Elements for Transformation

A sampling of new and interesting products for enhancement of the body, mind, and spirit.

Welcome to Elements for Transformation! This is the first installment of a new column featuring some of the more interesting and delightful items to be found on your local merchant's shelf, or on your local website. In future columns you may find all sorts of strange and wonderful things presented here, and if you know of a product that you'd like to see reviewed, please let us know about it.

If you have questions about these items or their uses and applications, please use the contact information given to get answers directly from the source for the product. They will be glad to respond to your inquiries.

I CHING TOP

The I Ching Top is an ancient method of divination for use with the I Ching, known as the Book of Changes, and dates to the Han Dynasty. Certain sects of professional diviners known as "fangshih" used the top as a private meditative tool. The original tops were carved from stone and sometimes wood. The introduction of block printing in the Sung Dynasty era brought about a wider circulation of the top. Ch'ing Dynasty era tops were printed on pure white adhesive paper. The I Ching Top has been recreated in all three styles. State-of-the-art laser engraving allows for accurate replication of the Han style carved top, while superior screen printing technique is used for both the natural wood print Sung style and the paper print Ch'ing style.

The traditional arrangement of the I Ching's eight fundamental trigrams is depicted on an octagonal disc. The disc is mounted on a hand-spun, conical finger top. After being spun, the position of the top, upon stopping, indicates a broken or unbroken line (yin or yang). Six spins yield a six line hexagram. The diagram of the 64 possible hexagrams is depicted on the reverse side of the disc. This key determines the number of the corresponding hexagram. With this number, one then consults the I Ching text indicated for the appropriate reading and interpretation.

The top is superior to the yarrow stalk method (too complicated) or the coin method (only basic calculation), being more random, informative, and contemplative than other methods. It encourages consideration of the fundamental trigrams. Identifying the trigrams by name and principal attribute provides focus for meditation. By placing the means of developing and identifying a hexagram in one device, the I Ching becomes more accessible to both initiate and novice.

The I Ching Top
Price: $20.00--40.00 plus shipping
Source: Malford W. Goldberg, Houston, Texas
Contact: Malford W. Goldberg, 713/867-3905, ichingtop@yahoo.com
Available: On the web at www.ichingtop.com

THE BELLY BUDDY

For an over-stressed mind, soothing support from a friend can bring comfort, especially if it's offered with gentleness and makes good sense. Partners in Wellness founder Alyce Sorokie has applied this same TLC approach to the digestive system, the body's "other brain," with the Belly Buddy. Millions of Americans suffer with constipation and ulcers. Countless more are plagued by PMS, cramps, bloating and other digestive discomforts. Research has determined many of these complaints to be stress related.

The Belly Buddy is a firm, round pillow designed to fit the stomach cavity. After being heated in a microwave or oven, its grains, oils, and special blend of spices provide a sense of physical and mental well-being. The Belly Buddy's warmth allows muscles to naturally massage the diaphragm and stimulate blood flow which helps to distribute essential nutrients to the entire body and remove harmful toxins. Even the best foods and vitamins can't compete with toxins. The optional lavender or vanilla scented versions add a soothing aroma therapy.

One of the country's foremost colonics consultants and lecturers, Sorokie has long recognized the interrelationship between the "two brains." Says Sorokie, "Often we don't express our emotions, but attend to them with food. As stress impedes the digestive process, the belly deals with toxins from food and feelings, and the entire body pays a price." She explains, "As with our minds, it's not only important what enters our stomachs, but how it's processed. Our human plumbing system, like our human thinking mechanism, works most efficiently when stress-free. And breathing, relaxed muscles and blood flow play a vital role."

The Body Buddy is available in a variety of colors, and in the lavender and vanilla scents mentioned above plus an unscented version.

The Belly Buddy
Price: $35.00 plus shipping
Source: Partners in Wellness, Chicago, Illinois
Contact: Alyce Sorokie, 888/664-4732, www.gutwisdom.com
Available: At health centers or from Partners in Wellness

YOGA - A GIFT TO YOURSELF

Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, Marlene Molay Brown's smoothly paced series of exercises will quickly have you deep breathing, stretching and moving in a spirit of positive progress and development. The guided lessons are very easy to follow, even for one with no yoga background. Two full sessions of 30 minutes each give you a real opportunity to get what you want from your workout without cutting your time short.

Those fortunate enough to live in the northern Chicago area where they can take Marlene's classes in person say things like ...

"Marlene's classes are great! Makes me feel renewed."
"I like the flow of Marlene's classes. Every part of my body gets attention."
"The most non-intimidating Yoga teacher with the best workout ever."

Her CDs impart a feeling of what her students have experienced. The sense of relaxation, and of allowing yourself to move forward is enhanced by a supportive but unobtrusive musical background by James Johnson.

Yoga - A Gift To Yourself
Price: $12.00 CD, $10.00 Cassette, including postage
Source: Marlene Molay Brown
Contact: Marlene Molay Brown, marmome@aol.com, 847/546-7190
Available: Order direct, check or money order only

FOUR WINDS SOAPWORKS

Hand made and home made, Four Winds Soapworks soaps are created and named for the four elements, for the Sabats, for special occasions, and for the daily pleasure of using a fine soap. There are, of course, Air, Fire, Water and Earth fragrances, plus uniquely scented bars reminiscent of Yule, Candlemas, Beltaine, Samhain and other points of the year. There's even a literal potpourri of scents and colors called Jambalaya, plus many more. Fragrances range from subtle to intense, to match the names of the soaps.

Bar colors include natural and special tints, also designed to evoke a sense of the elements and occasions for which the soaps are named. Each bar is hand cut and trimmed, enhancing the soaps' visual appeal. Bars weigh 4-5 ounces each. All Four Winds soaps are distinctive for their fine quality and lather.

Four Winds Soapworks can also create soaps to order, whether for a special holiday or time of year, to include your selection of particular ingredients, or with colors and fragrances of your choosing. Just contact them; they will be pleased to discuss your ideas. In addition to soaps, Four Winds produces complementary bath salts, lotions, balms and incense for a total bath experience. Specially created gift baskets are also available, and make exceptional gifts.

Four Winds Soaps
Price: $4.00 per bar, gift baskets from $5.00 and up, plus shipping
Source: Four Winds Soapworks, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Contact: Ron and Annette Luethy, 847/201-SOAP, www.FourWindsSoapworks.com
Available: Order direct by phone or email: luethy@email.msn.com