We get a lot of people in here asking about Ouija boards. They are certainly one of the more publicly accessible divination tools, featured in any number of pop culture references. Everyone seems to have a story about when they used one, or their friend used one or their cousin used one. The actual term "Ouija Board" is trademarked by Hasbro and refers to the board with the triangular pointer that most people are familiar with and is likely the one used by someone you know. This board is considered a game and is available at places like Toysrus. This is why most boards that are created by other companies are referred to as "Witch Boards" or "Talking Boards."
What is a Ouija Board and how does it work?
Ouija boards are pretty much a flat board made of anything from paper to cardboard to wood (the more genuine ones will be made either of paper so they can easily be destroyed or of rosewood) with the alphabet printed on it and "yes, no, hello and goodbye." A guider is placed on top, which can be as simple as a cup placed upside-down. Using this simple tool, you call upon a spirit to talk to you, using the board and the guider as the medium through which you communicate. In other words, the idea is that a spirits you contact and question will guide the guider with their energy to the appropriate responses. Some people claim that it is really your own energy that guides it, in which case it is either you receiving the messages directly and translating them through the use of the board or you are in fact speaking to your subconscious. Either way, a Ouija Board is used to contact and communicate with spirits.
What's with all those stories about people being haunted/possessed/having bad luck/ having their houses burned down etc. when they use a Ouija Board?
We've all heard those stories. Once upon a time a friend of yours used a Ouija Board and then freaky things started happening. Some of these stories certainly are exaggerated or just plain urban legends but there is in fact a very real risk to using any sort of divinitory tool to contact spirits, particularly one as unspecific as a Ouija Board. What I mean by "unspecific" is that a Ouija Board, as opposed to say a tarot or oracle deck, has no particular energies or spirits that it is tapping into. A Ouija board can be used to talk to any spirit and therefore any spirit can answer, whether it is the spirit you wanted or not.
Using a Ouija board, then, is the spiritual equivalent to running into the middle of a busy city street with a megaphone and going "Hey! Bob! I wanna talk to you!" The person who answers may or may not be Bob, any other Bob, Bill who heard wrong, Sarah who was curious why you were shouting, Mary who was looking for Bob too, Creepy Steve, or worse, Creepy Steve pretending to be Bob. And then once Creepy Steve starts talking to you, and has an in with you, it's really hard to get rid of him. That's more or less what happens when people use Ouija Boards without any knowledge (like most people who pick them up from toy stores) and end up with trouble: they accidentally invited Creepy Steve to hang out with them.
Practicing safer spell-craft
So, lets say you want to use a Ouija Board or any other type of board to contact a spirit, but you obviously don't want to attract anything bad. What do you do?
You can minimize the type of negative effects you will receive with any sort of spell-crafting or divination by being safe. Magic is a tool, and like any tool, you need to know how to use it safely in order to use it effectively. Here are some tips:
- Learn to cast a circle: "Casting a Circle" is a very basic magical practice where you surround yourself with an energetic circle to prevent any energies you are invoke from leaking out. Casting a circle can be as easy as tracing an imaginary circle around yourself but to begin with you might want to use chalk or sea salt. Be sure to banish the circle when you are done! There are several ways to do this. You can smudge the circle with sage, purify and cleans it with water and with fire (i.e. incense), sweep the circle counter-clockwise with a broom among other things. Some rituals like the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram can be used both as an elaborate casting of a circle and banishing of it if done before and after. I suggest reading The Witch's Sheild by Christoper Penczak for a good book on different protection rituals and practices you can do to help keep you safe during a magical working.
- Be specific: If you want to contact Bob, make as sure as possible you get the right Bob. Write his whole name down and as much information as you can give: birthday, appearance, a picture, the emotions you associate with Bob, his signature, anything that would directly link to your Bob. The more specific you are, the more likely you will get the right entity.
- Have clear intentions: Don't just pick up the board and fiddle around with it until you get a result. Magic comes from will, so you need to will something to happen for it to work, and the clearer you are about what you want the easier it will be, and the less likely you will come across something you don't want. Also, the flavor of your intentions are important. Like attracts like, so if you have positive intentions, you are more likely to have a positive experience. Don't use a Ouija Board just because you are bored, or you want to impress your friends or you think it will freak out your little brother. Use a board to communicate with a loved one for peace of mind, or an angel for advice or to help a spirit move on.
The Ouija Board is a very simple tool and can therefore be very useful and powerful. But like with any tool you have to know how to use it correctly in order to use it safely. Now that you've got a few tips on how to use your board I hope you can do so without fear of becoming and urban legend.
News, events, and other interesting tidbits of the goings-on here at our store.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Guardian Protector Stuffed Animal
I don't know about you, but it seems to me that there has been a bit of a baby boom in this last year. It seems like every time I turn around I see someone either pregnant or with a newborn. I blame it on the recently finished year of the rabbit.
With this mini upsurge in pregnancies I've had quite a few customers ask me how they can protect the new baby in their lives. The biggest problem with this is that you need to be careful with what you give a newborn and also it's difficult to explain to a young child how or why what you are doing will protect them from those awful nightmares or that monster under the bed.
But if there is one thing that children instinctively understand it is the power of stuffed animals. Stuffies (as my family calls them) are perfectly designed to become what we call in the magical community fetishes, that is, a receptacle for a spirit. All it takes is a little bit of love and a little bit of personification and there you go: you have a magical object with its own little soul. Of course, for this we want to program that stuffy soul to be a guardian and protector of our little ones. Here's how you can do it, and how I did it for my yet unborn niece:
The first part of this spell is to find a stuffed animal that both speaks to you and represents protection to you. Some good protection animals are bears, lions or panthers, dogs, dragons, wolves among others. Once you have your stuffy it is important to treat it like a living being. Talk to it, hug it, love it, explain its duties to it, put it in a place of honor while you get the rest of the spell together.
You will need:
With this mini upsurge in pregnancies I've had quite a few customers ask me how they can protect the new baby in their lives. The biggest problem with this is that you need to be careful with what you give a newborn and also it's difficult to explain to a young child how or why what you are doing will protect them from those awful nightmares or that monster under the bed.
But if there is one thing that children instinctively understand it is the power of stuffed animals. Stuffies (as my family calls them) are perfectly designed to become what we call in the magical community fetishes, that is, a receptacle for a spirit. All it takes is a little bit of love and a little bit of personification and there you go: you have a magical object with its own little soul. Of course, for this we want to program that stuffy soul to be a guardian and protector of our little ones. Here's how you can do it, and how I did it for my yet unborn niece:
The first part of this spell is to find a stuffed animal that both speaks to you and represents protection to you. Some good protection animals are bears, lions or panthers, dogs, dragons, wolves among others. Once you have your stuffy it is important to treat it like a living being. Talk to it, hug it, love it, explain its duties to it, put it in a place of honor while you get the rest of the spell together.
You will need:
- Malachite (for protecting children)
- Obsidian (for psychic protection)
- Rose Quartz (for love)
- Howlite (to combat nightmares and for reducing stress)
- Spring Water
- Sandalwood
- Lavander
- Rose
- Orris Root
- Sage
- (Any other protective herbs you feel like adding)
- Guardian Protector Candle or a black candle with Guardian and Protection oil on it.
- Place the stones and herbs in a bowl with water. Soak on a windowsill for an evening and a morning.
- Carve the candle with the name of the child and some affirmations and/or prayers naming the stuffed animal as the child's protector and for the child's safety and love.
- Place the candle in the bowl with the water, herbs and stones. Place the stuffy nearby (but obviously far enough away not to get singed.)
- Light the candle and imagine the energy flowing into the stuffy.
- When the candle is burned down, take the stones out of the water, dry them off and sew them into the stuffed animal.
- Hold the stuffed animal in your arms, look at it tin the eyes and explain to it its duties: that it is to keep the child safe, happy and loved.
- Give the stuffy to the child. If they are over two years old, tell them the stuffy is going to protect them from bad dreams and monsters.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Workshops for Jan-Feb 2012
Tarot Series (Catharine)
This solid program introduces you to the major and minor arcana of the tarot, along with various techniques and skills for reading the cards. Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).
*Please bring your own deck.
Cost is $40 per class (or $300 if you register for the entire series starting January 21 through April 28 for a discount of 50%)
Major Arcana part 1: Saturday, January 21st, 12-2pm
Major Arcana part 2: Saturday, January 28th, 12-2pm
Major Arcana part 3: Saturday, February 4th, 12-2pm
Major Arcana part 4: Saturday, February 11th, 12 -2pm
Minor Arcana swords: February 18th 12 -2pm
Minor Arcana Wands: Saturday, February 25th 12 -2pm
Please note this this class continues right through to the end of April, more details to come.
Psychic Development Series (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Cost is $40 per class or $230 for the entire 9-part series (that is a discount of $130)
Clairvoyance: Saturday, January 28th 3 -5:30pm
Clairaudience: Saturday, February 4th 3 -5:30pm
Clairsentience: Saturday, February 11th 3-5:30
Predictive Dreams: Saturday, February 18th 3-5:30
Channeling: Saturday, February 25th 3-5:30
Cleansing and Smudging: Saturday, March 3rd 3 - 5:30
Spirit Contact - Guides, Angels, Entities: Saturday, March 10th 3-5:30
How to Give a Reading: Saturday, March 17th 3-5:30
Practice Practice Practice: Saturday, March 24th 3-5:30
CMS Open House
Welcome to Crescent Moon School, Canada’s longest running public training school for magic and Paganism since 1995.
This Open House is a unique opportunity to see what students of all levels have done, speak with teachers and students about what it is like to attend classes, and to register for the coming session.
Go to www.mtl-magicalcircle/cms for more information about the school.
OPEN HOUSE: Friday January 27th, 7-9pm
Level 1 New Session: Wednesdays, 6-9pm, starting February 8th for 20 weeks
Cost: $300 (3 installments of $100 every 6 weeks), includes 3 workbooks & a reading pack
IMBOLC PATH OF LIGHTS RITUAL (MPRC)
The MPRC will be running a public path of lights ritual for Imbolc in the upstairs room of Melange Magique. During the below times, we will be offering visitors the chance to walk the labyrinth of candles in meditation or contemplation.
Thursday, February 2nd, 6pm – 8pm, FREE
Water Walking: Managing the Emotional Body (Matt)
Tossed hither and thither by your emotions?
In this workshop we will explore effective techniques of rapid mood shifting. Things that used to trigger fear, sadness, or worry, will soon trigger laughter, empowerment, and confidence.
Sunday Feb 5th 2-5 pm. $35
Love and Attraction
How to bring love into your life? The rules of meddling in magick for matters of the heart. Simple love spells and divination tools that work! What you can control, what you simply can't. How to use your psychic energy to manifest a fitting partner in your life.
Tuesday February 7th 7-9pm $30
Chakra Balancing Series (Scarlet)
Welcome to this weekly in-depth exploration of the chakras. Each week will focus on a different chakra with the last class being a cleansing of the auric bodies. Learn about blocks and how to release them, correspondences to help you tap into the chakra energies and cleanse your own chakras, and exercises to help you become more in tune with each chakra.
*Please bring a cup for tea at the start of each class, wear warm yoga clothing and bring a mat or cushion to sit upon.
Every Thursday starting February 9th through 8 classes to March 29th 7-9pm
$250 for all 8 classes (saving you $70 if prepaid in full) or $40 per class
Root Chakra: Thursday February 9th, 7-9pm
Navel Chakra: Thursday February 16th, 7-9pm
Solar Plexus Chakra: Thursday February 23rd, 7-9pm
Heart Chakra: Thursday March 1st, 7-9pm
Throat Chakra: Thursday March 8th, 7-9pm
Third Eye Chakra: Thursday March 15th, 7-9pm
Crown Chakra: Thursday March 22nd, 7-9pm
Aura Cleansing: Thursday March 29th, 7-9pm
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.
Saturday, February 11th, 1pm - 3pm, $30
Candle Magick
How to carve and create magick candles for your inner desires. How to manifest your dreams in reality? Taking the que's from old gypsy magick, incorporating magick symbolism from Old pantheons, such as Norse, Celtic, gypsy, as well as old ceremonial practices. Using symbolism, herbs, oils and psychic energy to manifest your dreams.
THE CLASS WILL BE HANDS ON!
Each will get one candle, with a choice of herbs and oils and decoration to make their own magick candle.
Friday February 17th 7-9pm $30
Basic Runelore pt. 1: Reading the Runes (Matt)
This workshop focuses on the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark. We will explore basic meanings from historical and contemporary sources, and learn how to 'read' them for oracular purposes.
Sunday Feb. 19th 2-5 pm. $35
Monday, January 16, 2012
Year of the Water Dragon
January 23rd begins the Year of the Water Dragon on the calendar of the Chinese zodiac. On this calendar, each year is split into two parts, reckoned by one of ten heavenly stems (the five elements in their aspects as yin or yang) and one of twelve earthly branches (the animals of the Chinese zodiac). This year, we are in the year of the Yang Water Dragon.
The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and the only mythical creature in the lineup. Those born under the sign of the Dragon are expected to be confident, headstrong, charismatic, and powerful, with an extra dose of luck. These qualities are double-edged: a Dragon can accomplish most anything he sets his mind to, but he is also quite capable of pushing down those who get in his way.
The Year of the Dragon is generally held to be an economically lucky year, as the Dragon brings prosperity wherever he goes. Since this is the year of the Water dragon, though, those who already have a lot of Water in their charts may need to exercise a little extra caution.
If you're looking to find out more about what the Year of the Water Dragon holds for you, you may opt to join one of our clairvoyants, Catharine, as she goes over the astrological significance of this Chinese year. Check out the details below!
Chinese Astrology Night
Thursday, January 26th, 7-9pm; $20
For up-to-date information on our workshops, keep up with our workshops page!
The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and the only mythical creature in the lineup. Those born under the sign of the Dragon are expected to be confident, headstrong, charismatic, and powerful, with an extra dose of luck. These qualities are double-edged: a Dragon can accomplish most anything he sets his mind to, but he is also quite capable of pushing down those who get in his way.
The Year of the Dragon is generally held to be an economically lucky year, as the Dragon brings prosperity wherever he goes. Since this is the year of the Water dragon, though, those who already have a lot of Water in their charts may need to exercise a little extra caution.
If you're looking to find out more about what the Year of the Water Dragon holds for you, you may opt to join one of our clairvoyants, Catharine, as she goes over the astrological significance of this Chinese year. Check out the details below!
Chinese Astrology Night
Thursday, January 26th, 7-9pm; $20
For up-to-date information on our workshops, keep up with our workshops page!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Book of Shadows
What is the Book of Shadows?
Essentially it is your magical diary. You can keep such things as lore and lessons, reference material (stones, herbs, and other correspondences), recipes for oils and other potions, spells, rituals, prayers and incantations, even dreams.
Dedicating a Book of Shadows is not complicated.
Start by either making your own book or personalizing one you have purchased. At your altar, you want to cast circle, call quarters, and invoke whichever divine you are comfortable working with. Purify the book with salt or purification incense (like sage or frankincense or rosemary). Bless the book by the four/five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). Consecrate it by blessing it in the name of your gods and with such things as holy water or blessing oil. Select a pen or quill of your choice and an ink (we recommend Dragon's Blood Ink or Ink of Jupiter). Write onto the first page a Book Blessing declaring the purpose and intent of this book. This is the actual Dedication part of the ritual. You complete the dedication by signing the book with your personal sigil or signature and then bind the book to you. Some will imprint it with a drop of their own blood or add a lock of their own hair. The last step is to add in some form of protection. Anoint a silk cloth with protection oil and wrap your book of shadows in it.
You might have more than one Book of Shadows or simply one that contains all that you do.
A coven will have one that is specific to the coven with all its unique traditions and practices. Initiates copy direct from this as they learn. This is often how a tradition is passed down in writing supplemented by the guidance and teaching of mentors in the coven.
Sometimes Books of Shadows vary according to theme: Spellcrafting, Rituals, Celtic lore, Healing, Dream work, Divination, Poetry, Insights from Asian Philosophies, Teaching of the Yogis, Norse lore, Voodoo & the Loas.
Whatever your theme or practice, there is a book out there for you to record all you learn and do.
Essentially it is your magical diary. You can keep such things as lore and lessons, reference material (stones, herbs, and other correspondences), recipes for oils and other potions, spells, rituals, prayers and incantations, even dreams.
Dedicating a Book of Shadows is not complicated.
Start by either making your own book or personalizing one you have purchased. At your altar, you want to cast circle, call quarters, and invoke whichever divine you are comfortable working with. Purify the book with salt or purification incense (like sage or frankincense or rosemary). Bless the book by the four/five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). Consecrate it by blessing it in the name of your gods and with such things as holy water or blessing oil. Select a pen or quill of your choice and an ink (we recommend Dragon's Blood Ink or Ink of Jupiter). Write onto the first page a Book Blessing declaring the purpose and intent of this book. This is the actual Dedication part of the ritual. You complete the dedication by signing the book with your personal sigil or signature and then bind the book to you. Some will imprint it with a drop of their own blood or add a lock of their own hair. The last step is to add in some form of protection. Anoint a silk cloth with protection oil and wrap your book of shadows in it.
You might have more than one Book of Shadows or simply one that contains all that you do.
A coven will have one that is specific to the coven with all its unique traditions and practices. Initiates copy direct from this as they learn. This is often how a tradition is passed down in writing supplemented by the guidance and teaching of mentors in the coven.
Sometimes Books of Shadows vary according to theme: Spellcrafting, Rituals, Celtic lore, Healing, Dream work, Divination, Poetry, Insights from Asian Philosophies, Teaching of the Yogis, Norse lore, Voodoo & the Loas.
Whatever your theme or practice, there is a book out there for you to record all you learn and do.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sisterhood of Avalon
Wonderful Yuletide blessings!
I am hosting two Open Tea information sessions in January for all Montreal-area women interested in the Sisterhood of Avalon and an eight-week Learning Circle starting in February.
All women are welcome to join us on:
Saturday, January 21st at Om West Yoga studio in Pointe-Claire Village from 7-9:30PM
http://www.
OR
Saturday, January 28th at Happy Tree Yoga Studio on Ste-Catherine Street West from 7-9:30PM.
http://happytreeyoga.com/
Cost: Free but small donations to help pay for space rental appreciated(Cookies and snacks are welcome!) Please feel free to pass this info along to any like-minded female friends and contact me with any questions. Also, please RSVP by sending me a message (daughter.of.seas@gmail.com) so I know how many women to expect. Thank you!
Looking forward to sharing sacred space with you!
Kelly Morgaine
The Sisterhood of Avalon - http://www.sisterhoodofavalon.
"Avalon Within" by Jhenah Telyndru - http://www.ynysafallon.com/
I am hosting two Open Tea information sessions in January for all Montreal-area women interested in the Sisterhood of Avalon and an eight-week Learning Circle starting in February.
All women are welcome to join us on:
Saturday, January 21st at Om West Yoga studio in Pointe-Claire Village from 7-9:30PM
http://www.
OR
Saturday, January 28th at Happy Tree Yoga Studio on Ste-Catherine Street West from 7-9:30PM.
http://happytreeyoga.com/
Cost: Free but small donations to help pay for space rental appreciated(Cookies and snacks are welcome!) Please feel free to pass this info along to any like-minded female friends and contact me with any questions. Also, please RSVP by sending me a message (daughter.of.seas@gmail.com) so I know how many women to expect. Thank you!
Looking forward to sharing sacred space with you!
Kelly Morgaine
The Sisterhood of Avalon - http://www.sisterhoodofavalon.
"Avalon Within" by Jhenah Telyndru - http://www.ynysafallon.com/
Friday, December 30, 2011
January 2012 Workshops
Pagan Discussion Night (MPRC) FREE
Every
month on the first Thursday, the MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Center) hosta a
free discussion on various current issues in the pagan community. All are
welcome, though occasionally the content may not be appropriate for minors.
Thursday,
January 5th, 6:30-8:30pm – FREE
Gypsy
Magic 101: Beginnings of Magick (Ameara)
This introduction to gypsy magick will explore working with magickal energy, how to cast a spell, how to call upon the divine forces, herbal properties, and candle magick. We will walk through what magick is, how to call upon the elements for simple intention magick, what herbs and colors to use for a purpose, and what divine powers to call, associations etc.
You will walk away with a few simple spells to start their magickal practice:
Making Money : With simple cinnamon, green tea, and a green candle
Attracting or Choosing a Lover: Bottle caps or other objects in water as well as a simple attraction magick candle spell
Calm and Clear mind: Herbs to use in baths or aromatherapy to aid in meditation and clarity of mind spell
Friday, January 13th, 7-9pm - $30
This introduction to gypsy magick will explore working with magickal energy, how to cast a spell, how to call upon the divine forces, herbal properties, and candle magick. We will walk through what magick is, how to call upon the elements for simple intention magick, what herbs and colors to use for a purpose, and what divine powers to call, associations etc.
You will walk away with a few simple spells to start their magickal practice:
Making Money : With simple cinnamon, green tea, and a green candle
Attracting or Choosing a Lover: Bottle caps or other objects in water as well as a simple attraction magick candle spell
Calm and Clear mind: Herbs to use in baths or aromatherapy to aid in meditation and clarity of mind spell
Friday, January 13th, 7-9pm - $30
How
to do a Ceremonial Banishing- The LBRP (Eri)
In this workshop we will be learning the history, symbolism, visualizations and theories behind the famous Qabbalistic and Ceremonial Magic ritual of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. Students will also go through a practical demonstration and learn how to do this powerful ritual on their own. The LBRP uses divine and angelic energies to remove influences from your sphere and is great for banishing, balance and protection.
Saturday, January 21st, 1-3pm, $25
In this workshop we will be learning the history, symbolism, visualizations and theories behind the famous Qabbalistic and Ceremonial Magic ritual of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. Students will also go through a practical demonstration and learn how to do this powerful ritual on their own. The LBRP uses divine and angelic energies to remove influences from your sphere and is great for banishing, balance and protection.
Saturday, January 21st, 1-3pm, $25
Tarot
Series (Catharine)
This solid program introduces you to the major and
minor arcana of the tarot, along with various techniques and skills for reading
the cards. Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).
*Please bring your own
deck.
Cost is $40 per class (or $300 if you register for
the entire series starting January 21 through April 28 for a discount of 50%)
Major
Arcana part 1: Saturday, January 21st, 12-2pm
Major
Arcana part 2: Saturday, January 28th, 12-2pm
Major
Arcana part 3: Saturday, February 4th, 12-2pm
Major
Arcana part 4: Saturday, February 11th, 12 -2pm
Minor
Arcana swords: February 18th 12 -2pm
Minor
Arcana Wands: Saturday, February 25th 12 -2pm
Psychic
Development Series (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before! Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before! Please contact the teacher for more information (river.rain.catharine@gmail.com).
Cost is
$40 per class or $230 for the entire 9-part series (that is a discount of $130)
Clairvoyance:
Saturday,
January 28th 3 -5:30pm
Clairaudience: Saturday, February 4th 3
-5:30pm
Clairsentience:
Saturday,
February 11th 3-5:30
Predictive
Dreams: Saturday,
February 18th 3-5:30
Channeling:
Saturday,
February 25th 3-5:30
Cleansing
and Smudging: Saturday,
March 3rd 3 - 5:30
Spirit
Contact - Guides, Angels, Entities: Saturday, March 10th 3-5:30
How to
Give a Reading: Saturday,
March 17th 3-5:30
Practice
Practice Practice: Saturday,
March 24th 3-5:30
CMS Open House
Welcome
to Crescent Moon School, Canada’s longest running public training school for
magic and Paganism since 1995.
This
Open House is a unique opportunity to see what students of all levels have
done, speak with teachers and students about what it is like to attend classes,
and to register for the coming session.
Go
to http://www.mtl-magicalcircle/cms for
more information about the school.
Level 1 New Session: Wednesdays,
6-9pm, starting February 8th for 20 weeks
Cost: $300 (3 installments of $100
every 6 weeks), includes 3 workbooks & a reading pack
Monday, December 26, 2011
Come to our Annual Hourly Boxing Day Sale!
Hope you all had a great Christmas. Today is Boxing Day! and we have specials happening ALL DAY!
Store hours: 1-6pm
Specials Today:
1-2pm 10% off all Candles
2-3pm 10% off all Apothecary related stuff (incense, powders, oils, bath salts, etc.)
3-4pm 10% off all Jewelry
4-5pm 10% off all Books
5-6pm 10% off all Tarot
Have a great Boxing Day and take advantage of our in-store specials!
Store hours: 1-6pm
Specials Today:
1-2pm 10% off all Candles
2-3pm 10% off all Apothecary related stuff (incense, powders, oils, bath salts, etc.)
3-4pm 10% off all Jewelry
4-5pm 10% off all Books
5-6pm 10% off all Tarot
Have a great Boxing Day and take advantage of our in-store specials!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Yule Sabbat
Tonight is the longest, darkest night of the year; it's also an important holiday if you celebrate the Wheel of the Year. The Sabbat known as Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 22nd this year. By tradition, we consider Yule to begin at sundown, the night before the 'calendar date'. That means that many Pagans will be celebrating Yule tonight!
If Samhain is the end of the year, then Yule represents the beginning. On Samhain, the Goddess mourns the passing of the God. On Yule, the God is reborn from the Goddess once again, and we celebrate his return to the world. Since the God is associated with warmth and sunlight, we consider dawn the moment of the God's arrival: the moment of his rebirth.
Yule is just as much about the symbolism of kinship, family, and rebirth as it is about the God's actual rebirth. The winter months can be cold and bleak, and that's why it's more important than ever to remember our better qualities and help the people around us.
In many ways, the dark cold winter is the perfect time to keep a fire going in our hearts, minds, and hearths. Yule is about sharing your warmth with others, and about being with your family-- both the family you grew up with, and your second family: the friends you've chosen yourself. All beings are the children of the God and the Goddess, and kindred in spirit and divinity, so remember during this season that even complete strangers on the street are a part of your larger family. Give what small kindnesses you can to those you can, and allow yourself to shrug off the everyday irritations and upsets of life. Take care of yourself, knowing that a new day is just around the corner.
Most Pagans will light at least one candle when the sun descends in order to keep the light going and encourage its return tomorrow morning with the sun. Another common Pagan tradition on Yule involves a night-long vigil, held until the first rays of dawn; during this vigil, by candlelight or firelight, you are given a chance to review your past year and make resolutions for the new year ahead.
Though the release of old things is more of a Samhain tradition, I personally enjoy writing down my anger, upsets, regrets, and embarrassments from the past year and throwing them into the Yule fire in order to symbolically let them go and move on to new things. Alternatively, you might write down your dreams, wishes, and goals for the new year and tie them to your Yule tree to strengthen your resolution and keep them in your mind. When the Yule tree comes down, bury your resolutions somewhere and let them spur on new growth, or burn them in a cauldron and spread the ashes somewhere with verdant plant-life.
The God's Rebirth
If Samhain is the end of the year, then Yule represents the beginning. On Samhain, the Goddess mourns the passing of the God. On Yule, the God is reborn from the Goddess once again, and we celebrate his return to the world. Since the God is associated with warmth and sunlight, we consider dawn the moment of the God's arrival: the moment of his rebirth.
Symbolism
Yule is just as much about the symbolism of kinship, family, and rebirth as it is about the God's actual rebirth. The winter months can be cold and bleak, and that's why it's more important than ever to remember our better qualities and help the people around us.
In many ways, the dark cold winter is the perfect time to keep a fire going in our hearts, minds, and hearths. Yule is about sharing your warmth with others, and about being with your family-- both the family you grew up with, and your second family: the friends you've chosen yourself. All beings are the children of the God and the Goddess, and kindred in spirit and divinity, so remember during this season that even complete strangers on the street are a part of your larger family. Give what small kindnesses you can to those you can, and allow yourself to shrug off the everyday irritations and upsets of life. Take care of yourself, knowing that a new day is just around the corner.
Ritual Celebrations
Most Pagans will light at least one candle when the sun descends in order to keep the light going and encourage its return tomorrow morning with the sun. Another common Pagan tradition on Yule involves a night-long vigil, held until the first rays of dawn; during this vigil, by candlelight or firelight, you are given a chance to review your past year and make resolutions for the new year ahead.
Though the release of old things is more of a Samhain tradition, I personally enjoy writing down my anger, upsets, regrets, and embarrassments from the past year and throwing them into the Yule fire in order to symbolically let them go and move on to new things. Alternatively, you might write down your dreams, wishes, and goals for the new year and tie them to your Yule tree to strengthen your resolution and keep them in your mind. When the Yule tree comes down, bury your resolutions somewhere and let them spur on new growth, or burn them in a cauldron and spread the ashes somewhere with verdant plant-life.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Holiday Schedule
Happy Holidays! Here is our Holiday schedule for the rest of the month:
For the next week we will be open until 9pm every day to help you get all your last minute shopping done:
Monday Dec. 19: 10am-9pm
Tuesday Dec. 20: 10am-9pm
Wednesday Dec. 21: 10am-9pm (Happy Hannukah!)
Thursday Dec. 22: 10am-9pm (Blessed Yule and Tohji-taisai!)
Friday Dec. 23: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 24th: 10am-3pm
Sunday Dec. 25: Closed (Merry Christmas!)
Monday Dec. 26: 1pm-6pm (Happy Kwanza!)
Tuesday Dec. 27: 10am-6pm
Wednesday Dec. 28: 10am-6pm
Thursday Dec. 29: 10am-9pm
Friday Dec. 30: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 31: 10am-3pm
Sunday Jan. 1: Closed (Happy New Year!)
Monday Jan. 2: Closed
For the next week we will be open until 9pm every day to help you get all your last minute shopping done:
Monday Dec. 19: 10am-9pm
Tuesday Dec. 20: 10am-9pm
Wednesday Dec. 21: 10am-9pm (Happy Hannukah!)
Thursday Dec. 22: 10am-9pm (Blessed Yule and Tohji-taisai!)
Friday Dec. 23: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 24th: 10am-3pm
Sunday Dec. 25: Closed (Merry Christmas!)
Monday Dec. 26: 1pm-6pm (Happy Kwanza!)
Tuesday Dec. 27: 10am-6pm
Wednesday Dec. 28: 10am-6pm
Thursday Dec. 29: 10am-9pm
Friday Dec. 30: 10am-9pm
Saturday Dec. 31: 10am-3pm
Sunday Jan. 1: Closed (Happy New Year!)
Monday Jan. 2: Closed
Holiday Hours
Melange will be open until 9pm all week until Christmas Eve to help you get that last minute shopping done!
So, just to be clear, our schedule for the Holidays is:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we are open from 10am-9pm.
Saturday we are only open from 10am-3pm and we are closed on Sunday the 25th.
We will be open on Boxing Day from 1pm-6pm.
The 27th and 18th we will be open 10am-6pm, the 29th and 30th we will be open 10am-9pm.
New Year's Eve we will be open from 10am-3pm.
New Years and the day after (the 1st and 2nd) we will be closed.
Happy Holidays!
So, just to be clear, our schedule for the Holidays is:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we are open from 10am-9pm.
Saturday we are only open from 10am-3pm and we are closed on Sunday the 25th.
We will be open on Boxing Day from 1pm-6pm.
The 27th and 18th we will be open 10am-6pm, the 29th and 30th we will be open 10am-9pm.
New Year's Eve we will be open from 10am-3pm.
New Years and the day after (the 1st and 2nd) we will be closed.
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Yule Sale
Le Melange Magique / The Magical Blend
Online shoppers! Local shoppers! Yule is fast approaching...
This Sunday is our Yule Sunday Sabbat Sale where everything is 10% off all day.
If ordering online then you can enter the code YULE2011
(valid only this Sunday December 18th, 2011).
SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2011
Online shoppers! Local shoppers! Yule is fast approaching...
This Sunday is our Yule Sunday Sabbat Sale where everything is 10% off all day.
If ordering online then you can enter the code YULE2011
(valid only this Sunday December 18th, 2011).
SUNDAY SABBAT SALE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2011
Friday, December 09, 2011
FAQ: What is the LBRP and what is it for?
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is a banishing ritual that first made it's appearance in the famous Ceremonial and Hermetic order, the Order of the Golden Dawn. No one is quite sure where the LBRP ritual came from. The founders of the Golden Dawn claimed to have received the ritual from the same "Secret Chiefs" who had theoretically passed to them all the information for the order. Certainly the LBRP draws on many Judeo-Christian and even Hindu mystical sources an some of the prayers reflect ones of Christian or Jewish origin so the LBRP as a ritual may be quite old. However whether Mather's, Westcott and Woodman were given the LBRP by the Secret Chiefs or whether they made it up (for which there is quite a bit of debate)it remains that the LBRP is am intense, powerful and balanced ritual. Since its first recorded appearance in the Golden Dawn the LBRP has been published in many different books on Ceremonial Magic, rituals, psychic and magical protection and metaphysical books and magazines, often with slightly different variations. Unfortunately due to the fact that the Golden Dawn is a secret society it is very difficult to pin point which version is the correct one, even among practitioners of the Golden Dawn today. However all the versions agree on the basic outline and principal of the ritual, and it is mostly upon the proper visualizations that the versions disagree.
The LBRP uses divine Qabbalistic symbolism to center, balance, cleanse and protect the practitioner. First the magician will draw divine energies down through their body in the shape of a cross touching upon Sephirothic attributions (the translations of which interestingly are the same words as at the end of the "Our Father"). This is called the Qabbalistic Cross and it helps to balance the practitioner and infuse them with energy. After this the practitioner traces four banishing pentagrams in each quarter (i.e. east, south, west, north) and infuses these with divine names which helps to banish and shield the sphere of the magician. The final layer of protection is made by invoking the four archangels associated with the four quarters who are placed around the sphere, protecting the inside. Finally there is an affirmation and a final Qabbalistic Cross to recenter and balance.
The LBRP is a very complex, deep and layered ritual that is extremely efficacious. In the Golden Dawn it was the only ritual that was taught before a member reached adeptship and it is often said that if you are going to learn one ritual, the LBRP is it.
The LBRP uses divine Qabbalistic symbolism to center, balance, cleanse and protect the practitioner. First the magician will draw divine energies down through their body in the shape of a cross touching upon Sephirothic attributions (the translations of which interestingly are the same words as at the end of the "Our Father"). This is called the Qabbalistic Cross and it helps to balance the practitioner and infuse them with energy. After this the practitioner traces four banishing pentagrams in each quarter (i.e. east, south, west, north) and infuses these with divine names which helps to banish and shield the sphere of the magician. The final layer of protection is made by invoking the four archangels associated with the four quarters who are placed around the sphere, protecting the inside. Finally there is an affirmation and a final Qabbalistic Cross to recenter and balance.
The LBRP is a very complex, deep and layered ritual that is extremely efficacious. In the Golden Dawn it was the only ritual that was taught before a member reached adeptship and it is often said that if you are going to learn one ritual, the LBRP is it.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
December 2011 Workshops
Sacred Moons Series: 1st Moon: Birch/Cold Moon (Scarlet)
Throughout the year we often hear that there are 13 moons. There are! But the cycle is not exact. Each month has a full moon and every few years we have two full moons in a single month or two dark moons. We can blend this cycle with the 13 sacred trees of the Celtic Ogham and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our spirituality. The first full moon after Samhain is the Birch Tree or December Cold moon. Learn about the basic cycle of trees and moons. Explore how you can connect to the first moon of the new Celtic year. Join us monthly to learn about the next moon’s energies.
Friday, December 9th, 7-9pm $40
Tarot: Major Arcana part 1 (Catharine)
This course covers the first half of the Major Arcana exploring the major themes and progression of the cards. We always look at your deck with the group so you come away with a deeper awareness of your own tarot.
Saturday, December 10th, 12-2pm $40
Psychic Development: Clairvoyance (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairvoyance or "clear seeing" is an ability that many of us can have or develop. We are a visual culture and we can learn to differentiate what is a psychic vision that is reliable vs our own projection or imagination.
Saturday, December 10th, 3 -5:30pm $40
How to Give a Reading (Catharine)
This course will show you how to do various tarot spreads, and give you good ways of approaching how to read for yourself and for others. We will be doing readings for each other to practice!
Thursday, December 15th, 6:30 -9pm $40
Major Arcana part 2 (Catharine)
This course covers the second part of the Major Arcana, once again considering your deck as well as others, and going into the themes and progression of the tarot as a whole life cycle
Saturday, December 17th, 12-2pm $40
LBRP Workshop (Eri)
In this workshop we will be learning how to perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram as well as some of it's visualizations and symbolism. The LBRP is a powerful Qabbalistic and Ceremonial banishing and protection ritual that uses divine and angelic energies to remove influences from your sphere.
Saturday December 17th 1-3pm $25
Psychic Development: Clairaudience (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairaudience means "clear hearing" and is remarkably more common than you may realize. Many of us channel words and phrases without understanding it. Once you learn to detect this and know which messages to trust it can change your life for the better!
Saturday, December 17th, 3 -5:30pm $40
Throughout the year we often hear that there are 13 moons. There are! But the cycle is not exact. Each month has a full moon and every few years we have two full moons in a single month or two dark moons. We can blend this cycle with the 13 sacred trees of the Celtic Ogham and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our spirituality. The first full moon after Samhain is the Birch Tree or December Cold moon. Learn about the basic cycle of trees and moons. Explore how you can connect to the first moon of the new Celtic year. Join us monthly to learn about the next moon’s energies.
Friday, December 9th, 7-9pm $40
Tarot: Major Arcana part 1 (Catharine)
This course covers the first half of the Major Arcana exploring the major themes and progression of the cards. We always look at your deck with the group so you come away with a deeper awareness of your own tarot.
Saturday, December 10th, 12-2pm $40
Psychic Development: Clairvoyance (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairvoyance or "clear seeing" is an ability that many of us can have or develop. We are a visual culture and we can learn to differentiate what is a psychic vision that is reliable vs our own projection or imagination.
Saturday, December 10th, 3 -5:30pm $40
How to Give a Reading (Catharine)
This course will show you how to do various tarot spreads, and give you good ways of approaching how to read for yourself and for others. We will be doing readings for each other to practice!
Thursday, December 15th, 6:30 -9pm $40
Major Arcana part 2 (Catharine)
This course covers the second part of the Major Arcana, once again considering your deck as well as others, and going into the themes and progression of the tarot as a whole life cycle
Saturday, December 17th, 12-2pm $40
LBRP Workshop (Eri)
In this workshop we will be learning how to perform the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram as well as some of it's visualizations and symbolism. The LBRP is a powerful Qabbalistic and Ceremonial banishing and protection ritual that uses divine and angelic energies to remove influences from your sphere.
Saturday December 17th 1-3pm $25
Psychic Development: Clairaudience (Catharine)
Introduction to the many abilities that fall under the term "psychic". Exploring your own intuitive gifts with like-minded people so you trust yourself more than ever before!
Clairaudience means "clear hearing" and is remarkably more common than you may realize. Many of us channel words and phrases without understanding it. Once you learn to detect this and know which messages to trust it can change your life for the better!
Saturday, December 17th, 3 -5:30pm $40
Monday, November 28, 2011
Annual Yule Fair 2011 Schedule
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4
The Yule Fair is coming up this WEEKEND, and we've got a packed schedule! We're looking forward to celebrating the holidays with you and your family! Bring a friend or a child-- our speakers and events are family-friendly, with exceptions clearly marked! All workshops and panels are absolutely free-of-charge!
Enjoy in-store specials and find something unique from the vending room full of local artisans.
SATURDAY: DECEMBER 3rd
Tea & Chat
Time: Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Upstairs and Downstairs
Settle in, have some tea, and be social!
Community Organizations (Lena)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Lena moderates a round table introducing community services and groups.
Spiritual Counseling (Catharine)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Spiritual counselling is a progressive form of counselling which treats the whole person. It is more open to the fact that many matters concerning the resolution of issues are based in energetic patterns that can have many origins, including spiritual beliefs. It includes the person's will to manifest and create their own lives.
Alternative Healing Panel (Valerie, Monika, et al)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
Location: Upstairs
As times change and people become less certain of the Western healing system, we are seeing more and more people searching for other solutions for their health and wellness. There are many modes of of alternative healing out there to choose from and finding which one is right for us can sometimes prove to be confusing. Come join us in this panel to explore and discuss several different methods of healing. Styles to be discussed: Reiki, Osteopathy, stone healing, energy work, Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Touch.
Virtues (Brendan Myers)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Location: Downstairs
Brendan Myers discusses topics related to his book, The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Come From, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us.
Bardcraft: How to Tell Your Story (Hobbes)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Our local bard and storyteller Hobbes will show you how you can become a bard yourself. He will teach you how to find the story that moves you, how to prepare it, and how to deliver it to an audience. Bring out your inner bard!
Energy Work: Creating Sacred Space (Scarlet)
Time: Saturday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Discussion & presentation of various ways to set up both temporary and permanent sacred space, as well as the energy work behind the methods.
Celebrating the Yule Holidays (Courtney)
Time: Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Celebrating your own spiritual path without compromising family and friends who follow different religious practices.
Dinner
Time: Saturday, 6:15pm Onward
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Impromptu dinner at the location of our brunch.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th
Pagan Sunday Brunch (MPRC)
Time: Sunday, 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Join the MPRC for brunch.
On Being a Christian Witch (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Based on her book, Path of the Christian Witch, this talk will be about the trials and discoveries along the path to being a Christian Witch.
Les questionnements spirituels et religieux (Jean-Phillipe Theobald)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Downstairs
La spiritualité est quelque chose de très personnel et de très délicat. Parfois, il est difficile d'aider quelqu'un ou de donner des conseils religieux ou spirituels sans brusquer. S'appuyant sur des principes de la psychologie développementale, l'exposé explore des outils possibles pour discuter de la manière de vivre l'expérience religieuse, en contexte de relation d'aide.
TBD (Mark Hughes)
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Tales of the First Lovers (Brendan Myers) 18+
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Upstairs
What a sex-positive theology looks like (18+ age or 14+ with accompanying parent).
L’Astrologie, qu’est-ce que ça dit? (Carol & Denise)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Carol parlera des principes fonctionnels de cette géométrie céleste, des planètes, des signes zodiacaux, des maisons. Denise parlera de notre futur prochain après avoir passé en revue des techniques de prévision, notant au passage la capacité d’analyse psychologique préludant à la capacité d’aider à prendre des décisions éclairées, de gérer ses relations aux autres, en somme d’établir sa biographie.
De formation scientifique, à l’école Polytechnique de Paris puis à l’université McGill (Ph.D. Mathématiques), Carol Meyer, d’abord sceptique, s’intéresse à l’astrologie en 1980 et l’étudie pour en découvrir la logique interne. Depuis ce temps, il participe à diverses recherches en astrologie. Il développe et distribue des logiciels astrologiques et publie chaque année un Agenda Planétaire.
Linguiste et professeur de français, Denise Chrzanowska devient consultante en astrologie en 1980 de façon régulière; également elle devient formatrice en astrologie sur 4 ans et aussi conférencière à Paris, aux États-Unis et au Québec. Elle a écrit « Astrologie stellaire et mythologique », « Les étoiles soufflent » et enfin « La signature de l’analogie ». Depuis 1998, elle publie une revue trimestrielle d’astrologie mondiale : « Cosmoscope ».
Crafting the Craft (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Location: Downstairs
Yule is a time when our creativity soars. Arts and crafts is a fun way to explore the magical realms and to improve our magical abilities. This lecture will look at different forms of arts and crafts and will teach how to use them to improve focus, induce trance, manifest an intent and receive messages from our allies. It will explore different theories from occupational therapy and psychodynamics and will let each participant experience first-hand the effects of arts and crafting in a magical way. No arts and craft experience required.
Discussion: Pagan Hindsight -- What We Thought We Knew (Karyn Torrie)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
A talk about the preconceptions many of us had before we came fully into our religion, and how our perceptions have since changed. (Tentative)
VENDING ROOM CLOSES AT 5PM
Public Yule Ritual (Hobbes)
Time: Sunday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Upstairs
The Yule Fair is coming up this WEEKEND, and we've got a packed schedule! We're looking forward to celebrating the holidays with you and your family! Bring a friend or a child-- our speakers and events are family-friendly, with exceptions clearly marked! All workshops and panels are absolutely free-of-charge!
Enjoy in-store specials and find something unique from the vending room full of local artisans.
SATURDAY: DECEMBER 3rd
Tea & Chat
Time: Saturday, 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Upstairs and Downstairs
Settle in, have some tea, and be social!
Community Organizations (Lena)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Lena moderates a round table introducing community services and groups.
Spiritual Counseling (Catharine)
Time: Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Spiritual counselling is a progressive form of counselling which treats the whole person. It is more open to the fact that many matters concerning the resolution of issues are based in energetic patterns that can have many origins, including spiritual beliefs. It includes the person's will to manifest and create their own lives.
Alternative Healing Panel (Valerie, Monika, et al)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 2:45pm
Location: Upstairs
As times change and people become less certain of the Western healing system, we are seeing more and more people searching for other solutions for their health and wellness. There are many modes of of alternative healing out there to choose from and finding which one is right for us can sometimes prove to be confusing. Come join us in this panel to explore and discuss several different methods of healing. Styles to be discussed: Reiki, Osteopathy, stone healing, energy work, Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Touch.
Virtues (Brendan Myers)
Time: Saturday, 12:45pm - 1:45pm
Location: Downstairs
Brendan Myers discusses topics related to his book, The Other Side of Virtue: Where Our Virtues Come From, What They Really Mean, and Where They Might Be Taking Us.
Bardcraft: How to Tell Your Story (Hobbes)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Our local bard and storyteller Hobbes will show you how you can become a bard yourself. He will teach you how to find the story that moves you, how to prepare it, and how to deliver it to an audience. Bring out your inner bard!
Energy Work: Creating Sacred Space (Scarlet)
Time: Saturday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Discussion & presentation of various ways to set up both temporary and permanent sacred space, as well as the energy work behind the methods.
Celebrating the Yule Holidays (Courtney)
Time: Saturday, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Celebrating your own spiritual path without compromising family and friends who follow different religious practices.
Dinner
Time: Saturday, 6:15pm Onward
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Impromptu dinner at the location of our brunch.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 4th
Pagan Sunday Brunch (MPRC)
Time: Sunday, 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Cafe Theatre (1832 rue St. Catherine O.)
Join the MPRC for brunch.
On Being a Christian Witch (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Based on her book, Path of the Christian Witch, this talk will be about the trials and discoveries along the path to being a Christian Witch.
Les questionnements spirituels et religieux (Jean-Phillipe Theobald)
Time: Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Downstairs
La spiritualité est quelque chose de très personnel et de très délicat. Parfois, il est difficile d'aider quelqu'un ou de donner des conseils religieux ou spirituels sans brusquer. S'appuyant sur des principes de la psychologie développementale, l'exposé explore des outils possibles pour discuter de la manière de vivre l'expérience religieuse, en contexte de relation d'aide.
TBD (Mark Hughes)
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Downstairs
Tales of the First Lovers (Brendan Myers) 18+
Time: Sunday, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Upstairs
What a sex-positive theology looks like (18+ age or 14+ with accompanying parent).
L’Astrologie, qu’est-ce que ça dit? (Carol & Denise)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 4:30pm
Location: Upstairs
Carol parlera des principes fonctionnels de cette géométrie céleste, des planètes, des signes zodiacaux, des maisons. Denise parlera de notre futur prochain après avoir passé en revue des techniques de prévision, notant au passage la capacité d’analyse psychologique préludant à la capacité d’aider à prendre des décisions éclairées, de gérer ses relations aux autres, en somme d’établir sa biographie.
De formation scientifique, à l’école Polytechnique de Paris puis à l’université McGill (Ph.D. Mathématiques), Carol Meyer, d’abord sceptique, s’intéresse à l’astrologie en 1980 et l’étudie pour en découvrir la logique interne. Depuis ce temps, il participe à diverses recherches en astrologie. Il développe et distribue des logiciels astrologiques et publie chaque année un Agenda Planétaire.
Linguiste et professeur de français, Denise Chrzanowska devient consultante en astrologie en 1980 de façon régulière; également elle devient formatrice en astrologie sur 4 ans et aussi conférencière à Paris, aux États-Unis et au Québec. Elle a écrit « Astrologie stellaire et mythologique », « Les étoiles soufflent » et enfin « La signature de l’analogie ». Depuis 1998, elle publie une revue trimestrielle d’astrologie mondiale : « Cosmoscope ».
Crafting the Craft (Adelina)
Time: Sunday, 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Location: Downstairs
Yule is a time when our creativity soars. Arts and crafts is a fun way to explore the magical realms and to improve our magical abilities. This lecture will look at different forms of arts and crafts and will teach how to use them to improve focus, induce trance, manifest an intent and receive messages from our allies. It will explore different theories from occupational therapy and psychodynamics and will let each participant experience first-hand the effects of arts and crafting in a magical way. No arts and craft experience required.
Discussion: Pagan Hindsight -- What We Thought We Knew (Karyn Torrie)
Time: Saturday, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Downstairs
A talk about the preconceptions many of us had before we came fully into our religion, and how our perceptions have since changed. (Tentative)
VENDING ROOM CLOSES AT 5PM
Public Yule Ritual (Hobbes)
Time: Sunday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Upstairs
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Mindfulness –Using Meditation as a Tool to Find and Connect to Your True Self
We often hear about meditation and the importance of being mindful but what does that really mean? What is meditation? How does it work? What is mindfulness? How can meditating bring about mindfulness thus helping you connect to your true self?
Meditation is a natural ancient practice that has been used over five thousand years to calm the body, mind and spirit. Meditation’s main purpose is to quiet the mind. Making the mind still leads to calm and centeredness. With calm awareness we tap into and connect with our heart center. Without the interference of troubled thoughts we can release negativity and begin to see our true nature, our true self and unfold into mindfulness.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means more than simply being aware.
Although, mindfulness requires being aware of our actions and thoughts, it is deeper and more deliberate. Being mindful means being purposely aware of thoughts and actions, not vaguely or habitually but being aware with conscious deliberation. Take for example, the simple act of eating, eating with mindfulness means that one would be conscious of the act of eating; paying attention to the sensations, taste and textures and the body’s response to these stimuli. If the mind beings to wander we would then refocus our attention back to the present. Being in the present and mindful of our selves leaves allows the storm of our thoughts to die down and what is left is the silence of our heart. We can then pay attention to and attune ourselves to the language of our body, mind and spirit. We become more aware of our needs. The shift slowly starts to take place and the benefits of meditation, awareness and mindfulness are felt in every area of our daily lives.
Although meditation is relaxing and calming it should not be mistaken as a method of relaxation. Meditation is a method used to de-clutter and calm the mind. Doing so, we gain clarity, a clearer view of who we really are. Seeing the real you clearly, without blinders, without negative mind chatter, without belief systems, without stigma, we start to develop awareness and mindfulness. You will start to see the true potential that is you.
In life we normally place a lot of energy into thinking; thinking of doing something or accomplishing goals, but as we begin to practice meditation we begin to free ourselves from constant conversation. By freeing ourselves from negative thoughts, and the never ending internal dialogue the focus of energy shifts from doing to being, we get back to balance, to the heart, to your true self.
Below I have added a couple simple meditations. Practicing, sitting as often as you can, for as long as you can, will help bring your attention back to your true path. Be patient with yourself.
Breathe. Simply be aware of your breathe. Focus on your nose, the nostrils in particular. Feel the cool air on in the in breath, then the warm air on the out breath.
• Take a deep breath, counting until four: 1,2,3,4
• Hold for 1,2,3,4
• Exhale counting until four:1,2,3,4
• Repeat
Be aware of your body and mind. If thoughts of the day seem to stay or creep in, it’s ok, don’t judge them, they are just thoughts. As quietly as they appeared, allow them to leave with the out breath. Try to sit for 5-10 minutes for the first session. Then as you begin to feel more comfortable and at ease, extend the duration of your sit.
Grounding Meditation is good for bringing you fully and consciously into the present moment, the here and now. It is especially helpful if you are undergoing lots of stress in your life, have undergone an especially difficult situation and are having a hard time clearing your mind and thoughts.
• Find a comfortable, undisturbed space and time for this sit
• Take a few deep breaths, as mentioned above.
• Now focus in on the soles of your feet, bringing all your attention to that body part
• Visualize two roots growing out of the soles for your feet working their way down into the earth.
• Allow the roots to grow and expand, branching off the deeper down into the earth they go.
• Feel yourself becoming more centered, calmer
• Keep visualizing the roots spreading and growing deeper down, passing through different layers of the Earth.
• Keep your attention at your feet and the roots growing from your feet downward into the Earth. Continue to do so until your feet feel heavy and firmly secure to the ground.
• Bring your attention back to the feet.
• When feel ready, bring your attention back to yourself and open your eyes, ending the sit.
Monika Marczuk : www.holisticenergy.ca
Meditation is a natural ancient practice that has been used over five thousand years to calm the body, mind and spirit. Meditation’s main purpose is to quiet the mind. Making the mind still leads to calm and centeredness. With calm awareness we tap into and connect with our heart center. Without the interference of troubled thoughts we can release negativity and begin to see our true nature, our true self and unfold into mindfulness.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means more than simply being aware.
Although, mindfulness requires being aware of our actions and thoughts, it is deeper and more deliberate. Being mindful means being purposely aware of thoughts and actions, not vaguely or habitually but being aware with conscious deliberation. Take for example, the simple act of eating, eating with mindfulness means that one would be conscious of the act of eating; paying attention to the sensations, taste and textures and the body’s response to these stimuli. If the mind beings to wander we would then refocus our attention back to the present. Being in the present and mindful of our selves leaves allows the storm of our thoughts to die down and what is left is the silence of our heart. We can then pay attention to and attune ourselves to the language of our body, mind and spirit. We become more aware of our needs. The shift slowly starts to take place and the benefits of meditation, awareness and mindfulness are felt in every area of our daily lives.
Although meditation is relaxing and calming it should not be mistaken as a method of relaxation. Meditation is a method used to de-clutter and calm the mind. Doing so, we gain clarity, a clearer view of who we really are. Seeing the real you clearly, without blinders, without negative mind chatter, without belief systems, without stigma, we start to develop awareness and mindfulness. You will start to see the true potential that is you.
In life we normally place a lot of energy into thinking; thinking of doing something or accomplishing goals, but as we begin to practice meditation we begin to free ourselves from constant conversation. By freeing ourselves from negative thoughts, and the never ending internal dialogue the focus of energy shifts from doing to being, we get back to balance, to the heart, to your true self.
Below I have added a couple simple meditations. Practicing, sitting as often as you can, for as long as you can, will help bring your attention back to your true path. Be patient with yourself.
Breathe. Simply be aware of your breathe. Focus on your nose, the nostrils in particular. Feel the cool air on in the in breath, then the warm air on the out breath.
• Take a deep breath, counting until four: 1,2,3,4
• Hold for 1,2,3,4
• Exhale counting until four:1,2,3,4
• Repeat
Be aware of your body and mind. If thoughts of the day seem to stay or creep in, it’s ok, don’t judge them, they are just thoughts. As quietly as they appeared, allow them to leave with the out breath. Try to sit for 5-10 minutes for the first session. Then as you begin to feel more comfortable and at ease, extend the duration of your sit.
Grounding Meditation is good for bringing you fully and consciously into the present moment, the here and now. It is especially helpful if you are undergoing lots of stress in your life, have undergone an especially difficult situation and are having a hard time clearing your mind and thoughts.
• Find a comfortable, undisturbed space and time for this sit
• Take a few deep breaths, as mentioned above.
• Now focus in on the soles of your feet, bringing all your attention to that body part
• Visualize two roots growing out of the soles for your feet working their way down into the earth.
• Allow the roots to grow and expand, branching off the deeper down into the earth they go.
• Feel yourself becoming more centered, calmer
• Keep visualizing the roots spreading and growing deeper down, passing through different layers of the Earth.
• Keep your attention at your feet and the roots growing from your feet downward into the Earth. Continue to do so until your feet feel heavy and firmly secure to the ground.
• Bring your attention back to the feet.
• When feel ready, bring your attention back to yourself and open your eyes, ending the sit.
Monika Marczuk : www.holisticenergy.ca
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