INDULGE YOUR WILD SIDE WITH DURIAN FRUIT ICE CREAM

Not for the faint of heart, energy-boosting Durian fruit ice cream will ignite your adventurous summer spirit, says Ysanne Spevack.

ysanne spevack the conscious book magic ingredient ruby warrington the numinous durian fruit ice cream annie shelmerdine
Image: Annie Shelmerdine

Durian … it’s the Marmite of the fruit world. Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to simply be un-opinionated about this stinky tropical fruit.

Spiky on the outside, and custardy on the inside, ripe durian fruit contains FIFTY different scent compounds, including smells that are found in garlic, beef, cheese, squid, leeks, and honey. They also contain four scents that are unique to durian—yes, that’s four compounds that occur nowhere else in nature! These compounds give durian its unique smell and taste, and make it stinky enough to be banned in public places throughout Southeast Asia.

Plus, durian is hot—literally. In scientific trials, it’s proven to raise your body temperature by one degree, which is significant. That’s probably the root of the rumor that it’s the sexiest fruit, especially for men. In Asia, it’s also the reason durian is never eaten alone, but always in combination with a cooling food such as a cup of tea, mangosteen, or bananas.

In Southeast Asian folklore, drinking alcohol while eating durian is believed to cause death, so people from the region rarely mix the two. However, according to scientific research carried out in 1969 by the University of Singapore, there’s nothing in durian that could possibly cause death, whatever it’s eaten with. But still, the study found that due to the unique combination of fruit sugars and unsaturated fats, eating durian while drinking alcohol causes internal fermentation that’s unhealthy, and uncomforatble. For this reason, avoid drinking alcohol while eating durian. It’s smart to stick to ice tea for cooling effects and quenching capabilities.

Found at stands throughout Chinatown in NYC, when the fruit are ripe, the spiky hard shell cracks to reveal the custard-colored creamy fruit. The edible part has a very creamy texture due to the insane amount of fat it contains—think custard and ice cream, with a faint hint of honey and garlic. And if you freeze it, you can eat it direct from the freezer. The high fat content makes instant ice cream—so simple, so good!

Malaysian durians are generally sweeter than Thai ones, and have less of the garlic taste, so they’re the best option for entry-level durian consumption. Whatever type of durian you select, it’s best to limit yourself to only 4 or 5 segments max per sitting, as it’s high in natural fruit sugars, unsaturated fats, and calories.

On the good side, it stimulates sexiness, and soothes general digestive flow. It’s high in magnesium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, copper, folic acid, and B-vitamins, so it’s great for an energy boost. It’s also perfect post-workout—when consumed with something cooling too!

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DURIAN FRUIT ICE-CREAM
Since you won’t find fresh durian online, the only way to get it is to take an adventure to Chinatown during durian season—which is right now! Follow your nose, and you’ll find the stand.

The person at the stand will remove the edible part to save you having to deal with the hard shell. Come with a reusable food container if you’d like to save the planet from another single-use plastic disposable box.

Recipe 
Ingredients:
1 fresh durian (about 10-12 segments)
1 large ripe banana

Method:
Remove the pits from the durian and peel the banana.

Mash the fruits together in a bowl with a fork.

Transfer to a freezer-proof container.

Freeze overnight.

Eat!

Discover more about Ysanne Spevack and her work HERE.

WHAT’S YOUR “RICH WITCH” TYPE?

Summer is a super ripe moment for juicy manifestations. In her inaugural Rich Witch monthly column, Lara-Rose Duong teaches you how to discover your Rich Witch type … and get that money mojo moving!

lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous

You see an activated woman who lives a prosperous life by her own standards. She’s a magnetic beauty that has her inner frequency tuned to Rich Witch FM.

With total confidence, she calls all that her heart desires into her life while praying with her feet. Her relationship with money honey is one that brings value to both her life and those around her.

She’s a radiant Phoenix who gives into the cycles of life—knowing when to let herself fully die to come back in a new form. She is your cheerleader. She is your supporter.

She’s all these things and more, and she lives deep within the big fire in your soul.

Her mantra: “Love Is Money.”

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Doesn’t sound like you? Don’t fret if life isn’t checking all your Rich Witch boxes … yet. It’s never too late to dive into the abundance party!

For some, luxury may look like partying on a sailboat in the Caribbean, while for others it may look like tending plants in your magnificent backyard. So when discovering your Rich Witch type, first carve out some sacred time for yourself to listen in to what makes your heart feel wealthy.

No matter what kind of Rich Witch you want to embody this summer, you can start activating abundance right now with these simple, potent rituals. The most important element is to remain in a state of magical receiving. Let yourself mix, match, and be eclectic about your process.

Okay, now let’s get that Rich Witch mojo moving!

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:: THE RICH SEA WITCH ::

How to Spot Her:
She lives by the sea in real life or in spirit. She may think of herself as a mermaid. She loves being at the beach and in the sun. She draws on the energy of water to power up her own magick.

How to Call Her In:

  • Pour yourself a large glass of water and place it on your altar. With a clear vision of what you want to call in, place your hands around the jar and let yourself really go deep into a daydream state where you live your summer of abundance. Feel everything that is going to happen like it’s happening right now.
  • Once you feel completely charged up, say out loud or in your mind with total excitement and authority: I am a Rich Sea Witch. With this water, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With my own energy, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With all of me, I receive my Summer of Abundance. So mote it be.” And then, drink the sacred water that you created.
  • Moving forward, every time you interact with water, say out loud or in your mind: “Thank you for this Summer of Abundance.” A great time to do this would be in the bath, in the shower, or when you dive into the sea as part of your daily summer ritual. You will literally bathe yourself in your own magick.
lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous jordan sanchez
Rich Sea Witch // Photo: Jordan Sanchez

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:: THE RICH URBAN WITCH ::

How to Spot Her:
She rides the subway, the train, and elevators throughout her day. She thrives on city lights and that frenetic buzz in the air.

How to Call Her In:

  • Make an on-the-go abundance altar in your wallet. The key is to charge up the offering you place in your wallet with your current intention. If you take a twenty-dollar bill, for example, call in your vision of what your summer of abundance looks and feels like as you hold the bill in your hands so that your energy charges up the money.
  • Once you have the bill charged up with your energy, say out loud with intention and focus: I am a Rich Urban Witch. With this money, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With my own energy, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With all of me, I receive my Summer of Abundance. So mote it be.” Don’t actually spend that bill until the spell has been completed and totally manifested.
  • Every time you step on an elevator or walk up some stairs, you can say in your mind with total authority and excitement: “I am rising. I am climbing. I am prosperous. I am abundant. I am a Rich Witch.” As you speak those words, know that your life as a whole is elevating with your intentions.
lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous hernan sanchez
Rich Urban Witch  // Photo: Hernan Sanchez

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:: THE RICH GREEN WITCH ::

How to Spot Her:
She communes with nature. She has plants a-plenty in her home. You can often find her in her garden. She always has an herbal remedy suggestion up her sleeve for your ailments.

How to Call Her In:

  • Grow a plant either indoors or outdoors. A perfect choice is a Money Tree, placed in the Southeast corner (the wealth corner) of your living room or office. For outdoors, cooking herbs can be particularly potent because you are receiving double magick as you take the energy into your body!
  • To activate your plant, first bring your energy and vision in alignment with your idea of an abundant summer. Then begin to repot the plant into a beautiful container.
  • Once you have finished repotting the plant, say out loud with excitement and intention: “I am a Rich Green Witch. With this Money Tree, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With my own energy, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With all of me, I receive my Summer of Abundance. So mote it be.”
  • Every time you water that plant, you can nourish it with your love and remember that with its growth, your abundance grows.
lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous brennan burling
Rich Green Witch //  Photo: Brennan Burling

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:: THE RICH FASHION WITCH ::

How to Spot Her: She expresses herself through her adornments. She creates waves everywhere she goes with her statement pieces. This is not about being on trend. While she may have a keen sense of style, first and foremost she always dresses for herself and her energy.

How to Call Her In:

  • If you are a Rich Fashion Witch, you are creating magick every time you dress yourself. For your abundance activation, choose several pieces of jewelry that you know you will be working with this summer. Once you have them in front of you, give yourself space and time to really bring up your energy. See yourself being and doing all that you want to do this summer.
  • Once your energy is powered up and ready to burst, hover your hands over your chosen pieces, and say out loud: I am a Rich Fashion Witch. With these talismans, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With my own energy, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With all of me, I receive my Summer of Abundance. So mote it be.”
  • When you are not wearing the pieces, leave them on your altar or in a sacred space to honour the good juju that they now carry and to clear them of any negative energy they may have picked up throughout the day. This practice is especially potent on the Full Moon.
  • Every time you wear one of those pieces, you are sharing your magnetic energy with the world. Each time you choose to adorn your body with one of them, speak your personal mantra to feed the energy.
lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous brooke cagle
Rich Fashion Witch //  Photo: Brooke Cagle

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:: THE RICH SEX WITCH :: 

How to Spot Her:
She works with her sexual force to bring her intentions into the physical world. She embraces her sensuality. She embraces her body. She embraces her needs. She knows that her sexual energy is deeply potent.

How to Call Her In:

  • Choose whatever tools bring sensual pleasure into your world- anything from crystal sex wands to lovers. You may only need to bring yourself to the party. It’s up to you. As you build up the pleasure and the sexual energy in your body, have a clear vision of your summer of abundance. Get lost in the details. There is no rush.
  • As you begin to climax, you can scream this out loud or in your mind: I am a Rich Sex Witch. With my sexual force, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With my own energy, I am calling in my Summer of Abundance. With all of me, I receive my Summer of Abundance. So mote it be.  **Note: This is potent magick. To protect yourself and make sure that you safely call in exactly what you want and are open to upgrades that you didn’t know you needed, you can add in the line: “This is for my highest good and I welcome loving surprises.”
  • You can use whatever spell works for you. The important part is that when you climax, you let the spell shoot through you whole body and out into the Universe through the crown of your head.
  • Moving forward, to nourish and honour the work that you have done, allow yourself to move and speak with sensuality. Let yourself glow wherever you go. You might also hold a crystal in your hand during your ritual and then carry it in your bra or elsewhere on your person as a talisman of your spell.
lara-rose duong lara rose duong rich witch modern money witch rich witch type ruby warrington the numinous rosie rees
Rich Sex Witch // Photo: Rosie Rees

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Let yourself be excited for what is coming and let yourself be surprised by how it will look. Trust that it’s coming for you and celebrate when you experience moments of it, no matter how small, so that the Universe knows to send you more. May your summer be alive, abundant, and prosperous! 

I want to know what kind of Rich Witch you are and what magic you’re weaving this summer. Join me in the Rich Witch Circle on Facebook! 

CANCER SEASON 2017: SUMMER NOSTALGIA FOR YOUR MOON SIGN

Cancer Season 2017 invites you to dive into your deepest, sweetest desires, and dance into your own becoming, says Bess MatassaMain image: Ilse Moore

Dim all the lights, strip it down to bare skin, and get ready to become your heart’s own private dancer … Cancer Season 2017 marks the zodiac’s violet-colored midnight hour. The moment when our secret emotional treasures are revealed, and we learn to protect the soft, crab meat that lives inside our shells.

It’s a Little Mermaid energy of precious pining for the incarnation of our most tightly held fantasies, and the risky beginnings of living these vivid dreams on the land up above.

So slip on your water wings and prepare to wash all the way back home onto your own shores. You belong to the night. You belong to all your past lives and all the ones you’ve loved. But above all, you’ve got to belong to the longings that live inside of you. Surf’s up.

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The keyword: Belonging.

The song lyrics: I never can forget those nights/I wonder if it was a dream/Those days are gone forever/I should just let ’em go/But I can tell you my love for you will still be strong/After the boys of summer have gone”—Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer”

Check out Mojave Rising’s Cancer season playlist, complete with nostalgic nuggets, classic crooners, and sensitive night movers and shakers.

SS17 catwalk looks

The color palette: Molluscular and crepuscular—midnight blues and shimmering violets, the opalescent insides of shells, and the darkness just before the dawn.

The style: Boudoir chic meets Ancient Greece. Underwear as outerwear, lace jackets, gold bangles, head dresses, dressing gowns, bedroom eyes, and fancy slippers.

Seashell clutch by Chanel
Seashell clutch by Chanel

The scents and flavors: Salt-kissed Mediterranean classics and tucked-in, pocket-shaped provisions—dumplings and samosas, mollusks, briny feta, milk & honey, succulent dark kalamata olives, black grapes, and the coastal black currant & cyclamen scent of Oribe hair products.

The healing: Homegrown, nostalgic, and nocturnal—pouring over high school yearbooks, revisiting old playlists, DIY salt bathes and clay face masks, storybook romances, and skinny dipping.

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Sensuous Invitation of the Month: Summer Nostalgia For Your Moon Sign

Cher and Winona channel Cancer season in 90s classic Mermaids

Ruled by the Moon, Cancer season invites us to return to the private bedrooms of our souls at the witching hour; our Moon signs represents who we really are when no one else seems to be watching, and how we seamlessly slip into our own skin with comfort and ease.

Below, your sign-by-sign guide to plunging into those long summer nights and returning to your innocent lunacy …

*New to your birthchart? Discover your Moon sign here!

Moon in Aries
Cancer season invites you to find comfort in igniting creative explosions. Summer Nostalgia: Blockbusters. Load up on the buttery popcorn and quicken your fiery pulse with the biggest, most badass action flicks the season has to offer.

Moon in Taurus
Cancer season invites you to relish in the sweet sensations of your beautiful body. Summer Nostalgia: Sun Goddess Beauty. Go full-on St. Tropez with all the classic seasonal palettes and procedures- spray tans, bronzers, salty locks, coral polish, and highlights.

Moon in Gemini
Cancer season invites you to celebrate giving voice to every flavor of your feelings. Summer Nostalgia: Beach Reads. Stock up on juicy paperbacks and back issues of Cosmo to share with friends on the blanket.

Moon in Cancer
Cancer season invites you to plunge straight into your tenderness, and wear it like an empowered badge of honor. Summer Nostalgia: Skinny-dipping. Whether it’s in dangerously exposed afternoon light with friends or lovers, or a midnight solo plunge, embrace what your momma gave you.

Moon in Leo
Cancer season invites you to sink your teeth into the deliciousness of simplicity and practice radically innocent presentism. Summer Nostalgia: Amusement Park Revelry. Ride your way all the way back to the sheer, thrilling joy of living with classic coasters, costumed characters, carnival fortune telling.

Moon in Virgo
Cancer season invites you to discover divinity in all the details and soothe your nervous system with embodied acts of kindness. Summer Nostalgia: Ice Cream Truck Chasing. Delight in dazzling flavor choices and the sweetness of treating your body to a hard-earned reward.

Moon in Libra
Cancer season invites you to fully embrace your romantic ideals and the prettified pleasures of aesthetic beauty. Summer Nostalgia: Classic Sunset. Embrace the pure, straightforward glory of nature’s color palette, no matter how “cheesy.” While you’re at it, throw in a pina colada and getting caught in the rain.

Moon in Scorpio
Cancer season invites you to find soul security by fully acknowledging the power of your emotional intensity. Summer Nostalgia: Backyard Bonfire & BBQ. Turn up the flames and revel in primal, smoked flavors, tiki torches, and limbo poles.

Moon in Sagittarius
Cancer season invites you to let your expansively wild visions become your mobile sense of home. Summer Nostalgia: Roadtripping. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway, or an all-out cross country voyage, lose the maps, and let it all unfold beyond the dashboard of your nomadic dreams.

Moon in Capricorn
Cancer season invites you to love up on your deep need for quality, standards, and the richness of emotional maturity. Summer Nostalgia: Yacht Cruise. Go luxe and live the good life with classic nautical wear, caviar, and self-sufficient ship steering.

Moon in Aquarius
Cancer season invites you to find your own eccentric sense of family and revel in the looniness that drives your spirit. Summer Nostalgia: Adult Camp. Collide with new besties and celebrate renegade utopian communities with everything from paintball to craft making and sing-a-longs.

Moon in Pisces
Cancer season invites you to dive into the fantasy life and find sustenance with boundaryless dreams of worlds unseen. Summer Nostalgia: Pool Party. Get your mermaid chic on and let the no-holds-barred dream time flow with slip n’ slides, giant animal rafts, and magical multi-colored blender beverages.

Want more juicy cosmic insights and sensory explorations? Arrange an astrology reading or private event with Bess Matassa here or follow her on Instagram

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE SUMMER SOLSTICE 2017

The longest day of the cosmic year, Summer Solstice 2017 is your time to strip it down and skinny dip straight back to your roots, say our resident Numi astro babes Danielle Paige, Jennifer Racioppi, and Bess Matassa

summer solstice 2017 ruby warrington the numinous jennifer racioppi danielle paige bess matassa mojave rising
Photo: Jerry Kiesewetter

5 Ways to Activate the Summer Solstice 2017 Energy Right Now!
*And make sure to read on for our resident astro babes’ full breakdown of this cosmic event … 

1/Go Skinny Dipping: This Solstice asks us to get deliciously stripped down and dip into our private lives. Whether you choose to risk taking the plunge at midday with friends or go solo at midnight, celebrate slipping back into your own skin and connecting with your internal world.

2/Throw a Slumber Party: Celebrate the longest day of the year by pulling an old-school all nighter. Break out the hot rollers and face masks, and channel those nostalgic Cancer Season vibes with Old Hollywood classics, high school yearbooks, and prom pop.

3/Spend a Spa Day with Your Patron Saints: Ruled by the Moon, the Solstice asks us to connect to our feminine progenitors, whomever this means to you. Who has held you close? Who has tenderized your heart? Who have you bowed down at the altar of as a f-ing serious force of nature? Honor those people, whether it’s with an elaborate spa day or a simple, home-cooked brunch.

4/Become Your Own Summer Lover: Light the candles, let the R&B jams play, and deck yourself out in a luscious romper and sky-high wedges. Get nocturnal with yourself- figure out exactly what turns you on in your most private moments and romance yourself with that.

5/Refuel Your Fantasy Life with a Blockbuster: The Solstice marks the Sun’s entry into the sign of Cancer and this little mermaid’s energy is all about the creative force of our fantasies. Whether it’s Wonder Woman or a juicy, romantic beach read, celebrate the unbridled potential of your inner visions by getting whisked away by fantastically real tales of heroism.

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Danielle Paige 
More light means more consciousness

The Solstice helps us to define time and get in touch with the sacred rhythm of the Universe. It marks a point of transition from one energetic phase to another and as this is the longest day of the year, more light means more consciousness.

You’ve spent the last 6 months (since the Winter Solstice) in a yin state … lots of rejuvenation, inward processing, and clearing. Now, it’s time to open up and shine your light!

Visualize a seed being planted at the Winter Solstice. After the fertilization process,  it grows into a beautiful flower and opens its petals …. THIS is the energy in the air …. Ahhh yes, well hello there!

Moving forward, honor the fullness and richness of life that is tangible to you right now. The more you can honor this, the more you move into your heart space, which is how you attract your desires to you.

To find out more about attracting your desires and working with your karmic energy to find your purpose, you can connect with Danielle here. 

summer solstice 2017 the numinous ruby warrington jennifer racioppi danielle paige mojave rising bess matassa
Photo: Pineapple Supply Co.

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Jennifer Racioppi
Get grounded, connected, and clear

With Eclipse Season just around the corner in August, use the Solstice and Cancer season to get grounded, connected, and clear. The New Moon in Cancer will follow this the Solstice by just two days, and it’s time to initiate new intentions, have fun, and enjoy those summertime vibes! 

At the exact moment when the Sun enters Cancer, the Waning Crescent Balsamic Moon in Taurus connects with Venus in Taurus. This fortuitous and auspicious alignment in the Solstice chart indicates that the seasonal shift bestows gifts of bounty. The Moon rules Cancer, is exalted in Taurus, and Venus, Taurus’ ruler, is dignified in this position! To compliment this even more, the Moon forms an exact trine, a supportive angle of manifestation,  to powerhouse Pluto.

We can expect this piercing and luxurious alignment to ground us as the Sun reaches his zenith, and we prepare to enter the season of Cancer. Cancer, a sign that loves to connect deeply with those it loves, opens the doorway to nourishing our connection to close friends and family as we reach into our roots for more safety, security, and abundance.

For more Moon wisdom or to book a coaching session with Jennifer visit Jenniferracioppi.com

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Bess Matassa 
Skinny dip straight into your own heart

What does midnight feel like in your soul? This Summer Solstice, it’s time to dim all the lights, strip it down to bare, beautifully bio-luminescent skin, and take a naked plunge into your heart’s most private spaces  …

With Neptune Rx and the Sun and Mercury entering little mermy Cancer on the same day, this Solstice is a water queen’s dream. But this isn’t the treacherous undertow of Scorpionic and Plutonian storm surges. This salt-kissed Solstice is a homecoming invitation to wash gently, yet fiercely, back onto our own shores, to remember where we’ve been, and to let everything that’s lived in our heart-shaped lockets and treasure chests give us the strength to jet-ski into the future.

So burn out the bulbs and turn on the sea sparkles. Click your heels three times and bring it all the way back home. And trust that you carry your home on your back, nomadic hermit-crab style, because you belong absolutely everywhere and always, to yourself …

Summer Solstice Mantra: I bow at the altar of my most tender night moves.
Theme Song: The Commodores’ Nightshift
Style: Bond Girl Ursula Andress meets Dorothy on her way back to Kansas. Sweetheart necklined one-pieces, gingham print hot shorts, tan halters, stacked raffia wedges, coral and emeralds.
Flavors: Nocturnal snacks and homecoming helpings. Think nightshade fruits and veggies, cardamom-infused milks, and hearty, family-style pasta dishes.

Want more juicy cosmic insights and sensory explorations? Arrange an astrology reading or private event with Bess here or follow her on Instagram

GYNOSTEMMA ICED TEA WILL MAKE YOU FEEL IMMORTAL

The perfect drink pairing for summer in the city? Adaptogenic Gynostemma, a.k.a. The Tea of Immortality, will help you burn the candle at both ends for those long summer nights, says Ysanne Spevack.

Image: Jason Briscoe

 

Want a beverage that helps you burn your candle at both ends? Just say no to coffee, and “Oh hi!” to gynostemma tea!

Known as Jiao-Gu-Lan (the Tea of Immortality) in parts of Southern China, gynostemma is a green leafy adaptogenic plant that’s the go-to for busy urbanites in the know. It’s especially well suited to help us surf summer life in the city, with its fluctuations in the weather (especially this year, what happened, NYC?!) and June’s dawn-to-dusk increased outdoors time.

With the most adaptogenic saponins of any wild-crafted plant in the world (four times the amount of ginseng), this stuff strengthens your natural ability to stabilize blood sugar, supports your immune function, and enhances endurance. And it doesn’t speed you out or crash and burn. It’s all about balancing the nervous system—as with all adaptogens, by definition gynostemma can energize you when you need it, yet help you to relax and sleep at night.

But the real reason it’s known as “The Tea of Immortality” is because of its benefits to liver and cardio function. It supports the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that protects the liver from free radicals. And it helps arteries, veins, and capillaries release nitric oxide, which helps them to relax.

The taste is a little like the stevia herb, but less sweet—not at all bitter, but an unusual green herby flavor that makes a fantastic base for other drinks and a pleasant iced tea.

And get this … it’s also a beautiful cascading plant that you can grow in a city apartment as a decorative house plant, so long as you have a sunny window. Alternatively, it’s easy to find at stores like Kamwo Meridian Herbs on Grand Street in NYC or in their online shop, which is my go-to for anything to do with Chinese medicine.

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June Gynostemma, Shiso, and Goji Ice Tea 
Don’t smirk at the gojis!!! This is what you’ve been missing all these years. Dry gojis are nasty—but gojis in tea are FABULOUS. And they’re a natural partner to gynostemma, the strange flavors of both combining into a perfect sweet herby balance. And then basil, or if you’re super lucky and can find it, fresh shiso herb. Oh. My. Gosh.

Recipe 
Makes 1 cup

Ingredients: 
1 gynostemma tea bag OR 1 teaspoon dried gynostemma herb
1-2 fresh shies leaves**
10-20 dried goji berries

**Shiso is a kind of basil, so it’s totally possible to switch out shiso for regular Genovese or another type of basil. That said, shiso has flavor magic—it’s the third leg on the stool for this recipe to really stabilize and pop. Find it in Japanese stores, or grow it yourself. It’s easy to grow during summer in New York.

Method:
Bring some water to a rolling boil—not in a microwave, please!

Put the herbs and gojis in a coffee mug.

Pour the freshly boiled water into the mug.

Leave on the counter to steep and cool naturally.

Drink as it is, or if preferred, transfer to a tall glass and add ice.

Discover more about Ysanne Spevack HERE.

HOW THESE TAROT CARDS EXPLAIN JUNE 2017

Welcome to sweet, sun-kissed summertime! Pack up your beach bag and don’t forget to bring the perfect tarot cards for June 2017, says Melinda Lee Holm.

melinda lee holm ruby warrington the numinous tarot cards for june 2017 rider waite rider-waite tarot jewelry

As we leave the blossoming of Spring behind and head into the cultivation of Summer, June brings the promise of a new era of personal growth and development. We will be challenged to see clearly, to get in touch with our deepest desires, to integrate the lessons of the past so we can expand into the future, and to honor both the yin and yang as indispensible parts of our whole beings.

Let June’s tarot guides lead the way … (to be used in conjunction with the monthly Tarotscopes for your sign by Lindsay Mack!)

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:: 6/09  Jupiter Stations Direct in Libra – The World :: 

This planet of expansion has been retrograde since February 5 of this year, giving us the chance carefully consider the steps we are taking to develop personally and professionally. When she stations direct on the 9th, we are in a great position to use all of that gathered wisdom to grow purposefully and consciously, and Libra’s influence will bring a touch of beauty and partnership to the mix.

The Major Arcana’s final card, The World, represents the birth of a new era built upon the work and completion of a previous cycle. In the card, we see a figure with her legs positioned in the shape of Jupiter’s symbol floating in a womb-like container, surrounded by watchful celestial allies. She pauses now, taking in the greatness of the cycle she has completed so she can fully integrate the wisdom of this phase before she steps into the next, knowing that the Universe will be here to support her continued growth.

Calling in The World:

  • Spend a day alone at the spa (or the beach, or in the tub)—emerge feeling reborn
  • Eat figs—they are associated with Jupiter’s fecundity
  • Give yourself a clean slate by clearing out your desk, your closet, or your whole house
  • Add a drop or 2 of food-grade Frankincense oil to your juice or tea—the strong anti-inflammatory properties of the resin will help calm your body from the inside out

melinda lee holm ruby warrington the numinous tarot cards for june 2017 rider waite rider-waite tarot jewelry the world tarot card jupiter in libra jupiter direct in libra 2017

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:: 6/12  School’s Out! – 7 of Cups :: 

Whether you’re in school or not, now is a great time to get into the ‘school’s out’ mentality and focus on following your bliss. Forget about what you think you should be doing or should be desiring, ignore the chatter telling you what success looks like, and explore your heart’s true desires on these long gorgeous days of sun and leisure.

With the 7 of Cups as our guide, we can take a minute to turn on, tune in, and drop out of the rat race and into our own personal paradise. The Rider-Waite illustration shows us that the outer trappings of glory we grasp for —beauty, riches, a big house, a dragon!—are incomparable to the emotional fulfillment that comes from finding that magical something that sets our heart on fire. Symbolized by the draped, glowing figure in the central cup, this intangible light of joy is the source of true bliss.

Calling in the 7 of Cups:

  • Wear or carry raw or cut Ruby—the stone helps ignite the heart’s true passion
  • Volunteer for a cause you are passionate about
  • Go on vacation, even for a day—without your phone and computer
  • Wear loose fitting clothing, allowing your body to move completely without restriction, following its own bliss!
melinda lee holm ruby warrington the numinous tarot cards for june 2017 rider waite rider-waite tarot jewelry 7 of cups seven of cups
Check out Melinda’s custom pieces of Tarot-inspired jewelry! Pictured above: The Initiate in Ruby.

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:: 6/18  Father’s Day – King of Pentacles :: 

Tradition in the US has pulled the holiday away from its Catholic roots and toward a more personal celebration of the bond between Dads and their kids. It’s an important holiday in a culture that does not tend to reward men for the nurturing, understanding, and caring qualities they need to be great fathers.

The King of Pentacles, the Tarot’s nurturing patriarch, provides us with a wonderful example of the power of gentle masculinity. He leads with a velvet touch, encouraging everything and everyone around him to grow and thrive as best fits their individuality. This laid back, supportive nature combined with his readiness to fight for those around him (note the armor peeking out from beneath his robe) make the King of Pentacles my pick for best Dad of the deck.

Calling in the King of Pentacles:

  • Dress decadently—patterns, colors, fabrics—wear what feels regal!
  • Meditate with Clear Calcite—it promotes unconditional love and helps clear any blockages to giving or receiving it
  • Plant wildflowers or other plants native to your area
  • Commit to only giving advice when it is asked for

melinda lee holm ruby warrington the numinous tarot cards for june 2017 rider waite rider-waite tarot jewelry king of pentacles

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:: 6/20  Summer Solstice – The Sun :: 

Summer Solstice festivals in agrarian societies honored the fire of life and the drive to plant and produce in hopes of a bountiful harvest. Metaphorically, it’s a time to invigorate our personal goals and plans with this renewed fire.

The message of The Sun card is ‘what you see is what you get.’ This can be a challenging energy if what you see is not what you want to believe. But once we push past the loss of the created narrative, we can feel the relief of simply being able to trust what is present rather than obsessing over the past or fantasizing about the future. The Sun calls us to see and believe in the here and now.

Calling in The Sun:

  • Go outside and bask in the rays! (don’t forget your sunblock)
  • Decorate your space with fresh sunflowers
  • Wear or carry Fluorite—the mental clarity it provides help tap into the psychic illumination The Sun card offers
  • Eat citrus fruits—the cleansing properties of citrus will help you to stay clear and present

melinda lee holm ruby warrington the numinous tarot cards for june 2017 rider waite rider-waite tarot jewelry the sun summer solstice 2017

Want more tarot magic? Book a session with Melinda here, and make sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook. 

7 WAYS TO TAKE A SPIRITUAL STAYCATION

Think you have to join an ashram or book a flight to Bali to get elevated this summer? Just step out your apartment door and start your spiritual staycation … Main Image: Darby Society 

spiritual staycation soundmind meditation app the numinous ruby warrington jessica caplan ally bogard

How do you want to feel this summer? Kick-start your summertime spiritual journey this Memorial Day weekend with a local choose-your-own adventure that’s perfect for Gemini Season’s curious explorations …

***Want the perfect on-the-go guide to cultivating the 7 intentions below? We’ve teamed up with Jessica Caplan & Ally Bogard of SoundMind to offer Numi readers a special $11 discount on their digital meditation series with Code: numinous. 

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:: GROUND ::

Play: Find creative inspo at your local corner store.
Who says you have to journey into nature with a capital “N” to conjure earthy vibes? Meditate on the origins of all the luscious provisions in a local shop. Think about the rich dirt that the ingredients came from, the changing weather conditions the plants experienced, and the trip they took to arrive all the way here.

Taste: Host an impromptu afternoon picnic in a local park using only the shop’s ingredients or other farm-to-table delights.

Style: Earth Goddess Chic. Locally-crafted threads, flowy maxi skirts, strappy sandals, bangles, and undone locks.

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:: MANIFEST ::

Play: Let the streets become your tarot deck.
Pay attention. As you travel through your day, notice left behind objects and pieces of so-called “trash.” Let the tiny things you’ve found become tools of divination. Treat them like a tarot deck. What do they reveal about your life right now? How can you use them as intention-setting totems for what you’d like to manifest?

Taste: Bento boxes, tapas platters, buffets, fortune cookies.

Style: Modern Mystic. Body-con jumpsuits punctuated by pops of crystals, gems, and feathers.

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:: LET GO ::

Play: Travel to a neighborhood you’ve never even heard of and get totally lost.
Shut your phone off and leave the maps at home. Ride the train to the end of the line or wait at an unfamiliar bus stop and hop on the first one that arrives. Get out whenever you’re pulled towards a place name. Experiment with walking more slowly than you normally would through the streets. Smell the air. Is it different from your home turf? Get completely lost. Trust that you’ll find your way back home when it’s time.

Taste: Speak to a stranger and ask for directions to their favorite snack spot.

Style: Urban Nomad. Delirious mixes of prints and patterns, caftans, and colorful combat boots.

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:: APPRECIATE ::

Play: Do something unabashedly touristy
Suspend your ideas about “good taste” and your identity as an insider. Wait in line for a show that everyone wants to see. Snap pics at the most Insta-worthy spots. Hop on a tour bus or ferry. Get unapologetically joyous as you innocently open yourself to the experience, however corny it may seem.

Taste: Crowded, famous, family-style spots with your city’s classic dishes.

Style: Sporty Spice. High-tops, sparkly backpacks, primary palettes, and logo tees.

spiritual staycation soundmind meditation app the numinous ruby warrington jessica caplan ally bogard

:: ACCEPT ::

Play: Descend into a crowded street.
Step directly into the fray and let yourself be swallowed up. Get jostled and brushed. Feel it all. Annoyance. Rage. And then … a delicious sense of your own status as a tiny speck in a dazzling whole. Notice a shade of lipstick or a colored fabric that makes someone’s eyes sparkle. Crowd surf on the crush of humanity. Let the street corner become an ocean tide as you’re lifted and carried. Accept whichever direction it takes you.

Taste: Street cart eats. Savor whatever flavors come your way without thinking twice.

Style: Beach Beauty. Raffia, halter tops, and neutral palettes perfect for drifting.

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:: FOCUS ::

Play: Look out from a vista point. 
Ascend to the top of a high-rise or trek to a viewing point, and gaze upon the kingdom. Focus in on a singular structure far down below. Think of the effort it took to build it, its history, and the people who are inside right now. And then, look beyond the structure and past the borders of your city. Imagine everything that exists beyond the edges, and your own future possibilities.

Taste: Ceremonial epicurean delights. Get fancy with foodie insider spots and a full-on feast fit for a queen.

Style: Off-duty Boss Lady. High-waisted jeans, button-down silk blouses, killer heels, and gold accents.

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:: SLEEP ::

Play: Meditate on the distant sounds of traffic.
Tuck back into your apartment at the end of the day and release completely into the white noise of the city. Bathe in the sounds of life going on without you. Let the distant shouts and rush of traffic reveal a buzzing city’s heartbeat that lives without you needing to make any effort. Let the feeling of having nothing to prove carry you to sleep.

Taste: Open the windows wide and just breathe in the crazy mashup of scents.

StylePure nakedness.

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SoundMind is the labor of love of vocalist/sound therapy practitioner Jessica Caplan and yoga/meditation teacher Ally Bogard. Both practical and ethereal, the series combines intuitive, intentional sound with breathwork, guided meditation, and visualization.