Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we have played in propagating predicaments. However, I believe it’s also counterproductive to be relentlessly serious about this or any other psychological principle. We all benefit from having mischievous fun as we rebel against tendencies we have to be dogmatic and fanatical. That’s why I am authorizing you to celebrate a good-humored Complaint Fest. For a limited time only, feel free to unleash fantasies in which you uninhibitedly and hilariously castigate everyone who has done you wrong.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What you are experiencing may not be a major, earthshaking rite of passage. But it’s sufficiently challenging and potentially rewarding to qualify as a pivotal breakthrough and turning point. And I’m pleased to say that any suffering you’re enduring will be constructive and educational. You may look back at this transition as a liberating initiation. You will feel deep gratification that you have clambered up to a higher level of mastery through the power of your intelligent love and feisty integrity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are now about halfway between your last birthday and next birthday. In the prophecy industry, we call this your Unbirthday Season. It is usually a time when you receive an abundance of feedback—whether you want it or not. I encourage you to want it! Solicit it. Even pay for it. Not all of it will be true or useful, of course, but the part that is true and useful will be very much so. You could gather a wealth of information that will help you fine-tune your drive for success and joy in the months to come.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Legend tells us that the Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India. He was there for many weeks. At one point, a huge storm came and pelted the sacred spot with heavy rain. Just in time, the King of Serpents arrived, a giant cobra with a massive hood. He shielded the Buddha from the onslaught for the duration. Now I am predicting that you, too, will receive an unexpected form of protection and nurturing in the coming weeks. Be ready to open your mind about what help looks and feels like. It may not be entirely familiar.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In written form, the Japanese term oubaitori is comprised of four kanji, or characters. They denote four fruit trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, peach and apricot. Each tree’s flowers blossom in their own sweet time, exactly when they are ready, neither early nor late. The poetic meaning of oubaitori is that we humans do the same: We grow and ripen at our own unique pace. That’s why it’s senseless to compare our rate of unfoldment to anyone else’s. We each have our own timing, our own rhythm. These ideas are especially apropos for you right now, Leo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I hope you will hunker down in your bunker. I hope you will junk all defunct versions of your spunky funkiness and seek out fresh forms of spunky funkiness. In other words, Virgo, I believe it’s crucial for you to get as relaxed and grounded as possible. You have a mandate to explore ultimate versions of stability and solidity. Shore up your foundations, please. Grow deeper roots. Dig down as deep as you can to strengthen and tone your relationship with the core of your being.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every one of us is a hypocrite at least some of the time. Now and then, we all ignore or outrightly violate our own high standards. We may even engage in behavior that we criticize in others. But here’s the good news for you, Libra. In the coming weeks and months, you may be as unhypocritical as you have ever been. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are likely to be consistently faithful to your ideals. Your actual effects on people will closely match your intended effects. The American idiom is, “Do you practice what you preach?” I expect the answer to that question will be yes as it pertains to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author George Orwell advised us that if we don’t analyze and understand the past, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Alas, few people take heed. Their knowledge of our collective history is meager, as is their grasp of recurring trends in their personal lives. But now here’s the good news, dear Scorpio: In the coming months, you will have exceptional power to avoid replicating past ignorance and errors—IF you meditate regularly on the lessons available through a close study of your life story.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” I encourage you to unleash fantasies like that in the coming days, Sagittarius. Can you shoot lightning bolts from your eyes? Sure you can. Can you change water into wine? Fly to the moon and back in a magic boat? Win the Nobel Prize for Being Yourself? In your imagination, yes you can. And these exercises will prime you for an array of more realistic escapades, like smashing a mental block, torching an outmoded fear and demolishing an unnecessary inhibition or taboo. To supercharge your practical power, intensify your imagination’s audacity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The name of my column is “Free Will Astrology” because I aspire to nurture, inspire and liberate your free will. A key component in that effort is to help you build your skills as a critical thinker. That’s why I encourage you to question everything I tell you. Don’t just assume that my counsel is always right and true for you. Likewise, I hope you are discerning in your dealings with all teachers, experts and leaders—especially in the coming weeks and months. You are in a phase of your cycle when it’s even more crucial than usual to be a good-natured skeptic who poses exuberant, penetrating questions. To serve your soul’s health, refine your practice of the art of creative rebellion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be like a beautifully made fountain that people love to visit, Aquarius. Not like a metaphorical geyser or stream or waterfall out in the natural world, but a three-tiered marble fountain. What does that entail? Here are hints. The water of the fountain cascades upward, but not too high or hard, and then it showers down gently into a pool. Its flow is steady and unflagging. Its sound is mellifluous and relaxing. The endless dance of the bubbles and currents is invigorating and calming, exuberant and rejuvenating. Be like a fountain.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Around this time of year, persimmon trees in my neighborhood have shed their leaves but are teeming with dazzling orange fruits. Pomegranate trees are similar. Their leaves have fallen off but their red fruits are ready to eat. I love how these rebels offer their sweet, ripe gifts as our winter season approaches. They remind me of the current state of your destiny, Pisces. Your gorgeous fertility is waxing. The blessings you have to offer are at a peak. I invite you to be extra generous as you share your gifts with those who are worthy of them—and maybe even a few who aren’t entirely worthy.

Homework: What can you make or do in 2025 that you have never made or done before? Start dreaming. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

0

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we have played in propagating predicaments. However, I believe it’s also counterproductive to be relentlessly serious about this or any other psychological principle. We all benefit from having mischievous fun as we rebel against tendencies we have to be dogmatic and fanatical. That’s why I am authorizing you to celebrate a good-humored Complaint Fest. For a limited time only, feel free to unleash fantasies in which you uninhibitedly and hilariously castigate everyone who has done you wrong.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What you are experiencing may not be a major, earthshaking rite of passage. But it’s sufficiently challenging and potentially rewarding to qualify as a pivotal breakthrough and turning point. And I’m pleased to say that any suffering you’re enduring will be constructive and educational. You may look back at this transition as a liberating initiation. You will feel deep gratification that you have clambered up to a higher level of mastery through the power of your intelligent love and feisty integrity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are now about halfway between your last birthday and next birthday. In the prophecy industry, we call this your Unbirthday Season. It is usually a time when you receive an abundance of feedback—whether you want it or not. I encourage you to want it! Solicit it. Even pay for it. Not all of it will be true or useful, of course, but the part that is true and useful will be very much so. You could gather a wealth of information that will help you fine-tune your drive for success and joy in the months to come.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Legend tells us that the Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India. He was there for many weeks. At one point, a huge storm came and pelted the sacred spot with heavy rain. Just in time, the King of Serpents arrived, a giant cobra with a massive hood. He shielded the Buddha from the onslaught for the duration. Now I am predicting that you, too, will receive an unexpected form of protection and nurturing in the coming weeks. Be ready to open your mind about what help looks and feels like. It may not be entirely familiar.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In written form, the Japanese term oubaitori is comprised of four kanji, or characters. They denote four fruit trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, peach and apricot. Each tree’s flowers blossom in their own sweet time, exactly when they are ready, neither early nor late. The poetic meaning of oubaitori is that we humans do the same: We grow and ripen at our own unique pace. That’s why it’s senseless to compare our rate of unfoldment to anyone else’s. We each have our own timing, our own rhythm. These ideas are especially apropos for you right now, Leo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I hope you will hunker down in your bunker. I hope you will junk all defunct versions of your spunky funkiness and seek out fresh forms of spunky funkiness. In other words, Virgo, I believe it’s crucial for you to get as relaxed and grounded as possible. You have a mandate to explore ultimate versions of stability and solidity. Shore up your foundations, please. Grow deeper roots. Dig down as deep as you can to strengthen and tone your relationship with the core of your being.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every one of us is a hypocrite at least some of the time. Now and then, we all ignore or outrightly violate our own high standards. We may even engage in behavior that we criticize in others. But here’s the good news for you, Libra. In the coming weeks and months, you may be as unhypocritical as you have ever been. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are likely to be consistently faithful to your ideals. Your actual effects on people will closely match your intended effects. The American idiom is, “Do you practice what you preach?” I expect the answer to that question will be yes as it pertains to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author George Orwell advised us that if we don’t analyze and understand the past, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Alas, few people take heed. Their knowledge of our collective history is meager, as is their grasp of recurring trends in their personal lives. But now here’s the good news, dear Scorpio: In the coming months, you will have exceptional power to avoid replicating past ignorance and errors—IF you meditate regularly on the lessons available through a close study of your life story.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” I encourage you to unleash fantasies like that in the coming days, Sagittarius. Can you shoot lightning bolts from your eyes? Sure you can. Can you change water into wine? Fly to the moon and back in a magic boat? Win the Nobel Prize for Being Yourself? In your imagination, yes you can. And these exercises will prime you for an array of more realistic escapades, like smashing a mental block, torching an outmoded fear and demolishing an unnecessary inhibition or taboo. To supercharge your practical power, intensify your imagination’s audacity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The name of my column is “Free Will Astrology” because I aspire to nurture, inspire and liberate your free will. A key component in that effort is to help you build your skills as a critical thinker. That’s why I encourage you to question everything I tell you. Don’t just assume that my counsel is always right and true for you. Likewise, I hope you are discerning in your dealings with all teachers, experts and leaders—especially in the coming weeks and months. You are in a phase of your cycle when it’s even more crucial than usual to be a good-natured skeptic who poses exuberant, penetrating questions. To serve your soul’s health, refine your practice of the art of creative rebellion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be like a beautifully made fountain that people love to visit, Aquarius. Not like a metaphorical geyser or stream or waterfall out in the natural world, but a three-tiered marble fountain. What does that entail? Here are hints. The water of the fountain cascades upward, but not too high or hard, and then it showers down gently into a pool. Its flow is steady and unflagging. Its sound is mellifluous and relaxing. The endless dance of the bubbles and currents is invigorating and calming, exuberant and rejuvenating. Be like a fountain.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Around this time of year, persimmon trees in my neighborhood have shed their leaves but are teeming with dazzling orange fruits. Pomegranate trees are similar. Their leaves have fallen off but their red fruits are ready to eat. I love how these rebels offer their sweet, ripe gifts as our winter season approaches. They remind me of the current state of your destiny, Pisces. Your gorgeous fertility is waxing. The blessings you have to offer are at a peak. I invite you to be extra generous as you share your gifts with those who are worthy of them—and maybe even a few who aren’t entirely worthy.

Homework: What can you make or do in 2025 that you have never made or done before? Start dreaming. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

0

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we have played in propagating predicaments. However, I believe it’s also counterproductive to be relentlessly serious about this or any other psychological principle. We all benefit from having mischievous fun as we rebel against tendencies we have to be dogmatic and fanatical. That’s why I am authorizing you to celebrate a good-humored Complaint Fest. For a limited time only, feel free to unleash fantasies in which you uninhibitedly and hilariously castigate everyone who has done you wrong.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What you are experiencing may not be a major, earthshaking rite of passage. But it’s sufficiently challenging and potentially rewarding to qualify as a pivotal breakthrough and turning point. And I’m pleased to say that any suffering you’re enduring will be constructive and educational. You may look back at this transition as a liberating initiation. You will feel deep gratification that you have clambered up to a higher level of mastery through the power of your intelligent love and feisty integrity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are now about halfway between your last birthday and next birthday. In the prophecy industry, we call this your Unbirthday Season. It is usually a time when you receive an abundance of feedback—whether you want it or not. I encourage you to want it! Solicit it. Even pay for it. Not all of it will be true or useful, of course, but the part that is true and useful will be very much so. You could gather a wealth of information that will help you fine-tune your drive for success and joy in the months to come.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Legend tells us that the Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India. He was there for many weeks. At one point, a huge storm came and pelted the sacred spot with heavy rain. Just in time, the King of Serpents arrived, a giant cobra with a massive hood. He shielded the Buddha from the onslaught for the duration. Now I am predicting that you, too, will receive an unexpected form of protection and nurturing in the coming weeks. Be ready to open your mind about what help looks and feels like. It may not be entirely familiar.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In written form, the Japanese term oubaitori is comprised of four kanji, or characters. They denote four fruit trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, peach and apricot. Each tree’s flowers blossom in their own sweet time, exactly when they are ready, neither early nor late. The poetic meaning of oubaitori is that we humans do the same: We grow and ripen at our own unique pace. That’s why it’s senseless to compare our rate of unfoldment to anyone else’s. We each have our own timing, our own rhythm. These ideas are especially apropos for you right now, Leo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I hope you will hunker down in your bunker. I hope you will junk all defunct versions of your spunky funkiness and seek out fresh forms of spunky funkiness. In other words, Virgo, I believe it’s crucial for you to get as relaxed and grounded as possible. You have a mandate to explore ultimate versions of stability and solidity. Shore up your foundations, please. Grow deeper roots. Dig down as deep as you can to strengthen and tone your relationship with the core of your being.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every one of us is a hypocrite at least some of the time. Now and then, we all ignore or outrightly violate our own high standards. We may even engage in behavior that we criticize in others. But here’s the good news for you, Libra. In the coming weeks and months, you may be as unhypocritical as you have ever been. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are likely to be consistently faithful to your ideals. Your actual effects on people will closely match your intended effects. The American idiom is, “Do you practice what you preach?” I expect the answer to that question will be yes as it pertains to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author George Orwell advised us that if we don’t analyze and understand the past, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Alas, few people take heed. Their knowledge of our collective history is meager, as is their grasp of recurring trends in their personal lives. But now here’s the good news, dear Scorpio: In the coming months, you will have exceptional power to avoid replicating past ignorance and errors—IF you meditate regularly on the lessons available through a close study of your life story.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” I encourage you to unleash fantasies like that in the coming days, Sagittarius. Can you shoot lightning bolts from your eyes? Sure you can. Can you change water into wine? Fly to the moon and back in a magic boat? Win the Nobel Prize for Being Yourself? In your imagination, yes you can. And these exercises will prime you for an array of more realistic escapades, like smashing a mental block, torching an outmoded fear and demolishing an unnecessary inhibition or taboo. To supercharge your practical power, intensify your imagination’s audacity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The name of my column is “Free Will Astrology” because I aspire to nurture, inspire and liberate your free will. A key component in that effort is to help you build your skills as a critical thinker. That’s why I encourage you to question everything I tell you. Don’t just assume that my counsel is always right and true for you. Likewise, I hope you are discerning in your dealings with all teachers, experts and leaders—especially in the coming weeks and months. You are in a phase of your cycle when it’s even more crucial than usual to be a good-natured skeptic who poses exuberant, penetrating questions. To serve your soul’s health, refine your practice of the art of creative rebellion.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be like a beautifully made fountain that people love to visit, Aquarius. Not like a metaphorical geyser or stream or waterfall out in the natural world, but a three-tiered marble fountain. What does that entail? Here are hints. The water of the fountain cascades upward, but not too high or hard, and then it showers down gently into a pool. Its flow is steady and unflagging. Its sound is mellifluous and relaxing. The endless dance of the bubbles and currents is invigorating and calming, exuberant and rejuvenating. Be like a fountain.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Around this time of year, persimmon trees in my neighborhood have shed their leaves but are teeming with dazzling orange fruits. Pomegranate trees are similar. Their leaves have fallen off but their red fruits are ready to eat. I love how these rebels offer their sweet, ripe gifts as our winter season approaches. They remind me of the current state of your destiny, Pisces. Your gorgeous fertility is waxing. The blessings you have to offer are at a peak. I invite you to be extra generous as you share your gifts with those who are worthy of them—and maybe even a few who aren’t entirely worthy.

Homework: What can you make or do in 2025 that you have never made or done before? Start dreaming. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Second-Generation Winemaker, Eva Dehlinger

To establish Dehlinger Wines as a quality mark, I bade Eva Dehlinger pull two gold-embossed presidential dinner menus out of her attic. Her family’s pinot has been served at The White House at least twice, during Yeltsin-era Russian diplomacy and a meeting of all U.S. governors during Obama’s reign. The wine helped establish harmony among battling interests. 

Dehlinger added that their wines had graced the cover of Wine Spectator magazine as a “top 10 wine of the world.” That’s world-class. But at heart, Dehlinger wines remains a small, local, family-run business in a time of transition. “Consistency” is their watchword as estate control flows from founding father Tom Dehlinger to daughters Eva and Carmen.

CH: Eva, I prompted you to show me some of your blue ribbons, but what commendations are most meaningful to you?

ED: What I am proudest of is that we have just celebrated our 50th vintage. To survive in the industry that long, the quality of the product has got to be there. And that is a distinction independent of any tastemaker or critic. Another internal accolade point is the longevity of our staff. We have many people who have worked for us with a long tenure—often measured in decades.

CH: That denotes a consistency of product and a happy work family. Eva, in our pre-interview, you impishly suggested that sometimes the vaunted year on year variation in a label is not climatic variation but difficulty maintaining staff. A key team member leaves, and the wine changes. Eva, tell me what are the hallmarks of a Dehlinger wine?

ED: Consistency. Also, we are estate bottled. “Estate” is a technical term, codified and protected. It means grapes were grown on the same land by the same people that made the wine. We are an estate, and quite vertically integrated.

CH: And vertical integration means that you have control over every aspect of the process. Exacting control.

ED: That’s right. And that harkens back to consistency.

CH: And you mean the consistency of a good friend rather than the unit uniformity of MacDonald’s hamburgers rolling off the line.

ED: We have been able to survive as a small artisanal producer so long because of personal relationships and personal patronage. We sell direct to our customers and have cultivated relationships that have lasted decades.

Learn more. This holiday season, toast loved ones with wine fit for a grandee. It will better establish harmony. Dehlinger’s price, like their makers, remains humble. linktr.ee/dehlingerlinks.

Flower Power: Celebrating 50 years of Traditional Medicinals

Many founder stories begin in a garage, but few start in a Volkswagen Microbus.

In 1974, when Drake Sadler co-founded Traditional Medicinals with renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, the world was a different place. Bell-bottoms were in, disco was just added to the Billboard charts and the concept of “wellness” was more likely to conjure images of aerobics classes than organic herbal teas. 

Yet, from the exurbs of Sonoma County, the pair set out to do something truly revolutionary: bring herbal medicine to the mainstream while embedding sustainability and social good into the DNA of their business.

Fast-forward 50 years, and Traditional Medicinals is the second-largest tea company in the United States, a Certified B Corporation and a global leader in herbal wellness. But for Sadler, it’s never just been about the tea.

“We weren’t chasing trends or trying to create the latest flavors,” Sadler reflects. “Instead, we were responding to genuine needs. From day one, our guiding principle has been right livelihood—conducting business in a way that helps people and does no harm, whether to the environment, each other or the community.”

Global Footprint, SoCo Roots

Sadler credits much of the company’s longevity to its unflinching commitment to purpose over profit. In its earliest days, Traditional Medicinals was simply an extension of Gladstar’s herb shop by the Russian River, where her remedies addressed common ailments with the wisdom of generations. Their first product line featured nine teas targeting specific needs like sore throats, sleep issues and digestive troubles. Today, the company boasts over 60 products, from teas to lozenges and capsules, but the ethos remains the same.

“People think we’re a tea company, but that’s just the delivery system,” Sadler says. “Our real work is uplifting supply communities and educating people about herbal medicine.”

Though Traditional Medicinals has a global reach, its heart remains in Sonoma County. The company is celebrating its milestone anniversary by sponsoring Sebastopol’s Apple Blossom Festival, with employees parading as the brand’s most iconic botanicals—a fitting tribute to its beginnings in the “flower power” era.

“It’s wonderful to show up for the community where we live and work,” Sadler shares. “This year’s theme, ‘Flower Power,’ resonates with our mission to share the healing strength of plants.”

Milestones in Mission-Driven Growth

From prioritizing certified organic products in the late 1980s to pioneering fair trade practices, Sadler and his team have often been ahead of their time. But the company’s true legacy lies in its partnerships with rural and Indigenous communities worldwide, who supply the herbs at the heart of its products.

“When we first visited our source communities, we found children working in fields instead of attending school,” Sadler recalls. “Our initial response was to bring books in their native languages and hire teachers for evening classes. Today, we’ve scaled that impact dramatically. In Rajasthan, India, we now have five schools where 2,000 kids are educated daily.”

Traditional Medicinals’ commitment to ethical sourcing extends to biodiversity, exemplified by its panda-friendly certification for schisandra harvesting. In partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and Chinese officials, the company created a wild cooperative that supports both local farmers and the habitat of the giant panda.

“Environmental conservation and herbal sourcing should be in harmony,” Sadler asserts. “Our work with panda-friendly certification demonstrates how business can protect rare ecosystems while bringing wellness to people’s lives.”

Balancing ancient herbal wisdom with modern science has always been at the core of Traditional Medicinals’ success. Gladstar’s early formulations drew from generations of knowledge, while Sadler ensured the company met rigorous scientific standards.

“By staying true to traditional herbal practices and enhancing them with science, we were able to provide products people could trust,” Sadler explains. “That dual focus on authenticity and efficacy remains our guiding principle today.”

This approach is bolstered by a growing team of herbalists—more than 30 now work across the company, ensuring the highest quality in every product.

Challenges of Scaling Sustainability

As a Certified B Corporation, Traditional Medicinals is held to some of the most rigorous standards of social and environmental responsibility. One of its recent challenges has been transitioning to compostable packaging, a complex endeavor requiring innovation and collaboration.

“Balancing sustainability with product quality has been an exciting but challenging journey,” Sadler admits. “Every step forward reduces our environmental impact while maintaining the efficacy of our herbal products.”

The company has also aligned its goals with the Science Based Targets Initiative, pledging to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

“It’s a commitment to our customers and future generations,” Sadler says, “to keep doing business in a way that supports both people and the planet.”

A Legacy of Impact

Over five decades, public perception of herbal wellness has undergone a sea change. Once dismissed as fringe, herbal remedies are now embraced by a new generation of consumers who demand transparency, authenticity and sustainability.

“This shift aligns perfectly with our longstanding commitment to quality and transparency,” Sadler notes. “A recent example is our Stress Ease line of teas, developed to help consumers manage everyday stress naturally. We listen to what people need, and that feedback shapes our approach.”

As Traditional Medicinals looks ahead to the next 50 years, Sadler hopes to preserve the principles that have guided the company since its inception. With a new CEO, Joe Stanziano, at the helm, the mission remains clear: Expand the company’s impact while staying true to its roots.

“We’re creating structures to ensure these principles remain embedded in the company’s DNA,” Sadler says. “It’s not just about products; it’s about preserving traditional wisdom, supporting communities and protecting the environment.”

For Sadler, the journey has been as much personal as professional. “Seeing our teas become a trusted part of people’s lives is incredibly meaningful,” he reflects. “It reinforces the power of plant medicine and our responsibility to uphold our standards.”

Looking to the Future

Asked what advice he’d offer to the next generation of mission-driven entrepreneurs, Sadler emphasizes the importance of purpose and patience.

“Take time to reflect deeply on your purpose,” he advises. “There’s tremendous value in being intentional and purposeful. Remember, business can be a powerful platform for social change, but it requires integrity and a long-term vision that goes beyond profit.”

With half a century of impact behind it, Traditional Medicinals shows no signs of slowing down. Whether through advancing sustainable farming practices, reducing its carbon footprint or empowering consumers with knowledge about herbal wellness, the company is poised to continue leading the industry it helped define.

“We’re just getting started,” Sadler says. “The next 50 years will be about expanding our impact while staying true to our founding principles of right livelihood.” He adds, “It’s an exciting time for herbal wellness and for the world.”

On the Air: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ as Radio Play at Spreckels 

Theatergoers in search of a big dollop of holiday nostalgia would do well to seek out the Spreckels Theatre Company production of It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play

The Condiotti Experimental Theatre at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park hosts the Jenny Hollingworth-directed show through Dec. 15.

Based on Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film and The Greatest Gift, the short story by Philip Van Doren Stern that served as its source material, the story is presented as a live 1940s radio broadcast from the New York studio of WBFR. Five actors portray five radio actors portraying all the characters from the story.

Jake Laurents (Nic Moore) solos as George Bailey. Sally Applewhite (Tina Traboulsi) essays Mary. Freddie Filmore (John Craven), a name that will ring a bell among I Love Lucy fans, undertakes multiple roles including Mr. Potter, while Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood (Matt Farrell) and Lana Sherwood (Rosie Frater) take on everyone else.  

For the two folks unfamiliar with the story, it’s the tale of George Bailey, a selfless individual who finds himself at the end of his rope when facing financial ruin and imprisonment. His guardian angel arrives to save him and after a casual remark by George, shows him what life in his town would have been like had he never been born. Cue the bell.

It’s a pretty straightforward adaptation of the story. And for those who worry that watching a bunch of actors read scripts in front of a microphone might be a little dry, fear not. The show is almost as fully-staged as a fully staged production. 

The set (Eddy Hansen) captures the essence of a radio studio, the costumes (Adriana Gutierrez) set the scene squarely in the 1940s, and the actors present fully-formed characters almost exclusively through voice, with an occasional assist from a modest costume adjustment or movement.

Radio was often called “theater of the mind,” as your mind created pictures solely from what it heard. Here, the sound effects are provided via a Foley table and Foley artist (Grace Reid). How such sounds as wind, a car motor or feet walking in the snow are created is fun to see. Hint: One of them involves corn flakes.

For folks who miss one of the now-infrequent airings of the film, It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play is a more than reasonable facsimile. It still packs a surprisingly emotional punch.  

‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ runs through Dec. 15 in the Condiotti Experimental Theater at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Fri-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $14-$32. 707.588.3400. spreckelsonline.com.

Wildfire Roulette, Proposed Casino is Risky Business

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By Nina Cote

Sonoma County residents are accustomed to the risks that wildfires pose. Earlier this year, we experienced a wildfire that prompted emergency responders to contain it swiftly. That forced residents into the all-too-familiar position of standing by for a potential evacuation order.

This recent example underscores why it is so imperative that proposed development projects anticipate strained evacuation routes before bringing more congestion to our roads. The Koi Nation’s proposal to construct the Shiloh Resort and Casino ignores this responsibility.

The casino would sit on a major evacuation route outside the town of Windsor, which is susceptible to fast-moving wildfires. When a wildfire occurs, an evacuation warning could quickly turn into a mandatory evacuation order if the winds shift. Downplaying these risks without thorough analysis jeopardizes emergency response efforts and endangers 26,000 Windsor residents.

Supporters of the Koi Nation’s project say the casino will bring economic benefits to the community. However, this project should not come at the expense of the people who call Sonoma County home. 

Our elected leaders agree. Windsor officials oppose the casino, telling the Bureau of Indian Affairs that it may take longer for residents to evacuate the area if the casino is developed and a wildfire occurs. Wildfires move at an unpredictable pace, and the additional time it takes for residents to evacuate is a matter of life and death.

However, supporters of the Koi Nation’s casino have failed to acknowledge those concerns and more. Construction of the casino will imperil wildlife habitats. Also, the increased traffic around the casino will increase emissions, deteriorating our air quality. 

An inadequate analysis of these concerns and our community’s strong opposition to the casino should give the federal government pause. Yet, it appears that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is advancing the review process without meaningfully addressing community concerns.

We are encouraged that our elected representatives stand with our community and oppose this dangerous proposal. We urge Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to listen to our concerns and oppose the Koi Nation’s proposed casino project. 

Nina Cote is an advocate for Our Community Matters and a resident of the town of Windsor.

NorBays Remix, 2024 North Bay Music Awards Winners

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the vibrant music scene of the North Bay. Here are the 2024 North Bay Music Awards winners, as voted by readers of the North Bay Bohemian.

Best Blues & Best Northbay Vibe

Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes

Best Live DJ

DJ Fabian

Best Electronica

Eki Shola

Best R&B

The Soul Section

Best Punk & Best Metal

BLVKOUT

Best Hip-Hop

Jay Williz

Best Female Solo Artist & Best Songwriter

Ellie James

Best Male Solo Artist

Nate Lopez

Best Lead Vocals

Sophia Kandler

Best Rock

945 Band

Best Country

Dry Creek Station

Best Americana

Foxes in the Henhouse

Best Folk

Dave Hamilton

Best Indie

Evening Glass

Best Jazz

The doRiaN Mode

Best Reggae

Sol Horizon

Best Dance Crew & Best Movement Choreography

Fargo Brothers

Best Music Venue

The California

Best Drag Show

Travel Daddyz “Witch Perfect”

Best Music Instructor

Isabel Wundsom

Best Promoter

Scott Colson

Best Short Music Film or Documentary

Two Lions Bands

Best Radio DJ

Doug Jayne

Congratulations to all the winners for their incredible contributions to the local music scene. 

Due to inclement weather, our NorBays award event has been rescheduled for 4 to 6pm, Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Hopmonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave. Admission is free.

Norbay’s ’24 Music Awards Party Photos

Jon Lohne Photography

Happy B-day, Phoenix, Beloved Venue Turns 120

Downtown Petaluma’s Phoenix Theater is getting ready to celebrate its 120th birthday—and the old gal has never looked better. 

Billed as The Phoenix Theater’s 120th Birthday Party with Toast Machine and friends (Thus the Buzz, Wad and Eleventeen), tickets are now on sale for the all-ages blowout set for 8 to 11pm, Friday, Dec. 6. 

Anyone who has spent at least a few years in Northern California knows about and probably has a story about the Phoenix. Starting in 1904 as a vaudeville theater known as the Hill Opera House in its first incarnation, it was marketed as “the finest theater north of the Golden Gate.” However, it eventually faced a decline in popularity as motion pictures rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. 

The theater was adapted for film screenings, transitioning from vaudeville and stage shows to a movie theater. It continued as a cinema (first named the California Theater and later as the Showcase Theater) for several decades, showing films and hosting occasional live performances.

Throughout several upticks and downward slides, the theater held on. Current theater manager Tom Gaffey (who insisted this article not be about him) worked at the theater as a high schooler in the ’70s before taking off and returning to get the doors open again in 1983 as the new manager under the Phoenix name. This was due to its ability to continue to rise from damage and various other strifes that may have killed a lesser building. 

Yet again, a noticeable decline in attendance made a movie theater a dicey business proposition. Gaffey started to notice a decrease in movie-going attendance and difficulty securing first-run, money-making films since the Phoenix only had one massive screen. 

This reporter remembers a large cardboard cutout in the Phoenix lobby circa 1988 for Australian comedian Yahoo Serious’ attempt to break into American pop culture with his film, Young Einstein, slated for its Northern California premiere at the Phoenix. Never heard of Yahoo Serious or the film? That explains how the Phoenix ended up with the “nobody else wants it” opening night and also why the theater soon pivoted to live music as well as whatever locals, young and old, might want to put together in the space.

Clarifying this, Gaffey said, “We really couldn’t get enough people to get first-run movies anymore. Around 1987, we had done a sold-out show with the Violent Femmes, and I realized we could make it as a concert venue.” Thus, the hybrid Phoenix model came into play, where scatterings of movies that couldn’t receive an opening elsewhere trickled in alongside live performances by both local and major national touring acts.

As if a 120-year celebration wasn’t reason enough to come down to the Phoenix, the reunion of the fantastic band, Toast Machine, should help get someone out the door. If one was a local music fan between 1998 and 2010, they more than likely had the 2-piece band, consisting of Gio Benedetti on bass and Paige Warner on drums, pegged to be the next young Bay Area breakout band. However, that was not to be, as the duo disbanded due to the good old “irreconcilable differences” routine. 

Benedetti said, “For Paige, she was an in-demand, an absolutely brilliant special effects engineer and artist at Industrial Light and Magic (ILM). That was her dream job. She was doing the thing she always dreamed of doing, and was happy to drum on the side, when it worked out. I was playing music and only wanted to play music, and wanted to spend weeks at a time on the road playing dive bars in far-off lands for no people (which would hopefully eventually become lots of people), and—well, I hope you can see the very natural conflict of interests here.”

As Toast Machine ended amicably, Benedetti joined Brother Comatose as bassist and, nowadays, creates impressive comic books and other artwork. Warner continues at ILM as a computer graphics supervisor, working on some of the biggest blockbuster films of the last few decades. 

Yet Benedetti said getting back together with Warner has been mostly smooth. “We haven’t played live for eight years. It’s been rusty getting things back together, but it feels pretty comfortable. We played together pretty regularly for 18 years or so. And once the cobwebs get blown out, the body and brain tend to remember what to do,” he noted.

A few weeks back, Benedetti made a seemingly simple request on Facebook, asking

his followers to name a few bands they remember seeing at the Phoenix. Within days, the replies had hit well into the 200s. When asked what bands from the (still growing) list stuck out to him, he said, “Well, Sublime played their final show here, so it stands to reason that they were heavily mentioned. Lots of mentions of Primus, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day—the mega-big local bands that made it on a global level. It’s cool that we have that connection.” 

He added, “My favorites are always the slightly less known bands—Fugazi and Jawbreaker are two personal favorites. Against Me! was one of my favorite shows ever; same with Joyce Manor. Just, great, great, great times with these bands in our town.”

While Gaffey remained reticent (to put it mildly, as I had just gotten yelled at for five minutes by him on the phone for daring to ask for a quote because, he insisted, “You should be talking about the Phoenix, not me!”) to talk about what his presence means to the Phoenix, luckily, Benedetti quickly answered when asked what Tom Gaffey and the theater mean to Petaluma and the local area. 

“This is an impossible question to sum up or quantify,” he said. “Tom is responsible for the musical dreams, memories, careers and lives of so many people, mine included.” 

Benedetti continued, “If you love to play music, and the only place to play is house parties or your garage, it can be very, very hard to build momentum or a scene, or [to] keep things alive. If your music scene can revolve around an iconic venue with a stage imbued with the lore and vibes of countless epic shows, you are in an entirely different universe. Support is necessary for art to survive, and Tom and the theater provide that.”

There is one thing Gaffey did say that sticks as representative of whom he is as a person and what the Phoenix Theater is all about—“It’s been my job to keep the doors open for anyone who needs the Phoenix. It’s been my honor to do so and to keep doing it.” 

Tickets and more info at thephoenixtheater.com.

Over the River & Through the Art Show

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Petaluma

Those who love art, history and local culture won’t want to miss out on the new IceHouse Gallery exhibition, “The Petaluma River,” which runs now through Dec. 2. This celebration of Sonoma’s art and artists features pieces pulled straight from The Petaluma River, a Sketch Journal & Brief Historical Overview, a collaboration between artist Alan Butler and historian Katherine J. Rinehart. Through Butler’s delicate sketches, watercolors and photographs, guests may see the very same river that runs through Petaluma today, captured with the eye of an architect and the heart of an artist. But this isn’t just a visual journey; it’s a walk through time. Rinehart’s historical insights weave together stories from early Indigenous settlements to the modern-day significance of this local riverside treasure. The book is available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the Petaluma River Park and Friends of the Petaluma River. This exhibition is free to visit. The gallery is open daily from 11am to 5pm at 405 East D St. in Petaluma.

Occidental

One Grass, Two Grass, Redgrass, Bluegrass

It’s time to get those instruments tuned and prepare to tap those toes along to the beat at Bluegrass Jam Night at Occidental Center for the Arts, at 7pm on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Seasoned instrumentalists are just as welcome to join as beginners still learning how to strum their first chords at this local monthly jam session led by multi-instrumentalist David Pascoe. Participants may grab whatever instrument plucks their heartstrings, be it a fiddle, banjo, guitar or triangle, and join in as everyone takes turns picking songs and making music together. The Bluegrass Jam Night is the perfect way to connect with fellow music lovers in and around the vibrant musical community of Sonoma. A $5 donation is requested to help keep the good vibes going and the music flowing. Note that the event is accessible to mobility-challenged patrons, so everyone can join in on the musical magic. The Occidental Center for the Arts Bluegrass Jam Night is open-invite and is held on the first Tuesday of every month in the OCA classroom, located at 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. 

San Rafael

Some Like It Hot

Dec. 15 is the date to swing by the open house of none other than San Rafael’s Fire Station 51. This red-hot celebration will last from 10am to 1pm. Locals are invited to join the San Rafael Fire Department as they celebrate 150 years of keeping Marin’s citizens safe from California’s infamous fire season. Those attending the celebration can meet local heroes, take in some cool historical fire memorabilia and snap a few photos with the big red trucks while they’re at it. Guests will also get a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to fight fires and save the day. This open house fire station event is open to all ages, so the whole family can come out for a community-forward event to pepper into that holiday calendar. Chances are, attendees will walk away with some community spirit, a lesson in Marin’s history and serious respect for the firefighters behind the hoses. So, it’s almost that time to come on out and raise a hose to San Rafael’s historical Station 51 as they celebrate 150 years of community, courage and, of course, keeping Marin a safe and fire-free county. The event is free and will be held at 1375 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael.

Mill Valley

Confessions of a 20-Year-Old Brewster

Jesse Brewster is throwing a party to celebrate 20 years of music at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Dec. 11, and the public is invited. The night marks the anniversary of his debut album, Confessional, which first dropped at Sweetwater Saloon back in 2004. Brewster, known for his work with the Jesse Brewster Band, Illeagles and more, will be joined by a killer lineup of guest artists, including Brad Brooks (MC5), Angeline Saris (Narada Michael Walden), James Nash (The Waybacks), Uriah Duffy (Whitesnake) and more. This celebratory evening will be jam-packed with everything from folk to rock to R&B. Plus, there’s a promise of a rotating rhythm section that’ll keep the crowd grooving all night long. With 20 years in the game, Brewster’s got enough musical talent to fill a stadium—or at least Sweetwater Music Hall—but he’s not showing off. (OK, maybe just a little.) The show is appropriate for all ages, so feel free to bring along some friends, family and maybe even grandma if she’s into rockin’ tunes. Doors open at 7pm, with the music kicking off at 8pm. Tickets are available now at sweetwatermusichall.com.

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we...

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we...

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4

Free Will Astrology: Week of Dec. 4
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we...

Second-Generation Winemaker, Eva Dehlinger

To establish Dehlinger Wines as a quality mark, I bade Eva Dehlinger pull two gold-embossed presidential dinner menus out of her attic. Her family’s pinot has been served at The White House at least twice, during Yeltsin-era Russian diplomacy and a meeting of all U.S. governors during Obama’s reign. The wine helped establish harmony among battling interests.  Dehlinger added that...

Flower Power: Celebrating 50 years of Traditional Medicinals

Many founder stories begin in a garage, but few start in a Volkswagen Microbus. In 1974, when Drake Sadler co-founded Traditional Medicinals with renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, the world was a different place. Bell-bottoms were in, disco was just added to the Billboard charts and the concept of “wellness” was more likely to conjure images of aerobics classes than organic...

On the Air: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ as Radio Play at Spreckels 

Theatergoers in search of a big dollop of holiday nostalgia would do well to seek out the Spreckels Theatre Company production of It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play.  The Condiotti Experimental Theatre at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park hosts the Jenny Hollingworth-directed show through Dec. 15. Based on Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film and The...

Wildfire Roulette, Proposed Casino is Risky Business

By Nina Cote Sonoma County residents are accustomed to the risks that wildfires pose. Earlier this year, we experienced a wildfire that prompted emergency responders to contain it swiftly. That forced residents into the all-too-familiar position of standing by for a potential evacuation order.This recent example underscores why it is so imperative that proposed development projects anticipate strained evacuation routes...

NorBays Remix, 2024 North Bay Music Awards Winners

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the vibrant music scene of the North Bay. Here are the 2024 North Bay Music Awards winners, as voted by readers of the North Bay Bohemian. Best Blues & Best Northbay Vibe Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes Best Live DJ DJ Fabian Best Electronica Eki Shola Best R&B The Soul Section Best Punk & Best Metal BLVKOUT Best...

Happy B-day, Phoenix, Beloved Venue Turns 120

Downtown Petaluma’s Phoenix Theater is getting ready to celebrate its 120th birthday—and the old gal has never looked better.  Billed as The Phoenix Theater's 120th Birthday Party with Toast Machine and friends (Thus the Buzz, Wad and Eleventeen), tickets are now on sale for the all-ages blowout set for 8 to 11pm, Friday, Dec. 6.  Anyone who has spent at least...

Over the River & Through the Art Show

Petaluma Those who love art, history and local culture won’t want to miss out on the new IceHouse Gallery exhibition, “The Petaluma River,” which runs now through Dec. 2. This celebration of Sonoma’s art and artists features pieces pulled straight from The Petaluma River, a Sketch Journal & Brief Historical Overview, a collaboration between artist Alan Butler and historian Katherine...
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