Licorice Root Toothbrush

Did you know that you could make your own toothbrushes from Licorice roots? here is how courtesy of http://www.henriettesherbal.com/blog/licorice-toothbrush.html

licorice sticks (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Boil a handful licorice sticks (medium thickness - 5 mm is about right, 3 mm too thin, 7 mm too thick) with 3-4 cinnamon sticks and about 10 cloves. If you like you can add ginger, as well.
• Let simmer until the sticks are soft. This takes about 4-5 hours.
• Strain out the licorice sticks and put them into a longish container.
• Cover with vodka, close lid on that longish container.
• Let sit overnight.
• Put sticks into dehydrator, let dry on full heat (about 60 deg. C) until dry.

Using these toothbrushes: chew open 1-2 cm of one end, use that to brush with. You can't reach around corners. When the chewed-up bit is all untidy, remove the untidiness with scissors or a knife and chew up the next bit.

And yes, tastes like spicy licorice with no vodka taste.

Midsummer Recipes!

For anyone searching good recipes for that extra -yet simple- kick for a midsummer night snack or friendly gathering or barbecue, here are a few of my personal favourites.

GREEN TEA & STRAWBERRY
Simple and delicious! Steep your green tea and let it cool for a while. Blend 1/2 cup crushed ice with a 1/2 cup strawberries until it's smooth. Add your (now cooled down) green tea at the last moment and voila!

SUNDRIED TOMATO SALAD WITH VINAIGRETTE
1/2 cup dried (canned/drained) tomatoes
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
12 fresh basil leaves/lettuce leaves
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Blend and toss and serve!

MANGO CHICKEN
1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder 1/2 mango, peeled and chopped 1/4 cup mango chutney
1 tsp grated lime rind 3 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 4 chicken breasts, skinned

In a saucepan, heat oil on medium heat, stirring in onion garlic and chili for about five minutes or until soft. Stir in the mango and mango chutney, lime rinds and juice, sugar, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer to about eight minutes or until the mangoes are tender. Let cool.
Purée the mango blend until smooth and coat the chicken breasts with it. Cover and refrigerate for three to four hours.
Grill on medium heat and brush with any of the left over purée. Cook for forty-five minutes or until fully cooked.

LAVENDER COOKIES
5/8 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp lavender flowers
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Cream together butter and sugar. Beat egg and blend in. Stir in flour and lavender flowers. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes or til golden brown.


This exact list of recipes is what I'll be making for my family this year to celebrate summer! All very earth based, sun related, and summer-to-taste recipes.
Hope you enjoy! Have a good solstice!

Father's Day is Sunday Sabbat Sale Day!

This coming Sunday is exciting for 2 reasons: It is both Father's Day AND a Sunday Sabbat Sale day. This means that all regularly priced items in store are 10% off all day long!

Here are a few ideas for dear ol' dad:

• Men's spiritual cleaning bath salts (in store only special item)
  
• Male energy sun candles (both tall and votive)
• Ancient Gods Oil Collection
• Green man candles
• Green Man box
• Wiccan Warrior by Kerr Cuhulain (limited edition in store only)
  
• Sacred Paths for Modern Men by Dragonet Dewr
  
• Sons of the Goddess by Christopher Penczak
  

How about some tea? We have a great selection of tea perfect for hot or iced and enjoying in the summer sun or lounging in the garden.

• Chakra Meditation Teas
• Blended Teas for Magical Needs
  
• Flavoured Teas

Dad's are special! Be sure to wish your Dad a Happy Father's Day!!

Staff Picks and Recommendations

Robyn's Recommendation
"Wiccan Spirituality" AND "Advanced Wiccan Spirituality"
By: Kevin Saunders
These two books are an excellent introduction to traditional Craft knowledge. The first volume explores: ethics, psychology, symbols, planes of existence, Tree of Life, tarot, zodiac, meditation and trance, Wheel of the Year, spirit beings, the process of initiation and more. The second volume explores: history and contemporary perspectives, elements, self development, altars, tools, deities, rites of passage and more.

Scarlet's Recommendation
"Wiccan Warrior"
By: Kerr Cuhulain
According to Cuhulain, being a warrior is not about fighting. A warrior is someone who is balanced, creative, rational and can think outside the box to deal with whatever comes their way. This is a spiritual path of self empowerment for dealing with a relatively hostile world.

Brenda's Recommendation
"Spiral Dance"
By: Starhawk
This has been one of the books to have inspired people for decades and introduced them to Paganism and Goddess worship today. Anecdotal and grounded, Starhawk's book has been pivotal in educating people about the basics of the Craft.

Eri's Recommendation
"Seventy=Eight Degrees of Wisdom"
By: Rachel Pollock
One of the most solid books about tarot, this details both symbology and correspodnaces for the major and the minor tarot cards. It also introduces you to the techniques of reading the cards. A staple text for anyone interested in tarot.




Francois's Recommendation
"Shadowscapes Tarot Deck & Book Set"
New in for the store, this tarot is positively gorgeous! This is a lovely fusion of Asian and Celtic art and lore merged with the traditional meanings of the Tarot.






Katherine's Recommendation
*Katherine is our newest employee and here we see her first interested to inspire your own spirituality*
"In My Own Words"
By: His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Here the Dalai Lama introduces us to his teachings and philosophy, wisdom we can all use! Understand Buddhism through his eyes and words, tap into the ideals and practices of meditation and universal responsibility.

Thursday Night MPRC Discussion

Subject: REMINDER: Discussion Night June 3rd at Melange Magique at 6:45pm.

Good day!

The MPRC holds public discussions on random subjects pertaining to paganism and/or alternative beliefs every first Thursday of the month. The structure remains open and informal where everyone’s opinion is welcomed.

Our upcoming discussion:

Topic: Leadership in Alternative Spiritualities (Gurus, Shamans, Prophets, Founders, etc.)
Date: June 3rd 2010
Location: (MPRC) Mélange Magique boutique; 1928 Ste-Catherine Ouest, Montreal
Cost: Free (change donations welcomed to support MPRC’s community activities)

Let’s Discuss:

- What made historical figures spiritual/religious leaders? (Sanders, Gardner, Bonewits, Crowley, Levi, Gandhi, Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad, etc.)
- Who are the key figures in Paganism and Alternative Spiritualities today?
----Local, Regional, National, Global
- Is spiritual leadership something that stems from wanting society to “change”?
- What is expected of Leadership today and is Leadership about sacrifice?
- Where did all the Leaders go?
- Are we moving towards times in which such leadership is no longer required?
- Etc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
There will be no discussions for the months of July and August due to the crazy summer festivities and holidays.

Stay tuned for the upcoming topics in September 2010.