Store BLOG of Shadows

Guardian Protector Stuffed Animal

2012-01-26T18:32:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that there has been a bit of a baby boom in this last year. It seems like every time I turn around I see someone either pregnant or with a newborn. I blame it on the recently finished year of the rabbit.

With this mini upsurge in pregnancies I've had quite a few customers ask me how they can protect the new baby in their lives. The biggest problem with this is that you need to be careful with what you give a newborn and also it's difficult to explain to a young child how or why what you are doing will protect them from those awful nightmares or that monster under the bed.

But if there is one thing that children instinctively understand it is the power of stuffed animals. Stuffies (as my family calls them) are perfectly designed to become what we call in the magical community fetishes, that is, a receptacle for a spirit. All it takes is a little bit of love and a little bit of personification and there you go: you have a magical object with its own little soul. Of course, for this we want to program that stuffy soul to be a guardian and protector of our little ones. Here's how you can do it, and how I did it for my yet unborn niece:

The first part of this spell is to find a stuffed animal that both speaks to you and represents protection to you. Some good protection animals are bears, lions or panthers, dogs, dragons, wolves among others. Once you have your stuffy it is important to treat it like a living being. Talk to it, hug it, love it, explain its duties to it, put it in a place of honor while you get the rest of the spell together.

You will need:

Malachite (for protecting children)
Obsidian (for psychic protection)
Rose Quartz (for love)
Howlite (to combat nightmares and for reducing stress)
Spring Water
Sandalwood
Lavander
Rose
Orris Root
Sage
(Any other protective herbs you feel like adding)
Guardian Protector Candle or a black candle with Guardian and Protection oil on it.

Place the stones and herbs in a bowl with water. Soak on a windowsill for an evening and a morning.
Carve the candle with the name of the child and some affirmations and/or prayers naming the stuffed animal as the child's protector and for the child's safety and love.
Place the candle in the bowl with the water, herbs and stones. Place the stuffy nearby (but obviously far enough away not to get singed.)
Light the candle and imagine the energy flowing into the stuffy.
When the candle is burned down, take the stones out of the water, dry them off and sew them into the stuffed animal.
Hold the stuffed animal in your arms, look at it tin the eyes and explain to it its duties: that it is to keep the child safe, happy and loved.
Give the stuffy to the child. If they are over two years old, tell them the stuffy is going to protect them from bad dreams and monsters.

Workshops for Jan-Feb 2012

2012-01-25T12:01:00.004-05:00

Tarot Series (Catharine)

This solid program introduces you to the major and minor arcana of the tarot, along with various techniques and skills for reading the cards. Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).

*Please bring your own deck.

Cost is $40 per class (or $300 if you register for the entire series starting January 21 through April 28 for a discount of 50%)

Major Arcana part 1: Saturday, January 21st, 12-2pm

Major Arcana part 2: Saturday, January 28th, 12-2pm

Major Arcana part 3: Saturday, February 4th, 12-2pm

Major Arcana part 4: Saturday, February 11th, 12 -2pm

Minor Arcana swords: February 18th 12 -2pm

Minor Arcana Wands: Saturday, February 25th 12 -2pm

Please note this this class continues right through to the end of April, more details to come.

Psychic Development Series (Catharine)

Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!

Cost is $40 per class or $230 for the entire 9-part series (that is a discount of $130)

Clairvoyance: Saturday, January 28th 3 -5:30pm

Clairaudience: Saturday, February 4th 3 -5:30pm

Clairsentience: Saturday, February 11th 3-5:30

Predictive Dreams: Saturday, February 18th 3-5:30

Channeling: Saturday, February 25th 3-5:30

Cleansing and Smudging: Saturday, March 3rd 3 - 5:30

Spirit Contact - Guides, Angels, Entities: Saturday, March 10th 3-5:30

How to Give a Reading: Saturday, March 17th 3-5:30

Practice Practice Practice: Saturday, March 24th 3-5:30

CMS Open House

Welcome to Crescent Moon School, Canada’s longest running public training school for magic and Paganism since 1995.

This Open House is a unique opportunity to see what students of all levels have done, speak with teachers and students about what it is like to attend classes, and to register for the coming session.

Go to www.mtl-magicalcircle/cms for more information about the school.

OPEN HOUSE: Friday January 27^th, 7-9pm

Level 1 New Session: Wednesdays, 6-9pm, starting February 8th for 20 weeks

Cost: $300 (3 installments of $100 every 6 weeks), includes 3 workbooks & a reading pack

IMBOLC PATH OF LIGHTS RITUAL (MPRC)

The MPRC will be running a public path of lights ritual for Imbolc in the upstairs room of Melange Magique. During the below times, we will be offering visitors the chance to walk the labyrinth of candles in meditation or contemplation.

Thursday, February 2nd, 6pm – 8pm, FREE

Water Walking: Managing the Emotional Body (Matt)

Tossed hither and thither by your emotions?

In this workshop we will explore effective techniques of rapid mood shifting. Things that used to trigger fear, sadness, or worry, will soon trigger laughter, empowerment, and confidence.

Sunday Feb 5th 2-5 pm. $35

Love and Attraction

How to bring love into your life? The rules of meddling in magick for matters of the heart. Simple love spells and divination tools that work! What you can control, what you simply can't. How to use your psychic energy to manifest a fitting partner in your life.

Tuesday February 7th 7-9pm $30

Chakra Balancing Series (Scarlet)

Welcome to this weekly in-depth exploration of the chakras. Each week will focus on a different chakra with the last class being a cleansing of the auric bodies. Learn about blocks and how to release them, correspondences to help you tap into the chakra energies and cleanse your own chakras, and exercises to help you become more in tune with each chakra.

*Please bring a cup for tea at the start of each class, wear warm yoga clothing and bring a mat or cushion to sit upon.

Every Thursday starting February 9th through 8 classes to March 29th 7-9pm

$250 for all 8 classes (saving you $70 if prepaid in full) or $40 per class

Root Chakra: Thursday February 9th, 7-9pm

Navel Chakra: Thursday February 16th, 7-9pm

Solar Plexus Chakra: Thursday February 23rd, 7-9pm

Heart Chakra: Thursday March 1st, 7-9pm

Throat Chakra: Thursday March 8th, 7-9pm

Third Eye Chakra: Thursday March 15th, 7-9pm

Crown Chakra: Thursday March 22nd, 7-9pm

Aura Cleansing: Thursday March 29th, 7-9pm

Re-Programming Reality: Techno-Pagan Techniques for Beginners (Courtney)

Learn a few new spellcrafting techniques from a Techno-Pagan point of view! Courtney goes over some of the most basic techniques and thought-patterns which she uses in her spell work, from re-programming reality to ‘running’ a spell in the background. This class requires that participants have basic knowledge of how to cast a spell, but does not require any prior knowledge of computers.

Saturday, February 11th, 1pm - 3pm, $30

Candle Magick

How to carve and create magick candles for your inner desires. How to manifest your dreams in reality? Taking the que's from old gypsy magick, incorporating magick symbolism from Old pantheons, such as Norse, Celtic, gypsy, as well as old ceremonial practices. Using symbolism, herbs, oils and psychic energy to manifest your dreams.

THE CLASS WILL BE HANDS ON!

Each will get one candle, with a choice of herbs and oils and decoration to make their own magick candle.

Friday February 17th 7-9pm $30

Basic Runelore pt. 1: Reading the Runes (Matt)

This workshop focuses on the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark. We will explore basic meanings from historical and contemporary sources, and learn how to 'read' them for oracular purposes.

Sunday Feb. 19th 2-5 pm. $35

Year of the Water Dragon

2012-01-16T15:59:00.005-05:00

January 23rd begins the Year of the Water Dragon on the calendar of the Chinese zodiac. On this calendar, each year is split into two parts, reckoned by one of ten heavenly stems (the five elements in their aspects as yin or yang) and one of twelve earthly branches (the animals of the Chinese zodiac). This year, we are in the year of the Yang Water Dragon.

The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and the only mythical creature in the lineup. Those born under the sign of the Dragon are expected to be confident, headstrong, charismatic, and powerful, with an extra dose of luck. These qualities are double-edged: a Dragon can accomplish most anything he sets his mind to, but he is also quite capable of pushing down those who get in his way.

The Year of the Dragon is generally held to be an economically lucky year, as the Dragon brings prosperity wherever he goes. Since this is the year of the Water dragon, though, those who already have a lot of Water in their charts may need to exercise a little extra caution.

If you're looking to find out more about what the Year of the Water Dragon holds for you, you may opt to join one of our clairvoyants, Catharine, as she goes over the astrological significance of this Chinese year. Check out the details below!

Chinese Astrology Night
Thursday, January 26th, 7-9pm; $20

For up-to-date information on our workshops, keep up with our workshops page!

The Book of Shadows

2012-01-14T22:39:00.004-05:00

What is the Book of Shadows?

Essentially it is your magical diary. You can keep such things as lore and lessons, reference material (stones, herbs, and other correspondences), recipes for oils and other potions, spells, rituals, prayers and incantations, even dreams.

Dedicating a Book of Shadows is not complicated.
Start by either making your own book or personalizing one you have purchased. At your altar, you want to cast circle, call quarters, and invoke whichever divine you are comfortable working with. Purify the book with salt or purification incense (like sage or frankincense or rosemary). Bless the book by the four/five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). Consecrate it by blessing it in the name of your gods and with such things as holy water or blessing oil. Select a pen or quill of your choice and an ink (we recommend Dragon's Blood Ink or Ink of Jupiter). Write onto the first page a Book Blessing declaring the purpose and intent of this book. This is the actual Dedication part of the ritual. You complete the dedication by signing the book with your personal sigil or signature and then bind the book to you. Some will imprint it with a drop of their own blood or add a lock of their own hair. The last step is to add in some form of protection. Anoint a silk cloth with protection oil and wrap your book of shadows in it.

You might have more than one Book of Shadows or simply one that contains all that you do.

A coven will have one that is specific to the coven with all its unique traditions and practices. Initiates copy direct from this as they learn. This is often how a tradition is passed down in writing supplemented by the guidance and teaching of mentors in the coven.

Sometimes Books of Shadows vary according to theme: Spellcrafting, Rituals, Celtic lore, Healing, Dream work, Divination, Poetry, Insights from Asian Philosophies, Teaching of the Yogis, Norse lore, Voodoo & the Loas.

Whatever your theme or practice, there is a book out there for you to record all you learn and do.

Sisterhood of Avalon

2012-01-10T18:16:00.003-05:00

Wonderful Yuletide blessings!

I am hosting two Open Tea information sessions in January for allMontreal-area women interested in the Sisterhood of Avalon and aneight-week Learning Circle starting in February.

All women are welcome to join us on:
Saturday, January 21st at Om West Yoga studio in Pointe-Claire Villagefrom 7-9:30PM
http://www.westislandyoga.com/
OR
Saturday, January 28th at Happy TreeYoga Studio on Ste-Catherine Street West from 7-9:30PM.
http://happytreeyoga.com/

Cost: Free but small donations to help pay for space rentalappreciated(Cookies and snacks are welcome!)Please feel free to pass this info along to any like-minded femalefriends and contact me with any questions. Also, please RSVP by sendingme a message (daughter.of.seas@gmail.com) so I know how many women toexpect. Thank you!

Looking forward to sharing sacred space with you!

Kelly Morgaine

The Sisterhood of Avalon - http://www.sisterhoodofavalon.org
"Avalon Within" by Jhenah Telyndru- http://www.ynysafallon.com/publications.html

January 2012 Workshops

2011-12-30T16:37:00.001-05:00

Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE

Everymonth on the first Thursday, the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Center) hosta afree discussion on various current issues in the pagan community. All arewelcome, though occasionally the content may not be appropriate for minors.

Thursday,January 5th, 6:30-8:30pm – FREE

GypsyMagic 101: Beginnings of Magick (Ameara)
This introduction to gypsy magick will explore working with magickal energy,how to cast a spell, how to call upon the divine forces, herbal properties, andcandle magick. We will walk through what magick is, how to call upon the elementsfor simple intention magick, what herbs and colors to use for a purpose, and whatdivine powers to call, associations etc.
You will walk away with a few simplespells to start their magickal practice:
Making Money : With simple cinnamon, green tea, and a green candle
Attracting or Choosing a Lover: Bottle caps or other objects in water as well asa simple attraction magick candle spell
Calm and Clear mind: Herbs to use in baths or aromatherapy to aid in meditationand clarity of mind spell
Friday, January 13th, 7-9pm - $30

Howto do a Ceremonial Banishing- The LBRP (Eri)
In this workshop we will be learning the history,symbolism, visualizations and theories behind the famous Qabbalisticand Ceremonial Magic ritual of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of thePentagram. Students will also go through a practical demonstration and learnhow to do this powerful ritual on their own. The LBRP uses divine andangelic energies to remove influences from your sphere and is great forbanishing, balance and protection.
Saturday,January 21st, 1-3pm, $25

TarotSeries (Catharine)

This solid program introduces you to the major andminor arcana of the tarot, along with various techniques and skills for readingthe cards. Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).

*Please bring your owndeck.

Cost is $40 per class (or $300 if you register forthe entire series starting January 21 through April 28 for a discount of 50%)

MajorArcana part 1: Saturday, January 21st, 12-2pm

MajorArcana part 2: Saturday, January 28th, 12-2pm

MajorArcana part 3: Saturday, February 4th, 12-2pm

MajorArcana part 4: Saturday, February 11th, 12 -2pm

MinorArcana swords: February 18th 12 -2pm

MinorArcana Wands: Saturday, February 25th 12 -2pm

PsychicDevelopment Series (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term"psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded peopleso you trust yourself more than ever before! Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).

Cost is$40 per class or $230 for the entire 9-part series (that is a discount of $130)

Clairvoyance:Saturday,January 28th 3 -5:30pm

Clairaudience: Saturday, February 4th 3-5:30pm

Clairsentience:Saturday,February 11th 3-5:30

PredictiveDreams: Saturday,February 18th 3-5:30

Channeling:Saturday,February 25th 3-5:30

Cleansingand Smudging: Saturday,March 3rd 3 - 5:30

SpiritContact - Guides, Angels, Entities: Saturday, March 10th 3-5:30

How toGive a Reading: Saturday,March 17th 3-5:30

PracticePractice Practice: Saturday,March 24th 3-5:30

CMS Open House

Welcometo Crescent Moon School, Canada’s longest running public training school formagic and Paganism since 1995.

ThisOpen House is a unique opportunity to see what students of all levels havedone, speak with teachers and students about what it is like to attend classes,and to register for the coming session.

Goto http://www.mtl-magicalcircle/cms formore information about the school.

Level 1 New Session: Wednesdays,6-9pm, starting February 8th for 20 weeks

Cost: $300 (3 installments of $100every 6 weeks), includes 3 workbooks & a reading pack

Come to our Annual Hourly Boxing Day Sale!

2011-12-26T14:14:00.002-05:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas. Today is Boxing Day! and we have specials happening ALL DAY!

Store hours: 1-6pm

Specials Today:
1-2pm 10% off all Candles
2-3pm 10% off all Apothecary related stuff (incense, powders, oils, bath salts, etc.)
3-4pm 10% off all Jewelry
4-5pm 10% off all Books
5-6pm 10% off all Tarot

Have a great Boxing Day and take advantage of our in-store specials!

The Yule Sabbat

2011-12-21T15:42:00.004-05:00

Tonight is the longest, darkest night of the year; it's also an important holiday if you celebrate the Wheel of the Year. The Sabbat known as Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 22nd this year. By tradition, we consider Yule to begin at sundown, the night before the 'calendar date'. That means that many Pagans will be celebrating Yule tonight!

The God's Rebirth

If Samhain is the end of the year, then Yule represents the beginning. On Samhain, the Goddess mourns the passing of the God. On Yule, the God is reborn from the Goddess once again, and we celebrate his return to the world. Since the God is associated with warmth and sunlight, we consider dawn the moment of the God's arrival: the moment of his rebirth.

Symbolism

Yule is just as much about the symbolism of kinship, family, and rebirth as it is about the God's actual rebirth. The winter months can be cold and bleak, and that's why it's more important than ever to remember our better qualities and help the people around us.

In many ways, the dark cold winter is the perfect time to keep a fire going in our hearts, minds, and hearths. Yule is about sharing your warmth with others, and about being with your family-- both the family you grew up with, and your second family: the friends you've chosen yourself. All beings are the children of the God and the Goddess, and kindred in spirit and divinity, so remember during this season that even complete strangers on the street are a part of your larger family. Give what small kindnesses you can to those you can, and allow yourself to shrug off the everyday irritations and upsets of life. Take care of yourself, knowing that a new day is just around the corner.

Ritual Celebrations

Most Pagans will light at least one candle when the sun descends in order to keep the light going and encourage its return tomorrow morning with the sun. Another common Pagan tradition on Yule involves a night-long vigil, held until the first rays of dawn; during this vigil, by candlelight or firelight, you are given a chance to review your past year and make resolutions for the new year ahead.

Though the release of old things is more of a Samhain tradition, I personally enjoy writing down my anger, upsets, regrets, and embarrassments from the past year and throwing them into the Yule fire in order to symbolically let them go and move on to new things. Alternatively, you might write down your dreams, wishes, and goals for the new year and tie them to your Yule tree to strengthen your resolution and keep them in your mind. When the Yule tree comes down, bury your resolutions somewhere and let them spur on new growth, or burn them in a cauldron and spread the ashes somewhere with verdant plant-life.

Holiday Schedule

2011-12-19T14:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays! Here is our Holiday schedule for the rest of the month:

For the next week we will be open until 9pm every day to help you get all your last minute shopping done:

Monday Dec. 19: 10am-9pm
Tuesday Dec. 20: 10am-9pm
Wednesday Dec. 21: 10am-9pm (Happy Hannukah!)
Thursday Dec. 22: 10am-9pm (Blessed Yule and Tohji-taisai!)
Friday Dec. 23: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 24th: 10am-3pm

Sunday Dec. 25: Closed (Merry Christmas!)
Monday Dec. 26: 1pm-6pm (Happy Kwanza!)
Tuesday Dec. 27: 10am-6pm
Wednesday Dec. 28: 10am-6pm
Thursday Dec. 29: 10am-9pm
Friday Dec. 30: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 31: 10am-3pm

Sunday Jan. 1: Closed (Happy New Year!)
Monday Jan. 2: Closed

Holiday Hours

2011-12-19T13:47:00.000-05:00

Melange will be open until 9pm all week until Christmas Eve to help you get that last minute shopping done!

So, just to be clear, our schedule for the Holidays is:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we are open from 10am-9pm.
Saturday we are only open from 10am-3pm and we are closed on Sunday the 25th.
We will be open on Boxing Day from 1pm-6pm.
The 27th and 18th we will be open 10am-6pm, the 29th and 30th we will be open 10am-9pm.
New Year's Eve we will be open from 10am-3pm.
New Years and the day after (the 1st and 2nd) we will be closed.

Happy Holidays!

Yule Sale

2011-12-15T15:33:00.004-05:00

Le Melange Magique / The Magical Blend

Online shoppers! Local shoppers! Yule is fast approaching...
This Sunday is our Yule Sunday Sabbat Sale where everything is 10% off all day.

If ordering online then you can enter the code YULE2011
(valid only this Sunday December 18th, 2011).

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2011

FAQ: What is the LBRP and what is it for?

2011-12-09T17:46:00.002-05:00

The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is a banishing ritual that first made it's appearance in the famous Ceremonial and Hermetic order, the Order of the Golden Dawn. No one is quite sure where the LBRP ritual came from. The founders of the Golden Dawn claimed to have received the ritual from the same "Secret Chiefs" who had theoretically passed to them all the information for the order. Certainly the LBRP draws on many Judeo-Christian and even Hindu mystical sources an some of the prayers reflect ones of Christian or Jewish origin so the LBRP as a ritual may be quite old. However whether Mather's, Westcott and Woodman were given the LBRP by the Secret Chiefs or whether they made it up (for which there is quite a bit of debate)it remains that the LBRP is am intense, powerful and balanced ritual. Since its first recorded appearance in the Golden Dawn the LBRP has been published in many different books on Ceremonial Magic, rituals, psychic and magical protection and metaphysical books and magazines, often with slightly different variations. Unfortunately due to the fact that the Golden Dawn is a secret society it is very difficult to pin point which version is the correct one, even among practitioners of the Golden Dawn today. However all the versions agree on the basic outline and principal of the ritual, and it is mostly upon the proper visualizations that the versions disagree.

The LBRP uses divine Qabbalistic symbolism to center, balance, cleanse and protect the practitioner. First the magician will draw divine energies down through their body in the shape of a cross touching upon Sephirothic attributions (the translations of which interestingly are the same words as at the end of the "Our Father"). This is called the Qabbalistic Cross and it helps to balance the practitioner and infuse them with energy. After this the practitioner traces four banishing pentagrams in each quarter (i.e. east, south, west, north) and infuses these with divine names which helps to banish and shield the sphere of the magician. The final layer of protection is made by invoking the four archangels associated with the four quarters who are placed around the sphere, protecting the inside. Finally there is an affirmation and a final Qabbalistic Cross to recenter and balance.

The LBRP is a very complex, deep and layered ritual that is extremely efficacious. In the Golden Dawn it was the only ritual that was taught before a member reached adeptship and it is often said that if you are going to learn one ritual, the LBRP is it.

December 2011 Workshops

2011-12-01T14:10:00.003-05:00

Sacred Moons Series: 1st Moon: Birch/Cold Moon (Scarlet)
Throughout the year we often hear that there are 13 moons. There are! But the cycle is not exact. Each month has a full moon and every few years we have two full moons in a single month or two dark moons. We can blend this cycle with the 13 sacred trees of the Celtic Ogham and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our spirituality. The first full moon after Samhain is the Birch Tree or December Cold moon. Learn about the basic cycle of trees and moons. Explore how you can connect to the first moon of the new Celtic year. Join us monthly to learn about the next moon’s energies.
Friday, December 9th, 7-9pm $40

Tarot: Major Arcana part 1 (Catharine)
This course covers the first half of the Major Arcana exploring the major themes and progression of the cards. We always look at your deck with the group so you come away with a deeper awareness of your own tarot.
Saturday, December 10th, 12-2pm $40

Psychic Development: Clairvoyance (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairvoyance or "clear seeing" is an ability that many of us can have or develop. We are a visual culture and we can learn to differentiate what is a psychic vision that is reliable vs our own projection or imagination.
Saturday, December 10th, 3 -5:30pm $40

How to Give a Reading (Catharine)
This course will show you how to do various tarot spreads, and give you good ways of approaching how to read for yourself and for others. We will be doing readings for each other to practice!
Thursday, December 15th, 6:30 -9pm $40

Major Arcana part 2 (Catharine)
This course covers the second part of the Major Arcana, once again considering your deck as well as others, and going into the themes and progression of the tarot as a whole life cycle
Saturday, December 17th, 12-2pm $40

LBRP Workshop (Eri)
In this workshop we will be learning how to perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram as well as some of it's visualizations and symbolism. The LBRP is a powerful Qabbalistic and Ceremonial banishing and protection ritual that uses divine and angelic energies to remove influences from your sphere.
Saturday December 17th 1-3pm $25

Psychic Development: Clairaudience (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairaudience means "clear hearing" and is remarkably more common than you may realize. Many of us channel words and phrases without understanding it. Once you learn to detect this and know which messages to trust it can change your life for the better!
Saturday, December 17th, 3 -5:30pm $40

Annual Yule Fair 2011 Schedule

2011-11-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4

The Yule Fair is coming up this WEEKEND, and we've got a packed schedule! We're looking forward to celebrating the holidays with you and your family! Bring a friend or a child-- our speakers and events are family-friendly, with exceptions clearly marked! All workshops and panels are absolutely free-of-charge!

Enjoy in-store specials and find something unique from the vending room full of local artisans.

SATURDAY: DECEMBER 3rd

Tea & Chat
Time: Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Upstairs and Downstairs
Settle in, have some tea, and be social!

Community Organizations (Lena)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Lena moderates a round table introducing community services and groups.

Spiritual Counseling (Catharine)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Spiritual counselling is a progressive form of counselling which treats the whole person. It is more open to the fact that many matters concerning the resolution of issues are based in energetic patterns that can have many origins, including spiritual beliefs. It includes the person's will to manifest and create their own lives.

Alternative Healing Panel (Valerie, Monika, et al)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
Location: Upstairs
As times change and people become less certain of the Western healing system, we are seeing more and more people searching for other solutions for their health and wellness. There are many modes of of alternative healing out there to choose from and finding which one is right for us can sometimes prove to be confusing. Come join us in this panel to explore and discuss several different methods of healing. Styles to be discussed: Reiki, Osteopathy, stone healing, energy work, Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Touch.

Virtues (Brendan Myers)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Location: Downstairs
Brendan Myers discusses topics related to his book, The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Come From, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us.

Bardcraft: How to Tell Your Story (Hobbes)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Our local bard and storyteller Hobbes will show you how you can become a bard yourself. He will teach you how to find the story that moves you, how to prepare it, and how to deliver it to an audience. Bring out your inner bard!

Energy Work: Creating Sacred Space (Scarlet)
Time: Saturday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Discussion & presentation of various ways to set up both temporary and permanent sacred space, as well as the energy work behind the methods.

Celebrating the Yule Holidays (Courtney)
Time: Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Celebrating your own spiritual path without compromising family and friends who follow different religious practices.

Dinner
Time: Saturday, 6:15pm Onward
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Impromptu dinner at the location of our brunch.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th

Pagan Sunday Brunch (MPRC)
Time: Sunday, 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Join the MPRC for brunch.

On Being a Christian Witch (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Based on her book, Path of the Christian Witch, this talk will be about the trials and discoveries along the path to being a Christian Witch.

Les questionnements spirituels et religieux (Jean-Phillipe Theobald)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Downstairs
La spiritualité est quelque chose de très personnel et de très délicat. Parfois, il est difficile d'aider quelqu'un ou de donner des conseils religieux ou spirituels sans brusquer. S'appuyant sur des principes de la psychologie développementale, l'exposé explore des outils possibles pour discuter de la manière de vivre l'expérience religieuse, en contexte de relation d'aide.

TBD (Mark Hughes)
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Downstairs

Tales of the First Lovers (Brendan Myers) 18+
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Upstairs
What a sex-positive theology looks like (18+ age or 14+ with accompanying parent).

L’Astrologie, qu’est-ce que ça dit? (Carol & Denise)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Carol parlera des principes fonctionnels de cette géométrie céleste, des planètes, des signes zodiacaux, des maisons. Denise parlera de notre futur prochain après avoir passé en revue des techniques de prévision, notant au passage la capacité d’analyse psychologique préludant à la capacité d’aider à prendre des décisions éclairées, de gérer ses relations aux autres, en somme d’établir sa biographie.

De formation scientifique, à l’école Polytechnique de Paris puis à l’université McGill (Ph.D. Mathématiques), Carol Meyer, d’abord sceptique, s’intéresse à l’astrologie en 1980 et l’étudie pour en découvrir la logique interne. Depuis ce temps, il participe à diverses recherches en astrologie. Il développe et distribue des logiciels astrologiques et publie chaque année un Agenda Planétaire.

Linguiste et professeur de français, Denise Chrzanowska devient consultante en astrologie en 1980 de façon régulière; également elle devient formatrice en astrologie sur 4 ans et aussi conférencière à Paris, aux États-Unis et au Québec. Elle a écrit « Astrologie stellaire et mythologique », « Les étoiles soufflent » et enfin « La signature de l’analogie ». Depuis 1998, elle publie une revue trimestrielle d’astrologie mondiale : « Cosmoscope ».

Crafting the Craft (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Location: Downstairs
Yule is a time when our creativity soars. Arts and crafts is a fun way to explore the magical realms and to improve our magical abilities. This lecture will look at different forms of arts and crafts and will teach how to use them to improve focus, induce trance, manifest an intent and receive messages from our allies. It will explore different theories from occupational therapy and psychodynamics and will let each participant experience first-hand the effects of arts and crafting in a magical way. No arts and craft experience required.

Discussion: Pagan Hindsight -- What We Thought We Knew (Karyn Torrie)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
A talk about the preconceptions many of us had before we came fully into our religion, and how our perceptions have since changed. (Tentative)

VENDING ROOM CLOSES AT 5PM

Public Yule Ritual (Hobbes)
Time: Sunday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Upstairs

Mindfulness –Using Meditation as a Tool to Find and Connect to Your True Self

2011-11-23T17:09:00.001-05:00

We often hear about meditation and the importance of being mindful but what does that really mean? What is meditation? How does it work? What is mindfulness? How can meditating bring about mindfulness thus helping you connect to your true self?

Meditation is a natural ancient practice that has been used over five thousand years to calm the body, mind and spirit. Meditation’s main purpose is to quiet the mind. Making the mind still leads to calm and centeredness. With calm awareness we tap into and connect with our heart center. Without the interference of troubled thoughts we can release negativity and begin to see our true nature, our true self and unfold into mindfulness.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means more than simply being aware.

Although, mindfulness requires being aware of our actions and thoughts, it is deeper and more deliberate. Being mindful means being purposely aware of thoughts and actions, not vaguely or habitually but being aware with conscious deliberation. Take for example, the simple act of eating, eating with mindfulness means that one would be conscious of the act of eating; paying attention to the sensations, taste and textures and the body’s response to these stimuli. If the mind beings to wander we would then refocus our attention back to the present. Being in the present and mindful of our selves leaves allows the storm of our thoughts to die down and what is left is the silence of our heart. We can then pay attention to and attune ourselves to the language of our body, mind and spirit. We become more aware of our needs. The shift slowly starts to take place and the benefits of meditation, awareness and mindfulness are felt in every area of our daily lives.

Although meditation is relaxing and calming it should not be mistaken as a method of relaxation. Meditation is a method used to de-clutter and calm the mind. Doing so, we gain clarity, a clearer view of who we really are. Seeing the real you clearly, without blinders, without negative mind chatter, without belief systems, without stigma, we start to develop awareness and mindfulness. You will start to see the true potential that is you.

In life we normally place a lot of energy into thinking; thinking of doing something or accomplishing goals, but as we begin to practice meditation we begin to free ourselves from constant conversation. By freeing ourselves from negative thoughts, and the never ending internal dialogue the focus of energy shifts from doing to being, we get back to balance, to the heart, to your true self.

Below I have added a couple simple meditations. Practicing, sitting as often as you can, for as long as you can, will help bring your attention back to your true path. Be patient with yourself.
Breathe. Simply be aware of your breathe. Focus on your nose, the nostrils in particular. Feel the cool air on in the in breath, then the warm air on the out breath.

• Take a deep breath, counting until four: 1,2,3,4
• Hold for 1,2,3,4
• Exhale counting until four:1,2,3,4
• Repeat

Be aware of your body and mind. If thoughts of the day seem to stay or creep in, it’s ok, don’t judge them, they are just thoughts. As quietly as they appeared, allow them to leave with the out breath. Try to sit for 5-10 minutes for the first session. Then as you begin to feel more comfortable and at ease, extend the duration of your sit.

Grounding Meditation is good for bringing you fully and consciously into the present moment, the here and now. It is especially helpful if you are undergoing lots of stress in your life, have undergone an especially difficult situation and are having a hard time clearing your mind and thoughts.

• Find a comfortable, undisturbed space and time for this sit
• Take a few deep breaths, as mentioned above.
• Now focus in on the soles of your feet, bringing all your attention to that body part
• Visualize two roots growing out of the soles for your feet working their way down into the earth.
• Allow the roots to grow and expand, branching off the deeper down into the earth they go.
• Feel yourself becoming more centered, calmer
• Keep visualizing the roots spreading and growing deeper down, passing through different layers of the Earth.
• Keep your attention at your feet and the roots growing from your feet downward into the Earth. Continue to do so until your feet feel heavy and firmly secure to the ground.
• Bring your attention back to the feet.
• When feel ready, bring your attention back to yourself and open your eyes, ending the sit.

Monika Marczuk : www.holisticenergy.ca

Classy pens, incense burners, and leather oil!

2011-11-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

We have 3 kits of "classy pens". Colored glass pens with their assorted inks come in either black, green, red, yellow or blue. Wooden pen kits come with inks of 3 different colors: black, blue or violet. We also have musical pens with 2 interchangeable points: one to draw the 5 musical lines, and the other to draw the notes. Perfect for composers who are nostalgic of the old times, or for pagans who like to create their own chants for rituals.

The incense burners we recently received are rectangular wooden boxes, rectangular soapstone boxes, cubic soapstone burners (require a tealight candle) and brass cone burners (small and big).

The leather fragrance oil is now available! It can be rubbed on a journal or any other object to make it smell like genuine leather! Perfect for vegans! You can come at the store to get a bottle, or you can order it through the website in 5 ml and 15 ml volumes.

FAQ: What are the elements and what are their attributions?

2011-11-12T17:48:00.000-05:00

In Wicca, most Pagan paths, spell-craft and Ceremonial Magic we place a high importance on the five elements which are, as the term would suggest, the magical and natural components which form in each thing. Some traditions see these elements in slightly different ways or have slightly different attributions but here is a basic guide:

Earth
Association:Earth is the element of stability and the physical. Earth is often associated with material well-being such as money, home and prosperity, stubbornness and healing on the physical level.
Color:Black or Green or Brown
Tool/Tarot Suit:The Shield and the Pentacle.
Symbols: Salt, Soil, Bread, Horns, Stone, Leaves, Bark.
Sense: Touch
Scents: Pine, Cedar, Amber, Patchouli, Sandalwood.
Direction: North
Time: Night

Air
Association: Air is the element of the mind, communication, language, writing and imagination. Air is often associated with anything having to do with the mind or mental processes and is often invoked for study, philosophical thought or automatic writing and healing of mental illness.
Color: Yellow
Tool/Tarot Suit: The Dagger and the Sword
Symbols: Feather, Rose, Quill or Pen, Parchment, Book of Shadows, Fan.
Sense: Smell
Scents: Hyssop, Mint, Violet, Moonflower, Lavander.
Direction: East
Time: Sunrise

Water
Association: Water is the element of emotions. It is associated with peace and calm but also sadness and every other emotion. Water is also associated with empathy, mystery and healing on an emotional level.
Color: Blue
Tool/Tarot: The Cauldron and the Cup (or Chalice).
Symbols: Water, Wine, Shells.
Sense: Taste
Scents: Lotus, Vetiver, Cucumber, Rosemary, Orris, Jasmine.
Direction: West
Time: Sunset

Fire
Association: Fire represents the will, creativity and passion as well as renewal but also destruction. Fire is also associated with strength and power.
Color: Red
Tool/Tarot: The Wizard's Staff and the Wand
Symbols: Flame, Candles, Lamps, Censer, Incense.
Sense: Sight
Scents: Neroli, Nag Champa, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Clove.
Direction: South
Time: Midday

Spirit
Associations: Spirit is the element of the soul, the divine and the supernatural.
Color: White or Purple
Tool/Tarot: Spirit does not have a tool but is associated with the Major Arcana in the Tarot deck.
Symbols: White Light, Quartz, Crystal, Crystal Balls, Crosses, Doves, Smoke.
Sense: Hearing
Scents: Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood
Direction: Up
Time: All Time.

Come check out our Elemental display at the store for more ideas of tools and associations for your altar or elemental workings!

Turning forgotten New Years Resolutions into Remembered Change

2011-11-07T21:24:00.002-05:00

The New Year is long gone, and so are good intended New Year’s resolutions. During the turning of the year we become introspective and start mulling over the past year’s events. We see what improvements need to be made and hopefully keep our big promises long enough to see change manifest. We think back on our short comings, should have, would have, could have’s show their ugly faces; when the realization that our big plans for major self-renovations did not all go according to plan we look to the future. Not to worry, we have the birth of yet another year to make more resolutions in hope that this New Year will heed better results.

The cycle continues. We set unrealistically high expectations on ourselves that are unfortunately a set up for disappointments. “I resolve to lose 30 pounds in 6 months!’ “I resolve to exercise daily!” “I resolve to …” Although, these mentioned examples are fantastic in nature, it is unrealistic to stock pile one resolution on top of another with such high expectations and have lasting fruitful outcomes. It is impossible to eat an elephant in its entirety in one sitting, just as it is to conquer all of our phobias, balance our imbalances, exercise daily, renovate the kitchen, volunteer at the local shelter, give up coffee and all sugars in one night! Then if stock piling does not work, and expecting the world from us only leads to disappointment, then what is the answer?

I say baby steps. It would be considered unfair and unrealistic to expect an infant to crawl before they sit upright, so why do we place such high self- expectations on ourselves when it comes to our own self growth? Try a new approach, treat yourself as gently and with as much acceptance as you would an infant. Stay true to yourself, meaning, practice the art of self- love and acceptance. Have compassion and loving kindness for the areas in you that are struggling and imbalanced as much as the strengths and more pleasing attributes of yourself. Love is what love does. Being more mindful, a day at a time, one step at a time, your thoughts and actions will naturally reflect and flow in a healthier, more balanced direction.

In the end, you will keep the best resolution of all, the promise to be true to yourself.

Monika Marczuk, Founder and Owner of Balanced Steps
www.holisticenergy.ca

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You can make an appointment to see her for a healing session on Mondays between 11am and 5pm. 30-minute sessions are $35 and 1-hr sessions are $70.
514-938-1458

2011-11-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

The store was unable to get unscented colored taper candles for a long time, because the suppliers were actually lacking them in the last few years. Some specialized candle stores even went out of business! Well, good news! We have a very large selection of candles made in Germany! They are roughly 8 inches (20cm) long and they're perfect for 7-day spells!

Our section of crystals and tumbled stones is very full!

Come see what we have in stock!

Annual Yule Fair 2011

2011-11-03T15:36:00.003-04:00

This year the Yule Fair will be held over the usual first weekend of December upstairs of Le Melange Magique/The Magical Blend (1928 St-Catherine West, Montreal). A selection of local artists and artisans will have their wares for sale.

Great place and time to find unique gifts for the holidays!

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2011
10:00am to 5:00pm both days.
Saturday the store will be open till 7pm!

Throughout the weekend we also offer workshops, presentations, discussions, lectures, author talks and more!

If you wish to offer a talk, please contact us. If there is a subject that you think would be interesting, let us know!

On this year's list of talks:

■ Healers Panel Discussion
■ Authors Panel Discussion
■ Energy Work: Creating Sacred Space
■ Way of the Warrior
■ Astrology 2012 (en francais)
■ and more (ALL FREE)

Also on the plan is a Yule Ritual in the evening on Sunday December 4th at 6pm.

New products in store!

2011-11-02T17:24:00.000-04:00

We have received the long-awaited Witch Balls! They are so wonderful and shiny! We have small (3 inch/7 cm diameter) and large (5 inch/13 cm diameter) balls in 2 distinct series: Trees of Enchantments and Birth Months. Each ball is blown by hand, so no two balls are exactly alike, even if there are similar patterns and colors. The best way to choose them is to come in the store and select them yourself.

Small balls are all $20.95.
Large Birth Month balls are $32.95.
Large Tree of Enchantments balls are $42.95.

We also have 2 super cute large glass pumpkins on display, which can be sold as Halloween is over now, at $42.95 each.

We also received a very diverse selection of soapstone incense burners and boats. There are rectangular boats, square and round plates with very nice patterns, either Asian or "witchy" style.

We are restocked in sage bundles, so if you feel like there are nasty energy pockets around your home, you can smudge the corners of each room with sage in a counter-clockwise fashion. This action is useful if you feel there are spirits observing you, whether they are friendly or seem hostile.

The newest items in store as of today are crystal drops and hanging crystals, all with Chakra colored crystal pieces and clear pieces. Their prices vary depending on their style and size, from $11 to $35.

November Workshops & Events

2011-10-28T11:54:00.003-04:00

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...

Interview with Matt Risk our Shiatsu Healer

2011-10-25T17:02:00.000-04:00

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.

Back to Basics

2011-10-24T18:07:00.003-04:00

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!

Alternative Healing at Melange: Reiki with Monika

2011-10-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

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.

FAQ: What is Black Magic and the Three Fold Law?

2011-10-22T22:44:00.000-04:00

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!

Public Samhain Altar

2011-10-20T09:42:00.002-04:00

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.

BRAAAAAAINS!

2011-10-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T10:34:00.002-04:00

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)

Interesting new books in stock!

2011-10-06T14:35:00.001-04:00

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

Reminder: We will be closing early on Thanksgiving!

2011-10-05T14:41:00.000-04:00

The store will only be open from 10am-3pm on Monday October 10th.

U'Nataneh Tokef: A Jewish prayer for attonement on the Day of Attonement (Yom Kippur)

2011-10-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

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)

About the Moonflower

2011-10-03T11:22:00.002-04:00

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.

October Workshops & Events

2011-09-29T15:58:00.003-04:00

Psychic Development Series (Catharine)
This is a complete introduction and training in clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, spirit contact, psychometry and channeling. each week focuses on one of the abilities under the Psychic umbrella. We all have gifts...this series will show you what yours are and how to develop them further.

week 1 Clairvoyance
week 2 Clairaudience
week 3 Clairsentience
week 4 Psychometry
week 5 Predictive Dreams
week 6 Spirits - Earthbounds vs Angels and Guides
week 7 Smudging and Shielding
week 8 Symbolism and Symbolic messages
week 9 Colours and Auras
week 10 Giving a Reading

Saturdays, October 1st through December 3rd 12:00-2:00pm
10 weeks $40 per class or $300 for series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Yom Kippur
Friday October 7th

Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE
The Unmentionables: Pagan Taboos
Are there any topics that pagans avoid? Satanism, Dark Arts, and Pagan Ethics. Paganism and Sexual Etiquette Non-pagan religion bashing. Pagan tradition bashing. Controversial figures in pagan culture. Dealing with Pagan community gossip. Blending pantheons: the Dangers and Benefits. Is it respectful to blend pantheons together? Are pagans open to every religion EXCEPT Christianity?
Thursday, October 6th 6:45-8:45pm FREE

Intro to Contemporary Paganism (Amanda)
What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a contemporary religious or spiritual context. We will explore some of the various philosophical underpinnings that seem to unite most contemporary Pagan traditions, as well as some of the common conceptions and misconceptions people have about Paganism.
Thursday October 6th, 7-8:30 pm, $5 donation (proceeds to MPRC)

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine)
I look at the physical and psychological benefits of meditation during pregnancy. How to incorporate meditation into daily life, do it in safety and comfort, and bond with your baby.
Bring a pillow or yoga mat (something comfortable for you to sit on the floor with) and slippers or soft socks.
Fridays, October 7 & 14 & 21, 6:30-7:45pm $25

THANKS GIVING (Monday October 10th)
STORE HOURS: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Sukkot
Wednesday October 12th

Zombie Apocalypse Preparation (Scarlet)
What do you need to have in your emergency magical bomb shelter against the Zombie Apocalypse? What kinds of zombies are there in myth and culture? Let’s talk about how to deal with them and how to survive. Be a warrior! Be a Survivor!
Thursday, October 13th, 7-9pm $40

Astrology 101 (Catharine)
This series explains all the signs, planets, houses, aspects, chart interpretation and allows you to learn by using our own charts in the group. There is a lot of interpretation work in the series so you leave with a good grasp of your own chart.
Saturdays, October 15th to December 17th, 3:30-5:30pm
$40 per workshop or $300 for the series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Crafting Ritual: An Introduction (Amanda)
Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups.
Sunday October 16th, 2-4:30 pm, $30

Discover Your Animal Totems (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

Week 1 Introduction to Totemic System
Week 2 Guided Meditation / discoveries
Week 3 Becoming Your Totem

Thursdays, October 20th to November 10th, 7-9pm
$40 per class or $100 for the series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Montreal Witches Ball: Masquerade Ball (MPRC)
Friday, October 28th 2011
Vendredi, 28 octobre, 2011
L’Antre H
3697 Blvd St Laurent
Samhain Ritual/rituel (free/gratuit): 7pm
Celebration: 8:30pm (open to all/ouvert a tous)
Note: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to attend the ritual and the party afterwards.
Wear your wildest masks! / Portez vos masque les plus fantastiques!
Prizes and raffles! / Prix a gagner!
Music spun by / Musique par: DJ Marcus Aurelius
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
Sponsored by / Presente par: Montreal Pagan Resource Centre/Centre de Resource Paienne de Montreal
www.mprc-crpm.ca

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE (SAMHAIN)
10% off everything ALL DAY
Sunday, October 30th

Dumb Supper (Melange Magique & Black Forest)
The Dumb Supper is a sacred ritual of honoring ancestors and sharing introspective time with like minded people. We invite you to our Dumb Supper, catered for your convenience, buffet style with vegan and non-vegan foods. Bring a picture or object and a memory of a deceased friend, pet, or relative as we will be inviting them to join us at this meal. An ancestral shrine will be set up where you may pay your respects and light a candle.
Sunday, October 30th, 6-8pm $25
(Tickets available until Wednesday October 26th)

SAMHAIN / HALLOWEEN
Dress up, show off your costume! We certainly will.
Get 10% off your purchases if you show up in costume on this day!
Monday, October 31st

Happy Jewish new Year!

2011-09-28T18:11:00.000-04:00

Rosh Hashanah, literally "the head of the year," is the Jewish new year and starts (this year) tonight at sunset and ends Friday night at sunset. This holiday begins the ten day span known as the "Days of Atonement" which ends with Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). This is the period where Jews repent for their sins and it is said that on Rosh hashanna God opens the Book of Judgement and on the last night of Yom Kippur God closes it. It is traditional during this time to ask forgiveness for one's sins before God, your fellows and yourself. As such, the Days of Atonement are a time of reflection where we review the year and ask ourselves what we have done that we feel we need to atone for.

Rosh Hashanah specifically celebrates the new year which symbolically represents the biblical creation of the world. As such Rosh Hashanah can be seen as the Earth's birthday. (An interesting note for astrologists: Every 29 years on Rosh Hashanah Hasidic Jews celebrate the Earth's Saturn Return!) The traditional greeting on Rosh Hashanah is "shana tova oomitukah" which means "have a happy and sweet year."

This holiday has many traditions and symbols. As with many Jewish holidays some of these are concerned with eating symbolic foods. Jews eat apples with honey and honey cake to help foster a sweet new year and round challah (egg bread) to celebrate the circle of the seasons. Pomegranates are traditionally eaten to help one have a "fruitful" year (since they have so many seeds) and it is also said that the number of pomegranate seeds equals the number of good deeds (mitzvot) one can do in one's lifetime. One of these mitzvot is also to eat a new fruit on Rosh Hashanah: either a fruit you've never eaten or one you haven't eaten in at least a year. Also, in reflection of the name of the holiday, the heads of animals are traditionally consumed on Rosh Hashanah such as the heads of fish.

Perhaps the most obvious symbol of Rosh Hashanah is that of the "shofar" or ram's horn. Jews blow the shofar at Rosh Hashanah in specific patterns that are laid out in the Old Testament. On Rosh Hashanah the shofar is blown to welcome the new year. The tradition of blowing the shofar may come from the yearly parades caused by the pilgramages of all the Jews from the land of Zion to Jerusalem for the sin sacrifices at the Temple. These parades would be signaled to start with the blow of the shofar from the mountaintops.

Another tradition is a ritual called Taslikh ("to cast off") where you walk to a running river and throw bits of bread or pebbles into the water. The former represents sins which are symbolically "washed away" by the water.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called the "High Holidays" by most Jews because they are considered to be the most important holidays to observe. Many Jews who do not normally celebrate the holidays will still come to synagogue for Rosh Hashanah. In fact, this is one of the few Jewish holidays mentioned in the Old Testament and that God commands his people to follow (some of the others are the Sabbath, Passover and Sukkoth). These holidays have of course been modified greatly from the ancient ways laid out in the Old Testament particularly in the fact that prayer and devotion have come to replace animal sacrifice. Rosh Hashanah has a vast liturgy of prayers that have become traditional to recite at this time of year, so much so that the Days of Atonement have their own separate prayer book called a "mahzor."

So have a good and sweet new year. Take this time to look inward and ask forgiveness from yourself for the things you may have done that you feel guilty about and ask forgiveness from friends, family and colleagues you may have slighted. Everyone has bad days, but a sincere apology, even a year later, can lighten the darkness in the world a little. Eat some honey and apples to remind yourself of the sweetness of life and eat a round loaf to remind you of it's never-ending cycles.

Chag Sameach! Happy Holidays!

Visit by author Christopher Penczak for Melange's 20th Birthday!

2011-09-27T16:48:00.001-04:00

Author Christopher Penczak is coming into Melange this weekend to celebrate our 20th Anniversary! Come join us and him for tarot readings, book signings and a workshop based on his new book The Plant Spirit Familiar:Green Totems, Teacher and Healers on the Path of the Witch.
Tarot Readings:
$35 per half hour or $70 per hour throughout the weekend.
Prepaid reservations only.

Book Signing:
Saturday October 1st, 5-6pm.
Books available or bring your own!

Plant Totem Workshop: ($25)
Saturday October 1st, 3-5pm
Prepaid registration only.

Christopher Penczak will be offering a workshop on Plant Totems to promote his book launch:

Many witches, magicians and shamans work with the concept of the animal familiar, the totem or fetch beast, but many are also allied with spirits from the plant world. The spirits of herbs, flowers and trees can act as divine guides, protectors and tutors in magick, healing and transforming the witch. Each one has its own spiritual medicine, that is in harmony with magickal work and purpose in the world. Survey many of the traditional plant allies of the witch, including the spirits of Nightshade, Monkshood, Thorn Apple, Mandrake, Oak, Apple, Hazel, Birch, Rose, Mugwort, Wormwood, and Angelica. Learn how to find your own plant familiar frim the green world, and develop a strong connection. Based upon Christopher's new book, The Plant Spirit Familiar.

Christopher's new book is available at Melange already, so come by to pick yours up before the workshop!

To reserve a space, come visit us at 1928 St-Chatherine West, Montreal or call us at 514-938-1458

Mabon and Higan service (Sept. 23)

2011-09-21T21:50:00.001-04:00

Friday, September 23 - Fall Equinox

Come celebrate the Equinox in 2 different ways with us!

Mabon is a harvest festival coinciding with the equinox. Fruits such as grapes and apples are associated with this time. Valerie, one of the store owners, brings organic grapes from her garden everyday for everyone to enjoy. We have books and other items related to the Equinox and the harvest.

If you are looking for information for a public Sabbat, please call the store.

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The Higan service is a Shinto-Buddhist memorial for the ancestors. Practitioners generally travel to an arch built close-by of their home and bring offerings to their ancestors. They can also recite an excerpt from the Diamond Sutra and ring a bell when they are done. Our public altar will be available for this practice. You may bring flowers as offerings, and we will provide the excerpt of the Diamond Sutra and the bell.

September 21st: International Gratitude Day

2011-09-20T18:06:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is international Gratitude Day, a day created by the United Nations Meditation Group to encourage people to express thanks and gratitude towards one another.

This might seem like a simple enough thing but its amazing how often we don't express our gratitude towards the people and things in our life. Here are some suggestions:

- As you go through your day, mark all the things that support you and keep you going and try to foster a grateful attitude towards them. For example: "I am grateful for the bus and metro system (even if it isn't as efficient as you might like!) which allows me to get almost anywhere in the city without the expense and ecological harm of a car," or "I am grateful for my tea cup which allows me to drink my tea." It's amazing how many little things contribute to our existence and acknowledging them really makes you feel blessed and in tune with the universe that sustains and is part of you!
- Tell someone why you appreciate them. Maybe even write them a letter and give them some flowers!
- Instead of saying you are sorry (or as well as), try saying how much you appreciate the person instead. I do this every day! Instead of feeling like a mess-up, you feel blessed for the understanding and supportive people around you.

As well, here are some books in the store that talk about having a grateful outlook:

The Secret Gratitude Book:

The Secret is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of people to live extraordinary lives. Now The Secret Gratitude Book provides an incredibly powerful tool to live The Secret, and to bring joy and harmony to every aspect of your life. Filled with insights and wisdom from Rhonda Byrne, this beautiful journal offers a framework for practicing the power of gratitude each day, enabling you to attract every magnificent thing you want into your life.

The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude: An Evolutionary Journey to Awakening Your Spirit:

With a foreword by Louise L. Hay, The Power of Infinite Love & Gratitude will help readers discover the mysteries of the subconscious mind and learn how to transform their lives. Key lessons help unleash the mind and body's infinite capacity for healing and provide a deeper understanding of stress, enabling one to move more easily through life.

Attitudes Of Gratitude:

In Attitudes of Gratitude, M.J. Ryan teaches readers how to unlock the fullness of their hearts and lives through the expression of gratitude. "Gratitude helps us to return to our natural state of joyfulness," she writes, "where we notice what's right instead of what's wrong. It makes us feel complete, that we have everything we need, at least in this moment." In her introduction to this 10th anniversary edition, Ryan recounts current research that bolsters her original thinking - people who practice gratitude on a daily basis are, by and large, happier, healthier, and more effective in the world. She also shares with readers brand new, top 10 gratitude practices, which readers of the first edition and people she?s taught and counseled over the years have provided to her. The concept of this book is very simple and very profound: - Gratitude creates happiness - It?s a fact of life (and science as it turns out). Plants create carbon dioxide and gratitude creates happiness.

Also, come join us from 6pm-7pm to show out appreciation for a wonderful member of our community without whom the Montreal Pagan community would certainly be poorer!

Thanks to all our customers and friends who help keep the store going and make the Pagan community in Montreal better and brighter! We are grateful for your support! You're the best!

Blessed be!

MABON SABBAT SALE!

2011-09-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

Sunday September 18th is going to be our Mabon Sabbat Sale! Like for all Sabbat sales, everything in the store will be 10% off!

Mabon is about harvest and the Fall equinox, reminding us about the balance between Day and Night, Light and Dark, Male and Female energies, etc. Come in and see what we have in store for the occasion!

Enjoy the harvest festival! Arrrr!

Shiatsu/Reiki On Tuesdays

2011-09-11T14:12:00.004-04:00

Matt Risk (Shiatsu Healing Practioner & Reiki Master)
Every Tuesday 11am - 5pm
$35/30-min or $70/1-hr

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, Montreal, Victoria, Vancouver and Calgary.

What is Shiatsu?
A form of therapy of Japanese origin based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands.

Tokujiro Namikoshi discovered the practice which became Shiatsu as a child when his sick mother seemed to feel better when he applied holding pressure to her arthritic limbs. Later in life, he studied medicine in earnest, and coined the term “Shiatsu” to describe the practice he discovered. (circa 1940)

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Call us to make an appointment!
514-938-1458

20th Anniversary and Mid-Autumn Moon Ritual!

2011-09-10T22:32:00.000-04:00

20TH ANNIVERSARY (September 11)

On September 11, 1991, Debra Aubin created the Mélange Magique/Magical Blend store. She thought it would remain a small magical herb store, but it became much more with time. Indeed, the Mélange Magique has been the host of several services, workshops and rituals for the Montreal Pagan Community. In 2011, new owners Scarlet Jory and Valérie Laville are working towards keeping the top-notch reputation the Mélange Magique has acquired over time. In the last years, the business has been shipping Pagan-related supplies everywhere in North America and even in France! Since the change of ownership, Le Mélange Magique has been offering some French books and French Tarot/Oracle decks, as well as healing services on the premises 3 times a week.

To start a new cycle into the store's existence, we will launch our NEW WEBSITE on Sunday! It has a fresh green look and is more organized than the older one, especially for its French translation (it will be fully bilingual very soon). There will not be any special event in the store itself, as we will receive Christopher Penczak on the weekend of October 1st for book signing and divination. We will celebrate our anniversary fully during that weekend.

MID-AUTUMN MOON RITUAL (September 12)

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節), also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, dating back over 3,000 years. In Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, it is also sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which is in September or early October for us. It is a date that parallels the autumnal equinox of the solar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and roundest. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the few most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, the others being New Year and Winter Solstice, and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the fall harvesting season on this date.

A free Full Moon ritual will be led by Scarlet for this occasion. There will be ambient Asian Music, tea and traditional Asian treats. It will be located upstairs of Le Mélange Magique and will start at 7pm. Please bring a cup for the tea.

International Literacy Day: September 8th

2011-09-07T15:55:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is International Literacy day, a day when we try to promote literacy and understand it's contributions as a human right. This day was created by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) in 1965 and has been celebrated since. UNESCO's goals are to promote literacy all over the world because, as they say:

"Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development."

Here at Melange we are going to be celebrating International Literacy Day by giving you ten percent off all books in hopes that we can help you and your loved ones to expand your horizons. Also take this opportunity to contribute to raising Canada's literacy rate (99% of the population over the age of 15) by buying some of our children's books to read to your children or encourage a friend to read!

Ninja Teleportation

2011-09-03T20:30:00.002-04:00

Breaking News!

Apparently one of our black cats is very well named. Ninja.
He ninja-ed his way out of our store last night by unknown means.
We were sure he was inside when we closed.
The janitor called to let us know he was on the roof crying to come in through the fire escape.

We suspect feline teleportation.

Just thought we would share one of the many mysterious experiences we have within the sanctuary walls of the store.

:)

September Workshop & Events

2011-09-02T11:49:00.004-04:00

CMS (Crescent Moon School)
Level 1 and 2 courses begin.
Wednesdays, September 7th, 6-9pm

International Literacy Day
To celebrate the International Literacy Day, the store will offer10% off all books throughout the day!
Thursday, September 8th

Tarot Series (Catharine)
Come learn the symbolic and archetypal language of the tarot. You will be introduced to the entire 78 cards and learn how to spread the cards to give a reading.
Please bring your own deck.

Week 1 Major Arcana part one
Week 2 Major Arcana part two
Week 3 Minor Arcana - Swords and Wands
Week 4 Minor Arcana - Cups and Disks
Week 5 Spreads and readings

Thursdays, September 8th to October 6th, 7-9pm
$40 per class or $150 for the series (deal available if paid in full before or on the start date).

Psychic Development Series (Catharine)
This is a complete introduction and training in clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, spirit contact, psychometry and channelling. Each week focuses on one of the abilities under the Psychic umbrella. We all have gifts. This series will show you what yours are and how to develop them further.

Week 1 Introduction to Using Your Intuition
Week 2 Clairvoyance
Week 3 Clairaudience
Week 4 Clairsentience
Week 5 Psychometry
Week 6 Predictive Dreams
Week 7 Spirits - Earthbounds vs Angels and Guides
Week 8 Smudging and Shielding
Week 9 Your Spirit Guides
Week 10 Past Lives
Week 11 Colours and Auras
Week 12 Symbols and Symbolic Messages
Week 13 Giving a Reading

Saturdays, September 10th to December 10th, 12-2pm
13 weeks: $40 per class or $375 for series (deal available if paid in full before or on the start date).

Magical Blend’s 20th Anniversary
We launch our NEW WEBSITE today!
We are postponing the in-store celebration to the weekend of October 1st to coincide with a surprise guest speaker launching his new book about Plant Totems (Christopher Penczak).
Sunday, September 11th

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (Chinese)
Come celebrate with us for a tradition Chinese festival evening. Ambient Asian music, traditional foods, Full Moon ritual. All are Welcome!!
Monday, September 12th, 7-9pm

Sunday Sabbat Sale
Sunday, September 18th

World Gratitude Day
Show gratitude to yourself and others. Tell someone why you appreciate them. List 10 things in your own life that you are grateful for.
Join us at as we show our appreciation to a special member of our community!
Wednesday, September 21st, 6-7pm

MABON: AUTUMN EQUINOX
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD

Higan Service (Japan: Buddhism & Shinto)
Make an offering of flowers at the altar to your ancestors, recite an excerpt from the Diamond Sutra and ring the bell to invite a change for the coming year.
Friday, September 23rd

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Jews embark upon the serious task of examining their lives and repenting for any wrongs they have committed during the previous year. Take this opportunity to say sorry to anyone or to make amends.
September 28th - 30th

Labour Day

2011-09-02T11:48:00.000-04:00

Please note that the store will be CLOSED on Monday September 5th.

New Oils in Stock!

2011-08-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

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.

Crescent Moon School

2011-08-25T09:03:00.005-04:00

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)

Dr. Wayne Dyer in Montreal! (Traduction simultanée)

2011-08-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

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.

Tea the Week

2011-08-17T12:46:00.001-04:00

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!

International Relaxation Day

2011-08-14T14:26:00.003-04:00

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

Healers in August

2011-08-13T11:14:00.002-04:00

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

2011-08-13T11:07:00.000-04:00

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.

2011-08-07T13:24:00.002-04:00

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!

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

2011-08-05T13:52:00.000-04:00

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!

Totems

2011-08-04T09:37:00.002-04:00

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:

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
Animal Speak Pocket Guide by Ted Andrews
Totems by Brad Steiger
Power Animal Meditations by Nicki Scully

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.

Tea of the Week

2011-08-01T14:39:00.002-04:00

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.

Sunday Sabbat Sale!

2011-07-30T10:19:00.002-04:00

Don't forget, tomorrow we have our Sunday Sabbat sale where everything in store is 10% OFF! Why not drop by for some last minute items to help celebrate Lughnasadh? Or even just to take advantage of the sale?

We have a specialty tea blend just for the occasion. As well as oil blends, bath salts, sprinkling powders, and more!

Still unsure about what you would like to do for the occasion? Just ask our staff for some ideas, we'd be happy to help.

Amber!

2011-07-29T14:58:00.002-04:00

Yay! We have restocked our Amber!

Once again we have our hand carved wooden cases with amber resins inside, both gold amber and blue amber!

Amber (which is actually fossilized tree sap) does more than just smell amazing and make your skin feel great. It helps give a soothing and light energy to any room, helps manifest desires and increase intellectual ability, draws out negativity and bring love protection and balance to those that burn or wear it.
And when applied to the skin is it great for drawing out toxins, great for the pores, and general healing.

Almanacs and Calendars for 2012-13 year!

2011-07-22T17:25:00.004-04:00

For those of you wanting to get a head start on planning your 2012-2013 year you might be interested in this one..

We just got in a small selection of almanacs and calendars!

With a range from Buddhism to Faeries to ECOlogical themes, we have a beautiful variety of 2012 calendars.

Also, our beautiful wonderful almanacs that I'm sure I'm not the only one excited about. Along with our Herbal Almanac and our Magical Almanac we also have..

Llewellyn's 2012 Sun Sign Book by Kris Brandt Riske, M.A.
Yay! Horoscopes for everyone! Use this book in the coming year of 2012 for insight, guidance, tips, and even a chapter on what the oh-so-famous Mayan calendar reveals about the planetary shifts in 2012.

Llewellyn's 2012 Moon Sign Book
To aid with conscious living by the cycles of the moon. Includes a monthly lunar table, weather predictions, guidance, tips, and even a guide for gardening.

And - la piece de resistance!

Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2012
A great way to keep track of your personal events as well as moon phases, esbats, sabbats, planetary alignments. Even an at-a-glance guide to the best days to plant and harvest. Not to mention a whole lot more!

They'll go fast so make sure you get your copy!

August Workshops & Events

2011-07-20T14:56:00.008-04:00

Kaleidoscope Gathering Festival
THE MAGICAL BLEND is HERE FOR THE WEEK
http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.ca
July 27th through August 1st

Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE
Pagan Community Etiquette
Public Ritual Etiquette, Public Event Etiquette, Pagan Conference Etiquette, Pagan Festival Etiquette, Pagan Affection Etiquette, Respecting Traditions, Pagan Tools Etiquette
Thursday, August 4th 6:45-8:45pm FREE

International Indigenous People's Day
August 9th
Save 10% on all Shamanism books, sage smudges, and sweetgrass. Show your BAND CARD for a special gift!

Find Your Totem Animal (Catharine)
Animal totems are such powerful tools to work with for personal development. They help us uncover aspects about ourselves previously unconscious, and they can help us to know how better to act in our current circumstances. Some are temporary, some are for life. Come discover what yours are and how they affect your life.
Thursday, August 11th 7-9pm $40

Chakra Intensive Workshop (Catharine)
In this intensive workshop we will describe what each Chakra is about and do meditations to cleanse them, You will gain a good sense of what each one is about, it's corresponding thoughts and emotional states when in balance, as well as the body areas, gems and scents that symbolize them... wear whatever Chakra colour fits you best.
Saturday, August 13th 12-4pm $100

Reiki I (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.
*Please note that this will be the last offering of this class from Robyn while she takes a break for the rest of her pregnancy. Take advantage and sign up now!*
Saturday, August 13th 10am - 5pm $150

International Relaxation Day
August 15th
Save 10% on all Meditation books and teas.
10-11am you may join us for a FREE Tea Meditation to start your week off right!

Tarot: Major Arcana I (Catharine)
From the Fool to the Wheel of Fortune, come learn the Major Arcana.
*Please bring your own deck*
Thursday, August 18th 7-9pm $40

Introduction of Paganism & Pagan Training (Scarlet) FREE
This is a short introduction to what is Paganism. What does it mean to be pagan? What goes on a simple altar? Pagan Holy Days are holidays?! Codes, creeds and beliefs. Now, how do you find a place to learn? Are there schools and where can I find one? Are there covens and where can I find one? What other resources are at my disposal?
Friday, August 19th 7-9pm FREE

Psychic Development Intensive Workshop (Catharine)
This intensive is designed to introduce you to a wide variety of psychic abilities to help you identify your strengths and to do exercises to help you develop others. We will discuss and develop your Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Clairsentience and more with fun and insightful activities.
Saturday, August 20th 12-4pm $100

International Homeless Animals Day
August 20th
$1 (ONE DOLLAR) from every purchase over $10 will go towards the SPCA.
$2 (TWO DOLLARS) from every purchase of an Animal book will go towards the SPCA.

Introduction to Covens (Scarlet) FREE
Welcome to Northern Cougars, BFC, Traditional Euro-Celtic Wicca & Witchcraft. Come learn about covens versus solitaries and what it is like to work in a traditional yet contemporary coven. Ever had any burning questions you wanted to ask about coven work or joining a coven? Wondering how to safely find and join a coven? What kinds of covens are out there and is this for you? Come find out!
Sunday, August 21st 1-3pm FREE

Tarot: Major Arcana II (Catharine)
From the Strength card to the Universe.... now you are set to do readings!
*Please bring your own deck*
Thursday, August 25th 7-9pm $40

CMS Registration & Open House
Crescent Moon School is Montreal's longest running school of magic and paganism, having started in 1995. It's goal is to help you find your path. Come to the Open House to meet some of the teachers and to see what students of all levels have done the past year. Registration is open throughout August and will end September 1st.
Level 1: Wednesdays 6-9pm starting September 7th for 20weeks
$300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks)
Level 2: Wednesdays 6-9pm starting September 7th for 24-27 weeks
$375 (or 3x $125 every 8 weeks)
Level 3: TBD
Level 4: Private

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 will be the last offering of this class from Robyn while she takes a break for the rest of her pregnancy. Take advantage and sign up now!*
Saturday, August 27th 10am - 5pm $250

International Dream Day
August 28th
Save 10% on all Dream books.
Do you have a dream you would like to see manifest? Write it down and add it to our cauldron in the Public Altar space within the shop. At the end of the day, staff will work some magic to help your dreams come true!

Chakras and their Stones

2011-07-18T15:28:00.003-04:00

Chakras are the energy points of our bodies. They are where we store, process, and send out our vital energies. If any one of these is out of balance than we ourselves are out of balance. Physically and emotionally.

One way of keeping these balanced is with the use of crystals. While meditating you can hold the crystal in your hand or even place it on the energy point of your body.

There are a few different options of stones for each individual chakra, so if one type does not suit you there could be another to do the job!

The Root Chakra: Located at the base of the spine. Stones for this chakra are Onyx, Black Obsidian, Jet, Red Jasper, Hematite, Bloodstone, Garnet, Smokey Quartz, and Black Tourmaline.

The Navel (Sacral) Chakra: Located below the navel. Stones for this chakra are Fire Agate, Carnelian, Moonstone, and Copper.

The Solar Plexus: Located below the breast bone. Stones for this chakra are Citrine, Tiger's Eye, Amber, and Brass.

The Heart Chakra: Located in the center of the chest. Stones to use for this chakra are Emerald, Aventurine, Jade, Malachite, Rose Quartz, and Rhodocrosite.

The Throat Chakra: Located above the collar bone. Stones for this chakra include Blue Lace Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Sapphire, Blue Tiger's Eye, Turquoise, and Aquamarine.

The Third Eye: Located above the eyebrows, centered in the forehead. Stones to use for this chakra are Iolite, Fluorite, and Lapidolite.

The Crown Chakra: Located at the top of the head. Stones for this chakra are Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Silver, and Diamond.

If you have any questions we are fully stocked in books and our staff can help out with any Chakra inquiries you may have. And never be shy to call!

Tea of the Week

2011-07-18T15:13:00.003-04:00

A lot of people use summer as a chance for transformation and for new beginnings and new adventures. What better way to start off than to use a little bit of Uncrossing to take away accumulated negativity and blockages from the past.

That is precisely what our Tea of the Week is for! Our Uncrossing Tea (blend recipe #2) is not only good for chasing away those bad vibes but also tastes great and is very good for the body.

Also in the way of Uncrossing we have candles, incense, oils, floor wash, bath salt, and even a fully equipped and easy to follow talisman spell kit.

Need helpful tips or suggestions related to Uncrossing or removal of spells and negativity? Come on in and ask any one of our staff!

Lovely & New!

2011-07-13T14:39:00.011-04:00

The new items are just flying off the shelves!

We received new journals this week. Soft leather in light brown with the triple moon embossed on the front and back. A black on with a mysterious black cat. Stunning navy blue with the celtic moon and circle in iridescent silver. And an iridescent fairy. All are hard cover and unlined inside. Perfect for traveling, camping, and if you like a small sized Book of Shadows.

How is a Book of Shadows used? Why are they important for your practice?

They are your personal magical journal. Record the knowledge and correspondences (herb lore, stone lore, animal lore, meanings of days and colors, recipes for oils and other potions). You can also record your spells and rituals. It is a must have for any practitioner.

Also in stock are limited editions of the once famous pin wooden storage boxes for 12 of the 5ml oil bottles. These are handcrafted boxes with a cover to store and protect your oils. Each box is $30.

Within this box you can store the whole collection of oils for astrological signs or maybe the sabbats and moon phase oils. Have a box for core oils that get used for most activities (blessing, frankincense, myrrh, protection, jasmine, lavender... just to name a few).

Come Fall, we hope to see more from this artisan as he will be crafting ouija boards, tarot boxes, altar patens, burins (which have not been available for almost 10 years), and other ritual tools.

Good tea, good health, good books!

2011-07-11T13:03:00.004-04:00

Today is definitely a good day to drop by!

We start off our week with our new tea of choice: Honey Jasmine White. The light taste of our 2 Dove White tea combined with jasmine and hints of honey make this cool tasting tea great for a hot day.

We also have our Healer in today, Benoit Cote. Benoit is a massotherapist (therapeutic and relaxation). A graduate from the Guijek massotherapy school in the Swedish technique and a member of the federation des massotherapeutes du Quebec. Benoit can also aid in a bit of energy work as he is currently working on his Reiki Level 2.

New stock! New books! New pretties! We have just received a shipment of books (for those of you that have been waiting our Crystal book section has been refilled!), candles, and even a few goodies such as Himalayan Salt candle holders and Healing Drum Kits.

Among crystal books, yoga and meditation books, some other new ones we have are:

Animals as Teachers & Healers by Susan Chernak McElroy
A wonderful and touching read of true life stories on how animals of all sorts have taught, saved, and healed people in all sorts of situations.

If you are interested in getting a feel for what sort of work the author does, check out her blog. It will give you a good idea of just how even helping an animal can help you help yourself. Hopefully some will be inspired!

http://susanmcelroy.wordpress.com/

Seeking Silence by Anthony Strano
Explore and practice the spirituality of silence. This book provides a practical tool for escaping the clashing sounds of everyday life. Through gentle insights and guided meditations, it provides a quiet space for making mindful choices and learning to enjoy the profound benefits of tranquility even in the midst of a world of physical noise.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Alchemy by Dennis William Hauck
Dennis Hauck reduces many of the most complex subjects in alchemy to easy-to-understand concepts and definitions. What the author does is give the long-time student and the new seeker the basics to understand alchemy.

Transformation

2011-07-07T08:52:00.008-04:00

Transformation of our readers corner: courtesy of April-Anna who painted the mural.

Check out her VLOG for the full story!

It is still a work in progress, but we just had to share now because the mural painting is now finished.

Next steps are the final touches: window ledge, shelving, new furnishings, lighting, and more.

Book an appointment with one of our two readers next week to experience our amazing new space with wonderful energy that is perfect for spiritual guidance and personal transformation.

Monday Healer & Tea of the Week

2011-07-04T12:46:00.003-04:00

Today we have in our Healer, Monika Marczuk! She is certified in Reiki as well as a practitioner of other healing arts such as: Magnetism, Colour Healing/Projection, Chakra Balancing, and Aura Cleansing.

It is $35.00 for each half hour session.

Call or drop by for more details or to make an appointment.

Also, we have a new Tea of the Week!

This week, come try out one of Melange Magique's personal blends for Relaxation. This mix of green tea, lavender, and mint gives a wonderful calm and harmony while cooling you down. Perfect for a hot summer day.

If it's hot outside we'll make it into a delicious iced tea!

July Workshops & Events

2011-07-04T09:24:00.004-04:00

Reiki I (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, July 2nd, 10am - 5pm $150

Pagan Discussion (MPRC)Technology and Modern Paganism
Internet and pagans: Blessing or Curse? Websites, elists, Facebook, Techno-Pagans. How does modern tech blend with ancient religion? How does modern tech clash with ancient religion? How has religion evolved around technology?
Thursday July 7th, 6:30-8:30 pm FREE

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!
Thursday July 7th, 7:00 pm -9:00 pm $20

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 July 9th, 1-3pm $40

Reiki Share (Robyn)
Are you a Reiki practitioner looking to practice your skills? This is the event for you! Now offered on a monthly basis, you will be able to come and exchange Reiki sessions with other Reiki practitioners with help and supervision from a Reiki Master of the Usui Shiki Ryoho tradition. This is an excellent way to gain confidence in your skills as a healer and to connect with other students of Reiki. Please RSVP early, as space is limited.
Saturday, July 23rd, 1-4 $10 suggested donation

Meet your Spirit Guides (Catharine)
Saturday July 23rd, 1-3pm $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!
Thursday July 28th, 7:00 pm -9:00 pm $20

Kaleidoscope Gathering

July 27th - August 1st, 2011

The 2011 Kaleidoscope Gathering (KG) will be the twenty-second year of this non-denominational Pagan/New Age camping event, and will be held at Raven’s Knoll Special Events Campground. This Pagan-owned campground was obtained for the purpose of putting down roots for our community and growing events like Kaleidoscope Gathering. Everyone is welcome!

The theme for this Summer’s festival is “Voyages.” Voyages are trips of transformation, quests of becoming, events and memories in both physical and spiritual spaces. The spiritual traditions we look to have been created through voyages, our lives are voyages. Special honour will be paid to the water spirits of our land. And of course there will be much silliness and shenanigans involving pirates, Vikings and even the occasional sea-going Celt.

The Magical Blend will be out in full force and glory at the festival. Hope to see you there!

Registration is handled online or on-site.
Cost is $120 per person.

http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.ca

Happy Canada Day!

2011-06-30T16:52:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder to everyone that Melange Magique will be closed tomorrow (Friday) for Canada Day. We will be open once again Saturday and back on our regular schedule.

Let's hope the weather is gorgeous and everyone gets out to enjoy some fireworks. Yaayy fireworks!

Happy Canada Day! :)

Come Visit Ninja: Our New Familiar!

2011-06-29T15:31:00.000-04:00

With Tequila retired, we have brought in a new cat to join the Melange family! Scarlet has rescued Ninja and now he is living with us as his new family. Ninja is a four-year old black cat (in fact he matches so well with Luna that we sometimes have trouble telling them apart). Our new little man is strong and handsome and very affectionate. He'll even let you pick him up for snuggles!

Though Ninja and Luna look very similar, their meows are totally different. Whereas Luna a a cute little "muw" Ninja sounds a bit like a duck that's been stepped on; poor thing.

Come by the store to say hello!

Goodbye Tequila!

2011-06-27T13:11:00.004-04:00

Today Melange Magique says farewell to it's oldest resident as he retires from fourteen years of loyal customer service.

Tequila will be spending today at the store saying his farewells to customers, staff, and dear little Luna. He will be spending his retirement in the home of one of our very own staff members to be pampered and spoiled.

Tequila has been like a mascot for Melange Magique and a comforting presence to it's regulars for many years now. If you're in the area why not pass by and give him a nice send off?

Best wishes, blessings, and love!

Today at the Magical Blend

2011-06-27T12:41:00.004-04:00

Tea of the Week

This week drop by and enjoy our Candy Ginger Peach Rooibos-- in iced tea!

This caffeine free herbal tea fits a great summer mood with its taste of peach and light hint of ginger-- a great blend that will tickle your taste buds without giving you a caffeine buzz. Delicious as an iced tea for those hot summer days!

Today in Store

We are joined by our Healer Catherine Lipscombe, a practitioner of Medical Qi Gong. She is here today from 2:00 until 4:00 and it is $35.00 for each half hour session. Call in or drop by to make your appointment!

Saturday Workshops

2011-06-23T11:54:00.003-04:00

Don't miss our workshops coming up on Saturday!

Reiki II with 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.
10AM to 5PM
$250

Astrology 101 - Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - Meet the outer Planets with Catharine

Your Sun sign is your identity, your moon tells us your inner self, and your Ascendant or rising sign is your filter to the world. The outer planets tell us about your generation and how this affects your life cycles...this is a big part of prediction. Come see how they all work together in your chart.
12PM to 3PM
$40

Chakra Cleansing - Third Eye Chakra with Catharine

Chakras are your bodies energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. There are 7 main ones we will work with to explore the deeper meanings, symbolism and associations (each chakra has a sound, gem stone, body parts, activities etc.) We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where violet for this workshop if possible.
3:30PM to 5:30PM
$40

Call or drop by the store to reserve your spot!

Just a reminder that we will be closed on Friday the 24th for St Jean Baptiste. Hope everyone enjoys their celebration!

STARHAWK IN MONTREAL!

2011-06-22T10:55:00.009-04:00

TODAY!
Please join us for a special film screening to celebrate the NDG Food Depot’s 25th Anniversary.

Permaculture: The Growing Edge

A Film by Starhawk & Donna Read
Special guests : Starhawk & Donna Read
Musical performance by Kyra Shaughnessy & Jean Elliott Manning
Discussion moderated by Anne Lagace Dowson
June 22, 2011 at 7pm at the Crowley Arts Centre 5325 Crowley
(2 minutes from the Vendome metro)
Tickets $20 (Sliding scale available for those on a budget)
www.depotndg.org

Permaculture: The Growing Edge explores how ordinary people around the world are making changes in their lives and trying out new ways of growing food, providing for human needs, and building community. Permaculture is a sustainable system of earth care that offers solutions to many of our environmental problems and a hopeful, proactive vision of change. The film documents the immensely creative and regenerative ideas that are inspiring people around the globe. The viewer is invited to learn about the positive steps people are taking and the solutions that do exist.

Starhawk is the author of eleven books on feminist and earth-based spirituality, an activist, permaculture designer and teacher, and director of Earth Activist Training. Find out more about her at www.starhawk.org.

Donna Read is a producer, director and film editor. She was a member of the National Film Board of Canada's renowned women's studio, Studio D, for many years where she directed the Goddess trilogy and many other films before forming Belili productions. Find out more about her at www.belili.org.

New Blog Layout!

2011-06-21T12:19:00.003-04:00

Stay tuned everyone! As part of our improvements, we'll soon be showing you a brand new layout for the same old Blog of Shadows you know and love. As part of this process, the blog may look odd for a few moments today, but it should be awfully pretty looking when it's done. We look forward to seeing how you like it and hearing your input on the matter!

Sunday Sabbat Sale

2011-06-19T12:21:00.004-04:00

Don't forget today is our Sunday Sabbat Sale! Everything in the store is 10% OFF! And right on Father's Day, too-- great timing!

To all of the fathers, father figures, fathers-to-be...

Happy Father's Day!

Weekend Workshops June 17-19

2011-06-16T15:11:00.007-04:00

Just a reminder of this weekend's workshops:

Coming up on Friday:

Série de 4 ateliers sur les 4 piliers de l'Être avec Sylvie & Suzanne
L'éthique
Choisir sa réalité devient de plus en plus urgent et important afin de trouver la joie, la paix et la sérénité. L’évolution va de plus en plus vite, comment demeurer centrée et calme, peu importe ce qui se passe autour de nous.
17 juin
19h00 à 21h00
$30.00 par personne

Coming up on Saturday:

Astrology 101 - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn - Meet your inner planets! with Catharine
Your Sun sign is your identity, your moon tells us your inner self, and your Ascendant or rising sign is your filter to the world. Come see how they all work together in your chart.
June 18th
12PM to 3PM
$40.00 per person

Chakra Cleansing - Throat Chakra with Catharine
Chakras are your body's energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where blue for this workshop if possible.
June 18th
3:30PM-5:30PM
$40.00 per person

Coming up on Sunday:

Série de 3 ateliers sur des méditations guidées avec le focus sur les divers chakras avec Sylvie & Suzanne
Chakra 5, 6 & 7
19 juin
14h00 à 16h00
$25.00 par personne

Litha Tea

2011-06-16T10:31:00.003-04:00

Our very own Litha (Midsummer) tea blend is both delicious and serves a purpose. Whether it is to incorporate it into a ritual, use it to celebrate with a friend, or just to get into the feeling of the season.
With it's mix of berries, peach, pear, hints of spices and mint this tea is the perfect taste of Midsummer.

Drink it hot to finish off a summer feast or drink it cool during a day out enjoying the sun.

Don't know how to make your own iced tea yet? Here's how:

Steep your tea as normal, though make it twice as strong.
While the tea is still hot, add sweetener to taste.
Let it cool down a bit before pouring it into a good quantity of crushed iced.
Allow it to sit for a while and enjoy!

As far as foods go for your festivities, think summer and you'll be fine! Anything made with fresh fruits and vegetables and spices is perfect.

New Books in Stock and Father's Day Book Suggestions: Celebrate the God!

2011-06-15T17:36:00.005-04:00

Melange just got a crazy amount of new books in stock! Both of our "New in Stock" shelves at the front of the store are crammed with books. In celebration of our new Healers, we have quite a few new books on Reiki and other types of alternative healing. Also come check out some of the books we've set aside to celebrate Father's Day!

Here are some of the new books we have in stock:

The Healing Energy Of Your Hands
by Michael Bradford
The Healing Energy Of Your Hands demystifies the art of healing. Beginning with a basic explanation of the nature of healing energy, illness, and the role of the mind in the healing process, Bradford offers techniques so simple that anyone, even a child, can work with healing energy. The author's intention is that anyone using his book can awaken his or her natural healing talents quickly and easily.
Topics include sensing energy, clearing energy blockages, eliminating negative self-talk, using affirmations, balancing the chakras, cleansing the auric field, relieving pain, and creating forgiveness.

Reiki: The True Story: An Exploration Of Usui Reiki
By Don Beckett
Reiki: The True Story is a comprehensive investigation of Reiki as both a healing practice and a lifelong path of spiritual awakening. Author and Reiki expert Don Beckett weaves together a new story about Reiki's origins and its founder's true vision. The foundation of this book is the teachings of a group of Reiki founder Makao Usui's original students, who held their master's knowledge in secrecy for more than seventy years.

After a general introduction to Reiki, Beckett presents a thorough history of the discipline (including the testimony of some of Usui's students) as well as an in-depth manual for practice. The author rounds out his exploration with material from world renowned, contemporary Reiki Masters, Beckett's own insights into the nature of Reiki energy, as well as information about the chakra system, yin and yang, and the Five Transformations. The book concludes with a chapter entitled "Beyond Reiki," which bridges knowledge of Reiki with the lesser-known practice of Johrei. Thorough explanations coupled with cutting-edge discoveries about Reiki's past make this a compelling volume for novice and experienced practitioners alike.

Reiki Meditations for Beginners
By Lawrence Ellyard
Reiki Meditations for Beginners is a complete guide to the practice of meditation and shows how these two practices are in fact an integral experience for anyone wishing to cultivate inner peace and happiness in daily life. Far from being abstract ideas, the methods presented in this book make meditation readily accessible for the reader, whether they are a complete novice or seasoned practitioner.

The Witch's Bag of Tricks: Personalize Your Magick & Kickstart Your Craft
By Melanie Marquis
Increase your power, improve your spellcasting, and reclaim the spark of excitement you felt when you took those very first steps down your magickal path. The first book of its kind to offer solitary eclectics a solution to the problem of dull or ineffective magick, The Witch's Bag of Tricks will help practicing Witches boost creativity, improve abilities, and cast powerful spells that work. Whether your rituals have become rote or your spells just aren't working, you don't have to settle for magickal mediocrity!

Designed for the experienced eclectic practitioner, this guidebook offers advanced spellcasting techniques and practical hands-on exercises for personalized magickal development. You''ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to custom-design your own spells and advance your mystical development. Breathe fresh life into your practice and take your magickal skills further than ever with The Witch's Bag of Tricks.

Daily OM: Inspirational Thoughts for a Happy, Healthy and Fulfilling Day
By Madisyn Taylor
An inspirational companion to the popular DailyOM website, Daily OM is a valuable guide that will enable readers to find balance and wellness through conscious awareness. The gentle and affirming wisdom contained within these pages is intended to make each day a little happier, less stressful and more satisfying. Passages touch on topics such as meditation, relationships, nature and more.

Sacred Sage
By Silver Wolf Walks Alone
Learn about the ceremonial uses of sage and how sage can help with physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Includes information on gathering sage and the author''s personal reflections on healing.

Advanced Psychic Development
By Becky Walsh
There are many psychic development books on the market, but the vast majority are aimed at beginners. This is the psychics'' bible, whether you want to tap your intuitive potential for everyday use or whether you are already a professional. The skills detailed in it can transfer to any relationship, any situation. These are not party tricks, they are life skills.

How To See Faeries
By John Matthews
International bestselling artist Brian Froud and New York Times bestselling author John Matthews come together for the first time to create a spectacular interactive book that opens the doors to the enchanted world of Faerie. How does one discover faeries in one's backyard or a garden, forest, or meadow? Through insets, hidden messages, magical signs, reflective mirrors, and other paper mechanics, Froud and Matthews reveal how anyone may discover the way to the land of Faerie. All you need is to believe and to own this book!

The Last Wild Witch: An Eco-Fable for Kids and Other Free Spirits
By Starhawk
The first children's book by a visionary author and activist, "The Last Wild Witch" tells a tale of how the children of a perfect town let a little wildness get inside of them, how they find their joy and courage, and how they save the last wild witch and the last magic forest from disappearing. Full color.

You Are Clairvoyant: Simple Ways to Develop Your Psychic Gifts
By Belinda Grace
Connect with both divine guidance and your inner wisdom by following the simple techniques in this book. You already are clairvoyant-you simply need to learn how to activate this powerful skill and then use it to create greater happiness and fulfillment.

Discover how you can meet and talk to angels and spirit guides for assistance; gain insights into past lives to overcome negative patterns and find healing; conduct psychic conversations to get your point across; and get answers to important questions through automatic writing. Written by clairvoyant healer BelindaGrace, this inspiring guide features true-life stories, easy exercises, and countless ways to use the gift of clairvoyance to transform your life-and yourself.

Ritual Body Art
By Charles Arnold
This fascinating new book covers: a brief history of body art and how it works symbols (and their meanings) used in body art meanings of the colors ritual and makeup, jewelry, apparel and props masks and masking scents, with and without art uses in sabbats, esbats and other rituals everyday uses for body art 16 pages of color photographs.

And to celebrate Father's Day and Midsummer check out these books celebrating the male deity and male archetypes:

The Witches' God
By Stewart Farrar
Exploring the Masculine Principle of Divinity This companion volume to The Witches' Goddess re-establishes the ancient balance between God and Goddess. Part I covers the many concepts of the God examined, including: His faces throughout history; The Son/Lover God; The Vegetation God; The War God; The Anti-God; and more Part II gives a close look at 12 individual gods of history with an appropriate invoking ritual for each. Part III presents a comprehensive dictionary of over 1000 gods from many world cultures, past and present. The Farrars are among the best-known authors on the Craft, and in The Witches' God have written what is likely to become the standard work on the masculine god aspect.

Walking With The Green Man: Father Of Forest, Spirit Of Nature
By Bob Curran
Almost since the dawn of time, the image of the Green Man-- the carven enigmatic head surrounded by leaves and foliage-- has both intrigued and mystified viewers and folklorists alike. Appearing in churches, taverns, and even on stately buildings, the carving seems shrouded in supernatural obscurity.

Is it merely a fertility symbol, or is it something much deeper, which calls for a response from us all? Though it seems a predominantly Celtic icon, does the concept of the Green Man also appear in other places and in other cultures? What is its relevance for the world today?

In the absorbing new book, Walking With the Green Man, Dr. Bob Curran traces the many strands that make up this enigmatic image. Tracing its origins from prehistoric times, he explores its significance in the medieval world and discusses its development in the modern world. He also investigates the image's psychological appeal, which has allowed it to continue down through the ages, and, pulling from a variety of sources, its impact upon other cultures in various parts of the world.
From heroic archetypes such as Robin Hood to Demigods such as Herne the Hunter; from the King of the Woods to the Jack in the Green, Walking With the Green Man examines the interconnection of man and Nature throughout history. Whether as a man amongst the trees, a man of the trees, or a symbol of Nature used to express secrets and solidarity, the Green Man's visage is traced throughout lands and cultures.

Walking With the Green Man will appeal to all those who are interested in the image of the Green Man as an example of symbolic art, as well as to those who are interested in folklore and the interplay between folklore and culture. It is a fascinating study, which not only examines the history of the icon but also its development within human perception.

When I See The Wild God: Encountering Urban Celtic Witchcraft
By Ly de Angeles
Deepen your knowledge of the sacred mysteries... enter the space where nothing begins and nothing ends... reclaim your pagan heritage. A unique blend of witchcraft instruction, Celtic mythology, and urban fantasy, this work goes beyond ordinary witchcraft manuals. Ly de Angeles provides insight into the Celtic perspective of sacredness, and presents invocations, visualizations, and urban magic rituals for the equinoxes, solstices, and the four Fire Festivals. Other magical theory and practice explored in this handbook:

The Law of Three; logos and mythos; animism; pantheism; the Four Worlds; death and timelessness; the Elements; shapeshifting; Tuatha dé Danann; the Quicken Tree.

Literary, eclectic, and infused with a masculine sensibility, When I See the Wild God is your guide to the Déithe and draíocht-- the gods and magic that exist within and around you.

Fathering Right from the Start: Straight Talk About Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
By Ph.D., Jack Heinowitz
Becoming a father is a life-changing event, and not an easy one. The new feelings, emotions, and reactions surfacing every day can be confusing and overwhelming, summoning new dads to resolve old issues. Fathering Right from the Start guides men through this life passage, helping them navigate difficult times and participate meaningfully in parenting. Complete with exercises, checklists, and firsthand accounts by fathers from all walks of life, this indispensable book carries the seeds for a new tradition of men’s involvement in the emotional, cultural, and physical structure of the family.

Father's Day Weekend!

2011-06-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

Here at Melange and in the Pagan community we often focus on the Goddess and the Mother, but this Father's Day weekend we should remember to celebrate the God and the Father. Take some time to reflect on male archetypes like the Green Man, the Horned Man, the Sun God, the Sky God (or Thunder God), the Warrior, and the Sage.

This year Father's Day is only two days earlier than Midsummer, a holiday which is appropriately associated with Fire, the Sun, and other male aspects. In Wiccan mythology, Midsummer is the height of the strength of the Oak King and the forces of Summer. The Oak King is not only associated with the Warrior, but also with the nurturing aspects of the sun that bring life and vegetation to the world, as reflected by his guise as the smiling Green Man. Like a father who nurtures and guides his son, the Green Man nurtures and guides all living things, bringing them to their full potential and fruition: especially at Midsummer.

Reflecting on this aspect of the Green Man, here is a small craft project and ritual you can do with your children:

Go to a park with lots of trees and gather as many interesting leaves as you can. Be sure to ask the trees for permission before taking any leaves off of live branches!

Now sit down and ask your kids what they think about when they think about fathers. Write it all down, then crumple up the paper in a little ball and have your kids pick a tree. Bury the paper beneath the tree, near its roots; explain that just as their dad takes care of them and helps them grow, the paper with stuff that they associate with fathers will help the trees grow too.

Tell them that the daddy of trees and plants is called the Green Man, and he has a face made out of leaves. Take the leaves you have gathered, some cardboard paper and glue (and maybe some googly eyes for effect), and help your children make some Green Men for themselves. At the end of the day, put the pictures on the mantel or on your altar, and light a candle for the Father of Nature!

Tea of the Week

2011-06-13T11:52:00.004-04:00

Angel's Dream is a specialty tea of the Metropolitan Tea Company, and if you haven't tasted it yet you should as soon as possible! Still relatively new to Melange Magique and our tea selection it is gaining popularity quite fast with it's sweet taste of maple, blackberry, Assam, and mystery green tea.
Have a cup, relax, and have a few dreams of your own.

On another note, Father's Day is coming up on Sunday! Have you figured out what to give your dad this year? We have rings, Runes, incense, and a variety of items that would make any man feel like father of the year.

Our Sunday Sabbat Sale falls on Father's Day this year! Can't think of what to get him? Give him a gift card or bring him in to the store on Father's Day and take part in our sale of 10% OFF everything in the store!

What Can Melange Magique Actually Do for You?

2011-06-11T13:21:00.003-04:00

You read about our stock, our events.. But what can Melange Magique actually do for you?

No matter your beliefs, culture, or technique we are here to support and inform and aid you in your spiritual journey. Whether you are in search of a religion or want to get deeper into your religion, whether you want to open yourself to the energies of the universe or protect yourself from them, we are here to help you.

To anyone scared of the supernatural or fascinated by it, we can give you advice on how to deal with the situation or how to continue in your study of it.

To any skeptics or scientific minds, you have not been excluded! Stress relievers, aromatherapy, and teas are all things that can help you change your mood, which changes yourself, and changes a situation. Domino effect!

Energy is energy no matter which direction you approach it so no matter which direction you come from we can help you find something suitable for you and your needs.

Looking for a gift for someone? We have a gorgeous selection of cards and a wide variety of gift appropriate items. A spellcraft candle for a Happy Marriage or House Warming, jewelery, regular or customized bath salts, wind chimes, and much more.

Give us a call, send us an email, or drop by the store and see just how we can help you.

2011-06-09T11:15:00.003-04:00

At last we have oils back in stock! And along with your old favourites we have two new additions: Juniper Oil and Honey Oil.
Juniper can be used for protection, anti-theft, love, exorcism, and health. Physically, Juniper can be used for stomach issues such as indigestion and inflammation.
Honey is very effective way of natural healing. Great to use on chapped lips or cracked/injured skin is aids the healing process and revitalized the skin. While people use it in tea as a delicious sweetener it is beneficial to the health of your throat, which is why so many recommend it during a cold or strep. Also used for those with respiratory issues and to compliment a prosperity or fertility blend/spell.
*Note: Our oils are not for consumption.

Don't miss our workshops taking place soon:

Totem & Power Animals with Scarlet Today from 7:00PM to 9:00PM $40.00/person
Animals have power. Totems are guides that help us on our path. Power animals lend us their very gifts when we need to call upon them. Find your totemic guide and power animal in this workshop and learn how to tap into their power and wisdom.

Série de 4 ateliers sur les 4 piliers de l'Être avec Sylvie & Suzanne Parti: L'intention. Demain à 19H00 - 21H00
L’évolution va de plus en plus vite, comment demeurer centrée et calme, peu importe ce qui se passe autour de nous. Nous vous proposons une série de 4 ateliers portant sur des thèmes qui permettent de devenir conscients du rôle que jouent nos pensées, nos émotions, nos croyances dans notre processus décisionnel.

It's getting hot and humid out! Do you know how to stay safe in this weather?
- Be sure not to over do it with the physical activity. Work and play at a steady pace and be sure to take breaks when you need to.
- Keep cool. Open the windows, turn off the lights, and draw the curtains. Still too humid? Take a stroll in an air conditioned mall or go to the movies.
- Most importantly, keep hydrated! Be sure to drink plenty of water. Tired of drinking so much water? Try making some of your own iced tea from your favourite tea blend! Not sure how that would taste? Melange will be starting up our iced teas once again very soon so stay posted and drop by to try it out.

Iced Tea:
Steep your tea as normal, though make it twice as strong.
While tea is still hot as sweetener to taste.
Let it cool down a bit before pouring it into a good quantity of crushed iced.
Allow it to sit for a while and - voila! Home made iced tea!

- And if all else fails you can always put your shorts in the freezer for a little bit :)

Artistry

2011-06-09T08:06:00.002-04:00

Art is one of the many ways we can beautify our homes and ritual spaces. Engaging in art (painting, writing, dancing) stimulate our creativity and is good for the soul.

The store is doing BOTH!

April-Anna, a local artist, has provided us with some of her stunning photos and paintings in card form for all to enjoy. Gift them with gift instead of the boring birthday cards you usually find. Something this unique can be treasures for a long time. Frame it and put it on the wall, too!
Scarlet has many such works on her walls at home.

April-Anna has also recently been contracted to paint a mural in our Readers Corner. You can see it from the street in the various stages of development. When you come in for an appointment with one of our clairvoyants, you will be treated to sitting in a space infused with art.

For more about April-Anna's art,
You can find her here: http://www.aprilanna.com
Or on FaceBook at: http://en-gb.facebook.com/aprilanna.arts

Tea of the Week

2011-06-06T13:13:00.002-04:00

Ice Wine is an orange pekoe grade tea from Sri Lanka. This black tea joins with sweet pear, hints of berry and caramel in their delicious all natural flavours to make a tea of wonderful summer evening taste.
Even tastes great if you add a little sugar and ice the Ice Wine!

Books in stock!

2011-06-05T14:00:00.002-04:00

The Small-Town Pagan's Survival Guide: How to Thrive in Any Community by Bronwen Forbes Have any worries over living in a small town and still living your life in peace or worried about being singled out? Here's a book all about the struggles that sometimes come with small town life. Covering topics such as starting a coven, getting along with non-Pagan neighbors, when and how to reveal your beliefs, raising Pagan children, and more!

Fairy Tale Rituals Engage the Dark, Eerie, & Erotic Power of Familiar Stories by Kenny Klein A very interesting read, this book goes through childhood favourites such as SnowWhite, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel & Gretel, and others. "Each tale is explored in two ways: first by looking at the story itself,.. its mythic roots and magical elements. Next, a powerful ritual is presented based on (the story) which you can use.."

Heal Yourself with Qi Gong Gentle Practices to Increase Energy, Restore Health, and Relax the Mind by Suzanne B. Friedman Qi Gong is a Chinese practice of movement, meditation, and breathing to connect with your energies in order to strengthen your body and spirit. It uses the vital life force in the body to establish better health, higher energy. With chapters such as Instant Enetgy Boosters, Exercises for Restoring Physical Vitality, Emotion Balancing Techniques, and Practices for Calming the Spirit you can combine any of the techniques to suit your own needs and practices.

June Workshops

2011-05-30T12:02:00.003-04:00

Public Discussion (MPRC) FREE
Sacred space and sacred places
* How ancient pagans regard sacred places
* How modern pagans define sacred places
* What makes a space sacred? Can it be destroyed?
* Creating a ritual sacred place
* Creating permanent sacred spaces
* Sacred places in other cultures
First Thursday of the month, Thursday June 2nd 6:45 - 8:45pm FREE

Série de 4 ateliers sur les 4 piliers de l'Être (Sylvie & Suzanne): FRENCH
Choisir sa réalité devient de plus en plus urgent et important afin de trouver la joie, la paix et la sérénité. L’évolution va de plus en plus vite, comment demeurer centrée et calme, peu importe ce qui se passe autour de nous. Nous vous proposons une série de 4 ateliers portant sur des thèmes qui permettent de devenir conscients du rôle que jouent nos pensées, nos émotions, nos croyances dans notre processus décisionnel.
Les vendredis soirs:
l'attention - 3 juin
l'intention - 10 juin
l'éthique - 17 juin
l'intégrité - 24 juin
19h00 à 21h00
30$/soir

Astrology 101 - Houses (Catharine)
Every sign is associated with an astrological house, the way the chart is divided so we can see what area of your life and personality are accented. It is essential to understanding your birth chart.
Saturday, June 4th 12-3pm $40

Kundalini (Daynah)
Kundalini Yoga provides empowerment, vitality, endurance, concentration and personal growth. It combines posture, movement, stretches, breath, meditation and mantra to carry us to a deeper awareness of the Authentic Inner Self. Through various sets of Yoga postures, the chakras are awakened and balanced.
Bring your own mat & wear comfortable clothing
Saturday, June 4th 1-3pm $20

Chakra Cleansing - Solar Plexus Chakra (Catharine)
Chakras are your bodies energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. There are 7 main ones we will work with to explore the deeper meanings, symbolism and associations (each chakra has a sound, gem stone, body parts, activities etc.) We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where yellow for this workshop if possible.
Saturday, June 4th 3-5pm $40

Totem & Power Animals (Scarlet)
Animals have power. The strength of a tiger, the courage of a lion, the nobility of a stag, the gentle compassion of a mothering cat, the industriousness of the ant, the creativity of the spider. Totems are guides that help us on our path. Power animals lend us their very gifts when we need to call upon them. Find your totemic guide and power animal in this workshop and learn how to tap into their power and wisdom.
Thursday June 9th 7-9pm $40

Série de 3 ateliers sur des méditations guidées avec le focus sur les divers chakras (Sylvie & Suzanne): FRENCH
Chakra 1, 2 & 3 : dimanche 5 juin de 14h00 à 16h00
Chakra 4 (Coeur): dimanche le 12 juin de 14h00 à 16h00
Chakra 5, 6 & 7 : dimanche le 19 juin de 14h00 à 16h00
25$/atelier

Reiki I (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, June 11th 10am - 5pm $150

Astrology 101 - Sun, Moon, Ascendant - Your Core Personality (Catharine)
Your Sun sign is your identity, your moon tells us your inner self, and your Ascendant or rising sign is your filter to the world. Come see how they all work together in your chart.
Saturday June 11th 12 to 3pm $40

Chakra Cleansing - Heart Chakra (Catharine)
Chakras are your bodies energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. There are 7 main ones we will work with to explore the deeper meanings, symbolism and associations (each chakra has a sound, gem stones, body parts, activities etc.) We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where green for this workshop if possible.
Saturday, June 11th 3:30-5:30pm $40

Astrology 101 - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn - Meet your inner planets! (Catharine)
Your Sun sign is your identity, your moon tells us your inner self, and your Ascendant or rising sign is your filter to the world. Mercury tells us how you communicate, Venus tells us what you desire, Mars is how you act, Jupiter is your sense of luck, and Saturn is your life lesson. Come see how they all work together in your chart.
Saturday June 18th 12 to 3pm $40

Chakra Cleansing - Throat Chakra (Catharine)
Chakras are your bodies energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. There are 7 main ones we will work with to explore the deeper meanings, symbolism and associations (each chakra has a sound, gem stone, body parts, activities etc.) We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where blue for this workshop if possible.
Saturday, June 18th 3:30-5:30pm $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.
Saturday, June 25th 10am - 5pm $250

Astrology 101 - Uranus, Neptune and Pluto - Meet the outer Planets (Catharine)
Your Sun sign is your identity, your moon tells us your inner self, and your Ascendant or rising sign is your filter to the world. The outer planets tell us about your generation and how this affects your life cycles...this is a big part of prediction. Come see how they all work together in your chart.
Saturday June 25th 12 to 3pm $40

Chakra Cleansing - Third Eye Chakra (Catharine)
Chakras are your bodies energy centers that govern many aspects of your physical, emotional and energetic well being. There are 7 main ones we will work with to explore the deeper meanings, symbolism and associations (each chakra has a sound, gem stone, body parts, activities etc.) We will do meditations to help you discover where your strengths and imbalances are and correct them with energy work. Please where violet for this workshop if possible.
Saturday, June 25th 3:30-5:30pm $40

Tea of the Week

2011-05-30T11:46:00.002-04:00

This weeks tea of choice is Cranberry Apple.
It is an herbal fruit tea, caffeine free, that mixes delicious apple with hibiscus, rosehips, and orange peel. These natural flavours combine in a full flavour to boost not only your energy and senses but your immunity as well.
Add in a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a little exotic spice and texture to your tea.

Today is our first Monday meeting our new Healer, Catherine Lipscombe. She is a certified performer of medical Qi Gong and she's here until 5:00 so don't be shy to call or drop by to make an appointment!
*$35.00 for each half hour session

Nordic Shamanism

2011-05-27T13:16:00.002-04:00

Along with the Amber&Jet workshop on Saturday, May 28th, Prudence will also be giving a workshop on Nordic Shamanism.
She will be discussing the practices and beliefs of the Northern Europeans, as well as covering Runes, Seidr, Outsitting, and other customs and superstitions. Prudence Priest is a member of the Rune Gild and is the "CEO" of the American Vinland Assoc.Inc. and Freya's Folk.

Don't miss a day of wonderful workshop from Ms. Prudence Priest!

Amber&Jet Saturday May 28th at 12-2PM $15 per person
Nordic Shamanism Saturday May 28th at 3-5PM $25 per person

Hope to see you there!

New healer!

2011-05-27T10:26:00.003-04:00

We now have a new healer that will be joining us on the Monday rotation!

Catherine Lipscombe performs medical Qi Gong. Qi Gong is the ability to cultivate vital energy and work the the electromagnetic energy of the body. It is a practice to improve mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing techniques, and focused intention.
It is a good way to heal nervous disorders, heart and thyroid problems, asthma, weight issues, and injuries of all kinds.

Catherine is a certified instructor from Healing Tao University as well as a certified Yoga instructor from All India Society and Ashtanga Yoga Montreal.

She will be here every fourth Monday rotation
$35.00 for each half hour
Call us or drop by to make an appointment!

Amber&Jet workshop and jewelery

2011-05-26T16:10:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, May 28th at 12-2PM Prudence Priest will be at Melange Magique visiting Montreal.

Ever wonder about these magical stones, Amber and Jet? It might surprise you to learn that they are not actually stones at all! Join Prudence Priest and discover the lore, mythology, facts and uses of Amber and Jet as well as view a variety of examples from her own personal collection.

Miss Priest is a witch Elder in the Covenant of the Goddess and the Troth. She has been making the jewelery and selling Amber and Jet since the 80's and still travels to the Baltics annually to purchase Amber.

Saturday, May 28th at 12-2PM only for $15.00 each person.

And drop by the store any time to see her jewelery on sale here at Melange Magique!

New at Melange!

2011-05-23T10:17:00.002-04:00

We start off this week with new items at Melange Magique!

Our new tea will be kicking off our Tea of the Week; Rose Buds & Petals. It is a delicious floral herbal blend from Tuscany, Italy. Light and delicious and perfect for those summer nights.

Amber paste is here! Amber, the fossilized sap of prehistoric trees, is generally known for it's golden honey colour, though it also comes in white, red, green, black, violet, and blue. And now here at the store we also have the Blue Amber resin. On top of the original properties; aiding with headaches, heart issues, arthritis, boosting vitality, absorbs pain and negativity by drawing out disease from the body.. the Blue Amber also aids in mental acuity, peace, health, and helps with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

And starting today we now have French books in stock!

Maitenant, nous avons les livres en francais!

2011-05-21T11:05:00.003-04:00

This is a pretty full weekend so far! What with the Gaia Gathering and the rapture and our fresh in stock tea blends, and more just keeps coming!

It's the second day of Gaia Gathering, the Pagan conference currently taking place here in Montreal, and everyone is going strong. Drop by and visit the vendors and artisans that have come from all over. Having worked there yesterday I can tell you that the people and the products are absolutely fantastic and you'll be extremely happy to have been. Also, see some new products from Melange Magique that have yet to be seen in store!

We have a new tea in stock! Rose Buds & Petals is a delicious floral herbal blend from Tuscany, Italy. It will be our Tea of the Week starting on Monday so don't be shy about having a sampler.

Today is the Rapture. For those of you that don't know, this will be the third predicted return of Christ. The first two having been in 1988 and 1992. So for this day of Rapture we'll be having a 10% OFF sale on everything in store.

2011-05-16T11:53:00.003-04:00

Today is our first Monday with our new Healer, Sylvie. Sylvie is a practitioner of Reiki, Quantum Touch, and Numerology. She gives an intuitive touch for each personal session to make sure she does everything that will most benefit your health and well-being.

Today she will be working from 11:00 to 5:00 and each session of half hour segment is $35.00. Call in and set up your appointment or drop on by!

While you're around why not try out our tea of the week? This week, specially for those of you on the verge of that final stretch to finish off school, a store blend of our very own. Focus & Concentration is a blend that helps with just that.

Tomorrow is Vesākha(pronounced Wesak), also known as "Buddha's birthday" or known as the day of Buddha's reach of enlightenment/day of Buddha's death. No matter what of the three you prefer to focus on it is a day of celebration of the life and soul of Guatama Buddha.

"Teach this simple truth to all:
A generous heart, kind speech,
and a life of service and compassion
are the things which renew humanity."
-Buddha

Tea tips on for a rainy day

2011-05-14T12:12:00.003-04:00

The weather is still all over the place so don't get caught with a cold! Make sure to keep warm, keep dry, and keep healthy.

Here are 11 reasons why you should drink more green tea:

1. It is an excellent source of anti-oxidants

2. It burns fat and enables you to exercise longer.

3. It prolongs your life.

4. It lowers stress and boosts brain power.

5. It reduces high blood pressure.

6. It helps to protect your liver from alcohol.

7. It helps to protect your lungs from smoke.

8. It prevents tooth decay and cures bad breath.

9. It helps preserve and build bones.

10. It boosts your immunity against illnesses.

11. It rehydrates you better than water.

Doreen and Charles Virtue's conference this Sunday

2011-05-13T16:26:00.001-04:00

Conférence - Doreen Virtue et Charles Virtue

Une journée avec vos anges

15 mai 2011
(10h00 à 18h00)

Avec la performance musicale du groupe Obsidian d’Hawaii

Salle Marie-Gérin-Lajoie • Pavillon Judith-Jasmin • UQAM
405, rue Ste-Catherine Est, Montréal (Qc) H2L 2C4
Local J-M400 (Niveau Métro)
Métro Berri-UQAM

POUR RÉSERVER VOS PLACES

Téléphone : 450.929.0296
Courriel : info@AdA-inc.com

220.00$ + tx.

«Traduction française simultanée – casques d’écoute disponibles sur place au prix de 5$»

Friday 13

2011-05-13T12:58:00.002-04:00

Friday the 13th is here! Some say it's unlucky but we here at Melange Magique beg to differ!
With our all day long 13% OFF sale on everything in store how could today be so unlucky? (knock on wood!)

Happy Friday 13th!

2011-05-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Paraskavedekatriaphobia; also known as the fear of Friday 13th!

A representation of Judas, who was the uninvited 13th dinner guest as the last supper with Jesus Christ. So of course now it is said that one should never invite thirteen people to a dinner, a party, or any occasion in general.
In fact, it's unlucky to have an address and even a name that equals up to thirteen!

It is said that if you wash your hair the night of Friday 13th it ensures the birth of a son. Pretty much the only lucky thing you can do on a Friday 13th is be born!

But now another reason to think better of this day.. Here at Melange Magique we are having a special Friday the 13th sale so everything in store is 13% OFF!

Friday the 13th

2011-05-12T14:40:00.000-04:00

Week of the Warrior

2011-05-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

May 15th through the 21st in known in North America as Police Week.

During Police Week, various cities hold events to honor members of their Protective Forces, those gone by and those still with them. Activities for awareness of their roles and for safety are also held.

We too honor our warrior, both magical and mundane for all that they have done for us and continue to do. We call our warriors - WARDERS. They protect our events and activities, our public ritual and our festivals. They step in to assist in many protective ways. Their path is not always an easy one and they have rarely been recognized for their efforts.

In honor of the Warrior's Path and all our community warders and protectors and warriors, Offer some thanks.

Here in our store, we are hosting a workshop and feature many books and products.

Introduction to the Warrior’s Path (Scarlet)
There are warriors in every culture, a class of fighters and guardians to stand against the dark. Every religion has its gods and heroes from myth and legend to mundane reality. Archangel Michael, Thor, Morrigan, Hercules, Cuhulain, Wolf, Diana, Templars, Samurai, Jedi, Soldiers, Officers of the Law, Wiccan Warders... you. What is the Warrior Path in Paganism And who walks it and why? What do you need to know to walk this path?
Thursday May 19th 7-9pm $40

Featured Books & Items include:

Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Compassionate Samurai (New & Popular: call for your special order!)
Full Contact Magic
Quantum Approach to Warding
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
Hematite Stones
Protection Dream Pillows

For your further information about the warriors of our nations, you might want to look into Officers of Avalon: http://www.officersofavalon.com/about.html

Wesak - May 17th

2011-05-10T13:06:00.005-04:00

Wesak/Vesak (from the name of the second month in the Hindu calendar, Vaisakha) is the most holy time in the Buddhist calendar. The decision to agree to celebrate Vesak as the Buddha's birthday was formalized at the first Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.) held in Sri Lanka in 1950. Hence on Vesak Day, Buddhists all over the world commemorate three great events: The Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing Away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India to all parts of the world, the teachings were readily assimilated with the cultures of the people who accepted the teachings. As a result, Buddhist art and culture took on a rich variety of forms with profound gentleness and kindness as the Buddha expressly forbade the use of force. On this day all Buddhists are expected to reaffirm their faith in the Buddha Dhamma and to lead a noble religious life. It is a day for meditation and for radiating Loving-Kindness.

(Source: Crystalinks http://www.crystalinks.com/wesak.html)

Workshops:

Introduction to Buddhism (Scarlet)
Who is Buddha? What life did he emerge from and what is the lore behind the man? The religion is founded on Four Noble Truths: suffering, desire is the source, possibility of freedom, through the Middle Way. The Middle Way is also called the Eightfold Path, different from the Pagan 8-Fold Path. Discover the lessons of the Buddha and how you can enrich your spirituality with these lessons. Class ends with meditation.
Monday May 16th 7-9pm $25

Série de 3 ateliers sur des méditations guidées avec le focus sur les divers chakras (Sylvie): FRENCH
Chakra 1, 2 & 3 : dimanche 8 mai de 14h00 à 16h00
Chakra 4 (Coeur): dimanche le 22 mai de 14h00 à 16h00
Chakra 5, 6 & 7 : dimanche le 29 mai de 14h00 à 16h00

25$/atelier

The store has several items related to Buddhism and Asian practices:

Books:

Buddhism is not what you think (by Steve Hagen)

The Heart of the Buddha's teaching (by Thich Nhat Hanh)

Feng Shui for beginners (by Richard Webster)

http://www.themagicalblend.com/~magic/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/1567188036.html

Feng Shui your life (by Jayme Barrett)

http://www.themagicalblend.com/~magic/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/0806976292.html

The Feng Shui Bible (by Simon Brown)

And many more!!

Miscellaneous: