The Contemporary New England Witch

The Contemporary New England Witch
Author Ms.Faith

Thursday, December 26, 2013

The Magickal Power of Words





 Good Afternoon,

I recently viewed a video on the Internet that demonstrated a strong message as to the power of words. It showed a blind man begging in the streets.  He was seated on a piece of cardboard with a can for change and a sign that said " I'm blind" and as the day went on people would stop and throw down a quarter or dime, every so often.
Then a woman came up to him, he felt her shoes, and she reached down and took his sign and turning it over, she, with a black marker, wrote some words and placed the sign back next to the blind beggar. As the day progressed more and more people came along and started leaving much more change and monies for the blind man. Later the same woman came by, he recognized her by feeling her shoes, and he asked her. 'What did you do to my sign?' She replied, I wrote the same thing, I just used different words. The video then panned to the sign which read " It's a beautiful day, but I can't see it."

Pretty deep, huh? The witch has known for a very long time, the hidden power of words. We have, what we call, incantations, which we use along with our spells to create magickal manifestation. Words placed together that when spoken aloud, bring magickal energies to bear.

Simple incantations tend to rhyme, which allows the magickal practitioner ease in remembering them.  Such a simple incantation may be "As I will it, one times three, an' it harm none, so mote it be". Simple but effective when paired with a candle spell or a potion being  used, or even at the end of a longer incantation which in itself can be a spell. 

Our words have power when used towards other people also. Words spoken can be forgiven, but not forgotten. Our words have the power to build up and empower another or to tear down and deject one. The power ultimately lies in your hands and in your words.

Think carefully about the words you will use in any given circumstance. Be especially careful when anger or emotion is fueling your words. For the power lies within.


Peace and Happiness





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Happy Yule!





Good Afternoon,

It's a snowy day here in Southern New England but it's starting to look a lot like Yule outside!  Yule is also known as the Winter Solstice and usually falls around December 20 or 21st. There are  a few things about this holiday that we have come to appreciate whether we celebrate Christmas or Yule.

Evergreens and wreaths as well as evergreen trees are common this time of year, as these greens are luscious and abundant and are really the only visible living plants to be found in the snow. The ancients used evergreens to decorate their homes in the attempt to bring 'life' into the home during the winter months when everything else was 'dead'.

The colors red and green are attributed to the ancient Celts.  There is also an alcoholic drink the ancients would consume, Wassail.  Years ago groups of people would travel from house to house where their drinking mugs would be filled with Wassail and socialization would happen with the people in the home, before traveling to the next home. Somewhere along the way, Christmas carols began to be sung as the group of people arrived at each house. The atmosphere was ripe for partying and  revelry.

Candles being placed in the windows was started by the Celts, to welcome wandering travelers on Christmas Eve. At one time in Ireland, after dinner was cleared from the table on Christmas Eve, a loaf of bread, drink and a candle was left on the table for anyone who happened to visit that evening.   

Today, modern witches celebrate Yule with a ritual called a Sabbat, and a feast. This year at Enchantments we will also follow our feast with a greenery workshop where everyone will be able to make a greenery centerpiece and take it home with them. 

If you wish to attend Enchantments Yule ritual and feast, please come to Enchantments by 10 am on Saturday December 21st and bring a dish to share at the potluck feast. Don't be late as we will start the ritual at 10 am and late comers may not be allowed into the circle.

It would be lovely to have you there!

Happy Yule! 

Peace and Happiness







© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.


 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

How to discard of candle bits after a ritual or spell.






Good Afternoon,

Many people ask me what to do with left over candle bits and bobs when using candles in ritual and in spells. Firstly, candles used in rituals that have burned down and have just left overs, these pieces can be thrown away. Some students of mine prefer to save up the bits and melt them down to make other candles, which is fine, just don't use spell candles for this purpose.

I have another student who has a nifty idea, she uses the leftover wax to melt down and dip pine cones in to make fire starters for her fireplace. A great idea if you have a fireplace.

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, the beginning of February, is the time to replace all of your altar candles and watchtower candles in the ritual room with new ones. The old ones can be discarded. I like to save mine and burn them up in the fire pit outdoors during the summer months.

For spell candles, burn the candle down until it extinguishes itself, then any remains can be discarded. Since magickal intent is infused into the candle when charging the candle with it's magickal goal, it's not a good idea to re-use the bits of these candles for other candles. The magickal intent will stay and mixing it with other parts of spell candles will just make a magickal mess!

At Enchantments we use and also sell, small 'chime' candles for spell casting. These candles are crafted for the holiday times for a brass candle holder that turns from the heat of the candle and has little chimes on it. I believe it is from the Swedish or perhaps German culture. They are quite popular still and the candles we sell are made for them, but they also make excellent spell candles. These candles burn down within an hour or two and leave virtually no trace behind. Less to have to discard. You might wish to try these 'chime' candles the next time you cast a spell. They come in many colors, for all magickal purposes.

The dark of the year, now, is an excellent time to do candle magick as it brings a bit of hope and light to the darkness of the winter days. Happy Spell casting.

Peace and Happiness






© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Aiding your community, is an ancient and modern witch's job






Good Evening,

Ancient witches survived by aiding their community. They would sell simple spells, work folk magicks and make potions and brews to aid the sick and in-firmed. In return they might be paid back by receiving bread, eggs, a chicken or portion of meat for their stew pot. At least this is how many survived in ancient times, when barter was a matter of survival.

Today, we work for our coin. Yet the witch is still in a unique place to be able to aid her or his community.  We have magicks that can help others, we simply do not cast magick for others, but today we teach others how to do it for themselves. It really is most effective that way. 

Having a witch shop I find myself in the position of giving advice on a daily basis for those in need of guidance.  Whether it be smudging their homes or businesses, which is something I do for a fee, even though people can do it for themselves, or selling them an inexpensive spell kits and teaching them how to use them.  

Listening to those who have had paranormal experiences, when at times no one else will listen to what can seem like crazy stories also has it's place.  Sometimes the only one you can talk to is the local witch! But even if you do not have your own witch shop you can aid your community in many ways.  Help by volunteering in your community. Collect hats and gloves during the winter for those staying in the local shelter. Bring old towels and blankets to your local pet shelter or veterinarian.  Run a food drive for your local soup kitchen. Really there are many ways to help, and being a solitary practitioner does not exempt you from your responsibility and duty to your community. No it doesn't.



Being a witch is a way of life, and as a way of life we must give back to the universe that cares for us. Remember the witches credo "What you send out, returns back to you" and it's true, it does. It doesn't matter if you're a white witch or not, a Wiccan witch or not, we must give back for the universal flow of energy to keep coming back to us. What happens if we don't? Well, it simply stops. The magick stops. We stop making effective change within our lives and we stop making magick. I've talked to many that this has happened to. Magick just seems to slip out of their lives, leaving them wishing and wondering what happened and where it went.

There's magick there for you, but you must work it and you must give back (earn it) for it to be at hand for your use.

Think of some way to give back to your community this holiday season. You will see it affecting your magick and your life in wonderful ways.

Peace and Happiness









© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.


 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Dream Magick





 Good Evening,

Everyone dreams. And dreams can hold much magick for us. Yet, there are some pointers to be aware of to help you utilize your dreams to their best advantage. 

Journal  - Be sure to keep a dream journal. Write down dreams, even fractions of dreams you remember and think on them throughout your day.

Look for symbols in your dreams. But I hesitate to tell you to then get a dream symbol book, simply because a symbol may hold a different meaning for you than it's universal counterpart. Instead, try to determine what the symbol means to you.

Many people have dreams where things are out of their control. Such as dreams where their teeth fall out, they themselves are falling, things happening  around them they cannot change.  All of these are symbolic of feeling as if things are out of your control.

Many times our dreams will help us solve problems we might be facing.  Again, the best thing to do to utilize the information your dreams give you is to journal them. Get a notebook and keep it by your bedside. Pencil down your dreams as soon as you can in the morning, or the middle of the night if they wake you up.

Write down your dreams on a regular basis and over time you will start to recognize a pattern, with similar symbols that mean specific things to you. In time you will start to use the magick contained within your dreams.

Peace and Happiness




© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.

 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Gratitude and Love make your spells manifest







Good Afternoon,

Let's discuss gratitude as we roll into this Thanksgiving season. I think most people understand that behind your magick and spell casting there are energies that go into making your magick manifest. You might be feeling the need to have a certain something manifest in your life. You might feel longing, desire, fear, worry, etc. for something to come into your life, or for something to be banished from your life. This is a basic understanding of spell casting. For you wouldn't need to cast a spell, if everything in your life was wonderful and working just as you wished, now would you?

So there is a basic feeling behind every spell, but there should be a general feeling of love and gratitude to the universe, or God/Goddess if you will, for making your spells manifest. We all work together in one big conglomerate to make our magick happen. When dealing with the universe/ God/Goddess, by sending gratitude and love out, we in turn receive it back along with our desires that we've spell-casted for.

Thanksgiving should not be the only time you take a moment to be grateful for all you have in your life. For me it's a daily practice. So when you light that candle, you speak to your higher power, you mix that potion or create that incense, be sure to give some of your heart to the process. You'll find your spell manifesting quicker and more in line with your desires.

Peace and Happiness





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.

 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

This Thanksgiving I'm going to church for a very good reason





 Good Afternoon,

Today's topic is a bit different. It's about going to church. Now, being Wiccan, church for me is the great outdoors or perhaps in my ritual room if the weather is a bit tricky. But I have heard many pagans and Wiccans declare "I will NEVER step foot inside a church again!" and I've often wondered why.

Well, obviously, they have had a bad experience or maybe just not a good one when going to church. But, a church is just a building and the people there believe in their own style of doing things. I hadn't been to church in quite a while, when last September, I was visiting my parents and my Dad said "your mother would love it if you would surprise her this Sunday and show up in church". Which was my Dad's way of asking if I would go to church with them. Frankly I don't think my mother cared one way or the other, but I know my Dad did.

Now, let me say, they know all about my Wiccan beliefs, my Wiccan ordained minister status and they know I'm not going to 'convert' one day to becoming a Christian. So, I thought about it, asked what time church started and found out it started a a reasonable 10:30 am, for no matter what the occasion, I'm not one to do an 8 am, anything!! 

And I went. I went for my parents. Because I knew my parents would be happy if I was there, and that's the only reason. I can find my Goddess anywhere and I saw her that day in the church, in the stained glass that decorated the church. I stood next to my parents and sang hymns and told myself to remember this occasion, because one day they won't be there to stand next to.

Am I afraid that someone will try to convert me? No. I'm strong in my personal faith and I respect others. I have no animosity towards Christians or others of different faiths and I often find talking about different beliefs to be interesting and I enjoy it.

Now, come Thanksgiving, I will be visiting my parents again, and this time I mentioned first to them that I would like to go to church with them. It's such a small gesture and one that brings such happiness, and it harms none. They especially like to introduce me to the other congregants of their church during the pot luck social that follows the service.

You might not agree with the beliefs of a Christian faith, nor go to church, but is there anger or intense feelings associated with this? If so, perhaps some work needs to be done.  Finding the right belief system for you should not automatically instill feelings of anger, disgust or hatred towards other beliefs. It simply is that your belief is different from other's beliefs. 

I could find myself in a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or oak grove and feel good within myself. As I said, I look for the Goddess everywhere, and most times I find her. For she is always with me, no matter where I tread.

I hope you find yourself in a place you wish to be this Thanksgiving season.


Peace and Happiness


© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.


 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Lighting a candle can help when things are out of your control






Good Afternoon,

There comes times in our lives when we feel helpless, that things are out of our control. This can happen when a family member becomes sick, is hospitalized etc.  When this happens, it seems as if magick is the farthest thing away from the situation. Not true!

When you feel this way, no spell is needed. No incantations or witchy potions. Just light a candle, it matters not the color, and speak to the Goddess or God. Just state the feelings you have, what it is you want and allow the candle to burn.

This is an ancient form of candle magick that is still used today, all over the world.  Throughout the centuries we have slowly lost the belief that we can speak directly to God/ Goddess. But we can. They can hear us and will listen to our prayers. I firmly believe this.

So, when you feel helpless, like things are out of your control, light a candle, speak from your heart and allow the Goddess to do what is best for all in the situation. Blessings to you




Peace and Happiness













© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Why do we really celebrate Halloween / Samhain?



Good Afternoon,

It's no surprise Halloween is celebrated every year, as it has been celebrated in some form for over 5,000 years now. That's right, 5,000 years! It originally stems from ancient Ireland, a land ruled by the ancient Celtic peoples.

It's part of an ancient agricultural calendar called the Wheel of the Year. It marks many things, such as, the end of summer, beginning of winter. The end of the light half of the year and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is also the first day of the New Year for those following this ancient calendar, as I do.

But most importantly, it is our memorial day. A day of the dead, as many cultures call it, the day set aside on their calendar to honor and remember those loved ones who have passed over.

This year I will celebrate and remember those who have passed on, in my life, as well as remembering a woman who died centuries ago.  Petronilla de Meath was 24 years old in 1324 in Ireland, and was a maid servant to Lady Alice Kyteler. She was accussed of witchcraft and was burned at the stake in Kilkenny Ireland, the first person put to death in that land for the crime of witchcraft. 

To honor her I will burn 24 green candles in her memory, on Samhain night. 24 for the years she lived, and green for the fields she saw as she lived as well as for healing.  I would like to personally thank Ms. Janet Farrar for bringing her to my attention.

I will also burn two brown candles and a black candle and ask the Goddess to  help end animal abuse and neglect. 

For my loved ones who have passed on, I will burn a red candle of love and remembrance. A few candles to be burned, for sure, but I burn small chime candles (we call them spell candles) and they burn down within an hour or two.  By heating the end of the candle, many can be stuck to a fire proof plate to be burned down all together. Be sure to keep this burning ritual plate in view throughout your evening for safety's sake.

You can celebrate the memory of a loved one who has passed on also, by burning a candle for them. A black candle can be a traditional color burned on Samhain, but really, any candle, any color is acceptable. It's about the thought and love that goes into a ritual that makes it special, not so much the tools and supplies. So sayeth this witch!

Remember those whom you love this Samhain and know that by remembering them, they are drawn closer to you and your love. We often say this time of year, that the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, this is what we mean. That those departed, are able to come back to us and visit with us for a while. I hope you have a blessed Samhain!


Peace and Happiness







© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Fundraising results and Can anyone be a witch?

Good Afternoon,

I want to update you on the fundraiser we had last weekend at Enchantments. It was a great success with lots of people coming into Enchantments for the first time! We raised $220 for the Main Street, Manchester, CT Fire victims and our special fundraising friend Gizmo the Wonder Doglet was on hand to greet people! It was a busy day all around and a tremendous success! I want to thank Gizmo and his mom Jen for their participation.

 Gizmo


Our topic for today's discussion is a question I am asked often. Can anybody be a witch? As well as, what does it take to be a witch?
Well, both good questions. Yes, anyone that wishes to, can be a witch!  The only one who needs to say so, is you. No one needs to proclaim you a witch, that's not necessary. If you feel an affinity to the world of witches then you too can be one. Over the years I have been asked this question many times, so I came up with a simple quiz to help you determine how witchy you are.  Take this simple quiz, mark yes or no for each question and see at the end how much of a witch you are.

1.) Have you felt that you just didn't fit in with the mainstream religious beliefs in your community?
2.) Have you tried other religions and found yourself frustrated, unsatisfied or feeling it just wasn't for you?
3.) Have concepts of witches, spells, the mystery of a magickal world held fascination for you?
4.) Have you felt that witches were misunderstood, not scary or evil?
5.) Do you enjoy the outdoors?
6.) When out of doors do you find a sense of peace and calm to be surrounded by nature?
7.) Are you emotionally moved when looking at the full moon?
8.) As an adult have you felt that being born a sinner and the concept of hell, man made concepts?
9.) Do you feel your creator is all loving, without judgement or conditions attached to his/her love?
10.) Have you secretly wished you could be a witch or have magickal powers?
11.) Are you attracted to the medieval time in history, The Arthurian legends, King Arthur, castles and the legend and lore of such times?  
12.) Do you believe in past and future lives?
13.) Do the television shows 'BeWitched', 'Adam's Family', 'The Munster's', 'Charmed' or the Sci-Fi Channel attract you?
14.) Have you seen the movies 'Practical Magic', 'The Craft', 'Witches', 'Harry Potter', or any movie that refers to witchcraft and felt drawn to the ways of the witch?
15.) Have you had any psychic experiences? Such as seen a ghost or spirits or saw something happen before it actually did or have a dream come true?
16.) Do you feel a sense of responsibility to your community, your country, your planet?
17.) Do you enjoy music?
18.) Can you stand up for what you believe in, even when others disagree with you?
19.) Are you comfortable being alone?
20.) Do you consider yourself a sexual being?

Now collect your answers. If you answered 15 or more of these questions with a yes, you definitely have what it takes to be a witch. All it takes is to learn. Study, read, practice and believe and you too can be a witch. 

Have a witchy day!


Peace and Happiness





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.


 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Witches Work Involves Their Community

 Good Evening,

In ancient tradition, witches have worked to help aid those in their community. At one time in the distant past, witches were the midwives, the physicians, the herbalists and pharmacists of a community.  People would    seek out the witch for help.  The witch would provide medical care, as well as social help in such ways as providing love spells and money spells.

These days, things are a bit different, in that we do not, and should not, provide medical care without the appropriate licenses, but we do and should work to help out in our community. Yes, it's fine to be a solitary practitioner and cast the spells you need for your own good, but we must remember our responsibility to our community. And I believe it is our responsibility, if you're a witch, to help in your community. I have always been community minded and have volunteered in numerous ways for over 30 years and will continue to do so. If your magick aids you, in turn you could aid your community by giving. Giving of your time, your money, your efforts, your abilities.

In this manner, Enchantments will be holding a fundraiser this Sunday, October 20th at Enchantments at 349 East Center Street, Manchester, CT from Noon to three o'clock.  The cause is very much a  community cause. Just a few days ago, a building on Main Street in Manchester burned to the ground, displacing several families and two Mom and Pop businesses.  The Manchester Area Conference of Churches MACC is accepting monies to aid these people displaced by the fire. The building is being taken down, the damages are so great.  Many people are affected by this devastating fire and we at Enchantments would like to help this cause. We will have a very special guest helping us fund-raise on Sunday, Gizmo the Wonderdoglet.

Gizmo is a local celebrity in the Greater Hartford Area.  His job is as a  therapy dog  and he does good work at a local  high school, local convalescent homes and hospitals.  Here, check out Gizmo's facebook page  to see him and all the good work he does. https://www.facebook.com/GizmosFrens






Come meet Gizmo between noon and three o'clock and make a much needed donation to a very important cause. All monies collected will go to aid the Main Street fire victims. Refreshments will be served. I look forward to seeing you all there! Ms. Faith










© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The History of Halloween at MCC October 25th!





Good Evening,

In just a couple of weeks, I'll be conducting my annual lecture at Manchester Community College "The History of Halloween".  Here's the information you need to take this one night class!

Black cats, Jack o’ Lanterns, witches, and bats, oh my! Just where and when did the true Halloween begin? ... in ancient Ireland, more than 5,000 years ago! Come and learn about the fascinating history of Halloween and witches—just in time to celebrate the event this fall. A slide presentation, with an opportunity for question-and-answer, will be included. Each student will receive a free charm to help them connect with loved ones who have passed on.

CRN 31701 | Fee: $20

1 Friday | 10/25

6-8 PM | GPA GP138

 You can call 860-512-3232 to register for this class. I look forward to seeing you there! Ms. Faith





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Time to harvest fall herbs





Good Afternoon, 

Autumn is upon us. The days are warm and light, the evenings grow chill and there's a briskness to the wind. These are the days to think about harvesting autumnal herbs and plants for use during the winter.  An autumnal herb is simply an herb or plant that is still growing this time of year and can be harvested either for it's blossom, it's leaf or it's root.

There is so many plants that can be harvested this time of year, and of course it depends on what is abundant in your garden, but we will touch on a few common ones for the purpose of this discussion.

Garden Sage  -  many like to burn garden sage. It is used this time of year to honor the ancestors and to make ready for a holiday such as Samhain, which is a Sabbat to honor and remember those loved ones who have passed on. Cut the sage and hang upside down to dry.



Late blooming roses  -  blossoms used in love spells and tonics, Rose hips are used in teas for love and healing, while the thorns are used in protection sachets.  Gently pick the petals and lay them loose on a dry paper towel.  Allow the petals and or rose hips to dry thoroughly before placing in jars to use later in winter.  The blossoms and rose hips can be used in love spells or in tea.  For the thorns, carefully remove them and place in a small container for use later. Mix with other herbs to put into protection spell mixes.

Mint - Mint has the magickal properties of purification, love, healing, money, sleep and psychic powers.  Carry dried mint leaves in wallet or purse to attract money, place fresh mint leaves on altar to attract positive, helpful spirits to your magickal working. rub mint on furniture, floorboards and walls to repel negativity and negative energies. Place under the pillow to allow one to sleep peacefully and to have prophetic dreams of the future.  Cut mint in stalks and bind together with rubber bands and hang in a cool, dry location until thoroughly dried. Can also be used in teas and in cooking.

These are just a few of the plants you may find in your late autumn garden, that you may wish to harvest before the snow flies. It is important to continually check on drying plants and to move them around so that mold and rot do not set in. Allow leaves of plant to hang loosely. Bind together only the stalks of plants, for to bind together the leaves you may cause the plant to become moldy and the entire plant will then need to be discarded.  Harvest and dry plants that are dry to the touch in the garden. If it's rainy or a heavy dew allow plant to dry before harvesting. 

These are just a few tips and tricks from your Contemporary New England Witch! Happy Harvesting!!


Peace and Happiness






© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.

 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

My new course 'Practical Magick' is debuting at MCC next week





 Good Evening,

My new course called 'Practical Magick' will be debuting this Monday night, September 30th, 2013 at Manchester Community College. 

This course will introduce you to the ways of magickal practice and is being brought to you by me, a practicing witch and Wiccan High Priestess for 30 years.  The class is a four class program, Monday nights starting on September 30th and the curriculum is as follows:



First class  magickal tools, setting up an altar, casting a magick circle
Second class Spell casting, moon magick, candle magick, divination, psychic quiz
Third class--  Terminology, Goddess figures, symbols
Last class--Potions workshop at Enchantments $10 materials fee  
 
The class runs from 7-9 pm and most of class is a PowerPoint presentation with quizzes given at the end on topics such as "How Psychic are you' " Could you be a Witch?' , and questions are encouraged. 
 
To sign up for this class, and you need to sign up by Friday this week, September 27th, please call 860-512-3232 and sign up for Course #31700.  The cost is $65.00 for the course and can be paid over the phone with a credit card. 
 
I would love to see you in class! 
 
 




© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Come walk the Labyrinth with us at Enchantments this Saturday Evening

Enchantments Layrinth 2011


Good Afternoon,

Yes, it's that time of year again, Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, which is just around the corner.  Each year, at Enchantments, we construct a labyrinth out of tea light candles and after it gets dark, we walk the labyrinth in the hopes it will help us release attachment to troubles, issues and worries.

You are invited to attend. If the weather holds and it's not raining, the Mabon ritual will start at 6 pm, followed by a feast, please bring a dish to share with others, and then the labyrinth walk will begin at around 7 pm. Now, take note, if it is raining (a goodly downpour) the ritual will be moved up to 5 pm, followed by the feast and we will not do the labyrinth as rain tends to put out candles!

But to be on the safe side come to Enchantments for 5 pm. We will be constructing the labyrinth at this time or having the earlier ritual. Parking will be in surrounding parking lots, as we are building the labyrinth in our parking lot.

Labyrinths have bee used for centuries and they are constructed to give the mind a quiet place to reflect and ponder. As you enter the labyrinth, you follow the paths, slowly and methodically.  Quieting the mind and allowing little critical thought to happen. Concentrate on your breathing and watch the candle light flicker. Allow the problem you are having to enter your mind then release it. Giving it up to the universe to help you find a solution. Just as slowly following the path of the labyrinth you will eventually come to the conclusion or center.  Then on a piece of paper write your problem in a word or two. Then touch the paper to the flame in the center of the table, found in the center of the labyrinth. Allow the paper to flare up and become nothing. As your problem will soon disappear and become nothing. Then take a deep breath, thank the Universe or God/ Goddess, whomever you pray to and slowly make your way back through the labyrinth and to the outside again. This process is done in silence.

This is one way to utilize the magick of the labyrinth and make it work for you.  I hope you can join us this Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 5 pm. I look forward to seeing you there! Blessed Be


Peace and Happiness





© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

 Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.-

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

A Magickal Moment was had in Salem, Mass this past Sunday





 Good Afternoon, 

As you may remember, this past Sunday, the Witches of Enchantments went to Salem, Mass for our annual trek to the 1692 Victim's Memorial. I gave a lecture on the witch trials and then we conducted the Ceremony of the Roses. It was during this ceremony that I and everyone that was with me experienced a true magickal moment.  We conducted the ceremony by having one person stand in front of each carved memorial bench and as I ring a bell they called out the names of the person put to death and the date of death.

The ceremony started, I was ringing the bell for each victim, the names were being called out and the wind started up quite strongly and started to whip up into the tree tops, as we proceeded around the semi circle of benches for the 20 victims of the 1692 witch trials, the wind grew stronger and kept blowing until we finished calling out the names and the bell was silenced. Then the wind died down quite as quickly as it had started. I truly believe the spirits of those who had perished were with us that day in Salem, Mass. I could feel their presence. It was a wonderful magickal moment.  We then proceeded on our way and had a really grand time in the city of the Witches.  I am already looking forward to next year.  Stay tuned to this witch channel because I may very well have a video of the lecture available for viewing in a week or so.

Until then, have a magickal week!


Peace and Happiness 








© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Magickal Energy in Receiving Gifts!







 Good Afternoon,

I just finished having the BEST Birthday week EVER!!  I had a big birthday bash for my 50th birthday and I wanted to share some magickal insights with you. After all at this esteemed age I think I've earned the right to pass on a little wisdom to others! Haha. 

But seriously, I had so many wonderful people come to my party and I enjoyed visiting, the excitement, the dancing, all of it.  And when it was over I went home with many wonderful gifts and presents from everyone. I started to think about the 'gift giving' phenomenon. We all get gifts from time to time. Birthdays, Yule, other special occasions like anniversaries and such. I could feel the magick within the gifts. The good tidings, best wishes, the love and generosity of the giver.  Even if the gift given was simply a beautiful card, there was joy contained within.

I wanted to honor that spirit. So I unwrapped each gift carefully, read the card that came with it and any personal sentiments written by the gift giver. Then I honored the gift. If it was a candle (and candles are always a good gift for a witch!) I lit it and allowed it to burn the entire evening. While the candles were burning I thought of the people who gave the gift to me and remembered the fun memories of them at the party.

I received a beautiful aerial photograph of my Grandparents home, where I spent a lot of my childhood, from a dear aunt and I called her and we talked for a while about the photograph and reminisced about the past.  I had just seen her hours before at the party but it was a personal, special phone call that made the moment and the gift special.

I will carefully and with great thought write out the thank you notes and include a little story about how I enjoyed each gift, like the fun red and green garden butterfly made out of ribar and horseshoes that I put out first thing in my garden and how the garden garlic chives are in full bloom and sway and bend around it.

For gift cards to a restaurant I will tell them how we will go and have a special dinner and think of them while we are dining.  There is a magick in gifts, from the care and consideration of the gift giver and the time they took to pick out the gift that needs to be recognized and acknowledged.  Just don't put that bath gel and shampoo set on a shelf in a bathroom closet to gather dust and be forgotten. Use it! Remember those who gave it to you and smile, because they were thinking of you when they bought it, wrapped it and gave it to you! Enjoy and find the magickal in every day, you'll be happy you did!!



Peace and Happiness







© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Upcoming events at Enchantments

Good Afternoon,

We have some interesting and fun events coming up at Enchantments this month of September. For the ladies we have the Women's Spirituality Group meeting Wednesday September 4th at 5 pm. This group meets at Enchantments in the classroom and the topic of discussion is 'Forgiveness or Acceptance' can you forgive and accept what another has done to you, or to others. How do we get to this place? There is no charge for this group and it's open to ladies who are interested in having an open, thought provoking discussion.

Then the annual trip to Salem, Mass will commence on Sunday, September 8th.  Everyone is to meet at the 1692 Victim's Memorial next to the old burying grounds in Salem, Mass. I tell people the best bet is to go to the Visitor's Center located at 2 New Liberty Street, Salem and get a street map of the town. They have really easy to read attraction maps of all the sites and then meet me a couple of blocks away at the memorial.
I will conduct a lecture of the Summer of 1692 and the subsequent witch trials and the events that took place that year. Then we go off to wander Salem Village and meet real witches, running witch shoppes, a visit to the country's oldest, continually run candy factory, and lunch at a great place that offers a wide variety of lunch foods at very reasonable prices.  A great time is had by all. There is no charge for going on the Salem trip, just bring the money you wish to spend on lunch and shopping.

Please call 860-791-6033 if you have any further questions.

I would love to see you there!

Peace and Happiness 








© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Itty Bitty Mouse

Good Afternoon,

Well, I received a lovely gift this week from my cats. A little gray and white house mouse, who is just a baby. My birthday is next week, so maybe my cats have given me an early birthday present! One cat had cornered him in the closet and my husband saved him and put him in a tin canister with holes punctured on top and gave him to me. Thanks!

He is just a little thing, so I am calling him 'Itty Bitty'. I know some people would think having a pet mouse is a little strange, but come on, I am a witch after all!  But having said that, mice are about as exotic as I get for pets. I'm definitely NOT a spider or snake witch! 

I also happen to have 'mouse' as one of my animal totems. Mouse 'medicine', as the magickal properties of animals are called medicine, is the quality of 'scrutiny'.  Mouse medicine allows one to look carefully at the small details of a situation and analyze the finer qualities before making a decision. We, those with mouse medicine, are able to appreciate the finer, little things in life. We look for the finite details and we tend to make decisions based on all things considered rather than just the big concepts.

Mice in the wild have a life expectancy of about 6 months, in captivity, under good conditions up to 2 years. So I'm hoping little Itty Bitty has a nice long, happy mouse life! Here's a picture of him:






Peace and Happiness! 








© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited.

 If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

During the summer of 1692, a terrible thing happened in Salem, Mass . . .






 Good Afternoon,

That terrible thing was the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.  Have you ever wanted to learn more about this sad, tragic time in our country's history? Well, you can!  Come with me and  the Witches of Enchantments to Salem, Mass this September 8th.  That Sunday we caravan to beautiful sea side Salem, Massachusetts to learn more about the victims and the accusers of the summer of 1692.

I have been studying this time in history for over 30 years now and when we get to Salem, I will meet you all at the 1692 Victim's memorial and conduct a lecture detailing the events and a bit of the lives of those involved in the witch trials.

At the conclusion of the lecture we hold a memorial ceremony with a bell rung and a flower placed on each bench engraved with the name and date of each victim hanged. We send blessings to their spirits and then we proceed on our way. Everyone can participate in the memorial ceremony.



After the lecture we all lunch together at a lovely restaurant nearby and then I bring you to Pickering Wharf, the part of Salem where witch shops are authentic and run by real witches like us!  

I like to conduct this lecture and tour in September as October is just a bit crazy in Salem. According to Salem's Chamber of Commerce they are visited in the month of October alone, with over 400,000 visitors. That's not a typo! Almost a half million people, in a tiny, little sea side village. It does tend to get a bit crowded and the lines become long and tedious. Though it is a carnival atmosphere one will find in Salem in October, I enjoy having the village all to ourselves when we go in September.

I hope you will choose to go with us this year, as I would love to see familiar faces again and to meet new people. I look forward to seeing you there!


Peace and Happiness






© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

A little about Lugh, the Celtic God . . .





 Good Afternoon,

We find ourselves, this time of year, in the midst of the harvest season. We just celebrated Lughnasadh, the Celtic equivalent of Thanksgiving. A harvest festival and feast celebrating the first food harvest of the year. But some have asked about the name, Lughnasadh. An ancient Celtic name, it stands for 'Assembly of Lugh'.  What it means is 'we have gathered in his name, the God Lugh'

But who was Lugh? Well, he is a great Celtic God. A god of the harvest, a god of light, war, and abundance and smith crafting.
 Here is a brief story, or legend, about Lugh that comes from the Celtic people, a story telling people. I first heard this legend many years ago, so I will retell it to the best of my ability.

Once upon a time .  .  .  as all good stories should start!, There was an evil God. He was cruel and merciless. His name was Balor. Balor had one eye, and enjoying bringing harm and misery to the good people of his land.  One day he imprisoned twelve maidens in a cave, just because he could and he enjoyed their misery.

Along came a knight, a hero whose name has been lost to the mists of time. This knight sought to save and release the twelve maidens, but to the best laid plans .  .  .  he impregnated them instead! There were twelve babies born and Balor heard about these babies and he came and took them and threw them all into the sea to drown out their little lives. Evil, cruel Balor!

One baby survived and came back upon the land, this baby was named Lugh. The rest of the children, it is said, became the ancestors of the merpeople, those who live in the sea.

Lugh eventually came to work for a smithy, or black smith. He worked very hard and became very good at working iron in the forge.  One day Balor, hiss .  .  .  boo .  .  .  came along and started to brag to the black smith about all of his evil deeds and Lugh overheard and became enraged at the misery and suffering Balor had caused. Lugh took a long, iron pike, red hot at the end, and jammed it into his one, baleful eye thus causing the death of this evil God.  This brought an end to the evil misery and suffering of the people and brought abundance, life and happiness to the land.



Lugh became known as Lugh Lavada, or 'Lugh of the Long Arm.'  and he became a beloved God of the ancient Celtic people of Western Europe. He is worshipped at this time of year as we harvest the fields and bring the grains, fruits and vegetables, the abundance of nature and life to our tables, and we are grateful to him for this bounty.

That is simply one legend about Lugh. The great Celtic God, whom we remember this time of the year, when we celebrate Lughnasadh.  I hope you enjoyed his story.


Peace and Happiness




© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Happy Lughnasadh! Our first food harvest of the year!




Good Afternoon,

It is such a lovely day. I want to get this discussion out and then I'm going to go sit under my Maple tree and enjoy the gardens. It's a perfect day for it.

This Saturday we celebrate Lughnsadh. This is an ancient Celtic harvest celebration that recognizes this time as the first food harvest. The first ripe grains in the fields are gathered and fresh, new bread is baked. Bread is a big feature for this Sabbat celebration. 

Tomorrow, August first is technically Lughnsadh. But, we will celebrate it on Saturday here at Enchantments.  You can also celebrate this holiday. You are invited to come to Enchantments, at 10 am and partake in our magick circle, to be followed by a feast of Thanksgiving. Yes, the harvest season is when the Thanksgiving feasts in ancient times were held.  We're even having a roast turkey! 

If you can't make our celebration you can have your own Thanksgiving feast,  served outdoors and make bread and bread products, like stuffing, a big part of your feast. Invite family and friends and enjoy your time with each other.

This is a time to give thanks to the Goddess and God for all of life's bounty, riches and abundance we have in our lives. A time of gratitude.  Be sure to leave a bit of bread out on the ground for the nature spirits and the birds. Also pour a small amount of libation, whatever drink you have on hand, on the ground while speaking your thanks to the Gods.

Celebrate outdoors as it's soon we will find ourselves forced to be indoors for six long months of winter. Our winter starts November 1st, and that's just a hands-breath away. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, each other and be well.


Peace and Happiness 




© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Getting back to Nature doesn't necessarily mean meditating under a tree . . .

Good Afternoon,

So many people talk with me on a weekly basis, what with the shop and the various places I find myself week to week. Many mention how they want to "get back to Nature", as if it were a distant destination that they have to make a long trek to get there. It doesn't have to be that way.  As I titled this discussion, getting back to Nature doesn't necessarily mean you have to take a day off from life and sit under a tree meditating. Now, that would be nice if you could do it, but realistically many of us do not have the time or the inclination. Because, really, meditating under a tree is simply, to me, boring. Don't get me wrong, I love trees, but my idea of communing with Nature is more active. Take today for instance.

I woke up a bit earlier than usual and made a short trip to the neighboring town where there are several berry farms and I picked fresh blueberries this morning. I'm going to make pies later this week.  There I was, atop a hill with over 50 acres of blueberry fields surrounding me, birds singing, people quietly talking amongst themselves, all picking tender, ripe, big blue berries. To me, and I've said this before, this is the equivalent to going to church for me.  I was surrounded by nature and enjoying every moment of it. Today I picked a little over 10 lbs of berries, so that will make for a few lovely pies.While I was there I noticed many wild flowers such as loosestrife, yellow dock, wild morning glory and black-eyed Susans. The sky was a brilliant blue with fluffy white clouds floating gently along.

But my sojourn into Nature wasn't over with my berry picking. I came to work, opened the store then did some light weeding long the walkways of Enchantments. Then I mowed the lawn surrounding the gardens of Enchantments.  Nature was at her finest today.  Oh, I don't think I mentioned it to you, but just recently Enchantment's gardens received local recognition from the Manchester Garden Club for looking lovely and for "helping to beautify Manchester".  I am quite pleased that we received such recognition, an honorable mention actually in Manchester's Annual Beautification Program, to be precise. We've worked hard to make the gardens beautiful for everyone to see. Here's a few pictures of the gardens as they look today.




To finish off the day, I will place my Adirondack chair under the shady Maple tree in the front of our store and sit and read a bit. Well, .  .  .  Hmmmmm,   I guess I don't find sitting under a tree all that boring after all!

I hope you can get out and 'get back to Nature', just a bit this week. Remember, it doesn't have to be an effort at all. Just going outdoors and walking barefoot in the grass qualifies. I hope you have a beautiful week!


Peace and Happiness







© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Auras . . . everybody has one, but what does it mean?






Good Afternoon,

Today's discussion will be about Auras. Everyone living has an aura. This is a light which emanates from their body and has a color. Everyone born has an aura and everyone's aura has a color or multiple colors which stays the same throughout their lives.





Although, some colors are not life long colors to be found in a person's aura, for instance red or black. Red is a color of excitement, extreme emotional energy expenditure or illness or damage to an area of the body. For example, I have seen Madonna in concert a few times. When she is performing she emanates a red aura from her body, which makes sense because she puts on a very physically demanding show. In another example I have seen red emanate around a person's elbow where that person had suffered physical injury to the elbow. This color is a temporary color and no one has a permanently red aura. 

The same can be said about black or brown. These colors appear when there is illness, sickness or disease affecting the body. They might appear as floating spots of brown or black within the aura. This also appears when the subject is taking drugs, regardless of whether the drugs are prescription or recreational.

Some drugs that a person can take, especially drugs prescribed for chemical imbalances within the brain can effectively mask the aura, making it difficult for others to perceive it. 

To see someones aura, the person being observed needs to be standing somewhat still for beginners to notice the aura. Lot's of fast movement can make it difficult to see the delicate, gentle color that surrounds the body.  Have the person being observed wear either white or black around the shoulders and upper body. This makes it easier to see the colors. Have the person being observed close their eyes and concentrate on 'making' their aura bigger and have them feel as if they are 'pushing' it out of their body. This will help the observer see the aura better.

Then stand several feet away from the person being observed and look at the perimeter of the person's body. Along the head, neck and shoulders work well. Allow your gaze to lose focus and get a bit fuzzy. For those who wear glasses, just take your glasses off, this will help you see the colors better. At first notice a bright white thin outline that surrounds the person's perimeter. Then try to distinguish faint colors.  Many people have more than one color for their aura. Some can have two and even up to three colors perceivable in their aura.

What do the colors mean?

Blue:  This is a color of a caregiver. Nurses, caretakers and those who care deeply for others can have this color. It is a color for mothers.

Green:  Someone who has a green aura is deeply connected with nature and may garden for a hobby or profession.

Yellow:  An intellectual. A life long student, could very much be a teacher.

Purple:  Someone who has purple as an aura color is concerned with justice, the law, fairness and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Could be in the profession of law or have a strong affinity for it.

Orange:  Dynamic, exciting. Many people are drawn to this type or color of aura. These people with orange auras tend to be very outgoing and vivacious, the 'life of the party!'

Pink: Pink is another color like red and black. It is a temporary color that shows itself in the auras of people who have recently fallen in love, new mothers, newlyweds. It tends to dissipate after time.

It is very difficult to see your own aura, have a friend help you by having them look at your aura and then you can look at theirs. Try to see or sense the color of the person you're looking at and you will eventually get better at seeing auras all around you.


Peace and Happiness






© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 



If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Archery Night was a huge success!






 Good Afternoon!

Last night the Enchantment's Women's Spirituality Group met at Hall's Archery in Manchester to spend an hour shooting arrows at targets. A great time was had by all, and I want to thank the lovely ladies who showed up to participate. Many had never used a bow before but bravely stepped up to the black line and took a shot. Then they took another!

We were lucky that our Women's group even had a lovely lady instructor from Hall's, even though our group has had in the past men instructors and they are all fantastic at Hall's, no matter who we've had.

While we were shooting arrows and hitting bulls-eyes!!!, metaphors for life started to crop up and I wanted to share some of them with you.

  • In life you don't always hit the paper target! It's true, sometimes in life one has to square off, aim and take another shot, and perhaps another but eventually you will hit the target, and if you try hard enough you will also get a bulls-eye.
  • Just let it go! The biggest issue anyone had with shooting the bow and arrows was, when after pulling the string back towards the face, was then letting the string go. There's the fear the string will hit your face and hurt you, that you haven't pulled it back properly, that after you let it go something will happen that's not right, many things crowd into your mind. When in reality all you need to do is take a breath and let the string simply .  .  .  go. Let things in your life that you no longer have control over simply .  .  .  go. You can control the string like things in your life up to a point, but then you must let them go.  We found ourselves striking the bulls-eye more often when we got to a place where we could 'let go'.
  • Don't over think things! There are several small things that need to be in place to shoot a bow successfully. But once those little things are applied i.e. having the right stance, pulling the string back properly, having the arrow notched onto the string in the correct manner etc., then just get along with the business of shooting the arrows. Over thinking things just mucks up the process. I found for myself, that when I put everything in place, took a breath and just let the string go, while keeping my mind calm and focused, the arrow found its way to the bulls-eye more times than not!
These are just a few of the metaphors that can be applied to life from a fun night of shooting with bows and arrows. Hall's Archery on Middle Tpke in Manchester, CT USA is a great place to learn, and to shoot there it's a nominal fee of $13.00 an hour. They provide all the equipment and the cost is pro-rated, which means if you shoot for 20 minutes, you only pay for 20 minutes. It's really one of the best deals in town! The facility was air conditioned (which we appreciated in the humidity and high heat waves we've been experiencing here in Southern New England) clean and the staff was professional, polite and really nice to work with.

I hope you have a happy, healthy and magickal Fourth of July holiday!

Peace and Happiness

© 2010-2013 Faith M. McCann. Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. Please note that the copying and/or further distribution of this work without express written permission is prohibited. 


If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.