Big News !!

Greetings clients, customers and community members. Please do not adjust your sets while we provide you with this very important Public Service Announcement.

Le Mélange Magique / The Magical Blend is changing ownership as of April 1st. No, this is not an April Fool’s joke. The current owner, Debra Aubin, is moving on to new challenges and two new owners in partnership, T. Scarlet Jory and Valérie Laville, are stepping up to take the reins.

Message from the Current Owner

I have been honoured to be part of this community over the past two decades. When I started up Le Mélange Magique in 1991 with my original partner Elyse, we envisioned a “small, magickal herb shop” and could not have dreamed that Le Mélange Magique would become as well-known as it is.

I have had the pleasure to meet many wonderful people over the years through the numerous festivals and fairs we have participated in or sponsored. I have been privileged to see the Montreal community grow and evolve since the first Pagan Grove meetings two decades ago. Most importantly, the staff and friends of Le Mélange Magique have been part of my personal and spiritual growth - and part of my family.

At the same time, I'm eager to begin the next phase of my life, with new challenges and an even greater focus on my family. I am leaving the store in good hands with great confidence in its future. I've worked with Scarlet for over a decade and her energy and vision will continue to move Le Mélange Magique into the future. I'm incredibly happy that Le Mélange Magique has a new, steady hand to guide it and I wish Scarlet and Valérie many years of happiness and prosperity.

Message from the New Owners

It is with great excitement that we start on this new path as owners of Le Mélange Magique. Scarlet has worked with the store since 1999 and has been involved in the Montreal Pagan community since 1994. She looks forward to better serving the magical community.

Valérie has been training in magic and Paganism for the last several years, as well as having trained in the healing field as an osteopath. She looks forward to adding a new element to the field of magic with the introduction of healing services at the store.

The Magical Blend is dedicated to offering a complete selection of products oriented towards the followers of all alternative spiritual paths, including Wicca, Paganism, Magick, Goddess Spirituality, Witchcraft, Santeria. While we have great new ideas, we will not compromise the foundations that the store has already built. We are eager to receive feedback from the community in regards to products and services they would like to see in the store.

Fresh new energy and fresh new ideas from the staff have inspired an exciting transition! Here are some of the exciting events to look forward to throughout April.

April Events

March 31^st, Thursday till 9pm: Debra will be within the store available to meet with anyone wishing to say goodbye and wish her well in her new life. Come celebrate with her!

April 1^st, Friday morning:

- Penny Incense Day: spend your lucky penny on a package of our famous Mystery Blend incense

- Kwan Yin / Kannon Day: Celebrate the Asian Goddess with us and help raise funds for Japan Relief.

April 4^th, Monday all day: Celebrate with the new owners! Yay! Meet us, asks us questions, make suggestions, and share tea with us!

April 7^th, Thursday all day and evening: World Health Day:

- Meet the various healers in our community and learn what they can do for you

- Free trials of some techniques

- Schedule full session appointments (new for the store, Mondays are healer days! See a healer instead of a reader on Mondays.)

April 22^nd, Friday: Earth Day:

- seedlings of herbs will be available for sale today

- introducing the store’s new REUSABLE cloth bags at last!

- Earth Day Ritual 7-8pm led by the store’s staff

Many more exciting activities will happen through April along with the workshops.

You can check out our website or our blog for details and a more complete list of the exciting new events.

http://www.themagicalblend.com/services.htm

http://melangemagique.blogspot.com/

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. Thanks for reading!

Bonjour clients et membres de la communauté! N’ajustez pas votre appareil pendant cette importante annonce publique!

Le Mélange Magique/The Magical Blend changera d’administration à partir du 1er Avril. Ce n’est pas une blague de poisson d’avril! La propriétaire actuelle, Debra Aubin, s’envole vers de nouveaux horizons. Deux nouvelles propriétaires, T.K. Scarlet Jory et Valérie Laville, prendront le relais de l’entreprise.

Message de la propriétaire actuelle

J’ai été honorée de faire partie de cette communauté pendant une vingtaine d’années. Quand Le Mélange Magique a été fondé en 1991, avec ma partenaire d’origine Élyse, nous pensions établir une “petite boutique d’herbes” et jamais nous n’aurions imaginé que Le Mélange Magique devienne aussi connu qu’il l’est maintenant.

J’ai eu le plaisir de rencontrer plusieurs personnes merveilleuses avec les années grâce aux festivals et foires que nous avons organisé et où nous y avons participé. J’ai eu le privilège de voir la communauté montréalaise grandir et changer depuis les premières rencontres du Pagan Grove il y a 20 ans. Le personnel et les amis du Mélange Magique ont fait partie de ma croissance personnelle et spirituelle, et sont un peu ma famille.

Je suis excitée de commencer une nouvelle phase de ma vie, incluant de nouveaux défis et une plus grande dévotion à ma famille. Je laisse la boutique entre bonnes mains et j’ai confiance dans le futur. J’ai travaillé avec Scarlet pendant plus d’une décennie; son énergie et sa vision fera en sorte que Le Mélange Magique continue sa mission dans le futur. Le Mélange Magique sera guidé par une main ferme. Je souhaite à Scarlet et Valérie des années de bonheur et de prospérité.

Message des nouvelles propriétaires

C’est avec beaucoup d’enthousiasme que nous commençons notre nouvelle vie de propriétaires du Mélange Magique. Scarlet a travaillé à la boutique depuis 1999 et a été impliquée dans la communauté païenne de Montréal depuis 1994. Elle a hâte de continuer à servir la communauté païenne.

Valérie a pris plusieurs cours dans le domaine de la magie et du paganisme depuis quelques années et a aussi complété une formation de guérisseur en tant qu’ostéopathe. Elle a hâte de contribuer au domaine de la magie et à la communauté en introduisant un volet de guérison à la boutique.

Le Mélange Magique s’engage à offrir une sélection complète de produits pouvant servir aux adeptes de spiritualité alternative, incluant la Wicca, le Paganisme, la Magie, le culte de la Déesse, la Sorcellerie et le Santeria. Alors que nous avons de nouvelles idées pour le magasin, nous ne compromettrons pas les bases stables de la boutique. Nous sommes intéressées de connaître l’opinion de la communauté par rapport aux produits et services que nous offrirons.

Une énergie et des idées nouvelles provenant des employés ont inspiré une transition excitante de la boutique! Voici quelques évènements qu’il vous faut noter pour le mois d’avril.

31 mars, jeudi, jusqu’à 21h : Debra sera à la boutique toute la journée pour rencontrer les gens voulant lui dire au revoir et lui souhaiter tout de bon dans sa nouvelle vie. Venez célébrer avec elle!

1^er avril, vendredi :

- « Penny Incense Day » : venez dépenser votre 1¢ chanceux sur un paquet d’encens « mélange mystère ».

- Jour de Kwan Yin/Kannon : venez célébrer cette déesse asiatique et aidez-nous à amasser des fond pour le Japon.

4 avril, lundi : venez célébrer avec les nouvelles propriétaires! Venez nous rencontrer, nous poser des questions, nous donner des suggestions et partager le thé avec nous!

7 avril, jeudi, Journée de la Santé Mondiale :

- Venez rencontrer les guérisseurs de la communauté et savoir ce qu’ils peuvent faire pour vous.

- Venez essayer certaines techniques de guérison gratuitement!

- Prenez rendez-vous avec les guérisseurs pour des séances complètes (nouveau à la boutique, les lundis seront les jours réservés pour les guérisseurs au lieu d’avoir des astrologues sur le plancher).

22 avril, vendredi, Jour de la Terre :

- Des semis d’herbes seront à vendre.

- De nouveaux SACS RÉUTILISABLES seront disponibles, enfin!

- Rituel à 19-20h pour le Jour de la Terre, mené par les employés du magasin.

Plusieurs autres activités et ateliers seront organisés en avril. Restez en contact!

Vous pouvez consulter notre site internet et notre blogue pour les détails des évènements :

http://www.themagicalblend.com/services.htm (en anglais)

http://melangemagique.blogspot.com/ (en anglais)

Nous retournons maintenant à l’horaire régulier! Merci de votre attention!

Ostara is this weekend!

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
MARCH 20TH
12 - 5PM

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN STORE

HAPPY OSTARA EVERYONE!!

Ostara and Tea

Spring is coming! Can you feel it?! We sure can with the warmer weather and the lovely sunshine.
Soon there will be dubs upon the trees and the sprouting green of grass and early spring flowers.

This time of year we srat to think about such things as: Spring Cleaning

Here are some Ostara Srping Cleaning ideas for you:

• Ultimate House Blessing Kit
• Sage Smudge
• Spiritual Cleansing Blessed Herbal Candle
  

Also, celebrate the holiday by starting seeds in the home to grow into a spring garden or enjoy a light floral green tea like our new featured Ostara Tea (Jasmine green with Heather & Rose).

Take time for yourself...

Hello everybody,

This week's featured tea is all about comfort and well being.
It is The Cream of Earl Grey and it's origins are from Sri Lanka.

Basicly, it is black tea with vanilla (vanilla is good for love and comfort) and bergamot (which is good for communication and meditation) Cream of Earl Grey is associated with the root chakra, because it is earthy and grounding. Take a cup before meditation and it will make you feel good and relaxed.

Having a cup before doing energy work, will help you ground yourself.

Having a bad day? Feeling down, winter is getting to you???
Curl up with a good book and a cup of earl grey and it will make you feel better almost instantly!

The juice of bergamot (which resembles a not ripe orange) has been used in Indiginous medicine as a herbal remedy, and it's essential oil is popular in aromatherapy.

To try it, is to adopt it. Come on, have a cup, you will love it!

Have a very good week!
Diane

Spring is in the Air!

Can you feel it? Warmer weather peaks through now and then.
Can you see it? The light is returning with brighter days.
Can you hear it? The birds sing outside our windows.
Can you smell it? Grass, damp earth, hyacinths in pots in our windows.

Taste it too!! We have a featured tea this week for spring:
Romeo & Juliette Green Tea Hearts
Taste the sweet and astringent flavours that come with the beginning of spring.
Taste the fresh excitement that sprang forth from young love.

This year for spring we are tapping into the energy of:
Clover / Shamrock - Celtic / Irish themes of luck and prosperity
Maple - sweetness, love, longevity, and prosperity
Butterflies - power of transformation and pure joy, their tranquility and delicacy.

Wondering what you could do to have a magical experience this week?

• Go sugaring off! Sugar shacks are popular all around Montreal with tours, taffy, and other fun events to explore for the whole family.
• Montreal Botanical Gardens have released their butterflies! Walk among them for a truly magical experience. http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/propos/papillon.htm

Have a wonderful start to SPRING!

Back to Basics

Sometimes we need to take a step back, get back to the basics.
Be Zen and aim for a little simplicity.

Here are some suggestions:

Basic Teas: Sencha Green Tea (this week's featured tea!)

Basic Incense: Sandalwood

Basic Meditation:
Sit with a cup of tea, a white candle, and sandalwood incense.
Sip in quiet solitude.

Get back to basics in the home.

• purge the clutter
• cook your own meals
• pack lunches to bring to work with you
• spend a week without the TV

What else can you think of on the theme of getting back to the basics?
Suggest it to us in the comments.

With the tail end of February and the rush of the new year of the rabbit, we see a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Colds run rampant in the fluctuating temperatures. Se are eager for the warmth and yet the relaxation of the coming summer. Spring is definitely on its way!

Featured tea this week is IMMUNE BOOSTING tea to beat the winter colds/flus.
With added rosehips and orange for extra vitamine C.

As advice, cook with lots of garlic too as that will also boost your immune system.

Also this week, we are featuring MUSIC! We now carry the CD's from SpringRoadProduction. Most popular collections so far are Berceuse, Une Fenetre sur les Etoiles, and Les Chakras. An absolutely wonderful collections of ambient music to relax to with a hot cup of tea. CD sell for $17.95 in store. You may call or email us to add one to your mail order if you like!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
And whatever a sun will always sing is you

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

EE Cummings



And with the weather as it is, it's the perfect day to get out and play in that fresh fallen snow - or stay in together and hide from it!

I wish you all all the love and kindness in the world.

Happy Valentine's!

Now on Discount

We still have a few calendars and agendas left in store. If you haven't gotten yours yet for 2011, now is the time!

50% off all remaining calendars & agendas

This sale is available in store only. We have left in stock the following:

• Bohemian Cats wall calendar (x2)
  
• Hafiz wall calendar
  
• Zen Mind wall calendar
• Celtic Blessings mini wall calendar
• Vampires desk calendar
• Seasons of the Witch Weekly Agenda (x8)

Love is in the Air!

And in the tea cup!

This week's featured tea is in honor of the coming Valentine's Day. Served all week will be Love Potion. This aromatic darjeeling tea is spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with rose petals and rosehips. Share it with your loved one on Valentine's Day!

Also at our public altar we have our annual magical book of love available to all. Come in and write a note about love within it's pages. We here at the store charge up the altar every day to help these messages of love be heard by the universe.

Bright Blessings and Love Tokens!

Brand new leather pretties!

New to Melange Magique, hand made leather pretties from artists right here in Quebec! Les Artisans D'Azure!


Leather strapped and corked bottles, excellent for wine and mead.



Leather bound, metal clasp books, great for notes or even for your own personal Book of Shadows.




Leather masks and bags, wonderful for masquerades and carrying tools/supplies wherever you go.

Xin Mao

February 3rd, 2011 is the start of the Chinese New Year: Year of the Rabbit (Xin Mao).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This is the Chinese version of Thanks Giving all rolled into New Year's celebrations. For two weeks, families come together, giving thanks and sharing. Meals consist usually of eight or nine dishes (eight for prosperity or nine for long lasting). Dishes are creative family affairs. You can explore with various stir fry dishes yourself for this time of year. Mark the start of Spring... even if we are buried deep in snow. Red paper decorations can be used to warm the home's feel and scare away the winter blues!

According to: http://www.stanssewingsupplies.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=253080

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

What can you do?

• make red paper decorations
• learn about the life of a rabbit and think about how that influences you this year
• cook up delicious stir-fry dishes for your family meals
• share flowering tea
• create safety and peace in your home with Feng Shui

Imbolc

Imbolc is the Celtic celebration of courtship as well and the honoring of the Goddess Brighid.

Brighid is an Irish and Celtic goddess from pre-Christian times. Her domain is the hearth, poetry (and creativity), and smithery (metalcrafting). She was absorbed into the Roman Catholic church when Ireland was converted to Christianity and became St. Brigid.

This holiday is also called Candlemas as one of the traditions is to surround an image of the goddess with a wreath of candles to warm her and coax her to awaken with the spring.

It is a time for courtship, too, as we draw near Valentine's Day where many of the traditions of love tokens and love letters start with the God courting the sleeping Goddess.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• write a love letter to someone special
• host a candlelit dinner
• cuddle together with Imbolc Tea

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
Sunday January 30th all day is Sunday Sabbat Sale.
10% off everything in store!

CMS Open House & Registration

Come one and come all to the CMS Open house evening.

See what the students from three levels of study have been working on all Autumn & Winter!
Meet the teachers and discover what is expected for the coming session.
This is the best opportunity to register for the February Level 1 class.

Friday January 28th, 7-9pm FREE

Please note that the CMS Level 1 class take no more than 5-8 students so as to provide each student with personalized attention and guidance.

LEVEL 1 begins February 9th 6-9pm for 20 weeks ($300 divided into 3 x $100)

Passion & Comfort

This week's featured tea is:

VANILLA & CINNAMON FLAVOURED BLACK TEA

The properties of Cinnamon are: Energy, vitality, lust, love, protection, determination

The properties of Vanilla are: Vitality, love, lust, tranquility, attraction

This is a great tea for when you want to cuddle with your beloved on the sofa.

Featured Tea & Meditation

This week's featured tea is Monks' Blend. This is a smooth earthy tea laced with floral and fruty notes that are perfect for a soothing moment of relaxation or meditation.

How to use tea for meditation
Start by making a fresh pot or cup of your favorite tea or using one specially blended for meditation

• Monks' Blend: (link)
  
• Magical Blend for Relaxation: (link)
• Lavender Rooibos (specialty blend, ask our Apothecary)
  
• Floral White (specialty blend, ask our Apothecary)

Find a cozy place to sit and sip your tea
drink your tea in silence and simply enjoy the moment

Other wonderful meditation aids

Books on meditation:

• Best Guide to Meditation
• Creative Visualization
• Learn to Relax
• Little Altars for Spirituality
• Meditation Bible
• Meditation for Beginners
• Simply Meditation

Singing Bowls or Meditative Music

Japanese Shoyeido Incense

• Stickless incense sticks hand rolled by a special Japanese technique using pure herbs and resins. See our selection of Specialty Incense: Magnifiscents Series

Permit yourself time to just be! Sip tea!

This just in!

New in stock!

Sulfur: Commonly used in spells and rituals for banishing purposes.

Diatomaceous Earth Powder: Used to sprinkle to remove negativity and evil eye.

Dragon's Bone: Used for meditation, death, sleep, relief from fear and anger.

Bat's Head Root: A natural root used for helping make your wishes come true.


Back in stock!

Mojo Wish Beans: Used to attract luck, protection, and for wishing.

Cascarilla: For drawing a circle on the ground or for marking magical symbols on the walls or the floor.

Black Salt: Commonly used for purification, creating protective barriers. Use by scattering on the floor to absorb negativity then sweep it away.

Rose of Jericho: Used by placing the rose in water and making a wish. As the rose grows so will your wish and good fortune.

Dealing with Winter Colds & Flu

'Tis the season for the aches and pains and shivers and sniffles. Here are some suggestions on how to cope and even beat the Winter Blues.

Basic reminders from Mom:

• Dress warm even if it is warmish outside, dress warm. Your body still thinks it is winter and has not adjusted from cold to warmer weather.
  
• Hot baths will help you warm up after being outside for a while. Or at least soak your hands and feet in hot water. There are so many nerves in your hands and feet (ask any reflexologist) that they absorb the heat of hot water best and quickly spread it through your body.
• Chicken soup will nourish any poor sick soul. The warm liquid is easy to digest and the chicken gives the body needed protein to help it have the energy it needs.
• Garlic in Stir Fry and everything will boost the blood and immune system.
• Oranges & Vitamin C will help you fight off any cold! Eat lots of oranges and remember to take your vitamins.
• Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and infection from your system.
  

Suggestions from a priestess:

• Take Time for YOU. It is important to take some personal time, whether it is an hour a day or a full day a week, to do the things that bring you joy. Lifting your spirits this way will boost your energy and carry you through the dark times of the year.
• Sleep is necessary. The human body needs 5-8 hours of sleep to recuperate. The mind needs it too! You need this in a solid slot of time as broken sleep does not allow for REM or dreaming which is the mind and spirit's way of sorting through the day to ready you for the next day.
• Meditation. Stress is a killer! Taking some time to rest, relax, and meditate is good for the soul. Permit yourself to have some peace of mind. You deserve it!
• Flowers. Treat yourself and your home with fresh cut flowers on a regular basis. Set up a little shrine to JOY! Save one flower from the bouquet to give away. Giving joy will bring you joy!
• Gratitude Journal. Keeping a journal with daily notes of gratitude instead of gripes.

Suggestions from the boss of The Magical Blend:

• Sunlight! You need to get some sun. It has vitamin D that is needed to work with the vitamin A and B-complex in your body to balance emotions and also lift your spirits. This SAD (Season Affective Disorder) effects many people and sunlight is what beats this. The boss did this in her home and her three-year-old likes to say, "Let's turn on the Sun now, Mommy!" Here is what she did: http://nightdemons.livejournal.com/273173.html
• Growing plants brings life to any environment and boosts the energy of any home. Plants will also clean and freshen up the air you breathe.
• Be forgiving of yourself. We all have less energy and focus in the winter, weighed down by the dark and the cold. Give yourself some time, understanding, forgiveness and love. Schedule more time to do things and don't overload yourself. If something doesn't work out, forgive yourself and keep going.
  

Suggestions from the store:

• Why not add a bath salt to your hot bath?
• Meditate to a soothing incense, like Tranquility Incense.
• Drink a tea to charged with healing and vitamin C: Immune Boosting Tea.

And here are some recipes just for you!

For a Sore Throat
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to a cup of boiling water to disinfect the throat.
Be sure to add a spoon of honey to soothe and coat the throat.

For Nausea
Slice fresh ginger root and boil it for a tea with a sprig of fresh mint.
Ginger is excellent for stomach intent on rejecting everything.

For a Cold
Drink a tea with lots of orange and rosehip. Both are high in vitamin C.
OR
Make a SPICY tea with ginger, cinnamon, clove, and pepper. Drink it fast and sweat out your illness.

FUN THINGS TO DO COMING UP IN MONTREAL
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES !!

Free Workshops at the store

The Pagan Umbrella (Amanda) FREE
What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In reality, paganism is probably best considered to be an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a religious or spiritual context, discover some of the more popular Pagan paths being followed today (such as Wicca, witchcraft, Druidism, Heathenism, or simply Pagan), and explore some of their commonalities and differences.
Thursday January 20, 2011 6:45-8:45 pm FREE

Intro to Paganism & Wicca (Scarlet)
What is magic, Paganism, Wicca & Witchcraft? Learn a little of the basics, beliefs, holidays and practices.
Thursday, January 27th, 7-9pm FREE

Beat the Winter Blues Party & Concert

The Gaia Gathering Planning Committee invites you to join us for a night of live music, fantastical tales, and witchy company!
http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/2011/01/gaia-gathering-fundraiser-beat-winter.html

Have a Great start to 2011!!
Bright Blessings from the store and staff of the Magical Blend!

Featured Tea

NEW!

We are starting a weekly Featured Tea series.
Every Wednesday a new tea will be featured in our store.
So, come and try, come and buy!

This week till January 11th, we are featuring VANILLA CHAI.
Spicy, earthy, warm for this cold January start to 2011.
It is excellent with or without milk.

If you wish to order some, you may follow this link to our website:
http://www.themagicalblend.com/~magic/cgi-bin/cart.cgi/chaitea002.html

Bright warm blessings for the first week of January!

January Workshops & Events

MPRC Discussion
The MPRC holds discussion nights every first Thursday of the month on random subjects pertaining to alternative spirituality/paganism. The discussions are open where all opinions are welcomed
Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 18h45-20h45 FREE

Meditation for Healing Series (Catharine)
Each week we will explore a different type of meditation or self healing technique through meditation. Some will be simply observing your breath, others will include contemplation, others will use colors ( aura and chakra) to heal specific areas of your life. there will also be guided visualizations for going deeper, and for relaxation. Please come with a yoga mat or cushion and comfortable clothing.
May be taken class by class or as a complete 10-week series.
Thursdays, January 6th through March 10th, 7-9 pm
Costs: $20 per class or $150 for the 10 week series.

Intro to Energy Work (Scarlet)
Welcome to an introduction to centering, grounding, your personal, sensing energy, and protecting yourself with shielding.
* limited space *
Thursday, January 13th, 7-9pm $40

The Complete Ten Part Tarot Series Session 1 (Catharine) Saturday January 15th - Major Arcana 1 After teaching the tarot in two short courses I realized how complex it truly is. This series will take you through in a way that gives time to ask questions, explore and understand how the cards play out in a reading. After this course you will be equipped to do readings for others ! You can take one individually, but please email me at river.rain.catharine@gmail.com to talk about where you are at before joining. To be fair to everyone I wont be back tracking too much so the series flows, but by all means if you are ready and want to jump into a specific topic come on out! Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140) plus installments can be arranged monthly All workshops held Saturdays from 12 pm - 2 pm Saturday January 15th - Major Arcana 1 Saturday January 22nd - Major Arcana 2 Saturday January 29th - Major Arcana Symbolism Saturday February 5th - Minor Arcana Wands Saturday February 12th - Minor Arcana Swords Saturday February 19th - Minor Arcana Cups Saturday February 26th - Minor Arcana Pentacles Saturday March 5th - Symbolism and Numerology in Tarot Saturday March 12th - Spreads and Readings Saturday March 19th - Reading Practice

The Complete Psychic Development Series Session 1 (Catharine) Saturday January 15th - Clairvoyance Exploration and Training So many people have come to this series I decided it's time to offer a more in depth series for those who seriously want to explore their abilities and even become a channel themselves. This course will introduce you to various capacities you have within you and bring out your strengths. You will learn to trust yourself and know what is real and accurate from what is your own fear or fantasy or projection. You will have lots and lots of practice and feedback in this course. If you want to join one individually please email me at river .rain.catharine@gmail.com to discuss where you are at and what may be best for you. Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140) plus installments can be arranged monthly All workshops held Saturdays from 3 pm - 5 pm Saturday January 15th - Clairvoyance Exploration and Training Saturday January 22nd - Clairaudience Exploration and Training Saturday January 29th - Clairsentience Exploration and Training Saturday February 5th - Deja Vu What is it and what does it mean? Saturday February 12th - Predictive Dreams- How do I know? Saturday February 19th - Spirit Communications - good, bad, how to, protection Saturday February 26th - What if I See Bad Things? dealing with sensitive information Saturday March 5th - Smudging and Shielding - How and Why Saturday March 12th - How to Give a Good Reading Saturday March 19th - Ethics in Reading and Channeling Saturday March 26th - Practice Readings

The Pagan Umbrella (Amanda) FREE
What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In reality, paganism is probably best considered to be an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual and religious traditions. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a religious or spiritual context, discover some of the more popular Pagan paths being followed today (such as Wicca, witchcraft, Druidism, Heathenism, or simply Pagan), and explore some of their commonalities and differences.
Thursday January 20, 2011 6:45-8:45 pm FREE

The Complete Ten Part Tarot Series Session 2 (Catharine)
Saturday January 22nd - Major Arcana 2
Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140)
plus installments can be arranged monthly
All workshops held Saturdays from 12 pm - 2 pm
Please read for more information

The Complete Psychic Development Series Session 2 (Catharine)
Saturday January 22nd - Clairaudience Exploration and Training
Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140)
plus installments can be arranged monthly
All workshops held Saturdays from 3 pm - 5 pm
Please read here for more information

Introduction to the Elements (Amanda)
Many contemporary Pagan and esoteric traditions use the five foundational elements of earth, air, fire, water and ether/spirit. What are they, where do they come from, what do they represent, how can we tune-in to their energies for our magical or spiritual work, and why would we want to? This 2-hour introduction scratches the surface of these questions and offers some practical exercises to explore the five elements.
Sunday January 23, 2011 2:00-4:00 pm $5 (Cost of Materials)

Intro to Paganism & Wicca (Scarlet)
What is magic, Paganism, Wicca & Witchcraft? Learn a little of the basics, beliefs, holidays and practices.
Thursday, January 27th, 7-9pm FREE

The Complete Ten Part Tarot Series Session 3 (Catharine)
Saturday January 29th - Major Arcana Symbolism
Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140)
plus installments can be arranged monthly
All workshops held Saturdays from 12 pm - 2 pm
Please read for more information

The Complete Psychic Development Series Session 3 (Catharine)
Saturday January 29th - Clairsentience Exploration and Training
Costs: $40 / workshop or $300 for the series (save $140)
plus installments can be arranged monthly
All workshops held Saturdays from 3 pm - 5 pm
Please read here for more information

CMS OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION
Come one and come all to the CMS OpenHouse evening. See what the students from three levels of study have been working on all Autumn! Meet the teachers and discover what is expected for the coming session. This is the best opportunity to register for the February Level 1 class. Please note that the CMS Level 1 class take no more than 5 students so as to provide each student with personalized attention and guidance.
Friday January 28th, 7-9pm FREE
LEVEL 1 begins February 9th 6-9pm for 20 weeks ($300 divided into 3 x $100)

Sunday Sabbat Sale
Sunday January 30th, all day -10%

Happy New Year

This New Year is full of wonderful in-store treats and surprises. Come on by and check them out! We have two liquidation tables with spectacular items. On 50% discount are resin incenses in little decorative jars, beautiful mirrors, ceramic wall hangings, and artisan bath bombs. On 75% discount we have scented soy candles, color-flame candles, gargoyles and more ceramic wall plaques. This is only good till January 6th (little Christmas).

What is new and special in the store for the new year?

Dragon 4-flower blooming tea balls - jasmine tea with four delicious flowers decoratively tied into a ball that opens only when in hot water. Gorgeous display in a clear glass tea pot, delicious for company!

Hand-Crafted Copper Bracelets - Stunning and affordable copper chainmail woven bracelets ($15 - 25)

Lastly, what are you doing for New Years? Most will party and share time with family on New Year's Eve. Raise a glass or give a kiss at midnight to hail in the New Year.

At Scarlet's home, the tradition includes her Grandmother's emphatic instructions: "Open the back door and physically kick out the Old Year, then go open the front door and formally welcome in the New Year." This tradition has been passed down her German family line and continues today. It is followed by calling all the family members (wherever they are) right after midnight and wishing them a Happy New Year.

So to all of you, from me, Scarlet, have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Hours & Specials!

Between December 24th and December 31st
Internet orders -10% all week
Internet orders over $100 will benefit from FREE SHIPPING
Within Continental North America (backorders will be cancelled)

December 24th 10am - 3pm
December 25th CLOSED CHRISTMAS
December 26th 12pm - 5pm BOXING DAY -10% off everything
December 27th 10am - 6pm -10% off everything

*no exchanges will be accepted on December 26th or 27th*

Regular store hours Tuesday & Wednesday (10am-6pm)
Regular store hours Thursday (10am-9pm)

*liquidation table with secret specials
throughout the week!!*

December 31st 10am - 4pm NEW YEAR'S EVE
January 1st CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY

Regular store hours continue after this.
Have a wonderful, happy, and safe holidays.
Bright blessings from all the staff her at The Magical Blend.

For all the astrologers and avid star gazers, here is a little treat!

Not only does this years Yule fall on a full moon and a lunar eclipse, but there is a little something extra to be looking forward to. A meteor shower will give us shooting stars through the rest of the week.

Here's hoping for clear skies!

Yule Fair Success!

This Yule Fair for 2010 was a spectacular success!

We have SEVEN authors present: Judika Illes, Ellen Dugan, Christopher Penczak, Adelina St-Clair, Arin Murphy-Hiscock, Brendan Myers and Rob St-Martin. All had a wonderful time and wished to tell the volunteers (from CMS, MPRC, CUPS, and Avalon), the store staff, and the whole community what a great experience it was to be here and part of our incredible community exchange with free workshops and a vending room full of local artisans.

The staff of The Magical Blend wish to congratulate all the volunteers for their amazing efforts in helping us pull this off so smoothly. They conducted themselves with great professionalism and superior smiles!

Other successes you might not have seen were the Dinner with the Authors, Pagan Sunday Brunch, Gaia Gathering Auction Fundraiser and the MPRC Yule Ritual.

Burgers & Benedicts hosted out authors dinner on the Saturday night giving many folks an opportunity to eat and mingle with the authors in a social setting.

Burgers & Benedicts again hosted the monthly Pagan Sunday Brunch which is always a great event. Meet folks there the last Sunday of every month around 10am.

Gaia Gathering (www.gaiagathering.ca) is the Canadian National Pagan Conference, this year to be held in Montreal May (Victoria Day weekend) 2011. Previous fundraisers have helped cover the initial payments for the reservation of space at Concordia University, keeping this conference in the heart of all the action! The Auction fundraiser was focused on defraying some of the costs for volunteers. It's success shone incredibly with a total of over $1300!!

The Yule Ritual on the Sunday night was hosted by the MPRC and featured Pagan style Yule Caroling. We had great fun singing traditional Christmas carols that had been changed to reflect Paganism.

Vendors had a fantastic time and showed off their wares and networked for future events.

All in all a great success! Many bright blessings to all over the holidays this Yuletide season!

Yule Fair 2010

We are gearing up for an incredible weekend event with 6-7 authors, free lectures, local artisans, an auction fundraiser, dinner with the authors, and the public Yule Ritual.

Read the details here: http://www.themagicalblend.com/yulefair2010.html

Or download the PDF of the Event Program here: http://www.themagicalblend.com/downloads/YuleFair2010Program.pdf

Friday night workshop by Chris Penczak at 7pm is FREE!

Saturday night join the authors for dinner at Burgers & Benedicts (5:30-7:30pm)
Table D'Hote runs about $14.00 per meal not including drinks
Vegetarian options are also available from the regular menue
2313 St-Catherine West, Montreal H3H 1N2 (Pepsi Forum)
514-228-5210

After the dinner walk down the street to the Atwater Library
Items and services will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Canadian National Pagan Conference (which will be held in May 2011 here in Monteal)

Sunday morning at 9am Brunch will be held again at Buregers & Benedicts for all!

SEE YOU AR THE FAIR!!

New pendulums!

Fresh from the crate, new pendulums have arrived!

Among many of our old favourites such as the chakra, the metal, and the sephoroton shaped pendulums we now have....

Wooden Egyptian Pendulums!
They can easily pick up on the vibrations of any space and are great for feng shui practitioners. Often used to keep the mind focused on one goal. They tend to work best when energized in a pyramid.

Scarlet's New Book Picks

There are so many new things that have arrived at the store. I am sure you will hear about them soon... as soon as we get them all unpacked and onto the shelves. We are gearing up for Yule and the Yule Fair!

Among the new items were some books that especially caught my eye. So I thought I would tell you about them.

The Healing Power of Trees
By: Sharlyn Hidalgo ISBN: 9780738719986 $27.95
This book takes you on a journey through the Celtic months based on the thirteen sacred trees. Each tree's correspondences are discussed (rune, ogham, related holidays, totems, astrology, etc.), along with information for a meditation and for healing. Highly recommended for its incights and alternatives to looking at traditional lore.

Mansions of the Moon for the Green Witch
By: Ann Moura ISBN: 9780738720654 $23.95
If you have been collecting the Green Witch series of magical books, this must be added to your collections! Her newest book in the series explores the phases of the moon and their related magic through the Zodiac signs. She also discusses the various magical works you could do for each phase.

Newly Arrived!

Jim Maynard's collection has finally arrived!

Wall Calendars (Celestial Influeances), Spiral Bound agendas (Celestial Guide), Astrologers' Datebook, and the little Pocket Astrologer.

Also new in is a beautiful collection of banners: affirmations, chakras, Celtic designs, and much more

Rememberance Day

November 11th
Remember those soldiers who have died for our freedom in World War I & II.
At 11:00am, offer your time and energy.
Light a candle and hold a silent vigil for 11 minutes.

More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
John McCrae

For more information about the history and activities about Rememberance Day, Please visit this site: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/other/remember

What will I do?

Here at the store, I will use our public altar. At 11:00am, I will light a candle in honor of my grandfather (now gone) who was a veteran. I will read aloud his poem that he wrote while in the war trenches of WWII in Europe then observe 11 minutes of silence.

May my energy and prayers from this small vigil strengthen the lives of veterans still living, honor their sacrifices, respect those long gone, and help keep alive our current military abroad today.

Soldiers' Feet
This is my grandfather's poem.

Magical Success Story

August 29th, 2010.
Tsuki, a $2500 Silver Savannah Cat, went missing during a move.
The call for help went out to the community both local and to the magical community.

November 3rd, 2010.
Tsuki has been found and captured and is home safe and sound!

What did we do on the magical side to achieve this?

@ Scarlet's Home:
Upon my altar paten, I placed a photo my my beloved Tsuki.
At the top point of the altar paten's pentacle stood my Bast statue where I invoked the Egyptian cat goddess to watch over him and keep him safe. I brown candle with catnip and protection oil was burned monthly. His blanket was charged with attraction energy to draw him back to familiar grounds and placed in his cat carrier on the back balcony of a neighbors home where he had been spotted. Every night, I visualized him home in my arms and wrapped him in love and health.

@ Samara's Home:
Daily, she wrapped his photo in white light and prayed he remain not far from home and glow to all who see him so he may be found and brought home.

Other people have had white or brown candles lit upon their altars coaxing him to never forget his home and to find his way back before the snow.

Through so much prayer and magic, Tsuki is now back home and safe.

Magic was not the only effort, however. With all acts of magic, there must be a follow-through in the real world. When he was first lost, I contacted all vets, pet stores, shelters in the area to inform them of the loss, in case someone brought him there. I put up posters for on lamp posts and in bus shelters in a 4 block radius. I posted his information on several websites that help track missing pets. Many called with other advise. Setting out his food, blankets and toys in the yard. Sprinkling his soiled litter in places near the home so he finds his own familiar scent. Send fliers to all homes in that 4 block radius. As soon as he was spotted and I confirmed that it was indeed him, I made new fliers with updated information and again posted them in all the mail boxes to remind people. His cat carrier was placed on the back balcony of one home he was frequenting for food. Another home fed him at a regular time each day to coax him close. Consistency and regularity builds routine and confidence. He came to the family and was easily captured.

Magic and real world action created an amazing success story.
Nine weeks is a long time. Other success stories can and do happen. Never lose hope. And ... believe in your magic!

Here is the link to his photos: http://scarletcougar.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html#2312983780367834664

Thanks everyone and bright blessing to all!

Jack o'Lore

Almost everyone knows what a jack o'lantern is and almost everyone has made one.
Ever wonder why?

There are numerous lores about why it started, where, who, how.. One of the most told being of a man named Jack. Once Jack had passed, and upon finding that Heaven would not let him enter, he was given a flaming piece of coal from the fires of hell by the Devil himself so that he may find his way back to Earth. Placing it inside of a turnip he happened to have handy he then began his eternal wander in search of home.

Another being on the other end of the fence, though still technically in the search of home.
Being that Samhain is the night of the year on which the veil between our world and the spirit world is barely drawn, a candle would be placed on the doorstep or front window to aid spirits of loved ones find their way home through the darkness. Placing it in a squash, turnip, or pumpkin was for protection and well-being of the home and all those within. Eventually a ghoulish face was carved on the front of the lantern to scare away evil and unwanted spirits.


Speaking of! There's still time to drop off your pumpkins for our in-store contest!

Samhain Sabbat Sale

Sunday, September 31st

Every Sunday that falls before or on one of the eight Sabbats, everything in our catalog is 10% off! Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on your magickal essentials! Discounts apply to all store merchandise For online sales, discounts are not reflected online but adjusted to credit card charges when order is processed.

November Workshops

MPRC Public Discussion
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 TBA
Thursday, November 4th 6:30-8:30pm FREE

Psychic Development I (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 November 4th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm $40

Heart 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 Heart Chakra dealing with love, devotion, compassion, healing, comfort, harmony, grief and emotional pain. 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 Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, November 5th, 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 November 6th, 11 am-5 pm $150

Tarot Spreads & Readings - Catharine
In this workshop we will explore various tarot spreads. There will be practice readings with guidance and feedback.
Wednesday, November 10th , 6 pm - 9 pm $40

Throat 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 Throat Chakra dealing with communication, expression, responsibility, truth & lies, faith, your true nature and the lies we tell ourselves. 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
Thursday, November 11th, 7-9pm $30

Psychic Development 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, November 11th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

Introduction To Incense Making (Eric)
Incense. This simple word can stimulate the senses in ways that few words can. What is better than lighting incense to set the mood, purify, and make an offering? In this workshop, you will learn about the different types of incense, how to make them, how to use them and we will offer recipes of commonly used incense and references for you to use. This workshop is free but please register ahead of time so we know how many packages to prepare.
Saturday, November 13th, 1-3 pm FREE

Astrology Intensive (Catharine)
Saturday, November 13th, 12 to 5pm $75


Chris Lee Past Life Talk
Friday, November 12, 2010 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. $20
Saturday, November 13th - one on one past life regression
$100 / session for those who attend the Friday conference ($150 otherwise)

Ever wondered why:
Some people are more talented than others? …. PAST LIVES!
Some people that you meet you feel instantly close to (or vice versa), even though you have only just met them? …. PAST LIVES!
Some people have unusual fears or phobias that cannot be traced to any incidents or traumas in this life? …. PAST LIVES!

Chris Lee has experienced thousands of past lives with his clients and will share many of their interesting stories with you at this talk.
Canadian International Hypnotherapist, Past Life egressionist/Progressionist

During this TALK you will learn:
* What Reincarnation is about How visiting Past Lives has helped change the lives of his clients
* How Past Lives affect your weight, smoking, migraines, talents, fears, phobias, persistent aches/pains
* How to improve your memory, talents and health


The art of paper making (Diane)
Come learn the art of papermaing, it's simple, fun and easy! Discover the different textures and combinasion that you can make, using old note books, rests of gift wraping paper, plants and flowers...and also how to make your own starch using potatoes...to give your paper a certain tonus. in brief...hours of pleasure for infinite possibilities! Jeans and t-shirt are good to wear for this activity
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9pm $30

L'art de faire son papier (Diane)
Venez apprendre et pratiquer l'art de faire votre propre papier, c'est simple, agréable et facile ! Découverez les différentes matières que vous pouvez utiliser, les combinaisons possibles, en utilisant des vieux cahiers, restes de papiers d'emballage, fleurs et plantes séchées, aussi comment faire votre propre féculent liquide pour donner à votre papier un certain tonus..... Bref, des heures de plaisir pour d'infinies possibilitées! jeans et t-shirt sont appropriés pour cet activitée... Au plaisir de vous y rencontrer...
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9pm $30

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
Thursday, November 18th, 7-9 pm, $40

Third Eye 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 Third Eye Chakra dealing with inspiration, intellect, awareness, psychic abilities, and the illusion of separation. 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
Friday, November 19th, 7-9pm $30

Psychic Development I (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 November 20th, 12-2 pm $40

Psychic Development 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!
Saturday November 20th, 3 pm - 5 pm $40

Reiki II (Robyn)
This course is only open to Reiki practitioners who have already received their First Degree of Reiki. Topics covered will include Reiki symbols and their uses, long-distance treatments, mental/emotional healing treatments, mind-to-mind techniques, chakra harmonization, Crystal grids and and formal initiation to the second degree of the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations.
Please note that this workshop is held outside the store at Montreal Reiki's private clinic
Saturday November 20th, 11 am - 6 pm $250

Tarot Symbolism 101 - Catharine
This workshop will explore the classic symbolism found in tarot cards, with further feedback on the symbolism of your own deck (the deck you bring).
Wednesday, November 24th, 6 pm - 8 pm $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.
Thursday November 25th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

Crown 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 Crown Chakra dealing with Spirituality, higher self, thought, divinity, enlightenment, and attachments. 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
Friday, November 26th, 7-9pm $30

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 November 27th, 12 - 2 pm, $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 November 27th, 3 pm - 5 pm, $40

Melange Magique's Annual Yule Fair
Saturday - Sunday December 4th & 5th
Yule and Christmas can sometimes be a mixed bag of gifts. Snow is on the way, the pressures of holiday shopping can reach frenetic levels, and the promise of visiting relatives and far-flung friends can be a joyful thought, but maybe tinged with some dread. For us, the promises of Yule include all those things, but it also gives us a chance to reconnect with our traditional family of friends that we see during the Yule Fair. The Concordia University Pagan Society (CUPS) started the first Yule Fair and ran it successfully for five years. Since then, the MPRC and Melange Magique have taken up its tradition, providing a place where pagan friends can congregate in a familiar spot, socialize and share, and exchange warm wishes for the season. Call us corny if you must, but we find great comfort in that idea, which is why it’s such a pleasure to bring this event to you. We hope that you enjoy all the activities, lectures, vendors, and friends that you will meet and reconnect with during this Yule Fair.
Workshops - Events - Local Artisans - Story Telling - Authors - Conferences

Samhain recipes

Samhain, one of my personal favourite sabbats, holds some of the more unique flavours of the season. Mixtures of apples, nuts, spices, squash, pumpkin, and others when combined fill the air with an aroma that can't be described as anything other than autumn.
The feasts held for Samhain are in respective celebration in honouring the deceased and the anticipation for the cycle to start again.

As the main meal I have no set recipes, but I do recommend anything with squash, turnips, corn, and/or pork.


Lamb's Wool

2 pints ale
8 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
Pinch cinnamon
Pinch clove
6 cooking apples

Pour ale into saucepan and heat gently until it bubbles. Stir in sugar and spices, and cook on low for 30 minutes.
Cut apples into slices without stems and seeds. Place in heatproof dish with a bit of water and bake uncovered on low until soft. Removes apples and place in punch bowl.
Remove spiced ale from heat. Pour mixture over warm apples. Serve warm.


Colcannon

10 large potatoes
1 head cabbage
1 onion (or scallions or chives)
1 1/3 cup milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Wash and peel potatoes. Remove eyes of sprouts and any green and cut into quarters. Boil.
Wash and chop cabbage and onion. Put into pot with potatoes. Cover and cook for 25 minutes or until tender.
Drain and return to pot. Mash (or whip) and stir in milk butter salt and pepper.


Pumpkin Muffins

2 cups flour
2tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup cooked mashed pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp dark molasses
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 ginger
1/2 tsp cloves (or allspice)

In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and buttermilk. Add flour to form a batter.
Preheat oven to 375F. In a medium bowl mix the pumpkin, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves til blended. Stir into the batter.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Makes about 12 muffins.


Have a tasty Samhain!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Starting Saturday October 23rd through Saturday October 30th,
We will be accepting carved pumpkins.
Feeling crazy? Creative? Silly?
Show us what you can do!
Drop off your carved pumpkin to decorate our store.
The winner to this contest will be announced Samhain October 31st.
Winner will receive a store gift certificate.

Helmut & Co. workshop

As with herbs and stones, metal has it's place in magic. Whether it's for health, prosperity, love, protection, divination, or just a simple ritual, metals can play a large role.

Forty years ago Helmut began trade as a blacksmith. Thirty years ago Helmut started crafting for the pagan community. Come join us in celebrating 30 years of Helmut & Co. production of fine ritual tools!
To mark the occasion we are playing host to Helmut & Co. Metal and Magic Workshop on Saturday, October 30th 2:00-4:00pm ($40)

Thirty years of making ritual tools, research, and experimentation have taught me that when it comes to metal, magic follows a predictable pattern of behaviour linked to it's state. In this workshop, I will describe these properties and how they affect the ritual and magical use of metal for today's practitioners.

Hope to see you there!

Novenas !!

It has been a very long while that we have been unable to obtain novena candles. These are tall seven-day candles in glass jars.

We still cannot obtain the novenas that are printed, however we do now have in stock colored glass novenas in eight different colors.

New In Store

Sabbats & Seasons Series for little Pagans!

Collect all EIGHT Sabbats & Seasons Series for Little Pagans featuring Elsie and Pooka illustrated by Lora Craig-Gaddis. Elsie is a little witch girl of about five years old and Pooka is her black kitty. Charming stories, recipes, games and activities.

Honouring Ancestors

As Samhain approaches, we at The Magical Blend / Le Melange Magique transform our public altar for an occasion for honoring the ancestors.

Come in and light a candle for your dearly departed and write a small note within our Ancestral Book. Take the moment to say the things you wanted to say and to honor them in your own way.

For those interested in working with their ancestors, you might want to sign up for the following workshop:

Working With Your Ancestors (Eric)
From the early days of humanity, religion and spirituality have played a key role in the development of our specie. Over the past millenia, in our culture, a lot of knowledge was lost due to fear, incomprehension and lust for power. Working with your ancestors can bring back not only knowledge of yourself but knowledge of the world as well. In this workshop, you will learn how to connect with your ancestors, how to build a relationship with them and how to work with them
Saturday, October 23rd, 1-3 pm
FREE but pre-registration is required.

Montreal Witches Ball Masquerade Ball / Bal masqué des sorcièr

Friday, October 29th 2010
Sala Rossa (4848 Blvd St. Laurent)

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!

$10 advanced purchase / payer à l'avance
$15 at the door / à la porte

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

Tickets on sale HERE and The Magical Blend!!

October Workshops

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?

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

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 15th 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 chakra-appropriate tea meditation. Cost is $30 per week (totaling $210) however if you register for all seven at once the cost is $150 (save $60).
Friday, October 15th, 7-9pm $30

Psychic Development I (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 October 16th, 12-2 pm $40

Psychic Development 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!
Saturday October 16th, 3 pm -5 pm $40

Is My House Haunted? - Catharine
There are spirits in every home. While some help us, others hinder and "haunt". Come find out the signs and what you can do.
Thursday October 21th, 7 pm - 9 pm $40

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
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, October 22nd, 7-9pm $30

Working With Your Ancestors (Eric)
From the early days of humanity, religion and spirituality have played a key role in the development of our specie. Over the past millenia, in our culture, a lot of knowledge was lost due to fear, incomprehension and lust for power. Working with your ancestors can bring back not only knowledge of yourself but knowledge of the world as well. In this workshop, you will learn how to connect with your ancestors, how to build a relationship with them and how to work with them
Saturday, October 23rd, 1-3 pm
FREE but pre-registration is required.

Tarot Spreads & Readings - Catharine
In this workshop we will explore various tarot spreads. There will be practice readings with guidance and feedback.
Saturday, October 23rd, 12 - 2 pm $40

Tarot Symbolism 101 - Catharine
This workshop will explore the classic symbolism found in tarot cards, with further feedback on the symbolism of your own deck (the deck you bring).
Saturday, October 23rd, 3 - 5 pm $40

Spiritual Stress Reduction Workshop - Catharine
In this workshop we will discuss the spiritual causes of stress. Guided visualizations, cleaning techniques, herbs and other remedies for stress will be explored.
Thursday October 28 th, 7 pm - 9 pm $30

Solar Plexus 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 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
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow or blanket or yoga mat to sit on.
Friday, October 29th, 7-9pm $30

Metal and Magic (Helmut)
Thirty years of making ritual tools, research and experimentation have taught me that when it comes to metal, magic follows a predictable pattern of behaviour linked to its physical state. In this workshop, I will describe these properties and how they affect the ritual and magical use of metal for today’s practitioners.
Helmut started blacksmithing forty years ago, and this year celebrates his thirtieth year of making metal work for the pagan community.
Saturday October 30th 2-4pm $40

Psychic Practice Circle - Catharine
This is a workshop open to everyone who has the desire to practice their intuitive skills. You will be guided to do various types of readings on each other - so come on out!
Saturday October 30th, 12 pm - 2 pm $25

Mediumship Circle - Catharine
Bring your photos and objects of loved ones passed and we will help you receive messages from the other side.
Saturday October 30th, 3 pm - 5:30 pm $40

Luna for Halloween

Come see our beautiful Samhain / Halloween displays... and the kitten that accentuates them all!

Chakra Exploration and Celebration

Root Chakra (Scarlet) Friday October 15th
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 15th 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 chakra-appropriate tea meditation.
Cost is $30 per week (totaling $210) however if you register for all seven at once the cost is $150 (save $60).

Other Chakra Items

• Root Chakra Candle
• Chakra Gemstone Bracelet
• Chakra Crystal Balancing Kit
• Chakra 50-card Deck
• Chakra Oil Collection
• Chakra Banner
• Root Chakra Meditation Kit
• Chakra Tea for the Root Chakra
• Wheels of Life Chakra Book
  

Bardic Entertainment Fundraiser

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