Wednesday, November 21, 2007

New and exciting!!

We received some new items and restocked other. We feel the need to announce!

Coventry:
Blessed Herbal Candles
Three-Candle Blessing Kits
Blessed Herbal Spell Kits
Green Man Herbal Candles
Goddess Herbal Candles (for many different goddesses)
Drawing Down the Moon (Esbat) Candle
Large Triple Blessing Herbal candles

Hermit Studios:
Talking Boards with accompanying pendulum

Nathalie Menard:
Soaps and Tub Twirlers from

Silver Claddagh:
rings and pendants

Native Scents:
Sage Smudges and bundle blends

New Books:
"Your Auras & Your Chakras: The Owner's Manual" by Karla McLaren
$ 20.50 ISBN: 1578630479
This book is not the in depth look at chakra like "Wheels of Life", however it dows a great overvuew and ties everything neatly into aura work. The author walks you through grounding techniques and troubleshooting the care of both your aura and your chakras. On the real plus, she addresses secondary chakras which most books never look at.

"Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica" by Zora N. Hurston
$16.50 ISBN: 0060916494
A rare find! For those interesting in Black History and Anthropology, this is an amazing book. It is divided into three parts. The first part looks at culture and practice in Jamaica. The second section explores politics and history of Haiti. And the last part delves into Haitian voodoo. Like I said, it is a rare find... a rare look into a world often shrouded in mystery.

"When Women Were Priests" by Karen Torjesen
$16.50 ISBN: 9780060686611
This is a fasinating look at the history (rise, activities and fall) of women in leadership roles within the Christian movement. From ritual leaders, to household managers, to women's virtues, then to the shames and sins of the body and sexuality... this is a thorough look into women's lives.

"Sacred Pleasure: Sex, Myth, and the Politics of the Body" by Riane Eisler
$26.95 ISBN: 0062502832
This 405 page text that looks at all aspects of sex and the body through ritual and politics. How did we come to the beliefs and taboos that we have today? What are some of the current issues and how are we handling them? These and many more questions are considered. This book also has an extensive reference list to assist the advanced researcher.

"The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries" by Z Budapest
$23.95 ISBN: 157863413x
If you are into feminist spirituality or a fan of Z Budapest, you likely have already heard or own a book by this title. That would be her first book by that title. This is a much more expanded and revised version. In here is also a facinating inside look at Hungarian Witchcraft right from her own family heritage.

"Sacred Circles: A Guide To Creating Yuor Own Women's Spirituality Group"
by Robin Deen & Sall Craig
$22.95 ISBN: 9780062515223
This is one of the best books I had ever read on group practice. It explores the concept of spirituality and expecially women's spirituality. Then it talks about different types of groups and circles that can be formed for study, discussion, counselling, and practice. The best parts follow with how to form a group, and skills and tools to use within such an intimate wsetting for women. It ends with techniques to help keep such a group healthy and active together (common problems, conflict resolution, group self assassment). A must have for anyone doing any kind of group work, even if it is not specifically women-oriented. I have found it invaluable for the ideas and skills in my own mixed gender group.

"Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes" by Christopher Knowles
$23.95 ISBN: 1578634067
This book looks at the evolution of the god and hero through classic myth through to our modern day heroes from film to comic books. It explores ancient heroes and gods, secret sects, Victorian occult movements, occult key figures (Blavatsy, Golden Dawn, Neitzsche, Crowley) literary authors (Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, Jules Verne, HG Wells, and Bram Stoker) and the modern views of the comic world. Are the modern gods and heroes those that wear spandex?

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Solar Plexus Chakra

There is a great series of workshops in progress for the chakras. Every 2 weeks, will be an information session on a chakra. Those who are following the entire series will spend the days in between working on that chakra. A couple weeks ago the class for the Solar Plexus Chakra was given with an excellent group of 5 participants. Here is some information about the Solar Plexus Chakra:

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
The solar plexus chakra is located in the upper abdoment between the navel and the base of the sternum. It is sometimes called the stomach chakra as it involves the digestive organs and the diaphram. Other organs associated with this chakra are the liver, pancreas, and the middle back.

This is the chakra of FIRE and of ACTION. Its colors are shades of yellow. The gemstones for this chakra are citrine, tiger's eye, yellow topaz, amber, brass, and gold. The herbs and oils for this chakra are clove, cinnamon, ginger, hot pepper, horse radish, cardamom, saffron, curry.

If you wish to ingest substances to help connect with this chakra, eat foods that are spicy. For those who like teas, we recommend an chai or a lemon/ginger tea.

This chakra is associated with active or doing energy, power, self-control, courage, self-awareness, self-knowledge, will, personal strength, and the ego. You know you have problems or blocks with your navel chakra if you have sexual digestive problems or nausea with anxiety. This chakra is also associated with anger and anger management. SHAME blocks this chakra. Work through the things you feel ashame of or dissappointed about to clear out and open this chakra. Stop self-denial and be more accepting of yourself. You will feel balanced and more able to do what you want to do.

Some things you can do to meditate and connect with this chakra are to do exercises to work out the stomach muscles (like crunches), breathing from the diaphram, deep yelling (find a field or some place no one will care about and yell AAAAAAAAA in adeep tone from the diaphram as loudly and for as long as you can).

This chakra is also about the RIGHT TO ACT. You have the right to do what you feel like doing. This is a chakra where you are working on your own personal power and trying not to hand that power to someone else. This is the chakra of CHOICE. You do not HAVE TO DO anything, you CHOOSE TO DO what you do.

As an exercise, try not using the words SHOULD HAVE, COULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE, HAVE TO, and OUGHT TO. Instead use CHOOSE TO. When something is your choice, you maintain control over your own power.

Friday, November 02, 2007

November Workshops

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Level I (Catharine)
Being able to tell the difference between intuition, prediction, clairvoyance, predictive dreams, deja vu, gut feelings etc. is essential to developing your abilities. We will discuss the various ways psychic abilities manifest and do hands on exercises to test your present level. At the end we will have a message circle where each participant will receive messages from Spirit with Catharine.
Saturday November 3rd 1 - 3 pm $30.00

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Level II (Catharine)
Being able to tell the difference between intuition, prediction, clairvoyance, predictive dreams, deja vu, gut feelings etc. is essential to developing your abilities. We will discuss the various ways psychic abilities manifest and do hands on exercises to test your present level. At the end we will have a message circle where each participant will receive messages from Spirit with Catharine.
Saturday, November 3rd, 3:30-6 pm, $40

PROBLEM SOLVING WHILE YOU SLEEP (Layne Dalfen)
What does a solution look like when it comes in the form of a picture? Layne Dalfen, author of 'Dreams Do Come True: Decoding Your Dreams To Discover Your Full Potential', will teach you easy approached to uncovering why you had that dream last night, and how to decode solutions to your current issues that appear in your dreams. Learn how to propel your problem solving skills!
Sunday, November 4th, 1—3 pm $30

TEA MEDITATION WORKSHOP (Scarlet)
Come learn the tradition of Chinese Tea Meditations as Scarlet guides you through the symbols and actions of etiquette and being in the NOW with unique selected teas.
Monday, November 5th, 7-9 pm, $20

EXPLORING THE HEART CHAKRA WORKSHOP (Scarlet)
Chakras are energy pools within us. Throughout our lives we draw energy from these pools and accumulate experiences which may block the flow of the energy. We continue with the Heart Chakra dealing with love, devotion, compassion, healing, comfort, harmony, grief and emotional pain. In this workshop, you will discover the various correspondences associated with this chakra that will help you explore it, cleanse it and balance it. We will end the session with an exploratory meditation.
Thursday Nov. 8th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. $30.00

KITCHEN WITCHERY (Maery)
Are you what you eat? Food is something very present in our everyday lives, but is often overlooked. Kitchen withcery teaches and raises awareness of this powerful and sacred act. Learn how to cook and create concoctions for health, beauty, protection, love and prosperity.
Friday, November 9th, 6-8 pm, $30

INTRODUCTION TO THE TAROT (Robyn)
Sometimes it takes more then a tiny little pamphlet to know how to read your cards. In this basic level course we will be discussing the archetypal meanings of the trump cards as well as the general functions of the minor arcana. Please bring your own tarot deck to study with.
Saturday, November 10th, 1-3 pm, $30.00

METHODS OF MEDITATION (Robyn)
Have you ever wanted to meditate, but are not certain which technique will work best for you? Meditation is a means by which people work toward a sense of balance, stress relief and inner harmony. Join us for an afternoon of relaxation and together we will explore several different meditation styles and theories to help you find the way that feels most right for you.*There will be some practical exercises, so please wear loose and comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat or cushion .*
Sunday, November 11th, 1-3 pm, $30.00

INTRODUCTION TO THE KABBALAH (Michael)
Sunday, November 11th, 1—3 pm FREE

TAROT II WORKSHOP (Scarlet)

Tarot is a complex system of divination. This workshop assumes that you have a deck and are familiar with the basic meanings of your cards. We will take the next step in understanding the tarot. You will learn the meanings of card combinations, explore various types of tarot spreads, and how to create your own spreads!
Thursday, November 15th, 7-9 pm, $30

METHODS OF DIVINATION (Maery)
Have you ever wanted a glimpse into your future? Ever wonder what it would be like to be able to make predictions and decipher omens? What tools do you need? How does it work? And will it work for you? In this Workshop we will cover various methods of divination, their pros and cons, and help you find out what will work best for you. Come experiment and learn over 10 different ways of divining the future. Topics include Ogham, Runes, Tarot, Pendulums, Scrying and Much more!
Friday November 16th, 6—8 pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Level I (Catharine)
Being able to tell the difference between intuition, prediction, clairvoyance, predictive dreams, deja vu, gut feelings etc. is essential to developing your abilities. We will discuss the various ways psychic abilities manifest and do hands on exercises to test your present level. At the end we will have a message circle where each participant will receive messages from Spirit with Catharine.
Saturday November 17th 1 - 3 pm $30.00

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Level II (Catharine)
Being able to tell the difference between intuition, prediction, clairvoyance, predictive dreams, deja vu, gut feelings etc. is essential to developing your abilities. We will discuss the various ways psychic abilities manifest and do hands on exercises to test your present level. At the end we will have a message circle where each participant will receive messages from Spirit with Catharine.
Saturday, November 17th, 3:30-6 pm, $40

WICCAN THERAPEUTIC THOUCH (Meri Fowler)
Learn this wonderful healing modality and go deeper into an understanding of the healing powers of the Elements. Therapeutic Touch is derived from the ancient practice of laying-on of hands. It is connected to the concept of universal life energy and field theory, which sees all energy as interconnected and in movement. This four hour workshop will teach participants the basics of TT which they can begin using immediately to help others. Following a Wiccan framework we will then incorporate the Elements and God/Goddess energy in the work as well as exploring the ethics of TT in relation to the Rede and the Rule of Three. Self-TT and distance-TT will also be addressed. No prior experience is necessary. An understanding of Wiccan principals would be helpful.
Sunday, November 18th, 1—5 pm $40

EXPLORING THE THROAT CHAKRA WORKSHOP (Scarlet)
Chakras are energy pools within us. Throughout our lives we draw energy from these pools and accumulate experiences which may block the flow of the energy. We continue with the Throat Chakra dealing with communication, expression, responsibility, truth & lies, faith, your true nature and the lies we tell ourselves. In this workshop, you will discover the various correspondences associated with this chakra that will help you explore it, cleanse it and balance it. We will end the session with an exploratory meditation.
Thursday Nov. 22nd, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. $30.00

MEDICINAL TEAS (Maery)
Natural remedies are slowly getting more and more publicity, and more anecdotal evidence that they really do work. Come and learn simple homeopathic remedies that really work inside your teacup. Learn how to soothe indigestion, calm headaches, boost your immune system and much, much more.
Thursday, November 22nd, 6 -8 pm $30

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday, November 23rd, 7-8 pm FREE

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long 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 using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday November 24th, 10-5 & Sunday November 25th, 12-5 $150

SPIRIT MESSAGE CIRCLE (Catharine)
This is a weekly group that is open to everyone. You may come as often as you wish. Each week, Catharine will talk about a theme, give a mini lesson on issues relevant to our lives, on the seasons, on symbols and on life cycles. A guided meditation is given to provide protection and relief from stress. At the end, everyone will receive a short psychic message!
Thursday November 29th, 6 - 8 p.m. $15.00

MAGICAL TEAS WORKSHOP (Scarlet)
Throughout history and across cultures, teas have been used for many different purposes from love potions, to healing, comfort, meditation and ritual. In this workshop discover the meaning and uses of various herbs in teas for magical properties and discover how to blend them yourself! One free cup of the tea blend you created in class!
Thursday Nov. 29th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. $30.00

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Navel Chakra

There is a great series of workshops in progress for the chakras. Every 2 weeks, will be in information session on a chakra. Those who are following the entire series will spend the days in between working on that chakra. A couple weeks ago the class for the Navel Chakra was given with an excellent group of 6 participants. Here is some information about the Navel Chakra:

NAVEL CHAKRA
The navel chakra is located in the lower abdoment below the actual navel. It is sometimes called the sex chakra as it involves the sexual organs (gonads and genitalia). Other organs associated with this chakra are the womb, kidneys, bladder, and the lower back.

This is the chakra of WATER and of FEELINGS. Its colors are shades of orange. The gemstones for this chakra are coral, carlenian, and moonstone. The herbs and oils for this chakra are orris, clove, vanilla, jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, copal, coconut, orange, bergamot, neroli, and damiana.

If you wish to ingest substances to help connect with this chakra, eat foods that are pleasurable or high on the citrus or liquid side. These include water (of course) orange juice, coconut milk, sliced oranges, aloe juice, fruits and salads. For those who like teas, we recommend an orange-rooibos blend or prehaps a lichee-jasmine tea.

This chakra is associated with female sexual energy, pleasure, sexual passion, emotiona, change, creativity, confidence, reproduction, fertility, desire, gratification, and emotional identity. You know you have problems or blocks with your navel chakra if you have sexual problems or urinary problems. GUILT blocks this chakra. Work through the things you feel guilty for or of to clear out and open this chakra. Forgive yourself and then let go. You will feel balanced and more able to "go with the flow".

Some things you can do to meditate and connect with this chakra are to do exercises to work out the lower back and lower abdomen, pelvis rocking, massaging the lower back and buttocks... having sex.

This chakra is also about the RIGHT TO FEEL. You have the right to feel, no emotions are wrong. You have the right to feel pleasure. Pleasure invites us to expand while pain generally makes us contract. Nurture yourself, care for your needs, love your body, feed your soul.

Perhaps make a list: What brings you pleasure?

Try doing one thing a day that simply pleases you.