Category: Resident GE Blog Columnists

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Wicca – Not THAT Old

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

I’m watching yet another program- this one from the 1990’s that insists the Witchcraft Trials were all about persecuting the pre–Christian Pagan faiths. I’m not naming this one. There are countless places this is claimed but nowhere is it claimed more than by mainstream modern magical practitioners. Sayings like “We are the granddaughters of the witches you could not burn” are shared by people whose family does not worship Pagan gods and many of whom condemn our neo faiths as demonic. Continue reading Wicca – Not THAT Old

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Tarot Talk: Three of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations for the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck revolutionized tarot interpretation, embedding each card with rich visual symbolism that speaks to intuition as much as intellect. Among these, the Three of Wands stands out as a quietly powerful card—one that speaks of foresight, personal growth, and the broadening of horizons.

Let’s take a closer look at the card and unpack its layered meaning, symbolism, and spiritual resonance. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Three of Wands

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Herb of the Week: Belladonna

By Katrina Rasbold

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as “Deadly Nightshade,” is a plant shrouded in mystery and magic. With its dark history and potent properties, belladonna has been revered and feared for centuries. Known for its toxic nature, it has been used cautiously in spiritual and magical practices, making it a powerful ally for those who respect its energies. Belladonna is also supposedly the active ingredient in the magical and mysterious flying ointment used by Witches in the past. Let’s explore the metaphysical, magical, and healing properties of this enigmatic plant.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Belladonna

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Stone Magic: Zircon

By Katrina Rasbold

Zircon, often overshadowed by its synthetic counterpart cubic zirconia, is a natural and ancient gemstone with a rich history and powerful energetic properties. Available in a variety of colors, including clear, golden, blue, and red, zircon carries unique vibrations that resonate deeply with the body, mind, and spirit. Known as a “Stone of Virtue,” zircon is treasured for its grounding, protective, and enlightening qualities. Let’s explore the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of zircon.
Continue reading Stone Magic: Zircon

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Tarot Talk: The Hanged Man

By Katrina Rasbold

The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, is a cornerstone of modern tarot practice. Among its 78 cards, The Hanged Man stands out as one of the most enigmatic and paradoxical. Its unsettling image—a man suspended upside down by one foot—invites a pause. But in that pause lies the card’s true power: the invitation to surrender, shift perspective, and embrace transformation. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Hanged Man

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Herb of the Week: Bay Laurel

By Katrina Rasbold

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), with its glossy green leaves and rich history, has long been regarded as a symbol of wisdom, protection, and triumph. Revered in ancient cultures for its spiritual, medicinal, and culinary uses, bay laurel remains a staple in magical practices and holistic healing. Let’s explore the profound healing, metaphysical, and magical properties of this sacred plant.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Bay Laurel

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Stone Magic: Citrine

By Katrina Rasbold

Citrine, with its warm golden hues, is often referred to as the “Stone of Abundance.” This radiant crystal has captivated the hearts of spiritual practitioners and crystal enthusiasts for centuries. Known for its powerful connection to positivity, manifestation, and personal power, citrine is a gemstone of joy and transformation. Let’s explore its metaphysical, magical, and healing properties. Continue reading Stone Magic: Citrine

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Phoenix Rising: A Surrender to Initiation

By Tatiara

Once upon a time I assumed that transformation would be gentle. That one day I would simply wake up feeling lighter, unburdened, freed from the weight of the past. But the harsh reality is that rebirth is rarely so kind. It is fire and ashes, a shedding of skin that can feel more like unraveling than becoming. This I learned the hard way. Continue reading Phoenix Rising: A Surrender to Initiation

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Tarot Talk: Four of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Among the most visually celebratory cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, the Four of Wands radiates joy, accomplishment, and stability. Designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, this card belongs to the Suit of Wands, which governs creativity, passion, and action. Its imagery suggests festivity and harmony, making it one of the most positive cards in the deck. But beneath its bright and cheerful surface lies a deeper symbolism that connects to numerology, esotericism, and human experience. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Four of Wands

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Herb of the Week: Basil

By Katrina Rasbold

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), often referred to as the “king of herbs,” is one of the most versatile and beloved plants in culinary and spiritual traditions. Its fragrant leaves and vibrant energy have been revered across cultures for their protective, purifying, and healing properties. Let’s delve into the magical, metaphysical, and healing benefits of basil.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Basil

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Stone Magic: Rutilated Quartz

By Katrina Rasbold

Rutilated quartz is a striking gemstone known for its golden, silver, or copper-colored needle-like inclusions of rutile. This captivating stone is not only visually stunning but also carries profound metaphysical, healing, and magical properties. Often referred to as the “Illuminator Stone,” rutilated quartz is a powerful ally for those seeking clarity, spiritual growth, and energetic amplification.
Continue reading Stone Magic: Rutilated Quartz

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The Power of Waiting

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

I wasn’t to tell a story. A woman got a message from her rental community one day that her patio lights were in violation of the community rules. They were referred to as “Holiday lights” and she was told to remove them within a week because it was now Springtime. Well…they were actually four seasons lights she put in place so she could enjoy them year-round, and she reluctantly removed them immediately. She cried all night and cried the next morning because she loved her lights and truthfully, did not want to be micromanaged. It turned out, she received the message by mistake and the community loved her lights. Had she waited and spoken with the administration, she would have gotten to keep her beautiful lights. Continue reading The Power of Waiting

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Tarot Talk: Seven of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

In the world of Tarot, few decks are as iconic as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. Among its striking imagery, the Seven of Wands stands out as a card of resilience, challenge, and personal fortitude. But beyond its surface meaning, the artwork carries deep symbolic layers that speak to themes of conflict, personal power, and perseverance. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Seven of Wands

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Herb of the Week: Balm of Gilead

By Katrina Rasbold

Balm of Gilead, derived from the resinous buds of the Populus species (often Populus candicans or Populus balsamifera), has been revered for centuries for its soothing and mystical properties. This aromatic resin is steeped in spiritual and medicinal traditions, known for its ability to heal wounds, mend hearts, and connect the physical with the spiritual. Let’s explore the profound metaphysical, healing, and magical qualities of this ancient remedy.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Balm of Gilead

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Stone Magic: Dendrite

By Katrina Rasbold

Dendrite, often found in stones like dendritic agate or dendritic opal, is a unique gemstone adorned with intricate, tree-like inclusions that resemble miniature landscapes. These natural formations symbolize growth, connection, and grounding, making dendrite a powerful tool in spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Let’s delve into the healing, metaphysical, and magical properties of dendrite and how it can enhance your life.
Continue reading Stone Magic: Dendrite

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Tarot Talk: The Five of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

For many people, the Five of Swords is one of the more visually striking and unsettling cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. It depicts a smug-looking figure in the foreground, holding three swords, while two defeated individuals walk away in the background. The sky is cloudy and gray, adding to the tension of the scene. This card often signals conflict, betrayal, hollow victories, and the consequences of dishonorable actions. What does the symbolism in Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of the Five of Swords tell us and what are the subtle implications of the card in a reading? That’s our topic for this week’s “Tarot Talk” post. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Five of Swords

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Stone Magic: Rhodochrosite

By Katrina Rasbold

Rhodochrosite, with its stunning pink hues and swirling patterns, is a gemstone of love, compassion, and emotional healing. Known as the “Stone of the Compassionate Heart,” it has been cherished for its ability to uplift the spirit and promote self-love. Let’s explore the magical, healing, and metaphysical properties of this enchanting stone.
Continue reading Stone Magic: Rhodochrosite

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Herb of the Week: Cornflower

By Katrina Rasbold

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), also known as bachelor’s button, is a strikingly beautiful flower with a rich history in folklore and spiritual practices. Its vibrant blue hue and delicate petals symbolize hope, clarity, and spiritual insight. Cornflower has been cherished for its magical, metaphysical, and healing properties, making it a versatile and powerful ally in holistic and spiritual practices. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Cornflower

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Stand Up For Yourself!

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

Y’all- I am about to go Southern Smother Mother on some folks here. I am watching some of my own, and am really unhappy. I’m going to point out an ugly truth. It has been over three months since it was announced who was going to be president of the United States. A lot of people are unhappy about who won. Some of whom couldn’t even be bothered to vote. And because I’m deaf, and don’t drive, you bet I’m on social media every day. I am seeing so much complaining online right now but no action taken that it’s making me sick. Continue reading Stand Up For Yourself!

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Tarot Talk: The Page of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

In the realm of tarot, few images are as evocative as those found in the Rider-Waite deck, and the Page of Wands stands out as a vibrant emblem of youthful energy and creative possibility. Created by Pamela Colman Smith, whose artistry and intuitive symbolism have defined tarot for over a century, this card invites us to explore themes of inspiration, adventure, and the boundless potential inherent in new beginnings. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Page of Wands