Greetings Neighbors,

Welcome to the February 2008 issue of DragonBytes! I would like to welcome all the new people who have signed on for the DragonMarsh newsletter. To contact us for any reason, including questions and comments, please email the store at dragonmarsh@aol.com.

New & News This Month!

We have been moving some cases around here in the store and generally getting ready for the 2008 Faire Season. Rose, Darby & I just got back from a mineral & gemstone buying trip, or as Rose says, "Playing with rocks!". We found some great stuff and it will be coming out into the cases in the next day or so. The February class schedules have been hammered out and starting to fill with students. Remember, even if the class is free, we still need to have you sign up, so we know how many people to expect.

A new section on the website is the redo of our Hoop Skirts page with brand new pictures and styles. They can be found the the Renaissance Costume area under Hoops & Crinolines or in their own category of Hoop Skirts

Our New Hours Just a gentle reminder, that as of January, our hours changed. We are now closed on Mondays, open Tuesday to Friday & Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are open on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Parking Structure Closure!   Parking structure #1, located on Orange St., between Mission Inn Ave. and University Ave has been closed until August/September 2008 for Seismic retrofit and general repairs. Please make a note of it. Currently all other parking lots and structures remain open in the Downtown area.

Upcoming & Ongoing Events

The Riverside Dickens Festival is coming up this weekend, if you are going to be down at library, take an extra half block walk and come see us. And with February, come our yearly admonishment that NOW is the time to start getting ready for Ren Faire! Orders for special order bodices should be made soon before our seamstresses get too busy. We are still confirming which events we will be attending this year. When in doubt as to weather we will be at an event, just go to our Faire Events and look for "DragonMarsh will be in attendance". If we are not going to be attending any events near you, there is always the website!

Riverside Dickens Festival

Downtown Riverside, Riverside Ca 92501 February 1st - 3rd 2008

www.renaissanceinfo.com/dickens/index.html

Two Rivers Renaissance Faire

Yuma, Az February 1st - 3rd 2008

www.tworiversfaire.com/

Queen Mary Scottish Festival

Long beach, Ca Feb 16th - 17th 2008

www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=scottishfestival

Irish fair & Music Festival

Pomona fairplex, Ca March 8th - 9th 2008

www.pageantryproductions.com    (310) 537-4240

Civil war re-enactment

2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Vista Ca. March 8th - 9th 2008

www.goldcoastfestivals.com    (760) 941-1791

Calaveras Celtic Faire (Northern Ca) 20th year anniversary

Frogtown Fairgrounds in Calaveras, Ca. 95222 March 8th - 9th 2008

www.calaverascelticfaire.com    (408) 506-6499

These are just some of the events listed on our  Faire events page. To see them all, Click on the link below
 Faire Events

DragonMarsh Winter & Spring Classes

Because all of our classes require preparation (of student supplies, hand outs, demonstration supplies, etc.) ahead of time by the teachers, it is necessary for interested students to sign up before the actual date of the class. Also, our teachers are prepared to teach a class on their given subject; if there are less than 3 students signed up, the class may very likely be postponed until a later date.
 (If a class is postponed, students do not lose their fee, but will be asked to attend the class at a later date when there are more participants. If a class is cancelled due to a lack of participants, the class fee you paid may also be transferred to any other class of your choice. If you are unable to attend the class, you must notify DragonMarsh no later than 24hours prior to the class, or you will forfeit your class payment.)

Free Classes and Demos: DragonMarsh has had many requests for free classes. We are unable to offer our regular classes for free, but our teachers and staff have developed many mini “intro” classes and demos on several subjects. Most Free classes & Demos are about 15-30 minutes in length. The Free classes/demos held after hours may have no more than 10 students. Prior Sign ups are REQUIRED for all classes (at least 24 hours in advance). See schedule for details.

Sat Feb. 2^nd 3:pm   FREE How to Choose the Right Herbpharm and Flower Essence For You! FREE By DragonMarsh Staff     Confused about which of the many formulas to take for your illness or trouble? Learn a simple way to decode the mysteries of  homeopathic remedies.

Sun. Feb. 3^rd 4:pm   Magickal Tools & Altars $18.00 by Morigianna     What IS the difference between a wand, a staff and a broom? Does it matter what color my Athame’ is? Can I make my own pentacle? Do I really need a cord? What is a grimore anyway? Learn the answers to these questions and many more! Learn all about Magickal tools. What are they? Do you need ALL of them? How to use them properly? Learn how to care bless & consecrate your tools. Separate Myth from Magick Bring any tool you have questions about. Class fee includes all materials

Tues. Feb 5^th 7:pm   Intro to Wire Wrapping/Jewelry Making $20.00 by Rose      Learn to wire wrap and create specialty jewelry using stones, crystals and metals. Topics will include techniques and styles of jewelry making as well as the properties of different stones and metals. Supplies students need to bring for this class are: a set of needle nose pliers and at least one stone of your choice to be used in your jewelry project. (Stones for multiple projects can be provided to students during class for a small fee.)

Thurs. Feb 7^th 4-6:pm   FREE Chinese New Year FREE  by Rose     Come learn about your Chinese zodiac sign and how it relates to those of the people around you. What does the year of the Rat hold in store for you? Learn about traditional Chinese new year “good-luck” charms and about what you can do to increase love, prosperity and good heath in the home and office.

Fri. Feb. 8^th  5:pm   FREE Ethics of Love Magick FREE by Morigianna     Learn the proper way to enhance you love life without getting into Karmic trouble! Take this class before you cast that Love spell!

Sat. Feb 9^th 4:pm   Finding & Communicating with your Nature Spirit $20.00 by Rose      Spirits surround us in all forms, be they elemental, mythical or animal. Learn the beginning skills for recognizing different types of spirits and how to communicate with them. Discover one of your own nature spirits, the reasons why they are with you, and learn how to cultivate a rewarding relationship with them. Fee includes class and all supplies.

Sat. Feb 9^th 7:pm   Dream Interpretation $20.00 by Rose      Do you dream of things before they happen? Do you want to stop nightmares? Are you plagued be reoccurring dreams and don’t know what they mean? Learn the answers to these and other questions. Topics to include dream symbolism, lucid dreaming and dream working.  Fee includes class and all supplies.

Mon. Feb. 11^th 7: pm   Magical Crafts: Tarot Card Bag $20.00 By Rose      Come for a fun filled craft night where you make and take your own magically charged bag ready to carry your tarot cards, crystal or rune stones. Class fee includes instruction and supplies. Wear old clothes as some of our “crafting” may get a bit messy.

Tues. Feb 12^th 7:pm   Tarot 101 $30.00 by Rose      Learn the basics of the Rider-Waite system as well as developing your own intuitive meanings. Learn how to pick the right divination tool, how to cleanse and charge them as well as develop a deeper understanding of the cards and their symbols. Why do my cards not give me an accurate reading? Why did my set go missing? Why am I drawn to one set of cards over another? Topics include: Major arcana, classic spreads , cleanseing, etc. You must bring a set of tarot cards to class. Sets of cards will be available for sale prior to class at DragonMarsh. Fee includes class.

Thurs. Feb 14^th 4-6:00 Pm   FREE Celebration Of Love in honor of Saint Valentine! FREE  by DragonMarsh staff     Come celebrate love in its many forms. Love of family, friends, lovers, chocolate or just LIFE! You don’t have to be in love to come to our celebration just willing to see the love in your own life or be open to bringing love to you. All faiths and traditions welcome.

Fri. Feb. 15^th 7:pm   Workings for Love & Affection $18.00 by Morigianna     Looking for love in all the wrong places? DO you have an empty place in your heart?  Did Prince(ess) Charming pass you buy? Does your love life need a jumpstart? Lonely? Need to rekindle the flame of passion in your relationship? This class will help you learn how find, keep and earn love in your Life while working safely in a positive ethic. Class fee includes materials & all supplies for class project.

Sun. Feb 17^th 4:pm   FREE How to Use a Pendulum FREE by Rose     In this demonstration, students will learn the basic tools and energy application for this popular form of dowsing.

Sun. Feb 17^th 7:pm   Pendulum 101 $20.00 by Rose      Learn the history and uses of this mystical tool. Topics will include techniques for “speaking with the spirits”, “dowsing” as well as learning to create and empower your own pendulum. Supplies students need to bring for this class are: at least one stone of your choice to be used in your pendulum project. (Stones for pendulum project can be provided to students during class for a small fee.)

Tues. Feb 19^th 7:pm   Tarot 202 $30.00 by Rose      Learn the basics of the Rider-Waite system as well as developing your own intuitive meanings. Learn how to pick the right divination tool, how to cleanse and charge them as well as develop a deeper understanding of the cards and their symbols. How do I make my own set of cards? What do I do if one or more of my cards is damaged? Why did I chose one set as a beginner, only to move on to other another? Topics include: Minor arcana, creating custom card spreads , cleansing, etc. You must bring a set of tarot cards to class. Sets of cards will be available for sale prior to class at DragonMarsh. Fee includes lecture and all handouts.

Wed. Feb. 20^th 7:pm   Magickal Mysteries of Moon phases & Moon Cycles $18.00 by Morigianna     Attune your magick with the moon! Learn to use the proper moon phase for Magickal workings! Learn the do’s and don'ts of the Moon’s cycles. Understand the Waxing and Waning Lunar Phases Work with the tides, rather than against them. Learn secrets and powers of the lunar energies and how they effect our lives, our holidays and our magical abilities. Learn to read a moon calendar and make your own. Learn how the moon in astrological signs can affect your spellwork. Learn how to harness the moons energy for future use. Much, Much, more! Class fee includes materials, handouts & all supplies for class project.

Thurs. Feb 21st 7:pm   Introduction to the Magic of Stones $20.00 by Rose      Learn the art of communicating with and empowering gemstones, crystals, and minerals for the purposes of protection, prosperity, love, and healing. Learn the basics for cleansing and empowering the stones, & learn how to choose the best stone for any given magical situation. Which healing stone is best for me if I suffer from migraines? What stones should I not use while pregnant? And other questions answered.  In this class you will receive instruction on how to make a powerful and personal stone talisman. Class fee includes lecture and handouts.

Thurs. Feb 22nd 7:pm   Meditation 101 $20.00 by Rose      Meditation comes easy for some, but for others it is a chore. Whether because it is hard to block out the noise of the world around you, or because it is had to quell the inner noise or worries and stress. Still others have problems “seeing” when they are attempting to contact spirits or contemplating a life searching question. We have the tips and techniques to help even the most troubled mind. This helpful tool aids in healing, astral projection, shielding and dream working, etc. Fee includes class and all supplies.

Sat. Feb 23rd 2:pm   Free How to Bless, Anoint and Consecrate Candles Free by Morigianna     See how to use oils and herbs to properly Dress a candle for any purpose. Learn several ways of anointing candles and how to use herbs to increase their energy.

Sat. Feb 23rd 4:pm   Make Your Own Runes $30.00 by Rose      In this class you will make a set of runes. Class instruction covers the history, mythology and use of runes as well as practical everyday application. Fee includes class, handouts and supplies. 

Mon. Feb 25^th 4-6:pm   Wire Wrapping/Jewelry Making (Intro & Advanced) $40.00 by Rose      Intro Class: Learn to wire wrap and create specialty jewelry using stones, crystals and metals. Topics will include techniques and styles of jewelry making as well as the properties of different stones and metals. Supplies students need to bring for this class are: a set of needle nose pliers and at least one stone of your choice to be used in your jewelry project. (Stones for multiple projects can be provided to students during class for a small fee.)   Advanced Class: Topics include "framing" & "caging" techniques , how to turn a "practice" -piece into a "masterpiece", and even more invaluable tips & techniques the professionals use to get a perfect wrap every time. Supplies students need to bring to class: (Same as stated above for Introduction class).

Tues. Feb 26^th 7:pm   Intro to Wire Wrapping/Jewelry Making $20.00 by Rose      Learn to wire wrap and create specialty jewelry using stones, crystals and metals. Topics will include techniques and styles of jewelry making as well as the properties of different stones and metals. Supplies students need to bring for this class are: a set of needle nose pliers and at least one stone of your choice to be used in your jewelry project. (Stones for multiple projects can be provided to students during class for a small fee.)

Thurs. Feb 28th 7:pm   Spirit Communication $20.00 by Rose      Spirits surround us, but for what purpose? Are they here to guide us through troubled times? Are they loved ones who have passed, but are unable to "go on"? Sometimes they appear in frightening forms, sometimes in faint traces that trigger fond memories. Topics include the different types of spirits, how to communicate with them and how to protect yourself from "unwanted attention". Fee includes class and supplies.

Click here for more Winter & Spring Classes!

Dragon Sky Watch
Times listed in Sky Watch are Pacific Standard Time, unless otherwise noted:

As you may have NOT heard, asteroid 2007 WD5 did miss Mars yesterday, and if fact a recent re-calculation of data put the odds of a planetary impact back to 1 in 10,000. However, that spy satellite will be de-orbiting at the end of the month and early guesses are on a northern hemisphere impact, possibly on a North American area. When we find out more, we will let you know weather you need to grab a camera, an umbrella, or to head for the storm cellar.

There are no major meteor showers or comets of any great magnitude to report on this month.

February Moon

Storm Moon, Snow Moon, Wolf Moon, Ice Moon, Horning Moon, Wild Moon, Seed Moon, Hunger Moon, Quickening Moon, Red & Cleansing Moon, Big Winter Moon

The Storm Moon is a time to do magick for fertility and strength. It is a time of storms and bleak, short days. This is a good time to do magick to help you face life's challenges. You could do a spell to help you with a particularly challenging project at work. Your spell could focus on helping you to accept the challenge, persevere, and make it through. This is also a time of cleansing both internally and externally. As such, it's a great time to get rid of physical things you don't need and any mental or emotional baggage you might be hauling around with you

New Moon	First Quarter	Full Moon	Last Quarter
February 6th  7:45 PM	February 13th   7:34 PM	February 20th   7:31 PM	February 28th   6:20 PM

Mercury Retrograde Alert! Mercury went retrograde on January 28th and will go direct on February 18th. As we have discussed in previous DragonBytes, communications get mixed up and plans go awry when Mercury goes into Retrograde. Just make sure you double check everything twice and things will be ok...

Horoscopes by Rose Blackstone

   Capricorn: Looking for love and still haven’t found it yet? Let me guess: you’ve lit the red candle, anointed it with love oil, meditated upon the many virtues that you are looking for in a soul mate, etc. etc. etc. But have you even gone out looking? Think about the places you enjoy, they’re filled with like minded people. So you’re not likely to find your soul mate in a bar, unless you’re a barfly yourself. Try an art museum, a library or a play. Check the internet for group gatherings on subjects you enjoy. Keep an open heart and an open mind, and something is bound to happen.

   Aquarius: Stop cleaning up everyone else’s mess and start fixing your own life. We both know that you do it, honey. In order to keep from accepting the blame for your own bad decisions, you hide behind friends, family and co-workers, saying that: “I would have gotten to it, if only I didn’t have to help everyone else.” Well, now it’s your turn. You’ve been helping all these people, so now is the time to call in favors. It also helps to light a white candle and call upon the powers that be. Be specific about what you want fixed and how to fix it. And be reasonable: if we all asked for winning lotto tickets and had our wishes granted, we’d all get fifty cents paid out over twenty years.

   Pisces: An unexpected windfall awaits you this month, but it might not exactly be what you’ve been waiting for. So make do with what you’ve got! Got lemons? Forget the lemonade, try lemon meringue pie, or zesty lemon-pepper chicken. If life is what you make it, then shouldn’t you try to make it something better? You’ve had how many years of stress, depression, guilt, etc? Shouldn’t you now bring happiness, prosperity and love into your home? If you find it hard to do, try some uplifting music. Burn a citrus-smelling candle. Make a list of everything you love (yes, chocolate counts twice). Be thankful, and more goodness will be drawn to you.

  Aries: An unexpected visitor making life stressful? Everyone has that “someone” in their life that latches on and leaches food, energy and money out of you. And try as you might, you can’t seem to shake them. You can say “no” (though some of us are better at it than others), hide from them behind closed doors, or pretend that the cell phone is running out of power. But if you can’t shake them for good, remember that doctors use leeches to reduce excess blood from a patient in order to help them. Maybe the universe sent you this “little helper” in order to pull away excess anger, frustration, etc. that you might vent on the more important people in your life. Besides, they can only stay in your life for so long, before moving on to their next “host”.

  Taurus: If frustrations are high in the workplace, more than likely it all leads back to some small misunderstanding that could have been easily dealt with if both parties had their heads on straight. But let’s face it, sometimes “intelligence” and “workplace” don’t seem to fit together. Just have patience and the rest will fix itself in time. If you can’t seem to help those around you physically, help them spiritually: Burn an orange candle and think positive thoughts. The more the better. And the positive energy that you put out into the universe will return to you (probably not in a cash bonus,  but maybe in a kind word or two).

  Gemini: Hope is the best asset in your arsenal this month as you seem to be in constant battle with those around you. As others around you pressure you to “hurry up/ get real/ grow up”, they’re not really trying to keep you from your goals, or even to chastise you. They are trying to keep you from making the same mistakes they have seen happen in the past. If you feel that you are in the right (even after much careful consideration), thank them for their “insight” and move on to your own path. Just keep and open mind and learn to ask for help if you fail. Sometimes the road less traveled is “less traveled” for a reason.

  Cancer: Beware of false friends turning your head from the truth you need to see. Most of the time, when those around you tell little white lies or stretch the truth, it’s for your benefit. A simple “your hair looks fine” and “that color brings out your eyes” never really hurt anyone. But someone has been pouring poison into your ear, not so much to make the “other guy” look bad, as to take attention away from the whisperer’s more recent actions. This goes beyond the questions of  “does so-and-so really love me?” and “does this make me look fat?” This is taking your attention away from something important in your life. So take a break from this “friend”, sage yourself and take in this “sage” advice.

  Leo: An unexpected road trip is in your future, whether by plane, train or automobile, adventure is in the cards. Pack light, but plan for the unexpected and the worst that can happen is a case of motion sickness. The best? Well, now –that’s up to you. Burn a yellow candle and put the rune “Raido” on your travel bag and keep an open mind as the path unfolds itself before you. Where have you always wanted to travel? Where do you feel the most at home. This is the chance to change your life forever with a spiritual trek or a moment to rekindle the romance you’ve been seeking.

  Virgo: Don’t bite off more than you can chew this month, as the common cold may be your Achilles heel.  You’ve been doing the work of two people (at least), trying to help others while trying to make ends meet for yourself. If you’ve done twice the work, than you need twice the time to relax and heal. Take some goldenseal and Echinacea.  And a little extra “healthy” food –not the stuff from the snack machine- might improve your mood as well. We both know that you love to save the world, but if you don’t stop and take care of yourself, who is going to be there to rescue you?

   Libra: Sometimes the best thing that you can do for a friend is to leave them alone. Someone around you may be going through a difficult time this month. And rather than run to the rescue (once again), you need to let them muddle through this problem on their own. Give them a little insight when they need it, and step back to let them deal with life on their own.  Let’s face it, if you are always there to save them from the little things, how will they face the larger problems in life with no experience to tell them what works and what doesn’t?

   Scorpio: Make a wish. A BIG one. The most extravagant you can find. Now take a leap of faith and act as if it were about to come true (because it just might). Let’s say you want to travel, look up vacation packages online. Maybe you want to live in another country for a year: check with your boss ,or online source for oversea jobs and maybe something will open up. Become a star? Take some classes and try out for local theater. Far stranger things have happened to you in your life than just wish fulfillment. Light a white candle, write it all down and keep it close to your heart. Why not make a big wish and make it your happily ever after? It’s much better than the “To be continued…” you’re currently living

  Sagittarius: It’s time you put your money where your mouth is. Everyone around you is tired of the same “big fish” stories of your youth that you belt out on any occasion. The past is behind you, it’s time you made some new memories and new stories. Sometimes when we reminisce about our past it feels like that was the best that life had to offer, that’s not true. The best time of your life is right now , shouldn’t you give it the same attention and energy as the “good old days”? You can still do the things you used to love, you may just have to tone it down for the sake of your age. Am I calling you old? Well stop acting like an old fart and go out and show these “young’uns” how it’s done!

Stone Lore By Rose

Amethyst is a purple variety of  Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz, its chemical formula is SiO₂. Because it has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, amethyst is treasured for its use in jewelry. The Greek word "amethystos" (αμέθυστος) basically can be translated as "not drunken." In Greece it was common practice to serve wine from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.  Even today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. 

    Supposedly, when a drunken Dionysus was pursuing a maiden called Amethystos, who refused his affections, she prayed to the gods to remain chaste. The goddess Artemis granted the prayer, transforming her into a white stone; humbled by Amethystos' desire to remain chaste, Dionysus poured wine over the stone she had become as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple. Variants of the story include that Dionysus, the god of intoxication, had been insulted by a mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal who crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish; the mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to Artemis. Her life is spared by Artemis, who transforms the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple. Another variation involves the goddess Rhea presenting Dionysus with the amethyst stone to preserve the winedrinker's sanity.

   Amethyst is the birthstone associated with February. It is also associated with the astrological signs of Pisces, Aries (especially the violet and purple variety), Aquarius, and Sagittarius. It is a symbol of heavenly understanding, and of the pioneer in thought and action on the philosophical, religious, spiritual, and material planes. Ranking members of the Roman Catholic Church traditionally wear rings set with a large amethyst as part of their office. Amethyst is also symbolic of spirituality and piety.  It has been used to ornament churches and crosses used in religious ceremony, and worn in rings and on rosaries by bishops and priests.

   February's purple birthstone has been found among the possessions of royalty throughout the ages.  The intense violet hue of Amethyst appealed to early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this color. Purple dye was scarce and expensive at one time, and so it was reserved for the garments of kings and queens. Amethyst has been found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning crowns, scepters, jewelry, and breastplates worn into battle.   A large Amethyst is among the closely guarded gemstones in the British Crown Jewels. The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty.  It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem.  Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, it's stunning beauty will certainly make anyone who wears it feel like royalty. Other attributes of the Amethyst are grounding of negative energies, protection while traveling and releasing the bonds that inhibit psychic awareness. It is also said to aid in sleep (both to protect the unconscious mind and to aid in dream working). A good stone for personal transformation through difficult times, it is highly recommended for those seeking a better mental attitude in life.

Dragon Thoughts

Sitting here at the keyboard, I......got nothing...Sorry folks, no wonderful words of wisdom or rants and ravings this month. It's cold in the cave. Think I will go light a fire and cuddle up with the cats.

'Till the next Byte,

The Dragon

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