Just Starting Out?

Decided that you want to follow a Pagan way of life and want to have all that you need for your practice? Here is a selection of the basics. Click on the links to see what The Magical Blend has to offer!!

For the Altar:
EARTH- Earthen Dish and natural salt (like sea salt)
AIR- Incense burner and incense of your choice (sandalwood is a common spiritual scent)
FIRE- Red candle and a candle holder
WATER- Chalice or glass bowl filled with water
SPIRIT- Quartz crystal point
Altar Paten (also called the pentacle disk)
Athame or Wand (for directing energy and representing the masculine on the altar)
Boline (for cutting herbs and representing the feminine on the altar)
Cauldron (cast iron for burning items safely within)
Book of Shadows
Bell

For the Deities & Totems:
Offering bowl (like an onyx bowl)
Statuary
Object that represent them
Artwork

For YOU:
Divination Tool (like tarot cards, runes, scrying mirror, or crystal ball)
Meditation Tea or Ritual Tea
Spiritual Cleansing Bath Salt
Robes

For the Spellcrafting Cabinet:
Parchment paper
Magical inks & Quills
Selection of herbs
Selection of oils (starter kit and sabbat kit)
Selection of incenses
Colored candles
Gem Stones
Charcoal
Morter & Pestle

March Workshops

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE SESSION (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 February 26th @ 7-9 pm $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 27th @ 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 AND Sunday, February 28th & March 1st @ 11 am - 5 pm, $150

INTRODUCTION TO CHAKRAS (Scarlet)
From root to crown, discover how to tap into your chakras through sounds, colors, stones, and tea. This introduction will also include a simple cleansing meditation for the chakras. Tap into your energy, learn about yourself, get your energy working for you!
Tuesday March 3rd, 7-9 pm $30

PAGAN DISCUSSION NIGHT (MPRC)
This month's theme is Science vs Magic! Where is the line drawn? Is there a line? What about Quantum Theory? First Thursday of every month, the MPRC hosts a discussion on various themes. Watch for each new theme!
Thursday March 5th, 6:30-8:30 pm FREE

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT LEVEL 1 (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Thursday March 5th, 7-9 pm $30

FULL MOON TUESDAY MARCH 10th

MONEY MAGIC (Scarlet)
Wishing for a financial windfall? Praying to trip over the end of the rainbow and spot the pot of gold? Drowning in debt and bills? Time to tap into the energies of the universe to help you make ends meet and even develop a cushion to fall back upon. This workshop will help you put together the spells to increase your luck, wealth, and prosperity. Please bring a $2 coin to include in your personal money spell.
Tuesday March 10th, 7-9 pm $30

SPIRIT GUIDES (Catharine)
We each have multiple spirit guides around us. Some are our deceased loved ones, some are from other dimensions, some are angels and some are animals. Take a meditative journey with Catharine to identify your spirit guides!
Thursday March 12th 7-9 pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT LEVEL 1 (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Saturday March 14th 12-2 pm $30

VISUALIZING THE CHAKRAS SERIES: ROOT CHAKRA (Catharine)
The root chakra is the base of our sense of belonging, safety - surviving or thriving. Using a guided meditation practice you will be able to re-balance this chakra and feel reassured.
Vizualisation for Chakras March 14th 3-5 pm $30

SUNDAY 10% SABBAT SALE: MARCH 15th

HERB LORE (Scarlet)
Herbs can be used in teas, in baths, in cooking, for incense, as medicine, and for magic! Come discover the magic of over 20 different kinds of herbs.
Sunday March 15th, 1-3 pm $30

I HAVE A ROCK... NOW WHAT? (Sam)
Wondering whether to use a rough stone or a tumbled stone? Maybe you want to know how to cleanse different stones. Having trouble remembering which one does what? Discuss the answers to these questions and learn how to incorporate stone-work in your life.
Thursday March 19th, 6-8 pm, $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT LEVEL 2 (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 March 19th 7-9 pm $30

OSTARA: SPRING EQUINOX
Friday March 20th

RHYME, RHYTHM AND RITUAL (Carl)
From the moment humanity has been speaking, we’ve been making poetry, using it in spells and incantations. Building on the idea of ritual as sacred theater, where poetry can be used at its most effective, you’ll learn both about the techniques of poetry (meter, verse, form) and how to write your own spiritual poetry.
Saturday March 21st @ 3-5 pm $30

MAGIC OF OILS (Scarlet)
Ever wanted to know how to make your own oils? What oils can blend with what? Why do some oils burn and other not? In this workshop, you will learn how to prepare your own massage oil through the "Cold Oil" method. You will also learn how to read recipes and create your own for magical purposes. This class has supplies that are provided for you: Jar, base oil, three herbs, two 5ml vials, and a dropper.
Tuesday March 24th, 7-9 pm $45

DARK MOON
THURSDAY MARCH 26th

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE SESSION (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 March 26th 7-9 pm $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 March 27th, 7-8 pm FREE

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT LEVEL 1 (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Saturday March 28 12-2 pm $30

MEDIUMSHIP (Catharine)
Exploring what mediumship is and what it is not. We will attempt to contact those who have crossed over so you may bring a photo or an object of the person or pet if you wish. There will be a guided meditation, discussion and messages from spirit with Catharine.
Saturday March 28th 3-5 pm $30

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 AND Sunday March 28th & March 29th, 11 am - 5 pm, $150

JOURNEY THROUGH THE ELEMENTS (Scarlet and Francois) *BILINGUAL*
Discover Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit as we explore the elements through our senses. We will journey from North, East, South, West and to the Center of the Witches' Circle to meet the elements and learn their secrets. Tools and energies will reveal themselves!
Découvrez la Terre, l'Air, le Feu, l'Eau et l'Esprit alors que nous explorons les éléments via nos sens. Nous voyagerons au Nord, à l'Est, au Sud, à l'Ouest jusqu'au Centre du Cercle des Sorcières pour rencontrer les éléments et apprendre leurs secrets. Outils et énergies se dévoileront!
Sunday March 29th @ 1-5pm $40

Seeing green?

Little by little, we're starting to feel the early stages of spring fever. Whether its turning down the thermostats, airing out the house with an open window on the less cold days, or doing a little early spring cleaning, I think its safe to say that we're all starting to feel the urge to move into more warmth and light (though some of us never lose that urge!).

Here are a few ways you can welcome the spirit of spring back a little early:

• Sprinkle some seven herb floor sweep through the house and do a thorough cleansing to wash out the dusty, low energies of the ebbing winter. As an addition, you can also burn a sage smudge to clear out any lingering energies you want to be rid of as well.
  
• Check out one of our Ultimate House Blessing Kits, to make a 'new start' energetically in your home, as well as you cleanse, protect and sanctify it as your personal sacred space.
• Freshen up your altar space with some lively flowers from your local florist.
• Drink some refreshing mint tea! (We have a particularly lovely mint tea in that I'm a big fan of, if you couldn't guess)
  
• start planning your spring equinox rituals with a few ideas from our sabbat shoppe, or why not read up a little about the holiday itself? A couple of good books are Edain McCoy's Ostara, and Ashleen O'Gaea's Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara .
  
• Start keeping a new journal, like the Green Wiccan Year.
  
• You've cleaned house? How about giving yourself a good soak? I recommend a good herbal bath with some rosemary and sage (don't forget to bind them or put them in a tea bag or cheesecloth, or you'll have herbs all over the place!). Or if you like, come into the store and ask one of our staff to make you a personal bath blend.
  
• Start planning an herb garden for your kitchen. If you sprout it early, it wil be ready to put outside once the snow is gone in a couple months!
  

Love Altar

Here at the store we host a public altar corner. This month it is set up for Valentine's Day. There are heart shaped chocolates, red candles, incense for love and affection and a book of love!

Book of Love
This little book is for everyone. Come in and write your memories of love. Tell the divine your concerns. Make a wish and add it to the book. Write a love poem. List the wonderful things your beloved does for you. Anything at all.

We at the store add to the energy of this wonderful book, by lighting the candles and burning the incense to pass your words to the divine. May all your wishes and dreams of love come true.


How Do I Love Thee?
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

New and Upcoming for February 10-17

There are many exciting things to consider this week. The sun peaked out over the weekend so brightly to remind us that Spring is just around the corner. Can you feel the spring fever yet? I can! I will start this post with some upcoming events, follow it with some of the new books that just arrived, and close it off with a SECRET!

COMING EVENTS THIS WEEK:

SOUL MATES (Catharine)
Soul mates, twin flames, split apart, karmic partners, soul partners—all are names used for this profound bond we feel instantly with another. Come explore all the variations, share your experiences and receive psychic messages about your soul mates with Catharine.
Thursday February 12th @ 7-9pm $30

I HAVE A ROCK...NOW WHAT? (Sam)
Wondering whether to use a rough stone or a tumbled stone? Maybe you want to know how to cleanse different stones. Having trouble remembering which one does what? Discuss the answers to these questions and learn how to incorporate stone-work in your life.
Thursday February 12th @ 7-9pm $30

VALENTINE'S DAY
This is a special day to celebrate the one you love.
Do something special. Buy them a flower (even guys like flowers you know).
Write them a love letter (best friends can get love letters from you too).
Sit with hot cocoa or your favorite tea, cuddling on the sofa.
And if you are alone... know that you are never really alone.
Light a red candle and share your time with the divine.
Romantic dinners and intimate moments are the recipe for the day.
Saturday February 14th

HANDMAIDEN AND ROBIN IN TRADITIONAL WICCA (Scarlet)
Apprentice, assistant, student, maiden or youth: they served 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 February 15th @ 2-4pm $15


NEW ARRIVALS AT THE STORE:

The Pursuit of Happiness
By David Pond ISBN: 0738714038 $18.95
Many people today need guidance in finding fulfillment in our often-disconnected world. Human beings are complex, but the secret to experiencing happiness is simple—you need only to look within. David Pond, author of the bestselling Chakras for Beginners, offers an easy-to-follow system for manifesting true happiness in your life. Pond describes all seven dimensions from which we experience life—physical identity, emotions, willpower, heart center, thought patterns and intuition, imagination, and spirituality—and gives practical methods for developing and integrating all levels. Focus your attention, seek clarity with meditation and breathing, ground your energy, fine-tune your emotional intelligence, cultivate stronger relationships—and much more. Transcending religion and accessible to everyone, this seven-step program shows you how to overcome everyday challenges, achieve a healthy balance, be a better partner and friend, and create a richer and fuller life.

Metatron
By Rose Vanden Eyden ISBN: 0738713430 $15.95
With Metatron in your corner, you're only a petition away from a better life. Rose Vanden Eynden may be the first to devote an entire book to this powerful celestial being—revealing his unique place in the angelic realm and demonstrating how to connect with this wise and compassionate archangel. Metatron's close proximity to the Creator and connection to humanity make him the ideal angelic ally. Representing balance and unity, this angelic force can help in all areas of personal development. You'll also discover how to contact the Angel of the Presence through meditation, dreamwork, ritual, and inspirational writing. There are specific ceremonies for building a closer relationship with the Creator, healing on a global scale, balancing masculine and feminine energies, material/spiritual pursuits, and karmic issues. Also featured is an insightful Q and A with Metatron, channeled by the author to answer compelling questions on life, death, faith, and spirit.

Hands-On Chaos Magic
By Andrieh Vitimus ISBN: 0738715085 $32.50
This irreverent guide to chaos magic emphasizes experimentation and finding out what works best for you. Andrieh Vitimus presents a revolutionary hands-on course of study for the average Jane or Joe. Vitimus banishes the severe tone of other esoteric orders, offering an accessible and practical approach that makes it easier to perform successful chaos magic that is uniquely your own.

Living Temple of Witchcraft: Volume One: Descent of the Goddess
By Christopher Penczak ISBN: 0738714259 $25.50
In the fifth installment of the award-winning Temple of Witchcraft series, popular author Christopher Penczak explores the Descent of the Goddess. In the myth of Inanna, the Goddess journeys through seven gates to attain entrance to the Underworld and learn its secrets. In the book, the reader will embark on a parallel journey through each of the seven chakras, symbolically evolving from survival to a state of divinity. Each lesson has meditations based on the Underworld journey teachings, as well as an advanced discussion of some facet of magick or witchcraft often overlooked by intermediate books. This guide is for solitaries, eclectics, and non-traditional Witches hungry to go further, delve deeper, and experience the mysteries.

Veritable Key of Solomon
By Stephen Skinner & David Rankine ISBN: 0738714534 $74.95
Completely new and richly detailed, this is perhaps the most comprehensive version of The Key of Solomon ever published. Based on one of the best-known grimoires of the Western world, The Veritable Key of Solomon presents all aspects of this revered magical system in one impressive source. Based on the original Key of Solomon manuscript, this brand new text features never-before-published material and added detail. Over 160 illustrations beautifully complement the elements of this complete and workable system of high magic, from a broad range of talismans and techniques to magical implements and procedures. Also featured is a commentary by two of the best-known scholar magicians alive—Stephen Skinner and David Rankine—who offer a full survey of all extant manuscripts of this famous grimoire and an exploration of how they interrelate.

Several new Tarot and Oracles also arrived:
- Initiatory Tarot of the Golden Dawn
- Dark Grimoire Tarot
- Yoga Tarot
- Jessica Galbreth: Enchanted Oracle
- Mystic Dreamer Tarot


THE STORE'S SECRET:

Our secret! We had such a successful Yule Fair last December that we will be hosting another ... a Beltain Fair! There will be store sales, local artisans and workshops as before... AND... about 5 (FIVE) authors in attendance!

Beltain Fair Dates: Saturday & Sunday April 25th & 26th, 10am - 6pm

If you want to be a vendor, contact SCARLET.

If you want to be a speaker, contact ROBYN.

We will keep you posted of further developments as they... develop.
*GRIN*
We are so very excited!!!

Is it in the stars?

People have begun to ask me a lot about astrology lately, especially with celestial events like Mercury in retrograde (though it has returned direct as of February 1st), the upcoming lunar eclipse on the full moon of February 9th, the uncommon phenomena of Venus entering retrograde from March 6th to April 17th and Saturn remaining in retrograde all the way to May 16th.

Allow me to begin by saying that I am no expert myself. What I know is largely from observation and reading. So, as I see it:

• Firstly, with Mercury fresh out of retrograde, we should all be finding it easier to communicate with one another again, and should find that answers, emails and computers all seem to be acting more 'normally' as compared to the past month.
• The upcoming lunar eclipse during a full moon can be seen in a few different ways, as a 'reset' or renewal of energies, as a time to reflect on the changes that have come into our lives, or else to re-evaluate recent decisions. Given that this eclipse is in feisty Leo, it would be a good time to examine our sense of self, as well as our expressions of self-love. It will most strongly effect the cardinal signs of Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius, and will be one very emotional night.
  
• Next, with regards to Venus, I would say to slow down and not make any major decisions until that particular retrograde passes. It will be a time of emotional upheavals as we are forced to re-evaluate relationships and feelings.
• Lastly, until Saturn is out of retrograde, don't begin new projects - just re-evaluate those you have already begun and refine your goals.

Another item of interest is that we have (as of January 26th) entered the Chinese year of the Earth Ox. Perhaps not-so-coincidentally, Barack Obama is also born under the auspices of the Ox, too, and came into power just about then. Isn't that neat?!