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At Opal Moon we are busy restocking the shelves after a very busy first Festive Season in our new shop!Thank you to all of our customers who took the trouble to come & buy from us over this period, & I trust that your presents were well received! Thank you too to all who came along to our Winter Solstice Celebration. We had a lovely night & hope that you did too. We have plans for more Sabbat Celebrations to come & will of course keep you posted.
We started the year positively with a “Free Reiki Day”, which was very well received! Our reiki practitioner David was kept extremely busy, & he was particularly pleased to be able to introduce the relaxing & healing benefits of this wonderful therapy to some people who had never experienced reiki before to.
We have lots of plans up our magical sleeves for the coming months, the first of which is our…
This takes place on Thursday 7th February, from 7 – 9pm.
As the sap rises in the trees & the earth gradually begins to re-awaken after a long winter's nap, we celebrate Imbolc (Feb 2nd). Imbolc marks the very first signs of spring, & is traditionally the time for making yourself a new wand to carry you through your magical year.
Led by Iain & Tom of Gemini Aspect - wand-smiths who are highly knowledgeable in wands, tree lore & many more aspects of the magickal arts - our Wand Making Workshop will be a fascinating experience for anyone interested in using a wand in magic or for healing.
Subjects covered during the course of the evening include:
What a wand is & how to use one.
Different woods & their uses.
How to choose a wand.
How to make a basic wand.
If you already have a wand which needs a little TLC, you can bring it along & Iain & Tom will work with you to revamp it & give it some of its spark back! Also if you have gathered together some raw materials which you would like to make into a wand, bring them along for some tips on how to put them together for best results. Wand kits will also be available on the night for anyone who would like to take some bits & pieces home to have a go!
Tickets £15
Early booking is advisable
Sundays afternoon talks
We plan to hold monthly talks on Sunday afternoons in the shop. These will be an informal chance for you to learn a little more on some fascinating subjects, & we hope a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Tea/coffee & biscuits will be available for those needing a little sustenance!
Our first talk will be:
Angels & Reading the Angel Cards
By Doreen Virtue Angel Therapist (& author of our Ask the Angels column!) Diane Eckerson
Date: Sunday the 24th February at 2pm
And in March we have
A Beginners Guide to Tarot
By our very own ace tarot reader Eryn!
Date: Sun. 23rd March at 2pm.
Tickets £5 per talk
Tickets for all of our talks & workshops are available direct from the shop (payment over the phone by card is accepted), or by visiting the "Tickets" page of this website where you can buy via PayPal.
Places are limited so book now!
New Therapist in Opal Moon!
We are also very pleased to announce that as we are now joined by therapist Lorna Hughes, who will be working out of Opal Moon on Sundays.
Lorna is a fully qualified therapist offering Crystal Therapy, Chakra Balancing, Sekhem & Bio Detox FootSpa.
Lorna joins Eryn, David, Elaine & Siusaidh in offering a wide variety of therapies & readings at Opal Moon. As a reminder, a week in the life of Opal Moon goes something like this!
Tuesdays: Tarot Readings with Eryn
Wednesdays: (from 2pm) Reiki with David
2nd Wed of the month (13th Feb)
Astrology Clinic with Siusaidh (from 12)
Fridays: Aromatherapy; Reflexology; Swedish Massage with Elaine of Astarte's Temple
Sat: Reiki with David & Tarot Readings with Eryn
Sundays: Crystal Therapy; Chakra Balance; Sekhem; Bio Detox FootSpa with Lorna. (from 12)
Our next scheduled night for our spells & astrology clinic with Siusaidh Ceanadach is Thursday 28th February. Siusaidh will be available from 5pm til 9pm to consult on any number of issues! The spells clinic is free (donations to our charity box are much appreciated!), with astrology clinic prices being available on request.
For more information on any of the above or to book an appointment, just get in touch!
Thank you to all those who attended our Spells Clinic over the last 3 months & donated so generously to our charity box. We have been able to raise the grand sum of £85 to send to our designated charity the Woodland Trust!
Imbolc – February 2nd
At this time of year we look forward to celebrating Imbolc, the festival of lights, also known as Candlemas
Imbolc is sacred to the goddess Brigid, Brede, Bride, Brigit or Brigantia, & marks the very first signs of spring, & the strengthening of the sun as it gradually returns to bring increasing light to our days. Although it may not feel too much like spring is here, in the earth nature is working hard & beginning to push the first new shoots through the ground. Before too long we will start to see snowdrops brightening the grassy banks, & then clusters of brightly coloured crocuses & daffodils will appear, & then there can be no dubiety that spring has sprung!
Celebrate Imbolc by decorating your altar or home with white decorations – white candles, stones & shells to symbolize the purity of the season & the returning light.
This is a good time to commence new projects, & to spring clean!
A Spring Cleaning/Space Clearing Ritual
This is a great thing to do to freshen your home after a long winter, & to banish any negative vibes which may be lurking. Also, we quite often find that in order to achieve our wishes or goals, we must create some space in our lives. This gives new projects the space they need to manifest. This special spring clean will help you to move forward strongly & positively with your plans for 2008.
For this you will need:
Some spring water, some rock salt & some sea salt, some lavender, lemon or grapefruit pure essential oil, a sage smudge stick, a bell or wind chimes.
Firstly you must begin by clearing your clutter! Take a good look around you & decide what you really need & want to have in your personal space. Any items which you have definitely moved away from should be passed on, if they are in reasonable condition. Maybe you know someone who would love to be given an object which you have no use for now? Or if not, then make a trip to your local charity shop with any unwanted goods (or if you’re clearing out some of your mind, body, spirit books, bring them along to Opal Moon!) (see below).
Next, tidy! Find a neat space for all the things you want to keep – somewhere that looks & feels right to you (i.e. put the piles of books in the bookshelves!)
Now it is time to clean. When carrying out your routine cleaning, bring a little magic into it, by beginning to imagine any negativity vanishing along with the dust & cobwebs. At this point you can utilize your essential oils. There are many ways you can incorporate these into your housework. Add a couple of drops to your cleaning water – not only do the oils contain healing properties which you will benefit from through breathing in their aroma, but they also work in a practical sense, being anti-bacterial & helping to cut through dirt & grease like the best of your run-of-the-mill household cleaners!
You can also use oils in your hoover – just add a couple of drops to a cotton wool ball & place inside the hoover bag – when the hoover is switched on the lovely, fresh aroma of the oils will fill your home.
You can also use the oils in a room spray – much nicer & better for you & the planet than any chemical air fresheners on the market! Fill a spray bottle half full with water, add 6 drops of essential oil to the water. Give it a good shake & spray around your home. Works well to freshen carpets & upholstery.
Now you are ready to begin banishing any negativity which may be lurking in your home. Negativity hangs in the air after an argument or a visit from an unhappy or angry person. Electrical appliances send out positive ions into our homes, which cause all number of health problems, as well as emanating a negative energy which lurks in the corners & crevices of our homes. Even the happiest of homes benefits from a good spring clean!
Into a small bowl of spring water, add 2 drops of lavender oil, a pinch of rock salt & a pinch of sea salt. Stir this mixture gently using your forefinger, or your athame or a wand if you have one. While stirring, focus all of your intention on the purification of your home, & clearing away blockages which are stopping you moving forward with your plans & goals. Now take your bowl around the space you are cleansing, & walking in a clockwise direction around the outskirts of this space, sprinkle droplets of your charged cleansing water, whilst saying “I cleanse this space” (either out loud or mentally).
When you are satisfied that this is done, your next step is to smudge the area with your sage smudge stick. Open all of your windows, light your smudge stick, & direct the smoke from the sage around the outskirts of your space. Concentrate heavily on the top & bottom corners of your room, as this is where a lot of negativity gathers. As you smudge, visualize any negativity leaving your home in black clouds of smoke, to be absorbed & neutralized by the universe. (If using a smudge stick is a new thing for you, have a look at the “Brief Guide to Smudging” info following this article.)
Now you need your bell or wind chime (this is my favourite bit!). Firstly close your windows – you have completed your purification & you don’t want to annoy your neighbours!! (or maybe you do!) As you walk around your space & make gentle sounds with your bell or chime, you are adding clarity to your environment, & drawing good energy into your newly cleansed space.
Now sit quietly, enjoy the pure & peaceful environment that you have created, & visualize yourself achieving your wishes or goals, whatever they may be.
This ritual can be carried out as often as you feel is needed, but certainly a once a year space clearing is a very good idea.
And try & wait at least a day before you let those books pile up again!!
A Brief Guide to Smudging
To use your smudge stick, you should firstly find a receptacle to hold it. This can be any kind of small, heatproof pot – a small terracotta plant pot or earthenware mug are ideal. Next light the tip of the smudge stick with a match or lighter. Allow the smudge to burn for a few seconds, and then blow the flame out so that you are left with a smouldering smudge stick (burning in much the same way as an incense stick). The smoke from the smudge stick is the purifying agent, & basically you want to waft the smoke around whichever areas you wish to cleanse, paying special attention to the corners in a room, as this is where a lot of negative energy gathers. You can waft the smoke with your hand or with a feather. While you are smudging the area you can also visualise dark clouds of negativity leaving your home & travelling out into the atmosphere, being replaced with pure white light.
When you have completed your task you can extinguish your smudge stick by either submerging it in water, or if you still have some of the smudge stick left & would like to re-use it, by burying it in some dry earth or sand.
I hope that your smudging has the desired effect!
Top 5 Houseplants To Purify Your Living Space, Spiritually And Physically
- Great to encourage happiness.
Peace Lily
- Encourages harmonious energies and good communication.
Boston Fern
- Encourages psychic ability and intuition.
English Ivy
- For protection and luck; especially good for newly weds.
Areca Palm (or Butterfly or Yellow Palm)
- For peace and creativity.
Gifts given with love are good to give on any day of the year. February 14th, if nothing else, allows us to spend some time thinking of our loved one & showing them how much they mean to us.
Opalite Gemstone Hearts. Opalite is a stunning, iridescent man-made stone which is very tactile & pleasing. Is said by some to have a very peaceful energy.
Handmade Crystal Heart Dreamcatchers. A firm Opal Moon favourite, these beautiful, special dreamcatchers are handmade by crystal therapist Shirah. They are full of lovely healing energy.
Rose Quartz Gemstone Angels. We have a wide variety of these beautiful angels in stock, from the little pocket angels up to much larger altar pieces.
And of course we have some unique & beautiful pieces of jewellery in stock, including the popular Elvish Love range.
Give a truly inspired Valentines Day gift this year!
2nd Hand Books
We are still collecting stock for our 2nd hand book shelf, so if your Spring Clean inspires you to pass on some of your books, why not bring them along to us. We offer cash or exchange for suitable titles in good condition.
As we are busy scheduling our events for the coming year, now seems like a good time to ask for your help! We would love to know what YOU would like to see more of in Opal Moon…which subjects interest you the most & what would you like to see us hold workshops or talks on?
Also we are always happy to receive any suggestions for items that you feel we should stock in the shop – let us know what you think!
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New to Opal Moon!
Our book corner is looking great with some fantastic titles on offer. Here are a couple of new releases which are proving to be very popular…
“A Faery Treasury”
by Jacky Newcomb and Alicen Geddes-Ward
Hay House
£12.99
So you think now pretty much everything about Faeries? I’m pretty sure this book will still be able to surprise and delight you!
“A Fairy Treasury” is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in the Fay, whether beginner or extra advanced. Newcomb (the “Angel Lady”) and Ward have really done their homework here; there are Faery stories, as well as Fairystories, from around the world mixed in with personal accounts and anything you’d ever need to know to take Faeries as a specialist subject on Mastermind. From frequently asked questions to Faeries in religion, from Fay hierarchy to ways to communicate with and help them in today’s world, this is the kind of book to fill in the blanks where others leave off.
The best thing about “A Faery Treasury however” is that, for an ‘absolutely everything about’ book, it is surprisingly compact and would fit on nearly any packed book shelf.
So, if you’re looking for Faery names for your baby, wanting to do Faery meditations or looking for just the right book to have on hand next time you’re visited by a wee friend with wings, then I can thoroughly recommend this wonderful resource.
Citadel Press
£11.99
Broken down into easy to follow sections, this is a cornucopia of craft ideas for adults and young people alike. Whether you’re looking to add some ‘witchiness’ to everyday life or just trying your hand at something new, you’ll find something in here to suit your skill level and budget. Polson takes you through needlework, surface embroidery, yarn, fabric, beads, glass, metal, wood, paper, candles, soaps, and much more, with clear instructions, patterns and photographs (black and white, and colour) for each stage. She also gives you some background and history on the names and meanings behind a few of the projects, such as the Penny Rug Candle Mat and the Concrete Four Direction Miniliths.
Although the recommended craft stores after each project are based in
So if you’re wanting to add some practical ornamentation to your home, garden and gifts try an idea from The Crafty Witch.
Spiritual Art Posters – by top artists such as Josephine Wall (some of you may be familiar with her artcards which we have stocked for some time…stunningly detailed works of art to lose yourself in..) £7.50
Fridge Magnet Affirmations – little reminders to keep you on your path. £3.50
Pocket Journals – beautiful little bound journals, small enough to put in your pocket or bag. £7.99
Cards –we have sourced some wonderful new cards to add to our selection. From £1.95
New Pendulums & Wands – we have been very lucky to come across some truly wonderful crystal & chakra wands & pendulums, set in silver; very unique & powerful pieces. From £15
Angelic Charms – stunning little bringers of angelic blessings for your phone or bag. £3.50 Smaller charms for bracelets are new in stock too. £2.50
“Dreamers” Angel T-Lite Holders – available in several designs – very detailed & perfect for sending your wishes out to the angels. £6
AND we have just taken delivery of some more crystals – all individually handpicked by Joan – so the crystal corner is positively radiating good energy!
Gift Ideas for Starsigns Feb - May
Aquarius - Water-bearers have a wide variety of tastes so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a decent gift here. Just look for the latest gizmos, gadgets and fads. You can’t go wrong with the latest in technology or household appliances either. Many Aquarius are into astrology so purses, jewellery, and books with zodiac themes are cool ideas. Look for the most unusual stuff you can find. Aquarian’s love quirky, wacky presents. If you must stick to traditional presents, clothing like a sports-themed sweatshirt or a good pair of low-rise jeans will please even the most discriminating Aquarius.
Pisces - Fish are into beauty stuff; makeup, jewellery, perfumes, cologne, and beautiful clothes. A favourite CD or some meditation music makes a super gift. Anything you decide to give a Pisces is more meaningful when it comes from the heart. Homemade goodies, handicrafts, family photo collages or an arrangement of beautiful flowers are other good ideas. If you want to win extra points take your Pisces on a romantic weekend getaway. Rent a cosy cabin deep in the woods with a roaring fire. Or create your own love nest in your house, flat or bedroom.
Aries - Rams will appreciate anything that is personalized. Think about a necklace with their initials on it or an engraved bracelet. Being competitive people, many Aries enjoy sports - so tickets to see their favourite team play is another thought. Some are adventurous types. Buy things that appeal to their daredevil side; flying lessons or a hot air balloon ride. Also consider video games, action movies, golf clubs, board games, and time-saving gadgets. Anything that helps an Aries save time will be appreciated as they always on the run.
Taurus - Bulls prefer quality over quantity. If you can’t afford anything really expensive, opt for a pair of gold hoop earrings over a diamond Cartier design. Taurus love to be pampered too; a day of beauty at a spa is a nice gesture as is an overflowing basket of bubble and bath products. Taurus of both sexes love to eat. You can’t go wrong with gourmet cheesecakes, fruit of the month club memberships, a favourite local wine, scrumptious food baskets or
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Sleep Ward
Here’s a wee ward that you can do for yourself or for your children as Daylight Saving comes in and it’s a little harder to get to sleep as our natural rhythms are thrown out.
Father, protect me
While I lie here in my sleep.
Mother, watch over me
Father, protect me
Trusting you both my safety to keep.
Ask The Angels
Our lovely Angel Expert Diane Eckerson returns with her inspiring angelic advice. Diane is an Doreen Virtue Angel Therapist.
She invites you to forward any questions to her & she will ask the angels on your behalf. Questions can be on anything that you feel would benefit from a little angelic wisdom, & as you can see the messages given back are amazingly detailed & inspiring, not only for the enquirer, but I think there are messages in the answers for all of us.
If you would like us to pass a question on to Diane, please either e-mail to it to us or send/hand in your question to us at the shop (in an envelope), & we will make sure that it is passed on to Diane & the angels…Your question & the answer you are given will be printed in our next newsletter, due out at Beltane (May 1st)
(Diane asks that you give her your full name when asking a question – this helps her to tune in to your individual energies. Your name will not be published in our newsletter.)
Happy New Year everyone, I hope and pray it is a Year filled with love, peace, joy, good health and abundance in all ways for all of you.
Dear Diane
I am a 25 year old single mother living in the south side of
In the past (and up to around 4 months ago) my son has had a somewhat turbulent upbringing. His father is in the army and see's him when he can but we are no longer together (and haven't been since he was 3 months old). For some time before he was born, and up until not so long ago, I was a self harmer among other things, often very depressed (but equally as often way more hyper than is normal) and used drugs and alcohol to block my thoughts. Recently I have been lucky enough to meet some amazing people and have come to realize my own self worth and creative potential.
This awakening has helped to heal the big gap that was in my soul before and now I am a new woman, and my son seems happier for it.
The specific question I have is this. Although my son is a happy boy, very alive and interested in all things, I worry sometimes that he has seen too much in his short life already and I fear that the things he has seen will be detrimental to him either now or later in life. If the Angels have any guidance relating to this I would be very open to hearing and learning from them.
Thank you for your time and thank the angels for me also (they have always listened when I felt totally alone.)
The next card was Nurture, Archangel Gabriel with this message as you nurture a child you nurture your own inner child. Both activities are important right now. Archangel Gabriel is wonderful at working with parents and giving them guidance as to what is the best way to parent there child and help create a happy home.
Archangel Sandalphon came through with the Gentleness card saying be gentle with yourself and your son and surround your self’s with gentle people, situation and environments, this is important to both of you right now.
Michael is also the Angel for helping us to get increased self-esteem and worthiness so please ask him for extra help if you ever need it.
(Borrowed from the telly by Eryn)
75g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
125g butter, softened
300g soft light brown sugar
3 large Eggs at room temperature
225g self-raising flour, sifted with ¼ tsp salt
50g Cocoa Powder sifted
250g cooked Beetroot coarsely grated (drain quite well if in juice)
150g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
142ml tub Sour Cream
5 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
3 tbsp crème de cassis (optional, you can substitute blackcurrant cordial)
grated white chocolate, for decorating
crème fraîche, to serve
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Put the chocolate into a bowl set over a pan of simmering water and melt.
2. Put the butter, sugar and eggs into a mixer and beat until light and pale. Add the melted chocolate, then fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Finally, stir in the beetroot.
3. Pour the batter into a 20-23cm greased cake tin and bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (this is a dense cake so don’t worry if the skewer meets pressure going in). Turn the cake onto a wire rack and leave to cool.
4. For the icing: put everything, except the cassis/cordial, in a bowl and set it over a pan of simmering water. Leave to melt, but don't let the ingredients get too hot.
5. Stir everything together, then take off the heat and add the cassis/cordial. Stir really vigorously so that you are left with a smooth, glossy mixture.
6. Leave to cool and thicken. Spread this over the cake with a palette knife, then scatter with grated white chocolate.
7. Leave the icing to set before serving with crème fraîche.
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Cutting your hair during a storm - scissors and lightning good luck? Hmmm
Ducks, if a trip is planned - as long as they’re not in front of your car!
Putting your dress on inside out - should you take it off and put on the right way again, or go to work that way?
Sleeping on unironed sheets - I don’t know about you but I have good luck every day!
A pig facing away (unless you’re a
Bringing eggs into the house after dark - there go the late night grocery trips.
Mending a garment while you are wearing it - bad luck or asking to be acquainted with the wrong end of the needle?
Putting your shirt on inside out - so, it’s just us half asleep women who can get away with inside out clothes, fantastic.
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Well we hope you enjoyed this mega-newsletter! Happy Springtime!
Joan, Al, Eryn, Mary & Susan x
Imbolc 2008 Newsletter produced by Joan & Eryn.