Friday, August 26, 2011

New Oils in Stock!

  Melange has restocked our oils and has also got some exciting new scents in! Come by to give them a sniff and help us make up some new and interesting oil blends that incorporate them. Here are the new scents and some of their properties so you can use them to your best advantage:


Bamboo
  Tap into the Chinese bamboo forests with this light scent. Reminiscent of sake, rainwater and a slight hint of flowers, bamboo has a beautiful smell which isn't overpowering.
  Bamboo is a powerful protection and hex-breaking herb. Place it on your threshold to protect your home or on yourself to protect against evil spirits. Bamboo can also be used for luck and to contact positive spirits. Place some Bamboo in an oil burner and diffuse it in your home to bring all this positive energy to you!

Cedarwood Amber
  The crisp smell of cedar is blended with the sweet smell of amber to make a truly wonderful combination. Both scents mix to mellow and enhance each other leaving you with an uplifting fragrance.
  Cedar is most commonly used for protection and purification whereas amber is used for healing and love. Combined they make a wonderful mix of positive energy: grounding, healing and cleansing all at once. In my own personal experience I have found this oil, when placed on the stomach, to be very effective for calming and purifying an overactive solar plexus chakra. Cedarwood Amber is also great for bringing a calm positive energy to the home or yourself, especially when placed somewhere where it's scent can be enjoyed.

Ginseng
  The Chinese wonder root can now be enjoyed as a scent. This complex woody aroma with a hint of spice has been used in Chinese medicine for millennia particularly as a tea. The oil is subtle and tasty smelling and makes you wish you were drinking it. (Don't though! Perfume oils taste terrible, speaking from personal experience.)
  According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs ginseng is good for just about everything. It ensures sexual potency and brings beauty, wards off evil spirits, hexes and curses and protects one's health. Ginseng can also substitute for Mandrake root, which is unsurprising when taking a look at the oddly humanoid form ginseng grows in. Ginseng is particularly used these days for its energizing properties and is often used as an additive to energy drinks. Maybe you could make your own energy blend with some ginseng, ginger and cinnamon?

Heather
  Heather is a beautiful floral scent that reminds one of a nice bubble bath. Similar to lilac and rose but milder, heather is a great smell for any flower lover.
  Heather grows all over the Scottish moors and mountains and has long been dried and used as talismans. It is particularly used to ward against sexual abuse and violent crimes which gives all those Scottish songs featuring lovers amongst the heather an interesting twist; Perhaps that was the songwriters assurance that his or her love interest would be well looked after? Heather can also be burned to bring rain, though with my personal experience of Scotland, perhaps this is more of a warning then an instruction.

Honey
  This sweet flowery scent smells more like nectar than honey. One can imagine this scent being what a bee experiences going from flower to flower and gathering all the different nectars in a field of wildflowers.
  Honey is good for many things. The Ancient Egyptians used honey to heal wounds and ward of demonic presences very similar to our modern conception of germs. Honey is also a favorite food of the Fae and can be used to attract them or as an offering to them. As well, honey can be used to attract sweetness into one's life as in the Jewish custom of dipping apples into honey at Rosh Hashannah (the new year) to assure one of a sweet new year. As well, honey might be a great way to align oneself to the energies and medicine of Bear.

Juniper
  Juniper smells of a mix between pine and a hint of berry and in fact pine and juniper are often used interchangeably. It has a sharp cleansing smell with a soft woody undertone.
  Juniper is an ancient herb used for protection. Juniper hung at the door prevents evil forces and people from entering and specifically against theft. It is also burned inside the house for exorcisms and can be worn (in this case as a perfume) to protect against attacks by wild animals and accidents and to break curses and hexes. Try drawing a pentagram on your doors and windows with the oil to protect your home and one on your heart chakra to protect yourself.


Moonflower
  Moonflower has an interesting and potent smell reminiscent of orange blossoms. This sweet, floral and slightly citrus flower smells fantastic and haunts you for the rest of the day.
  As the name suggests, moonflowers only bloom at night. As such they most certainly have lunar aspects to their energies. They are also round like a full moon and when opened a little pentagram can be seen within their petals. I cannot seem to find any information on the magical properties of this flower (if you know of any, let me know!) but I suggest using it for rituals pertaining to the Triple Goddess, particularly the Mother or any other Lunar deity and for tapping into one's subconscious particularly while dreaming. Let's experiment and see what else this oil does!

Oakmoss Sandalwood
  This extremely earthy combination of scents smells like rich loam. The mellow smell of the sandalwood helps to compliment the musky, earthy smell of oakmoss.
  Oakmoss is often used as a substitute for patchouli and they have a similar smell and almost identical properties. Oakmoss is used for male energies, lust and money: all things associated with the element of Earth. Sandalwood however is a very spiritual and spiritually cleansing incense. Sandalwood is often used to clear a space of negativity, to raise spiritual energies and to promote spiritual awareness. Together oakmoss and sandalwood have a somewhat balancing "as above so below" aspect to them. Use oakmoss sandalwood in meditation or during a grounding ritual to achieve a balance of ones spiritual and material natures.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Crescent Moon School


Welcome to the
Fall 2011 Open House

Friday August 26th
7-9pm (FREE)


Meet the teachers
and see what students have done
in their classes!


Register for the new Fall sessions!

Level 1: Wednesday September 7th 6-9pm
runs every Wednesday for 20 weeks
$300 includes 3 workbooks and a reading pack
(payable in 3 installments of $100)

Level 2: Wednesday September 7th 6-9pm
runs every Wednesday for 24 weeks
$375 includes a reading pack
(payable in 3 installments of $125)

Level 4: Private dates TBD
runs for 24 weeks
$375 (payable in 3 installments of $125)

Friday, August 19, 2011

Dr. Wayne Dyer in Montreal! (Traduction simultanée)



We, Pagans and New Age lovers, know and use the power of intention and manifestation. It is always nice to see a renown educational counselor, who has published 30 books and is present on several tv and radio shows in the USA, come to Montreal and talk about these aspects that may make one's life easier.

We do not have books of Dr. Wayne Dyer in our store, but we are happy to provide this link for his coming conference in Montreal on September 24:

Dr. Dyer's biography: http://www.hayhouse.com/authorbio.php?id=89

The lecture's description: http://www.hayhouse.com/event_details.php?ref=89&event_id=1498

The reservation website: http://ideasfestival.ca/3/miscellaneous6.htm

The lecture is in English but a French translation is provided through headphones.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Le Dr. Wayne Dyer est un conseiller spécialisé dans le domaine de l'intention et de la manifestation de nos désirs en réalité. Nous, païens et adeptes du Nouvel Âge, connaissons ces méthodes et les appliquons au quotidien. Il est spécial d'avoir à Montréal un connaisseur, ayant publié 30 livres sur le sujet et bien connu de la radio et de la télé américaine, venant nous en parler pendant une soirée. Nous vous invitons à vous renseigner sur cette conférence.

Nous n'avons pas les livres du Dr. Dyer sur nos étagères, mais voici quelques liens que vous pouvez cliquer pour avoir une idée de la conférence (contenu en anglais surtout):

La biographie du Dr. Dyer: http://www.hayhouse.com/authorbio.php?id=89

La description de la soirée: http://www.hayhouse.com/event_details.php?ref=89&event_id=1498

Le site internet pour réservations: http://ideasfestival.ca/3/miscellaneous6.htm

La présentation est en anglais mais une traduction française simultanée est disponible grâce à la location d'un casque d'écoute.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tea the Week

This week's tea is Two Doves Silver Needle White Tea a wonderful tasting and particularly healthy tea!




White tea is the least processed of the teas from the plant Camellia sinensis which includes Black Tea, Green Tea and Oolong. Unlike these others however, white tea does not go through a long process of fermentation but is simply the sun dried early buds of the plant. The young buds have fine silver hairs which is what gives white tea it's name.

As the least processed of the teas it is speculated that the health benefits of Camellia sinensis remain more intact than in other teas. Some studies have shown tea, and particularly white tea, can help prevent cancer, high cholesterol, high iron in the blood, skin damage due to UV rays and severe depression. Studies have also shown that tea helps boost ones immune system and is particularly beneficial for people who have low immune systems. It has also been suggested as a complementary therapy for people suffering from HIV as it has been seen to prevent the infection from binding to cells.

White tea is also lower in tannins than other teas so some of the possible harmful side effects are lower in white tea. Try not to drink too excessively however because tea can also have some negative side effects like dehydration or lowering your iron absorption.

Aside from all these health benefits, white tea tastes great (I've had three cups of it just while writing this blog! A very light tea, white tea lacks the grassy aftertaste of green teas or the bitterness of black teas. You can steep it for longer while maintaining a full flavorful cup. White tea has an almost sweet floral taste due to the fact that it is made out of springs first buds. Come in to the store to have a taste!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

International Relaxation Day

Tomorrow, August 15th, is International Relaxation Day! Take a leisurely stroll through the sunshine to join us at 10AM for a free Tea Meditation to start off your week.

While your here why not browse through our selection of books and teas? For tomorrow only save 10% on all Meditation books, teas, and tea related items!

Also for International Relaxation Day we will have in our Reiki Healer, Monika. Monika is a certified Reiki practitioner and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. She also works with different techniques such as magnetism, colour projecting, Chakra balancing, and aura cleansing.

Call or drop by to make an appointment*.




*$35.00 for minimum of half hour

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Healers in August

To end this very lovely and sporadic summer we've been having we will have Healers here at Melange on the 15th and the 22nd!

Monika (Reiki) will be here on the 15th from 11-5 to help you recharge your energies, your emotions, and help you relax.

Valerie (Osteopathy) will be here on the 22nd from 12-4 to help your body and your energy realign and begin to heal.

Call or drop by for more details.

If you have never had a chance to get away on a Monday, we have some great news! Starting September our Healers will be here three times a week! Monika every Monday, Valeria every Thursday, and introducing Matt (Shiatsu) every Tuesday. (More details to come)

Prices remain the same at $35.00 per half hour and, yes, we do accept walk ins!

Updated schedule for healers

15 AOUT – 15 AUGUST

MONIKA MARCZUK: Reiki, magnétisme/magnetism, thérapie par les couleurs/colour therapy, thérapie par l’art/healing through art, équilibre des chakras/chakra balancing, purification de l’aura/aura cleansing. 11am-5pm.


22 AOUT – 22 AUGUST

VALERIE LAVILLE : ostéopathie pour le corps et l’esprit/osteopathy for body and spirit. 60 mins idéal pour un traitement/60 mins best for a treatment. Reçus d’assurance RITMA disponibles/RITMA receipts for insurances available. Valérie est aussi la co-propriétaire du magasin/Valerie is also co-owner of the shop. 12-4pm.


29 AOUT - 29 AUGUST

To be announced


SEPTEMBER (more details later)

Monika will be present on all Mondays (except for the 5th).
Matt Risk (Shiatsu) will be present on all Tuesdays.
Valerie will be present on all Thursdays.

Sunday, August 07, 2011

International Indigenous People's Day

August 9th

International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

To celebrate, here at Melange you can come in and save 10% on all Shamanism books, sage smudges, and sweetgrass braids. Show your BAND CARD for a special gift!

Friday, August 05, 2011

Meet Valérie, our newest healer! (2nd Monday of the month)

VALÉRIE LAVILLE

Osteopathy/Osthéopathie
Co-owner of Le Mélange Magique/The Magical Blend

Osteopathy is an alternative medicine that combines meticulous anatomy knowledge and the ability to sense the vital energy of patients. It is suitable for post-surgery, visceral and mechanical problems, prevention for good health, even pregnant women and babies.
Valerie spent 5 years of full-time training in one of the best schools in Quebec and has over 800 hours of clinic experience. Before becoming an osteopath, she has studied Reiki up to the Master Level (without students) and was a M.Sc. Zoology graduate. She is now eager to heal patients inside and outside the store!

L’ostéopathie est une médecine alternative qui nécessite une excellente connaissance de l’anatomie et la capacité de sentir l’énergie vitale des patients. Cette approche peut être utile pour récupérer en post-chirurgie, pour des troubles mécaniques et viscéraux, en prévention générale, et même pour les femmes enceintes et les nouveaux-nés.
Valérie a une formation à temps plein de 5 ans dans une des meilleures écoles du Québec et a accumulé au-delà de 800 heures en clinique. Avant d’être ostéopathe, elle a étudié le Reiki jusqu’au niveau de Maître (sans étudiants) et a une maîtrise en zoologie. Elle a hâte de traiter des gens dans le magasin et aussi à sa clinique!

Membre/Member RITMA. 60 mins idéal pour traitement/60 mins best for treatment. Reçus pour assurances disponibles/receipts for insurances available.

As for all healers, please call the store at least 24h in advance for an appointment. There might be a chance to have an appointment on the spot though so you can always try you luck!

Comme pour tous les guérisseurs au magasin, contactez-nous au moins 24h d'avance pour un traitement. Il se peut que nous ayons encore de la place le jour-même alors vous pouvez quand même tenter votre chance!

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Totems

Did you know that you can have more than one totem?
Did you know that totems could be plants or rocks and not just animals?

Here is a little about totems, spirit animals, guides and familiars.

Familiar:
Familiars are animals of the living world that work with you magically. They help with meditations, ritual work and protect your home. Familiars are usually pets that are very intelligent and have a deep connection to you. Common familiars include: cat, dog, certain birds, rats or ferrets. Yes, fish and reptiles can be familiars too. Skinks, snakes and betta fish rank among familiars. There are plenty of others as well.

Guide:
This is a being/entity who is like a spiritual teacher guiding you through life. This guide might be human or not. You may have more than one guide or teacher at a single time. Also, your guide may change as your life changes and new lessons are to be learned.

Spirit Animal:
This is what your spirit becomes on the astral plane. If you were to become a plant, animal or other entity, what would it be? At your core, what are you? This may also be a mystical creature like a dragon or griffon.

Totem:
A totem is a power creature. It represents something to you and you can call upon it to protect you, guide you, lend you its strength. We have many of these. There are Totems of Place (country and city). For example, Canada has the totem of the Maple Tree as well as the animals of Moose, Beaver, Loon. Montreal has four plant totems: rose, clover, thistle and fleur de lys. Next are family totems (tribe, family, household). The Quebec French peoples have the plant totem of the fleur to lys. Someone's family might show a badger on their family crest. A household might have the totem of the turtle. Lastly is your personal totem. The power animal that is your protector on the astral can be anything.

Meeting your Guides and Totems:
Do some research on the place that you live to find out about the totems of your environment and those of your family.

There are many methods of meditation to meet your guides and totems or to understand what the message is behind an animal that recurs in your life.

I kept dreaming of the raven and saw raven images all over. Every time I entered a shop, there was a raven or crow on a t-shirt, in a poster, as a pendant. It kept catching my eye. Ravens and crows seemed to always fly by as well. I now know that the raven is one of my totems and so I did some research on them. RAVEN: teacher, trickster, mystery, magic, bringer of light.

You can learn more about your totems and guides in workshops here at our shop!

Here is a list of books that are staples in anyone's research on understanding animals and totems:
New in from Ted Andrews is the book Animal Wise (10 anniversary edition). You can email us or call us for your copy. It contains a collection of animals not features in Ted Andrews' other books.

And here is a sneak peak to October!

In October, we will have a book on plant totems (The Plant Spirit Familiar) by Christopher Penczak. He will also be visiting us the first weekend of October to offer a workshop on plant totems as well! Stay tuned for more information on this event.

Monday, August 01, 2011

Tea of the Week

Merry Lughnasadh! (Or Lammas, if you prefer.)


Lughnasadh, aka Lammas or The First Harvest. A time to acknowledge the descent of the sun into the dark of winter and to celebrate the time we have left in the sun with fresh ripe fruits and vegetables.


And in celebration our tea choice for this week is a tea we have specially blended just for the occasion!

Rooibos base with a delicious mixture of chamomile, clove, and the smallest hint of cinnamon helps to keep you calm and to bring you in to the season.

Today is Lammas but that doesn't mean you can't rejoice once the day is over!
This tea will be here all week so drop by and try a cup.