Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Imbolc for a New Start!

So many things start around this time of year. Some that can be named for Montreal include CMS (Crescent Moon School), CUPS (Concordia University Pagan Society), WynterGreene Community Magazine just to name a few. This year feels a bit like a slow start. I think our local groundhogs will be very upset by the snow that is coming this week. They will want to wait a while longer before they get started. However, the sun does not wait. Already we see the days lengthening a little.

This time of year is marked by Groundhog Day, the Feast of Saint Brigit, Candlemas and the Pagan Sabbat of Imbolc. Let us take a brief look at each of these.

Groundhog Day
"The Groundhog Day came into being in North America during the late 1800s. Thanks to the combined effort of Clymer H. Freas, a newspaper editor, and W. Smith, an American Congressman and newspaper publisher. They organized and popularized a yearly festival in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the State was populated predominantly by German settlers. The festival featured a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil which used to foretell how long the winter would last. This very popular event is still being held and is called Groundhog Day.....

It is based on a belief that on this day (February 2) the groundhog, or woodchuck, comes out of hole after winter hibernation to look for its shadow. If the shadow is seen, it's a sunny day. And the groundhog foretells 'six more weeks of bad weather' and thus a lingering winter. But spring is coming if no shadow is seen because of clouds. The groundhog then behaves accordingly. It goes back into the hole if the weather turns bad, but stays above ground if spring is near."
http://groundhog-day.123holiday.net/


Feast of Saint Brigit

St. Brigid -- her name is correctly pronounced "Brigg-id" or "Bree-id" but almost never is -- was born in A.D. 451 or 452 to a pagan father (Dubthach) and Christian slave mother (Broicsech) just after the time that St. Patrick was preaching (St. Patrick died in A.D. 493).

As a freewoman, she became a part of her father's clan, and being a part of the clan made her marriageable to the clansmen. They began to seek her out as she was beautiful, but she consecrated herself to Christ and wanted no part of marriage. It is said that she, like St. Rose of Lima was to do later, disfigured her face so that no man would even want to marry her. Her resolve convinced her father to allow her to take the veil, and she became the first nun in Ireland. Brigid and her sisters first set up a convent in Ardagh, but then moved to what is now known as Kildare, "The Church of the Oak."

When St. Brigid died an old woman in A.D. 525 , her sisters kept a fire burning in an enclosure at her Kildare convent. This fire burned for centuries, tended by the Sisters and not burning out until A.D. 1220. It was re-lit and burned for 400 years, when the effects of the Protestant "Reformation" extinguished it again.
http://www.fisheaters.com/customstimeafterepiphany2a.html

For instructions on how to make a woven Cross of Saint Brigit: http://www.fisheaters.com/stbrigidscross.html


Candlemas
The Feast of the Presentation, often called Candlemas, commemorates the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the temple, which took place 40 days after his birth as Jewish law required. The name Candlemas comes from the activities associated with the feast. It came to be known as the Candle Mass. In the Western Church, a procession with lighted candles is the distinctive rite. According to post Vatican-II discipline, (if possible) the beeswax candles are to be blessed somewhere other than where the Mass is held. Often your local parish will hand out candles, or you may bring your own, to be blessed before the procession. These may be saved for later use in your home.
http://www.churchyear.net/candlemas.html

February 2nd is Candlemas Day. This ancient festival marks the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In olden times, many people used to say that the Christmas season lasted for forty days - until the second day of February.


Imbolc
Like many Pagan holidays, Imbolc has a Celtic connection as well, although it wasn’t celebrated in non-Gaelic Celtic societies. The Irish goddess Brighid is the keeper of the sacred flame, the guardian of home and hearth. To honor her, purification and cleaning are a wonderful way to get ready for the coming of Spring. In addition to fire, she is a goddess connected to inspiration and creativity.

February is known as a month when love begins anew, in part to the widespread celebration of Valentine's Day. In some parts of Europe, there was a belief that February 14th was the day that birds and animals began their annual hunt for a mate. Valentine's Day is named for the Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's edict banning young soldiers from marrying. In secret, Valentine "tied the knot" for many young couples. Eventually, he was captured and executed on Feb. 14, 269 C.E. Before his death, he smuggled a message to a girl he had befriended while imprisoned -- the first Valentine's Day card.
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/imbolcfebruary2/p/Imbolc_History.htm

The Sun God began courting the Sleeping Spring Goddess. She lay upon the ground covered in its white snow. He lit a ring of candles about her to aid him in warming and waking her. With the warmth of fire and sun, he also laid upon her tokens of his love in the hopes that she would be enticed and their young love could blossom with the flowers in Spring.

Keepers of the Flame: Groups who honor Brigid by tending her Perpetual Flame
"The Daughters of the Flame consists of three cells of nineteen shifts each. We wish to remain small and to be accessible to women who do not own computers, so although discussion often takes place via email, communication by letter is also encouraged, and a yearly newsletter is published, containing, among other things, members' articles, letters, poetry and artwork. "

These woman also hold vigil for a duration of time with a lit red candle to keep the flam lit around the world. Visit their website for more information.
http://www.madstone.com/DaughtersoftheFlame/keepers-of-the-flame.htm


THEREFORE
This is a time to start new things, to lean on the young creative fires of inspiration and tap into the budding possibilities of the coming Spring. Celebrate women! Celebrate the arts and creativity! Celebrate love!

HAPPENING HERE AT THE STORE
Crescent Moon School now opens to a SECOND Level 1 class for Fridays 6-9pm. Those who worried that the small Wednesday class would become (and is) full, now they have another chance to be part of this terms new start! Registration in Friday January 30 through February 2nd.

The MPRC (Montreal Pagan Resource Centre) is hosting a public ritual for the community to celebrate Imbolc on February 1st at 2pm. Bring food and drink to share and a looney or shiny penny.


WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
Light candles
Write some poetry
Bake Hot Cross Buns: http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/article/43/17749
Give a love note to someone you care about

Friday, January 23, 2009

February Workshops

INTRODUCTION TO CRYSTAL HEALING (Robyn)
There are many ways one can explore alternative healing these days, but one of the more popular and easily accessible ways is the laying on of stones on the body to re-align energies, combat maladies and increase the body's natural harmony. Join us in this introductory workshop to learn more about this peaceful mode of healing
Friday, January 29th @ 7-9pm $30

INTRODUCTION TO PAGANISM (Scarlet)
This is you chance to ask those burning questions about Paganism. Is it a religion? What are the basic beliefs? Where does it come from?
Friday, January 30th @ 6-7pm FREE

FREE CRESCENT MOON SCHOOL (CMS) OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION
Come one and come all to the CMS Open house evening. See what the students from three levels of study have been working on all Autumn & Winter! Meet the teachers and discover what is expected for the coming session. This is the best opportunity to register for the February Level 1 class. Please note that the CMS Level 1 class take no more than 5 students so as to provide each student with personalized attention and guidance.
** CMS Level 1 starts Wednesdays February 4th 6-9pm $300 in three installments of $100 with all readings & workbooks included **
Friday, January 30th @ 7-9pm FREE

PUBLIC IMBOLC RITUAL (MPRC)

Join us in a celebration of family, friends, light and love! All are welcome. Please bring some food to share and feast gear to eat and drink with as well as a bright penny or Looney.

Sunday February 1st, @ 2pm FREE

MPRC PAGAN DISCUSSION (public)
"Does Evil Exist?"
If all is as it should be and the universe is in balance, then how can evil exist? What is ’evil’? And what should we do when we are faced with it?
Thursday, February 5th @ 6:30 - 9pm FREE

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT I (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine !
Thursday February 5th @ 7-9pm $30

MOON MAGIC (Scarlet)
The moon moves us as it moves the tides. Each phase carries different energies. Learn what these are and how to tap into them for greater success in your magic. Also, discover the energies and challenges associated with lunar eclipses and when the moon is void of course.
Monday February 9th @ 7-9pm $30

LOVE MAGIC (Scarlet)
Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Learn how to attract someone into your life. Discover ways to spice up your relationship. Find, strengthen, inspire love. This workshop will explore candle magic, aromatherapy and even love potions!
Tuesday February 10th @ 7-9pm $30

SOUL MATES (Catharine)
Soul mates, twin flames, split apart, karmic partners, soul partners—all are names used for this profound bond we feel instantly with another. Come explore all the variations, share your experiences and receive psychic messages about your soul mates with Catharine.
Thursday February 12th @ 7-9pm $30

I HAVE A ROCK...NOW WHAT? (Sam)
Wondering whether to use a rough stone or a tumbled stone? Maybe you want to know how to cleanse different stones. Having trouble remembering which one does what? Discuss the answers to these questions and learn how to incorporate stone-work in your life.
Thursday February 12th @ 7-9pm $30

HANDMAIDEN AND ROBIN IN TRADITIONAL WICCA (Scarlet)
Apprentice, assistant, student, maiden or youth: they served an important role in medieval times and throughout the evolution of Traditional Wicca. Usually only a female role but more and more we see a young man in the role, which is the Robin (or Fetch) of the Craft. We will explore history, mystery, knowledge and modern perspectives.
Sunday February 15th @ 2-4pm $15

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT II (Catharine)
Take the next step in your development by exploring multiple ways of receiving messages and visions. We will do more in depth work with meditation, energy work and practice readings on each other. Guided meditation and message circle follows, where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine!
Thursday, February 19th @ 7-9pm $30

SORTILÈGE 101 (François)
Comment fabrique-t-on un sortilège ? Que doit-on y incorporer ? Quel est le meilleur moment pour le réaliser ? Cet atelier s’adresse à tout débutant voulant connaitre les bases de l’élaboration d’un sort. Nous y explorerons les différentes composantes ainsi que les étapes importantes d’un sortilège ou d’un rituel.
Thursday, February 19th @ 7-9pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT I (Catharine)
Discover the many ways we receive our psychic gifts. Intuition, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Channeling etc. Practical exercises to help identify your particular gift. Discussion and questions answered. There will be a guided meditation and message circle where everyone will get psychic messages from Catharine !
Saturday February 21st @ 12-2pm $30

MEDIUMSHIP (Catharine)
Exploring what mediumship is and what it is not. We will attempt to contact those who have crossed over so you may bring a photo or an object of the person or pet if you wish. There will be a guided meditation, discussion and messages from spirit with Catharine.
Saturday February 21st @ 3-5pm $30

INTRODUCTION TO CRYSTAL HEALING (Robyn)
There are many ways one can explore alternative healing these days, but one of the more popular and easily accessible ways is the laying on of stones on the body to re-align energies, combat maladies and increase the body's natural harmony. Join us in this introductory workshop to learn more about this peaceful mode of healing
Sunday, February 22nd @ 1-3pm $30

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE SESSION (Catharine)
This is a workshop for anyone who has taken level one Psychic Development and wants more practice in channelling. We will be doing meditation, energy work, and many practice readings with photos and of eachother. If there is enough interest we can set up a more regular group ! If you have not taken level one and feel you are ready to just practice, please speak to Catharine for permission to join the class. Thursday February 26thh @ 7-9pm $30

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday, February 27th @ 7-8pm FREE

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long course to learn all you need to know to become a First Degree Reiki Practitioner. Topics covered will include: the history and origins of Reiki, the ethics of being a Reiki practitioner, what the hand positions are in a full Reiki session, how to treat others as well as yourself, and formal initiation to the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday AND Sunday, February 28th & March 1st @ 11am - 5pm, $150

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Robyn's top picks from the new books and products:

NEW Chakra Mandala Series' Chakra Meditation Beeswax Candles
Hand-rolled beeswax candles, 7 inches tall, anointed with essentials oils, psychically charged and rolled with wild-crafted herbs. Ideal to help one's focus on their chakras. Instructions for meditations are included with each of these candles, too! Buy them individually as you work through your chakras, or follow the link above for the collection of all 7.

Encyclopedia of Spirits, by Judika Illes
Okay, I admit it: I am a fan of Illes' work. Her Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells is an absolute gem, alongside Pure Magic: A complete course in spellcasting, Emergency Magic, and Magic When You Need It. This new book is a guide to the magic of fairies, genies, ghosts, demons, as well as gods and goddesses from many cultures. It is clearly very well researched and details how to communicate, recognize and appease spirits according to various customs. It also goes into detail about historical events associated with specific spirits, too.

Sacred Path of Reiki: Healing as a spiritual Discipline, by Katalin Koda
Naturally, given my interest in Reiki, I was very curious about this new book. I am very critical of books on this subject, as I feel that many of them do not give the study of this healing path the respect and dignity it deserves in the teaching. This book succeeds magnificently. I am still in the midst of reading it, but I am very impressed so far, and would go so far as to recommend it to my own Reiki students who are looking to expand their own knowledge. Koda combines her technique of healing with Chakra healing as well.


Please note - if any of the links to these books don't work yet, try again in a few days! We're catching up on adding all the new titles to our database!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Reiki: Come Learn More!


The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder , Usui Mikao


FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday, January 23rd @ 7-8pm

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long course to learn all you need to know to become a First Degree Reiki Practitioner. Topics covered will include: the history and origins of Reiki, the ethics of being a Reiki practitioner, what the hand positions are in a full Reiki session, how to treat others as well as yourself, and formal initiation to the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday AND Sunday, January 24th & 25th @ 11am - 5pm, $150


Young Children's Pagan Group Montreal

A word from a member of our community!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

I'm very excited to say that two ladies from our community are starting a play group for children of Pagan and Wiccan families ages 3 to 9. Here's the information and more details will be added to the Wiccan Sacred Circle web site in the next few days.

"The Magick Star Circle teaches young children ages 3 to 9, the basics of Wicca through Circle time, Sabbat stories, arts and crafts, science activities and games. Meetings take place on the last Sunday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Avalon. The group will be animated by Arachne and Judi who are both educators with many years experience in teaching young children. Registration and an information meeting will take place next Sunday January 11th from 10a.m. to noon. Cost is $25 for the year to cover materials. The first Circle starts on Sunday January 25th."

Avalon is located at 1564 Chemin Herron in Dorval, suite 207 (one bus from downtown: the 211 from Lionel Groulx which takes about 30 minutes on Sundays).

Meri Fowler
www.wiccansacredcircle.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

More New Book just Arrived!

Bible Series!! If you have loved the ever popular Crystal Bible, Then check these out!

Tarot Bible
by Sarah Bartlett ISBN: 9781402738388 $17.95
This is one of the most complete books I have seen with detail on each card, interpretations for general suit correspondences and many many tarot spreads to try!

Astrology Bible
by Judy Hall ISBN: 9781402727597 $17.94
This is one of the most thorough looks at astrology, charts and everything you need to know to understand those charts. Hall takes you through the signs, through the planets, and through the houses, too!

Fairy Bible
by Teresa Moorey ISBN: 9781402745485 $17.95
Moorey is one of the experts in fairy lore in the British and Celtic isles. In this comprehensive book, she explores the fairies by element then by type (household, flower, tree, weather). This is a must have for anyone interested in Fairy Lore or practicing a Fairy Tradition. If you work with fairies, you will be amazed by the variety and diversity out there!

Beyond the Bible Series, we received other amazing new books!

Crystal Balancing
by Monika Grundmann ISBN: 9781844091324 $22.95
This book teaches you how to use crystals for massage. You can make "crystal oil" or water. You can lay stones. You can massage with a single stone or group of stones. Grundmann shows you the massage techniques with flat stones, with spheres, as well as with massage wands. This pictoral guide is so easy to follow!

Encyclopedia of Crystals
by Judy Hall ISBN: 9781592332663 $27.95
Judy Hall wrote the Crystal Bible that we all adore. As a prelude to the Crystal Bible, she wrote this book. It is a guide to the crystals divided by COLOR! See the stones in full color and learn about their unique properties. Pink through red and orange, through yellow and gold, through green, through turquoise, through blue and indigo, through shades of purple, through brown, through black and silver, through white, and through multy colored stones!

Essential Oils Handbook
by Jennie Harding ISBN: 9781844836246 $16.95
This little book is a complete guide to essential oils, how to make them and how to use them in aromatherapy and healing. It is made in the same style as the bible Series, but is not a "bible" book. till an excellent choice if you want to know more about essential oils.

Culpeper's Color Herbal
edited by David Potterton ISBN: 9781402744945 $27.97
Chalk full of lore and medicinal uses, this is another fine Culpeper's herbal book. However, this one contains FULL COLOR pictures of the herbs to help with identification!

Blessing the Animals
by Lynn Caruso ISBN: 9781594732539 $20.95
Prayers and ceremonies to celebrate God's creatures both wild and tame. This is a spiritually moving collection of poetry and prayers from history and literature that you can use for the animals of the world, also insights for the blessing from animals to us. The last chapter is a collection of rituals for animal blessing, for partings, and for benedictions.

Working With... Psychic Protection
by Teresa Moorey ISBN: 9781841813226 $15.95
This beautifully illustrated book by Moorey guides you through many methods of spells and meditations for psychic protection. She explores techniques you can use to cleanse yourself, strengthen yourself and protect yourself.

Working with... Spirit Guides
by Teresa Moorey ISBN: 9781841813332 $15.95
Another beautifully illustrated guide by Moorey. This book helps you to understand, communicate with and work with various types of spirit guides from angels, to fairies, to power animals.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Workshops for January / February 2009

JANURAY 2009

Psychic Development Practice Session
This is a workshop for anyone who has taken level one Psychic Development and wants more practice in channeling. We will be doing meditation, energy work, and many practice readings with photos and of each other. If there is enough interest we can set up a more regular group ! If you have not taken level one and feel you are ready to just practice, please speak to Catharine for permission to join the class. Thursday January 15th @ 7-9pm

TEA WORKSHOP (Scarlet)
Tea ceremonies have been used in various cultures for magic (potions), healing, and meditation. In this workshop, you will discover some uses of various tea blends, how to perform a simple tea meditation, and some of the more complex tea ceremonies (Chaines and Japanese). Also, you will learn how to properly prepare various teas for the best flavor and potency. The class ends with a tea meditation.
Saturday, January 17th @ 3-5pm $35 (includes tea)

COVENS vs SOLITARIES (Scarlet)
What is a coven? What does it mean to be a solitary practitioner? How can I practice my path solitarily? How to I find a coven? In this discussion, we will look at the pros and cons of coven and solitary practice and field questions anyone has on these issues. We will also consider how to evaluate if a group is for you and safety concerns that you should always keep in mind.
Sunday, January 18th @ 2-5pm $15

FREE REIKI LECTURE (Robyn)
The word 'Reiki' comes from the Japanese Rei meaning 'universal' and Ki meaning 'life energy'. This energy is also known of in other cultures, and can as easily be recognized as Prana, Mana, Chi or Ruach. This universal life energy animates all life, and flows through all of us, all of the time. Come to this free introductory lecture to learn more about this beautiful method of healing and relaxation, and to ask any questions that you may have about Reiki and how it works.
Friday, January 23rd @ 7-8pm

REIKI LEVEL ONE (Robyn)
Join us in this two day long course to learn all you need to know to become a First Degree Reiki Practitioner. Topics covered will include: the history and origins of Reiki, the ethics of being a Reiki practitioner, what the hand positions are in a full Reiki session, how to treat others as well as yourself, and formal initiation to the Usui Shiki Ryoho style of Reiki using the American Reiki Mastery Association's style of initiations. Ample time will be given for practice as well.
Saturday AND Sunday, January 24th & 25th @ 11am - 5pm, $150

INTRODUCTION TO CRYSTAL HEALING (Robyn)
There are many ways one can explore alternative healing these days, but one of the more popular and easily accessible ways is the laying on of stones on the body to re-align energies, combat maladies and increase the body's natural harmony. Join us in this introductory workshop to learn more about this peaceful mode of healing
Thursday, January 29th @ 7-9pm $30

FREE INTRODUCTION TO PAGANISM (Scarlet)
This is you chance to ask those burning questions about Paganism. Is it a religion? What are the basic beliefs? Where does it come from?
Friday, January 30th @ 6-7pm

FREE: CRESCENT MOON SCHOOL (CMS) OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION
Come one and come all to the CMS Open house evening. See what the students from three levels of study have been working on all Autumn & Winter! Meet the teachers and discover what is expected for the coming session. This is the best opportunity to register for the February Level 1 class. Please note that the CMS Level 1 class take no more than 5 students so as to provide each student with personalized attention and guidance.
** CMS Level 1 starts Wednesdays February 4th 6-9pm $300 in three installments of $100 with all readings & workbooks included **
Friday, January 30th @ 7-9pm FREE


FEBRUARY 2009 SNEAK PEAK

February 1st: Sunday Sabbat Sale 10% off everything in store
February 1st: 2pm Public Imbolc Ritual

February 4th: 6-9pm CMS Level 1 begins ($300 in 3 installments of $100)

February 5th: 7-9pm Love Magic Workshop ($30)

February 9th: Full Moon Lunar Eclipse
February 9th: Moon Magic Workshop ($30)

February 12th: 7-9pm I have a rock, now what? Stone Workshop ($30)

February 14th: Valentine's Day (please hug someone today)

February 15th: 2-4pm Handmaiden in Traditional Witchcraft Lecture ($10)

February 22nd: 1-3pm Intro to Crystal Healing Workshop ($30)

February 27th: 7-8pm FREE Intro to Reiki Lecture FREE

February 28th & 29th: 11am - 5pm Reiki Level 1 ($150)

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

More New in Store

Druid Plant Oracle
Philip & Stephanie Carr-Gomm ISBN9780312369774 $28.99
For those who loved the beauty and technique of reading with the Druid Animal Oracle Deck, or anyone interested in the divinatory properties of Celtic plants, this deck is a gorgeous addition to your tools. This is a kit with a set of 36 cards and a companion book. Here is an example:





Sorgitza: Old Forest Craft

by Veronica Cummer ISBN: 9780979616860 $41.95
Another rare treat of a book in older practices and heathen Europe. This book explores the practices of the Old Forest tradition of Wicca. What struck me as most interesting is that this book looks at not just the elements and their quarters, but also what can be discovered in the cross-quarter directions. New insights into a lesser known path of Wicca.

Everything Celtic Wisdom Book
by Jennifer Emick ISBN: 9781598695403 $17.95
The Everything series has been impressing us all year with its books. Within these pages, you will find lore, legends, wisdom and rituals of the Celtic culture.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

New Books in for 2009

These are but a few of the new book on their way to us. We are excited by the selections! There is something for everyone.

Magic When You Need It
by Judika Illes ISBN: 9781578634194 $17.50
Author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, Illes has put together a concise book of 150 spells we can all use. There are some money, love, children, home, protection, and obstacles of various sorts. Emergency spells for every occasion.

Good Cat Spell Book
by Gillian Kemp ISBN: 9781580911887 $18.95
Kemp has publishes several handy spell books and books on divination. This is her newest book about the cat as familiar and how your cat can aid you in spellcrafting. She provides advise on feline familiars, the history of feline fear and worship, as well as feline astrology and the cat as oracle. This is a great book for any cat lover and magical practitioner.

Wizard's Bestiary
by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart & Ash "LeopardDancer" deKirk ISBN: 9781564149565 $22.50
Done in the same style as his other books, Zell provides a thorough compendium of magical creatures.

Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magical Practice of the Faery Tradition
by Orion Foxwood ISBN: 9781578634071 $23.50
Author of the amazing book The Faery Teachings, Foxwood brings us another excellent book on Faery practices. Faeries are not exclusively Celtic creatures and so neither is their magical traditions. Foxwood engages us in contemporary practices and advise for worshiping in a faery Tradition for wherever we live and whatever our heritage.

Wicca Handbook
by Eileen Holland ISBN: 9781578634385 $19.95
Holland has given us some excellent book of magical correspondence and has not published a book teaching the foundations of Wicca. It is a comprehensive handbook for the general practitioner that rivals Scott Cunningham's foundational books.

Hedge Witch
by Silver RavenWolf ISBN: 978073871433 $21.95
Long awaited new arrival from the RavenWolf collection of Pagan instructional and spellcrafting books. Hedge Witch is full of spells and crafts and rituals that are based in nature and within the home. It is a guide for the Kitchen witch through the transformations of life and home.

A Pagan Testament
by Brendan Myers ISBN: 9781846941290 $24.95
This is another wonderful academic work by local (Ontario) author Brendan Myers. This book features a collection of Pagan literature, as well as prose and poetry and song inspired by the founders of modern Paganism. An essential resource for ritual and meditation, for celebration and transformation, also it is a resource for anyone who collects esoteric literary works.

Essential Asatru
by Diana L. Paxson ISBN: 0806527080 $17.95
While this is not a new book per se, it is new for us by recommendation of Asatru practitioners. It looks at the Path of Norse Paganism through three main aspects of the prractices. First it explores the heroes and ancestors, the roots of the path. Second itteaches about gods and goddesses and basic Germanic magic. Lastly it introduces you to Oaths, Boasts and Toasts and the modern movements in heathen and Asatru traditions.

The Fetch
by Chris Humphreys ISBN: 978055349759 $10.99
Humphreys is a Young Adult fiction writer who focuses on historical fiction from the Norse heritage. He teaches youths about Norse traditions and lore through believable characters who themselves are learning about their heritage. In this book, the young boy named Sky discovers a sea chest in the attic of his home, one that belonged to his grandfather. He discovers a journal and a set of traditional runes. Bound to these is the spirit of his grandfather, now his teacher and guide, who helps the boy travel back in time to learn about Viking life. Danger awaits him in the past. Read it to find out what that is and what young Sky is willing to sacrifice for the higher good.

This is but a small selection of new books coming into the store this month. We will try to keep you posted about them each week.

Full Moon coming this weekend! Why not come buy a new book and sit and read by the light of the moon.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Happy New Year!

2009 is a very interesting year numerologically. It is both a #2 year as well as an 11. But what does that mean?

According to Keller and Keller's Book The Complete Book of Numerology, we can expect the following of the year to come:

  • "A 'two' universal year has the following characteristics: International relationships such as treaties, signed or broken, harmony, discord, alliances. There will be new companies starting up and old companies going bankrupt. There will be a greater number of both marriages and divorces. There will be new friendships and more attention to the grievances of women."
So the major themes of a #2 year seems to be harmony vs discord, balancing out of old and new businesses as well as of relationships.

  • "An 'eleven' universal year has the following nature: large building projects, especially for schools and libraries."
That sounds like a positive thing! A renewed focus on higher learning sounds pretty beneficial to me.

Whatever the numbers or stars say, we wish everyone a very happy, healthy and fulfilling new years. As a friend of ours has said: "May the new year exceed your expectations."