We are the Calvary: Saving Our Democracy in 2024!

By Nikki Harris; edited by Cam MacQueen

Over the last 40 years, reproductive healthcare has become a political football for political gain. Shamefully, it has become the wedge issue for our many elections, despite the overwhelming majority of Americans supporting access to safe and legal abortion. Elections now hinge on this single issue and culture wars. Voters deserve better!…

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: The “Journey” to Healing the Mind, Body and Spirit

By Eleni Boosalis, PsyD

Despite [ketamine’s] popularity in the anesthetic and pain management field, it has been used off-label for about 20 years to treat depression and anxiety. It has taken several years for the general public to consider this medication as a safe and useful option for mental health due to some bad publicity it attracted in the 1990s for its abuse and misuse as a party drug. So, how does ketamine work and what does it do to your brain?…

Understanding Persistent Pain

By Philip R. Appel, PhD

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the definition of pain is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage” (derived from a 1964 definition by Harold Merskey; first published in 1979 by IASP in the journal PAIN, number 6, page 250). The key words here for your understanding are emotional experience and potential. When one has persistent pain, it is not uncommon to become overly focused on trying to avoid the pain. Many times, an individual is reacting to how intense the pain has been and is thinking how intense the pain might become, even though in a particular moment it may not be at that level of intensity….

Recognizing and Treating Hypertension: A Functional Medicine Approach

By Helena Amos, M.Ac. L.Ac., Euro. Physician

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, specifically with a sustained blood pressure reading of over 140/80 mmHg or higher. The first number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart contracts, and the second number (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. It is frequently referred to as “the silent killer”, as many people with hypertension are asymptomatic, i.e., they do not experience any obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages of the condition. However, there are many indicators that can assist with prevention and earlier detection, so it’s important to understand the full scope of the disease….

Rachel Carson (Part Two): Inspiring Intergenerational Nature Education

By Rebecca Henson

Carson believed a strong sense of wonder, if nourished from a young age, could “last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantments of later years, the sterile occupation with things that are artificial, the alienation from the sources of our strength.” And our rich connection with nature would benefit not only the individual and one’s community, but eventually the environment itself….

Photo credit: From Life magazine, October 1962. All rights reserved © 1962 Alfred Eisenstaedt (Time & Life Pictures)

Inextricability

By Rev. Dr. Trish Hall 

Isn’t “inextricability” (incapable of being disentangled), a great word? Simply, we cannot get away from one another. The effects any of us have, whether on the environment or in all other aspects of day-to-day living, affect everyone and everything directly and indirectly. What we do turns back on all of us. In the Judeo-Christian Bible, Cane asks, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, the answer is “Yes!”  We are our brothers’ keepers… and our sisters’ and mothers’ and fathers’ keepers and our friends’, neighbors’ and strangers’ and our environment. Everything each of us does impacts everyone, just some more than others….

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace Camping

By Fallon Keplinger

My husband and I decided to take three weeks to explore the northeast and attempt to escape the temperatures. We booked our camping sites through the app Hipcamp. When booking camping sites, you are reminded to adhere to “The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace” Camping. I had never heard of it before. What is it and what does it mean…

Hey, Gen Z: Our Democracy Needs Us!

By Ciara O’Brien

Members of Gen Z, myself included, are often labeled as the “change generation.” Generally defined as people born from 1997 to 2012, and also known as “Zoomers”, we’ve been called the most diverse, educated, and digitally savvy generation to date. But what truly sets us apart is our ability to see the bigger picture. We understand that issues are deeply interconnected, and we approach them with empathy, care, and a desire for justice. Whether it’s climate change, job security, or human rights, we know these challenges don’t exist in isolation — and that’s why our vote is so crucial, especially now….

Fall 2024: Pluto’s Impact on Your Life – Transformation

By Misty Kuceris

So why would 2024, especially this fall quarter of 2024, remind me of 2008? Because of the major paradigm shift, especially in governance, technology, and economy, that Pluto causes as it changes from one sign to another. And because until the time Pluto changes signs, it toggles between the new sign and the old sign for several months. When it finally does change signs, it stays in a sign anywhere from 12 years to 30 years depending on its erratic orbit….

Death and Scorpio Season

By Cindy Carrasquillo

The Death card is ruled by the sign of Scorpio, both known for change, rebirth and transformation. Scorpio, in turn, is ruled by both modern Pluto (who is also a god of the Underworld) and traditional Mars. Scorpio is associated with the 8th house in astrology, known as the house of Death, sex, and rebirth; this is fitting as Scorpio is associated with reproduction and rules the reproductive organs. Clearly, the connections between Death and Scorpio season are numerous. And as someone who tends to get bored easily, I appreciate the relevance to change and the process of growth and evolution.…

The Importance of Contemplative Practices and Centering Prayer

By Jena Morrison

Solitude asks us to let go of the other ways of proving and defining who we are, which are a lot more satisfying. The voice that calls us the beloved and shows us our True Self is not the voice that satisfies the senses. It is the voice that satisfies our soul at its deepest level. To attune to that voice, we must be still. Contemplative prayer allows us to do this….

Cosmic Balance: Discovering the Eternal Masculine and Feminine Principles Within 

By Carmen Froment 

We often link the masculine and feminine principles to genders; but to truly understand this question, we must rise above the physical manifestations and explore the realms of ideas, principles and numbers from which everything originates. By delving into the essence of these spiritual realities, we can uncover the divine plan, or blueprint of creation, and gain insight into how everything, including ourselves, fits into a harmonious balance….

Looking to Live a Better Story? Take a Leap into Learning

By Carol Burbank

When was the last time you heard your inner voice mutter, “That’s the story of my life?” Our cranky little mantra is a good friend, if we learn how to listen with curiosity rather than fear…. If it’s an old challenge, the best first step to turn a challenge into a real opportunity is finding a way to explore possibilities. A class can jar you free from old patterns and limitations. There’s nothing better than joining a circle of learners to expand your community and add new skills to your toolkit….

Embrace the Fall with Self-Care

By Kathi Barber

Self-care is not a sprint, it’s a journey of tiny steps. At its core, self-care means providing attention to your own mental and physical well-being — prioritizing your needs to remain healthy, well and whole. Self-care is now a part of the cultural zeitgeist and is often seen across social media, the Internet, and in YouTube videos. Mental health professionals regularly tout the important role that self-care plays in overall well-being.…

Flower Power: Calendula

By Sara Auckenthaler

Calendula, sometimes referred to as ‘Pot Marigold’, is in the Daisy family Asteraceae. It’s easy to grow and generally considered perennial, yet often grown as an annual flower. Depending on where you are in the world, warmer climates can allow year-round blooming! Here in Virginia, I typically start harvesting in mid-June and continue until late October!… 

Review: Herbal Activities for Kids

Book Review By Kathy Jentz 

Herbal Activities for Kids: 50 Nature Crafts, Recipes, and Garden Projects is a new book for parents, grandparents, and teachers of all kinds to guide children through the world of herbalism through various crafts and activities. The author, Molly Meehan Brown, is the founder of the Wild Ginger Community Herbal Center in Bryans Road, MD (see the Wild Ginger profile in the Summer 2024 issue of Pathways Magazine). She also draws on the expertise of several herbalists from all over the globe for inspiration and content in the book….

Wiccans, Witches, and Pagan Culture

By Salicrow

I have spent a lot of time thinking about titles, particularly when it comes to witches, wiccans, and pagan culture, and how they overlap and cross pollinate with one another. While the beliefs and titles change from coven to grove, to individual practitioner, the core workings are the same — carrying a belief in magic and the unseen world….

Art Classes at Retirement Communities Improve Quality of Life

By Martina Sestakova

In a classroom setting, when greeted by individuals in their 80s or 90s, I am filled with joy at the opportunities that lie ahead. As we age, our bodies and minds may not function as they once did, leading some to feel disengaged or discouraged. I focus on watercolor classes because they cater to various skill levels. Any of my students can pick up a brush and bring their creativity to life….

BOOK REVIEWS

By Alyce Ortuzar

TWILIGHT of DEMOCRACY: The Seductive Lure of AUTHORITARIANISM, by Anne Applebaum

Designing Climate Solutions: A Policy Guide for Low-Carbon Energy, by Hal Harvey with Robbie Orvis, Jeffrey Rissman, Michael O’Boyle, Chris Busch, and Sonia Aggarwal

POWER OF POETRY

A Blink Before Breaching, by Scott Thomas Outlar