We Are Up and Running!!

After changing our business name from Aruna Wellness to the Woodland Gatherings you see today we had the daunting task of rebuilding our entire product website online. Yeah... After many hours of hair pulling adventures into the world of technology we are very pleased to announce that we are officially up and running online!!

You can now check out our product listings, product descriptions, and place your order through the security of PayPal on our site. www.woodlandgatherings.com. 

We offer healing and holistic products that make great gifts for loved ones (or ourselves) during the holidays, or anytime.

Gift certificates are also available by calling 585-924-5490.

Enjoy browsing, we look forward to working with you.

Toxic Product Guide

"All natural" does not always mean what people assume it does. More times than I have been able to count I find a product that is labeled as "all natural" only to find that several of the ingredients have been linked through research to hazardous health effects. Some ingredients can have instant reactions such as hives and redness externally, or stomach upset internally, but others may not show their faces for many years down the road. Therefore, it is a good idea to educate ourselves as to what we are putting into or onto our bodies.

The link below offers a searchable database so that you can either look up a particular ingredient or a product that you are currently using. I have found that this database tends to label an ingredient as dangerous if there exists any lack of research or confusion on the ingredient, so you may want to double check your findings, but overall it is a good starting place to check out your products.

I was surprised to find that several of my "all natural" products came up as very toxic. What will you find in your bathroom cabinet?  

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

The views or opinions on this blog are my own, they do not represent those of any other individual or organization unless stated specifically. I am not being paid to endorse any products or services mentioned here unless stated specifically. I do not guarantee any results or safety if you choose to use these products or services. By using the information provided here you agree to completely hold blameless and absolutely indemnify Abby Drew, Woodland Gatherings, her associates and affiliates.  

Websites of Interest

Under this label you will find various websites that we have linked to through this blog along with a description as to what you may find helpful there. It is our hope that this information assists you in your wellness goals and brings transcendence to your life in beautiful ways. 

To check out our herbals & gifts click here... www.woodlandgatherings.com.

The views or opinions on this blog are my own, they do not represent those of any other individual or organization unless stated specifically. I am not being paid to endorse any products or services mentioned here unless stated specifically. I do not guarantee any results or safety if you choose to use these products or services. By using the information provided here you agree to completely hold blameless and absolutely indemnify Abby Drew, Woodland Gatherings, her associates and affiliates.

Smudging

White Sage or PaloSanto/Holy Stick can be purchased through Woodland Gatherings at www.woodlandgatherings.com

The use of smudging is common to Native American and Peruvian spiritual practice, but this great tool can be used by anyone wishing to perform some basic clearing work. Smudging with sacred plants is most commonly performed with White Sage or PaloSanto/Holy Stick. White Sage is one of the four sacred Native American herbs used in spiritual and healing practice. These Native American herbs include sage, cedar, sweet grass and tobacco. Palo Santo/Holy Stick originates from Peruvian shaman traditions for healing and smudging work.

When smudging, the White Sage or Palo Santo/Holy Stick is lit with wooden matches and the flame is blown out (similar to lighting incense). Next, the smoke is wafted over the object, room or individual until there is a shift felt, a lifting, or until it is deemed complete. During the process it is common for prayers to be stated for assistance in the smudging or healing. These prayers can be offered up to any deity you work with, or the universe at large. If weather permits it is helpful to open a window or door at the end to "send out" the dense energy.

The technique of smudging is generally used whenever there is negative, stagnant, or dense energy present. This energy can be in an object, a room, or even an individual. Usually you can tell if this dense energy is there simply by feeling it out. Below are some hints for determining this: 

An Object: 
1. Does holding the object give you an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach?
2. Has the object been involved in some type of negative experience for you?
3. Was the object recently acquired, and is to be used for spiritual or healing work? 

A Room:

1. When you walk into the room does it feel like you are "hitting a wall of dense energy" as you move into the space?
2. Do the hairs on your neck prickle as you enter?
3. Do you experience negative emotions such as anger, frustration, grief, or anxiety for unexplained reasons while in the room?
4. Do you get an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach while in the room?
5. Has the room been involved in some negative experience for you? 

An Individual:
1. Do you, or the individual, have an unsettled feeling in the pit of your stomach?
2. Have you, or the individual, been involved in some negative experience recently?
3. Are you, or the individual, trying to prepare for some healing work?
***If you are thinking of offering clearing to an individual make sure you ask permission before you do this type of work!*** 

White Sage or PaloSanto/Holy Stick can be purchased through Woodland Gatherings at www.woodlandgatherings.com 

Never leave burning White Sage or Palo Santo/Holy Stick unattended. Not for internal use.