Hello Fine Folks,

I hope you are all enjoying the season and that your harvests are beginning to come forth. Hopefully you saw Alexis on the front page of the Californian, giving a tarot reading at Conan's Family's benefit, where we raised $1204. And Don was on the front page of Section B talking to Suky. Also, 2 weeks ago Kern County Witches and Pagans were featured in the Faith section. That was quite a coup.

There is a small number of business-card-sized ads available in the 2009 Kern County Pagan Pride Deity calendar. At $35, its an affordable way to let the metaphysical community know about a business or announcement.

There are a lot of inspiring things happening over here and I hope you can take advantage of some events and services. We've got a lot of new and exciting workshops as well as weekly services.

Irene Skau will be available on Fridays for readings, healings, toning and soul retrieval.

Conan is in on Saturdays and Sundays for tarot and mediumship.

Veronica is in on Saturdays and Sundays for chair massage, Angel Therapy and Reiki work.

If there is a class, service or product that you would like to see at Altar, please let me know.

Take good care and enjoy the rest of your summer,

Katie

Witches' and Pagans' Meetup and Film Night

August 9, 7 pm.

We'll share progress we've made towards Pagan Pride. We'll continue with our work exploring the Full moons and the lore, correspondences, etc. of that moon. Join us as we move through the months, discussing the symbolism of each full moon. Our meetup group has almost 200 members. If you are not a member, please consider joining at http://witches.meetup.com/1.... At your comfort level, please be prepared to give a mini-speech about August's Full Moon. Stay for KCPP's fund raiser, Spiderwick Chronicles. There will be grilled veggie and chicken skewers instead of hot dogs this month, so come hungry!

KCPP Yard Sale

August 16, 6 am.

If you have anything to donate to the yard sale, benefiting Kern County Pagan Pride, please call the shop to arrange drop off or plan to drop off large items at the location, Missy's house.

Traditional Spiritist Séance with Conan

August 16, 7 pm.

The last séance was so heavily attended by people and spirits that we've decided to repeat it. Open to all who would like to communicate with their Dearly Departed, Beloved Dead or Spirit Guides. Conan will introduce different techniques monthly to teach alternative ways of developing our psychic abilities. Please preregister. This séance will surely book up. Please bring offerings for the altar if you feel its appropriate. $10

Decorate and Bless your own Chalice with Katie-

August 17, 4 pm.

After discussing the magical uses of the chalice and the element of water, personalize a ceramic chalice with fabulous glazes and your designs. Together, we'll bless the chalices. Bring in samples of tentative designs and let the Goddess direct you. Students must preregister so I can prepare materials. $20

Beginning Tarot with Conan

August 22, 7 pm.

Conan has been credited with the being one of the best Tarot Readers and Mediums on the West Coast.
His clients call from all over the US and many other countries.
Come and learn from him with his generous and accessible teaching style.
More classes will be offered.
$20 per person.

Make and Bless your own Besom with Solstice-

August 23, 4 pm.

A besom, or Witch's Broom, is used to metaphysically cleanse a ritual or other space. Learn the history and uses of a besom as well as create and bless your own in this workshop taught by a second-generation Witch. Anyone who has a desire to learn about cleansing techniques is welcome to attend.

Bring your own stick, belly-high, or use a dowel provided by Solstice.
Please RSVP ASAP so Solstice can get an accurate price of materials and let us know. Class size limited.

Drum Circle with Nancy Dunn

August 27, 7 pm.

One of the things that Nancy would like to accomplish is to speak to the pomegranate tree out back. When Nancy stopped in, the tree told her lots of things, including how proud she is to represent all the pomegranates that used to live on the street. More details soon. I just wanted to get this on the calendar because I am so honored to host this.

Open House and Impressive Demonstrations

August 31, 6 pm.

A fun evening of networking and learning about the gifts of the extremely talented and intuitive at Altar Metaphysical MarketPlace.

Enjoy a glass of wine or tea while watching or receiving a Reiki healing, a Soul Retrieval, a message from the Beloved Dead, tarot readings, Angel Therapy, a Henna Tattoo, etc..

Each Healer/ Reader/Artist will describe their skills and model the activity on an attendee.

If you've ever wondered, “What are they talking about,” you don't want to miss the open house. This is sure to be an impressive, transformative evening.

Creating a Magical Healing Garden with Master Gardener Heidi and Missy, Green Witches.

September 6, 4 pm.

Make your own container garden and learn about its care as well as magickal and healing properties of the plants and how to use them. Information on transplanting will also be provided. $25

Witchcraft Intensive with Katie

September 7, 11am-6pm.

Learn basic tools to work with the Elements and Deities of this Nature based religion.
Class will cover Ritual construction, practices and history of modern Witches as well as meditation, connecting with Spirit Guides, responsibility, ethics, spellcraft and the Wheel of the Year. Leave the workshop, taught by Katie, Altar's owner and Feri apprentice, with the ability to facilitate rituals. It is a lot to cover, but we can do it! Class will culminate in a participant-organized ritual. Bring a sack lunch or money. $50

Cleanse and Bless your Home or Office with Katie-

Sept. 11, 6:30 pm.

Energy can stagnate in physical spaces and cause lethargy and negative feelings. Learn the traditional ways to physically and metaphysically cleanse an area, bless an area for joy and prosperity and keep the space clear of unwanted energies. Participants will leave the class with the knowledge and supplies needed to Cleanse, Bless and Protect a home or office. $15

Kern County Pagan Pride Harvest Festival

Sept. 21 at Stramler Park.

Harvest Ritual, workshops, vendors, readers, Information booth, etc.

Please bring nonperishable food items and purchase a Kern County Pagan Pride calendar.