February 2013 Workshops & Events

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine Seiler)

For any stage of pregnancy, meditation is important for you and your baby. Come connect with your baby, yourself, and create a stress free environment. During any stage of pregnancy, childbirth included, meditation is very beneficial. Come learn these benefits as well as safe postures, teas, and energies for both you and your baby. This and much more!

*Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring whatever makes you feel comfortable (slippers, pillow, etc)

Fridays and Saturdays throughout February, 1-2 pm

Cost: $25 per person per session or $40 if you sign up with a friend (saving you each $5)

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Public Imbolc Ritual (MPRC & Melange Magique) FREE

Saturday, February 2nd, 1-7pm

Pour la version en français, voir plus bas.
There will be Walking Labyrinth, a public path of lights ritual for Imbolc in the upstairs room of Melange Magique.
You can show up anytime during the open hours of the ritual as it is not a formal ritual structure. We will be offering visitors the chance to walk the labyrinth of candles in meditation or contemplation. Your walk is the ritual.
Note: Please bring a small item to put on the altar. This item will be passed on to another person. Please no flowy robes/clothes as the candles are all on the floor.
Many bright blessings
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Il y aura un labyrinthe public de lumière pour le rituel de Imbolc au second étage du Mélange Magique.
Vous pouvez vous présenter à n’importe quelle heure durant les heures de disponibilités du rituel car il ne s’agit pas d’un rituel structuré. Tous les visiteurs auront la chance de marcher au travers le labyrinthe soit en méditant ou par pur contemplation. Votre parcours est le rituel.
Note : Nous vous prions d’apporter un petit objet à placer sur l’autel. Cet item sera transmis à quelqu’un d’autre. SVP, ne portez pas de robes ou de vêtements longs car les chandelles seront placées sur le sol.
Joyeux Imbolc!

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Introduction to Meditation (Katherine Seiler)
Come learn the basics, the how's, the why's of meditation, and more! Followed by discussion and guided meditation. All are welcome!
*Please wear comfortable clothing. Nothing too constricting.
Sundays, February 3rd 1-2pm & February 17th 1-2pm
Cost: $5 per person per session

Crescent Moon School Level 1 Program

Crescent Moon School is Montreal's longest running school of magic and paganism, having started in 1995. Its goal is to help you find your path. Come to the Open House to meet some of the teachers and students and to see what students of all levels have done the past year.  (Maximum 8 students)
Fridays 6-9pm, starting February 8th for 20 weeks (Scarlet & Marc)
Cost: $300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks) Reading pack & workbooks included.

The Magik of Flirtation: everyone edition (Matt Risk)
Are you looking for love? Tired of being lonely, or getting into relationships with losers? In this class we will be exploring powerful techniques to transform your energy body into a Beacon of Sensual Awesomeness! You will learn what it feels like to have your choice among many suitable partners, and to know how to choose the right people for you and keep them interested in the amazingness of the gifts you have to offer.
From controlling your Vibe to communicating your desire by using the magical power of symbolic language, we will learn not only how to turn yourself into a beacon of joy, but also how to use your will, intent, language, gesture, and tapped unconscious to get the Joy You Want out of Love.
February 9th 12-5 pm

Cost: $50

Reiki Share (Anouk Mackenzie & others)

Do you enjoy gentle, hands-on healing? Need a boost to help you get through the winter? Relax and renew your body, mind and spirit with a 30-minute session of Reiki energy healing for only $10.

Sunday, February 10th & 24th, 1-3 pm

Cost: 10$ donation

The Basics of Storytelling (JD "Hobbes" Hickey)
Learn how to tell a story aloud as performance art. This is NOT a creative writing class: this workshop is designed to teach people how to tell a story to an audience as a spoken word artist.
Students will be asked to bring a short (5 minute) story to perform and receive feedback on. If a student doesn't have a story, he will be shown how to write one in class.
Date & Time: February 10th, 2013, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: $30 (pre-registration required)
www.johndavidhickey.ca

Reiki I (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. Time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday, February 17th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost: $150

Re-Programming Reality: Techno-Pagan Techniques for Beginners (Courtney)

Learn a few new spellcrafting techniques from a Techno-Pagan point of view! Courtney goes over some of the most basic techniques and thought-patterns which she uses in her spell work, from re-programming reality to ‘running’ a spell in the background. This class requires that participants have basic knowledge of how to cast a spell, but does not require any prior knowledge of computers.

Sunday, February 17th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Cost: $30

Intro to the Medicine Wheel (Sarah Orr)
The Medicine Wheel is a tool that reveals that which exists in the invisible realm. It has existed for thousands of years and continues to offer insights relevant to everyday living. Through stories, dreams and ritual, we will explore the connections between ourselves and the natural world. Join us for an evening of phenomenon.

*Please feel free to bring drums or rattles with you to this class*

Thursday, February 21st, 7-9pm

Cost: $25

NUTRITIONAL MAGIC WORKSHOP (Nicole (Nixsy) Reilkoff ND)
How can food choices affect mood, appearance and energy levels? Having the knowledge of what foods to work with can greatly enhance self-empowerment towards all life goals. Questions and interaction of stories and experience welcome to be shared.
Friday, February 22nd, 6-9pm
Cost: $25

Astral Architecture (Matt Risk)
Interested in visiting the Astral Plane but find yourself blocked by not knowing where to start? In this workshop we will be learning the trance states necessary to access this realm, and then building an Astral Temple: a personal corner of the Astral Plane customized to your own needs which you can use to practice, to perform powerful rituals of self transformation, or to use as a gateway into the many worlds and beings that inhabit the great beyond.
February 23rd 1-5 pm

Cost: $40

The Zen of Seeing: Meditation through drawing (Sienna)

Meditative states can be achieved through activity: The key to meditation is getting into ''the zone'', and some people find it uncomfortable to sit still and focus. This can be stressful and the end result is the opposite of your initial goal. In this class you to find a new way to enter a Zen state, as well as begin to learn the art of seeing what is truly there.

*wear comfortable clothes

February 23rd, 2-5pm

Cost: $40

Magie des chandelles 101 (avec Valérie)

Aimez-vous les bougies et les chandelles de tous types et couleurs? Savez-vous que les chandelles ont été utilisées depuis la nuit des temps pour faire des sortilèges? Venez apprendre quelle couleur ou quelle forme de chandelle peut être utilisée pour vous aider à manifester des changements dans votre vie. Des sortilèges touchant des sujets populaires tels que l'amour, la prospérité et le succès seront abordés.

Samedi le 23 février, de 14h à 16h.

Frais: 30$.

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 formal initiation to the second degree of the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations.

Saturday, February 24th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cost: $250

THEURGY AND THE OGDOADIC TRADITION (Martin Béliard)

This is a practical and philosophical workshop on Theurgy (the operation or effect of a supernatural or divine agency in human affairs) as it is vehiculed in the Ogdoadic Tradition (a tradition stemming from Mediterranean mystery traditions of Ancient Greece) of the Order Aurum Solis. Participants will be introduced to efficient techniques balancing and strengthening the aura, noetic visualization (visualization of or relating to mental activity or the intellect), Soul-flight and invocation as well as the basics of theurgic rituals and hermetic philosophy. 

The workshop will be given in French and/or English.

Thursday, Feb. 28th, from 19:00 to 21:00.

Cost: 15$ per participant.

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Healer Discussion Panel - FREE

A monthly discussion panel is organized with the healers of Mélange Magique's. Do you wish to know more about specific methods of healing, such as Reiki, Shiatsu, Reflexology or Osteopathy? Are you curious about how healing can affect not only your physical body, but your energetic and psychic abilities? This month we will have a general and open discussion. As time goes on, we will focus on specific aspects of healing that may raise questions in the public.

Friday February 1st, 5-7pm.

FREE

Calenders!

Come check out the Calenders still in stock:

Celtic Mandala Wall Calendar 2013 by Jen Delyth: 9781602376083

Llewellyn's 2013 Daily Planetary Guide: 9780738715193

Llewellyn's 2013 Astrological Pocket Planner: 9780738715209

Illuminated Psalms Wall Calendar 2013 by Adam Rhine: 9781602376243

Thich Nhat Hanh Mini Calendar 2013 by Thich Nhat Hanh: 9781602377097

Zen Mind Engagement Calendar 2013 by Amber Lotus: 9781602376625

Agenda Planetaire 2013 (French) by Astro-Log Communication Enrg

New healer schedules!

Welcome to Nixsy, our new reflexologist!
Tuesdays from 11am to 5pm.

Reflexology is a modality in the healing of the spirit via the feet and their life experiences. It is widely known to significantly reduce stress, and can also help heal body memories. Nicole has been practicing Reflexology since 2008.

Reflexology is helpful for: immune-strengthening, detoxification, deep relaxation, the moving of the lymphatic system, pain reduction and management, better sleep cycles, and more.

Pricing: $35 per half hour; $70 per hour.




Valerie, our osteopath, changed her hours!
Thursdays from 4pm to 8pm.

Valerie offers osteopathy treatments for the betterment of the body, mind and spirit. Treatments of a duration of 60 minutes are recommended, although half-hour treatments are also available.  She reviews your health status thoroughly to be able to give the best treatment  possible according to your state. RITMA receipts for insurance purposes are available.

Osteopathy is an alternative medicine that addresses problems of the musculo-skeletal system, similar to massotherapy and chiropractics, but it can also address problems of the organs and the viscera, the nervous system, circulatory issues, troubles of low energy and bad sleeping quality, etc. For these reasons, osteopathy is suitable for treating most health problems, whether acute, chronic, simple, or complex.

Oftentimes, osteopathy is the "last resort" for someone, as some doctors suggest osteopathy to their patients when they run out of the "regular" solutions. It may well be the only method that can alleviate fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other complex conditions, as western medicine tends to focus on the symptoms but not the possible causes. However, one does not have to wait to suffer from a chronic complex condition to seek osteopathic treatments. Osteopathy is a wonderful preventive method which may help younger adults avoid the development of more serious issues later on. Osteopathy gives the power to the patient, as the patient is very active during a session, and exercises are often suggested after a treatment for long-term recovery. I suggest osteopathy to pregnant women to ensure an easy pregnancy and a less risky birthing. Newborn babies can also benefit from osteopathy, as the cranial bones undergo severe pressure during the birthing process.

Some of the most common reasons someone might need an osteopathic treatment would include acute musculo-skeletal pains (often after an accident), chronic pains due to work, bad posture, or repetitive movements over several years. However, other treatable issues include such things as blocked sinuses, digestive troubles, arythmia, insomnia, stress, or even infertility, which can be diminished or solved with osteopathy.

Pricing: $70 per hour. (Half-hours possible but not advised. $35 per half-hour.)

Monika is available on Fridays!  
From 11am to 5pm.

Monika is a certified Reiki practitioner, accredited and a member of the Canadian Reiki Association. She has been interested in energy work for over eleven years, specializing in Reiki since 2007, and also experienced with different modalities of energy work.

Monika founded Balanced Steps to incorporate her experience with energy healing and art to help people reach their true potential. Monika believes that the key to a healthy body, mind and spirit is the healing of the soul. She works cooperatively with traditional medicine to enhance and promote a healthier individual. Energy worker, teacher and artist, Monika has a deep understanding that each person is an unique individual and uses various techniques to meet your specific needs.

Treatments offered for both adults and children. For more information, visit Monika's website at http://holisticenergy.ca.

Pricing: $35 per half-hour; $75 per hour.

Welcome to Hot Tea Month!

January is hot tea month! This month we will be featuring weekly teas as well as having workshops introducing tea and tea tasting on the 18th and 25th. To get the ball rolling here are some facts about tea:

All true teas come from the leaves of the same plant: camellia sinensis. What makes the difference between, say, black tea and green tea is the amount, and process in which they are fermented. The least processed and fermented tea is White tea, followed by Green, Oolong and finally Black tea which is the most processed. The amount of caffeine in the tea tends to follow this order as well, with white having the least amount of caffeine and black the most. Within each category of tea there are hundreds of different types and breeds like Darjeeling or Orange Pekoe for black teas, Sencha and Dragon-well for green etc. Here at the store, we try to use the best quality of each type for our base teas.

For those who want something that is naturally decaffeinated, there are two other categories of "teas." The first is an herbal tea or tisane, which is basically any blend of dried fruit, herbs or flowers that you would steep in hot water, like our Cranberry Apple herbal tisane. The other is made from Rooibos, sometimes called "red tea." Rooibos comes from an African bush and has many of the same health benefits as tea but is naturally non caffeinated (as opposed to decaffeinated teas which have the caffeine removed like decaf coffee). Rooibos has a tasty, woody flavor and makes an excellent base for herbal teas, especially for sleep aids.

One of the unique things about our tea selection here at Melange is that we also offer a variety of tea additives that you can use to make your very own blend of tea! Choose a base tea that you like and then add some herbs and spices blended to your liking; could be intended for specific magical or health purposes, or your simple enjoyment. Here at the store we have invented and collected quite a few recipes with our knowledge of herbalism. So here is a quick guide to some of the magical properties of our tea additives (according to the trusty Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs) to help you make your own unique tea for exactly the purpose you want!

• Anise Seeds: Anise is good for protection, purification, and youth. It is associated with the planet Jupiter and the element of Air. Anise has been traditionally been used to ward off nightmares, drive off and protect from evil, and as a purification herb. Anise has also been used to help summon useful spirits and to restore lost youth.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is used for money, sleep, love and purification. It is associated with the Sun, and the element of water. Chamomile is used for gambling luck, to help induce sleep, to attract love and to remove curses and spells.
• Chopped Chai: Chai is a mix of spices traditionally from India and boiled in milk. Because it is a mix of spices it has a lot of fiery aspects namely increasing energy, protection, and purification. 
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon  has many properties including spirituality, success, healing, power, psychic powers, lust, protection and love. This hot spice is unsurprisingly associated with the Sun and fire. Cinnamon has also traditionally been used by several cultures for offerings and anointing.
• Ginger: Ginger is used for love, money success and power. It is associated with Mars and the element of fire. Eating (or in this case drinking) ginger is supposed to help lend power to spell working, particularly to love spells. Ginger is also used  for healing, which has a scientific basis: ginger has bacteria fighting capabilities and is used around the world by medical professionals and herbalists alike to help with nausea and upset stomachs. 
• Honeybush: Honeybush is good for gentle cleaning, love and beauty, and protection.
• Jasmine Buds: Jasmine's powers include those of love, money and prophetic dreams. It is highly associated with the moon and also with the element of water. Jasmine flowers are used to attract spiritual love and is also traditionally used to attract money. Jasmine causes prophetic dreams and is also used to induce sleep.
• Lavender:  Lavender is traditionally used for many purposes: including for love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification and love. This cerebral herb is associated with Mercury and the element of air. The scent of lavender is said to attract men, and for this reason it is often used for love spells. Lavender is perhaps best known to induce sleep and peacefulness and is very effective aromatherapy for insomniacs. Lavender is also used to rid one of sorrow and also promotes long life, helps one see ghosts, is used for protection against the evil eye and for purification baths.
• Lemon Balm: Ancient Romans thought lemon balm promoted healthy life. It is said to improve mood and mental performance and is traditionally used to bring a lover into one's life.
• Orange Peel: Orange is used for love, divination, luck and money. It is associated with the sun and fire, probably largely due to its color. Dried orange peels are supposed to lead to wedded bliss as well as prosperity.
• Peppermint: Peppermints powers include those of purification, sleep, love, healing and psychic powers. It is associated with the planet Mercury, the element of fire and the god Pluto. The scent of peppermint raises the energy and purifies a space. It also helps induce sleep and give prophetic dreams. It has also been used since ancient times for purification and to incite love.
• Rose Buds and Petals: Rose is a favorite flower of magicians and is used for love, psychic powers, healing, love divination, luck and protection. It is associated with Venus, the planet of love, the element of water and host of gods and goddesses: Hathor, Hulda, Eros, Cupid, Demeter, Isis, Adonis, Harpocrates and Aurora. Rose is well known for its use in love potions. Rose is also used to relieve headaches, calm stress and relieve tension in the home. It can also be added to luck mixtures and is also used for protection.
• Rosehip:Rose hip is the berry at the bottom of the rose flower and so it has many of the same properties and associations as rose petals. However rosehips are particularly associated with healing. Rose hips contain iron, calcium, and vitamines A, B, and C. One of the richest plant sources of vitamine C and is a powerful antioxidant. Rose hips are used to help prevent colds and the flu.

So now that you have some information, start dreaming up your own tea mixtures, write them down and bring in the recipe for us to make your tailor made tea!

January 2013 Workshops & Events

January is HOT TEA MONTH!

Come in each week to taste our weekly featured tea.

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine Seiler)

For any stage of pregnancy, meditation is important for you and your baby. Come connect with your baby, yourself, and create a stress free environment. Learn the benefits, as well as safe postures, teas, and energies for you both.

*Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring whatever makes you feel comfortable (slippers, pillow, etc)

Fridays and Saturdays throughout January, 1-2 pm

Cost: $25 per person per session or $40 if you sign up with a friend (saving you each $5)

POETRY WORKSHOP - FREE (Elizabeth Johnston)
Explore the poetic realm with Elizabeth Johnston during this free, 45-minute poetry workshop.

Material required: pen and notebook.

Thursday, January 10, 7pm
Cost: FREE

BODHRAN DEMO & TALK - FREE (Elizabeth Johnston)

Join Elizabeth Johnston for a free talk on the bodhran, the Irish frame drum. During this 45-minute event, you'll have an opportunity to learn about its origins, its use in traditional music today, and the basic rudiments of playing.

Materials needed: Extra bodhrans will be on hand for people to use, but if you have your own bodhran, bring it along.
Thursday, January 10, 8pm.
Cost: FREE

Reiki 1 (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. Time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday, January 12th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cost: $150

The Magic of Flirtation (Matt) (two-part series for men)

Are you a man who is frustrated in love? Have you ever been stuck in the dreaded 'friendzone'? Or find yourself unable to connect with the women who you're attracted to? In this course we will be looking at magical techniques for building satisfaction and seductive power. We'll be exploring the magick of how to become that which is so highly attractive to women they will be fighting over you. We will explore powerful techniques on how to get out of your own way and get the attention you want by building enticing feelings around yourself that women find intensely compelling. If you want to see your love life change from constant frustration to abundant satisfaction, then this workshop series is a must. Just imagine how many things in your life will change once you are satisfied in love.

Saturday January 12th, 12-5 pm, and February 2, 12-5 pm  

Cost: $125

Paper making workshop (Diane)
Come join me to learn how to make paper at home, using all types of old papers you have on hand.
Dress to get dirty, and bring something heavy so you can put inside the paper you will have made.

This is simple and fun, using simple tools!

Sunday, January 13, 1-4pm

Cost: $35

Intro to the Medicine Wheel (Sarah Orr)
The Medicine Wheel is a tool that reveals that which exists in the invisible realm. It has existed for thousands of years and continues to offer insights relevant to everyday living. Through stories, dreams and ritual, we will explore the connections between ourselves and the natural world. Join us for an evening of phenomenon.

Thursday, January 17th, 7-9pm

Cost: $25

POETRY WORKSHOP (Elizabeth Johnston)
There's poetry all around us. It's rooted in the real and tangible. Every silent object around us is waiting for us to give it voice. Explore the poetic realm with Elizabeth Johnston during this 10-week workshop.
Material required: pen and notebook.
Thursdays, 6-8pm, Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, & 28. -- Please note there is no class on Feb. 21.
Cost: $250

BEGINNER BODHRAN CLASS (Elizabeth Johnston)
Bbeginner bodhran class is where you can learn how to play this magical instrument.
Bring your own bodhran and tipper.
Thursdays, 8-9pm, Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14; 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, & 28. -- Please note there is no class on Feb. 21.
Cost: $150

Introduction to Tea and Tea Tasting (Scarlet)

Learn about different kinds of tea and their health benefits. Taste a variety of types and witness a tea ceremony each day.

January 18th will feature herbal teas through the green tea ranges. Witness the Japanese macha tea ceremony.

January 25^th will feature the darjeelings, oolongs, and black teas. Witness the Chinese tea ceremony.

Fridays, January 18th & 25th, 6-7pm

Cost: $10 each day

Introduction to Paganism (Scarlet)

What is magic? What is Paganism? What is witchcraft? What is Wicca? Learn the basics and history of these terms, the similarities and differences, related holidays, and tools for ritual. This is a brief introduction the Contemporary Paganism and where you can go to find out more.

Friday, January 18th, 7-8pm

Cost: FREE

Crescent Moon School Open House

Crescent Moon School is Montreal's longest running school of magic and paganism, having started in 1995. Its goal is to help you find your path. Come to the Open House to meet some of the teachers and students and to see what students of all levels have done the past year. Registration is open throughout January and will end February 2nd.
Open House & Registration Friday, January 25th, 7:00pm
Level 1: Fridays 6-9pm, starting February 8thh for 20 weeks (Scarlet & Marc)
$300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks) Reading pack & workbooks included.

Pierres et crystaux 101 (par Valérie, en français)

Vous êtes-vous déjà demandé dans quel but certains minéraux ont été utilisés en bijouterie, à des fins spirituelles, ou pour de la guérison? Saviez-vous que les minéraux contiennent des propriétés naturelles qui sont associées à des aspects de votre vie et à des parties de votre corps? Venez découvrir les propriétés d'une douzaine de pierres et crystaux utilisés couramment en magie, en spiritualité et en guérison.

Samedi le 26 janvier, de 14h à 16h.

Frais: $30

Walking on Water (Matt)

Do you find yourself thrown around by your emotions? Do you have trouble with anger outbursts, or does worry cripple you in your life? Do you wish you could be calmer, or experience bliss at will? This workshop will explore powerful techniques for gaining control over your emotions. You will learn how to turn examine the building blocks of emotional states, increase or decrease their intensity, or replace them with other feelings all together. Furthermore, you will learn how to set yourself up to feel wonderful feelings in future situations that in the past made you feel horrible. Emotional freedom is within your grasp.

Saturday, January 26th, 1-5 pm

Cost: $35

Sunday Sabbat Sale

Sunday, January 27th

10% off everything in store all day!

Wicca 101 (par Diane et Valérie, en français)

La Wicca est une branche spécialisée du paganisme, terme utilisé pour décrire les religions révérencieuses de la nature. Venez découvrir l'origine de la Wicca, ses principes fondamentaux, et ses particularités qui peuvent varier d'une région à l'autre. Deux adeptes chevronnées de la Wicca partagerons leurs connaissances et leurs expériences avec vous.

Dimanche le 27 janvier, de 14h à 16h.

Frais: $30

Holiday Schedule- Heures d'Ouverture Pour les Fete

The Holidays are on our doorstep! Here are the hours we are open for the next week:

Les fetes sont à nos portes! Voici la liste des heures d'ouverture pour la semaine prochaine:

Dec. 19: 10h- 21h
Dec. 20: 10h- 21h
Dec. 21: 10h- 21h
Dec. 22: 10h- 18h
Dec. 23: 10h- 18h
Dec. 24: 10h- 15h
Dec. 25: CLOSED/ FERME
Dec. 26: 12h- 18h
Dec. 27: 10h- 21h
Dec. 28: 10h- 21h
Dec. 29: 10h- 18h
Dec. 30: 12h- 17h
Dec. 31: 10h- 15h
Jan. 01: CLOSED/ FERME
Jan. 02: CLOSED/ FERME

Sunday Sabbat Sale - Yule 2012

Tomorrow, December 16, is our Sunday Sabbat Sale for Yule 2012! Come into our store and get 10% off your entire purchase!

If you still have holiday gifts left to get, tomorrow would be an excellent time to finish your shopping at a discount!

Yule Feasting

There are only a few historical accounts of the ancient Germanic and Norse practices during Yule but it does seem very certain that feasting was a big part of it. Some people also link the tradition of having a Christmas Ham with the ancient tradition of sacrificing and eating a Yule Boar in honor of the Norse god Freyr during the Yule feast. Boars aren't very easy to get these days but hams are available at any grocery store. And though the practice of serving up a whole boar on a golden platter with an apple in his mouth is also out of fashion, cooking ham with apples certainly isn't. So for a modern spin on an ancient tradition, try this recipe for your Yuletide feast:

Slow-Cooker Apple Spiced Ham. 

This tasty ham is usually made in a slow-cooker but if you don't have one you can use a roasting pan or a Dutch Oven on low heat for an hour or so. This is also a recipe that I invented, so none of the measurements are exact. Have fun and adjust it to your tastes!

You will need:
- 1 cup old fashioned apple juice.
- 3-4 apples (I prefer Macintosh apples).
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- a pinch of cloves
- (Nutmeg to taste)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (you can cheat and add a little maple to some table syrup if you are low)
- 2 tbsp of brown sugar (the darker the better)
- Half a smoked ham (black forest or maple smoked work the best).

Unwrap your ham and grab a handful of cloves. Stick the cloves into the ham at regular intervals to infuse the ham with the spice. Traditionally this is done like so:

but I find that is waaaay too many cloves, especially if it is going to be in the slow cooker all day.
Place your cloved ham into the slow cooker and pour the apple juice in with it. Peel and slice the apples into thick rounds and place these in the the slow cooker, overlapping the ham as much as possible. Sprinkle the ham and apples with the cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg (if you choose to use it). Rub the skin of the ham with the brown sugar and then pour the syrup over it and the apples as evenly as possible. Turn your slow cooker on low and let it cook for 5-7 hours. This is a great recipe to put up before work so you can come back to a delicious meal!
To serve, slice the ham into thick slices, remove as many of the cloves as you can and spoon the apple mush juice over the slice. Give thanks to Freyr for the feast and ask him to bless your new year. Enjoy!

The Norse God Freyr

FAQ: How do I do a basic spell?

Basic spell crafting is actually quite easy! All it takes is a little bit of knowledge of basic spell components and some will and visualization.

Here is a simple candle spell outline that can be changed for almost any purpose, with an example for a money spell:

1. Take a candle of the appropriate color for your purpose and carve the subject (i.e. the name of the person you want to affect or the situation or object) on the candle. I would choose a green candle to represent luck and money and carve onto it "Please bring me enough money to pay my bills every month."
2. Anoint your candle with an appropriate oil for your purpose, or, choose a scented candle that already has oils in it to suit your purpose. There is some difference of opinion as to which direction you should rub the oil but I usually avoid worrying about this by putting the oil into my hand and then rolling the candle between my palms. Either way it is more important that the candle be completely covered in the oil. For my money spell I could choose to anoint my green candle with "money drawing" oil or maybe use one of the Coventry Creations candles associated with money.
3. For added help in focusing, add an incense stick. In this case "Money Drawing" incense sticks would work well. 
4. Light your candle and incense, and focus on your goal, trying to visualize it as clearly as you can. I would visualize myself opening my wallet to pay a bill and having enough to pay and some left over. I would visualize my Visa bill being paid off and my Hydro bill being up to date.
5. Recite a charm, affirmation, psalm or request to help formulate and ask the universe for help achieving your goal. Blessed Hathor, Goddess of abundance: Please help me to find the means to repay those I owe. Help me to have the funds to live a modest life. Blessed be.
6. Let the candle burn to the end, and leave the results up to the Universe.

Here are some basic colors and their associations to help you choose a candle that is appropriate for your spell. Also check out the FAQ on the Elements for some more associations.

Red: Passion, love, creativity, Fire, Mars, Root Chakra.
Orange: Communication, mental stability, power, Mercury, Navel Chakra.
Yellow: Also communication and intellect, success, Air, Sun, Solar Plexus Chakra.
Green: Money, luck, prosperity, financial and earthly stability, Earth, Venus, Heart Chakra.
Blue: Peace, calm, healing, emotional balance, justice, Water, Jupiter, Throat Chakra.
Purple: Magic in general, psychic powers, the Moon, Third Eye Chakra (sometimes associated with Indigo).
White: Purity, blessing, Spirit, Crown Chakra (sometimes associated with violet).
Black: Banishing, ridding unwanted energy, cessation, grounding, Earth.

Now that you have a basic template of a spell you can mix and match elements for any spell you choose! Whether it's passing your exam (yellow candle and study oil) or healing your cold (blue candle and healing oil) you have the tools with which to focus your desires and manifest your magic!

December Workshops & Events 2012

ANNUAL MONTREAL YULE FAIR WEEKEND

Saturday & Sunday December 1 & 2, 10am-6pm both days

Local artisans & FREE workshops

Ritual Sunday December 2nd at 7pm

Meditation in Pregnancy (Katherine Seiler)

For any stage of pregnancy, meditation is important for you and your baby. Come connect with your baby, yourself, and create a stress free environment. Learn the benefits, as well as safe postures, teas, and energies for you both.

*Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring whatever makes you feel comfortable (slippers, pillow, etc)

Fridays (Dec. 7, 14, 21) and Saturdays (Dec. 8, 15, 22) and Sunday (Dec. 30) from 1-2 pm

Cost: $25 per person per session or $40 if you sign up with a friend (saving you each $5)

Reiki Share (Monika Marczuk and Anouk Mackenzie)

Pressed for time? Hectic life has you running in circles? Not a lot of time on your hands, but need time to relax and decompress? Come and take advantage of the art of Reiki healing with 30 min sessions for the incredibly low cost of 10$ per session

Sunday December 9th &16th, 1-3 pm

Cost: 10$ donation

Paper making workshop (Diane)  

Come join me to learn how to make your own paper at home. It's a very good way to recycle old school notes, magazines and different textures of paper you may have on hand.

**Please bring something big, solid and waterproof to press the sheets of paper you will have made in between .

***Please dress in old jeans and t-shirt, clothing to get dirty in will do.

Tuesday, December 11th, 6:30 to 9:30)

Cost: 35$

Mastering the Marseilles (Matt)

The history of Tarot is a long and winding road, filled with legend and obfuscation. What we now know as the modern Tarot has common roots, that seem to date to a period in post renaissance France, in the city of Marseilles, where several decks arose, perhaps as a game, perhaps as a spiritual system. We may never know, but we do know that we can learn its mysteries by study of the symbolism and numerology of the Marseilles deck. In this workshop we will be examining the simple number system that acts as the keys to the Tarot Marseilles which will unlock the mysteries of its symbolism.

Saturday, December 8th, 1-5 pm, $40

The Magikian’s Circle (Matt)

For mastery of the energy body, many traditions have looked at the persona as a multi-faceted set of tools. In this workshop we will be looking at a series of tasks, and developing the magikal tools needed to face them. These tools will be organized and compartmentalized into a fully customizable and personal system of correspondences and anchors that can be easily accessed in the field of the every day. Think of it as a self-programmable magical circle that goes wherever you go, and can be activated at will.

Saturday, December 29th, 1-5pm, $40

Sunday Sabbat Sale

Sunday, December 16th

10% off everything in store all day!

Open Public Winter Solstice Ritual

Friday, Dec 21st, 7-9pm