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

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Drumming Workshop

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 enthusiasm!! Basic tam tam drumming techniques will be demonstrated with emphasis on group playing. This is a non traditional, high energy, maximum 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, June the 14th, 1-3pm $30

REGISTER ASAP (latest by Friday June 12th)

Sunday Sabbat Sale & Summer Solstice News

Start celebrating the Summer Solstice with us on Sunday June 14th! Excellent time for picking up Sabbat supplies, as well as Father's Day gifts!

Sunday June 14th all day
(12noon - 5pm)
Sunday Sabbat Sale

Everything in store is 10% off !!

Summer Solstice Public Ritual will be hosted by the MPRC on Saturday June 20th, 1-5pm, at Angrignon Park in Ville LaSalle. Bring feast food to share, your own feast gear (plate, cup, utensils), drums and rattles, picnic blanket and /or chairs and other fun park stuff!

The Summer Solstice proper lands on Sunday June 21st, which is also Father's Day, and the eve of the Dark Moon.

Summer Solstice
Coined Litha by Tolkien, this is the European Midsummer celebration of the Longest Day of the year. Farmers drove cattle between two bonfires to purify them and bless them, making this a day to celebrate and bless all pets and animals in our families. Weddings happen around this time of year in honor of the bond forged at May Day. The goddess and the land begin to grow pregnant with possibility and the promice of a good harvest. Milk and honey are poured into the gardens for the faeries and to add nourishment and sweetness to the land and crops.
For more information about the Summer Solstice: http://www.twpt.com/midsummer.htm

Father's Day
"
The idea for an official Father’s Day celebration came to a married daughter, seated in a church in Spokane, Washington, attentive to a Sunday sermon on Mother’s Day in 1910-two years after the first Mother’s Day observance in West Virginia.

The daughter was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. During the sermon, which extolled maternal sacrifices made for children, Mrs. Dodd realized that in her own family it had been her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, who had sacrificed-raising herself and five sons alone, following the early death of his wife in childbirth. For Mrs. Dodd, the hardships her father had endured on their eastern Washington farm called to mind the unsung feats of fathers everywhere." --- for the rest of the article : http://www.ideafinder.com/guest/calendar/fathersday.htm

Dark Moon
"The dark moon is that three day period from the last sliver of moon light to the first maidenly sliver of moon light, the moon hides her face from us during this part of the cycle. I use this period of the month specifically for examining my dark self, my shadow side. Some witches consider this a time of rest from spells and I usually do no spell work at this time, but as you probably know, introspection is not a restful experience. Let the crone lead you in studying your dark side and in understanding that this side of you is necessary in order to have a balance in your life. "
Taken from (and thus for more moon Lore): http://www.empathys.co.uk/43.html

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Midsummer Magick

To celebrate the warm weather, we have received new items in store! Celebrate Litha with a Green Man Wall Plaque adorning your ritual space, and keep your midsummer divination tools in a decorative ritual box. Summer is also an excellent time to align and cleanse personal energy. Align your chakras with our Chakra Gemstone Necklace, and purify your energy using our Chakra Oil Kit and a Black Soapstone Om Oil Burner. Come see these items and much more in store now!