Working with your pendulum

Here's a few tips for using your pendulum.  When you first buy or receive a pendulum, you need to cleanse it, either by running water over it for a couple of seconds, or smudging it, or setting it on a window sill to catch the moonlight. After this is done, a good idea is to put it under your pillow for 3 nights.  In this way, its vibration becomes attuned to yours and you will find it will work better for you.

When first using a pendulum, you want to determine which way it will swing for “yes” and “no”.  So, holding it in your predominant hand, ask it “Show me yes”, same thing for no “Show me no”.  There is no one correct way for the pendulum to signal yes or no.  For some people, it will swing front and back for yes, and it will swing in a circle for no (either clockwise or counterclockwise) or it will swing from left to right as if shaking its head “no”. For others it will do the opposite.  Your pendulum signals are personal to you. 

Once you have determined the “yes” and “no” movement of your pendulum, you can test it by asking it a couple of questions that you KNOW the answer to, for example, I would ask it if my name is Carol (which it is).  If it answers correctly then you know that your pendulum is attuned to you.  If it doesn’t answer correctly, throw it back under your pillow for a couple of additional nights to attune to your vibration. 

NOTE:  When you work with a pendulum, always begin by visualizing a protective light surrounding you, be it from God, Goddess, the Universe etc.  A pendulum is a conduit for the other side, and you want only entities that are divine and good to connect with your subconscious.   This brings us to the theories behind the use of a pendulum. One theory is that we all have spirit guides and angel guides.  We also receive guidance from our ancestors and other enlightened entities.  Since our spiritual antenna is not fully developed, we usually don’t hear the messages they want to give us.  Asking questions by using the pendulum enables our guides to give us assistance.

Another theory is that our subconscious is connected to the Universal consciousness and already knows the answer to all our questions.  By using a pendulum, our subconscious gives us the answer. 

When using your pendulum, you have to detach from the anticipated answer.  You have to be willing to accept whatever answer it gives you, whether you like it of not.  Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to go by what the pendulum says.  You need to use your common sense.  For example, if ever I asked my pendulum if it’s a good idea for me to go bungee jumping with my friends and it said yes, I would probably not go because my common sense tells me that I would not enjoy it.  A pendulum is sort of like a second opinion, if your gut feeling says the opposite, I would go with the gut feeling.

The more you use your pendulum, the more it will be attuned to you and it will be a good tool for seeking answers. 

This is just a short explanation on how to use your pendulum.  There are many good sources of information on the internet and in books.  We sell pendulums at our store: Moonstone Path, 1289 Commissioners Rd. W, London, ON  519-473-6600.

www.moonstonepath.com

Shiva Lingam

The Shiva Lingam is revered by Hindus as the embodiment of Lord Shiva. The stone embodies masculine energy, dynamic expression and knowledge, with the markings being the feminine energy, wisdom and intuition.


Shiva Lingams come from the Narmada River, one of the seven sacred holy places of pilgrimage in India. The river periodically gives up these stones when the water level drops. The locals living by the river, following generations of tradition, then retrieve these special stones and hand polish them to bring out their individually unique markings.

The ancient practice of Feng Shui uses the sacred Shiva Lingam to direct the energy flow throughout one's home. It purifies the emotional environment in homes and temples. Place a Shiva Lingam in the Relationship/Marriage area of your home to bring you closer to your partner and other family members.

Lingams provide energy for the body, sudden clarity of mind in the face of confusion, the release of energy where there once was blockage, and the experience of self-acceptance, self-worth, happiness, contentment, unconditional love, and compassion.

Blood--it's Yours to Give

We've all seen that commercial about donating blood, how it can save a life blah blah blah etc. I know a lot of people who donate blood, my husband being one of them. And I admire them for it. They also vote in municipal elections, rather than stay home comfy/cozy like an unnamed person who I won't name.

Anyway, even though I liked those commercials about donating blood I felt far removed from the whole concept. After all, no-one I knew and loved ever needed blood. Note: I just watched a TED.com video with Brene Brown discussing vulnerability and allowing ourselves to show our true selves...so I may not have portrayed myself in the best light in the above. Just being my true self ya all.

Back to donating blood. Guess who needed a blood transfusion? I am now carrying 2 pints of a stranger's B+ in me. It saved me from having damaged organs in the nick of time. Needless to say, I am grateful to that person who took time out of his/her day to go to the blood donor clinic and have someone stick a needle in them and extract that precious substance from them. Probably got a little woozy and needed a cookie or juice or something. This was done, I'm sure out of a sense of humanity and responsibility and not for the sheer fun of it.

Here's a cute coincidence, last night a young highschooler who was doing his mandatory volunteering dropped off a poster advertising for a Blood Donor Clinic in Byron (where Moonstone Path is located) at the Byron United Church from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11th of this year. He asked if I could put the poster up in our window. What was I gonna say...NO? Just kidding. I would have put it up in the window even if I hadn't needed blood, I'm not completely evil.

So...to all of you who donate blood...thank you.

It's your typical Canadian Winter

South western Ontario has been receiving a lot of snow lately. If you live in London, ON you know what I mean. Last week we got quite a load of the white stuff, enough to close schools and transit services. We (read Derek) have been shovelling our sidewalk, both at the store and at home way more times than we care to. After a couple of snow free days, it is now again coming down like there is an unlimited supply of the stuff.

I don't like having to deal with snow. I don't like the potential hip breaking fall that may occur, I don't like the insecurity of the car not stopping when I want it to stop, I don't like the cold, I don't like it when the dogs track huge amounts of snow in, thereby necessitating me to wipe all that mess up. And why is it that big dogs love to get up a couple of times through the night just to frolic in the snow. Shae is not my favourite pet these days.

However, here's the thing. A couple of weeks ago before all this snowing started, I was standing in the store looking out the window, and a nostalgic longing welled up in me as I thought about the previous year when I looked out the window and saw all this beautiful snow falling. How pretty it was. How cozy and snug I was standing in our store looking out at this white winter land. It was a longing and an appreciation of the beauty of snow. Not a single thought of inconvenience had entered this thinking. Hmmmmm, is this what manifesting is all about. And if so, I think I know why I am not a multi millionaire as of this moment. Those thoughts about riches are not of the same purity as was the appreciation of the memory I had of the beauty of a snowfall.

And you know, the way the snow lies on the branches of the trees is just absolutely beautiful. This mushy appreciation will probably morph into something else when I have to wade though 4 foot high snowbanks to get to the bus stop.

Husbands can be Evil

Today hubby and I were on our way to the store when we passed a construction site where there was an extremely tall crane, slowly lowering a stepladder to the roof of the building under construction.

With a straight face, my evil husband said “I sure wouldn’t want to be the guy having to climb that stepladder to get into the crane.”

My reply, obviously before my brain caught up to my mouth, was “The guy doesn’t have to climb that ladder they’re probably just lowering it to the roof to use it. He gets in the box thing at the bottom of the crane—he doesn’t control it from the top geeez.”

That’s when I saw his evil smirk. One shouldn’t drive and smirk, I always say.

“You got me good this time” I said. Revenge, when it comes, will be sweet.

Trust in the unseen wisdom

Sometimes, or quite often, we don't get what we want. Isn't that absolutely frustrating. I mean... really. We know what we want, or at least have a vague idea of what we want (lots of $$$) or a purpose in life, I guess, or to have a perfect relationship with our mate and family. Or to not have to call in the dog whisperer to straighten out the pooch. Things like that. And when our desires aren't answered (thwarted) we are soooo disappointed.

But, you know, sometimes not getting what we want is probably the best thing. Let me tell you. I recently went to the movies with my daughter and her WONDERFUL boyfriend (he paid for my ticket) and we saw Paranormal Activity II. Now this was an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. Scary movies...well...they scare me. So going to a scary movie and watching it on the BIG screen called for seldom used courage. So I took a deep breath and sail to wind (or is that wind to sail) I went to the theatre and courageously watched this supernatural and quite scary movie. I only clutched at my daughter in fear a couple of times. Four to be exact.

The movie ended, I was rattled, but in a good way and, pumped up with bravado, couldn't wait to see the first Paranormal movie, now out on DVD. So the next day Hubs and I went to the DVD store to rent it. None available. DARN! Oh well, we could always get it off Rogers on Demand movies, right. We clicked through all the movies and couldn't find Paranormal Activities. DOUBLE DARN!!

I was soooo disappointed. How could this happen to me. I wanted wanted wanted WANTED to watch this movie and I wanted to watch it NOW. Didn't happen. So we watched other stuff on TV that night and I spent most of the evening fuming at not being able to see the movie I WANTED to see. Oh the injustice of it all.

Fast forward to the next day. As it turned out Hubby had to be at work late the next day, so I was home alone. ALONE. Well technically, both dogs and the cat were home with me, but really that's like being alone when it comes to that protected feeling. I mean, I'm sure that if I was in mortal danger they would come to my rescue as fast as only very old dogs can, not exactly a comfort. The cat would probably sleep right through the whole thing, it being even older than the dogs.

Anyway, the long and short of it is that as I lay in bed surrounded by wheezing, snoring and creaking old animals, I began to hear other sounds. Hubs, as I said was at work. It was really late at night, the wind had picked up, and I'm sure I heard that same anxiety provoking noise that always sounded in the movie just before something nasty was about to happen. Sleep did not stand a chance. As I cowered in bed with the blankets up beneath my chin, eyes darting to and fro searching for something I would probably not want to see in the first place, I realized that watching the first Paranormal Activity movie which my daughter assured me was as scary as the second one, would have been a really bad idea.

Sometimes my plans are thwarted for my own good.

Canoing is not for the inexperienced

Hubby and I went to Stratford (Ontario that is) for a meander by the river. While there I came up with the great idea of renting a canoe ($23 dollars of fun and adventure). My intention was to take the back seat(?) so that I could, you know, have a rest now and then while Derek was paddling from the front. The canoe attendant said that the back was intended for the person doing the steering. Derek and I looked at each other and typical of a woman of my generation I DEFERRED to him. I KNOW!! WHAT WAS I THINKING!!! I guess I was thinking that since hubby looks intelligent he must therefore be clever enough to steer a canoe. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!

Granted he's pretty smart about doing exactly what I tell him to do. He is pretty good at math. He has survived 60 years and done very well for himself. He married me. But when it comes to steering a canoe, well...just let me say this:

I apologize to all the other canoe' rs for that adrenaline rush they must have experienced upon seeing a canoe with a grey haired totally inept oldish but stylish couple seeming to deliberately paddle towards them with the intention of causing a headlong crash. I apologize to the gaggle of ducks who, with snarly quacks, had to take flight to avoid being run over by an out of control canoe. To the people on that mini cruise boat: I don't know why you were shouting and pointing so much, after all, we did not ram into you, we managed to get ourselves turned around and avoid this ugly catastrophe with a good six inches to spare. But I do apologize for scaring you half to death.

Next time, I steer.

Sometime in February 2010

Carol: Honey, I was thinking about the labyrinth we built last year behind the store.

Derek (feeling his shoulders tense at the words “I was thinking”) Hummm what were you er..thinking?

Carol: Well you know how we just let the grass grow longer to form the outline of it and we had to mow the grass in circles to keep the grass in the path shorter…

Derek: yes, I remember

Carol: Well…that must have seemed like a lot of work for you, don’t you think?

Derek (feeling set up but not knowing where this was going) It took a while to cut the grass, but.. but I didn’t mind.

Carol: I think there’s an easier way to do it this summer.

Derek (chills running up and down his spine) There is? How, I mean I really didn’t mind going in circles cutting the lawn.

Carol: Even though it was an electric mower?

Derek: No, I just took my time and moved the cord when I needed to.

Carol: but you must have found that frustrating

Derek: Well yes (looks at Carol and sees the predatory gleam in her eyes) I mean NO, not at all.

Carol: I have an idea that will make cutting the grass much easier for you.

Derek: We don’t build the labyrinth this year?

Carol: Oh no, we build it but we make it more permanent

Derek: (worried now) Permanent. How? (and what hell is she going to put him through this time?)

Carol: Stop looking like a cornered animal. This is a great idea.

Derek: (resigned at last, because he knows he can’t stop this moving train) What do you have in mind?

Carol smiles: You know the bricks from Stephen’s chimney that are stacked in his backyard?

Derek: Yeah (cold dread clenching his bowels)

Carol: What’s he going to do with them?

Derek: (Frantically searching his mind for some sort of reason why they couldn’t use the bricks because he now knows what his near future is going to be like) Ummmm, I’m not sure, maybe he needs them for something else.

Carol: Find out. If he wants to get rid of them, tell him we’ll be glad to take them off his hands.

Derek: What??! How!?!...How are we going to transport them across town to the store?

Carol: Last time I looked, the car has a trunk. (sweet smile with a wink thrown in)

Derek: (Agast) Do you know how many trips it would take to move that many bricks???

Carol: If we start now, we should be done by the time we’re ready to put them in the ground?

Derek (makes odd squawking noise) In the…What do you mean in the ground???

Carol: Well, when we outline the labyrinth, we can’t leave them on top of the ground in case someone trips over them. They have to be put in at ground level. That way, we can just mow the grass over them. It’ll be so much easier for us.

Derek: (Speechless, frantically searching his mind for a way out.) Do you think our landlord would agree to this?

Carol: Already asked him. He thinks it’s a great idea.

Derek: Bu Bu Bu But do you realize how much work this is going to be???!!!

Carol: Probably a full day. Maybe two. Once we get going, it’s going to be a piece of cake.

Derek: That’s a lot of bricks we’re talking about. When will we find the time to do this?

Carol: A couple of weekends should do it. (then in a sweet, understanding soft voice) Honeyyy, we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I’m just thinking of you and all the grass you’ll have to cut in the summer. And if it doesn’t rain much, all the watering we’ll have to do to keep the outline of the labyrinth green and lush.

Derek: I don’t know…

Carol: Just think about it. Sure it’s going to be hard work for a couple of days, but when it’s done it will be easy sailing all summer.

Derek: I guess I can check with Stephen about these bricks…

Carol: You’ll see, we’ll have fun doing this. A couple days in the sunshine, Think of the accomplishment we’ll feel when we’re done.

What was left unsaid by Carol was: By we I mean you.


The labyrinth was built, it took 36 hours. Digging the holes for the bricks turned out to be more difficult than anticipated due to large rocks and tree roots. However, Derek agrees that his share of 30 hours was really worthwhile.

Special thanks to Corinne Sparks for her help in getting the labyrinth started.

Talking to Trees

No I don't talk to trees...not presently anyways. But I am becoming more aware of how good nature feels, especially now that Spring is here. There is value in listening to the chirp of birds, the rustling of leaves, the whisper of the wind. A few years ago, I would have perceived these things differently. Birds chirping? Thoroughly annoying at six in the morning. Wind whispering? Probably would not have noticed unless it was gale force, then I would have been scared and heading to the basement. Leaves rustling? ditto, and then cursed all the twigs I would then have to pick up the day after the wind storm.

A few years ago, when I was visiting my unusual family in la belle province, my cousin who is in her seventies talked about meeting Jacob...the tree. Yes, indeed, she had been for a walk in the park and had seen a tree that was so beautiful that she felt compelled to go up to it and hug it and, get this, LISTEN to it. The tree told her that it's name was Jacob, and that this was its second incarnation. It told her that it was happy, and that it loved her very much. Uh Huh. At this point, I made a couple of snap judgements like: good ole coz was definitely missing a few essential marbles, and dear God why, WHY had I been born into this family's gene pool. Hopefully, I was spared this particular tree talking gene.

Now looking back, I see my cousin differently. Where I once considered her rather eccentric, I now see that she is wise...and eccentric but in a cute way. She has always treasured trees, plants and wild animals. Chipmunks will come and eat right out of her hand. She has always communed with nature. She is one of the most peaceful people I know. Sure, when she starts talking about the spirits she sees and the trees she converses with she may come across as a bit of a nutbar, but I no longer see her that way. I think she is one of the few people who has reached a level of higher vibration/consciousness so that she is capable of hearing and seeing things that I and most people can't see or hear.

As I am getting older, I find myself taking the time to watch a squirrel as it makes its way across the top of my backyard fence. I find myself craving for a walk in Springbank park before I have to open the store for the day. In the summer, I will again sit by my small tree in the back yard and listen intently to the wind rustle its leaves. Taking the time to listen, really listen, has given me this indescribably joyous feeling and I am now addicted.

My morning glass of Metamucil is so much more fun to drink when I'm standing at the window looking at the birds and squirrels. A few years ago, I never would have thought I would appreciate birds and small furry animals to an extent beyond "Oh they're so cute!" My life would have been consumed with way more busy activities and thoughts.

Maybe my "conversing with trees" gene has yet to be activated. If it ever is, I will certainly compare notes with my cousin.

Love Always Looks Out for Us

By love I mean God, the Universe, our Creator, that loving abundant joyful energy that exists in and around every atom of this universe.

Let me explain...

After reading a lot (A LOT) of self-help books, spiritual books, inspiring books, books on social anxiety disorders (which I suspect I may have a touch of), and philosophical books, you would think that I would have a handle on how a joyful life can be lived. And a lot of the time I love my life, feel in awe of all the blessings in my life (adoring husband, lovable kids, cute and fuzzy pets, long-time friends, a job I love, a great country to live in, enjoyment of nature etc.) But there are times when the darkness of the soul descends upon me and bit by bit, day by day, I begin to see myself as defective. Luckily this doesn't happen very often,but when it does, it hurts like hell.

I begin to feel unlovable, I read rejection (usually non-existent) in every encounter I have with people outside my immediate family. I want to be left alone but I don't want to be alone with my thoughts. I question my value as a friend, wife, mother, pet owner. I become very self-absorbed with my sadness then feel really bad that I am so self-absorbed and plunge into deeper sadness. I suddenly have more faults than the devil, I lose connection with any loving feeling I could possibly have. I believe I am incapable of love, I feel rotten to the core. There's a huge lump of despair in my solar plexus.

Then I go on to question my intelligence, my credibility as a business owner, my credibility as an adult. I spend way more time in bed than is healthy, eat way much more sugar than my body should have to tolerate, and I continue to descend into this dark abyss.

At this point, my positive self-talk doesn't help, I can barely articulate it in my mind. Crystals which can be so helpful through normal angst and anxiety are no match for this. I am not uplifted even for a moment when my pendulum assures me that things will be all right. Crying on my best friend's shoulder relieves the pressure of sadness a little, but not enough. A gentle, loving husband helps keep me from totally falling apart, but just barely. Clary Sage essential oil as recommended by my friend helps to lift my mood, but just a little bit. Though I think it was after I took a whiff of Clary Sage that I felt inspired to do the following, because...

When you combine all of the above with a novena or prayer of petition to St. Jude, the Patron Saint of Lost Souls, well something happens.

In this case it was a stranger who walked into my shop. Someone who knows WAY more about healing crystals than I do, someone who can feel energies in ways that I can't. She told me she liked my website and my blog. And then she gave me a hug. A little appreciation goes a long way. I hope I can do for someone what she did for me with her kind words.

(Writer reaches for a kleenex, feeling a little weepy now).

OK I'm back. So...when the usual things are not enough to combat this darkness, try a St. Jude prayer. You say it for 9 days in a meditative frame of mind. It goes like this:

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Worker of Miracles, please pray for me. Saint Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, please pray for me. Amen.

There are other longer versions of prayers to St. Jude, and you can find them by googling St. Jude. I just happen to like this one. I came across it when I was in my twenties and I've used it once before, and it helped in ways that I would have never expected and didn't appreciate till a few years later.

St. Jude helps with illness, financial problems, comforting a loved one etc. When your prayer has been answered, publish the prayer in the newspaper (that's how I first learned about it years ago), or in a blog or however way you want. Somehow that action brings it full circle, and by publishing this prayer, who knows, someone may read it and it might help them in wonderful and miraculous ways.

Thank you St. Jude, for favors granted.

Thank you stranger for your kind words

Happy Valentine's day.

The properties of the Citrine crystal

The reason I chose citrine today is that today I've been feeling rather grumpy. One of those "woe is me, my life sucks, I don't feel inspired, and I'm bored." Did you know that boredom is as bad for our health as stress. So, I'll be carrying a citrine in my pocket today and however long it takes to resume my happily fulfilled self.

Citrine is a stone of joy. It is associated with the solar plexus chakra and the crown chakra. Citrine is said to hold pure sunlight and never to absorb any negativity. As a matter of fact, you can cleanse your other stones by laying them on a citrine cluster. Citrine is also the stone of prosperity, attracting money or business (great stone to have if you're in retail).

To attract wealth place a citrine in the wealth corner of your home or business, which is the farthest back left point from your front door or from the door into an individual room. In my case, at the store it was in the furthest, darkest, most cobwebby corner of the storage room...yeeeesh. But if it helps, it was worth dealing with imaginary (or not so imaginary) spiders.

This happy yellow stone will clear any dark spots at home caused by restless spirits or negative earth energies. Keep citrine crystals in a room that seems cold or unfriendly. This protective stone drives away darkness and night fears and protects against negative people.

Physically citrine stimulates digestion, the spleen and the pancreas.

Citrine is the birthstone for November. Yellow topaz is also accepted as the November birthstone.

Haiti

Unless you have been living on another planet, you are aware of the devastation occurring in Haiti. The hardship facing the residents of Port-au-Prince is unimaginable to someone living in Canada, though the media has been quite descriptive so maybe it is possible to somewhat imagine the horrendous time that these unfortunate people are going through.

My gratitude and admiration to all who have given their time and and left their comfortable homes to tend to the many victims. They are my heroes.

Like most, we have donated money to the Red Cross so that they can continue giving their much needed help.

One more thing I have done is send loving and healing thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti. I hope that they are somehow comforted in their hour of need, I pray that each one has enough to eat and good water to drink, and I cheer every bit of good news I hear about the good works that have been going on so far.

God bless them all.

Things I learned about hemorrhoids

1. It's not a fun condition.

2. If it's REALLY painful and bigger than a grape, don't wait a few days before going to see your doctor.

3. You won't enjoy seeing your doctor, because he will probably recommend lancing said hemmi at which point you will burst into tears of sheer terror.

4. It is not a good idea to ask your doctor if he is sure he knows what he's doing.

5. It's a bad idea to ask more than 6 times. But you will ask, you just can't help it.

6. The local anesthetic needle isn't as painful (or as big) as you feared. Try not to think about it.

7. The lancing procedure is fine because you are frozen, your anxiety level is returning to normal, the relief from relentless pain is pure bliss. You want to buy your doctor a car, you are so grateful for the relief.

8. The bliss experience is short, however, and when the freezing comes out, you guessed it, more pain. You want to be home, on the couch with your blankie and some pain killers (which may or may not work). Distracting yourself with a good movie is a must at this point.

9. You feel as if you will never see your sense of humour eveeeeer again.

10. You feel heroic. Why? I really don't know, but you feel heroic.

11. Metamucil becomes your best friend.

12. Your sense of humour returns.

13. Life goes on.

The Power of Prayer

Sometimes I forget to pray. I go for days, sometimes weeks without praying. Eventually, this catches up with me and I start to feel disconnected from my higher self. Or from God. Or from Spirit...whatever. I just know that something isn't right, that I am too much of my problems, my frustrations, my worries, my jealousies, my insecurities... too much of day to day. That's when, something or someone steps in and reminds me to pray.

This time it was the book Trust Your Vibes by Sonia Choquette. I was listlessly reading it, agreeing with some of it, and came upon the chapter about praying. ahhha, that just what I needed to be reminded of. Praying.

It's funny how something as simple as a heartfelt plea to make the day better can work. I don't formally pray. I just ask for God to relieve me of my current negative feelings and thoughts, because I so badly need a break. And my prayers are answered. Except for the one where I win a huge amount of money in a lottery (and I get the feeling God does know what's best for me, and apparently winning a lot of money probably wouldn't be in my best interest. I would actually like to test that theory.)

Now we can get all analytical with this and discuss whether God actually steps in and helps, or it's our subconscious responding to our desire, or it's a placebo effect with prayer being a talisman "make my day better" bingo the day is better.

I don't have the answer, all I know, is that when I resumed praying (for a better day, giving thanks for a better day, asking for guidance) my day got better. And I am more at peace.

Pentacles and Pentagrams

At Moonstone Path we sell sterling silver pentacles and pentagrams. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know the difference between and pentacle and a pentagram. Every once in a while someone would say that they heard that pentacles were evil, a symbol of devil worship. Even though I knew zilch about pentacles and pentagrams, I never sensed that they had dark energies. Pentacles are stars and circles, those two things can't be evil in my point of view.

After looking on the Internet I found some information that clears things up somewhat.

An upright pentagram is a 5 pointed star with one point aligned upwards.
An inverted pentagram is a 5 pointed star with two points aligned upwards
An upright pentacle is generally defined as an upright pentagram surrounded by a circle. The circle represents protection, and the cycle of life.

Both the pentagram and pentacle have similar meanings. In the early days of Christianity, the pentagram and pentacle was worn and used as symbol of Christ. Here's an interesting fact. The inverted pentagram (which is used by Satanists today) was actually a symbol of the divine Christ descending to earth in the flesh.

Both symbols actually were around millenniums before Christianity. These are very old symbols.

The five points of the pentagram have been known to represent the five wounds of Christ. It is also a representation of humankind, the five points corresponding to the head, two arms and two legs.

Nowadays, most people in Wiccan and Pagan circles give the pentacle and pentagram very positive meanings. The pentacle's four lower points represent the elements of the world: earth, air, fire and water. The corner of the star pointing upward symbolizes divine Spirit.

Interesting fact: The pentagram was used by the Hebrews, and was sometimes called the seal of Solomon. More specifically, the pentagram was used as the seal of the City of Jerusalem. There have been fragments of jars dating back to the 4th century BC with a seal impression of a pentagram with the Hebrew letters YRSLM (Jerusalem).

Now I know a little more about pentacles, I can understand how synchronicity worked, by me having the desire to include these wonderful pieces of jewellery as part of our stock even though I knew very little about their history and symbolism.

So if someone asks if pentacles are evil, or of the devil, the answer is a resounding NO

What is my purpose?

I wrote in my last blog about working with a life coach (who was completing the practice part of her training). We discussed my networking fears, how I never have a great answer when asked what does my store sell (it's usually something like this: "We sell...er...crystals...um...and books and ahh...silver jewellery....oh and and statuary, you know Buddhas") Not proud of myself on that. Speaking to my life coach about this issue made me really think what my store was about.

It's about it being an extension of me. I sell healing crystals because I believe they can be useful. Being a skeptic, I don't blindly accept that they can replace conventional medical or psychological care, but I have had enough experience and heard so many stories that I believe with all my heart that crystals have some ability to help us heal be it in little ways or in major ways. It is different for everyone, as we are all unique.

I sell self-help books because they have helped me, and continue to do so.

I sell Buddha's, singing bowls, prayer flags and so on because I have found solace in the Buddhist philosophy.

I sell fairies and fairy doors because it satisfies my whimsical side.

I'm not sure why I sell gargoyles, but I think it's because ancient art has always fascinated me.

Smudging items, native spirituality and the respect for mother earth is profoundly moving.

This is just a sampling of what I sell and why. What it boils down to, is that when I originally conceived this business, it was with the intention to give customers and wanderers different spiritual options without foisting any of my opinions on them. Everyone has the right to choose his/her own path. All paths have meaning to all people.

We all on some level want happiness, security, a meaningful life. Sometimes we have to search for the answer outside ourselves to get to the answer within ourselves. Books, meditation tapes, visual imagery such as statuary, sacred rituals, aromatherapy, conversation and whimsy.

These are the things Moonstone Path offers.

One good deed deserves another

Recently I agreed to be a practice client for a friend of mine who is training to be a life coach. I didn't know her that well, but she seemed like a nice person, and she needed enough practice clients to do her course, so I said sure I'll help. To re-iterate: I was doing HER a favour.

First meeting went quite well, we became more acquainted, I found her easy to talk to, she set the direction of the meeting, and before I knew it, I was blurting out my insecurities, my doubts, my perceived weaknesses like she was my friend for years. This was not going as I anticipated.

Then at subsequent meetings, she gave me homework. HOMEWORK!!! Work that made me dig deeper into my feelings than I had ever done so in the past. Work that made me really evaluate why I behaved in certain ways that was not in my best interest. That's right UNCOMFORTABLE WORK.

At each meeting we dug a little deeper, and holy epiphany, I had some amazing insights.

One of the things that I consider a weakness, is that I hate going to business networking events. I'm shy and always feel uncomfortable. When I'm approached and asked what is it that I do, I freeze, my mind goes blank and I mutter something about selling stuff. So, my ruthless life coach in training's assignment to me was to come up with something that I could say that would clearly state exactly what it is that I do that I would be comfortable in saying.

You would think this assignment would be a piece of cake, wouldn't you. WRONG. Every time I tried to formulate a clear and smart answer to "What do you do?" I froze up and my mind went blank. I tried and tried, as the deadline loomed ever closer. Everything I came up with sounded stilted, awkward, just...not me.

At the eleventh hour I sat down and after much searching came up with something that at least described my business pretty good, though I wasn't completely happy with the wording. My coach, however was pleased with my effort (which made me feel pretty good) and we proceeded to discuss what it was I was really trying to say.

and BAM, everything cleared in my mind. The answer was so simple! And so true!

Could I have come to the present conclusion without a life coach (even one in training). Maybe. Maybe not. You see, without someone dedicated to helping you get to the blocks in your life, it is very easy to ignore the blocks (especially the ones that are the most troubling) because at the time it is easier to do so than to experience the discomfort of facing these blocks.

I was doing her a favour....naw... SHE is doing ME a favour.

Facebook

Does repeatedly hitting your husband with his computer keyboard qualify as assault causing bodily harm with the intent to injure or maim, or can it be classed simply as mental self-defence? Or a form of anger management - or tough love? That's what happens when the love-of-your-life asks you for the third time how to "poke" someone on facebook.

I have to keep reminding myself, that hubby is new to facebook, and I have much to teach him. After explaining to him the ridiculously simple steps, he proceeded to ask me again...and...again. I rest my case. After all, when I asked my daughter, Laura, who happened to be messaging me on my Facebook, how to poke she only had to tell me once. Anyhoo, Derek is now happily "poking" everyone.

I consider Facebook's social networking application to be a great way to keep in touch with my children who happen to live out of town, or in the case of my youngest, across town. I don't get to see them as much since they have grown up and moved away to begin their own lives. Facebook keeps me in daily touch with what's happening in their lives. I get to see the friendly banter between them, relishing their warped but screamingly funny sense of humour. I communicated with my son when he was in China, and marvelled at the ease of conversing across such a distance.

Nothing beats actually hangin' out with family and friends, but when that's not possible, facebook fills a need. I have seen my youngest chuckling while she is writing something (probably insulting but very funny) to her brother or sister. I have seen jokes go on an on regarding a seemingly innocuous topic as each sister tries to out-do the other.

Ahhhhh, hubby has just poked me...AGAIN...time to poke him back and I don't mean with facebook.

I'm back

It has been a while hasn't it. I'd like to say that I haven't written because I have been insanely busy, but we all know that would be stretching the truth. Well maybe only a little.

Being a store owner has its many rewards, this I know. What I didn't know was all the extra work that comes with running a business, even one as teeny as mine. It eats up time like shadow gobbles light.

The fun part, ordering stuff (every closet shopper's delight) takes a fair amount of the day. The other parts eg. the dreaded bookwork (of which I am SO far behind, I might as well stay in my office for a month with only bathroom and food breaks to ever get caught up on), the changing of the display window - always guaranteed to eat up a good half day every week (or now, every 2 weeks), cleaning and vacuuming of said store. It all adds up. Then of course there is my required down time (lots of it).

Throw in the flu, pms, cramps (I'm 52, you would think this would end by now), assorted minor health issues - mostly "I don't feel good" and before you know it another week goes by.

I would like to promise more regular blogs as I am SURE that everyone waits with held breath for my pearls of wit and wisdom, but to make such a promise would set the bar too high, and I'm not that good at commitments. But I will try.

So, lets get on with it. We have received new products at Moonstone Path (http://www.moonstonepath.com/). We have the cutest fairies, amazing Buddhas, new oracle cards. We have also received some rather nice clusters like pink halite, celestite, calcite. I've just ordered some gargoyles, as our other ones sold out, and they will be arriving sometime next week.

The store next door to us Earth Angel http://www.earthangelslondon.com/ has received a ton of gorgeous Christmas decorations, Angels, and many other new things. Earth Angels and our store share a building (Maggie and I share snacks, a match made in heaven).

Our labyrinth is starting to fade, but we will have it up and groomed next spring. A lot of people have told me how they enjoyed walking it. Hubby maintained it all summer and he did a wonderful job (a little praise goes a long way). He doesn't know what tasks I have planned for him next spring, poor fella.

You may have noticed that our store window is looking pretty good. I would like to say this is due to my amazing window display skills--but I would be lying. A wonderful charismatic lady by the name of Julie - a professional decorator - has been taking time from her own busy days to do my window for me pro-bono for the last month or so. She makes me put in a chunk of effort, scrambling to get product ready for the window - she's a slave driver!

If anyone is interested in hiring someone to decorate their living space call Moonstone Path and I will get you her contact information. She's really good.

Here's a cute quote I found: Warning: Humour may be hazardous to your illness. ~ Ellie Katz

A Story About a Faerie Door

My friend and I were out touring these little gifty stores that are so popular in those small towns that have no other purpose than to line the streets with these little gifty stores.

I’m not much for gift stores to begin with, and heavens spare me the cutesy fantasy stores. My friend, however, who believes in angels, and faeries, or the wee folk as she calls them, was absolutely thrilled to come upon this little shop that had all kinds of such things. She made me go in with her despite my offer to wait outside so that she could browse to her hearts content.

"Nooo, come in. You’ll love it" she insisted. She obviously doesn’t know me very well. With a shrug of indifference I allowed myself to be dragged, literally, she had my wrist in a death grip as if fearing that if she let me go I would turn and run. I don’t run, it’s too much work, but I might have walked really fast.

Anyhow, we entered this "whimsical" store. My friend was so taken with all the items, but her favourite ones were faerie related. "Oh look" she ooohd. They have faerie doors.

"Fairy what?" I asked in an irritated/snarky kind of voice. In my defense, I was getting a little tired. I’m not a shopper. Give me the outdoors and I’m as happy as can be. Being an introvert, hanging out at home in my backyard is ideal for me. A tall glass of something good to drink and a good book to read, sitting in the shade of my old tree are the things that really make me totally satisfied with life.

"Let’s get a faerie door for you!" My friend enthusiastically said.

"What...? What? You’re kidding, right. What would I do with it?" Panic coming through loud and clear. When my friend has a mission in life, there is no stopping her. If she thought I needed a

"What! No, no way uh huh."

"Yes, it would be perfect in your yard. Just use your imagination. A door like this would draw the faeries. It’s good to befriend the wee folk" Yep, there was that brightly demented gleam in her eye that meant that she was going to get her way.

"I live in a condo complex in Canada, not in a small village in Ireland. What fairy would want to live in a condo complex . Oh my God, now you’ve got me talking this foolishness. NO, no fairy doors. And by the way, why do you say faeries instead of fairies? Isn’t that a little over the top?"
My friend laughed, told me that this was my birthday present (even though my birthday was not for several months) and bought me a fairy door. I refuse to say faerie.

As the shop keeper made the sale, he looked me squarely in the eye, and said that I was to respect the faeries and occasionally leave them treats. The wee folk liked being appreciated. And you really did not want to get on the bad side of the wee folk. I thought that kinda sounded like the Mafia.

Great, I was going to have a portal to Mafia fairies. My friend did not see the cynical humour of this.

Despite my protests, the fairy door was placed up in the tree in the crook of a branch. It seemed to fit there without the need of fasteners, which my friend was convinced had significant meaning. "Big deal" was what I said.

Secretly, I did have to admit that it kinda looked good there. It was rustic and looked like it had been around for a 100 years. I guess it did not damage the zen like feel of my backyard domain.

I like my backyard. It has a shade tree, flowers and shrubs, herbs and rocks and a small water fountain. It has a birdbath made of concrete that I had found for a really good price. The birds are grateful, since they drink out of and frequently bathe in that birdbath.
I love going out there and sitting by the tree, listening to the wind rustle through the leaves.

Peaceful.

A couple of day after the fairy door was added to my back yard, I happened to be by the tree tidying up a scruffy flower bed. Have you ever had the experience that your familiar surrounding is suddenly not so familiar. Like you walk into a room and you sense something different and later find out that the walls have been repainted, or the furniture moved. Or even, that something is not laying it it’s usual place.

I had that feeling, plus the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. I straightened up and looked around my little condo yard. Everything seemed fine. Nothing unusual. I’d even gotten used to that make-believe fairy door being there. I shrugged to myself and returned to the weeding. Suddenly, I knew, I just knew, that someone or something was there, right...behind...me. I sprang up and twirled around bug eyed looking left and right and back to left again trying to spot...what? I’m not sure what I was looking for, something that I felt had been near me, watching me. Great, now I was creeping myself out.

I glanced at the fairy door and wondered if...."naw, stop it, you’re really creeping yourself out." I muttered, my desire to garden evaporating.

Went into the house for something cool to drink. As I was sipping my water, I let my gaze wander around the yard. I like my yard. It’s not big. But it’s pretty. The shrubs, the flowers in their pots, the arch with the clematis on it, the old tree. I was even starting to like the looks of that fairy door. It did look like it belonged in that very spot. I was warming up to this thought when in mid swallow of my water I saw a brilliant flash of light appear from behind the small door. I inhaled water and produced the mother of all coughing fits. What the hell....

I stepped out and approached the tree staring intently at the fairy door. What had caused the flash. A trick of light? Solar flare? Eyes going funny? I stared and stared with the intensity of a cat at a mousehole, but saw no other flash of light or anything else unusual. I gave my head a shake, chuckled to myself, and then felt self-conscious for chuckling to myself, and turned to walk back into the house.

I felt something brush my cheek, jumped and frantically swatted at whatever had touched me. Looked around. There was nothing. OK, Carol, now you’re losing it. I said under my breath. Despite myself I glanced at the fairy door. It just sat there, inanimate, innocent. And yet, something inside me, my body’s cells were all pointing at it saying, "there be faeries"

Rrrrriiiight.

Over the years, the faerie door has remained in that old tree. It has weathered storms, felt the chill of snow, baked in the heat. Occasionally I have sensed...something there. No, I never saw tinkerbell, did not hear the tinkle of faerie laughter, and yet, my flower bed by the tree has looked better and better each year. Hell, the tree itself, which was never that healthy looking has grown new leaves, and it doesn’t seem to have as many dead branches. Sometimes, my dishwasher is emptied out and I KNOW that I didn’t empty it, nor did my husband and I don’t even bother asking my teenager if she emptied it, I’d be further ahead actually believing in faeries.

And sometimes, in the evening, when no one’s looking, because I would feel really foolish if I was caught, I leave a little piece of cake or candy by the faerie door. Just in case.
And the next day it’s gone. I’ve either got well fed faeries, or the squirrels and birds are enjoying gourmet treats.

You guessed it, we now sell faerie doors.