A+ for Carrot Juice the golden root.

Since the easter bunny is arriving soon - a posting on his favourite food.

Carrots…
No other vegetable contains as much beta carotene as a carrot. The liver turns beta carotene into vitamin a - our liver will store vitamin a until it is needed by the body.
Carrots are also good source of - Calcium, Sodium, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Potassium, B Vitamins and Vitamin K.

One 8-oz. glass of carrot juice contains 20,000 mg. of vitamin A. *Toxicity can occur when vitamin A is taken in supplement form or in fish oil, but is completely safe in the vegetable form - if you over do it with carrot juice however your skin may temporarily turn an orangey colour!

Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to a wide variety of ailments.
Bladder, kidney, mouth, tonsil, sinus, tongue, ear canal, eyes, tear ducts, dry skin, on and on...

Carrot Juice is traditionally used to treat:
Acne, Asthma, Cancer, Eye Problems, Liver Issues, Ulcers, Arthritis, Bladder Problems, Cataracts, Hay Fever, Skin Problems, Weight Loss, Strengthening Bones and Teeth, and possibly helping the thyroid gland to function properly.

Carrot juice will assist your liver in cleaning out fat and other toxins if you drink it on a regular basis (a glass a day should do). Also, drinking raw carrot juice can be helpful for lowering the symptoms of stresses and normalizing the function of your digestive system.

Points of Interest...

• Adding bit of olive oil to the carrot juice improves absorption on beta carotene by the body.
• Drinking carrot juice is extremely beneficial for pregnant women and young children.
• Since carrot juice has good amounts of natural sugar, the majority of children like drinking it.
• If you drink carrot juice too soon before bedtime you may have to get up mid night to use the washroom due to the fact carrots encourage unrination
• Carrots are a natural blast of high energy. The sugars are released more quickly than from white sugar but without the harmful effects. Try instead of a cup of coffee in the am.
• Carrots were first grown for medicinal purposes, not for food.

Beets - Bad Blogger

Life has taken over for the past few months. I apologize for my absence. One reason I haven't had much to say lately is that my eating habits have moved more into a traditional vegan diet over the winter months. Lots of rice/beans and cooked veggies. I've been trying to decide if I will add my cooked dishes to this blog which so far has been mainly focused on raw foods and juicing ... Pondering. In the mean time I wanted to post a little something about juicing & Beets.

Beets… Are chock full of Calcium, Sodium, Vitamin A, Sulfur, Vitamin B6, Iron, Potassium and oxalic acid... It isn't a good idea to drink beet juice straight up it should be mixed with other veg - Pure beet juice can increase your heart rate, cause chills or a fever, give you hives and even temporarily paralyze your vocal chords! Yikes - this has never happened to me and I drink Beet juice on a semi regular basis - but be sensible don't juice and down 4 or 5 whole beets at a time. 1/2 a small beet mixed with other veg and an apple is plenty for one day's serving. Why? Because both the beet bulb and greens are powerful body cleansers - particularly of the blood and kidneys.

Beets (including beet greens) should be avoided by those who suffer from or are at risk for kidney stones, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and those whose stomach is easily irritated because of the high amount of oxalic acid in them. You should also avoid combining beets with other vegetables that are high in calcium, such as broccoli. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to create an indigestible compound. You should avoid eating calcium rich food immediately after eating or juicing beets or any food high in oxalic acid. This includes foods like tofu.

Full Moon In Virgo

Today is the first full moon in the Chinese New Year (year of the Metal Tiger). The full moon is in Virgo which highlights acts of service - if you have the opportunity to help someone or volunteer take it. The Moon in Virgo also reminds us of the importance of letting go - in the Buddhist sense - to stop clinging to negative patterns, or to people or thoughts that don't serve you. If you have been feeling like a pot about to boil over relax - breathe and just let go of whatever it was that is getting you so steamed. On the lighter side of things decisions you make today about spending money are likely to be good ones - so if you need to shop today is a good day to do it. Astrogrrl has this to say about it.

"Full moons signify the completion, culmination of what may have been initiated during the previous New Moon in Aquarius which encouraged us to break away, get unstuck and establish a new "norm". During the New Moon phase Neptune and Chiron finally perfected their long awaited conjunction. Their conjunction remain strong and influential for this Full Moon in Virgo.

This full moon occurs at 10 degrees of Virgo and opposes Jupiter while the Sun blends energies with Jupiter. The heart (Moon) may still be meticulously processing (Virgo) what might have transpired over the past two weeks, but the soul (Sun) has begun to hope and dream of the possibilities(Jupiter). In light of the healing/release (Neptune-Chiron conjunction) that's occurred and continuing to work with us, there is now a "newer", improved (or on the mend to become an improved) version of the self with room to rebuild and continue becoming. Elsewhere in the sky, Venus(love/money) grows closer to giving Uranus (surprises/unconventional) a great, big kiss. Expect the unexpected, especially with regards to relationships or finances. Be open to applying unique solutions to common issues or finding just what you need in the most unlikely places."

Read more: http://www.astrogrrl.com/2010/02

Climb Mountains Daily - little reminders

A repost from an email I received this am - it has reshaped the way I'm looking at my day and wanted to share...

Occasionally life requires us to step it up, rise to the occasion, push the envelope.

During these times we mobilize our forces and give our all. And because these kinds of circumstances are usually few and far between, we manage. We succeed and hit the mark.

We climb the huge mountain.

But what about the rest of the time? What about the daily, mundane routines in which we spend 90% of our lives?

Our goal must be to perfect the everyday. We’ve got to find ways to energize and feel inspired during the unexciting times. And it starts with a recognition of perfection in the norm. Taking our regular work, our day-to-day commitments and doing our best, is an even bigger win than climbing that huge mountain.

Imagine - one year of work is poured into the Super Bowl. The entire game lasts four hours, but hundreds, perhaps thousands of people are working toward that one afternoon. The paradox is, what determines the greatness of the Super Bowl is how extraordinary the other 364 days of the year are for everyone involved in the game.

Don’t let life be regular. Make it extraordinary. Our lives are measured not by how we handle burning fires. They are measured by how we do when there are no fires to extinguish - when there’s no drama.

This week, look at your daily life. Find ways to make the ordinary extraordinary, be it with your kids, workplace, personal transformation - anything and everything. These are the moments that count. This moment. And the next…

All the best,

Yehuda

http://www.kabbalah.com

More fresh juice - Turkey

I was also able to find fresh juice in Turkey. This time at a stand on Mt. Koressos at the House of the Virgin Mary Site. 1 Euro bought me a large glass of fresh orange/ pomegranate juice that was made using an old fashioned metal orange press - delicious. Smiling I Snoopy danced all the way to the stand :)

Before finding the juice stand I wrote down my wishes and placed them in the prayer wall. I drank from the three fountains that are said to have healing properties - I know what you are thinking but, sometimes you just need to go with it - it is mountain spring water - cold, clean, clear and it was honestly the best water I've ever tried. Turkey was a magical place I can't wait to go back someday.

Inspired by the pomegranate juice in Turkey - I bought a metal press when I got home. I think using one of these is the best way to quickly juice pomegranates/oranges/lemons/limes... much less fuss when you want a quick juice than starting up and cleaning an electric juicer.

More things I love - Orange Juice Machine

I had never seen one of these until Spain - they were everywhere. I looked up the manufacturer and the machine hails from California - I don't remember seeing them the last time I was there. The oranges are split in half then squished as they roll through the machine. Now on my wish list - an orange tree and an orange juice machine! Yum.

Happy Chinese New Year/Valentine's Day!

I'm back from an amazing vacation and getting ready to post some of what I saw discovered food wise in the next few days.

The long blogging absence... I've been in a strange place food wise and wasn't sure exactly what I should write about it here as I mentioned in a previous posting. I'll just start with bread/cheese on my vacation - ugh. I had such good intentions and I did really well the first few days. Anyone who knows me or has been following my blog knows I have an allergy to dairy and am sensitive to gluten. I'm not sure exactly why I spiraled back into eating more cooked food and introducing two big don't eats. But, it happened and to be totally truthful I'd been having what I've come to call "gluten fest Fridays" for about 3 weeks before I left. Usually wine and pita with hummus or bread with oil/vinegar with friends after work. The Cheese started while in Europe - it all looked so amazing - a nibble here a nibble there.

So spiraling - which you hear a lot of people in the raw food community talk about - thank goodness for people who share - I've been feeling much better about it all knowing it is pretty common to go on a food bender now and again for the first few years as you work on changing your habits and triggers. I've been trying to remind myself that a few years ago bread and cheese wouldn't have registered for me as no nos - I've come a long way in understanding how my body reacts to cooked/processed foods and thankfully I know what to do to get myself back on track. So there it is. Here we go again :) I feel cruddy but, I know exactly what to do about it and it begins with juice :)...

A Great Quote....

"Eating raw/living food is not hard! Being tired, overweight, sick and depressed all the time, now that is hard! Eating raw/living food is the easiest thing in the world, you just open a banana, bite into an apple or slice up a cucumber! Eat more fruits and vegetables, your dynamic, flexible, energetic and beautiful life depends on it!"

On Dan McDonald's Facebook Page today... Love it!

Traveling Raw

I'm going to Europe in 2 days. I've been searching around the net for tips on staying Vegan/Raw while I'm away. I found a really good list of ideas on "The Best of Raw" website. Where the video of David Wolfe (above) is featured. After reading their Top 5 Travel Tips I've decided to pack my superfoods to take with me. A bag of hemp hearts, Bluegreen Algae, MSM powder, some raw cacao nibs, a water bottle for mixing and a few Larabars.

I'll post how I did when I get back! I think while I'm in Egypt I'll have to make an exception and eat more cooked food - I've been warned repeatedly about not eating salads or anything uncooked there!

http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/raw-food-travel.html



"I'm Vegan" in different languages...

In Spanish

• Soy vegano (male)
  
• Soy vegana (female)

In French

• Je suis végétalien (male) / Je suis végétalienne (female)

In Arabic

• Ana Nabatee (I am vegetarian [male]
• Ana Nabateeya (I am vegetarian) [female]

In German

• Ich bin Veganer. (male)
• Ich bin Veganerin. (female)

In Italian

• vegano
• Non voglio carne o pesce (I do not want meat or fish)
• Niente carne (No meat)

In Greek

• Eimai hortofagos. Den troo kreas i kotopoulo [EE-may hor-to-FAH-gos. Then tro KRAY-ahs ee ko-TO-poo-lo.] (I am a vegetarian. I do not eat meat, pork or chicken.)
• (Den) troo avga, gala, kai (i) tiri. [(Then) tro ahv-GA, GA-la, keh (ee) tee-REE.] (I do (do not) eat eggs, milk or cheese)

In Turkish

• Hic et yiyemem [heech et yee-yeh-mem] (I can't eat any meat)
• Et suyu bile yiyemem. (I can't even eat meat juices)

Bad Blogger - Little reminders

I've been away so long because I'm planning a trip to Europe. One week away (please let that snow in Spain melt soon!). Another reason I haven't been posting too much is I'm afraid since hurting my back I've fallen into some not so great eating habits and haven't really known what to post about that here. I'm still 70-80% raw most days but, at night I've been eating a lot cooked dishes (vegan) and on Fridays even eating a bit of wheat which really doesn't agree with me. Why is it when we are hurt/stressed we "comfort eat" things that aren't all that comforting? It all came to a head last week - I was feeling so stressed I couldn't make myself calm down - I tried listening to Van Morrison's Moondance (my ultimate calm down CD), a nice cup of tea, a funny movie... nothing was working and on top of it all I wasn't sleeping at night. I talked with my mother who said "What have you been eating? Maybe you need to go back to your juice." Not what I wanted to hear but... I decided that night to do a 2 day fast one day water one day juice and you know what? It worked. By the next night I was able to fall into a deep restful sleep and that jumpy feeling was gone by the next morning when I started my juice. Another thing... I started listening to my holosync cd again... I guess sometimes we have to fall off the wagon so we can be reminded why we got on it in the first place :)

Blue Moon - Go with the flow.

How amazing that there is a Blue Moon this New Year's Eve. A blue moon is a full moon that is considered an "extra" in the yearly cycle of full moons- which as we know from the saying "once in a blue moon" is pretty rare :) but guess what? This moon is also eclipsed moon!

On the day of the full moon we may begin to see flaws in our grand plans. Money/Relationship problems will be highlighted.

Astrogrrl has this advice...

http://www.astrogrrl.com/

"Take a few ... slow .... deep .... breaths, and repeat. Then, take it all in stride. With both Mercury and Mars in retrograde, the next few weeks bring more information that previously may not have been available to you and/or the path best taken may still be revealed. All that's required of you is patience and awareness. Take this time to become more attune. But before all that, take a sip of some bubbly with people who make you smile and celebrate the coming New Year.

This eclipse is linked to this summer's Cancer-Solar Eclipse that on July 22, 2009. Think back to that period. Events/issues brought up now and in the coming weeks may be reminiscent of those from this summer. Perhaps, this full moon brings resolution, finality, endings or culmination to something that may have first come to light on or around the month of July."

AND This from Crystalwind

http://www.crystalwind.ca/latest/blue-moon-lunar-eclipse-december-31-2009.html

"The good news is that creative and artistic qualities will be discovered as you let go of beliefs that don’t correspond with your current reality!! :-) with the Sun and Moon. This Eclipse in the Moon’s own sign of all Lunar Eclipses emphasize emotional reaction!! During this Eclipse, powerful Pluto opposes the MoonSaturn squares it, creating tightness and pressure that can be frightening. It may be tempting to duck confrontation or avoid any serious change, yet refusing to act only reduces your power. You may have hard choices to make on the cusp of the New Year, yet they demand focus and attention. Be bold and face your outer reality. You will experience the prizes of fulfillment as you reshape relationships and find ways to fulfill your creative potential. Psychic sensitivity, spiritual instincts and emotional connectedness are aroused by this Lunar Eclipse as the environment becomes a little unstable. Outdated ideals or dreams may need to be discarded, which can be painful but necessary. You experience an awakening (emotional and spiritual) to today’s truths as the clutter is cleared away and the present is seen in a new light. Over the next six months you will redefine your personality and your image!! A new hairdo AND wardrobe may result!!"

Remember to say please and thank you and to treat others with respect and civility even if they aren't showing you the same courtesy - it can't hurt and hopefully this will ripple out to others who are in a more confrontational state.

Happy New Year everyone!

Holiday Spiced Nut Mix

Nice for a holiday nibble bowl... I adapted this from Matthew Kenney's Mixed Candied Nuts recipe in Everyday Raw. I omitted the maple powder he suggests and threw in some dried cranberries & added the hemp hearts. I tweeked the ratios a little here and there as well to suit my own tastes.

Holiday Spiced Nut Mix

• 4C Walnut Halves (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 4C Pecans (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 4C Almonds (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 1C Hemp Hearts
• 1tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2C Maple Syrup
• 1T Cinnamon
• 1/2C Dried Cranberries

Dehydrate nuts for 24hrs after soaking (not hemp hearts), Add maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon mix well, add hemp hearts mix again until well coated. Dehydrate on screens for another 48hrs mix in dried cranberries.

BTW: Incase you didn't know why soaking nuts and seeds is a good idea.

The main reason soaking nuts and seeds is so important is because they contain enzyme inhibitors. By soaking the nuts/seeds you remove these inhibitors so your body is better able to digest the nut.Soaking times vary. Generally the more dense the nut, the longer you should soak it.

Cranberry Banana Smoothie

Simple, tasty a great breakfast in a pinch. I've been pretty tired the last few weeks since hurting my back so have been making a lot of smoothies. A nice fast meal.

Cranberry Banana Smoothie

• 1C Frozen Cranberries
• 1 Medium Banana
• 1C Fresh Orange Juice (for small amounts like this I use an old glass orange/lemon squeeze style juicer - saves cleaning up my electric juicer)
• 1/3C Hemp Hearts
• 1T Blue Green Algae
• 1T Raw Cacao Powder or nibs (if you need a pick me up in the am)

Put all into high speed blender and blend until smooth.

Herbed Eggplant Stack

An interesting fact... did you know Thomas Jefferson introduced eggplants to the United States in 1806? Jefferson was an avid horticulturist, among other things :) and grew several varieties in his Virginia garden. Eggplants are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a very good source of vitamins B1, B6 and potassium. They are also a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, and folic acid.

Herbed Eggplant Stack

Marinated Eggplant

• 1 Medium Eggplant
• 2T Sea Salt
• 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
• 2T Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 4T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2T Italian Herb Mix
• 1 Medium Red Onion
• 1 Medium Red Pepper

To prepare the eggplant: Slice of the top and bottom. Cut eggplant into 1/4" slices. Toss with sea salt. Marinate for 2 to 3 hours. Drain off juices. Gently squeeze egg plant slices. Slice Red Onion and Red Pepper then marinate all (eggplant too) with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ACV and italian herbs - let marinate for at least 1hr

Macadamia Cheese

• 1C macadamia nuts
• 1/3C Lemon Juice
• 1T Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Minced Garlic
• 3T Nutritional Yeast
• 4T Water

Soak nuts for 1hr then drain. Blend cheese ingredients together until smooth.

Marinara

• 1/2C Sun Dried Tomatoes
• 4 Roma Tomatoes
• 2T Italian Herb Mix
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1T Olive Oil 1T Maple Syrup
• 1T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1t Sea Salt

Soak sun dried tomatoes in fresh water until soft. Drain and rinse. In a food processor pulse until a smooth texture is achieved.

To Assemble Stacks

Place one slice of eggplant on a plate top with one tablespoon of cheese, one slice of onion, one slice of red pepper, a slice of eggplant one tablespoon of marinara a slice of onion, a slice of red pepper, then repeat first layer end with a dollop of marinara. 


                        Eggplant
                       
                   

December 2 Full Moon in Gemini - Change

“Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience. Keynote: The power and joy of new beginnings – RISING TO THE OCCASION.”

Lots of energy is promised with this full moon.

"This Full Moon is in Gemini, the sign of communication, changeability, short trips, and anything of a mercurial nature, and Mercury, the planet of communication and the mind that is the ruler of Gemini, is very active in the chart of this Full Moon. Mercury is in a challenging square to Uranus, the planet of radical thinking and change, so there is a tendency towards impulsive thinking and hasty speech as well as a heightened sensitivity of the nervous system. Don't be surprised by emotional outbursts of all kinds, and those of us with anxious natures may find ourselves with a case of the jitters.

Uranus has just changed direction, so it's influence is stronger than usual. Uranus inspires innovation and change, and can bring about sudden and surprising events that turn our world around. There is also the danger of accidents and equipment failures under this influence.

At the Gemini Full Moon, the Sun is in the opposite sign of Sagittarius and there is a necessity to balance the search for the one Truth (Sagittarius) with an embrace of many ideas (Gemini). During this period we have a unique opportunity to create change and become more adaptable to new ideas and new ways of living our life; to learn the inner strength that an increase in flexibility can offer us.

Because Gemini is so oriented towards communication and the sharing of experiences, this is a wonderful time to bring people together to share new ideas and to learn more about each other. "

reposted from Astrological musings...

Gemini Full Moon, December 1-2 2009

http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings

Sorry I haven't been posting regularly in a while. I had a yoga/headstand accident and threw my back out. Starting to feel better and hoping to start posting more recipes in the next few days - keep checking back!

More things I love... Rancho Vignola

My nuts are here, my nuts are here - Yay! I ran out of cashews over a month ago -I make most of my cheeses and ice creams from cashews so have been anxiously waiting for my order. For the past two years I've been getting my raw nuts and dried fruit along with a small co-op of locals from a company called Rancho Vignola based in Vernon, B.C. Canada. You can only order from Rancho Vignola once a year because they only sell from the current years harvest. We buy in bulk, have it shipped north, run to the depot when the order arrives sort and pack off our goodies like squirrels getting ready for winter everyone smiling. The photo above is just a small sample of my hoard :) If you are Canadian check them out - their products are the best I've found...

http://www.ranchovignola.com/buy_online.html

Moons of the Faithful Biscotti

Chewy sweet and buttery these Apricot Biscotti with Almonds turned out really well. Confucious called Apricots "moons of the faithful" because he ascribed his knowledge to the apricot tree. Apricots are high in copper and cobalt and are commonly used in the treatment of anemia. Apricots are one of the best sources of beta-carotene around (vitamin A). They are also a great source of fiber. Plus they are super tasty! mmmm

Moons of the faithful Biscotti

• 1 1/2 C Dried Apricots (soaked for .5/hr to soften)
• 2C Almonds
• 3 Large Pitted Dates
• 2T Raw Almond Butter
• 1t Cinnamon
• 1T Vanilla
• 1/4C Soak Water (reserved from Apricots and Dates)

Soak almonds in water overnight. Drain and rinse. Soak the Apricots and Dates in water for around .5 hour to soften. Drain set aside soak water. In a food processor, chop almonds until fine. Add dates, apricots, almond butter, cinnamon, and vanilla blend drizzle in water until a dough like paste is formed (will be a little chunky). To form roll all dough into a large loaf shape cut into biscotti. . Dehydrate at 110 for 20hrs flip off non stick sheets and return to dehydrator for 4-8 hrs.
Stores well in plastic bags in the freezer.

Salad Rolls with Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce

I was in the mood to make something pretty tonight so I went with salad rolls. The Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce was an experiment that turned out really well.

Marinated Mushrooms/Onions Stuffing

• 2C Sliced Mushrooms
• 1/2C Sliced White Onion
• 1/4C Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 2T Braggs Liquid Aminos
• 2T Italian Seasoning

Mix ACV, Garlic, Liquid Aminos and Italian Seasoning together in a medium sized bowl add mushrooms and onions and set aside to let marinate.

Rolls

• 2Large Carrots
• 1 Large Zucchini
• Handful Baby Spinach

Using a mandoline slicer slice Zucchini and Carrots into thin strips layer in a shallow bowl sprinkled with salt to soften - set aside while you make the sauce.

Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce

• 1C Walnuts
• 1/2C Tahini Paste
• 1/4 Lemon Juice
• 2T Maple Syrup
• 2T Fresh Grated Ginger
• 1T Braggs Aminos
• 1/4C Sun Dried Tomatoes (optional)
• 2T Olive Oil
• 1/4C Water (or apple juice)

Blend all until smooth in a high speed blender

Assemble

Drain and pat dry carrots and zucchini. Lay zucchini flat and place a strip on top. Put 2 Spinach leaves near one end and a small scoop of the mushroom/onion mix. Roll up and using a piece of the sliced carrot (sliced into ribbons) tie up the roll. Place rolls on a plate and serve with dipping sauce.

H1N1 & Vitamin D3

If you've been doing any research at all about H1N1 you may have run across a lot of information about the importance of D3. If you decide not to get the vaccine (or even if you do) you may want to make sure you supplement with D3 - not D2 or D. D3 is usually found in liquid form - Ddrops are a good brand. I thought since flu season is upon us the follow is worth a repost....

Here are some tips from ehow (http://www.ehow.com/how_5280919_naturally-prevent-hn-swine-flu.html)

1. Take 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day until the flu season starts. Vitamin D3 is absorbed by the body better than D or D2. Vitamin D helps with the body' s immune system.

2. Step 2

   When the flu season starts, take 5,000 IU of vitamin D3. This is the dosage needed to prevent the flu.

3. Step 3

   When the flu season is over, go back to 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is fat soluble and should not be taken at large doses forever. !,000IU is safe.

4. Step 4

   When taking vitamin D, take calcium. I recommend Floridix calcium. It is predigested by enzymes for better absorption. Be sure your multiple vitamin and mineral has magnesium. 500 mg is the recommended dosage. You need magnesium to absorb the calcium.

5. Step 5

   Use a saline nasal spray a couple of times a day. Start asap. The solution creates an environment in the nasal passages that prevent bacteria and viruses from multiplying.

6. Step 6

   And as always, wash your hands before touching food or your face.

Full Moon In Taurus

Frosty Moon, Mouring Moon, Beaver Moon
Feeling a little tense/agitated today? Look to the sky - it may have a something to do with the full moon - in Taurus (noon today in North America 11:14 PST).

The Taurus Full Moon occurs when the Moon in Taurus opposes the Sun in Scorpio, creating a 180 degree angle and a tension between the conscious mind (Sun) and the emotional instinctive reactions (Moon).

This full Moon has a grand cross that engages all the fixed signs, and that can bring on a sense of trying of internal struggle. A grand cross is a cosmic wrestling hold, and eventually something has to give.

If you perceive an attitude of antagonism coming from others, it’s a sign that you yourself may need to find another way to express yourself. Defense mechanisms aren’t going to be tolerated by too many folks this week, so word to the wise: take responsibility for yourself and save the excuses.

According to Mystic Medusa (http://mysticmedusa.com/2009/11/02/full-moon-weirding)

"The Full Moon in Taurus could be Tranquility Central, an oasis of Zen Noire amidst the Scorping…You know? Taurus Moons are always good times for being Sensual & Grounded. It is the massage Moon. BUT…This one is squared Mars in Leo and opposed by Sun/Mercury in Scorpio. And, due to the Sun-Mercury conjunction after the Moon, the whole thing becomes one of those extended Full Moons…With the drama or intensity stretching out to encompass Monday AND Tuesday. So I am declaring all Monday and all Tuesday as days of Full Moon weirding and that’s regardless of where you are on this beautiful orb of hours.

Stay as Zen Noire as poss. Don’t provoke fights. Don’t go asking for favours. Don’t indulge your own stalkery or lower instincts. Use every trick in the book to keep out of merde. Personally; I am just getting on with my tasks, trying to eat well and employing basic evasive tactics. Professionalism & being at one with your bod is always a good move with this sort of energy…If you expect that ornery peeps will be blasting off with the usual bullshit, than you are at least prepped. Ask for what thy want and chase things up later in the week. Aim not to over-react. Think: Aura of white light all around you…

IF you can do the Zen Noire professionalism and some kind of tranquil, totally in-your-body-Taurean trip than you will be rewarded with massive awareness, solutions, creative breakthroughs and transcendental bliss.

Affirmations for the Full Moon in Taurus:

• When I honor my creativity, I am gifting to the world.
• I believe that I have something unique to share.
• I grow rich when I lovingly cultivate my own talents and resources.
• I have the courage to face my own darkness, and transform it.
• What I hold deep within can be brought out, and enrich others.

This Full Moon illuminates: the skills and resources that nurture your talents; areas that could use a stronger foundation; the joy of sinking in where you are; steps to stability; a path to diligent creativity; your tenacious spirit; body pleasures; the cozy comforts of home.

It's a Good Time to: bloom where planted; take stock of your finances; look at different ways of generating income; assess what has value; commit to your art or craft; allow yourself to move at a slower pace; revel in the sights, sounds and smells of nature; consolidate your resources; add a pleasing texture to your bedroom; be voluptuous; take a slow amble around; plant a tree; make a good investment; acquire land or real estate; stock up on your favorite foods; prepare your home for winter; fill your home with exquisite smells; prepare a mouthwatering meal and share it; keep it simple

Websites sources:

• http://starstruckhoroscope.blogspot.com/2009/11/everything-must-change-week-of-november.html
• http://astrology.about.com/od/themoon/qt/FullMoonTaurusgen.htm
• http://www.lunarliving.org/articles/fm1102_09.shtml