Spirituality of Oatmeal?

Question
Evelyn:
Please tell me what you know about the spirituality of
oatmeal. I'm going vegan and am considering making it my
staple. Is it a good choice?  And why or why not?  
Jason

Answer
Dear Jason,

Oats are good, for sure. As a grain it is full of Isis-Madonna force, received through the element of air, as a grass in the wind, to give to the world soul. It's noble quality stands alongside the rose-like fruit (rosacea); if the rose relates to  wine and blood,  the grain to bread and the head. Together they feed the Christ Consciousness (solar force that lies at the heart of man's true potential).

Botanically related to the lunar lily family, it did not develop into the bulbous branch (onions etc) but was drawn upwards by the sulfur (silica-building) force in the direction of the seed and became the enobled grain. This made it hearty (savory), sunny, and universal, the perfect nutrient for our silica and lunar nervous-sense system and head pole.

All the four prototypically western grains make excellent staples in a western vegan diet (wheat, oats, rye, barley). They literally BUILD us up.It is best to vary them, one only emphasised over the other when certain health problems so demand or the climate/weather has you prefer cooling or warming foods.

Oat belongs specifically to the fire element and has warming properties: this is reflected in its high fat content. It therefore makes an excellent winter start. This ultra warming property is also demonstrated in that it makes a good decongestant: oat straw boiled up into tea. Oat-soup with warming herbs is good for indigestion or digestive problems.  Oats are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, manganese. Used a lot in low-cholesterol diets. Very good for diabetics, since it does not overload the system with sugars (as do most carbohydrates); oats slowly release these sugars, along with the anabolic forces that stimulate the will-force to stand strong and work through the Higher Self (not lean on the false boost of sugar). These same properties help regulate our protein processes (a highly complex spiritual process, in fact, which meat can't just "feed up"), making sure we go a long way on plant matter. Rich in fibre, but high in calories (for the fat content): a great energy source, but fattening when used in snacks and energy bars if you are not taking lots of exercise. Oatmeal cookies are not simple treats but best considered nutritional elevenses if made with a grain syrup and dried fruit and/or hazlenuts.

The fire in oats makes it an excellent food for the melancholic humour. If you already have a more firey temperament, rye or wheat is much more recommendable as a regular staple alternated with other sources of carbohydrate.  

Oats can be eaten in many different ways. The more processed the grain the less life force is retained, so the actual grain contains the most life force, but also requires a lot of preparation (time). As an alternative to rice, bulghur, millet, it makes a good source of cabohydrates in a main meal (and is nutty and tasty). Flakes can be coarse or more milled to become finer. Grits, thermologically pre-treated are one of the best sources and easy to prepare. Instant porridge (flour) must be bought as fresh as possible and while it still makes a half decent fast breakfast, it could quickly become a convenience food and should not be taken on a daily basis. Best to make fresh from scratch (coarse flakes boiled in water 5 mins, add milk after wards).Oat pancakes and oat bread make super alternatives to the wheat versions but there is no need to replace wheat permanently (this would not be wise without an allergy prompting you to do so).

Oats are not for everybody because they can be hard to digest, or lie too heavy on the stomach (for too long). Especially in
summer heat or with office workers. Oatmeal porridge daily during the colder months should be fine. Crunchy oat muesli can make a festive alternative. For all the goodness they do contain, Oats do not contain B12 - which I mention, since a shortage is always a problem with veganism. So think about this carefully.  In general, as always, just don't overdo it on one single product. I could write as many admirable things about barley. Also don't forget about amaranth, millet, buckwheat and quinoa (not all grasses and grains, of course, but each with a good story).

Always eat plenty of fruit in a diet rich in grains, since this will add to what grains offer with a counterbalanced working in the blood. Here the Ego (Higher Self) mixes mind and soul. The combination (grain+fruit) builds a most spiritual bridge between heaven (Higher Worlds) and Earth. If you include honey in this diet you with have the equivalent of a  nutritional yoga - yoke (a teaspoon of raw honey with a few table spoons of oat muesli and grated apple as a pick me up mid morning, or an early breakfast if you have a long day).

To end on a supra high spiritual note: if grains are the four elements configured into temperaments, then fruit is morality consolidated.

The bottom line, oats can be very good in a vegan diet, giving you a bit of weight in more sense than one, as a body/brain food. If you are going to eat oats regularly make sure they are organic. With this type of foodstuff bio-dynamic quality is particulaly recommendable. Do not eat oats in more than one meal (that is overdoing it). You are not a horse, after all. They are best metabolised when eaten in the morning (or before 3 pm - the liver is then on your side).

Enjoy your healthy meals, and good luck with the veganism.
Take care, Evelyn

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