, ,

Christmas Tree pastry

Hello everyone!

Well, we have reached the end of the year. This is when all the festivities and exchanging of gifts happen. But this is also a great time to feel uplifted and joyful. This is the time to have hope as we get another chance to start again.

12 months, 12 recipes. This is my last one for the year and it is probably a dessert that does not top the healthy list but everything is in moderation and it is nice to indulge once in a while. What better time than Christmas!

This is a quick dessert if you are running out of time. I hope you enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 square sheets of puff pastry.
  • Nutella or Cadbury dark or milk chocolate.

METHOD

  1. Cut the two sheets in a Christmas tree shape (use a ruler). It does not have to be perfect.
  2. One is the base, and one is the top. Place the base on a large chopping board and spread the melted chocolate or Nutella on the base. Then place the other pastry on top.
  3. If you have a cookie cutter in the shape of a star, cut two stars in the 3rd pastry and spread chocolate on the base of the star then put the second star on top and set aside.
  4. Once your Christmas tree pastry has got both bases covered, place your star on top of the tree. Then use a small knife and gently slice the sides of the tree in a horizontal way making sure the middle of the tree is not sliced.
  5. Then start twisting the branches on the side of the pastry upwards but do it gently. Two twist is plenty.
  6. Brush your Christmas tree with a little bit of milk then place almond flakes on the pastry.
  7. Baked in oven until the pastry has that golden brown colour. Do not bake it for a long time. Keep checking and as soon as you see that light brown crispy colour take the pastry out.
  8. Place your pastry in a rectangular dish and sprinkle red and green MNMS all around the plate to give it that Christmas colour look. You can sprinkle icing sugar on it if you wish. I usually sprinkle coconut sugar for a healthier version.
  9. Eat with Vanilla ice cream.

If you are using Cadbury see the method below to melt.

Cadbury milk chocolate melted

  1. Pour water in a frying pan and use a dish that can sustain heat and place it in the frying pan.
  2. Break the chocolate bars and place them in the dish and let them melt on the stove on a low flame. It should take only 5-10 seconds for them to melt.
  3. Spread quickly on prepared pastry.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

/by
,

Nut bar

As Saturn moves into Pisces and Pisces is connected to the blood system (credit Heidi Drieschner). I have a recipe for you that might improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the arteries.

This month’s recipe is a homemade nut bar. It is good as a snack on the run.

Black Sesame Seed, Walnuts and Almonds help with blood circulation so use them in this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

You can use any nuts you like (It is important that they are unsalted and raw)

  • 1 cup Walnuts
  • 1 cup Almond
  • 1 cup Cashew nuts
  • ½ cup Pistachio
  • ½ cup Hazelnuts
  • ½ cup Macadamia
  • I put ¼ cup of rolled oats in my bar. (optional)
  • All of the above nuts (if you use any of them) should be roasted. (You do not have to use all of them, (personal preference), I use only almonds, cashews, pistachios and hazelnuts.
  • ¼ cup of pepita seeds
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup black sesame seeds (I only use Pepita and sunflower seeds in my recipe)
  • Coconut oil to brush the pan.
  • Please note you can substitute and use anything you like, Shredded coconut, dried sultanas or dried cranberries, chia seeds.
  • ½ cup of Honey
  • 1/3 Maple syrup or Rice Malt Syrup: (I use Rice Malt)
  • ¼ tsp salt (I did not use salt in my recipe but if I do, I use Celtic salt)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional, I did not use Vanilla)

OTHER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Please buy a candy thermometer.

A candy thermometer is the only way to make sure that the syrup will hold the nuts together as it needs to reach the exact right temperature.

METHOD:

Grease and line a square baking pan with baking paper, making sure you leave a bit hanging on both sides of your baking dish.

Lightly brush the top of the baking paper with a little bit of coconut oil. Lightly brush a second sheet of baking paper same size as the first baking sheet and set aside.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. 180 degrees Celsius

spread the almonds, walnuts, cashew, hazelnuts or any nuts of your choice onto a large baking sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes, until lightly toasted and fragrant.

Once toasted, transfer the nuts to a large mixing bowl and add the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and or sesame seeds, sultanas, shredded coconut, anything you like. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, syrup of your choice and salt (optional) and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches 126 degrees Celsius on a candy thermometer. Always keep your eyes on the syrup, as you don’t want it to turn into caramel. Stir in vanilla extract (optional) and immediately pour the hot syrup over the bowl of nuts and stir quickly until everything is evenly coated.

You will have to be really quick to transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread it evenly throughout the pan with a  wooden or rubber spatula; cover with the sheet of baking paper (greased side down) and, with the help of a flat object such as a flat drinking glass, or a flat bowl, press the mixture firmly to close in all the holes and compact the nuts really well.

Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes (they should still be slightly warm and pliable at this point), then carefully lift them out of the pan by pulling gently on the parchment paper; cut into bars. I kept them in the fridge before cutting them into bars, but it is personal preference.

Usually Allow to cool at room temperature, then transfer to airtight container or fridge. To avoid them sticking, either place a piece of parchment paper between bars, or wrap individually in cling wrap.

Store at room temperature in a cool dry place for soft, sticky bars. They will keep for up to a few weeks. Or store in the fridge to keep it for longer.

Happy Eating. Email me to let me know if you tried this recipe and did you bring your own twist and flavour to it? Did you swap the nuts, or use a different syrup?

/by
Banana and coconut bread by Corinne Dosoruth
,

Banana and coconut bread

Banana and coconut bread by Corinne Dosoruth

Hello everyone.

Welcome to the second dessert of the year. I have chosen a banana and coconut bread cake.

As Heidi Drieschner mentioned in her column there is a lot of high energy associated with the last full moon. We are urged to discharge these powerful energies through gym, dancing and any movement.

So if you have been moving the last two weeks, then bake my banana coconut bread for support.

Bananas are sometimes referred to as the perfect food for athletes. This is largely due to their content of easily digested carbs, as well as the minerals potassium and magnesium, both of which act as electrolytes (20Trusted Source).

So bananas may support exercise recovery and coconut is a good source of protein to repair the muscles. So, what better way than to mix them together.

INGREDIENTS

3 ripe bananas (mashed with a fork)

3 eggs (whisked lightly)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/12 cup coconut flour

1 tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon of bicarbonate Soda

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

Optional: 100 ml of maple syrup or rice malt syrup (I did not use the syrup when I made mine but I added a teaspoon of coconut sugar and it was still very tasty)

METHOD

Pre-heat oven at 180º, line the side of a loaf pan with baking paper.

Mashed your peel bananas with a fork in a big bowl. Leave aside.

Whisked your eggs lightly in a smaller bowl then mix with your bananas. Add the Vanilla extract and apple cider vinegar, mix and add the bicarbonate soda and the baking powder. Then add the Coconut flour and mix well with a wooden spoon.

If you are going to use any syrup add it in the mixture when you add the vanilla extract.

Pour the mixture into your tin. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until your skewer comes out clean and dry.

Mine took only about 30-35 minutes to cook so keep checking depending on your oven.

Once it is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it dry on a cool rack. 

Sprinkle some coconut sugar on top of the cake and sprinkle some desiccated coconut as well on top of the coconut sugar.

Enjoy!

/by
,

Sagittarius Moon Cycle 24 November 2022

‘A column about the Sun and the Moon.’ 

Accessing Higher Wisdom

With this Sagittarius season comes the invitation to look beyond what ‘appears to be’, and connect with the intuitive, universal wisdom. With a lovely mix of planets and energies at play, this cycle provides us with an opportunity to gain deeper understanding of questions we may have been puzzling with, and thus a greater contentment in where we are at on our journey.

This is also my ‘goodbye for now’ as the IEHA enters a quieter season of rest and restoration, and I await the soon approaching birth of my baby. I look forward to returning to my astrology practice next year. 

For now, I hope this final column for the year will help you ground and align your energies with the cosmos as we approach the ‘silly season’. Welcome to the column about the Sun and the Moon.

Dates to note:

New Moon in Sagittarius 24 November at 9.57am (AEDT)

First Quarter Moon in Pisces 1 December at 1.38am (AEDT) 

Full Moon in Gemini 8 December at 3.08pm (AEDT) 

Last Quarter Moon in Virgo 16 December at 7.59pm (AEDT)

Sagittarius New Moon:

On November 24th, the Moon joins the Sun in 1 degree Sagittarius for the buoyant and benevolent Sagittarius New Moon – a lovely shift in energy after the deep and intense Scorpio season. Sagittarius energy invites us to be spontaneous and have a bit of fun to ease the intensity of the past cycle. With a harmonious aspect to Jupiter in Pisces, this cycle promises joyful expansion through strengthening our connection to the mystical and the unseen, thus providing us with a rare opportunity to receive powerful ’downloads’ and wisdom from the universe.

In this New Moon constellation, we also have Venus and Mercury in the sign of Sagittarius, creating an aspect to the ‘wounded healer’ of our skies; Chiron. Paired with the subtle and empathetic Piscean energy (Jupiter), this cycle will offer a wonderful platform for healing through soulful conversations and sharing with others – they key being in always leading with an open heart.      

Self-care suggestions for this Moon Cycle:

  • Arrange soulful low-key time with close friends and loved ones 
  • Spend time journaling your thoughts and insights to paper especially around the upcoming Full Moon – Gemini energy loves the written word
  • Try Agrimony flower essence to integrate and balance the Sagittarius energy 
  • This cycle is a wonderful one to attend a yoga/healing/creative workshop or short course to expand your awareness

Gemini Full Moon:

This Full Moon in the bubbly and flirtatious sign of Gemini has an edge to it with the fiery Mars in tight embrace with the Moon. Think fast and passionate attraction, strong emotional responses and rash words spoken in the heat of a conversation. Finding a healthy way to express your Natal Mars would be really helpful during this Full Moon to direct the volatile energy in a constructive way. Depending on the placement of your Natal Mars, vigorous physical activity, passionate loving and/or doing something to get the adrenaline pumping could all be great options. 

On the other hand, we also have a conversation between Venus in Sagittarius and Jupiter in Pisces diffusing some of the sparks of this Full Moon. Venus in Sagittarius is just and optimistic while Jupiter in Pisces envelops us in faith for a better future, thus making this Full Moon a fertile ground for breakthroughs in terms of how to move forward – or in other words – what to release so that we can move ahead with our grand vision for the future. 

While I have closed my astrology appointments for now, I’m forever creating and painting as the inspiration strikes and will be sharing my work on my website so please, don’t be a stranger!

Wishing you all a lovely and peaceful rest of the year, and I look forward to connecting again in 2023!

With gratitude to our cosmic guides,

With love,

Siina xx  

Siina McCallum  (BA Anthropology) is an artist and a professional astrologer. Always inspired by our connection to the cosmos, her work is an invitation to embrace our creative spirit and tap into the ancient rhythm of the Universe.

/by
,

Scorpio Moon Cycle 25 October 2022

‘A column about the Sun and the Moon.’ 

Feel it to Heal it

Guided by the Sun we descend into the depths of Socrpio season. The Sun also leads us to a month of eclipses, first a partial Solar Eclipse and New Moon in Scorpio and then Total Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Taurus. This is a powerful month to connect with the rhythm of the two luminaries and weave some lunar magick into your life. Welcome to the column about the Sun and the Moon. 

Dates to note:

New Moon in Scorpio 25 Oct 9.48pm (AEDT)

First Quarter Moon in Aquarius 1 Nov 5.37pm (AEDT)

Full Moon in Taurus 8 Nov 10.01pm (AEDT)

Last Quarter Moon in Leo 17 Nov 12.26pm (AEDT)

Scorpio New Moon:

On the 25th of October, the Moon joins the Sun in the realm of Scorpio for the New Moon and partial Solar Eclipse. Known for her unwavering presence and brutal honesty, Scorpio invites us to go deep, lean into the discomfort and ‘feel it to heal it’. 

This cycle carries forward a theme from the past cycle, with the goddess of love Venus in tight conjunction with the New Moon. Venus in Scorpio speaks about deep, soul-level connection and unwavering love that binds us to others. Venus in Scorpio is not about the fluff that looks pretty on the surface, but the nitty gritty that creates the story of two or more souls that walk together in this life.

I feel like this New Moon and Solar Eclipse is an opportunity to honor the connections that run deep, also the connection to ourselves. To invite healing to these often intricate relationships and offer love and acceptance where it may be needed. 

As we move into this new cycle, it’s good to keep in mind that Eclipses tend to bring about big energies that can easily sweep us off our feet. Solar Eclipse being a particularly fruitful time to energetically welcome new beginnings, and Lunar Eclipse a time of culmination and conclusion…  As you navigate this powerful Lunar Cycle, please remember to ground, ground, ground!

Self-care suggestions for this Moon Cycle:

  • Plug your bare feet into Mama Earth – grounding is gold during this powerful cycle
  • Take it easy – eclipse energy can be powerful for us mere mortals and keeping your days as free as possible can be super supportive as we surf these cosmic tides
  • Try Chicory flower essence to help integrate the deep and mystical energy of Scorpio

Taurus Full Moon:

We began this month with a powerful New Moon energy, with an Eclipse and promise of healing and change. As we ebb and flow with the waxing Moon towards the culmination point and Full Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse on November 8th, the energy will all but settle down with the unpredictable Uranus in a tight conjunction with our earthy Taurus Moon. 

Uranus promises sudden and unpredictable change, as often is the case with Eclipses. Tuning deeply with the calm and grounding Taurus energy during this time will be magic. Finding solace in simple tasks of cooking nourishing meals, attending to your garden or house plants and taking some time to make you physically as comfortable as possible will be supportive; grounding deeper into your physical body with each breath as you go about your day. 

Now that we are prepared to welcome this wild and powerful Lunar Eclipse, I’d like to talk about another major aspect – a North Node conjunction with the Full Moon. North Node is a point in our charts that give us clues to our dharma, or our purpose in this lifetime. Coupled with this intriguing energy this Full Moon could give us yet another nudge from the Universe to keep re-aligning with our Soul’s purpose. If you are familiar with your Natal Chart, spending some time contemplating your Natal North Node could be helpful.  

If you are curious how a particular lunation plays out in your chart, I offer Lunation Consultations where we’ll explore what is activated in your unique birth chart and how you might best work with the energies. It would be my honor to be your guide to the mysteries of astrology. You can explore my consultation types and book a session here.

Thank you for being here.

With gratitude to our cosmic guides,

Until next time,

Siina xx  

Siina McCallum  (BA Anthropology) is an artist and a professional astrologer. Always inspired by our connection to the cosmos, her work is an invitation to embrace our creative spirit and tap into the ancient rhythm of the Universe.

/by
Libra Lunar Month
,

Libra Moon Cycle 26 September 2022

‘A column about the Sun and the Moon.’ 

Living Our Values

While still deep in the season of retrogrades, we move into the new Lunar Cycle with an increased light (in the Southern Hemisphere) as we welcomed the Equinox only a few days prior, on Friday the 23rd of September. Equinoxes mark a moment in time when the light and the dark are evenly balanced. Taking place close to the Libra New Moon, this time invites us to seek a sense of personal balance amidst the ever changing tides of the cosmos. I hope the column this ‘moonth’ will assist you in your search (along with the Libra energy) for peace and harmony. Welcome to the column about the Sun and the Moon.

Dates to note:

New Moon in Libra 26 September (7.54am AEST)

First Quarter Moon in Capricorn 3 October 

Full Moon in Aries 10 October (6.54am AEST)

Last Quarter Moon in Cancer 18 October

Sun moves to Scorpio 23 October

Libra New Moon:

The seventh sign of the Zodiac, Libra energy speaks about how we relate with the world around us. Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty and harmony, Libra season highlights the experience of the important relationships in our lives, what we find attractive and how we commune with our environment. This cycle invites us to ponder on these themes in our lives and make adjustments where necessary to ensure our life reflects what we truly value.

One of the sacred invitations of Libra season is to reconnect with our values. To become clear of what they are, and reflect on how (and if at all) our daily lives are aligned with our values. This is an empowering practice and has the power to highlight some of the ‘blind spots’ we may have around our daily existence. May the waxing Moon over the next two weeks light up what needs to be revealed to us now on our quest to a more harmonious existence in this world.

Venus herself is floating through the sign of Virgo, making contact with retrograde Mercury a day after the New Moon. As retrogrades pull our focus inwards, this cycle would be a beautiful time to contemplate on the most important relationship of your life, the relationship you have with yourself. How do you value this essential relationship and how does it reflect on your relationship with the rest of the world? 

Self-care suggestions for this Moon Cycle:

  • Write down your top 7 values, and take a moment to contemplate on how they are reflected in your life
  • Try Scleranthus of the Bach Flower Essences to balance and integrate the Libra energy
  • Prepare a nourishing Libra themed meal following this delicious recipe by Corinne, one of the IEHA practitioners

Aries Full Moon:

The fiery October Full Moon in Aries is here to stir any stagnant energy up and will challenge us to face any internal conflicts we may have been avoiding – Aries is all about facing challenges head on. The Moon symbolizes heart and soul, and Aries being direct and transparent, we may all feel like we’re wearing our hearts on our sleeve during this time. 

And indeed, this Full Moon may come with a sense of heading into a battle with no armor, leaving us feeling somewhat exposed and vulnerable. Chiron, ‘the wounded healer’, only two degrees away from the Full Moon, illuminates a tender spot in our psyche; an opportunity for healing, possibly around our identity (Aries theme). This may feel uncomfortable and we may find ourselves externalizing this ‘battle’, seeking for conflicts around us. The best thing we can do, however, is to allow the light of the Full Moon to guide us inward to a more soulful quest for peace. 

On the opposite axis we have the Sun in the peace seeking Libra, creating a grand trine with Mars, the ruler of this Full Moon, and Saturn. Grand trine is considered a harmonious aspect pattern, tying each energy together in a supportive manner. Here we have the Libra Sun radiating love and peace, Mars passionately negotiating the dualities of life in Gemini and Saturn in Aquarius building foundations for a new world. With the fierce Aries’ drive forward, fused with the energy of this harmonious Grand Trine, this Full Moon could be the culmination point in our quest to more peaceful existence in this world… At least on a personal level, however, isn’t that where the change always begins? 

If you are curious how a particular lunation plays out in your personal birth chart, I offer Lunation Consultations where we’ll explore what is activated in your unique birth chart and how you might best work with the energies. It would be my honor to be your guide to the mysteries of astrology. You can explore my consultation types and book a session here. 

With gratitude to our cosmic guides,

Until next time,

Siina xx  

Siina McCallum  (BA Anthropology) is an artist and a professional astrologer. Always inspired by our connection to the cosmos, her work is an invitation to embrace our creative spirit and tap into the ancient rhythm of the Universe.

/by
,

Leo Moon Cycle 29 July 2022

‘A column about the Sun and the Moon.’ 

Heart Wide Open

The more deeply I align myself with the natural cycles of the cosmos, the more blessed I feel that I have discovered a way of life that keeps inviting me back into my center. Living in tune with the cosmos is a very personal practice and looks different for everyone. My hope is that this column inspires you to find your own way to honor and align with the cosmic energies. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, I believe that simple gestures are often the most powerful way to cultivate a grounded connection to the cosmos and the natural cycles around us. So, as always, trust your intuition and do what feels right to you. Welcome to the Lunar Month Astrology – a column about the Sun and the Moon. 

Dates to note:

New Moon in Leo 29 July (3.54am AEST)

First Quarter Moon in Scorpio 5 August

Full Moon 12 August (11.35am AEST)

Last Quarter Moon in Taurus 19 August

Sun moves to 23 August Virgo

Leo New Moon:

Giddy excitement was my first instinct as I took the first look at the Leo New Moon chart. How curious, I thought, as I wasn’t sure why I felt it. As I dived deeper into the energies in the chart, I started to feel a strong invitation to step up and show up with joy. There is so much cosmic magic in store for this cycle, and it challenges us to open our hearts for the possibilities.  

Leo being Leo that loves the limelight, I want to take a moment to reflect on this gorgeous, raw and openhearted energy and welcome it with open arms. Leo, being a fire sign, this cycle is conducive for transformation through the fire of passion and bravery. Leo is a warm, bold and passionate sign, and rules the heart and upper back. Thus activities that connect you to your heart space are wonderful during this cycle – I will add a practice suggestion below.  

As we welcome the glow of Leo New Moon, we also begin to feel the energy of the Uranus North Node conjunction in Taurus, which takes place on the 31st. North Node is connected to our ‘dharma’, or in other words, our purpose in this lifetime and talks about what we are here to learn and master. Uranus on the other hand is the awakener of the skies; the god of thunder that shakes and wakes us up. Together this pair might just awaken us to our purpose. 

With all the above in mind, I feel we are truly invited by the cosmos to open our hearts and be receptive to the messages of the universe this month, and bravely step up on the path that may be revealed as the month goes on. On the other hand, watching out for your energy levels (and making sure to embrace the leisurely side of Leo) is also very important during Leo season to avoid burning out. Especially with Jupiter in Aries creating a trine to our New Moon, the “flames” could get out of hand if we don’t pay attention. So to make the most of this buoyant energy, it’s best to actively “manage the fire” by making sure you get enough rest and stay cool.

Self-care suggestions for this Moon Cycle:

  • Balance the buoyant energy of this cycle by scheduling in some delicious leisure time with no agenda other than being joyfully lazy.  
  • If you are familiar with flower remedies, try Vervain as it correlates with Leo energy and assists in assimilating the higher energies of the sign.
  • Breathe into your heartspace: Find a comfy seat where you can relax your spine. Place your hands softly on your heart. Connect with your breath and allow it to find its natural rhythm. Visualize your heartspace expanding with each inhale, and softening with each exhale.  

Aquarius Full Moon:

On the 12th of August, Sun and Moon align for our annual Full Moon in Aquarius. In the bohemian and community minded sign, this Full Moon illuminates visions and inventions that may have been hibernating in the dark for a long time, and reveal how they sit in the large scale of things. 

Only hours before the Full Moon, Venus will move from Cancer into Leo changing the way this divine energy translates into our world. Venus being receptive in nature, her magic lies in the power of attraction. In Leo, Venus’ energy may manifest as grand gestures and a strong attraction. So while grand in nature, it’s good to remember that Venus in Leo is still receptive and forcing something will not get her far. Inviting and allowing something to come, however, is how we can best work with this magnetic energy.     

Another important part in the constellation of the Full Moon is Saturn (in retrograde), which sits 3° degrees away from the Moon. Stability and structure are some of the key words of Saturn. In the expansive realm of Aquarius however the Saturnian energy may feel somewhat challenging and even restrictive. I feel the alchemy here can be found when we lean into the lessons of the retrograding Saturn: return to the foundations, re-align with your truth and take responsibility where necessary in order to expand. 

To bring this all together, it feels this Full Moon could reveal the next big thing in the story that is unfolding along the Uranus North node conjunction. As we keep aligning and re-aligning with our purpose, the vision will emerge and we will attract what we need. 

A few ideas to work with this bohemian Full Moon:

  • Share ideas and visions with a friend, or privately in your journal. Have fun and allow them to come and go and know that the ones that are meant to stick will stick. 
  • If you are currently feeling stuck in an area of your life, take this opportunity to air the situation out. Move away from it, and focus your energy on something that gives you a sense of expansion. This may just give you the change in perspective that will help you resolve the situation and re-align with your purpose. 
  • Reflect where in your life you might be forcing something. Remind yourself of the lessons of Venus, and look for opportunities to loosen the grip and soften into trust. 

If you are curious how a particular lunation plays out in your chart, I offer Lunation Consultations where we’ll explore what is activated in your unique birth chart and how you might best work with the energies. It would be my honor to be your guide to the mysteries of astrology. You can explore my consultation types and book a session here.

Thank you for being here.

With gratitude to our cosmic guides,

Until next time,

Siina xx  

Siina McCallum  (BA Anthropology) is an artist and a professional astrologer. Always inspired by our connection to the cosmos, her work is an invitation to embrace our creative spirit and tap into the ancient rhythm of the Universe.

/by