Witchy Wednesday - Black Owned Witchy Shops

Today I want to highlight some more black owned witchy shops.  I hope you had a chance to check out Teranga House of Africa since last week.  Here are a few more awesome witchy shops to check out online.

Little Crystal Galaxy - I know my witches like crystals.  Check out this shop on Etsy for everything crystal related. 

IfaCanElements - This black owned witchy botanical shop has products that are related to African and Meso-American spirituality among other great witchy items. 

LunaLumi - Are you fairly new to your path?  Looking for starter kits and self care kits?  This is the shop for you. 

Badmouthed Bruja - if you like enamel pins of your favorite witches and spooky stuff, check out this awesome shop.

So, what are you waiting for?  Go shop these awesome black owned witchy shops.  And these are definitely not all the black owned witchy shops you can find.  All it takes is a google search for "black owned witch shops", and you will find lists of them.  This is a great way to support our black witches during these times of racial unrest.  If you buy something, I'd love to see what you get.  Feel free to post a picture in the comments here or on the Cedar Valley Witch Society page.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Stay witchy, friends. 

Tarot Tuesday - 6/9/20 - The Emperor

Today's card drawn is "The Emperor".  I am really loving the "Halloween Tarot" and love that "The Emperor" is Frankenstein's monster.  In this particular case, I like the symbolism of the chain keeping him in the chair.  I like this because "The Emperor" is a restrained kind of a ruler, not a gaudy and greedy one.  He has seen both the good and the bad side of humanity and is prepared to hear from his people without being biased.

"The Emperor" card suggests that you are taking on a fatherly role.  You may find that lately you are providing for your family and being more protective of them than before.  You might be in a breadwinner position.  You are likely acting as someone's stability and security right now. 

As a leader, you need to be fair and balanced.  Just like our monster in the card image, you need to make sure you are restrained and under control.  This is not the time to let your emotions take over, but rather, you need to look at situations in an objective way.  Listen to both sides of a story fairly and equally before deciding your own position.  When dealing with a situation, this is the time to be calm and systematic.  Bring order to the problem, and it will be solved quickly and without resulting chaos. 

The appearance of this card today could mean that you have been put in charge of something important.  You have the stability right now to be able to carry out this role.  The message is to remain objective and logical and to listen to all perspectives before making decisions.  You've got this and you are perfect for this position.  The Emperor represents your masculine energy, your logical side.  This is a time to embrace that energy and to be a strong, disciplined and fair ruler of your kingdom. 

Have a terrific tropical storm Tuesday (I loved being able to say that today, I mean, how often do tropical storms track through Iowa?) and check back tomorrow for a very witchy Wednesday. 

Monday Musings 6/8/20

Marvelous Monday, everyone.  What a wild ride we all seem to be on here in America.  Today I'm just going to share my thoughts about a few things with you all.

Covid-19 didn't go anywhere.  Suddenly as shops are open and protests and demonstrations are happening, a lot of us seem to have forgotten that.  I am even going out into public more than I did in March, April and the beginning of May.  We now have protests and vigils which are very important.  We also have restaurants and bars opening.  I'm all for the protests because I feel it's very important that our country make changes within our police system and in the way they treat black people in particular.  However, if you do go to protest, PLEASE continue to wear the mask and try your best to keep 6 feet between you and your family group and other groups.  This can be so hard, but I'm so concerned about a second wave happening.  I'm still trying to limit going out into public.  I've gone to a couple places, but have made sure my interactions are mostly just with the group I'm with.  And I wear a mask whenever I can.  I love grocery delivery.  I doubt I would have tried it if it weren't for Covid.  I'm continuing with that practice for sure and only going to places that are not as busy as the larger stores. 

Black Lives Matter.  I can't stress this enough.  When we are saying this, we are not saying all lives don't matter.  We are saying that right now, black lives need more help and that something desperately needs to be done to improve race relations in our country.  White privilege is a thing.  Sure, you might have grown up poor and with a ton of struggles (I did), but if you are white, you still had and have white privilege.  There are certain privileges that come just because you are white that have nothing to do with your socio-economic status.  The sooner everyone realizes this, the sooner we can move on as a country and fix what needs to be fixed. 

I've been seeing the witch and pagan community grow and I think this is wonderful.  Is this a spiritual path that you are interested in?  Are you interested in the practice of magick?  There are a ton of books out there that make great resources.  If you are new to all of this, I would urge you to educate yourself.  If you have questions or are looking for resources, please feel free to ask them on the Cedar Valley Witch Society page or ask for recommendations for reading material.  There are a lot of us on that page and we are all happy to help.  You can also send a private message if you are more comfortable with that.  It is important that you know about the path and that you know what you're doing if you are intending to practice a form of magick.  Essentially in our community you are going to find a few different groups.  There are Pagans, who generally practice a poly-theistic form of religion.  Under the Pagan umbrella, there are still more groups.  Wiccans would fit under the Pagan umbrella.  Wicca is a religion.  Witchcraft is a practice.  Wiccans don't have to practice witchcraft and witches don't have to be Wiccan.  Then there are those who identify more as mages.  A mage is one who is focused on practicing magick.  The religious aspect of it is possibly less important to a mage, but not necessarily.  For whatever reason, a mage might choose to not be known as a witch, but might prefer to be known as a mage.  There are covens of witches and there are those who prefer to practice alone. 

Real world witchery is going to look different than Hollywood witchery.  If this is a path you are considering, try to learn a bit more about it before just jumping into it.  It is important that you know and understand what it is that you are doing.  There are plenty of us who are willing to help and who are willing to answer questions.  Reach out to us anytime. 

Apparently tomorrow, tropical storm "Cristobal" is possibly going to track through part of Eastern Iowa.  It looks like it will mostly miss the Cedar Valley, but areas further East and South of us will still be affected.  According to the weather, we might still get a lot of rain and wind as a result.  The last time a tropical storm tracked through Iowa was in 1900.  2020 just gets weirder and weirder.  Check your windshield wipers today and be prepared for a lot of rain tomorrow. 

Well, witchlings, I hope your Monday is marvelous.  I'll pull a tarot card for you tomorrow so check back then. 

Witchy Wednesday - Teranga House of Africa

Earlier this year I was in Davenport, Iowa, for my daughter's roller-derby mixer.  We had some time to go to the mall.  At the mall, there was a kiosk that had such amazing smelling things, incenses, shea butters, skin care products, African apparel.  I bought some "African 7th Power" incense at that kiosk.  The African man who helped me told me his friend made the incense.  As I kept walking around the mall, I eventually came upon the shop "Teranga House of Africa" and "Mama Sonia" (the person who makes all the wonderful products) was there.  I bought some lavender flowers from her and got her card.  Since then I have ordered some things from her online and I can't say enough wonderful things bout her products.  I thought it would be very appropriate today, considering the things going on in the world, to highlight an African owned business.  Browse her wonderful products and if you can, order something from her.  I can't say enough about her amazing and magickal incense. Here is the link to her online store.  Check it out.   Teranga House of Africa

I love the incense so much.  There is incense for money, love, "African 7th Power" (my favorite), and more.  She has the kind you put on the charcoal tablet to burn (what I use) and she also has stick incense.

These are amazing.

The clothing at "Teranga House of Africa" is beautiful.

Stunning.

If you have never used African Black Soap, you should try it.  I have a tub of the broken up pieces.  It's all natural, very good for you, and can help with skin problems such as acne as well.

Shea butter is so good for the skin, especially if your skin is dry.  Mama Sonia makes her shea butter products herself.  When I was in her shop, she had so many products that smelled so good.

So many jewelry choices!

Perfume oils!










I have only just begun to touch on the wonderful things in the "Teranga House of Africa" boutique. They also have African drums, marimbas and flutes.  If you are in the Davenport, Iowa or Rock Island, Illinois area, go check it out in person.  In Rock Island, the address is 1706 3rd Avenue. In Davenport, I visited their shop at the mall.  Or shop from them online like I do.  Check out "Mama Sonia" on facebook and give her page a like.  She also has some interesting content on there including a blog and some great videos with great music and dancing.  Stay witchy today and be safe.  It's a crazy world right now.  Spread some witchy goodness and love.

Tarot Tuesday - Page of Wands - 6/2/20

Well, hello!  I took Friday and Monday off from blogging as I had a lot of "end of the year" virtual school work to do.  I'm also taking a grad class, so wanted to be able to keep up with that stuff first.

Today I'm feeling a bit more caught up, so here's a Tarot Tuesday post.  Today's card drawn is the Page of Wands.  I'm using the "Halloween Tarot", so "wands" are "imps" in this deck.

The image on this card is that of a well-dressed young man standing on barren land.  The salamanders on his shirt are a symbol of transformation from bad to good.  Of course, in the Halloween tarot, our page also has a couple of companions.  A friendly demon and a black cat.  Both are quite interested and focused on the young man.  

The appearance of this card today means that there is some driving force within you that is triggering you to make new discoveries.  You may feel called to make an investment or take a big step in life.  In the image, the demon seems to be "guiding" the young man forward.  The black cat is acting as a "familiar", to keep him safe on the journey.  While you are ready to take this next step, you might find that you are getting some conflicting messages that are discouraging you.  These conflicting messages are actually holding you back and preventing you from expressing your awesomeness to the world.  They are preventing you from showing the world that you exist for a reason.  

Sometimes this card appears when a spiritual path or journey is calling you.  The Page of Imps is telling you to go ahead and explore.  You will not be alone on your journey.  There will be people there to guide you and keep you safe along the way.  

In randonauting (I blogged about it a few weeks ago), there is a phenomenon called the "despair meme".  The "despair meme" is simply thoughts or other things that happen that will keep you from actually venturing out on a randonaut adventure.  One of the challenges with randonauting is defeating the despair meme.  I've gone randonauting twice now and yes, this is a thing.  I equate the idea that something within you is giving you conflicting messages that are discouraging you from moving forward with the "despair meme" in randonauting.  What is it that is keeping you from moving forward?  Is it something worth paying attention to or simply something you are creating to keep you from taking an important step?  

Change can be scary and sometimes our predictable selves will resist change, even if the change is for the better.  The page of "Imps" or wands is telling you today to have courage.  Be brave.  Take the next step in your journey.  You will not be alone.  Remember that the salamander represents a change for the good.  Moving forward is moving toward a positive change.  You've got this.  

I believe I should be back for Witchy Wednesday tomorrow.  I know we could all use a distraction once in awhile from what is going on in our world today, so I promise to include some beautifully dark and goth things in my blog for you to feast your eyes on.  Have a terrific Tuesday.  Move forward.  Be brave.  

Witchy Wednesday - Strega Fashion

Happy Witchy Wednesday.  I hope yours is going well so far.  If you're in the Midwest like me, I hope you are surviving the heat okay. 

Today's topic:  Strega Fashion.  "Strega Fashion" is a term used to describe "modern witch" style.  Witches do exist, of course, and they wear whatever they want.  Some are very much drawn to "dressing the part", so to speak.  The style is primarily monochrome black with touches of other colors thrown in from time to time.  Occult symbols are often worn and usually the style incorporates a layered effect.  As long as it's dark and witch-like, it's considered to be "Strega". 

You can always find "Strega" style clothes on Etsy.  Other great places to throw together a look are second hand and vintage stores. Look for as much black and long, flowing and dramatic pieces you can and then put them together into your own unique "Strega" look. 

Today I am pulling most of my "Strega Fashion" looks from Etsy.  If you find any of them interesting and "must have", just head on over to Etsy and search "Strega". 

Hoods are very popular in this style.  You can get hoods separately to accessorize any outfit whether the outfit has an attached hood or not.  Also, notice the crescent pins on the top. 

"Strega" is a gender neutral style just as "witch" is a gender neutral term.  And can we talk about their blue hair?  I have a wig that color and absolutely love it.  Notice the blue vest offsetting the all black outfit and accenting the blue hair.  Stunning.

This ensemble really shows the layering effect of "Strega Fashion".  From leggings to scarves, a layered and comfortable look is typical "Strega".  I love the accessories here as well. 

If your "Strega" style is "Forest Witch", then I absolutely love antlers as headpieces.  Etsy has tons of antler headbands. 

 More "Strega" inspiration.  Love the hair and makeup as well. 

Hats are always a good accessory for "Strega Fashion" style.  I'm a huge fan of wearing "Converse", so I love the shoes in this one. 





















By now you are probably pretty inspired to put together your own "Strega Fashion" outfits.  It's actually quite easy and fun.  You probably have a lot of pieces in your wardrobe already that fit the "Strega" style.  Experiment with layering them together and then accessorizing.  If you want, share some photos of yourself or a friend in your "Strega" outfit of the day.  Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.  Stay witchy. 

Tarot Tuesday - 5/26/20 - Ace of Pentacles

Last week one of my favorite witchy shops to follow, Kae's Apothecary, was doing a clean out of inventory.  To help with this, she sold grab bags of anything in her store totalling a $60 value for $30 each.  I jumped on that opportunity, of course.  I am pleased to say that one of the things in that grab bag was the "Halloween Tarot" deck.  I've used this deck before when reading at Harris Haven during the Halloween season.  I always thought it was a cute deck and am so excited to have it now for myself.  The image I am using of the "Ace of  Pentacles" today is from that deck.  Now, on to the interpretation of the "Ace of Pentacles". 

In the image above, the Halloween bucket is full of wonderful goodies.  The trick or treater took home a pretty good haul.  The Ace of Pentacles represents new beginnings and prosperity.  This is a very good card in any tarot spread.  If something new is beginning for you, it is going to be very productive and positive.  This card brings with it feelings of positivity, optimism, inspiration and a new and exciting energy.  Abundance is yours in all areas of life.  The appearance of this card means that you are on the right path and those wonderful dreams you want to manifest are just waiting for you to call them home to you.  You are ready to make your dreams a reality.  This is a wonderful time for manifestation and for doing your part in the real world to manifest the reality you desire. 

If you are considering a new venture, this is a good time to do it.  If you are questioning whether to incorporate a change in your life, this card is a positive omen.  The time is right and anything you start right now will be prosperous and fulfilling. 

Considering manifestation, one of the most important things to remember is to always state that which you are wishing to manifest in the present tense.  Instead of "I will be offered a job I enjoy", state it as "I have a job I enjoy".  It seems like such a simple thing, but it's something so many people seem to forget.  When you put your desire in the future, it's going to stay there.  Always in the future.  But when you put that desire in the present tense, it's going to come to you much easier and faster. 

So, what are you waiting for?  The "Ace of Pentacles" says go out there and get manifesting.  You really can have it all right now.  Do you have a vision board?  Spend a little time with it today and generate the feeling that you already have those things.  And then enjoy them and spread the love. 

Enjoy the rest of your terrific tarot Tuesday.  Stay positive, friends.  It's a beautiful world.