Dia de los Muertos
On this day, all voodoo kits and Voodoo/Santeria books, and Day of the Dead gifts will be 10% off !!
November 2nd
Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE
Pagans, Conflict, and the Warrior Path
What is the Warrior Path? What is the difference between a Warrior and a Soldier? Are Warriors still relevant in modern society? What is the Pagan perspective on War? Dealing with Witch Wars. Ethics and Dark Magic. Balancing Respect for Life and Defending Yourself.
Thursday, November 3rd 6:30-8:30pm FREE
Major Arcana Part Two (Catharine)
Saturday November 5th 1 to 3:30pm $40
Id al-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice (Muslim) - offering of meat to the poor, making a sacrifice for the gods
Kathina: (Theravada Buddhist) – monks & nuns get new robes
November 6th
Discover Your Animal Totems Part 3 (Catharine)
Animal totems are medicines. The animals that cross our paths literally or in dreams have a deep meaning in our lives and can be used for healing and guidance. Come discover yours and how to connect to and benefit from them
Thursday November 10th 7 to 9pm $40
Remembrance Day
At 11h00am, please take a few minutes of silence to remember those who gave their lives for us in times of war.
November 11th
Minor Arcana - Cups and Pentacles (Catharine)
Saturday November 12th 1 to 3:30pm $40
Tarot Interpretation Part One (Catharine)
Tarot interpretation is a new class I am offering to help you read your tarot better. How do we know what cards mean when they are side by side? How do we reconcile meanings when they are seemingly contradictory? We will focus on the Major Arcana in combination. Come on out, see and practice!
Saturday November 19th 1 to 3:30pm $40
Universal Children’s Day
Children’s & Teen books are all 10% off today!
November 20th
US Thanks Giving
November 24th
Past Lives Exploration (Catharine)
How do past lives really work? Do they exist? If so how can I identify mine and why they have an effect on my life?
These are the questions we will explore in this workshop. We will also do guided meditations to help you remember your past lives (not all! but perhaps one).
Week 1 Introduction to Past Lives Theory
Week 2 Guided meditation to remember a past life
Week 3 How we use this information in daily life to heal
Thursdays, November 24th to December 8th, 7-9pm
$40 per class or $100 for series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date).
Tarot Interpretation Part Two (Catharine)
Tarot interpretation part two will allow you to practice more combinations and more spreads to see how we assess the meanings. We will include both Major and Minor arcana in the analysis.
Saturday November 26th 1 to 3:30 pm $40
YULE FAIR 2011
Annually the 1st weekend of December
December 3rd & 4th, 10am - 5pm both days
Store specials, free workshops & discussions, local artisans.
Sunday morning brunch with the MPRC.
Sunday evening Yule Ritual.
More info to come later in November...
News, events, and other interesting tidbits of the goings-on here at our store.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Interview with Matt Risk our Shiatsu Healer
Today we had in our Shiatsu healer Matt. Matt is a great Shiatsu practitioner with good intuitions, skill and learning. Having a Shiatsu massage from him feels like the knots in your body and the blocked up energies and tensions are melting away leaving your muscles and energy patterns free to flow naturally. He managed to get rid of some of my oldest knots in just one half-hour session!
Here is an interview with Matt to explain what Shiatsu is all about.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing methods. Incorporating principles similar to massage, acupressure and a few other similar methods. Shi means finger and atsu means pressure. I use my thumbs hands and elbows to apply stationary pressure to the client's soft tissues which triggers a relaxation response and melts pain and tension from the body.
What is the difference between massage and Shiatsu.
Swedish massage uses oils and works on naked skin generally with rubbing. Shiatsu on the other hand uses stationary holding pressure so I work through the clothing without any nakedness. No muss, no fuss! I am also using a lot of acupuncture theory but treating with my thumbs instead of needles.
What is acupuncture theory and how does it work?
About ten thousand years ago Chinese doctors marked out a pattern of energy flow pathways called meridians. They discovered that certain points on these meridians effected the internal organs in certain ways in order to heal disease. By manipulating these points the energy flow in the body can be manipulated, regulated and brought into balance.
What made you want to become a Shiatsu therapist?
I was interested in learning a healing modality and in particularly was drawn to the Chinese method through the chi kung I was already doing.
What is the history of Shiatsu?
Although similar to a lot of traditional oriental massage techniques Shiatsu was invented in the 1940s by Tojiro Namakoshi. As a child he treated his mother's arthritis by pressing on her limbs. He later grew up to form the Tokyo Shiatsu School which now has students all over the world and many styles that have stemmed out of that. But from its inception Shiatsu has incorporated this concept of motherly love.
Why do you like the Shiatsu method more than others?
I find that the pressure is deeper and more relieving; that you can let go of pain without having to re-experience it.
Matt Risk: Our Shiatsu Healer at Melange
Matthew Risk has been practicing Zen Shiatsu since 2003 when he graduated from the Shiatsu School of Canada’s 2200 hour professional program. He is a Reiki master, a musician, and a writer. He has practiced Shiatsu in Toronto, Halifax, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary and now Montreal.
Matt does shiatsu at Melange on Tuesdays from 11am - 5pm
Call 514-938-1458 to book an appointment.
Note: Melange Magique does NOT recommend that you use Alternative Healing instead of seeing your doctor or health professional. Instead we maintain that Alternative Healing should best be used in conjunction with regular allopathic medicine.
Here is an interview with Matt to explain what Shiatsu is all about.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing methods. Incorporating principles similar to massage, acupressure and a few other similar methods. Shi means finger and atsu means pressure. I use my thumbs hands and elbows to apply stationary pressure to the client's soft tissues which triggers a relaxation response and melts pain and tension from the body.
What is the difference between massage and Shiatsu.
Swedish massage uses oils and works on naked skin generally with rubbing. Shiatsu on the other hand uses stationary holding pressure so I work through the clothing without any nakedness. No muss, no fuss! I am also using a lot of acupuncture theory but treating with my thumbs instead of needles.
What is acupuncture theory and how does it work?
About ten thousand years ago Chinese doctors marked out a pattern of energy flow pathways called meridians. They discovered that certain points on these meridians effected the internal organs in certain ways in order to heal disease. By manipulating these points the energy flow in the body can be manipulated, regulated and brought into balance.
What made you want to become a Shiatsu therapist?
I was interested in learning a healing modality and in particularly was drawn to the Chinese method through the chi kung I was already doing.
What is the history of Shiatsu?
Although similar to a lot of traditional oriental massage techniques Shiatsu was invented in the 1940s by Tojiro Namakoshi. As a child he treated his mother's arthritis by pressing on her limbs. He later grew up to form the Tokyo Shiatsu School which now has students all over the world and many styles that have stemmed out of that. But from its inception Shiatsu has incorporated this concept of motherly love.
Why do you like the Shiatsu method more than others?
I find that the pressure is deeper and more relieving; that you can let go of pain without having to re-experience it.
Matt Risk: Our Shiatsu Healer at Melange
Matthew Risk has been practicing Zen Shiatsu since 2003 when he graduated from the Shiatsu School of Canada’s 2200 hour professional program. He is a Reiki master, a musician, and a writer. He has practiced Shiatsu in Toronto, Halifax, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary and now Montreal.
Matt does shiatsu at Melange on Tuesdays from 11am - 5pm
Call 514-938-1458 to book an appointment.
Note: Melange Magique does NOT recommend that you use Alternative Healing instead of seeing your doctor or health professional. Instead we maintain that Alternative Healing should best be used in conjunction with regular allopathic medicine.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Back to Basics
The Magical Blend/Le melange Magique is going back to some older more traditional recipes for its products. You will see the most notable difference right now in the vinegars (Seven Spirits & Four Thieves).
Vinegars are used to strike to the heart of a matter, cut through the sludge of interferences, and stamp a mark in the energy not to be ignored.
The Seven Spirits vinegar is a white vinegar steeped for a month in the Seven Holy African herbs. It is lighter in color and relatively clear with some sediment. Use this to cut through problems and achieve your goals. Wash away negative energies and entities from your home and business.
The Four Thieves vinegar is a red vinegar steeped in herbs and resins for a month. It tends to be cloudier and more earthy with considerably more sediment. This vinegar is used to protect from thieves, the evil eye and people with ill intentions toward you, your home, or your business.
Other items that are "getting back to basics" are the inks. Inks are prepared by color associated with their many purposes. Starting December, our inks will be not just color associated, but contain trace amounts of herb and charged stone energies for their varied purposes. The individual bottles will each have a tiny stone inside to not just lend to the energy of the purpose but to help you mix the ink as you shake the bottle. All inks should be shaken before use as pigments tend to separate from the liquid medium. There will be more about the inks preparations and their uses next month!
Vinegars are used to strike to the heart of a matter, cut through the sludge of interferences, and stamp a mark in the energy not to be ignored.
The Seven Spirits vinegar is a white vinegar steeped for a month in the Seven Holy African herbs. It is lighter in color and relatively clear with some sediment. Use this to cut through problems and achieve your goals. Wash away negative energies and entities from your home and business.
The Four Thieves vinegar is a red vinegar steeped in herbs and resins for a month. It tends to be cloudier and more earthy with considerably more sediment. This vinegar is used to protect from thieves, the evil eye and people with ill intentions toward you, your home, or your business.
Other items that are "getting back to basics" are the inks. Inks are prepared by color associated with their many purposes. Starting December, our inks will be not just color associated, but contain trace amounts of herb and charged stone energies for their varied purposes. The individual bottles will each have a tiny stone inside to not just lend to the energy of the purpose but to help you mix the ink as you shake the bottle. All inks should be shaken before use as pigments tend to separate from the liquid medium. There will be more about the inks preparations and their uses next month!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Alternative Healing at Melange: Reiki with Monika
Here at Melange we have three Alternative healers who come in every week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tomorrow we have Monika in doing Reiki, a type of energy healing. Here is some information about what Reiki is and who Monika is. And of course you can always come in and experience it first hand!
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing invented in Japan in the 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki means "Life Force Energy" and that is the basic concept behind what Reiki is. Dr. Usui felt he had developed a method that tapped into the original energy that created life. As such Reiki is fundamentally positive and cannot be harmful. A Reiki practitioner channels this Life Force Energy into the patient, converting any negative energies in the body into the positive life force energies they are supposed to be. Reiki has been passed down from master to student since the beginning and all Reiki students have to go through several levels of initiation to attune themselves to the Reiki energy and learn how to use it to heal others. Reiki is a powerful and relaxing healing process that works at the spiritual level to help balance the whole being.
Monika Marczuk: Our Reiki Healer at Melange.
(CRA, ECE, Reiki Certified). Monika is a certified Reiki practitioner, accredited and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association.She has been interested in energy work for over eleven years specializing in Reiki since 2007, also experienced with different modalities of energy work.
Monika founded Balanced Steps to incorporate her experience with energy healing and art to help people reach their true potential. Monika believes that the key to a healthy body, mind and spirit is the healing of the soul. She works cooperatively with traditional medicine to enhance and promote a healthier individual. Energy worker, teacher and artist, Monika has a deep understanding that each person is an unique individual and uses various techniques to meet your specific needs.
Monika does Reiki healing at Melange on Mondays from 11am to 5pm.
Call Melange at 514-938-1458 to make an appointment.
Note: Melange Magique does NOT recommend that you use Alternative Healing instead of seeing your doctor or health professional. Instead we maintain that Alternative Healing should best be used in conjunction with regular allopathic medicine.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing invented in Japan in the 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki means "Life Force Energy" and that is the basic concept behind what Reiki is. Dr. Usui felt he had developed a method that tapped into the original energy that created life. As such Reiki is fundamentally positive and cannot be harmful. A Reiki practitioner channels this Life Force Energy into the patient, converting any negative energies in the body into the positive life force energies they are supposed to be. Reiki has been passed down from master to student since the beginning and all Reiki students have to go through several levels of initiation to attune themselves to the Reiki energy and learn how to use it to heal others. Reiki is a powerful and relaxing healing process that works at the spiritual level to help balance the whole being.
Monika Marczuk: Our Reiki Healer at Melange.
(CRA, ECE, Reiki Certified). Monika is a certified Reiki practitioner, accredited and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association.She has been interested in energy work for over eleven years specializing in Reiki since 2007, also experienced with different modalities of energy work.
Monika founded Balanced Steps to incorporate her experience with energy healing and art to help people reach their true potential. Monika believes that the key to a healthy body, mind and spirit is the healing of the soul. She works cooperatively with traditional medicine to enhance and promote a healthier individual. Energy worker, teacher and artist, Monika has a deep understanding that each person is an unique individual and uses various techniques to meet your specific needs.
Monika does Reiki healing at Melange on Mondays from 11am to 5pm.
Call Melange at 514-938-1458 to make an appointment.
Note: Melange Magique does NOT recommend that you use Alternative Healing instead of seeing your doctor or health professional. Instead we maintain that Alternative Healing should best be used in conjunction with regular allopathic medicine.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
FAQ: What is Black Magic and the Three Fold Law?
Around this time of year we tend to get a lot of people looking for "black magic" spells and books. Many of these people are just looking for a thrill, but also some of them are spiritual seekers who may or may not realize they are seeking. As such, the staff at Melange takes it as a duty to explain magic, black magic and the theory of karma and the three fold law to clients. We all have the highest respect for the laws of the universe and so we try to teach those laws to customers. Here is a bit of an online course!
What is "black magic?"
Black magic is the term often used to signify magic that is considered "bad" or at the least morally murky. Magic in itself is morally neutral: it is simply a tool and like any tool it can be used for good or for bad. Black magic, as we here at Melange usually define it to clients, is when you use magic to go against someone's personal will or for selfish reasons. So for example, if you are doing a love spell that is forcing someone to love you against their will then you are performing black magic. However if you were to do a clarity spell to give them the clarity of mind to realize that they already love you, then this isn't going against their will and can be considered white magic, or at the very least grey magic. Not everyone follows this definition, but we here at the store have found it to be the most clear and easily applicable. Part of this idea of black magic comes from an interpretation of the Wiccan Rede: "An you harm none, do what ye will," meaning you are free to follow the wishes of your heart and soul as long as it does not cause harm to others. Of course this is a pretty vague statement and can be viewed more or less strictly depending on your interpretation. In our definition of black magic we have interpreted "harm" in the Wiccan Rede to mean "go against someone else's will."
So what does this mean practically? Can you do any magic at all under this definition that isn't considered black magic? For sure! Any spell that is done to heal, purify, protect or give clarity is considered white magic, particularly if it is done with the subject's permission. As well, anything done on yourself, particularly for self betterment is also good since it does not go against anyone's will. In fact with just a little bit of imagination and creative tinkering you can probably spin any spell you want around so that it fits under the morality of white magic.
And why would you want to do white magic instead of black magic? Besides the moral implications, there is another Wiccan law (which is often held at least in a similar manner by other pagans and mystics) called the Three-Fold Law.
What is the Three-Fold Law?
"Whatever you do comes back to you three-fold." Those are the words of the three-fold law, but what does that mean? Simply put, the Three-Fold Law states that the quality of energy you put out into the universe will come back to you three times more intensely or in three ways. So if you put out a loving energy, you will receive three times as much love. If you put out negativity and selfishness you will encounter negativity and selfishness.
The best explanation I ever heard of the Three-Fold Law is that any energy you put out comes back to you on three levels: the physical, the mental and the spiritual. So if you put out an energy of negativity, not only will you receive some physical negative backlash (like being ill or tired or having people perceive you negatively) but you will also start having a negative mindset and have a buildup of negativity in your aura. Of course this is easy to understand on a rational level: If I'm horrid to people, then obviously that will effect myself and the others around me. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is mean, so it's likely that on the physical plane I may lose friends and have trouble at work, this might also cause stress which will effect my health. On a mental level, obsessing over ways to manipulate people will effect my psyche and if I am gathering negative energy to send out to someone it makes sense it would stick around in my sphere, especially if I don't do a banishing after.
Here at Melange, we are not only sales clerks but guides and spiritual councilors. We are all trained extensively in not only the methods of spell-craft but the philosophies behind them. As such, we like to keep our customers informed and help them to lead a balanced spiritual life. The understanding of black magic and the Three-Fold Law is just one of the ways we do that, and now you are informed as well!
What is "black magic?"
Black magic is the term often used to signify magic that is considered "bad" or at the least morally murky. Magic in itself is morally neutral: it is simply a tool and like any tool it can be used for good or for bad. Black magic, as we here at Melange usually define it to clients, is when you use magic to go against someone's personal will or for selfish reasons. So for example, if you are doing a love spell that is forcing someone to love you against their will then you are performing black magic. However if you were to do a clarity spell to give them the clarity of mind to realize that they already love you, then this isn't going against their will and can be considered white magic, or at the very least grey magic. Not everyone follows this definition, but we here at the store have found it to be the most clear and easily applicable. Part of this idea of black magic comes from an interpretation of the Wiccan Rede: "An you harm none, do what ye will," meaning you are free to follow the wishes of your heart and soul as long as it does not cause harm to others. Of course this is a pretty vague statement and can be viewed more or less strictly depending on your interpretation. In our definition of black magic we have interpreted "harm" in the Wiccan Rede to mean "go against someone else's will."
So what does this mean practically? Can you do any magic at all under this definition that isn't considered black magic? For sure! Any spell that is done to heal, purify, protect or give clarity is considered white magic, particularly if it is done with the subject's permission. As well, anything done on yourself, particularly for self betterment is also good since it does not go against anyone's will. In fact with just a little bit of imagination and creative tinkering you can probably spin any spell you want around so that it fits under the morality of white magic.
And why would you want to do white magic instead of black magic? Besides the moral implications, there is another Wiccan law (which is often held at least in a similar manner by other pagans and mystics) called the Three-Fold Law.
What is the Three-Fold Law?
"Whatever you do comes back to you three-fold." Those are the words of the three-fold law, but what does that mean? Simply put, the Three-Fold Law states that the quality of energy you put out into the universe will come back to you three times more intensely or in three ways. So if you put out a loving energy, you will receive three times as much love. If you put out negativity and selfishness you will encounter negativity and selfishness.
The best explanation I ever heard of the Three-Fold Law is that any energy you put out comes back to you on three levels: the physical, the mental and the spiritual. So if you put out an energy of negativity, not only will you receive some physical negative backlash (like being ill or tired or having people perceive you negatively) but you will also start having a negative mindset and have a buildup of negativity in your aura. Of course this is easy to understand on a rational level: If I'm horrid to people, then obviously that will effect myself and the others around me. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is mean, so it's likely that on the physical plane I may lose friends and have trouble at work, this might also cause stress which will effect my health. On a mental level, obsessing over ways to manipulate people will effect my psyche and if I am gathering negative energy to send out to someone it makes sense it would stick around in my sphere, especially if I don't do a banishing after.
Here at Melange, we are not only sales clerks but guides and spiritual councilors. We are all trained extensively in not only the methods of spell-craft but the philosophies behind them. As such, we like to keep our customers informed and help them to lead a balanced spiritual life. The understanding of black magic and the Three-Fold Law is just one of the ways we do that, and now you are informed as well!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Public Samhain Altar
Here at the store we provide the public with a small altar space where you can light incense of a candle, do a small ritual or spell, and simply take some spiritual time in semi-privacy.
We decorate the altar for each sabbat as the Wheel of the Year Turns.
Samhain is almost upon us and our annual Ancestral Book is on the altar for you to add things you wish to say to those who have passed on. Write into the pages an anecdote or memory, words you wish you had a chance to say but didn't, or wishes for advice from those beyond the Veil.
Honor your ancestors: blood and spirit. They are any being or creature who has touched your life and helped develop the person you are. They might be a close pet that passed on. They might be a friend or relative. They might be someone far up your family lineage. Or maybe they are a Craft person (Gerald Gardner or Stewart Farrar).
Take some time to reflect and commune.
We decorate the altar for each sabbat as the Wheel of the Year Turns.
Samhain is almost upon us and our annual Ancestral Book is on the altar for you to add things you wish to say to those who have passed on. Write into the pages an anecdote or memory, words you wish you had a chance to say but didn't, or wishes for advice from those beyond the Veil.
Honor your ancestors: blood and spirit. They are any being or creature who has touched your life and helped develop the person you are. They might be a close pet that passed on. They might be a friend or relative. They might be someone far up your family lineage. Or maybe they are a Craft person (Gerald Gardner or Stewart Farrar).
Take some time to reflect and commune.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
BRAAAAAAINS!
The zombie apocalypse is nigh!
Okay, it isn't, but if it were the Zombie Apocalypse Preparation workshop being held by Scarlet on the 13th and 20th would be just what you need. A lot of movies recently seem to have forgotten that zombies are traditionally a magickal phenomenon. This workshop teaches you how to protect yourself magically against zombies, prevent the zombification of a loved one and reduce self-zombification caused by lack of sleep, stress and a general lack of energy.
To help you out as well we have two zombie kits, one to protect against zombies and one to protect against self-zombification. Our Zombie Protection and Banishing Kit is created to protect you from any black magic sent against you to turn you into a zombie or to banish a zombie coming after you. It includes a red dragon's blood candle traditionally used for exorcisms and empowerment to burn in your home if you need to banish a zombie or a zombification spell, protection oil to anoint yourself and your home to protect against zombies and any other negative energies and malicious intents, sea salt to put on your threshold as a spiritual barrier against zombies, demons and spirits, a specialty zombie banishing sprinkling powder to place on your walkway or throw at any oncoming zombies and a traditional Hoodoo/Voodoo XXX marker to place over your door or under your mat to thwart evil. Our Zombie Healing Kit is made to help you recover from days when you feel particularly zombie-like. It includes a cleansing bath salt to help rid your aura of the zombie energy slowing you down, peppermint essential oil to awaken your senses, vitali-tea tea blend to give you the energy and oomph you need to wake up your undead body, a charged clear quartz to energize and purify your aura and an XXX marker to ward off any evil that might come towards you in your weakened state.
So whether you want to stock up in preparation for an imminent zombie apocalypse or to help yourself feel human again on those days you just get out of bed moaning for brains we can help! Be the only person on your block truly prepared fort the most likely zombie apocalypse: an army of magical undead, or a cold rainy day that turns everyone's brains to mush!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you all the blessings of health, happiness, and love. And of course turkey.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(And just as a reminder, we will be closing at 3:00 today)
Happy Thanksgiving!
(And just as a reminder, we will be closing at 3:00 today)
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Interesting new books in stock!
In preparation for Samhain we received a huge shipment of books including a whole bunch of cool new ones. Normally I sift out the most interesting books but so many seemed good that I'm still left with eight titles to present to you. Browse and enjoy!
The Plant Spirit Familiar: Green Totems, Teacher and Healers on the Path of the Witch
Signed by the author!
Just as many people experience wisdom and healing with animal totems and guides, a similar relationship can be cultivated with the spirits of the plant world. Witches, shamans and healers know about the intelligence, love and power found within the herbs and trees, and learn to partner with them as totems and spirits guides. Witches have called such guiding spirits familiars, as they act as intermediaries between the worlds. The Plant Spirit Familiar is filled with herbal lore, rituals, meditations and magick, but more importantly, it is an invitation to open the gateway to the Green World.
While taught from the perspective of nature based spirituality rooted in the European traditions of magick, one does not need to be a Witch or Pagan to experience the blessings of the green world or work with plant familiars. It is open to all seekers. Learn about the three types of plant allies, the healing plants known as balms, the power plants known as banes and the spirit teachers found in the wise old trees. Work with the Green Man and the Lady of Flowers and enter the Soul Garden. Create sacred space for healing, meditation and shamanic journey, calling upon the plant spirits as guardian. Seek spiritual initiation from the plant world through ritual and sacrament. Deepen your spiritual connection with the Earth by growing roots strong within the land.
Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women
Thirteen essays by the author of the groundbreaking Goddesses in Everywoman and The Millionth Circle, this book details crone years as growing years and provides a blueprint by which women can devote their time, energy, and creativity to what really matters.
On Death and Dying
One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of Dr.Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family,bringing hope to all who are involved.
Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying
This acclaimed spiritual masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings ever written. A manual for life and death and a magnificent source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, to compassionate love and care for the dying, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path.
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Selected accounts from India's sacred literature form a complete and systematic overview of the many Hindu deities. These explorations cover gods from the Vedic and Puranic literature as well as lesser figures such as demons, sacred birds, and other lore. Includes 85 beautiful black-and-white illustrations culled from traditional sources.
Gods of the Runes
This book proposes that the Futhark runes are originally meant as symbols of the Norse Gods and Goddesses and gives several practices and associations devoted to achieving a mystical experience of these deities through the symbols of the runes. As well the author reviews the basic myths of all the gods and various associations such as stones and colors and provides new rune spreads that take advantage of this unique perspective.
Great Tales of Jewish Fantasy and the Occult: The Dybbuk and Thirty Other Classic Stories
In this acclaimed anthology, award-winning translator Joachim Neugroschel brings together the most outstanding works of Jewish imagination and folklore, an incomparably rich selection of mystical and imaginative writings that together make up the small body of occult and fantastic literature that can be truly considered classic.
Kabbalistic Teachings of the Female Prophets: Seven Holy Women of Ancient Israel
The spiritual teachings of Israel''s biblical prophetesses from a kabbalistic perspective - Explores the lives and symbolic significance of seven female prophets: Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther - Uses the gematria of Jewish metaphysics to demonstrate that prophecy is a mystical initiatory path by which Divine Will is made known, not only a tool for telling the future - Presents practical applications of kabbalistic teachings for spiritual development The seven prophetesses of Israel--Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther--lived between 1800 and 350 BCE. Their combined lives reflect a kabbalistic path of spiritual evolution that is as pertinent to our lives today as it was for the biblical communities in which they lived. From her studies of the Torah and classical gematria, Zohara Hieronimus shows that each prophetess is linked to a Sefirah on the kabbalistic Tree of Life: from creation (Sarah) through learning correct moral action (Devorah) to the promise of redemption and ultimately resurrection (Esther). Using the stories of their lives and teachings, Hieronimus reveals the relationship of each prophetess to the seven days of the week, the seven sacred species of Israel, the human body, and Jewish holidays and rituals.This book presents the kabbalistic teachings of these holy women and what they reveal about the initiatory path of individual development and redemption. The seven prophetesses show that every person has a part to play in the repair of the world, and Hieronimus gives a practical set of maps and spiritual guidelines for that journey.
Origins Of The Tarot: Cosmic Evolution And The Principles Of Immortality
Conventional wisdom traces Tarot cards to medieval Italy, but their roots go back much further in time and draw on a surprisingly rich variety of cultures and spiritual traditions. Combining pioneering scholarship with practical spiritual instruction, Origins of the Tarot is the first book to unveil the full range of the ancient streams of wisdom from which the Tarot emerged.
The timeless principles of conscious realization and cosmological unfoldment underlying the Tarot have never been explored in a comparably extensive and detailed way: herein the teachings of atremendous range of traditions, including Kabbalah, Western esotericism and alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism, yogic disciplines,Sufism, mystical Christianity, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism, are masterfully incorporated and synthesized.
Author Dai Léon explores a confluence of philosophical schools from East and West as they relate to the Tarot, giving each its due in the exposition of a universal procession of evolution and the soul's quest for enlightenment. In the process, the Tarot is seenas a unique exemplification of perennial teachings on the soul and its liberation, as well as a still-unfolding window into concealed currents of human history. The book's profound learning and unprecedented range of references are sure to attract close studyamong students both of the world's most enduring esoteric traditionand of esotericism itself
The Plant Spirit Familiar: Green Totems, Teacher and Healers on the Path of the Witch
Just as many people experience wisdom and healing with animal totems and guides, a similar relationship can be cultivated with the spirits of the plant world. Witches, shamans and healers know about the intelligence, love and power found within the herbs and trees, and learn to partner with them as totems and spirits guides. Witches have called such guiding spirits familiars, as they act as intermediaries between the worlds. The Plant Spirit Familiar is filled with herbal lore, rituals, meditations and magick, but more importantly, it is an invitation to open the gateway to the Green World.
While taught from the perspective of nature based spirituality rooted in the European traditions of magick, one does not need to be a Witch or Pagan to experience the blessings of the green world or work with plant familiars. It is open to all seekers. Learn about the three types of plant allies, the healing plants known as balms, the power plants known as banes and the spirit teachers found in the wise old trees. Work with the Green Man and the Lady of Flowers and enter the Soul Garden. Create sacred space for healing, meditation and shamanic journey, calling upon the plant spirits as guardian. Seek spiritual initiation from the plant world through ritual and sacrament. Deepen your spiritual connection with the Earth by growing roots strong within the land.
Thirteen essays by the author of the groundbreaking Goddesses in Everywoman and The Millionth Circle, this book details crone years as growing years and provides a blueprint by which women can devote their time, energy, and creativity to what really matters.
On Death and Dying
One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of Dr.Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family,bringing hope to all who are involved.
Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying
This acclaimed spiritual masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings ever written. A manual for life and death and a magnificent source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, to compassionate love and care for the dying, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path.
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Selected accounts from India's sacred literature form a complete and systematic overview of the many Hindu deities. These explorations cover gods from the Vedic and Puranic literature as well as lesser figures such as demons, sacred birds, and other lore. Includes 85 beautiful black-and-white illustrations culled from traditional sources.
Gods of the Runes
This book proposes that the Futhark runes are originally meant as symbols of the Norse Gods and Goddesses and gives several practices and associations devoted to achieving a mystical experience of these deities through the symbols of the runes. As well the author reviews the basic myths of all the gods and various associations such as stones and colors and provides new rune spreads that take advantage of this unique perspective.
Great Tales of Jewish Fantasy and the Occult: The Dybbuk and Thirty Other Classic Stories
In this acclaimed anthology, award-winning translator Joachim Neugroschel brings together the most outstanding works of Jewish imagination and folklore, an incomparably rich selection of mystical and imaginative writings that together make up the small body of occult and fantastic literature that can be truly considered classic.
Kabbalistic Teachings of the Female Prophets: Seven Holy Women of Ancient Israel
The spiritual teachings of Israel''s biblical prophetesses from a kabbalistic perspective - Explores the lives and symbolic significance of seven female prophets: Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther - Uses the gematria of Jewish metaphysics to demonstrate that prophecy is a mystical initiatory path by which Divine Will is made known, not only a tool for telling the future - Presents practical applications of kabbalistic teachings for spiritual development The seven prophetesses of Israel--Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther--lived between 1800 and 350 BCE. Their combined lives reflect a kabbalistic path of spiritual evolution that is as pertinent to our lives today as it was for the biblical communities in which they lived. From her studies of the Torah and classical gematria, Zohara Hieronimus shows that each prophetess is linked to a Sefirah on the kabbalistic Tree of Life: from creation (Sarah) through learning correct moral action (Devorah) to the promise of redemption and ultimately resurrection (Esther). Using the stories of their lives and teachings, Hieronimus reveals the relationship of each prophetess to the seven days of the week, the seven sacred species of Israel, the human body, and Jewish holidays and rituals.This book presents the kabbalistic teachings of these holy women and what they reveal about the initiatory path of individual development and redemption. The seven prophetesses show that every person has a part to play in the repair of the world, and Hieronimus gives a practical set of maps and spiritual guidelines for that journey.
Origins Of The Tarot: Cosmic Evolution And The Principles Of Immortality
Conventional wisdom traces Tarot cards to medieval Italy, but their roots go back much further in time and draw on a surprisingly rich variety of cultures and spiritual traditions. Combining pioneering scholarship with practical spiritual instruction, Origins of the Tarot is the first book to unveil the full range of the ancient streams of wisdom from which the Tarot emerged.
The timeless principles of conscious realization and cosmological unfoldment underlying the Tarot have never been explored in a comparably extensive and detailed way: herein the teachings of atremendous range of traditions, including Kabbalah, Western esotericism and alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism, yogic disciplines,Sufism, mystical Christianity, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism, are masterfully incorporated and synthesized.
Author Dai Léon explores a confluence of philosophical schools from East and West as they relate to the Tarot, giving each its due in the exposition of a universal procession of evolution and the soul's quest for enlightenment. In the process, the Tarot is seenas a unique exemplification of perennial teachings on the soul and its liberation, as well as a still-unfolding window into concealed currents of human history. The book's profound learning and unprecedented range of references are sure to attract close studyamong students both of the world's most enduring esoteric traditionand of esotericism itself
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Reminder: We will be closing early on Thanksgiving!
U'Nataneh Tokef: A Jewish prayer for attonement on the Day of Attonement (Yom Kippur)
The U'Nataneh Tokef is one of the most beautiful and powerful prayers for forgiveness recited during the Days of Atonement between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is said that the prayer was created by a Medieval Rabbi who after being tortured for not converting to Christianity on Yom Kippur dragged himself to his synagogue, recited this prayer and then died. As one would expect of such a prayer, it highlights the fleetingness of human life, particularly when viewed against the Eternal. However it also highlights God's Mercy and willingness to forgive humanity for their sins. (Some might also recognize some of the words from a song by Leonard Cohen).
So now, the Kedushah prayer shall ascend to You, for You, our God, are King.
Let us now relate the power of this day's holiness, for it is awesome and frightening. On it Your Kingship will be exalted; Your throne will be firmed with kindness and You will sit upon it in truth. It is true that You alone are the One Who judges, proves, knows, and bears witness; Who writes and seats, (counts and calculates); Who remembers all that was forgotten. You will open the Book of Chronicles - it will read itself, and everyone's signature is in it. The great shofar will be sounded and a still, thin sound will be heard. Angels will hasten, a trembling and terror will seize them - and they will say, 'Behold, it is the Day of Judgment, to muster the heavenly host for judgment!'- for they cannot be vindicated in Your eyes in judgment.
All mankind will pass before You like members of the flock. Like a shepherd pasturing his flock, making sheep pass under his staff, so shall You cause to pass, count, calculate, and consider the soul of all the living; and You shall apportion the fixed needs of all Your creatures and inscribe their verdict.
On Rosh Hashanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many will be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning. Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted.
But REPENTANCE, PRAYER and CHARITY remove the Evil of the Decree!
For Your Name signifies Your praise: hard to anger and easy to appease, for You do not wish the death of one deserving death, but that he repent from his way and live. Until the day of his death You await him; if he repents You will accept him immediately.
It is true that You are their Creator and You know their inclination, for they are flesh and blood. A man's origin is from dust and his destiny is back to dust, at risk of his life he earns his bread; he is likened to a broken shard, withering grass, a fading flower, a passing shade, a dissipating cloud, a blowing wind, flying dust, and a fleeting dream.
But You are the King, the Living and Enduring G-d.
There is no set span to Your years and there is no end to the length of Your days. It is impossible to estimate the angelic chariots of Your glory and to elucidate Your Name's inscrutability. Your Name is worthy of You and You are worthy of Your Name, and You have included Your Name in our name.
(I found the English translation of this prayer here: http://www.ou.org/chagim/roshhashannah/unetanehtext.htm)
So now, the Kedushah prayer shall ascend to You, for You, our God, are King.
Let us now relate the power of this day's holiness, for it is awesome and frightening. On it Your Kingship will be exalted; Your throne will be firmed with kindness and You will sit upon it in truth. It is true that You alone are the One Who judges, proves, knows, and bears witness; Who writes and seats, (counts and calculates); Who remembers all that was forgotten. You will open the Book of Chronicles - it will read itself, and everyone's signature is in it. The great shofar will be sounded and a still, thin sound will be heard. Angels will hasten, a trembling and terror will seize them - and they will say, 'Behold, it is the Day of Judgment, to muster the heavenly host for judgment!'- for they cannot be vindicated in Your eyes in judgment.
All mankind will pass before You like members of the flock. Like a shepherd pasturing his flock, making sheep pass under his staff, so shall You cause to pass, count, calculate, and consider the soul of all the living; and You shall apportion the fixed needs of all Your creatures and inscribe their verdict.
On Rosh Hashanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many will be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning. Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted.
But REPENTANCE, PRAYER and CHARITY remove the Evil of the Decree!
For Your Name signifies Your praise: hard to anger and easy to appease, for You do not wish the death of one deserving death, but that he repent from his way and live. Until the day of his death You await him; if he repents You will accept him immediately.
It is true that You are their Creator and You know their inclination, for they are flesh and blood. A man's origin is from dust and his destiny is back to dust, at risk of his life he earns his bread; he is likened to a broken shard, withering grass, a fading flower, a passing shade, a dissipating cloud, a blowing wind, flying dust, and a fleeting dream.
But You are the King, the Living and Enduring G-d.
There is no set span to Your years and there is no end to the length of Your days. It is impossible to estimate the angelic chariots of Your glory and to elucidate Your Name's inscrutability. Your Name is worthy of You and You are worthy of Your Name, and You have included Your Name in our name.
(I found the English translation of this prayer here: http://www.ou.org/chagim/roshhashannah/unetanehtext.htm)
Monday, October 03, 2011
About the Moonflower
This is courtesy of some clients who have shared their knowledge with us... and thus with you. Thank you Maureen.
Moonflowers have the same magical properties as morning glories. They are very close relatives in the ipomoea family. Use morning glories on Sundays and moonflower on Mondays. They both growing up trellises and are beautiful! Both are bindweeds so of course they are very good for binding spells as well. As it blooms at night, the moonflower has a bit more romance to it but both are believed to bring joy wherever they grow.
Their roots, when dried, can be substituted for High John the Conqueror, which is another close relative in the ipomoea family. They will be smaller than average High John roots unless you can get your hands on ones grown in the south of the U.S. or in Mexico where the plants are huge, but bigger is not necessarily better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)