Subscription Box Review: Enchanted Crystal Subscription Box

Review: Enchanted Crystal Subscription Box

Four Stars

http://enchantedcrystal.com/subscribe/

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     This box is delightful.  Simple. Real.  There's a note from Adam the curator for this box.  He talks of buying trips to find the stones required for the boxes as well as encouraging subscribers to let him know what kinds of stones folks are interested in so he can look for them on buying trips.  "Your feedback is valued! DM me on Instagram @enchantedcrystal ."

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

      Quartz, Amethyst, Chlorite Quartz, Green calcite, Pyrite, Aegerine, Sodalite Zeolite, Selenite, Hematite Lemurian Quartz.  Thirty stones in all at $28 plus shipping.   

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     I arranged them how I would, but with no set directions you can do it how you feel drawn to. 

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

      I tried to get a better photo of the Aegerine but it is so dark it's like looking into deep space.  I'll get out my lighting rig and get some brighter photos of it soon.  According to Crystal Vaults, "A Stone of Integrity and Self, Aegirine is a most noble crystal, aligning with one's truest convictions in life and providing the courage and confidence to follow those convictions. It encourages acceptance of self and others, and to follow the heart."

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     Look at that Hematite Lemurian Quartz. So nice.  I really love the grid I set up, and the crystals that Adam chose.  The only thing that kept me from making this a full five stars was the fact that most of the stones were so small.  The amethyst points were 1/3 the size of my pinkie fingernail.  I know they have value as stones, and in my grid.  I'd rather have 20 slightly larger stones than 30 teeny points.  

     I'm happy enough with this subscription box that I'll order a large box for next month and see what comes.  

Review: Enchanted Crystal Subscription Box

Review: Enchanted Crystal Subscription Box

Four Stars

http://enchantedcrystal.com/subscribe/

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     This box is delightful.  Simple. Real.  There's a note from Adam the curator for this box.  He talks of buying trips to find the stones required for the boxes as well as encouraging subscribers to let him know what kinds of stones folks are interested in so he can look for them on buying trips.  "Your feedback is valued! DM me on Instagram @enchantedcrystal ."

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

      Quartz, Amethyst, Chlorite Quartz, Green calcite, Pyrite, Aegerine, Sodalite Zeolite, Selenite, Hematite Lemurian Quartz.  Thirty stones in all at $28 plus shipping.   

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     I arranged them how I would, but with no set directions you can do it how you feel drawn to. 

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

      I tried to get a better photo of the Aegerine but it is so dark it's like looking into deep space.  I'll get out my lighting rig and get some brighter photos of it soon.  According to Crystal Vaults, "A Stone of Integrity and Self, Aegirine is a most noble crystal, aligning with one's truest convictions in life and providing the courage and confidence to follow those convictions. It encourages acceptance of self and others, and to follow the heart."

Photo by Amy Blackthorn

     Look at that Hematite Lemurian Quartz. So nice.  I really love the grid I set up, and the crystals that Adam chose.  The only thing that kept me from making this a full five stars was the fact that most of the stones were so small.  The amethyst points were 1/3 the size of my pinkie fingernail.  I know they have value as stones, and in my grid.  I'd rather have 20 slightly larger stones than 30 teeny points.  

     I'm happy enough with this subscription box that I'll order a large box for next month and see what comes.  

Three NEW Teas!

 Three NEW Teas!

     Just in time for my blog post to go LIVE on Samhain Sirens today I'd like to introduce you to some NEW members of the Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends Family!

Holy (Spirit) Roller Cocktail

This blend of Ginger Oolong, Chamomile and Mint lightly dusted with lavender flowers will roll you over with serenity and calm.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Yield: 1 Cocktail

Ingredients:
2 oz Brewed Holy Spirit tea
1 oz Cognac
1/2 oz Simple syrup
3 Mint leaves
3 Thumbnail sized pieces of Ginger
Extra mint leaf for garnish

Preparation: In a mixing glass, place syrup, mint and ginger and muddle. Pour the Cognac and fresh tea over top and muddle a little more. Strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with a mint leaf.

My-Tea New Moon (Non alcoholic Mocktail)

For a MIGHTY start to your New Moon cycle, try this non alcoholic beverage. 

http://blackthornhoodooblends.com/products/my-tea-tea

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Yield: 1 

Drink Ingredients: 

1 tbsp My-Tea spice tea (unbrewed)

2 cups apple cider

1 tsp agave nectar

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Add Tea to Cider in sauce pan. Gently heat apple cider on medium heat. Add Agave to sweeten and lemon juice to taste. Enjoy! 

Of Green and Glass: Where are all the Pagans?

Of Green and Glass:

Where Down to Earth Solutions and a Glass Edge Meet

By Goewin GreenWitch

Dear Goewin,

            This may seem like a silly question, but where is the “pagan community”?

Is there a secret handshake or a hidden sign I’m missing?  No matter where I go, or how hard I look I’m not seeing it / them.  I’m not vain enough to think I’m the only Pagan in my area, where are they hiding, and why doesn’t my area have an easier way of finding them?  I’m new to the Craft, and eager to learn, but how do I learn if I can’t even find others like me? Thanks!

-Lonely Pagan

Dear Lonely,

            No, there isn’t a secret handshake or sign.  It does however take a lot of legwork.  By now I’m sure you’ve googled, “My town” and “pagan groups” or the like.   Have you tried looking at email lists and groups on The Witches Voice or Yahoo Groups?  There are always places like Meetup that offer you a chance to meet other people interested in the same topics as you, whether it be Paganism, scrapbooking or gardening. 

            Here’s a question for you.  If meeting others in person is that important to you, why not start your own meeting or group.  I’m not saying you become that person in every community who reads one book and decides to start their own tradition.  Just put a notice up in area coffee shops, pagan stores and the like that you are creating a safe place for people to discuss similar belief structures, and then you can all learn from each other.  No matter how many years in the Craft, everyone has something that they are better at than everyone else.  There are free and low cost promotional materials available via websites like VistaPrint. 

            All in all, it really takes people that care to get something really good going.  Once you have a core group established, you can take that meeting to free places like The Witches Voice, Facebook, and Yahoo. 

‘Juju’, Creepy Crawlies and Bad Omens

‘Juju’, Creepy Crawlies and Bad Omens:

 the Realities of Feelings

Black Salt, Good for Banishing Spirits & Protecting a Home

 
     A friend and former coworker tagged me in a comment on Facebook sometime during the night. I rolled over and checked my email as I wake up, the way I do every morning. (Hey, some people drink coffee, I read my email to get my brain in gear.) He had encountered an animal on his way home from work late and it left him with a feeling of foreboding. The discussion progressed to supernatural reasons for seeing such a thing. Without something to add, I moved about my morning.

     Once I’m at my office and settled in, I pulled up Facebook. Right now, my job involves a lot of hurry up and wait. So they allow me to occupy my brain, as long as I make sure the customers are taken care of. So, back to Facebook, I’m looking through my feed when I see an update from the same friend.

     “So update to last night's story- I had a flat tire this morning and I'm just waiting for something bad to happen. Creepy, eh?”

     I told this friend I’d be writing a blog post about our interaction because this is something I’ve seen more than once and it’s something I wanted to discuss.

     Amy Blackthorn: Fuck that waiting around shit. Don't allow it into your space. Do something. Dump a McDonald’s packet of salt into a cup of water and anoint yourself. Say a prayer. Say, "Fuck off!" Light a birthday candle. Cast a circle. Cast a Square. Don't just sit and wait for bad shit to happen. Well protected is good. Just remember what they say in martial arts, "No matter how good you are, somewhere there's someone better." We have those senses for a reason. Any time I've had that sense and didn't do something about it,

BAD SHIT happened.

(Hello Tractor trailer, 27 broken bones, 72 pins and years in a wheelchair).

     I’m trying to figure out where we are in our personal evolutions. Go to a gathering of Pagans or Witchy folk and you’ll likely hear a mention at some point about feelings, ‘juju’, or the like. Most people are quick to jump in with their experience, but that’s usually where it ends. People want to talk and share their experiences and occasionally they’ll ask for opinions, personal revelations or simply validation of their feelings on the subject.

     I’ve noticed this outside of our little world in one place in particular, “Reality” ghost hunting television shows. People hear something go bump in the night, and the next thing you know, you’ve got a bunch of yahoos in fatigues running around your house with night vision cameras strapped to their heads. Viewers see people attempting to antagonize the dead, using dramatic pauses and fervent “Did you hear that?” questioning. One of the issues I have with shows of this ilk is If they find something they feel is compelling evidence, they show the owner of the property, and then pack up and go home. “Yup, it’s haunted. Bye!” Wait. What just happened?

     Why do we stop there? Why acknowledge the fact that you feel something bad is going to happen, only to sit around and wait for the other shoe to drop? Magic is supposed to be a last resort, after all of the ‘real world’ things have been ruled out. That doesn’t mean we have to sit idly by and wonder at our fate. If it really is fate, that the other shoe drops, it will. However, if taking a step out of the way saves your bacon, I’d take that step. Wouldn’t you?

     If we accept that we have developed these feelings for a purpose, then it stands to reason that we were meant to DO something with them. So do it. Rearrange the furniture so that energy doesn’t have a place to lie. Smudge the house. Open the windows and let the fresh air in. Get rid of your clutter. Just do Something.

International Pagan Coming Out Day Part 1

International Pagan Coming Out Day May 2nd

Every year when May 2nd rolls around, I get a feeling in my chest. It varies, year to year, but I always have strong feelings about it. Two years ago, I made the decision to go back to school. My goal: to kick ass and take names in school such that the FBI will welcome me with open arms when I graduate with Honors. I’m doing very well on that end, if I do say so myself. But let’s face it, you didn’t stop by to listen to me toot my own horn, did you?

I discussed it with a friend when I made the choice. She’s been working with Law Enforcement Officers of all stripes (Pun intended) for all of her adult life. She warned me that LEOs were a conservative lot. I assured her that I knew because I come from a LEO extended family. The words ‘Conservative’ and ‘Liberal’ both give me hives, but that’s a topic for another day. We’re talking about being out of the broom closet.

I still remember the day I told my mom and step-dad I was a Witch. I did what all the articles tell you NOT, under any circumstances, to do. I walked up to my mom while she was cooking dinner and said, “So, mom… I’m a Witch”. I had been testing the waters you see. This was in 1995 and Dishwalla’s Counting Blue Cars was on the radio every five minutes. So while we were driving one day, I asked my mom about the lyrics.

We said, "Tell me all your thoughts of God?

'Cause I would really like to meet her

And ask her why we're who we are

Tell me all your thoughts on God

'Cause I am on my way to see her

So tell me am I very far,

am I very far now?"

So I asked my mom, “Do you think the lyricist is going to meet God (Her) or a girl he likes (her)?” We started having a discussion about whether my mom believed that God was Male, Female or All. It was a great discussion. I don’t remember what she said, but I felt very warm and positive. My mom was raised Catholic, but was non-practicing herself. My parents insisted we go to a church (usually whichever was closest to where we were living at the time) as kids. When my mom left my father, we stopped going to church, and we were all okay with that.

You see, I am the second oldest of my mom’s four girls. I shared a room with my older sister, and much like any other younger sister, I was nosy. One day while peeking in my older sister’s back pack I found a book that caught my eye. “Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner”. I was 11. I was also fascinated. The town we lived in was small enough, and I was responsible enough, mom let me walk to the library after school to hang out and read a bit before dinner. In a house with 6 people, quiet is a luxury. The next day after I got home from school, I hoofed it over to the library and started investigating this new thing I discovered, Wicca.

3 ½ years later I’m standing in our kitchen blurting out the words that I knew would change my life forever. “I’m a Witch”. As I wait for mom to look up from her dinner preparations, for the earth to swallow me whole, or something equally traumatizing to happen. My mom didn’t miss a beat, “Oh? Have you told your father (my step-dad)?”

“No, I wanted to tell you first.”

“Oh, okay. Why don’t you go tell him? Dinner in 30.”

The earth didn’t swallow me up. The earth didn’t swallow me up? Who is this woman and what has she done with my mother? I realized a few days later that my mother had the “mom” enough that she figured this was a phase, and it would pass sooner if she didn’t fight me over it. Seventeen years, and still the earth hasn’t swallowed me up and I haven’t gotten over my ‘phase’.

So I wander outside. It’s mid Spring and J is planting beautiful Clematis to climb a trellis he just built. “So how was school today, Princess?”

“It was okay. English was interesting. The teacher showed up in two different shoes, and threw a chair when someone pointed it out.”

“Whoa, anyone hurt?”

“Nope. Oh, mom wanted me to tell you dinner is in 30.”

“Okay, sweetie.”

“Oh, there was one more thing. I’m a Witch”.

“Oh really? I dated a Witch in High school.”

That was it. I had gnashed my teeth and worried and angsted over NOTHING. Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t interesting for a while. My mother threw it in my face for a while when she was mad at me. Her issue wasn’t that I had converted. Her issue was that I was investigating another faith (I had converted years before, but who takes the word of a kid? Sadly, very few.) without talking to her.

So she was hurt.  As an adult I can understand why she was hurt.  In her mind, when she left my father and stopped drinking, she wanted us to be buddies.  But I had grown up with her being a terrifying dictator who unleashed her fury over things that never would have occured to us.  How was I, as a 14 year old, to know whether or not this would be one of the things that she loses her mind over?

Festival for Isis: Lady of Ten Thousand Names

Isis

Isis of the winged arms was the first daughter of the Nut, the overarching sky, and the little earth-god Geb...From the beginning, Isis turned a kind eye on the pople of earth, teaching women to grind corn, spin flax. weave cloth and tame me sufficiently to live with them

-Patricia Monaghan, The Book of Goddesses & Heroines 

     Though a traditional fiber herb of Ancient Egypt, flax is also amazing for heart health and has been reported to help certain types of cancer.  They are commonly used as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids as well.  Remember if you pre-grind your flax seeds for ease of use, refridgerate them. 

     To add a pick me up to your daily diet, you can toss a handful or two into your salad for texture. (I like to add sunflower seeds too!) You can add flaxseed flour to breads and cakes as well. 

     In celebration of the day, I wanted to share a sweet treat recipe to help beat the winter blues!

Oatmeal-Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total Time: 1 hr 0 min.

Prep: 48 min.

Cook: 12 min.

Yield: about 32 cookies .



Level: Easy



Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup flaxseed,

finely ground in a spice grinder, or pre-ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter,

softened 1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips



Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour, oats, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.



Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer

on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time,

beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low;

add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool 3 minutes on the baking

sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.



Per Cookie: Calories: 151; Total Fat: 7 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 21 grams; Sugar: 14 grams; Fiber: 1 grams; Cholesterol: 25 milligrams; Sodium: 83 milligrams



©Television Food Network G.P.

All Rights Reserved.



Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup flaxseed, finely ground in a spice grinder, or pre-ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.



Whisk the flour, oats, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.



Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Stir in the chocolate chips.



Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool 3 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.



Per Cookie: Calories: 151; Total Fat: 7 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 21 grams; Sugar: 14 grams; Fiber: 1 grams; Cholesterol: 25 milligrams; Sodium: 83 milligrams