Category: Resident GE Blog Columnists

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Tarot Talk: Four of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

The Four of Cups, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith in the iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck, is a card that beckons contemplation and introspection. Often regarded as a card of apathy, dissatisfaction, and introspection, the Four of Cups delves into the complex human emotions of discontent and stagnation. This image, rich with symbolism, holds a mirror to our moments of contemplation, asking us to look deeper into the causes of our disinterest and disengagement. Let’s explore the symbolism in Smith’s illustration and what it means for those who draw this card in a reading. Continue reading Tarot Talk: Four of Cups

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Stone Magic: Emerald

By Katrina Rasbold

Emerald, with its vibrant green color and stunning clarity, is a gemstone that has captivated the hearts of mystics, healers, and royals alike for centuries. Known as the “Stone of Successful Love” and associated with the heart chakra, this precious stone radiates an energy of healing, renewal, and spiritual wisdom. Whether you’re seeking emotional balance, spiritual growth, or physical well-being, Emerald offers profound benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Let’s explore the magical and healing properties of this powerful gemstone.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Emerald

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Herbalism For Your Day: Tonka Beans

By Katrina Rasbold

Tonka Beans (Dipteryx odorata), the aromatic seeds of the Dipteryx tree, are renowned for their sweet, vanilla-like scent and deep magical properties. Used in both magical and healing practices for centuries, Tonka Beans are symbols of luck, love, and protection. Their rich, warm fragrance makes them a favorite in rituals involving attraction, manifestation, and spiritual guidance, while their subtle energy brings both balance and soothing comfort.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magical and healing properties of Tonka Beans, exploring their history, folklore, and how to incorporate them into your magical and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Tonka Beans

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Can Magical Bonds be Broken?

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

Now we are at the time of Samhain. The veil has thinned, and the dead walk amongst the living. There is debate as to when Samhain is. Some celebrate it on New Moon or Full Moon closest to Halloween. Others say it is exactly November 1 every year. Some people say it is when the first frost hits. Some people say the word means “November” so it can be celebrated for the whole month.

I think, no matter when we say Samhain is, we can all agree, it hits home for all of us who venerate our ancestors. They may have left us to begin a new life, but they are never far from us. Continue reading Can Magical Bonds be Broken?

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Tarot Talk: The Sun

By Katrina Rasbold

The Sun card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, is a powerful symbol of joy, success, and enlightenment. As one of the most optimistic cards in the Major Arcana, it embodies themes of radiance, clarity, and positivity, channeling a life-affirming message that transcends mere fortune. Let’s explore the card’s rich symbolism and how it captures universal messages of warmth and growth. Continue reading Tarot Talk: The Sun

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 Reflect and Reclaim Soul: A Simple Mirror Ritual

By Tatiara
Imagine it’s late, the world is quiet, and it’s just you and your mirror, a candle flickering as you sit face-to-face with yourself. Tonight, you’re here to explore the parts of yourself that are often pushed away or hidden. In this moment, invite them to be seen. These mysterious aspects are your archetypes—primordial patterns of meaning and energy that live within us all. Each one, such as the Mystic, the Rebel, the Lover, the Warrior, and many more, carries a unique wisdom and a raw energy meant to help us on our journey.
Continue reading  Reflect and Reclaim Soul: A Simple Mirror Ritual

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Stone Magic: Amber

By Katrina Rasbold

Amber, often mistaken for a gemstone, is actually fossilized tree resin that has been revered for thousands of years for its stunning beauty and powerful metaphysical properties. Its warm, golden glow radiates a sense of ancient wisdom and spiritual energy. Amber has been used in healing, protection, and spiritual practices across many cultures, earning it the title of the “Golden Healer.” Let’s explore the fascinating spiritual and metaphysical properties of this ancient substance and how it can enhance your spiritual journey.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Amber

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Herbalism For Your Day: Henbane

By Katrina Rasbold

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a plant steeped in history, magic, and lore. Often regarded as one of the infamous “witches’ herbs” due to its potent effects and associations with ancient magical practices, Henbane carries an aura of both power and danger. Though poisonous, Henbane has been used in small, controlled amounts for its medicinal and psychoactive properties, playing a significant role in both ancient healing and magical rituals.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of Henbane, along with the plant’s deep roots in folklore and witchcraft. While Henbane requires caution due to its toxicity, its rich magical history and transformative spiritual uses make it an herb worth understanding, especially for those working with protective, visionary, and transformative magic. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Henbane

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Stone Magic: Jasper

By Katrina Rasbold

Jasper, often referred to as the “Supreme Nurturer,” is a diverse and versatile gemstone that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, each with its own distinct energy. With a history stretching back to ancient civilizations, Jasper has long been regarded as a powerful stone for healing, protection, and grounding. Its steady, calming vibrations offer a wealth of benefits, making it a favorite in magical and metaphysical practices. Let’s explore the enchanting properties of Jasper and how it can enrich your spiritual journey.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Jasper

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Tarot Talk: 4 of Swords

By Katrina Rasbold

 A Journey of Rest and Renewal

The 4 of Swords, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith for the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, is one of the more serene yet deeply introspective cards in the Minor Arcana. Its imagery holds layers of symbolism that invite contemplation on rest, retreat, and spiritual recovery. While on the surface the card may appear simple, its profound meaning speaks to the essential human need for quiet reflection and inner renewal. In this post, we’ll explore the symbolism and interpretation of this card, shedding light on its deeper message. Continue reading Tarot Talk: 4 of Swords

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Herbalism For Your Day: Honeysuckle

By Katrina Rasbold

The Magical and Healing Properties of Honeysuckle: The Herb of Sweetness and Protection

Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a beloved plant known for its sweet fragrance and beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. This enchanting herb has a rich history of use in both herbal medicine and magical practices, where it is celebrated for its healing, protective, and prosperity-attracting properties. In magic, Honeysuckle is often associated with love, psychic powers, protection, and abundance, while its healing properties make it a valuable tool in traditional herbalism for soothing inflammation and supporting the respiratory system.

In this blog post, we will explore the magical and healing properties of Honeysuckle and discover how you can incorporate this powerful and fragrant herb into your spiritual and wellness practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Honeysuckle

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The Magic of Today

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

Some of the people I love have had some close calls this year- including my husband. Two people I love probably won’t make it to 2025. That’s the reality of middle age.

So, to those of you who are younger, or are unaware of an ugly reality- listen.

Today is all we’ve got. Continue reading The Magic of Today

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Stone Magic: Smoky Quartz

By Katrina Rasbold

Smoky quartz, with its captivating hues ranging from light gray to deep brown, is more than just a beautiful crystal; it’s a powerful ally in the realm of metaphysics and magic. This stone, known for its grounding and protective properties, has is revered for its ability to transform negative energies into positive ones. In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical properties of smoky quartz and how you can harness its energy for your spiritual practice.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Smoky Quartz

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Tarot Talk: Eight of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

“Tarot Talk” is a once-a-week reading with a deep exploration of the card we pull. What are some aspects of the card (as per the original Pamela Colman Smith artwork) that add extra dimensions to the interpretation? How does that tell us what to focus on in the coming week? This week’s card is… Continue reading Tarot Talk: Eight of Cups

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Herbalism For Your Day: Boneset

By Katrina Rasbold

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), also known as thoroughwort, is a powerful herb with a long history of use in herbal medicine and magical practices. Traditionally used by Native Americans and early settlers for its potent healing properties, Boneset has been regarded as a staple in herbalism for treating fevers, colds, and flu. In magical circles, Boneset is valued for its protective energy, ability to banish negativity, and power to help in spiritual healing.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the magical and healing properties of Boneset, along with practical ways to incorporate this herb into your spiritual and herbal practices. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Boneset

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Herbalism For Your Day: Broom

By Katrina Rasbold

Broom (Genista or Cytisus scoparius) is a plant that has been used for centuries in both magical and medicinal practices. With its bright yellow flowers and bushy form, Broom has a strong historical association with purification, protection, and banishing negativity. Known in folklore as a powerful cleansing tool, Broom is often linked with spiritual and magical practices that focus on removing stagnant energies and creating an environment of clarity and safety. Continue reading Herbalism For Your Day: Broom

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Stone Magic: Staurolite

By Katrina Rasbold

Staurolite, often referred to as the “fairy cross” due to its distinctive cross-shaped crystals, is a fascinating mineral with both aesthetic appeal and rich metaphysical properties. Found primarily in Georgia and North Carolina, staurolite is valued not only for its beauty but also for its spiritual significance. In this week’s “Stone Magic” blog post, we dive into the metaphysical attributes of staurolite, its historical context, and how we can use it to accentuate our magical life.

Continue reading Stone Magic: Staurolite

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All Acts of Love and Passion?

By Lady Saoirse

Bright Blessings,

“Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold: all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.” These are some of the words from the charge of the goddess. Some who count this as one of their sacred scriptures take these words to heart. “All acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.” Some say love and passion, but what is meant by love and passion? Continue reading All Acts of Love and Passion?

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Tarot Talk: Ace of Cups

By Katrina Rasbold

“Tarot Talk” is a once-a-week reading with a deep exploration of the card we pull. What are some aspects of the card (as per the original Pamela Colman Smith artwork) that add extra dimensions to the interpretation? How does that tell us what to focus on in the coming week? This week’s card is… Continue reading Tarot Talk: Ace of Cups