All too often we think of vacation and adventure as something that exists outside of the land we call home, requiring us to venture to far-away states and countries. But what about the magic that exists around the bend, and down at the hidden water hole along the river? What gems are there for those who seek? What magical experiences are hidden in plain sight?
This week's WYRD TRAVELS will take us to Solstice Meadow (my backyard), a Witch Shop in Exxex Junction, the shores of Lake Willougby, and finishes up with a Free Concert @ Dog Mountain!
THE ELEMENTAL WITCHCRAFT RETREAT- Solstice Meadow, Newark, VT
I love teaching magic! I love introducing people to the supernatural world; showing them how they can expand their awareness and heal themselves & the world around them, and empowering them to continue the journey. My favorite way to do this is through deep immersion, intensive retreats in which attendees get a chance to build relationships with each other and the land. Through sharing space around a fire, eating meals, and bunking together people get more than just a lesson in magic, they get a chance to step outside their comfort zone and see who they truly are.
The Elemental Witchcraft retreat focused on the teachings and energetic attunements of my new book The Path of ELEMENTAL WITCHCRAFT. We explored dowsing, geomancy, and the various Earth Temples here at Solstice Meadow. We did meditative drum walks in the woods, developed relationships with our breath through breathing techniques and vocal toning, fed the sacred fire, and baptized (blessed) ourselves in the water of a spiritually potent lake (Lake Willoughby). It was a powerful time filled with elemental goodness and healing!
Upcoming Retreats with Salicrow-
September 9th-11th Rootstalk Retreat, Glover, VT
Upcoming Teachings @ Solstice Meadow-
August 26th, 6pm-9pm
August 27th, 10am-9pm
LAKE WILLOUGHBY- Westmore, VT
Lake Willoughby is one of my favorite places! Willoughby is ranked the cleanest lake in Vermont; which says a lot, as Vermont is considered the greenest state in the country. To add to its majestic allure, the crystal clear deep water (328') is nestled between Mount Pischa and Mount Hor, and surrounded by the Willoughby State Forest. (The steep mountainsides, and state forest limit building and growth around the lake.) Energetically Willoughby is connected to the Crown Chakra, being part of the Chakra Ley Line mentioned in the Gaia Matrix by Peter Champoux. Whether you are into dowsing/geomancy, have an understanding of the Chakra system or not, it is pretty near impossible to not feel at peace and connected to a higher power when sitting on the shores of this lake.
My sisters and I visit the lake often as it is only 10 minutes from my home in the summertime (the shortcut is closed by snow in the winter). Over the last few weeks I have visited the shores of Willoughby when doing the Water Attunement at my ELEMENTAL WITCHCRAFT RETREAT, and for a day of sitting by the water, in which we were visited by a mink whose home was along the shore, and a proud mama duck with her very large brood of ducklings. In truth, we had never visited this particular spot, located just off the South Shore (nude) beach (yes, Willoughby has a nude beach!) We chose the spot as our regular spot where the Undines pool was unreachable due to trail maintenance by the Northwoods Stewardship Center.
PRACTICAL MAGICK, Essex Junction, VT
Practical Magick is a fabulous little witch shop owned and operated by Stacy Sweet and Lynnae Dube in Essex Junction, Vermont. Serving their magical community as healers as well as both healers and magical shop keepers, (Stacy is a Massage Therapist, and Lynnae is a Reiki Master) these witchy ladies have created a strong magical community; bringing in readers and teachers from near and far.
This was my third time visiting Practical Magick as a Psychic Teacher and author. I stopped in for a book signing and talk, followed by a workshop on PYROMANCY; scrying with Wax & Air! I love the people, community, and magic of Practical Magick, and I am sure I will be heading back again soon!
Burlington, VT
I am doing a book talk/signing & teaching an Air Magic workshop
INTRODUCTION TO VOCAL TONING at Spirit Dancer on August 30th!
VOCAL TONING utilizes the human voice as a healing tool, allowing us access to personal healing techniques that can be used on ourselves as well as the land, water, other people and animals!
JOE'S BROOK, Barnet, VT
The first swimming hole I visited upon moving to Vermont was a place called Adam's Hole along Joe's Brook in Barnet. That was many years ago...approximately 35 if we are counting. Adam's hole is down a steep embankment and is a great place for jumping into deep water. It's dark and cool, the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer night; when you are young and care little for picnics, and lounging about. As the years moved on; and I moved an hour away, I stopped going to Adam's Hole, and in truth pretty much forgot about it. Then my daughter moved to Barnet!
When my daughter Levi moved to the town of Barnet, she completed the triangle of relatives living in proximity to Joe's Brook; as my sister, Sandy lives in Waterford, and Magpie lives in St. Johnsbury. This naturally made it likely that I would start engaging in adventures along Joe's Brook again, only this time instead of deep, dark, cool holes I have been introduced to playful river spots of gentle waterfalls, undulating water, sun & shade river banks, and so much goodness! Check out the link below to view my Water Magic Reel (Sound On).
LEVITT AMP MUSIC SERIES- Dog Mountain, St. Johnsbury, VT
ALBANNAH-
Sweltering heat, pounding drums, dancing feet...A good time was had by all!
Regardless of the fact that it was way above 90 degrees the hillside at Dog Mountain was packed when ALBANNACH took the stage. This heavy drumming, traditional Scottish Gaelic band (formed in Glasglow, Scottland in 2005) had the crowd kicking, and stomping regardless of the unforgiving sun. What's more, the musicians had full frontal sun exposure, and still gave a high-energy show; Bagpipes and a Didgeridoo added another level to the experience...
This FREE concert was part of the LEVITT AMP MUSIC SERIES offers 11 free concerts, in two locations in St. Johnsbury this summer. Check it out!
I hope my wanderings inspire you to find your own adventures; be they in your backyard, the local river, or something grand!
spreading love-
salicrow
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"The Path of Elemental Witchcraft is part memoir and travelogue, part ritual handbook, part metaphysical ethnography of the many types of elemental spirit beings Salicrow meets in the hidden realms. This book strikes me as a generous gift, like a gigantic buffet table onto which Salicrow has piled as many of her observations and insights as the table will hold. Reading The Path of Elemental Witchcraft feels like it might feel like sitting with Salicrow over a cup of tea or a bowl of soup. This book is a magnum opus. It is a trip around the worlds." ― Sara R. Diamond, FacingNorth.net