My visit to Angel Kisses in St. Charles, IL

"Whoops.  Looks like I'm a little cash poor today.  I could charge this."

The man asked me, "Well, how close are you?"

I opened my change purse and showed him about 78 cents.  "Nope.  A little far to go."

"Tell you what.  Next time you stop by, you can pay me."

"But I'm rarely out this way."

"No worries, just pay when you can.  Blessings to you."

This just happened.  I know.  Who DOES this anymore?  What shopkeeper trusts you to pay when you can?  Where was I, in Mayberry?  On Walton's Mountain??

Angel Kisses is a teensy shop in St. Charles, a far-western suburb of Chicago. I travel out that way once a month to see Dr. Crackybacky (my chiropractor, who has a completely different last name for reals), so when I overheard some pals talking about the shop (one is a healer and life coach, the other a reverend and overall awesome, psychically-gifted lady), I made sure to take a little detour after my physical adjustment. Turns out, I got a bit of a spiritual adjustment inside the non-descript, humble store. Because this place is infused with spirit, literally glittering with good angel vibes.

Before I entered, I asked God to point me in the right direction during my visit.  I specifically asked for a way to really, truly, lose about 10 to 15 pounds that have been my nemesis for over two years, that laugh at me in the mirror, and taunt me anytime I glance at my closetful of vintage clothes, about a quarter of which are straining at the seams when I try them on.  "God, please help me, from this point on, please help me to really lose this weight.  If there is something magical, spirit-based, that I need to help me, please direct me!  Thanks!!  And thanks again!"

Inside the shop, the first thing that "thwacked" my interest was the little prayer card for St. Raphael.  Archangel Raphael.  The angel of healing.  Hmmmmm... perhaps there are some medical issues that need looking into that are keeping me slightly chubby?  It wasn't just a little urging to purchase the card, it was a "soul call".  I also found a small angel medal for Raphael.  I placed them on the counter, and followed the sound of the "Holy Mary Mother of God" novenas that were running on a recorded loop.  The music brought me to an altar area with a beautiful statue of Jesus in the center, arms raised in supplication.  A veritable chorus of other statues surrounded him, crosses and crucifixes decorated the back wall behind him.

As I lowered down on the kneeler, I noticed a prayer to the Holy Spirit, printed out nearby.  This I prayed, then was, again, "urged" to look up - at the most lovely statue of Mary I may have ever seen.  Her eyes seemed so very loving, so very "real".  Not just painted or glass, they had a soul or spirit inside them.  It was then I also noticed a smaller statue of Christ to the other side of the larger one.  This had a sign that read, "Please do not move this statue.  It moves on its own."

Peace and calm and an almost golden-rose sense of love emanated from this statue;  I can't explain it any better than that.  I knew at that moment, that my prayer will be answered, that the power to accomplish my goal is inside me, because God works through me.  It's all cyclical, it all moves and works for my highest good.

If you're in the area, if you're in search of quiet and peace, of spiritual connection and assurance (not to mention a nice array of Catholic medals, jewelry, gift items and, of course, angels), please pay a visit to this unassuming little shop.  For therein lies a delicate-yet-powerful energy.  And there's definitely enough to go around to all who enter.  http://stcharles-il.patch.com/listings/angel-kisses-of-st-charles

I'm off now.  Seems I have a small bill to settle...

An open letter and tarot reading for David Byrne and St. Vincent (who made my summer smile)

Dear Mr. Byrne and Ms. Clark:

This letter has taken a few days to formulate, mostly because after seeing your concert at Ravinia in Highland Park/Greater Chicagoland area/Northeastern Illinois/Chicago, on Saturday, July 6, I was thrown into a slew of summery things, like buying edging bricks for our corner berm (to keep the succulents and butterfly bushes from overtaking the lawn), planning for an upcoming East Coast trip (wherein I'll revisit vintage amusement parks which were affected by Hurricane Sandy, which I wrote about in my book on vintage amusement parks.  And yes, I'll do summery things at the parks, like riding the spooky dark rides, and the Wonder Wheel at Coney), and attempting a pedicure (messy situation).  Plus, just "life things" came up.  But now, the letter.

You probably know, or were told, that at Ravinia, people bring picnics and light citronella candles and read books and snap lots of photos and enjoy the summer air even before the concert actually begins.  I do all those things, and I also read tarot cards.  It's something I do in places other than Ravinia, but there, I decided to read for you guys.

I pulled only one card, because sometimes brevity is most powerful.  And the card that came up for you (and, by the way, the actual question I posed before pulling the card was, "What wisdom can I gift these fine musicians with for the rest of their tour?") was the Three of Wands.  If you're not tarot-savvy, here's a picture of what it looks like, along with an explanation:

The suit of Wands in the tarot speaks of inspiration, of fire and sparks of genius.  Threes in the tarot signify unity (think something like "the holy trinity").  There's a coming together of forces, energies, and ideas.  Especially ideas.  The sojourner depicted on the card is boldy facing forward, ready to continue his journey, fueled with the knowledge that his travels will be filled with inspiration, growth, community, and a ridiculous amount of creativity and play.

I pretty much jumped about in my folding lawn chair and almost spilled a perfectly pleasant glass of pinot grigio when I pulled this card.  Guys, it's an absolutely perfect image to meditate upon, to linger with, while working on the rest of your spectacular tour.  It's quite apparent that the two of you "play well together", and this card's energy can only help to build upon and bolster the incredible energies that I saw combine upon the stage Friday night, allowing for even more beautifully-realized art in the future.

You two made my summer.  The music, the brass section's choreography, and your timeless silver hair (the both of you) delighted me.  This is just my little way of saying "thank you". 

Peace and Many Blessings, Pam

P.S.  Was it just the guy next to me, or were you allowing a wonderful incense to waft through the venue?  It was heady, woodsy and "just right" for a summer evening.

So then, what IS a warlock? Maybe only Uncle Arthur knows for sure ...

A few days ago, when the Supreme Court figured out where to find their brainstems, gay marriage was recognized as constitutional and there was much rejoicing about the country, especially on facebook: lots of red and pink equality signs, and super photo tributes, including the following heartening and humorous photo.



I personally always wanted Uncle Arthur to be MY uncle ...


 

By now, you've all probably figured out a few things about me.  I'm a huge "Bewitched" fan.  I'm very gay-friendly.  And I'm witchy.  So seeing a picture of my heroes Samantha and Endora with placards espousing a cause which is dear to me really made my day.  Until I read Sammy's signage more closely.  "My uncle is a gay warlock".  Hm. The word "warlock" kinda popped right out and hit me between the eyes (near the spot of "witches' honor" actually).  Because, you see, I've been attending lots of pagan lectures and classes recently.  And apparently, this word causes a lots of confusion and consternation.

The Free Online Dictionary gives this definition:
war·lock n.A male witch, sorcerer, wizard, or demon. [Middle English warloghe, from Old English for oath-breaker : pledge; see wr-o- in Indo-European roots + -loga, liar.] 

Wowee!  Okay, I need to first get over the fact that this entry essentially is equating witch, wizard, sorcerer with demon!  But after I calm myself down and take a swig of my latte, I point out the first bit of etymology, that it's from the Middle English for oath-breaker. And the roots lie where?  In the Indo-European word from liar.

Oh, my stars!!  Do we then consider Uncle Arthur a traitor?  What about Doctor Bombay?  And Maurice?  They might have been a bit mischievous at times, but lying, stinking traitors?  I think not!

In the circles in which I run, witches are called witches, be they male or female.  The term warlock definitely has some negative connotations.  However, when you dig deeper,the more I find out about the word's history.  It is a fascinating, albeit confusing one.  If you have the time, this link will take you to a very well-documented and thorough exploration:

http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=paganwiccan&cdn=religion&tm=91&gps=233_27_1257_709&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=4&bts=50&zu=http%3A//www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A4123946

Today, most pagans cast a jaundiced eye at the term, but I'm learning that, due to its long and storied past, some choose to embrace it, almost defiantly.

What are your thoughts?  Do you wince when you hear it used?  Or do you consider it simply a personal choice?