January 2013 Workshops & Events

January is HOT TEA MONTH!

Come in each week to taste our weekly featured tea.

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine Seiler)

For any stage of pregnancy, meditation is important for you and your baby. Come connect with your baby, yourself, and create a stress free environment. Learn the benefits, as well as safe postures, teas, and energies for you both.

*Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring whatever makes you feel comfortable (slippers, pillow, etc)

Fridays and Saturdays throughout January, 1-2 pm

Cost: $25 per person per session or $40 if you sign up with a friend (saving you each $5)

POETRY WORKSHOP - FREE (Elizabeth Johnston)
Explore the poetic realm with Elizabeth Johnston during this free, 45-minute poetry workshop.

Material required: pen and notebook.

Thursday, January 10, 7pm
Cost: FREE

BODHRAN DEMO & TALK - FREE (Elizabeth Johnston)

Join Elizabeth Johnston for a free talk on the bodhran, the Irish frame drum. During this 45-minute event, you'll have an opportunity to learn about its origins, its use in traditional music today, and the basic rudiments of playing.

Materials needed: Extra bodhrans will be on hand for people to use, but if you have your own bodhran, bring it along.
Thursday, January 10, 8pm.
Cost: FREE

Reiki 1 (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. Time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday, January 12th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost: $150

The Magic of Flirtation (Matt) (two-part series for men)

Are you a man who is frustrated in love? Have you ever been stuck in the dreaded 'friendzone'? Or find yourself unable to connect with the women who you're attracted to? In this course we will be looking at magical techniques for building satisfaction and seductive power. We'll be exploring the magick of how to become that which is so highly attractive to women they will be fighting over you. We will explore powerful techniques on how to get out of your own way and get the attention you want by building enticing feelings around yourself that women find intensely compelling. If you want to see your love life change from constant frustration to abundant satisfaction, then this workshop series is a must. Just imagine how many things in your life will change once you are satisfied in love.

Saturday January 12th, 12-5 pm, and February 2, 12-5 pm  

Cost: $125

Paper making workshop (Diane)
Come join me to learn how to make paper at home, using all types of old papers you have on hand.
Dress to get dirty, and bring something heavy so you can put inside the paper you will have made.

This is simple and fun, using simple tools!

Sunday, January 13, 1-4pm

Cost: $35

Intro to the Medicine Wheel (Sarah Orr)
The Medicine Wheel is a tool that reveals that which exists in the invisible realm. It has existed for thousands of years and continues to offer insights relevant to everyday living. Through stories, dreams and ritual, we will explore the connections between ourselves and the natural world. Join us for an evening of phenomenon.

Thursday, January 17th, 7-9pm

Cost: $25

POETRY WORKSHOP (Elizabeth Johnston)
There's poetry all around us. It's rooted in the real and tangible. Every silent object around us is waiting for us to give it voice. Explore the poetic realm with Elizabeth Johnston during this 10-week workshop.
Material required: pen and notebook.
Thursdays, 6-8pm, Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, & 28. -- Please note there is no class on Feb. 21.
Cost: $250

BEGINNER BODHRAN CLASS (Elizabeth Johnston)
Bbeginner bodhran class is where you can learn how to play this magical instrument.
Bring your own bodhran and tipper.
Thursdays, 8-9pm, Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, & 28. -- Please note there is no class on Feb. 21.
Cost: $150

Introduction to Tea and Tea Tasting (Scarlet)

Learn about different kinds of tea and their health benefits. Taste a variety of types and witness a tea ceremony each day.

January 18th will feature herbal teas through the green tea ranges. Witness the Japanese macha tea ceremony.

January 25^th will feature the darjeelings, oolongs, and black teas. Witness the Chinese tea ceremony.

Fridays, January 18th & 25th, 6-7pm

Cost: $10 each day

Introduction to Paganism (Scarlet)

What is magic? What is Paganism? What is witchcraft? What is Wicca? Learn the basics and history of these terms, the similarities and differences, related holidays, and tools for ritual. This is a brief introduction the Contemporary Paganism and where you can go to find out more.

Friday, January 18th, 7-8pm

Cost: FREE

Crescent Moon School Open House

Crescent Moon School is Montreal's longest running school of magic and paganism, having started in 1995. Its goal is to help you find your path. Come to the Open House to meet some of the teachers and students and to see what students of all levels have done the past year. Registration is open throughout January and will end February 2nd.
Open House & Registration Friday, January 25th, 7:00pm
Level 1: Fridays 6-9pm, starting February 8thh for 20 weeks (Scarlet & Marc)
$300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks) Reading pack & workbooks included.

Pierres et crystaux 101 (par Valérie, en français)

Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé dans quel but certains minéraux ont été utilisés en bijouterie, à des fins spirituelles, ou pour de la guérison? Saviez-vous que les minéraux contiennent des propriétés naturelles qui sont associées à des aspects de votre vie et à des parties de votre corps? Venez découvrir les propriétés d'une douzaine de pierres et crystaux utilisés couramment en magie, en spiritualité et en guérison.

Samedi le 26 janvier, de 14h à 16h.

Frais: $30

Walking on Water (Matt)

Do you find yourself thrown around by your emotions? Do you have trouble with anger outbursts, or does worry cripple you in your life? Do you wish you could be calmer, or experience bliss at will? This workshop will explore powerful techniques for gaining control over your emotions. You will learn how to turn examine the building blocks of emotional states, increase or decrease their intensity, or replace them with other feelings all together. Furthermore, you will learn how to set yourself up to feel wonderful feelings in future situations that in the past made you feel horrible. Emotional freedom is within your grasp.

Saturday, January 26th, 1-5 pm

Cost: $35

Sunday Sabbat Sale

Sunday, January 27th

10% off everything in store all day!

Wicca 101 (par Diane et Valérie, en français)

La Wicca est une branche spécialisée du paganisme, terme utilisé pour décrire les religions révérencieuses de la nature. Venez découvrir l'origine de la Wicca, ses principes fondamentaux, et ses particularités qui peuvent varier d'une région à l'autre. Deux adeptes chevronnées de la Wicca partagerons leurs connaissances et leurs expériences avec vous.

Dimanche le 27 janvier, de 14h à 16h.

Frais: $30

Holiday Schedule- Heures d'Ouverture Pour les Fete

The Holidays are on our doorstep! Here are the hours we are open for the next week:

Les fetes sont à nos portes! Voici la liste des heures d'ouverture pour la semaine prochaine:

Dec. 19: 10h- 21h
Dec. 20: 10h- 21h
Dec. 21: 10h- 21h
Dec. 22: 10h- 18h
Dec. 23: 10h- 18h
Dec. 24: 10h- 15h
Dec. 25: CLOSED/ FERME
Dec. 26: 12h- 18h
Dec. 27: 10h- 21h
Dec. 28: 10h- 21h
Dec. 29: 10h- 18h
Dec. 30: 12h- 17h
Dec. 31: 10h- 15h
Jan. 01: CLOSED/ FERME
Jan. 02: CLOSED/ FERME

Sunday Sabbat Sale - Yule 2012

Tomorrow, December 16, is our Sunday Sabbat Sale for Yule 2012! Come into our store and get 10% off your entire purchase!

If you still have holiday gifts left to get, tomorrow would be an excellent time to finish your shopping at a discount!

Yule Feasting

There are only a few historical accounts of the ancient Germanic and Norse practices during Yule but it does seem very certain that feasting was a big part of it. Some people also link the tradition of having a Christmas Ham with the ancient tradition of sacrificing and eating a Yule Boar in honor of the Norse god Freyr during the Yule feast. Boars aren't very easy to get these days but hams are available at any grocery store. And though the practice of serving up a whole boar on a golden platter with an apple in his mouth is also out of fashion, cooking ham with apples certainly isn't. So for a modern spin on an ancient tradition, try this recipe for your Yuletide feast:

Slow-Cooker Apple Spiced Ham. 

This tasty ham is usually made in a slow-cooker but if you don't have one you can use a roasting pan or a Dutch Oven on low heat for an hour or so. This is also a recipe that I invented, so none of the measurements are exact. Have fun and adjust it to your tastes!

You will need:
- 1 cup old fashioned apple juice.
- 3-4 apples (I prefer Macintosh apples).
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- a pinch of cloves
- (Nutmeg to taste)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (you can cheat and add a little maple to some table syrup if you are low)
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar (the darker the better)
- Half a smoked ham (black forest or maple smoked work the best).

Unwrap your ham and grab a handful of cloves. Stick the cloves into the ham at regular intervals to infuse the ham with the spice. Traditionally this is done like so:

but I find that is waaaay too many cloves, especially if it is going to be in the slow cooker all day.
Place your cloved ham into the slow cooker and pour the apple juice in with it. Peel and slice the apples into thick rounds and place these in the the slow cooker, overlapping the ham as much as possible. Sprinkle the ham and apples with the cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg (if you choose to use it). Rub the skin of the ham with the brown sugar and then pour the syrup over it and the apples as evenly as possible. Turn your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 5-7 hours. This is a great recipe to put up before work so you can come back to a delicious meal!
To serve, slice the ham into thick slices, remove as many of the cloves as you can and spoon the apple mush juice over the slice. Give thanks to Freyr for the feast and ask him to bless your new year. Enjoy!

The Norse God Freyr

FAQ: How do I do a basic spell?

Basic spell crafting is actually quite easy! All it takes is a little bit of knowledge of basic spell components and some will and visualization.

Here is a simple candle spell outline that can be changed for almost any purpose, with an example for a money spell:

1. Take a candle of the appropriate color for your purpose and carve the subject (i.e. the name of the person you want to affect or the situation or object) on the candle. I would choose a green candle to represent luck and money and carve onto it "Please bring me enough money to pay my bills every month."
2. Anoint your candle with an appropriate oil for your purpose, or, choose a scented candle that already has oils in it to suit your purpose. There is some difference of opinion as to which direction you should rub the oil but I usually avoid worrying about this by putting the oil into my hand and then rolling the candle between my palms. Either way it is more important that the candle be completely covered in the oil. For my money spell I could choose to anoint my green candle with "money drawing" oil or maybe use one of the Coventry Creations candles associated with money.
3. For added help in focusing, add an incense stick. In this case "Money Drawing" incense sticks would work well. 
4. Light your candle and incense, and focus on your goal, trying to visualize it as clearly as you can. I would visualize myself opening my wallet to pay a bill and having enough to pay and some left over. I would visualize my Visa bill being paid off and my Hydro bill being up to date.
5. Recite a charm, affirmation, psalm or request to help formulate and ask the universe for help achieving your goal. Blessed Hathor, Goddess of abundance: Please help me to find the means to repay those I owe. Help me to have the funds to live a modest life. Blessed be.
6. Let the candle burn to the end, and leave the results up to the Universe.

Here are some basic colors and their associations to help you choose a candle that is appropriate for your spell. Also check out the FAQ on the Elements for some more associations.

Red: Passion, love, creativity, Fire, Mars, Root Chakra.
Orange: Communication, mental stability, power, Mercury, Navel Chakra.
Yellow: Also communication and intellect, success, Air, Sun, Solar Plexus Chakra.
Green: Money, luck, prosperity, financial and earthly stability, Earth, Venus, Heart Chakra.
Blue: Peace, calm, healing, emotional balance, justice, Water, Jupiter, Throat Chakra.
Purple: Magic in general, psychic powers, the Moon, Third Eye Chakra (sometimes associated with Indigo).
White: Purity, blessing, Spirit, Crown Chakra (sometimes associated with violet).
Black: Banishing, ridding unwanted energy, cessation, grounding, Earth.

Now that you have a basic template of a spell you can mix and match elements for any spell you choose! Whether it's passing your exam (yellow candle and study oil) or healing your cold (blue candle and healing oil) you have the tools with which to focus your desires and manifest your magic!