Store BLOG of Shadows

Welcome to our in-store blog! We will post news and events and other interesting tidbits of the goings on here at our store.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Eclipses

Did you know that this is a summer full of eclipses? Its true!

The first eclipse is a penumbral lunar eclipse (which is to say a partial eclipse of the moon) tomorrow (Tuesday, July 7th). It will be very hard to see, not only because its not a total eclipse, but also because it will happen at 5:21am when most of us are still quite asleep.
*For those who work with celestial or lunar magic, be aware that July 7th is also the eve of the full moon, (in Capricorn), and any work done this day may be impacted as such.*


The second eclipse is a total solar eclipse on Tuesday, July 21st. It will be one of the longest eclipses in many years (lasting about 6 minutes and 40 seconds), and there won't be another like it until 2132! The eclipse should be around 10:35pm our time (I think?) so we may or not get so see much of it given the hour and our position.
*For those who work with celestial or solar magic, be aware that July 21st is also the eve of the new moon, as we transition into Leo, (moon in Leo), and any work done this day may be impacted as such.*


The last eclipse of the summer will be another penumbral lunar eclipse (another partial eclipse) on August 5th. This eclipse will be more visible then the one in July, at least, so look out at 8:55pm to catch a glimpse.
*For those who work with lunar magic, be aware that August 5th is also the eve of the full moon, (in Aquarius), and any work done this day may be impacted as such.*


There shouldn't be another eclipse again until the afternoon of New Year's Eve (and that one will only be a tiny sliver!), so enjoy the celestial spectacles while you can!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

July 2009 Workshops

Out of respect for our workshop facilitators, please register in advance.
514-938-1458


PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT I (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!

Saturday July 4th, 12-2 pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT LEVEL II (Catharine)
Take the next step in your development by exploring multiple ways of receiving messages and visions. We will do more in depth work with meditation, energy work and practice readings on each other. Guided meditation and message circle follows, where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Saturday July 4th, 3-5 pm $30

I HAVE A ROCK...NOW WHAT? (Sam)
Wondering whether to use a rough stone or a tumbled stone? Maybe you want to know how to cleanse different stones. Having trouble remembering which one does what? Discuss the answers to these questions and learn how to incorporate stone-work in your life.
Tuesday July 7th, 7-9pm $30

PAGAN RITES OF PASSAGE (Scarlet)
Everyone has experienced a Rite of Passage in their lives. Explore the many states of being throughout life and the rites that go with them, as well as learn the three stages of performing a rite of passage. Finally understand the rites of passage associated with our Pagan religious callings, from dedication to ordination.
Wednesday July 8th, 7-9pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT III (Catharine)
For everyone who has completed level 1 and 2 this workshop is available to you! We will begin to give readings to each other and you will be guided to go deeper into what you sense. We also will talk about ethics, how, what,if and when to tell others what you see for them. This is meant to be intensive so there will be no more than 4 people in the course at a time
Thursday July 9th, 7-9pm $30

REIKI I (Robyn)
Join us in this intensive course to learn all you need to know to become a First Degree Reiki Practitioner. Topics covered will include: the history and origins of Reiki, the ethics of being a Reiki practitioner, what the hand positions are in a full Reiki session, how to treat others as well as yourself, and formal initiation to the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki. Time will be given for practice as well.

Saturday July 11th, 11:00am - 5:00pm $150

Cité Zen Urban Drumming - Drumming Workshop
The Magical Blend in collaboration with Cité Zen Urban Drumming are please to announce their debut drum circle workshop! This is an open class, no previous musical experience required. Just bring your enthousiasm!! Basic tam tam drumming techniques will be demonstrated with emphasis on group playing. This is a non traditional, high energy, maximun fun percussion activity! The theme is "Access to music for ALL!" We provide a beautiful djembe for you if required, or you may of course bring any of your own drums.
(Drum reservations required 48 hours in advance @ Melange Magique)
For more information please do not hesitate to contact James Olmsted at 514-826-1607, or write james.olmsted@videotron.ca
Sunday, July the 12th, 1-3pm $30

LIVING WITH FAERIES (Sam)
Working with faeries is a way of life. Find out about how to attract "good" faeries to your home and protect yourself from "bad" faeries. Learn some ways of incorporating their mischief into your magick, and different interpretations of their messages.
Tuesday July 14th, 7-9pm $30

WICCAN DEDICATION (Scarlet)
Demystify the difference between dedication and initiation! What is entailed in performing a Wiccan dedication and how you can do one for yourself.
Wednesday July 15th, 7-9pm $30

PSYCHIC PROTECTION (Catharine)
Sometimes we absorb the energy of those around us too much, and it can have a negative effect on our health physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. This workshop will help you to remain open and sensitive to your intuition, while protecting your energy field. Guided meditation, practice exercises and guidance given.
Thursday July 16th, 7-9pm $30

SHAMANIC RATTLE MAKING WORKSHOP (Allison Ryan)
An exploration in creativity, learn about the uses of the rattle while constructing your own power instrument. Topics that we will explore related to the rattle in respect to shamanic use include symbolism, trance states, journeying and sensing energy imbalances/blockages. The crafting side of this workshop will focus on the construction of a goat rawhide rattle, stitching, filling and shaping it to life. We will also be painting the rattle head, decorating the handle and having a final rattle circle shake out to voice the newly birthed instruments
Saturday AND Sunday July 18 & 19, 1-4pm $100 (all supplies included)

INTRODUCTION TO STONE HEALING (Robyn)
There are many ways one can explore alternative healing these days, but one of the more popular and easily accessible ways is the laying on of stones on the body to re-align energies, combat maladies and increase the body's natural harmony. Join us in this introductory workshop to learn more about this peaceful mode of healing.
Wednesday July 22nd, 7-9pm $30

CHAKRA CLEANSING WORKSHOP (Catharine)
Intro to energetic cleansing of the chakras. Guided meditation to cleanse.
Thursday July 23rd, 7-9 pm $30

Angels and Synchronicity (Kate Lanxner )
In these uncertain times, one thing is certain: there are angels who are able to help us here on Earth. We have to remember to do two things: to first ask for help (aloud), and two, to notice when they are trying to get in touch with us. They let us know in several ways, but one of the most intriguing and fun ways is synchronicity. In the workshop we will come up with a definition of a "synchronicity moment", do some group sharing, do some writing or art (whatever comes easiest to you), and I will be presenting some angel material. There are certain things you can do in your daily life to attract the angels. I have been collaborating with the angels for nearly eighteen years, in spiritual guidance readings and healings as well as in workshops in Vermont and Switzerland.
Saturday July 25th - 2 pm to 4 pm - $30

PSYCHIC PRACTICE WORKSHOP (Catharine)
This is a workshop open to everyone who has the desire to practice their intuitive skills. You will be guided to do various types of readings on each other - so come on out!
Thursday July 30th, 7-9 pm $30

Monday, June 29, 2009

Rainy day teas

Its been a rather rainy week hasn't it? And with more rain predicted, I'm pretty sure its safe to say that we've all hit a bit of a summer blah. I thought I'd offer a few nice tea ideas, to keep you cozy when its cool and wet or, to keep you cool when the heat gets to be too much.

Let's start with a few choice picks for warm teas. My favorite #1 rainy day tea is Monk's Blend. This is a nice dark tea, with hints of flowers, and it's just perfect for curling up with a nice book, or before meditations.

Another great tea for a day like this is our Bourbon Street Vanilla. Talk about a tea with personality! Sweet and nutty with a rich flavor that I personally just can't get enough of.

For iced teas, we have some AMAZING choices to offer. I HIGHLY recommend the On The Waterfront tea as a rainy day tea. It's a sweet blend of several kinds of mint with flowers and fruit. You barely need to sweeten it at all for it to be -just- right to cool you down.

And if you aren't so much a fan of mints, try our Organic Roman Provence tea. Its full of fruits and spice and with a touch of brown sugar makes a wonderful iced tea alternative.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

New Stock, Books and a Special Event

Fire in the Hearth One-Day Conference
Pagan Thought in Modern Times

July 11 from 10 am to 5 pm - Fire in the Hearth
Hosted by Red Maple Grove (ADF Ottawa)
Conference at the Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave. in Ontario
Admission is only $15

TICKETS AVAILABLE @ MELANGE MAGIQUE/MAGICAL BLEND

Guest of Honour: Isaac Bonewits
Arch Druid Emeritus and Founder of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship
Author of REAL MAGIC (1989)
Neopagan Rites (2007)
Essential Guide to Druidism(2006)

See below for Books by Isaac Bonewits also available in store!

TEAS TEAS TEAS

Tea is wonderful even in the summer. Consider making them into ICED teas!
We received new teas, delicious and tempting new flavours!
  • Chocolate (black tea)
  • Balinese Rainbow Jasmine (green tea with hints of other flowers and fruit)
  • Vanilla Cinnamon (black tea)
  • Berry on the Run (rooibos packed full of many real berries)

RARE EXQUISITE AMBER RESIN
We have often been asked about amber resin and tried for YEARS to obtain some for our clients. Now we have it!! Only $10 each!
GOLDEN AMBER IS NOW IN STORE!



BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS
We received a bunch of books about DRUIDIC practice, as well as books by Isaac Bonewits in preparation for the coming conference in July where he will be the guest of honour! Some of the books are NEW and must be checked out!
Some new Druid book arrivals include:

Way of the Druids by Graeme K Talboys
ISBN: 1905047231 $37.95
A thorough explanation of Celtic history and beliefs is followed by an analysis of their view and its modern relevance. After all, it's the religion we all used to follow in the West. Massively comprehensive but very accessible, all students of religion and serious seekers will find this definitive guide to what Druid means and how to be one today.

The Druids by Ronald Hutton
ISBN: 9781847252104 $25.95
A comprehensive insight into Druids in Britain since 1500, with hundreds of sources never used before. The first major overview of the subject for over 30 years.Ronald Hutton's latest book is the first comprehensive study of what people have thought about the ancient Druids and why. Written in a entertaining and accessible style it is essential reading for everyone interested in exploring our mysterious past.Most books written on the Druids hitherto have been by archaeologists specializing in the Iron Age, who have occupied a great deal of space trying to find things to say about the 'original' ancient priesthood. Most have then devoted a final section of their books to people who have called themselves Druids since 1700 - until recently with contemptuous dismissal. Hutton's contention is that the sources for the ancient Druids are so few and unreliable that almost nothing certain can be said about them. Instead he reverses the traditional balance of interest to look at the many ways in which Druids have been imagined in Britain since 1500 and what this tells us about modern and early modern society.In the process he achieves many new insights into the development of British national identities, established and 'alternative' religions, literary culture, fraternal organisation and protest movements. He also suggests new ways in which the discipline of archaeology can be perceived - which will delight some practitioners and enrage others.

Among the Isaac Bonewits books we already carry:
Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism by Isaac Bonewits
ISBN: 0806527102 $19,95
A book about Druids unlike any other, Bonewits’s Essential Guide to Druidism not only goes far behind the usual Celtic and Classical references by discussing the evolution and migration of the Proto-Indo-European peoples, from whom the Celts arose, but also discusses the beliefs and ritual practices of both the British and American streams of modern Druidry, as well as providing warnings about deceptive Druid organizations and authors. This is a book that belongs in the library of every modern Druid, regardless of their particular path or style of Druidism.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Short Day Warning

Everyone wants to celebrate the Canadian Holidays! We have two in Quebec just coming up and we would like to inform you that on those days we will have reduced open hours.

June 24th : St-Jean Baptiste
OPEN 10:00am to 3:00pm

July 1st : Canada Day
OPEN 10:00am to 3:00

Thank you all for your patience and understanding. Have a blessed and wonderful set of holiday days!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

New in the Store

We received many new books with more on the way! Check out the new books HERE: NEW STUFF instore. Also new in are these titles:

Garden Witch's Herbal: Green Magick, Herbalism & Spirituality

Every Witch needs a little corner of the world to tend. Deepen your connection to the earth and watch your magickal skills blossom. Ellen Dugan presents a variety of ways to honor and work with the plant kingdom in this charming hands-on guide to green magick and spirituality. Designed to enhance any tradition or style of the Craft, this handy herbal reference provides the physical description, folklore, magickal qualities, and spellwork correspondences for a wealth of flowers, trees, and herbs, and features forty-seven botanical drawings. Conjuring a Garden with Heart - Green Witchery in the City Wildflowers and Witchery - Magick of the Hedgerows The Magick and Folklore of Trees - Gothic Herbs and Forbidden PlantsHerbs and Plants of the Sabbats - Herbs of the Stars - Magickal Herbalism

Living Temple Of Witchcraft, Volume Two - The Journey Of The God
In the sixth installment of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series, popular author Christopher Penczak explores the quest of the God. In this volume, the twelve signs of the zodiac represent the God's symbolic journey through the sky. Each archetypal astrological force offers readers unique insight into the mysteries and the role of a high priest or high priestess. This manual of practical exercise, witchcraft theology, and ministerial advice also explores witchcraft and the modern world, discussing how contemporary issues can be approached from the perspective of witchcraft spirituality. A magickal education through the zodiac signs - Learning tools for pagan ministersEarth stewardship and working with ley lines - Ancestor workTrance work through dance and plant substances - Mediumship within witchcraft Communing with your own personal twelvefold pantheon. The lessons in this advanced magickal book culminate in a powerful self-initiation ritual that combines the lessons of the Goddess's descent and the God's journey, to bring awareness, understanding, and personal power.

Rumi Tarot Kit
Wander through the garden of divine love Tread the sacred path of the Sufi and behold the spiritual reality of divine beauty with every step. A beloved saint, teacher, and poet of the Sufi tradition, Rumi celebrated love and its ability to set the soul to flight. Let yourself be transported by Rumi's sublime poetry and the enchantingly exotic imagery of this tarot kit--and seek your own spiritual bliss. This mystical tarot deck beautifully combines Nigel Jackson's original artwork with the inspirational writings of Rumi, depicting the soul's journey toward ultimate truth. The Rumi Tarot Kit includes: Mesmerizing artwork, based on the Rider-Waite tradition, that captures the mystery and opulence of the Orient. Suggested tarot card layouts, spreads, and an in-depth historical background of the Sufi tradition. Clear instructions for using this tarot deck for divination, meditation, visualization, and chanting

Goddess Guide - Exploring the Attributes and Correspondences of the Divine Feminine
Which goddess will help me invite love into my life? Is there an Indian goddess who presides over wealth? Does Kuan Yin represent compassion or truth? For anyone who's ever wondered which form of the Divine Feminine to invoke for a particular ritual, blessing, prayer, or meditation, The Goddess Guide is a goddess-send! As the first and only book of its kind on the market today, this invaluable at-a-glance cross-reference offers instant info on more than 400 goddesses from diverse cultures around the world--simply look up the keyword that best matches your intention. The goddesses are organized according to their names, attributes, colors, elements, sabbats, light and dark feminine aspects (maidens, mothers, and crones), and geographical regions. Get to know all aspects of the goddesses who bring about healing, heightened passion, success, weight loss, and much more. This reference book deserves a spot on every serious practitioner's bookshelf.

Travels Through Middle Earth - The Path of a Saxon Pagan
The Saxon Pagan holds a spiritual worldview that largely inspired Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth. In this fascinating book, author and scholar Alaric Albertsson presents a complete introduction to Anglo-Saxon cosmology, deities, spirits, linguistics, and rituals. Although there is a growing interest today in reconstructed Pagan religions, very little information is available for those who wish to explore these paths, especially that of the Anglo-Saxon. Travels Through Middle Earth offers practical information about the Saxon-Pagan path, including many ways to incorporate Saxon rituals into contemporary spiritual life. Readers will discover how to set up a weofod, the Saxon altar, to connect with the Gods. They'll learn about the husel, a basic ritual for honoring personal ancestors, the Gods, and dwarves and elves. Also covered in this handbook: the concept of wyrd and how it shapes one's destiny, the holy tides and how to celebrate them, and even instructions for making mead!

More new items in store include the restocked Incense boxes without side designs yet with their secret compartments! We also received sage smudges!

Rare new items that arrives include:
  • Home-made parchment and paper @ $2.50 per sheet
  • Fresh and pure burnable amber resin @ $10.00 per package
  • I-Ching coins @ $1.95 per set of 3 coins
  • Bindrune talsimans @ $3.99 each (Good Luck, Preserve a Love Relationship, Prosperity, Protection)
  • Beautiful soapstone treasure boxes @ $6.95 each (for stones or other trinkets, various shades and various engraved designs on the lids
Don't forget that this weekend is MANY things! Celebrate! Honor and share! Meditate! For more information refer to this POST.

Summer Solstice
Father's Day
Dark Moon

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

One-Day Conference in Ottawa: Guest - Isaac Bonewits

Fire in the Hearth
Pagan Thought in Modern Times

A One Day Conference
Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10 am to 5 pm
At the Bronson Centre,
211 Bronson Ave.,
Ottawa, Ontario

Guest of Honour:
Isaac Bonewits

Arch Druid Emeritus and Founder of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship
Author of REAL MAGIC (1989)
Neopagan Rites (2007)
Essential Guide to Druidism(2006)

Special Guests

* Dr. Brendan Myers
o Author of
+ The Other Side of Virtue (2008)
+ A Pagan Testament (2008)
+ Mysteries of Druidry (2006)

* Linda Demissy
o past Preceptor, ADF Seers
o Senior Druid Silver Fox Grove
o Linda's book of Pagan Chants

* Dr. Shelley Rabinovitch
o Prof Magic and Occult Phenomena Course, University of Ottawa
o Co-Author of
+ Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft & NeoPaganism (2004)
+ An' Ye Harm None: Magical Morality & Modern Ethics (2004)

Admission is only $15
Available at Pagan Brunches, and other Ottawa Local Pagan events from
Red Maple Grove Members (more information on purchasing tickets coming soon!)

More info: http://www.redmaplegrove.org