Columns

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the Arctic, the sun shines for 24 hours a day during midsummer. There is no night, only the surreal glow of prolonged gold. The human body, confused by the unending day, may be confused about when to sleep. For some, this creates disorientation, and for others, a strange euphoria. In […]

“Recently, a local told me she was born on Hospital Hill. I had no idea what she meant. Do you know the story?” Absolutely! When I moved to Bend, I heard the same thing. People born on a hill? Bend was a smaller town not so long ago, sure, but the citizens weren’t that backwards, […]

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In ancient China and ancient Greece, the lion was not the king of beasts, but the guardian of gates. The threshold keeper. The one who asked, “Are you ready?” Now is a good time to bring this aspect of Leonine symbolism to your attention. You may soon feel a surge of […]

July is a time to get away from it all—exploring America’s rivers, coastlines and national parks or just holing up at a cabin on the shore of a nearby lake. Any one of those sounds wonderful. But in a recent podcast on “The Journal,” travel guru Rick Steves proposes a different idea. Instead of heading […]

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I predict that your imminent future will be a ticklish and tricky but ultimately uplifting masterpiece. It will feature guest appearances by members of your private hall of fame, including one future luminary you have not yet fully appreciated. This epic series of adventures may begin when you are nudged to […]

Q: “I have my first intentional mushroom session coming up and I have found conflicting information in my research into hope to properly prepare for such an experience. What can someone best prepare for the most effective experience?” A: Preparing for an intentional, deep psychedelic experience is an intimate act of self-care, expansion and connection. […]

For over a hundred years heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, it accounted for approximately 22% of all American deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The reasons for this are complex, on one hand having to do with the fact that other endemic […]

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ancient beekeepers in Anatolia carved hives directly into rock faces, coaxing honey from the cliffs. This practice was designed to protect bees from harsh weather and predators while maximizing honey production. The bees adapted well to their unusual homes. I suspect, Cancerian, that in the coming weeks, your sweetness and bounty […]

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Yoruba cosmology, ase is the sacred life force that animates the universe. It’s divine energy that can be harnessed by humans to make things happen, to speak and act with ardent intention so that words and deeds shape reality. I am pleased to report that you Cancerians are extra aligned […]

After 25 years in naturopathic medicine, I’ve seen it countless times: a patient who eats well, takes supplements, prioritizes movement and mindfulness—but still feels stuck. Despite all their efforts, a particular chronic issue simply won’t budge. As a new transplant to Bend, I’ve been inspired by the depth of self-care knowledge in the community—people here […]