SAYING GOODBYE WHEN SOMEONE IS ALREADY GONE
by Lady Shay BygulRAINBOWS, LEPRECHAUNS, AND THAT OTHER GUY
by Fairie Godsmother by Lady Shay BygulTHE GODS ARE LAUGHING AT US: BLACK HUMOR AND ITS FUNCTION IN SPIRITUALITY
by John ShadenLetter from the Editor
Wisdom from the Faerie Godsmother: Rainbows, Leprechauns, and that Other Guy
Mindful Paganism: A Mindful Approach to Divorce
The Witches' Corner: Saying Goodbye
When Someone is Already Gone
Wishful Thinking: Mean What You Say
The Devil's Advocate: The Gods are
Laughing at us: Black Humor and its Function in Spirituality
Pagan Group Listings
Better Communication through Tarot
Wake up the Stars: Walking through the Dreamland
Interview with Psychic Medium Bryanna Wilson
Magick is a complicated thing, and no results are guaranteed. No medical advice or income claims are made in this publication. This publication may contain adult language.
There is a wide array of views expressed in this publication. Read at your own risk. Perform any spells or rituals at your own risk.
If you open some creepy portal or summon an uncooperative demon, it's not our fault.
Dear Reader --
I am so happy to announce an upcoming change for Purrfectly Pagan Magazine.
Starting in our April 2023 issue, Holly Broderick, our own Faerie Godsmother, will be stepping into the role of Editor for the magazine.
Don't worry about missing me - I will still be the owner and will be sending in my columns each month - but Holly will manage the magazine and help put it together.
Holly has been with me since the beginning. She was my very first writer and my biggest cheerleader. She loves this magazine as much as I do.
So you'll see a new face sharing this letter next month and moving forward, and I am thrilled to see this happen. Holly is going to be an amazing editor.
P.S. If you are enjoying this magazine, would you consider buying me a coffee? It's just $3, but it would help a lot and be very much appreciated. https://ko-fi.com/ladyshay
I struggled writing my column for this month, and now I know why.
Every time I sat down to write, my mind was a blank, refusing to bring forth any semblance of words for me. I couldn't even put together a title for my piece. Nothing. Nada.
Not that I usually write my columns far in advance, but I really was trying to write mine sooner this month (This column and the Mindful Paganism one )
Now I know why.
Two days ago, my father passed over to the other side. It was unexpected, and from the way he was found, it looks like it happened quickly. He didn't even have time to sit in a chair.
I loved my father, but we had a falling out a few years ago over politics. While I sometimes got replies to texts, we had only spoken on the phone once in 4 years. (continued on next page)
P.S. If you are enjoying this magazine, would you consider buying a "coffee"? It's just $3, but it would help a lot and be very much appreciated. https://ko-fi.com/ladyshay
I kept reaching out, on holidays and in between, but I was always the one to initiate.
I will be honest: I had always believed there would come a time when his health would decline, and he would have a change of heart. I'd seen that happen with others who had been estranged, to varying degrees, with their parent(s). I thought we would have the opportunity to make amends and say our goodbyes. That did not happen.
Unresolved issues can plague you for a lifetime, and I have no intention of letting that happen to me.
Rituals, symbolism, and ceremonies are crucial for people, even if you are not spiritual, but they are even more significant if you are. So, I will be having a "saying goodbye" ritual for myself next week.
I will have my jar with slips of paper to write down what I want to say. Maybe things to apologize for, maybe things to rant about, maybe some memories. I will light my candle, fill my jar, and then tuck it away after I say my goodbyes and have a long talk with my Dad.
Then, I hope that both of us will be at peace.
P.S. If you are enjoying this magazine, would you consider buying a "coffee"? It's just $3, but it would help a lot and be very much appreciated. https://ko-fi.com/ladyshay
What I have to say, I’m sure will come off as somewhat. I know, it’s so unusual of me to have an opinion that is in direct opposition to most of today’s society. Oh, wait. That’s not unusual for me at all.
Most people in this part of the world have heard of St Patrick’s Day. It’s incredibly common to have parades, people wearing green, drinking green beer and partying hard, here in the USA. But do they really know what they’re celebrating?
I’m guessing they probably don’t. I’m guessing that most people, at least in this country, don’t have any idea of who St Patrick was and how or why leprechauns and rainbows are related to this holiday.
Truth is, it’s an Irish Catholic holiday. It celebrates a man who brought Catholicism to Ireland in the early 5th century. He was born in 386 AD and was thought to have arrived to spread the Catholic faith in 432 AD. He died in 457 AD. There is evidence to suggest that he may have actually arrived in Ireland a bit later than that, but no one knows for sure because the Irish Annals for St. Patrick were not written until the middle of the 6th century (almost 100 years after his death).
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There are tales of St Patrick murdering druids, pagans, and pygmies from Central Africa who found themselves in Ireland. So, the pygmy tale obviously didn’t happen because there were never pygmies from Central Africa actually in Ireland. But there is evidence to suggest that the other tales may have happened. There are also tales of him being kind and gentle to the people he was converting. So, he was an evangelist at the very best and a murderer at the very worst. No one knows for sure just how peaceful or violent his conversions were, seeing as it was over 1600 years ago and the records were written nearly a century after his death. Either way, in my opinion, this is not really a holiday for anyone except Irish Catholics.
According to scientists, there have only been 1 or 2 types of reptiles in Ireland and neither of which is a snake. So, it seems that St Patrick never did drive the snakes out but he did drive the Pagans/Druids out, either by death or conversion (the jury is still out on that). The people of Crom Cruiche had a snake as their symbol and according to the Dinnshenchas (text from the 6th century) they were killed by St Patrick his band of wellarmed missionaries. This story is most likely where the idea that St Patrick drove all of the snakes out of Ireland came from. This is also the story that makes me believe that St. Patrick wasn’t so kind and gentle with his conversion tactics. The story was written almost 100 years after St Patrick was alive. A lot can change in that time, including the details of a story, so we are not 100% sure of what happened to the people of Crom Cruiche.
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Also, leprechauns are a part of the fae and the fae are not technically Catholic. The Irish have adapted their version of Catholicism to include many Druid/Pagan beliefs, and traditions but it still does not feel appropriate to capture and tease a part of the Tuatha De Danann as a part of a Catholic holiday celebration. Tuatha De Danann are a race of supernatural beings i.e., Gods and Goddesses, that the people of Ireland believed in long before Catholicism was a thing The fae (fairies), such as leprechauns belong to that race.
Leprechauns are thought to be introverts. They like to be by themselves, fixing and making shoes. They don’t like being bothered. They are also thought to be very unhappy tricksters. My thinking is that I would be an unhappy trickster if someone tried capturing me in a box filled with glitter and cookies too. Furthermore, they never had anything to do with St Patrick. They weren’t introduced to the holiday until about 60 years ago. So, maybe, just maybe we don’t teach our children to try and capture ancient gods in a box. Maybe, just maybe we treat each other’s Gods and Goddesses with some respect and leave them out of holidays that they have no business being a part of.
If you want to celebrate and go wild then do it, but please leave the leprechauns alone and do what you can to understand what you are actually celebrating before pouring the green beer.
Owner of Holly Be Healing, a business dedicated to energetic and spiritual healing. While the business, Holly Be Healing, is only a few years old, Holly’s dedication to helping people has been a lifelong mission and her talent for intuitively knowing what people are feeling and how to help them heal is as skill that Holly has honed over the years Holly taught Shaolin Chuan Fa for 10 years and Yang Style Tai Chi for 5 years. While doing and teaching the martial arts she discovered her love of energy work and started focusing a lot on meditation. She became a certified Chakra Meditation Specialist and certified health coach in order to help people clear their chakras and heal physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Holly has been reading Oracle Cards, and tarot for 26 years privately and just recently added it to the services that she provides through Holly Be Healing. Holly Be healing offers Chakra Meditation sessions, Moving Meditation sessions, and Oracle Reading sessions to clients of all types. Holly has read for all types of people, schoolteachers, massage therapists, stay at home moms, jewelry designers, and even radio stars. She has lead meditation sessions with black belts, teachers, local artists, IT specialists, world renowned artists, and countless others.
Holly is also the co-creator of a unique and fun podcast, "Psychics and Swears," where she and her cohost enjoy doing 5-minute fun readings and interviewing our favorite intuitives. Holly and her partner John Shäden are also the creators of the amazing fragrance, "Moon Owl Moon Water."
To learn more, please reach out to Holly: 475-329-8997
Hollybhealthy@gmail.com
Before you even ask - I am not getting a divorce. I am very happy with Hubby, and he says I am stuck with him forever. I am totally cool with that.
But I have been through 2 divorces, and they were so very different
My first divorce was traumatic. Toxic relationship, financial struggles, and single parenting with a toddler and I was pregnant. So stressful. But what made it worse is that I viewed my divorce as a failure, and I was so ashamed. I learned nothing from it.
I went into my second marriage with good intentions, but I was still the same person I was when I left my first marriage, which was pretty much a recipe for disaster.
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My second husband is not a bad guy, but we were not a good fit. Both of us made mistakes, but this time, I was owning mine and learning from them.
Mindfulness is awareness without judgment, and that is what I did. I looked at myself, looked at my past, looked at what I wanted in the future, and began working towards becoming the person I wanted to be.
This sounds simple and like it happened overnight, but neither of those things is remotely true. It took a lot of work, but I love my life now.
I would give 3 pieces of advice for anyone thinking of divorce, going through a divorce, or who has already been divorced:
Divorce is not a failure. It's an opportunity to get a fresh start and explore your true self.
Be honest with yourself. Own your mistakes and your shortcomings.
Be gentle with yourself and you explore your new path. You may stumble a few times before you are steady on your course, and that's okay.
Lady Shay is a Unitarian Universalist Pagan and an eclectic witch. She feels her purpose is to serve the Pagan community.
Shay is the owner and Editor-InChief of Purrfectly Pagan Magazine. She started the magazine in January of 2022 to help her fellow Pagans.
Shay is a Mindful Paganism coach and practitioner. Mindful Paganism is the practice of connecting Mind, Body, & Spirit in order to relieve stress, find our purpose, and rediscover Joy.
Shay can be reached via email at ladyshay@mindfulpaganism.com
I’ve been paying attention for a while now when people say “have a nice day.” What I’ve been noticing is how often it is said mindlessly. Thrown out as a habituated thing-to-say, rather than a genuine hope that my day be optimal. Have a nice day. Same to you.
It’s made me more aware of how I use the phrase myself, and the distinct change in people when I sincerely say it rather than just casually throw it out there.
Several years ago, I began replying to “have a nice day” with a smile and an “I will if you will!” I’m not being sarcastic, despite the way it reads. Tone of voice is everything, of course. I am completely sincere whenever I say it. Which is often.
It has the effect of disrupting the moment in a positive way. If I don’t get much of a response, even a slight reaction means I was at least subconsciously apprehended by them in a way that wouldn’t have been true if I’d just replied in kind. But sometimes it gets quite a response. Always good, thankfully.
I’m not replying “I will if you will” to a casually dispensed “have a nice day” just to be cute, either. I’m being intentional, even a bit spiritually deliberate.
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There are reasons for making purposeful variations on everyday customs like this. It gets us out of the habit of rote responses that don’t mean much. People perceive sincerity, even if not consciously. It’s like body language in that way. We often are processing information about others on multiple levels of awareness even if we aren’t fully conscious of most of them. A person who is sincere in their subtleties is often viewed as trustworthy or genuine, even if we’ve never had occasion to evaluate their genuineness or trustworthiness. There’s just something about them that makes us feel more comfortable.
But also, when we choose to practice sincerity with intentionality, it signals our own brains regarding the concepts of honesty and sincerity in general. In other words, it has a ripple effect on our own psyches to make mindful choices about the seemingly inconsequential words and phrases we use.
To be clear, no one’s getting hurt by the customary exchanges as they exist. I’m not advocating that we all dispense with the usual pleasantries, even if rote. But making deliberate little tweaks to the usual script just for the sake of it can have an effect of laying the groundwork for other preferable but stubborn changes we long to make within ourselves.
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I also notice that people often ask ‘howya doin?’ but either don’t expect a real response or don’t want one. Imagine someone behind the deli counter at the store saying to you, “howya doin?” as a customary preamble to what-can-Iget-you and your reply is a lengthy response about how your sciatica is flaring up and you’re considering divorce but are staying in it for the time being because of the kids. He really just wants to get your salami order.
It’s easy to sound critical of those who are just filling up the awkward silences with words that aren’t intended to be taken literally. The deli guy doesn’t actually want to know how I am doing. And I might be told to have a nice day as a form of see-you-later, but they don’t really care whether I do or not. That’s okay.
These customs are so engrained in society that to be upset by them, once we start to notice just how pervasively they occur, is a waste of time and energy. Better to be the sincerity we wish to see in the world (hello again, Gandhi) than to be resistant to others’ lack of it. By being more sincere, you’ll tend to attract those who also believe in sincerity anyway. And by seeking to be at peace with those who don't, we enhance our resiliency in life.
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Start off by just noticing when you say “have a nice day” or “how are you doing” and wonder if you really mean it. Consider what it would mean to genuinely ask someone how they’re doing and be prepared to get a complete answer. You probably won’t get a complete answer, of course, but in being prepared to receive one you’re signaling sincerity with your tone and phrasing. If you actually get an answer, listen patiently. It’s worth it.
These subtle behavioral cues are perceptible by people. Especially those whose trust has been betrayed by others in the past. They have particularly refined antennae for perceiving insincerity in others. By demonstrating authenticity you’re being deemed safe.
This all ultimately points to a wider suggestion that we refine our relationships with other people using deliberate authenticity as a form of spiritual practice. Like a lot of behavioral tidbits tucked away in world scripture, it’s pretty good advice. It is certainly the advice of all religions to be sincere. Insincerity is a low-grade form of lying when you think about it. And scripture definitely has an opinion about that.
A lack of sincerity in our daily pleasantries will not cause harm. But intentional sincerity in places where it isn’t expected will move mountains.
Wil Darcangelo, M.Div, is the Minister at the First Parish UU Church of Fitchburg and of the First Church of Christ, Unitarian in Lancaster, and producer of The UU Virtual Church of Fitchburg and Lancaster on YouTube.
Email wildarcangelo@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @wildarcangelo. His blog, Hopeful Thinking, can be found at www.hopefulthinkingworld.blogspot.com
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Pay attention to your breaths for a moment... If you don't feel that easy flow through your lungs, it's time to brew some Aniseed tea!
Again,
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
This marvelous herb is our breathing companion But let's start from the beginning...
Aniseed was first cultivated in Egypt, a looong, looong, long time ago, but now it's available throughout the whole world. If you wish to grow it on your own, just make sure to put the seeds in a permanent container, or garden, because the herb doesn't like to be transplanted. So, once you start the process don't move it, just take nice care of it.
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Anise likes the sun and water, nice weather overall, but if you live in a colder area, no worries, you can still grow it inside.
The great aniseed tea benefits us on so many levels!
If you have eyesight problems, this herb is there for you. Drink about 5 grams of aniseed in the morning and the same amount in the afternoon. Give it some time and you may see change! If you need it just for prevention, then drink a regular amount of anise tea often.
Anise is usually found in syrups against coughs and respiratory problems. That is why I gave you a breathing checker at the start. It increases breathing capacity. And besides that, it helps to regulate the digestive system, as well. The whole-body benefits from it. But let's go further...
Oral hygiene is something a lot of people struggle with (bad breath as well as oral inflammation) but not those who use this herb as a mouthwash. It's not always enough to just brush your teeth. Our mouths are the dirtiest part of our body, as you know, so it's important to have proper mouth hygiene. Brew some tea, let it cool a bit, and rinse your mouth with it Just like that, magic! (if you repeat, of course)
For all those women out there, 'those painful days' of the month may be over! Anise is a pain reliever as well as the regulator for this matter.
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Walking through the Dreamland
WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA(continued)
And now all the fun starts!
Do you have sleep disorders? Do you have those scary nightmares? Or just bad dreams that make you feel sh**ty in the morning? Look no further. Aniseed is your dream catcher! No spells, no woo woo, just the pure magic from nature!
Herbs have the power, the energy to release what we don't wish for. Use them intentionally. Put a bag of aniseed under your pillow and sleep tight. Take a walk through your sweetest dreams.
Yet, before you fall asleep, there's one more secret this herb is holding
Passion! It can boost libido. So, before a magic sleep, you may want to try some romantic play...
Be as Marvelous, as Aniseed is!
Wishing you Calm & Magic
Lily discovered her desire for writing at an early age. She asked her granny to buy her a notebook and waiting for no teacher, she start waving words on paper, with passion and in awe.
In her 20's she gathered some pieces of her work and publish them, becoming an author of the 'Ruthless Silence' poetry book.
She then continues to feed her soul through various art forms. Today, as a founder of the Black Rabbit Tea brand, she runs a successful soul-led business and mentors others on their way to building this dream for themselves.
WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN
About a year ago, I began my dedicated journey with Tarot. Before this time, I had owned a deck, however, it was as if I was learning Chinese, and put the cards down for many years. What were all these cards trying to communicate? Why were there depictions of people falling from a burning tower (did anyone just experience a 911 flashback)? Why were dead people coming out of their own coffins?? And what was with that crazy hanged man anyways?
It was all so foreign to me, and quite frankly, a bit crazy! However, I continued to get the push from my spirit team to learn it. I immersed myself in a “78 Days of Tarot” class from a fabulous village witch who knew Tarot better than anything else in her practice Trouble is, she made it sound so easy! How could I possibly get 78 cards to stick inside my 54-yearold brain? I had to find a way.
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After the class finished, I decided to begin a one-card pull on social media every morning. If I wasn’t motivated for myself, perhaps having an audience would motivate me more. And it worked! I soon increased it to a three-card pull, which I still do every morning on FB and IG (@spiritualtherapyCT).
And yes, the cards finally began to stick! I was ready to do readings! However, I believe that spirit had other ideas why I needed to learn them.
By day, I am a holistic psychotherapist, a mental health professional that is dedicated to the mind, body, and spirit. At times, when I am with a client, I find myself in the “zone”. This is often what you’ll hear athletes, musicians, and writers describe when they allow the subconscious or “autopilot” to take over. I can hear myself talking directly to my client, however, the words are not originating from my prefrontal cortex (or judgment center) anymore. Instead, they are coming from my higher self. And my higher self apparently likes to use the language of Tarot! For example, I may see a flash of the “Fool” card in my mind to help the client understand to proceed with caution, or the “Five of Wands” to help them deal with conflict.
This has also been happening in my mediumship readings with clients. I will often get the “Lovers” card from the spirit communicator if the relationship in life with the sitter was solid, the “Tower” card if the spirit experienced tragedy, or the “Queen of Wands” if the spirit had closeted gifts in life.
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WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN (continued)
I have truly not only learned a brand new language to share with others as a divinity tool, but I have also given my higher self and spirit a beautiful tool to communicate with me on a more articulate level. It’s like learning Spanish in the United States, and feeling like a locked gate has been opened wide!
I also find myself using Tarot for spellwork by using the cards on my altar as a way to manifest energy. Need money? “Ten of pentacles” next to a money bowl should do it.
Are you sick? “The Star” card next to some bloodstone will help get you there. Need to remind yourself of your strength? Put down the “Strength” card and give an offering to your favorite powerful deity.
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WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN
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Learning a new language doesn’t have to be limited to just words. Tarot has truly been a blessing in order to open more avenues to understanding the world around us. Challenge yourself to also learn the language if you haven’t already. If you already know it, find new ways to include it in your everyday magical life!
Michelle began her spiritual journey when she was a child after a family trip at age 6 to Salem, MA. After being introduced to the world of the occult, Michelle became obsessed with witches and ghosts, using tarot and ouija to communicate with the spirit world, performing magic for friends and family, reading endless books about the witch trials and ghost encounters, watching endless hours of “Bewitched” and “Charmed”, and even writing her high school senior thesis on poltergeists. Halloween did not go by without Michelle dressing up as a witch, except for the year she was Casper the friendly ghost!
When Michelle entered college, got married, had a full-time job, had children, did foster care and had multiple pets (and somehow kept her sanity in check through it all), things came to a halt for over 30 years. During this time, Michelle continued to use her gifts of clairsentience and claircognizance without realizing it, as she was often labeled “too sensitive”, and was told “you seem to have someone looking out for you”. In 2014, Michelle gained her professional mental health counseling license, and in 2018, she was led by spirit to a holistic healing center in Durham CT called “The Red Barn in Durham”, where she left her full time social work job to have her own holistic private practice. This led Michelle to have a spiritual “breakdown” of her ego, also known as a spiritual awakening!
Michelle’s world was turned upside down, as she was raised Roman Catholic, as she was taught that they were the one “true” religion. Michelle began to question everything, obsessively research, and challenge herself to let go of the guilt, shame and limiting beliefs that attaches itself to anyone who follows this religious path. Michelle felt terrified and exhilarated all at the same time while she was pulling away from a belief system layered in fear, and at times, thought she might be going crazy…
Michelle then joined a spiritual support group, which helped her connect with others who were going through the same process, and also helped her connect to a community of like minded individuals. Relief was on its way, as Michelle learned that others were having the same experiences as her! Michelle’s first mentors were Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan, Reiki Master/teacher/psychic medium, and Jennifer Gaylord, psychic medium, the leaders of the support group. Stephanie and Jennifer helped Michelle connect with her gifts, her ancestry, and her healing abilities. Within a few months, Michelle became a Reiki Master, and was able to use this ability to help others heal on a physical and emotional level.
In 2019, Michelle then met Paul Rice, psychic ghost worker (NOT hunter-Michelle does not believe in hunting people, or animals for that matter!), who would be her next mentor. Paul was teaching a class on how to tap into your psychic abilities in order to help ghosts move onto the light. Paul believed that there were many reasons why souls didn’t move on, and it was up to us to guide them, facilitate healing, and move them on to their version of heaven. Michelle developed her gifts, and realized that she could add clairvoyance to her spiritual resume! Paul was also teaching Michelle how to psychically protect herself, which is absolutely necessary for this type of work (although Michelle believes that humans are MUCH more scary than ghosts!). In 2021, Paul gave the group a formal name entitled “SHONE-spirit healers of New England” in order to continue his legacy (on FB and IG). When Paul retires and moves out of the country in 2023, Michelle will co lead the group, as her passion for rescue mediumship has soared.
In 2020, the pandemic hit, and doing things online suddenly exploded. Many famous mediums who were inaccessible suddenly were available at the request of a Zoom link. During this time, Michelle connected with mediums all over the world, and started doing practice circles and gallery readings that challenged her abilities (and scared her to death!). Michelle’s next mentor would be Kay Reynolds, an Arthur Findley college trained medium who was previously an elementary school teacher, and can work with others in a gentle and encouraging way (which is what Michelle needed!). Kay taught Michelle to develop her gifts even further, and the gift of clairaudience began to develop. Michelle continues to challenge herself, and will be working with more talented mediums in order to gain professionalism, and to learn how to perform trance mediumship.
In 2021, Michelle decided that the witchcraft had been put on a shelf for much too long! Michelle then began her year and a day training with Stacy Salpietro-Babb, an animist village witch who showed Michelle how to forage, craft spells, create sigils, perform tarot readings, read astrology, create self care items, perform rituals, tap into familiars, honor deities, and more! Most importantly though, Stacy showed Michelle how to be proud of who she was, and how to stand in her own truth. Michelle had finally come full circle!
Today, Michelle spends most of her days running her fully remote holistic telehealth practice from her home, encouraging people to be their true authentic selves. Michelle also runs ghost field trips that are open to the public, attends her mediumship and year and a day training classes, performs tarot and mediumship readings in private and at events, and spends time with her family, friends and her cat Loki. Michelle has her own blog entitled “Ghost and Spiritual Musings” on Facebook, where she shares her extraordinary experiences within the ghost and mediumship world. Michelle has also written for various publishings, such as CWPN (CT wiccan and pagan network), and writes ritual and spellwork for her groups.
Pioneer Valley Witches & Pagans - Western Massachusetts
Pioneer Valley Witches and Pagans group is for Pagans and Witches in the Pioneer Valley, Western Mass, and nearby areas to get together, chat, network, and socialize.
We have Meetups every two weeks. I'm trying to plan some more interesting outings and activities, set stay tuned! You can find us at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerwitchesandpagans/?ref=share
and for those not on Facebook: https://meetingplace.io/PVW
Fitchburg Pagan Group in Fitchburg, MA
Merry Meet! This group is for Pagans of all types (wiccan, neopagan, Celtic, etc.) in or near Fitchburg, MA, to meet and socialize.
It's also a welcoming place for those who are curious about paganism. We have online gatherings for those who are not local.
Join here: https://www.meetup.com/fitchburg-pagan-meetup-group
List your Pagan group here for free!
Contact Shay for info:
https://www.purrfectlypagan.com/contact.html
by John Shaden
“I’vebeenaccusedofvulgarity.Isaythat’sbullsh*t.”-MelBrooks
“TheonlymysteryinlifeiswhytheKamikazepilotsworehelmets.”-AlMcGuire
Life is suffering. Unless you are one of the estimated 1 in 125 million who are diagnosed with Congenital Analgesia (a rare neurological disorder where one cannot feel the sensation of pain), you will experience some form of physical discomfort. With that being said, physical pain is but one flavor of torment in this sadistic Baskin-Robbins we call reality. Emotional anguish is damn near universal, unless you are inflicted with Alexithymia or brain dead. Buddhists say it is attachment to desires that cause suffering. Only by letting go can we ever truly be free from pain. Maybe they have a valid point, but I think it's mostly bullsh*t. Pain, whether physical or mental, is inescapable. That’s that, folks. We are f*ck*d.
I have had my share of the lash of life. I have been jumped, beaten, stabbed, heartbroken, hit by a car, and had loved ones die tragically. I’ve gone through a crippling, and hopeless addiction And that's just the greatest hits (pun only slightly intended). That doesn't include b-sides, singles and bootlegs. I say this not for sympathy. Hell, I'm aware that when you give no quarter you sure as sh*t don't expect it, from friend or foe.
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I say this to acknowledge 3 facts:
1.
I am cognisant of the fact that many, probably the vast overwhelming majority, have suffered far greater than your humble narrator.
My pain isn't special. It isn't a precious or miraculous experience. It simply is. I suffer, therefore I am.
3.
Pain is the only thing I truly have in common with my fellow man. There's probably more, but I'm trying to keep my breakfast down.
So, pain isn't escapable, it lingers like cobwebs in a castle Or like stale tobacco smoke in the furniture and drapes. There is no cure, but there is a treatment.
Humor. Humor is the treatment for all of life's horrors, big and small. Humor, like music, it’s an extended branch off the tree of Magick. We really have no evolutionary reason for laughter. In fact, by the law of the jungle, laughter is actually a hindrance and in truth a very dangerous one. Have you ever laughed to the point where you can barely breathe? Belly is tight and your knees are weak? Yeah, now try running from a sabre tooth tiger at the same time. IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!! I am no expert on biology. I have very little to go on, but my own opinion here, but if the feature mentioned serves no benefit evolutionarily, then more than likely it serves a magickal one
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2.
by John Shaden
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There are many different types or genres of comedy, some vanilla, some brutal and some that are flat out bizarre (I’m talking to you, Kipper Kids!!!!). For the sake of this article, I'm going to be referencing my favorite: black, morbid, and offensive humor. Ahhh, even saying it makes me float away. One thing that helps me shed the anxiety and trepidation of modern everyday life before I pray, meditate, spellcast, etc. is listen to comedy records (and some music, but separate subject) and laugh my balls off. It helps center and focus myself for the task at hand. Richard Pryor, George Carlin (obviously), Bill Hicks, Neil Hamburger, Doug Stanhope and Louis CK to name a few. The process of laughing seems to work as a pressure release valve for human emotions. This is why most people enjoy comedy. But, as it turns out it is also a wonderful way to ground before the work begins My practice seems to work tremendously after burning off the excess emotions.
Now, it doesn't help with all tasks. Any type of revenge or war-like rituals simply fizzle out if I let the psychic sludge run out of me before said rite is performed and also considering that the rage is what moves the godd*mn ball into the endzone. Other than that, giggle away.
John Shaden was born on a leap year in 1988. He is a musician, black magickian, and a chaos gnostic satanist John has had a keen interest in the occult and left hand path since as early as he can remember. He was born and raise Catholic, John found himself spiritually crippled and in his late teens decided to look into the darkness for answers and he found them. Through ritual magick and in communion with the divine, John has been able to sharpen his skills as a psychic and practitioner of the black work.
John founded an occult order known as the, “Order of the Oblivion,” in which he and his fraternal brother work with other occult organizations in forwarding their goals of gnosis, strength, and apotheosis in 2018. Along with his spiritual path, John has been the front man for the black metal band, “CARNIVOROUS STORM,” since 2018.
John has been a writer since he was a young boy, taking inspiration from authors such as Hunter S Thompson, E A Koetting, Michael W Ford, Charles Bukowski, and Sun Tzu. He has been published on many online forums and websites along with publishing his own work on Brilliantbias.com and various other websites over the course of the last 15 years.
Holly Broderick and John Shaden have teamed up to create an amazing psychic duo, in 2022. They call themselves, “Psychics and Swears,” and have helped numerous people with all kinds of issues They have assisted several families get closure in 4 different cases of murder. They work very hard to be sure that their clients know that they are cared for, treat them with dignity and are important to their work all the while using cheeky language and humor.
This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Psychic Medium Bryanna Wilson
Let's take a peek at what she does!
Please describe your business.
I conduct services for individuals looking to speak with their deceased loved ones, who need guidance in their life in any area, their spiritual awakening journey, or just life in general.
I'm not only a Psychic Medium, but I'm also a teacher, recovering addict, friend, spiritual guide, and role model, bringing LOVE back as the whole focus, into the spiritual community again and setting an example of love, appreciation and acceptance of all souls.
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When and why did you start your business?
I started my business because I have a set of skills that help alleviate emotional suffering, and help those in a difficult place, which I really could've used when I was going through my dark times, so I do my best to be that person for other people - my passion is to do my part in making the world a better place.
How did you get the idea for your company?
I just went and got a deck of tarot cards, after my oracle cards got damaged, and when I realised I came home with a deck of TAROT, not oracle, I was intrigued as I'd heard of tarot before but not known too much about it - So I went down the rabbit hole and have only progressed in my journey.
What is the mission of your company?
I started my business because I have a general love for humanity and people, so I do my best and that is to help alleviate emotional suffering. I love to help those in a difficult place, which I really could've used when I was going through my dark times, so I do my best to be that person for other people - my passion is to do my part in making the world a better place.
To show others how to heal themselves by healing you first - it's so important!
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EDITED BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL (continued)
What services/products do you offer?
*Evidential & Energy Mediumship
*Psychic / Intuitive readings
*Emotional Healing
*Spiritual Healing
*Physical Healing
*Emotionally guides and supports others in hard places, who struggle with self-love and self-image.
*Self-Acceptance
*Past Life Healing
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What makes your business unique?
I do my best to create unique and genuine connections with clients who come to see me.
I care about and love other individuals and genuinely want to guide them in the best direction based on what the client needs at the time.
I'm very honest, and straight to the point and doI take pride in everything I do with a caring, genuine approach.
False prophets and frauds also are a big problem and I try and inform anybody getting a reading for the first time to not give anything away! a genuine psychic/medium will have no issue taking you through the appointment with little to no questions asked, provided you can resonate with what is being said.
so before any of my appointments, I always tell them the first thing before we even start to not tell me or any psychic for that matter, ANYTHING beforehand.
I handle everything with my business and what I do with integrity.
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Tell me about your business journey. How did you get to where you are today?
There was no goal to start reading when I got my first set of cards, I was just curious. My business page came about by accident when I was trying to make a group for readings on Facebook, and I couldn't figure out how to delete the page (as I was completely new to all this) so I just went with it and it gradually grew over the years and led me to here! It's been quite the adventure!
What do you wish you knew when you first started?
I'm a huge believer in the fact there are no such thing as coincidences, I've come such a long way in such a small time - everything unfolded as it needed to.
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Does your business give back to the community (either your local community or the Pagan Community in general)? If so, how?
Yes, I certainly do my best t give back to the community - It's about giving & taking. Plus, I absolutely love connecting with other people that creating new communities/relationships with people on a personal and individual level.
I've met some of my favourite people doing my job, helping others, demonstrating.
What is the best way for someone to learn more about your business? (Website, phone, email, etc.?)
You can find me on TikTok & Facebook through my link tree website.
https://linktr.ee/Bree94?fbclid=IwAR2yXGbJmI3KoSQbm4en2Pj6ZS1wfQqf4-ZuhNclePtvN1hfYW24I4hQbY
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EDITED BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL (continued)
What else would you like the world to know about your business?
I love each and every one of you and would love to help in any way I can, we need to look after each other.
My goal is to help you start your wonderful healing journey!
