Hurray, hurray, it’s the first of May, Outdoor mating starts today
The celebration of Beltane

Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.

Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.

Beltane is one of these Celtic festivals, and has been celebrated for thousands of year on various dates from the end of April till mid May, but is now most commonly celebrated on May the 1st. Beltane comes from a Celtic word meaning the ‘Fires of Bel’. Bel is the name of the Celtic sun God, and means bright one. Thanking Bel for bringing more sunshine and helping the crops grow is very much part of the festival.

In the wheel of the year Beltane celebrates the beginning of longer lighter days with the sun setting later in the evening. It marks the beginning of the season when herds are driven to summer pastures. Beltane celebrations were not only felt to be important to ensure the coming year’s crops would be bountiful, the festivities were also an opportunity for families and communities to get together, and take a well earned break from working the land.

Fire has always been an important element in any Beltane celebrations. Cattle would often be passed between two fires as the smoke was thought to ensure the fertility of the herd, as well as guarding them from evil influences. The lighting of fires was also believed to be cleansing and purifying. Reported rituals of the past include the Celts leaping over fires to bring good fortune, and young men circling fires holding Rowan branches, which was thought would protect them from evil. Protection from evil was very important to the ancient Celts, as at the two turning points of the year (Beltane and Samhain on October 31st) it was thought that the spirit world was very close at hand, and these were days of much evil activity. Traditionally all fires would be extinguished, and a sacred bonfire would be lit in the centre of the villages. Fires in people’s homes would then be lit from this source. The bonfire represents the burning of the old to make way for the new.

Fire is still a part of some Beltane celebrations today, such as in Edinburgh where there has been a revival of Celtic and Scottish folklore. Since the 1980’s on the evening of the 30th of April people carry torches of fire in a procession to the top of Calton Hill. Archways of fire symbolize the gateways between earthly planes and the spirit world. The celebrations start with a procession led by the May Queen and the Green man. The May Queen then crowns the Green man, and in a ritual which symbolises the end of winter, the green man takes off his winter clothes to reveal a spring costume.

Hundreds of people perform and take part in the celebrations. It has become renowned for its amazing colour and costumes including; the white warrior women, the blue men representing the elder/spirit guides of the event, and the scantly clad lustful red men, who try to disrupt the procession with mischievous behaviour.

The May Queen, in the Edinburgh celebrations symbolises the Celtic triple goddess, who goes through 3 stages (virgin, mother and crone) throughout the year. Ancient Britons believe the crone aspect of the Goddess turns to stone on Beltane eve, and the goddess becomes the maiden/virgin, ready to become the mother. As the goddess is now ready for a sexual union with the god, a union which is believed to bring all creation into being, Beltane traditionally celebrates sex and fertility. It is thought that the God (that the goddess gave birth to at the Winter solstice) achieves maturity, so can now become the goddess’s lover.

Beltane was the most overtly sexual festival. ‘Hurray, hurray, it’s the first of May, Outdoor mating starts today’, comes from a version of a rhyme many North American teenagers still chant today. It is a remnant of the past we have mostly forgotten, and hints at our primal instincts suggesting May 1st was a day of sexual freedom, and a time for lovers to meet and make love in the woods.

Beltane was a time when young lovers would proclaim their love for each other, and new partnerships would be formed. Rituals include young men and women collecting foliage and blossoms which symbolise female fertility. The white blossom of the Hawthorn, which would be won during Beltane celebrations, was believed to have magical properties. It was thought to be unlucky to take hawthorn blossom inside the house apart from on May Eve. It has also been suggested that before the development of a universally recognised calendar, the blooming of the hawthorn was the signal for the Beltane festivities to begin.

Even though May day celebrations are not so openly sexual today, the festivals sexual origins are still very evident. May poles, for example, planted deep into the ground (impregnating the earth), symbolised the phallus of the God. The braiding of the pole is thought to represent the vaginal canal of the Goddess. The unwinding ribbons were believed to represent the union of male and female, and the spiral of life. The white ribbons (usually handled by men) symbolised the virgin goddess, and the red ribbons (usually handled by women) represented their initiation into sexual womanhood. A ring of flowers at the top of the pole represented the fertility of the goddess.

The May Day celebrations in the Cornish town of Padstow still have references to sex and fertility. They involve the procession of two Obby Oss’s, who wear a black cape (hung on a frame), and a gruesome mask with snapping teeth. They are thought to symbolise a stallion. On their journeys they try and catch young women and girls under their capes. It was believed, and is still said today, that if you are caught under the cape you will be pregnant within a year.

Celebrations start at midnight on May eve when townspeople sing the ‘morning song’. The town and maypole are decorated with flowers and greenery, and Padstownians wear whites with either blue or red coloured ribbons to support their chosen Oss. The blue Oss is the first to take to the streets and an hour later it is the turn of the red Old Oss. The Obby Oss’s are accompanied around town by musicians, drummers and dancers and ‘Teasers’ who prod them with a special stick. At midnight people sing of the Obby Oss’s death, finishing off the festivities until it is resurrected again the following year.

Unlike some of the other Celtic festivals, Beltane is one festival that is still recognised and celebrated across the country. It reminds us of our relationship with nature and the cycle of life. Although what people do to celebrate this festival differs, the traditions and beliefs from old Celtic folklore are still very evident today. They all ultimately celebrate fertility and the new spark of life this may bring; whether it is the fertility of the earth, the goddess or us mortals.

Beltane beliefs and customs past and present:
· The May Queen can also be known as the Maiden, Goddess of Spring, Flower bride, Queen of the fairies.
· The white warrior women and handmaidens protect and attend to the May Queen.
· The Green man can also be known as the May king, the Horned God, Jack-in-the- Green or the woodland fairy Puck.
· The dew on morning of the 1st of May is thought to possess magical properties, it is said if you wash your face and body in it, your youth and beauty is ensured.
· New couples would often take part in the traditional Celtic ceremony of hand-fasting between Beltane and the summer solstice. The couples hands were bound together to represent their union.
· At Beltane oat cakes with a baked on custard type coating, known as bannocks were cooked on an open fire. One piece was marked with charcoal and it was considered bad luck would fall on the person who picked that piece, unless they jumped over fire.

A Recipe for a Clear complexion Part2
What to do when the recipe isn’t enough
Extra help for acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition, the exact cause of which is not known. However there are many factors that can contribute towards acne such as; hormones, oily skin, poor diet, allergies, the use of certain medication (such as; steroids, lithium and oral contraceptives) as well as also possibly being hereditary.

Hormonal imbalances such as; the over production of the male hormone testosterone can contribute towards acne. Premenstrual flare ups of spots in women can be caused by the release of progesterone after ovulation. This is also why some oral contraceptives containing progesterone may produce breakouts of spots.

Overactive oil glands can also cause acne. Oil to lubricate the skin, is produced by the sebaceous glands which are located in hair follicles found in abundance on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. If some of the oil becomes trapped, this then allows bacteria to multiply and causes the skin to become inflamed. Dirt and dust from pollution and the overuse of creams can also cause the pores to become clogged. Healthy skin should be able to breathe.

As mentioned in ‘A recipe for a clear complexion part1’, poor diet and unhealthy living can be a big factor in causing outbreaks of spots. Any problems with digestion will also contribute towards acne as essential nutrients needed are not effectively absorbed. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and one of its functions is eliminating waste products from the body via sweat. The skin will inevitably suffer, if the body contains more toxins, than the kidneys and the liver can deal with on their own.

How you treat acne really does depend on whether the cause is hormonal, or due to toxic overload, and this can be difficult to determine. For women if they have flare ups at particular times of the month this is likely to indicate the causes are hormonal.

Acne and the female cycle
Oestrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall at particular times in a women’s cycle. Problems occur when there is an imbalance of these hormones, as the female hormones can reduce the size and activity of the sebaceous gland. The hormonal system is extremely complex, and it is difficult to determine imbalances yourself. If you suffer from spots at particular times of your cycle it may be worth visiting a medical herbalist who can help determine whether you have high or low levels of oestrogen and/or progesterone and treat accordingly.

Agnus castus is a very effective remedy for women who suffer from acne due to high levels of oestrogen, and could therefore make the situation worse if a woman has low levels of oestrogen. It can also be effective in treating teenage acne for both genders. However it is important to note any remedy looking at balancing hormones, is going to interact with any other medication that works on the hormones. Taking Agnus castus for example can stop the contraceptive pill from working.

Bioforce, however do make a herbal tincture called Female essence, that can be used with all types of hormonal imbalances, and has no reported contraindications. (Many health food shops stock Bioforce products &for more information on their products look at www.avogel.co.uk )

Male hormones and acne
Acne in both men and women is also commonly caused by the over production of testosterone. High levels of testosterone trigger large amounts of sebum to be produced, which can cause oily skin. Testosterone also stimulates the cells to produce more of the protein keratin, which can bind with the sebum and block the pores. The pores are then more likely to become infected, as toxins and bacteria are unable to escape.

Again if you suspect hormones to be contributing towards problems with acne, then visiting a medical herbalist would be a good idea due to the complex nature of the hormonal system.

To find a medical herbalist in you area, look at the national Institute of Medical Herbalists website: www.nimh.org.uk


Alcohol sugar, fats and caffeine can all increase testosterone levels, and making changes in your diet is one of the first courses of action in the fight against acne. The rise in cases of adult acne today is more often than not the result of an overload of toxins.

Acne caused by toxic overload
Attacking acne with diet sounds too simple to have any effect, but can actually produce remarkable results. Fat, sugar and processed foods all make the body have to work harder at eliminating toxins. There may also be a possibility that acne may be caused by developing food intolerances to foods such as diary products.

The liver is a very important organ in the bodies natural detoxification process, however if it is overloaded with high levels of toxins it will look to other organs such as the lungs and skin to take up the slack. Acne can be one of the first signs that your liver is overloaded.

Undertaking a general detox and keeping a food diary, may be a useful exercise, and there are a number of good books available which can guide you through this process. As foods are reintroduced slowly and any physical symptoms are noted, problem foods can be identified. With any detoxing treatment, it is important to note that as toxins are extracted symptoms may actually get worse before they get better. It is also likely to take many months to reverse the effects of years of bad habits and eating unhealthily.

As mentioned in last fortnight’s article, there are nutrients essential for skin health. Other nutrients that are important are:

· Vitamin A helps cells reproduce, so is useful as skin cells have a fast rate of production. Found in eggs, yogurt and oily fish.
· Vitamin C helps with the production of elastin and collagen which helps with complexion and keep skin firm. Found in citrus fruits, peppers, brussel sprouts, and kiwi fruit.
· Vitamin E is useful in the fight against acne as it can balance hormones, and is well known for preventing scarring. It can be found in soya, olive oil, corn, wheatgerm, and nuts and seeds.


Useful herbs to help with Acne

Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a good all rounder for skin care. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities and has been found to aid cell regeneration. Many alternative therapists advocate its use internally and externally for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Aloe Vera gel is also an extremely effective moisturiser which works in two ways. Firstly it has the ability to carry moisture and nutrients down through all the layers of the skin, and secondly it creates a barrier which prevents the moisture from escaping. As well as this it has anti-ageing qualities. Studies have found that Aloe Vera increases the production of ‘fibroblast’ cells found in the skin, which in turn stimulate the production of collagen, thus keeping the skin firm and supple.

Burdock root
Burdock root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a blood cleanser for many years. Burdock has been found to be anti-microbial which means it can rid the body of harmful bacteria making it very useful in the fight against spots. It also acts as a tonic for the skin, and its ability to reduce inflammation makes it an effective remedy to use for anyone suffering with acne, or indeed for other skin problems such as eczema.

Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a well known herb used for increasing the liver’s detoxification capabilities, which therefore means less toxins have to escape through the skin, hopefully resulting in better skin condition. It also encourages the growth of healthy liver cells, which should keep the liver in tip top working condition. Milk thistle has also been shown to normalise skin cell replication, and alongside its anti-inflammatory action makes it another useful remedy in treating acne.

Viola Tricola (Wild Pansy)
Available from Bioforce; Viola Tricola works in three ways by: soothing inflamed areas of skin, improving elimination of toxins via the kidneys, and strengthening the capillaries and therefore improving the way in which nutrients journey to the skin.

Additional suggestions
Keep skin areas affected as free from products as possible should allow the skin to breath.

Taking cardiovascular exercise which makes you sweat may also be a good idea, as toxins will escape in the sweat, and then can be washed away.

A steam sauna can help flush toxins out of the skin, as well as unblocking and cleaning out pores without abrasive action. In a saucepan or a bowl boil some water, and when boiling place your face a comfortable distance over the bowl (with a towel over your head to help trap the steam). You could also try adding different essential oils such as; lavender which is an antiseptic and can kill germs and stimulate the growth of new cells. Other oils that may help in the fight against spots include:

· Lemon
· Bergamot
· Chamomile
· Rosemary &
· Tea tree

If you want to try putting something directly on the spots then try:
· Tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic and antibiotic.
· Witch Hazel has astringent qualities and dabbed on individual spots can help clear them up.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, who should be the first port of call with any of the mentioned health conditions. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition since my eldest daughter developed food intolerances around 20 years ago. I have researched this piece from reputable internet sites and by reading through books such as;

The Food Doctor, Healing foods for mind and body by Vicki Edgson & Ian Marber
Superfoods by Michael Van Straten & Barbara Griggs
Prescription for Nutritional healing 2nd edition by James F Balch M.D & Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C
Food your miracle medicine by Jean Harper
The food pharmacy by Jean Harper
500 of the most important health tips you’ll ever need by Hazel Courteney

A recipe for a clear complexion

Forget spending lots of money on creams, cleansers, and potions; choosing to opt for clean healthy living is often the best way to turn back the clocks and ensure a sparkly and bright complexion. This week will suggest a recipe to follow which may help achieve this, and after time most people should notice a marked improvement.

For some people however acne and flares ups of spots can be a persistent problem. Reasons for this may be hereditary, hormonal, due to allergies, or even the use of certain medication. In the next Jax Writer’s spot, I will explore these reasons, and discuss possible herbal remedies and treatments that can be used in the battle against spots. However following the recipe below, is the first step towards clear skin, and is vital in ensuring the effectiveness of any other treatment.

Ingredients

· Drink water
· Eat a balanced diet
· Cut back on bad habits
· Forget buying lots of products
· Don’t over cleanse
· De-stress
· Don’t squeeze your spots

Method

Drink water
Coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and alcohol can all dehydrate the skin, and the best way to keep your skin hydrated is to drink lots of water, ideally 1.5litres a day. Drinking herbal teas can count towards this target.

Eat a balanced diet
Fruit and vegetables are important for skin health as they provide essential vitamins such as; the B vitamin (Niacin) which helps retain moisture in the skin. Protein helps form the skins support structures, and essential fatty acids are central to the elasticity of the skin. Zinc is an necessary element in the oil producing glands, and is therefore important in skin health. Zinc which can be found in whole grains, sunflower seeds and nuts, and also aids in the healing of tissue which can help prevent scarring. If you suffer with acne, to give your system the best chance of fighting spots, keep processed foods to a minimum and cut down on your intake of saturated fats (mainly found in meats and diary products). By eating healthily, incorporating an array of foods, you are more likely to get all the nutrients the skin needs.

Cut back on bad habits
Smoking is one of the worst culprits for aging the skin; it enhances the production of an enzyme that which can cause a loss of elasticity and the development of lines. Smoking can also limit the amount of oxygen that actually reaches the skin. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to broken veins and redness in the skin as it causes blood vessels to dilate and constrict.

Forget buying lots of products
Many people spend a fortune on skincare products, however they can clog up the pores, stopping the skin from breathing, and allowing the microbes involved in causing acne to flourish. Products can also overload the skin with chemicals. We wouldn’t dream of eating anything containing the chemicals that are found in some skin creams, yet what we put on our skin is absorbed in to our bodies. Common ingredients in moisturisers and anti wrinkle creams such as; sodium lauryl sulphate, di-methicone, pro-pylparaben, ethylparaben and parfum can actually cause skin irritation, and some have been shown to alter the skins structures to allow potentially harmful chemicals to enter the bloodstream. Aromatherapy oils can be used to moisturise without making the skin greasy. It should be noted however that although natural, some oils should not be put directly on the skin, so either ask an aromatherapist to make a suitable mixture up for you, or find an aromatherapy book which includes recipes you can make up yourself. One very good book is ‘Aromatherapy for women by Maggie Tisserand’. Alternatively there are a range of natural creams available using essential oils which can often be found at health food shops or online from stockists such as:

http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/
http://www.highernature.co.uk/
http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/

When it comes to moisturising the body, you can’t go far wrong with coconut oil; it’s cheap and certainly good enough to eat. It is usually solidified and looks a bit like lard, however by warming it up, either by just rubbing in your hands or leaving near a radiator for a while, it turns into oil which can be smeared all over the body.

Don’t over cleanse
Although it is better to cleanse your skin morning and night, cleansing with soap based products can dry the skin out, irritate the skin and even contribute to the formation of spots. Opt for a natural and/or a gentle cleanser such as from the ‘Simple’ range. Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells, and reveal fresher looking skin but shouldn’t be done more than once or twice a week as exfoliating too much can damage the skins natural barrier and cause dryness and sensitivity.

De-stress
Constant stress can also take it out of the skin. Stress can cause tension in the muscles which can contribute to wrinkles and lines, and may also affect your hormones possibly leading to an outbreak of acne or psoriasis. Trying to get enough sleep, drinking chamomile tea, meditation and/or deep relaxation, and taking regular exercise, are all possible ways of helping you manage your stress levels.

Don’t squeeze your spots
Squeezing spots can cause scarring. It can also increase the risk of inflammation, by causing breaks in the skin where harmful bacteria can lodge, therefore effectively spreading the spots around. If you have trouble with spots, and a few weeks of clean healthy living doesn’t make a difference, then it may be worth trying some herbal remedies.



Mixing together these ingredients and following this method should help knock a few years off your face, and give your skin a noticeable glow. It will take time however; turning around the effects of years of bad habits and product use is not going to happen overnight. If you are following the recipe and still not seeing any difference after many months, then check out next fortnight’s article on Jax Writer’s spot, which will look at the causes and possible courses of action to deal with problem skin.

“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates

Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition for over 20 years.