Goddess Supplies

CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

CoffeeTable CovenIssue 04/November 2018 Spotlight on: Goddess Supplies

Pop-Culture, Fiction, & Magick Lucid Dreaming: A Realm of Possibilities

Parenting and Witchcraft

& many more articles inside! 1 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

Featured Artist: Chelsea Rayl IG: @riverandivy

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IG: @the_embroidered_forest [email protected] 4 5 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Astrological Forecast Page 8 Spotlight On: Goddess Supplies Page 42 Astronomy Reference Guide Page 12 Death, Rebirth, and Renewal: Editorial Letter Page 14 Working with Deities and Holding Space for Yourself as a 21st Century Witch Page 50 InstaFeature: @tranquil_elegance Page 18 November's Tarot Spread Page 60

Parenting and Witchcraft Page 24 The Millenial Witch: Thoughts on the Chilling Adventures Lucid Dreaming Page 28 of Sabrina (2018 Series) Page 62

Pop-Culture, Fiction, & Magick Page 34 The Magic of Jelly Tarts : A Short Story Page 66 Programming and Cleansing Crystals Page 38

6 7 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 November's Astrological Forecast https://astrologyking.com/monthly-horoscope/

Jupiter quincunx Uranus stands out Thursday November 8 Mercury Stationary Retrograde f as the only longer term aspect in Jupiter quincunx Uranus can bring at 13 29 brings the potential for the November horoscope. It cre- changes to your belief system, communication and technology ates some change and tension for wealth, education, travels and gen- breakdowns, nervous anxiety, travel the first two weeks. Two planets sta- eral happiness and contentment. delays and lost items. You can also tion direct this month and one plan- In this constant state of flux you expect to dwell on things, reminisce November 26 and 27 et stations retrograde. But the real can swing between optimism and about the past, or unexpected- The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter come highlight this monthly horoscope is uncertainty, confidence and anx- ly meet up with people from your together in an extremely fortunate the alignment of the Sun, Mercury iety. The ups and down and give past. Mercury retrograde can play alignment in the first decan of Sagit- retrograde and Jupiter on Novem- and take can be very stressful but havoc with your thoughts, commu- tarius. This is a time of happiness, op- ber 26/27. This is an extremely fortu- changes are needed in your life so nications, travels and electronics. timism, generosity and good news. nate triple conjunction although it you can grow. Good luck at this time is an oppor- is square Mars. This will add a sense Friday November 23 tunity for personal, professional and i of urgency and cause some to lose Friday November 16 The Full Moon at 00 52 is influ- spiritual growth. This is a great time patience. Venus Stationary Direct at 25 d 14 enced by the planetary aspect to make plans because of your opposite Uranus brings the poten- Mars square Jupiter. This can make good instincts, future-oriented and Wednesday November 7 tial for change or uncertainty in you feel strong, brave and sexy but positive thinking. A broad outlook The New Moon at 15 e 11 makes your love life. If you already have a also angry and frustrated. The dan- and excellent decision-making skills helpful aspects to Neptune and partner, then an unexpected event ger is that impulsive and reckless allows you to clearly visualize the Pluto, pointing to a spiritual transfor- may cause a lot of upset tension. If actions could lead to accidents or preferred path ahead. This is also mation through empathy and for- dating, a new romance now would injuries. The full moon in the Pleiades the ideal time to clean up and or- giveness. This is a good new moon certainly be exciting. Financial increases the risk of losing your tem- ganize anything from your desk to to say sorry for past mistakes so you windfalls are possible but take extra per and becoming cruel and ruth- your whole life. can follow your dreams free of guilt care with your money. You could less. So the keys to avoiding pain, or shame. However, a challenging easily find stimulation some other loss and sorrow are patience and fixed star brings the potential for way such as gaming or another forethought. While irritation and frus- loss, disappointment and wrongful form of entertainment. tration may prove difficult to avoid, accusation. Other aspects make it you can release the hot full moon easy to recover from any setback. energy safely using self-control and moderation. 8 9 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

IG: @raventhegreywitch 10 11 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

November’s Astronomy Reference Guide http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-current.html

November 5, 6 - Taurids Meteor Shower. The Taurids is a long-running November 17, 18 - Leonids Meteor Shower. The Leonids is minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors per hour. an average shower, producing up to 15 meteors per hour at It is unusual in that it consists of two separate streams. The first its peak. This shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10. peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors The second stream is produced by debris left behind by Comet per hour can be seen. That last of these occurred 2P Encke. The shower runs annually from September 7 to in 2001. The Leonids is produced by dust grains December 10. It peaks this year on the night of November left behind by comet Tempel-Tuttle, which was 5. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening discovered in 1865. The shower runs annually leaving dark skies for viewing. Best viewing will be just after from November 6-30. It peaks this year on the midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. night of the 17th and morning of the 18th. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Taurus, but can The waxing gibbous moon will set shortly after appear anywhere in the sky. midnight leaving fairly dark skies for what could be a good early morning show. Best viewing will November 6 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 23.3 will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury appear anywhere in the sky. since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset. November 23 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be November 7 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 05:40 UTC. This Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 16:02 full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Beaver UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies Moon because this was the time of year to set the beaver traps before the swamps and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere. and rivers froze. It has also been known as the Frosty Moon and the Hunter's Moon. 13 12 13 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 Letter From The Editor towards a fresh start. It feels very much like shedding a skin, and welcoming change and transformation. These will always be things I love, appreciate, and need. Change is scary, but necessary. Transformations can be ugly and painful. CoffeeTable CovenIssue 02, September 2018 Death is not something people think of fondly. Fresh starts are hard. Getting Editor In Chief rid of toxicity is difficult. And yet, these Our Patrons: Julie Mango are all things I wish for myself and for Lagertha Scarlet Sandy Garcia all of you. Pain comes with growth. Dana Clark Leslie Young Senior Content Manager And without growth, we would remain Katt Carpenter The Vale Witch Ashley Michele Taylor Nicole Shannon Hinojos stagnant and ignorant. So I hope for Mersea Lopez Sea Lopez Lead Developer this November, we can all recognise Kris Sankar and welcome the fresh and new, and Contributing Writers release the stale and old. For those in @taylornicolesgarden Visual Consultant the Northern Hemisphere, who are @witchoncaffeine Richard Taylor stumbling into colder times, we wish you @xandrasun warmth. And for those in the Southern @jamiegold.art Contact us: @synapse_sorceress Editorial: Hemisphere, who are embracing spring, @mellieyumi [email protected] Happy November, and welcome to the we wish you revelations of new birth and 4th issue of the CoffeeTable Coven Kristy Khem Content: new growth. [email protected] magazine! Contributing Photographers Advertisements: We’re all just about winding down from To all contributors and readers of this @gatherthyme [email protected] Halloween, and I’m pretty sure I’m not issue, thank you, thank you, thank you. @_enchantedwhispers Tech Help: the only one here experiencing crazy To our lovely photographers, brilliant @raventhegreywitch [email protected] @the_embroidered_forest energy shifts (the veil thinning, and writers, and wonderful supporters, we’re @quartzwiccan Connect With Us: everything). October was a wild ride for still here because of you. me, but I’m happy to be entering a new IG: @coffeetable.coven To my better half, Ashley, thank you for FB: coffeetable.coven month with a new outlook on life. keeping me sane during the darkness. Cover & Bakground Stock Photos: Website: coffeetablecoven.com www.pexels.com and www.pixabay.com Patreon: patreon.com/coffeetablecoven When we started putting resources I hope you all enjoy this issue, and I wish together for this issue, I spent a you all the best for November! while researching November and its All editorial content, graphics, illustrations, and photos are protected correspondences. We have Dia de los Julie by copywrite and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of CoffeeTable Coven or the intellectual property holders. Muertos first thing this month, and a full Editor-in-Chief Mourning moon on the 23rd. A month The credited writers, artists, and photographers maintain the rights to their own intellectual property as printed in this publication. of honouring the dead, and then working Copywrite © 2018 CoffeeTable Coven 14 15 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

IG: @gatherthyme 16 17 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 : _ of how they practice their InstaFeature @tranquil elegance lifestyle. There's personal We've connected wiith the lovely Nikki Buddhist teaching and it went from there. traditions I've learned that Jean this month, to get some insight into I started studying Buddhism, Shamanism, are sacred in my practice. this witch's world! On her own Instagram Wicca, and Bahá'í to this day it's still a Chanting, rituals, herbal bio, she describes herself asa herbalist and learning process. medicine, tea time, dance, holistic life coach. She's definitely all about devotion, water walking, that vegan and self-love life! Let's get to CTC: What do you do in your day to day life? offerings, hitting sticks, sacred know her! baths, smudging etc are My day to day life examples. CTC: Tell us about yourself! is being a mother. Taking care of a CTC: Does I'm 28 and from Pennsylvania. My ton a plants babies your lifestyle journey began very young, off and on, and cleaning up choices, like from my grandmother but I didn't take after all my cats! veganism, it seriously until about 5 years ago. What I'm a full time stem from lead me back into the lifestyle was a Yoga instructor a magickal horrible abusive relationship I was in. I at a psychiatrist perspective? started reading a lot of self help books, hospital and a life and started questioning religion and life. coach. The Then began to get very intrigued by the decision I haven't had red meat or pork in over 4 CTC: When I made to become years and I've been vegan going on 2 years did you begin vegan didn't have any now. practicing? Magickal perspective at all. I decided to be CTC: Your Instagram handle is very you, how My great great vegan by accident. I did you come up with it? grandmother, always battled with grandmother horrible stomach issues I started watching YouTube and decided and aunt were/ from a little girl and to make and instagram account so I are "healers". They never classified doctors never had a reason to why. Then could follow some of the accounts I was themselves as a "witch". I learned and one year came I got food poison 3 times subscribed to. When I began thinking of observed a lot of "tricks" from them at in a year and decided to stop eating red a Instagram name I wanted a word that a very young age. meat and pork and become a pescatarian was similar to peace but something more only eating fish and chicken. I started exotic. When "Tranquil" comes to mind I How has being a WOC affected your practice? reading a book called "Skinny Bitch" @ see nature, spiritual awareness, freedom, Do you use any old traditions personal to you? skinnybitchbook by Kim Barnouin and peace, yoga, meditation, calmness, serene, mid read started crying dropped the book collective, relaxed, I was like, ‘I truly love Everyone will have their own way and decided to be vegan from there on. that word, that's staying!’ Shortly after, 18 19 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 beauty came out naturally but I didn't want that typical word so "Elegance" was what I thought about next. I feel grace, beauty, minimal, bliss, poise. It's pretty much the two words and what they mean to me and how I feel about myself and the world. @tranquil_ elegance

CTC: Where do you get your inspiration for your photos? They're so unique and creative!

Being a Capricorn I'm very connected, grounded and recharge to the earth element naturally. Nature is highly essential in my everyday lifestyle and craft so I definitely wanted that to reflect in my photos.

CTC: Have your pets ever had a place in your practice?

My cats pretty much do their own thing. I do have my reiki certifications and sometimes as I'm petting them I'll use reiki energy if they accept it. My one cat KatyPurry loves to meditate with me!

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IG: @_enchantedwhispers 22 23 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

24 25 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 arenting and witchcraft are not two cooking and baking are my version of spell he’d take them back and throw them in the words I thought would go together and charm work. A lot of me goes into each ocean. But there were three he insisted I Puntil very recently. Not because I recipe. So I let him little add ingredients keep and take home. He told me “Momma didn’t include our toddler in my practice; I or help him stir (he loves that). Naturally, you need these, take please.” He was right, just didn’t realize I was doing it until I spoke he loves the finished product more than they were one of the missing components with a local friend about it. We were talking anything else, especially baked goodies. of my altar and I love that he thought of me about our individual practices and how we He also enjoys watching me pull my while treasure hunting. managed it while also being parents to small “pretty cards” each morning and will often I also include him on trips to my local children. It was then I realized that I included ask me what the cards are and what they metaphysical shop. The shop keeper loves my little a lot more than I realized. mean. I’ve ordered an oracle deck for us the energy his giggles and voice brings to her Now my toddler is only two and a half, to use together called Animantras Chakra space. He’s usually pretty patient as I wander so there is a great deal of what I do that he Oracle by Kayti Welsh, which is scheduled to the shop looking at items I either need or does and does not understand. He loves to be delivered this month. It’s full of colorful want. As he knows it means Miss J will then help me cook or bake. As a Kitchen Witch, cards of baby animals. He doesn’t know it’s let him “organize” a selection of colorful coming, but I think he’s really tea lights near the register. He always gets going to love it. I can’t wait to so upset when we have to leave and I have share it with him. to say I feel the same, though my husband My altar in the kitchen and my wallet are not. But I try to take him is another favorite of his. He at least once a month for some mother-son always asks what’s on it and time in our favorite shop. what each thing is for. So I So I leave you witchy parents with this: often go over each item on the try to include your children in your craft or altar and tell him about each divination practices as much as your child/ thing. His favorites are my children are willing to participate. After all singing bowl, and crystals. I’m you never know what they might take an About The Author: not surprised - something that interest in. Of course I’m not suggesting The Witch on Caffeine is a Kitchen Witch makes noise and something pushing them into anything they aren’t living in Upstate NY with her husband, that’s shiny are instant toddler comfortable with. But if there’s an interest, toddler, and two familiars: Allie and Georgia. pleasers. If I’m being honest, it’s never too early to start educating the next She can usually be found cooking up that’s part of what I love about generation of witches. something in the kitchen and slinging cards those items too! at the kitchen table while she waits for her While I don’t think he latest creation to be ready to eat. You can “gets” everything I we talk also find her posting on Instagram about, he does understand @witchoncaffeine. just enough. For example, on a recent beach vacation every once and a while he would bring me a shell. Sometimes 26 27 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

A Realm of Possibilities

28 29 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 lucid dream is a dream during which call on spirit guides, ancestral spirits, spirit ond you wake up, don't move, don't even 1. Be mindful and aware of your sur- A one is aware that they are dreaming. But animals, etc. If you have a guide(s) you may open your eyes. Moving a little bit can shift roundings, use your five senses to really live why would anyone care to do such a thing want them with you while you lucid dream your mind from the sleep state to an awake in the moment. It's easy to live life on autopi- and how is it possible? There is much to ex- for protection, guidance or advice. state, which can make it harder to remember lot, but doing so will hinder your awareness. plore, but here are a few reasons and tips to your dreams. Lying still, reflect on the night Go about your day with strong intentions get started. Pre-Lucid Dream Work and your thoughts. "Replay" your dreams in and heightened awareness. Really read words, Before trying to lucid dream, make sure you your mind to memorize what happened. It's look at faces, listen to sounds, smell, touch, Why Lucid Dream? have quality sleep and are able to remember ok if there are moments of fuzziness, lack of and taste with acknowledgement and appre- 1. FOR FUN! Dream land is a place where your dreams. clarity. ciation. You may find that your senses are possibilities are limitless. You can fly, move 1. REM SLEEP. The best time for dream- 5. DREAM JOURNAL. Keep your jour- different in the dream world. Maybe in the through objects, make things appear and dis- ing is when we are in our REM state, which nal by your bed so you won’t have to move. dream world, you can't feel textures or read appear, visit places, talk to people, and more! happens every 90 minutes in cycles. If you Dream journaling is not just for remember- words, focus on faces, smell anything, taste Use lucid dreaming as a way to get creative are not getting good sleep and you do not ing dreams we've had, it is a way to remind food. Things that seem different in your with your imagination. go into this REM state very often, you may us that we are dreaming, that we are working dream state may help you realize you are in 2. AS A LEARNING TOOL: Dream need to work on your sleep quality first. Each in this dream space, that we have a goal and one. interpretation can be used to introspect, REM period gets slightly longer and the peri- intentions to remember our dreams. 2. Reality checks. Test out your reality self-reflect, learn new things, and can be used od around the 6 hour mark is the longest and 6. SUBSTANCES. Certain medications while you are awake. Examples: in divination practices. Learn from what you best time to have long dreams. as well as alcohol, herbs, food, caffeine, a. Hold your nose and if you can still dreamt or even use this time to practice act- 2. MEDITATION: The reason mediation etc. can all affect your sleep and dreams. Be breathe, this is proof that you are in a dream ing things out for your waking life. is so often suggested with magical prac- aware and take notes on your consumption state 3. BANISH NIGHTMARES: If you can tices is that it clears the mind, welcomes throughout the day and effect on your sleep/ b. Take one finger and try to poke it lucid dream while you are having a night- imagination, and increases mindfulness and dreams. (Please consult your doctor or health through your other hand, and if your finger mare, you can potentially change the situa- awareness – all important for lucid dreaming. provider for help and advice before adjusting goes through your hand, you are dreaming. tion, provide yourself with helpful tools, or Before bed, meditate for as long as you can medications and supplements.) c. Point at a physical object or intensely leave the scene completely. or desire, 20 minutes is ideal, but even 5 min- 7. PRACTICE. Dream work is like study- focus on it and imagine it changing – like 4. CURE REOCCURING DREAMS: utes can be helpful. ing any subject; the more you practice, the turning a lamp into a vase of flowers. Whether it is a nightmare or not, your re- 3. MANIFESTING INTENTIONS. Be- more you will succeed. Keep meditating, Often times, if we repeat motions or thought occurring dream may be trying to tell you fore bed, practice putting yourself in the manifesting intentions, journaling. patterns, we take these routines into our something. Learn the meaning behind your mental state to be open and accepting of dreams. While nothing happens when you reoccurring dream so that when you are lucid the idea of dreaming and lucid dreaming. Methods to Trigger Lucidity are trying to change your environment in dreaming, you have a plan on how to handle Literally, put it out into the universe that you After working on your sleep quality and your conscious state, when you are sleeping, the situation. For instance, if these dreams want to work on this. It helps to feel strongly dream memories, it's time to create aware- anything is possible – like changing lamps make you feel scared, inadequate or inferior, about the reason why you want to work on ness in your dream. Since everyone is unique, into flowers. Take your reality checks serious- think of things you can do in your dream this. You can meditate if you have time, or there is no "one-size-fits-all" method. It may ly and practice throughout the day. (and real life) to feel more courageous, confi- you can take a moment to say a quick mantra take some time to create your own personal 3. Charge an object. No spoilers here, but dent and prepared. like "I'm going to dream tonight. I'm going "trigger" method. I would recommend trying in the movie "Inception" everyone is asked 5. VISIT THE SPIRIT REALM: You can to lucid dream tonight." many methods at once for greater success. to choose a totem, like a spinning top. If you use your lucid dream to visit the spirit realm, 4. WAKE UP, DON'T MOVE. The sec- Here are just a few things you can try: have a meaningful object, piece of jewelry, 30 31 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 or tattoo, you can charge this with intentions and use it (in your own way) to trigger awareness in dream land. 4. REM Alarm. This method is for nights when you may NOT need a good night sleep but want to do some dream work. Set an alarm for your longest REM cycle, 6 hours from falling asleep. If you do not get 6 hours of sleep, choose another REM cycle to set your alarm (they happen every 90 minutes). A good sign that you have woken up in REM is that you just experienced a dream. Once the alarm goes off, stay in bed with your eyes closed and focus on your imagination - the colors, lights, shapes, any imagery you can see behind your eyelids. Eventually, images might appear as though you are watching something on TV. Choose something to focus on and experience it with your senses. Hopefully, you will be able to build within your dream and realize you are within it. About The Author While lucid dreaming can take time, patience, Hi, I’m Jamie Gold, an artist with a passion to create. and practice, it can be worth it to help sort out your subconscious thoughts, learn some I have been drawing and painting from a very young new tricks, or just have some fun. Hopefully age and earned a BFA in photography and graphic these tips can help you with your dream work design. I hope to not only paint a beautiful picture, but and you get started on your path to lucid to also inspire those around me to see the light beyond dreaming. the darkness and the magic in each moment. We all have a unique spark to offer this world, let’s spread that energy like wildfire! Instagrams: @jamiegold.art and @ofgoldandfire www.goldandfire.net

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34 35 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 onnecting with the energy of an and texts of a variety of religions and in taverns and halls. culture and current fiction are not simply Carchetype can be a powerful boost to spiritual traditions that include a rich entertainment, but rather can be considered your magick and spiritual life. An archetype variety of deities, magickal entities, spirits, Connecting with an archetype or deity from modern mythology with contemporary is a symbol - something that represents a and heroes. While witches often turn to the mythology of an ancient pantheon can portrayal of ancient archetypes. collection of characteristics, or aspects of a ancient or historical sources for archetypal involve extensive research into the culture greater whole. An individual deity could be connection and inspiration, pop-culture and history of the time period. Sometimes considered an archetype in and of itself or and modern fiction can include beautiful making a connection or feeling that energy one can think of the term archetype as more archetypal representations that are more is difficult. This is exactly why incorporating of a category. For example, the Hanged Man relatable and easier to connect with. pop-culture can be such a powerful magickal of Tarot could be considered an archetype aid. that represents martyrs across different Some members of the magickal community religions and spiritual traditions. Individual consider incorporating figures from pop- Pop Culture and modern fiction are the Gods and Goddesses can each be seen as culture in the craft disrespectful to the stories that we grew up with. The stories embodying different aspects of the divine practice of witchcraft. Others simply don’t that we pass down when we share our feminine or divine masculine and therefore believe pop-culture and spirituality should favorite movie or book with a younger be an archetype in and of themselves (aka be mixed because they believe magick that generation. Ancient mythology includes symbols of certain characteristics of the references pop-culture is less valid/real. warriors, heroes, magicians, mothers, fools, divine). Certain animals could also be However, Ancient mylogy was at one point trusted companions, and villains turned Archetypes based on what they are perceived pop-culture too. There was a time that these evil by their tragic experiences. Pop culture to symbolize or represent. myths and legends were the stories being told has Wonder Woman, Percy Jackson, Neo, before bed, at parties and celebrations, and Molly Weasley, Naruto, John Watson, and Many witches study of mythology, legends, were the songs being sung for entertainment Darth Vader. All figures that embody similar characteristics as their ancient counterparts.

We don’t have to research these figures or learn about their time period. These characters are already part of us. The next About The Author: time you need the support of an archetype I am an eclectic witch and believe the mind- known for wisdom...try connecting with the body connection and the brain are our most archetypal energy of Hermione instead of important magickal tools. I consider magick a Athena. Want to connect with the energy of way to transcend our realities and expand our a wise guide? Try Yoda. consciousness. YouTube: LagerthaScarlet The age of the story isn’t what makes the Instagram: @Synapse_Sorceress characters magickal - it’s how deeply they touch our souls. How real they feel to us. I challenge you to shift how you view pop- culture in relation to your magick. Pop- 36 37 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

38 39 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 ey everyone! My name is Taylor Ni- ten minutes to an hour to get a thorough violet or electric violet energy (prana) to personal energy as this isn’t as effective for Hcole and I’m here to share how I cleanse, or until your intuition tells you that deprogram, charge, and program your crys- removing all negative energy. prefer to program and cleanse my crystals. they are charged. Depending on how ‘dirty’ tals with the right intentions. Selenite is a To program is to set specific intentions This article is based upon my teachings and your crystals energy is, you can keep crys- self cleansing stone that can aid you during with your crystals to preform. You can knowledge of pranic crystal healing. tals such as quartz in the bath for over 24 the energy transfer process. I prefer using program your crystals by giving them spe- hours. this method for the activators and wand cific instructions to follow, and can be used Cleansing crystals has many different meth- crystals I use in Pranic Healing. to protect the home from negativity, to ods. These methods vary. Moon bathing, If your crystals or stones are under level energize a workspace, to help grow a gar- sun charging, and rinsing them in natural 3 on the Mohs scale, this method can be If you’re in a pinch and need to quickly den, and to keep positive energy flowing waterways are all ways of charging crystals easily altered to accommodate them. Sim- cleanse a crystal, you can use incense to re- throughout your chakra system. and stones, however I find the following ply add a smaller bowl to the center of the move negativity. You can use loose incense, methods much more effective for depro- large bowl of salt water, making sure none bundled herbs, or incense sticks. Hold the Programming crystals should be done af- gramming, charging the crystals with ener- of the water gets inside. Place the stones crystal in the smoke of the incense and ter cleansing them. You can program them gy, and programming them. you wish to charge inside the small bowl make an intention to deprogram, remove all easily by speaking your intentions for them and set your intentions. negative energy, and charge it with positive out loud, whispering them, or simply by Salt water baths can be done on crystals energy. In my opinion, this method should saying them in your head. Direct them and stones above level 3 on the Mohs scale. If you’re an energy worker, you can use only be used when you’re short on time and consciously, making sure you give them one I prefer this method for my crystal wands, step instructions to follow. An example of spheres, and towers. This method is by far programming is ‘I command this crystal to the easiest to master, and is often used to energize this workspace and keep distrac- cleanse crystals before and during a healing. tions out of my focus while I work here.’

Simply use a large glass or ceramic bowl, fill Depending on how sensitive to energy you it with clean water, add your choice of salt, are, you can feel them interact with you I prefer raw sea salt, and place your crystals and other crystals on an energetic level. inside. Set intentions with the crystals to I can see and sense energy that emanates remove all negative energy, to deprogram from crystals, so it makes the process quite them from all previous programming, and straightforward as I can tell when they need for the bath to charge them with the high- to be cleansed and when they are done est form of positive energy. Be direct with charging. your intentions. An example of deprogram- ming is ‘I command all negative energy into The more you cleanse and program your the salt water, I remove all previous pro- crystals, the closer you get to them. The gramming from this crystal, I allow only the bond you share with them grows, and the highest level of positive energy to enter this easier it is to clean them. Treat all crystals crystal.’ and stones with respect, and don’t expect them to follow elaborate instructions! You can leave the crystals in the bath for 40 41 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

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Goddess Supplies

42 43 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 This month, we're joining a Goddess Circle have any spare room left, yet I keep buying money, you’re casting as we learn about a lovely new subscription new plant babies and propagating my a vote for the kind of box company, Goddess Supplies! existing succulents. world you want”. I study Mathematics at the Radboud So, do you really want CTC: Who (is/are) the face(s) behind Goddess University. For my Master’s I’ve chosen to buy your things Supplies? a specialization in Energy and Climate. from big companies My name is Maria and I’m the founder of I love the abstractness and exactness of that show no regard Goddess Supplies. I share a lovely small Mathematics, but I also want to contribute for humans, animals or apartment in Nijmegen with my boyfriend more concretely to the world. This Master’s our beautiful planet? and way too many plants. Our place doesn’t track perfectly combines those two passions: There are so many I can use my mathematical skills wonderful creators to help save the planet ;) and small shops out In my spare time, I really enjoy there, making amazing visiting concerts, psytrance sustainable, vegan parties and music festivals. products on a smaller We have a lot of amazing scale. festivals in the Netherlands and I get it, it is easier I’ve been hooked since I was (and cheaper) to, for fourteen. I also love staying instance, buy a bunch in with my boyfriend for an of clothes at Primark evening with vegan Thai food, instead of visiting 10 board games and Netflix. small shops to pick pieces one by one. Yes, I do! I strongly believe in manifesting CTC: Give us an origin story! How But wouldn’t it be great if you could choose good things through visualisation and was Goddess Supplies started? the better products from the small shops intention setting. Mindset and meditation Goddess Supplies was born out more easily and affordable? From that, the are very strong tools for me. I love creating of a love for pretty things and idea of Goddess Supplies was born. an ambience in which I can really focus my my ideals about our world. attention on manifesting the things I want I’ve always loved searching for For Goddess Supplies, I get help from my in life, by using candles, magical objects beautiful accessories and self- younger sister Anna. From the beginning, and aromatherapy. It’s also very nice to care products and I regularly get I’ve been running pretty much all my ideas use crystals for these kind of practices and complimented about the things by her, which is really nice, because I can get rituals. I wear or use. When people very insecure about everything I come up Personally, I truly believe in the power of ask where I bought something, with. She’s super supportive, just like the rest nature. Therefore, I’m very interested in the answer is often “this small of my family by the way, and she’s a great herbalism. Plants can really contribute to webshop…”. help in taking photos and creating content. your health (both physical and mental) and I love this quote by Anna beauty. And there’s so much to learn! Lappe: “Every time you spend CTC: Do you personally practice? 44 45 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 "What does it mean to be a goddess? cool to finish it one day! our blog at www.GoddessSupplies.com with CTC: What's your favorite item that you've featured creative inspiration, vegan recipes and - of in your boxes? A true goddess is powerful and CTC: Where do you get your inspiration course - witchy things. It’s really hard to pick one favourite item. My loving. from? And the best news: we plan on giving you all most used item is the Lucid Dreamer patch She embraces her own femininity and For Goddess Supplies, and for more freebies. Our Green Goddess Kit was from the Festival Goddess Box. I’ve put it empowers other women. most things in life, I’m inspired by a huge success, so we’re planning on creating on my denim jacket and I always feel special A goddess cares about our planet and the magic you one can find in so more content like that for our loyal followers. wearing it. Since I was a kid, I’ve had very all its residents. many things. Nature, art, music, Also, there will be a giveaway once we hit vivid dreams and I almost always remember She isn’t afraid to stand out and to crystals… It might sounds cliché, 5000 followers and there will also be a big them. I love exploring dreams and their follow her dreams. but there really is beauty all around joint giveaway with CoffeeTableCoven this connection to the subconscious, and lucid She takes good care of herself, because you. You just need to focus on the spring. We can’t wait! dreaming is a very interesting practice. That’s she understands that self-care and pretty things. I’m also very inspired why the patch speaks to me so much. Plus, self-love are important. by all the people who try to add CTC: What impact do you hope to make on our it’s really beautifully made! And she knows she deserves only the something to this world, by creating community? best. or building things, by teaching We believe that there’s a goddess in and helping others. The products That’s a beautiful question. everyone. Our boxes are made to help featured in our boxes were all made With Goddess Supplies, I you celebrate the amazing person you by wonderful people like that. hope to spread love and are." I’m a very idealistic person. I try to positivity. I want to inspire visualise the world the way I would people to get out of bed in - goddesssupplies.com love to see it and I try to work the morning, take good care of themselves, work their CTC: What is your goal for this company? towards that. Every decision I make Through our boxes we’re trying to promote for Goddess Supplies must be compatible magic and add some beauty a sustainable and cruelty-free lifestyle. with that ideal image of our world. to this world. I believe that We want to encourage our followers to everybody deserves the best, find magic in themselves and in the world CTC: Tell us about your boxes! What can we see in but also that everyone should around them. We know life is not always the upcoming year? at least try to contribute to easy for most people, but we aim to For the upcoming year, we have a lot of making the world a better send love and positivity to everyone who amazing things planned! Of course, we’ll place. By offering ideas and needs it. Hopefully we can inspire our keep releasing a new box every 1, 5 month, products that fit in a more amazing goddesses to take the best care of starting with the Moon Goddess Box on sustainable and cruelty-free themselves, while showing compassion for December 1st. We’re really excited about lifestyle, I hope to make this others. that one! Every season you can expect one easy and fun for everyone. Another goal for our business is having seasonal box and one other themed box. As Who says luxury and customers all over the World. We have a we’re growing, we can keep adding more sustainability can’t go hand in scratch world map to scratch off every value to the boxes, which will make them hand? country we have shipped to. It would be so even better. Furthermore, we’re going to keep expanding 46 47 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

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Working with Deities and Holding Space for Yourself as a 21st Century Witch 50 51 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 omething that I have witnessed as a bit am of color, I am not hetero, AND I’m a Sof a hot button topic in the witchy com- witch! I chose this for me)? munity recently is whether or not to utilize I will be honest and admit that I have an archetype or deity in your practice. only recently been more comfortable in re- vealing my spiritual practices and beliefs to While this has obviously been a topic friends and my tighter social circles. I gen- for much longer than just current witchy uinely feel the extra judgment and further interweb soundbites and blurbs, there seems self-inflicted obligation to explain what I to be a resurgence of concern surrounding mean when I say witch just isn’t worth it. It the subject. One can’t help but wonder... isn’t worth my trauma, my pain, my endless why now? Why, suddenly, again are we inner monologue of self-awareness of all having these conversations about whether the layers of my being. or not we should use deity? Which and why and when? Why do I feel this way? I would argue that the contemporary socio political climate makes taking higher Now more than ever the powers that spiritual practice into consideration inev- be tell me that I don’t matter. That my body, itable. As witches, we are already on the my representation of self is up for “grabs” outskirts of society. We march to the beat — is a vessel that is disposable, unimport- of our own drums — yada yada, you get it. For all of these things I am thankful — all After my brownness and after my ant, only good for consumption (of any Often, this plight of practical and religious of these aesthetic physicalities that make me background and after my sexuality (which and all kinds), a place of violence, a place minority is merely a compliment to larger who I am, I thank goddess every day for my I won’t even go into for the sake of this for pleasure, but not a place for my soul. or at least more noticeable signal of mar- Latinx, Indigenx identity. article’s length) am I a witch. The layers of Administration tells me, tells us, that we ginalization. Translation: witches are often identity can be so dense and sometimes are empty. This offense goes beyond ob- already on the fringes of society before So why belabor the point? Because this is even convoluted — it’s hard to tell who I jectification and into dehumanization of its they are even self-proclaimed practitioners. what people see: am! Who I want to present as that day or in purest form: women, especially women of For instance; I am first a young woman of a singular moment. color, don’t matter. That’s what we are told, color. Then I am a witch. Obviously in my “Are you Mexican or like some other kind Tarot cards come up in conversation that’s what we are made to believe. So why heart my witchiness almost always radiates of Latina?” — do I chime in? Do I reveal my Pagan-es- would I bother explaining or expressing my first and foremost in my daily interactions “Are you Indian like feather or dot?” que tendencies and beliefs? Or do I leave it deepest beliefs and practices to the outside — but what do people see? What do others “When did you learn English? I can’t hear be because the simple state of my existence world — both strangers and friends — who interact with me perceive? an accent!” is already a cluster-f*%k as it is? Do I make when I am told that my existence is insignif- I have the olive toned skin of my it easier for others to digest my aesthetic as icant, or, at best, a nuisance? Mediterranean ancestors, the wide nose First I must cross the daily barrier of a “wannabee witch,”or do I challenge their of my indigenous background, the thick my outer vessel. These are mild and minor understanding of the world (of the bodies To cope. brows of the two (bless). I’d wide-hipped microaggressions that I only mention for that live on the fringe and chose to embrace and thick-haired and round-faced. People context, not for pity or some kind of medal and possibly even enhance their Otherness I know you all get what I mean when sometimes approach me speaking Spanish. for being of color. as an act of reclamation and rebellion! I I say that coming out of the broom closet is 52 53 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 a dangerous endeavor on many levels. deities! became figures, became representations of and Ra was on my other shoulder coaching But when you find a person, just a Reaching beyond ourselves into an movements and causes and groups so much me through my studies. I say suddenly, but single soul, that wants to listen, to identify, embodiment of power, a symbol, a being, larger than themselves, and through that obviously coming into deity was a process to empathize, to understand — you have what-have-you, that speaks to you OR for they had deified themselves before death (and not an easy or brief one!) that took a found home. You have found a comfort, you OR through you is more than divine, did! These pop-culture deities became part lot of rebirth. a solace beyond any political climate or it’s a gift. of my pop-pantheon (thank you, Molly I’m not trying to glamorize rebirth, talking cheeto. You have achieved an out- Roberts) for quite some time — especially my witches. It’s ugly; birth is ugly, death side validation (and that matters! When it I know what some of you may be thinking. as I was so anti-god/goddess in my practice is ugly — but it’s all also so beautiful. We comes to groups that are marginalized to But I’m a Secular Witch, this isn’t for me. — and I still work with them. must die in order to be reborn, we must the greatest edge — the event horizon of But I must admit I feel as though I climb out of our own proverbial muck to social norms — it is not only nice but nec- emerge from our cocoons, our wombs of essary to obtain the occasional validation: comfort if you will, to come into our new You MATTER, you exist, I see you, I hear lives! From the ashes we will rise, but first you, thank you for being). we must burn (not an intentional witch pun, But what do we do when we are most but you get it) and that’s the hard part. Re- often alone in our bodies, in our systemati- leasing and letting go means: 1. Recognizing cally imposed limitations? How do we flour- you’ve got some ish to let go of or cut out ish in our vessels and in our practices when of your life. This part is so hard in that we all we have is ourselves to self-validate? It have to admit that we have allowed growths works, sure, but it can be hard (understate- of ourselves or outside forces to weigh us ment of the century) to carry on with any down or keep us from flourishing. This in zeal or fervor. itself can be heartbreaking. 2. We must cut Since the Libra New Moon I've no- it out — and that’s painful. It’s violent to ticed a lot of people experiencing deaths of eliminate substance from your soul, your parts of themselves. Friends and strangers home, your life; but it’s necessary work. alike have reached out to me expressing This is all about reinvention and harnessing struggle -- struggle in that they are hanging the Phoenix archetype. on to old versions of themselves, old habits. It is, from my experience, admitted- To this I have encouraged the death of all ly easier and more empowering to work parts of the self that no longer serve you Witch, so was I. But I still worked personally spiritually graduated (emphasis through these cycles of life and death with — as Elsa would say, Let It Go! (apologies with archetypes — they just weren’t neces- on the PERSONAL, deity is not for every- or through deity. In retrospect, my time for the next two weeks of that song being sarily divine by definition...but they were di- one and I understand that) when I finally working specifically with Odin and Ra was stuck in your head). vine to me. Prince and Frida are two arche- allowed deity into my life and my prac- a time in which I needed a father figure. I Rebirth and renewal of the self are types I can readily name that I can honestly tice. Suddenly validation was everywhere. needed that encouragement and validation some of the most radical, self-loving ac- say have helped me stay sane through the I wasn’t alone in my practice (and this was to happen in the form of the All-Father and tions a human can take. These actions or perpetual turmoil of my being. And they huge, y’all, I know you know how it is to be the Sun God. These deities helped me move manifestations aren’t easy...which finally are archetypes. Sure, they were real peo- a solitary witch!). Suddenly Odin was hold- through a space and a time that would have brings me back to utilizing archetypes and ple, but these people in their own lifetimes ing my hand through massive life decisions, been so much more painful had been with- 54 55 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 out that particular kind of guidance. She told me to let go. Banish all of the fear — this isn’t just Now as my practice has expanded SO for beginning to work with or changing dei- much in the last year, I find myself going My sickness had been a physical man- ty —consider using different elements than through another divine transformation — ifestation of all that I was hanging on to, all usual in your practice, reworking your altar and it’s even more socially “whacky” than that I didn’t want to acknowledge, all that space, or changing the way you use your just being a witch or a witch that works I didn’t want to change. My body had to grimoire, whatever! Change in your practice, with deity. I came to a point about a month bring me down so far that I had no other if it calls to you, is all connected to death ago where the stress of school and life and choice but to pay attention what the great and birth. The act of letting go or actively work all cultivated into a giant physical and expert on myths, Joseph Campbell, would banishing the past enables you to cultivate emotional breakdown. A night of hysteria identify as The Call or The Call to Adven- space for new beginnings...and you must followed by two weeks of a compromised ture (change). Campbell says if you don’t know, my marginalized sisters, that if no immune system came to a head: one night, answer The Call, bad ish will happen to one else will hold space for you, then you riding along in my boyfriend’s car, I was you because you are limiting yourself from must feel free to hold space for yourself. feeling so ill, so beaten down, so tired. I had change and potential growth. This can be had a migraine for days, a feeling of deep very spiritually (and obviously in my expe- Thanks for coming on this ride of and unending nausea, and general confusion rience, even physically) damaging. And so, I self-discovery with me. Please get more of my surroundings. finally answered my call, and I listened. witchy, get weird, allow yourself to radi- Not being afraid to change up parts calize your practice in any way you see fit I was dying, y’all. But in the best of practice is crucial to personal develop- — do what feels right to you. The start of possible way. And I had been fighting the ment and self-love. If you cannot accept November is when the veil is at its absolute inevitable all the while! I had been trying in the part of you that are dying and begging thinnest, and when our personal demons vain to keep my “eye on the ball” with my to be reborn, you are enacting the same rear their ugly heads and ask us to acknowl- studies, tried hopelessly to cling to my dei- oppression that is already placed on you by edge what we want out of the coming ties when they were clearly trying to give me outside forces — you are keeping yourself wheel of the year. What will we allow to die About The Author: space to change, to transform. from exponential growth both within your with the Winter? What will we plan to plant That night in the car my eyes were so practice and as a general individual! You’re come Spring? Xandra Sun is an eclectic witch based out of Southern sensitive to light I could hardly look at the further punishing yourself by way of lack If you would like to know more California. She is a writer and artist as well as an red-brake-lights ahead of us. But I looked of universal validation. about archetypes and working with deities, associate teacher at a California State University. to the sky and saw clouds in the shape of It doesn’t matter how La-La, Woo- I highly encourage you to check out Kel- You can find Xandra giving tarot readings to friends, dragons. Closed my eyes and saw the same Woo your decisions and practices are ac- ly-Ann Maddox’s YouTube videos on the working in her art grimoire, burning sandalwood, or shapes, images of these primordial creatures cording to our social circles, witchy or not. subjects. She’s a fabulous resource. mixing magickal bath soak concoctions under any given of all colors, one in particular — MASSIVE It doesn’t matter if it’s a dead rockstar or All the best, happy witching, happy moon. You can follow her on Instragram @xandrasun. and imposing, all-powerful and creating — painter, and Egyptian God or the All-Fa- haunting, and blessed be as you go forth and she spoke to me in deep, guttural tones, ther, the Fae or freaking primordial dragons into the unknown of your deepest, most her voice gravelly in ancient wisdom, fear- — answer the call to your infinite potential divine selves — a space you deserve, simply less in expression. And do you know what as a valid, important witch and being. Stop for being you. she said? acting out of fear, allow the process of rebirth to begin. 56 57 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

IG: @quartzwiccan 58 59 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 are not limited to followers of any Welcome to the particular religion, but rather, it welcomes Tarot Corner of a gathering of all people from a multitude of backgrounds. Regardless of religion, The Coffeetable Coven! race, or cultural background, I think we can all find meaning in this festival. Dīpa Spread [dīpa (Sanskrit): lamp, light, lantern, that which This spread was designed with both illuminates or brings knowledge, the light which Diwali, and November’s full Mourning dispels the darkness associated with ignorance] Moon in mind. Where do we stand right now in our lives? How can we better What is this spread inspired by? balance the light and dark within and around us? What can we release and how November brings forth some great can we start anew? energy for acknowledging and releasing emotional baggage, as well as a celebration 1: The Present Situation. of light and knowledge. Later this month, Where you are right now mentally, we can experience a full Mourning Moon. emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This moon is all about new beginnings (Feel free to choose one and be specific, and fresh starts. We wash away the past or draw multiple cards.) and let go of bad habits and toxicity in our 2: What's in The Dark? lives. In the early part of this month, the What is hiding from your consciousness? festival of Diwali will be celebrated. What you should know/educate yourself Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu more about. festival of lights. It is celebrated during 3: What's in The Light? autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, Which area in your life is shining? What and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. you should continue focusing on. It signifies the triumph of good over evil 4: What Should I Release? and knowledge over ignorance. The lights An aspect of your life that is ready to be we decorate our homes with, welcome us shed. What you should get rid of/focus to have hope and encourage eternal bliss less on. within our hearts. (You can pull an extra card here for the During this festival, participants ‘how’ part of the question, if you wish.) illuminate their homes with diyas (clay 5: Upcoming Influences. lamps filled with oil). There are colourful What’s coming your way, and how you can decorations, fireworks displays, and a best deal with it. sharing of feasts with neighbours and (Feel free to draw multiple cards here, too.) family. In my country, these celebrations 60 61 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 The Millenial Witch: that a big name movie or show comes out 2000s. But here is Sabrina, facing her choice My thoughts on the Chilling that paints witches as devil-worshipping, of whether to embrace her magick and Adventures of Sabrina (2018 Series) blood sacrificing, ghoulish mysteries who signing herself away to Satan (in the comics live by the ideals of what a witch is, like it it is Madam Satan), or to be fully mortal and I’m biased; I am saying that right off is painted in the play The Crucible or just be with her boyfriend. Can we as witches

the bat. Because well, I grew up with Sabrina: general witch stereotypes. Then here comes really relate to that?! I want to see Wicca, www.imdb.comImg Credit: The Teenage Witch (1996). And while that the opposite, like in Charmed (1998, which witchcraft, and paganism painted in the light doesn’t necessarily represent witchcraft and is getting a reboot too that I am iffy about) it actually is this time, please- Show these Wicca as a cognitive whole either, it’s light The Craft(1996), and The Covenant(2006); young people the festivals at Stonehenge hearted tone and emphasis that magick can’t where witches are like crime-fighting that happen every year, the way to draw solve everything is a refreshing reminder to superheroes that can bend the elements or down the moon, what days are best for all witches, new and old. I’ve even read the who have a chosen destiny to undercover. what, good crystals and herbs; things like Archie Comics of Sabrina: The Teenage There is nothing wrong with having witchy that! I am currently writing a young adult Witch, too. You would expect that I would superheroes, but can we at least show them novel that is fiction-fantasy and focuses on be all over a new addition to the beloved having bad magick days that don’t involve witches, but in my book, I am trying to show half-witch, half-mortal show. However, I am a romantic subplot? Or forgetting to light what witchcraft can really be like. I want my not. a candle when they have already casted the protagonist to figure out a good substitute I’ll start off with this is purely as circle, and the lighter is in the other room? for bay leaves, to realize that magick isn’t my opinion as a witch; that the show What about actually doing a full moon ritual going to make all of her problems disappear, itself is most likely going to have good to just feel connected to nature? GASP!! and to trust herself such as much as the gods adaptation of the series of Archie Comics cinematography, good acting, and an all- With this new show, the spark of all trust her. that were more darker then the original around good plot. But representation things having to do with witches is going to Don’t get me wrong, there are some ones’. people! Too many times has it happened happen again, like it did in the late 90s-early good movies and shows that give witches Maybe I’ll change my opinion when a decent representation. Practical Magick, the show releases on Netflix on October The Last Keeper, All The Good Witch 26,2018. Hell, I might even like it! Though, Movies/Show, Halloweentown; to name a I know I will NOT like the way witches are few. Even then, I can’t control the element shown, presented, and formulated. Will the of fire like in some of those, can you? The witch stereotype ever die? Probably not, trailer and some clips I’ve seen of Sabrina because it makes for good media. I suggest seem to suggest she can manipulate energies making sure, whatever age you are, or even and matter to her will with a flick of a if you are a parent, that children and young finger. What about lighting a candle and adults experience both ways witches are just meditating and visualizing the energies shown. When you sit down and watch this manipulated? That one ritual seen at the end series, make sure you remember that this of the extended trailer shows candles, the is just a fragment of how the media views upside down pentacle( oh lord), and a group witches. Use your best judgement, cast your of people chanting in a circle. Did they have best circles, and educate those around you in to go there?! In it all, I know this is just the a calm, respectable manner. 62 Img Credit: geektyrant.com 63 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04

[email protected] 64 65 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 worked as the baker. squirted strawberry jelly up their noses every a life. Or even a boyfriend,” Gwen vented The Magic of Jelly Tarts “You’re late Miss Krieve. Again,” time they took a bite. glumly as she picked a sliver of lettuce off came his greeting. He threw an apron at her Several hours later, Gwen had her blouse. A Short Story by Kristy Khem which she tried to catch, but failed. As it fell managed to fill two sets of tarts, one set for Before Simone could respond, to the floor, the apron snagged the handle non-magic customers and one set that was the wind chimes sounded and a pair of The Mayflour Bakery was sandwiched of an enchanted wooden spoon that had spiked with a potion for the magical folk. She customers entered. It was a young couple between the old bookstore that rarely got any been mixing nuts into a bowl of muffin mix. scored a dozen loaves of bread, mixed five and they were clearly in love. Arms linked, customers and the flower shop that always Gwen cringed as the spoon clattered to the bowls of cookie dough and packaged sixty they puttered around the shelves of bread scented the air with roses. The bakery had floor and splattered Mr. Hull with the sticky sandwiches. However, she had also knocked and pastries. “Honey look! Don’t these lasted for as long as anyone could remember mixture. Mr. Hull’s jaw ticked and his gray over a large container of flour, burned a palmier cookies look like little hearts?” came and although it had changed owners over the woman’s voice. Gwen rolled her eyes the years, the pies were always fresh and and exchanged glances with Simone. “Does the bread was just as soft and tasty as it everyone else have a life besides me? I can’t had always been. It catered to both magical even get a guy to look in my direction,” she folk and ordinary people. Rain or shine, the whispered as she feigned a smile at the pair bakery attracted a wide range of customers when they came to the counter to cash their daily, from indecisive children to old, purchases. Simone chuckled at Gwen. crotchety women who always complained Several customers came in right after about the prices. Many respectable bakers, and Mr. Hull also appeared with two trays of pastry chefs, and salespeople had worked freshly baked jelly tarts. He ordered Gwen to within its walls, but the bakery had lay them out properly. She picked up the tray never seen the likes of one clumsy and of spiked magical tarts and headed towards absentminded assistant witch by the name of the special shelves which were magically Gwendolyn Krieve. concealed from the non-magical folk. She Gwen huffed and puffed as she quickly leaned down, balanced the tray in one hand, made her way up the street to the Mayflour and began to arrange the tarts on the shelf Bakery on Saturday morning. While everyone marked “Magical Raspberry Sweetheart else was going to the cinema and to the park Tarts”. Then she set to work laying out the to enjoy the nice weather, Gwen had to go eyebrows knitted together in frustration. batch of muffins, and mixed up the chicken ordinary jelly tarts on a shelf on the other to work to pay off her university tuition. Glaring at her, he used his wand to clean and vegetarian sandwiches. Mr. Hull had side of the store. Gwen lamented over her non-existent social his apron. “Get to work and start filling finally lost it and sent the clumsy witch to “I want one of those!” remarked a life and sighed inwardly as she arrived at her those jelly tarts!” he barked. “Do it by hand the front of the shop to help Simone, the little boy with glasses. He came up to Gwen, destination. The sweet smells of hot cakes this time, since the last filling spell you did saleswoman. “Rough morning?” Simone pointing at the sugary tarts. “Sure!” she said mingling with freshly roasted almonds hit ended up in disaster,” he added sourly. Gwen asked as she noticed that Gwen’s short, and packed one in a brown paper bag for her nose as she opened the back door to pulled a face behind his back as he walked brown hair was dusted with flour and she him before directing him to the counter so the kitchen. Her mood immediately lifted off towards the ovens. Her spell had gone had a soot smudge on one cheek. “Yeah. I’m he could pay. Gwen spotted the eight-year- but shot back down again at the sudden awfully wrong the last time and customers not cut out for this job, but I really need it. I old munching on his tart as he started to appearance of Mr. Hull, the old wizard who had complained that the engorged tarts had wish I was better at magic. And I wish I had leave, then he turned and waved goodbye 66 67 CoffeeTable Coven Issue 04 to her. Then he stopped and a dreamy more careful and less clumsy than she usually expression came over him. “You’re so was. By the time the semester ended, Gwen pretty. I love you,” he said. Gwen froze and had put the tart incident behind her. After the color drained from her cheeks. Oh no, graduation, she got a new job, leaving behind thought Gwen. Simone overheard and leaned The Mayflour Bakery and her memories over the counter. “Gwen…please don’t tell there, although she still met up with Simone me you mixed up those tarts!” she hissed to swap spells and have tea. quietly, so as not to alert the other customers Strangely enough, Gwen’s past caught in the store. Gwen smiled nervously, but up with her fifteen years later when a young she did not know what to do. She knew the man wearing glasses showed up on her consequences could be terrible if a non- doorstep with a bouquet of scarlet roses magic person ingested a potion, more so a and a box of jelly tarts from The Mayflour child. Bakery. He introduced himself as Brian Just then, a harassed looking woman and claimed that he was completely and barged into the bakery. “Brian! There you irrevocably in love with her. are! Why did you run off without telling me? Dad’s waiting for us at the airport! We’ll be The End. late for our flight! Come on quickly!” she exclaimed, then grabbed the boy’s hand and marched him out of the bakery. “Simone! Help me! What should I do? Mr. Hull will fire me! What if something happens to the little boy? What if he dies? Oh my, I’m a murderer!” she wailed, running to her friend in tears as soon as the other customers left. Simone hugged her. “Shh. Mr. Hull won’t find out. Besides, we don’t know anything for sure. Those tarts are small. I’m About sure the love potion will wear off in no time the and the child will be fine. Let’s just fix the Author: mix-up before anyone else eats them,” she Kristy Khem is a Trinidadian artist and freelance writer. said. Gwen sniffled while Simone helped her She is an old soul who strongly believes in reincarnation and to rectify the awful mistake. angels. She loves the supernatural and many of her stories As the days passed, Gwen managed feature elements of magic and folklore. She has a passion to stress less and less about what had for astrology, energy work, and healing gemstones. If you transpired. Simone had convinced her that are a fan of her stories on the CoffeeTable Coven Magazine, everything was fine. Mr. Hull never found feel free to send her an email at [email protected]. out, but he noticed that Gwen was blessedly You can also view her art on Facebook 68 69 Would you like to submit articles and photography? Email us today at [email protected] or [email protected]

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Issue 04