Saturday 19 March 2022

Your Invitation to Astrology Study Circle ~ 8 wk online course starts 22nd April 2022

You are warmly invited to join us for this round of...


Astrology Study Circle Banner




On this 8 week course, we will create a strong foundation to grow your knowledge of the ancient signs and symbols of astrology and learn how to read an astrology chart for yourself and others.

Every course cycle has its own flavour. This one initiates under a Sun & Stellium in Taurus + Moon in Capricorn - both grounded and stable Earth signs, with some beautiful aspects to a rare Stellium in mystical and spiritual Water sign, Pisces, featuring both modern and traditional rulers of Pisces: Neptune & Jupiter.

"As Above, So Below!"

If these terms sound bewildering at this stage, don't worry! It will all become clear as we move through this course and the Language of Astrology becomes more familiar to you.

The Astrology Study Circle will be:

8 weeks x 2hr weekly LIVE Zoom calls (including short break mid call)

Fridays 10am-12pm UK time, starting from 22nd April 2022

✨ Suitable for absolute beginners and refreshers, but only for those willing and ready for a transformative process and inner journey of deep self reflection and personal development

✨ A safe confidential space with a private facebook group to connect and share between sessions

✨ Ideally for those who have exact time, date & place of birth, but if you don't have the exact time we'll explore how to work around this

✨ Learning to read natal charts for ourselves and others

✨ Varied approaches to learning, simple home study & activity suggestions, guided meditation & visualisation

✨ Recommended to commit to the group by turning up for every session, or if unable to attend, a commitment requested to listen to the recording each week

✨ Investment for course: £222

Special Offer Early Bird Rate until 31st March: £145 (saving £77!)

✨ Payment in installments available by emailing Fiona while spaces still available at: astrotarot8@gmail.com


✨ FAQ ✨ 

Why join our study group?

You're ready to deepen your journey of self discovery and awareness at this time in an intimate circle and sanctuary space for open hearted sharing and support, immersing in the symbolism of the planets and their cycles.

Why study with Fiona?

I've been studying and offering astrology and tarot readings for the past 25 years, learning directly from astrologers Anna Estaroth & Jane Ridder-Patrick, and inspired by the likes of Liz Greene & Howard Sasportas, with a holistic & modern psychological and mythic storytelling approach to astrology and openness to the wisdom of traditional astrology through the ages.

I've been a seasonal adult education tutor since 2010, particularly in the areas of wild plant foraging and medicinal remedy making as a practicing Medical Herbalist, and now branching more into sharing more about astrology and tarot in group settings. I have a passion for sharing the seasons and cycles of nature using a creative, varied, interactive and meditative approach to learning.

How much work will I need to do outside the calls?

As with all learning endeavours, you will get as much out of it as you put in. However, please know that there will only be as much outside work as you want to and have time for. I will offer optional extras to add in for those who are keen or want activities to keep practicing outside the call and in your own time.

The main thing is just to turn up each week and I would recommend starting a dedicated journal for the process.

What are we studying each week?

The course will be very much determined by the unique constellation created by the coming together of this group.

We will cover all the basics of how to read a natal chart & ephemeris, understanding the signs, elements, qualities, aspects, working with moon cycles and an introduction to transits.

The order of this and the way we work with them will be dynamic, depending on the pace of our group collective and what is happening with the current planetary transits.

In this way there will be an opportunity to practice resting with and finding peace and stillness within the Unknown.

I'm interested but not available on these date or times...

While it is highly recommended to attend the live calls for an opportunity to participate in live group exercises and activities, recordings of our calls will be made available to you if you're unable to attend for any reason. Please commit to catching up within the week between calls.

Alternatively, get in touch to join a waiting list to be notified on the next round. This may be later in the year or the following year.

I have another query...

Please email me, Fiona Morris, at: astrotarot8@gmail.com


Love and blessings,

Fiona Morris
Astrology Study Circle
Herbalist, Astrologer & Tarot Reader

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Tuesday 10 December 2019

Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art & Science of Forest Bathing

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug. ~ Helen Keller
I had a reunion with an old school friend visiting from Japan, who presented me with a gift - a bottle of Hinoki essential oil (aka Japanese Cypress, or Chamaecyparis obtusa).

My friend told me that Hinoki is a type of cypress tress that grows only in the southern forests of Japan. Hinoki wood is what traditional Japanese bath tubs are made from. I was interested to discover that Hinoki is popular as a building material for sacred constructions, such as river shrines and temples. It is one of the 5 Sacred Trees of the Kiso Forest.

I was delighted, opened it up right away, and deeply inhaled its refreshing and uplifting woody scent.

For a moment I imagined myself walking meditatively in a misty and mysterious Japanese forest, breathing in crisp fresh forest air... breathing out all the cares I had the world...

I was reminded of the concept of Shinrin Yoku, a Japanese term meaning 'forest bathing'. Not literally having a bath in the forest, but the restorative act of taking the sights, sounds and sensations of a leisurely walk in the woods.

I became aware that I held a little piece of Japanese forest in the palm of my hand. I could recreate the atmosphere of Shinrin Yoku at home with my essential oil burner. I was also excited at the prospect of being mentally transported to a traditional Japanese bathtub in my own bathroom by simply adding the essential oil to my bath blends.


As an essential oil, Hinoki has stress relieving, relaxing, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, immunity boosting and insect repellant properties, so it's clear to see why this tree has been so valued for its cleansing and purifying benefits in buildings and bathtubs.

Shinrin Yoku is a concept I came across some years ago. The Forest Agency of Japan first came up with this idea in 1982, promoting a sense of health and wellbeing by taking restorative trips to the forest. Its popularity continues to this day with over 48 forests trails in Japan officially dedicated to Shinrin Yoku forest bathing.

Most of us know intuitively that spending time outside connecting with the elements is good for the soul, but in fact there has been extensive research extolling its benefits, from the physiological effects on immunity boosting, nervous system, cardiovascular system, to the psycho-spiritual effects on our mood, mind and holistic well being.

As a herbalist and forager the concept resonates with my chosen way of life. I'm made aware of the great benefits of the healing power of nature time and time again with my own eyes and experience guiding groups for walks and sharing the abundant healing benefits of nature together.

I love feeling the warmth of the sun, cleansing natural water, cooling breezes and grounding earth. I have had many personal experiences of an increased sense of happiness and wellbeing spending time outdoors, so I was not at all surprised to hear that extensive research on how this affects us confirms what we already know deep in our bones.

How do you evoke the healing benefits of the forest in your life? Do you visit the woods near you? Where are your favourite forest bathing spots? Do you use woody essential oils blends, incenses or something else to bring the essence of the forest into your own home?

I'd love to hear your own experiences of forest bathing and healing power of walking in the woods. I welcome you to share your reflections in the comments.


Fiona Morris
The Natural Healing Guide

Herbalist, Massage Therapist,
Mystic & Holistic Business Mentor

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Wednesday 10 February 2016

My Sacred Self Care Interview on Faith Canter's Self-Love Summit

Love is in the air...

St. Valentine's Day is round the corner. What are you doing to celebrate this day of love? Of course, we don't need to wait for a special occasion. Everyday is an opportunity to welcome more love into our lives.


Did you catch my video on Faith Canter's Self-Love Summit Series yet?

To help get you into that loving feeling, I'd love for you to check out my interview on the link below. 

I share my tantalising top tips for how to receive some tender loving care from the real love of your life... YOU! 

In this interview, you will discover:

- Why self-love is not selfish and actually serves others

- How to transform your relationship with your inner critic

- How nature and the healing power of flowers can help heal your heart

- How loving yourself more helps you to receive more love from others 

- & many more of my sacred self care top tips to help fill your self-love cup...




Thank you Faith for inviting me to share my musings on one of my favourite subjects, sacred self care!

You'll also find more inspirational words of love and wisdom from the wonderful line-up of speakers on Faith's Self-Love Summit YouTube page.

How do you show yourself love & care? When was the last time you did this? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts... 

Love & rose petals, 

Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks
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Saturday 28 November 2015

Festive Mulled Wine Recipe (Great for Apple Juice or Cider too)

As the cold weather settles in and the festive season draw near, there's nothing better than to warm up in the evenings with a cheery mug or glass of mulled wine.

This recipe with fresh citrus and whole spices gives the mulled wine a delicious vibrancy. You can get creative using other bases like apple cider, or for an alcohol free version, spice up your warm apple juice!



Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (alternatively, cider or apple juice for non alcohol drinkers and kids)
2 large oranges, juiced (add in both juice and rinds)
3 lemon slices
Fresh ginger slices
Whole spices: cinnamon pieces or stick, pinch of cloves (6-8), cardamom (use 5-7, crush slightly to release seeds), 2-3 star anis, nutmeg - grated
Sugar or honey to taste (I prefer mine without!)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

Gently heat to gentle simmer for 20min.

Turn off heat & leave covered to infuse to intensify spiced flavour.

Taste and add seasoning or sweetness to your desire.

Warm up again and strain into a glass or mug to serve with citrus garnish if desired.

Drink and be merry!

Festive wishes,

Fiona Morris
The Natural Healing Guide

Herbalist, Massage Therapist,
Mystic & Holistic Business Mentor

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Wednesday 24 June 2015

Rose - a fragrant remedy to soothe upset emotions


"The rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together." 
Saadi (Iranian Poet, 1184-1283)

Moroccan Roses growing in the Atlas Mountains Dades Gorge where we went 
on our honeymoon. There is an annual rose festival in this region every year. 
Lush green oases produce heavenly scents at the foot of dry red earthen slopes.
This iconic bloom is strewn throughout literature as a symbol of love, passion, romance. Given as a token of affection to lovers and mothers worldwide throughout the ages, the unmistakable soft sweet scent of rose evokes a heart-melting gentleness, compassion and sensual femininity. Rose is revered in herbal medicine where a patient might require a 'herbal hug'.

While training to become a herbalist, my dear grandmother, Oma suffered a stroke, lost her ability to speak and became paralysed down one side. My family experienced the loss of our cherished matriarch to this condition and the anticipation of her passing. This prompted me to do my herbal medicine dissertation on how herbal medicine can be supportive for the experience of grief and loss.

I surveyed all herbalists registered with the most popular professional bodies of herbal medicine in Britain. Out of the many herbs used in prescriptions for a broad range of actions to support patients experiencing the emotional and physiological effects of grief, rose was by far the most widely used. The aroma of this gentle plant can be a soothing balm even in the depths of sorrow.

Rose petals and hips have a wide range of applications in health and beauty products, cooking and crafting. The buds and petals are cooling and mildly astringent, helping to reduce inflammation. Rose water has been used traditionally as an eye wash, skin tonic, and refreshing for over-heated skin.

The rose hip seed are rich in vitamin C and healing as a cold-pressed oil to restore scar tissue and skin irritations, as a tincture or syrup to boost immunity when depleted or at the change of seasons.

I often recommend adding a few drops of rose essential oil to a base oil and using this regularly to massage into pulse points or onto the chest and throat, common areas of tension where there is emotional upset. Tincture of rose can be taken as a herbal rescue remedy, a few drops on the tongue or added to water, in times of overwhelm or distress.

Love and rose petals,

I encourage you to fall in love with yourself first for the ultimate relationship at my upcoming Nurturing Rose Remedies Workshop on Wed 22nd July 2015 6.30 - 8pm - £10. Learn to create a healing range of delicate rose concoctions with many applications, but especially to soothe emotions and gently uplift spirits. Make your own handmade remedies to take home. 

Places are limited so booking & payment in advance is vital to secure your place on 0131 226 3223 or edinburgh@nealsyardremedies.com.



Herbal Wellness Plans | Courses & Workshops | Wild Remedy Walks
Holistic Body Massage | Indian Head Massage | Tea & Tarot Readings

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