Touch of Amethyst

The Power of Readings

Crystal — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:15:32 +0000

Getting a reading is not just about finding out something that the Gods or the reader would know and you do not. A reading helps to magify your own ability to understand the choices that are set before you and tap into your own sense of intuition and insight. In a way, a reading is a tool that can be used to better understand yourself and your own thoughts. I often find that people come to get a reading thinking that the cards are going to be like a fortune telling event and yet (hopefully) walk away with a better understanding of their own reality. This is exactly as it should be. There is no crystal ball that you can gaze into the future of choices you have yet to make. While there is some visions of the manifestations of the path you are currently on, those things are not set in stone because the future is a series of choices that are made in the now… leading up to a future now. The power of a reading goes beyond that of a moment, one decision, one issue or one path. The power of a reading can help you to better grasp the way that you look at life and outline your choices for yourself; often excluding some potential options along the way. The power of a reading is that it can open your mind to the possibilities that you have yet to see and the internal power you have to dictate the future that you want to have. Enjoy your journey to yourself… that is spread in front of you on a table and interpreted by your skilled professional. Many blessings!

New office and Forthcoming Anthology!

Crystal — Sun, 15 May 2011 08:57:09 +0000

I have two wonderful announcements I am happy to share with everyone. I am excited to say that I officially have an office now that I am able to do readings, restorative justice circles and classes out of. I am hoping to start working on putting some upcoming events together and share those things with everyone to see if there is some interest locally.

Readings can still be done on the phone or by Skype but if you want one in person and are in the Bay Area, you can contact me for options.

The second wonderful announcement is that the Shades of Faith Anthology is out of copy editing and we are in the cover design phase of the process. The book looks like it will be out for sure this year and available for everyone to enjoy. I am very excited about this. It is a wonderful snapshot of the experiences of some of our Pagan community members who have the experiences of balancing faith and differing culture. I am excited to say that Luisha Teish is one of the contributers that has worked with me in this anthology process, among other very talented writers and practitioners.

I am in the process of setting calendar events at some local shops and events. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

Interviews, Pagan Parade and Others

Crystal — Sat, 07 May 2011 07:28:46 +0000

from freefoto.com

The last two months have been very exciting and lots of things have happened. Not only have I gotten the chance to talk on Pagans Tonight a couple of times as a call in, I have had two shows that I was featured on. One of which was just me talking about some of the concepts in the book and the other being a panel with other Pagans (Raven Kaldera, AC, Shauna, Ed Hubbert, Traci Logan Woods and others) about Sex and ethics in the Pagan community.

I have also had the honor of being interviewed on Voices of the Sacred Feminine and The Modern Witch Podcast!! All the links to these are featured on my main site (author site) www.crystalblanton.com.

Tomorrow I will be doing some book signings at the Pagan Alliance Pagan Parade and festival in Berkeley, California. it will be at Civic park on Martin Luther King Jr Way and will be happening from 10:30 to 5:30pm. I will be doing signings from about 11:30 to 1:30 in the Authors Circle.

Other updates, including being a featured presenter for the Sacred Harvest Festival in Minnesota, can be found on www.crystalblanton.com. Stay tuned for updates and information.

Readings Available Now

Crystal — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:23:57 +0000

The universe has a way of putting things into perspective and organizing life the way that it best serves the greater picture. With that being said, I have pulled back from doing readings at shops or other venues. After doing readings at the Witches Ball, it became clear to me that the universe wants me to get back into reading for others on a consistent basis. So, I will be offering in person readings and skype readings again. I do not yet have any local events booked that I will specifically be doing readings for but will make sure to post when things are scheduled. Although I will be at the

Opportunity to talk on Pagan’s Tonight Saturday

Crystal — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:53:16 +0000

After a wonderful Ostara ritual and time with the coven, I was sitting at home with the hubbie and trying to decide what to do. I posted such on facebook and the National First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess (and my friend) Peter Dybing posted commented and told me to listed to the Pagan’s tonight show because they were doing a telethon for the Pagan Japan Relief. I tuned in to the show and listened while sitting on the couch and watching the kiddos.

While listening, I hear Peter mention my book and some of the community aspects of what I talk about. Funny enough, right before this I had asked the chat room how to call in. After Peter mentioned me and the book, the guests started telling me to call in. So I took my super nervous butt into the bedroom and called into the show.

I got the chance, for the first time, to talk on a live radio show about my book and have people want to hear what I was saying. Incredible feeling and very humbling at the same time. I realized in that moment that all the opportunities I have wanted to bring into fruition are coming to the surface and it is scary and exciting at the same time. I am honored to be able to create such supportive relationships with others who belief in my work and are being a voice for me in the community. It is all a bit overwhelming at times.

Tomorrow I am recording an interview with Modern Witch Podcast and next Wednesday I will be on the Sacred Feminine radio show on blog talk radio. This is truly incredible.

I will post as things are released. You can get the episode of Pagan’s Tonight on itunes or at the website www.paganstonight.com. It is the episode with the Pagan Japan Relief/Doctor’s without Borders episode. I am at the end of the second hour at the very beginning of the third hour.

I recognize the words of the Goddess as she lays the path before me and I am walking it.
Blessed Be….

Witches Ball Readings

Crystal — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 06:49:16 +0000

I went to the Witches Ball, sponsored by the Pagan Alliance, for the first time today. Although it is the 3rd annual event, it was the first time I went and the Tower in Benicia is absolutely beautiful! I was scheduled for doing tarot readings from 3-5 and ended up staying and reading until almost 7pm. I was packed with readings and all donations went to the Pagan Alliance as a donation.

I got to spend the early part of the day with a old friend from Sacramento and had lunch together. I then got to see two of my spiritual sisters, one pointed out a excellent phoenix necklace and of course I had to get it.

It was a good time and great to see the event and some of the wonderful things we are working on in the Pagan community. If we can continue to sustain these events we might actually be able to build a solid and supportive community to engage our children in for the years to come.

Upcoming Events!

Crystal — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 06:43:35 +0000

It is that time again where there are events from February to May that you can come out, enjoy yourself, meet me, buy a book or get a reading. Here are some of the upcoming events that I will be going to and participating in.

Pantheacon: February 18th – 21st.

Located at the Double Tree Hotel in San Jose. www.pantheacon.com

I will be presenting two seminars;

Friday at 3:30 – Circle Repair; Restorative practices in Covens and Circles

Saturday at 9:00am – West Side Story Witches; How Gang Wars Destroy Community

Witch’s Ball (Sponsored by the Pagan Alliance): Located in Benicia at the Benicia Clock Tower (1189 Washington Street). Come out on March 5th from 3-8pm for games, face painting, tarot readings, music and food. I will be doing tarot readings from 3-5pm.

Pagan Festival and Parade (Sponsored by the Pagan Alliance): Located at the Civic Center Park in Berkeley, CA.

Come out between 10:30 and 5:30 for lots of shopping, music, performances, ritual, authors and fun in the sun.

I hope to meet more of the community at these Pagan community events. Come out and have fun, meet others and find ways to be involved in the Pagan community.

Spiritual Growth for 2011

Crystal — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 07:10:10 +0000

I have been a spiritual mentor for years now. Although 2010 was a challenge due to my mother’s death, I have managed to continue mentoring through years of ups and downs. As the year has turned into another, I have been able to re-engage with some of my students studies and somehow managed to energetically support the door in opening for more people to venture towards us. One of my long time students, Angelique Mroczka, posted a blog about mentoring on her fabulous website thebalancedwitch.com, and matched up several students with students who have been studying with me. Incredible!! With that, more opportunities to branch out have brought me back to a place of really enjoying the practice of mentoring and growing in the process myself.

There are so many opportunities to learn and grow, spiritual studies is just one avenue. I am excited that those who have worked with me through the years are branching out and doing the same for others.

Growth is abundant this year and even though it is slow coming, we are all growing to another place within the spiritual journey set before us. Finding whatever ways support you in your growth can be essential to avoiding some stagnation and support the process of keeping your path alive and exciting.

Updates and Pcon

Crystal — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:13:41 +0000

The year is closing and although there have been some great things to happen this year, there have also been a lot of trials as well. I am looking forward to the new year and although it will not be without trying times, it will be a chance to start fresh and restart the clock, so to speak.

I have still been working within the divination group that I belong to, Berkano Babes, and have been in full swing with giving readings. There is a possibility that I will be doing readings at the upcoming Witch’s Ball in Benicia, more to come on the details.

Lastly, I have been accepted for two of my workshops for Pantheacon 2011. As the schedule is solidified, I will update the site with times and more information.

Stay tuned and Happy New Year.

2011 – The year to prepare

Crystal — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:09:16 +0000

While most of us think of the number 4 as a stabilizing force, it is also the number right before the turning point of the number 5. Changes are predicted in 2012 by many numerologists, as it will serve as the point where the energy kicks over from the devastation of the economic crisis. While most of us are looking forward to getting out of 2010, it is important to prepare for 2011 since the cycle has not ended just yet.

I am not a numerologist and am not attempting to make a forecast of the coming year but instead wanted to point out some of the ways that energy will ebb and flow on the road to strong change. The ups and downs of energy and of life have a downward dip prior to the uprising of the wave. We see this if we take a pencil and draw up and down hills on a piece of paper.

2009 and 2010 have shown the declines that have led to economic and some personal issues. If this was the downward spiral and 2012 is the upward motion of change; we have to consider how far down the rabbit hole goes and how fast we have to spin downwards in order to gain enough momentum to climb the next “hill”. 2011 is the year that will provide this answer, so while we are stabillizing in the process of knowing how challenging the situations are, it is not the cure. We will find that we are in the curve that will eventually become the upswing.

In preparing for the coming year, make sure to have your plan solid and your faith in recovery strong so that you may ride the tidal wave to a better situation. Relief will come at some point in the next year but it will be a journey to get to that place. Embrace the momentum of the journey so that we can then embrace the butterfly of change.