Natural Living – Page 3 – Mark Bere Peterson’s Hauntings, Urban Legends, Paganism & Witchcraft

John Muir

Counter Culture, Earth Science, Natural Living, Nature

John Muir was born April 21, 1838 also known as “John of the Mountains”, was an American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, glaciologist and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. His letters, essays, and books describing his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada, have been read by millions. His activism has helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and many other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is a prominent American conservation organization. The 211-mile (340 km) John Muir Trail, a hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada, was named in his honor. Other such places include Muir Woods National Monument, Muir Beach, John Muir College, Mount Muir, Camp Muir and Muir Glacier. In Scotland, the John Muir Way, a 130-mile-long route, was named in honor of him.

In his later life, Muir devoted most of his time to the preservation of the Western forests. He petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park bill that was passed in 1890, establishing Yosemite National Park. The spiritual quality and enthusiasm toward nature expressed in his writings has inspired readers, including presidents and congressmen, to take action to help preserve large nature areas. Today Muir is referred to as the “Father of the National Parks” and the National Park Service has produced a short documentary about his life.

John Muir has been considered “an inspiration to both Scots and Americans”. Muir’s biographer, Steven J. Holmes, believes that Muir has become “one of the patron saints of twentieth-century American environmental activity,” both political and recreational. As a result, his writings are commonly discussed in books and journals, and he is often quoted by nature photographers such as Ansel Adams. “Muir has profoundly shaped the very categories through which Americans understand and envision their relationships with the natural world,” writes Holmes. Muir was noted for being an ecological thinker, political spokesman, and religious prophet, whose writings became a personal guide into nature for countless individuals, making his name “almost ubiquitous” in the modern environmental consciousness. According to author William Anderson, Muir exemplified “the archetype of our oneness with the earth”, while biographer Donald Worster says he believed his mission was “…saving the American soul from total surrender to materialism.” On April 21, 2013, the first ever John Muir Day was celebrated in Scotland, which marked the 175th anniversary of his birth, paying homage to the conservationist.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”
~ John Muir

Kjeragbolten (Forsand, Rogaland – Norway)

Natural Living, Scandanavia, Travel

Kjeragbolten (Forsand, Rogaland – Norway)

Kjeragbolten is a boulder wedged in a mountain crevasse, 3,228 feet (984 m) above the ground. It is a favored spot for BASE jumpers, who hurl themselves from the cliff toward the spectacular fjord below. Visitors without vertigo are welcome to step onto the boulder for a unique photo opportunity—there are no fences restricting access.

Source: Atlas Obscura

Pagan Groups of Jacksonville, Florida

Natural Living, Paganism, Wicca

Sanctuary: Realms of Spiritual Growth
Rev Dustin – ashriakok@live.com
Melanie – jaxppa@gmail.com
Mark

Sanctuary: RSG is an open Pagan group for those seeking to share their spiritual knowledge and experiences, practice Paganism, and help our community! Our gatherings include rituals, spiritual discussions, workshops, and community service. Our community service include: charity donation drives, fundraiser walks / runs, trash clean ups, and more! To further support our local community, we run Jacksonville Pagan Pride Alliance, Inc and founded Northeast Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition, Inc. We encourage a friendly spirit of mutual cooperation and positive growth in the community! We maintain a Meet Up group for local Pagan groups and covens to post their events in.
Join us on Facebook or Meet up!
Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanctuaryrsg
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxpagancommunity
Meet up Group:
https://www.meetup.com/Jacksonville-Pagan-Pride/

Jacksonville CUUPS
Coordinator: Erin Rogers
CUUPS@BBUUC.org

Jacksonville Covenant of the Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs) is an affinity group that meets at Buckman Bridge Unitarian Universalist Church (http://bbuuc.org) and is open to ALL people in the Duval, Clay, Nassau, etc counties. You do not have to be a member of the church or identify with any particular tradition or religion to attend our meetings. We do celebrate all solar holidays; perform some full or new moon rituals; hold book studies or have open topic discussions. Join us on Facebook or visit the Buckman Bridge UU Church website below.
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleFlCuups
Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/473021186108846/
BBUUC website: https://www.bbuuc.org

Olympic House of Venus-Hathor (E.O.C.T.O)
Hierophant Arch-Mages Moonraven

A GLBT-inclusive house serving the Occult Pagan & Alternative Spiritual community in Northern Florida. We are a family of love, fellowship and worship of the Old Gods celebrating each full and new moon plus 10 religious Sabbats per year. We believe that all nature is sacred and that divinity is present in all things. Through Hellenic Alexandrian Traditional Witchcraft, the Old Gods speak to us today through the Greek Esoteric Magical Tradition (Greek, Roman, Egyptian), revealing Their divine wisdom. We offer sacramental rites to all who ask without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, family status or any other prejudice that separates one from the Gods.
https://www.facebook.com/VenusHathorFL/

Chosen Path Church
Correllian Nativist Temple
Rev Laurie Denman

Founded in 2014 to provide spiritual, social, and educational opportunities for Jacksonville area Correllians and other Pagans. All Paths are welcomed at Chosen Path Church. You do not need to be a Correllian to participate with us. Chosen Path Church is a charter member of the North East Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition. We offer rituals in honor of the Goddess and God for all Sabbats and Esbats, a monthly study group, handfastings and legal marriages, funerals, individual rites of passage, cleansings, Chaplaincy, and other Pagan services, all free of charge. We also have an extensive lending library for members.
The Correllian-Nativist Church teaches that humans interpret Deity in a way that speaks to them. Each interpretation is as equally valid as the other. We work heavily with the Ancestors and psychic training is a core curriculum for our Clergy. Through the Crystal Web, we do energy workings to bring Peace to our members and the entire world.
Monthly Meet and Greet opportunities are held so you can come ask any questions you may have, get to know the Temple Keeper and learn more about the Chosen Path Church and the Correllian-Nativist Tradition. http://www.chosenpathchurch.com/meet-and-greet-opportunities-and-contact-form.html
Find out more at our website or by contacting Temple Keeper Rt. Rev. Laurie Denman, AP by text at 904-483-9001
http://www.chosenpathchurch.com

Pillars of Prophecy
Rev Paolo Santo
info@PillarsofProphecy.org

We are a spiritual temple & school dedicated in the aid and devotion to spiritual conditioning and application in the Ancient Esoteric Mysteries and Metaphysical Sciences. The ultimate goal of the Pillars of Prophecy is to guide individuals in becoming a living embodiment of spiritual knowledge and empowerment. We work by employing spiritual techniques which strengthen the “Will” and give control over the mind, allowing the practitioner to bring about personal changes as well as changes for other. Fulfilling the prophecy that every man, woman, & child will live as divine beings in the flesh. Working in the Enochian Tradition for we draw upon many traditions and historical influences including Enochian, Solomonic & Egyptian magic, Greek philosophy, the Mystery religions, Gnosticism, Neo-Platonism, Alchemy, the Qabalah, and Hermetic literature.
http://www.PillarsofProphecy.org 

Compassion League Temple
Temple Head: Lady Angela
CompassionLeague@Yahoo.com

Compassion League Temple is a fully chartered Correllian Nativist Tradition Temple established in 2013. CLT offers in-person or online mentoring for First, Second, and Third Degree Wiccan studies.
The Correllian Nativist Tradition offers many study opportunities, including Shaman Training. Compassion Crafts, a division of the Temple, provides chemo caps free of charge to any Pagan undergoing treatment regardless of location.
CLT is proud to announce First Coast Crone Connection, a Pagan Circle by women for women in Jacksonville.

Three Roots Kindred
Gythia/Leader: Nicole Hargis
threerootskindred@gmail.com

Three Roots Kindred was established in 2019 by Nicole and Anthony Hargis. Currently based in the South Side of Jacksonville, Florida. Three Roots is a home and a community for local area Heathens. Three Roots celebrates diversity and community well honoring the Gods and Goddess of the Germanic Tribes, the Old Gods. Three Roots is active in Jacksonville both in working with the local area pagans and the community.
We are a closed group but seeking new members. We have many public events through out the year along with many that are for kindred members only.
We welcome anyone who has heard the calling of the Gods and the ones who want to know more.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/threeroots/
www.threerootskindred.com

Wiccan Church of Florida – ATC
Rev Trisha Parker
RevTrishaParker@gmail.com

Wiccan Church of Florida – ATC is a proud member of the Northeast Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition – a group founded to serve the NE Florida pagan community through education, support, acceptance, consistency and leadership.  We are a non-profit, tax-exempt church with the mission to bring Earth based religions into equality with the other varying faiths of the world. WCF – ATC is dedicated to the Advancement of Wicca.  Seekers of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca can contact Rev Trisha via email.
Website: https://www.wcf-atc.org/

Coven Albion’s Spirit
Contact Bobbi Jo or Dennis
904-298-0067

Coven Albion’s Spirit is a Gardnerian coven in North Florida that functions as a family made up of diverse individuals. They meet and worship together in a Traditional Manner to ritual and hold observances on the Sabbats and Esbats. They honor the Goddess and God and celebrate our lives. They hold ongoing traditional Wiccan education classes and support the overall Pagan Community. They practice a nature based fertility religion that believes in a female and male aspect of divinity, reincarnation, affecting change through concentration of will and personal responsibility for one’s actions.

Whisperers of the Waters: A Colloquy on Modern Paganism
Rev Symbliene Griffin

Welcome to Whisperers of the Waters: A Colloquy on Modern Paganism! We are a study and action group. We host book-studies on modern Paganism and community service activities, particularly those focused on serving the Earth, as well as rituals and private study groups.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/whisperers.of.the.waters/

Phoenix Festivals, Inc
Neo-Pagan Festival held March & October
Eric and Trisha

Phoenix Festivals Inc. is a registered not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to provide Neo-Pagan education to the public. Every March and October, we gather for a five-day, four-night outdoor event in Gilchrist County (west of Gainesville) Florida to share and celebrate our beliefs. Each day is filled with classes, community meals, live entertainment, rituals, drumming and dancing. We strive to provide an unforgettable, spiritual experience in a fun and safe environment. All people are welcome, and a children’s program is available for families. Check out our “Coming Events” tabs to see when you can expect our new Phoenix Events. Day passes as well as weekend and full event passes are available to help accommodate most schedules.
Check us out at https://www.phoenixfestivals.com/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phoenixfestivals

Heart of Manannán
Rev. E.J. OakLore
oaklore@yahoo.com

Heart of Manannán Coven, FoA is a unique Druidic-Wiccan fellowship serving northeastern Florida that encourages the reverence and preservation of the old ways with the inspired inclusion of contemporary Earth-based ideals. We offer fellowship, guidance, and mentorship to those interested in a serious study of Celtic-inspired Witchcraft and Druidism, a harmony we have come to know as “Druidcraft”.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartofmanannan/

Jacksonville Pagan Parents Group

Jacksonville Pagan Parents is a fun group for Pagan families to chat together and learn from each other. Get togethers usually involve a potluck and/or craft. We teach our children about the turning of the wheel and give them space and time to interact with other pagan children in the area. If you are a pagan parent in Northeast Florida, please join us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/877951582361541/

Aches & Bruises Balm

Apothecary, Medicinal Herbs, Natural Living, Ointment

Aches & Bruises Balm

A healing balm for aches, sprains and bruises.

3 tablespoons beeswax

5 fluid ounces comfrey-infused oil

5 fluid ounces elder leaf-infused oil

20 drops of wintergreen essential oil

10 drops of marjoram essential oil

10 drops of lavender essential oil

Melt the beeswax in a bain-marie, then add the infused oils and mix well until fully combined. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes, then add the essential oils and stir well. Pour into jars, seal, label and date.

To use, massage into the affected area up to three times a day for a maximum of 2 months at a time.

Shelf Life: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.

Herbal Muscle Bath Salt

Apothecary, Bath Salts, Medicinal Herbs, Natural Living, Relaxation

Herbal Muscle Bath Salt

The salt and herbs in this bath salt work together to relax tired muscles, improve circulation and ease aches and pains.

4 ounces of salts of your choice, e.g. Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, pink Himalayan salt

2 teaspoons chopped fresh or dried pine needles

2 teaspoons chopped fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf

2 teaspoons fresh or dried lavender flower heads

2 teaspoons dried daisy heads

10 drops of essential oil of your choice, e.g. rosemary, lavender, mint, eucalyptus

Put the salts and herbs into a blender and pulverize them together. This allows the cell walls of the herbs to be broken down so medicinal properties can be extracted into the bath water. Transfer the mixture to a glass or ceramic bowl, add the essential oil and mix well.

To use, add the mixture to a square of muslin cloth. Tie into a bundle at the top with string and then tie this to your hot water bath tap, allowing it to sit just below the tap. Run the hot water directly over and through the bundle, allowing the salt to dissolve and the herbs to be retained inside the muslin (so preventing drain blockage).

Add cold water to the bath to the desired temperature. Soak and relax in the bath for at least 30 minutes.

Tip: This mix can be made in bulk (with dried herbs) and stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Longyearbyen, Svalbard – Norway)

Natural Living, Scandanavia, Travel

Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Longyearbyen, Svalbard – Norway)

A winter night in Longyearbyen lasts four months. In the ice-covered mountains, the darkness is broken only by a slim concrete building that emits a pale blue glow as it overlooks the 1,000-resident town. The simple structure offers no hint as to what’s protected inside: a collection of seeds that could save humanity.

Due to the loss of genetic diversity among commercially cultivated crops, which tend to be grown from clonal monocultures, many worldwide food crops are at risk of disease. Mutated strains of fungus, or a new bacterium, could potentially wipe out an entire world crop in a matter of months, causing massive food shortages. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault was established by the Norwegian government in 2008 to function as a sort of genetic safe-deposit box.

The facility has the capacity to conserve 4.5 million seed samples. Under the current temperature conditions in the vault, which are similar to those in a kitchen freezer, the seed samples can remain viable to begin new crops for anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 years.

Svalbard was chosen as the location because it is tectonically stable and its permafrost provides natural refrigeration in case of a power failure. There is no permanent staff at the seed bank, but it is monitored constantly using electronic surveillance. Access to the vaults, open only to employees, requires passing four locked doors protected by coded access keys.

Sources: Atlas Obscura

Immune System Tonic Tincture

Alcohol Fortified Tonic, Apothecary, Medicinal Herbs, Natural Living

Immune System Tonic Tincture

Echinacea and elderberry are two herbs used to boost the immune system for prevention and treatment of infection. Combine the health-enhancing effects of mushrooms and anti-microbial properties of eucalyptus and you have an all-round infection-busting tonic.

7 ounces fresh elderberries (or 3.5 ounces dried)

2 ounces dried echinacea root

10 eucalyptus leaves, shredded

5 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped

Vodka

Place all the ingredients, except the vodka, loosely in a large, sterilised preserving jar to about two-thirds full. Fill the jar with vodka. Seal the jar, then store in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar every couple of days for a month.

Strain, discarding the plant material and keeping the liquid. Pour the liquid into a sterilised bottle, seal, label and date.

Take 1 teaspoon in a little water, up to three times a day, as needed.

Shelf Life Up to 2 years in a cool, dark place.

Gingerade Tea

Medicinal Herbs, Natural Living, Teas

If you love the toning effects of ginger on your immunity and digestion, this tea is for you. In addition to the ginger, Gingerade contains the nutritive sweet herbs milky oats, fennel, and honeybush, which create a delicious blend. Rosemary, known as the herb of remembrance, supports the mind and memory. Lemongrass, with its delicate citrus scent, brightens the mind and uplifts mood. Adding fresh or dried fruits provides a little sweetness and a touch of sour.

3 parts milky oats

2 parts ginger

2 parts honeybush (Cyclopia)

1 part lemongrass

1 part rose hips

1 part fennel

1 part dried berries (e.g., elderberry, blackberry, blueberry)

0.5 part rosemary

1 drop lemon essential oil, or fresh lemon zest to taste

Steeping

Hot Infusion: Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 2 tablespoons tea. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cold Infusion: Combine 2 cups cold water and 1 to 2 tablespoons tea in a lidded jar. Shake the jar to make sure all the tea is saturated. Place in the refrigerator or a cool place for at least 2 hours.

Taste: sweet, spicy, fruity

Herbal Actions: supports digestion, mineral rich

Systems Affected: digestive, general tonic

Herbal Hand Sanitizer

Apothecary, Medicinal Herbs, Natural Living

This natural hand sanitizer combines antimicrobial herbs to kill the bugs that cause infection. It can be used when out and about without the need for water.

½ cup aloe vera gel

2 tsp. herbal-infused oil

1 tsp. thyme tincture

10 drops of lavender essential oil

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Put the aloe vera gel into a small mixing bowl, then slowly add the infused oil, whisking together thoroughly.

Add the tincture and essential oils and whisk again.

Pour into pump or squeeze bottles, seal, label and date. Use as needed.

Shelf Life Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.