FAQ: What is Black Magic and the Three Fold Law?

Around this time of year we tend to get a lot of people looking for "black magic" spells and books. Many of these people are just looking for a thrill, but also some of them are spiritual seekers who may or may not realize they are seeking. As such, the staff at Melange takes it as a duty to explain magic, black magic and the theory of karma and the three fold law to clients. We all have the highest respect for the laws of the universe and so we try to teach those laws to customers. Here is a bit of an online course!

What is "black magic?"
Black magic is the term often used to signify magic that is considered "bad" or at the least morally murky. Magic in itself is morally neutral: it is simply a tool and like any tool it can be used for good or for bad. Black magic, as we here at Melange usually define it to clients, is when you use magic to go against someone's personal will or for selfish reasons. So for example, if you are doing a love spell that is forcing someone to love you against their will then you are performing black magic. However if you were to do a clarity spell to give them the clarity of mind to realize that they already love you, then this isn't going against their will and can be considered white magic, or at the very least grey magic. Not everyone follows this definition, but we here at the store have found it to be the most clear and easily applicable. Part of this idea of black magic comes from an interpretation of the Wiccan Rede: "An you harm none, do what ye will," meaning you are free to follow the wishes of your heart and soul as long as it does not cause harm to others. Of course this is a pretty vague statement and can be viewed more or less strictly depending on your interpretation. In our definition of black magic we have interpreted "harm" in the Wiccan Rede to mean "go against someone else's will."

So what does this mean practically? Can you do any magic at all under this definition that isn't considered black magic? For sure! Any spell that is done to heal, purify, protect or give clarity is considered white magic, particularly if it is done with the subject's permission. As well, anything done on yourself, particularly for self betterment is also good since it does not go against anyone's will. In fact with just a little bit of imagination and creative tinkering you can probably spin any spell you want around so that it fits under the morality of white magic.

And why would you want to do white magic instead of black magic? Besides the moral implications, there is another Wiccan law (which is often held at least in a similar manner by other pagans and mystics) called the Three-Fold Law.

What is the Three-Fold Law?
"Whatever you do comes back to you three-fold." Those are the words of the three-fold law, but what does that mean? Simply put, the Three-Fold Law states that the quality of energy you put out into the universe will come back to you three times more intensely or in three ways. So if you put out a loving energy, you will receive three times as much love. If you put out negativity and selfishness you will encounter negativity and selfishness.

The best explanation I ever heard of the Three-Fold Law is that any energy you put out comes back to you on three levels: the physical, the mental and the spiritual. So if you put out an energy of negativity, not only will you receive some physical negative backlash (like being ill or tired or having people perceive you negatively) but you will also start having a negative mindset and have a buildup of negativity in your aura. Of course this is easy to understand on a rational level: If I'm horrid to people, then obviously that will effect myself and the others around me. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is mean, so it's likely that on the physical plane I may lose friends and have trouble at work, this might also cause stress which will effect my health. On a mental level, obsessing over ways to manipulate people will effect my psyche and if I am gathering negative energy to send out to someone it makes sense it would stick around in my sphere, especially if I don't do a banishing after.

Here at Melange, we are not only sales clerks but guides and spiritual councilors. We are all trained extensively in not only the methods of spell-craft but the philosophies behind them. As such, we like to keep our customers informed and help them to lead a balanced spiritual life. The understanding of black magic and the Three-Fold Law is just one of the ways we do that, and now you are informed as well!

Public Samhain Altar

Here at the store we provide the public with a small altar space where you can light incense of a candle, do a small ritual or spell, and simply take some spiritual time in semi-privacy.

We decorate the altar for each sabbat as the Wheel of the Year Turns.

Samhain is almost upon us and our annual Ancestral Book is on the altar for you to add things you wish to say to those who have passed on. Write into the pages an anecdote or memory, words you wish you had a chance to say but didn't, or wishes for advice from those beyond the Veil.

Honor your ancestors: blood and spirit. They are any being or creature who has touched your life and helped develop the person you are. They might be a close pet that passed on. They might be a friend or relative. They might be someone far up your family lineage. Or maybe they are a Craft person (Gerald Gardner or Stewart Farrar).

Take some time to reflect and commune.

BRAAAAAAINS!

The zombie apocalypse is nigh!

Okay, it isn't, but if it were the Zombie Apocalypse Preparation workshop being held by Scarlet on the 13th and 20th would be just what you need. A lot of movies recently seem to have forgotten that zombies are traditionally a magickal phenomenon. This workshop teaches you how to protect yourself magically against zombies, prevent the zombification of a loved one and reduce self-zombification caused by lack of sleep, stress and a general lack of energy.

To help you out as well  we have two zombie kits, one to protect against zombies and one to protect against self-zombification. Our Zombie Protection and Banishing Kit is created to protect you from any black magic sent against you to turn you into a zombie or to banish a zombie coming after you. It includes a red dragon's blood candle traditionally used for exorcisms and empowerment to burn in your home if you need to banish a zombie or a zombification spell, protection oil to anoint yourself and your home to protect against zombies and any other negative energies and malicious intents, sea salt to put on your threshold as a spiritual barrier against zombies, demons and spirits, a specialty zombie banishing sprinkling powder to place on your walkway or throw at any oncoming zombies and a traditional Hoodoo/Voodoo XXX marker to place over your door or under your mat to thwart evil. Our Zombie Healing Kit is made to help you recover from days when you feel particularly zombie-like. It includes a cleansing bath salt to help rid your aura of the zombie energy slowing you down, peppermint essential oil to awaken your senses, vitali-tea tea blend to give you the energy and oomph you need to wake up your undead body, a charged clear quartz to energize and purify your aura and an XXX marker to ward off any evil that might come towards you in your weakened state.

So whether you want to stock up in preparation for an imminent zombie apocalypse or to help yourself feel human again on those days you just get out of bed moaning for brains we can help! Be the only person on your block truly prepared fort the most likely zombie apocalypse: an army of magical undead, or a cold rainy day that turns everyone's brains to mush!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all the blessings of health, happiness, and love. And of course turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!



(And just as a reminder, we will be closing at 3:00 today)

Interesting new books in stock!

In preparation for Samhain we received a huge shipment of books including a whole bunch of cool new ones. Normally I sift out the most interesting books but so many seemed good that I'm still left with eight titles to present to you. Browse and enjoy!

The Plant Spirit Familiar: Green Totems, Teacher and Healers on the Path of the Witch

Signed by the author!
Just as many people experience wisdom and healing with animal totems and guides, a similar relationship can be cultivated with the spirits of the plant world. Witches, shamans and healers know about the intelligence, love and power found within the herbs and trees, and learn to partner with them as totems and spirits guides. Witches have called such guiding spirits familiars, as they act as intermediaries between the worlds. The Plant Spirit Familiar is filled with herbal lore, rituals, meditations and magick, but more importantly, it is an invitation to open the gateway to the Green World.

While taught from the perspective of nature based spirituality rooted in the European traditions of magick, one does not need to be a Witch or Pagan to experience the blessings of the green world or work with plant familiars. It is open to all seekers. Learn about the three types of plant allies, the healing plants known as balms, the power plants known as banes and the spirit teachers found in the wise old trees. Work with the Green Man and the Lady of Flowers and enter the Soul Garden. Create sacred space for healing, meditation and shamanic journey, calling upon the plant spirits as guardian. Seek spiritual initiation from the plant world through ritual and sacrament. Deepen your spiritual connection with the Earth by growing roots strong within the land.

Crones Don't Whine: Concentrated Wisdom for Juicy Women
Thirteen essays by the author of the groundbreaking Goddesses in Everywoman and The Millionth Circle, this book details crone years as growing years and provides a blueprint by which women can devote their time, energy, and creativity to what really matters.

On Death and Dying
One of the most important psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of Dr.Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's famous interdisciplinary seminar on death, life, and transition. In this remarkable book, Dr. Kübler-Ross first explored the now-famous five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Through sample interviews and conversations, she gives the reader a better understanding of how imminent death affects the patient, the professionals who serve that patient, and the patient's family,bringing hope to all who are involved.

Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying
This acclaimed spiritual masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the most complete and authoritative presentations of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings ever written. A manual for life and death and a magnificent source of sacred inspiration from the heart of the Tibetan tradition, The Tibetan Book Of Living and Dying provides a lucid and inspiring introduction to the practice of meditation, to the nature of mind, to karma and rebirth, to compassionate love and care for the dying, and to the trials and rewards of the spiritual path.

Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Selected accounts from India's sacred literature form a complete and systematic overview of the many Hindu deities. These explorations cover gods from the Vedic and Puranic literature as well as lesser figures such as demons, sacred birds, and other lore. Includes 85 beautiful black-and-white illustrations culled from traditional sources.

Gods of the Runes
This book proposes that the Futhark runes are originally meant as symbols of the Norse Gods and Goddesses and gives several practices and associations devoted to achieving a mystical experience of these deities through the symbols of the runes. As well the author reviews the basic myths of all the gods and various associations such as stones and colors and provides new rune spreads that take advantage of this unique perspective.

Great Tales of Jewish Fantasy and the Occult: The Dybbuk and Thirty Other Classic Stories
In this acclaimed anthology, award-winning translator Joachim Neugroschel brings together the most outstanding works of Jewish imagination and folklore, an incomparably rich selection of mystical and imaginative writings that together make up the small body of occult and fantastic literature that can be truly considered classic.

Kabbalistic Teachings of the Female Prophets: Seven Holy Women of Ancient Israel
The spiritual teachings of Israel''s biblical prophetesses from a kabbalistic perspective - Explores the lives and symbolic significance of seven female prophets: Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther - Uses the gematria of Jewish metaphysics to demonstrate that prophecy is a mystical initiatory path by which Divine Will is made known, not only a tool for telling the future - Presents practical applications of kabbalistic teachings for spiritual development The seven prophetesses of Israel--Sarah, Miriam, Devorah, Chanah, Avigail, Chuldah, and Esther--lived between 1800 and 350 BCE. Their combined lives reflect a kabbalistic path of spiritual evolution that is as pertinent to our lives today as it was for the biblical communities in which they lived. From her studies of the Torah and classical gematria, Zohara Hieronimus shows that each prophetess is linked to a Sefirah on the kabbalistic Tree of Life: from creation (Sarah) through learning correct moral action (Devorah) to the promise of redemption and ultimately resurrection (Esther). Using the stories of their lives and teachings, Hieronimus reveals the relationship of each prophetess to the seven days of the week, the seven sacred species of Israel, the human body, and Jewish holidays and rituals.This book presents the kabbalistic teachings of these holy women and what they reveal about the initiatory path of individual development and redemption. The seven prophetesses show that every person has a part to play in the repair of the world, and Hieronimus gives a practical set of maps and spiritual guidelines for that journey.

Origins Of The Tarot: Cosmic Evolution And The Principles Of Immortality
Conventional wisdom traces Tarot cards to medieval Italy, but their roots go back much further in time and draw on a surprisingly rich variety of cultures and spiritual traditions. Combining pioneering scholarship with practical spiritual instruction, Origins of the Tarot is the first book to unveil the full range of the ancient streams of wisdom from which the Tarot emerged.

The timeless principles of conscious realization and cosmological unfoldment underlying the Tarot have never been explored in a comparably extensive and detailed way: herein the teachings of atremendous range of traditions, including Kabbalah, Western esotericism and alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism, yogic disciplines,Sufism, mystical Christianity, Gnosticism, and Neoplatonism, are masterfully incorporated and synthesized.

Author Dai Léon explores a confluence of philosophical schools from East and West as they relate to the Tarot, giving each its due in the exposition of a universal procession of evolution and the soul's quest for enlightenment. In the process, the Tarot is seenas a unique exemplification of perennial teachings on the soul and its liberation, as well as a still-unfolding window into concealed currents of human history. The book's profound learning and unprecedented range of references are sure to attract close studyamong students both of the world's most enduring esoteric traditionand of esotericism itself

Reminder: We will be closing early on Thanksgiving!

The store will only be open from 10am-3pm on Monday October 10th.

U'Nataneh Tokef: A Jewish prayer for attonement on the Day of Attonement (Yom Kippur)

The U'Nataneh Tokef is one of the most beautiful and powerful prayers for forgiveness recited during the Days of Atonement between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is said that the prayer was created by a Medieval Rabbi who after being tortured for not converting to Christianity on Yom Kippur dragged himself to his synagogue, recited this prayer and then died. As one would expect of such a prayer, it highlights the fleetingness of human life, particularly when viewed against the Eternal. However it also highlights God's Mercy and willingness to forgive humanity for their sins. (Some might also recognize some of the words from a song by Leonard Cohen).



So now, the Kedushah prayer shall ascend to You, for You, our God, are King.


Let us now relate the power of this day's holiness, for it is awesome and frightening. On it Your Kingship will be exalted; Your throne will be firmed with kindness and You will sit upon it in truth. It is true that You alone are the One Who judges, proves, knows, and bears witness; Who writes and seats, (counts and calculates); Who remembers all that was forgotten. You will open the Book of Chronicles - it will read itself, and everyone's signature is in it. The great shofar will be sounded and a still, thin sound will be heard. Angels will hasten, a trembling and terror will seize them - and they will say, 'Behold, it is the Day of Judgment, to muster the heavenly host for judgment!'- for they cannot be vindicated in Your eyes in judgment.


All mankind will pass before You like members of the flock. Like a shepherd pasturing his flock, making sheep pass under his staff, so shall You cause to pass, count, calculate, and consider the soul of all the living; and You shall apportion the fixed needs of all Your creatures and inscribe their verdict.


On Rosh Hashanah will be inscribed and on Yom Kippur will be sealed how many will pass from the earth and how many will be created; who will live and who will die; who will die at his predestined time and who before his time; who by water and who by fire, who by sword, who by beast, who by famine, who by thirst, who by storm, who by plague, who by strangulation, and who by stoning. Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted.




But REPENTANCE, PRAYER and CHARITY remove the Evil of the Decree!


For Your Name signifies Your praise: hard to anger and easy to appease, for You do not wish the death of one deserving death, but that he repent from his way and live. Until the day of his death You await him; if he repents You will accept him immediately.


It is true that You are their Creator and You know their inclination, for they are flesh and blood. A man's origin is from dust and his destiny is back to dust, at risk of his life he earns his bread; he is likened to a broken shard, withering grass, a fading flower, a passing shade, a dissipating cloud, a blowing wind, flying dust, and a fleeting dream.


But You are the King, the Living and Enduring G-d.


There is no set span to Your years and there is no end to the length of Your days. It is impossible to estimate the angelic chariots of Your glory and to elucidate Your Name's inscrutability. Your Name is worthy of You and You are worthy of Your Name, and You have included Your Name in our name.


(I found the English translation of this prayer here: http://www.ou.org/chagim/roshhashannah/unetanehtext.htm)

About the Moonflower

This is courtesy of some clients who have shared their knowledge with us... and thus with you. Thank you Maureen.



Moonflowers have the same magical properties as morning glories. They are very close relatives in the ipomoea family. Use morning glories on Sundays and moonflower on Mondays. They both growing up trellises and are beautiful! Both are bindweeds so of course they are very good for binding spells as well. As it blooms at night, the moonflower has a bit more romance to it but both are believed to bring joy wherever they grow.

Their roots, when dried, can be substituted for High John the Conqueror, which is another close relative in the ipomoea family. They will be smaller than average High John roots unless you can get your hands on ones grown in the south of the U.S. or in Mexico where the plants are huge, but bigger is not necessarily better.

October Workshops & Events

Psychic Development Series (Catharine)
This is a complete introduction and training in clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, spirit contact, psychometry and channeling. each week focuses on one of the abilities under the Psychic umbrella. We all have gifts...this series will show you what yours are and how to develop them further.

• week 1 Clairvoyance
• week 2 Clairaudience
• week 3 Clairsentience
• week 4 Psychometry
• week 5 Predictive Dreams
• week 6 Spirits - Earthbounds vs Angels and Guides
• week 7 Smudging and Shielding
• week 8 Symbolism and Symbolic messages
• week 9 Colours and Auras
• week 10 Giving a Reading

Saturdays, October 1st through December 3rd 12:00-2:00pm
10 weeks $40 per class or $300 for series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Yom Kippur
Friday October 7th

Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE
The Unmentionables: Pagan Taboos
Are there any topics that pagans avoid? Satanism, Dark Arts, and Pagan Ethics. Paganism and Sexual Etiquette Non-pagan religion bashing. Pagan tradition bashing. Controversial figures in pagan culture. Dealing with Pagan community gossip. Blending pantheons: the Dangers and Benefits. Is it respectful to blend pantheons together? Are pagans open to every religion EXCEPT Christianity?
Thursday, October 6th 6:45-8:45pm FREE

Intro to Contemporary Paganism (Amanda)
What is Paganism? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get at least a dozen answers. In this brief introduction, we will discuss what we mean when we use the word Pagan in a contemporary religious or spiritual context. We will explore some of the various philosophical underpinnings that seem to unite most contemporary Pagan traditions, as well as some of the common conceptions and misconceptions people have about Paganism.
Thursday October 6th, 7-8:30 pm, $5 donation (proceeds to MPRC)

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine)
I look at the physical and psychological benefits of meditation during pregnancy. How to incorporate meditation into daily life, do it in safety and comfort, and bond with your baby.
Bring a pillow or yoga mat (something comfortable for you to sit on the floor with) and slippers or soft socks.
Fridays, October 7 & 14 & 21, 6:30-7:45pm $25

THANKS GIVING (Monday October 10th)
STORE HOURS: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Sukkot
Wednesday October 12th

Zombie Apocalypse Preparation (Scarlet)
What do you need to have in your emergency magical bomb shelter against the Zombie Apocalypse? What kinds of zombies are there in myth and culture? Let’s talk about how to deal with them and how to survive. Be a warrior! Be a Survivor!
Thursday, October 13th, 7-9pm $40

Astrology 101 (Catharine)
This series explains all the signs, planets, houses, aspects, chart interpretation and allows you to learn by using our own charts in the group. There is a lot of interpretation work in the series so you leave with a good grasp of your own chart.
Saturdays, October 15th to December 17th, 3:30-5:30pm
$40 per workshop or $300 for the series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Crafting Ritual: An Introduction (Amanda)
Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups.
Sunday October 16th, 2-4:30 pm, $30

Discover Your Animal Totems (Catharine)
Animal totems are medicines. The animals that cross our paths literally or in dreams have a deep meaning in our lives and can be used for healing and guidance. Come discover yours and how to connect to and benefit from them

• Week 1 Introduction to Totemic System
• Week 2 Guided Meditation / discoveries
• Week 3 Becoming Your Totem

Thursdays, October 20th to November 10th, 7-9pm
$40 per class or $100 for the series (deal available if registered officially before or on the start date)

Montreal Witches Ball: Masquerade Ball (MPRC)
Friday, October 28th 2011
Vendredi, 28 octobre, 2011
L’Antre H
3697 Blvd St Laurent
Samhain Ritual/rituel (free/gratuit): 7pm
Celebration: 8:30pm (open to all/ouvert a tous)
Note: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to attend the ritual and the party afterwards.
Wear your wildest masks! / Portez vos masque les plus fantastiques!
Prizes and raffles! / Prix a gagner!
Music spun by / Musique par: DJ Marcus Aurelius
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
www.mprc-crpm.ca

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE (SAMHAIN)
10% off everything ALL DAY
Sunday, October 30th

Dumb Supper (Melange Magique & Black Forest)
The Dumb Supper is a sacred ritual of honoring ancestors and sharing introspective time with like minded people. We invite you to our Dumb Supper, catered for your convenience, buffet style with vegan and non-vegan foods. Bring a picture or object and a memory of a deceased friend, pet, or relative as we will be inviting them to join us at this meal. An ancestral shrine will be set up where you may pay your respects and light a candle.
Sunday, October 30th, 6-8pm $25
(Tickets available until Wednesday October 26th)

SAMHAIN / HALLOWEEN
Dress up, show off your costume! We certainly will.
Get 10% off your purchases if you show up in costume on this day!
Monday, October 31st

Happy Jewish new Year!

Rosh Hashanah, literally "the head of the year," is the Jewish new year and starts (this year) tonight at sunset and ends Friday night at sunset. This holiday begins the ten day span known as the "Days of Atonement" which ends with Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). This is the period where Jews repent for their sins and it is said that on Rosh hashanna God opens the Book of Judgement and on the last night of Yom Kippur God closes it. It is traditional during this time to ask forgiveness for one's sins before God, your fellows and yourself. As such, the Days of Atonement are a time of reflection where we review the year and ask ourselves what we have done that we feel we need to atone for.

Rosh Hashanah specifically celebrates the new year which symbolically represents the biblical creation of the world. As such Rosh Hashanah can be seen as the Earth's birthday. (An interesting note for astrologists: Every 29 years on Rosh Hashanah Hasidic Jews celebrate the Earth's Saturn Return!) The traditional greeting on Rosh Hashanah is "shana tova oomitukah" which means "have a happy and sweet year."

This holiday has many traditions and symbols. As with many Jewish holidays some of these are concerned with eating symbolic foods. Jews eat apples with honey and honey cake to help foster a sweet new year and round challah (egg bread) to celebrate the circle of the seasons. Pomegranates are traditionally eaten to help one have a "fruitful" year (since they have so many seeds) and it is also said that the number of pomegranate seeds equals the number of good deeds (mitzvot) one can do in one's lifetime. One of these mitzvot is also to eat a new fruit on Rosh Hashanah: either a fruit you've never eaten or one you haven't eaten in at least a year. Also, in reflection of the name of the holiday, the heads of animals are traditionally consumed on Rosh Hashanah such as the heads of fish.

Perhaps the most obvious symbol of Rosh Hashanah is that of the "shofar" or ram's horn. Jews blow the shofar at Rosh Hashanah in specific patterns that are laid out in the Old Testament. On Rosh Hashanah the shofar is blown to welcome the new year. The tradition of blowing the shofar may come from the yearly parades caused by the pilgramages of all the Jews from the land of Zion to Jerusalem for the sin sacrifices at the Temple. These parades would be signaled to start with the blow of the shofar from the mountaintops.

Another tradition is a ritual called Taslikh ("to cast off") where you walk to a running river and throw bits of bread or pebbles into the water. The former represents sins which are symbolically "washed away" by the water.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called the "High Holidays" by most Jews because they are considered to be the most important holidays to observe. Many Jews who do not normally celebrate the holidays will still come to synagogue for Rosh Hashanah. In fact, this is one of the few Jewish holidays mentioned in the Old Testament and that God commands his people to follow (some of the others are the Sabbath, Passover and Sukkoth). These holidays have of course been modified greatly from the ancient ways laid out in the Old Testament particularly in the fact that prayer and devotion have come to replace animal sacrifice. Rosh Hashanah has a vast liturgy of prayers that have become traditional to recite at this time of year, so much so that the Days of Atonement have their own separate prayer book called a "mahzor."

So have a good and sweet new year. Take this time to look inward and ask forgiveness from yourself for the things you may have done that you feel guilty about and ask forgiveness from friends, family and colleagues you may have slighted. Everyone has bad days, but a sincere apology, even a year later, can lighten the darkness in the world a little. Eat some honey and apples to remind yourself of the sweetness of life and eat a round loaf to remind you of it's never-ending cycles.

Chag Sameach! Happy Holidays!

Visit by author Christopher Penczak for Melange's 20th Birthday!

Author Christopher Penczak is coming into Melange this weekend to celebrate our 20th Anniversary! Come join us and him for tarot readings, book signings and a workshop based on his new book The Plant Spirit Familiar:Green Totems, Teacher and Healers on the Path of the Witch.
Tarot Readings:
$35 per half hour or $70 per hour throughout the weekend.
Prepaid reservations only.

Book Signing:
Saturday October 1st, 5-6pm.
Books available or bring your own!

Plant Totem Workshop: ($25)
Saturday October 1st, 3-5pm
Prepaid registration only.

Christopher Penczak will be offering a workshop on Plant Totems to promote his book launch:

Many witches, magicians and shamans work with the concept of the animal familiar, the totem or fetch beast, but many are also allied with spirits from the plant world. The spirits of herbs, flowers and trees can act as divine guides, protectors and tutors in magick, healing and transforming the witch. Each one has its own spiritual medicine, that is in harmony with magickal work and purpose in the world. Survey many of the traditional plant allies of the witch, including the spirits of Nightshade, Monkshood, Thorn Apple, Mandrake, Oak, Apple, Hazel, Birch, Rose, Mugwort, Wormwood, and Angelica. Learn how to find your own plant familiar frim the green world, and develop a strong connection. Based upon Christopher's new book, The Plant Spirit Familiar.

Christopher's new book is available at Melange already, so come by to pick yours up before the workshop!

To reserve a space, come visit us at 1928 St-Chatherine West, Montreal or call us at 514-938-1458

Mabon and Higan service (Sept. 23)

Friday, September 23 - Fall Equinox

Come celebrate the Equinox in 2 different ways with us!

Mabon is a harvest festival coinciding with the equinox. Fruits such as grapes and apples are associated with this time. Valerie, one of the store owners, brings organic grapes from her garden everyday for everyone to enjoy. We have books and other items related to the Equinox and the harvest.

If you are looking for information for a public Sabbat, please call the store.

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The Higan service is a Shinto-Buddhist memorial for the ancestors. Practitioners generally travel to an arch built close-by of their home and bring offerings to their ancestors. They can also recite an excerpt from the Diamond Sutra and ring a bell when they are done. Our public altar will be available for this practice. You may bring flowers as offerings, and we will provide the excerpt of the Diamond Sutra and the bell.

September 21st: International Gratitude Day

  Tomorrow is international Gratitude Day, a day created by the United Nations Meditation Group to encourage people to express thanks and gratitude towards one another.

  This might seem like a simple enough thing but its amazing how often we don't express our gratitude towards the people and things in our life. Here are some suggestions:

- As you go through your day, mark all the things that support you and keep you going and try to foster a grateful attitude towards them. For example: "I am grateful for the bus and metro system (even if it isn't as efficient as you might like!) which allows me to get almost anywhere in the city without the expense and ecological harm of a car," or "I am grateful for my tea cup which allows me to drink my tea." It's amazing how many little things contribute to our existence and acknowledging them really makes you feel blessed and in tune with the universe that sustains and is part of you!
- Tell someone why you appreciate them. Maybe even write them a letter and give them some flowers!
- Instead of saying you are sorry (or as well as), try saying how much you appreciate the person instead. I do this every day! Instead of feeling like a mess-up, you feel blessed for the understanding and supportive people around you.

As well, here are some books in the store that talk about having a grateful outlook:

The Secret Gratitude Book:

The Secret is an international phenomenon that has inspired millions of people to live extraordinary lives. Now The Secret Gratitude Book provides an incredibly powerful tool to live The Secret, and to bring joy and harmony to every aspect of your life. Filled with insights and wisdom from Rhonda Byrne, this beautiful journal offers a framework for practicing the power of gratitude each day, enabling you to attract every magnificent thing you want into your life.

The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude: An Evolutionary Journey to Awakening Your Spirit:

With a foreword by Louise L. Hay, The Power of Infinite Love & Gratitude will help readers discover the mysteries of the subconscious mind and learn how to transform their lives. Key lessons help unleash the mind and body's infinite capacity for healing and provide a deeper understanding of stress, enabling one to move more easily through life.

Attitudes Of Gratitude:

In Attitudes of Gratitude, M.J. Ryan teaches readers how to unlock the fullness of their hearts and lives through the expression of gratitude. "Gratitude helps us to return to our natural state of joyfulness," she writes, "where we notice what's right instead of what's wrong. It makes us feel complete, that we have everything we need, at least in this moment." In her introduction to this 10th anniversary edition, Ryan recounts current research that bolsters her original thinking - people who practice gratitude on a daily basis are, by and large, happier, healthier, and more effective in the world. She also shares with readers brand new, top 10 gratitude practices, which readers of the first edition and people she?s taught and counseled over the years have provided to her. The concept of this book is very simple and very profound: - Gratitude creates happiness - It?s a fact of life (and science as it turns out). Plants create carbon dioxide and gratitude creates happiness.

  Also, come join us from 6pm-7pm to show out appreciation for a wonderful member of our community without whom the Montreal Pagan community would certainly be poorer!

Thanks to all our customers and friends who help keep the store going and make the Pagan community in Montreal better and brighter! We are grateful for your support! You're the best!

Blessed be!

MABON SABBAT SALE!

Sunday September 18th is going to be our Mabon Sabbat Sale! Like for all Sabbat sales, everything in the store will be 10% off!

Mabon is about harvest and the Fall equinox, reminding us about the balance between Day and Night, Light and Dark, Male and Female energies, etc. Come in and see what we have in store for the occasion!

Enjoy the harvest festival! Arrrr!

Shiatsu/Reiki On Tuesdays

Matt Risk (Shiatsu Healing Practioner & Reiki Master)
Every Tuesday 11am - 5pm
$35/30-min or $70/1-hr

Matthew Risk has been practicing Zen Shiatsu since 2003 when he graduated from the Shiatsu School of Canada’s 2200 hour professional program. He is a Reiki master, a musician, and a writer. He has practiced Shiatsu in Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, Victoria, Vancouver and Calgary.

What is Shiatsu?
A form of therapy of Japanese origin based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands.

Tokujiro Namikoshi discovered the practice which became Shiatsu as a child when his sick mother seemed to feel better when he applied holding pressure to her arthritic limbs. Later in life, he studied medicine in earnest, and coined the term “Shiatsu” to describe the practice he discovered. (circa 1940)

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Call us to make an appointment!
514-938-1458

20th Anniversary and Mid-Autumn Moon Ritual!

20TH ANNIVERSARY (September 11)

On September 11, 1991, Debra Aubin created the Mélange Magique/Magical Blend store. She thought it would remain a small magical herb store, but it became much more with time. Indeed, the Mélange Magique has been the host of several services, workshops and rituals for the Montreal Pagan Community. In 2011, new owners Scarlet Jory and Valérie Laville are working towards keeping the top-notch reputation the Mélange Magique has acquired over time. In the last years, the business has been shipping Pagan-related supplies everywhere in North America and even in France! Since the change of ownership, Le Mélange Magique has been offering some French books and French Tarot/Oracle decks, as well as healing services on the premises 3 times a week.

To start a new cycle into the store's existence, we will launch our NEW WEBSITE on Sunday! It has a fresh green look and is more organized than the older one, especially for its French translation (it will be fully bilingual very soon). There will not be any special event in the store itself, as we will receive Christopher Penczak on the weekend of October 1st for book signing and divination. We will celebrate our anniversary fully during that weekend.


MID-AUTUMN MOON RITUAL (September 12)

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節), also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, dating back over 3,000 years. In Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, it is also sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which is in September or early October for us. It is a date that parallels the autumnal equinox of the solar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and roundest. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the few most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, the others being New Year and Winter Solstice, and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the fall harvesting season on this date.

A free Full Moon ritual will be led by Scarlet for this occasion. There will be ambient Asian Music, tea and traditional Asian treats. It will be located upstairs of Le Mélange Magique and will start at 7pm. Please bring a cup for the tea.

International Literacy Day: September 8th

Tomorrow is International Literacy day, a day when we try to promote literacy and understand it's contributions as a human right. This day was created by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) in 1965 and has been celebrated since. UNESCO's goals are to promote literacy all over the world because, as they say:

"Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development."

Here at Melange we are going to be celebrating International Literacy Day by giving you ten percent off all books in hopes that we can help you and your loved ones to expand your horizons. Also take this opportunity to contribute to raising Canada's literacy rate (99% of the population over the age of 15) by buying some of our children's books to read to your children or encourage a friend to read!

Ninja Teleportation

Breaking News!

Apparently one of our black cats is very well named. Ninja.
He ninja-ed his way out of our store last night by unknown means.
We were sure he was inside when we closed.
The janitor called to let us know he was on the roof crying to come in through the fire escape.

We suspect feline teleportation.

Just thought we would share one of the many mysterious experiences we have within the sanctuary walls of the store.

:)

September Workshop & Events

CMS (Crescent Moon School)
Level 1 and 2 courses begin.
Wednesdays, September 7th, 6-9pm

International Literacy Day
To celebrate the International Literacy Day, the store will offer10% off all books throughout the day!
Thursday, September 8th

Tarot Series (Catharine)
Come learn the symbolic and archetypal language of the tarot. You will be introduced to the entire 78 cards and learn how to spread the cards to give a reading.
Please bring your own deck.

Week 1 Major Arcana part one
Week 2 Major Arcana part two
Week 3 Minor Arcana - Swords and Wands
Week 4 Minor Arcana - Cups and Disks
Week 5 Spreads and readings

Thursdays, September 8th to October 6th, 7-9pm
$40 per class or $150 for the series (deal available if paid in full before or on the start date).

Psychic Development Series (Catharine)
This is a complete introduction and training in clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, spirit contact, psychometry and channelling. Each week focuses on one of the abilities under the Psychic umbrella. We all have gifts. This series will show you what yours are and how to develop them further.

Week 1 Introduction to Using Your Intuition
Week 2 Clairvoyance
Week 3 Clairaudience
Week 4 Clairsentience
Week 5 Psychometry
Week 6 Predictive Dreams
Week 7 Spirits - Earthbounds vs Angels and Guides
Week 8 Smudging and Shielding
Week 9 Your Spirit Guides
Week 10 Past Lives
Week 11 Colours and Auras
Week 12 Symbols and Symbolic Messages
Week 13 Giving a Reading

Saturdays, September 10th to December 10th, 12-2pm
13 weeks: $40 per class or $375 for series (deal available if paid in full before or on the start date).

Magical Blend’s 20th Anniversary
We launch our NEW WEBSITE today!
We are postponing the in-store celebration to the weekend of October 1st to coincide with a surprise guest speaker launching his new book about Plant Totems (Christopher Penczak).
Sunday, September 11th

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (Chinese)
Come celebrate with us for a tradition Chinese festival evening. Ambient Asian music, traditional foods, Full Moon ritual. All are Welcome!!
Monday, September 12th, 7-9pm

Sunday Sabbat Sale
Sunday, September 18th

World Gratitude Day
Show gratitude to yourself and others. Tell someone why you appreciate them. List 10 things in your own life that you are grateful for.
Join us at as we show our appreciation to a special member of our community!
Wednesday, September 21st, 6-7pm

MABON: AUTUMN EQUINOX
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD

Higan Service (Japan: Buddhism & Shinto)
Make an offering of flowers at the altar to your ancestors, recite an excerpt from the Diamond Sutra and ring the bell to invite a change for the coming year.
Friday, September 23rd

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Jews embark upon the serious task of examining their lives and repenting for any wrongs they have committed during the previous year. Take this opportunity to say sorry to anyone or to make amends.
September 28th - 30th

Labour Day

Please note that the store will be CLOSED on Monday September 5th.