Jack o'Lore

Almost everyone knows what a jack o'lantern is and almost everyone has made one.
Ever wonder why?

There are numerous lores about why it started, where, who, how.. One of the most told being of a man named Jack. Once Jack had passed, and upon finding that Heaven would not let him enter, he was given a flaming piece of coal from the fires of hell by the Devil himself so that he may find his way back to Earth. Placing it inside of a turnip he happened to have handy he then began his eternal wander in search of home.

Another being on the other end of the fence, though still technically in the search of home.
Being that Samhain is the night of the year on which the veil between our world and the spirit world is barely drawn, a candle would be placed on the doorstep or front window to aid spirits of loved ones find their way home through the darkness. Placing it in a squash, turnip, or pumpkin was for protection and well-being of the home and all those within. Eventually a ghoulish face was carved on the front of the lantern to scare away evil and unwanted spirits.


Speaking of! There's still time to drop off your pumpkins for our in-store contest!

Samhain Sabbat Sale

Sunday, September 31st

Every Sunday that falls before or on one of the eight Sabbats, everything in our catalog is 10% off! Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on your magickal essentials! Discounts apply to all store merchandise For online sales, discounts are not reflected online but adjusted to credit card charges when order is processed.

November Workshops

MPRC Public Discussion
The MPRC holds public discussions on random subjects pertaining to paganism and/or alternative beliefs every first Thursday of the month (except July and August). The structure remains open and informal where every opinion is welcomed
Topic TBA
Thursday, November 4th 6:30-8:30pm FREE

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!
Thursday November 4th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm $40

Heart Chakra (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 Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, November 5th, 7-9pm $30

Reiki Level One (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 using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well. Please note that this workshop is held outside the store at Montreal Reiki's private clinic.
Saturday November 6th, 11 am-5 pm $150

Tarot Spreads & Readings - Catharine
In this workshop we will explore various tarot spreads. There will be practice readings with guidance and feedback.
Wednesday, November 10th , 6 pm - 9 pm $40

Throat Chakra (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, November 11th, 7-9pm $30

Psychic Development 2 (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!
Thursday, November 11th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

Introduction To Incense Making (Eric)
Incense. This simple word can stimulate the senses in ways that few words can. What is better than lighting incense to set the mood, purify, and make an offering? In this workshop, you will learn about the different types of incense, how to make them, how to use them and we will offer recipes of commonly used incense and references for you to use. This workshop is free but please register ahead of time so we know how many packages to prepare.
Saturday, November 13th, 1-3 pm FREE

Astrology Intensive (Catharine)
Saturday, November 13th, 12 to 5pm $75


Chris Lee Past Life Talk
Friday, November 12, 2010 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. $20
Saturday, November 13th - one on one past life regression
$100 / session for those who attend the Friday conference ($150 otherwise)

Ever wondered why:
Some people are more talented than others? …. PAST LIVES!
Some people that you meet you feel instantly close to (or vice versa), even though you have only just met them? …. PAST LIVES!
Some people have unusual fears or phobias that cannot be traced to any incidents or traumas in this life? …. PAST LIVES!

Chris Lee has experienced thousands of past lives with his clients and will share many of their interesting stories with you at this talk.
Canadian International Hypnotherapist, Past Life egressionist/Progressionist

During this TALK you will learn:
* What Reincarnation is about How visiting Past Lives has helped change the lives of his clients
* How Past Lives affect your weight, smoking, migraines, talents, fears, phobias, persistent aches/pains
* How to improve your memory, talents and health


The art of paper making (Diane)
Come learn the art of papermaing, it's simple, fun and easy! Discover the different textures and combinasion that you can make, using old note books, rests of gift wraping paper, plants and flowers...and also how to make your own starch using potatoes...to give your paper a certain tonus. in brief...hours of pleasure for infinite possibilities! Jeans and t-shirt are good to wear for this activity
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9pm $30

L'art de faire son papier (Diane)
Venez apprendre et pratiquer l'art de faire votre propre papier, c'est simple, agréable et facile ! Découverez les différentes matières que vous pouvez utiliser, les combinaisons possibles, en utilisant des vieux cahiers, restes de papiers d'emballage, fleurs et plantes séchées, aussi comment faire votre propre féculent liquide pour donner à votre papier un certain tonus..... Bref, des heures de plaisir pour d'infinies possibilitées! jeans et t-shirt sont appropriés pour cet activitée... Au plaisir de vous y rencontrer...
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9pm $30

Tarot Part 1 - Major Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9 pm, $40

Third Eye Chakra (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 Third Eye Chakra dealing with inspiration, intellect, awareness, psychic abilities, and the illusion of separation. 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
Friday, November 19th, 7-9pm $30

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 November 20th, 12-2 pm $40

Psychic Development 2 (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 November 20th, 3 pm - 5 pm $40

Reiki II (Robyn)
This course is only open to Reiki practitioners who have already received their First Degree of Reiki. Topics covered will include Reiki symbols and their uses, long-distance treatments, mental/emotional healing treatments, mind-to-mind techniques, chakra harmonization, Crystal grids and and formal initiation to the second degree of the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations.
Please note that this workshop is held outside the store at Montreal Reiki's private clinic
Saturday November 20th, 11 am - 6 pm $250

Tarot Symbolism 101 - Catharine
This workshop will explore the classic symbolism found in tarot cards, with further feedback on the symbolism of your own deck (the deck you bring).
Wednesday, November 24th, 6 pm - 8 pm $40

Tarot Part 2 - Minor Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana.
Thursday November 25th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

Crown Chakra (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 Crown Chakra dealing with Spirituality, higher self, thought, divinity, enlightenment, and attachments. 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
Friday, November 26th, 7-9pm $30

Tarot Part 1 - Major Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana
Saturday November 27th, 12 - 2 pm, $40

Tarot Part 2 - Minor Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana.
Saturday November 27th, 3 pm - 5 pm, $40

Melange Magique's Annual Yule Fair
Saturday - Sunday December 4th & 5th
Yule and Christmas can sometimes be a mixed bag of gifts. Snow is on the way, the pressures of holiday shopping can reach frenetic levels, and the promise of visiting relatives and far-flung friends can be a joyful thought, but maybe tinged with some dread. For us, the promises of Yule include all those things, but it also gives us a chance to reconnect with our traditional family of friends that we see during the Yule Fair. The Concordia University Pagan Society (CUPS) started the first Yule Fair and ran it successfully for five years. Since then, the MPRC and Melange Magique have taken up its tradition, providing a place where pagan friends can congregate in a familiar spot, socialize and share, and exchange warm wishes for the season. Call us corny if you must, but we find great comfort in that idea, which is why it’s such a pleasure to bring this event to you. We hope that you enjoy all the activities, lectures, vendors, and friends that you will meet and reconnect with during this Yule Fair.
Workshops - Events - Local Artisans - Story Telling - Authors - Conferences

Samhain recipes

Samhain, one of my personal favourite sabbats, holds some of the more unique flavours of the season. Mixtures of apples, nuts, spices, squash, pumpkin, and others when combined fill the air with an aroma that can't be described as anything other than autumn.
The feasts held for Samhain are in respective celebration in honouring the deceased and the anticipation for the cycle to start again.

As the main meal I have no set recipes, but I do recommend anything with squash, turnips, corn, and/or pork.


Lamb's Wool

2 pints ale
8 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch clove
6 cooking apples

Pour ale into saucepan and heat gently until it bubbles. Stir in sugar and spices, and cook on low for 30 minutes.
Cut apples into slices without stems and seeds. Place in heatproof dish with a bit of water and bake uncovered on low until soft. Removes apples and place in punch bowl.
Remove spiced ale from heat. Pour mixture over warm apples. Serve warm.


Colcannon

10 large potatoes
1 head cabbage
1 onion (or scallions or chives)
1 1/3 cup milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Wash and peel potatoes. Remove eyes of sprouts and any green and cut into quarters. Boil.
Wash and chop cabbage and onion. Put into pot with potatoes. Cover and cook for 25 minutes or until tender.
Drain and return to pot. Mash (or whip) and stir in milk butter salt and pepper.


Pumpkin Muffins

2 cups flour
2tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup cooked mashed pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp dark molasses
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 ginger
1/2 tsp cloves (or allspice)

In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and buttermilk. Add flour to form a batter.
Preheat oven to 375F. In a medium bowl mix the pumpkin, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves til blended. Stir into the batter.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Makes about 12 muffins.


Have a tasty Samhain!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Starting Saturday October 23rd through Saturday October 30th,
We will be accepting carved pumpkins.
Feeling crazy? Creative? Silly?
Show us what you can do!
Drop off your carved pumpkin to decorate our store.
The winner to this contest will be announced Samhain October 31st.
Winner will receive a store gift certificate.

Helmut & Co. workshop

As with herbs and stones, metal has it's place in magic. Whether it's for health, prosperity, love, protection, divination, or just a simple ritual, metals can play a large role.

Forty years ago Helmut began trade as a blacksmith. Thirty years ago Helmut started crafting for the pagan community. Come join us in celebrating 30 years of Helmut & Co. production of fine ritual tools!
To mark the occasion we are playing host to Helmut & Co. Metal and Magic Workshop on Saturday, October 30th 2:00-4:00pm ($40)

Thirty years of making ritual tools, research, and experimentation have taught me that when it comes to metal, magic follows a predictable pattern of behaviour linked to it's state. In this workshop, I will describe these properties and how they affect the ritual and magical use of metal for today's practitioners.

Hope to see you there!

Novenas !!

It has been a very long while that we have been unable to obtain novena candles. These are tall seven-day candles in glass jars.

We still cannot obtain the novenas that are printed, however we do now have in stock colored glass novenas in eight different colors.

New In Store

Sabbats & Seasons Series for little Pagans!

Collect all EIGHT Sabbats & Seasons Series for Little Pagans featuring Elsie and Pooka illustrated by Lora Craig-Gaddis. Elsie is a little witch girl of about five years old and Pooka is her black kitty. Charming stories, recipes, games and activities.

Honouring Ancestors

As Samhain approaches, we at The Magical Blend / Le Melange Magique transform our public altar for an occasion for honoring the ancestors.

Come in and light a candle for your dearly departed and write a small note within our Ancestral Book. Take the moment to say the things you wanted to say and to honor them in your own way.

For those interested in working with their ancestors, you might want to sign up for the following workshop:

Working With Your Ancestors (Eric)
From the early days of humanity, religion and spirituality have played a key role in the development of our specie. Over the past millenia, in our culture, a lot of knowledge was lost due to fear, incomprehension and lust for power. Working with your ancestors can bring back not only knowledge of yourself but knowledge of the world as well. In this workshop, you will learn how to connect with your ancestors, how to build a relationship with them and how to work with them
Saturday, October 23rd, 1-3 pm
FREE but pre-registration is required.

Montreal Witches Ball Masquerade Ball / Bal masqué des sorcièr

Friday, October 29th 2010
Sala Rossa (4848 Blvd St. Laurent)

Samhain Ritual/rituel (free/gratuit): 7pm
Celebration: 8:30pm (18 years/ans +)

Wear your wildest masks! / Portez vos masque les plus fantastiques!
Prizes and raffles! / Prix a gagner

Music spun by / Musique par: DJ Marcus Aurelius
Bring your drums! / Apportez vos djembes!

$10 advanced purchase / payer à l'avance
$15 at the door / à la porte

Sponsored by / Presente par:
Montreal Pagan Resource Centre Centre de Resource Paienne de Montréal

Tickets on sale HERE and The Magical Blend!!

October Workshops

MPRC DISCUSSION NIGHT
The MPRC holds public discussions on random subjects pertaining to paganism and/or alternative beliefs every first Thursday of the month (except July and August). The structure remains open and informal where every opinion is welcomed
Topic: Ethics and Conflict Management
Date: Oct.7th, 2010 at 18h45-20h45
Location: (MPRC) Melange Magique; 1928 Ste-Catherine Ouest, Montreal
Cost: Free
Let's discuss: Conflict Management - Festival Ethics - Problems With Semantics (in and outside liturgy) - Coven/Grove/Group Ethics - The Importance of Virtues - Conflicting Leadership & Authority Roles - When your personal practices are at odds with a groups - How you react to an antagonist in a group - Misplaced Pride - When is honesty too much? - When is "pressing buttons" more valuable than silence/when is silence more valuable than one's opinion?

Reiki Level One (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 using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well. Please note that this workshop is held outside the store at Montreal Reiki's private clinic.
Saturday October 9th, 11am-5pm $150

Tarot Part 1 - Major Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana
Saturday October 9th, 12-2pm, $40

Tarot Part 2 - Minor Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana.
Saturday October 9th, 3-5 pm $40

Root Chakra (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 begin with the Root Chakra dealing with grounding, stability, survival, and fears. 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 This Chakra Workshop Series is offered every Friday starting October 15th for 7 weeks. Each week will focus on one Chakra. Pre-registration is a must. Please wear comfy stretchy clothes & bring something to sit on (cushion of yoga mat). Please also bring your own tea cup or mug as each session starts with chakra-appropriate tea meditation. Cost is $30 per week (totaling $210) however if you register for all seven at once the cost is $150 (save $60).
Friday, October 15th, 7-9pm $30

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 October 16th, 12-2 pm $40

Psychic Development 2 (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 October 16th, 3 pm -5 pm $40

Is My House Haunted? - Catharine
There are spirits in every home. While some help us, others hinder and "haunt". Come find out the signs and what you can do.
Thursday October 21th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

Navel Chakra (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 Navel Chakra dealing with confidence, creativity, pleasures, passions, and guilt. 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
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, October 22nd, 7-9pm $30

Working With Your Ancestors (Eric)
From the early days of humanity, religion and spirituality have played a key role in the development of our specie. Over the past millenia, in our culture, a lot of knowledge was lost due to fear, incomprehension and lust for power. Working with your ancestors can bring back not only knowledge of yourself but knowledge of the world as well. In this workshop, you will learn how to connect with your ancestors, how to build a relationship with them and how to work with them
Saturday, October 23rd, 1-3 pm
FREE but pre-registration is required.

Tarot Spreads & Readings - Catharine
In this workshop we will explore various tarot spreads. There will be practice readings with guidance and feedback.
Saturday, October 23rd, 12 - 2 pm $40

Tarot Symbolism 101 - Catharine
This workshop will explore the classic symbolism found in tarot cards, with further feedback on the symbolism of your own deck (the deck you bring).
Saturday, October 23rd, 3 - 5 pm $40

Spiritual Stress Reduction Workshop - Catharine
In this workshop we will discuss the spiritual causes of stress. Guided visualizations, cleaning techniques, herbs and other remedies for stress will be explored.
Thursday October 28 th, 7 pm - 9 pm $30

Solar Plexus Chakra (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 Solar Plexus Chakra dealing with willpower, self-control, self-awareness, strength, and shame. 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
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, October 29th, 7-9pm $30

Metal and Magic (Helmut)
Thirty years of making ritual tools, research and experimentation have taught me that when it comes to metal, magic follows a predictable pattern of behaviour linked to its physical state. In this workshop, I will describe these properties and how they affect the ritual and magical use of metal for today’s practitioners.
Helmut started blacksmithing forty years ago, and this year celebrates his thirtieth year of making metal work for the pagan community.
Saturday October 30th 2-4pm $40

Psychic Practice Circle - 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!
Saturday October 30th, 12 pm - 2 pm $25

Mediumship Circle - Catharine
Bring your photos and objects of loved ones passed and we will help you receive messages from the other side.
Saturday October 30th, 3 pm - 5:30 pm $40

Luna for Halloween

Come see our beautiful Samhain / Halloween displays... and the kitten that accentuates them all!

Chakra Exploration and Celebration

Root Chakra (Scarlet) Friday October 15th
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 begin with the Root Chakra dealing with grounding, stability, survival, and fears. 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
This Chakra Workshop Series is offered every Friday starting October 15th for 7 weeks. Each week will focus on one Chakra. Pre-registration is a must. Please wear comfy stretchy clothes & bring something to sit on (cushion of yoga mat). Please also bring your own tea cup or mug as each session starts with chakra-appropriate tea meditation.
Cost is $30 per week (totaling $210) however if you register for all seven at once the cost is $150 (save $60).

Other Chakra Items

• Root Chakra Candle
• Chakra Gemstone Bracelet
• Chakra Crystal Balancing Kit
• Chakra 50-card Deck
• Chakra Oil Collection
• Chakra Banner
• Root Chakra Meditation Kit
• Chakra Tea for the Root Chakra
• Wheels of Life Chakra Book
  

Bardic Entertainment Fundraiser

An evening of music, song, storytelling, and magic to raise funds and awareness for the Gaia Gathering pagan conference in May 2011.

Time: October 23 · 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Atwater Library
1200 Atwater
Montreal, QC
Facebook Event page

Featuring: Hobbes • Alex Del Busso • Shayne Gryn • LC • Triskalia • and much more!

Tickets sold @ / Billets en vente @:
Melange Magique (1928 Ste. Catherine Street West, Montreal)
Charme et Sortilège (4933, Rue De Grand-Pre, Montreal)
$10 advanced purchase
$15 at the door