Did you know? What can you do?

Did you know that there are many other holidays in October than just Canadian Thanks Giving and Halloween/Samhain? Here are some from history and today:

Sukkot ("Tabernacles") - A harvest festival that also commemorates the forty years the children of Israel spent in the Sinai desert on the way from Egypt to Israel. Temporary huts (singular "suka," plural "Sukkoth") are built and used during this festival for meals and other family activities. The open roof is covered with branches and decorated with fruits. Religious Jews must have a lulav and an etrog to bless for Sukkot. The etrog is a citron. The lulav is a sort of wand made up of a palm branch, myrtle and willow (arava), which together make up the "four species" of plants that must be represented.

Sukkoth, Passover and Shavuoth ("Weeks') were the three most important holidays in ancient Israel, since a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was mandatory on these holidays. The last day of Sukkoth is Hoshanah Rabba. It is a Sabbath day on which no work is done, in honor of the willow, the hoshana. According to some traditions, the book of life is sealed on Hoshanah Rabba. The day after Sukkot (two days abroad) is Shmini Atsereth, which coincides with Simchat Torah, described below. [September/October]

Simkhat Torah. - The rejoicing of the Torah immediately follows Sukkot and celebrates the end of the annual cycle reading the Torah and its immediate re-commencement. All the scrolls of Torah, followed by the children singing and dancing, are paraded seven times around the synagogues. [October]

Ludi Augustales – October 3-12 Following his predecessors Sulla and Caesar, games were held in Augustus' honor starting in 11 BC. It became a ten-day event under Tiberius. Usually only the last day featured chariot racing.

Meditrinalia – October 11 To Jupiter, in his form as the wine-god, and Meditrina, goddess of healing and medicine.

Eid El Fitr which comes after Ramadan.. People eat special cookies. This holiday is for the Muslim Egyptians. It is a three days holiday, on the first day at dawn all men, (and women if they want to), go to the mosque to pray. and usually you are invited to lunch at uncles, aunts, or friends. (approximately October 13th)

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Canadian Thanks Giving (October 11th, 2010)

The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving are more closely connected to the traditions of Europe than of the United States. Long before Europeans settled in North America, festivals of thanks and celebrations of harvest took place in Europe in the month of October. The very first Thanksgiving celebration in North America took place in Canada when Martin Frobisher, an explorer from England, arrived in Newfoundland in 1578. He wanted to give thanks for his safe arrival to the New World. That means the first Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated 43 years before the pilgrims landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts!

Read more: Canadian Thanksgiving | History | Tradition | Harvest Festival | Thanksgiving Day | Holiday http://www.kidzworld.com/article/2614-canadian-thanksgiving#ixzz10wED5Dbj

What can you do?
Harvest from local farmers. Share a feast with family.
Look for colored leaves to decorate your home with.
Engage in an exercise of gratitude. What is that? Each day in October from the 1st to the 11th (Thanks Giving), write down something you are grateful or thankful for in your life. Share this list at your Thanks Giving feast.

Salt Lamps in Our Window!

Himalayan Rock Salt is a natural ionizer or air purifier to improve the quality of the air in any room. Why not place one in your ritual space, meditation space, bedroom... Let them give the air in your home invigorating freshness, reminiscent of the forest of seaside outdoors after a spring rain shower. It is suggested to use these especially if you suffer such ailments as allergies or asthma.

They are a harmonious peach/coral color. When lit they glow warmly to create a refreshing, calm, tranquil, meditative space.

We have three sizes of lamps complete with light fixtures ($39.95, $34.95, and 24.95) and candle holders ($9.95).

Quantities are limited, so get them while they still grace our window!

New In Store

New Incense blends:
Sweetgrass, Oakmoss-Sandalwood,
Cedarwood-Amber, and Country Garden



Offering bowls of various sized and colors in onyx and marble.
Perfect to represent Earth on your altar with some salt within
or on any shrine for sacred offerings.



Multicolored onyx chalices in two sizes.
Match them with some bowls.

Start of October Workshops!

Numerology Workshop - Catharine
This workshop explores how numerology works, covering life path numbers and the ways in which they relate to astrology and tarot.
Saturday October 2nd, 3 pm - 5 pm $40

MPRC DISCUSSION NIGHT
The MPRC holds public discussions on random subjects pertaining to paganism and/or alternative beliefs every first Thursday of the month (except July and August). The structure remains open and informal where every opinion is welcomed
Topic: Ethics and Conflict Management
Date: Oct.7th, 2010 at 18h45-20h45
Location: (MPRC) Melange Magique; 1928 Ste-Catherine Ouest, Montreal
Cost: Free
Let's discuss: Conflict Management - Festival Ethics - Problems With Semantics (in and outside liturgy) - Coven/Grove/Group Ethics - The Importance of Virtues - Conflicting Leadership & Authority Roles - When your personal practices are at odds with a groups - How you react to an antagonist in a group - Misplaced Pride - When is honesty too much? - When is "pressing buttons" more valuable than silence/when is silence more valuable than one's opinion?

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 This Chakra Workshop Series is offered every Friday starting October 8th for 7 weeks. Each week will focus on one Chakra. Pre-registration is a must. Please wear comfy stretchy clothes & bring something to sit on (cushion of yoga mat). Please also bring your own tea cup or mug as each session starts with a chakra-appropriate tea meditation. Cost is $30 per week ($30 x 7 weeks totaling $210) however if you register for all seven at once the cost is $150 (save $60).
Friday, October 8th, 7-9pm $30

Reiki Level One (Robyn)
Join us in this intensive 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. Please note that this workshop is held outside the store at Montreal Reiki's private clinic.
Saturday October 9th, 11am-5pm $150

Tarot Part 1 - Major Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana
Saturday October 9th, 12-2pm, $40

Tarot Part 2 - Minor Arcana (Catharine)
This is a beginner workshop to help people chose, protect, and work with their tarot deck. Within this workshop, students will explore the archetypes of the Major Arcana.
Saturday October 9th, 3-5 pm $40

Mabon recipes

The second harvest is upon us! If you don't have anything ready yet to reign in the autumn equinox, don't worry about it. The recipes are much like the ones for Lughnasadh as they are both harvest occasions. No need for anything fancy, relax!

Pumpkin Bread with Cranberries
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tbsp pumpkin spice
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup pumpkin purée (15oz can)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Combine flour, spice, baking powder, and salt in bowl. Stir to blend the dry ingredients well. Combine eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and oil in a mixing bowl, beating until smooth. Stir in flour mixture, then stir in cranberries. Spoon into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 325° for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes or until done.

Classic Stew
*If through belief or diet issues you cannot/will not eat meat, simply replace the beef with mock-chicken or tofu.

1 1/2 lbs beef, chunks
1 large onion, chunks or diced
6 to 8 carrots, cut
8 to 10 medium potatoes, cut
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Brown beef on medium heat, cover with 8 cups cold water. Bring water to boil. Add onion, carrots, potatoes, salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 to 3 hours til done.

For dessert..
Caramel apples, squash pies, nut mix.. these are just a few of the many harvest snacks.

Enjoy and have a merry Mabon!

Introducing "Luna"

We are pleased to introduce Luna, the newest addition to the Le Melange Magique family. A big thanks to everyone who participated in the contest to find our girl a name - the response was overwhelming, with over 200 entries online and in-store. Luna was by far the most popular suggestion, with the winner of our $100 gift certificate randomly drawn from the suggestions for that name. Don't be surprised if you ever drop in and hear her referred to as "Smudge", however, as she has a special ability to miraculously appear on any black chair you are about to sit on!

Arrrr Maties! Sunday September 19th be Special

Sunday Sabbat Sale Day

This Sunday September 19th from 12-5pm
Everything in store 10% off !!

And as a treat, we developed a specialty tea blend for the Sabbat! Every Sunday Sabbat Day will see the manifestation of Sabbat related tea blends. Try our Mabon Tea (Pumpkin spice black tea with Cranberry Apple)!

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Local Events of Interest

Public Mabon Ritual
Hosted by: CUPS (Concordia University Pagan Society)
When: Sunday September 19th 4-6pm
Where: Melange Magique (1928 St-Catherine West, Montreal)
What to bring: YOU! Feast and feast gear. This means food to share (ideally Mabon related foods and drinks) and your own cup, plate/bowl, and utensils.


Gaia's Bardic: Fundraiser for Gaia Gathering Pagan Conference 2011

An evening of music, song, storytelling, and magic to raise funds and awareness for the Gaia Gathering pagan conference in May 2011.

Time: October 23 · 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Atwater Library
1200 Atwater
Montreal, QC
Facebook Event page

Featuring: Hobbes • Alex Del Busso • Shayne Gryn • LC • Triskalia • and much more!

Tickets sold @ / Billets en vente @:
Melange Magique (1928 Ste. Catherine Street West, Montreal)
Charme et Sortilège (4933, Rue De Grand-Pre, Montreal)
$10 advanced purchase
$15 at the door

* if you register for Gaia Gathering at the door, you will receive the discount off the early-bird fee equal to the fee of your Bardic ticket! *

Montreal Witches Masquerade Ball 2010

Friday, October 29th 2010
vendredi, 29 octobre, 2010
Sala Rossa (4848 Blvd St. Laurent)
Facebook Event page

Samhain Ritual/rituel (free/gratuit): 7pm
Celebration: 8:30pm
(18 years/ans +)

Wear your wildest masks! / Portez vos masque les plus fantastiques!
Prizes and raffles! / Prix a gagner
Music spun by / Musique par: DJ Marcus Aurelius
Bring your drums! / Apportez vos djembes!

Tickets sold @ / Billets en vente @:
Melange Magique (1928 Ste. Catherine Street West, Montreal)
Charme et Sortilège (4933, Rue De Grand-Pre, Montreal)
$10 advanced purchase
$15 at the door

Sponsored by / Presente par:
Montreal Pagan Resource Centre
Centre de Resource Paienne de Montreal

New Products In Store!

Beatutiful and thick Celestial Throws of 5 different styles.







And a shining selection of brassware: incense burners of great variety and sizes, as well and lovely light boxes and pots... even some copper bowls (but those are selling VERY fast!)

The Magical Blend - 19 years!

Thank you to everyone for helping us celebrate our 19th year!

We brought in our 19th anniversary with new stock, sales, and a speech from two lovely authors and friends Adelina St-Clair and Arin Murphy-Hiscock. Everyone had a wonderful time speaking with them all afternoon. Thanks you two!



Everyone met our newest addition, the currently nameless gorgeous little kitten. She was loved and spoiled within an inch of her life. She is now very comfortable in our store after the great greeting you all gave her. And thank you all for the great name suggestions! We're trying to pick one so the name should be out shortly.





Here's to nineteen years and many more!

Fairies, Dragons & Kitties--- Oh My!

New Fairies just in this week!



New Dragons, excellent as altar or bedroom protectors!



New Kitty thinking of using a pendulum to divine her own new name...



Caught snoozing in a basket! She wakes and looks over coyly. "Aren't I cute?"



Scarlet (me) and our sweet old man, Tequila. He needs lovings too.

Help Us Celebrate Our 19th Anniversary - Saturday Sept. 11th

Le Melange Magique's 19th Anniversary!
Saturday September 11th

Free Workshop & Book Launch
Surprise Sales - Wine & Cheese

Keynote Conference
Walking a Path of Peace and Tolerance
Join local authors Adelina St.Clair and Arin Murphy-Hiscock as they discuss the challenges of publicly practicing an alternative spiritual path in a cynical world. Both Adelina, a Christian witch, and Arin, a Wiccan High Priestess, have successfully published books about their paths and experiences, and they invite you to come share an afternoon of discussion and exploration of such themes as respect, tolerance, outreach, courage, and spiritual support.
Panel 1 pm - 3 pm
Book Launch & Signings 3 pm - 4 pm

Meet Our New Familiar & Help Name Her

Win A $100 Gift Certificate!

This lovely and affectionate 6 month old kittie will be joining our resident cat Tequila today and as part of our 19th anniversary celebrations, we are asking for your help in naming her! Drop into the store and meet this adorable girl, and if the Muses inspire you, fill out a form with your suggestion for her name. Entries will not be accepted after Saturday September 11th and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Le Melange Magique.

Entries are in-store only and no purchase is required. One entry per person please.

New powder!

We have a new powder in store!

Diatomaceous Earth Powder is a powder first discovered in the Haußelberg Hills in Germany and initially used as a fertilizer and in pancake batter, simply because of it's resemblance to limestone and cornmeal. It's properties are now known and can be used for several different purposes.

Used in anything from toothpaste to metal polisher, face scrubs to insecticide, and cat litter to insulation. It has now worked it's way to Le Melange Magique where we use it for purification and the removal of negativity and the evil eye.

Sprinkle it around the outside of your property, in the corners of your home, around windowsills and on door frames, or even on your doorstep to help keep your home clear of negativity.

Warning; as it is used in the products listed above be careful not to inhale or ingest and not to let it get into any cuts or scrapes you may have.

Twinkle twinkle little planet..

Throughout the month of September there are planets visible in the gorgeous nights sky. For all of you planet gazers, here's what to expect..

Mercury came into the sky yesterday though will only be visible around the 10th, due to the sun, and only right before sunrise.
This would be a good time to work on anything involving communication, travel, and intellect. Using a fire agate stone or a tiger's eye, as they are Mercury ruled stones, will help with introspection.

Jupiter and Neptune will be visible starting from just before sunset, lasting throughout the month.
Jupiter brings with it the chance to work on personal growth, creativity, and emotional uplift. Using turquoise, topaz, or jasper will help bring out this self-expanding energy.

Neptune opens the door to inspiration, romance, mysticism, and deception. Amethyst, jade, fluorite, or aquamarine will help keep you on track between what is glamour and what is an illusion.

Something new for your brew!

We have a new specialty tea in store! Angel's Dream is a little taste of heaven with it's sweet maple, delicious blackberry, and it's mix of black and green tea.

As spirits of heavenly realms, angels represent the unconscious mind as well as symbolizing a transcendence over troubles into accomplishments. Don't know what angels may dream about? Sit back and find out for yourself as you sink into it's flavours and let it lull you into relaxation.

With black tea's aid in lowering cholesterol and sharpening concentration, and green tea's immunity strengthening and anti-oxidant effects, it helps to feel more aware with well-being at heart.

With these feelings of awareness and connection you can use it as a spiritual uplift during personal works or rituals.
Suggestions?
Maybe drink before a meditation and burn our Angel incense to help you attune with heavenly spirits.
Or use Angel oracle cards to receive aid from your angelic guides.

Come into the store, fulfill any of your Angel needs, and sit down to a Dream.

Help Name Our New Kitten!

Win A $100 Gift Certificate!
Part of our 19th anniversary celebrations ...

This lovely and affectionate 6 month old kittie will be joining our resident cat Tequila today and as part of our 19th anniversary celebrations, we are asking for your help in naming her! Drop into the store and mee...t this adorable girl, and if the Muses inspire you, fill out a form with your suggestion for her name. Entries will not be accepted after Saturday September 11th and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Le Melange Magique.

Entries are in-store only and no purchase is required. One entry per person please.