Moon magic
Moon magic is an age-old wisdom. Our ancestors watched the moon and learned through trial and error that our nearest planet had a distinct effect on their lives. In the …
Approaching August – Lammas and Lughnasadh
The year has ripened, come to its zenith and now arrives the harvesting season. The native Americans called the first part of August the Ripening Time and then, as it …
Are you psychic? Discovering the hidden part of your mind
Hallowe’en wouldn’t be Hallowe’en without tales of ghosts and apparitions, would it? There’s nothing more spine-chillingly delicious than sitting in a suitably darkened room (with just a fire or a …
Hallowe’en/Samhain – pulling back the veil between the worlds
Hallowe’en. Samhain. When I first wrote The Natural Year, around 20 years ago, the festival of Hallowe’en (All Hallow’s Eve) languished in the shadow of Bonfire night (or Guy Fawkes …
Late summer yoga
Late summer and time to take care as this season can be tricksy. Imbalances around the stomach and spleen meridians can lead to feelings of poor self-esteem and a sense …
Seasonal wellness – late summer shifts
My new book, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living, takes a seasonal approach to well-being. By making little shifts we can help keep ourselves in balance. So each seasonal section gives …
Moonbathing
Moonbathing. A sneak preview from my new book, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living (pre-order here). We’ve been worshipping the moon for millennia and summer is the perfect time to catch …
The fine art of bathing
I can live without most luxuries but I’d be hard-pressed to give up my bath. I know the world is split between shower people and bath people – and I …
Love your lymph
The lymph is a vital, yet often overlooked, part of our immune system. The immune system comprises organs and systems that help protect the body from foreign bodies such as …
Wild Swimming
I’m not one of life’s natural swimmers – you won’t find me ploughing up and down the local swimming pool – but I can’t resist a spot of wild swimming. …
Stargazing – finding perspective
I’m truly blessed to live on Exmoor. It’s been designated the first International ‘Dark Sky Reserve’ in Europe and, come nightfall, the universe puts on a spectacular display. There really …
Biodanza – liberating mind and body through dance
Biodanza claims almost miraculous effects – more boosting of creativity, more freedom of expression and yes, better sex too. It also leaves you with boundless energy. Its fans claim it …
Gabrielle Roth’s 5-Rhythms – riding the wave
I met Gabrielle Roth many years ago, when I tested out her 5 Rhythms/Life Dance in London. Sadly she died two years ago, of lung cancer. I was reading my …
Beltane – the wild and wonderful festival of May
The lessons of May are about freedom, about energy and about determination. It’s a dynamic time – not just of growth but of destruction too. As Shan, pagan priestess and …
Herbal tonics to renew, refresh and balance
Feeling sluggish as you come out of winter? It’s common as we’re generally less active and have a sneaky tendency to eat more (and heavier) food. Taking a tonic now …
Imbolc – celebration of hope and trust
The year starts to turn in February. Outside it may still be cold and damp, dreary and dark but there are signs that life will begin again. The first flowers, …
In praise of slow
When we are accustomed to living overloaded bloated lives, when we are used to following the dictates of a fragile ego, slowing down is scary and stopping is downright terrifying. …
Banish the winter blues
Few people would claim that winter is their favourite season. The days are short, there is less light and the weather is often miserable – shrouding fog, endless rain, beautiful …
All year resolutions
New Year’s Eve and I bet you’re thinking about making resolutions. The natural urge is to think big – we all want to shift our entire lives in one fell …
Lifetime goals for your best year yet
When you look at your New Year resolutions is there a horrible sense of deja vu? Are you still trying to stop smoking or start dieting; to move house or …
Winter Solstice – and Gratitude.
I spent the winter solstice with my friend Kate. She lives down, down, deep deep down in a magical valley where even the air embraces you. It’s a simple abode, …
12 ways to have a happy Christmas
Two more days to go. Are you feeling all festive and sparkly or is the goodwill to all men running out? Christmas is increasingly just one long rush, one miserable …
20 ways to sparkle your way through Christmas
Everyone wants to sparkle – right through the festive season – but it can be a tall order. It’s not just the stress of organising Christmas itself; it’s having to …
Christmas Expectations
Q: Each year, Christmas gets more and more hectic and it makes me feel utterly exhausted. I’m separated from my husband, who now lives overseas, and I feel like I’m …
5 ways to strengthen your immune system
As winter approaches, your immune system is going to have to work harder than usual to keep you protected. Here are five simple ways to keep it strong. SUPERSLEEP Your …
Kichadi and ghee recipes for autumn ayurveda detoxing
Detoxing doesn’t always have to be about salads, juices and cold rawness. I am a firm believer in detoxing with the seasons, and often recommend a warming Ayurvedic detox for …
Gomasio, pomegrates and ras-al-hanout – cooking for mind, body and soul
Okay, so I’ve been trying to cook a bit more. Make more of an effort, kitchen-wise. And my inspiration this week has come from the divine Shruti. Shruti runs Fairfield …
The Natural Year begins…living in tune with the seasons
I loved writing The Natural Year. The aim was to produce a book that would act as a friend throughout the year, not badgering or hectoring, but offering suggestions, inspiration, …
The Hedgerow Handbook by Adele Nozedar
Adele Nozedar is a bit of a legend. I first met her in London, way back when I was working on the Evening Standard, pretending to be a music journalist while she …
Do you really have to exercise? Of course not.
I’m pretty sure that, if I didn’t exercise, I would go crazy. When you’re working out hard, you simply don’t have the capacity to churn stuff over in your head. Yes, I …
The Natural Year: the energy of spring
There were primroses along the banks as I walked up into the woods this morning. The wild garlic was shooting up and a haze of green was shimmering over the …