Boxing Weekend Sales !!

Friday through Sunday
December 26th - 27th - 28th

SALES up to 75% off !

10% off all Books & Tarot
20% off all Jewelry
25% off all teas

75% off all items on Liquidation Table

Everything else in the store will be 10% off

Happy Holidays!

From all of us here at Mélange Magique, a very happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season to you and yours.

New Books of Interest and More...

The Everything Series has come out with yet more fun and amazing books! here are the three new ones we have in store.

The Everything KIDS Fairies Puzzle and Activity Book
By Charles & Calla Timmerman ISBN: 1598693948 $8.99
This wonderful book hosts games and puzzles to inspire and challenge children between the ages of 8 and 10. Although I know many adults who will also find it fun, especially if they have children in elementary school.

The Everything Spells & Charms Book 2nd edition
By Skye Alexander ISBN: 1598693867 $16.50
One of the best books I have seen on spellcrafting! The first chapter provides concise information about elements, directions, and Sabbats. The subsequent early chapters cover symbols, general methods, and things to keep in mind as you strive for successful magic. There is even a chapter on great magical practitioners! The latter part of the book explores spellcrafting for different purposes in your life.

The Everything Palmistry Book
By Katine Z. Jones ISBN: 1580628761 $16.50
Everything you need to know to start learning and practicing palmistry! This book will explore shapes, lines, mounts and so much more! it is thorough. It is comprehensive. It is worth the buy!

The following are some other new things of interest that showed up like Yule gifts in our mail!

The Green Wiccan Year
By Silja ISBN: 9781906094973 $24.95
This is a beautiful spiral bound agenda book. It can be used for any year as it is not a year specific agenda. Each monthly divider has a pocket for notes, and an article or spell/ritual idea. There are kitchen witchery ideas, too, for the Green Wiccan! At the end of the agenda (which goes from December through to November), you will find a ritual section. There is a section for coven notes and place to keep record of your spells.

The Golden Tarot
By Liz Dean ISBN: 9781906094867 $18.95
This stunning deck was inspired by the Visconti-Sforza and Rider-Waite tarot decks. The artwork is lavish and full if imagery. This set comes with a 64-page illustrated companion book to assist you and compliment your study of the tarot. Below are some examples of the cards!



The Healing Power of Faery
By Edain McCoy ISBN: 1598698095 $16.50
Edain McCoy practices a corm of Celtic Wicca called Witta, on which she was written a couple informative books. This is her newest book on working with elementals and nature spirits for healing and soothing the home, body and soul.
**STAFF RECOMMENDED**


For those who walk a different path and who have been waiting a long while for a new book, here it is! Finally in print!

The Satanic Scriptures
By Peter H. Gilmore ISBN: 0976403595 $21.50
"The Satanis Scriptures hands down the wit, wisdom and diabolical perspectives of the Church of Satan's High Priest, Magus Peter H. Gilmore." It is a series of articles and diatribes on various current issues and ideas as he guides people along the Left Hand Path. Explore such topics as: Why is Satanism feared? What do Satanists think and do, really? The answers may surprise you!

Finally, remember that there are several calendars and agendas for the new year, including the Llewellyn's Magical Almanac. They are going fast and may not be available for much longer after January. Get them while you can!

Christmas Store Hours are in effect!

For the holidays we have extended our business hours to give everyone a chance to get in for that special unique gift:

All through this week (December 15th to December 19th) we will be open until 9pm each night. Over the weekend we will hold regular business hours (10am-6pm on Dec. 20, and 12pm-5pm on Dec. 21).

Next week, we will be open until 9pm on both Monday December 22nd and Tuesday the 23rd, but our hours will be shortened on Wednesday December 24th from 10am- 3pm (because we love celebrating with our families too!). We will be closed on December 25th, but will re-open for Boxing Day on December 26th, from 1pm-9pm.

Regular hours will resume thereafter, with the exceptions of: December 31st when we will hold the hours of 10am to 3pm (New Year's Eve! Yay!), we will be closed on January first, and will re-open at 1pm on January 2nd.

Have a great holiday, whatever you celebrate!

Yule Baskets

Wiccan Sacred Circle (Avalon Centre) is collecting non-perishables for Yule Baskets. There are two boxes for collection here at the store and the MPRC. Please take some time to drop off some cans or whatnot. As a suggestion, leave grocery store food cards or buy pet food or cat litter. Everyone thinks to feed the people and forget the littler members of the family in food baskets. Try leaving a variety of foods for all ages. Baby food and kids' lunchbox snackables are also helpful.

The boxes will be empties Friday evening December 12th.

Thank on behalf of all the families who will benfit from your support.

The Yule Fair in Review

In my opinion, the fair was a good success for not just the store or even the MPRC, but for the Montreal Pagan community in general. Over the course of the weekend, people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds came together to share in a spirit of community that we don't see nearly often enough. We supported local pagan artisans. We attended lectures by people we'd never met and of traditions not our own. We gathered to simply be together. Many came for the Yule ritual as well.

I am proud that we could do this for our community, and look forward to doing it again and again.

We have already begun to discuss an early summer fair, happening sometime near the end of May, with more vendors and speakers...just don't ask us about it until the snow is off the ground, okay? ;)

2008 Community Yule Fair

WELCOME to the Montreal Pagan Community
YULE FAIR 2008

Saturday & Sunday December 6th & 7th, 10am - 5 pm
~ Free Admission ~

Original Holiday Gifts! Artisans! Workshops! Storytelling!

Public Yule Ritual hosted by
ADF Island Willow Protogrove!
6:30pm Sunday December 7th

SATURDAY

10:00 - doors officially open to the public
10:15 - 10:45 - SCARLET - Chinese Tea Meditation
11:00 - 12:00 - MELANIE - Intro to BodyTalk
12:00 - 12:45 - Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 - COMMUNITY HOUR
2:00 - 3:00 - TBA
3:00 - 4:00 - TBA
4:00 - 5:00 - TARAS - Politics & Paganism
5:00 - doors officially close to the public
6:00 - Store closes for the night

Le Melange Magique 10% off all weekend !!

SUNDAY

10:00 - doors officially open to the public
10:15 - 10:45 - SCARLET - Japanese Tea Meditation
11:00 - 12:00 - STEVEN - Tai Chi
12:00 - 12:45 - Lunch
12:45 - 1:45 - HOBBES - Winter Tales Storytelling
2:00 - 3:00 - LIZETTE - Shamanism
3:00 - 5:00 - TERRYANN - Breakthrough Healing
5:00 - doors officially close to the public
6:30 - Public Yule Ritual

Please bring feast and feast gear to ritual!

Its all about Community

This time of year its so easy to forget the important things. The weather is cold, it feels constantly gray and dreary outside, and people are already stressing over getting 'the perfect Yule gift' and the bills that may follow in the wake of what said gift may be.

Take a moment to pause and consider: What is this season all about? We are nearing Yule, the Winter Solstice. On that shortest day of the year, we focus on the light that shines, perhaps not in the skies, but in our hearts. We hold vigils for the return of the light with friends and families, finding comfort and love in one another.

This season, we invite you to take some time to share your light, and to connect with others around you. Here are a few ways you can connect and share:

Pagan Public Discussion (MPRC)
This is an open public discussion hosted by the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Centre). Come share your views and opinions on various challenging topics. This month's topic: "Living everyday with the Gods and Nature Spirits: How we keep the daily magic alive in our current times."
Thursday December 4th 6:30-9 pm FREE
*Public pagan Discussion nights are held on the first Thursday of every month*

Montreal Pagan Community Yule Fair
FREE ADMISSION
Saturday & Sunday December 6th & 7th, 10am—5 pm
Original Holiday Gifts! Artisans! Workshops! Storytelling! Public Yule Ritual!
Special Guest: Helmut’s Forge (Workshop on December 6th: ‘Metal Magic’)

Yule Food Drive
Come and donate any canned and non-perishable foods to help support a family in need this holiday season. There are donation boxes both in the store and the MPRC.

Guest Reader: Dr. Lisa Bufton will be joining us NEXT WEEK!

Angel Therapy Practitioner Dr. Lisa Bufton, D.D.,
will be joining us on
Saturday November 22nd for
ANGEL READINGS
and counseling.

Dr. Lisa Bufton has a doctorate in Divinity, is a certified hypnotherapist and an
Angel Therapy Practitioner certified by Doreen Virtue.

Lisa Bufton teaches and counsels in the United States, Canada and Europe. She has had many life experiences, both in the physical and non-physical world, that have empowered her on her life journey and purpose. Lisa is committed and passionate about inspiring people to make the changes they need to live rich, joyous and fulfilling lives.

Sign up for your Angel Reading with Dr. Lisa Bufton now! Spaces are limited!
$35 for a 30 minute reading or $70 for a full hour.

In honor of those who fought and continue to fight so that we never have to.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Maynard's Celestial Guides are in!

For those of us who need to keep track of whats going on in the skies, no calendar is more useful then the Jim Maynard's Celestial Influences 2009 Calendar, nor is any agenda as useful as his Celestial Guide! We also have this year's Astrologer's Datebook and Pocket Astrologer too!

These guides feature explanations of planetary motions for the year, the meanings of the signs of the zodiac, what it means when the moon passes through the signs, the lunar cycle, planets, aspects, moon void of course notations, and more!

Yule Fair News... and so it begins...

Hey all!

I know I know ... it is early to think about Yule. However, if you are
an artisan, you need the time to prepare.

So... without much ado... I want to announce:

MONTREAL PAGAN COMMUNITY YULE FAIR
Hosted this year by MPRC & Le Melange Magique
Featured Guest: HELMUT'S FORGE
Artisan tables are $25 to reserve space, refundable upon arrival
Rental fee is 10% of your sales

The Yule Fair will he held upstairs of Le Melange Magique over a TWO
DAY period
First weekend of December (December 6 & 7) 10am-5pm both days
Yule Ritual Sunday December 7th at 6:30pm

Discussions, Storytelling, Presentations, Workshops (all TBA)
Helmut of Helmut's Forge will do a workshop on Metal Magic

WHAT WE NEED NOW: YOU!
If you are an artisan, email scarletcougar@gmail.com ASAP to arrange
reservation for table space (we provide the space, you provide your
own table).

If you would like to perform or present or host a panel discussion,
presentation or workshop,
contact scarletcougar@gmail.com to schedule you in!

All reservations and scheduled workshops need to be concluded no later
than November 20th.
Thank you for your cooperation! See you there!

Scarlet

Dumb Supper Place Setting

100_0582
Originally uploaded by scarletcougar

Behind the jack-o-lantern was a place setting for our ancestors at the Dumb Supper. The jack-o-lantern protected the candle lit within as the guide to this seat.

Our ancestors presence was felt by all Saturday night. We were truly blessed.

Dumb Supper Ancestral Shrine

100_0581
Originally uploaded by scarletcougar

At our very successful Dumb Supper there was a shrine set up and this is the picture. Safe journey back across the veil and the river of the dead to all our ancestors. You are ever in our hearts and thoughts.

Ancestral Altar for Samhain 2008

Ancestral Altar for Samhain 2008
Originally uploaded by The Magical Blend

Samhain is a time of remembering our ancestors and honoring them. This is the public altar here in the store with candles and incense. The tea lights represent one of the many ancestors honored at a recent Public Ritual. It is our pleasure to host the continued burning of the lights on behalf of BFC's Northern Cougars.

Mélange in the Media this Month

This fall Mélange's staff has been in the media a fair bit. From documentaries about Ouija boards, to coverage in Concordia's Link(issue forthcoming) and even the Montreal Gazette just this past weekend.

Don't forget to visit us on Hallowe'en day! The staff will be all dressed up, (more media coverage is bound to happen), and its also a nice chance to say a few words to your ancestors at our public altar.

Sneak Peak! Upcoming November Workshops

Pagan Public Discussion (MPRC)
This is an open public discussion hosted by the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Centre). Come share your views and opinions on various challenging topics. This month's topic: "Paganism; Religion or Movement? The word religion has been getting some bad press in our recent times. Many people I've encountered wish to dissociate themselves from being seen as religious. Movies such as Religulous show that fundamentalists take the meaning of religion to a whole new level. Paganism holding such diversity in what and how we worship or connect to our spirituality, do we consider it a religion or a movement?"
Thursday November 6th 6:30-9 pm FREE
*Public pagan Discussion nights are held on the first Thursday of every month*

Psychic Development I (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channelling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine ! Thursday November 6th 7-9 pm $30

Late Harvest Magical Canning/Freezing/Jamming (Scatlet)
In tune with the seasons, Scarlet will be guiding people through her annual harvest day. A must for any Kitchen Witch or aspiring Kitchen Witch! Come learn how to prepare and preserve various seasonal fruits and vegetables for the winter. Everyone will work together like a true harvesting community and take home some of the harvest for their own kitchens! Dress to be chopping and having a ton of fun in our ritual space.
Saturday November 8th, 2-5pm $40

An Introduction to Crystal Healing (Robyn)
There are many ways one can explore alternative healing these days, but one of the more popular and easily accessible ways is the laying on of stones on the body to re-align energies, combat maladies and increase the body's natural harmony. Join us in this introductory workshop to learn more about this peaceful mode of healing. Sunday, November 9th 1-3pm $30

Psychic Development II (Catharine)
Take the next step in your development by exploring multiple ways of receiving messages and visions. We will do more in depth work with meditation, energy work and practice readings on each other. Guided meditation and message circle follows, where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Thursday, November 13th 7-9pm ($30)

Introduction to Energy Work (Scarlet)
Centering and grounding are the foundations of any energy or magical work. In this course, you will learn how to center and ground, how to manipulate your own field of energy, how to sense energy, how to charge and drain the energy in objects, and the basics of circle casting. Please dress comfortably and bring a cushion to sit on if possible. Thursday, November 13th 7-9pm ($30)

Protection Magic (Scarlet)
Often in our lives we feel 'attacked' by someone else's presence, that they are stealing away our energy just by being around, or that perhaps our run of ill-luck has been caused by someone giving us the evil eye. In this workshop you will learn several methods of psychic self-defense, as well as how to protect yourself from hexes, curses and jinxes.
Thursday, November 20th 7-9pm $30

Reiki Introduction Lecture (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy can also easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday November 21st 7-8 pm FREE

Reiki I (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long 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 November 22nd & Sunday November 23rd 10-5 pm $150

Aura & Chakra Cleansing (Scarlet)
This course will teach you several techniques of aura cleansing, as well as how to cleanse your chakras. It involves alternative healing, energy work, and guided meditation. These are skills you will be able to use on yourself and others. Please dress comfortably and bring a cushion to sit on if possible.
Thursday, November 27th, 7-9pm ($30)

Psychic Practice (Catharine)
This is a workshop for anyone who has taken level one Psychic Development and wants more practice in channelling. We will be doing meditation, energy work, and many practice readings with photos and of eachother. If there is enough interest we can set up a more regular group ! If you have not taken level one and feel you are ready to just practice, please speak to Catharine for permission to join the class.
Thursday November 27th 7-9pm $30

EARLY DECEMBER:
Pagan Public Discussion (MPRC)
This is an open public discussion hosted by the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Centre). Come share your views and opinions on various challenging topics. This month's topic: "Living everyday with the Gods and Nature Spirits: How we keep the daily magic alive in our current times."
Thursday December 4th 6:30-9 pm FREE
*Public pagan Discussion nights are held on the first Thursday of every month*

Yule Fair
Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th, 10-5,
FREE ADMISSION!

Sunday Sabbat Sale - Samhain!

This coming Sunday, October 26th is our special Sunday Sabbat Sale for Samhain!

Everything in store is -10%

See you there and Blessed Samhain to all!

New in Store

BOOKS:

CELTIC SYMBOLS by Sabine Heinz
ISBN: 1402746245 $14.95
Another beautiful book in this series for symbols. Discover the history and meaning behind knotwork designs, carvings, and other Celtic symbols.

THE COVEN LEADER'S HANDBOOK by Sean Belachta
ISBN: 1411635515 $28.95
Sometimes there are wonderful finds through private publications that arrive. They are rare treasures. This one is no different! It consists of 13 lessons in Gardnerian and Alexandrain Wicca. The first chapter reviews the history and philosophy of these two traditions. Chapter two discusses the role of clergy. The third chapter reviews craft working in circle with tools and activities. This is followed by a lesson on the eight Sabbats. Chapters five through seven explore the divine and mythology. Initiation is the next topic of discussion. Chapters nine and ten review divination and magic, followed closely by healing, meditation and visualization. The final chapter examines how to make contact with others. A good basic book for new coven leaders and those considering starting a coven in a related tradition. Please note that this is not a replacement for initiation into these traditions. That requires being initiated by someone who can pass on the links of lineage.

PRODUCTS:

AYURVEDIC ELEMENTAL INCENSE $4.95
Cone incense from Triloka
- Pitta-Fire
- Vatta - Air
- Kapha - Water

AYURVEDIC CHAKRA INCENSE $4.95
Packages of incense sticks specially blended for each of the 7 chakras.

MEDITAION ALTAR TRAY $8.95
Lovely white gypsum tray containing holders for 4 tea lights and a central section for stones to hold incense. A beautiful addition to the altar or meditation space.

Public Samhain Ritual

Hosted by Black Forest’s Northern Cougars

Date: Sunday October 26th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Upstairs of Le Melange Magique (1928 St-Catherine West, Montreal)
Information: 514-938-1458

This will be a traditional coven ritual in honor of our ancestors. Samhain marks the end of the summer and the end of the Celtic year. We let go of the past, say our goodbyes, ask for final assistance, and prepare to step into a new year. During this ritual you will send a message, sign, symbol, and prayer, whatever you wish, to others who have passed through the veil.

Please bring something to write with (a pen or pencil), as well as feast food to share (something seasonal if you can, even better if it is home made) and your own feast gear (we are stewards of the earth; please bring your own cup/plate/bowl/utensils to help keep the environment clean).

Dress up! Dress in your ritual best! Dress to honor your ancestors.

Lastly, there will be an ancestral shrine for those who wish a quiet moment or want to light a candle for their loved ones now gone. Northern Cougars will guard these candles and see that they are burned through before Samhain.

Blessed be!

Traditional Dumb Supper (Hosted by Le Melange Magique)

Every culture has its own rites and rituals to honor and worship their ancestors. In Celtic Tradition there is what we call the Dumb Supper. It is a meal shared by any family or group of people held in complete silence with a place setting for the dead. The managers of Le Malange Magique would like to host this powerfully moving event with the public. This will be a catered meal. All you need bring is a picture or object of an ancestor that you wish to remember, honor, and invite to dinner. A traditional ancestral shrine will be erected and a place set at the table for our guests from beyond the veil. At the beginning of the meal, Robyn will guide everyone to introduce their "guest" and say a sentence or two about why they bring this person or pet to dinner this night. Then Scarlet will lead a short prayer or chant. The meal will be served and we will eat in silence contemplating our affections and respect for our ancestors. At the end of the meal, offerings will be made, blessing given, and all will part with love.

Saturday November 1st 6:30pm
Tickets are $15 and must be prepaid by October 20th *space is limited*

For more information about the Dumb Supper,
see: http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uswa&c=holidays&id=12151

Walking our Talk: Stepping Towards Thanks Giving - Fostering an Attitude of Gratitude

October has arrived. The sky turns grey and the wind is chill. The leaves on the tree turn shades of red and gold. School is in full swing and we move toward the stressful mid-term time of the season. In this changing and turning of the wheel, I remind people to WALK THEIR TALK. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Live by your own beliefs.

Walk your path every day, not just on the holidays. There are so many ways to incorporate spirituality into our everyday mundane lives from the simple lighting of a candle while we drink our morning coffee before work, to listening to inspiring music while we travel or do homework, to sitting and meditating on our break time.

You can also walk your talk by encouraging your co-workers to go green and be environmental in the workplace, to celebrate the cultural diversity by marking the sacred days of each of your co-workers with something so small as a tiny note on their desk, to honoring the people you respect with a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Random acts of kindness go along way to lifting the mood and helping everyone walk their spiritual talk.

Participate in new spiritual experiences and tend the garden of your soul. How about taking one of the following workshops? Or... foster an attitude of gratitude. More on that a little further down (after the suggested workshops).

Pagan Public Discussion (MPRC)
This is an open public discussion hosted by the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Centre). Come share your views and opinions on various challenging topics.
Thursday October 9th 7-9 pm FREE
*will be held on the first Thursday of every month after this*

Psychic Development I (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Predictive Dreams, Mediumship, Channelling. 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 !
Thurs. Oct. 9th 7-9 pm $30

Reiki Introduction Lecture (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy can also easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Fri. October 10th 7-8 pm FREE

Reiki I (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long 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.
Sat. October 11th & Sunday October 12th 10-5 pm $150

Fostering an Attitude of Gratitude
This is so simple it is often overlooked. Be thankful for the people in your life, for the things you already have, for being YOU!

• Say "thank you" to someone every day.
• Appreciate the life you have. Take a moment to look around you and love what you see.
• Keep a journal of gratitude: every day, write 3 things in it that you are grateful for

Thank you for reading our BLOG of Shadows! I hope you have enjoyed it thus far. We of The magical Blend / Le Melange Magique have enjoyed offering it to you and giving you a peak into who we are and the great minds that make this all possible.

Thanks to the staff who contribute in both writing and their ideas over the shoulders of those of us writing:

Robyn
Yann
Erika
Debra
Sam
Catharine
Maery
Scarlet
Tequilla, the cat

Blessed Be!

Living in the Moment

This article was a great discovery! It was full of great advice for living in the moment and ideas and technique to do just that! For copyright reasons, I am not permitted to post the entire article. I posted the beginning and a bit from the middle to tease you. At the end, I have posted the link where you can read the entire article.

Feel Happy Every Day by Living in the Moment
By Harriet Meyerson

Many people are so concerned with adding days to their life that they forget to add life to their days.

If you have ever found yourself at home thinking about what you need to do at work, or at work thinking about things happening in your personal life, you know how distracting it is. Living in the moment means you are totally immersed in an experience.

The past is history.
The future is a mystery.
The only time we really have is now - just this moment.

----- content of article snipped -----

ACTIVITIES TO PRACTICE LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Living in the moment takes practice because you are used to being distracted. Make a special effort to consciously practice being totally immersed in what you are doing for some time every day. Here are some ideas to get you started.

TAKE A BUBBLE BATH
Play some soft music. Relax and feel the warmth of the water. Just think of how you are enjoying the moment.

DRIVE A DIFFERENT ROUTE TO WORK
Get off the highway, and take the city streets to work. As you drive, notice the trees and houses as you pass through different neighborhoods. Going a different way will also help you concentrate on your surroundings.

----- content of article snipped to the end -----

http://www.positivepath.net/ideasHM4.asp

Leading into October

Following our guest speaker Erin Betony's workshops, we begin to move into the Fall/Samhain season.

School is deep underway and heading fast toward midterms. The veil grows thin as Samhain approaches. It is a time of year for coming to terms with things that we have let linger in our lives, make connections with family we have not seen in a while, clear the clutter in our lives, deal with the issues we have been avoiding (so they do not carry over), and contemplate what we have learned from those who are now gone from our lives.

You might want to consider performing a Study Spell to help you through school. Anyone at the store can help you with the supplies and recipe.

You might want schedule tea with your grandmother. The Magical Blend has a great selection of teas to choose from!

You might want to cleanse your spirit or your home. Men's or women's spiritual cleansing bath salt would be great, smudging with fresh sage from Erin Betony is also wonderful. Book a day or two off and clean the clutter from your home. Contact our Reiki specialist for an appointment for healing or chakra balancing. (Robyn Stroll 514-708-4784) Sort the office or meet with your accountant and set up a budgeting plan.

Set up a place or simply take some time for YOU! Meditate in what you have to work on, consider the things you have been avoiding and list reasonable goals for overcoming these. There are so many ways to meditate. Candle meditations are popular as the candle provides you with a simple focus while you breathe and calm your mind. So does tea! Tea meditations have been used for generations even centuries in the Far East. Just sit with your favorite tea and quietly enjoy the tea, allowing it to calm and relax you. With calm and focus, we can face the difficult things we must in our lives. Maybe... try a banishing procrastination spell!

Why not set up an ancestral shrine in your home to honor those who have passed on? A shalf space with a candle offering bowl and picture of the deceased is all you need. This can be for a relative, a pet, a friend, or someone in the past you admire.

Here are some upcoming workshops that might interest you for early October:

SPELLCRAFTING 101 (Robyn) $30
At last! A course to cover the basics of how to know what goes into making a spell! Correspondences, suggestions, basics and more! Everything you need to know to make your own spells.
Thursday October 2nd 7-9pm

STORYTELLING CIRCLE (Catharine) by donation
The Talking Circle is a traditional way for Native American people to solve problems. It is a very effective way to remove barriers and to allow people to express themselves with complete freedom. The symbolism of the circle with no beginning and with nobody in the position of prominence, serves to encourage people to speak freely and honestly about things that are on their minds.
Thursday October 2nd 7-9pm

LATE HARVEST MAGICAL CANNING/FREEZING/JAMMING (Scatlet) $40
In tune with the seasons, Scarlet will be guiding people through her annual harvest day. A must for any Kitchen Witch or aspiring Kitchen Witch! Come learn how to prepare and preserve various seasonal fruits and vegetables for the winter. Everyone will work together like a true harvesting community and take home some of the harvest for their own kitchens! Dress to be chopping and having a ton of fun in our ritual space.
Saturday October 4th 2-5pm (prepaid no later than Wednesday October 1st)

Guest speaker this weekend: Erin Betony

This weekend we are honored to be hosting Erin Betony, High Priest in the Wiccan Tradition and Native Shaman. He will be holding two workshops while he is with us here at The Magical Blend, and we'd like to invite you to join us to these very special events:

* Psychic Self-Defense *

Western Culture produces an excess of dangerous and harmful toxins, physical and psychic, which left to build untended can add to diseases of many types; including the more virulent forms of psychic manifestation. In this workshop we will produce a forum of questions & answers, and cover a variety of protective and maintenance techniques for person and home.

Friday September 26th, 6-8 pm, $40




* Sage Bundle Tying *

Each culture has its own version of incense. Amerindian habit is to braid, form sticks, or bundles of the herbs used in ceremony & rituals. Join us for an afternoon workshop of tying smudge bundles of Silver Sagebrush, gathered at altitudes above 5000' in Canada's only Desert region. Council & direction will be given as to application & technique in their use. We will raise some power & consecrate them as a group.
Everything will be provided for each participant to tie & bring home at least one full sized "smudge".
Please register early as materials, and therefore spaces are limited.

Saturday, September 27th, $40 1-3pm

Mabon Sabbat Sale this Sunday!

This Sunday, September 21, is our Sabbat sale for Mabon, right in time for you to get any last minute harvest and ritual supplies for the Autumnal Equinox.

Everything in store and online will be 10% off for this one day only! Don't miss this excellent chance to get savings on all your favorite items!

Upcoming Events till the end of September

INTRODUCTION TO THE TAROT (Robyn)
Sometimes it takes more then a tiny little pamphlet to know how to read your cards. In this basic level course we will be discussing the archetypal meanings of the trump cards as well as the general functions of the minor arcana. Please bring your own tarot deck to study with.
Thursday, September 18th, 7-9pm $30
ALMOST FULL - REGISTER NOW!!

MEET YOUR SPIRIT GUIDES (Catharine)
This is a meditative workshop to help you meet your spirit guides, be they angels, humans, relatives, souls from other dimensions or Animals totems. Taught by Catharine, Medium & Clairvoyant.
Thursday September 18th, 7-9pm , $30

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy can also easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday, September 19th, 7-8 pm FREE

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long 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 September 20th, 10-5 & Sunday September 21st, 10-5 $150

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PUBLIC MABON RITUAL
Saturday September 20th, 17h30
Angrignon Park
Meet at Angrignon Metro at 17h30-18h00

What to bring:
* Warm clothing (we'll be outdoors)
* Warm feast food/drink (it'll be cold!)
* Drums, rattles, flutes (optional)
* Ritual gear (robes, wands, no athames, etc. -- optional)
* Guests (optional)

The summer is coming to an end, the year is coming to an end, and the new year is about to begin. As the land prepares for its long sleep, the trees are starting to shed their leaves, the days shorten, and the night stretches out before us.

Persephone is out, enjoying the last days of summer, under the watchful gaze of her mother Demeter. But Hades is coming. He's coming to take her back to the Underworld. Witness this age-old dance as the seasons change when Demeter mourns the loss of her child again and again until Spring returns.

We will be holding this public ritual in Angrignon park at twilight on Saturday September 20th, 2008 (17h30). Yes, this will be an outdoor public ritual (probably the last one of the season), so dress warmly!

The ritual will be held rain or moonshine; in the case of rain, we will try to tarp-out an area. However, in the case of an absolute downpour, we will have to cancel the event. Keep an eye on the MPRC website for any last minute changes (http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/).

If you have any questions, please contact JD Hobbes at jdhobbes [at] yahoo.ca
jdhobbes@yahoo.ca

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MANIFESTATION (Catharine)
Our thoughts create our reality! This is the secret that is not such a secret after all! Come and discuss the various ways we can use our intentions to create our reality. Learn techniques to bring you what you want. Talk about some of the pitfalls that can happen. Think about the effects and ethics of what we are wishing for, and the importance of affirmations! Bring some paper, magazines, markers and glue!
Thursday, September 25th, 6-9pm, $30

----------------------------------------------------------
* Guest Speaker ERIN BETONY:
Psychic Self-Defense *
Learn about different problems and forms of attack that hinder our lives. These may be interfering spiritual entities, or may be people consciously or unconsciously attacking us with psychic or magical energy. Join guest speaker Erin Betony to explore different ways to defend yourself against these problems.
Friday September 26th, 6-8pm, $40

* Guest Speaker ERIN BETONY:
Sage Bundle Tying *
Sage has been used for centuries to purify and bless places, people and talismans. Come and participate in this hands-on workshop to learn how to tie your own sage bundle using traditional native methods.
Saturday, September 27th, 1-3pm, $40
----------------------------------------------------------

METHODS OF MEDITATION (Robyn)
Have you ever wanted to meditate, but are not certain which technique will work best for you? Meditation is a means by which people work toward a sense of balance, stress relief and inner harmony. Join us for an afternoon of relaxation and together we will explore several different meditation styles and theories to help you find the way that feels most right for you.
*There will be some practical exercises, so please wear loose and comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat or cushion .*
Sunday, September 28th, 1-3 pm, $30

Seasons of The Witch Agendas In Store Now!

The Best Selling Seasons of The Witch Agendas
Originally uploaded by The Magical Blend

Limited time and availability!

These beautiful calendars and agendas are not available in Canada anywhere but here! They cannot be bought on Amazon or through larger stores. They are a private import direct from the publisher.

They sell fast so come and get yours now!

2009 Jessica Galbreth Myth and Magick wall calendar: $24.95
2009 Seasons of the Witch wall calendar: $24.95
2009 Seasons of the Witch Daily Bound Agenda: $41.95
2009 Seasons of the Witch Weekly Bound Agenda: $24.95

Magickal Gift Ware

Magickal Gift Ware
Originally uploaded by The Magical Blend

Beautiful offering bowl in copper and hanging incense burners are among some of the new East Indian magical gift wares in store.

Copper has the following magical properties:
It is a receptive metal associated with he planet Venus and the element of water. It is an excellent energy conductor, used in the making of wands and as a heat safe receptacle such as offering bowls and incense burners. It has strong healing properties especially for those with joint problems and arthritis. The magical energies include, healing, luck, love, protection and money. Lastly, this is a perfect tool for those working with the navel chakra.

Also new are clean burning resin burners that work like an oil burner with a tea light. Just place some resin grains on the grill and light it up. So easy to clean after, just rinse and scrub a little under hot water.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Melange Magique
(The Magical Blend)

Turns 17 years old

September 11, 2008

To celebrate, we will be holding a ONE DAY ONLY sale!

17% off everything in store

Come celebrate with us!!

As of noon, there will be wine and juices,
as well as cheese and fruit for all!

** this discount cannot be combined with any other discounts**

New Product Coming Soon: Magical Blend Spray Perfumes

We decided that since there has been so much demand, we would fabricate our very own perfume line! Just like regular perfume, it can be sprayed on whenever you like throughout the day, but unlike any other perfume on the market, they will be made with recipes designed for magickal purposes!

• Attraction
• Fast Luck
• Fire of Love
• Money Drawing
• Protection

OR have your own custom blend made at our in-store Apothecary!

This new product will be released this month, and will be available to order through our website too!

I will be on the radio tomorrow at 3:05pm!

Tune in to CJAD radio (station 800am) in Montreal tomorrow to hear me on the air live! I will be answering a few questions about Wicca on the Keven and Trudie Show some time around 3:05 on Thursday afternoon.

September 2008 Workshops

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Level One (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance Predictive Dreams, Mediumship, Channelling. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine ! Thursday, September 4th, 7-9pm, $30

EXPLORING THE ROOT CHAKRA (Scarlet)
Chakras are energy pools within us. Throughout our lives we draw energy from these pools and accumulate experiences which may block the flow of the energy. We begin with the Root Chakra dealing with grounding, stability, survival, and fears. In this workshop, you will discover the various correspondences associated with this chakra that will help you explore it, cleanse it and balance it. We will end the session with an exploratory meditation Thursday, September 11th, 7-9 pm, $30

ASTROLOGY 101 (Catharine)
This is the first in the series to help your truly understand astrology and yourself. Sun signs are the foundation of everything else in your birth chart. We will discuss character traits, planetary rulerships and elements and compatibilities.
Thursday September 18th, 7-9pm, $40

SPELLCRAFTING 101 (Robyn)
At last! A course to cover the basics of how to know what goes into making a spell! Correspondences, suggestions, basics and more! Everything you need to know to make your own spells.
Friday, September 12th, 7-9pm, $30

BLACK FOREST COVEN PUBLIC ESBAT
Esbats are rituals held every full moon to honor the Goddess' journey of growth and wisdom. Come and celebrate the Harvest Moon with the Black Forest Coven.
Monday, September 15th, 7-9pm FREE

INTRODUCTION TO THE TAROT (Robyn)
Sometimes it takes more then a tiny little pamphlet to know how to read your cards. In this basic level course we will be discussing the archetypal meanings of the trump cards as well as the general functions of the minor arcana. Please bring your own tarot deck to study with. Thursday, September 18th, 7-9pm $30

MEET YOUR SPIRIT GUIDES (Catharine)
This is a meditative workshop to help you meet your spirit guides, be they angels, humans, relatives, souls from other dimensions or Animals totems. Taught by Catharine, Medium & Clairvoyant.
Thursday September 18th, 7-9pm , $30

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy can also easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works. Friday, September 19th, 7-8 pm FREE

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long 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 September 20th, 10-5 & Sunday September 21st, 10-5 $150

EXPLORING THE NAVEL CHAKRA (Scarlet)
Chakras are energy pools within us. Throughout our lives we draw energy from these pools and accumulate experiences which may block the flow of the energy. We continue with the Navel Chakra dealing with confidence, creativity, pleasures, passions, and guilt. In this workshop, you will discover the various correspondences associated with this chakra that will help you explore it, cleanse it and balance it. We will end the session with an exploratory meditation.
Thursday, September 25th, 7-9 pm, $30

MANIFESTATION (Catharine)
Our thoughts create our reality! This is the secret that is not such a secret after all! Come and discuss the various ways we can use our intentions to create our reality. Learn techniques to bring you what you want. Talk about some of the pitfalls that can happen. Think about the effects and ethics of what we are wishing for, and the importance of affirmations! Bring some paper, magazines, markers and glue! Thursday, September 25th, 6-9pm, $30

* Guest Speaker ERIN BETONY: Psychic Self-Defense *
Learn about different problems and forms of attack that hinder our lives. These may be interfering spiritual entities, or may be people consciously or unconsciously attacking us with psychic or magical energy. Join guest speaker Erin Betony to explore different ways to defend yourself against these problems.
Friday September 26th, $40 Time TBA

* Guest Speaker ERIN BETONY: Sage Bundle Tying *
Sage has been used for centuries to purify and bless places, people and talismans. Come and participate in this hands-on workshop to learn how to tie your own sage bundle using traditional native methods.
Saturday, September 27th, $40 Time TBA

METHODS OF MEDITATION (Robyn)
Have you ever wanted to meditate, but are not certain which technique will work best for you? Meditation is a means by which people work toward a sense of balance, stress relief and inner harmony. Join us for an afternoon of relaxation and together we will explore several different meditation styles and theories to help you find the way that feels most right for you.
*There will be some practical exercises, so please wear loose and comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat or cushion .*
Sunday, September 28th, 1-3 pm, $30

CRESCENT MOON SCHOOL

The School has been running since 1994 and opens yet another session for September 2008. This Open House displays the various works of the recent students, offers an opportunity to meet the teachers, and to register for the coming session.

Please remember that we accept a very limited number of registrants in the level one, a maximum of 5-8 students, so that we may offer them the best quality teaching and personalized attention as they explore their spirituality.

OPEN HOUSE
Friday August 29th 7-9 pm

SEPTEMBER SESSIONS
CMS Level 1 (Hobbes)
Crescent Moon School is a complete program of 20 weeks (for Level 1) providing a thorough basis in Magic, Paganism, and Wicca.
Wednesday nights 7-9 pm starting September 3rd $300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks)
~~~Seeker's Certificate~~~

CMS Level 2 (Scarlet & WinterWolf)
This next level (24 weeks) builds the foundational correspondances that lead to a complete theoretical background in magical practice. Includes are basics of energy work and ritual.
Saturdays 2-5pm starting September 6th $375 (or 3 x $125 every 8 weeks)
~~~Journey(wo)man's Certificate~~~

CMS Level 3 (Scarlet)
Move from theory to practice! This 24 week course guides you to apply all the foundations and theory you have learned in the previous levels.
Wednesday Nights 6-9pm Starting September 3rd $375 (or 3 x $125 every 8 weeks)
~~~Certificate of Witchcraft~~~

Register within the store:
Le Melange Magique
1928 St-Catherine WestMontreal, Quebec
514-938-1458

Please Note that the last day of registration is Monday September 1st.

Job Opportunity

It is back to school time even with the staff at the store. This means that many of our full time staff have to change their schedules to attend school, thus becoming part-time employees. It is a challenging thing to work and do school simultaneously. We at Melange Magique do our best to help support our employees in their studdies by accommodating these seasonal changes.

This however means that we have some open shifts in the store for a new employee. If you feel qualified, are bilingual, and are available on the days and times we need, then please bring in your CV as soon as possible. We intend to hire someone by September 1st for the following hours:

Tuesdays 1-5pm
Thursdays 3-9pm
Saturdays 10am - 6pm

Address your CV's to the attention of Scarlet, Debra, or Robyn.

Le Melange Magique
1928 St-Catherine West
Montreal, Quebec
514-938-1458
magic@themagicalblend.com

Helmut's Forge in Melange Magique

While at KG, we made a wonderful old connection that we used to have when the store was in its infancy. We met with Helmut's Forge! This is a private forge in Ontario where the metalsmith specialized in unique Pagan blades (athames & bollines).

We brought back to our store a beautiful selection of small billines (curved herb sicles) of exotic woods or of amber with copper and silver blades. Each piece is a work of art! They are carefully crafted and cleansed by a man who really knows the magic of each element involved in the creation of each piece.

HUZZAH!
He will even be coming to our shop!
Helmut will visit us late November or early December with more of his incredible wares. He will also be hosting a workshop on the Magic of Metals and Metalsmithing. Keep watching here for more information.

Kaliedascope Gathering 2008 News

We are back from the festical. It was an incredible expereince as always. This year we had a DOUBLE tent booth in the main vending area and met so many wonderful people. We would like to personally thank the various folks who volunteered to reserve our space as of the Saturday (Hobbes and friends), and the folks who helped us manage the our vending booth (John D., Karyn, WinterWolf).

Here is a brief recap of the exciting things we experienced there!

Monday July 28
Sam and I arrived and struggled to set up in the rain that decided to rain on us ONLY during tent set-up. We greeted the fairies and relaxed for the day.

Tuesday July 29
I (Scarlet) lead a beautiful Baby Naming ceremony for Alexander Roger-Rene Dhur. It was a largely attended ceremony. As a member of Black Forest tradition with vows to serve the community, performing rites of passage and especially baby blessings are my favotire services. The bonus is that I am the Goddess Mother to this adorable little man. here are a few pictures:

This is the formal altar with some special items that will be given to Alexander at his rite of manhood later on in his life.

This is me and Alexander. I hope to one day have a child of my own.

Wednesday July 30
Debra showed up in TWO trips with new tenting that was amazing and SO MUCH STOCK! We had such a full and beautiful booth! This year's festival theme was fairies and we were PREPARED! People were already coming into check out the pretties in out vending tent before we were done setting up!

Thursday July 31

We were finally and fully set up. This was an amazing day to sit in the vending tents, meet folks and make sales. We even had MIDNIGHT MADNESS!! This is where all the festival venders stay open till midnight for everyone just coming onto the site. The earlybirds get the specials! Mead was shared as part of the brewing contest. Kids ran around with glowsticks. We all changed from the city life of jeans and work clothing into sarongs and other summer fun clothes. Belly dancing and drumming around the bonfire could be heard from where we stood in our vending tent.

Friday August 1

Friday we continued the great day here, however there was a fun Fairy Gathering Cocktail Party. We watched folks go by dressed in their ritual best or in fairy costumes for the costume ball. In the evening we rested and watched the incredible display of starscape and shooting stars. MAKE A WISH!

Saturday August 2
Robyn came out to visit, despite her healing broken leg. HUZZAH! The unfortunate thing was the terrible thunder storms that hit that day and nearly flooded out vending tents. We spent a good deal of the day frantically moving things to save them from the encrouching puddle that grew from a 1/2 inch deep 1 foot diameter puddle in front of the entrance to a 8 foot puddle of about 2 inched deep. YIKES! Thankfully the ground soaked it up by the evening. The weather shifted and the night was beautiful and dry. Perfect for a bardic competition around the bonfire. Our very own Hobbes from the MPRC was performing a touching story for his father who past waway not long ago.

Sunday August 3
This was our LAST DAY! We held a book sale in the end of the day to help reduce the things we would need to pack and bring home. It was a sad time to have to say goodbye to frinds we only see once a year at this festival. The atmosphere is a rare expereicne of friendship and support we no longer really see in the general public "real" world. We love and miss everyone we met there!

Scarlet with the red hair looks up and wishes everyone a great year!


Sam the elf wishes everyone a Fairy Fun summer and hopes to see you all next festival!

Christopher Penczak is coming to Mélange!!!

Christopher Penczak, spiritual healer, teacher, and award-winning author of over a dozen book on various New Age topics including the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series, is appearing in Montreal on Friday 8 August 2008 from 19h00 to 21h30 at The Magical Blend (Le Mélange Magique), Montreal's largest esoteric bookstore, for a book signing and workshop based on his book The Witch's Shield.

SPIRITUAL PROTECTION WORKSHOP

The modern world stresses us on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels, and many of us seek methods by which we can restore balance in our lives and protect ourselves against further damage. Penczak's workshop explores techniques of psychic self-defense, focusing on how to protect and balance yourself and your home environment. Topics such as potential psychic dangers, drains and trauma from other people, your environment, and yourself are discussed, as well as methods to counteract these dangers and create new healthy habits. Other subjects explored include protection shields, guardian spirits, protective crystals, herbs and energy cleansing techniques to create a balanced, sacred environment.

WORKSHOP: The Witch's Shield: Protection Magick and Psychic Self-Defense
August 8th 7 - 9:30 PM
COST: $30 per person

EVENT LOCATION: Le Mélange Magique / The Magical Blend
1928 St. Catherine Street West Montreal, Québec, Canada H3H-1M4

TO REGISTER: (514) 938-1458
http://www.themagicalblend.com

Kaleidoscope, and new stock!

Scarlet and Sam are away this week attending the ever growing Kaleidoscope Gathering (or KG for short), a pagan festival in Ontario (just on the other side of the border). KG is a wonderful way to meet other pagans, and to participate in all sorts of public workshops and rituals for Lammas (which falls this Friday evening).

Feel free to visit our tent at KG to buy all sorts of your favorites, and new special stock ordered just for the festival, all tax free!

For those of us not able to attend the festival, there is still plenty of fun and exciting stock to explore in store too. We have received a large shipment of oils, and have a large shipment of Coventry Creations candles on the way, including a new line for spirit working. There are fairy statues, pagan housecrafts, instruments and all sorts of other goodies on their way too. AND! the 2009 calendars and agendas have begun to arrive as well.

Authors this Sunday

TWO BOOK SIGNINGS WITH LOCAL AUTHORS
ROB ST. MARTIN & MARK MACKAY

Sunday, JULY 27th, 2 pm

MISSPELLED
Strange magic... in 17 Fascinating tales of spells gone awry. When it comes to magic, skipping the directions, changing the ingredients, or garbling the words of a spell can lead to unusual consequences-sometimes dire, sometimes comical. Included in these stories are just a few of the possible results: a cybermancer has her spell disk corrupted by some unexpected input; two students brewing up spells outside the curriculum forgo a critical ingredient; a young woman orders a fairy-tale life, but forgets to read the fine print. Now they're really spellbound... Smith, John Zakour, Jim C. Hines, and others.

TRUTHSEEKERS: Welcome to Blackriver
Moving to a small town from the big city is a challenge that can be hard enough for anyone. It's even harder for a teenage girl, leaving behind her friends, her school, her mall, her social life. After her parents are brutally murdered and fifteen-year-old Ashley Bennett is sent to the small town of Blackriver, Ontario to live with her only relative, her cousin Mark - a teacher at her new school! - she thinks her life can't possibly get any worse. But Ashley has no idea that the real challenges have only just begun. Not only is she faced with the normal teen experiences of making new friends, going to a new school, and adjusting to her new life, she's about to discover a whole hidden world that is both dark and strange. She's about to discover that her parents' deaths were anything but random, and that she herself might be in danger. Ancient conspiracies . secret societies . ghosts . vampires . cattle mutilations and cults . witches . mysterious disappearances . this eerily normal-seeming little town has it all, and Ashley ends up smack in the middle of it whether she wants to be or not. Now, to protect herself and her friends, Ashley must seek the truth . the truth behind the TRUTHSEEKERS.

Les Cartes Sont Jetées

The Cards are down!

Once again Melange Magique is supporting the sales of tickets to Montreal's Roller Derby. Tickets are $10 at the store and $15 at the door.

The teams: La Racaille VS Contrabanditas

Final Game of the Season

Saturday July 26th @ 7:30pm

Arena St-Louis 5633 St-Dominique

Why is the store supporting this?
There are few women's sports out there. Also, few are like this one where the woman are co-supportive and out of have fun as well as get in shape. Their competitive streak never causes strife but encourages them to be better at what they do. Again in this game a Pagan fromt he community plays on the team of La Racaille and the store's own Manager will be an official helping to keep the score.

Fore more inf0rmation:
http://www.mtlrollerderby.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mtlrollerderby

Our visit from Brendan Myers

Yesterday Mélange was privileged to have a visit from Dr. Brendan Myers, who had come in from Hamilton to give us a lecture on the origins of the concept of Virtue, as well as a discussion of what it means in terms of modern pagan practices.

There was standing room only for the lecture, and a fairly decent line to have copies of his latest book, The Other Side of Virtue, signed and to talk to Dr. Myers one on one. People came out from as far as Ottawa for this opportunity, and none were disappointed. Afterwards, there was a dinner in the Old Port, too.

For anyone who missed this event, don't despair! We have more signed copies of his book in store, and a promise for another visit when his next book, A Pagan Testament comes out this November.

This event is one of a few author events that is co-sponsored by the MPRC. We are pleased to work with them to bring pagan authors and guest speakers in to the store for the enjoyment of our community.

July's Second Wave of New Books

Gems of the Equinox by Aleister Crowley & Isreal Regardie
ISBN: 9781578634170 $50.95
Weiser Books has finally republished this GEM! It is in hard cover format. A rare opportunity to obtain these prescious texts is once again available to us. The Equinox was a series of papers printed in the early 1900's that filled 10 massive violumes. Today the full set is almost impossible to find, however, this book is a selection of the best papers from the Equinox series. A must have for anyone studying Thelema, Golden Dawn, Ceremonial Magick, or Aleister Crowley.

Weiser Concise Guide to Practical Astrology by Priscilla Costello
ISBN: 9781578634231 $14.95
Weiser Books has published a few concise guides like this one. All are excellent! This one explains planets, signs, houses, and aspects, as well as charts in a way that we can all understand. She makes the complex comprehensive!

Living the Wisdom of the Tao by Dr. Wayne Dyer
ISBN: 9781401921491 $10.95
Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He’s the author of 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos. This is a poetic translation with accompanying affirmations.

Angel Numbers 101 by Doreen Virtue
ISBN: 9781401920012 $10.95
Doreen Virtue is a spiritual doctor of psychology and a fourth-generation metaphysician who works with the angelic, elemental, and ascended-master realms in her writings and workshops. Doreen is the author of more than 20 books about angels, chakras, Crystal Children, Indigo Children, health and diet, and other mind-body-spirit issues, including the best-selling Healing with the Angels and Messages from Your Angels books/angel cards. This is yet another of her books where she channels the meaning of numbers from 0 to 999. There is a sentense or two for each number. This books can be for bibliomancy. Open it and select a number or select a number and then look it up. 397: "You're on the right path toward your Divine life purpose."

Tong Sing: The Book of Wisdom Based on the Ancient Chinese Almanac
by D. Charles Windridge
ISBN: 9781856267908 $22.95
This is a condensed book of wisdom exploring Chinese astrology, health, traditions and festivals, prophecies, recipes, medicinal and magical remedies, Taoism and Buddhism, Martial arts, and more.

Spiritual Connections by Sylvia Brown
ISBN: 9781401908829 $15.95
Sylvia Browne is a well-known spiritualist and psychic who has published many books on these subjects. This one discusses how to find spirituality through all the relationships in your life.

Northern Cougars Full Moon Esbat

Friday July 18th at 7:00pm

Esbats are simple rituals over the full moon that explore the self, used for high energy magical works, healings, initiations and lessons.

The full moon is a time of high energy and things coming into being or coming to fruition, it is also a high emotional time, a time of inspiration and creativity, and a time to help your endeavors manifest.

This full moon, Northern Cougars will host an esbat focusing on earth and water and personal relationships. It is an esbat of friendship. We ask that you come with a cushion to sit on and a gemstone that you will give away. Earth and water compliment each other as do friends. This esbat we celebrate our friends!

Authors in the Store THIS WEEK

It all kicks off with Greg Stroll on Thursday, July 17th at 7pm. Greg will be doing a reading from his new book "In The Heart Of Fear, One Forgets One's Self " in which he discusses the reality of an illness he lives with daily: Schizophrenia. He will be available for book signings, as well as to answer any questions that you may have about Schizophrenia, and what its like to live through a psychotic episode. All proceeds from this event are to benefit Ami Quebec, and the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

On Saturday, July 19th at 1pm we will have a reading and workshop from Brendan Myers, from his new book "The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Come From, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us". Using ancient heroic epics and sagas like Beowulf, the Illiad and Odyssey, the Eddas, the Tain Bo Cuailnge, and literature inspired by them including the works of the Renaissance and Romanticism, Shakespeare, Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling, this book explains the world-view that gave birth to our virtues. In that world-view, life involves inevitable confrontations with inexplicable events like fortune, nature, other people, and death itself. The Workshop will be based on the ideas in the book, a Q & A session, and of course a chance to get signed copies!

July's First Wave of New Books

Druid Magic Handbook by John Michael Greer
ISBN: 9781578633975 $22.95
Author of The Druidry Handbook and several Ceremonial magic books, Greer has published another excellent book. This blends his experience in both fields. Apply Ogham letters and tree lore with elements and esoteric symbols. It is a great guide to his unique groud-breaking magical system.

Psychic Energy Codex by Michelle Belanger
ISBN: 1578633850 $24.95
A companion book to Psychic Vampire Codex, this book helps you understand and develop your subtle senses. It explores the various forms and ideas of psychic energy.

Enochian Vision Magick by Lon Milo DuQuette
ISBN: 9781578633821 $22.95
Kabbala and Ceremonial and Golden Dawn practitioners will want this. Many are avid readers of anything written by DuQuette. His work is so well done it inspires and etaches and still holds a sense of humor. A fine example is his book, The Chicken Qabalah. This one is an introduction and practical guide to the magick of Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelly.

Handfasted

One of the staff members at our store was handfasted last week.

Scarlet met her husband on July 10th, 1999.
In 2003 they signed the legal forms for marriage at a courthouse.
Now, on July 10th, 2008, they have formalized their union with a beautiful handfasting.

The covens of Black Forest offer several services, including handfasting to the community.
For more information on these services, please go to:
http://www.mtl-magicalcircle.ca/BFC/index.htm

Bright Blessing to all!

New in at the Magical Blend

VooDoo Babies!

We have received a shipment of VooDoo Babies!! There are NEW ones available.

Genki
Love Huntress
Golden Pharoah

We also received datebooks and agendas for 2009.

Stock is refilling with Perfumed waters, bath salts (including unscented epsom), powders and incenses. Herbs too will be restocked very shortly!

New and Exciting!

We received a few very interesting items this week! Among them are the 2009 calendars from Llewellyn. They came EARLY!

More exciting, at least for the academic and those interested in the history of Paganism, is a book by the legendary Aiden Kelly. He first published "Crafting the Art of Magic, Book I: A History of Modern Witchcraft, 1939-1964 (Llewellyn's Modern Witchcraft Series) " However it is out of print and he indicated that it was not remotely close to the academic sourcebook this new book is. You must all be on the edge of your seats now dying to know what book i am talking about. It just came out!

Inventing Witchcraft: A Case Study in the Creation of a New Religion
Aiden Kelly $29.95 ISBN: 9781870450584
Thoth Publications

A must have in the library of anyone serious about their history and practice.

Happy Everything!

Happy St-Jean Baptiste Day last Tuesday the 24th of June and Happy Canada Day yesterday (July 1st) to those who celebrate them.

In Canada... or mostly in Quebec, July 1st is like a moving extravaganza! You would think that all Quebec folks had gypsy ancentry!

In light of this, I thought I would post some interesting things for those moving and those with gysy heritage.

MOVING ADVICE
Be sure to check the little things (pipes, leaks, outlets, windows, potential pest infestations, locks). Always ask for your locks to be changed when you move in. It is rare these days to be lucky enough to arrive into a clean home as few previous tenants actually are curteous enough to clean before they leave.

MOVING MAGICALLY
Some people will do divination before signing a new lease or buying a new home. This can help give you some insight into the new abode. When you do move, it is wise to do an ultimate house blessing in your home. We offer complete kits for doing just that!

STEP 1: Thoroughly clean your home tops to bottom and inside out!
STEP 2: Take the trash out the back door or out the normal garbage route.
STEP 3: Open the doors and windows, cupboards and closets and sage or cedar smudge the whole house counter-clockwise to purify it of all negativity that might be there from previous tenants.
STEP 4: After the home is thoroughly aired out, Bless your home with a simple water blessing ritual and white candle. Light the white candle in the center of your home and in a bowl of water put three pinches of salt. Then sprinkle every door, windor and corner three times clockwise around the home. You may wish to burn incense or anoint with oils or even prepare a blessing talisman at this time as well. The Ultimate Kit will guide you.
STEP 5: Bring something new into your home. This should be something living like a plant or a pet or something that simply brings you joy.
STEP 6: Protect your home! You can do this by placing crossed willow branches over your front door or place hematite stones in the four farthest corners of your home. You may also wish to anoint your doorframes and window frames with protection oil.
STEP 7: CELEBRATE! Have a house warming party! What better way to liven up your home!

FOR THE GYPSIES

• Gypsy Lore Society: http://www.gypsyloresociety.org/
• Roma Gypsy Advise and information: http://www.gypsyadvice.com/
• Academic Gypsy Lore: http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/colldescs/gls.html

Enjoy the summer and the joys of July!

July Workshops *SNEAK PEEK*

Herbalism 101 (Maery)
Friday July 4th 6-8pm $30

Introduction to Rune Magic (Matt)
Sunday July 13th 1-3pm $30
Most people know the Norse Runes as a powerful system of divination. Our Nordic forebears also used the runes for several other purposes; as charms, wards, and 'spells' on one hand, and as powerful keys to unlocking the secrets of the mysteries on the other. In this workshop we will be focussing on the many uses of the Elder Futhark as a system of divination, magick, and initiatory wisdom into the mysteries of the Nordic world tree.

Tools, Altars and Shrines in the Craft (Scarlet)
Monday July 14th 7-9pm $30
Discover and understand the different tolls used in the Craft and how to design your own altar and shrine. Learn the functional difference between an altar and a shrine.

BOOK LAUNCH (Greg Stroll)
Thursday July 17th 7-9pm
"In the Heart of Fear One Forgets One's Self "
ISBN - 9781435717916
Love, which is life's greatest weapon, life's greatest tool, inspired me to do the biggest thing I've ever done. I wrote this book as a token of appreciation for a sick friend who was more than just someone I loved. Either diabetes will take her or the efforts of the people who fight diabetes around the world will see fruition in time. Here is my contribution and best effort to see a cure happen. My name is Greg and I've been fighting my own war for years, only my enemy isn't a person: it's schizophrenia. During my first psychotic episode I undertook this project and I give you my thoughts, my paranoia, my insanity from my own perspective, with my own words. Join me in the heart of fear where I forgot who I was. (100% of my profits will be going to the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

Public Full Moon Esbat (BFC)
Friday July 18th 7pm FREE

BOOK LAUNCH (Brendan Myers)
Saturday July 19th 1pm
"The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Come From, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us"
ISBN: 9781846941153
Using ancient heroic epics and sagas like Beowulf, the Illiad and Odyssey, the Eddas, the Tain Bo Cuailnge, and literature inspired by them including the works of the Renaissance and Romanticism, Shakespeare, Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling, this book explains the world-view that gave birth to our virtues. In that world-view, life involves inevitable confrontations with inexplicable events like fortune, nature, other people, and death itself.

BOOK LAUNCH (Mark Mackay & Rob St.Martin)
Sunday July 20th 2pm
"Misspelled"
ISBN: 0756404754
Strange magic... in 17 Fascinating tales of spells gone awry. When it comes to magic, skipping the directions, changing the ingredients, or garbling the words of a spell can lead to unusual consequences-sometimes dire, sometimes comical. Included in these stories are just a few of the possible results: a cybermancer has her spell disk corrupted by some unexpected input; two students brewing up spells outside the curriculum forgo a critical ingredient; a young woman orders a fairy-tale life, but forgets to read the fine print. Now they're really spellbound...

"Truthseekers: Welcome to Blackriver"
ISBN: 0977100545
Moving to a small town from the big city is a challenge that can be hard enough for anyone. It's even harder for a teenage girl, leaving behind her friends, her school, her mall, her social life. After her parents are brutally murdered and fifteen-year-old Ashley Bennett is sent to the small town of Blackriver, Ontario to live with her only relative, her cousin Mark - a teacher at her new school! - she thinks her life can't possibly get any worse. But Ashley has no idea that the real challenges have only just begun. Not only is she faced with the normal teen experiences of making new friends, going to a new school, and adjusting to her new life, she's about to discover a whole hidden world that is both dark and strange. She's about to discover that her parents' deaths were anything but random, and that she herself might be in danger. Ancient conspiracies . secret societies . ghosts . vampires . cattle mutilations and cults . witches . mysterious disappearances . this eerily normal-seeming little town has it all, and Ashley ends up smack in the middle of it whether she wants to be or not. Now, to protect herself and her friends, Ashley must seek the truth . the truth behind the TRUTHSEEKERS Truthseekers: Welcome to Blackriver is a collection of short interconnected stories about the strange adventures of Ashley and her new friends as they explore the secrets behind the town of Blackriver, Ontario.

Introduction to Tarot Archetypes (Scarlet)
Monday July 21st 7-9pm $30

Exploring the Elements of the Craft (Scarlet)
Friday July 25th 7-9pm $30
Earth, Air, Fire, Water! These are the base elemnts of magical practice. Come explore them through your senses, discover correspondances, and experience them through sound and movement.

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
July 27th 10% off everything!
Happy Lammas!

Kaleidascope Gathering Festival
July 30 through August 4th
Fairies and Elves and Gnomes! Oh my! is our theme this year. We will once again be holding fest at Whispering Pines a private campground that is being closed for our use. This amazing site has a great beach, in ground pool, drive up campsites that are level and rock free. There is no bathing in the lake but there are two showers. We must respect the wishes of the owners of the campground as they live onsite. Admittance to the site is on Wednesday (if you come earlier, then be sure to register at the Whispering Pines office) and remember to register for the Kaleidoscope Gathering at our registration tent. Also, there are no pets, except seeing eye dogs.


Tentative August Peek

• Intermediate Tarot (card cobinations)
• Spellcrafting 101
• Cristopher Penczak - Psychic Self Defense
• Eight Paths of Magic
• Designing Rituals
• Stone Lore
• Public Esbat (BFC)
• Advanced Tarot I (spreads & Intuition)
• Intro to Paganism
• Movers & Shakers of the Craft (Historical figures who made a difference)
• CMS Open House