Now enrolling for the prerequsite in Anatomy and Physiology training starting in April 2012.

If you are interested in joining us on our Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy course in Septmber 2012, the prerequisite for this course is training in Anatomy and Physiology (Tutor: Trish Durkan) will take place 28-29/04, 26-27/05, 23-24/06 and 14-15/07 2012 at the Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. Please read the full details in the Diploma section.

Please contact our School Principal Emmalene Katayama directly on 07951 011423 or 0845 6832559, or send an email to emmalene@yorkshirenaturalhealing.com

Our Diploma in Holistic Aromatherapy course is:

• Accredited by the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA)
• Designed to meet the highest Aromatherapy standards in the UK
• Enables you to practice as a professional Aromatherapist in the UK and abroad (except France)
• Provides the individual with opportunities for personal development and spiritual growth

Like a welcomed season
Onto the meadows and shores and hills.

Open up to the Roof.
Make a new watermark on your excitement
And love.

Like a blooming night flower,
Bestow your vital fragrance of happiness
And giving
Upon our intimate assembly.

Change rooms in your mind for a day.

All the hemispheres in existence
Lie beside an equator
In your heart.

Greet Yourself
In your thousand other forms
As you mount the hidden tide and travel
Back home.

All the hemispheres in heaven
Are sitting around a fire
Chatting

While stitching themselves together
Into the Great Circle inside of
You.

From The Subject Tonight is Love, Hafiz
Translated by Daniel Ladinsky

Part 2. YSNH Chakra Series: Tools for Balance and Healing

Meaning: Root/Support

Symbol: 4-petalled lotus encompassing a downward pointed triangle in a square

Essence: Physical needs and basic human survival/Vitality and will to live/Tribal connection and sense of belonging

Location: Base of spine, between anus and genitals

Colour: Red                                    Element: Earth

Sense: Smell                                   Developmental age: 1-7 years

Lessons: Grounding/Stability/Security/Stamina/Standing up for oneself

Keys: Awareness of physical body/Meeting one’s survival needs/Being in Nature/Making your house a home/Nurturing your Inner Child/Feeling a connection with family/Forming a sense of group identity/Connecting to Mother Earth

Animal: Elephant

Aromatherapy: Vetivert, Patchouli, Myrrh

Sanskrit sound: LAM                   Rune: URUZ

Affirmation: I accept and value myself. Life offers me everything I need. I am taking responsibility for my life. I am connected with Mother Earth.

NEXT INSTALMENT: The Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana

Part 1. YSNH Chakra Series: Tools for Balance and Healing.

The 7 Main Chakras

Meaning: Sanskrit for wheel/disc

Appearance: A spiralling outward movement, roughly shaped as funnels (inside which are more funnels), back and front of each Chakra.

What are Chakras?
Spinning vortexes of energy through which we receive, transmit and process life energies, and interact with the immediate environment and Universal Energy Field. The human body is a network of locations and points where there is focussed and concentrated energy relating to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies.

The 7 chakras correspond to aspects of our consciousness, and have individual  characteristics and functions. They are openings through which our attitudes, belief systems, emotions and feelings are transmitted to our cells, tissues and organ, and are closely aligned anatomically to the limbic brain and the spinal cord.

Working with the chakras, enables us to deepen our self-knowledge, integrate all levels of our being and become whole.

Such a colour, such infinite light!
The heart of a fabulous gem,
Many-faceted, brilliant and rare.
Centre Stone of the earth’s diadem!

Amy Lowell

FOUR SEASONS – A Celebration
The Yorkshire School of Natural Healing believes that a reverent connection to Nature is central to our feeling at one with our World. Four Seasons is a collection of photographs taken locally by Richard Sara-Gray celebrating the colours, textures and lighting of the cycle of growth and replenishment that is our year. We are delighted to share with you the final cycle of the series, Summer Splendour, and these deeply personal and yet universal images.

The Yorkshire School of Natural Healing believes that a reverent connection to Nature is central to our feeling at one with our World. Four Seasons is a collection of photographs taken locally by Richard Sara-Gray celebrating the colours, textures and lighting of the cycle of growth and replenishment that is our year. We are delighted to share with you the third cycle of the series, Nature’s Spring Replenishing, and these deeply personal and yet universal images.

At last the notes of his flute come in and I cannot stop from dancing around on the floor…. The blossoms open, even though it is not May, and the Bee knows of it already. Kabir

Everything you can imagine is real.
Pablo Picasso

2011 looks like being another fast-paced, jam-packed year with plenty going on in the news to keep us all riveted. There will be revolutions, sudden change, severe floods and earthquakes, more than the normal amount of chaos and the continuing collapse of the old power structures. We all need to make time to ground ourselves and remain centered during these unstable times.

We also need to make sure our thoughts and beliefs are positive and empowering, as the energies are becoming quicker and more refined which means that the time lag between what you think and feel and what you end up experiencing is becoming smaller. Keep holding the vision of what you wish to become whilst focusing on love, gratitude and joy, and you will move forward at a rapid pace.

The highlight of the year is a Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Aries which offers all of us the potential to throw off our shackles and pursue our dreams and visions. You will thrive in 2011 if you can be bold, inspired, innovative and enterprising. This is a year which encourages new beginnings, action and big ideas. So whatever you want to do, this is the year to make it happen.

Donna Taylor is a professional Astrologer, Tarot Reader and Author of How to Use the Healing Power of your Planets. To book a reading with Donna or to order an in depth astrology report, including the inspiring Spirit Guide or the insightful 12 Month Forecast, ring 01422 208178 or email donna@creative-astrology.co.uk (www.donna-taylor.co.uk)

Continue reading to discover the main themes for your sun sign this year.

Aries

‘Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it now. Boldness has genius magic and power in it. Begin it now.’ This inspiring quote by Goethe perfectly illustrates what is possible for you this year. With the magical conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus occurring in your sign you are being given a green light to proceed with your wildest dreams and visions. And if you haven’t currently got anything in mind, then just do something, as this is the year to push yourself like never before.

Taurus

This is a pivotal year for you as Jupiter will be moving into your sign from June bringing opportunities, abundance and positive new beginnings. Before you get to that place though, there are one or two things that need bringing to a close. Perhaps a big chapter of your life is ending (or needs to end) and so you should use the first half of the year to go within and listen to your Higher Self about exactly what you need to do. Once that’s done, it’s time to plant new seeds and experience new adventures.

Gemini

What do you wish for in 2011? This is not a flimsy question; it deserves to be taken seriously because when Jupiter and Uranus illuminate your house of hopes and dreams you will be in a most magical position where you only need to think positively about something and it will happen. Eradicate fear from your heart this year, and vow to act with courage and decisiveness. The Heavens will help you enormously to achieve your dreams so make the most of this planetary power and wish upon a star.

Cancer

It’s all about your career and direction in 2011. Jupiter and Uranus are sprinkling fairy dust upon your path, so whatever your ambitions, whether they’re large or small, you can be sure of some substantial celestial assistance this year. You are advised to leave the past behind and look to the future with new eyes. Whatever happened in the past is done and it is most important that you look forwards, not back in 2011 because with just a little bit of faith in your heart, you will go far and achieve much.

Leo

2011 is a year in which new horizons beckon because your soul is ready for expansion. This may mean packing your suitcase and heading off on a big adventure. Or it could mean going off to college or university to experience new possibilities. It would be a good idea to take a moment before the New Year begins and contemplate what adventure means to you, because that’s what you need to experience in 2011. The second half of the year brings positive developments with your direction in life so expect new beginnings.

Virgo

It’s time to expand your inner self. The planetary conjunction is asking you to become a deep sea diver and head down into the depths of your being. You might choose to do this through some kind of therapeutic work, or it may be a close relationship that gets you in touch with lost parts of yourself. You may choose to work with psychics, astrologers and healers, but if you are prepared to venture down into the murky depths you are almost guaranteed to emerge with a priceless treasure which could change your life.

Libra

Relationships are your highlight of 2011 which should be music to your romantic ears. The chances are high that a new relationship will begin or that an existing one with potential will improve dramatically. But whatever your current romantic status, Jupiter and Uranus will ensure that 2011 will be a year that brings heart stopping delights. You can also expect to meet someone who will have a positive and inspiring effect on you. So 2011 is the year to develop your relationships and experience the joy that comes from connecting with others.

Scorpio

2011 brings inspiring changes to your work and health; all you have to do is meet the universe half way and your wishes will materialise. This may be the time to change your job role or find work which fulfils, excites and challenges you. If you think about what you’d like to do and start the ball rolling, the planets will do the rest. 2011 is also the perfect year to improve your health so try a new regime; whether it’s yoga or kick boxing, it will do you the world of good.

Sagittarius

2011 should be a year of fun, fun, fun! So whether you’re falling in love, having children, painting pictures, dancing on stage or simply filling your time with fun activities, now is the time to focus on what brings you joy and make it more a part of your everyday life. This is also the perfect year to flex your creative muscle and develop any latent talents. If anything in your life is false or feels wrong, now is the time to replace it with something much more authentic and inspiring.

Capricorn

Expect big changes and developments within your home and family this year. Perhaps you’ll move house, experience an addition to the family or watch your family members going through changes. This would be the perfect year to turn over a new leaf in this area of your life, so whether that means moving, redecorating, having a major clear out or letting go of grievances, 2011 is the year to put the past behind you and begin a new chapter in our life.

Aquarius

It’s time to get your message out there, whatever your particular message is. The planetary conjunction is urging you to communicate and share your knowledge. Perhaps you can teach, write or speak about what you know. It may also be that you find yourself on the receiving end of the knowledge of others and this is certainly the ideal time to take up your studies and learn as much as you can. You’re likely to be full of inspiring ideas so please do share them with others and see where they take you.

Pisces

After seven busy (and possibly crazy) years, the planets have decided that you’ve gone through enough changes and are going to let you rest for a while. Not for too long though, because if you want to experience abundance and prosperity you will have to leap through the amazing window of opportunity that is opening up for you this year. Between January and June you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to manifest more money than you’ve ever had before; and if you have ideas for money making projects, what are you waiting for!

A reverent connection to Nature is central to our feeling at one with ourselves.

Four Seasons is a collection of photographs taken locally by Richard Sara-Gray who celebrates the colours, textures and light of each cycle of growth and replenishment in the here and now throughout the year ahead. We are delighted to share with you the first two cycles of the series, Autumn 2010 and Winter 2010/11, and these deeply personal and yet universal images.

Winter Blues and Other Colours 2010/2011

Winter has started early this year and in many ways has been harder and colder than any in recent memory. The cold snap and copious snowfalls here in Yorkshire, created havoc and distress for thousands and opportunities for others in December 2010.

Winter light, at its brightest, sharpens the images, creating stark contrasts and austere beauty wherever one chooses to look. At its gloomiest it has a weight that only lifts with the lengthening of the days.

‘The colour of springtime is in the flowers, the colour of winter is in the imagination.’

Terri Guillemets

Autumn

It has been a great pleasure to endeavour to capture the truly brilliant colours over the past few weeks during one of our more fabulous Autumns. October 2010 was a real mix of weather with several days nearly attaining 20 degrees, whilst our first air-frosts and a day or two of gales have speeded the season.

Personally, Autumn has always been about the cooling of the water in my favourite fishing swims, the gloopy decay of the water plants, the crunchiness of the woodland leaf-drifts, the extraordinary explosion of mushrooms and fungi.

The colours are the stars of the show with the vibrancy of the russets and golds, but it is the fairytale lighting that lends lustre to their finery. Sunshine is a fleeting visitor, lacking in warmth but rich in sheer sparkly exuberance.

The pictures (try to capture these traits and) are underpinned by my love for my family whose assistance in snuffling out Buck Wood spores and their looks of wonderment during our saunters, chose the subjects.

‘No Spring nor Summer beauty hath such grace,
As I have seen in one autumnal face’

Excerpt from Elegy IX: The Autumnal by John Donne

Rik Sara-Gray