Pewter History

We are starting to carry more pewter jewelry instead of silver due to the rising cost of pure silver making much of the beautiful pendants we would normally carry to be very expensive. While doing translations we learned that the French word for pewter is étain which actually means tin. So here is some research for all who may be curious about the relation of tin to pewter.

What Two Metals Make Pewter?

By James Holloway, eHow Contributor
Pewter was first developed during the Bronze Age, and has been used ever since to make objects such as dishes, jugs, cups and decorative objects. Pewter is an alloy of tin, which consists of 85-99 percent tin, but it is actually mixed with several other metals, including copper, lead, antimony, and bismuth, not just one metal. The percentages of other metals mixed with tin vary depending on the grade of pewter desired.

Regulating Grades

• In the Middle Ages, quality control of manufactured goods was carried out by craft guilds or companies. One such group was the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, responsible for controlling the manufacture of pewter. This regulatory body was the first to establish several grades of pewter, each defined by its metal content. The proportions of these metals in the alloy determine the grade of the pewter.

Grades of Pewter

• Grades of pewter established in the Middle Ages continued to be used until the 19th century. The highest grade of pewter is Fine Metal, which has a copper content of around 1 percent. The second type of pewter, Trifling Ware, consists of tin with around 4 percent lead. This gives it a darker gray color and makes it oxidize more quickly. The third grade of pewter, Ley Metal, contains a very high percentage of lead, around 15 percent. This type of pewter was only used for items that would not come into contact with food or drink since lead is detrimental to health.

Modern Pewter

• Because of health concerns relating to the quantity of lead in some types of pewter, modern pewter does not contain any. A typical modern pewter alloy contains about 94 percent tin, 1 percent copper, and 5 percent antimony. The exact proportion of these metals varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and on the intended use of the object being created. Increasing the amount of tin and decreasing the amount of antimony, for instance, produces a softer alloy.

Read more:
What Two Metals Make Pewter? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8114510_two-metals-make-pewter.html#ixzz255GImkeD

September 2012 Workshops & Events

BLUE MOON

Friday, August 31st
FREE MOONFLOWER BATH SALT WITH EACH PURCHASE! Available online and in-store!

Crescent Moon School of Magic & Paganism

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 August and will end September 2nd.

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION
Friday, August 31st, 7:00pm
Level 1: Saturdays 1:00pm - 4:00pm, starting September 8th for 20 weeks (John WinterWolf & Marc)
$300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks) Reading pack & workbooks included.

Level 2: Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm, starting September 5th for 24-27 weeks (Scarlet & Eri)
$375 (or 3x $125 every 8 weeks) Supplies not included.

Level 3: Thursday 6:00pm - 9:00pm, starting September 6th for 24-27 weeks (Scarlet)
$375 (or 3x $125 every 8 weeks) Supplies not included.

Tarot Series (Scarlet)

Welcome to this 4-part comprehensive series on the tarot. Learn about how to bless & prepare your deck & how to protect your deck. The first class will explore the archetypes of the major arcana. The second and third classes explore the archetypes of the minor arcana. The last class in the series teaches you how to do readings for yourself and others, as well as introduce you to spreads and creating your own spreads.

Must have your own tarot deck

Fridays, September 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6-8pm, $120 (or $40 per class, prepay series to get one class free)

OUR BIRTHDAY

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH Come celebrate with us as we turn 21 years old! Book discount cards will be once again available! We will give you your first stamp for FREE with any purchase, just for visiting us on our birthday!

CO-HOSTED EVENT with ARGO BOOKS
AUTHOR: CHRIS PHILPOTT (“Green Spirituality”)

http://www.greenspirituality.org
Chris Philpott will be traveling in from England to speak about Paganism and the spiritual tradition of caring for the environment. He will also do a book-launch and reading from his book “Green Spirituality” which will be on sale across the street at Argo Books.
Saturday, September 15th, 2:00 pm (Lecture @ Melange Magique) FREE
Saturday, September 15th, 4:00 pm (Book Signing @ Melange Magique)
Tuesday, September 18th, 7:00 pm (Book Launch & Reading & Book signing @ Argo Books)

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE

SEPTEMBER 16TH FOR MABON
10% off everything in store all day!

Alfs, Wights, and Trolls (Matthew Risk)

In this workshop we will be learning about the different types of small gods of the Northern European Peoples. The local gods of the home, the park near your house, the mountains and the rivers, how they act, how to interact with them, how to make them happy allies, and what to look out for in terms of dangers.

Saturday, September 22nd, 2:00pm - 5:00pm, $35

JOURNÉES DE LA CULTURE

As a part of Journees de la Culture, from September 28th, 29th & 30th, 2012 at Melange Magique, presenting "EarthSong".

Inspired by the Flora & Fauna of Quebec with a fantastical & imaginative twist. Some environmentalist topics will be explored. Includes a three-day Art Exhibition of the art works of April-Anna & Elissa Baltzer.

Schedule of Events:

• Free Children's Face Painting from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Friday, September 28th.
• Vernissage: 5:00pm - 8:30pm, on Friday, September 28th.
• Live & Liberté: 3pm-5pm, on Saturday, September 29th.
• Demonstration of body-painting & fine art painting on canvas.
• Live music by singer/songwriter Cora Flora.
• Stop-Motion Animation & Body Painting: 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Sunday, September 30th.
• Live Demonstration of how to make a stop-motion animation.

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, September 29th, 10:00am – 5:00pm, $150

Walking on Water (Matthew Risk)

Are you plagued by emotions that are out of control? In this workshop we will learn about what it is that triggers our emotional states, why we get carried away by feelings outside of our control, and how to reprogram those triggers so that things that used to bother us lead to feelings we'd prefer to have. By employing creative use of the post-hypnotic state, we can easily learn to master our emotions, make our lives more effective, and more satisfying.

Saturday, September 29th, 2:00 - 5:00pm, $35

Reiki Mastery Program (Robyn)

Contact the teacher directly: http://www.montrealreiki.com

Starts Sunday, September 30th.

Self-directed Magic for Beginners (Courtney)

Most spells focus on changing the environment around the caster such that good things can occur; more efficient spells focus on changing the caster such that she is the sort of person to whom good things happen regularly. Learn to harness your energy better by making a permanent difference in your personal magical pattern!

Sunday, September 30th, 3-5pm, $25

Limited Edition Witchcraft: A Beginner's Guide DVDs!

We now have in stock two rare DVDs from "Willow" (Jacqui Winn),  a member of a coven at Glastonbury in England . The pair of DVDs create a "Beginner's Guide" to Witchcraft to give the viewer some basic knowledge and training in the Craft.

Jacqui is a Witch and High Priestess with over 20 years experience. She teaches all aspects of Witchcraft both here in the UK and abroad. She is also involved with One Eyed Witch Productions which specialise in DVDs that teach the basics of all aspects of Witchcraft.

How to Be a Teenage Witch, Teenage Witchcraft: A Beginners Guide

 "Witchcraft is one of the fastest growing spiritual tradition in the Western world today. It has a following of many different types of people, both young and old alike and from all walks of life. This DVD is aimed largely at the many teen agers that are drawn to Witchcraft and sets out the very basics, simplifying an often complex and confusing structure. This DVD is aims to explain many of the most common practices of Witchcraft in simple terms, taking the "glamour" out of it and leaving beginners with a solid starting point. Within this DVD I will explore all that Witchcraft has to offer. Within you will learn how to choose and consecrate your magical tools, how to cast a simple Magical Circle, how to perform a Rite of Dedication and much more. I hope that one thing the student takes from this DVD is that it is your intent that drives your magic and that the simpler you keep something the better it is. Most of all have fun on your Path and remember that the Gods love laughter!"

Witchcraft: A Beginner's Guide: Full Moon Magic

 "This DVD is the second in a series of DVDs that aims to teach the fundamentals of Witchcraft, one of the fastest growing spiritualities in the West today... This second film aims to take the student further along their Spiritual Path by looking at working the energy of The Full Moon. This particular Moon phase is a traditional time for Witches to meet and work their rites. and this film explores explores how this ritual can be performed and why. The film shows both a group at work , and a solitary male practitioner performing a ritual that allows a man to partake of the feminine energy of this powerful moon phase. Both rituals are designed in an easy fashion that will allow the viewer to adapt them as will suit them.

The film also looks at the raising of magical energy, both from within ourselves and from the space around us, with which we can empower our rituals and magical work. We also touch on skills of healing and divination, both traditional skills to work the Full Moon.

Most importantly this film shows us how we can work magically  both simply and effectively. Through this film, we aim to simplify many of the complex ideas within witchcraft and make it accessible to all who are drawn to its teachings and ideas. The most important thing to remember is to walk your Path with joy and love, and to take an element of fun with you on your own personal magical journey."

Don't Let the Muggles Get You Down!

Feeling tired, stressed, restless? Do you feel like you are surrounded by psychic vampires sucking the energy out of you or like the heat is leaching your vitality?

There are many reasons we leak energy. Being ungrounded, stress, anxiety, taking too much care of others without having time to ourselves, and most notably at work or other social situations: by absorbing other peoples negativity.

But in the wise words of Ronald Weasley:

Here are some ways to prevent the less magically inclined (or the more negative, or the energy sucking) people in your life from influencing you:

1- Ground and center. Energy that is floating around is more likely to siphon or be siphoned off than energy that is following it's proper course to the ground. To avoid energy leakage or psychic vampires it's best to make sure you are grounded and centered. Here is a quick meditation: imagine you are a tree. As you breath out, all your negativity comes out of your roots into the earth. As you breath in, draw clean energy up from your roots imagining them drinking from a subterranean pool and filling your whole being. Breathe out and imagine negativity being expelled through your leaves. Breathe in and imagine the sun on your leaves being transferred into energy, bringing vitality to your whole being. Repeat.

2- Shield. It is actually simpler to shield your energy from outside influences than you think: Just imagine yourself with a stone or brick wall around your aura. As long as this visualization is kept in the back of your mind, you will be less susceptible to outside influences and you will also protect others from your own energy.

3- Remember that most people aren't doing this on purpose. My father always told me that most people are too self-absorbed to actually be negative towards you on purpose. If someone is sending off negativity, it is more likely that they are just having a bad day then that they are feeling malicious towards you specifically. If someone is draining you of your energy, it probably has more to do with them being drained and tired then that they enjoy it. Remember the Threefold Law: send out forgiveness, positivity, and love and you will get it right back. Don't resent those around you who are getting you down: that just feeds the negativity and makes it stronger.

4- Take care of your self. Ever heard the expression "healthy body- healthy mind, healthy mind- healthy body"? Well the same holds true with your energy and spirit. If you are eating right, exercising, sleeping well and generally being good to yourself you will be more solid and down-to -earth which in turn will help you be less effected by the energies around you.

5- Get your energy flow back to normal. When we are stressed or influenced by outside negativity the energy flow in our bodies gets redirected, blocked or misplaced. Doing chakra meditations or Qigong exercises can help but you can also get your energy re-aligned by an alternative healer. Reiki, Osteopathy, and Shiatsu all help to promote natural energy flows in the body and to rid you of negativity. Take advantage of Melange's Healers Monika, Valerie and Matt to help get your energy flowing back to it's best! Check them out on our website at http://www.themagicalblend.com/consultations

Happy (belated) Lughnasadh!

Yesterday was Lughnasadh, otherwise known as Lammas. The term "Lammas" is said to come from the Old English for "Loaf Mass" indicating that this was the time of year to celebrate the harvest of the first grains by baking bread. "Lughnasadh" is Gaelic for the celebration of the Celtic god Lugh. Lugh was not only a warrior who possessed two magical weapons (the Sword of Light and the Spear of Lugh) but he was also the original "Jack of All Trades," winning his place among the Tuatha De Dannan by being the only master of all professions. Lugh was a sorceror, a carpenter, a blacksmith, a doctor and many other things including a warrior so daunting he could never be defeated and his charge into battle was like the sun rising on the horizon. Because of this Lugh is associated with the sun, which is perhaps why his holiday falls during the hottest days of the year.
Here is a picture of Lugh by an artist on Deviant Art to get you in the mood for the holiday.

 Happy Lughnasadh and Blessed Be!
---
Hier nous avons célébrons le sabbat de Lughnasadh, aussi appelé Lammas. Le terme de Lammas vient du vieil anglais "Loaf Mass" (messe du pain), indiquant la période de la première grande récolte de l'année consistant de grains. Le terme Lughnasadh est un mot gaélique ayant rapport avec la célébration du dieu Lugh. Lugh est un guerrier possédant 2 armes (l'Épée de Lumière et la Lance de Lugh) et il est considéré comme le dieu des "Tuatha De Dannan" ayant maîtrisé le plus de professions. Lugh est un sorcier, un menuisier, un forgeron, un médecin, en plus d'autres professions comme un guerrier si féroce que personne n'a pu le battre et que son énergie sur le champ de bataille est comme un soleil se levant sur les plaines. Il est donc associé avec le soleil, et c'est peut-être pour cela que sa célébration se fait dans les journées les plus chaudes de l'année.

2012 August Workshops & Events

SUNDAY SABBAT SALE

LAMMAS

July 29^th 10% off ALL DAY

OH-HARAI-TAISAI: JULY 30th

Shinto Day of repentance and purification.

Meditatively walk through a ring of woven grasses for self-purification.

One will be woven by our staff and erected in our public altar space for you.

Many bright blessings upon you at the half-way point in the Asian year.

KALEIDOSCOPE GATHERING FESTIVAL: AUG 1-6

http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.ca/

We will not be vending directly at KG, but supplies pertinent to workshops and activities hosted by staff will be available from store staff, or by special request. Come find us! Scarlet, Ryan, Erika and friends

Staff will be hosting three activities at the festival:

The Need Fire History: Discover the connections through land and time of the concept of a sacred flame or need fire. Where does the idea come from? Why do we use this tool in our rites? How to create a sacred need fire for your home.

Fire Scrying: Learn how to create a safe fire within your cauldron for the purpose of magic, ritual, and scrying. Engage in a fire scrying experience!

Rite of Passage for Girls: This is a non-denomination ceremony for girls aged 12 through 18 who have had their first mensus. They must be sponsored by a parent/guardian to attend with that parent present for the ceremony. This is both ritual and learning experience for girls and parents alike. This is an overnight experience where the girls will encounter the divine and themselves through ritual. $25 pre-registration required by July 26^th (PayPal payments to scarletcougar@gmail.com)

REIKI 1 (Co-taught: Robyn & Monika)

Come and experience the healing nature of Reiki while learning all you need to know to become a First Degree Reiki Practitioner. In this intensive course you will learn the history and origins of Reiki, the ethics of being a Reiki practitioner, what hand positions are used during a full Reiki session, and how to self-treat. You will be formally attuned/ initiated to the Usui Shiki Ryoho style using the American Reiki Mastery Association’s style of initiations. There will be plenty of time given for practice.

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19, 10am -3pm $150

** This workshop is held off-site, in Verdun (www.montrealreiki.com) **

CMS Registration & Open House

Friday August 31st at 7pm
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 August and will end September 1st.

Level 1: Saturdays 1-4pm starting September 8th for 20weeks
$300 (or 3 x $100 every 6 weeks) reading pack & workbooks included
Level 2: Wednesdays 6-9pm starting September 5th for 24-27 weeks
$375 (or 3x $125 every 8 weeks) supplies not included
Level 3: Thursday 6-9pm starting September 6th for 24-27 weeks
$375 (or 3x $125 every 8 weeks) supplies not included
Level 4: Fridays 6-9pm starting September 7^th for 24-27 weeks

$400 supplies not included

BLUE MOON

Friday August 31st

Surprise special and gifts TO BE ANNOUNCED

Friday the 13th

While there is little actual historical evidence or reference to Friday the 13th as a day of ill or good luck, it has not stopped the growth of superstition in the Western World. Here are some of the superstitions:

- Friday was an unlucky day mentioned in Canterbury Tales.

- 13 is an unlucky number as 12 is considered the number of completeness. A 13th is an omen of death to one in order to maintain the complete number of 12.

Phobias have evolved around the day Friday the 13th since the 19th century.

But we at The magical Blend would like to offer a different perspective!

Friday is a holy day and the beginning time for prayer in several religions. The ending of a work week and a time to relax. Today we cheer TGIF! Thank God It's Friday!

Numerologically, 13 is 1 and 3 which them make 4. the number 4  means stability, grounding, earth. It is associated with calm as well as strength and steadiness. Things falling into the proper place and order for completeness and growth are also part of the meanings of this number. And thus also prosperity and material wealth.

On that note, if you have paid attention this far... the store will host a SURPRISE SALE!
That's right! 13% off everything all day on Friday the 13th!

May you all find stability, strength and wealth!

July 2012 Workshops & Events

CANADA DAY: JULY 1st

CLOSED

Hours may be reduced on Monday July 2nd

Connecting to Divine Self (Sarah)

The key to a Life of Wisdom, Miracles and Joy is in your hands when you learn to Consciously Connect to your Divine Self.

On this guided journey you will learn: the simplest route to deep meditation, how to download all the Wisdom you could ever need from your Source, how to upload your dreams and intentions to Manifest Miracles, and how to access the Joy, Peace, and Contentment that you came into this life to enjoy.

This transformative workshop is for you if you seek simple and practical tools to experience Wisdom, Miracles and Joy in your everyday life.

Learn how to:

- Receive Wisdom directly from Source

- Manifest Miracles

- Experience True Joy

Sarah Wilson is a Clairvoyant Spiritual Counselor from Vancouver Island, BC. She works as psychic and international lecturer in the field of Consciousness. Sarah is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Metaphysics. www.sarahwilson.ca

Thursday, July 5th, 6:15-9pm   $60

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, July 7th, 10am - 5pm  cost: 150$

Training in the Craft (Scarlet) FREE
A look at the difference between traditional vs eclectic Wicca and witchcraft, as well and coven vs solitary training. We will explore the many facets of the craft and try to understand which is the best path for you to take. How do you find a group or mentor? What are the pros and cons of each path?

Thursday July 12th 6-8pm FREE

Quantum Psychology (Matt Risk)

Back in the late '60s Dr. Irving Blum (AKA: T. Leary) wrote about the 8 circuit model of human psychology which was later popularized by Robert Anton Wilson, Chris Hyatt, and other writers. This model allows us to reflect on the basic needs and drives of the Human and Trans-human aspects of our psychology and to explore and navigate these needs in order to transcend the neuroses of terrestrial consciousness and increase our Intelligence in preparation for the next inevitable stages of human evolution. Incorporating conventional psychology and mystical experience into a greater whole which shows the way forward into the post-terrestrial future. 

Playing with this useful map allows us to learn about and take care of the psychological needs that may be baulked by our neuroses, as well as to develop those faculties of mind that mystics and magikians of the past have called 'Psychic', 'Mystical', or 'Spiritual' without falling for the greatest obstacle to Illumination: Taking Ourselves Seriously.

Saturday, July 14th, 1-5 pm $40

Fire Scrying (Scarlet)
How does one create a safe contained fire for ritual and divination? What are the techniques for scrying in the flames? learn and practice this during this workshop.

Thursday July 19th 6-8pm $30

 

Walking on Water (Matt Risk)

Are you plagued by emotions that are out of control? In this workshop we will learn about what it is that triggers our emotional states, why we get carried away by feelings outside of our control, and how to reprogram those triggers so that things that used to bother us lead to feelings we'd prefer to have. By employing creative use of the post-hypnotic state, we can easily learn to master our emotions, make our lives more effective, and more satisfying.

Saturday July 21, 2-5 pm, $35

Building the Astral Temple (Matt Risk)

Long ago the concept of the Astral Temple was brought forward as a means of working one's spells and making changes on the deeper levels of one's practice. An Astral Temple provides you with a work space that is accessible anywhere without the need for carrying an elaborate magickal kit with you. Simply close your eyes and relax and you can make use of your own astral temple. In this workshop we will learn how to access the powerful states of mind that allow us access into the astral, as well as techniques and considerations for building the temple, and making a home on the astral plane.

Saturday July 28th, 2-5 pm $35

OH-HARAI-TAISAI: JULY 30th

Shinto Day of repentance and purification.

Meditatively walk through a ring of woven grasses for self-purification.

One will be woven by our staff and erected in our public altar space for you.

Many bright blessings upon you at the half-way point in the Asian year.

KALEIDOSCOPE GATHERING FESTIVAL: AUG 1-6

http://www.kaleidoscope-gathering.ca/

We will be vending at the festival, so if you are at fest, come visit us there!

Staff will be hosting three activities at the festival:

The Need Fire History: Discover the connections through land and time of the concept of a sacred flame or need fire. Where does the idea come from? Why do we use this tool in our rites? How to create a sacred need for your home.

Fire Scrying: Learn how to create a safe fire within your cauldron for the purpose of magic, ritual, and scrying. Engage in a fire scrying experience!

Rite of Passage for Girls: This is a non-denomination ceremony for girls aged 12 through 18 who have had their first mensus. They must be sponsored by a parent/guardian to attend with that parent present for the ceremony. This is both ritual and learning experience for girls and parents alike. This is an overnight experience where the girls will encounter the divine and themselves through ritual. $25 preregistration required by July 26^th (paypal payments to scarletcougar@gmail.com)

Ritual Tools: Limited Items

For a limited time Melange has in stock beautifully hand-tooled leather tomes: This stunning handcrafted Book of Shadows is an heirloom-quality tome which will serve you for years. Each book has a sword on its 3" binding. The front cover overflows with the ancient Celtic symbolism of Morrigan, who appeared as a crow to lead warriors into battle, and escort souls to the afterlife. The back cover celebrates the harvest, prosperity, and fertility. This book is 8.5" x 10", weighing in at a hefty three pounds. The covers are made out of high grade vegetable, tanned leather that softens with use and age. This spell book is coptic bound with 3" binding so that its pages always lay flat! Featuring: Handmade, Old World, tree-free, acid-free, archival quality linen parchment paper!

  Also back in stock are our ritual horns: A ceremonial horn, made from waterbuffalo horn-- approximately 6" in length. Excellent for representing the horned god on your altar or being used as a drinking horn. Magical properties include strength, stamina, masculinity, and virility. Elemental associations with fire. Bull horns are also associated with the astrological sign Taurus and therefore earth and stability.

Order them online or come to the store before the fly away!

Father's Day

Wondering what to get your father? Here are some ideas:

- Leather perfume oil
- Men's Spiritual Cleansing Bath Salt
- Gratitude banner
- healing session with one of our amazing healers
   --- Monika (Reiki & Energy Healing)
   --- Matt (Shiatsu Massage)
   --- Valerie (Osteopathy)
- Green Man talisman or decorative box (for his keys!)
- Book: "Sacred Paths for Modern Men"

Select one of our beautiful art cards and tell your dad how much you love and appreciate him!

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain, 
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, 
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, 
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, 
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, 
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, 
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, 


He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

June's Full Moon

This June 4th, 2012 will be a spectacular full moon with partial lunar eclipse that will be absolutely dazzling to watch! To ramp it up, there will be a transit of Venus joining that energy.

What you might want to know about June's Moon and things you can do.

In Celtic lore and sacred trees, the full moon of June can be associated with either one of 2 trees (Oak and Holly) which is appropriate for the Celtic epic battle that happens twice a year at the solstices, the Battle of the Oak King and Holly King.

If you follow the Oak Tree for this full moon, then you want to focus on these themes: Strength & Protection.

If you follow the Holly Tree for this moon, then you want to challenge yourself. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and then re-establish your balance.

The Farmer's Almanac for North Eastern America refers to this full moon as the Strawberry or the Rose Moon for its tendency to take on a pinkish hue and the harvesting of strawberries at this time. It is a time to celebrate your achievements and accomplishments. What have you done that you should celebrate? Go to your local farmer's market and buy their strawberries. Celebrate with Strawberries and cream. Don't forget to offer some to your local faeries! Give a rose to someone you love and share your celebration with them.

At the shop, we have featured a few very special items:

• Moon Water - $5.00 per bottle
• Moon Magick by DJ Conway - $28.50
• Everyday Moon Magic by Dorothy Morrison - $16.95
• Moon Spells by Diane Ahlquist (NEW) - $13.95
• Full Moon candle by Coventry Creations - $17.95

June 2012 Workshops & Events

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, June 2nd, 10am - 5pm  cost: 150$

Energy Work for Beginners (Monika)

If you are interested or have a piqued curiosity for energy work this is the place to start! Lecture and open panel conversation on what is energy work, how it can benefit all areas of your life. Will be touching base on different kinds of energy work. Come and see which is best suited for you!

Saturday, June 2nd, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm  cost: 10$

Chakra Workshop (Monika)

Are you ready for change? Are you ready to live your best life? Are you ready to take hold of your life and move into the next level to live abundantly? Come and learn how having a balanced chakra system can benefit your life, increase love, health and balance.

To be held every Thursday June 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6:30- 8:30pm  cost:$160 (chakra booklet included)

Practical Sigil Magic (Matt)

In 1910 Austin Osman Spare presented a new magical technique to the world. One with which a magician could perform a potent magical act armed with no greater weapon than a pen and a piece of paper. Come out to learn how to construct, charge, and launch sigils.

Monday, June 11th, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm  cost: $35

Role of Handmaiden in History and Traditional Wicca & Witchcraft (Scarlet)

The history of the handmaiden is seen throughout our past. They were lady attendants, otherwise known as ladies in waiting, or handmaidens. In Japan, they served as concubines to the emperor. The history of the Robin (or Fetch or Page) is similar to that of the Handmaiden, except that it is a male assistant to a man. The role of the handmaiden in Wicca stems from the historical references to handmaidens in both the male and female sense. They were the intimate aid that was crucial for the smooth continuation of a practice. I propose to look at the various historical references and roles of the handmaiden (both male and female) as seen in history and compare these to the traditional practices of the handmaiden role in Wicca and Witchcraft. I will conclude with some of the issues and concerns facing this tradition in today's contemporary Pagan practices.

Thursday, June 14th, 7-9pm  cost: $25

FATHER’S DAY & SUNDAY SABBAT SALE

JUNE 17^th ALL DAY

10% OFF all items in store

Come see what we have for your dad!!

Qigong: Energy Play for Health, Power, and Virility (Matt)

For centuries the Chinese Taoist and Buddhist monks have been studying the body's energetic system. Join us to learn some simple techniques for improving your energy flow by removing energetic obstacles in your body leading to improved organ functioning, a higher rate of bodily comfort, and peace of mind.

Sunday, June 17th, 2-5 pm  cost: $35

MIDSUMMER (LITHA)

June20th all day

Have a Happy Holiday!!

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY

June 21^st all day

10% off all sage smudges

Crafting Ritual: An Introduction (Amanda)

Ritual is a space in time carved out for spiritual or transformative work. It usually involves set forms to create and contain the energy of that moment; and is an integral component of many contemporary Pagan practices. This introductory workshop provides an overview of common ritual formats and some basic considerations when crafting a ritual for yourself or small groups.

Thursday, June 21st, 6:30-8:30pm  cost: $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, June 23rd, 10am - 5pm  Cost: $250

ST-JEAN BAPTIST DAY

June 24^th CLOSED

GHAMBAR MAIDYOSHEM

Zoroastrian celebration of the creation of water and the sowing of summer crops.

In-store display featuring all water related products and ideas to keep cool this summer!

June 29th through July 3rd

Jewish Mysticism & Qabalah

Shavout is here, so we figured we'd give you the low-down on Jewish mysticism. According to Google's dictionary, a mysticism, in general, is defined as 'belief that union with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or the spiritual apprehension of knowledge inaccessible to the intellect, may be attained through contemplation and self-surrender.' Many world religions have mysticisms associated with them which draw on and interpret their common doctrine for this purpose. Judaism is one of them. Judaism's associated mysticism is known as Kabbalah. Kabbalah is very well-accepted for a mysticism; many Rabbis and other Jewish adherenets openly practice Kabbalah as a supplement to their normal practices. The goal of Kabbalah is generally thought to be ultimate understanding of the oneness and timelessness of the universe, but mileage may vary depending on the person practicing it. There exists a Christianized form of Kabbalah, which is generally referred to as Cabalah. Cabalah is much less accepted in tandem with other denominations of Christianity, but it has a good number of practitioners all the same. Qabalah is the practical application of Kabbalah for purposes of ceremonial magick. Qabalists need not be Kabbalists, or even Jewish adherents; in fact, most of Western magick is based on Qabalah in at least some respects. Qabalah rituals often involve summoning or calling upon the name of various angels and archangels, each of which rules some aspect of reality. Qabalah can be used for the purposes of ceremonial magick, but it may also be used to attain a greater general understanding of the universe around us and our place within it. These spellings are a rough rule of usage; many practitioners switch between them with relative freedom, without worrying much over specific letters. This is due to the difficulty of transliterating the original Hebrew word into Latin letters. Technically speaking, one could translate the original Hebrew letters into English as 'kabbalah', 'qabalah', or 'cabalah' with equal accuracy, since Hebrew letters do not distinguish between the 'ka', 'ca', and 'qa' sounds. Because of this, it is safe to assume that older books on the subject, such as the Sefer Yetzirah, are still Jewish in origin, even if they are marked 'Cabalah.' The books below are all associated with Qabalah, though many also bleed into Kabbalah-- in particular, note the Zohar and the Sefer Yetzirah, both of which are famous for forming the basis of Jewish Kabbalah. The Chicken Qabalah Of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford ($26.95) by Lon Milo DuQuette Sefer Yetzirah - The Book Of Creation - In Theory And Practice ($39.95) by Aryeh Kaplan The Bahir Illumination ($31.95) by Aryeh Kaplan Essential Zohar - The Source of Kabbalistic Wisdom ($21.00) by Rav P. S. Berg Godwin's Cabalistic Encyclopedia - A Complete Guide to Cabalistic Magick ($53.95) by David Godwin The Kabbalah Unveiled ($31.95) by S.I. MacGregor Mathers Mystical Qabalah (2nd ed.) ($25.95) by Dion Fortune Universal Meaning Of The Kabbalah ($27.95) by Leo Schaya The Witches Qabala: The Pagan Path and the Tree Of Life ($23.95) by Ellen Cannon Reed

For Mom

The above is for any online order placed through our website. Click above to go to the website.
Also for Mother's Day for those who come into the shop, get 10% off selected items for Mother's Day on Sunday all day only (May 13th, 2012).

We have Bath Salt just for MOM!! Also among the selected items are:

• Goddess Milk Bath
• Women's Spiritual Cleansing Bath Salt
• Moon Water
• Affirmation Blessed Herbal Candle for Inner Beauty
• Kwan Yin Goddess Candle
• Evolving Body Badger Balm
• Healing for Hardworking Hands Badge Balm
• Tension Soother Badger Balm
• TWO styles of pewter goddess pendants
• BOOK: Womanspirit Rising
• BOOK: The Goddess Companion
• BOOK: The Great Cosmic Mother

Don't forget the beautiful floral print cards by artist Tina Jory. Use one of these to send your mother a words of love and gratitude for all she has done for you.

M - O - T - H - E - R 
"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell 
"MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.
Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

Suffering from chronic pain, anxiety or insomnia? Feeling the aftermath of an accident, a surgery or a non-physical trauma? Enjoying pregnancy but not the heavy legs coming with that state? All these situations, and more, are indications for osteopathic treatment.

Osteopathy is a manual medicine that focuses on the musculo-skeletal, the visceral and the nervous systems. It tries to eliminate the cause of a person's physical problems, and looks at the person in a holistic way. It opens up healing on deeper level: emotional, psychological, energetic and spiritual.

Valerie offers osteopathic treatments at the store on Thursdays, generally from 1-5pm. Special arrangements can be made if you call in advance and mention that you wish to speak with Valerie prior to booking an appointment. Otherwise, please call the store and give your preferred time slot to the staff.

FAQ: What is Astral Projection and Astral Travel?

What is Astral Projection?
Astral projection, or an "out of body experience," is the process of separating one's consciousness from the physical world so that it can perceive and explore the Astral realms more easily. The Astral realms are the energetic and spiritual planes that lie just beneath the physical one, giving and reflecting its spiritual substance. By separating your consciousness from your physical body you enter the astral planes making it easier to perceive and navigate.

What is Astral Travel?
Astral travel is the next step after astral projection. Once you have entered the astral plane with your consciousness you can go exploring. Your astral self will maintain it's link to your physical body through a anchor which will make it easy to find your body again no matter where you wander.

Why Would I Astral Travel?
Even though the astral realms reflect the physical realm it is much more vast and varied. As well the first Astral realm works as a sort of gateway to many realms such as Faery, the realm of dreams, the astral planes associated with other planets as well as angelic and demonic realms and many others. In your astral body you can explore all these places and gather information on the spiritual state and health of the universe, information about these other realms and maybe even speak to some of the entities that inhabit them.

What Are the Dangers?
Just like any sort of mundane travel, astral travel can be fraught with problems. You might lose your way, or find yourself in a part of the astral that is strange, confusing or frighting. The biggest problem most people have with astral travel is allowing yourself to feel disconnected from your physical body. The sensation is often dizzying and uncomfortable and can cause a lot of anxiety. People tend to keep their consciousness firmly rooted inside themselves and having it separate away can be extremely disorienting and can even cause a "flight or fight" reaction from a misconception that one is dying. Preparing yourself with meditation and lots of practice can help to overcome the unconscious fear of astral projection. A few people also experience an inability to find one's way back to one's body or trouble reintegrating into it properly. Learning to sense your tether and even to use it to snap back into your body is a good way to prevent this. As for and inability to reintegrate, learning to ground or simply doing something very physical like working out or eating can correct this.
Other dangers of astral travel tend to do with what sort of entities you might encounter. Spiritual entities are much more powerful on the astral plane. Learning psychic protection techniques, creating astral weapons and armor and testing entities with holy symbols are all a good way of protecting yourself from negative spirits you may encounter.

How Do I Astral Project?
Astral projection can often be hard to achieve as it involves allowing your spirit or consciousness to separate from your physical body which is counter to your natural state except perhaps during sleep. One of the ways to achieve this is to but yourself in a state of conscious dreaming, such as lucid dreaming. Another way is to place yourself in a trance-like state. Certain stones, oils and herbs are also helpful for learning to astral travel.The best way to learn how to astral travel however is to learn from a practitioner. For a good book try Astral Projection for Beginners by Edain McCoy  or check out Matt's workshop on astral projection happening this Sunday in which "you will be given the tools to make use of this time honoured skill. You will be given anchors to powerful trance states in which you can easily achieve out of body experiences."

May 2012 Workshop

WESAK: Buddha’s Day

Celebrate the Buddha with books, tea, and meditation.

-10% off all meditation, tea, and east Asian books and items.

Sunday, May 6th

Practical Energy Work (Scarlet)

This two-part workshop will introduce you to tapping into and managing your own personal energy and protecting yourself from psychic attacks and evil intentions. The first night focuses on basic energy work: centering, grounding, your personal space, sensing energy, casting circles, and creating a ball of energy. The second night focuses in intermediate energy work: sensing and moving energy, charging and draining and programming energy of objects, shielding yourself and your home, and creating a cone of power.

* Crescent Moon School students may attend both classes for $20*

Thursday, May 10th & 24th 7-9pm $80

Fun with Hebrew Letters (Eri)
Trying to study Qabbalah? Can't figure out how to draw Hebrew scripture? Can't remember the order of the alphabet or that "Aleph" means "ox," is associated with the element of Air and represents the number 1? In this workshop all these problems will be dealt with and we will make flash cards to help future learning.
Saturday, May 12th 2-4pm $10

MOTHER’S DAY

Honor your mother with pampering Women’s Spiritual Cleansing bath salts or Goddess milk baths. Add in a beautiful floral print art card for spring and tell her how much you love her! Check out our Mother’s Day display table for ideas and discounts and other surprises!

Sunday, May 13th

Evoking and Invoking Personalized Godforms (Matt)

Throughout history people have been calling spirits into their circles and bodies in order to make use of their abilities. Do these spirits exist? Join us to find out why it doesn't matter, and how you can make custom spirits to enhance your work with traditional entities, or to use your own creativity to make entities suited for your own personal needs.

Sunday, May 13th 2-5 pm, $35

GAIA GATHERING (Canadian National Pagan Conference)

The Canadian National Pagan Conference (CNPC), Gaia Gathering, is held every year over the long Victoria Day weekend in May. Each year, the event is hosted by a different city, which is determined through a bid and vote process. Gaia Gathering is a place where people from across Canada and from across the spectrum of this country’s Pagan religions an come together to talk about who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we might be going as a religious community in Canada.

The 2012 conference will be held in the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada; Toronto, Ontario from May 18th to 21st, 2012 and the theme will be "Building the Mosaic."

www.gaiagathering.ca

ABORIGINAL AWARENESS DAY

Free sage and shell with every purchase over $25.

-10% off all sage bundles and books on Shamanism & Native Spirituality.

Tuesday, May 22nd

KEILLIENA GUEST VISITOR

Come meet Keilliena right out of Halifax’s Pagan shop, Little Mysteries.

Visiting us for the day to do clairvoyant readings and launch her new book.

Wednesday, May23rd

Vision Board Workshop (Monika)

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much” ~Jim Rohn

Come and envision the life you always wanted, with intent, then create the life you always deserved with intentional manifestation.

Saturday, May 26th 1-3pm $25

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, May 26th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, $35

Achieving Lucidity: Dreaming Your Way to Enlightenment (Matt)

In answer to the question 'are you a god', Gautama Buddha replied 'I am awake'. To wake up in the dream is to become a deity within the world of your own dreaming mind. Join us to explore practical techniques for achieving lucid dream states, and what powers and adventures you can have once you're awake within the dream.

Sunday, May 27th 2-5 pm, $35