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.

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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.

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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

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* 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
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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!