I received an email the other day about a pagan business that needs your help; The Enchanted Hourglass, a custom retailer and wholesaler based out of Xenia, a small town south east of Dayton, Ohio. Owner Angie Morefield crafts fine robes and capes, while her husband and co-owner Tim creates absolutely beautiful etched glass table tops. They also sell herb candles, stained glass and other items.

Zodiac Sign and Celtic Knot Etched Tabletop and covering cloth.

But the Enchanted Hourglass has had some tough times of late, so I emailed Tim to find out more.

I understand there have been some health issues with one of the owners which has really held back on developing the store. Can you tell me more about that?
I have had two shoulder surgeries this year. The first was in February and I was to be out of work for three months, maximum .After the shouder did not heal after six months they did an MRI and discovered other problems, partially from the first surgery. I had my second surgery in October. The total time out of work was 10 months.

If anyone has tried to live on workers comp. or short-term disablity they would understand how hard it is. I was not able to work the overtime that was available and not able to contribute and supplement the business in harder times. Fortunately I am now back to work. It will take a little to get back on our feet,but we are determined.

But that wasn’t the only issue was it?
We have an on-line store, but we are best known as gypsy merchants.We do over a dozen shows and festivals each year.We do Pagan festivals, metaphysical/holistic events, and Native American Pow-Wows.

In June were doing an event in Springfield, Oh. and the location we were at was struck by a severe storm. We were close enough to be able to sleep in our own beds, so we had gone home that night. About two hours after we left we got a call from one of the vendors that a tornado had just struck. They did not know where our canopy was, and our product was in a pile in the middle of the field.We lost a total of about $2000 in product and had to replace two tarps and all of the poles for our canopy.

If the store can make it through the coming few months and stay open, what are your goals for the coming year?
The first goal of the business is to find ways to make it more self supporting and less dependant on other sources, my income for example.

We are going to decrease our show schedule and focus more on the wholesale end of the business. I would also like to find ways to get the on-line shop more exposure without spending the money we save by not doing as many shows and spending it on advertising.

By doing this it will help decrease our expenses and allow us to stay at home more.

The other goal is more spiritual.The pagan community has given so much to us over the years, we would like to know what we can give back. As a merchant in the pagan community we feel that we are also teachers, counselors,and news bringers. We feel this is an obligation because you cannot take without giving.

No Fancy Government Bailouts Here

Just pagans helping pagans, and getting some beautifully crafted ritual items as well. Check out the Enchanted Hourglass for yourself, and get an item for a loved one for Yule, order some items at wholesale for stocking your store, or just get something for yourself!

If you will be in the Dayton area make sure to contact Angie and Tim for a private showing of their art in their home. Or make sure to contact your favorite event to request the Enchanted Hourglass as merchants.

Every little bit makes a difference. Tim is right, you cannot take without giving, but also remember that in giving you open yourself to receiving. That’s helping each other out. That’s Living Reciprocity.

I Can't Do It Without You!

Living Reciprocity won't work without your help! Send me people to talk about. Send me businesses information to promote. From selling pies you bake at home, to running a small manufacturing firm, they are all businesses, so we need to promote and support them. Help the universe, help your fellow pagans and help yourself.

Please contact me using the comment link above, visit my MySpace page, or you can email me at twosnakes@witchmoot.com.