Well, now that PCon has come to a close (and everything is unpacked) I have time to process all of the magic, friendship, wonder, chaos, and connection that this amazing conference/convention/festival/phenomenon means, is, and brings...

PantheaCon is a gathering that takes place over the President's Day weekend each year in San Jose, California in a large Doubletree Hotel.

This has a special significance for me as I was born in that city and every chance I have to return there is a bittersweet emotional recharge for my spirit.

This year's PantheaCon marks my first as a presenter on the main program schedule. I have given presentations and workshops before but never as part of the main program and never to an audience that size. I was an equal mix of excited and nervous.

Most of my work as a writer has had, as an underlying motivation, the drive to show that there are practical, affordable, workable, effective, and magical ways to achieve our goals, work our crafts, and celebrate our spiritualities without having to "make do" or feel lesser because exotic ingredients or expensive tools are unobtainable. This being the case, I gave a presentation on "Supermarket Witch Crafts" to show how to make custom, expensive-looking, homemade blank books, magnets, and spell bottles using everyday materials.

Overall, I think my presentation went well and I had a great time conversing with people after it was over. For me, the best part of PCon is connecting with people.

​Kristoffer Hughes, Melanie Marquis, Tiffany Lazic, and John Beckett gave great presentations that I was able to attend. There is always so much going on that no one person can go to everything that they want to, but I managed to see my favorites.

Aside from the main program, different organizations host hospitality rooms throughout the hotel on the 2nd, 9th, and 10th floors. My favorites were the OBOD room run by the East Bay Druids, the Sisterhood of Avalon room, and of course, the Llewellyn room. Each are run by wonderful people that create such an atmosphere of welcome and fun.

​Reconnecting with friends from all over is as vital a component of PantheaCon as the presentations. James, Erin, Thea, Elysia, Kat, Tiffany, Kristoffer and Ian, Melanie, & Motherbear; many thanks for your friendship. I was also so happy to formally meet Jhenah and Starhawk, and to meet Bill K in person. Wonderful people all. You're all fabulous and it is a blessing to know you.

The vendor area was fantastic with the Milk & Honey store's booth being my favorite.

Overall, this PantheaCon was a spiritual hug that bolstered my resolve to continue trying to give as much back to the Witch and Pagan community as I can whether it be through writing, teaching or other means.

Huge thank yous to all who came to my presentation, bought books, and talked with me in the halls, suites and everywhere. I am humbled by your kindness and I hope that you enjoy my books.

May the magic always bring blessings.

Blessed Be,

​Michael Furie

My twitter account (@FurieMichael) currently has 99 followers so, as a promotion, I have decided to give away a free autographed copy of my latest book, Spellcasting: Beyond the Basics to my 100th follower and to my 120th follower. Good luck and thanks for following.

I've noticed that it seems people use the term "comfort zone" to mean being in a place or situation where they can turn off their critical thinking or questioning mind. This can be a very dangerous practice.

How many people have been harmed by "trusted" religious figures, school officials, family members, police officers, celebrities, etc. where the common underlying theme was that something seemed off but they didn't bother to question it until it was too late?

It baffles me how many people seem to turn off all critical thought when it comes to authority figures. Even cynical people sometimes just blindly follow others to their own detriment.

Just because someone asks you a question, doesn't mean you have to answer it, or give a complete (or even honest) answer. People have been so conditioned into compliance that many don't stand up against prying people asking what is none of their business.

The bottom line in EVERY situation, if it feels wrong don't do it. If the book says so, if the priest says so, if the boss says so, its all irrelevant if it feels wrong.

Please understand that it might not actually be wrong (just wrong for you) and you may just need a different path.

Independent thought is becoming an increasingly rare trait in this homogenized world but independent thought is a hallmark of a true Witch. Within your own mind,  question everything. One need not become a combative, argumentative person outwardly however; knowing more than you speak tends to be a hallmark of the Witch as well. ;)

Living solely in the 'comfort zone' keeps one from personal growth and spiritual advancement.... again, I'm not advocating becoming a combative person; I'm advocating keeping oneself aware and constantly evolving as a person. What other people do is not the point; your own power, growth and maturity is.

Keep your independence, your critical thought, your shrewd, discerning nature and you will always have contact with your inner power.

Blessed Be.

Student: Why are some people so divisive and cruel?

Teacher: Well young one, there are two major reasons.

The first is that some people are victims of an increasingly prevalent societal compulsion to gain alleged superiority by degrading, exploiting, subjugating or marginalizing others. The people with this tendency are usually taught to think this way from an early age and their main fault (aside from their actions) is that they have never had the drive to question what they were taught, expand their worldview and move beyond their ignorance.

Student: Oh..... What's the second reason?

Teacher: Well, some people are just assholes.

Student: Oh.


The moral of this tale is that uncovering the reasons why a perpetrator does what they do must be secondary to minimizing their damage since, sometimes, there is no real reason and even when there is a cause for the problem, it may be virtually unsolvable.

Apply as needed.

Blessed Be.

It has been a challenging year for so many of us. Looking to astrology, we find a major configuration of planets occurring last April (the grand cardinal cross) which shifted the lives of many people in deep and fundamental ways.

Regardless of whether 2014 has been joyous, difficult or a combination of both, it is sensible to use this moment to take stock of what the past year has meant to you; what you've learned, what you've lost and what you've gained, both good and bad.

Remember and give meaning to your experiences over the year. It is so important to live consciously and acknowledging your past is a good way to avoid being in denial or lacking gratitude. Spiritually speaking, giving proper thanks for blessings received and goals acheived helps to pave the way for future rewards.

The last day of the calendar year offers a wonderful opportunity to take stock, to let go of what no longer serves your life and to give thanks for what does.

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A simple ritual to accomplish both uses 2 pieces of paper, a white charm bag and a pen, a cauldron, a black candle and a white candle.

Release and Renewal Spell

On your working table, place the cauldron in the center. Facing north, set the black candle behind the cauldron to the left and the white candle behind the cauldron to the right (both unlit).

On one paper write down what you are grateful for; any major blessings, achievements or events that brought you joy in 2014. Fold this paper into a little packet making each fold toward you and set it in front of the white candle.

On the other paper, write down what you wish to be free of in the new year; specific obstacles that you feel are holding you back. Fold this paper away from you and set it in front of the black candle.

Cast a circle and/or anoint with oil if desired and light the candles (first black then white).

Holding the obstacle paper in hand say,

"Remove the chains, these ties that bind; free me from what holds me down. Dissolved, discarded, left behind; I now move forward, blessed and unbound."

Ignite the paper in the light of the black candle and drop it in the cauldron to burn away.

Moving toward your list of blessings, place this in the white charm bag and drip a few drops of wax from the white candle into the pouch then say,

"Blessings given and goals acheived,
I acknowledge and thank those who've helped me succeed.
I work to preserve what has been earned, and seek to build on what I have learned.
To increase the bounty, encouraging growth; joy and prosperity, shining forth."

Tie the bag shut, extinguish the candles and end the ritual. After the rite, bury the ashes (or cast them to the winds) and keep the charm bag in a safe place with items you treasure.
The charm bag can be buried at the end of each year and a new one made if desired.

Blessed Be and Happy New Year

<|:)

Today, December 26th, I was in the checkout line at a local supermarket when I noticed an odd sight; a display of Valentine's candy conversation hearts.... already.

It's bad enough when Xmas decorations and displays are set up in stores in October which pulls focus from Halloween and almost completely suppresses Thanksgiving, but now we're subjected to constant bombardment of holiday commercialism?

Very often people bemoan how commercial holidays have become (Xmas in particular) and yet they continue to buy the merchandise as soon as it is available, no matter how early.

The primary power that we as consumers possess is whether or not to buy. If people don't like being inundated with merchandise months in advance the only sensible action is to refrain from buying any of it until it is closer to the holiday.

To see people buy Xmas decorations in mid October and then complain about how commercial it has become is a laughable (and hypocritical) paradox.

Thinking and feeling have little power without the disciplined will to act. If no one is buying Valentine's Day candy in late December, eventually the stores will stop putting it out so early since it will be an unprofitable waste of valuable shelf space until late January or so.

A step in the right direction, no matter how small is always better than no action at all ..... or worse, endless complaining while actually adding to the problem.

I'm not sure if many people do this, but I have kept a detailed list of every Witchcraft-related book that I have ever gotten. The idea for the list began when I was a teenager and couldn't remember which books I had and what order they were acquired.

I decided to create a list chronicling the order obtained, date received, the book title and author. As soon as I get a new book, I always record it on my list to keep it up to date.

The list makes a handy reference not only for what books I own and in what order they were purchased but also can be used to help keep track when you lend someone a book.

Having a list like this can be nostalgic as looking over it and reminiscing about when you were finally able to get a special book or realizing how your knowledge base has evolved been partially shaped by your book collection can be comforting pastime.

Blessed be and Happy Samhain,

Michael Furie