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It’s almost time for the Greater Ithaca Art Trail open studio weekends Oct 14-15 & 21-22 from 11-5 each day. Come experience the art and visit with the talented artists who create it. Click here for a downloadable brochure, map, and info on all of the participating artists. At Healing Path Studio Browse my unique digital collage artwork in themes from sublime to comical. Select pieces are presented in the studio on canvas, and all are available at TorieTiffanyArt.com for printing on various materials, as well as on items such as mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags. Learn about the healing attributes of my 78 handcrafted Flower Essences. I offer selection consultation, or you may choose to reveal the best essence to support your journey with the Flower Essence Oracle deck. Experience the guidance of Tarot in a complimentary one card reading, and learn how this powerful divination tool can offer clarity and empowerment in your life. Learn how Reiki energy healing can offer soothing support for relaxation, clarity, and wellness on every level. Reiki sessions and training classes are available by appointment. I look forward to meeting you on the healing path. Torie

Traditions of healing practices handed down since ancient times are based on the belief that our human existence is made up of layers of energy. We are both a physical body and a subtle energetic body that interacts within us and with our environment to determine our overall state of wellbeing. When our subtle energies are balanced in harmonious, positive flow, we’re aligned with our higher consciousness and our natural state of wellness. We feel calm, stable, and enthusiastic. Keeping these energies in balance can be as simple as a healthy diet, body movement, meditation, time in nature, and just doing things that let us smile. But when we’re navigating times that are upsetting, confusing, or painful, these challenges can disrupt our energy flow with negativity, create stress, and block our vision of possibility, leaving us feeling disconnected from our spirit-selves and our own healing power. This is when Energy Healing can help. Reiki is a spiritual healing technique that infuses our energetic body with positivity—opening and balancing energy pathways and allowing us to access the healing power within. Tarot is an energetic channel of divination, a path to heightened awareness, spiritual connection, and revelation of guiding messages from our own inner wisdom. A healing experience for every level of your being, the Serenity Session is a combination of Reiki and Tarot, offering nurturing realignment of your energy flow, and revelation of empowering clarity for the path ahead. The Serenity Session invites you to awaken the healing power within, offering insight and support for a challenging time of transformation and growth. If the Serenity Session calls to you, I’d be honored to meet you on the healing path.

Most of us feel happier and healthier when the weather is warm, and we tend to spend more time outside. We enjoy things like tending a garden, hiking a trail, swimming in a lake, or picnicking in a park that get us moving and boost our mood. And while the extra physical activity is great for our health, the major benefit from these experiences is simply the exposure to nature. Whenever we spend time outdoors, we’re actually healing too. We’ve all experienced the healing effects of spending time in nature. A walk among the growing things, breathing in fresh air, being close to a body of water, feeling the warmth of the sun, and nature’s overall sensation of calm all make us feel more easeful in our bodies. Why? Because when we spend time outdoors, we’re being supported by the natural elements of Mother Nature—the same elements that make up the human body. Everything in the universe, from the smallest atom to the largest planet, contains a unique combination of the five elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. We humans are made up of these elements too, each of which is responsible for different structures and behaviors in the body. Spending time with the elements of nature has a balancing effect on these elements within us, helping us to heal on every level—physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically, and spiritually. Just going outside is powerful medicine. Each element is a vital component in our wellbeing. Earth Earth element is grounding, nurturing, and stabilizing. In nature it is our soil, mountains, plants, trees, and minerals—earth forms all solid structures. In our bodies, the earth element governs our teeth, nails, bones, muscles, skin, tissues, and hair. When this energy is in balance, we feel strong, secure, and full of vitality. Our earth element is supported by walks in nature and spending time with the growing beings. Air Air is the vital energy that surrounds us, constantly circulating and keeping all living things alive. It governs all forms of movement, including expansion, contraction, vibration, and suppression. In nature, the air is a mixture of many different gases. In the body, air is our oxygen, which allows us to breathe. It regulates all bodily functions and builds cells. In the psyche, it is associated with communication, change, and transformation. We can support our air element by simply beathing in the fresh outdoor air. Water Water is flowing, adaptable, nourishing, healing, and is responsible for creating everything liquid in the universe. In nature, water creates tiny rivulets to great oceans. In our bodies water forms saliva, blood, sweat, urine, and tears. It is responsible for regulating the blood, kidneys, bladder, and keeping the joints lubricated and mobile. The water element represents our emotions, and allows our sense of calm, determination, and creativity. Spending time near, on or in a body of water nourishes our water element. Fire Fire is a source of heat and power in the physical world and within us. Our Sun is nature’s power. It is a purifying and cleansing element that can dispel toxins and impurities. It gives energy and vitality to all living things and activates the sex drive in humans and animals. Within the human body, fire forms hunger, thirst, sleep, and increases our metabolism. It also boosts creativity and can increase feelings of confidence, enthusiasm, and courage. Exposing our bodies to sunshine, even for a few minutes a day, supports our fire element. Spirit Spirit, also called ether, space or source, is the container of all other elements and the most subtle. Spirit is what all other elements originate from and return to. The Spirit element is present in all cells in the body and nourishes the nostrils, mouth, ears, throat, lungs, and stomach. It is linked to inner wisdom, intuition, psychic abilities, and spiritual experiences. In the openness of nature, we feel connected to and supported by this element that is the core of our being. Spending time in nature helps us relieve stress and anxiety, boosts our immune system, increases creativity, improves focus, and teaches us to live more in the present. Our overall sense of wellbeing is heightened just by getting outside for a few minutes, even in the colder months. In just a short walk, we can experience the grounding support of the earth in our bodies, feel our mental clarity improve with each breath, notice the emotional balancing within a body of water or a rainfall, sense our vitality rising in the sun’s rays, and embrace a sense of belonging and healing with each step. The healing path begins just outside the door. If you’d like insight to the balance of elemental energies in your own life just now, check out the Elemental Spread Tarot reading for clarity and guidance going forward. Wishing you light and love on your journey. Blessings, Torie

Essential oils are everywhere—cute little bottles advertised as health support, suggested to be used for massage, aroma therapy, internal consumption, and listed as ingredients in cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning products, home fragrances, and food. But the truth is, essential oils are poison. The Essential Oil industry is a billion dollar entity that flourishes by marketing these toxic products as herbal remedies. Yes, essential oils are created from plants, but the end result no longer represents the natural healing components of a whole plant. Essential oils are created by a refining process that, instead of extracting the beneficial components of a plant in a balanced way, condenses enormous quantities of plant matter into the tiny amounts sold in each bottle. The resulting oil is actually highly concentrated amounts of the very chemicals that the plant uses to protect itself from predators. The heady aroma of an essential oil is actually condensed poison that endangers the health of humans, animals and our environment. Wild-harvesting of the large quantities of plants needed to create essential oils has led to some species becoming endangered, and as plants become hard to find, the oils are many times adulterated to meet demand. The majority of popular essential oil companies source their raw materials from corporate farms that turn out large quantities of plants using pesticides to ensure a profitable crop. Since there are currently no organic certifications for essential oils, the resulting product also contains those pesticides. When we use essential oils in any manner, our bodies are absorbing highly toxic substances that can lead to a wide range of disfunctions on every level of our being. And, in the case of infusing the air with these deceptively sweet smelling oils or using cleaning products that contain them, we expose those around us and our pets to their harmful effects too. Then, there’s the matter of disposal of the left-over oils and their containers that continue the damage in polluting our landfills and waterways, poisoning surrounding air, soil, plants, animals, and aquatic life. The FDA does not regulate essential oils, which means that there is no FDA approval for any essential oil. It also means that there are no real regulations on the companies that produce them. So, the ad campaigns don’t reveal the fact that using essential oils in any manner—or as an ingredient in other products—in, on, or around the body, exposes us to noxious chemicals that threaten our health and our very existence. It’s the same scenario as the tobacco industry’s intensive campaigns of the ‘60s that glorified smoking cigarettes with no mention of the dangers to our health. April Graham—an accomplished herbalist, teacher, and writer— has done extensive research on the dangers of essential oils, and in her book Essentially Deadly, offers an eye opening, in-depth education on these toxic products. It is a must-read for anyone considering using essential oils or products that contain them. She also includes instructions for creating safe, effective herbal remedies at home. The book is available in paperback or ebook . And her site also includes a shop section of ethically sourced, organic products that she creates. April also offers a wealth of information on identifying and utilizing our precious plant allies on her YouTube channel. Her deep wisdom, easy instructions, and signature phrase “you are smart enough to do this” have been supporting my herbalism endeavors for years. Plants have been providing benefits to human health for millennia, and there are many safe and easy methods of utilizing them. Whole plant matter can be used in cooking, made into infused oils (not to be confused with processed essential oils), tinctures, teas, and flower essences to name a few, that are all safe and effective means of bringing the healing power of plants into our bodies. I invite you to check out April’s work, discover the power of true plant medicine, and to help make our collective essential oil free. Together in Wellness, Torie

Smoke from Canadian wildfires (sending prayers for our neighbors) has hung in the air over the US for the last couple of days, with a concentration in the Northeast. The thick, hazy, and smelly atmosphere we’re experiencing can be quite irritating for our respiratory system, and predictions are that this may continue for a few more days. Limiting time spent outdoors is a good precaution, but the effects of our air quality just now can even be felt indoors. For soothing relief and protection for our burdened breathing, Mullein tea is a wonderful ally. That fuzzy little plant that shows up in the spring as a small rosette on the ground, then grows throughout the season to a tall stalk with flowers is an expert at supporting our respiratory system. It reduces inflammation, clears excess mucus, and helps eliminate toxins from our bodies too. Mullein tea can be made from fresh or dried leaves of the plant by simply steeping them in boiling water for a few minutes, then straining the tea before drinking. Mullein tea bags are also widely available. Mullein offers great support for our bodies during this time of poor air quality, or any time we’re experiencing respiratory issues. Brew yourself a cup—add a little honey if you like—and experience its soothing, healing effect. Breathe easy everyone! Blessings, Torie

When I first began gardening many years ago, I quickly realized what a chore it is to keep the unwanted plants we call “weeds” from crowding out the plants we want to see flourish. Removing the little garden trespassers by their roots is the most effective method, but large swaths of them are problematic to remove one-by-one, so I opted to use a spray-on weed killer called Roundup, and soon realized my mistake. Shortly after my first gardening season, I began to see information arising that pointed out the dangers of using Glyphosate—the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup—and was horrified. Glyphosate in soil takes 140 days to break down to half its toxicity and will continue to affect all plants, waterways, insects, birds, animals, and humans in the vicinity for 2 years or longer. Yikes! I also learned how the herbicide had given rise to genetically modified food. GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are plants that have been genetically modified to stand up to the Glyphosate chemical, allowing the crop to be sprayed, killing only the weeds. But, when we ingest these plants, we are also absorbing the chemical applied, which has been linked to health issues such as cancer, infertility, immune problems, faulty insulin regulation, accelerated aging, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. I now understood more clearly how toxic chemicals destroy our habitat as well as our bodies, and that by eating only organic foods and not using chemicals on the soil I tend, I could do my part in keeping these dangerous substances from my family and the environment. I discovered the following recipe for homemade non-toxic weed killer and found that it works beautifully. The weeds are kept at bay, and the surrounding soil, waterways, plants, insects, and wildlife are kept safe too. It’s an inexpensive, effective, and enviro-friendly gardening helper. Enjoy the growing season! Blessings, Torie

Several years ago, during a rather challenging time of my life, I attended my first Reiki class just out of curiosity. A friend had suggested that Reiki could be a great method of relaxation and healing, so off I went, but held no expectations. The class was a lovely experience that had me smiling all the way home, excited to use the techniques I’d been taught, but still unsure of what effect my newly tingling hands would have on my anxious mind and painful body. I began using self-Reiki—sporadically at first—but noticed that indeed something was changing inside me. I began to feel less anxious, my body started to feel better, and my life was beginning to look more positive. As time went by and the healing continued, I felt called to share Reiki’s healing energy with others too. I trained to be a Reiki Practitioner, then Reiki Master/Teacher, allowing me to guide others in experiencing this gentle, yet powerful healing modality. Reiki is a beacon of light on my healing path, and I would love to share that light with you. Anyone, of any age or background can learn Reiki to bring relaxation and healing into their life. Reiki is spiritual in nature, but it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there’s nothing you must believe to learn and use Reiki. Channeling Reiki allows the body to heal from within, offering a wide range of health benefits on all levels, and an overall feeling of well-being. Reiki is a gentle, yet powerful means of support for body, mind, and spirit, and is safe for anyone of any age. Pre-natal Reiki is a beautiful experience for both mother and child. Your very first Reiki class prepares you to channel this healing energy to yourself, to family and friends, and even pets in safe, effective, and non-invasive support for relaxation and pain relief. Healing Path Reiki classes are held in a private, cozy, in-person setting for an optimal learning experience. Choose to learn one-on-one, or bring a friend for a twosome class. Healing Path Reiki classes consist of instruction in the history, fundamentals, methods, and practical uses of Reiki, along with the ritual of attunement that allows the student to channel this spiritually guided lifeforce energy. Classes are offered in three levels—Initiate for the beginner, Practitioner for professional practice, and Master/Teacher to prepare for teaching—each with a class manual, practice session, and compassionate support for your journey. Learning Reiki allows you any-time access to this beautiful healing energy for your own healing experience, and the ability to share it with others as well. I believe that everyone who learns Reiki becomes a ray of healing light, for themselves, for those around them, and for the entire collective. Click on the button below to learn more about Reiki classes. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about Reiki or Reiki Training. If you feel called to learn the beautiful healing modality of Reiki, I’d be honored to meet you on the healing path. Blessings, Torie

Happy New Year everyone! We’re just getting started in 2023, with a new moon in Aquarius Saturday night, and a celebration of the lunar new year, it seems all signs are pointing to big opportunities ahead. Now is a great time for deciding what we need to let go of in our lives, focusing our intentions on the things we want to bring in, and setting those manifestations in motion. I truly believe that this coming year holds beautiful possibilities for us all. For me, 2023 is definitely a new beginning. At the end of this month, I’ll be leaving the job I’ve held for the past 23 years to devote myself fulltime to Healing Path Studio. The energy healing work that I do has always been my passion, and I’m so excited to be exploring new ways to offer more. I’m looking forward to creating more art, expanding awareness of flower essence healing, offering in-person Tarot readings, and increasing time slots for Reiki sessions. Also—in response to many of you who have asked—I’m creating class outlines to teach Reiki at all levels, beginning later this year. I’ll keep you posted as plans are solidified. What’s in your dreams for this year? What would you like to let go of? What would you like to bring in? Envision the life that would bring you peace, joy, and healing, and most importantly believe it is already yours. If you feel called, a Tarot reading https://www.healingpathstudio.com/tarot can offer wonderful support and guidance for the year ahead, a Reiki session https://www.healingpathstudio.com/reiki can bring beautiful balance and insight, and flower essences https://www.healingpathstudio.com/apothecary offer an array of harmonizing energies. Feel free to reach out for more information on any of my offerings at HealingPathStudio@gmail.com. I’d be honored to meet you on the healing path. Blessings, Torie

The holidays can be quite overwhelming for many of us. With extra tasks, amplified emotions, and subconscious expectations it can be a difficult time to navigate. So, how do we get through the overwhelm? By remembering that there is only one time and place that we have any control over—the present moment. When we can let ourselves be fully aware and accepting of the right now, we find not only a renewed sense of calm, but an open invitation to joy. Tips to living in the now – Gratitude - When we focus on appreciation for the good things in our lives, we develop a sense of positivity within ourselves which then also radiates to others. Slow Down – “I’m just right here” is a good mantra to help us stay focused on the moment and keep the mind from dwelling on what was or what could be. Breathe – Taking a few moments to simply be aware of our breaths, or deep breathing—3x in through the nose, then releasing through the mouth—is wonderfully relaxing and strengthens focus. The greatest gift we can give to ourselves and to others is the practice of awareness and acceptance of each moment. Within this space we find joy and harmony for every season. We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us. – Rumi If you’d like a little extra help in navigating this holiday season, you may want to consider a relaxing Reiki session, a guiding Tarot reading, or a supportive Flower Essence from the Healing Path Studio collection. Gift cards are also available for sharing these offerings. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Blessings, Torie

I’ve experienced guiding messages since I was a child, and most likely you have too. They come in the form of an internal voice, an image in the mind, a familiar scent, or a feeling in the body that brings a sudden knowing. This is sometimes our intuition at work, and sometimes it’s a direct communication from one who has left this earthly realm before us. These spirits are here to support us, we need only invite their assistance. When I first came to the place I now call home, I was doubtful that it was right for me. The house was ramshackle, the property overgrown, and everything clearly in need of much work, but somehow it all felt beckoning at the same time. As I toured the little house, noting more cons than pros, I stepped into the smaller of the two bedrooms and everything shifted. I immediately felt the presence of my maternal grandfather envelop me in a loving embrace—I even smelled his pipe—and knew I was meant to be here. Over the years, this little spot has offered me comfort, joy and healing in uncountable ways, as well as a deeper connection to the wisdom of my grandfather. We are all energetically connected—to each other and to every being that surrounds us in life and in death. This energy—our non-physical selves—moves into another realm when our physical bodies die, but is still present and accessible on this earthly plane. In the autumn months, especially during the time known as Samhain or Halloween, the veil between the realms thins, making communication with those who have passed on more easily available. Ancestral communication is an ancient practice facilitated by many methods such as prayer, meditation, ritual, or ceremony by which one can invite the guidance, protection and healing of those who’ve gone before. Their assistance is there for the asking. If you’re facing a dilemma in your life just now, trying to make a decision, or simply looking for a guiding suggestion, the wisdom of your ancestors is only an invitation away. My favorite method of connection to those beyond the veil is a Tarot reading. By creating sacred space and an open heart, I’ve found extraordinary guidance revealed in the cards. I’ve experienced potent messages from those I’ve called upon by name, as well as those whom I cannot name, but whose loving guidance has been undeniable. If you feel called, I’d be honored to help you connect with the wisdom of one in the otherworld with the Ancestral Connection Tarot Reading. Invite the presence of someone specific, or simply open the portal to a loving spirit who wishes to support you through the revelation in the cards. However you wish to connect, know that your ancestors are always near and available to offer their insight and support. Wishing you enrichment and empowerment on your journey. Blessings, Torie

Flower essences are infusions of a flower’s unique energy that, when used in drops on the tongue, stirred into a beverage or massaged into pulse points, brings the flower’s energy into our bodies. As we use a flower essence, we begin to resonate in harmony with the qualities of the flower, so limitations and disharmonies begin to lift, restoring our mood, energy and overall health. Flower essences offer subtle, yet powerful medicine. Healing Path Studio When I first arrived on this little patch of land, I knew I had come home. There was a sense of welcome in the air, a soothing grace in the flow of the waters, nurturing support in the growing beings, and a magical energy in the sun’s rays. I felt a healing begin, and a deep knowing that I was meant to share these blessings. Healing Path Apothecary is a collection of 78 flower essences created from blooms surrounding my home. Each has come to me with a unique message of healing, and the intention to share their gifts with all who are called to hear. Now, I’ve created the Flower Essence Oracle, a deck with a card depicting each of the 78 flower essences and their messages. If you’ve been considering a flower essence for your own energy balancing, but are unsure which to choose, the Flower Essence Oracle can give access to your deep inner wisdom to discover the flower energy to best support you on your journey. Reveal the Message of the Flowers For a free consultation on flower essences, including a draw from the Flower Essence Oracle, drop me an email at HealingPathStudio@gmail.com Together in Wellness, Torie

The air was heavy with mid-summer heat, as clouds gathered in promise of a coming storm. The car windows were open to catch the slight breeze as I bumped along a narrow dirt road, searching for the address I’d taped to the dash. There it was—the number I was looking for stenciled on a big white mailbox atop its sturdy pole on the right, marking the edge of a driveway leading into the woods. I took the turn, enjoying the coolness surrounding me as I drove into the canopy of trees, relishing the scents of nature wafting through the windows. Just ahead in a small clearing I could see the house—a small, weathered clapboard cottage fronted by a welcoming porch ablaze with potted flowers. As I parked the car and stepped onto a graveled area, I smiled at the inviting gardens surrounded the structure, woven through with walking paths and bird feeders. I felt as though I’d just arrived in a delicious fairy tale—the perfect setting for my first ever Tarot reading. I was excited and a bit apprehensive as I started up the brick path toward the house. I’d been given Darcy’s name and number by the friend of a friend when I mentioned that I was interested in having a reading, but I really didn’t know anything about Tarot. I’d made the appointment to have my “fortune told”, but wasn’t sure what to expect. The heavy front door swung open to a lovely lady with big almond eyes and dark hair knotted atop her head. She wore a colorful kaftan and a warm smile that just exuded kindness. “Welcome! Come right in!”, she bade as I reached the porch landing, and I eagerly stepped through the doorway. Darcy led me through a beautiful window lined room, filled with comfy seating and an enormous fireplace, down a short hallway and into an enchanting little den. There were floor to ceiling bookcases flanking a cozy window seat, holding well worn books, gorgeous crystals and a variety of colorful candles. In the middle of the room stood an oval wooden table topped with a cloth of ivory crochet. The table held a beautiful oil lamp, a purple velvet drawstring bag, and had chairs on either side. As we chatted about the weather and sat down, I was struck with how instantly comfortable I felt in this room and with Darcy. She opened the bag, took out a large deck of cards, and as she began to shuffle she asked “what brings you for a reading today?” I wasn’t sure how to respond to the question—didn’t everyone come for the same reason? “Well, I want to know what’s coming up for me in the future” I blurted. She smiled as she handed me the deck. “You shuffle the cards now, and tell me a little bit about yourself and what you want for your future—what are you hoping for, what are you dreaming of?” I did as she asked, describing bits of my life and the scenarios I’d imagined for myself as I slipped the cards through my hands several times. She then instructed me to select five cards from the deck and lay them face down on the table. She set the deck aside and turned each card over one by one, placing them in a row. I was intrigued by the beautiful artwork and—though clueless to the meanings—felt an internal tug with each image. When she began to explain the significance of the cards now spread before me, I felt I’d been transported into another world. I sat in awe listening to her explain the five cards I’d selected, flowing them into a very accurate story from my life. She described a card representing my present situation, one that depicted influence from the past, an image indicating what I truly wanted in my life, one that pointed to a blockage in my path, and a card offering a poignant suggestion for moving forward. None of the revelations were surprising really—these were things I knew to be true—but I was blown away that I was able to see everything in a new and encouraging light. The reading gave clarity to a knowing I’d held for some time, but was unable to fully understand. I was offered inspiration of new perspectives, and possibilities for an alternate path forward that I’d never considered, but felt so very right. Darcy concluded our session by saying “Tarot doesn’t predict your future, but it does offer precious insight for creating it.” I couldn’t thank her enough for the experience of the reading and the new hope I was feeling. As we said goodbye and I headed to my car, everything seemed a bit brighter. I looked up to a nearly a cloudless blue sky, and realized the impending storm I’d arrived in had passed. It would be several years before I began my own Tarot reading journey and a deeper relationship with the cards, but that first beautiful experience has always stayed with me. It was—in no small way—a guiding light to fulfilling my dreams. If you’d like to experience your own Tarot reading, or learn more about how Tarot works, visit my Tarot page and feel free to reach out to me with any questions at HealingPathStudio@gmail.com. Wishing you light and love on your journey. Torie