The Tarot card of Strength shows woman dressed in a white flowing gown tames or pats a lion on the head, the other hand on its jaw. Around her head and waste are garlands of leaves with the sign of infinity over her head. The background is a golden sky with forest and mountains in the distance.
Strength
Ginger
I’m slow to use the term ‘wonder food’ for any single item. Our bodies aren’t designed to overdose on any particular food but as a means of combating infection and illness, ginger (and garlic, and lemons!) really tempt me to use the moniker.
Six Pernicious Influences
In TCM, there are six pernicious (hurtful) influences that can cause disharmony within us. Long before the concepts of bacteria or viruses were understood, it is these six influences that the Chinese used to categorise the effects they observed when a patient was in a disharmonious state.
Chariot
In the Chariot, we see a man standing in his chariot, holding a wand in his right hand. A crown with a star adorns his head, his shoulder armour is in the shape of the crescent moon. His chest plate has a white square upon in. His belt and clothes are engraved with magical symbols and his chariot has a […]
The Lovers
The sixth card of the major arcana, The Lovers is a colourful and busy card. A man and woman are depicted naked in a landscape. Behind the woman is an apple tree with a snake or serpent coiled around it. Behind the man is a tree of flames, the total flames being 12. In the distance is a mountain. The […]
The Hierophant
The Hierophant sits upon his throne, giant pillars to either side of him. His crown is that of gold, his robe of red with crosses down along the front. In his left hand is a staff with three crossbars. His right hand makes the sign of blessing or benediction. At his feet are two keys, crossed in an X pattern. […]
Jin Ye – TCM
Jin Ye (or Jin Je) are the body fluids that flow within us and are important for the correct functioning of our organs, muscles and joints. Some examples of these fluids are sweat, mucus, saliva and semen but any fluids excreted by the body can fall within this category.
The Emperor
Seated on his throne, The Emperor faces the querent full on. In one hand, he holds the Egyptian Ankh. Rams heads are engraved upon his throne, four in total. The Emperor wears armour beneath his robes. His throne is hewn from stone. Mountains are depicted in the background with a red sky overhead. A jewel encrusted crown signifies his power.
The Empress
Seated on her throne, The Empress gazes back at the viewer. In her right hand she holds a staff topped with an orb. Golden grains grow in the foreground, in the background is a forest with a river flowing through it. Twelve stars adorn her crown and her throne is covered in plush, red cushions. Her clothes are decorated with […]
Chemical Life
Everyday we are surrounded by chemicals. These are, by and large, harmful to our bodies which are unable to process them as we would natural substances. In small doses our bodies can cope, gradually moving these unnatural substances through our body until they are excreted. I believe that over many years, prolonged exposure can lead to chemical build up within […]