Don’t forget – we will indeed be closed on Wednesday, November 11th to mark Remembrance Day.
Our deep gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed in the name of peace and freedom. Our prayers for true and lasting peace across the planet, so that no one else need sacrifice in this cause.
November 10, 2009
We will be CLOSED for Remembrance Day!
November 9, 2009
More Bang for Your Holiday Buck!
Our Holiday Gift Certificate promotion begins today!
Every gift certificate you purchase now comes with a 15% off coupon, good on any purchase!
Tuck the coupon in with the gift certificate to give to your giftee OR (and we won’t tell) keep the coupon for yourself to stretch your holiday shopping budget!
November 4, 2009
Scott Cunningham’s Book of Shadows is HERE!
Hurrah, at long last, Scott Cunningham’s Book of Shadows is finally here!
One of our best selling authors in the Wicca and Paganism section, Scott’s death left a noticeable hole in Pagan publishing. His clear and accessible vision of Wicca was the jumping off point for many new Pagans and Wiccans, particularly those discovering their spiritual path solitary (and before the era of the internet!). I know my copy of Solitary Practitioner looks like animals have been chewing on it! I still recommend this classic in my Wicca 101 classes.
That’s why I’m delighted that this recently discovered title is becoming available. You can’t have too much Scott Cunningham!
Here’s the blurb from the publisher:
Llewellyn is pleased to present a new Scott Cunningham book—a long-lost Book of Shadows. Recently discovered in a battered manila envelope, this previously unpublished manuscript was penned by Scott in the early 1980s. This rare book includes original spells, rituals, and invocations and an herbal grimoire. Featured in the design are Scott’s actual hand-drawn signs, symbols, and runes.
More than ten years after his passing, Scott Cunningham is still an iconic and highly regarded figure in the magical community. His books on Wicca are considered classics, and his writings continue to inspire and inform those new to the Craft.
It’s literally just come in an hour ago, so no review yet – stay tuned!
October 30, 2009
Essential Oils for Cold and Flu support
Don’t worry, I’m not going to get into the whole ‘get the H1N1 vaccine or not’ debate – there are voices much more informed than mine out there to get your facts and theories from.
But as we are entering the traditional time for sniffles and sneezes, chills and coughing, I thought it might be worthwhile to mention some of the essential oils that can help alleviate some of your suffering.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) - this oil is a wonderful oil for all manner of cold symptoms and for keeping the germs at bay. Use 8 drops in 60ml of carrier oil for a chest rub to clear breathing or on the temples and neck for fever and headache. Add a few drops to a room diffuser to ease breathing and help with cough.
*** Do not use if you have high blood pressure, epilepsy or are taking homeopathic medication.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – the well known anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal essential oil. Can be used in the same manner as the eucalyptus oil or my personal favourite, steam inhalation. Add a few drops to a large bowl or sink full of very hot water. Carefully lower your head into the rising steam and cover your head with a towel to contain the steam. Keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation and breathe the essential oil infused steam into your lungs to help with upper respiratory issues. Opens your pores up too!
Other useful oils include:
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – a potent aid to the immune system (***avoid during pregnancy)
Lime (Citrus medica) – an uplifting oil, lime is good for boosting the immune system (***do not apply directly to skin, avoid sun exposure)
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) – great in a carrier oil to massage the chest and throat.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – helps with colds, flu and runny noses, also helps if feeling nauseated. (*** can be irritating to the skin)
Or, if you want your essential oils quick and easy (and ready to throw in a purse/bag and go), try the therapeutic blends from Colour Energy, especially:
Immune Booster (with tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, geranium, rosemary, pine, ravensara, and cinnamon)
or
Headache Relief (for unclogging nasal passages, with peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, birch, frankincense, yarrow, and vetivert)
Both essential oil blends are already diluted in an organic jojoba oil base and packaged in a handy roll-on vial so they are ready to use ASAP.
As with any advice on health issues, please be aware that I am not an aromatherapist, just an enthusiastic user with some knowledge to share. Essential oils should be used with awareness of any contraindications and never take internally or used ‘neat’ (directly out of the bottle on the skin). Some folks will use some uncut (lavender and tea tree commonly) but it’s always better to err on the safe side, in my mind.
October 27, 2009
Honouring Ted Andrews
Sad news coming in – well loved author and teacher, Ted Andrews, author of Animal Speak (and many other books), passed away on October 24th.
I was fortunate enough to briefly meet and speak with Ted at an industry trade show in Denver some years ago and I can certainly report that he was as kind and generous in person as he seems in his books and articles.
Here’s a photo of Sandra and myself with him at the show.
I can’t think of any author who was as enthusiastic about the animal and plant world messengers as Ted Andrews.
A voice that will be missed – Blessings to Ted on his journey and to his family.
October 23, 2009
Layaway for the Holidays
With November fast approaching, I know many of you are starting to ponder their holiday shopping (I also know some of you have FINISHED your holiday shopping, but please, don’t rub it in too much!).
The option to layaway one item (or many) and spread the payments out over multiple weeks (and pay cheques) can make budgeting a bit easier. Plus, you can layaway a one-of-a-kind item so you’ll know it will be there when the holidays arrive.
Our layaway policy is pretty basic:
- 25% down to start the layaway, with three months to complete payment. We ask that you stop in at least once a month to make payments on the layaway. In special cases where the item(s) on layaway is quite expensive, we will extend the layaway period as needed (for example, if you wanted to buy our BIG shiva lingam on layaway, we’d give you a few extra months to pay it off!)
- Layaway deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable (remember, we’ve taken the item off the floor for you, so you are obligated to purchase that item.)
If you have any questions about our layaway option, feel free to drop us a line or call (902) 423 1313
October 21, 2009
Paper vs. Plastic
Of late, we’ve had a number of our customers requesting their purchases in paper bags. Since we don’t offer paper, this has given rise to ‘which is better for the environment/is a renewable resource/involves less energy to recycle’ conversations.
Of course the simplest and best answer is ‘neither’, and that’s specifically why we decided to introduce our reusable Little Mysteries bags way back when. They’re just a dollar and are brilliant for later use in the grocery store as they have flat bottoms that keep the bags upright for filling.
But, sometimes the reusable bags get left in the car and you need something to bring your treasures home in. So paper or plastic? Honestly, I’m going to dodge the question of environmental impact and ease of recycling (FYI – our green plastic bags are biodegradable plastic and fully recyclable), because we could have a whole lively debate on which is best and I’ll always revert to the ‘neither’ answer.
I’ll go right to the down-to-earth, purely practical reason we offer plastic bags. We are a bookstore, we live in a city where rain and snow often occur, books and moisture are not friends. I know you’re not going to be happy if I put your lovely, brand new book in a paper bag to carry out into the driving rain. See the issue? It’s just the wisest option for books and any of the other paper-oriented products we carry.
And while we do try to ask if every customer actually needs a bag with their purchase, sometimes we forget, so do let us know if you don’t need a bag!
October 16, 2009
New Titles – October 2009
I’m not sure I’m yet ready to experience October, but here it is nonetheless. And with its arrival, many of our fall book orders are beginning to appear.
Conversations with Mummies – New Light on the Lives of Ancient Egyptians (David)
Healing Young Brains: The Neurofeedback Solution (Hill)
Weiser Field Guide to Ghosts (Buckland) – the latest from Ray Buckland – he’s been quiet for a while!
Power of Shakti (Prakasha) – 18 Pathways to Ignite the Energy of the Divine Woman
Spellcaster’s Reference (Holland)
Penquin Handbook of Ancient Religions (Hinnells, ed.)
The Diamond Cutter – The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life (Roach)
The Vortex (8 CD set) – the latest title from Jerry and Esther Hicks on audio CD
Complete Guide to Manifesting with Crystals (Costelloe)
New Light on Angels (Cooper)
The Wayfinders – Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World (Davis)
Walking in the World (Cameron) – now available in softcover!
Artist’s Way Everday (Cameron) - a useful companion to Julia Cameron’s wildly successful The Artist’s Way, nudging you along to greater connection to your creative self.
Mythology Bible (Bartlett) – a part of the popular ‘Bible’ series. Well illustrated, quite complete and affordable (just $19.50 for this hefty little book)
Zen in Plain English (Schuhmache)
Conscious Birthing (Jamieson)
Taking the Leap (Chodron) – best selling and beloved author and teacher, Pema Chodron, helps us uncover why we become stuck in unhealthy and negative patterns and habits and offers Buddhist teachings to help us on the way to healing.
October 16, 2009
Wade Davis – The Wayfinders lecture
Canadian anthropologist, Wade Davis, will be speaking in Halifax on Wednesday, Oct. 21st as part of the CBC Massey Lecture series. His talk will centre around the theme of his latest book, The Wayfinders – Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World, and will explore the value to preserving cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized.
Some of you might be familiar with his work already (or if his name’s ringing a bell, it might be because he’s well known as the author of The Serpent and the Rainbow about Voodoo and his research on the ‘zombie drug’).
And, we have two tickets to give away for the lecture! We’re going to keep this simple – come in and purchase any Wade Davis book and receive a free ticket (while supplies last!). Nice and easy! SORRY! TICKETS HAVE ALL BEEN SNAPPED UP!
