Category: Resident GE Blog Columnists

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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Stone Magic: Rhyolite

By Katrina Rasbold

Rhyolite, also known as “Rainforest Jasper” in some forms, is a fascinating volcanic rock with captivating patterns and earthy colors. Its unique appearance reflects its profound connection to nature and the transformative power of fire and earth. Beyond its visual allure, rhyolite is a powerful stone in magical, metaphysical, and healing practices, offering grounding, renewal, and inspiration. Let’s explore the many ways rhyolite can support your spiritual and emotional journey.
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Herb of the Week: Aster

By Katrina Rasbold

Asters, with their delicate star-shaped blooms and vibrant colors, have been admired for centuries as symbols of hope, love, and renewal. Named after the Greek word for “star,” asters are rich in spiritual and holistic significance. Let’s explore the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of this enchanting flower.
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Aphrodite’s Gift in the Maelstrom 

By Tatiara

Life, at times, moves in slow, steady rhythms, like the tide lapping at the shore… And then there are times like now—an unrelenting maelstrom of change. The kind of change that upends what we thought was stable, that spirals downward with such force we fear we may never surface again. And yet, within this spiraling descent, there is a choice: to be swallowed by the current or to find a force within us that allows us to stay afloat. Continue reading Aphrodite’s Gift in the Maelstrom 

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Tarot Talk: 10 of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

The 10 of Swords is one of the most visually dramatic and emotionally charged cards in Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic Smith-Waite Tarot deck. It evokes a sense of finality, defeat, and deep transformation. The card’s stark imagery, featuring a figure lying face-down with ten swords piercing their back, has made it one of the most recognizable and, for some, unsettling images in tarot. However, beyond its ominous first impression, the 10 of Swords holds profound symbolic meaning that speaks to themes of endings, resilience, and rebirth. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 10 of Swords

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Herb of the Week: Asafoetida

By Katrina Rasbold

Asafoetida, often referred to as the “Devil’s Dung” due to its pungent aroma, is a powerful resin derived from the roots of certain Ferula plants. Despite its strong smell, this unique substance has been valued for centuries for its profound magical, healing, and metaphysical properties. Used in both spiritual rituals and traditional medicine, asafoetida is a staple in practices aimed at protection, purification, and energy clearing. Let’s explore its many uses and benefits.
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Stone Magic: Jet

By Katrina Rasbold

Jet, often referred to as “Black Amber” due to its organic origins, is a fossilized wood that has undergone immense pressure over millions of years. This unique gemstone has captivated spiritual practitioners and healers for centuries with its grounding, protective, and transformative properties. Despite its lightweight and understated appearance, jet holds immense energetic and metaphysical power. Let’s delve into the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of this fascinating stone.
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Fighting the Good Fight

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

I’m not the only one who isn’t happy about who is our President is. I did my best. I voted, I encouraged others to vote as I did, and I even voted for the non-presidential representatives who I felt supported LGBTQIA rights, women’s rights, the rights of the poor, marginalized, and the environment. In every last election, I vote. We do not get around like we used to, so I give us plenty of time to get our absentee ballots sent to us and we mail them back in plenty of time. I pay attention to who is running for offices, to be judges, and all local issues. I vote for what supports a liberal, inclusive policies. Do you, or did you just focus on who would be president? Continue reading Fighting the Good Fight

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Tarot Talk: The 2 of Pentacles

By Katrina Rasbold

The 2 of Pentacles is a fascinating and dynamic card in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. This card belongs to the suit of Pentacles, which is associated with material wealth, practical matters, and earthly concerns. However, the 2 of Pentacles introduces a theme of duality, balance, and adaptability, making it one of the most fluid and energetic cards in the suit.

In this post, we’ll explore the symbolism and interpretation of the 2 of Pentacles, examining its deeper meanings and how it applies to different areas of life

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Stone Magic: Topaz

By Katrina Rasbold

Topaz is a gemstone that has fascinated humanity for centuries with its dazzling brilliance and spectrum of colors. Beyond its visual allure, topaz carries profound magical, metaphysical, and healing properties that make it a favorite in spiritual and holistic practices. Let’s explore the deeper significance of this versatile and powerful gemstone.
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Herb of the Week: Angelica

By Katrina Rasbold

Angelica (Angelica archangelica), also known as “Archangel’s Herb,” has been treasured for centuries for its protective, healing, and spiritual properties. With its towering stature and sweet aroma, angelica is a symbol of divine intervention and resilience. Its roots, leaves, and seeds are used in various magical, metaphysical, and holistic practices. Let’s delve into the remarkable qualities of this sacred herb.
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The Magic of Being Unafraid of What They Say

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

Recently, I was accused by a stranger of something that I didn’t do. People who know me well know I would never do such a thing. Somebody who I met years ago who I know very well apparently has not taken the time to get to know me after all those years- and believed the accusation, and was really angry with me about it. It ended up damaging our relationship and I think this is permanent.  The word “bigot” was thrown into the mix, and I have never in all my life, even when I was being raised to be Catholic committed such an unkindness against anybody. Continue reading The Magic of Being Unafraid of What They Say

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Tarot Talk: The Star

By Katrina Rasbold

The Star card, numbered XVII in the Major Arcana, is one of the most optimistic and inspiring cards in the Tarot deck. Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, the Star radiates themes of hope, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. Its deep symbolism and artistic nuances make it a profound card to interpret in readings, offering insights into healing, guidance, and inner harmony.

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Stone Magic: Coral

By Katrina Rasbold

Coral, with its vibrant colors and organic origins, has been treasured by cultures worldwide for its beauty and symbolic significance. Often considered a bridge between the earth and the sea, coral carries unique energies that resonate deeply with the mind, body, and spirit. Let’s dive into the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties that make coral a cherished gemstone in spiritual practices.es.
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