Category: Resident GE Blog Columnists

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Stone Magic: Pumice

By Katrina Rasbold

Pumice, a lightweight and porous volcanic rock, may not possess the sparkling allure of gemstones, but it holds a quiet power that has been cherished in both ancient and modern practices. Known for its grounding, purifying, and transformative energies, pumice is a remarkable tool for physical healing, spiritual cleansing, and personal growth. In this blog post, we explore the metaphysical, magical, and healing properties of pumice and its role in holistic practices.
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Herb of the Week: Cloves

By Katrina Rasbold

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), the aromatic dried flower buds of a tropical tree, are more than just a flavorful spice. Revered for centuries in culinary, medicinal, and spiritual traditions, cloves possess potent magical, metaphysical, and healing properties. Their fiery energy and rich history make them a cherished ingredient in rituals, remedies, and everyday practices. In this blog post, we explore the diverse properties of cloves and how they can enhance your spiritual and holistic journey.
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Herb of the Week: Cinquefoil

By Katrina Rasbold

Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.), also known as “Five-Finger Grass,” is a versatile herb with a long history in magical and healing traditions. Its five-lobed leaves symbolize power, prosperity, and protection, making it a cherished plant in spiritual and holistic practices. In this blog post, we explore the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of cinquefoil and how it can enhance your journey.
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Stone Magic: Olivine

By Katrina Rasbold

Olivine, also known as peridot when in gemstone form, is a vibrant green mineral celebrated for its transformative energy and connection to the earth’s healing powers. Known as the “gem of the sun” in ancient cultures, olivine radiates positivity, renewal, and spiritual insight. In this blog post, we explore the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of olivine and how it can enrich your spiritual journey. Continue reading Stone Magic: Olivine

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Elder or Oldster? Thoughts on the Wise One

by Tatiara

It began with a simple conversation in a pagan Facebook group. Someone posed a question about what constitutes an “Elder”. As the responses came, I felt something within me stir. I kept returning to that post, rereading the comments. Some were funny, others profound. A few spoke of favorite stories, or teachers they’d once known. But beneath it all, I sensed a deeper longing: a yearning for true eldership. Not just knowledge, not just age—but wisdom. The kind that holds space without needing to explain. The kind that has walked through fire and come back holding sacred embers for others. Continue reading Elder or Oldster? Thoughts on the Wise One

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Tarot Talk: Three of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

The Three of Cups in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, is a card that radiates joy, connection, and celebration. This Minor Arcana card, nestled in the suit of Cups (which governs emotion, intuition, relationships, and creativity), represents shared happiness, community, and emotional abundance. With its rich symbolism and evocative imagery, the Three of Cups is a card that often heralds the joy of coming together and the blessings of emotional fulfillment. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Three of Cups

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Stone Magic: Mother of Pearl

By Katrina Rasbold

Mother of Pearl, also known as nacre, is a captivating substance found on the inner layer of mollusk shells. Its iridescent beauty has made it a symbol of protection, wisdom, and nurturing energy for centuries. In this blog post, we explore the many metaphysical, magical, and healing properties of Mother of Pearl and how it can enhance your spiritual and holistic practices. Continue reading Stone Magic: Mother of Pearl

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Herb of the Week: Chicory

By Katrina Rasbold

Chicory (Cichorium intybus), a resilient and vibrant plant with brilliant blue flowers, has been used for centuries in magical, metaphysical, and healing traditions. Known for its earthy energy and transformative properties, chicory is revered for its ability to foster clarity, promote healing, and enhance personal power. In this blog post, we explore the multifaceted properties of chicory and its role in spiritual and holistic practices.
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Want Magic? Make it Happen!

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

We just finished a move – one we planned for over the course of nearly a year. Why didn’t we just sling a spell and wait for the universe to make it happen for us? Because changes manifest with elbow grease and sometimes spellwork doesn’t help at all. Continue reading Want Magic? Make it Happen!

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Tarot Talk: The Lovers

By Katrina Rasbold

The Lovers card in Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck is among the most visually striking and symbolically rich in the Major Arcana. Numbered VI (6), this card transcends the simple notion of romantic love and invites a profound exploration into the themes of duality, choice, unity, and the spiritual dimensions of love. First published in 1909 under the guidance of mystic and scholar Arthur Edward Waite, Smith’s imagery has since become the gold standard for modern tarot interpretations.

Let us explore the symbolic language woven into this card and how it informs its interpretation in a reading. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Lovers

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Stone Magic: Peacock Ore

By Katrina Rasbold

Peacock ore, also known as bornite, is a vibrant and dazzling mineral that captivates the eye with its iridescent colors. Often called the “Stone of Happiness,” peacock ore is celebrated for its ability to uplift the spirit, transform energy, and inspire joy. This remarkable stone has been a favorite in spiritual, magical, and healing practices for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the many facets of peacock ore and how it can enhance your life and spiritual journey.
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Herb of the Week: Chickweed

By Katrina Rasbold

Chickweed (Stellaria media), a humble yet powerful herb, has been cherished for centuries for its healing, magical, and metaphysical properties. Known for its delicate white flowers and nourishing qualities, chickweed carries energy that fosters renewal, healing, and adaptability. In this blog post, we explore the various ways chickweed can support your spiritual and holistic practices.
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Tarot Talk: Queen of Wands

By Katrina Rasbold

Pamela Colman Smith’s Queen of Wands, part of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot deck first published in 1909, radiates the commanding presence of feminine fire. She is regal and passionate, embodying the dynamic, confident, and intuitive traits of the Wands suit, which corresponds with the element of fire. As with all court cards, she can represent a person, an aspect of oneself, or a situational archetype. In Smith’s richly symbolic illustration, every detail of the Queen of Wands is deliberate and telling. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Queen of Wands

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Herb of the Week: Cedar

By Katrina Rasbold

Cedar, a sacred and ancient tree, has been revered across cultures for its profound spiritual, magical, and healing properties. Known for its warm, woody aroma and powerful energy, cedar is considered a symbol of protection, purification, and connection to the divine. In this blog post, we explore the many ways cedar can enhance your spiritual and holistic practices. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Cedar

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Stone Magic: Mica

By Katrina Rasbold

Mica, a shimmering mineral composed of thin, translucent layers, is a fascinating element in the world of crystals and minerals. Known for its reflective qualities, mica symbolizes clarity, self-awareness, and transformation. Its unique properties make it a favorite in both spiritual and healing practices. In this blog post, we explore the magical, metaphysical, and healing attributes of mica and how it can enhance your personal and spiritual journey.
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Stone Magic: Hematite

By Katrina Rasbold

Hematite, a strikingly metallic and grounding stone, has been revered for centuries for its spiritual, magical, and healing properties. Often called the “Stone of the Mind,” hematite is renowned for its ability to provide grounding, enhance focus, and protect against negative energies. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the many ways hematite can enrich your spiritual journey and promote well-being. Continue reading Stone Magic: Hematite

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Herb of the Week: Catnip

By Katrina Rasbold

Catnip (Nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family, is well-known for its enchanting effects on cats, but its magical, metaphysical, and healing properties extend far beyond feline fascination. Revered for centuries in herbalism and folk magic, catnip is a versatile plant with energies that promote relaxation, protection, and enhanced intuition. In this blog post, we delve into the myriad ways catnip can enrich your spiritual and holistic practices.
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Tarot Talk: The Chariot

By Katrina Rasbold

In the classic Rider–Waite–Smith Tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith and published in 1909 under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite, The Chariot stands tall as the seventh Major Arcana card. Numbered VII and embodying themes of victory, self-mastery, and willpower, this iconic card captures the moment when determination and divine alignment fuse into forward momentum.

Let us explore the many layers of symbolism in Smith’s artwork and unpack how this complex image translates into powerful interpretive meanings for readers today. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Chariot

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Paganism and Church

By Cat Gina Cole

How did Pagans ever become a church? I thought Pagans were anti-church? These and other similar questions flood social media these days. The word “church” has become something of a swear word in our time. It is currently a word that represents control, abuse of power, corruption, telling people how to live, what to believe, and being “Our way or the highway” about every aspect of a person’s life. There is a big resistance to that now, not just in the Pagan communities but in general and they are not wrong. Christian churches do have that history to them; however, it made me wonder about the origins of the word “church” and its original meaning. Continue reading Paganism and Church

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Herb of the Week: Calamus

By Katrina Rasbold

Calamus, known botanically as Acorus calamus and often referred to as sweet flag, is a remarkable plant with a long history of use in magical, metaphysical, and medicinal traditions. Its aromatic rhizome has been valued across cultures for its unique energy, healing properties, and versatile applications in rituals and remedies. In this blog post, we explore the multifaceted properties of calamus and how it can enrich your spiritual and healing practices Continue reading Herb of the Week: Calamus