A loved teapot is a stained teapot...

Story found at Tea Muse monthly e-newsletter about Yixing Artistry.
Article by Diane Rosen (December 2001)

STORY:
Perhaps the most famous Sung-era story, one shared by writer John Blofeld in "The Chinese Art of Tea," is about a nobleman who lived in the area of Hu-Chou. The man had amassed a collection of teapots known to be the most beautiful and ethereal. He acquired teapots everywhere and anywhere he traveled, using them lovingly to drink his daily tea. With the same ardor, he sought the finest tea farmers and purchased only the freshest most perfectly processed teas.

One day, a man who obviously looked like a beggar, wearing tattered clothing, and the disheveled look of someone unused to the finer things in life, called upon the nobleman at his home. After some hesitancy by the servant opening the door, the beggar was allowed to meet the nobleman and make his request in person.

In a surprisingly cultivated and mellifluous voice, the beggar said, "I have heard that the tea you drink is the finest in the land. Perhaps you will indulge me in sharing a cup of your superb tea."

The nobleman was astonished at the request, believing that the looks of the beggar covered a man naïve to the delicacies of fine tea. Nonetheless, he ordered tea to be prepared in one of his finest pots, and the beggar inhaled the aroma, took several thoughtful sips, then leaned back in the chair with a look of disappointment upon his face.

"Ah," he said, "the aroma is too faint, the flavor too mild. It is quite possible, sir, that your teapot, as beautiful as it is, simply is too new to brew the tea to its perfection. A teapot of several decades of use is required here."

Unwilling to believe that this beggar was the connoisseur he professed to be, the nobleman challenged him.

"Yes," the reply came, "it is easy to believe I am a beggar, but actually I am a formerly rich man in beggars clothing. My passion for tea overcame everything in my life. Eventually I sold my possessions, all but my most beloved teapot," he said, pulling out a small Yixing teapot from the folds of his ragged clothing. "Would you like to sample your tea in my precious pot? Its rich clay has absorbed the pleasures of the leaf for decades now."

And, so the nobleman scooped some of his cherished tea leaves into the old beloved pot, brewed it with hot water, timed its brew, and the two gentlemen sipped from its nectar. "Yes," the nobleman said after a long silence, "I understand now. I must have this pot for my collection! I will offer you fifty pieces of gold for it."

"Sorry," was the reply, "I would not be able to part with this pot for ten thousand pieces of gold."

The two men continued to sip their tea in silence, until the beggar broke the calm with his proposal. "I see that you understand the pleasures of tea and the importance of a well-loved pot. I am willing to share this pot with you for but five hundred pieces of silver. Should you agree, I will even leave this pot here, on one condition, and once a day I may come by to enjoy its beauty and the delectable tea with you."

And so it came to be that the two men, day after day, met to drink tea together, each enjoying the finely weathered pot that provided the fullest flavor to the finest tea.

The next time you reach for your most beloved pot, stained and worn from years of loving use, remember that it is just now coming into its prime!

First Sabbat Sale of this Sunday!

Thats right, we're keeping the trend going! Come in this Sunday to enjoy 10% off everything in store so you can stock up on all that you might need in time for Imbolc!

Upcoming February Workshops

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.
Monday, February 4th, 7-9 pm, $30.00

LOVE SPELLS (Robyn)
So often we find ourselves wondering how we can find our perfect match, our soul mates, even how to win the heart of the one we desire. In this workshop, we will discuss how to craft a spell to bring the love we deserve into our lives.
Saturday, February 9th, 1-3pm, $30

LOVE GODDESSES (Erica)
This workshop will look at love Goddesses from different pantheons, their stories, what types of love they represent and how to receive their aid in spell work. Find out which Goddess is right for the type of love you need and how to get her help to bring love and harmony into your life!
Sunday, February 10th, 1-3pm, $30

TAROT FOR INTERMEDIATES (Scarlet)
Tarot is a complex system of divination. This workshop assumes that you have a deck and are familiar with the basic meanings of your cards. We will take the next step in understanding the tarot. You will learn the meanings of card combinations, explore various types of tarot spreads, and how to create your own spreads!
Friday, February 15th, 7-9pm, $30

HANDMAIDEN & ROBIN IN TRADITIONAL WICCA (Scarlet)
Apprentice, assistant, student, maiden or youth: they serve an important role in medieval times and throughout the evolution of Traditional Wicca. Usually only a female role but more and more we see a young man in the role, which is the Robin (or Fetch) of the Craft. We will explore history, mystery knowledge and modern perspectives.
Saturday, February 16th, 1-3pm, $10

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.
Sunday, February 17th, 1-3pm, $30

EXPLORING THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHARKA (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 Solar Plexus Chakra dealing with willpower, self-control, self-awareness, strength, and shame. 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.
Monday, February 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 is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. 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, February 22nd, 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 using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday February 23rd, 10-5 & Sunday February 24th, 12-5 $150

TEACHING THE CRAFT (Scarlet)
This is a workshop for people wanting to improve their teaching/mentoring skills. We will explore such things as: whether teaching is an art or a science; learning styles; preparing for teaching; writing lesson plans; presentation techniques; how to assess students; and how to be a reflective spiritual teacher. We will also address concerns of teaching the craft specifically. If you are interested in this course, please put your name down on the waiting list. A date and time will be announced once a minimum of 5 students have registered. 5 four-hour sessions every 2 weeks. $50/session, includes reading pack.

Sunday Sabbat Sale

Don't miss the Imbolc Sabbat Sale!!

10% OFF ALL ITEMS IN THE STORE

Sunday January 27th
12-5pm

Did you know?...

2008 is a #1 year numerologically

This means that this is a great year for

Beginnings:

• new projects
• new businesses
• new relationships

Renewal:

• getting a fresh view on situations
• taking a new outlook on life
• starting over fresh

Purifying:

• getting rid of old energies
• letting go of negativity

2008 is also the Chinese Year of the Earth Rat

The rat is known for its cunning, industriousness and survivability. The element of earth lends stability, a time of establishing roots, and practicality. This makes it a great year for

Triumph:

• in the face of adversity
• success in general
• now is the time to compete!

Hard work:

• toward a goal to watch it flourish
• to struggle through the rough patches to get to better days
• to get from where you are to where you want to be

Creativity:

• in your solutions to troubles
• in how you approach old situations to turn them around
• in all aspects of work, play and love.

Stability:

• will need to be established in all these new projects, but will lead to strength and endurance over theyears
• emotionally, physically
• A good time to regain stability in general

Establishing roots:

• in your community
• starting a family
• networking your business

Practicality:

• in how you approach situations
• in your solutions
• seeing things in a realistic way

...so overall:

This new year is great for starting things fresh with a practical point of view, with an aim toward business, networking and creativity in all aspects. Any projects that you've been putting on the back-burner should come to the fore this year, and you should be prepared to deal with them pragmatically, efficiently and with a view toward making things last. All old things will be laid to rest, so be ready to let them go and to embrace the new situations, opportunities and relationships (be they new friends, or new loves) that will enter your lives this year.

Crown Chakra

There is a great series of workshops in progress for the chakras. Every 2 weeks, will be an information session on a chakra. Those who are following the entire series will spend the days in between working on that chakra. The series will begin again January 21st (7-9pm).

Here is some information about the Crown Chakra.

CROWN CHAKRA
The crown chakra is located at the top of the head, some say just slightily above this point. Other organs associated with this chakra are the pituitary gland, skull, and the cerebral cortex (your brain).

This is the chakra of SPACE and THOUGHT. Its colors are violent and white. The gemstones for this chakra are diamonds, clear quartz, herkamir diamonds, amethyst. The herbs and oils for this chakra are sandalwood, frankincense, lotus, and wormwood.

This is also a chakra of fasting.

This chakra is associated with spirituality, your higher self, insight, thought, enlightenment, divinity, and soul. You know you have problems or blocks with your crown chakra if you suffer confusion, depression, or a sense of alienation. WORLDLY ATTACHMENTS block this chakra. Let go of the things you cling to in this world, whether they are physical, mental, or emotional.

Some things you can do to meditate and connect with this chakra are various meditation techniques, especially in the full lotus or half-lotus positions. Follow your thoughts through your meditations without holding onto any passing thought.

This chakra is also about the RIGHT TO KNOW. This leads to an interesting discussion on Faith, Belief and knowledge. Faith is where you agree on something that cannot be proven. Belief is agreeing on something that someone has expereinced and can prove, but that you have not done for yourself. Knowledge is personal first-hand experience which also leads to understanding.

"Sacred Truth: Live in the Present Moment - Achieve a personal relationship with the Divine. Let go of the past, do not anticipate the future and live in the presence of the Divine." (quoted from http://www.pamperingu.com/Chakra%20Balancing/CrownChakra.htm)

Peak at February

NEW COURSE COMING SOON!TEACHING THE CRAFT (Scarlet)
This is a workshop for people wanting to improve their teaching/mentoring skills. We will explore such things as: whether teaching is an art or a science; learning styles; preparing for teaching; writing lesson plans; presentation techniques; how to assess students; and how to be a reflective spiritual teacher. We will also address concerns of teaching the craft specifically. If you are interested in this course, please put your name down on the waiting list. A date and time will be announced once a minimum of 5 students have registered.
5 four-hour session every 2 weeks $50/session, includes reading pack


Monday February 4th 7-9pm: Navel Chakra $30

Wednesdays starting February 6th 6-9pm:
CMS Level 1 $300 (3 x $100)

Monday February 11th 7-9pm: Pagan Leadership II / V $30.00

Friday February 15th 7-9pm: Intermediate Tarot $30

Weekend February 16th 10am-5pm & 17th 12-5pm: Reiki Level 2 $250

Monday February 18th 7-9pm: Solar Plexus Chakra $30

Friday February 22 7-8pm: Intro to Reiki FREE

Weekend February 23rd 10am-5pm & 24th 12-5pm: Reiki Level 1 $150

Monday February 25th 7-9pm: Pagan Leadership III / V $30

Weekend February 29th through March 2nd: Toronto Pagan Conference

January Workshops

HANDMAIDEN & ROBIN IN TRADITIONAL WICCA (Scarlet)
Apprentice, assistant, student, maiden or youth: they serve an important role in medieval times and throughout the evolution of Traditional Wicca. Usually only a female role but more and more we see a young man in the role, which is the Robin (or Fetch) of the Craft. We will explore history, mystery knowledge and modern perspectives.
Sunday, January 13th 1-3 pm, $10

MAGICAL TEAS (Scarlet)
Throughout history and across cultures, teas have been used for many different purposes from love potions, to healing, comfort, meditation and ritual. In this workshop discover the meaning and uses of various herbs in teas for magical properties and discover how to blend them yourself! One free cup of the tea blend you created in class!
Monday January 14th, 7-9pm, $30

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. 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, January 18th, 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 using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday January 19th, 10-5 & Sunday January 20th, 12-5 $150

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
Monday, January 21st, 7-9 pm, $30.00

INTRODUCTION TO THE QABALAH (Michael)
A workshop on the introductory Magical Qabalah. The goal will be to provide a framework for the structure of the Qabalistic Tree of Life and it's relationship to the Spiritual Quest: understanding our own Nature and our lives. Astrology and Tarot and related spiritual subjects will be discussed as well as the uses of Qabalah in the Golden Dawn, Thelema and Traditional Wicca.
Saturday, January 26th 1-3:30 FREE

GOD AND GODDESS IN TRADITIONAL WICCA (Michael)
A presentation on the meaning and the Nature of the Moon Goddess and the Horned God in Traditional Wicca. What can we learn about ourselves and about our lives from the Gods of the Wicca? What is The Sacred Quest? How are we able to learn and grow from it? We will also discuss the path of the Wicca in terms of Western and Eastern Mystery Traditions.
Sunday, January 27th, 12:30-3:30 FREE

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, January 27, 1-3 pm, $30

PAGAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (Scarlet)
What kind of leader are you? Based on the Myers-Briggs personality types, we will explore your unique style and teach you how to apply it to your pagan activities, such as: running a study group, leading a small coven, coordinating public events, or leading a public ritual. This is a 5 part course that will run every other week.
Monday, January 28th, 7 –9 pm, $30/ week - or - $100 for full program (a $50 discount to bi-monthly payments!!)

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, January 31st, 7-9 pm, $30