Introduction to the Tarot: What it is, How it works and How it can help you

The tarot is a pack of 78 cards comprised of 22 Major Arcana (or trump cards) and 56 Minor Arcana cards which can be likened to a pack of playing cards with their 4 different suits.  In the past tarot has had a reputation for ruthless prediction, as a consequence of which they are often regarded with fear and caution, but do they really deserve this reputation and can they be used in a more positive, empowering way?

A Historic Mystery

Most people have heard of the Tarot today but its origins are still shrouded in mystery.  Some say that the tarot was brought to Europe by gypsies; others that it came from Egypt.  Personally I don’t think either of these suggestions is entirely correct.  The Major Arcana is said to represent the spiritual journey and the challenges we meet along the way.  Some say that the Major Arcana tells the story of the lost feminine, the sacred feminine or Holy Grail and her repression by the Catholic Church and our patriarchal society over the centuries.  Certainly the origins of the Tarot are focussed in areas of Europe where the Grail/Mary Magdalene legends are most alive, namely southern France (Languedoc) and northern Italy.

The earliest tarot deck is the 14^th century Charles VI or Gringonneur deck, originating in France, and the 15^th century Visconti-Sforza deck originally created for the Dukes of Milan.  The imagery in both these decks is medieval not Egyptian.  Margaret Starbird in her book ‘The Tarot Trumps and the Holy Grail’ relates the knights in the Tarot to the Knights Templar (Order of the Knights of the Temple of Solomon), the historical protectors of the Grail family and its secrets.  It is said that the secret the Knights Templar brought back from the crusades in Jerusalem was so powerful that it could not be written down or spoken about.  Instead its wisdom was enshrined in the images of the Major Arcana to preserve the legend for all time.  The Roman Catholic Church subsequently declared the tarot to be heretical.

Relevance Today

Today the tarot is used to identify the major events and emotions that are universal to the human race.  The Major Arcana reflects the major themes in life that we all experience and the Minor Arcana fills in the more detailed, day to day aspects.  Since the tarot is the story of life, the story of the spiritual journey, it is relevant to each and every one of us.  Maybe it can help you …

How the Tarot Works

Tarot works on an energy basis, simplified as like attracts like.  The tarot acts as a mirror, reflecting back the thoughts, feelings, major truths, undercurrents from the subconscious and likely outcomes based on current conditions.  It taps into the wisdom of the soul and the unconscious to reflect what is truly going on.  The cards are the link between the subconscious and conscious mind of the Enquirer.  The reader’s role is merely to interpret and reveal what the cards are saying.  A reading brings to light what is unseen or unclear as the hidden wisdom of the subconscious mind is brought into the light of the conscious mind.  Often what is revealed during a reading simply just ‘rings true’: this is because we are recognising it as truth at a deeper, intuitive level.

How can it help you?

A reading usually provides the insight you need to help you make more informed decisions in life.  Seeing your situation and options from a higher perspective can bring greater clarity in an area of confusion or difficulty.  However a reading should provide guidance only: ultimately any decisions are up to you.  A reading should be empowering, helping you to see your options and any underlying patterns.  So, would you benefit from a reading?  If any of the following questions sound interesting, then the answer is probably yes!

• Would you like to gain greater perspective on your current situation?
• Are you wanting to see what lies ahead in the near future?
• Would you like to see how best to move forward in a particular area of your life such as work or relationships?
• Are you seeking an answer to a particular question?
• Are you wondering whether you should pursue a particular course of action, such as going self-employed or buying a house?

Notes:

Tarot readings are available with Helen Shortland for £25 for 35-40 mins. Your reading will begin with an opening spread giving an overview of your current situation and your immediate future.  You will then be able to ask a specific question or take a closer look into a particular area of your life. Your reading can be taped for an extra £1 or you can bring a notepad and pen to make your own notes or record on your mobile phone.

Private consultations at Thyme for Tea Cafe, 10 Trinity Walk, Nottingham city centre by appointment only.

Home visits and group bookings (max 6) in city area also available.

Helen also offers postal readings.  Please send handwritten letter with 2 questions to her at c/o Thyme for Tea, together with a cheque for £25 made payable to Helen Shortland.  Please add your email address for a reply by email or enclose a stamped addressed envelope for a postal reply.

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Holistic Therapist, Tarot Consultant Reiki Master Teacher and Meditation Teacher based in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a reading or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

THE AMAZING HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is rapidly gaining popularity as an amazing all-round beauty product, with very good reason!

Beauty Benefits

I and my family have been using coconut oil for several months now as a beauty product and have found it to have the following benefits:- 

• As a moisturiser it combats dry skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• A gentle but powerful skin cleanser, it gently dissolves dirt, make-up and impurities.  Massage half a teaspoon into the skin and wash off with warm water.
• Due to its regenerative effects, it is an excellent all-round skin healer.  Try it on cuts, grazes and wounds.
• As a lip balm to nourish and soften the lips.
• A dramatic reduction in rosacea flare-ups.
• Provides immediate relief from the itching of a shaving rash.
• Relieves eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.  We used it on a flaking scalp – apply at night, wash out in the morning and the flaking is gone.
• Relieves patches of dry skin on knees, heels and elbows.
• Smoothes and softens hair when applied as a conditioner.  There was less frizz and less straightening was required.  Apply to the ends to treat fly-away hair.

The healing, antibacterial, cleansing and regenerative properties of coconut oil make it ideal for topical use.  It is not laden with chemicals so is gentle on the skin and safe for everyone to use.  Many facial skin care products are made from harsh chemicals and contain large amounts of alcohol which will strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in the skin producing more oil to compensate for the loss which leads to clogged pores and acne.  Coconut oil gently removes even the heaviest make-up without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

 

Health Benefits

My own research on line has found many amazing health benefits of coconut oil.  The general guideline is to take 3 tablespoons a day.  Coconut oil is one of the good fats and is easy to digest for those with gall bladder problems.  It does not cause heart disease and does in fact protect against it. 

• Stimulates thyroid function and combats hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid).  Symptoms of an under-active thyroid are low body temperature, cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold and feeling cold all the time, headaches, insomnia, dry skin, puffy eyes, hair loss, brittle nails, aching joints, constipation, fatigue, hoarse voice, dizziness, ringing in ears, loss of libido, weight gain, mental fog and low mood.
• Its antiseptic, microbial properties help fight viral and bacterial infections. The lauric acid in coconut oil also fights yeast and fungi.
• Lowers cholesterol.  People living in tropical environments who consume large amounts of coconut oil experience far less heart disease than those living in the West.
• Helps combat diseases associated with ageing and chronic degenerative diseases including cancer.
• Regulates blood sugar levels so helps prevent, control and manage diabetes.
• Controls hunger and cravings and promotes weight loss.  Its medium chain fatty acids promote thermogenesis, leading to increased metabolic rates.
• Promotes brain health and is beneficial in cases of Alzheimers due to the high level of good HDL cholesterol which is required for the proper functioning of the synapses in the brain.

I have also tried coconut water which contains more potassium than a banana and is excellent for rehydration. An excellent choice of drink in the current hot weather!

 

Cooking with Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil can be used in cooking and baking, replacing other oils or margarines.

Try roasting potatoes in coconut oil – they taste delicious!

Saute or stir fry seasonal veg in coconut oil such as carrots, courgettes, peppers and mushrooms.

Add to smoothies, fruit salads and yoghurt.

There are many recipes available on line but here is something simple and delicious for you to try: 

Raw Chocolate Cream Caramel Bars

Crust:
1 cup almonds, cashews or peanuts
1 cup dates
Pinch of salt (optional)

Caramel:
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup dates

Chocolate cream:
1/3 cup coconut oil
2-3 tablespoons cacao powder
1/4 cup raw honey

Method:
To make the crust: process the almonds or other nuts into flour in your food processor, then add the dates and process until it all begins to stick together. Press into the bottom of a lined baking pan and refrigerate.

To make both the caramel and mocha layers: just blend the ingredients in each list until smooth.  Feel free to add other flavours like vanilla, chili, ginger, etc. Spread the caramel onto your crust, followed by the chocolate cream.  Refrigerate for a couple of hours until completely set.

  

Notes:

 

1. Coconut oil is available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE.  Little London stock 3 different brands (Veridian, Optima and Biona) ranging in price from £11-£15 for a 500ml jar.  Tel (0115) 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk
2. Coconut water is available from Waitrose.
3. More information on coconut oil can be found at www.coconutoil.com or visit youtube.com Dr Bruce Fife on the benefits of coconut oil.

 Helen Shortland is a Holistic Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher and Meditation Teacher based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

TREATING ANXIETY THE NATURAL WAY

More and more people nowadays are suffering from some form of anxiety.  As the pace of life continues to increase, so do your stress levels.  Life events such as employment stress, exam pressure and family break-ups leave people feel tense and agitated.  Other causes of anxiety are more deep-rooted and stem from unresolved painful events in childhood.  Reports of hazards and disasters in the news also add a general sense of fear and worry.  Anxiety-related disorders such as panic attacks are on the increase but many suffer symptoms without realising it including irritability, headaches and digestive disorders such as gastric ulcers.

 

How anxiety affects the body

 

The autonomic nervous system, over which you have no conscious control, is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In response to intense physical or emotional stimulation, your sympathetic system induces a ‘fight or flight’ response, increasing adrenalin production from the adrenal glands, so that you can respond to danger.  In our evolutionary past this helped us to avoid predators but extended, long term stimulation results in a racing heart rate, sweating and irritability.

 

The parasympathetic system is suppressed during ‘fight or flight’.  This system governs vital bodily functions including digestion, assimilation of nutrients and waste elimination, so is it any wonder that excessive anxiety can result in digestive disorders?

 

Restoring balance

 

Various traditional herbal remedies can treat symptoms of anxiety.  For example, lemon balm and skullcap are relaxants, helping you to unwind and gain a restful night’s sleep.  Vervain and skullcap can also help to nourish, strengthen and balance your nervous system.  Linden is helpful in protecting against the formation of gastric ulcers.  Wild lettuce has an antispasmodic effect which helps to relax muscles.

 

Holistic therapies such as Reiki can help to rebalance the mental/emotional bodies, calming the mind and balancing the emotions. A more physical therapy such as reflexology can help to balance the symptoms of stress within the physical body.  Therapies such as hypnotherapy and CBT are also worth investigating as they help to change your response to certain ‘triggers’.

 

 

Notes:

 

1. Therapies including Reiki and Reflexology are available with Helen Shortland.
2. Herbal remedies and a wide selection of herbal teas are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE. Tel 0115 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk.

  

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

THE VIOLET FLAME CHAKRA AND ITS ROLE IN HEALING

What is the Violet Flame Chakra?

 

The Violet Flame Chakra sits at the top of the brow on the highest point of the forehead, between the crown and third eye chakras, and burns with all the colours of the violet light from deep magenta to pale lilac through violet and purple with flickers of silver, gold, deep ruby red and opalescent light. It is a living flame of violet purple magenta light, rather than as a star or orb or vortex of light.  It serves to connect us to every manifestation of the Violet Flame found in every dimension that exists between the Divine and ourselves. This includes the Violet Flame of the physical dimension, the violet flame of the mental dimension, the violet flame of the emotional dimension and the violet flame of the spiritual dimension. These flames are called the Rescue Flames.

 

Why is it important now?

 

The teachings and initiation into the Violet Flame Chakra have been brought to us by Ascended Master St Germain channelled through spiritual teacher Edwin Courtenay. This teaching system has been brought to earth now to assist humanity with numerous challenges that are being faced now as part of the ascension process of planet earth itself. Many people are experiencing personal challenges that can almost be proving too much to bear, diverting people from their path and making them question their faith and everything they have believed in so far.  At this powerful time in earth’s history there is much clearing of unresolved deep and ancient karmic issues and lessons to be learnt and cleared, both on a personal and global scale. Many people who have been on a healing or spiritual path for a while now are also experiencing ascension symptoms as part of their ongoing journey which the Rescue Flames are particularly effective at addressing.

 

Although the Violet Flame has been available for us to call upon to transmute negative energy for some time, there have been many instances when it doesn’t seem to have worked.  Previously the ability to call upon the Violet Flame has only been as good as the clarity and connection of the person who calls upon it. If the person is clear, there is no problem and they can transmute the energy. If however they are not clear emotionally, for example, and their connection to the emotional sphere is not good, they couldn’t call upon the Violet Flame very clearly so it would not have worked well in terms of clearing negative emotional energy and the planes above the emotional plane would have remained blocked as well.  Now - through the initiation of the Violet Flame Chakra - this will be a thing of the past enabling us all to call upon the flame in every aspect of its manifestation in all dimensions/spheres.  If you decide to take the Violet Flame Chakra initiation, you will open up a doorway, window or portal through which the full power of the flame and its associated wisdom might be accessed and drawn upon in order to clear all forms of negative energy – physical, emotional, mental, spiritual.

 

The Role of the Violet Flame in Healing

 

Summoning the Violet Flame can cleanse and clear negative energy in whichever dimension we want to heal. For example in the physical dimension it can be called upon to help release whatever emotional toxins we are holding onto, such as negativity, fear, guilt, sadness and pain. The cells of the body hold onto negative mental/emotional energy and it is this which needs to be released in order for the physical body to heal. The Physical Rescue Flame therefore brings healing to the physical body by releasing the underlying mental/emotional patterning which caused the imbalance in the first place and which is contributing to illness and disharmony. As such, this flame can have a detoxifying effect! In the mental and emotional dimensions the Violet Flame can be called upon to transmute negative thought forms and emotions. The Mental Rescue Flame strengthens the mental body, bringing it additional power and focus, enabling a person to cope better with challenges in their life.  The Emotional Rescue Flame is ideal for people who feel unloved and unworthy as it dissolves blocks to receiving divine love and connects us to our soul so we feel less of a victim. In the spiritual dimension it can be called upon to raise your spiritual vibration, lift it above heavy energy and cleanse it of dark, detrimental energies that are dragging it down.

 

The Silver Violet Flame and Higher Clairvoyance

 

Another aspect of the Violet Flame is the Silver Violet Flame, which you can also access once you have received the Violet Flame Chakra initiation. This flame is monitored by Ascended Master Lady Portia, divine complement or twin flame of St Germain.  The Silver Violet flame provides a powerful extension of clairvoyant abilities, enabling you to see your current situation from a much higher perspective through the eyes of the soul. The workshop teachings also enable you to temporarily ignite this ability in others too. The Soul can provide an oversight of why you are where you currently are and how you can move forward; sometimes it can also provide an understanding of what you have already experienced.  The Soul sees the past, present and potential future as one continuous event occurring simultaneously playing out beneath it from its vantage point beyond space and time. As such the Soul knows everything there is to know about us, who we are, who we have been, what we might yet become, our life path and purpose, our Karma, what is meant and not meant to be. It sees through illusion and falsity and helps us move forward with clarity.

 

Special Introductory Offer

 

During May Helen is offering a Violet Flames healing treatment and Silver Violet Flame exercise to enable you to see your situation through the eyes of the soul for just £15!  Please contact me either by phone 07748 591690 or email helenshortland@live.co.uk to book.

  

Helen Shortland is a 2^nd generation Violet Flame Chakra teacher, having been initiated by Maiya King who was initiated directly by Edwin Courtenay.

 

The Violet Flame Chakra Activation is a one day workshop 10.30am-5pm.  After this workshop you will be able to pass the teachings and initiation onto others if you feel ready.

The energy exchange for the day is £60.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact Helen at helenshortland@live.co.uk for further course information.

 

Helen is planning to run this workshop on a Saturday in September but if anyone would like to do this training on a weekday during the summer, please let me know (with details of your availability) and I can arrange to do this if we get enough people interested.

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. She runs a range of spiritual themed workshops including Developing Intuition, Connecting to your Spirit Guide, Psychic Protection and Angel workshops. Please ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics  or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

EASE HAYFEVER SYMPTOMS WITH HOPI EAR CANDLES

 

 

                                       

The Hopi Ear Candle treatment (also known as Thermo Auricular Therapy)

is a pleasant, non-invasive treatment which is beneficial for many problems

related to the ears and head.

Ear candling is an excellent natural remedy for easing sinus and nasal                     congestion.  Many people who suffer from hay fever symptoms have found

relief from the congestion and fuzzy headed feeling with this treatment.

 

What are Hopi Ear Candles?

 

The ear candles are actually rolled cotton tubes impregnated with beeswax, honey, St Johns Wort and therapeutic oils which are painlessly inserted into the base of the ear to draw out impurities, relieve congestion and relieve pressure in the head and sinuses.

 

Where do they originate?

 

Hopi Ear Candles take their name from the Hopi Native American Indian tribe, a peaceful tribe with great medicinal knowledge.  It is said that the Hopi Indians used the ear candles to clear their head before going on their shamanic journeying and indeed one of the most common benefits reported by clients is a feeling of being lighter and clearer in the head.

 

How do they work?

 

The ear candles have a gentle suction action (like a chimney effect) which loosens and draws out compacted wax from the ear canal to be collected in the base of the tube.  The movement of the flame creates a vibration of air in the candle which gently massages the ear drum and soothes the sinus and nasal passages. 

 

How can they help to ease hay fever symptoms?

 

The candles are particularly effective at treating congestion in the sinus and nasal passages.  Breathing generally becomes freer and the head feels lighter and clearer, helping to dissipate the fuzziness associated with hay fever.

 

I have treated numerous clients with hay fever during my 12 years as a therapist.  Client  A suffered badly with a runny nose, sore eyes and fuzzy head from the beginning of March to the end of August, despite taking general hay fever medication. During these months I usually see this client every few weeks to reduce the severity of his symptoms.  He finds ear candling an enormous help – his symptoms are noticeably reduced, he can breathe more freely and his head is clearer.

 

What else can they help with?

 

Ear candles can also help ease tinnitus, sinusitis, rhinitis, glue-ear, excess or compacted wax, colds and sinus headaches. They help to regulate pressure in the sinuses and inner ear canal and balance fluids in the inner ear, so are very beneficial for people with balance problems such as Meniere’s Disease and vertigo.  They help ease sore throats, reduce catarrh and can be beneficial to asthma sufferers.  People who suffer from migraines often find that ear candling reduces the occurrence and intensity of migraines.  Ear candling also stimulates blood and energy flow and stimulates the lymphatic system and metabolism.  Ear candling is particularly useful for people who have found syringing uncomfortable.

 

I have found that ear candling can also help people who are prone to ear infections.  Client B went through a phase of regular ear infections which re- occurred every few months, despite taking medication.  I was able to carry out ear candling once her infection had cleared up.  After an initial course of 4 treatments, her ears were much clearer and her hearing improved.  She now has treatments every 3 or 4 months to keep her ears as healthy as possible. 

 

The Treatment

 

The client lies on their side and the lit ear candle is inserted into the base of the ear.  The therapist holds the candle in place throughout the treatment so there is no danger of it falling over.  The candle takes approximately 12 minutes to burn down.  During this time the candles often make a crackling, hissing noise which is entirely normal.  Wax deposits and impurities, along with candle residue, are collected in the base of the tube.  Once the therapist has removed the end of the candle, the client is asked to turn over and the process is repeated with the other ear.  The treatment ends with a facial massage to promote sinus and lymph drainage and to allow the client a period of relaxation.

 

Four to six treatments are usually recommended to treat a particular condition.  The first treatment seems to loosen up compacted wax and stimulates blood and lymph flow to the ear area, which helps to stimulate the healing process.  Improvements can usually be seen after 3 treatments.  Clients then usually take regular monthly treatments for a few months before finishing the treatment.  With hay fever, I just see clients during the spring and summer months when necessary.

 

Contra-indications

 

Ear candling is not suitable for people who have a perforated ear drum, grommets or implants, recently had surgery to the ear or head, recently suffered a stroke, or those with allergies to any of the candle contents. It should not be carried out if there is any pain or infection in the ear but can be performed once the infection has cleared.

 

 

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. The Hopi Ear Candle treatment is available for £28. Please allow 1 hr.  For further information about the therapies, courses and workshops Helen offers, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com.

 

AN INTRODUCTION TO ANGELS

Who are they?

 

The word 'angel' is derived from the Greek word 'angelos' meaning 'messenger'.  Angels can therefore be thought of as divine messengers or messengers from God.  They are members of a divine hierarchy who guide, protect and inspire us.  Their role is to help us and encourage us to grow, find our life purpose and expand our consciousness.  The number of angels is incalculable: early writings refer to a numberless host of angels, as abundant as the stars.

 

Angels are not part of the human stream of consciousness and do not incarnate in human form on earth (although they have been known to assume human form temporarily to provide assistance).  However there are two exceptions to this rule in relation to the Archangels Sandalphon and Metatron, who were originally mortal men.  Sandalphon was the prophet Elijah and Metatron was the wise man Enoch.  It is said that God granted both men their immortal assignments as Archangels in reward for their good work on earth.

 

Angels have been with us since the beginning of time.  They span all religions and are referred to in the Bible and other religious texts.  Our ancestors looked upon angels as remote beings, as unknowable as God, and believed that only saints, mystics and prophets could perceive angels.  Over time humans developed a more personal relationship with angels and there are many stories of angelic contact.

 

Our perception of angels is often clouded by the many religious paintings depicting them as beautiful human-like beings with wings and halos.  Angels are in fact pure beings of light:  they are androgynous with their masculine and feminine aspects in perfect balance.  One person may perceive a particular angel or archangel as female, while another person perceives its male aspect.  Angels are beings of pure energy who vibrate at too high a frequency for us to be able to perceive through our physical senses.  It is possible for us to perceive them in a deep meditation/trance state but normally they step down their vibration and appear as we imagine an angel to look so that we are able to recognise them.

 

As you evolve and dedicate your life to a spiritual path, the angels find ways of helping you with your mission, constantly drawing you towards your destiny.  Your personal guardian angel is with you at all times but as you grow spiritually you will find that higher level guides, Ascended Masters and even Archangels are drawn to work with you to fulfil your particular life purpose.

 

Your Guardian Angel

 

We all have our own special guardian angel who accompanies us throughout all our incarnations.  This angel loves us unconditionally and knows us inside out, both our faults and our greatest potential.  The main purpose of the guardian angel is to help us achieve our life purpose.  However they cannot intervene in our lives unless we ask them to.  Our guardian angel is always sending us love, compassion and encouragement.  We can choose to listen or not, as we have free will, but occasionally they can intervene in a sudden, urgent need for help.

 

Guardian angels want us to communicate with them and are delighted when we make contact.  They can guide us to our true path in life and help us achieve our highest purpose if we foster a strong relationship with them.  You can ask your guardian angel to resolve problems and difficult situations in your life for the greatest good of all concerned.  Your guardian angel helps you to manifest peace and good in all areas of your life.

 

Connecting with your Guardian Angel

 

The best way to connect with your angel is through meditation. Alternatively just sit in a quiet space and ask your angel to be with you.  Some people like to make it a daily ritual to sit in a specially dedicated place.  It is best if you can purify and raise the vibration of the space you are sitting in, perhaps by playing some angelic music, lighting a candle and placing a few crystals around you. Still your mind and surround yourself with white or gold light. Now communicate your wishes and requests for help to your angel and be open to any kind of response such as a feeling, a knowing or even a message. Sometimes answers come to you later, perhaps through a conversation with someone or a coincidental event.  Usually when you call upon your angel the communication will come through feelings such as peace, clarity, feeling inspired, a feeling of love or of being cared for and protected.

Your angels truly are a source of immense love and support who will bring you comfort and strength through all your trials and earthly challenges.  Once you discover your connection with your angel, it will bring you increased faith in yourself and the knowing that you are never really alone.

 

If you are interested in learning more about angels and connecting with your guardian angel, look out for my introductory workshop ‘An Afternoon with the Angels’ in early summer 2014.

 

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. She runs a range of spiritual themed workshops including Developing Intuition and Connecting to your Spirit Guide. Please ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics  or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

 

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DRY WINTER SKIN

Harsh winter winds can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Here are some natural remedies you can try at home that can help!

 

Protect from the Inside

 

Guard against infections and boost collagen with vitamin C.  Vitamin A helps to feed the skin from the inside out and vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant which fights skin-ravaging free radicals and speeds the healing of scars.  The minerals zinc and selenium aid the regeneration of skin.  It is also important to have a balanced diet including 5 daily portions of fruit and veg so consider taking a supplement if you feeling you aren’t achieving this.

 

Exfoliate

 

Winter skin can all too soon become dull and lifeless.  Exfoliating once or twice a week can restore brightness and radiance.  You can make your own exfoliant by mixing 1 cup of almond oil and 2 cups of Epsom Salts together in a jar and add a little grated lemon zest for fragrance.  The scrub will keep for up to 6 months in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also buy exfoliating scrubs if you don’t fancy making your own.

 

Moisturise

 

Look for an oil-based moisturiser which will provide better protection against cold harsh winds.  Avoid butter based shea moisturisers which can clog pores and opt for almond, jojoba or avocado-based products instead. Alternatively coconut oil can be applied straight onto the face. You can also make your own by adding 5 or 6 drops of almond oil to a couple of drops of water and rub into your face.

 

Chapped Lips

 

If your lips are chapped and flaky, apply a little honey, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and they will soon heal.  If you find this too sticky, try a honey lip balm instead.

 

 

Notes:

 

1. A range of facials, including Collagen Facial, Bee Venom Facial and Rebalancing Facials are available with Helen Shortland.  For a longer facial massage try the half hour Vitality Lift Facial Massage with rosa mosqueta essential oil.
2. All vitamin and mineral supplements, plus a range of natural skincare products, are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE. Tel 0115 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk.

  

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

Her current special offer for March is a Hydrating Facial for just £23!