What is a Wand?

A witch’s wand is used to invoke the element of air or fire (depending upon the tradition), as an extension of the arm used to project energy and also to designate a sacred space for magical work.

While the function of the wand is similar to that of the athame, the wand is used more for magical work concerning communication, and material action and projects, in the physical world. Use a wand to communicate an intention to the universe as the culmination of a spell.

Opal Owl wands are made using branches and other found wand like materials, including glass objects and vintage fire pokers etc.. They are embellished with crystals, feathers, cord, leather and other symbolic materials and colors to create specific energetic patterns and aesthetics to suit each wands owner. The wands are cleared and consecrated before they are sold.

Wands resonate with the fire element and the wands or staffs found within tarot. more images


Getting Ready: Meditation Retreat

The week before I left for my week-long meditation retreat I pulled something in my back! It was one of those oppsss I just turned the wrong way/ouch! I did a little too much at the gym kinda moments! Needless to say I was panicked thinking I would be in agony all week meditating. I tried to be OK with that, thinking, well, if my experience is physical pain then so be it, I would just sink into that, just be with the pain... But I wasn't ready to accept that as my experience quite yet. 


With two days before I was even leaving I was already planning my painful demise. I was certainly not in the present moment. So then I sat, and remembered I had an appointment with my chiropractor the very next day. It would a least help a bit right? Well it more than helped, Dr. Leo really, really helped me, I mean REALLY! 

I went in and I told  him about the trip and my concerns and he encouraged me to do a double session if I had time. A double is where you do one session and then wait about 15 minutes, let your body integrate the session, and then go back in again. I had never done one before but wow, it totally did the trick! The next day I felt a bit tender but no pain. My flight, sleeping in a different bed, meditating for 7 days and then the flight home. Nothing, still no pain. I was totally fine! I really couldn't believe it. Anyone who know's me well know's how much I love Network Spinal Analysis... but this was remarkable. Clearly I have been doing this kind of chiropractic work on and off for well over 10 years for a reason! Mostly I go for reason's outside of pain or pain management, but that's another post I'll write about some another time.

I'll be posting more on my retreat soon, but wanted to share this part as it really was the perfect beginning to a more mindful and gentle approach to life!

Retreat (Strength)

I'm preparing for a week long residential meditation retreat out of town and it's ironic how much rushing around happens just to get ready to sit quietly for a week. Realising this, as I'm spinning around packing and tying up loose ends, has really allowed me to slow down a bit. To try to be in "what is" and know that everything is fine just the way it is unfolding. The whole point of all this is to bring this mindfulness and practice into my daily life, right?!?!?! Well here goes!


from the crow's magick tarot deck
I've been pulling a tarot card each morning for daily reflection and have had a whole host of wand cards show up in the past two weeks, action and fire. I have been busily using that force to get my shit together! Yesterday I pulled a card to help me frame the retreat, it was the Strength card (Leo). This card makes me think about balance; accepting one's wildness and harnessing that power so it can work for, instead of against. The Maiden and the Lion come together. As said on aeclectic.net "Strength is about combining two strengths to overcome weakness... putting these two strengths together creates perseverance, personal honor, and courage". The Shambhala path is the path of the warrior, its about being fearless to be who you really are and then holding that in a place of tenderness, kindness and compassion. This is the most courageous act I know, this is Strength. 

Inner Kindness

I have been working away on all kinds of administrative tasks today and I kept forgetting that my keyboard was malfunctioning. Basicaly each time I go to use a question mark it adds in a totally different character! Talk about frustrating! Over and over again... I could not seem to remember that I had to copy and paste it in from a different document. So over and over again I would curse myself for forgetting! After about the 10th time I really became aware of how harsh I was being on myself for this little mistake and how it was really negatively impacting my workflow. I thought I am gonna try something a little different and incorporate some mindfulness into this. And again, each time it happened I would start to lean towards an aggressive inner voice, but now, I was catching myself just as it was about to happen. Instead of being mean, now each time it happened, I smiled a little and softened around the repeated mistake. Eventually it shifted completely and became a kind of a sweet affirmation to be more gentle and kind to myself. What a gift that silly keyboard malfunction has given me today. I urge you to try something like this when you hear that agressive meanie-pants voice starting to kick in.

WHAT IS AN ATHAME?

The athame's primary use is for ritual and magical purposes, to direct energy, to cut cords etc. The athame is used to invoke and banish things that are unwanted or needed. It is considered to be an extension of your power, a ritual object, for only ritual use. It is akin to the sword and resonates with the element of air, the mind and higher plane.

Opal Owl athame's are made using found and vintage kitchen knives and other types of blades. They are embellished with crystals, feathers, cord, leather and other symbolic materials and colors to create specific energetic patterns and aesthetics to suit each athames owner. The athame's are energetically cleared and consecrated before they are sold.


Custom athames and other healing tools are available as well. To see more images click HERE

Please contact leslie@opalowl.ca for more info.


Crystal Awakenings Workshop
With Leslie Peters, Crystal Resonance Therapist and Reiki Practitioner

In this one hour workshop you will learn how to awaken and connect with your crystals. Leslie will discuss the importance of connecting with your crystals and lead you in guided meditation to deepen your relationship with your crystals. Bring one crystal and a notebook. If you have taken this course already feel free to sign up again to connect with a different crystal from your collection.

Tuesday November 10th 6:30 to 7:30 
Tuesday December 1st  6:30 to 7:30 

$10 or PWYC
contact leslie@opalowl.ca for more info.
        Wonderworks, 25 Baldwin St. Toronto



Crystal Gift Consultations

This lovely collection is part of a gift I'm consulting on... 


I'm really loving the process of helping the gift giver figure out their intent and what energy and feeling do they want to impart?  Its a joy supporting the whole process... starting with purchasing, cleansing, and connecting with each ‪#‎crystal  ‬to gather specific information, writing personalized instructions and final packaging as well! This really is a special process and a beautiful way of giving from the ‪#‎heart‬

Crystal Programming Workshop

Crystal Programming Workshop
August 11th, 2015, 6:30 to 7:30

image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky, irocks.com

In this one hour workshop you will learn 
how to program a clear quartz crystal. 

Crystal Resonance Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Leslie Peters will teach you the basic concepts of charging and programming a crystal and lead you through a guided meditation to program your crystal.

Please bring a clear quartz crystal (or purchase one at Wonderworks before the workshop),
 a notebook and all your crystal questions.

$10 per person - contact 
leslie@opalowl.ca for more information. 
Sliding scale available.
Wonderworks - 25 Baldwin St., Toronto

Awaken your Crystals: Worshop

Awaken your Crystals
July 14, 2015, 6:30 to 7:30
image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky, irocks.com
In this one hour workshop you will
 learn how to awaken and connect with your crystals.

Crystal Resonance Therapist and Reiki Practitioner Leslie Peters will discuss the importance of connecting with your crystals; lead you in guided meditation to deepen your relationship with them so you can use them more effectively.  

Please bring one crystal and a notebook.

$10 per person - contact leslie@opalowl.ca for more info. 
Sliding scale available
Wonderworks - 25 Baldwin St., Toronto

Peridot: an Excellent Ally



Lepidolite: 
The little, lilac colored, mineral that could change your life!
image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky irocks.com
Seriously this crystal totally rocks and can help you get some rest ...

Do you toss and turn?
Does your mind never stop?
Do you worry and fret all hours of the night?

Many of my clients suffer from insomnia and with a daily practice of hanging with this little guy you are bound to see the results.

Why Lepidolite?
Lepidolite is a lithium based mineral that soothes and balances one's emotions and calms the mind. It helps slow things down... 
  • over active mind 
  • excessive worry / fear
  • hyperactivity
  • insomnia due to stress

How does it work?
  • You need to come into resonance with the stone. 
  • To be immersed in the stone's frequency.

How does that happen?
  • Working with a Crystal Resonance Therapist who will bring you into full resonance with the stones energy. 
  • Use an elixir, in the bath, take drops 
  • Keep your system in alignment with the crystal's frequency.
Contact Leslie to book a session or to inquire about elixirs!

FOR THE LOVE OF LEPIDOLITE
For those of you who, like me, love crystals for their beauty as much as their healing energy here are a couple more stunning pieces. NATURE MADE THIS!?!? it astounds me every time!
image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky irocks.com

image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky irocks.com

image courtesy of Rob Lavinsky irocks.com



Clear and Cleanse your Crystals

Tuesday June 16th 6:30 to 7:30
Wonderworks - 25 Baldwin St., Toronto

In this one hour drop in workshop you will learn how to easily and effectively clear your crystals. Crystal Resonance Therapist Leslie Peters will cover different techniques, answer questions and lead a group crystal clearing exercise. Bring up to three of your own crystals that you want to clear and learn everything you need to know! 

PWYC – contact leslie@opalowl.ca for more info.
Image courtesy of irocks.com



Amethyst
Amethyst is an important wind element stone. Its luscious lilac and deep purple hues remind us of winter, of icy cool sunsets.  It also stirs up a hope for spring, really It’s not far now!

We are all getting a bit stir crazy and it’s time to let some of those winter habits slip into the past. Amethyst to the rescue, this seemingly mundane stone is a classic for helping with addictions of all kinds. Don’t let this beauty pass you by, it's great at cleansing spaces, keep it nearby when you are ill to shift and clear that energy. Carry a piece with you while you quit that “thing” that’s no longer serving you; a person, an addiction or an affliction (only you know what's not working for you). Let this lilac gem support you as we shift seasons and welcome the increasing light!

Detox
Gearing up for a cleanse, a detox or a shift in lifestyle? The spring is the perfect time to do it! Book a session and allow yourself to be supported energetically though this process. Release and clear whatever it is that’s no longer serving you!

As a bonus all new and returning Opal Owl clients who book sessions this month will receive a 25% discount per session when they book 2 or more sessions in a row. (Sessions need to be booked in advance and within one month of each other). Take advantage of this great offer and email today to book your appointments.

Allow for new beginnings, the winds of change and transformation are upon us and the sweet energy of amethyst is supporting you.

Leslie Peters
- Reiki Practitioner and certified Crystal Resonance Therapist™




image courtesy of irocks.com