Laura Tempest Zakroff, Author and Bellydancer, at the Sojourner!

Happy Independence Day, Sojourners!

I hope you all had a safe and happy celebration of our nation’s radical declaration of Independence from the unjust governance by Great Britain 241 years ago. May the spirit of revolution continue toward the creation of a society that consistently offers life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to all people equally.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Emma Lazarus

Like our Lady Liberty, we at the Sojourner intend to keep our lamp raised to welcome our Sojourners still yearning to breathe free in our own country.

Laura Tempest Zakroff comes to town!

MONDAY, July 17th,  Llewellyn author, Patheos Pagan blogger, and internationally renown bellydancer LAURA TEMPEST ZAKROFF arrives on book tour all the way from Seattle, Washington. We do hope you will all come out to greet her, buy a copy of her new book for signing, and attend her workshop and performance that night. We have a big stack of her books for purchase and signing!

We are teaming up with the good people at Crave Restaurant and Bar (across the street) to host the workshop and concert portion of this event. Plan to have dinner and drinks at Crave that night in gratitude of their awesomeness in hosting this event. We are now taking registrations at the Sojourner for the workshop and performance, $35.

If you can only attend the performance at 9:00, $10 entry fee will be taken at the door. Thanks for your ongoing support!

~Heron Michelle, Owner of the Sojourner

Event Schedule: Monday, July 17th

5:00-6:30 – The Witch’s Cauldron – Meet the Author and Book Signing
Free and open to the public, held at The Sojourner
414 Evans Street

7:00-8:30 – Stirring the Cauldron Workshop
$35 including performance
Hosted at Crave Restaurant and Bar at 409 Evans Street

9pm – 10:00 pm Mini concert: The Mechanist & The Star Goddess
($10 for performance only) At Crave Restaurant and Bar at 409 Evans Street, open to the public.

About the Author:

Laura Tempest Zakroff – Author of The Witch’s Cauldron

Laura Tempest Zakroff can be described as a professional artist, author, dancer, designer, muse, mythpunk, teacher, and witch. She holds a BFA from RISD (The Rhode Island of Design) and her artwork has received awards and honors worldwide. Her work embodies myth and the esoteric through her drawings and paintings, jewelry, talismans, and other designs.

As Tempest, she has been a major pioneer of fusion bellydance for over fifteen years. Her fascination with sacred and ritual dance lead her to bellydance, and she strives to help others connect mind, body, and spirit through movement.

Laura has been a practicing Modern Traditional Witch for over two decades and revels in the intersection of her various paths with witchcraft. She blogs for Patheos as A Modern Traditional Witch, Witches & Pagans as Fine Art Witchery, and contributes to The Witches’ Almanac.

The Witch’s Cauldron is her first book, with a second book on sigil witchery due out in 2018. Laura resides in Seattle, Washington, with her partner Nathaniel Johnstone and at least three cats. Find out more at www.lauratempestzakroff.com

About the Book: The Witch’s Cauldron: The Craft,

Lore & Magick of Ritual Vessels

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide from The Witch’s Tools Series (#6)

Discover the fascinating history, tradition, and modern uses of the witch’s cauldron. From blessing and using your cauldron in ritual to practicing kitchen witchery with it, this book provides valuable information for witches of all ages and skill levels. Explore the history and development of the cauldron as well as the cauldron’s role in lore and mythology. Find unconventional cauldrons already in your home and perform some old world witchery. You’ll see the possibilities of this wonderful tool are endless, and it may just become your favorite.

 

Workshop: Stirring The Cauldron: A Ritual Exploration of Movement

7:00-8:30 – $35 including performance – Please register in advance at The Sojourner
Hosted at Crave Restaurant and Bar at 409 Evans Street

Movement is a key element to connecting the mind, body, and spirit. The more we can shift from static to active practice, the more embodied our magick and other metaphysical experiences become. In this ritual-meets-workshop, we’ll focus on how to incorporate dance elements into your practice regardless of age, ability, experience, or tradition, using the metaphorical cauldron as our guide.

 

The Mechanist and the Star Goddess

 

The Mechanist & The Star Goddess: Concert and Bellydance Performance

9:00-10:00  $10 entry fee
Held at Crave Restaurant and Bar, 409 Evans Street.
Please join them for dinner and drinks before the concert!
Co-hosted by The Sojourner Whole Earth Provisions

The Mechanist & The Star Goddess is a dynamic music & dance project with Tempest, Nathaniel Johnstone, and Davis Petterson. They create improvised music and dance on the spot, inspired in the moment – as well songs from the repertoire of the Nathaniel Johnstone Band. The project title/inspiration evokes the exploration of the liminal space between the confines of the precise concrete world and the limitless divine.

Tempest is a world-renown bellydance performer and instructor, focusing on sacred and darkly inspired fusions that pull from the traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. She is also an artist, author, blogger, and designer (see www.lauratempestzakroff.com)

Nathaniel Johnstone is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso (violin, viola, guitar, banjo, mandolin) whose music pulls from myth, fantasy, and folklore with a vibrant sound crosses boundaries & borders, resulting in a blend of multicultural folk rock.
(www.nathanieljohnstone.com)

Davis Petterson is an Atlanta G.A. based drummer who has performed and recorded with groups such as The Ghosts Project, Juliana Finch, The Sweet Meat Love And Holy Cult, and The Changelings.

Project Website: http://nathanieljohnstone.com/tm-tsg.html Project FB Page: http://fb.me/TheMechanistandTheStarGoddess

Sojourner Summer Survival Raffle

Happy Summer Solstice, Sojourners!

And a happy father’s day full of love to all our Dads. If you’d like to sneak in some last minute shopping for his present, come see us before 3:30 on Saturday, June 17th, as we are closing the front doors a little early to attend a Litha Celebration.

Courtney’s Basic Medicinal Herbalism class Saturday from 3:00-5:00 is filling up fast, but we still have a few seats left. Please register ASAP if you would like to attend. (Class will carry on after we close the front doors.)

Summer Survival Fundraiser Raffle

Come play in our on-going raffle of ten treasure troves that have a total retail value of over $340!  We’ll draw for three-four items each on the last days of June, July, and August. Each treasure is valued between $40 and $80.

A $5 ticket is an investment in the progressive goods, services and community that you want us to have available here in Greenville all year long – no matter how slow summer business becomes, nor grim things may seem on the news, nor how disenfranchising  current politics becomes, The Sojourner wants to remain that bright lighthouse of welcome into our safe haven, open to everyone with love, acceptance and support.

Won’t you contribute to that dream?

Individual raffle tickets are $5 each.

SPECIAL! Buy $20 in tickets, and get an EXTRA TICKET FREE, for a total of FIVE chances to win the treasure of your choice.

If your merchandise purchase is over $50, we’ll GIVE you a free ticket!

Not in Greenville? Call us with a Credit Card number at 252-758-7656 and we’ll fill out your tickets for you, and place them lovingly in the jars of your choice while singing your praises and doing a little happy dance around the shop. We will happily ship your prize within the US.

June 30th Raffle Drawings

#1 Money Magick Kit

Includes anointing oil, money draw bath, golden bill talisman, money candle, prosperity spell pendant, bayberry root, pyrite stone, and green cotton bag.
Value: $41.83

#2 Yoga Lover’s Kit

Includes full size yoga mat bag, book, and yoga mat cleansing spray.
Value: $50.29

#3 Full-length Cotton Goddess Cloak with hood

Purple Goddess Cloak $75.00

July 31st Raffle Drawings

#4 Love Magick Kit!

Includes anointing oil, handcrafted poppet, spell pendant, love candle, and rose quartz. Value: $43.00

#5 Relaxation Kit

Includes organic calendula flower soap, anti-stress bath soak, harmony candle, anointing oil, soap sack, worry stone, and lavender room spray.
Value: $40.50

Includes anointing oil, handcrafted poppet, spell pendant, love candle, and rose quartz.
Value: $43.00

#6 and 8 Blue Hand of Hamsa Cloak,

We have two up for raffle, one drawn July and the Other in August!

Includes a full-length hand of hamsa print cloak in blue.
Value: $75

August 31st Raffle Drawings:

#7 Chakra Crystal and Incense Kit

Includes one full set of raw chakra stones, embroidered velvet bag, chakra incense burner, and chakra incense.
Value: $54.50

#9 Celtic Wrap Hoods in Red and Green – TWO CHANCES TO WIN!

We’ll draw twice from this raffle jar for a Green and Red Celtic-Print hood. Twice as many chances to win!
Value: $80 each!

Thank you for all your support!
~Heron Michelle

The Sojo News: Meditation, Classes, Restocked Merchandise

Hello Sojourners!

We are restocking for the new year, and adding many new classes and events to the calendar. Check out the descriptions below, and call us to register and make appointments. TONIGHT at 6:00! An open LOVE trumps HATE meditation to heal us during troubled times. (More info below.) Saturday: 12:00-5:00 Tarot Readings with Heron.

Beeswax is Better

100% pure beeswax candles have arrived! We are expanding our current selection to pillars and hand dipped taper pairs in all eight available colors: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, and black! We have also restocked glass jar beeswax sanctuary candles in two sizes, large heart pillars, and tealights.

Why burn beeswax over other candles? Beeswax production helps stabilize the bee population when bought from sustainability-minded companies, it burns clean and much longer than traditional candles, and your choice to buy it over paraffin speaks the only language Big Business understands: Money! E

very time you purchase a beeswax candle, you help us show manufacturers that we are ready to move away from petroleum byproducts and into a future of environmental sustainability and harmony.

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TONIGHT! Love Trumps Hate: Meditation and Healing through Divine Love

Tonight, Friday, January 27, 2017 starting at 6:00pm. $10 suggested donation

Are the current politics stressing you out? Tonight we will create a sanctuary of peace — a safe, supportive, spiritual space for all of us to connect to the awesome power of Divine Love through a guided meditation, and an intention circle that will offer healing, balancing, and protection–but more importantly, clear vision, effective communication, wisdom and compassion–for everyone within our nation, all the way to the top. Love ALWAYS trumps hate. We will magickally aid the arc of the moral universe towards justice.

Note: We won’t discuss politics, but call on the powers of love to restore and empower us all, so that we may continue the good work in whatever ways we are individually called to do beyond these sanctuary walls.

Come one, come all.

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Natal Astrology Interpretation with Jupiter Melchizedek.
Sunday, January 29, 2017 1:00-4:00pm,
Readings are $75 per hour.

Please provide your birth date, birth time and birth place when you register in advance by calling 252-758-7656 or in person!

From Jupiter: “Hi all! I am offering natal chart interpretations aka horoscope readings at the Sojourner. Your natal chart is a symbolic picture of the sky at the time and place of your birth. The basis of natal astrology is that everything about a person’s personality, love life, finances, family life, hidden talents etc can all be found in the horoscope. If you have specific questions your chart can be used to answer them. Also my readings will include info on upcoming planetary movements and alignments and how they will affect you.”

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Love Spell Workshop with Heron Michelle
Friday, February 3, 2017. 6:00 pm, $30 (all materials provided)

Come join me for an evening of magick as we call on the awesome power of Divine Love, and work to heal our hearts, nurture self-love, become agents of Divine Love, and magnetize ourselves to draw to us all kinds of loving relationships, friendships and opportunities that we desire (for the highest good of all involved, harming none.) Hail Aphrodite!

This workshop is for everyone–all gender expressions, all sexual preferences, and all faith traditions…but note that we will be working magick within the framework of Modern Witchcraft.

If you can handle the heat, come join me in my “kitchen.”

Cost is $30 per person. Max of 10 participants, Min of 3 Participants YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE 252-758-7656

For more information, check out Heron’s blog: Witch on Fire:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/witchonfire/?s=love+spell

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Reiki 2 Class and Attunement with Angelica

March 4, 2017 11:00-6:00 pm

Reiki is an energy healing modality that is helpful for energy clearing and aligning the chakras. It helps to broaden and strengthen intuition. It is given through attunement by a Teacher and Master.

The prerequisite is Reiki Level 1, and students who have been instructed by other teachers are required to present proof that Level 1 was attained in order to participate and be attuned.

Level 2 offers the History, Ethics, and the strengthened connection to Spirit. Emotional healing transpires, expanding the ability to heal the self and others through 3 Reiki symbols, distance healing techniques for the self and others and reveals that which has been hidden.

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Tarot 101 Workshop with Liz Merritt

February 11, 2017: The Fools Journey

Feb 25: Cups and the Element of Water

March 11: Wands and the Element of Fire

March 25: Coins and the Element of Earth

April 8: Swords and the Element of Air

April 22: Spreads and Interpretations
1:00-4:00 pm

Class will be $30 per person, Seating is limited, please register in advance by phone (252-758-7656), or in person.

This is the first in a six part series taught by Liz Merritt, focusing on The Rider Waite Tarot deck. We will explore the history of the Tarot, as well as general Tarot trivia and concepts. We will then jump into the Fools Journey; the story in the 22 cards of the Major Arcana. This series will be beginner friendly and include intermediate level information, participants of all skill levels will learn something new. We will discuss symbolism, Hermetics, and astrology as they pertain to each of the 78 cards. Handouts will be provided, but participants will want to bring note-taking materials and favorite tarot decks.

Liz Merritt has been studying and practicing Tarot Cartomancy for more than 6 years. She’s an initiate of The Sojo Circle Coven, a Reiki Master/Teacher, and a Hedgewitch wandering the wilds of Eastern NC. Often you can find her behind the counter of The Sojourner Whole Earth Provisions.

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Natal Astrology Workshop with Jupiter Melchizedek

February 4th, Planets and Signs

February 19th: Houses and Aspects

March 5th: Transits & Electional Astrology

from 1:30Pm – 4:30Pm, $30, open to the public.
Seating is limited, please register in advance by phone (252-758-7656), or in person.

Zodiac signs? planets? houses? What does all this astrology lingo mean, and how can you put it to good use? Learn to interpret your own birth chart with the science of western astrology, as a road map to your life, personality, strengths, challenges, and purpose. Please register in advance and provide your name, birth date, time and location.

The Sojo News: Upcoming Events and Winter Closings

Hello Sojourners,

Happy New Year! Thank you all so much for an abundant holiday sales season. We are grateful for your patronage, and now set our sights to creating an even more prosperous new year for us all.

We are open until 9:00 Friday (tonight) – its First Friday Artwalk, and as long as the weather holds, we are hosting a drum circle, and Tarot card readings are available with Heron 5:00-9:00.

SNOW IS COMING!
Ok, ok…no need to freak out. However, we do hope that you all stay safe and warm during this winter weather. Note that we will close the shop this weekend if winter weather makes the roads unsafe. Check our FaceBook page for updates for daily closing information. Tarot Readings with Heron on Saturday are canceled, but Jan 14th is another chance to make an appointment.

WE ARE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY to complete our year-end inventory. Hopefully we’ll be back to normal by Wednesday next week. Cheers! ~Heron

We now have an Instagram where Courtney shares pics from the shop. Follow us!

Recipe for a perfect midwinter snow day: A thick book, subtle incense, and a few candles to keep aglow. ❤ Keep an eye out on our Facebook page, as we will CLOSE if conditions become hazardous for travel. Have a great weekend! ❄

A post shared by The Sojourner (@thesojogreenville) on Jan 6, 2017 at 8:46am PST

Our Modern Witchcraft series of classes is still open on Thursday nights for new seekers to join us for an introduction to Neo-paganism and the thealogy, principles, world-view and celebrations of this earth-centered spirituality.

GOOD NEWS! If Thursdays aren’t good for you, we have a second opportunity opening up on Saturday afternoons to attend these workshops. Dates and times are still flexible, so if you’d like a no-obligation, safe way to dip your toes into our magickal world and see what the fuss is all about, call us. 252-758-7656 Three workshops, 4 hours each, $30 each. We must have 3 students to proceed…

Upcoming Events:
All appointments and registrations must be taken in advance, by phone or stopping by. 252-758-7656

New Year’s Forecast Readings
Saturday Jan 14th, 2017 12:00-5:00, $40
Come see Heron Michelle for a Tarot Card reading to clarify a situation or seek guidance for the upcoming year.
Heron offers several special readings ideal for this New Year’s transition:
The 5 card Pyramid of Power spread that seeks guidance for the next Great Work of personal evolution you should explore–ideal for magicakal practitioners and witches, especially. (Takes about 30 minutes, $40)
The 12 card Zodiac wheel of the Year spread for a forecast of the lessons that may be presented throughout the next year. (Takes about an hour, $75)
The traditional, 10 card spread for guidance on your current situation is always available. (Takes about 30 minutes, $40)
With each reading, the affirmations and spiritual guidance for ways to put this information to work for you will be provided.

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Spiritual Mediumship Group Sessions
Sunday, Jan 22, TWO OPPORTUNITIES! 1:00-2:30 and 3:30-5:00
Join Edward Zula, spiritual medium and psychometrist, for an exploration of spirit communication; questions and answers; participants getting validation of their own experiences; demonstration of mediumship. Bring a photo or an item belonging to a deceased loved one. Everyone will get a brief reading.

A 90 minute group demonstration, must have 6 participants, so bring a friend! $15 per person.

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Tarot 101: The Fools Journey with Liz Merritt

This is the first in a six part series taught by Liz Merritt, focusing on The Rider Waite Tarot deck. We will explore the history of the Tarot, as well as general Tarot trivia and concepts. We will then jump into the Fools Journey; the story in the 22 cards of the Major Arcana. This series will be beginner friendly and include intermediate level information, participants of all skill levels will learn something new. We will discuss symbolism, Hermetics, and astrology as they pertain to each of the 78 cards. Handouts will be provided, but participants will want to bring note-taking materials and favorite tarot decks.

Class will be $30 per person, registration taken in advance

Liz Merritt has been studying and practicing Tarot Cartomancy for more than 6 years. She’s an initiate of The Sojo Circle Coven, a Reiki Master/Teacher, and a Hedgewitch wandering the wilds of Eastern NC. Often you can find her behind the counter of The Sojourner Whole Earth Provisions.

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Our calendar of events can be found online on our website: www.thesojo.com.

Hours of operation:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00-6:00
Friday: 10:00-9:00 Psychic Readings available 5:00-9:00
Saturday: 10-6:00 Psychic Readings and Classes often available.
Sunday: 1:00-6:00
Inclement Weather closing policy often follows the Pitt County Schools closings. Check our Facebook Page for daily updates.

The Sojo News: Events at the Sojo this Holiday Season

Hello Sojourners!
We have some new silver and stone jewelry in stock now, including a few new men’s rings. A new order has been placed for herbs and spices, and should be here soon, so consider shopping with us for your Thanksgiving feast needs.  We will be closed Thanksgiving day, but open Black Friday and all weekend to kick off your shopping with sales!

We have some exciting classes coming up this weekend. Please remember that all of our events are held and scheduled based on your calls to register in advance. We can schedule your session with our intuitive readers and healers, and for classes we need to know that as least three people are coming to hold the class. However, in some cases we max out the seating capacity, and only those who’ve registered in advance are guaranteed a seat. We really hate to turn people away, so please call 252-758-7656 (SOJO) to let us know you can be there, by at least Wednesday before our weekend classes.

Also, save the date! Saturday, Dec. 10th, 5-10 pm. Our annual Yule “Tacky Sweater” Party will be more of an “open-house” where we welcome you to stop in for some warm, mulled cider and refreshments, and sharing in the Holiday cheer at The Sojo while you are down here for the parade.

Held in conjunction with the Greenville Jaycees Christmas parade.
December 10th, 2 pm – 8 pm at the Five Points Plaza.
Annual Parade begins at 5 pm, Food, Music, Crafts, and Fun for Kids and Adults!

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Reiki 1 Class and Attunement with Angelica
Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 11:30-6:00. $75
Please Register in advance as space is limited.

What is Reiki? It is a Japanese term, “Rei” meaning spirit and “Ki” meaning energy, which translates into “Spirit Energy,” or the Universal life force.
This Level One Reiki class gives a history of Reiki, describes what Reiki is and how it differs from other healing modalities, the ethics, hand positions and an attunment to the first degree. Level one focuses on physical healing and self-healing. Students at this level are in training to become highly aware of their intuition, instincts and guidance from Spirit.
We will break half-way through the class, so please bring a snack and a drink.

Angelica is a Reiki Master/Teacher and Angels Oracle Card Reader who offers her services through Energy Worx: Energy Balancing and Intuitive Spiritual Mentoring. You may contact her for more information at lighttouchreiki.magickalbits@gmail.com

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Natal Astrology Workshop with Jupiter Melchizedek
Sunday, Nov. 20, 1:30-5:30, $30, open to the public.

Zodiac signs? planets? houses? What does all this astrology lingo mean, and how can you put it to good use? Learn to interpret your own birth chart with the science of western astrology, as a road map to your life, personality, strengths, challenges, and purpose. Charts will be provided. Please register in advance and provide your name, birth date, time and location.  Seating is limited, so register as soon as possible.

From Jupiter: Hi all! I am a self taught astrologer specializing mainly in Hellenistic and Medieval astrology. At this event I will be teaching the basics of chart interpretation, such as how to interpret planets, signs, houses and aspects. I will also be teaching the basics of understanding planetary transits and electional astrology (the art of timing).

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Modern Witchcraft Training Program – Seekers Meeting – Free
December Wednesday, December 7

6 PM – 8 PM

This seeker meeting is for any adults over the age of 18 who are interested in pursuing training in Modern Witchcraft through The Sojourner Tradition of Witchcraft. We invite you to this free and open event to meet us, learn about the program, and receive all the registration materials for the first Session that will meet on 5 Thursday nights from December 29th-Jan. 26th. Registration fees are due at time of enrollment; $90 for the 5 weeks of classes and is non-refundable. Seating is limited and is a first-come-first-serve basis, so please enroll in advance.

Please note that this first session is the ONLY open enrollment time–afterwards, it will be closed to new students for the remainder of the year. After the first 5 classes of the session, there is an individual interview to determine if continued training is in the best interest of the student. Those supported to continue, will be invited to our Imbolc Sabbat celebration on Thursday, February 2 at 6:00, off-site, for the ritual of dedication to that year’s studies and involvement with the coven.

We expect 4 main guidelines of behavior and interaction to be respected while enrolled with us. They will be explained in detail at the meeting:

1) Do not burn the Witch.

2) Do not be the Asshole.

3.) Do not be the Weak Link.

4.) Must be present to win.

We prefer new seekers to be present for both the seeker meeting and every class, as they build upon each other, and we take rule 4 very seriously in considering who we invite to join us for dedication.

What is a “seeker?”

Good question. A seeker is a person pursuing training in Modern Witchcraft, and trying out different traditions, styles, groups, and teachers, before settling on one particular program within which you would “dedicate” to a full year’s training. After dedicating to train within our coven at Imbolc, you are then considered a “dedicant.”

Seekers can be any sex, gender identity, or sexual preference; of any race, from any heritage, creed, nation, anything… However, we will ask that our students be at least 18 years of age (for legal reasons) and physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially stable enough to beneficially use the information and skills that we teach, and able to participate and contribute in a fair and equitable way to the over-all success of our group.

In short, paganism is for everyone. A Witch can look like, be, and come from anywhere, but Modern Witchcraft as a praxis and job-description is a demanding path not suitable for everyone. It’s demands of radical personal sovereignty, self-reliance, sacrifice and responsibility will best serve a relatively small subset of pagans, and that is absolutely OK. You’ll never know if this path is correct for you until you give it a try, and we are here to help you discover the answers to these questions.

So, are you a legal adult with the resources you need to survive, thrive and contribute fairly? Can you manage your life and current responsibilities reasonably well? Do you have the extra time, mobility and energy to commit to this program, including showing up for class, reading the required texts, and working independently on your spiritual practice? Are you ready to level up in your personal empowerment? After that, all you really need is an open and curious mind, and an open heart.

Thank you! See you soon!

~Heron Michelle

High Priestess, The Sojo Circle Coven

 

For more information in advance, visit: http://www.thesojo.com/modern-witchcraft-classes.html

The Sojo News: Upcoming Classes

Hello Sojourners!
We’ve had a very blessed Samhain weekend, and hope you have as well.

Last time I wrote you with a plea for financial help so that we could pay our rent on time and boy, oh boy, did you answer that call! Thank you to all of you beautiful angels who’ve come to shop since then and bought gift certificates, made donations and investments in future events and services here. You are amazing! Miracles happened and the Universe answered the plea through the generous actions of so many of you.

The rent and back utility bills have been paid, as has the payroll, and I’ve just given Courtney the long-awaited green light to place a restocking order for herbs, spices and teas in time for Thanksgiving. Should you have a special request for that special holiday recipe or medicinal preparation, email her at courtney@thesojo.com as soon as possible.

I know that the recent election may have brought distress to some, including me, you can read my blog post here.) It may appear that the outside world is in upheaval right now, which is to be expected during any Whitehouse transition, but inside the Sojourner we still have the same safe haven of acceptance, progressive ideals, and loving support of all our beautiful diversity. As long as we Sojourners stick together, and keep “being the change we wish to see in the world,” all our dreams remain possible. Take heart, dear ones. We are here for you, so make sure to call on us should the need ever arise.
~Heron Michelle

Upcoming Classes and Events

Liz Merritt, Reiki Master, Witch and Diviner is offering her services at the shop on Friday, November 11, 2016, from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Gain clarity and insights during this transitional time.

$40 half-hour Tarot Card Readings and $75 Hour-long Reiki Energy healing sessions, by appointment: 252-758-7656

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Spiritual Mediumship Group Demonstration and Reading
Sunday, Nov. 13th, 4:00-5:30 [ONE SEAT AVAILABLE]

Join Edward Zula, spiritual medium and psychometrist, for an exploration of spirit communication; questions and answers; participants getting validation of their own experiences; demonstration of mediumship. Bring a photo or an item belonging to a deceased loved one. Everyone will get a brief reading. A 90 minute group demonstration, must have 6 participants, so bring a friend! $15 per person.

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Reiki 1 Class and Attunement with Angelica
Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 11:30-6:00. $75
Please Register in advance as space is limited.

What is Reiki? It is a Japanese term, “Rei” meaning spirit and “Ki” meaning energy, which translates into “Spirit Energy,” or the Universal life force.
This Level One Reiki class gives a history of Reiki, describes what Reiki is and how it differs from other healing modalities, the ethics, hand positions and an attunment to the first degree. Level one focuses on physical healing and self-healing. Students at this level are in training to become highly aware of their intuition, instincts and guidance from Spirit.
We will break half-way through the class, so please bring a snack and a drink.

Angelica is a Reiki Master/Teacher and Angels Oracle Card Reader who offers her services through Energy Worx: Energy Balancing and Intuitive Spiritual Mentoring. You may contact her for more information at lighttouchreiki.magickalbits@gmail.com

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Natal Astrology Workshop with Jupiter Melchizedek
Sunday, Nov. 20, 1:30-5:30, $30, open to the public.

Zodiac signs? planets? houses? What does all this astrology lingo mean, and how can you put it to good use? Learn to interpret your own birth chart with the science of western astrology, as a road map to your life, personality, strengths, challenges, and purpose. Charts will be provided. Please register in advance and provide your name, birth date, time and location.  Seating is limited, so register as soon as possible.

From Jupiter: Hi all! I am a self taught astrologer specializing mainly in Hellenistic and Medieval astrology. At this event I will be teaching the basics of chart interpretation, such as how to interpret planets, signs, houses and aspects. I will also be teaching the basics of understanding planetary transits and electional astrology (the art of timing).

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Modern Witchcraft Training Program – Seekers Meeting – Free
December Wednesday, December 7

6 PM – 8 PM

All adults over the age of 18 who are interested in pursing training in Modern Witchcraft through The Sojourner Tradition of Witchcraft taught by Heron Michelle and the ministers of The Sojo Circle Coven are invited to the free and open event to meet us, learn about the program, receive all the registration materials for the Imbolc Session that will meet on 6 Thursday nights from December 29th-February 2.

For more information in advance, visit: http://www.thesojo.com/modern-witchcraft-classes.html

The Sojo News: Crystal Ball Raffle to be Drawn on Black Friday

Merry Meet, Sojourners!
Have you yet seen this amazing Crystal Ball we have on raffle at the shop? We borrowed it for a divination class a few weeks ago, and took this picture of it in glorious action. It helped to create a powerful experience for our students, and it could be yours! Each chance to win costs only $5.

This Leaded Crystal Scrying Sphere is a whopping 278mm diameter, and weighs in at 55 pounds!  It comes with a wooden, rotating stand. This baby once lit a tablecloth on fire with a sunbeam, so be careful where you display it!  We have never seen its like, and we’ve done a lot of looking…

The purpose of this raffle is to help out a Sojourner friend who has fallen on hard times and was looking for a buyer for this Spectacular Oracular device for which he originally paid $1500. Sadly, there aren’t many folks we know who could fairly compensate him at that price outright. BUT TOGETHER, through the generosity of many, we hope to raise enough funds to  make a difference in his life.  Every penny raised will go to our friend…

TO THAT END, I’ve moved the drawing date back to Black Friday, November 25th. Just in time for holiday gift giving.

Again, for every $5 donation, we’ll enter another chance for you to win. You DO NOT have to be present on Black Friday to win. If you can’t get to the shop, call us at 252-758-7656, and we’ll process payment over the phone, and fill out your raffle tickets for you.

During this time of Thanksgiving, we thank you for your generosity and wish you the best of luck in the raffle!

Thanksgiving blessings,
Heron Michelle

 

A Halloween Plea…

Happy Halloween, Sojourners!

 

Many blessings of the witching season to you all! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to the Witches’ Carnival on Saturday. You looked great, were great fun, brought great food, and were very generous to the Sojo Circle Education fund through your donations and raffle ticket purchases. THANK YOU!

Witches’ Carnival 2016!

And now a plea for help…
“Charity Fatigue” is a real thing, which is why I am loathe to post this… However, I’ve promised several of our fine customers that I will speak up and ask for help when the need the great. The need has never been greater. We need emergency help this week to pay our November rent.

 

Since Hurricane Matthew blew through, we’ve been operating at a deficit. Meaning, our shoestring budget just couldn’t handle the lull in sales while the students were away and everyone was flooded at home. I’ve invested my last dime, literally, in order to keep the doors open over the last pay-period. The bank has now frozen our credit lines.

 

I know we are all flat-busted-broke from the expense of that disaster and Halloween shenanigans, but the November rent check must be sent today in order to arrive at our Landlord’s by the end of our grace period, and as it stands we are at least $1500 shy of our bare minimum costs to operate this week. We sincerely need your help.

 

Trick or Treat Sale
Our Trick-or-Treat sale is still on-going through Nov. 6 of up to 31% off your whole purchase, and it would be a GREAT time to stock up.

Gift Certificate Investment – Instant 10% Increase!
Purchase some of our slick new gift certificates for the holidays, or future birthdays? If you are unable to make it to the shop, but would like to invest from the comfort of home, we will accept paypal payments at orders@thesojo.com for the amount of your gift certificate, but will gladly add 10% to the amount, as a return of investment. They’ll be prepared and ready for pick up at the shop when you are able to stop by (or we can mail them to you.) Just include your name, address and instructions on the paypal “send money” form.

 

I have faith that with a little help, we can make it through to our lucrative holiday season that begins after Thanksgiving.  As always, thank you for all you do to support our community so that her “clubhouse doors” remain open.

 

Samhain Blessings,

~Heron Michelle

The Sojo News: Past-Life Regression, Witches’ Carnival

Happy Halloween, Sojourners!

TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN SALE
Do you want to play a game?
October 24-November 6
Spend at least $10 for a chance to draw from Lady Sojo’s treat cauldron.
ONE paper has a trick – 1% off your purchase. 🎃
Thirteen papers have a treat – 13% off your purchase! 🎃
And ONE paper is the golden Full Size Candy Bar ticket, worth 31% off your whole purchase! 🎃  Tickets go back into the cauldron so everyone has a chance at the good stuff.

Friday night – Oct. 28, 2016 – Past Life Regression. Join Heron Michelle for a guided meditation for health, balance, relaxation and spiritual exploration. Open to everyone, no experience necessary.  $10 each  Exploring a past life that holds a lesson of importance for you during this lifetime.

Note that the shop will be closed for business Saturday at 2:00 so we can finish decorating for the party, and will not be doing retail business during the party.

Carnival Decorating Crew!  Saturday 10:00-2:00, all hands welcomed to raise the big top!

This 278mm diameter, 55 pound scrying sphere is also on a separate raffle, that will be drawn on “Black Friday.” You will not have to be present to win. Each chance to win costs $5 and every dime goes to help a Sojourner friend in need who is trying to re-home this “Spectacular Oracular Vernacular”, for which he originally paid $1500. This baby once lit a tablecloth on fire with a sunbeam!

---

The Witches’ Carnival: A Halloween Costume Party!
Hosted by The Sojo Circle Coven

Saturday, October 29th from 7:00-12:00 pm
Inviting Costumed Adults over 21, please bring ID.

Let’s all run off and “Join the Carnival!”

The first 50 people through the door get a “Treat Bag!”  Entry “Fee” is a minimum donation of $5 in Raffle and Game tickets, but the real deal can be had for $20. So bring your cash or credit cards!  Proceeds go to The Sojo Circle Coven’s Education Fund.

5 tix for $5,
15 tix for $10
30 tix for $20!

Music and Dancing!
Intrepid musician Lipbone Redding is our DJ!

Concessions
Contributions of snacks, appetizers and drinks is very welcome! Alcohol is allowed, as this is a “private” party for our Sojourning adults over 21, but it is BYOB–if you plan to drink, please plan to contribute, and have a Designated Driver arranged. We’ll have coolers of ice behind the counter. THANKS!

Fortunes Told! OPEN YOUR INNER EYE!
All night long, spend 5-20 tickets for a visit into our Fortune Telling Booth!

At 9:45 the show begins! In the center ring, Costume Competitions!
Enter by category. Take your moment in the spotlight to strut your stuff, tell us about your costume and woo the voting crowds. Voting will be done by secret ballot. Extra points for any exhibition or performance aspect to your costume.

Costume Category “Acts!”
Burlesque and Exotic Entertainment!
Shimmy, and shake, glitz and glamour! Sing a little song, do a little dance?

Freakshow!
Bearded Ladies, Tattooed wonders? Two-headed dudes? Siamese twins? Wolfman, Alligator boy? Is it an Alien?

Step Right Up! Side show attractions!
Will there be Juggling, sword swallowing? Feats of strength or valor? Slight of hand?

Menagerie Imaginarium!
Come gawk at animals from all dimensions! Goblins, dancing bears, prancing unicorns? parading elephants? musical monkeys?

Fortune Tellers and Forbidden Magic!
Mystical mind-readers, Card tricks, Smoke and mirrors? Exotic magi from the Orient and beyond? Will there be a lovely assistant sawed in half?

Winners will be announced at 11:00

Raffle items! Drawn at 11:00! MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Gates close at 12:00

STEP RIGHT UP to The Witches’ Carnival!

THIS SATURDAY! Step right UP Ladies and Gents to the greatest Halloween spectacle The Sojo has ever held!

Music, Dancing, Games, Prizes, Raffles, Fortune telling!

The Witches’ Carnival: A Halloween Costume Party!
Hosted by The Sojo Circle Coven

Saturday, October 29th from 7:00-12:00 pm
Inviting Costumed Adults over 21, please bring ID.
(As in, don’t be that guy that doesn’t even try to play along…booooooring <snore>)

Parking will be at a premium as some of the streets will be blocked off for events in uptown that night, don’t forget to check the parking garage at 4th and Cotanche, and street parking and lots off of Washington street. We recommend carpooling!

Note that the shop will be closed for business Saturday at 2:00 so we can finish decorating for the party, and will not be doing retail business during the party.

TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN SALE
Do you want to play a game?
October 24-November 6
Spend at least $10 for a chance to draw from Lady Sojo’s treat cauldron.
ONE paper has a trick – 1% off your purchase. 🎃
Thirteen papers have a treat – 13% off your purchase! 🎃
And ONE paper is the golden Full Size Candy Bar ticket, worth 31% off your whole purchase! 🎃 

Tickets go back into the cauldron so everyone has a chance at the good stuff.

Let’s all run off and “Join the Carnival!”

The first 50 people through the door get a “Treat Bag!” And we are accepting donated treats, coupons, and promotions from our partners to include in those bags!

This is a “crowd-sourced” event; meaning that we are all in this together to contribute to its success.
Entry “Fee” is a minimum donation of $5 in Raffle and Game tickets, but the real deal can be had for $20. So bring your cash or credit cards!  Pretty please with sugar on top?

Proceeds go to The Sojo Circle Coven’s Education Fund, helping witches get a good education and clergy credentials, so that they can serve our communities responsibly.  We think that is a good cause, and good parties don’t just throw themselves.  We are very grateful for your contributions!

5 tix for $5,
15 tix for $10
30 tix for $20!

Music and Dancing!
Are y’all ready to shake yo’ tail feather? We have the intrepid musician Lipbone Redding as our DJ! He’s taking requests in advance of the party. There is a comment thread on the event on facebook where you can make requests.

Concessions!
Have you been dying to try that adorably creepy recipe you saw on Pinterest? Now is your chance! If you can contribute a carnival concession or Halloween themed appetizer, snack or beverage, please let us know on the discussion thread on the FB event page. 

Alcohol is allowed, as this is a “private” party for our Sojourning adults over 21, but it is BYOB–if you plan to drink, please plan to contribute, and have a Designated Driver arranged. We’ll have coolers of ice behind the counter. THANKS!

There will at least be “Pumpkin Fluff with Ginger Snaps.” Oh yes…

Fortunes Told! OPEN YOUR INNER EYE!
All night long, spend 5-10 tickets for a visit into our Fortune Telling Booth! There you will receive a brief psychic reading by a talented Witch.  It may be a 3 tarot Card spread, Rune draw, a toss of the Mercury Dimes, or ask questions of the mystical Pendulum!

At 9:45 the show begins! In the center ring, Costume Competitions!
Enter by category. Take your moment in the spotlight to strut your stuff, tell us about your costume and woo the voting crowds. Voting will be done by secret ballot. Extra points for any exhibition or performance aspect to your costume.

Costume Category “Acts!”
Burlesque and Exotic Entertainment!
Shimmy, and shake, glitz and glamour! Sing a little song, do a little dance? What exotic exhibitions will tantalize us?

Freakshow!
Bearded Ladies, Tattooed wonders? Two-headed dudes? Siamese twins? Wolfman, Alligator boy? Is it an Alien? What weird aberrations will astonish us?

Step Right Up! Side show attractions!
Will there be Juggling, sword swallowing? Feats of strength or valor? Slight of hand?

Menagerie Imaginarium!
Come gawk at animals from all dimensions! What fantastic beasts will be tamed in our zoo? Goblins, dancing bears, prancing unicorns? parading elephants? musical monkeys?

Fortune Tellers and Forbidden Magic!
Mystical mind-readers, Card tricks, Smoke and mirrors? Exotic magi from the Orient and beyond? Will there be a lovely assistant sawed in half? There is no telling who will show up to amaze and astound us!

Winners will be announced at 11:00 and receive serious bragging rights and Sojo street cred, and a prize basket with lots of magickal swag, gift certificates, and a psychic reading. We are still taking contributions for those prizes if you’d like to sweeten the pot. Just drop them off by Friday afternoon. Thanks!

Some of our raffle items

Raffle items!
Drawn at 11:00! MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

• Donations so far are:
  
• Seated Odin Statue by Dryad Designs
  
• A historic reproduction Aphrodite and Pan statue
  
• Original Fire Dancer painting by Heron Michelle
  
• A Set of Oujja Board place mats
  
• An Owl Feather Quill and a pot of purple Ink, with Hedwig pin and Sirius Black photo frame: Official memorabilia from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
  
• Set of 7 Original US edition Harry Potter books in hardback
  
• A Fan basket of Lipbone Redding CD and SWAG
  
• Smudging kit with Sage Bundle, turkey feather and abalone shell
• Eight Sabbats Incense kit with charcoal, metal tongs and spoon, sand, and Sojo Blend incense for all 8 Witches’ Sabbats.
• Original Goddess painting by Brendan Loucks

Want to get in on the act?
We’ll promote any business who donates items or services to our prizes and raffle. There are sign-up lists and discussions on the FB event.

Calling all Carnies!
Care to organize a fun game or spectacle to enjoy at the party? We need carnies to organize and run games: A ring toss, rubber-band target-shooting game? Let’s get creative! If you’ve got the idea, we probably have the stuff to pull it off. We have prizes! GO!

Carnival Decorating Crew!  Saturday 10:00-2:00, all hands welcomed to raise the big top!
Got a flare for spooky Halloween spectacle? Want to turn our hallway to the restroom into a haunted fun-house? I’m looking to delegate the decorating of that space to just the right crew of twisted Sojourners. Are you game? You can take all week during business hours to trick out the hallway.

 

This 278mm diameter, 55 pound scrying sphere is also on a separate raffle, that will be drawn on “Black Friday.” You will not have to be present to win. Each chance to win costs $5 and every dime goes to help a Sojourner friend in need who is trying to re-home this “Spectacular Oracular Vernacular”, for which he originally paid $1500. This baby once lit a tablecloth on fire with a sunbeam!

 

See you there!

~Heron, Ring Mistress

Heron, Ring Mistress