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Rite of Six Moons Story April 2012

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:34:34 +1200

Medicine Woman Rite of the Six Moons and Falcon Guardian Kaitiaki

- by Gillian Crundwell

The Medicine Woman Rite of the Six Moons journey was without a doubt the most powerful and appropriate healing and learning for my heart and soul to date. It left me with a wonderful sense of more personal understanding and power, of being in totally the right place. Even prior to physically connecting with the New Zealand First Light essences and the Medicine Woman Workshop and Annual Gathering at Taupo, New Zealand in Oct 2010 with Franchelle Ofsoske-Wyber, I had this sense of being directed by Spirit to take this path.

The day before arriving at Tauhara for the Medicine Woman Healer’s essences weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a demonstration of rehabilitated and captive bred New Zealand Falcons at Wingspan, a conservation trust near Rotorua. It was an opportunity to connect with what I have always known to be a power animal for me. One of my life long dreams, to have a raptor perch on my arm, was realised. It was such a beautiful moment in my life, connecting eye to eye with such a regal bird, I sensed this was a clear sign that I was embarking on a path that was right for me. I also joined Wingspan as a supporter.

Back then, I had no idea what would ensue during the Rite of the Six Moons. Within 8 months I was well into the ROT6M, dieting the First Light Orchid and Fern Ally essences of transmutation and meeting and connecting with my guardians or ‘Kaitiaki’. I was reminded that nothing occurs by chance, and upon reflection… that afternoon at Wingspan sealed my guardian kaitiaki relationship with Falcon in that very close physical encounter.

In dreams and meditations in the week of First Light Fern Ally No.132 Hanging Clubmoss I clearly connected with Falcon. Communicating in a more focused way spiritually, Falcon as kaitiaki has reinforced the great gifts of strength offered me. In one meditation falcon was so very present, coming from every direction and as if within my skull giving me that power of the Falcon pathway…a gift to be able to summons clarity, wisdom and heightened perception. I have asked Falcon to be beside me in all I undertake and give me patience, trust, insight, positivity, connected presence, care and unconditional love in honouring the feelings, needs and desires of all kin on Mother Earth.

I believe that sighting Falcons and Eagles can be seen as confirmation from Spirit, and a precursor to omens in dreams. In one very powerful dream that week, my partner handed me a Cobra and the Cobra was peaceful and safe. I sensed I had received a gift of realisation of self power. I sensed the dream also confirmed the message of needing to reclaim my heart power, to deepen my connection with my higher self giving me peace and strength.

Later, in the No.135 Adder’s Tongue week of the Fern Allies in the Medicine Woman Rite of the Six Moons program, I had a very wonderful extra physical connection with Falcon. Whilst away in Niue, my partner Ross had drawn the most wonderful inspirited drawing of Falcon, with King Horus the Elder (represented symbolically by a falcon headed man in Egyptology), included in the branch where the falcon stood. I was honoured when I received this drawing for my birthday. Looking with more interest into ancient Egyptian animal symbols, I was also more than a little amazed because of that dream I had earlier being handed a cobra. Cobras in Egyptology have a symbolic association with royalty and guardianship of the Egyptian kings. I sought to understand this dream now on a deeper level. The goddess Wadjet sometimes symbolized by a winged cobra, helped Isis nurse and protect young Horus from the clutches of his uncle Seth, the god of chaos and darkness. I began to see intuitively that all the symbolic events described here, are a great step forward in my transmutation in dealing with any disharmony between my subconscious and conscious levels of mind. As my kaitaiki stepped forward into relationship, my understanding of access to the divine light principle within was delivered in beautiful ways of learning, including a definite reawakening of the sacred bond I have with Ross, that of sharing our explorations and understandings of the metaphysical.

Gillian Crundwell

Dr Dolittle April 2012

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:32:00 +1200

No.5 Native Passionfruit - Raising Animal's Vitality for Life

Flower essence No.5 Native Passionfruit has the potential to raise energy levels and vitality in the animal experiencing physical and mental exhaustion. This may follow intense or repetitive training and work, over-exertion from participation in competitive events or even following stud work or giving birth.

Alternatively, No.5 Native Passionfruit can assist an animal to adjust to a change in routine. This could include the sudden need to "get going" and undergo training or exercise after a period of non-activity or being "lazy". Equally it could include adjusting to a period of doing little or nothing following a period of routine training, exercise or work.

Both situations can create anxiety, reluctance to adapt, possible appetite loss, weariness or boredom.

A situation which may affect dogs in particular, is the start of each week. This is when people go back to work having given much attention and exercise to their dogs in the weekend, only to leave them often alone and with little stimulation. They may show signs of stress by chewing objects or barking constantly. They may withdraw or just seem lethargic and depressed. No.5 Native Passionfruit helps the animal adjust to the changes and to engage more positively with their situation.

Animals experiencing an illness may also benefit from No.5 Native Passionfruit's potential to assist them to find the strength and energy to manage their illness or recovery.

Being sensitive to the individual needs of an animal may mean changes to their diet, training, exercise, workload or attention they receive.

It may be beneficial for human and animal to both take No.5 Native Passionfruit if there is reluctance from both parties to exercise and engage more fully with life. No.5 Native Passionfruit will help lift their spirits and vitality for life, while the addition of other essences may also be made to support them.

Dosage is 4 drops 3-4 times daily, by mouth, in food or drinking water (or a combination of these).

Marj is a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner and qualified Veterinary Nurse. Marj can be contacted on 027 612 5256 or by email: marj@aquaesse.co.nz

Building Healthy Relationships with our Companions

Kidzone April 2012

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +1200

Children and Sugar

At Easter a child’s relationship with sugar may prove more challenging to manage. Negotiating the supermarket aisles of chocolate bunnies and eggs with children on board can definitely have its moments.

Beyond the seasonal spikes, the high levels of sugar in our diets can be a very real obstacle if we are to maintain and sustain total wellbeing. The processed foods of the 21st century are abundant in sugars, and even honey which we perceive is natural can be made from beehives fed on refined sugars. Obvious physical negative effects include tooth decay and weight gain. Emotionally our children’s behaviour can become erratic or problematic for them and others. Mentally it is often used as a quick-fix stimulant. Franchelle Ofsoske-Wyber co-founder of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand tells us that excessive processed sugar intake affects the proper functioning of the third eye chakra and this may impact the child’s vision. This can be observed in some of our youth who appear ‘lost’ and without a personal vision for their lives. Highly addictive in nature, I am sure you have experienced sugar’s effects on the children in your life.

First Light Flower essences can assist our children to build a healthy relationship with their food and sugar. Flower essence No.4 Marlborough Rock Daisy is useful for the child who has compulsive or obsessive patterns around food. No.5 Native Passionfruit will help your child to enjoy the sweetness and good things in life. It is helpful for children who may show an imbalance in their dietary choices, overindulging or bingeing on sugary foods. No.6 NZ Jasmine will assist the child to find the necessary emotional strength to persevere with developing a healthy relationship with food.

No.69 Bracken Fern will support the child to overcome external obstacles, assisting them with the willpower to change unhealthy habits.

No.49 Miro balances the functioning of the 3rd eye chakra for the child or youth who may be experiencing a world without personal direction and vision.

To develop a healthy new pattern/relationship with food, No.51 Broadleaf can be added to a blend.

If your child is showing highly addictive behaviour around sugar, and continues to have challenges developing a balanced relationship with food, further assistance is available from the First Light Shamanic Essence Collection No's 97-120. See a registered First Light flower essence practitioner for further information.

Anna is a a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner, a qualified and experienced teacher, mother of 3 young children and co-founder of NaturePlayNZ, an organisation dedicated to assisting children, mother earth and the future. First Light Flowers essences form the foundation of her relationship to assist all children to express beauty and balance in their lives. Anna can be contacted by email: info@natureplaynz.co.nz

Plant Profile April 2012

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:17:00 +1200

No.5 Native Passionfruit

Passiflora tetrandra

I bring the gift of abundance.
Through me you will always have enough.
Always remembering to use what you need
and replace what you take;
leaving plenty for those whose needs echo your own.

As the name suggests, No.5 Native Passionfruit is the essence of passion and abundance and knowing that we always have enough of everything we need. It brings a renewed energy for living and we can enjoy the good life, in joy and gratitude. Native Passionfruit brings us a fresh vitality and opens us to loving, generous relationships. Native Passionfruit aligns us to the energy of money, being in the flow and experiencing financial well-being. We balance giving with receiving, replacing what we use in all areas of life. Native Passionfruit is the essence to work with when we have an unhealthy relationship with food – binges, cravings and stop-start diets.

In the negative Native Passionfruit state, we may be lethargic, heavy headed and everything is just too much effort.

Indications for the need to work with Native Passionfruit include:

Sitting back and waiting for life to happen to us
Physical overindulgence, overeating, financial overspending
Monday Morning Blues, can't get going without coffee or other stimulants'
Stress around money, food, material wants
Needing to re-energise after illness, or get back into routine after a holiday

When we live with passion in our hearts, nothing is impossible.

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher teaching both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in a very effective way. Lesley can be contacted via flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz or Ph: 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700

Rengarenga Lily
I bring the gift of creative experience.

Through me you pit yourself against life;

Seeing the backdrop of events as opportunities

for the perpetual unfolding

and expression of self.

Indications that Rengarenga Lily is called for in the life, include times when:
•    there is unexpressed creativity with unique creative gifts not bought to fruition
•    you might avoiding the present by retreating into one’s own inner world
•    you might be stuck thinking that ’it’ could have been bigger and better
•    there is stress or anxiety relating to self-expression and creativity

When working with the essence of Rengarenga Lily, we find that it:
•    allows you to express from your powerful creative centre
•    allows you to express with panache and style
•    opens you up to seeing and exploring creative possibilities
•    creates moments of positive uninhibited enjoyment and pleasure

Flower Essence No.14 Rengarenga Lily can also work to bring balance for those who constantly need to be in the centre of attention, often by over-dramatising everything. For those always seeking admiration or who exhibit childish or exhibitionist type behaviour or when there is a childlike need for constant validation, attention or admiration. No.14 Rengarenga Lily transforms this negative expression of the personality into creative talents or abilities to inspire or benefit others.

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher teaching both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in very effective way. Lesley can be contacted via flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz or Ph: 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700

Naturopath's Notebook April 2012

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:11:00 +1200

Free Up Your Energy and Feel Alive

Many of us are faced with the tasks of juggling work and family commitments, managing our finances, and keeping things ticking over on a day to day basis. Sometimes, we can find ourselves with little energy left to do those things that we really love, things that nourish and support us.

Creating a balanced, harmonious and fulfilling life that supports the realisation of our dreams and goals is not something reserved for an elite few- it is up to each of us to take responsibility for how and what we give our time and energy to.

At a physical level we may question what we are doing that drains and depletes us as opposed to what nurtures and restores us. Do we need to exercise more or less? Do we need to eat more healthful foods, lay off the caffeine and sugary foods that prop us up and give us a false sense of energy? Looking at why we lean on stimulants, what is it we’re really looking for? What would give us more long lasting energy and not leave us flat and depleted?

Including good quality fats and proteins in the diet on a daily basis provides our bodies with the necessary building blocks that help us maintain our physical bodies at a cellular level. Seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits provide minerals and vitamins necessary for so many essential functions in our bodies on a daily basis. Our physical bodies need to be fed the best fuel we can give them- and when we add First Light Flower Essences into the mix, I liken it to giving our beings the ‘high octane’ fuel that keeps us humming on all cylinders!

First Light Flower Essence No.5 Native Passionfruit is a great helper when we feel exhausted, drained and struggling to get through the day. Native Passionfruit is the abundance essence that embodies the qualities of inner vitality and strength, raising our energy levels and enhancing our sense of liveliness and vigour. With Native Passionfruit as our ally, we can enjoy a healthy, abundant and vibrant relationship with life and tap in to the abundant energies of the Universe. When working with this essence, we engage ourselves in a healthy and proactive relationship with life that allows us to experience financial success and wellbeing, and increased stamina and vitality. This essence is helpful when one feels tired and exhausted from living a one-sided life, and when it is a struggle to get through the day without leaning on physical and emotional stimulants such as coffee, tea, food, and sugar. No.5 Native Passionfruit is beneficial for feelings of tiredness, mental fatigue and exhaustion, and when one’s being feels weary, heavy and sluggish.

We may also find our energy is being lost or drained through mismanagement of our emotional self. Questioning how we respond to stress and how we manage our emotions on a daily basis is a good place to start. Is our passion for life being dissipated by emotional behaviours and reactions that don’t serve our holistic wellbeing?

The First Light Plant essence No.70 Hen and Chickens Fern enhances the positive qualities of inner strength and courage of heart to help us master and control the emotional self which frees up energy and invigorates us anew. Through mastering those forces within us that would weaken and sabotage our attempts to create a truly fulfilling existence, we tap in to an infinite source of power and strength that helps us to feel alive, radiant and ready to take on what life presents us with. Hen and Chickens Fern essence is a stimulating and energising essence that enhances our magical power to co- create our lives by overcoming negative soul qualities that hold us in patterns of self destruction and keep us stuck in self- defeating behaviour programs that do not serve our greatest good. No.70 Hen and Chickens Fern can be used when we need the courage of our convictions to make our dreams and goals a reality.

For maximum benefits, take 3 drops of each essence from the stock bottle in a glass of water 4 times daily, or in a personalised blend made by one of our talented First Light Flower Essences registered practitioners or via the website store.

Lana is a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner, fully qualified Medical Herbalist and Naturopath based in Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lana can be contacted on 09 849 6677 or 021 02468952 or by email: gaiasfire@gmail.com

Plant Profile February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:33:00 +1300

No.70 Hen and Chickens Fern

Asplenium bulbiferum

I offer you the mantle of passion.
Through me you possess
everything and seek nothing.
Discovering courage, beauty
and a brave heart – allies on your journey.

The new year brings us opportunities to make changes in our lives. If we make resolutions to overcome what we see as inner weaknesses but by February our resolve is starting to fade then this is the time to work with No.70 Hen and Chickens Fern. This essence aligns with the Strength key in the Tarot, in which we see Mother Nature standing in full control over the previously untamed beast within.

This is the essence for courage, bravery, staying strong and aligned to our higher selves. We restore the passion for life and are able to emanate inner strength, insight and love. Hen and Chickens Fern allows us to overcome our animal instincts and to transmute the power of negative intense emotions for our highest good.

Indications for Hen and Chicken Fern include:

Having no passion for life
Suffering from a sense of weakness, failure or disgrace, letting ourselves down
Being overtaken by personal desires, giving in to our lower nature
Being quick to anger, having intense emotions, throwing tantrums if our needs are not met immediately
Wanting to break a habit, stick to a diet or quit smoking
When we need the courage of our convictions

Rengarenga Lily
I bring the gift of creative experience.

Through me you pit yourself against life;

Seeing the backdrop of events as opportunities

for the perpetual unfolding

and expression of self.

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher teaching both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in very effective way. Lesley can be contacted via flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz or Ph: 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700

Dr Dolittle February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:32:00 +1300

Building Healthy Relationships with our Companions

Tree essences No.45 Matai and No.47 Kauri are a good place to start when putting together an essence blend for building stronger relationships with our animal companions. Matai strengthens and balances the sacral chakra associated with emotional relating and Kauri strengthens and balances the heart chakra associated with heart-based relationships. Where trauma and fears have been experienced in relating No.38 Rasp Fern for emotional insecurity or No.40 Silver Fern for lack of trust may be needed.

The addition of Flower essence No.19 Lovers Daisy for healthy relating may be put in the blend for both human and animal. It is important to recognize which essences the individuals concerned may need to address specific negative emotional reactions or ways of relating. For example, a person who is rigid, aggressive and controlling will benefit from taking No.28 Chatham Island Forget-me-not. This will help them to be more positive and at ease within themselves and with their own achievements. In turn, this person can be less frightening and dominating when relating to their companion, enabling the animal to feel more at ease and responsive. Plant essence No.66 Rangiora also supports the soul to manage power with integrity, not intimidation.

Flower essence No.12 Native Harebell may be considered for staying in the present and building new healthy, emotional bonds when either animal or person is experiencing difficulty due to strong attachments to past relationships or connections. For the person or animal feeling reserved and withdrawn from connecting with others No.33 Rewarewa may be added to the blend to help them to connect more easily in company.

Plant essence No.68 Puriri supports the soul to have a positive and balanced relationship with self where there is a tendency to co-dependent relating and No.65 Tree Fuchsia supports the soul in having more nurturing and harmonious relationships. Essences may be given to either or both animal and person - 4 drops given 3-4 times daily for a period of 4 weeks.

Building a stronger relationship with animals requires people to observe the animal’s behaviours and to also be honest and self-reflective about their own attitudes and behaviours in order that both parties may make changes supported by the essences. Practical steps may be necessary to improve a relationship, such as attention to environment, training, exercise and diet. This combination works well towards building stronger and more harmonious relationships between people and animals.

Marj is a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner and qualified Veterinary Nurse. Marj can be contacted on 09 473 8049 or by email: marj@aquaesse.co.nz

Building Healthy Relationships with our Companions

Naturopath's Notebook February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:31:00 +1300

Reinforcing Our Health For the Year Ahead

Just like a building needs reinforcing to keep it structurally sound and standing for years, so too our physical body requires reinforcement as it is the vessel that contains our emotions, mind, and spirit and carries us through our earth walk.

The commencement of 2012 affords us the opportunity to make a commitment to reinforcing our health and wellbeing on all levels. The New Year brings with it a sense of renewal and the warmer weather in this part of the world invigorates our physical beings.

When thinking of ways to reinforce our health, we can look to our majestic native tree essences to help balance our chakras which have a direct effect on the glandular systems within our bodies. Our glandular systems- adrenals, pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, testes etc- modulate our metabolic functions and are involved in complex chemical messenger systems (hormones) that tell our cells what to do and when to do it.

Tree essence No. 46 Totara is an excellent ally for reinforcing our solar plexus chakra and the associated organs and glands of this area. Totara helps to balance, strengthen and restore optimal functioning of the solar plexus chakra which is our centre of personal power. Totara supports us in accessing our true power, and helps to restore and maintain the health of our digestive organs. When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, we can act in a truly empowered manner, using the personal will wisely and drawing positive opportunities to ourselves. Digestion becomes strong and nutrients are absorbed from food efficiently.

No.1 Pohutukawa is a very helpful essence from the Flowers of Transformation family. Pohutukawa is the Initiative essence that works at a personality level to support a clear sense of identity, self-awareness, and a strong sense of self. When we embark on a journey to take control and be proactive about our health, strength and initiative may be required. Pohutukawa assists by helping us stand up for our individual needs, and to not be negatively influenced or swayed by what others may be doing. This can be especially helpful, for instance, when we wish to stop drinking alcohol or eating certain foods that aren’t compatible with our body, yet we find it ‘hard to resist’ around others who are indulging.

For maximum benefit, take 3 drops of each essence from the stock bottle in a glass of water 4 times daily or you can use them in a personalised blend.

Kidzone February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +1300

Childhood Immunity and First Light Flower Essences

Our children are stepping forward into a new cycle/year and before long they will be confronted with the need to have strong resistance or a strong response to daily viruses and bacterial infections ‘going around’. School and childcare facilities provide constant exposure to bugs and challenge to us as parents to provide the very best support for our children. Now is a good time to consider reinforcing wellness and strengthening your child’s immune response for the year ahead.

Proactively undertaking a three to six month programme of Fern, Tree and Seed essences can profoundly alter your child’s ability to respond to immune system challenges.

I have experienced the results of using First Light Flower Essences to create and sustain a healthy immune response in children. If last year presented its challenges for the child in your life it is worth considering the investment of a Flower Essence Programme to proactively support them before reactive responses are necessary. A 3-6 month programme now will provide your child with an increased capacity to be well in the time ahead.

Stage one: 1 - 2 months of the 7 fern essences. The ferns family will work to cleanse and clear the aura of energetic debris, and enhance, support and maintain a healthy, robust and strong aura.

First Light Combination Essence Aura Support^© can be purchased for this or see a practitioner for this blend.

Stage two: 1 – 2 months of the 7 tree essences. The tree family will work to balance, strengthen, protect and energise the chakras. Franchelle tells us in The Sacred Plant Medicine of Aotearoa vol 1 “the positive functioning of the chakras is the foundation for maintaining a healthy, balanced relationship between the body, emotions, and spirit. When the state of the chakras is balanced and well maintained, then inner stability and ease becomes a natural expression of daily living.”

Processed diets, technological and environmental pollution, and the rapid pace and expectations placed on a child can all contribute to unhealthy chakra functioning.

First Light Combination Essence Chakra Support^© can be purchased for this stage or see a practitioner for this blend.

Stage three: 1 -2 months of the first 7 seed essences. To complete the programme it is essential to follow up with a course of seeds which restore master patterns for living, enhancing, supporting and maintaining optimal DNA function. This blend of essences can be made by a practitioner or ordered through the www.nzfloweressences.co.nz website.

Proactively undertaking a three to six month programme of Fern, Tree and Seed essences can profoundly alter your child’s ability to respond to immune system challenges.

Stage one: 1 - 2 months of the 7 fern essences. The ferns family will work to cleanse and clear the aura of energetic debris, and enhance, support and maintain a healthy, robust and strong aura. First Light Combination Essence Aura Support^© can be purchased for this or see a practitioner for this blend.

Processed diets, technological and environmental pollution, and the rapid pace and expectations placed on a child can all contribute to unhealthy chakra functioning.

First Light ‘Chakra Support’ can be purchased for this stage

Proactively undertaking a three to six month programme of Fern, Tree and Seed essences can profoundly alter your child’s ability to respond to immune system challenges.

Processed diets, technological and environmental pollution, and the rapid pace and expectations placed on a child can all contribute to unhealthy chakra functioning.

First Light ‘Chakra Support’ can be purchased for this stage or see a practitioner for this blend.

or see a practitioner for this blend.

Rite of Six Moons Story December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:34:34 +1300

My Rite of the Six Moons Experience

- by Chris Griffiths

My experiences on the Royal Waka have been the journey of a lifetime and this is just the beginning.

From the bottom of my heart I thank Franchelle Ofsoské - Wyber for creating such an evolutionary programme which has enabled me to embark upon training which I have yearned to do for many years.

I am in awe of the Orchids, Fern Allies and Sacred Mountain Grasses. My deepest gratitude and respect for these Sacred Plants who have stepped forward to teach us and to make our initiations possible. They have given me such subtle and yet dynamic understandings and insights.

I am so appreciative and deeply moved to have connected with my Kaitiaki who have been with me for many lifetimes.

It has been amazing to connect with like minded Warriors from all over the world. We have supported and encouraged each other, paddling harder when one needs extra support.

The Rite of the Six Moons has been boot camp. Clearing the decks of physical, emotional and mental clutter. Out of my comfort zone using Facebook. Serious about transformation, there is challenge, anguish and ultimately joy. I have learned to BE as well as to DO.

Insights have been thrilling and incredible – more so because I doubted my ability and yet I have learned that as soon as I get out of my head – meditation is a natural process.

Now there is true gnosis in my heart and every cell of my body. My consciousness has expanded. I truly know that I am one with everyone and everything. My ego has diminished and my soul is expanding.

I am humble, strong, indomitable and powerful.

I AM a Rainbow Warrior of Peace.

Kidzone December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:33:34 +1300

A Wonderful Essence Gift For a Newborn

Perhaps the most significant of all ‘new beginnings’ is that of a child born into the world. As a family member or friend you can support the arrival of the new child with a personalized blend of flower essences.

Birthing into this world is an intense physical experience and No. 37 King Fern will assist the baby at an energetic level as it makes the transition from the womb to the outside world. It is particularly therapeutic should any difficulty or trauma have been experienced.

During its first year, the baby is laying down the foundations for its base chakra and its relationship with the physical world. No. 44 Kaihikatea is the tree essence which provides support and optimal care for the base chakra.

Every baby has a personal keynote essence found in the Flower Collection. The keynote essence will support the child’s personality and is found by matching their date of birth with the corresponding First Light flower essence. Adding a Flower to the blend can help bring joy into their world transforming negative traits into more positive expressions.

In order to grow and evolve, every child comes into the world with a specific soul lesson that requires expression and mastery. The newborn child’s year of birth will match a corresponding essence from the Plant Collection to support this life lesson.

You can enter the date of birth (or even expected date of birth) of the baby you are making the blend for into the Consitutional Blend © application found on the First Light Flower Essences of NZ website to find the corresponding flower and plant essences for the baby blend.

The blend can be added to the baby bottle or administered directly by putting 3 drops into a teaspoon of warm water. It is also effective for the mother to be taking 4 drops herself when she is feeding as the essences will also work through the mother’s breast milk.

If you need more assistance you can contact a Registered First Light Flower Essences Practitioner who can advise you on your newborn essence gift.

Naturopath's Notebook December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:32:59 +1300

Transform To A More Positive Empowering Way Of Life

December is here, the end of 2011 draws near and 2012 is just around the corner. This time of year can be a very busy time for many with social engagements, holiday plans, and often plenty of opportunities to indulge! The end of the year (like all endings) offers us the opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and all it has brought us.

You may find yourself thinking of things you’d like to change, new ways of being, more healthful ways of eating, and caring for your body, mind, emotions and spirit. You may feel drawn to exercising more, spending more time outdoors in nature, or ready to commit to a mind-body balancing practice such as yoga or tai chi to help you find balance and poise in your daily life.

Any health challenges you’ve faced over the past year may have given you insights regarding what is or isn’t working for you, bringing you to a place where you are ready to value your health and wellbeing on a whole new level.

Essence No. 51 Broadleaf is the first essence from the Seed Collection – ‘New Beginnings’ in the First Light Flower Essences range. Seed essences are very helpful when we want to change deep rooted old and outmoded patterns or behaviours into positive, life-affirming ways of being. Broadleaf is useful when we want to engage in a more positive, healthy, and respectful relationship with our physical body, the physical realm and the planet itself. Broadleaf reminds us to have reverence and pay due care to our physical vessel as it carries us through our life.

Plant essence No. 83 Kakabeak- the completion essence, helps us to successfully ‘close the door’ on lessons we have learned. Kakabeak supports us as we learn to live more holistically and to value and appreciate all that has happened in our lives. Kakabeak supports us as we step out into new experiences, transformed and renewed, ready to embrace the next step.

Essence No. 82 Golden Tainui is the essence of transformation. By using this essence, we support the transformational process- much like the phoenix that passes through fire and rises from the ashes forever changed. We experience renewal, irrevocably changed by our experiences, and ready to heed the call of a new dawn.

For maximum effect during times of transition and new beginnings, put 3 drops of each of the above essences from the stock bottle in a glass of water and take 4 times throughout the day. You may also choose to make up a blend yourself using these essences or have a registered practitioner make up the blend for you.

Dr Dolittle December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:32:26 +1300

Old Cat Gets a New Lease of Life

Gerry a 17 year old cat, had been bothered by an ‘ailment’ for the past 5 years.

He had been ceaselessly pulling out his fur in large clumps and it was causing his owner considerable distress. His owner had given him various treatments in the effort to make him as comfortable as possible although nothing stopped him pulling out his fur.

Upon consultation, a healing session was provided for Gerry which literally stopped him in his tracks. The ripping and spitting out of his fur stopped immediately and he was given First Light Flower Essences of NZ to support and maintain the dramatic change in his behaviour.

Gerry was given a combination of the following First Light Flower Essences:

No. 16 Small White Rata for maintaining the healthy relationship between mind and body,

No. 17 Akepiro to assist him in adjusting to the energetic changes that took place,

No.18 Purple Koromiko to help him maintain a positive body image,

No.82 Golden Tainui to support him through the transformation he was experiencing at a soul level, to recognize the change and to adjust his behaviour and actions accordingly.

The elderly cat has gained a new lease of life. He is becoming more at ease and is sleeping peacefully now as all cats like to do. His agitiation has diminished, he has more energy and likes to be up and about. Like a catalyst, the healing session in combination with the essence’s powerful link to nature, has helped a new experience of life to unfold for Gerry.

Marj is a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner and qualified Veterinary Nurse. Marj can be contacted on 09 473 8049 or by email: marj@aquaesse.co.nz

Plant Profile December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:29:24 +1300

Rengarenga Lily

Arthropoduim cirratum

I bring the gift of creative experience.
Through me you pit yourself against life;
Seeing the backdrop of events as opportunities
for the perpetual unfolding
and expression of self.

Rengarenga Lily is an attractive and versatile plant with soft and drooping leaves. From this seemingly ordinary backdrop of green come long stems in summer that produce masses of graceful white flowers.
The ordinary and mundane aspects of life can appear to be just like a backdrop to your own rich inner world. It is No.14 Rengarenga Lily that helps bring forth imaginative and creative expression into your life. It is particularly useful for those who are highly creative individuals.

Indications that Rengarenga Lily is called for in the life, include times when:
•    there is unexpressed creativity with unique creative gifts not bought to fruition
•    you might be avoiding the present by retreating into your own inner world
•    you might be stuck thinking that ’it’ could have been bigger and better
•    there is stress or anxiety relating to self-expression and creativity

When working with the essence of Rengarenga Lily, we find that it:
•    allows you to express from your powerful creative centre
•    allows you to express with panache and style
•    opens you up to seeing and exploring creative possibilities
•    creates moments of positive uninhibited enjoyment and pleasure

Flower Essence No.14 Rengarenga Lily can also work to bring balance for those who constantly need to be in the centre of attention, often by over-dramatising everything. For those always seeking admiration or who exhibit childish or exhibitionist type behaviour or when there is a childlike need for constant validation, attention or admiration. No.14 Rengarenga Lily transforms this negative expression of the personality into creative talents or abilities to inspire or benefit others.

Rengarenga Lily helps bring joy back into your life by supporting the full and creative expression of a healthy ego. By bringing forth the artistic and creative potential from your powerful creative centre, life becomes joy filled and a dynamic expression of positive creative tension.

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher teaching both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in a very effective way. Lesley can be contacted via flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz or Ph: 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700

Rengarenga Lily
I bring the gift of creative experience.

Through me you pit yourself against life;

Seeing the backdrop of events as opportunities

for the perpetual unfolding

and expression of self.

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher teaching both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in very effective way. Lesley can be contacted via flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz or Ph: 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700

Dr Dolittle October 2011

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:42:02 +1300

Pets going into Retirement

As animals age, their roles may change and if they are working animals, their workload may be given to younger and stronger animals. Sometimes ‘retirement’ follows old age, an injury or ill health. Eventing or hunting horses, working dogs, breeding animals or family pets and companions may show signs of depression, anxiety and stress when they are no longer included or needed to play a role which has given them purpose and satisfaction. Sometimes they lose their appetite and are uncharacteristically quiet.

The following New Zealand First Light Flower Essences may be put in a blend to assist your animals that are about to be retired or are unexpectedly pulled out of work / regular routine or role.

The Flower Collection brings the underlying keynote of joy to your newly retired animal. No.25 Kowhai helps animals adjust to the change with confidence. No. 26 Karo helps the animal find new direction and to feel more at ease with the loss of work and routine. No. 27 Karaka assists the movement out of a gloomy and depressed state related to being ‘retired’. No.30 Ngaio may be given should they appear hopeless, withdrawn and showing little interest in what is going on around them. Ngaio is particularly helpful as the animal is moved into retirement, especially if this is age-related. Ngaio revitalises them.

Plant essences from the range will work at your companion’s soul level. No. 74 Golden Corokia can be given when there are expressions of impatience and resistance to the changes. Possibly the animal concerned may be unmotivated and sleeping more than usual. This essence supports them to accept the situation with greater ease. No. 75 Whau supports the animal to let go of old routines with calmness. No.78 Akeake may also be included in the blend to support animals experiencing sudden change to their work or routine. This may be due to any number of causes including accident, sickness, being replaced, rehomed or some trauma within a family.

The dosage is usually 4 drops given 3 - 4 times daily, either directly into the mouth (without the dropper touching the animal) or into their drinking water or food.

Marj is a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner and registered Veterinary Nurse. Marj can be contacted on 09 473 8049 or by email: marj@aquaesse.co.nz

Plant Profile October 2011

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:22:38 +1300

Taraire

Beilschmiedia tarairi

No. 114 Taraire is a teacher plant essence that belongs to the First Light Flower Essences of NZ Shamanic Collection. Taraire helps us to keep and maintain our presence of mind. It can initiate a sacred passage within you, working to reclaim back the true power of your own mind. Taraire can be used to retrieve our mind or mental direction when they have been stolen or given away to another or call back that part of our soul on the timeline that has been lost. This powerful nature intelligence supports us to think for ourselves and helps us to keep our mind intact when under the influence of a strong-minded other.

Taraire is also an essence of protection against the mind intrusions or mental projections of others. It can be very useful in situations where someone is trying to force us to do something that we are not of a mind to do. Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to this when they are in the grip of excessive peer pressure.

Taraire will also offer protection against technological mind stealers! Too much television and time on the internet are capable of desensitizing us and numbing our mind by sapping our mental vitality and the mind in general.

Taraire is indicated in our lives when:

we want to stay mind-full and connected to Divine Mind
we feel mentally overwhelmed by another person or situation
we think we are losing our mind or going mad
we have given our mind or direction away to another
we are being over-influenced by peer and media pressure
we are having difficulty in thinking for ourselves

Click the following link for more information on working with the shamanic teacher plants at the Medicine Woman 2011 residential workshop

Lesley Lydford-King is a First Light Flower Essences of NZ® Registered Practitioner and Teacher, teaching First Light workshops both on the North Shore Auckland and Tauranga. She is also a Certified Body Talk Practitioner and is able to tune in to the specific needs of a client in very effective ways. Lesley can be contacted on 09-410-6011 or 021-111-2700 or by email: flowertalk@vodafone.co.nz

Kidzone October 2011

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:11:16 +1300

Supporting Your Child Through the School Years

As a parent, grandparent or significant elder in a child’s life it is often challenging to be able to know how to respond to our children’s needs, especially when we observe them struggling to meet expected daily norms. Meeting the demands and expectations of school is one of these. It can be hard to know how to assist our children to make sense of their experiences and find daily balance, whilst remaining true to their unique paths and gifts. As the elder you may often be bombarded with the emotional and physical outbursts as a response to the pressure of having to meet these demands.

The Flower Collection of the First Light Flower Essences of NZ range are powerful allies for the child. As transformers of negative attitudes into positive expressions, they can assist your child to meet life harmoniously and joyfully.

Our current school system expects the child to step out on their own at the age of 5 for significant parts of the day, and recently with the advent of early childhood education this has become the norm at age 3. The child is expected to spend prolonged periods of time away from home and their loved ones. They are required to build and sustain constructive relationships with teachers and peers and to work in large groups often towards a common goal.

It is important to remember the foundation for life is being laid in these years and your child’s experience of them can influence their wellbeing now and in later years. As they negotiate the school territory First Light Flower Essences can support them in staying true to their unique paths, developing their own personal gifts and letting ‘their light shine’ through.

Flower essence No. 3 Cook Strait Groundsel is the ‘confidence’ essence. It can assist your child to know that they are as capable as others, to remain self-reliant, self motivated and self assured. Cook Strait Groundsel is useful if you want your child to be able to confront everyday challenges when feeling down about meeting the demands of life.

If your child has or is just starting school and is finding letting go of Mum and home challenging No. 10 Starry Hibiscus will assist in the ‘weaning process’.

No. 21 Hinau, the ‘sacred space’ essence can help your child to trust their own knowing and intuition and to listen to their own ‘inner’ voice. In often over-stimulating, busy environments Hinau is a powerful ally to assist the child in holding their personal space. Some children find making and sustaining new relationships and friendships challenging and this essence can enhance their interpersonal skills.

School has many imposing expectations particularly around continuous assessment, comparison and achievement. The ‘aspiration’ essence No. 28 Chatham Island Forget Me Not can assist your child to be at ease with authority figures (teachers) and is useful if they are upset and feeling inadequate.

No. 31 Native Iris, the ‘individuality’ essence can help your child to know their own uniqueness in a class situation where they have to conform to another reality. It can assist your child to stand up for there own ideas and support them if they are feeling left out. No. 32 Ice Plant, the ‘freedom’ essence supports the desire to grow through shared experiences and enhances the ability to move forward into new friendships and group situations. This is also a useful essence for teachers who want to develop a harmonious classroom.

If your child is having issues around learning, mentally engaging with life and study the three Flower essences No. 7 Mountain Parahebe, No. 8 Matata and No. 9 Koru are the essences for the ‘student’. No. 7 Mountain Parahebe is the essence which can support your child with study regimes and exams. No. 8 Matata is the support essence for gifted children or for those whose educational needs are not been met by conventional forms of learning. No. 9 Koru can enhance your child’s mental discipline during study.

Naturopath's Notebook October 2011

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:07:50 +1300

Spring De-tox

Spring heralds a time of renewal, regeneration and growth. It is a time of emergence as things which lay dormant during the cold months of winter spring into life. Once again we look to nature for the cue to let go of what we no longer need, refreshing and revitalising our body, mind, emotions and spirit.

Many people find themselves being drawn to undergo a cleanse or ‘de-tox’ as the weather begins to warm up, days grow longer, and the often heavier fare of winter is replaced with lighter, more cleansing foods.

Cleansing or ‘detoxing’ has profound effects on all aspects of our being. Regardless of whether we choose to focus purely on the physical aspects of cleansing/detoxing, when we release accumulated toxins and wastes from our tissues we often find emotional, mental, and other ‘wastes’ coming up for release as well.

Plant essence No. 75 Whau is incredibly beneficial in assisting us in letting go of outworn, outmoded, and unhealthy patterns of behaviours. Whau can help us to let go of attachments to certain food/drink/lifestyle choices that are no longer serving ouselves, making room for that which is more beneficial to our wellbeing. Whau helps us at a soul level to move beyond current limitations and imbues the self with the gifts of cleansing, shedding, and regeneration. Put 2 drops in a glass of water and sip 3 – 4 times daily for the duration of your de-tox program.

Plant essence No. 77 Clematis is another plant ally for us as we undertake a cleansing program. Clematis is the ‘White Light’ essence that purifies and cleanses, helping us to release any addictive behaviours and self-destructive patterns. Clematis can help us at a soul level to see what we are attached to and to liberate us from what hinders our growth, or saps our energy and vitality such as too many processed and fast foods or excessive caffeine or sugar intake. Put 2 drops in your glass of water and sip 3 – 4 times daily for the duration of your de-tox program.

Combination Essence De-tox Support^© is a very supportive pre-formulated blend of our native plants that can be used to aid the cleansing and elimination process on all levels of our being. De-tox Support^© works in harmony with our intended personal detoxifying program. Taking 3 drops straight from the stock bottle 3 times a day for the duration of your cleanse/detox program is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of it.

Christchurch Update August 2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:22:09 +1200

Greetings to you all from snow covered Christchurch.

First Light Flower Essence Information Days are being held on a monthly basis in the Sydenham Room at the Learning Centre at the back of Christchurch South Library in Colombo Street. Subjects discussed have been on the Survival Kit (Disaster Relief©, Radiation Relief© and Post Trauma Recovery© Essences), the Constitutional Essence© and the Te Wheke Essence©.
The next First Light Flower Essence Information Day will be held on Saturday 20 August from 10am-noon in the Sydenham Room where everyone is welcome ($5 ea).

Flower Essence Projects Canterbury
(Kay Lloyd and Dorine Hooykaas) have begun distribution of about 12 Emergency Kits, containing everything needed to fill 108 bottles with Disaster Relief© - a.k.a 'Quake Mix', should it be necessary in the event of some form of disaster within the next 18 months. With these Emergency Kits distributed in North Canterbury, West and South Canterbury and in several directions within Christchurch, there is a very quick response possible when needed.
When the first Earthquake struck in September 2010, Franchelle and Tony of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand kindly sprung into action and sent down the first 1000 bottles of Quake Mix to Christchurch. In total the Christchurch team of practitioners and volunteer helpers have produced close to 9000 bottles. A lot has been made possible due to the donation of Disaster Relief© stock bottles through the First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand website and we thank all those people who have donated this way or in other ways. A very generous donation of 9 bottles of brandy was made by the Commodore Airport Hotel in Memorial Ave, Christchurch.

Many shopholders, GP's and counsellors have First Light Disaster Relief© available on their counter which has helped immensely. We continuously get reports of how people have Disaster Relief© in their handbags, in their cars and on their night stands and how much difference the First Light Disaster Relief© has made in their experience of all the earthquakes, the aftershocks and their effects. How their pets have settled down after being given Disaster Relief and also how it has opened the way to using flower essences in other situations also. Just the other day another shop called me, for they had been asked for First Light Disaster Relief© so many times and wanted to have a supply to satisfy their clients. Often someone comes in to get one bottle, only to return after a week to get 6 more bottles to give to their family and friends. Thank you so much Franchelle and Tony for all the research (New Zealand Health Industry Research and Development, Distinguished Service Award for pioneering, developing and establishing New Zealand native flower and plant essences for holistic healing), donations and assistance.
Now that the First Light Disaster Relief has found its way to so many people to recover from the first shock of the Canterbury Earthquakes, Flower Essence Projects Canterbury wants to make the next phase available during the next few months: First Light Trauma Recovery©. It will appear in the same places as the First Light Disaster Relief© is now and will be displayed side by side for a while.
More information on First Light Trauma Recovery© can be found on the First Light website www.nzfloweressences.co.nz

Article by:

Dorine Hooykaas (0275 - 367 462)
South Island Training coordinator for First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand
Coordinator First Light Disaster Relief Project
Flower Essence Projects Canterbury

Kidzone August 2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:11:16 +1200

Children Are Our Greatest Legacy

Children are our greatest legacy Tohuna Dr Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere reminds us.
As elders we are in a role to support our children so that they can live and move consciously and confidently into their futures.

Like us, each child is a totally unique being, upholding and expressing sacred gifts which will assist them, others and the earth mother on their journey. Each child carries with them their own unique ‘medicine’ or 'gift' to support them on this journey. Like the children of old indigenous ways, a child of today is able to carry their personal ‘medicine’ or 'gift' to assist them to meet life powerfully. A child of the 21st century will find this in the flowers, ferns, trees, seeds and plants of Aotearoa through the First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand range.

As elders we can provide this support through a constitutional blend of essences. This blend will assist a child to walk in balance, to navigate this territory of the 21st century whilst expressing their unique gifts powerfully into the world, to achieve their birth right, their destiny enabling their inner light to shine through.
A constitutional blend will include the child’s ‘power’ flower to support the child to express and meet their world positively and effectively. The chosen flower corresponds to their day of birth on the zodiacal calendar. A fern, tree and seed correlating to the day of the week which they were born will assist to clear, balance, strengthen, protect and restore the correlating aura, chakra and DNA. The child’s soul lessons will be supported through the corresponding plant relating to their chosen birth date. Together they will gently bring harmonious alignment to allow the child’s soul to express its full potential in the world. This personal blend is a sacred gift which can be given from birth on.

Each of my children use a constitutional blend daily and I observe in them the positive shift of their personal expression to meet daily challenges. Life in the family unit and parenting becomes more harmonious, fluid and at ease. The children are also introduced to the plants in the physical world through time in nature in order to have a relationship in the physical with their ‘medicine’.

Anna is a a First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand registered practitioner, a qualified and experienced teacher, mother of 3 young children and co-founder of NaturePlayNZ, an organisation dedicated to assisting children, mother earth and the future. First Light Flowers essences form the foundation of her relationship to assist all children to express beauty and balance in their lives. Anna can be contacted by email: info@natureplaynz.co.nz