Back to the Basics: The Beginning
Photo by Joy Marino on Pexels.com
This last Full moon had an interesting effect on me, In the middle of my personal ritual I started reciting and performing a few of my older parts of ritual that I have not done in years. Many of which come from my earlier Wiccan/Witchcraft days and some even further from my learning years. It was though I had forgotten my current practices and my mind filled in the blanks with the ones that were embedded from the beginning.
After I was done, I had to pull out my first BOS just to verify that what I had just automatically did was in fact from that time period. It was! For most of the following day I pondered what to do with this and why it happened. Was there a reason I went back to these basics, was there something I needed to learn from this? The truth is these practices do not resonate with me anymore, or so I thought.
I decided to use the remaining night of the Full moon to experiment and do another ritual only utilizing these past practices. I even dusted off a few of my older tools, which surprisingly still held their energies. What I discovered was more than I had expected. I felt more connected, more in the moment and even better yet, more on the threshold of being between the worlds. As much as I feel that my belief systems have changed or evolved, I felt that certain something I haven’t felt in a long time, excitement. It was like the first time discovering a new practice or being shown a new way of doing something from your guides. The only downfall to all this was this raised a lot more questions.
What followed next was what led me to this blog post. I needed to find out why and what this was all about. So, what is a Witch to do? Well… meditate of course. I sat in meditation for over 3 hours conversing with my guides, ancestors and the various Deities I keep in high regard. In their typical fashion, no one would give me straight answer. Which then lead me to realize this is something I need to figure out for myself. It wasn’t until I figured that out, that Hekate shed some light on a few things that I started to see the bigger picture. My path was to change direction again, but before that I needed to close out a few past receipts that I had and cash in on some that I have been neglecting.
I will not disclose all of these here as many are personal. However, there are few that I can share and plan to keep sharing, right here. As many who have been to my classes and signings know, I have always stated that I never wanted to be an author, it was my guides who led me to do so. From that I found myself down a path I never would have thought I would be on. From running successful events like the Pocono Witches Festival to owning my own store. Unfortunately, the one thing that took a back seat was my writing, that’s not to say I haven’t been writing, I just haven’t done a whole lot, especially here on the blog. Well, that was until now. So, the plan is to go through my old BOS and “re-live” my past rituals and practices and share them here. This will keep me writing and also fulfill another aspect that is needed, routine and structure!
With so much going on, keeping the routine and structure in my practices has declined. That’s not to say I do not have them, I have just gotten side tracked with everything else. Over the years I have followed less of the structured rituals most often found in many wiccan based traditions that I had started with. I feel this event of going back to my roots that was presented is guiding me to put more structure into my practices. However, I have to figure out how this will flow into my current spiritual beliefs. I hope you will join me on this new and exciting curve of my path. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing many of my past personal rituals and practices, as well as my journey as I return to the beginning.
News: Introducing “The Pocono Witch Shoppe” Opening December 7th
The Pocono Witch Shoppe, the brick and mortar sister shop of The Hierophant will open its doors on December 7th in the magickal Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. It will offer unique magickal and occult items that have been hand-crafted and picked by author, artist, and practicing Witch, E. Massey, the “Pocono Witch”.
The Pocono Witch shoppe will carry magickal candles, potions, and incense for any intent and need. Unlike other “metaphysical” and occult stores many of our items are one of a kind and uniquely created by hand. which have been hand picked from suppliers and crafters from all over the world.
We also sell items such as various types of candles, oils, and incense for the everyday regular practices of any magickal and spiritual tradition.
The Pocono Witch Shoppe does not hold to one tradition or belief system, we support and cater to all of the magickal and spiritual communities.
Come and Experience the Magick of the Pocono Mountains!
The Pocono Witch Shoppe
3815 Route 115 Suite 104 Blakeslee, PA 18610
570-216-8244
Email: Hierophant-shoppe@gmail.com Website: www.poconowitch.com
Hours:
Sunday 3pm to 7pm
Weds 4pm – 7pm
Saturday 11am to 5pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only 4pm – 7pm Please call to make appointment
“Cantaloupes” and Little Witches, The Best is Yet to Come!
Photo by Susanne Jutzeler on Pexels.com
Happy Samhain and New Year!!!
For those of my readers who keep up on me via social media may have seen the ton of projects and events I have been organizing and participating in. I finally have some time to sit down and write a blog post. As you can see, along with my new and magickal adventures, I decided it was time for a new look to the website. So, with this new look comes so many exciting things that are in the works for 2020. A few months ago, I didn’t think half of what is to come would even happen. I was forced into a depressive state that sent me into a place haven’t been in years. Although, I know that It has always been an ongoing battle, I didn’t see this coming, nor did I see the outcomes that came from it either. Its crazy how one “stupid thing” can create a personal Armageddon. Thanks to some amazing people in my life who stood behind me, I have been able to keep a good head on things and continue on my guided path. Yet despite all the amazing things that have been presented to me on this path, it has been hard to feel the joy and excitement as I work through this bat of depression and hollowness. Self-empowerment and shadow work are what is on the menu for this coming year. That and removing the hurtful and negative “cantaloupes” out of my life. Yes, I did say cantaloupes, I hate them, they ruin fruit salads with their overriding selfish flavor. There aren’t many things I hate in this world but they are number one on my list, next to cucumbers. Yuck!!
Despite all this my fruit salad has seen some great fruition and promise. Especially in the success and overwhelming response to the Pocono Witches Festival & Ball. When my guides said I was going to throw a ball I didn’t expect it to become one of the biggest Witch Gatherings in Eastern Pennsylvania. The support of the community has been beyond modest. The turn out saw over 1200 people over the weekend and despite being protested for being “evil”, we were able to help many children in need receive a warm coat this winter. Where is the evil in that? Not bad for its inauguration, and 2020 will see a bigger and better PWF. From holding this event, I have seen an influx of promotion and support in the Pocono area. In fact, this is how I got tagged in an article as the “Pocono Witch”, Which I still laugh at but I am rolling with it. Which brings me to my newest and next project, happening as we speak. I am days away from signing a lease on a storefront for The Hierophant, which will now become “The Pocono Witch Shoppe”. The Hierophant will remain the name for the online store, but thanks to this silly tittle I thought it would be a great way to tie it all together.
2020 Will also finally see my third book, “THE LITTLE WITCHES CURRICULUM: A parent’s guide to teaching witchcraft, magick, and Pagan spirituality”. Although, this was actually the first book I began writing four years ago, I have been holding off releasing it due to wanting it to be fully organized and reflective of the ever-changing ECE theories and practices. I finally feel confident in the content that I knew that if it was ever going to happen, it would have to be now. So, for all those people who have asked me over the last 2 years of its release, it will happen this year. And for those who haven’t yet heard about it……
“The Little Witches Curriculum” is a resource for those parents that would like a comprehensive guide to raising their children in a magickal environment. It combines spiritual and magickal education with early childhood development practices and theories that make up one of the most comprehensive curriculums for their “Little Witches”. The curriculum provides hands-on magickal and spiritual activities and experiences that create “teachable moments” for parents rather than the traditional “forced” approach in education. Although, the chapters are broken up into a lesson format the activities are inclusive to the child’s own developmental stage and interests. This is done by allowing the child to dictate how the parents encourage spiritual education through their own interests rather than a direct approach. “The Little Witches Curriculum” explores the topics of meditation, magick, and the common lore found in many Pagan and Witchcraft traditions.
Best of all, the information and lessons in this book are built on the most up to date practices that are commonly used in early childhood education settings and classrooms around the world. Most importantly, the information is communicated in an easy to understand, fun and relaxed language and is relevant to anyone of any magickal tradition or spiritual background. Whereas, other books may only teach the “one-way approach”, “The Little Witches Curriculum” can be an open-ended resource for all Pagan tradition parents. Similar to my second book, “The Modern Witches Curriculum”, the Curriculum and layout can be started at any time of the year and on any day of the week. There is no beginning or ending to this book. It can be used over and over again. This is done by allowing the parent to choose how far and how much they want to explore in the topics. The lessons and activities have been publicly tested with both parents and children and have been well received by members of the Pagan community, known and unknown.
Just to give an idea of some of the activities you will find in the curriculum here is a sneak peek at part of the “Table of Contents”
I am also in the process of the possibility of releasing two other books within the year. This will also see me doing multiple book tours and Pagan community events, which is my favorite part because I enjoy meeting and talking with all the amazing people of the community.
This is only a taste of what is happening and planned for 2020. With all this I will have no other choice then to have the most amazing fruit salad and what’s best of all is that I get to share it with the community.
Thank you all for your support and kindness.
You Can Help The Hierophant with a New Location!!
The Hierophant crew has found a better opportunity to bring The Hierophant – A Magickal Thrift & Occult Shoppe to a physical location. This location is located in Blakeslee, PA. This location is bigger and better with less over head. This location would put us right in the hub of resort tourism and be central tor our already growing market from thePocono Witches Festival. With this location they will be able to bring affordable metaphysical products and services to the community. Expanding the already working online business to even more customers. By having a physical location they will be able to provide a center for the community to learn, explore, and grow in their own spirituality where all are respected. We also have dedicated everything we do to our mission statement that states “one’s spiritual practice or need of magick should not take away from one’s pockets.
Thier goal was to open a brick and mortar location in Spring 2020 from capital raised from The Pocono Witches’ Festival & Ball . Although, this is still the case if needed. However, this new location has become available and it will not last long. Unfortunately, this was not something I wanted to do, as we all know how a gofund me looks to the public, but with a little help we can open on schedule, so they decided to turn to you, our community. With your help we can provide a much needed spiritual neutral space in the Pocono community a lot faster. If they make my goal they will pay it forward by donating the equal amount from the profits of my event to a local organization in the Poconos. Thank you to all those who have donated for the previous location, no worries that money will go to our new location build up.
Your donated funds will help me secure the location, purchase furniture and obtain more stock.
The Location
About The Hierophant
The Hierophant is a magickal thrift and occult shoppe that offers affordable and unique magickal and occult items. All the products are hand-crafted and picked by author, artist, and practicing Witch, E. Massey . As a magickal practitioner for over twenty years, E. Massey believes that one’s spiritual practice or need of magick should not take away from one’s pockets. From the time he was a “Little Witch” he has repurposed many items found at thrift stores or yard sales for spiritual purposes. He also feels that magickal services should be affordable to those in need. The Hierophant was created to bring these items and services to the community.
The Hierophant offers affordable hand-crafted items such as magickal candles, potions, and incense for any intent and need. All of E. Massey’s magickal items are empowered and fixed to work for your highest good and all repurposed products have been cleaned, both mundanely and magickally. Unlike other “metaphysical” and occult stores many of our items are one of a kind and uniquely created by hand. The Hierophant’s two main priorities are to keep our prices low and to reduce our environmental footprint. We achieve this by utilizing very little branding and like to keep things as simple as possible.
The Hierophant also sells items such as various types of candles, oils, and incense for the everyday regular practices of any magickal and spiritual tradition. All these products have been hand picked from suppliers and crafters from all over the world. The Hierophant thrives to not be your normal metaphysical store and puts the “craft” back in Witchcraft.
The Hierophant does not hold to one tradition or belief system, we support and cater to all of the magickal and spiritual communities.
Donate Today!!!
Event: E. Massey at South Jersey Pagan Pride
E. Massey will be at South Jersey Pagan Pride doing readings and with a workshop at 4pm
The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
Explore how the Gods and Goddesses of the world’s traditions are more than the faces and names we give them. Go beyond the myths and find the inter-connectedness of various pantheons through energies and not images. Learn how understanding their essence can break down the confines of how we view our own spirituality. Through a group meditation, attendees will tap into the primal energy of a choice Deity to guide the direction of the class. E. Massey Discusses how to build a stronger relationship with your Deities through energy and ritual. Acquire new practices by building upon your own teachings and views of the Gods and Goddesses. Discover how indigenous teachings and the Hermetic philosophies can reshape the modern spiritual concepts of Deities.
16th Annual Event @ Cooper River Park, 10 am to 6 pm
Free to Attend * Family Friendly * Leashed Pets Welcome!
Kids Crafts * Food * Music * Local Crafters
Psychic & Tarot Readings
Free Spiritual and Magickal Workshops!
(see event or for schedule)
10 to 6 pm, Cooper River Park, Gazebo Park (before the dog park)
Public Ritual at 2 pm by Distelfink Sippschaff Kindred
Music by SoundWeaver, and Rich Donahue
2019 Confirmed Vendors & Groups:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two of Cats Apothecary
Ladymysticmagik
Kaos Forge
Restorative Aromatics
necronomicharm
StrangeSpace
WizardsTower
Moonlit Gems
Lickyourface8
A Touch of Glass…and then some
Grams Good Juju Gems
Deltastrike Concepts
Trinity’s Magickal Intentions LLC
Intuitive Holistix South Jersey / Astraea Moons Art
The Troth/Distelfink Sippschaft/Heathens Against Hate
Metal Reign and J.Leigh
Violet Fae’s Realm
Teri’s Tumbles dba www.findyourharmony.com
Mystic Sky Design, LLC.
Crimson Melodies
Breath Before Sound
Mystikala
Sparkles and Spirit
Red Oak Grove ADF
Seraphic Wood & Soundweaver
Seekers of the Wild Heart coven
Midnight Enchantment
E. Massey, Author
Readings by Sherry
New Classes and Workshops for 2020
With 2020 (to be read in your best Barbara Walters voice) just around the corner E. Massey has put together a list of the classes and workshops he will be offering to the community. For this year, you spoke he listened offering more intense topics than his previous classes (which will still be available upon request) that will encourage spiritual exploration and personal growth to students. One of which includes a 2 day intensive version of his Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft class that so many have asked for. In addition to this he has added a brand new fun class, Magickal Candle & Sip, similar to his popular Magickal Paint & Sip.
Booking information can be found at www.e-massey.com or by emailing a request for details to Androide Entertainment at entertainment.robots@gmail.com or emx0912@gmail.com
E. Massey Workshops and Classes 2020
Details of each workshop and class can be found below
Adult Classes and Workshops
- Magickal Candle and Sip
- Magickal Paint and Sip
- Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality
- Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
- Pillars of Belief Intensive: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
- The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
- Paranormal Witch: Witchcraft and the Spirit World
“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops
- Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)
- You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)
- Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)
- The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)
Magickal Candle and Sip
E. Massey’s newest sip and craft is a one of a kind workshop that combines an introduction to candle magick and basic candle making with your favorite beverage. Where no previous knowledge or magickal skills are needed, everyone is a magickal candle maker. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating their own personalized magickal candle. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into their own made candles with herbs, energy, and intention. All candle making supplies will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks and their intentions.
Time Duration: 3 hrs.
Magickal Paint and Sip
E. Massey’s most popular and one of a kind workshop combines art and magick into a relaxed and fun class. Where no artistic or magickal skills needed, everyone is a magickal artist. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating a one of a kind magickal masterpiece. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into art with color, herbs, energy, and intention. All painting supplies, canvases, easels, and aprons will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks. Painting subjects and spell work may vary.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality
Parents will learn how to use early childhood education and developmental theories to encourage and foster a child’s spirituality. Explore non-evasive ways to incorporate the fundamentals of Witchcraft and Pagan beliefs into a child’s chosen spirituality. Based on E. Massey’s tentative book, The Little Witch’s Curriculum this workshop takes a new approach to raising spiritually minded children.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
E. Massey’s Second most popular class attendees will discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”.
Time Duration: 3 hrs.
Pillars of Belief intensive: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
An Intensive 2-day class based on one of E. Massey’s most popular classes. Attendees will discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”. Day 1: An introduction to The Kybalion and the Principles. Day 2: Connecting the Principle to Modern Witchcraft.
Time Duration: 3 hrs/2 Days
Note: This class requires accommodations for E. Massey
The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
Explore how the Gods and Goddesses of the world’s traditions are more than the faces and names we give them. Go beyond the myths and find the inter-connectedness of various pantheons through energies and not images. Learn how understanding their essence can break down the confines of how we view our own spirituality. Through a group meditation, attendees will tap into the primal energy of a choice Deity to guide the direction of the class. E. Massey Discusses how to build a stronger relationship with your Deities through energy and ritual. Acquire new practices by building upon your own teachings and views of the Gods and Goddesses. Discover how indigenous teachings and the Hermetic philosophies can reshape the modern spiritual concepts of Deities.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Paranormal Witch: Witchcraft and the Spirit World
Based on E. Massey’s experiences as a Paranormal Psychic/Medium Investigator. This class/Q&A discussion will give attendees a chance to listen, ask questions and learn various practices used by E. Massey during his paranormal investigations. Discuss topics from Seances and spirit boards to protection and banishing. E. Massey explains how Witchcraft and ghost hunting can go hand in hand.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops
Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)
In this workshop for parents and their children, participants will learn various easy and fun divination methods and ways to foster a child’s intuition and divination practices. Every child receives a set of serpent stones.
Time Duration: 1 hr.
Suggested Price: $25.00 p/p one child included, $10.00 additional children
You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)
Parents and children will gain a better understanding of age-appropriate meditation techniques. Children will learn basic meditation teachings and explore creative visualization.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Suggested Price: $30.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children
Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)
Introduction to the many pantheons and traditions found in Paganism and modern Witchcraft. Parents will be given the tools to allow children to grow spiritually on their own path. Children will enjoy building an ice cream sundae while exploring different pantheons and the many choices of traditions.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Suggested Price: $40.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children
The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)
Parents will learn how to find teachable moments and celebrate the seasons that create a bond between family and nature. Explore the wheel of the year in a non-evasive way for children to understand the eight seasonal holidays found in Witchcraft, wicca and other earth-based traditions. Children will begin a Wheel of the year project to work on throughout the year on their own.
Time Duration: 2 hrs.
Suggested Price: $30.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children
Previous Classes and Workshops
- Massey also offers some of his previous classes and workshops as well. If you are interested in any of the listed classes below please contact E. Massey.
Adult Classes and Workshops
- The Art of Magickal Art
- Candle Magick
- Tarot Magick and Spellcasting
- Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles
- Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons
“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops
- The Cow jumped over the full moon
- The Big Blue Bunny in the Basement
