Crystal Clear  by Mihos   Hematite I’ve found hematite useful for grounding out negative energy and encouraging calmness. It’s so effective that it works even if I forgot I’m carrying a stone in my pocket or wearing the pendant. I find it much more effective than any “worry stone” or object that I must actively manipulate. I give it credence as a talisman when traveling: I’ve not suffered motion sickness for many years. Bio Mihos is a frequent contributor to the Weyland’s Whey column.  He now also writes his own article, Crystal Clear, for Pagan Pages.  

Last Father’s Day, my girlfriend Sparkle arranged Tarot card readings for us.  I was very impressed with her choice of oracle–Cyn is great!  But don’t take my word for it–see for yourself! The Frequency of Divinity, Part One 1. Wey: You utilize a unique (at least unique to me) Tarot spread for readings.  Is it your own design? Grey Strega (Cyn): The spread I use most frequently for life path readings is an expansion of the standard Celtic Cross spread.  However, the spread itself acts as a base in my readings: each reading tends to develop into a custom spread that evolves through intuition, connection with the querent, and channel 2: Are…

For Your Deliberation Samhain is my favorite Sabbat!  I observe it (in my own ways) from the day after Mabon until the morning of All Hallows.  Enjoy! VOTE That!  That!!  Dude Looks Like a Cyborg!!! These days when I step out the door, I have a glucose sensor glued to my arm, a Fitbit on my wrist and a cell phone with more gadgets in it than Batman’s utility belt!  Better living through electronics! Granny One Dylan came home.  As he started up the stairs to his apartment, he noticed a new Halloween decoration his landlady had put out near the foot of the stairs: an old crone doll in…

For Your Deliberation To me, Samhain focuses on a different type and aspect of death than does Halloween.  It’s more familial than scary.  Samhain is for moving on into what’s next instead of hanging around here on this side of the veil making trouble. Of course, there are exceptions….   Waiting for the Dark The houses in our neighborhood share a big leafy backyard which is crisscrossed by a warren of short bridges and long pathways.  Lots of trees, almost woodsy, it hosts a murder of crows, a dray or two of squirrels and an alarming number of very bold skunks.  We have lights back there, but after twilight it can…

For Your Deliberation I’m no scholar, and I tend to see things in simple ways.  To me, Samhain is religious while Halloween is secular.  The latter was derived from the former, and both observe and even celebrate death in their own ways.  Sure, there’s LOTS more to it than that, but in the interests of brevity I’ll go with Einstein’s statement on comprehension and simple explanations.  (With, in my case of course, an emphasis on “simple.”) MAGAZINE Reviews Sparkle and I are both ardent readers, and we love magazines!  Here are three I highly recommend, all Halloween themed with recipes, crafts, eats and treats and other seasonal delights. Woman’s Day. …

Mabon Sometimes considered a minor sabbat (as opposed to major ones Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain), celebrations can vary widely between Wiccan Trads.  Inspirations have been drawn from the American Thanksgiving and the German Oktoberfest, among others. Mabon can be observed in various ways, but the focus is usually on themes of balance, or the second harvest angle.  I’m big on lists, so I’ll tout a gratitude inventory.  Scribble down whatever you’re thankful for.  Your health, your family, your home.  Tack that list up on the wall where you can eyeball it every day.  And feel free to add to it often! Sources: Learn Religions, the busy pagan, and Wikipedia.…

Weyland’s Whey, August 30th, 2024 Good Morning, Good Morning I like writing my column in bed.  It violates just about every feng shui rule I can think of, but this way I can spread out my notes and New York Times and listen to music while I work.  My fierce little doxie and familiar Delinquent joins me, pressing her furry little buttski against my hip while she keeps a close eye on the open bedroom door, ready to defend me from any invaders who might try to barge in.  On my other side, our rescue Yorkie (and five pound familiar) Morsel slumbers in his own little bed, one ear standing straight up…

Weyland’s Whey, August 17th 2024, “Sounds Like Salem”, Conclusion For Your Deliberation It takes a village to help an idiot!  And here are some of the townies who make me look good twice a month! Mihos.  I’ve mentioned him a lot in this column.  And with good reason.  He’s my Renaissance man.  And he’ll be penning his own column in PaganPages real soon!  (Watch for Crystal Clear!) Hershey.  My go-to guy for all things Spanish.  He’s fluent, I’ve got the working vocabulary of a grade schooler.  Maybe a preschooler… Crystal.  Hershey’s partner and lady love.  One of the quickest and smartest people I know.  I seek out her advice quite often. The Brain.  This guy’s…