these words are powerful. Swear words are used by adults when they’re emotional or angry. Kids also quickly G

10

realise that, when they use them, they get an emotional response and some attention. A forbidden word can be a powerful tool for a relatively powerless child.

For adults, swearing is a way of expressing our primitive anger; instead of hitting or biting someone, we can swear at them. It gives us a release without the need for the physical.

Would you rather someone swear at you or hit you? on a positive note, a study from Keele university in the uK actually found that swearing relieves pain. Tests showed that “repeating a swear word, compared with repeating a neutral word, allowed participants to hold their hands in ice cold water for 40 seconds longer (on average).” Crazy stuff. huh? other studies have shown that people swear consistently throughout their lifetime. According to dr. Jay, we swear on average 0.3% – 0.7% of the time, and that swearing is not just for the undereducated or the those in a lower socio-economic class. The truth is: swear words have no boundaries.

So, do you agree with oscar Wilde’s argument that swearing is the ”refuge of the semi literate”, or was Shakespeare right when he said ”but words are words, I never did hear, that the bruised heart was pierced through the ear.”

I don’t have a bloody clue!

Kate Toon is a poet, copywriter and author of ‘Gone dotty.’ She lives on the Central Coast with her husband and son. read more at www.katetoon.com.

Liz Macnamara

Break habits and become free of the past. Trained in Gestalt hypnotherapy and regression to find the root cause of unhelpful patterns and safely explore blocks to body/mind healing.Unlock the meaning of your dreams and discover what you really want. Contact your inner mind to access creative fluency. Hypnosis for pain relief. Hypnomeditation and relaxation specialist.

02 4341 0464 www.lizmacnamara.com

Fiona Taylor

Psychotherapy and counselling services. Find out how you can grow and develop as the person you would like to be in an environment that is insightful, mindful, safe and respectful.

0416 377 461 www.fionataylorcounselling.com

Sarah Tolmie

Life & Love Coaching gets to the heart of the matter. Sarah helps people navigate the full spectrum of their life journey –- health, love, career, family and relationships, personal development and spirituality. For business, prosperity and career success, Sarah understands you need to address source issues around self-love and worth and limiting beliefs. Sarah brings an authentic, real and loving approach for transformational healing and wellness.

0418 640 901 www.lifeandlovecoaching.com.au

Raelene Coad

Breathwork Practitioner, Reiki/Seichim Master Teacher Practitioner.

Healing Sessions available. Reiki Attunements and Teachings All Levels.

02 4389 3594 www.spiritmindbodyhealing.com

Brian Nannetti

Brian is a Gestalt Therapist and Group Facilitator in private practice in Sydney and the Central Coast. He is a clinical member of GANZ and a PACFA registrant. Brian is interested in helping people get more satisfaction in life through their relationships and facilitates groups at The Clearing with this goal. For more information, please call 0425 234978 briannannetti@hotmail.com

Brian Roydhouse

Brian is a qualified Counsellor and an NLP Hypnotherapist. He provides a comprehensive range of specialised services for adults, children and adolescents. Helping his clients to relieve: anxiety, stress, addictions, low self-esteem, relationships issues, depression, work or school related issues.

For a free phone consultation contact Brian to discuss your concerns.

0416 080 959 www.counsellinghq@bigpond.com

2/31 Chambers Place,Woy Woy NSW • Tel: 4341 0464 • www.hypnohub.com.au G

11

PERSPECTIVE

What’s the story?

I

n this, the information era, we are under attack daily. Television, radio, print media, web – even the signs on the way to work. It’s all information coming at you. Some of it is relevant, but most is just excess, things that really aren’t any of our business and can subliminally creep in and affect us if we aren’t aware.

Our logical mind is also the home of the ego which loves to tell us stories about the world and people in it. We entertain an idea and add another thought to it, before long we have told ourselves an entire story based on very little information.

We recognise information that is familiar (from previous experiences) and we use this to interpret the new information to write the story for ourselves of the situation, person, place, news story…

The stories we tell ourselves also create emotion. Stories about things we need to protect ourselves from, which creates fear. Or that we aren’t good enough and so we feel guilt.

We might even tell ourselves a story about being superior that we create pride.

Once we have turned this information into a story and created an emotion we are ready for action.

We humans all have a unique way of interpreting and creating, so there is very little chance that others will see the situation the way we do. Have you ever watched a movie with a group of friends, and then later when discussing it realised you all saw different movies. That’s how varied our interpretations can be.

When meditating, we are encouraged to let thoughts come and without adding anything to them. To just let them pass, to observe them without judgement.

With practice you will see how quickly a thought disappears when we don’t add

G

12

anything to it. On its own it has no substance, it doesn’t matter. Only when we let things or emotions matter can they become real and create suffering.

By bringing awareness to the information you choose to attach thoughts to we can learn to switch off the ego driven mind. We can start to explore the world from the heart.

The heart is the home of the soul… it’s peaceful, it doesn’t need to think, it just is.

This is the place where information can be accepted without classification.

Some believe that perceived linear time is created in the brain by the ego when we think.

The heart, however, is timeless, infinite.

Life, as it is, wouldn’t work too well if we sat around and meditated all day so we must cultivate the ability to catch the mind. To watch the stories we create. To open the heart and observe rather than judge. In doing so we have more influence on the way we experience the information all around us.

Mary Holstein – Co-owner of Gnostic Forest and Gnostic Bunch. Trying to explore the world of information through the heart.

SOULSPEAK

FATHER ROD BOWER Your religious/spiritual belief and its lineage?

I am an Anglican Christian and like all Christians my faith has its origins in the life and teachings of an itinerate Jewish rabbi named Jesus of Nazareth. Anglicans trace their lineage back to 1st Century Britain and to the early Celtic Church.

How did you come to your beliefs?

I was born into an Anglican family but made an adult commitment to be a disciple of Jesus in my early twenties. I would not say that I have come “to” anything yet but am simply on a spiritual journey.

How have they shaped you personally?

The teachings of Jesus constantly shape my life and living, moving me towards compassion and forgiveness, love for all human beings and for all creation. I hesitate to write about my faith because I feel when most people think of Christians they have a rather negative image. I want to scream, “I’m not that sort of Christian!” I guess a desire to be “not that sort of Christian” has shaped me in many ways, or has at least compelled me to seek a more Christ-like expression of the faith. I am now in my 50’s and I no longer look for answers but simply live with the questions.

What are your challenges spiritually?

Walking the spiritual path is not easy. I guess if it were, everyone would do it. I am not a very disciplined person by nature so a big challenge for me is to stick to the path and try not to wander off in to dead ends, although if we are attentive dead ends can also teach us something. In a world that wants to fill us up, the teachings of Jesus call us to empty ourselves, to give to the poor, to become a servant.

Christ calls us to a very counter cultural way of life, and that is always a challenge. As a “progressive” Christian, doctrinal issues while important, are not our primary motivators.

In the issue of marriage equity our primary motivator is always compassion, especially for the marginalized and oppressed. Compassion (to feel with) always causes us to feel the pain of the other and to respond out of that

experience. This causes us to reach across religious, racial, cultural and economic boundaries to discover a shared humanity and the “holy” in the other.

How does your practice take form?

The essence of Christian worship is based around a sacred meal where bread is broken and wine is shared. We believe that in this sacred meal we have communion with the Eternal. My personal practice includes daily intentional breathing, meditation upon the sacred texts and service to others.

Where will you go when you leave your body?

I know many Christians believe it is all about getting to heaven. Like Jesus, I have very little interest in that concept. I don’t really think much about life after death. I believe that what or whoever God may be, it’s about overwhelming and unconditional love so I’m confident in letting the afterlife look after itself. I practice my beliefs to enhance the lives of others through my own life and living and making my little patch of planet earth a better place to be.

Please share with us a short quote, lyrics, prayer or short teaching that has inspired you lately. Archbishop Rowan Williams writes: “On the last day I shall be asked how far I have allowed Christ’s questioning to transform my life into compassion, and how far, therefore, have I allowed the compassion in me to transform the world.”

Father Rod Bower has been the Rector for the Anglican Parish of Gosford for the last 14 years. He is a husband, father and grandfather and his progressive philosophy welcomes all to his services. For more info check out the welcome message at www.anggos.com.au

G

13

HeALinG

Change of season

immune Boosting Herbs

Herbs are renowned for supporting the body’s ability to heal, but here are three great herbs renowned for their immune stimulating properties, to help you ward off those colds and flus this winter.

• Olive leaf helps prevent the onset of colds and flu by acting as a powerful immune booster. It also treats symptoms during their acute phase via anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

These interact with the proteins in cold and flu virus particles to halt their replication. research indicates that olive leaf extract may be a true antiviral compound, as it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system. Perfect for use in the fight against influenza, the common cold and other viral infections.

• Astragalus is the pre-eminent herb for strength-

ening the immune system at any time of the year, summer or winter. Astragalus stimulates the immune system by increasing the number of

YOGA

pathogen fighting white blood cells.

Not only does Astragalus root Astragalus boost the defenses, it also stimulates the body’s offensive protection. Studies have showing that Astragalus is a powerful antibiotic, inhibiting the activity of common microbes.

Astragalus is not recommended during the acute infection phase.

• Andrographis is a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries that is sometimes referred to as “Ayurvedic echinacea”, or “King of bitters”. Popular in the treatment of colds, research shows that it can help prevent and reduce the severity of cold symptoms. With its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and immune boosting effects, Andrographis works well with other herbs such as olive Leaf and Astragalus to ward of winter colds.

NOTE: It is important to talk to a competent medical or herbal practitioner prior to taking any detoxifying herbs. They should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.

– Liliana Aitken-Jones, Naturopath, Gnostic Healing Centre

move breathe focus relax

With

John Wilson

0427 44 22 30 peninsulayogacentre@hotmail.com peninsulayogacentre.com.au Peninsula Yoga on Gnostic Gnostic Corner, Chambers Place (Arcade Ave) Behind Gnostic Organics

G

1

Tuesday at 9.00am Yin Yoga with Rachel

ORGAniC

sHe’LL Be APPLes!

Apples are an antioxidant powerhouse, beating half a punnet of blueberries, a cup of strawberries or an orange!

It’s apple season in Australia, and there are 11 varieties ranging from the sweet flavours of the royal Gala, the crisp, tart flavour of the Granny Smith or the firm, sweet, juicy flesh of the Pink Lady.

The Granny Smith apple originated here in 1867 and was first grown by Maria Anne Smith in eastwood, Sydney. They are now one of the major apple varieties grown around the world today.

How many processed snacks do you know of that are under $1.50 (organic of course…) and are fat free, gluten free, vegan, low GI, with no salt and provides potassium, boron for healthy bones, biotin, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin e, and traces of b1, b2 and b3.

An apple keeps you feeling fuller for longer and slowly releases its natural sugars into your blood stream, helping you to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Apples have an excellent supply of pectin, a soluble fibre which also reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. The malic acid of apples helps prevent liver disorders and promotes better digestion.

Company Logos

bite into an organic apple and taste the difference!

– Caroline, Gnostic Organics

Now that winter is here it’s time to spice up the pantry

Available at

G

1

ARTIST

“There’s a need for wonder, magic, and stories that is often neglected, and people are starting to rebel against that lack.”

CREATIVE SPIRIT INTERVIEW BY JUSTIN ARCHER PHOTOS BY LISA HAYMES

The Falls at Somersby are roaring after days of heavy rain. There’s a fine mist in the air from the cascade crashing down onto the rocks, creating a hazy glow. It’s a magical place to be – and seems like the perfect spot to catch up with artist and author, Selina Fenech.

What sparked your interest in fantasy art?

Growing up I was fascinated with fairy tales and mythology. We were living at Mulbring in the Hunter Valley on a beautiful little acreage.

My mum was a ceramics artist and we had a pottery studio. My parents run a nursery there now, Wallis Creek Watergarden. If you go up there you’ll see where some of my influences came from!

Which books did you love as a child?

My favourite was a rare french book from the late 1800s, Bee, The Princess of the Dwarfs. We G

16

had this 100 year old copy, all falling apart. It’s a beautiful story – very humanist. You can read it if you like. It’s out of copyright so I scanned it and put it all up on my website, SelinaFenech.com.

What was the first piece of art you sold? There’s a big community fantasy art site called Elfwood.

I started a little gallery on there when I was 14, I got great feedback and people started asking if they could buy stuff. First things I sold were character portraits, from people’s favourite books or role-playing games.

What was your artistic training? I did graphic design at college, and I took some fine art electives. I had an excellent drawing teacher in first year and she really pushed us. Our first assignment was doing seventy self portraits, as an exercise in painting the same thing but finding different ways to do it. Five a week for fourteen weeks – that was pretty intense.

Did you work as a designer? Throughout the course I was doing character portraits and also selling some prints. When I finished I worked at a Copy Centre doing printing and graphic design.

‘Lost in a world of monstrous fairies, a troubled sixteen-year-old must discover who she is, and why her memories were stolen, before she is discovered by those who want her dead.’ – Hope’s Reign is the second part of Selina’s trilogy for young adults.

After a year I quit and I’ve been self employed ever since.

It’s funny though – a couple of years after that I was offered what seemed like a dream job, illustrating for a greeting card company who I had sold some art to previously. So I took the job – but I only stayed there for three days!

It made me realise that I was already doing what I loved. Whether that’s painting fairies or angels or mermaids. or writing a novel, or making some dolls…

The dolls are a new thing, aren’t they? Yeah, I started making them for my daughter Persephone – ‘sephy’ for short – who’s just eighteen months. Now I’ve got a little range on etsy – there’s even a mermaid.

There’s an amazing level of detail in your work.

Do you have the same attention to detail in your own life? I suppose a little bit. People say that my studio is very neat. I like a certain level of order. but my husband is probably neater than I am, so I don’t have to feel like a complete control freak…

How did your connection with Oracle Cards come about? I was running the Australian Fantasy Art enclave, a group specially for Australian fantasy artists. blue Angel Publishing approached some of us to work on Oracle of the Dragonfae. Then Lucy Cavandish and I teamed up on Wild Wisdom of the Faery Oracle, and Oracle of the Mermaids, which is the new one.

You’re well known for your fantasy art. How did the writing come about? I’ve always been interested in writing, and I read a lot. Memory’s Wake was my first novel, which is part one of a trilogy – part two is just out now. The story was

in my head for a long time. I’ve also included quite a few illustrations in the books.

You’ve chosen to self publish – how has that worked for you? The process of self publishing is pretty easy. You still have to find a good editor, but at least I didn’t have to get an Illustrator, or a cover designer! I use a print-on-demand company through Amazon. ebooks are also getting popular now.

What are you reading at the moment? The last book I read was Paper Dolls, which is the second book in The Dollhouse Trilogy by Anya Allyn who is also a Central Coast author, by the way. Next book for me will be Shift, which is the prequel to Wool by Hugh Howie. really well written, dystopian future themes… I’m just waiting for my husband to finish it!

There’s a revival of interest in the mystical and mythological. Why do you think that is?

I think our modern cultural standards expect us to grow up too quickly, and that the expected final result of our growth is too rigid. There’s a need for wonder, magic, and stories that is often neglected, and people are starting to rebel against that lack. We are looking for more meaning and enjoyment in our life, the sense of excitement and enchantment we knew as children. Why can’t we have that as adults as well? If anything, we need it more when we are “adults”, with the many difficult responsibilities that come with that role. A bit of magic in our lives helps us along!

G

1

Earth friendly fabric washes, metal plating, and printing inks for a true blend of social responsibility and world class carry options.

A V A I L A BLE AT

Beautiful FRESH flowers

at Market prices

OPEN & DELIVERING SEVEN DAYS Ph/fax (02) 4344 5251 chaMBerS PLace, WoY WoY NSW

19 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy, NSW. OPEN 7 DAYS.

SUPERB CERAMIC COATING

Because it’s best for you!

Pioneers of the eco-friendly, "the healthy pan™” cookware range, Neoflam are the ceramic coating experts.

Our innovative, original Ecolon™ coating, made from all natural materials, is the preferred choice for health-smart Australians.

Chic, stylish and unique designs bring a fresh approach to your culinary needs making kitchen life simple, healthy, colourful and fun.

Available now at Gnostic Organics for up to 30% off RRP!

Internal and external Ecolon™ ceramic coating Free of harmful chemicals Superior non-stick coating Oven and dishwasher safe Highly scratch resistant Lightweight and easy to clean G

18

eAT Amaranth is protein-rich, high in fibre and naturally gluten free. The Aztecs

also believed it gave them superhuman strength. Cultivation of amaranth was later banned by invading Conquistadors, and almost became extinct in Mexico.

Here are two delicious recipes to enjoy this wholesome seed…

Amaranth & Veggie Patties ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

◆

◆

1 cup of amaranth 2 cups vegetable stock 1 med zucchini, grated 1 med carrot, grated 1/4 med sweet potato, grated 1/2 cup plain flour (substitute gluten-free if preferred) level tsp each of ground cumin and turmeric 2 tbs hulled tahini

Cook the amaranth in a pot with vegie stock for 20 mins (or until amaranth is ‘fluffy’) on a med heat. once done ‘fluff’ amaranth grains with a fork and set aside to cool completely.

Grate all veggies and combine with cool amaranth and flour.

sPiCY WinTeR sOUP ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

1/2 cup amaranth 4 cups vegetable stock 1/2 spanish onion, roughly chopped 1 medium sweet potato, cubed 2 medium potatoes, cubed 3 stalks of celery, chopped 1 large red chilli 1 tin of tomatoes 1 teaspoon of honey 1/4 tsp oregano Salt and pepper to season Wedges of lemon to serve

Add spices and tahini and mix well to form sticky mixture.

Form patties with a handful of squeezed mixture patted flat into palm.

Fry in a hot pan turning once each side. enjoy in a wrap, or on a burger with a dollop of tomato relish and salad. Garnish with baby basil leaves, or coriander. on top of this mix you can now add in the rest of the ingredients.

Cook on a medium heat for 35–40 minutes stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with chilli and parsley.

In a large pot, sautee onion in a little oil until translucent.

Add chilli and celery with oregano and saute gently for a few more minutes.

G

1

COLORS OF

NEPAL Chambers Place, Woy Woy

New designs direct from Nepal

“Studying locally allowed me to start networking with many wonderful students, teachers and practitioners before I started practicing.

It was a wonderful experience and an unforgettable time in my life.”

Andrew, 2012 Massage Graduate, Diploma of Remedial Massage Qualified private health fund recognised massage therapist

HLT40312 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice HLT50307 Diploma of Remedial Massage

• •

latest nationally recognised massage qualification fully supervised training clinic to build your skills and confidence

• • •

study close to home affordable payment plans full or part-time courses available

Become a private health fund recognised practitioner Call Jo to arrange your personal consultation today!

www.cccc.nsw.edu.au l 4367 4277 G

20

art@MAnA

Gnostic Mana Cafe features monthly exhibitions from the Central Coast’s leading artists.

JULY: Peter Hughs “I always thought I could draw something if I wanted to. The end result often was a different image to that captured by my eyes.

It was after my retirement; a move to the Central Coast and an opportunity to learn from others that I could finally follow the enjoyment and discipline of art. The rules for colour, proportion and composition as well as texture were my immediate challenges. I am a student of Graeme balchin, a well known local artist and he has encouraged me to use pencils and various paper textures in the study of trees and their many forms. I’m also finally learning to use oil paints with confidence. Like my art, however, I am still a work in progress…”

AUGUST: Kathy Jenkins In 2009 Kathy Jenkins came to Australia from england, fell in love and decided to stay. She took a trip with Ken duncan that would ignite her passion for focusing her camera on the beauty of Australian nature.

She entered the Sydney Morning Herald 1440 Photographic exhibition and received a highly commended award as well as selling her entered piece of work.

Kathy is now the artist in residence at her online gallery blue Skies Photography where she gets to share her love affair with photography and Australia’s beauty.

SEPTEMBER: Heather Davis

The Australian landscape and in particular the bush has been the subject of my paintings for a number of years and the extensive patterns and colours found there.

I have been exploring charcoal mark making from rubbings of burnt trees and the results of scratching the surface of my paintings with broken twigs and branches dipped in paint and endeavouring to capture the essence of the subject. usually I like to work with Acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas and/ or paper and particularly enjoy building up textural effects.

I believe painting is yet another way of expressing music but in a different format using the eyes instead of the ears to appreciate the fluidity of movement. using the element of a meandering line throughout my work seems to resonate well – similar to a lyrical journey through life.

See more at www.artozbyhdavis.com G

21

WiseGUYs

JUsT PAssinG THROUGH A well known spiritual teacher came to the front door of the King’s palace. The guards did not stop him as he entered and he made his way to where the King himself was sitting on his throne.

“What do you want?” asks the King, recognizing the visitor, but shocked at his sudden arrival.

“I would like to take a room to sleep in this inn,” replied the teacher. “but this is not an inn,” chortled King, “This is my palace.”

“May I ask who owned this palace before you?”

“My father. He is dead.”

“And who owned it before him?”

“My grandfather. He too is dead.”

“And this place where people live for a short time and then move on – did I hear you say that it is not an inn?”

When I was 8 years old the myth of death was exploded for me. My Nanna had died during the night and Mum had taken us to her bedside in the morning to say goodbye.

As I entered the room I remember looking at her and not quite recognising who it was. It was Nanna, for sure, but her spark had left. It wasn’t in the room that her body was and for me this was validation that being dead was ok.

She just wasn’t “in there” any more!

A while later my sister saw Nanna sitting in

Vitality RECONNECTED

with Michelle Powell

her favourite chair at our aunties house. even as kids, we knew. This is not all there is.

This lesson served me well later in high school after fate, a freak accident, suicide and old age took the lives of three of my peers and my grandfather.

The only permanence is impermanence and everything beyond that is the suffering or joy you choose to make it.

I think we could “do” death a lot better than we do. Imagine death as a journey for growth.

An opportunity to write and share and create and talk about our mortality and that of the ones we love rather than pretend it did not exist or was something to be feared.

So much of our ‘deathing ritual’ within this society is trapped within the confines of religion. Its beliefs and laws of the ‘hereafter’ have some of us so trapped that the real and immediate human need for grief, truth and compassion is clouded by “did he pray to the right so and so” and “Where is he now” religion sure has a lot to answer for. Please don’t get me wrong. I am all for the ‘do unto others” side of religion. That’s A okay with me and I think the world may be happier if we embraced compassion as a rule of thumb to all beings. However, peddling your spiritual wares based on what-might-happen-if-you-believeus-not-them just doesn’t cut it.

As the parable above suggests, we are not here forever. None of us are spared and yet we fear and detest death as if it were an enemy. I have grown to think that death may, in fact, be a release, a liberation.

– Emily Holstein

YIN YOGA

Holistic Health Practitioner & CHEK Exercise Coach

AT PENINSULA YOGA ON GNOSTIC

Are you ready to change your life?

Tuesdays from 9–10:15am / $12 Prior mat bookings essential Call Rebecca on 0401 072 193

Find out more on:

www.vitalityreconnected.com.au Contact Michelle to arrange an appointment on: Ph: 0423 365 481 Email: michelleprofitness@hotmail.com

G

22

www.peninsulayogacentre.com.au

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin – your Moon/Ida. Long-held supported postures to draw you within, improve the flow of Qi (subtle energy) and replenish deep tissues. Gentle yoga flow is corporated.

All levels welcome.

LOCATION: Gnostic Corner, Woy Woy 3 Chambers Place (Behind Gnostic Organics @ street level)

YOGAPOse

Uttanasana

(Pronounced oot taahn aah suh nuh) Intense Forward bend UT indicates intensity. Tan means to stretch or lengthen. Asana means pose. uttanasana is a challenging forward bend that intensely stretches and lengthens the spine and legs.

This pose is practised by standing in Tadasana (mountain pose), engaging the leg muscles and relaxing the shoulders. Fold yourself at the hips and allow your torso to move forward like a hinge. The spine is relaxed and allowed to move forward. The chin is drawn toward the chest, neck relaxes and the crown of the head moves toward the floor. The hands are placed on the floor next to the feet with fingers pointing forward, if the hands can’t reach the floor bend the knees or place hands on the legs.

To deepen into the pose use the breath to lift the sit bones toward the ceiling and release the crown of the head further towards the floor.

This pose is can be used to move from one pose to another or to rest and relax.

The benefits of uttanasana are extensive. It strengthens and stretches the spinal and abdominal muscles, as well as hamstrings. It relaxes and rejuvenates the whole body improving functioning of the liver, spleen, kidneys, nervous system and digestion.

— John Wilson, Peninsula Yoga on Gnostic

SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 10am – 3pm

Peninsula Waterfront Local Art, Clothing, Jewellery & Fresh Produce Meet the artists, buy original and unique art.

Come & enjoy a great community event with live entertainment

Find us on Facebook: Woy Woy Art Market

Between the ferry wharf and The Bayview Hotel in Anderson Reserve on The Boulevarde, Woy Woy CONTACT:

Riyaz Pocketwala: 0416 162 067 Liam Grant: 0415 498 548 G

2

On THe CORneR

Lavera Cosmetics europe’s most awarded cosmetic range is here!

Specifically designed for sensitive or hyperallergenic skin. 100% Certified Natural & organic.

House of Marley Headphones. From just $59.95, these eco Friendly Headphones not only sound great but are kind on the environment too. With volume control and microphone built in, you’ll never miss a call either.

Available at Gnostic Hemporium, T: 2 00

Available at Gnostic Organics, T: 1 8 00

V&A English Bone China Tea Ware enjoy your tea or coffee from one of our lovely new english Fine bone China Mugs with decoration inspired by unique art taken from the archives of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. rrP $39.95. Now only $26.95 while stocks last! Available at Gnostic Healing Centre, T: 2 0 Gaya Heat/Cold Pads Warming for Winter aches & pains or cooling on acute injuries, our new Gaya range of therapeutic body compresses can be heated by microwave or cooled by freezing. Composed of 100% natural brown rice and lava stones, pure essential oils and Thai herbs such as Kaffir Lime, Lemongrass and Tamarind they increase circulation, reduce swelling and relieve muscular and joint paing. Prices start from $21.50.

Available at Gnostic Healing Centre, T: 2 0

G

2

On THe CORneR

Gelato Picture Frames with drawers to match – just arrived, new to the gnostic universe. Frames from $27.50, drawers from $65.00. A great gift for a new baby (or yourself!).

Available at Gnostic Forest, T: 2 66

Picture perfect. With the cooler weather keeping us indoors more, why not try a jigsaw puzzle? We have a range of great fantasy-style puzzles for all ages and price ranges, from 100-2000 pieces. Featured here is Earth Angel (2000pc) – $55.00 Available at Gnostic Enchantments, T: 1 88

Friends in High Places. We have angels in many styles and sizes, even large ones to beautify and watch over your home or garden. This one called ‘Blessings’ stands about 75cm tall and sells for $250.00.

Available at Gnostic Enchantments, T: 1 88

Pumpkin and Sweet Corn Fritterballs served with a crisp salad, home-made sweet chilli and mint and coriander yogurt. delicious and gluten free! $14.90.

Available at Gnostic Mana Cafe, T: 1444

G

2

TRAVELNEPAL

Holi Festival WORDS: Emily Holstein / IMAGES: Michalis Maroulakis

T

he air is buzzing. The feeling amongst people in the street gave the afternoon a happy adrenaline shot. One tiny shop just outside our apartment has 5-foot high old wooden shutters that open the counter out onto the dusty street. Hordes of people line up eagerly to get their colourful bags of powder in preparation for the next day.

We join the crowd and our turn to be served comes sooner than we are ready to choose our weapons. We decide “more is better” and hurriedly collect Cobalt blue, Hot Pink, Forest Green, Blood Red and Royal Purple. Back home to our apartment for a restless nights sleep.

Credit where its due: the restless sleep is also, in part, to our newly discovered rodent room mate.

My last experience I had of Holi festival was in the desert in northern India about seven years previous…

G

26

My travel companion at the time had rejected an offer from a sweet Sikh family we had met to join them, and instead booked us tickets to a small town in northern Rajasthan.

Holi was spent on a camel safari in the desert with a rag tag bunch of camel tour guides named after (but without the mercy of) various Indian gods. Being the only female on this journey away from what little comforts the township had, I shuddered as I saw the reams and reams of foil condoms being packed onto our cart for the journey. I needn’t have worried specifically about my lady parts as days later the same condoms were filled with water and thrown indiscriminately at all my parts.

So here I was again, present for another Holi festival. This time, thankfully, sans camels, guides, condoms and, well, sand.

We awoke in our apartment to near silence on the street. No hustling cars, blaring music, sing-song milk truck man or the clinking of glasses and plates amongst the chatter from the Café below our room.

Nothing.

Just the birds and an occasional dog barking. Slowly the animal centric morning sounds make way for the occasional whoop and holler.

The young men and children in our street have started. Good natured laughing and screaming and the sounds of water and surprise attacks filter up into our room as we pull on our white clothes for the day. (Far from being a tradition, our white clothes were self imposed to act as a visual tool to recollect and record our day –or perhaps just a good target).

We need not have tried… Westerners are a favoured target we discover as we venture up the street towards the sounds of drumbeats.

The tall apartment blocks in Kathmandu lend themselves well to anonymous airborne attacks, usually of the “bucket of water” variety followed by a stifled burst of youthful giggling.

As we round the corner past the ancient ornate buildings of durbar square we find a full blown dance party complete with speaker stacks, dj, film crews and thousands of people.

Holi celebrates the survival of Prahlada, the son of a god, after facing a flaming pyre. In

Emily (right) with her travel buddy Lauren “Monty” Montgomery and their new found friend, mountaineer/photographer Michalis Maroulakis.

other stories, its a celebration of the love of the goddess radha for Krishna, a welcoming of Spring, the so-called “season of love” and its colours.

From this point the day becomes a blur of smiling faces, dancing, shenanigans and new friends as the jovial spirit of Holi whips us up into its midst and only spits us out hours later as we collapse in a dark café to debrief over sweet tea and momos.

Energy Current Meditation

Experience the flow of energy running through your body, feel the light dimension and spiritual realm while meditating within a current of spirit energy

Crystal Light Bed Therapy Available www.energycurrent.org

Oscar De Sousa Ph: 0431 636 586 G

2

ReVieWs The Honeymoon Effect PubLISHer: HAYHouSe rrP $17.95

bruce Lipton has had huge success with his books The Biology of Belief and Spontaneous Evolution. As a cell biologist turned author, he describes the comparisons between the behaviour of cell, the brain and computers. This research has lead to his hypothesis that our genes may not in fact control our cells but rather the environment and our interpretation of information dictate how our cells behave.

In this new book he explains that we can create a honeymoon effect, which he describes as a state of bliss, passion and energy where we just can’t wait to get up each day.

The suggestion is that with the same scientific principles now being widely accepted from his previous books, we can consciously chose the outcome in all our relationships. This book is packed with valuable information that will help you create and sustain a level of passion and contentment with all relationships in your everyday life. – Mary Holstein

Thrive: What On Earth Will It Take? dVd ProduCerS: Foster and Kimberly Carter Gamble

This documentary film is a must watch for anyone interested in what’s really happening in the world today. With a starting point of unlimited sustainable energy and taking in crop circles, GMo foods, hidden cancer cures, 9.11 and the world banking system, you might be forgiven for thinking it was too complex or depressing to even think about.

Amazingly, Foster Gamble and his wife Kimberley, the independent filmmakers, make this an understandable, riveting and completely accurate documentary which has been magnificently crafted to come to a constructive and positive conclusion. – Wendy Daniel

POeTRY Sunset Over the Plaza

A pink and purple sunset unfurls like a banner Above deep Water Shopping Plaza; Sublime meets the mundane.

Rendezvous

by a course of least resistance, rivers flow to sea.

There is hope for me.

G

28

Balance

Ignoring my work database, To compose haiku, I balance my soul.

– by Adrianne Wood

inTHeCARds

‘INTENTION’

from Angels of Atlantis oracle deck

bY STeWArT PeArCe

Make a list of your many expectations, as they are the seeds of your intentions.

Thought creates reality, and so, by revealing this card, you are being asked to truly specify what you intend, and to place a purpose to that intention. From clearly defined purpose your experience is wrought. The Angels want you to experience Love, Joy and Success.

Therefore visualise yourselves and your intimates in GrATITude, joyously experiencing the outcome of your intention – this is the kernel from which abundance grows.

Chant ‘HAY’ in praise of the joy that you feel.

STEWART PEARCE has been an internationally renowned voice coach, sound healer and angel medium coaching at shakespeare’s globe theatre, and many centres around the world.

– Julita Wardley, Angel Intuitive and part owner of Gnostic Enchantments

Brief THERAPY with Hypnosis

It takes 21–28 days to make or break neural pathways.

CLEARING THE PATH: In our first (extended) session we will discuss the history of your problem and refine goals which are instilled into the subconscious mind.

TRACING TRACKS: In following sessions we will use imagery and dialogue to heal the wounds underlying your old patterns.

SEALING THE ROAD: In our final session we direct your future while allowing for creative change.

Four sessions for change: $ 00 Call Liz Macnamara MH, HT at The Clearing 43 410 464 www.lizmacnamara.com G

2

Planetary influences

for JUne, JULY & AUGUsT 2013

Jennifer has been an Astrologer for 22 years. FAA Certificate.

As the year moves on the earth continues its orbit around the sun. This natural progression changes our position in relation to the other planets and the following influences occur…

G

0

JUne

JULY

AUGUsT

You will reach a new understanding of the world around you as you look at everything in a logical way. Being disciplined and using common sense will help you to understand how you can boost your finances. It will also assist in improving relationships with your loved ones and making wise decisions on changing the direction in your life. Success is the keyword for June. You can achieve anything so long as you put your mind to it.

After establishing yourself in your world in June, July will bring to the table a sense of power and wanting to explore “who” you really are. You will have to “be true to yourself” and perhaps walk away if a situation has turned sour. There may be power struggles at hand. In doing so it will help you to regain your confidence to fulfil long term success and re ignite your compassion in life. Home life and romance should be good, as is buying or selling of property.

In August it’s a matter of “sharing power.” You may have compulsive tendencies as you struggle to achieve your goals. Someone may be deliberately standing in your pathway, so be careful you don’t explode. Abuse of power, frustration and irritability will want you to rebel, so you need to be realistic – not reckless. Show some restraint before you break free of this situation. Breath in, count to 10 before you let it all out.

R

Gnostic Forest offers readings daily from 10am – 4pm.

Phone for an appointment on 4342 4466. Phone readings also available.

Morgaine – Sunday, Monday Inspiring and genuine guidance through tarot, numerology, astrology, spirit guide communication. Past life regression to unlock karmic lessons also available by request.

Bridget – Monday Experienced intuitive Palm Reader. The lines on the hand are a directory to the personality and events both past and future. By understanding these influences you can make conscious choices about your future direction.

Loretta – Tuesday Exuding experience and grace, Loretta uses psychic tarot incorporating messages from your guides to help clarify your current situation and move into your future with confidence.

Oscar – Thursday, Sunday Specific and unique, through his skills of clairvoyance and mediumship Oscar offers guidance and comfort from your spirit guides, higher self and lost loved ones.

Ingrid – Wednesday, Thursday Warm and nurturing, Ingrid uses psychic abilities, tarot, numerology and dream interpretation skills to help you gain clarity of past, potential futures and present.

Jennifer – Friday Genuine and honest, Jennifer uses tarot, astrology and numerology to give specific and accurate information about now and timing for future possibilities.

Franchesca – Wednesday, Saturday Clairvoyant. By reading your aura and the tarot cards Franchesca can help empower your decisions. Palm readings and medical intuitive services also add further guidance.

Christian – Friday, Saturday Caring and kind hearted, Christian connects with lost loved ones in spirit to bring through wisdom and messages of support. Psychic skills and oracle cards give positive guidance for now and in the future.

Readers offer their interpretations of the situation and possible outcomes. As this is the world of free will you always have the power to change outcomes and determine your own future.

G

1