Quote of the Day

“Each point of the compass has its own explanation and these inner sanctum asides I do not feel important for the uninitiated. I feel also that some part of the belief of real believers should be left in reserve. I have no feeling of guilt, or punishment, or mystic retribution should I disclose these secrets. If any one of my readers could receive satisfaction or find the end of a quest in what I have experienced I would be more than happy at some time to make these revelations. But if a curiosity is for neither scientific records nor self-examination these things are best left within their sacred environment where for those who experience them they represent truth.” -Katherine Dunham, Island Possessed

Change I can't Believe In... [private]

So... about a month ago a jar of loose change went missing from our house. Kinda weird. We had just used it as a means of therapy for Chas' mom (she was to sort out coins into bowls to help her be able to discern the different ones) so it was out on our breakfast table. One day I was cleaning for an event at our place with some Feri students, so I collected all the change from the bowls and put in in the jar in the center of the table. Kinda cool looking, I thought.

We had our event and all was well. Then maybe a couple weeks later we needed some change for the store. That's fine, we thought, we'll just bring in our change jar... but then it wasn't there. We looked here and there and everywhere, but no jar. Weird. Where could we have put it.

Well, there's another little thing that was kinda eating at me. You see, my friend/roommate Daniel has this boyfriend whom for some reason I just don't trust. From square one I didn't trust him. Don't know why... just a feeling. At a party with some friends of mine I got to hear how at least some of my friends have the same weird feeling about him. Oh well, he keeps to himself and makes Daniel happy. What could be wrong with that?

Then the boyfriend loses his place to live and is suddenly practically living at our place. Ummm.... ok. Not a big deal, I suppose. He's there for several days at a time and then is gone for a couple then returns. A but weird, but we'll deal and see how long it goes on for.

Then I start hearing stories of how he's cheating on Daniel and then lying to him about it... and then only admitting it when confronted with incontrovertible evidence. Great. So we now know he's a liar. He says he'll change but then several weeks go by and it's apparent that he hasn't (kind of hard to keep it on the down-low when you're posting ads on hook-up sites) much to Daniel's dismay. Oh, he'll go to therapy now, he says, so I guess it's all better. Riiiight.

In the meantime it's still bugging me about the change jar. I mean, I know it sounds like it's not a big deal (and I can't imagine it was all that much change when you come down to it) but the jar itself was sentimental, and just the thought of it going missing from my house really bugs the holy frak out of me. The only other people in my house at the time it was downstairs were a couple of Feri people (who weren't ever unattended, mind you) and a couple of friends of mine, one of whom was unattended, but didn't even have a car, so I think lugging a big change jar out of the house unnoticed while I drive them to BART really isn't a likely possibility. Plus I know them, and they just wouldn't do it.

Today I told Daniel that I don't feel comfortable with his boyfriend being in my house unattended. I specifically said that I didn't want to accuse him of stealing because I really don't know where the thing could have gone... but all the signs point to this person, who has already proven themselves to be untrustworthy and who seems to actually get off on doing things and getting caught. Daniel said that if I felt this way then the boyfriend shouldn't come over at all, since I shouldn't feel uncomfortable in my own house, and I thanked him for his understanding.

When I came home from work today I was told that I had an email from the boyfriend to deal with, in which he's stressing to me that he didn't do it, and how he would never do anything like that to disrespect me, because he loves Daniel and by extension he respects those connected to him, and how stupid would it be to take something from our house when he is planning on returning there?

It's almost interesting: You see, I know this type of person. They are the ones who will casually betray your trust and then passionately plead their case saying that you're the one who's mistaken and if you only were to give them another chance then you'd see just how good they really are. I'm not a therapist, but I really think this is a type of Narcissism. It reminds me of the time that I heard through the wall of my old apartment the unmistakable sounds of my friend's boyfriend having sex with another woman while my friend was away for the weekend. (Unmistakable because I pressed my ear to the wall and listened for several minutes... oh, yeah I'm that kind of person). After he was confronted he came to me to say that I was mistaken and that what I actually heard was him talking on the phone with his mother! (Um... ok... what the hell kind of phone call was that and why was she screaming on a speaker phone???) What struck me was that he was so passionate about it that I wanted to believe him. Even though I heard him... definitely heard him, I still wanted to believe his story. Just like I wanted to believe the late Gabriel of BloodRose when he claimed that he never tried to coerce Chas and I into sex with him as part of revealing "the Queer Mysteries" of Feri tradition. The passion of his argument was very moving. Even though I was there and knew that he was nothing but a damaged liar, I still wanted to believe him. That's the power of glamor.

Because that's how Narcissists work. They manipulate and make you feel like you are the crazy one for ever doubting them. Don't trust all the evidence and logic in the world... just trust them. Been there, done that. "What" to the "ever".

Here's the thing... I still really just wish the jar would just show up in some weird place. Yes... I've torn my house apart several times looking for it (so has Chas, and so has Daniel) and so I really can't see that happening... but I still really want to believe his boyfriend. (Does that make me crazy?) But you know what? Even if it shows up I still don't want him in my house. Maybe the universe gave me this scenario so that he wouldn't be here to do something even worse.

Oh, and what of the other stories? My other friend got a phone call from "the other woman" a few weeks later. (I guess it wasn't his mother after all!) And I think those who really paid attention figured out what a liar and perv Gabriel was. Persevere, and it all comes out in the end.

**sigh**

At the end of the day I feel the worst for Daniel.  What a difficult position this has put him in. :(

Aaron's Facebook message:

Daniel told me the two of you had a conversation about the jar of change that went missing from your house, and I wanted to send you an e-mail to beg your understanding - I had nothing to do with wherever it went. I would never take anything from anyone without permission, I don't need money that badly and I certainly would never take anything from someone's house when I plan on returning somewhat regularly. I know I probably can't change your opinion, but it's deeply upsetting to know that I'm being accused with this severity - Daniel had vaguely kept me updated with what was going on, but I had no idea it had become this significant. I have always tried to be an excellent guest, I have kept your house clean and not abused everything that is yours, and I promise I have nothing but respect for you, Chas and your house. Please believe when I tell you I am not a thief and I would have hoped any previous behavior in your house would support that.

I love Daniel and by association I respect the things and people he respects. I know you and Chas have been significant in his life and I wouldn't want to hurt you, or attack you in any way, or steal from you, or do anything negative at all.

My response:

Hi, Aaron.

I'm sorry this has gone down this way. First off, please know that I'm *not* accusing you. In fact I specifically told Daniel that I didn't want to accuse you of it because I have no clue. There is no evidence and I certainly didn't see you do it.

That having been said, the signs *do* make you the prime suspect. Only you and one other person had unsupervised access to it, and the other person is someone whom I have known for years and who didn't even have the physical possibility of taking it as they have no car, and I drove them to BART after their visit. (So I certainly would have noticed them holding a big jar of change.) All the other people who were in my house during the time the jar was downstairs (four, to be exact... Chas and I almost never have guests) were never left unattended and so could not have done it. If it was taken, logic says you are the only person who could have done it.

But even still I don't want to accuse you of it. What I specifically told Daniel was that I am uncomfortable with you being in my house unattended. While this is largely because of this incident it is admittedly only in part. To be honest there is something about you that I haven't trusted from the moment I met you. It was just a feeling, and one that I put aside until hearing about how dishonest you have been with Daniel on more than one occasion. You have already proven yourself to be untrustworthy, and so I feel pretty confidant that not having you in my home is a pretty good call.

I'm sorry if that upsets you. I'm *more* sorry for the position that puts Daniel in because I know that he really likes you and would like to spend time with you. But it's just not going to be able to happen here.

I wish you well, Aaron.

~Storm

Hey brother, can you spare a part-time employee?

We just received word that one of our part-time employees will be leaving us in a couple of weeks to pursue her jewelry-making business. We are very happy for her and look forward to seeing (and purchasing!) her new designs in the future, but we are also left with some pretty big shoes to fill. So I find myself once again turning to my blog to put out the word that we are hiring.

We are looking for someone who wants to work part-time (like 18 hours per week, part time) and who has knowledge in various areas of spiritual, magical, and occult interest. If you have been to The Mystic Dream, then you know that it has a pretty wide range; Paganism/Witchcraft, Occult, New Age, Buddhism, Hoodoo, Aromatherapy, Feng Shui, Angels, Crystals... to name some of the more popular interests. We have people coming in who will want to know what they need to perform a money spell... a love spell... or how to drive away an enemy. People will want to know how to perform a spiritual cleansing... how to break a curse... how to attract abundance. A potential employee will need to know at least a little bit about crystals, herbs, tarot, astrology, and natural magic... as well as meditation, visualization, and the like.

In addition to the spiritual side of the job, the usual retail mundane details apply: we need someone who will clean and restock shelves, polish jewelry, and generally keep the store looking and operating nicely. Clerks are expected to answer phones, ring-up sales, take appointments for readers, and even clean the kitchen or bathroom as their shift dictates. There are a lot of things to clean in a store like ours, so slow times are generally spent alphabetizing the shelves, or rearranging product.

The current hours that we are offering are a closing shift on Friday nights (5:30pm - 9:30pm) and opening shifts on Saturdays and Sundays (9:30am - 5pm). As the economy gets better we may be able to offer more.

So... if you think that this is the job for you, then please send (or fax) us a resume to the address below and we will schedule an interview. Likewise if you think someone you know would be a good candidate, please pass along this information.

If anyone has any questions about this, please email: info@themysticdream.com or leave a message with our staff by calling the number below during business hours.

Thanks!

The Mystic Dream
1437 N Broadway
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 933-2342
(925) 933-9250 (fax)

Schedule Update

I've been crazy busy with the store lately, and haven't had any time to update my blog. Well... I don't have time now either... but I did want to let everyone know about my new classes for this quarter.

All classes listed here are held at my store, The Mystic Dream in Walnut Creek, CA. Click HERE for directions and more info.

Daemonic Magic: Attuning to your Higher Self
Sunday, March 8
1-3pm
$20

 

Far from being a creature of evil influence, the Greek word “daimon” meant a tutelary spirit or one’s own higher spiritual nature. In traditional witchcraft it is often taught that a witch drew her powers from a daemon or “familiar spirit”. When connected to our own “Holy Daemon” we can uncover the ability to cast spells, increase life-force, and to quicken one’s spiritual evolution. Drawing from his training as a Feri priest, Storm will describe the process by which one can attune to their own daemonic nature, and then facilitate this connection using ritual and trance work.

 

 

Journey Into Faery
Sunday, March 15
1-3pm
$20

 

Faery is a particular place within the underworld, that realm which mirrors our own. In some forms of the Faery-Faith it is said that part of our own soul exists there, connecting us to that place where the stars shine within the earth, and the ancestors dwell. Come and experience a trance journey into this twilight realm, and work with some of the faery beings connected to the land as we work to deepen our connection to the earth, to the shining lands, and to our fey nature.

 

 

Candle Magic: An Introduction to an Ancient Practice
Sunday, March 29
4-6pm
$25

 

The use of candles in magic has a long and rich history. Witchcraft, Hoodoo, Ceremonial Magic and even Catholicism enjoy the use of candles as a means to bring about a desired result. We will learn how to choose and properly “dress” a candle for magical work, as well as different techniques for burning them for different purposes. Each participant will receive a 7 Day candle which will be dressed and charged for your particular purpose for you to burn at home.

 

 

Reiki I
Sunday, April 5, 3-6pm
and repeats: Sunday, April 19, 1-4pm
Normally, $100: This month only: $75

 

Reiki is an initiatory form of Japanese spiritual energy practice. A Reiki practitioner has been energetically attuned to channel a spiritually guided form of universal life-energy which facilitates the healing process and quickens spiritual evolution. Learn some of the history, as well as the practices of Reiki. Class will culminate in a Reiki Level One attunement, complete with certification.

 

Reiki II
Sunday, April 12
and repeats: Sunday, April 26
4-6pm
Normally $200, this month only: $150

 

A Reiki Level Two practitioner has had traditional symbols ritually placed into their energy-body, thus widening their channel for the Reiki life-force energy, and giving them special tools for working with the Reiki energy in deeper ways. This class will culminate in a Reiki Level Two attunement, complete with certification. Required: Please bring your Reiki Level One certificate in order to attend.

 

 

Reiki Magic
Sunday, April 19
4:30-6:30pm
$20

 

Reiki is an initiatory form of Japanese spiritual energy practice that uses a spiritually guided form of universal life-force for healing and spiritual enlightenment. The energy utilized in Reiki, however, can be used in a myriad of ways including prayer, magic, and spellwork. We will learn how to use Reiki in order to make our magic more powerful, as well as how to increase our own capacity for holding and moving energy both safely and effectively. This class is open to all levels of Reiki practitioners, as well as those who have not had a Reiki attunement.

 

The Magic of Oils
Sunday, May 3
4-6pm
$30

 

Different scents have long been recognized as being catalysts of spiritual power. Oils derived from plants contain the energetic essence of the plant spirit which can be petitioned to assist with ones spiritual practice, or practical needs through magic. In this class we will discuss and work with various oils from essential oils, to special traditional blends designed to bring about specific results. We will discuss various ways to employ oils in our spellwork, and each participant will blend an oil for their own magical purpose to take home and use.

 

 

Foundations of F(a)eri(e): The Three Souls
Sunday, May 10
3-5pm
$20

 

Many cultures espouse the multiplicity of the human soul. From Polynesian Huna, to traditional Jewish & African beliefs, an awareness of our three souls has manifested in many ways through time. Modern spiritual systems often recognize and encourage communion with our “higher self”, but this is but one of the facets of our existence. In this class we will explore the three souls as taught in the Feri tradition of witchcraft and learn how to commune with each of them in order to bring them into alignment, assisting us in one of the most vitally important foundational steps toward our own spiritual evolution.

 

 

Foundations of F(a)eri(e): The Iron Pentacle
Sunday, May 17
4-6pm
$20

 

The Iron Pentacle is one of the most important tools of self-transformation that the Feri tradition has to offer. In this class we will delve into each of the five points of Sex, Pride, Self, Power, and Passion, to see how they play out in our lives, as well as invoke this symbol in ritual to see how and where we are in or out of balance so that we may then begin to reclaim our lost power.

 

 

Protection Magic
Sunday, May 24
4-6pm
$25

 

There are times in everyone’s life in which we feel the need to “pull in” and protect ourselves. Proficiency in the techniques of magical protection is an essential tool for anyone, but especially for the sorcerer, magician, or witch. We will discuss various time-honored methods for employing magic to protect ourselves, our families, and our homes, and will experience various energetic exercises to achieve this goal. Class will culminate in a ritual to create a protective talisman for you to take home.

 

 

Spiritual Cleansing
Sunday, May 31
4-6pm
$20

 

Purification rituals are a common theme in practically every spiritual and religious tradition that has graced our planet over the ages. Far from being a moral judgment, “being pure” refers to “being ourselves, and nothing else”; that state in which we are free of the entanglements of others, as well as aligned with our own divine presence. We will discuss different traditional methods to spiritually cleanse ourselves and our environment, and will experience different energetic and magical exercises to achieve this result.

 

 

 

Ongoing Offerings:

Each month I am happy to be a part of the following regular events:
 

 

F(a)eri(e) Tradition Open Circle:
with Chas Bogan, Puck D. Coyote, and Storm Faerywolf
2nd Friday of each month

7-9pm
Donations to help pay for the space will be accepted but are not required.

 

Feri is a unique manifestation of traditional witchcraft that encourages power, will, and personal connection with the divine. All are welcome: Initiates, students, and interested seekers. Come and join us for an evening of BlueRose style Feri ritual as we align our souls, open the crossroads, and peer into the Outer Darkness to see what treasures may be hidden there.

 

Please bring a small food-item to share.

 

 

Reiki Share with Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf
Every 1st Saturday of the Month
New Time: 5-7pm
Suggested $5 - $10 sliding scale donation.
No one turned away for lack of funds.

 

Reiki is a traditional form of energy healing. Come and experience a mini spiritual-healing session with local Reiki practitioners, or come and practice your own Reiki skills. Network with others in the area in an environment that is fun, safe, and uplifting, or just come to watch and learn about this powerful healing modality. Open to all levels of Reiki practitioners, as well as those who have not yet been attuned to Reiki.

 

Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf are Reiki Master/Teachers and the owners of The Mystic Dream. They have each been practicing Reiki for over 10 years and are happy to offer both attunements and Reiki sessions at the store by appointment. For more information please call the shop at 925-933-2342.

 

The Brotherhood of the Satyr: A Queer Men’s Pagan Circle
4th Saturday of Every Month, beginning March 28
5-7pm
Donations accepted but not required

 

Join us for an evening of connection, storytelling, and magic as we come together as men-who-love-men who follow the spiritual paths of the earth. Together we will invoke the Queer Gods, inviting their blessings upon us so that we might mirror that light to each other, and into the world. Open to all men-who-love-men who are called to celebrate Pagan spirituality in a queer-male specific setting.

As always, if you would like to join my email newsletter list, please just send a blank email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to: list@faerywolf.com