IN 2017, CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN PUBLICATION Enlighten Up! with The Aquarian

WINTER 2016 Volume 24 • Issue 4 INSIDE FEATURES CONNECTING Only 5 love languages?...... 1 A lifetime with turmeric...... 4 The sacred sound of singing bowls...... 6 ‘Chakradance’ with your soul...10 Balance your personality with astrology...... 11

OPINION It’s not easy being vegan...... 3

COLUMNS EarthTalk: Autism and pollution link?...... 1 Growing up trans ...... 7 Winter solstice: Here comes the sun...... 12 Lakser: You don’t have to be whole to be lovable...... 13 Cassiopeia - Winterpeg wonderland...... 18 Speaking the languages of love

BOOKS 'Chakradance' with your soul Inside your dog’s head...... 14 You don't have to be whole to hook up The Languages of Love

E – The Environmental Magazine are too Many to Count Autism: How I discovered Gary Chapman’s “5 Love Languages” is a crock Environmental By MEG CRANE My partner and I were together for three years before calling it quits. Less Causes? ow do we love than two years later, we’re Hsomeone when giving it another go, but Dear EarthTalk: What is the latest thinking we don’t know how to having some problems. on the environmental causes (if any) love them? This wasn’t Image by mmstudiodesign We’ve realized the issues a question I ever asked boiled down to each of autism? I hear so much conflicting myself until a few of us not feeling loved, information I don’t know what to believe. months ago when a yet thinking we were – Bill Stribling, Austin, TX friend asked me which frequently expressing love language I speak. I our love to one another. I n the 1980s, about one in 2,000 American kids didn’t have a clue what thought Chapman could Iwas diagnosed with autism. Today the number is he was talking about. help as we dealt with this around one in 68, according to estimates from the U.S. What he was referring communication problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism to was Gary Chapman’s In his book, Chapman and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. book series on “The 5 goes over many examples This disconcerting increase has led to intensified Love Languages.” We of couples who have investigation into which environmental factors may chatted about it a bit, but effectively fixed their I wanted to know more, play a role in the disorder’s development. A wide range relationships by figuring of exposures have been scientifically linked to autism, so I picked up one of his out what their love audio books from the languages are. In many including air pollutants, phthalates and other endocrine library. cases, people show love in the way that they want to disruptors, pesticides such as Chlorpyrifos, and many Essentially, Chapman has a theory that there are five receive love, not knowing their actions don’t translate more. Vaccines were considered a leading culprit, but love languages: acts of service, physical touch, quality to love for their partner. more recent research has proven this connection wrong time, presents and affirming words. Everyone has one Once someone’s love language is identified, their – although the subject still engenders much debate. primary love language. When the people we love do partner can consult Chapman’s list of suggestions for A 2014 study by researchers at the Harvard School of things that speak our language, we truly feel their love. how to show love in that way, or they can brainstorm Public Health found a strong link between autism and When they do acts that don’t speak to us, we might a list of their own. For people who need quality time, in utero exposure to air pollution: the risk of autism was not understand someone is trying to show us love, according to Chapman. See LOVE on page 17 See AUTISM on page 18 2 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 3 Grace Under Pressure Being Vegan in an ‘Omni’ World

By ROBIN SMYTH to an unenlightened server can be so daunting, a (to ensure I get adequately fed), it gets immediately person almost wants to head home and just fry up a hoovered up by everyone else at the table, with here is something about the vegan lifestyle that block of tofu already. everyone looking wildly surprised and making “I Teither mystifies or angers the rest of the earth’s My favourite server-related experience was being can’t believe it’s so yummy!” noises. Sigh. human population. In secret, some vegans may offered chicken as a vegetable option while a table The most uncomfortable thing about being vegan call this meat and dairy consuming demographic full of my non-vegan friends collapsed with laughter. by far is having to explain my choice to others and “carnies,” as in carnivore, or “omnis,” for omnivore. I had their sympathy, and they could not believe being put in a place where I am meant to defend From personal and shared experience, the vegan any functioning person thought that a chicken was myself. consensus, in this city at least, is that most Pass. Thanks for asking, though. non-vegan people don’t really understand Most vegans are nonconfrontational and why we chose veganism or what it is that we would choose not to escalate a discussion sometimes have to tolerate. into a raging debate on whether or not plants Holding one’s head up in the face of have feelings. It’s incredibly inappropriate judgment and insensitivity takes a modicum to expect a person to detail and defend a of grace and restraint; it’s definitely not personal life choice, and it’s not a very always easy to feel targeted for making comfortable place to be, trust me. choices based on compassion. Speaking for Yes, we have all seen the rabid, picketing, myself and in a general sense, vegans are placard-wearing, bucket-of-blood-throwing only too willing to (kindly) share insight activists in the media. I want to state honestly and recipes in the most non-judgmental and that they are not a true depiction of the vast welcoming way possible. majority of vegans and their behaviour. I have bitten back retorts to incredibly For every group of true believers, there are mean and hurtful comments at work, while always a few extremists. Unfortunately, dining in public and on social media. I have these are the people that will inevitably be dreaded, left or declined events based on how featured on the evening news or in your I have been treated by others in attendance. Dale Image by Ron Facebook feed. Without getting into an explicit rant about Most of the vegans I know are truly gentle cruelty to animals and detailing exactly souls who wouldn’t dream of telling another what speciesism is and why it should be person how to live their lives. Myself eradicated, I’d far rather stick to observing included. Would we like to see the world some of the challenges that vegans face as a go vegan? Absolutely and for many reasons. minority in an omnivorous society. The best advice I can give on lifestyle First of all, even though product selection choices, if indeed my advice is welcome, is has vastly improved in recent years, shopping for grown in a garden. I ended up having a very large to do some research on what the documented and vegan items is an Olympic event-sized challenge. order of french fries for dinner as I could not trust verifiable impacts of your choices are on you, your It can be described as a treasure hunt, with vegan the “deer in the headlights” head-tilting server to family, other living creatures and our planet. chocolate cake as a big fat prize at the finale for bring me foods that didn’t have parents. Without The decision to live compassionately, gently and finding cruelty-free hair colour and lotion in under my friend the potato, I would have gone hungry on graciously then is yours to make. six hours without using the Internet or the “call a many such dinner dates. vegan friend” option. Family dinners can sometimes feel like a slow An avid animal activist and supporter of A massive thank you goes out to local eateries for descent into a flaming hot pit of despair, wherein human rights, Robin Smyth credits her updating their menus and approach to vegan cuisine, the vegan option is generally a tossed salad with beloved dog Lacie as her inspiration for because we, as a collective, also enjoy dining out no dressing and a glass of water with an organic pivotal life changes, including her vegan on occasion. Every now and again, though, the lemon wedge jauntily garnishing the rim. When I lifestyle. Twitter: @RobinDS3. Website: ponderous task of explaining meat and dairy-free have brought my own meatless, dairy-free entrée robindsmyth.weebly.com. Advertise with The Aquarian We're more affordable than you think! [email protected] aquarianonline.com/inprint-advertise FREE online events calendar - submit your events today! 4 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com Turmeric is as Good as Gold, Only Better My lifetime of experience with the trendy Western superfood that is a staple of my Indo-Guyanese heritage

By SANDRA SUHKAN live, he decided that he would use turmeric every day, properties that a simple search on the Internet can cooked in dhall, which, in our Guyanese tradition, is provide. Nor will I make authoritative health claims. e’ve all heard about the benefits of turmeric, a soup made from yellow split peas. My father ate a Instead, I will tell you the story of my relationship Wespecially in the last few years. Some of us who bowl every morning until the day before he passed with turmeric – of my experiences over many decades have used the golden-hued spice our entire lifetime away five years later. and the benefits my family and I have enjoyed from wonder what the big deal is – we already know the Quite unlike the precious metal gold, turmeric using this extraordinary spice. benefits. Others are hearing about As a child, I ate my fair share turmeric for the first time and thinking of dhall, fed to me, my brother it’s a brand-new power food. It all and sister by my dad on Sunday reminds me of the attention corn rows mornings, even in our teenage got when Bo Derek wore them in the years when we were fully movie 10. It’s another case of cultural Photo by SOMMAI capable of feeding ourselves. In appropriation. This “new” health food traditional South Asian cuisine, with a thousand uses has been a staple dhall (also spelled dhal, daal or of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine dal) is the name for any split pea for thousands of years. or pulse and the dishes made Turmeric has been a part of my life with them. Dhall, Guyana-style, for my entire 62 years. Its beautiful is made with yellow split peas, richness and curative properties have water, turmeric, toasted and been my silent protector, residing ground cumin, salt, garlic and a in my spice cupboard in the most tablespoon or two of vegetable ordinary of ways: in a spice bottle, oil. It’s cooked until the split slightly yellowed on the lid from the peas completely disintegrate and discolouration of using it so often. become a souplike consistency. This was not something I spent Two or three cloves of thinly much time thinking about until quite sliced garlic and 1–2 teaspoons recently, and by recently, in the last of whole cumin are toasted in decade or so. Why? When my dad about 2 tablespoons of oil and was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, I added to the dhall. Additional started researching foods that might salt is added to taste. Dhall is be beneficial for people living with often served over rice or in a cancer. I came across many articles about the anti- is grossly underrated, but so much more valuable. bowl with roti (a type of Guyanese bread similar to inflammatory properties of turmeric and told my Indeed, to overuse the phrase, it is worth many pita bread) for dipping. dad about it. When he was diagnosed with terminal times its weight in gold. I won’t go into details of cancer a few months later and given 6–18 months to its botanical name and I won’t list the many healing See TURMERIC on page 15 www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 5 6 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com The Sound of Sacred Space Singing bowls can make beautiful music and sanctify your personal space

By SUSAN HURRELL Gump’s famous box of chocolates, you are never are often less elaborately decorated and may show sure what you are going to get. Bulk buying of 10, signs of wear, pitting and an uneven patina. he humble brass bowl. Ideally suited to its 20 or more bowls at a time ensures a better price They are all beautiful to Glen Hoban’s eyes and Tpurpose of serving tea, soup, water or food. from one of the importing vendors, but not all bowls ears – especially so if they produce pure, bright tones Large ones can be used as basins or even bathtubs. are created equal. Quality varies, as does condition, that he can use to enhance his musical explorations But when is a bowl not a bowl? When it is made for and both affect the purity of the tone the singing and spiritual practice. But paradoxically, he is both the primary purpose of creating sound when struck bowl produces. running out of space and wanting to acquire more. and is classified more correctly as a standing bell. Most singing bowls have one or two distinct voices He has started to sell bowls that don’t attune to his Tibetan singing bowls (rin gongs) or Himalayan when struck or activated by friction around the rim. desired “singing bowl” orchestra, to obtain both the bowls (suzu gongs) are bells that are not inverted and Glen has one bowl that can produce six distinct funds and space for more suitable singing bowls. hung or attached to a handle. A singing bowl sits tones, depending on where and how it is struck or He believes that there is a perfect singing bowl for on a surface, and when struck (gently) or its rim is rubbed by a mallet. The purity of tone depends everyone. And given that singing bowls can be found vibrated by a padded mallet, produces sound. greatly upon how it has been manufactured. There in so many spaces – from yoga studios to churches This sound – the pure, clear continuous harmonic are many “antique” or “said-to-be-antique” bowls to private homes – he just may be right. tone – especially from the ongoing Glen is also planning to host some friction of the mallet encircling “Singing Bowl Evenings,” opening the rim of the bowl, has become his home to both experiential singing eponymous with Western perception bowl meditations and his own and participation in many of the performances. Glen is no stranger disciplines of Eastern spirituality. to public performance. You may There are few if any mentions in Photo by Glen Hoban recognize him as the man who plays traditional Eastern spiritual texts of a pan-flute as wide as his chest while singing bowls, but historians believe walking around Winnipeg. Glen has that their use goes back to the also played panpipe at seniors homes, Himalayas as far as the 10th to 12th memorials and public Pagan spiritual century AD. gatherings in local parks. And he Singing bowls are now used sings in the Rainbow Harmony Choir. worldwide for a multitude of At one time in history, Western purposes – to start or end sessions European culture moved to the of yoga, Reiki or other modalities, sound of the Church bells – marking for relaxation, personal well-being the hours for prayer, measuring the and as a musical instrument in their passing of days. Hearing church bells own right. Historically, singing bowls ringing out now happens so rarely it have been made throughout Asia; we catches us off guard. Singing bowls are most familiar with bowls exported allow each of us to have a Sacred from Nepal and Tibet, but bowls Bell at hand for our own marking are also commercially produced in of Sacred Space, of quiet times for China, Japan, Korea and India. “Nice note – but what about the other 88?” A few notes from Glen Hoban’s virtual keyboard. prayer, meditation or restorative Winnipeg musician Glen Hoban physical practice. Portable, personal, “knows bowls.” He owns hundreds of musical on the market, but proving origin is challenging for sacred sound – the humble and holy singing bowl – instruments – panpipes, Indian flutes, various old bowls. A dealer may know the village where the fits in a backpack or purse, allowing us to take the drums, a clarinet, violin, glockenspiel, several harps bowl originates or was said to be manufactured, but Sacred Sound of Harmonic Creation with us into a and both an upright and concert grand piano. He the provenance of these bowls can be suspect. busy world, where we can purify and sanctify our also owns hundreds of singing bowls. There are many contemporary singing bowl personal space, and share the Sacred Sound with all When Glen was introduced to his first singing manufacturers throughout Asia who produce bowls those who can hear it. bowl, his thought was “nice note – but what about either in the traditional handmade process or in a Watch a fascinating video of Nepalese craftsmen the other 88?” He subsequently found himself more commercial manufacturing facility to feed the making singing bowls using traditional techniques: at Global Connections, intending to buy a hand Western demand for this Eastern spiritual artifact. goo.gl/naXWxy drum, but found himself coming home with six Traditionally, bowls were hand-hammered. And singing bowls – each tuned to a different tone. As some bowls are still made that way. A more modern an accomplished pianist with a passion for both method of sand casting is done either on a small Susan Hurrell sees the Sacred classical compositions and ragtime music, Glen scale, with more traditional methods, or en masse, in strange and wonderful places began to acquire singing bowls in bulk, hoping to with machine lathing as the final step in the process. in popular culture. Fascinated create a full range “keyboard of bowls” to enhance Singing bowls can be plain or decorated with by new spiritual movements, she his own personal music creation. religious iconography and spiritual motifs and is a contributing editor to The Buying in bulk is risky, because, like Forrest symbols; the older singing bowls of reputed antiquity Aquarian.

Our Mission The Aquarian InPrint is published quarterly by the first The Aquarian is an informational and networking resource week of March, June, September, and December. for a thinking community; we have a progressive approach The Aquarian Online is available all day, every day. to everything from health and spirituality to the environment Follow us on Twitter, @aquarianonline, or and politics. LIKE us on Facebook.com/AquarianNewspaper Our Vision We welcome your suggestions, letters to the editor, writers’ Celebrating 24 Years in Publication queries, press releases, announcements and other input. We Publisher & Managing Editor We have personally seen the transformative impact that may edit letters for length and readability. exploring new and alternative ways of thinking can have Kristi Dorian: [email protected] on individuals and communities. We provide an ongoing We strive to ensure editorial accuracy, but writers and opportunity for dialogue based on mutual respect, exploration advertisers are responsible for the accuracy of their claims and statements. The opinions and views expressed in articles do Contributing Editors InPrint & Online that leads to fulfilment and action that creates sustainability. Syd Baumel, Susan Hurrell and Meg Crane not necessarily reflect those of The Aquarian or its advertisers. Contact the office with all editoral inquiries. www.aquarianonline.com All contents are copyright. We welcome reprint requests. [email protected] ~ Phone: 204-287-8704 ~ P.O. Box 182 - 971 Corydon Ave. ~ Winnipeg, MB R3M 0Y0

COVER ART/PHOTO BY: Sergey Nivens www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 7 Growing Up

By RIKKI DUBOISTrans y name is Rikki, and I’m transgender. In a previous article, I explained Mwhat it means to be transgender. Next, I’d like to discuss what it’s like when a transgendered person is a child. There is one caveat, though: not every trans person has the same experience as a child; no two children, even in the same family, ever have the same experience growing up. This is my story. I didn’t realize I was trans until I was older, but once that realization dawned on me, thoughts and feelings I had as a child made sense to me. The first inclination that I may have been trans was when I was about two years old. I remember sitting on my mom’s lap when she was doing her nails, and I would ask her to do mine too, which she did. One day, when she was not home, I went into her room to get her nail polish. My dad was home with my brother and me, so I went to see him, to ask if he could put polish on my nails. I knew that he was not the right parent to ask, but I went anyway. When he saw what I wanted, he laughed and told me no. It was not a malicious laugh, just one where your child does something cute, but I think that this may have been the time that I started to deny who I was and pushed the feelings of being a girl deep down inside.

When I cross-dressed, my brain would be quiet, and I was at peace. I would then chastise myself for dressing like that, and swore that I would never do it again. Until I did.

As I grew up, I found that I didn’t fit in anywhere. I liked playing with the girls and playing girls’ games. I did not like being with the boys. It did not help that my older brother would bully me. I was sensitive and would cry easily; I was an easy target. But the girls accepted me and showed me how to play their games. Many nights I would lie in bed and wonder what my “girl name” would be. In September 1964, I was three years old and began going to a daycare/nursery-school at a convent, because both my parents worked. There were no regular daycares or kindergarten back then, and the nuns had a preschool program for those who needed care. It was for boys and girls, and this was where it became obvious that I preferred to play with the girls. Two years later, I started grade one. It was at an all-boys school, and I really had a hard time fitting in. I made friends, but I was not comfortable with them. It always felt like I was on the outside. I did not like playing their games at recess, and I spent a lot of time alone. The next year, however, this school amalgamated with a nearby all-girls school, and I was now part of a co-ed class. I was able to make real friends here with the girls. This was hard and confusing, because as a boy I was expected to play with the boys, and I wanted to be with the girls. In the early 1970s I started to cross-dress, in private of course. I didn’t know why I did it, but my brain was usually filled with a lot of activity and thoughts of suicide. However, when I cross-dressed, my brain would be quiet, and I was at peace. I would then chastise myself for dressing like that, and swore that I would never do it again. Until I did. When I came out to my mother in 2010, she told me that if she knew when I was a child that I was a girl, she would have helped me transition back then. That was a nice thought, but I doubt it would have been possible to do in the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up trans was a difficult thing to live with. I was lonely because I was never comfortable anywhere, and thoughts of suicide were always with me. I was bullied for being a sensitive child, something that probably would not have happened if I was able to grow up as a girl. Therefore, I applaud all the parents who support the children who self-identify as having the wrong gender, and for allowing those children to live the life they were meant to live.

Rikki Dubois is a transgendered Winnipeg writer. She has two sons in university and is living with her partner, Charlene, and their black Pomeranian named Tux. Her book Muffy was Fluffy helps children understand what it means to be transgendered. Rikki is available to help those who have questions about gender dysphoria and other gender-related issues. To get in touch – or to read more of her writing – visit rikki152.wix.com/author-rikkidubois. 8 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com

needs of our community. The synchronicity was not lost on me. Everything from that point on became clear. I had my goal and began my quest to create my new career. Our first Expo, held in Calgary, was welcomed by the community and was a success. As was the second and third – each time growing with additional clients and customers. It was during this time that I realized that, although I had accumulated a fair amount of experience, if I wanted the Expo to grow, I needed help – I needed a mentor. It was a dear and trusted friend that suggested that I connect with a friend and colleague of hers, Rick Thiessen. I had no Coming to Winnipeg: The Ultimate idea who Rick was but soon discovered he was the owner of the recognized and popular wellness event in Western Body Mind Soul Experience! Canada, The Health and Wellness Expos of Canada. A couple of phone calls later, we connected. And there was Returning to Winnipeg this year is The New Earth Expo, a no looking back after that. Rick and his partner and wife, Dolores, have proven to be genuine holistic exposition with a new world flair. And the the best mentors I could have ever hoped for. One of the best part? It’s partnered with the Winnipeg Wellness Expo many things that I like about working alongside these two to become The Ultimate Body Mind Soul Experience. amazing people is the one thing that we all have in common: our genuine concern with the successful outcome of each and every one of our exhibitors. he New Earth Expo is the culmination of my life experience Over the last two years, we’ve created a great friendship Tand my desire to work with the industry I am passionate and have worked together to create a new partnership and about. have met with great success. And while the shows have been I’ve reached a time in my life where I can look back at profitable, we will continue to measure our success by how everything I’ve ever done and, good or bad, evaluate its well our exhibitors and the industry are represented. The purpose. Above everything – above all my wants, desires and exhibitors are our first customers, with the thousands of fears – I’ve always sought for a community of individuals who visitors and attendees closely following. Our goal is to ensure are looking for some peace and harmony. And I’ve found it. they are treated to a vast array and assortment of wellness- I’ve lived a good life. I am a mother of two. I have worked related options. Without both sets of clients being satisfied, two worlds of jobs to experience all facets of life. Whether a there would be no Expo. legal assistant, horse trainer, baker, safety consultant or store We at The New Earth Expo are proud to be associated with owner, each different part of my life’s experience has brought the Health and Wellness Expos of Canada and look forward me to where I am today. to our upcoming shows in Saskatoon and Winnipeg – and I had always held an interest in the spiritual and wellness maybe even points west! world, but I didn’t come out of my “metaphysical closet” until I was 44 years old. It was an interesting time for me. I had Gail Stamp is the founder of The New Earth Expo. The Ultimate been diagnosed with pre-cancer. It was the same cancer that Body Mind Soul Experience, which merges The New Earth had taken my sister when she was 44. So I did the only thing Expo with the Winnipeg Wellness Expo, will be in Winnipeg I thought I could do: I jumped feet first into the metaphysical February 17–19, 2017. world of energy healing and cleansing. I set my focus on studying and practising sound and psychosomatic therapy. It was my proverbial journey of self-discovery. And it worked – I’m still here! Since that time, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of operating businesses and, more importantly, worked with a consumer show that sparked my interest in event management. Lucky for me, it was a metaphysical and wellness show and, for a while, a good experience. I was with that company for a couple of years, but after a disheartening experience, we parted ways. After three years of publishing an online wellness magazine, I wanted something different, so I decided to start up my own business. I just needed to find something that fulfilled a demand in the market. I didn’t have to look far. At the time, I was being asked by past clients in the “Holistic/ Spiritual Wellness” industry to create something new. They needed a new consumer show that would support them – one that carried with it value and integrity and would fulfill the

Celebrating 25 years in publication in 2017!

14 1514 16 15 17 16 18 17 19 18 20 19 20 Advertise with eventsevents 21 2221 2322 24 23 25 24 26 25 27 26 27 The Aquarian All EVENT LISTINGS Now available February 1, 2017 ONLINE Spring Issue Deadline aquarianonline.com/events/ www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 9 card file

Circular u Styl Taiji

“An Ancient Art for Modern Life”

Improve Balance, Concentration Co-Ordination & Reduce Stress

Susan Nash (204) 896-9174 Tai Chi & Qigong greyowl5 @ yahoo.com Group Rates Available

Remember to LIKE us on Facebook: facebook.com/AquarianNewspaper 10 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com Chakradance, Rhythm of the Soul By TARA MANIAR stress and rebalance our inner energies, own vibration, colour and sound. They Chakradance gives us the opportunity activate healing and unravel blocked also have associations with each of the to balance and unravel the blocked ance as a spiritual discipline is energy to live from our true, authentic five metaphysical elements (earth, water, energies of our chakras, allowing the Dan ancient practice that’s been self at home, work and leisure. fire, air, ether), as well as archetypes, universal energy to flow freely for a explored by many cultures throughout deeper mind-body-spirit connection. the ages. The desire to dance is deeply With this deeper connection and free- ingrained in the human psyche. In flowing inner energy, we can be our best ancient cultures, dance was used as a in all our relationships at home, work healing art form and in celebratory, and leisure. ritualistic and spiritual ways. As a The music of Chakradance is drawn metaphor, dance symbolizes the rhythm from around the world and has been of the universe, the eternal dance of life. created with the intention of using As one of the most evolved healing sound as a healing force. Music has art forms, dance weaves together all incredible therapeutic powers and is aspects of human existence. considered to be the oldest form of In recent years, there has been an healing. In many ancient cultures, music explosion of new age practices, many was considered sacred and mystical. It of which draw roots from ancient was composed and performed with the philosophies whose purpose is to intention of promoting physical health, raise consciousness, connect with freeing emotions, entering altered states the spiritual world and transcend the of consciousness and activating inner physical. To transcend the physical and healing as we connect to the soul. connect with the spirit or soul, we need Music plays a major role in balancing a system as a guide. the chakras as musical vibrations are Chakradance™, a new healing dance tuned to the vibration of each of the practice, brings this ancient tradition main seven chakras. The pure tones into the 21st century with modern music of crystal bowls pulse throughout the from around the world, meditations and Trosky Photo by Niki music and release a sound field that is an mandala art creations. There are no In Chakradance, we use the energy animals, planets, herbs, gems and more. essential ingredient of each dance. set steps to Chakradance. You dance centres of the body, the chakras, as a Any of these can be used as pathways Chakradance is a healing therapeutic to the rhythm of your soul with your guide to connect with the sacred, both into the chakras, enabling us to connect dance practice. It is unique because it eyes downcast or closed to allow you within the self and within the Universe. more deeply with the energies existing uses spontaneous dance for the purpose to focus on the inward journey. Creator The chakras are part of the ancient yoga within each chakra and within the body. of activating inner healing. There is no Natalie Southgate of Australia describes system discovered over 4000 years ago Working with our inner energy is right or wrong way to Chakradance. Chakradance as “dreaming with your by the yogis, sages and saints of ancient called kriya. Our inner energy, or our It’s a journey of self-discovery. Each feet.” India. Because of this connection with inner world, impacts our outer world chakra is explored with specific music, Since 2006 I have been exploring yoga, Chakradance is sometimes called in the form of our actions, or karma. guided imagery and your own free, my chakras, the energy centres of the “a sister to yoga.” In general terms, the Law of Karma expressive dance, done with your eyes body, through the practice of yoga. I There are 112 energy centres in the is “whatever we do we will receive softly closed or downcast. This begins discovered Chakradance in January body of which seven are considered multiplied.” Whatever we do is controlled to activate inner experiences. You may 2015 as I was preparing for my annual major chakras. Each major chakra acts as by our unconscious, which impacts our see images in your mind’s eye or gain trip to India. Upon my return, I became an energetic gateway, allowing universal thoughts, which further impacts our insights while you are dancing. You the only Chakradance facilitator in energy to flow in and out of our systems, feelings and actions. Chakradance, may also experience feelings, emotions Manitoba in August 2015. Chakradance corresponding with specific organs and rooted in Jungian psychology, gives or physical sensations. Although music gives me an opportunity to marry my reflecting an aspect of consciousness us a modality to become aware of this love of dance with my exploration of the on an emotional, psychological and relationship between our unconscious chakras. It is an effective way to release spiritual level. Chakras also have their and consciousness. See DANCE on page 16 www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 11 Balancing the Astrological Traits Within You By NANSEA LEE have opportunities to learn something to replace them with a better pattern? traits: addictive tendencies, can be about life, and ourselves. Internal growth occurs when you choose overindulgent with food, alcohol, sex or our astrological birth chart is Another example of a not-so-positive to change something. It is easier than you shopping for material possessions, and can Ydetermined when you are born, personality trait: some folks with a lot of might think. be stubborn. Is it time to learn discipline? providing many hidden messages that Taurus in their charts may struggle with The not-so-positive personality traits can assist you in life. It can tell you about some type of addictive behaviour either can create additional mental limitations, Gemini: Loves to be social and your soul, your purpose in life, individual with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, or even keep old fears in place, perpetuate self- communicate with others. They have talents, your unique skills, the type of overly shopping for possessions. Taurus sabotaging patterns, retain those low self- that curious mind that enjoys learning, relationship partner who would be in folks are learning how to manifest in their esteem issues, prevent your manifesting can quickly process ideas, likes variety harmony with you and shine a light on lives. When you are unconsciously caught abilities, produce extra daily stress, health and is perceptive. Not-so-positive traits: some of your mental and emotional up with addictive behaviour patterns, this problems, hinder your ability to develop a can be impatient with others, worry, their behaviour patterns. Your chart is the key may delay your success in learning how balanced, romantic relationship and keep minds can become scattered, and they to progressing on your spiritual path. to manifest. you stuck in your life. If you have chosen can overextend themselves with too many Each birth chart can hold from five I have plentiful amounts of Virgo in to be on a spiritual path and are reading projects happening simultaneously. If they to nine astrological signs in it, and each my birth chart, and it is something that I this article, you have a choice to make: overextend themselves, this can hinder represents a significant piece of your continue to work with. On the one hand, whether to embrace internal growth or them from being successful, completing personality. You are much more than just I am very good with details, walked up perpetuate old patterns. I believe internal projects and manifesting their goals. Can your Sun sign. The twelve astrological the corporate ladder in Los Angeles and growth is an integral part of walking on you stay focused on one project at a time? signs carry inherent personality traits, then became Michael Keaton’s personal the spiritual path. and these various traits reside within assistant for five years. Cancer: Action-initiator, emotionally us. At a certain point in our lives, some After five years, I left my employment sensitive, they prefer harmony, are patient of these astrologically driven behaviour with him to move to Boulder, Colorado. Astrological Signs with others and sympathetic. Not-so- patterns can hinder our inner growth and My continued spiritual growth was positive traits: emotionally moody, can manifesting abilities. more important and was the impetus I have listed the twelve astrological signs hold onto hurtful memories, have fears of We all have complex personalities. to overcome my controlling Virgo and the positive and not-so-positive stepping out and possess feelings of not Many of our positive, and not-so-positive, personality traits by moving myself to characteristics. There are free astrological being safe or secure in certain new life personality traits have their origins in the a city where I knew no one and did not websites if you wish to refer to your situations. Are you holding onto hurtful astrological signs in our birth charts. For have a job. In the process of the move, I individual birth chart. memories from the past? Are your fears example, those of you who have multiple clearly saw how my Virgo personality holding you back from embracing life? planets in Virgo have a personality that Aries: Action-initiator, bold, original traits contributed to the excessive amount thinkers, spirited and independent. Not- Leo: Courageous, creative, independent, sees the details in life and likes to share of stress I gave myself. all those details in conversations. Having so-positive traits: they often exhibit generous and determined. Not-so-positive I then created an affirmation that impulsive actions, may leap before they traits: can be stubborn, demanding and Virgo planets in your birth chart also was designed to help change my Virgo gives these folks a desire to be of service think about a project and the required self-centred. Is it all about you? intensity and perfectionist traits: “I am steps to be successful. Sometimes they can to humanity, be efficient with their work finding new ways to work in a balanced Virgo: Analytical, enjoys being of service, and hold a logical and practical outlook be argumentative, emotionally explosive way.” Bringing awareness to our not-so- and less patient with others. Are your productive, methodical, has a logical mind on life. positive astrological patterns is important, and is organized in life. Not-so-positive The not-so-positive Virgo trait is the impulsive actions hindering you from because then you can choose if you would staying focused on one project? traits: perfectionist, self-critical, a need need to be controlling, overly focused like to continue that pattern or not. Is it to control their lives, judgmental, often on being a perfectionist and oftentimes benefiting or hindering you in your life? Taurus: Determined, loyal, productive, worry, and at times they can fall into the self-critical. The reality is, mistakes will Have you outgrown any astrologically practical, manifests their desires and happen and through our mistakes we driven personality traits and are you ready enjoys the routines in life. Not-so-positive See TRAITS on page 15 12 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com Winter Solstice: Return of the Lord of the Light By CHRISTINA RAI WHEELWRIGHT n December 21, 2016, at 4:44 AM we come to one Oof the most significant thresholds of the “wheel of the year.” The Lord of the Light is reborn and turns his face towards us once again here in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the Winter Solstice. This point on the timeline has long been celebrated and revered by our ancestors and is now interwoven with faith celebrations. Many Christmas traditions find their origins in ancient Solstice festivities. The whole idea of the birth of a saviour aligns nicely with the solar shift into longer days that will eventually bring warmth and growth back to the frozen earth. The early Christians recognised the wisdom of incorporating long-held sacred days into a new expression of those days via Christian belief and doctrine. Was Jesus actually born on December 25th? Most historians will now tell you “NO!” but just as readily acknowledge the common sense that it took to establish this date as Photo by swa182 the birth of the Saviour. In our modern times, no matter your religion of Green: Amplifies compassion and generosity. Good for capable of dissolving any negative energies and returning choice, you may want to incorporate an appreciation opening the heart on the highest of levels, facilitating them to the earth where they can be transmuted into raw for the most ancient of spiritual traditions – the peace and engaging in acts of loving kindness. resource. acknowledgement and honouring of the Earth Mother Blue: Accentuates mental clarity and honesty. Useful Violet: Opens the crown chakra, connects to the higher and her relationship with the God of the Sky, the Sun – when solving problems that require logic and process. self and establishes a strong divine vibration for the user. into your personal celebrations at this time of the year. Loosens rigid brain patterns and aids with perspective Can also increase intuitive, perceptive abilities. This acknowledgement could be something as simple and objective thinking. as lighting a candle in the colour of your choice on the Using colour in concert with the setting of intentions 21st and taking a moment to set some intentions for Orange: Heightens creativity and openness, increases increases the potential positive outcome of any the cycle that is beginning. The colour you choose can the joy vibrations, activates the second chakra and gets ritual. And, of course, mindfulness and goodness align to the goals that you set for yourself. things moving. are necessary always. To get a sense of the energetic Red: Draws passion and love power. Good for potentials of this particular solstice, let’s examine White: Purifies and cleanses. The highest of vibrational them astrologically. partnership, personal drive, starting projects and general energies opens the doorway between the lower and enthusiasm. The winter solstice aligns to 0 degrees Capricorn in higher self. the zodiacal wheel. This is one of the powerful cardinal Black: Absorbs and points regarding energy. Capricorn energy, in general, transforms negative focuses on management of resources, the husbanding impulses (burn with a of the natural power of the ecosystem, control and the secondary candle, colour execution of strategy in a mindful fashion, to name of choice). To be used just a few aspects. mindfully at all times, When we look at the astrological event chart for any but can be powerful when given point in time, we can uncover what the specific working with extreme energies of this solstice have in store for us. It certainly negative energies. is an action-oriented time! There is a suggestion that we should all review the capacity and limits of our Pink: Draws angelic own resources to determine just how much we can protection. This colour is See LORD OF THE LIGHT on page 14 www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 13 You Don't Have to be Whole to Hook Up People who need people can find love, too. By ADINA LAKSER

he holiday season isn’t easy for singletons. TIn fact, there really isn’t any season that is particularly easy for single people. All the mythology around holidays, or summer adventures, or cozy winter nights has to do with coupledom. Love, romance and togetherness. Faced with this focus on couples, single people are given two options: 1. Love being single, or 2. Work on yourself. Does anyone always love their lot? I’m sure many people in relationships sometimes miss being single and many singles wish to be in a relationship. Sometimes I do appreciate and love my singleness. I’m an independent spirit, and it’s nice to have to clean up only my own socks, take myself out for a night on the town, or lie on the couch with comfy pants that aren’t fit for public viewing. However, like everything and anything, I don’t love it all of the time. Ultimately, I would like to be in a long-term, interdependent relationship. I’ve dated and have been in significant relationships in the past few years. But since my divorce almost eight years ago I haven’t had the partnership relationship I so desire. While being single or in relationships, I have helped my healing process through therapy, coaching, ritual, healers, reading, time alone, learning skills, trying new jobs, starting my own business, etc. But somehow all my work hasn’t Photo by View Apart landed me with the “happily ever after.” One of my biggest pet peeves about being single Attachment theory can help us to understand ideal of “be whole unto yourself” looks a lot like is, if I dare to complain about my relationship our emotional needs and our deeply ingrained the avoidant style and is not a healthy foundation. status, my concerns are met with advice that goes patterns for addressing them. Attachment theory Luckily, our social model, as well as our individual something like this: “First you got to love yourself, explores how the care we might have received, or models, of attachment can be adapted to a more then you’ll find someone.” As if being single is a not received, when we were infants and children secure model. punishment for not enough self-care. can impact how we approach relationships in As Firestone concludes, “By becoming aware of I recently came across a powerful essay, “Being adulthood. your attachment style, both you and your partner Single is Hard,” where the writer, Emma Lindsay, Essentially, there are three types of attachment can challenge the insecurities and fears supported dares to call us all out on our bias against single patterns: anxious, avoidant and secure. However, by your age-old working models and develop new people: many people are not absolutely one or absolutely styles of attachment for sustaining a satisfying, “To admit that you’re unsatisfied being single is the other and can live in the “gray.” loving relationship.” almost like an admission that you’re not ready to Those with anxious attachment style feel an We aren’t meant to discover ourselves in isolation. be in a relationship; if you’re not ‘complete’ when “emotional hunger” and need their partners to Our relationships with others can often be the you’re alone, you’re not worthy of a partner.” rescue or complete them. They are often seeking impetus for self-development and can support our While I am always a proponent of self-discovery, approval, even inadvertently, from their partners process. As therapist Avrum Nadigel concludes in I am tired of the linear trajectory story of “I was and other close relationships. his book Learning to Commit, “relationships offer broken, fixed myself and then found love.” Firstly, Those with avoidant attachment style, deny your best opportunity for self-growth.” none of us are broken. Or all of us are broken. their needs for contact and connection, act very We don’t have to be perfect to be in a relationship. Secondly, healing is never linear. And thirdly, we independently and focus on their own needs. If And it is often loneliness or a hunger for partnership, don’t have to be perfect or whole to find love. another person gets too emotionally close, they or, in other words, expressing our human need for This commonly held story is also in line with our will often find ways to make distance or end the contact, that is the catalyst for connection and highly individualistic culture. We are told that if we relationship. healing. want or need something, we should “pull ourselves And those with secure attachment, like in I'd love to hear from you. Contact me at up by the bootstraps” and make it happen. We must Goldilocks and the Three Bears, find the balance. [email protected] with comments or be completely self-sufficient, figure things out on Clinical psychologist Lisa Firestone explores the questions or if you’d like to learn more about how our own, and meet all our needs. If so, why would subject of “How Your Attachment Style Impacts working with me can help you to get close with we ever be in relationships, romantic or otherwise, Your Relationship” in Psychology Today. others without losing yourself. in the first place? “Children with a secure attachment,” she writes, Whether our society wants to admit it or not, “see their parent as a secure base from which they Adina Lakser is a Winnipeg- we are actually a social animal and our needs for can venture out and independently explore the based sex coach, writer and emotional intimacy are as important as our needs world. A secure adult has a similar relationship mother. Visit her at nakedparts. for physical survival. And yet, at the same time, with their romantic partner, feeling secure and wordpress.com Aquarian we do need to take personal responsibility and take connected while allowing themselves and their column Pillow Talk at www. care of ourselves. Where’s the balance between “no partner to move freely.” aquarianonline.com under the man is an island” and “I can’t live without you”? With attachment theory in mind, our cultural Columns tab. 14 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com A dog’s ears are so sensitive, I’m amazed my dog more predictable than I realized. can sleep beside my bed. “The crystal resonator The ability to speak might make us think we used in digital alarm clocks emits a never-ending are smarter, but dogs communicate so effectively alarm of high-frequency pulses audible to canine that even without words they interact with other ears,” Horowitz informs us. And those energy- dogs easily. Horowitz explains how dogs use body saving fluorescent light bulbs add to the auditory language, bumping, barking, leaning, panting, overload with a constant vocalizing and hum. It’s a wonder my dog woofing. Dogs try to listens to me at all, given communicate with us as the number of constant well as their other four- distractions from the legged friends. We just natural and urban world need to pay attention we live in. and learn to understand Inside of a Dog: A real eye-opener for their language. me was the fact that dogs The strength – and What Dogs See, Smell, and Know don’t see the world as we downfall – of this do. For most dogs, what book is the detailed By Alexandra Horowitz is right in front of them recounting of tests and isn’t as obvious as what studies. The statements Scribner, 2010 is whizzing by. In fact, Horowitz makes and the thanks to the placement conclusion drawn are 384 pages, paperback, $15.35 of eyes slightly to the logical and believable side, dogs can see the because she backs them future before we can. As up with facts. While Reviewed by NANCY I throw the ball, my dog intellectually, I can see sees it arriving up ahead, why it’s important to ave you ever looked at your dog and wondered seconds before I see it get include all the number- Hwhat he’s thinking, feeling or even why he’s there. crunching, information doing what he’s doing? Though they live with us, People have been and test results, I found dogs actually live in a completely different world breeding dogs for a it exhausting in its based on their perceptions. If you think you know variety of purposes for thoroughness. Stories your dog, prepare to be amazed at how off the mark centuries. As dogs evolved about Horowitz’s dog, you might be. Behavioural scientist Alexandra from wolves and took up Pumpernickel, served Horowitz did extensive research and discovered residence with us, they two purposes: to show what’s really going on inside dogs. lost many of their natural how science meets the “What do dogs know about time, about themselves, tendencies and became subject and to provide about right and wrong, about emergencies, emotions, proficient in things not a break from all the and death?” she asks in her book, Inside of a Dog. normal for any wild animal. The concept of doing research. If you just want the bottom line about your Defining and finding ways to measure and observe something because another being said so, like the dog’s inner world, this book will be a frustrating these concepts in tests provides the answers. command to sit, is quite foreign to wild animals and read. People tend to make assumptions about dogs so we see the dog is much smarter than we may Inside of a Dog was worth the read because it based on their own reality instead of recognizing realize. gave me lots of information to help understand my that dogs have a different umwelt (their world as Yes, dogs do think. But not in the way we do. And dog better. By getting a glimpse into his reality, I defined by their experience of it) than we do. Dogs just how smart are they? During their evolution, dogs am making adjustments to our shared space and my take in information first with their nose, then their figured out that if you get yourself a human, you’ll own lifestyle. Though this is probably the slowest ears and finally their eyes. And the information be provided with all the essentials of life: food and I’ve ever read a book, I’m really glad I took the time they take in is so different from what we do, it’s a safe place to sleep. When tested, it appeared dogs to do so. I appreciate my dog more and trust that I hard to grasp at times. Reading how each of their failed at problem solving. They would give up on am a better human companion to him. I suspect he senses works is fascinating and explains so much trying to do something they couldn’t do easily. But appreciates that I now understand more of what he’s about what I’ve observed with my own dog. as Horowitz explains, the dogs didn’t actually give been trying to tell me, too, and that his attempts to Dogs don’t watch the clock, but they can tell up, they just changed tactics. They looked to the train me will be met with greater success. time. They smell it by testing the air currents in a people in the room to solve the problem for them. room. They correlate what should be happening, Dogs are smart enough to use the best tool for the Nancy, Night Sky Woman, has been doing psychic card like your return home, to the smell of the air and job – their human. readings professionally for over 20 years. She is also an the speed that it is moving. Horowitz’s explanation Dogs watch us. They study their human so closely astrologer and has studied a variety of spiritualities and of how a dog’s nose works made me realize how that at times they seem psychic. My dog looks philosophies. She has been writing sophisticated a system they have. In some breeds, into my eyes. He looks at my face. He sees where Taroscopes for over five years and their noses and ears even work together to provide I am looking. Evidently, he is always assessing teaches the tarot through lifelong optimum information. small changes I am not aware of. This book didn’t learning. To book an appointment But their noses aren’t just used to smell. They just reveal things about dogs, it gave me a new or for information about classes, may not have the benefit of hands, but a dog will awareness of myself. It turns out I provide constant you can reach Nancy at 204-775- use its nose, mouth and paws to manipulate their clues to what I am about to do through my body 8368 or by email at ngill@mymts. environment. language and the sequence of my actions. I am far net.

LORD OF THE LIGHT cont'd from page 12 The way that we go about our lives is critical all that is good, all that still works both in ourselves to how our lives turn out. Are we smiling and and in those around us, the new day will dawn, and contribute to the forwarding of the greater good. Ask loving, or are we grumbling and judgmental? The the light will follow the dark. yourself, “What can I do? What can I give? How can I event chart has a powerful Scorpio energy fueling Make the commitment that you will do just one good help?” There is an inherent strength in numbers; there it. Scorpio does not tolerate deceit at the highest thing every day just for the heck of it. Some years is a definite weakness in disunity. Find the other souls level. One of the symbols for Scorpio is the dove, ago, there was a movie made about this concept, the who share your ideals and join them in support for and though hate is certainly powerful, nothing is idea of paying it forward. That concept is valid. If we those ideals. as powerful as the pure impulse of compassion or all paid it forward on a regular basis, our reservoir of This is a time to rethink and review our basic love. This Solstice, we should meditate on how to goodness would be full to overflowing. This Solstice, philosophies, eradicate wrong thoughts, shift harmful use our personal power in a “dovelike” way. Though we all have the opportunity to make some changes in thoughts into healing ones and stand firm for right a frown may rain on your parade, a smile can undo the way that we go about our days, to insert humanity principle. Our greatest rewards will come from distrust and fear. Try to smile more often than you and loving kindness into our words and deeds. Let’s turning inward and honestly facing those things in frown for the coming year. As you clothe yourself all try it and see what happens. ourselves that need to be healed or even discarded with dovelike energy, it could change your reality in entirely. The most significant benefits will be found ways you cannot even imagine. Christina Rai Wheelwright has in honest self-analysis and in aligning to a just cause. This is such a hopeful event chart, and with Leo studied with shamans, both Emotional self-understanding leads to powerful, at the uppermost part of it, we are reminded that locally and internationally. She is purposeful action. With the Moon located in Libra for we can and that we must celebrate one another. also an evolutionary astrologer, this event, we are reminded to base our relationships Compliment however and whenever you can those writer and energy worker trained on truth and honesty, not on selfish desire. It’s truly all you love and even those you do not love. Find ways in reflexology and craniosacral about each other and not just about oneself! to agree rather than to disagree. If we can focus on therapy. www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 15 TRAITS cont'd from page 11 emotions and sometimes lack empathy. Are you listening the moment and then lead your consciousness back to the and honouring others? new pattern you desire to incorporate. Be consistent, and negative mind. Is that negative and critical mind leading? persevere. Pisces: Emotional, flexible, compassionate and gentle. What are you grateful for? The spiritual path is an interactive one. Reading Not-so-positive traits: self-sacrificing behaviour patterns, information to help expand our awareness is only one Libra: Action initiators, are social, hold a strong desire hypersensitive and oftentimes have a victim mentality. part of this journey. The other part requires us to take to be in partnerships, can be charming and prefer balance Are you creating your emotional boundaries? the initiative and take new steps to continue improving and harmony. They are natural diplomats, and they are The first step in changing any of the above behaviour ourselves year after year. You have the capabilities to learning how to be cooperative with others. Not-so- patterns is to become aware of that pattern every time it change and transform anything about yourself that you positive traits: can be lazy, indecisive and procrastinate. shows up in your life. I would suggest that you start by may feel you have outgrown or is hindering you in your Maybe taking action in life and taking new steps is the asking your Higher Self to work with your conscious mind life. plan you need? to bring more awareness to whatever personality trait you Life involves growth – from the moment we are born to the last day in our bodies. We can decide to refine and Scorpio: Determined, mentally focused, intuitive and want to change. Example: “I am asking my Higher Self improve our personalities at any time in our lives. The hold intense emotions. They have a need to share what to bring awareness to me every time I act in this way (you not-so-positive astrologically driven patterns can hamper they are feeling. These folks have a lot of extra physical describe the pattern you want to eliminate).” your ability to manifest your desires, have happiness in energy, and it is important for them to learn how to Then create a game plan for yourself. What new life, stop you from creating better romantic relationships balance this energy throughout their lives. Not-so-positive behaviour do you want to incorporate? Recite a positive and impede your spiritual growth. traits: sometimes they can be an emotional bully, exhibit affirmation and consciously state your words in a positive Working with your astrologically driven behaviour jealousy and may feel vindictive when emotionally hurt. and affirming way. Something like this: “I choose to patterns is a significant piece in helping your soul to Can you speak your emotional truths and honour other eliminate (the behavior pattern to be filled in by you).” evolve. When you remove old behaviour patterns that people’s different perceptions? Think about what pattern you would like to create to replace what you are eliminating. no longer serve your highest good, your body will be able Sagittarius: Friendly, flexible, love their independence As an example, if you want to work on changing your to hold more love and a higher energetic vibration. Be the and new experiences. Not-so-positive traits: internal negative mind, every time you become aware that your best that you can be in this life! restlessness, they get bored easily and overlook the details mind is going to a negative place, begin stating something needed for accomplishments. Being focused would that you are grateful for in life. “I am grateful for my job, Nansea Lee is a professional astrologer, licensed life benefit you. Do you have new adventures? my car, my friends, my health, my home, my pet and my coach, human development specialist and a spiritual family.” This immediately switches your mind from the Capricorn: Action-initiator, ambitious, practical, mentor with over thirty-five years negative to the positive. responsible and disciplined. Not-so-positive traits: of walking her metaphysical- Keep catching the old pattern and replace it with the intolerant, inhibited in expressing their emotions, they spiritual path. She weaves her new pattern you want to incorporate. Be gentle with can be overly absorbed with their careers or consumed astrological and life-coaching yourself while working with this process. Just keep with their to-do lists. Slowing down might benefit you? skills creatively together to reminding yourself of what you want to change. educate, expand consciousness Aquarius: Social, persistent, innovator, intuitive and If you forget and fall back into the old behaviour pattern and provide techniques for inner loves to be independent. Not-so-positive traits: can be or habit, catch yourself and think about the behaviour you growth. Contact her at Nansea@ stubborn, rebellious, impersonal or aloof with their want instead. Try again, bringing more recognition into LiftYuUp.com.

TURMERIC cont'd from page 4 so the wound could heal faster, and it did. Within a made it for my daughters, granddaughters and my few days, the pain had subsided substantially and, husband whenever he is starting to get a cold which The dhall I grew up with was bright yellow from the aside from the yellow discolouration on my leg and can quickly get bronchial. turmeric. By the time my dad was done, his fingers some of my clothes, I felt better. Turmeric capsules are sold in health food stores, were bright yellow too, as he used them as the utensil Fast forward to about 30 years ago. I had moved but they can be awfully expensive, especially if you to feed us. In those days, there was no turmeric to Canada and been introduced to the wonders of want to take several every day. I got creative one powder, so my mom would pound a dried chunk of Western medicine. I discarded any use I had for day in my kitchen and came up with my version of turmeric root to add to the dhall. Dried turmeric root turmeric, except for my favourite dhall. I entirely a capsule. I mixed about ¼ cup of turmeric powder looks much like a dried chunk of ginger, and the fresh bought into the notion that anything herbal like with 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper (this helps turmeric looks much like fresh ginger, except for the turmeric, bush tea, cinnamon, mustard oil, ginger or with the absorption of curcumin which is the active bright colour. cloves was primitive. ingredient in turmeric), 2 tablespoons of honey That’s how I first knew turmeric, dried and (turmeric is very bitter on its own) and enough in a chunk. Curries and masala blends always ghee (clarified butter) or peanut butter (if you included turmeric, and since dhall and curry Turmeric capsules are sold in health are not allergic to nut products) to bind it into a were staples in our diets, I would guess I ate soft paste. I spread the mixture on some plastic it every day. food stores, but they can be awfully wrap, folded over the plastic wrap so the entire Watching my dad eat dhall every day when mixture was covered, flattened it to about the he was living with cancer made me reflect on expensive, especially if you want to take thickness of a tablet and put it in the freezer. how turmeric and its healing properties had several every day. I got creative one When it was almost frozen, I unwrapped it, cut been an ever-present, yet taken-for-granted it into capsule sizes and stored it in a resealable talisman in much of my life. day in my kitchen and came up with my container in the freezer. My earliest memory of the healing power of Whenever I need, I simply pop one or two of turmeric is when I was about eight or nine. I version of a capsule. these homemade capsules into my mouth with a was riding my bike at dusk when a young man drink of water and it goes down quite easy. riding a donkey cart he had stolen came racing Another way to use turmeric is to add some of down our street at breakneck speed. The donkey was Then I got a cold I could not shake, which finally the spice to warm milk with some black pepper and panting for breath. When he saw me at the side of the settled into a dry cough for about six weeks. My dad, honey and drink it as a beverage. Some people call road, he veered away, but not fast enough. The axle of who must have been tired of hearing me hacking away, this “golden milk.” I just call it gold. Actually, it is so the cart hit the side of my leg and pitched me into the said quite sternly that I ought to make some halwa. much better than gold, and it’s hiding in plain sight. trench as my bicycle landed on my body. By that he meant the concoction of herbs and spices, Indian brides use it as a skin brightener when they I limped home where, as soon as I lifted my skirt, including turmeric, which I knew from childhood to are preparing for their wedding day. What could be I saw that a giant bruise had developed on my outer be given to new mothers to help with the discharge better than that? leg. My mom sent me to have a shower while she of “old blood” from childbirth. I was having no such Turmeric is an all-rounder. It is used for joyous hurriedly made a poultice of ground turmeric, grated thing, because I had Western medicine on my side occasions, like weddings and births. It is used as a fresh aloe, flour and coconut oil. She patted the – and besides, I really didn’t like the taste of halwa. poultice for aches and pains. It is used as a nourishing yellow paste on the bruise, covered it with a piece of Another week passed, and my father beseeched me spice in cooking. And it is used for Hindu religious warmed banana leaf and wrapped the poultice in a to get over my stubbornness and let my mom make functions. I dare anyone to tell me gold is that good. piece of cotton to keep it in place. some halwa because I was still coughing so much. I Turmeric is as good as gold, only better! Turmeric stains everything it comes in contact with, relented, and she made the halwa. so the banana leaf served the dual purpose of keeping Most people eat halwa in half-cup portions. But after Winnipeg writer Sandra Sukhan was born the poultice in place and preventing the mixture from I brought mine home, I gagged a few times trying and raised in Guyana. She recently published staining my nightclothes and sheets. to down just a few teaspoons. The next morning, I a cookbook of some of her I went to bed that night with a painfully throbbing continued the ritual of gagging down a few teaspoons favourite recipes, including leg and woke up the next morning with a huge until the entire amount was consumed over several traditional Guyanese food. yellowish-purple bruise. days. In the process, my cough disappeared. To order a copy of Comfort The poultice application was repeated by my Ever since that experience nearly 30 years ago, Food From Sandra’s Kitchen: mother over the next few days. Within a short time, whenever I get a cold, halwa is my go-to remedy. It Guyanese and Other Favourites, the bruising disappeared. The turmeric poultice had is natural, has amazing anti-inflammatory properties contact her at sandrasukhan@ been applied to draw the clotted blood to the surface and stops the chest pain of endless coughing. I have hotmail.com or 204-488-2628. 16 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com DANCE continued from page 10 chest. This dance of love helps us to connect with our joy, compassion and balance, as expressed in and dance form the primary focus, sessions also dancing the union of heaven and earth, masculine include sensing, working with elements, colours, short and feminine, yang and yin, Shiva & Shakti. meditations and mandala art creations. 5. Vishuddhi Throat chakra sits in the pit of our Chakradance connects us with the sacred, both throat. We weave sound and movement to intensify within self and within the universe. It helps us connect self-expression and creativity. with our soul, our authentic self. Dancing the seven chakras is like dancing into seven different worlds, 6. Ajna Third Eye chakra lies between our eyebrows each with their own lessons, meanings and stories in the middle of our forehead. With this trance impacting different aspects of our physical, mental, dance of intuition and inner wisdom, we can enter emotional, psychological and spiritual being. ecstatic and altered states of consciousness for The chakra system forms an energetic ladder that clarity. bridges our material world with our spiritual world. 7. Sahasraraara Crown chakra is at the top of the We can use this ladder as a way of reaching higher head. This sacred and devotional dance is one realms of consciousness, and as we travel back down, of stillness, as we are now at the gateway to the we are able to integrate new levels of awareness into soul and the universe. The dance is internal, for our daily lives. Working with the chakras through now we are dancing the rhythm of the soul as we dance connects us to the core of our physical beings. commune with the sacred and divine beings. Once this connection is achieved, other less tangible experiences of the mind and spirit can be contained, Dancing through the chakra system awakens not only embodied and finally integrated for peace and our bodies; it expands the mind and calls out to the soul. harmony. The chakra system provides us with a way to integrate The seven major chakras we connect with in body, mind and spirit. This model encompasses Chakradance are: the whole of human experience and provides an opportunity to find harmony and balance in our lives. 1. Mooladhara Root chakra is at the base of the Chakradance is a journey towards wholeness to be our spine. In this wild and raw animal-like dance of best selves in each moment. Regardless of age, gender, our legs and feet, our natural instinctual self of culture or ability, if you want peace and wellness, security is reclaimed. Chakradance is for you! 2. Swadhishtana Sacral chakra is in our lower belly. Thank you to all our Inspired by the feminine dances from around the For more information about world, this dance impacts our feelings, emotions, how you can use Chakradance sexuality and sensuality. to activate your own inner volunteers who distribute healing for harmony and 3. Manipura Solar Plexus chakra at our navel is wellness, please email tara@ where our power lies. This masculine dance of The Aquarian around taramaniar.com, call/text power helps us to release all that we no longer Tara at 204-218-9722 or visit need and understand our relationship with power. chakradance.com/facilitator- Winnipeg and Manitoba! 4. Anahata Heart chakra is at the centre of the details/tara-maniar. www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 17 LOVE continued from page 1 language of any of our past relationships, and anyone else’s relationship, for that matter. When I know that Chapman recommends their partner schedule dates at someone is doing something for me out of love, I can their favourite place to talk and give them undivided recognize that and feel it. I know my mom loves me when attention. Chapman says investing time and money in she buys me groceries, even though I don’t particularly learning how to give a good massage would be a loving want her to do so. I get that my dad is showing me love act towards someone whose primary love language is by telling people he worries about me, although it drives physical touch. me nuts. And I’m sure But is it really that most adults have the simple? At first, I same ability to feel that thought maybe it someone is showing was. I took the quiz them love, even if it’s to determine my Alex Sun Photo by not in a way that they language. I asked particularly appreciate. my partner which There aren’t five love language he thought he languages. There are as spoke and scrutinized many love languages as the ways he shows there are living beings me love, the ways his who have ever, could parents show him love ever and will ever love (which, according one another. What you to Chapman, would need in a relationship influence his love can’t be boiled down language) and what he to something as simple appreciates me doing. as physical touch or I asked him what he does for me to show me love. affirming words. I’ll give Chapman this, it is important He wasn’t completely taking me seriously when he that everyone understand their own and their loved one’s answered, but he told me he shows me he loves me by love languages. Having conversations with my partner buying me sushi and board games, spending time with about what I do that makes him feel loved and what he me and rubbing my back. does to try to show me love has helped me understand I realized what a load of crock Chapman’s theory is. our complex and nuanced love language better. And My partner tells me he loves me by play-wrestling learning more about Chapman’s theory did lead me with me when I’m teasing him, stopping me when I’m down that path. telling him what I’m upset about to ask if I want him to listen or give advice, and buying me dinner when I’m Meg Crane is a freelance In 2017, The Aquarian broke and have had a bad day. writer, founding editor of I show him love by sending silly text messages Cockroach and associate throughout the day, inviting him to events I wouldn’t director at Forever MicroRanch celebrates 25 years in really enjoy but think he’d have a blast at and trying my Sanctuary. Most importantly, best to give him thoughtful advice when he asks. she’s an expert in the art publication! Spring issue Our love language isn’t quality time or presents or acts of working while snuggling of service. It is the weird and unique love language of animals of all kinds. Follow her Meg and Nik, which is entirely different than the love on Twitter @MegCrane. deadline ~ February 1, 2017 18 Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! www.aquarianonline.com AUTISM continued from page 1

doubled among children of women exposed to high levels of particulate air pollution products services during pregnancy. Another 2014 study out of the University of California, Davis, determined that pregnant women living in close proximity to fields and farms where & chemical pesticides are applied experience a 66 percent increased risk of having a ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES child with autism or a developmental delay. The advocacy group Autism Speaks, Jennifer Oborne Crolly, B.Ed., CBP, Certified BodyTalk Practitioner. 301 Nassau St. N. 204-229-6257 which contributed to the funding of the Harvard study, believes that despite all Manitoba Hypnotherapists’ Association, manitobahypnosis.com...... 204-515-5448 or 204-781-1233 the emerging data linking toxic exposures to autism, no environmental influence Monique L. Dorge, Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy...... [email protected] 204-254-8563 Pranic healing courses, meditations & treatments. Pranichealingmb.com...... Colette 204-797-1558 appears to cause or prevent autism by itself – rather they appear to influence risk in Rositha Jeanson, RCRT/Refexology teacher, Flower [email protected] those genetically predisposed to the disorder. Vibrational Energy Healing with Caroline Heath, Metaphysician & Spiritual Teacher...... 204-832-6119 “It’s important to remember that not all mothers exposed to air pollution during pregnancy will have a child with autism and not all children with autism were CLASSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS necessarily exposed to air pollution in utero,” said epidemiologist Michael Rosanoff, All inclusive. Pain Stress Sick Lost? WE can help...... www.bbcanada.com/7283.html 204-353-2385 associate director for public health at Autism Speaks. “We know autism is a Hypnotherapy, NLP and Timeline Therapy™ Certification by [email protected]...... 204 229-5734 complex disorder and underlying genetic and biological factors interact to influence MB Astrology Ass’n meets last Sat. of month, mbastrology.com...... 204-990-4970 or 204-475-0812 susceptibility. The next step is to identify the biological mechanisms that connect RAC Foot Reflexology Course - Feb to March [email protected] or [email protected] air pollution to autism and identify ways to treat if not prevent the harm to brain COACHING, CONSULTATIONS & COUNSELING development.” La Loba Services – Brainwave Optimization specialists...... 204-612-1579 While many studies linking environmental toxins and autism have been Monique L. Dorge, Teacher, Body-Mind Analysis [email protected]... 204-254-8563 inconclusive, one developing research approach appears to hold great promise. SoulFireCafe.com - Healing Barriers to Happiness...... 204-299-6133 Remarkably, fallen baby teeth can be used to track a child’s prenatal and infant exposure to chemicals – thus allowing scientists to determine which environmental HEALTH CENTRES causes may have contributed to the disorder’s development. Whole Touch Natural Wellness Centre...... 204-615-9933 “As a result, we can use teeth like an archeological record,” says Dr. Raymond Vitality Wellness Center...... www.vitalitywellness.ca 204-831-8842 Palmer of the University of Texas Health Science Center. “The enamel of different MASSAGE THERAPY types of teeth begins to form at different points during prenatal development. In infancy, the enamel continues to absorb chemicals circulating through the baby’s Koi Massage Therapy & Wellness Centre on Corydon...... 204-952-7440 Monique L. Dorge, Hawaiian Huna Kane Massage...... [email protected] body.” Palmer says the greatest insights from dental analysis may come from looking at chemical exposures along with gene abnormalities, which may affect PRODUCTS one’s vulnerability to potentially toxic chemicals. “It’s not necessarily genes or Old and antique singing bowls from the Himalayas...... [email protected] environment,” he adds. “It’s likely to be both.” Radiance Gifts & Treasures, 875 Corydon Ave...... www.radiancegifts.com 204-284-4231 Alysson Muotri at the University of California San Diego Department of Pediatrics Virginia’s Soap-Deli, Fresh & Natural...... www.virginasoap.com is using teeth analysis to identify gene abnormalities in children with autism, even in cases with no previous known genetic cause. Parents of an 8-year-old autistic boy READINGS mailed Muotri’s team one of the boy’s baby teeth, and the researchers were able to M. L. Dorge, Lifestyle Consultant, Face Reading parties...... [email protected] 204-254-8563 detect a mutation in a gene known as TRPC6. The researchers treated the autistic Readings by Nancy, psychic card reader and astrologer with over 15 years exp...... 204-775-8368 boy with hyperforin, the active ingredient in St. John’s Wort. Dental analysis could Trevor Psychic / Intuitive, in person or online...... www.trevorsense.com 204-504-9575 potentially lead to personalized treatment for autism, whether the cause be identified as genetic, environmental or both. SPIRITUAL CENTRES DIVINE CLARITY Spiritual Centre & Metaphysical Shoppe...... www.divineclarity.com EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a The Sanctuary: Crystal bowl healings, Solstice/Equinox events...... sanctuarymb.com 204-897-7183 registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/ subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. www.aquarianonline.com Winter 2016 ~ Enlighten Up! 19