LIBRA

September 24 – October 23     

The symbol for Libra is the scales – weighing things up and finding balance are major themes for them. The symbol also looks like the Harbour Bridge, quite appropriate given these are the diplomats and arbitrators of the zodiac. For Libra, it’s all about relationships. They also have a great love of beauty and the fine arts, with many of our artists, singers, classical musicians and designers born under this sign. Libra is ruled by Venus, Goddess of love, beauty, art and luxury. Many celebrated beauties including models, celebrities, and actors are either Libran or have a strong Venusian influence in their birth chart.

Balanced Libran energy is polite, friendly, charming, soothing, gracious, cultured, stylish, unhurried, gentle, understanding, helpful and strategic.

Librans like to weigh a question from all sides before making a decision. Their scales can dip to and fro for some time; should they slide into procrastination, Sundew is can help them to make up their mind. Jacaranda helps if they are dithering. If this indecision is related to their life purpose, Silver Princess can help.

Conversely, once the decision is made and the scales lock, Librans will hold to their point of view more stubbornly than any Taurean (also ruled by Venus).Those around them may feel the need to give them some Isopogon for this stubborn refusal to budge.

There is a great emphasis on relationships, to the point where they may be at risk of co-dependency – feeling they cannot survive without a partner. Monga Waratah is useful here, giving them the internal sense that they are capable of standing on their own two feet, and the strength to do so.

Similarly, if any staleness or loss of passion begins to creep into their intimate relationship, Libran will feel it most keenly. Bush Gardenia for both partners can often help this, as well as with any feelings of being taken for granted. It helps each person in the relationship be more considerate and romantic towards the other.

Conflict and confrontation do not sit easily with Librans – they may need Tall Mulla Mulla to help them bring difficult topics out into the open.

A rocky patch, the break up of a relationship, or death of a life partner will also hit Librans extremely hard. Red Suva Frangipani is very soothing for the sense of intense raw grief felt at such times, and may be needed for longer than usual. Separations from loved ones can induce pining, and Boronia is good for this.

The endocrine system in general (Dynamis) and the pancreas in particular (Peach-flowered Tea-tree) are the physical vulnerabilities of Libra. The kidneys can also be a weak point, for which Dog Rose is useful.

One of their spiritual lessons is to learn to find a balance between their relationships with others and an over-emphasis on themselves. Should vanity or narcissism be an issue Gymea Lily will help.

These are our artisans, so they have a deep need to express their creative urges. If their creativity is blocked it can be most distressing; Turkey Bush or Creative Essence help get their creative juices flowing again.

Librans at their best are the positive manifestation of Slender Rice Flower ; having a keen sense of fairness, great negotiating abilities and a wonderful gift of being able to bring people with divergent agendas to a compromised solution that all can live with. This Essence can help bring these qualities to the fore. Madagascar Essence helps raise this energy up even higher, developing further the ability to live in harmony with others.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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VIRGO

August 24 – September 23     

The symbol for Virgo is a young maiden holding a sheaf of wheat, or The Virgin. The glyph is a stylised “M” with neatly crossed legs. Both symbols demonstrate several hallmarks of this sign; the well known Virgo penchant for purity, but also the hard work, planning and careful management required at the time of the harvest moon (the time of year when Virgo natives are born in the Northern Hemisphere where astrology originated).

Balanced Virgo Energy is industrious, ethical, organised, tidy and practical. Every office needs a Virgo to put its systems in place, or in order, and then to supervise the day to day running of the business in a smooth and efficient manner. All the “i’s” will be dotted and all the “t’s” will be crossed when a Virgo is in charge of the day to day management and staff. They pay close attention to fine detail, have high standards, work hard, set a good example to others and enjoy being of service. Should things unravel, even unexpectedly, they have a natural ability to quickly analyse the situation and put solutions in place.

Should these traits become too pronounced, Virgos may have a tendency to become nit picking, hypercritical, or perfectionist. If this occurs, Yellow Cowslip Orchid is very good to help them come back into balance.

Plainly, with such a focus on work, they run the risk of becoming workaholics. It is not unheard of for Virgos to wake up in the middle of the night and be unable to go to sleep until they have completed an unfinished project that is on deadline – some will even drive into the office in the middle of the night, or stay at work until the very late hours of the evening, unable to relax until their work is done. Black-Eyed Susan is a much needed remedy in these cases, as is Macrocarpa if they have been making a habit of it and are becoming physically burnt out. Calm and Clear is very good for them in general, and their loved ones will do well to spray them with it as they cross the family threshold to ensure they leave their work at the office.

The nervous system is one of Virgo’s physical weak points and whenever they start getting fidgety (Bush Fuchsia) or irritable (Dagger Hakea), you know they are getting tired, are under pressure, and in need of some Essences.

The other physical vulnerability is the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed from food. Digestive problems are another sign they are under load. This area of the body, as well as assimilation of nutrition and information, can be supported by Paw Paw.

Ruled by the planet Mercury, Virgo natives can be quite “in their heads” rather than in their hearts. At times this can lead them to become cut off from emotions and prone to mental rigidity (Hibbertia).

They do take an active interest in their health and their love of purity will lead them to be interested in organic food, detoxing, special diets and supplements, which are all conducive to good health. However sometimes this goes too far and they slip into a pattern of hypochrondria, for which Peach-flowered Tea-tree is very good.

Their spiritual lesson is to be of service to others. If selfishness is a problem, Gymea Lily will help. For the Virgo who does too much for others to the detriment of themselves – Alpine Mint Bush. If they can give but not receive, they will benefit from Philotheca.

Another spiritual lesson is to become aware that they are part of the universal Oneness, that we are all connected, and of course, Sydney Rose is the Essence to help develop this as a knowingness that comes from deep within and that permeates every aspect of our Being and life .

The higher ruler of Virgo is Chiron, God of Miraculous Healing, and the healing fields boast many Virgos. At their best they can tune into their Higher Selves and channel healing energy, no matter what their modality or belief systems around this. If this ability is blocked, Bush Iris and Paw Paw will help open it up, as will the Higher Self and Angelic Essences in the White Light range.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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LEO

July 24 – August 23     

The symbol for Leo is The Lion – king of the beasts, and there certainly is a regal air to Leos living even in the most humble of circumstances. They usually retain an air of dignity under the most trying of circumstances; even domestic cats display this trait, quickly covering any faux pas or embarrassment with nonchalance and a rapid return to their usual elegance.

Charismatic is a key word to describe Leos – you can’t help but look at them, and they love to bask in the attention. Be it for their artistic ability, dramatic flair, leadership skills (or occasional outrageous behaviour if all else fails). Many love to make ostentatious displays or be entertained with them. They love shine their light on the rest of us.Rejection is very hard for them to cope with, for which we can give Illawarra Flame Tree.

The animals are physically strong and graceful (as are the humans); they hunt co-operatively and share the spoils with their extended family. In the humans this translates to people who are loyal, family orientated, good providers and community minded. A key value instilled into royalty and the aristocracy down through the ages was “Noblesse Oblige” – the obligation of the nobility – to “help those less fortunate”. Our modern “royalty” increasingly consists of creative celebrities, and one of the first things they do upon becoming rich and famous is to nominate a charity they will be assisting; they are immediately initiated into the importance of giving back, and are expected to do so. Many Leos head up or are key individuals within community and charitable organisations. Bluebell is a good flower to bring out this sense of generosity, and Sydney Rose helps to realise that we are all One, and that when we help others, we are helping another aspect of ourself.

If you displease a Leo, even the most benevolent of them may roar at you. Just to show you who is really in charge. If you really upset them (or worse still, betray them) they will most likely ignore you – they won’t dignify you with a response. You will find yourself frozen out, and the castle door firmly barricaded against you. Banished. Count yourself lucky they didn’t rake you with their claws or chop off your head. Dagger Hakea and Bluebell can be good for these Leos – to help them forgive.

Speaking of castles, Leos aren’t averse to a bit of luxury, they do like quality over quantity and their home is their safe haven from the world. It is probably has a view of the surrounding landscape. Don’t drop in – wait for an invitation.

Don’t fooled though – there are forest lions who prefer to live quiet, private, solitary lives with just their mate, preferring to roam in the dappled light beneath the trees, away from prying eyes. Sometimes this can be a phase the more extraverted Leos go through, to recharge. This is healthy.

What ‘Out of Balance’ Leo energy looks like

Arrogant, domineering, vain, impatient, drama queen, narcissistic, egocentric, selfish, superior, rejected, jealous, egotistical, self doubting, overly ambitious

What ‘Balanced’ Leo energy looks like

Courageous, strong, confident, creative, artistic, magnetic, charismatic, natural leaders, entertaining, enthusiastic, inspirational, optimistic, magnaminous, loyal, affectionate, cheerful, dignified and fun.

Leo is ruled by the Sun, considered a masculine energy by most cultures both ancient and modern. Without the Sun there would be no life. Ancient cultures had many different belief systems around this with a common them being the need to honour the Sun as the giver of life; with the king (queen) or emperor (empress) as the creator’s earthly representative. The Sun in astrology is regarded as the ruler of our identity, our sense of self and self esteem – the Ego. To strengthen and balance these we have Five Corners, also very good for confidence.

Leos can often be found in leadership roles. Sometimes the power goes to their head and they become arrogant, for which we can use Gymea Lily. It is also good for vanity and pride, which Leos have been accused of. Whenever anyone raises their head up above the crowd, it is possible someone will want to cut them down. Gymea Lily enables those to whom this happens to have the strength to stand tall and carry on regardless. Lastly, Gymea Lily balances the back and spine, one of the vulnerable parts of the body for a Leo under stress.

The other part of the body ruled by Leo is the heart. Waratah is a wonderful Essence for strengthening the physical heart (as is Bluebell) and is also very good for helping to enhance courage, one of the natural traits of Leo. Lions hunt, kings used to lead their soldiers into battle, Leos lead, encourage and inspire us, to come up with new ideas and light the way towards them.

Should they become overly ambitious, or jealous of another’s success, Mountain Devil is very useful.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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CANCER

June 22 – July 23

The symbol for Cancer is the Crab and it depicts very well many of the qualities of those born under its sign. Crabs have a very hard shell to protect their soft interior; this is true of both the animal and Cancerian sun signs.

Sensitive is a key word to bear in mind for these folk. Cancerians will pick up subtleties of mood, body language and tone of voice not always evident to the more boisterous signs. They are intuitive and easily hurt. Hence the need for a protective shell around them.

Another physical characteristic of the crab is their claws. If a crab grabs hold of you it is not an easy task to shake them loose – their grip is both strong and tenacious. Possessiveness, hoarding and living in the past can be a negative expressions of Cancerian energy, but on the positive this same energy is steadiness and wise husbandry of resources. It is all about balance, and letting of the old is a major spiritual lesson for this sign. Hopefully without the need to lose a ‘nipper’ in the process!

Crabs are quite shy, and scurry back into their shell or into their hole when they feel threatened. It is where they feel most comfortable and safe. Some crabs are quite adventurous – hermit crabs enjoy travelling across long distances and exploring new places – but they carry their home right along with them… Home is very important to crabs and Cancerians and a lack of a secure home will be a source of major stress.

Finally, crabs live in water – the element of the emotions – and in Cancer we see an exploration of the emotional life for the first time in the zodiac. Cancerians are in touch with their emotions and the emotions of others and make wonderful confidantes, counsellors and listeners. They will become the emotional touchstone for all their family, which will include treasured friends, neighbours and co-workers. Cancerians are the nurturers of the zodiac – often natural mothers and very comfortable keeping the home fires burning. If they reject a traditional wife / stay at home mother role, they will often choose a career that involves caring for others – nursing, hospitality, personal assistant, interior design, feng shui or counselling; something which enables them to make the living spaces of others ‘feel good’ or which entails the assisting others with their emotional or personal care. Of all the sun signs, this is the one which will find the men most comfortable with being a stay-at-home Dad.

What ‘Out of Balance’ Cancerian energy looks like

Moody, difficulty letting go, hypersensitive, worry, insecure, anxious, abandonment issues, rejection issues, living in the past, continuing negative family patterns, emotional burnout, hoarding, manipulative, pining, taking on others’ emotions, guilt, obsession,

giving too much to others.

What ‘Balanced’ Cancerian energy looks like

Nurturing, understanding, sensitive, considerate, kind, patient, intuitive, in touch with feelings, emotionally strong, secure, husband resources well, ‘earth mother’.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, considered a feminine energy by most cultures both ancient and modern. The Moon in astrology is regarded as the ruler of our emotions, and the Moon is never the same two days running. For two weeks it is waxing from dark to full, then for two weeks it is waning from full back down to dark. It changes zodiac signs every two and a half days (the sun changes signs every 30 days or so). It is the moon that controls the tides on earth, exerting a force strong enough to pull massive amounts of water around the globe every six hours. Putting all of this together, this emotionally sensitive sign has its ruling planet in a constant state of change. Cancerians are often accused of being ‘moody’. Is it any wonder with such a potent and ever changing ruling planet? The solution – Peach-flowered Tea-tree – perfect for mood swings. It’s Doctrine of Signatures is of a flower constantly changing too, so it is a really case of like curing like.

Cancerians will often be drawn to roles which entail caring for others in some way, it is just part of their nature. It is therefore very important that they take care to nurture themselves (not just others). Alpine Mint Bush is the perfect flower to remind them to do so, and it is also the most appropriate remedy should they forget to and end up suffering from emotional burnout. It is a very nurturing, restorative essence on an emotional level.

Their emotional and psychic sensitivity can be both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness and there are some very good flowers to help ensure this remains a blessings rather than a curse. Regular doses of both Fringed Violet and Angelsword will cleanse unwanted and old psychic energies, and help maintain the integrity of the aura. In practical terms, this means Cancerians can be assured that what they are feeling is their own emotions, not that of others.

Illawarra Flame is very good for any feelings of rejection (which Cancerians will feel very deeply), while Tall Yellow Top is almost a constitutional remedy for any feelings of isolation, abandonment, disconnection from their ‘tribe’ or depression. As for the tendency to pine and brood, especially when separated from loved ones, Boronia is wonderful.

On a physical level, Cancer rules the stomach, breasts, uterus and ovaries. Crowea is a good supporting remedy for both stomach and uterus, She Oak for the ovaries, and Bottlebrush for the breasts.

Bottlebrush is a flower essence Cancerians can almost live on, because it helps one to let go – the spiritual lesson for this sign. Apart from that it is very good for facilitating the mother-child bond – crucial for this sign, to whom family is so important.

An out-of-balance Cancerian is prone to anxiety and worry, with Crowea the remedy of choice. If these emotions are left unaddressed over a period of time they filter down to create stomach problems. The mind –body connection is very evident with this sign, and illustrate really well how flower essences can be used very effectively as preventative medicines.

If you would like to know more, we run a One Day Seminar on Astrology and Australian Bush Flower Essences.

The Schedule is available here.

Flower Essences can be purchased here.

Copyright Linn Wiggins.

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The following Australian Bush Flower Courses are now approved for CE hours for NCBTMB members:

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 1 Workshop

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 2 Workshop

Australian Bush Flower Essences Level 3 Workshop

Women’s Wellbeing & Australian Bush Flower Essences Workshop

Children & Australian Bush Flower Essences Workshop

ABFE College Course 16 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 16 hour Part 2 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 24 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

ABFE College Course 32 hour Part 1 – face to face and via webinar

NCBTMB Provider Number: 451440-10 (Valid to 2013)

Click here for full list of courses, contact and booking details

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ARIES March 21 – April 20

Each Sun Sign can be roughly equated to a life phase, and Aries is the baby of the zodiac. In the Northern Hemisphere, where western astrology originated, the 21^st March is the Spring Equinox, the official start of the solar year, as Mother Earth stirs from her long wintery sleep. It is a time of new beginnings and new life – green shoots, blossoms, birth. Everything is fresh, shiny and new. There is an air of optimism, renewal and hope – an awareness of all the possibilities contained by this new year, and in the new life that we see all around. Such is also the energy of Aries.

POSITIVE QUALITIES

Fearless, pioneering, honest, energetic, enthusiastic, independent, generous, confident, inspirational, passionate, decisive and idealistic. Natural leaders who get the ball rolling.

NEGATIVE QUALITIES

Impulsive, naïve, arrogant, impatient, bossy, aggressive, violent, bloody minded, extravagant.

If you study ancient Roman mythology you will see these traits embodied in Mars, the God of War, and ruler of Aries. According to Carl Jung, myths are archetypes; stories reflective of actual personality types – their strengths,  weaknesses and challenges, and the way to resolve these. Myths can be viewed as therapeutic stories – stories as medicine.

Equally, the Bush Essences, as medicines for the emotions, can be used to help heal and bring into balance the negative traits of any sun sign, allowing the positive traits to be more easily expressed. For each sign, there are certain flowers that are frequently needed, and these can be viewed as constitution remedies.

Black-Eyed Susan is a very important flower for Aries. It is very useful for rushing, something Aries are renown for, so it helps them to slow down (and smell the roses). Unchecked, this tendency to speediness can become impatience or impulsiveness and can further escalate into frustration, anger and aggression. As the mind goes, energy flows. An imbalance in the thoughts and emotions will ultimately be reflected in the physical body, in a very predictable manner. Physically, rushing can manifest as hyperactivity, clumsiness, stress, burnout, aggression, violence or accidents.  Bolting down one’s food leads to indigestion. Black-Eyed Susan addresses all these issues at a causal level. Antarctic Essence is also very appropriate.

Mountain Devil too, is very high on the list of Essences for fiery Aries. If impatience has progressed into anger, aggression, violence or hatred, Mountain Devil is called for. It is also very good for the Aries tendency to become overly ambitious and overly competitive (they like to win). With fire comes passion, and at times jealousy – which Mountain Devil will also help soothe. In western herbal medicine, anger is held in the spleen; in Chinese Medicine anger is held in the liver. Either way, I have found Mountain Devil very useful for assisting restore health in these organs. In medical astrology, the spleen is ruled by Aries, and is vulnerable under stress, so therefore needs to be especially supported. Mountain Devil supports the spleen energetically, and therefore physically.

Aries natives are at risk of burnout. They have so much natural energy that, like children, they go and go and go and then suddenly they drop. Usually, following a good sleep they awaken refreshed – and off they go again. However, as with the young, Aries can take this enormous vitality for granted, and get into a habit of burning the candle at both ends. They’ll get away with this for quite some time, especially in their youth. Sooner or later though, it will catch up. Down they go in a flaming burnt out heap of squandered energy. Macrocarpa is the flower they need to get back up again (Aries always gets back up again). Better still, give Macrocarpa before they crash and burn (prevention is better than cure). Macrocarpa also brings with it the wisdom to ‘eat when you are hungry, sleep when you are tired’ – to leave something in reserve, to husband your energy well. Macrocarpa is specific for balancing the adrenal glands, another of the vulnerable organs in Aries.

It has to be said that Aries is not naturally the most elegant of signs. Like children, they can be socially inept, gauche and naïve. Kangaroo Paw is very beneficial for helping them develop and grow in this direction. The tendency to rush can bring physical clumsiness no matter what their age. Apart from Black-Eyed Susan to slow down, try some Bush Fuchsia to help improve their physical co-ordination.

Fortunately we have Mulla Mulla to help Aries with their tendency to frequently burn themselves – on the iron, cappacino machine, stovetop, oven, kettle…  you get the idea. Put it on the outside and give it on the inside. Leave a bottle in the kitchen. Aries often have a reddish tinge to their hair, courtesy of their ruling planet Mars. This can bring the temper to match, and a tendency to sunburn. Try Mulla Mulla before, during and after sun exposure.

There are several other Essences that deserve a quick mention – Gymea Lily if they have become bossy or domineering, Isopogon to learn from their mistakes, and Wedding Bush to help them complete their projects (not just start them). And of course Emergency Essence – this enthusiastic, fiery, loyal, adventurous, clumsy trail blazer, with an appetite for life and the exuberance of youth, is going to need it. Oh, and some Calm and Clear + Mountain Devil for when they are driving.

More Information on the Astrology & ABFE workshop

Linn’s Workshop Schedule

Copyright  Linn Wiggins.

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It is estimated that 90% of our subconscious patterning is set by the time we are 3 years old. Given that much of our conscious behaviour is driven by our subconscious, this gives serious pause for thought. Parents, siblings, grandparents, neighbours, friends, teachers, TV, radio, movies young children absorb information like sponges from all these sources whilst still mostly pre-verbal. This enables them to figure out how to negotiate their environment. However if your view of the world was mostly formed by the time you were three whose programs are running in the background? How much are they pulling your strings? Are these values aligned with your own values, dreams and goals as an adult?

As a parent, are you concerned about the effect of these myriad influences on your child? If you see your child taking on values not congruent with your own, or if they experience trauma would you like to have a way to assist them?

One way is through flower essences they are literally medicines for the emotions. One of the most beautiful things about them is that they are a totally safe and completely natural and sustainable. Anyone can use or prescribe them as it is impossible to do any harm with them.

Paw Paw essence can assist with any conflict between conscious thoughts and sub conscious programming.

Is your teenager bowing to peer pressure? Sturt Desert Rose (left) can assist them to stay true to their own personal integrity and values.

If lack of confidence an issue try some Five Corners

When bulying is a problem, Rough Bluebell (above) helps perpetrators gain a sense of empathy for their victims and remorse for their actions, while Southern Cross allows those being victimised to more easily stand up for themselves.

Learning and literacy problems can benefit from Bush Fuchsia

For tantrums Mountain Devil (below) works wonders, 8/10/2009 12:30:57 PM

While those who feel like they dont fit in can benefit from Tall Yellow Top

Rebirthing is form of guided meditation – a healing technique used to discover whether specific beliefs were taken on board during the birthing process or in utero. For example experienced rebirthing practitioners have documented that if a baby got stuck during the birth, they may find getting stuck becomes a pattern later in life. If they were rescued via medical intervention during the labour, they often wait to be rescued if they ‘get stuck in life. Whereas if they went on to be born naturally, they can often push through the obstacle themselves. It really is fascinating research. Our birth story is powerful, and knowing it can lead to deep insights about our life and emotional patterns. Bottlebrush can assist with healing emotional trauma that occurred during birth, help strengthen the mother-child bond and with attachment issues.

Imagine a world where your past traumas have been healed and your negative beliefs and limiting thought patterns dissolved, so that you are free to be the best person you can be. Imagine entering adulthood knowing who you are and what you want to do with your life, with good self esteem and the confidence to go out into the world and go for it. Imagine a world full of people who are healthy in mind, body, heart and spirit. I truly believe that flower essences can help make this happen, especially when I see the profound differences they have made in countless adults lives and when I meet teenagers and young adults who have been raised on essences.

I will be conducting several one day workshops on how to use Australian Bush Flower Essences to help children deal with childhood issues and for adults to help heal their own inner child.

Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia – 2nd August 2009 – Enquiries and Bookings: Isabela Keski-Frantti

e: belaflora@hotmail.com

Adelaide, SA, Australia – 28th August 2009 – Enquiries and Bookings: Gabbie Enright

e: gabbie@healthyteams.com.au

Charlotte, NC, USA – 23rd October 2009 – Enquiries and Bookings: Ed Muir e: edm@southernherb.com

A flyer for the Murwillumbah workshop can be downloaded here if you would like more information on the content of the seminar – if you want to attend one somewhere else, just ignore the date and contact detail in the flyer and use the contact information above for the workshop you are interested in attending.

My full workshop schedule is available here – just scroll through the months to see what’s on and where, and how to book.

If you are interested in hosting a workshop in Australia or North America, please contact me here.