This newsletter is a BIG ONE !  Lots of info to send out.  Go get a cup of coffee or tea and sit back and read on..... (and on, and on, and on).   :)

Anyway, as noted in the last newsletter, in Asia, March is Dragon Month - and so it is at Witchies!  We have new dragon statues for you Dragonites, we have new totebags coming in with Paulina Stuckey-Cassidy's & Molly Harrison's artwork, Dragon Runes, and much, much more!

We will be starting a Tarot/Oracle Share group at the store in April.  I "think" it will be the first Friday of each month.  More on that later.

We here at Witchies realize we are more than just a neat shop - we are a Community/Ministry and a place for like minds to gather.  We value each and every one of you and are always here to welcome new customers/friends!

Stop By & Stay for a Spell !
Blessed Be,
Kate & Morn

Tues., March 3rd 7:00PM 

Dragons are real magickal creatures!  They live on the astral
plane but are willing to work with some humans.  In this class,
you will learn how to work with them & then enjoy our Dragon
guided meditation to meet your own Dragon companion. 

Instructor:  Cherry
Fee $20.00

Come see if you do in fact have a Dragon Guide/Companion.
If you do have one, CatWitch will see her/him!  She will be
able to tell you his/her color and maybe even their name.

15 Minute Reading-$15.00

Saturday, March 14th  7:00 PM

Come join us for a ritual with your dragons for protection &
prosperity.  Ritual will be followed by great feasting!  Feel
free to bring something to share & be sure to bring whatever
non-alcoholic drink you want.  PLEASE SIGN UP IN ADVANCE
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.

Ritual Facilitator -Cherry
FREE but Love Offering Appreciated

In the Far East (China, Korea, & Japan for example), the
Dragon is not the villain he has been in Western myth.
Here they have been venerated as the Wise Masters they
are. Learn about Asian dragons and how to work with these
learned beings & the wonders they can bring to your life. 

Friday, March 27th  7:00 PM

To further your Lore of the Dragon, come to this class and learn
to read the Dragon Runes!  You will receive your own set of wooden
dragon runes, a dragon bag to keep them in, an instruction booklet
and lessons on reading the runes.

Instructor: CatWitch
Fee $35.00  (includes runes, bag & class)

Dragon Reiki takes all the healing power of traditional Reiki and
through working with your Dragon Healer, kicks it up a notch!
This is Level 1 and you do not have to have had any previous
healing experience to take this class.  You will receive instruction,
an attunement to the Dragon Reiki energy and a certificate
upon completion.

Instructor: Cherry
Fee $80.00 

Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 PM

(see paragraph above for class description)
Instructor - Cherry
Class Fee  $20.00

Thursday, March 12th   7:00PM

This is the Spring class in our ongoing Sabbat Series.  Come to this class and learn all about Ostara and the customs that have been handed down even to this day - think Easter Bunny & colored eggs!

Instructor(s)  KestrelMorn & Cherry
Class Fee - $20.00

Wednesday, March 4th  7:00PM

You've been doing candle magick since you made a wish on your first birthday candle!  Come to this class to learn the basics and get started using this wonderful form of magick!

Instructor(s)  Cherry & Marie
Class Fee - $20.00

Wednesday, March 11th  7:00 PM

This class takes up where Candle Magick 1 left off!  We cover shapes, how to use your candles in spellwork and much more!

Instructor(s)  Cherry & Marie
Class Fee - $20.00

Thursday, March 5th  7:00PM

Come to this class and learn the basics to start you on your way to reading tea leaves!  Reading tea leaves is a form of Scrying - you will learn a bit about that as well!  Two for the price of one!

Instructor - Lydia
Class Fee - $20.00

Friday, March 13th 7:00PM

The Instructor is going to give you proven Protection spells in this class.  These are tried and true working spells.  She has used them for years and has given them to others who have used them for years as well.  She is also going to encourage you to write your own spells, because when you put your own needs and magick into a spell it is more powerful for your protection.  If you have never written your own spell before, she will have a template to give you to help you on your way.  You are not alone.  Joi will never let you do something you are not comfortable with by yourself.  Magick is not to be played with - it has dangers attached and ignorance is no excuse.

Instructor - Joi,A.M.Inst.F.P.
Fee $20.00 

Saturday, March 14th  7:00PM

(see paragraph above for Ritual description)

Ritual Facilitator -Cherry
Fee - Love Offering Appreciated

Tuesday, March 17th  7:00 PM

(see paragraph above for class description)

Instructor - Cherry
Fee - $20.00

Wednesday, March 18th  7:00PM

Each month we will visit with a different animal friend.  We will cover the basic meaning of this animal in your life, how to call them in and how to work with them in the future.  Animal friend for March is THE WOLF.

Thursday, March 19th  7:00 PM

Learn some of the uses of Herbs and Roots used specifically in HooDoo Spellwork.

Instructor - Lydia
Fee $20.00

Saturday, March 21st - 8:30AM - 6:00PM

This class is designed to go from the basics of understanding the elements in ritual work to an in depth knowledge and ability to use the elements to heighten ritual practice.  This is a full day workshop that will allow students to immerse themselves in the information and leave with a body of knowledge they may start using the minute they walk out the door.

Instructor - Marty Couch, Third Degree Alexandrian Tradition; High Priest in the Elemental Tradition

Class Fee - normally $117.00 -as a special favor to Witchies, Marty has reduced his rate to ONLY $50.00 & lunch is on us !

In this class, you will make your own pendulum and then learn how to use it to meet one of your Spirit Guides! 

Instructor:  Cindi Muntz
Class Fee $30.00 Fee includes all supplies needed for class.

Wednesday, March 25th  7:00PM

This month we will learn about the Goddess Vila.  Vila is an Eastern European Goddess of the Forest.  She is fiercely protective of her animals and plants.  Learn how to work with her and her protective nature.
Instructor(s)  Cherry & Marie
Class Fee - $20.00

Thursday, March 26th  7:00PM

You must have had Level 1 and 2 to complete this course. 

Instructor - Cherry 
Class Fee -$80.00 

Friday, March 27th  7:00PM

(see Dragon Info above for details)

Instructor - CatWitch
Class Fee - $35.00 (includes runes, bag, handout sheet)

Saturday, March 28th  8:00PM 

Come join Cindi Muntz in holding a Seance.  This event fills up FAST!  The group is limited - please register SOON!  We already have 7 people and can only take 15. 

Instructor - Cindi Muntz
Seance Fee - $35.00

Sunday March 29th  3:00 - 5:00PM

Come learn the Medicinal/Folklore and Magickal uses of many herbs.  Many of you have asked for a Herbology class and here it is!  The instructor is a walking herbology information source!

Instructor - Katrinia
Class Fee - $20.00

Tuesday, March 31st.   7:00PM

(See Dragon Info above for details).

Instructor - Cherry
Class Fee - $80.00

Different classes for a selection of dates - more to come on this class.

Starts Thursday, April 9th (Day of the Raven Moon)

Class will run the next 8 Thursdays.  If more time is needed, we will extend.  You DO NOT have to register for all classes.  There will be a Class Syllabus available later this month.

Instructor - Cindi Muntz - RIP (Researchers Investigating the Paranormal Group)

4/26  Class One:  Investigations 101
5/31  Class Two:  Professionalism & Conduct
6/28  Class Three:  Baselines & their Importance
7/26  Class Four:  All Things Audio (EVP)
8/30  Class Five:  EMF-Cause & Effects
9/27  Class Six:  It's a Bird?  A plane?  A Ghost!  (Photography)
10/25 Class Seven:  Camcorders-r-Us (Video Recordings)
11/29 Class Eight:  Putting the Pieces together (Research & Review)

Sunday(s) March 1ST & March 15TH  4:00PM 

SpiralScouts & PathFinders only. 

THIS CLASS WILL NOT TAKE PLACE THIS MONTH.  IT WILL RESUME IN APRIL. 

Friday, March 20th    8:00 - 10:00pm 

Sunday, March 8TH  9:00 AM-11:00

Leader - Cindi Muntz

Sunday of Psychic Faire, David will talk about a different Rune each month. 

Sunday, March 15th 1:00 - 4:00PM

We are now be holding Sabbat Rituals at our Shop. 
David Spellsinger & his wife Katrinia will be the Officiants for our rituals.
David  has been facilitating rituals for 20+ years.   Together, David &
Katrinia have been the Elder Guides for the Daoshadru Grove for the last
4 years.
All Faiths are Welcome! 
There is NO FEE for our Rituals,
however Love Offerings are appreciated.
SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND    6:00PM    All are Welcome

Natural Egg Dyes

There are two methods for producing beautifully colored Ostara eggs at home with natural plant dyes. Fresh, frozen, or canned produce may be used, as well as spices, tea and coffee, and flower buds and petals. The first method is the hot boiling method, in which you can boil the eggs and dye them in one step.
Eggs dyed using the hot boiling method may be more suitable for decorative use only, as some foods used for their colorings (example, cherries and onions) may impart their flavors into the eggs. Some foods and spices will not release their colorings into the eggs unless the hot boiling method is used, and those are noted below in parentheses. Generally speaking, the hot boiling method will produce more vibrant colors, and the finished eggs can be rubbed with vegetable oil for a shiny look. The second method is the cold dipping method, in which the eggs are boiled and refrigerated ahead of time before dying. The cold dipping method will produce much paler shades, but is not as likely to alter the flavor of the eggs. For fun, try a batik effect by wrapping twine or rubberbands around the eggs before dipping. A plant sprig secured to the egg by wrapping a nylon stocking around will produce a beautiful design for hot boiled eggs.

Materials that can be used as dyes:

Purple/Lavender - Purple grape juice or grape juice concentrate
Hibiscus tea
Violet blossoms (add two teaspoons lemon juice)

Violet Blue - Violet blossoms
Small quantity red onion skins (hot boiling method)

Blue - Canned blueberries
Red cabbage leaves (hot boiling method)

Green - Spinach leaves (hot boiling method)
Liquid chlorophyll
Lavender buds

Green Yellow - Yellow Delicious apple peels (hot boiling method)

Yellow - Orange or lemon peels
Carrot tops (hot boiling method)
Celery seed (hot boiling method)
Ground cumin (hot boiling method)
Ground tumeric (hot boiling method)
Calendula petals

Brown - Strong brewed coffee
Instant coffee
Black walnut shells (hot boiling method)

Orange - Yellow onion skins (hot boiling method)
Paprika

Pink - Beets or juice from pickled beets
Cranberries or cranberry juice
Raspberries
Red grape juice

Red - Large quantity red onion skins (hot boiling method)
Canned cherries

The methods:

Hot Boiling Method

1) Place the raw eggs in a single layer in a pan. (To avoid shell cracking, you can poke a small hole in the broad end of each egg with a safety pin.) Add water to cover.
2) Add approximately one teaspoon vinegar.
3) Add the material being used for the dye. (Use more material for more eggs or a more intense color.)
4) Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
5) If the desired color has been achieved, remove the eggs from the liquid. If a more intense color is desired, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid, strain the dye material through a coffe filter, cover the eggs with the remaining filtered dye and allow them to remain in the refrigerator overnight.
*Note: When using juices as the dye material, the eggs may be simmered directly in the juice, do not add water.

Cold Dipping Method

1) Boil and refrigerate the desired amount of eggs.
2) Place 4 cups fruit or vegetable material, or one tablespoon spice in a pot with 2 tablespoons vinegar. Add just enough water to cover.
3) Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15-30 minutes.
4) Strain and allow to cool to slightly warmer than room temperature.
5) Dip eggs for 5-10 minutes, rotating vigorously. For deeper shades, allow eggs to soak overnight.

DRAGON LORE Although the time that dragons first appeared in myths isn't known for sure, they can be traced back as far as approximately 4000 B.C. Dragons are said to have been able to live almost anywhere, depending on the type of dragon mentioned. Their habitats range from the center of the earth to the middle of the ocean. They could also be found in caves, fire, or anywhere dark and damp.

Stories of dragons appear all throughout history and almost every culture has their own idea about dragons. Some reasons for this could be the finding of dinosaur fossils. Dragons could be used to describe the indescribable bones of unknown creatures. There are stories about dragons in every part of the world, with the exception of Antartica. Even though there are no people in Antartica, which in that way would seem to make it attractive to dragons, the climate proposes a problem for these creatures who like fire or live in water, but not ice water.
One type of dragon, or sea monster, was feared back in the time of Christopher Columbus. During this time when the world was thought to be flat, these dragons were said to be at the edge of earth, waiting to eat any one who dared to sail that far into the ocean. This story kept many people from exploring farther into the world. Maps were even made marking the place where these dragons lived. At the edge of the map the words "Here Be Dragons" was almost always printed.

Dragons have also appeared in stories that go back to the time of the gods in mythology. The story of Perseus and the Dragon of Posdeidon tells of a vain queen who almost sacrificed her daughter to the dragon, had it not been for Perseus.
Dragons appear most in fairy tales and myths. In most cases the dragon is the keeper of some treasure, either gold and precious jewels or a maiden in despair. A knight in these stories must come to rescue the girl, or to retrieve the riches. To do this he must slay the dragon.

Almost all young children have heard stories of dragons. A story that arose from the Middle Ages is about a knight, later called St. George, who rescued a princess from a dragon and in return was able to baptize the Pagan people to Christianity. The story says that every year a maiden was sacrificed to this dragon. One year when the princess was going to be sacrificed, St. George decided to rescue her. Using his sword, Ascalon, he was able to stab the dragon and later slay him. This may be one of the most popular heroic stories involving the death of dragons, although there are many. The story of St. George and the Dragon has been told for centuries and the event was even painted by the great artist Raphael.

During the times of dragons in England, anyone who killed a dragon was awarded knighthood. In ancient Rome, dragons were thought to hold the mysteries of the earth. Romans looked to dragons as a source of knowledge and used them as symbols of strength for their military. They used two forms of dragons, one which was used for heroism, to protect them, and the other, a fearsome dragon, used as a threat.
Other tales about dragons are more about their toes then the dragons themselves. How many toes a dragon has is quiet significant. Many different kinds of dragons are said to have 3 toes. The 4 toed dragons are said to be the earth dragons. But the 5 toed dragons are the most respected of all. Only a king or a high noble had the privilege of wearing a picture of the 5 toed dragon. In ancient times if a peasant was seen wearing the symbol of the 5 toed dragon, he would immediately be put to death.

In almost every culture and all throughout history there are stories of these magical creatures called dragons.

I copied this information from the website noted below.  It has TONS of Dragon Information. 

© Copyright 2004-2009, Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens Dragon Information

The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath bhrogan (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma'n (Irish for pygmy). These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected. Leprechauns are called fairy cobblers, for they make shoes for elves (but always one shoe, never a pair).

Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure (left by the Danes when they marauded through Ireland), burying it in crocks or pots. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans whom they regard as foolish, flighty (and greedy?) creatures. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it.  However, you must never take your eye off him, for he can vanish in an instant.

In most tales and stories leprechauns are depicted as generally harmless creatures who enjoy solitude and live in remote locations, although opinion is divided as to if they ever enjoy the company of other spirits. Although rarely seen in social situations, leprechauns are supposedly very well spoken and, if ever spoken to, could make good conversation.
The leprechaun 'family' appears split into two distinct groups - leprechaun and cluricaun. Cluricauns may steal or borrow almost anything, creating mayhem in houses during the hours of darkness, raiding wine cellars and larders. They will also harness sheep, goats, dogs and even domestic fowl and ride them throughout the country at night.Although the leprechaun has been described as Ireland's national fairy, this name was originally only used in the north Leinster area. Variants include lurachmain, lurican, lurgadhan.

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