Winter matured into Spring, and now Spring hits it’s high point as we witness Nature’s mutations from Earth to Water, Water to Fire. The barren soil and snow found solace in the rain. Children dance in the downpour, dormant seeds germinate, precipitating new life. Like the flowers, we gravitate toward the Sun. Rising from the inner sanctum of our pulsating heart, claiming our interrelatedness with Nature rhythmic cycles– She unfolds, we unfurl, darkness giving rise to light.
Ayurveda, and other Nature-based religions and cultures are steeped in the celebration of the feminine principle- honoring the cycles of the moon and the stars, the seasons and the elements. To become a great practioner of yurveda, one must never forget the Mother. Gaia. The Earth has been forgotten by many, but it is important that those of us that do remember Her, remind others. And as we revolve around the seasons, through the elements, we have a grand opportunity to celebrate Her many faces.
Beltane, the ancient pagan holy day, is the celebration of the flowers on this first day of May. Dancing around the Maypole, celebrating youth, weaving the fabric of nature into our hearts and souls generates joy and excitement. A young girl, chosen as the May Queen, presides over the celebration. Wearing a white gown to symbolizing purity, she is crowned by flowers. This thread barren tradition, the hosting of the Shakti or feminine power through woman, seems to be experiencing a revival.
Paramahansa Ramakrishna poignantly predicted in the late 1800’s that the Goddess would arise in the year 2000. The Dalai Lama’s decree that the western woman would change the world– with the influence, freedom and resources to do so.
Since the dawn of this millennium, I have seen that the principle of ‘two’ energy has enhanced the multitudinous quality of God and Nature. We are no longer separate by the exclusivity of ‘one’ leader, ‘one’ way, ‘one’ authority. We are getting back to Nature in our diets, lifestyle and dedication to the Earth. We are concerned with the ‘other’, and we know now that our global family is as important as our nuclear family.
Can you feel the excitement of Pitta season upon you? Is a thaw happening in your day to day routine. Are you fired up to make life happen in a new way this year?
Who is this Goddess, that is being evoked from the depths of reality? She has as many names and forms as Nature does species. We cannot separate Her from all of existence, as she is the Form of the Formless One we call God. She smiles in the moon, sings through the trees, and caresses us in warm rays of the sun. If you spend time in nature she reveal her presence in the mountain crevices and faces of the flowers.
In honor of the flowers, and the Nature God– Pan I’d like to share a couple of great recipes with you for the spring. During this transitional period from kapha to pitta season, these recipes are balancing to both doshas. CauliFLOWER PANcakes with Apple Chutney is a great light meal or snack that is light, cooling and astringent. Enjoy!
Cauliflower Pancakes
INGREDIENTS:
1 head cauliflower
2 large eggs, (or 1T. arrowroot powder in ¼ c water if vegan)
½c. chopped fresh cilantro and/or parsley
juice from 1/2 lime
(add the zest too if you want more of a lime flavor)
½ c. manchego sheep cheese, grated
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garam masala (if desired)
Add ½ gluten free flour (opt), if too wet
ghee for frying on griddle
DIRECTIONS:
- Trim the cauliflower, cut it into small, uniform pieces, and pulse in a food processor in batches until you get a couscous-like consistency. The finely riced cauliflower should make about 2 cups packed.
- Place the cauliflower in a sauce pan, with minimal water (enough so it runs out in cooking) then cook for 4 minutes.
- Place the cauliflower in a fine cheesecloth or thin dishtowel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, being careful not to burn yourself. Dishwashing gloves are suggested as it is very hot.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add in cauliflower, cilantro, lime, manchego , salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Drop 3 inch round circles on a hot griddle, brushed with ghee.
- Cook for about 8 minutes on each side, carefully flipping each cake over gently.
Apple Chutney
INGREDIENTS:
2 red apples
⅛ cup water
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp cardamom powder
¼ tsp clove powder (unless pitta is high)
½ tsp ginger powder
DIRECTIONS:
- Chop red apples into small pieces, add water and place in a small covered saucepan
- Add spices on top
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat until apples are tender.
- Pour all ingredients into a small blender jar or food processor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to preserve. and blend until the consistency of apple sauce.
- Serve over the Cauliflower Pancakes.