Traditions

The Well of Remembrance

Ice on ReservoirThe ancient Nordic saga, the Elder Edda, says that the Well of Remembrance is located at the foot of Yggdrasill, the world tree. It confers on anyone who drinks from its waters the ability to see in new ways and to tap into the ancient knowledge and wisdom of Earth and mankind. As the saga relates, Odin, hearing of this well, desired to drink from it, and he approached the well’s guardian, Mimir, (from whose name the word memory comes) to ask for permission. After questioning Odin, Mimir agreed, but first told Odin that there would be a price–it would cost him one of his eyes. Odin agreed and gained what he desired, but forever after he saw this world through only one eye. (p15-16)

From Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers: The Secrets of Ancient Fermentation by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Traditional Water Kefir

Traditional Water Kefir

I stumbled across this really practical and well done video on how to make water kefir. Although I have been reading about kefir for years, I hadn't had an opportunity to make it myself until this year when my sister brought some up to me from a friend who had given her some. This stuff is fantastic ...

Old Fashioned Homemade Pickles

Old Fashioned Homemade Pickles

Published August 2009 in Healthy Options magazine, New Zealand Recipe for homemade lacto-fermented dill pickles. Lactic Acid Fermentation: Symbiotic Man's Secret Ingredient for Health and Longevity Many years ago, I worked at the Inya Lake Hotel in Myanmar which also does catering and event ...

Belly Button Rings and Qi

Belly Button Rings and Qi

I had a strange experience the other day. I was in the shower and suddenly got a weird metallic feeling in my belly button. It seemed to originate from my navel piercing and shot upward towards my breastbone. It felt like the sound of a fingernail on a chalkboard and sent shock waves through my cell ...

How to Count Yarrow Stalks

How to Count Yarrow Stalks

With the global mind shift moving into high gear, more people are getting interested in other ways to slow down and live consciously. As a result we are regaining respect for many things we had dismissed because we did not understand them. Using yarrow stalks to read the I Ching is one of these thin ...

Memories of Moroccan Sellou

Memories of Moroccan Sellou

I finally got around to searching for the recipe to this amazing almond and honey energy paste that they eat for breakfast during Ramadan in Morocco. It started niggling at me a few months ago, but the truth was I couldn't even remember the name of it. I soon found results coming up that were point ...

Alaskan Sourdough

Alaskan Sourdough

Backbone of The Wild Wild West I haven't got much money I don't like to make a show But when it comes to real good friends I love to share my 'dough' -By Hal 'Lucky Luke' Lucas Some of you may remember passing round Alaskan Sourdough Starters to your friends and family along with you ...

The Heart, Venus and the Rose

The Heart, Venus and the Rose

The rose family, Rosaceae, has a deep connection to the heart -- simply inhaling their perfume strengthens it. The Rosaceae family includes strawberries, apples, raspberries, cherries, plums, blackberries, hawthorn, peaches and pears, all of which have five-petaled flowers. Many of the Rosaceae ...

Tenderly Tossed Burmese Salads

Tenderly Tossed Burmese Salads

One of my many favorite places to eat in Yangon is at an excellent Burmese fresh salad bar on the street right next to Sule Pagoda. It opens in the evenings as the parking spaces empty, spilling off the sidewalk and across the street. This place is famous in Myanmar for the best hand-tossed rice ...

Symbiotic Digestion

Symbiotic Digestion

Symbiotic Relationships are Key to Digestion on a Variety of Levels You help me and I'll help you. Like Sesame Street...co-operation. When our digestive system is operating under the right conditions a symbiotic shield is created of friendly, helpful micro-organisms and our mucous membrane. ...