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Summer Solstice Newsletter
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Really Yummy
Raw Pie
 You will need a food processor and a deep dish pie plate
Crust
2 cups nuts (almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts)
1/2 cup dates (if they seem dry, you can soak them for up to 3 hours in water)
2 heaping tablespoons coconut oil or coconut butter
pinch sea or celtic salt (optional)
1-2 tablespoons agave syrup or honey
Place all ingredients in food processor and process until a uniform dough consistency is achieved. It will be somewhat chunky still but hold together well when you press it against wall of food processor. If you prefer a finer consistency, you can grind nuts in spice/food grinder or blender before using them.
Press "dough" into pie plate evenly, shaping at the edges to hold filling and look pretty. Refrigerate while making filling.
Filling
4-5 ripe bananas
2 large or 4 small mangoes, all fruit pulp removed from pit
1/2 cup coconut butter or coconut oil
2-4 tablespoons agave syrup or honey (depending on how sweet you like your pie)
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sea or celtic salt
2 cups ripe pineapple, cut into 1 inch wedges
Blend all ingredients except pineapple until well blended and creamy. Add 1 cup of pineapple and pulse blend so pineapple stays chunky and does not fully blend in. Pour into crust, smooth out, and decorate top with pineapple wedges. I like to stick the wedges point down in a spiral pattern or concentric circles, so they resemble a flower opening. Chill for 2 hours, or freeze if you like. Experiment with options...Enjoy!!!
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| The Day the Sun Stands Still |  |
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| Here in North America we are about to celebrate the summer solstice!
The word solstice comes from the Latin term "sol" which means sun, combined with the term "sistere" which means to stand still. This is the longest day of the year for those of us on this side of the equator; a time to celebrate the light, to honor the element of fire, and give thanks for the coming of summer.
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On this day, the sun reaches its northern most position in the sky so that the North Pole receives 24 hours of daylight, while the South Pole receives 24 hours of darkness. This was typically the time of year that many Native American tribes would hold Sun Dances to honor our connection to this mysterious and grand star.
This summer solstice we invite you to build an altar, have a bonfire, commune with friends, start your day with a sun salutation, or any other activity which feels aligned with your intention for this special time of year.
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Lessons From a Garden- (A Poem)
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In the spring I planted seeds....
Just a few of this, and a few of that
When the first shoots peeked out from the dark earth, I smiled
And I knew then, all was possible
Then the shoots turned to plants.... tiny promising flowers
That reminded me of how I am always just beginning
Of times that I tried to create before I was ready
And so I plucked each small blossom with a gratuitous prayer
Believing that such sacrifice would surely bring abundance Branches burst forth....and then died back....
I fought through barbed jungles of vines and stalks
I tore and primped... I dug and covered....
I made executive decisions...
My garden lurched and bucked, answered and reached...
Suddenly sunflowers grew like skyscrapers
Tomatoes stood like pregnant women all in a row
It seemed our family would never go hungry
It seemed that there would always be enough
Again I smiled
Aware of what I was capable of
Growth Unlimited
Death and Rebirth
Record breaking heights
Constant Transformation
Nourishing those that care enough to support me in my growth
I am a garden
My garden is me
Some change is small
Some change is large
Who are we to say which is which?
I think I'll plant some seeds again this next spring...
Just to remind myself ...of what I might become
Of what I already am
-Elizabeth Erenberger
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Featured Student Project- June 2014
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Need some inspiration? Check out this amazing student project!
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Title: The Madonna By: Pamela Latour Style : Watercolor/collage
"The spiritual message of my creative project is that of the Sacred Feminine, the giver of life. The birth of a new life for the planet and all those who allow their vibration to raise high enough to meet the new energy. In the painting, the icon of the Madonna represents Gaia herself, the giver of life. It also shines light on the amazing women who have lived on this planet prior to this time period. One of the most famous was Mary Magdalene, who could also be the woman here, holding and nurturing the planet." -Pamela Latour
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We just love this beautiful collaboration of painting and collage, done by our student and friend Pamela Latour in Land O Lakes, Florida. We feel so blessed to have the honor of reviewing projects like these from around the world. Many thanks to all our students for your hard work and for sharing your creative process with us here in the office. You give us hope, inspiration, and happiness.
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Ongoing retreats at Gaia Sagrada
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  As many of you know, UMS founder Christine Breese has been in Ecuador developing Gaia Sagrada Eco-Community and Retreat Center. We are proud to announce that Gaia Sagrada is now up and running, offering shamanic retreats for small groups on a monthly basis.
Deep in the hills of Ecuador, find your inner peace and center yourself among the serene landscapes, lush gardens, majestic mountains, and spectacular wildlife. Come experience for yourself this powerful vortex of energy where the medicine of the North meets the medicine of the South for a life changing and heart opening journey into the way of the shaman. Visit the Gaia Sagrada Website |
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Greetings From your UMS Advisors
Top Row: Alecia, Michelle, Liz
Bottom Row: Devon, Judy
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Springtime has brought about some changes in staff at our UMS Arcata, CA office this season. As always, we aspire to create an atmosphere of support for our students, by providing a network of devoted employees with great attention to the quality of our services.
We would like to honor and thank our employee, Michelle who has been with us for over two years. Michelle is moving into her next chapter of life where she will be working at the local birth center, and attending nursing school. Michelle has been such a precious asset to our team. Her sassy sense of humor and attention to detail are qualities which will be greatly missed. We send her off with our prayers for success as she embarks on her new adventures.
In April, Liz came to join our office team. Liz is a dancer with a passion for poetry, culture and music. Liz is a connoisseur of the textile arts, and particularly enjoys working with youth to create self love, and encourage self expression. She is excited about working to spread awareness of metaphysics throughout the world, and particularly enjoys reviewing the creative projects of our amazing student body. Her enthusiasm and contagious laughter is a welcome addition to our office environment.
This week we welcome our newest student advisor, Alecia. We are so thankful to have her knowledge and expertise as a resource for our students, and the UMS faculty.
Alecia has a deep interest in the traditional ceremonies of women's sacred moon time. She is involved in orchestrating new and full moon ceremonies for the Tree Woman Moon Lodge here in Northern California. She is a writer, a mother, and an all around sweet spirit. We are so glad to have her grounding energy to balance the energies of our busy team.
As always, Judy and Devon will continue to provide you with the excellent quality of service you are used to receiving here at University of Metaphysical Sciences.
We are so appreciative of all the lessons we continue to learn from our amazing students, and their educational journeys. We thank you for making UMS your choice for furthering your career, and expanding your awareness.
May your life path be illuminated by love and support.
And may your journey be one of grace and ease.
From all of us here at the UMS Main Office,
May all your solstice wishes manifest to their highest potential.
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