One of my 2025 plans is to set up a Complimentary Health Collaborative. This is currently on my dream sheet - mid to long term goal, but this morning I had a good think about what I could achieve in the short term.
I can create the start of the collaborative by reaching out to holistic or complimentary businesses to see if they are interested in Networking and creating a wider hub of knowledge. Social Media Post đ Email connections âď¸
Create a form to facilitate the gathering of knowledge. https://forms.office.com/r/DJj081i4rD âď¸
Start a Podcast - Who wants to be interviewed about the service or services they offer?
What is a complimentary therapy?
The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health outlines the following approaches.
Complementary Health Approaches
Complementary approaches can be classified by their primary therapeutic input (how the therapy is taken in or delivered), which may be:
Nutritional (e.g., special diets, dietary supplements, herbs, and probiotics)
Psychological (e.g., mindfulness)
Physical (e.g., massage, spinal manipulation)
Combinations such as psychological and physical (e.g., yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, dance or art therapies) or psychological and nutritional (e.g., mindful eating)
To read more about complimentary medicine, integrative medicine and alternatives access the post here.
This makes it really exciting to gather together all of the people who provide a service that supports both humans and animals nutritionally, physically and psychologically in a collaborative way. Spotlighting individual services to help learn about them, thus providing a link to evidence based knowledge. Debunking myths - I love this one.
I looked back on some of the businesses that I interacted with in 2024 and thought I would kick start my idea by sharing some information about those I know.
JANUARY
In January I was sharing my stash of sticks with other students at Julie Burkes Group - Julie offers a selection of courses and workshops that develop both body and soul. The Cottage of Owls, in far west Kernow is described as Nature based spirituality, personal blog, education and art.
February
My photographs are one of my records of where I actually was, its even more helpful if you utilise the location services. My photos gave me some perfect hints on what I was experiencing. It would be hard to forget that there were high winds and sunshine, Bumble and I explored the moors and lanes around St.Just working from the van, and regularly heading back to Plymouth for the face to face sessions. I had a whole chunk of marking to do as I nestled into my new van home at St.Just Rugby Club.
The Rugby club staff in the bar were always welcoming, and made this a great first campsite for my new beginning as a 'van lifer'. This was the time that Goose my cat decided she was not so keen on van life and disappeared to also explore the local area. There were significant signs of spring, the ground was warming up with the sunshine, Alexander was growing well on the river banks in the Kenidjack valley, gorse yellow brightened the pathways. I was visited by a honey bee, who rested on my van door, a early dandelion gave her the boost she needed to return to her hive.
MARCH
The nomadic life found us on a loop exploring Cornwall, with stays at campsites that allowed winter guests and finding free park ups using the Park4Night App. This app provided me with information about the general safety and facilities near the park up. I was using the period in between times to visit family in the Lizard area. Of note - In winter Polladras was pleasant because they had a heated bathroom/shower the luxury of which you might not appreciate if you always have heating. Compared to the RFC where you are using a huge communal shower you appreciate the ambience of warmth to take your clothes off in.
Bumble and I explored the lanes and took advantage of the local pubs lunch menu's.
The blackthorn was in flower by 16th March. Bumble and I had spent some time at Globe Valley Campsite where we were able to get more marking done and explore the tramways. We had our first Van visitor Chloe who dropped in to discuss the module I was running. The lighter evenings encouraged more walks, there were some great footpaths and plenty of Robins calling out to us as we stepped out. I discovered Tramway Honey on the route to Scorrier.
The local honey man kept his bees along the old tramway which was now a pollution free cycle path, local honey is precious to our health, many of you will know honey is a beautiful way to work with local hayfever allergies. Letting the Bees help your body heal. On the internet there is a debunking of this honey remedy - where researchers tested 36 Americans - this research is cited on many medical sites, it is cited as stating that 'Honey does not help,' Just a point to note the study does not specifically target hayfever, it seemed that many were asthmatic, I felt that the underpinning literature review was lightweight with only 20 articles listed, I would also query the relevance of some of their literature choices, if the discussion was truly focussed around the efficacy of unpasteurised honey.
The key take home for me, is that this research done on 36 Americans has been cited 44 times including by our National Health Service and the BBC. This 'research' is what your GP might be referring to when you talk to him about alternatives. Be curious and look at where the literature is coming from, how many participants and WHO is funding it.
APRIL
April was soggy, I was in the Midlands visiting my children, exploring the countryside, finding Wells and Windflowers. The high winds tore blossoms off the branches ignoring their beauty. I opted to follow the Fosse Way home to Cornwall, spotting a stone circle in a field I curious enough to stop, it was the Rollright Stones I also gathered a bout of the flu.
Bumble and I took the opportunity to follow the paths.. "The oldest, the Whispering Knights dolmen, is early Neolithic, circa 3,800-3,500 BC, the King's Men stone circle is late Neolithic, circa 2,500 BC; and the King Stone is early to middle Bronze Age, circa 1,500 BC.2 (The Rollright Trust;2024)
The Stones are made of natural boulders of Jurassic oolitic limestone which forms the bulk of the Cotswold hills. The Rollright Stones were popular with dog walkers, Bumble and I walked the footpath and visited The Whispering Knights, on a later trip to Glastonbury I discovered a book about Rollright which I thought was interesting how we find things in groups and I wondered what my key learning point was here. A Settlement called Little Rollright was 'enclosed' as part of the enclosures act by 1405 destroying the community.
Bumble and I then continued on the Fosse Way to visit Chedlworth, the Roman Villas (National Trust) narrow access lanes through beautiful countryside not far from Jeremy Clarksons Farm. I was not popular in my van but we did get a good parking space at Chedworth before climbing up to the viaduct and finding birds of prey. The Villa hosts a clear spring well which is still offered to drink.
MAY
My birthday month, as you get older it is worth taking the opportunity to spend more time enjoying the moments. Bumble and I were regularly whizzing up and down the A30 visiting my fellow crafters at Lamorna and teaching at University of Plymouth. May was kind the weather was perfect for playing on Long Rock beach, we stayed locally to enjoy the sea air and opportunity for late night walks hushed by rolling waves.
We did consider crossing to St.Michaels Mount - it was a calm enough for the causeway to be dry. Bumble was keen to navigate the mine houses off cliff edges at Botallack.
Imagine having to go down and mine under the sea! The lower ones are surrounded by crumbling cliff and sea thrift.
A second shout out to the National Trust for securing land that can be visited and experienced. But word of warning the Car Park attracts some odd folks at dusk and the security guard will move you on.
In the hedges Foxgloves were providing statuesque pink rockets of colour amidst yellow gorse and blackthorn. The peculiarity of the tented caterpillar weaving its web amongst the branches was common along the North Cliffs off Tehidy. Back with the van working at UoP the sunshine glittered off the sea making a pleasant alarm clock at the Barbican, Tall ships flowed into the harbour observed by warmly wrapped fishermen clearing up after their scaley vigil.
A traditional treat and windier day, had Bumble and I gathering our flowers and creating lots of noise for Penzance's May Horns. Kris Meaden posted a rather fetching picture of me.
June
My favourite show - Royal Cornwall Show, I felt lucky to come across Cornwall Woodcarvers, I had been whittling the collection of sticks that I found on my travels but had a hankering to turn them into something more pleasing to the eye. The Honey Bees were located in the Flower Tent and there was a campaign to help people identify Asian Hornets. It always amazes me the effort that people put in to their flower displays and creations. Home crafts and creativity were widespread in the WI tent and the Young Farmers creative challenge. There were a few similarities in the sections of the competitions all included a baked good - I like to read the comments of the judges to see if visually I would agree with them. At the end of the day its all about personal perspective.
In my home village it was St.Day Feast on 10th June, the weather was kind and allowed villagers to sit out and eat their saffron buns whilst watching the school children race each other. The track they follow seemed so much shorter than in my day.
Searching the internet for items about St.Day is a great example of how the truth will not prevail. I found this article which does provide some excerpts of the interesting aspects of the community I grew up in. the author terms the strange church on Scorrier street, I grew up knowing it as the Blue Church it was where we held the nativity plays. I concur that the cars do suggest a widespread range of incomes - there are home owners who commute to Birmingham and London, I suspect that Newquay Airport facilitates this level of mobility.
July
At this stage of writing up this blog I realise I have created a bit of a monster. I am trawling through my photographs as a reminder of where I was and as some of my friends and family might comment I take a lot of photo's with my phone. July was about endings and new beginnings for me. Bumble was in at the Kennels and I was on the Barbican again enjoying the summer sunshine and having a leaving afternoon tea. Preparing physically (packing my desk) and mentally to leave my full-time role. I had a couple of weeks to escape and relax before the final hand over.
We spent a week at Paddington Farm Glastonbury enjoying the walnut tree and relaxed campsite. Bumble and I took the opportunity to walk the paths and roads around Glastonbury find ing numerous ways to reach the Tor, climbing slopes to be eye level with the ravens was exhilarating.
As I reviewed my collage of places visited I realised that Bumble and I were exploring a lot of old haunts including finding the way up to visit Carn Brea monument.
August
This was my official road trip. It started with Cotswold Lavender and a visit to my children before heading towards Chepstow. The lavender was very popular in both places the medley of buzzing bees contented in their work.
I decided that I would follow the coast as closely as possible, visiting lighthouses and points of interest from signposts and local maps.
One curious place I felt drawn to visit and met a family doing exactly the same was the boys village near St.Athan. This was a place that I found an apple tree, I had already come across random apple trees along the coastal path possibly from discarded cores? I rather liked the idea of these wild apple trees scattered across the Welsh countryside.
I posted photographs of my trip on instagram @thewanderingwitchesapprentice.
September
Back into Wales after another family visit I headed straight to St.Davids City where the coastal path is reminiscent of Cornwall, We spent a glorious week at the Dyfed Shire Horse Farm watching Swifts gathering to migrate and spending time grooming the horses on open day. The campsite provides easy access to the Preselli Mountains and Pengelly Woods (Ancient Forest) there is even a mini farm equipment shop with fresh food within walking distance. The Farm staff are very inclusive and friendly. Well worth dropping in and meeting them and the animals. The farm has provided several horses to the British Army over the years. if you click on the link their facebook page has a post with a recent film of the farms story. Bumble had a great time running free with the farm dog Scamp.
October
I spent three weeks in Crete this was instigated by Louisa Shorney who signposted me to Angie Twydall at the Sanctuary of Sophia. Connecting with minoan culture and honey bees was stimulating and a deep learning curve about many things from self to the greater hive community. Angie facilitated a 7 nights tour of Crete which included ancient sites and rituals.
The pictures speak for themselves.
November
Back in the UK with a healthy colour and relaxed mindset prepared me well for attending the Sound Therapy practitioner training with Debbi Walker at Suara Sound Academy I was now on a mission to get my case studies done. If you are interested check out the blog about distance case studies or sign up here.
Debbi facilitated a unique team of sound ambassadors who are all active in the holistic health world from Cameron Raphael in Callington to Susan in Kent.
Cameron was so energised by his own sound healing that he has set up his own business Third Eye Designs and Alchemy of Sound. Read about his services below. Cameron is my first collaborator in the holistic health and knowledge project.
Third Eye Designs and Alchemy of Sound
Cameron Raphael Founder of Third Eye Designs & Alchemy of Sound
Cameron Raphael is a multifaceted creative, spiritual practitioner, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in esoteric arts, healing modalities, and design. Known for their deep knowledge of witchcraft, Tarot, ceremonial magic, and energy work, Cameron is also a published author and educator who has guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Third Eye Designs
Third Eye Designs is Cameronâs creative hub, specializing in bespoke design solutions that blend artistic vision with meaningful intention. From custom logos and posters to captivating advertising materials, Third Eye Designs brings Cameron's keen eye for detail and intuitive understanding of symbolism to every project. Whether serving local businesses or spiritual practitioners, Third Eye Designs helps clients communicate their message through striking visuals rooted in purpose and beauty.
Alchemy of Sound
Alchemy of Sound is Cameronâs healing practice, offering transformative sound therapy through tuning forks. Drawing upon their expertise and training with Suara Sound Academy, Cameron provides clients with a deeply soothing and restorative experience that balances body, mind, and spirit. As a passionate advocate of sound healing, Cameron channels unique frequencies and works intuitively to help individuals release emotional blockages, relieve stress, and achieve energetic harmony.
With a lifelong commitment to personal and spiritual growth, Cameron Raphael bridges the worlds of creativity, healing, and mysticism. Through Third Eye Designs and Alchemy of Sound, they continue to inspire, empower, and support their clients on their journeys to alignment, self-discovery, and success.
Nettle Revolution
In an effort to develop my business ideas I have been doing some training with the growth fund, I met Jane founder of Nettle Revolution at a Networking Event - Jane is a passionate advocate for the healing power of nature and an activist taking the sting out of nettles! She works with Nettle Revolution to raise awareness about the extraordinary benefits of stinging nettles. From creating organic balms for natural healing to promoting immunity through nettles and the many other ancient medicinal ways, Jane is dedicated to helping others rediscover the vitality and wisdom found by reconnecting and being a part of nature.
Along with other health practitioners, Jane is a founder member of a health initiative to create a Blue Zone in Cornwallâa community that embraces healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. She is also a skilled weaver of organic nettle scarves, blending creativity and sustainability to showcase the versatility of this remarkable plant.
Drawing from her own experiences, particularly in focusing on self-care for those over 60, Jane believes in the transformative potential of blending natureâs wisdom with holistic practices. Through writing, creating, and teaching, Jane combines her passion for sustainability, nutrition, and the mission of Nettle Revolution to inspire others to live balanced, vibrant lives rooted in natural health and well-being.
December
I have been learning a few lessons in December, and I guess it is my relaxed state of mind from daily tuning forks that reduces the potential irritation I may have unleashed. I hired a room for some physical case studies and they cancelled the night before too late for me to cancel the hire of the room. I had been overdoing the activities leading up to the date and providing a healing session may have pushed me over the edge physically.
Taking time to look after oneself is important, sometimes we cannot see the wood for the trees and may need to listed to others when they suggest we take a break. I will often book in with Lucinda at Serenity by the Sea for a treatment when needed.
NEW Projects for 2025
Coaching and Sound Therapy Combined Case Studies
A Podcast - I will be interviewing a range of experts and passionate individuals please email thedandelionmoon@outlook.com if you want to be on the list.
A collaborative web site which informs and connects all the great holistic health projects that are happening in Cornwall for starters.
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