Crystals to Help You Let Go

 

RELEASE ... It sounds so easy, but often it is one of the most difficult processes we face. We all have a tendency to "hold on", whether it be literally, emotionally, or otherwise. We all resist the constantly evolving flux of nature. When our life path takes an unexpected or undesired turn, we tense up ... tighten our grip ... grit our teeth ... Until we are forced by building circumstances to finally let go.  And then, if you allow it, the joy of liberation eases the pangs of loss. I have often hit this very moment and thought, "Why didn't I just let go in the first place?"

Smudging Basics

I work at a wonderful metaphysical book and gifts store, Body Mind & Soul in Houston, TX. And one of our biggest selling categories, and most frequently asked about, is our smudging department. Smudging is a space-clearing practice involving the smoke of sacred plants. Often cited as a Native American practice, smudging is not limited to any one indigenous culture, but something we see utilized in one way or form across many cultures. However, the white and desert sage bundles we most commonly associate with smudging are indeed native to North America.

Solstice Crystals

LITHA 2014

 

The Summer Solstice is upon us! The sun is arching high into the heavens, the fae are out and about cavorting, and the very air is heavy with the ripening of the season. Can you feel it? It's like a caress of orange blossoms, cedar needles, and saltwater. I love the solstices. And I'm looking forward to ringing in Litha in circle with my circle-sisters. But as for the rest of you, I wanted to leave you with a little list of crystal goodness to inspire your own Midsummer celebration.

Full Moons: Peak and Potency

It's been too long since I've blogged here! Moving threw a very large stone in my path. It's taken some time to get my footing once more. In the meantime, I've begun leading full moon meditations at Body Mind & Soul in Houston. And I'm surprised at the number of people who show up that have virtually never celebrated or marked a lunar cycle before. When I ask if they know why we'd hold a meditation on the full moon, I often get blank stares. The moon's effect on our planet and our species is well documented.

Revamping Mercury Retrograde

 

Yes, it's that time of year again. No, I don't mean the holidays. I'm talking about Mercury Retrograde. Go ahead, groan. Better? Let's move on. Mercury Retrograde is an astrological optical illusion that occurs three to four times a year when, from our earth-based perspective, the planet Mercury slows down, appears to stop, and then begins moving backwards. In truth, progress is still underway, even if we perceive otherwise.

Moving Magick

Tonight is the glorious Hunter's Moon, October's full night of full moon which is one of my favorites every year, and a lunar eclipse to boot. And what am I doing to harness the incredible manifesting energy of this moon? I will be lighting a House Hunting candle. I figure, what better time to work a little house hunting magick than at the Hunter's Moon? Hey, it's hunting. Just of a different sort than most are thinking about this time of year.

What IS Magick?

What IS Magick?

And why is my spelling so atrocious?

I can assure you, neither are accidents. First, let me explain the "k" to those outside the secret circle loop. Over time, the word magic has come to mean anything from stage performances by black-eyeliner-wearing charlatans to what happens when Harry Potter farts while holding his wand.

New Moon Rising

Greg Mort: Day into Night

A new moon rises tonight. And with it rises a host of powerful new manifestations in my life. Chief among them is this blog. Starting this blog is an exciting new venture for me. One that I don't take lightly. I've been pretty cloistered about my craft and my spiritual path, even after bursting from the broom closet in my private and public life several years ago.