TAMPA BAY NEW TIMES an alternative, holistic magazine exploring Body, Mind and Spirit.

November/December 1998 Articles on the theme "Family & Friends" A Family Role Model by Ethel Gillette An account of how Bill Cosby in his Cosby Show provided a much needed and inspiring example of real family values. We're All Related by Bob Gonzalez Expanding one's view of family and friends to include the realization that we are all one spirit. A Soulful Season by Edwina Holloway Some suggestions for making the holiday season more truly meaningful. The Magic of our Differences by Rev. Pat Cross Friends and family - the ultimate gifts of God's creation. Our human differences and our essential oneness. Extend Your Family by Cydné Battreall If your current family does not meet your needs, extend it! How to go about it. The Family of Friends by Sylvia Jackson What it takes to be a friend and to have a friend. True friendship in adversity. Beyond Family and Friends by ISA The true solution to the need for family and friends. The Power of Our Thoughts by Dr. Audrey Craft Davis How we can use our thoughts to protect ourselves and those we love. Other Feature Articles Natural Health Q&A by David Simon M.Ac. A practical discussion of the why's and how's of weight loss. 2000 and Beyond! Y2K = TEOTWAWKI? by David Findlay Mineral Kingdom by Judy Power Featured stones for November and December: Lapis and Amethyst. What is . . . Olestra? by Susan Moyers A fat-free "fat" that may not be such a good idea after all.

Mineral Kingdom by Judy Power LAPIS (lapis lazuli) An incredibly powerful stone, used from the most ancient of times. It is a very deep federal blue sometimes having white streaks running through it. Found in masses and more rarely in crystals it can be very expensive although it is relatively abundant. It is considered to be the stone which is most necessary for psychic development and is closely associated with the throat chakra. In my own personal perception it is "The stone of Truth"! This stone encourages the verbalization of truthful inner knowledge and people who are drawn to it are sometimes very brusque and rash. In actuality they are behaving as an annoying conscience to those around them and sometimes to themselves. These are people who can't stand to be conned, fancy-danced or mislead and are very intolerant of same. The stone leads one to find the truth irrespective of whatever pain is associated with it. These people have become aware of bad humaychic attacks. Fights cellular disorders.   AMETHYST Brilliant purple and lavender shades of quartz. Without a question one of the most important contributions to the metaphysical world of minerals. About 98% of those moving into awareness are immediately drawn to the wonderful amethyst. Its affiliation is with the third eye, all things felt and unseen and all that is spiritual. It is deeply connected with the higher consciousness and the God-like aspects of mankind. Peacefulness, calm, serenity are the first and most pronounced energies one encounters, closely followed by truth, faith, compassion and love. It is often used for protection against psychic attacks by meeting them with all-encompassing love and compassion. Creates common and mutual working bond between mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual worlds. Removes unproductive and unkind vibrations, at the same time imparting a controlled temperament and wisdom. Helps free those suffering from addictions of any kind. Treats ears, bones and skeletal structure, nervous system and endocrine glands. Helps with digestive tract, heart, stomach, skin and teeth as well as helping to remove distressful conditions. Does impart help for those suffering from headaches, mental disorders and arthritis. This is an abundant, affordable and easily accessible stone. Everyone should have, at least, one. Judy Power is owner of A House of Seven Windows in Odessa, FL. If you have any questions about crystals or rocks call her at: (813) 920-1422, or e-mail her at: 7windows@gte.net. Home Page