Tight corsets, couples massage and something to keep the kids busy! What else do you need for the January edition of Living Reciprocity?

Greetings all, welcome to the January edition of Living Reciprocity. I know I am a bit late with this edition. I try to have it published on the 16th of each month, but I simply failed this time, aided in part by a failing car. There is indeed a reason I am always saying we need more pagan mechanics. What exactly is a good spell for keeping an old car running with a long commute?

I want to encourage all of you out there to send me some emails. I am always looking for people in business, pagans on the job, and spiritual warriors to highlight. I think it is vital for the growth of the community that we all recognize the everyday goals and achievements of the people around us. In my opinion one of the best things you can do for those people is to point out what they are doing, so they can be praised by the community. Don’t you agree?

Speaking of the community, I have finally discovered the joys of PaganSpace.net. My hat is off to Starrfire Price for the great site. I am also very proud to announce that Witchmoot.com has been added to the blog roll of The Wild Hunt, the CNN of pagan news.

Everyday Spiritual Warriors

This month we are going to highlight the fine folks at Broomstix a pagan e-zine aimed at educating and entertaining the next generation of pagans. Broomstix is a non-profit spearheaded by Natalie Zaman and Kat (Katharine Clark), which just had it’s second anniversary, making it a fine time for an interview with Natalie.

 

 

What was your goal in starting Broomstix?
It was actually kind of selfish. Kat, Char (Charlotte Bennardo) and I had been writing for a while and getting lots of rejections–this is a sad reality of the publishing business, and one that can be incredibly frustrating. At the time, I was still working on alot of picture book manuscripts. I figured, I know theses stories are good–I should just publish them myself. I wanted to do some kind of community service and broached the topic with Kat about doing an ezine for kids. I had revamped our graven Images Oracle site myself (GIO is the predictive deck that Kat and I co-authored), and thought, how hard could it be to do another website? Plus the costs were low and we could work on things at the last minute–an important point, this! I wanted to cover all sorts of topics and offer it as a teaching tool. We wanted to feature sabbats, rituals and crafts, but in a format that children could pick up themselves. Char and I were in a writing group together and she always had good insight on how to fix things, so I brought her on board (our token non-pagan LOL). Funny thing is that we publish a lot more of other people’s stuff than our own–I think that’s awesome!

How many hours do you typically put in on an issue?
Loads! Seriously though, we’re always working on Broomstix, whether its building pages, writing, editing, or planning future issues. I’ve never actually tallied hours. As soon as one issue goes up, focus moves onto the next issue. Sometimes I give us a week’s break, but then it’s back to work.

Do you get donations to help, or do you manage on ad sales?
We don’t have ads (kids get enough of that), and we don’t ask for donations–there are loads of charities that save lives, feed the hungry and cure disease–those are the ones that should be getting the cash. Broomstix is funded through other projects that we’re working on. We’ve put money we’ve made through writing articles for other publications, and Graven Images Oracle towards Broomstix. We also have cafe press stores for both Broomstix and GIO–that goes back into Broomstix too. When we have contests, some places donate books for us to give as prizes. Amy Zerner and Monte Farber have donated some of their work, and Red Wheel/Weiser just sent us some prize books–they rock!

How many people on your “staff”?
Well, there’s me, Kat and Char, Aviva, our Kitchen Witch, and then we have super talented folks that write and illustrate regularly for us like Robin Ator, Lauren Curtis, Sue Miller, Steelgoddess, Zorian Cross, Claire Coleman, Claude Swinburne, Ame Dyckman and Goldie Brown.

What is your favorite part about running Broomstix?
Finishing an issue. Really! I feel a such a sense of pride and relief when a new issue goes up. Also, when things just “come together"–be it an idea, or artwork and a written piece. It really is magic.

What has the feedback from the community been like?
So far so good! Folks really seem to like Broomstix. We get lots of suggestions for books, and more and more folks are starting to submit work. Sometimes I wonder why we haven’t gotten more criticism–I don’t want to invoke it! But what that tells me is that we need to work on getting the word out that we exist. Marketing has been and I think will continue to be the hardest part of this project.

You have articles, arts and crafts among other things, where do you come up with all those ideas?
Sometimes I wonder about that myself! We’re always looking for ideas. Sometimes the kids come home from school with a project, and it’s a springboard. I’ve gotten gifts that inspired written pieces. People are the best source though–we get a lot of ideas–and hone a lot of ideas through talking and bouncing emails back and forth.

Broomstix can be a great venue for artists to showcase work, especially on the covers. How should people contact you to submit work?
Definitely through email–submissions can be sent to broomstixforkids@yahoo.com. Snail mail is Broomstix, PO Box 8139, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Email is better though, and please feel free to nugde if you’ve sent something in and we haven’t gotten back. Between the three of us we’re loaded with projects and sometimes it takes a while for us to respond.

What part of the country are you in?
New Jersey! Kat and I were born and raised here. Char is from Long Island, but we still love her

Tell me about your personal path. How long have you been pagan?
I practice a family Wiccan tradition. Kat is my elder. She was trained by her grandfather, but added a Celtic spirit to her practice (her mom’s family is Irish). By some strange twist of serendipity, Kat and I are related by marriage–but we didn’t know this before we met. The road to the Craft was not an easy one for me, but I would say that I have been practicing steadily for about 10 years.

Tell me a bit about yourself
Raz and I have been married for 19 years (19 years this year) . I’ve never met anyone so in tune with himself (he’s one of those people who has no questions, is satisfied with everything–you get the idea). We have three children, Asim, 16, Mari, 11 and Vincent 8. Whenever I can, I travel. I also write a regular feature for newWitch (link) magazine called “The Wandering Witch.". Raz is more of a homebody and likes to do organic gardening. I like this too, but it can get overwhelming. My goal for this year is to focus on the berries (we’ve managed to have several nice crops of raspberries and blackberries)–I can deal with those, but not the corn. You can’t grow corn in suburbia. Well, you can, but its not pretty!

Folks, these people are working their hearts out for your kids, and for the next generation. Spread the word about Broomstix, and drop them a line telling them how much you appreciate what they are doing!

Pagans In Business

I have a great double edition of Pagans In Business this month. No I know that as pagans we might not celebrate Valentines day officially. But I will bet many of you give a gift or make an effort on that day. Am I wrong? If so feel free to drop me an email. But if I am right, I give you the following gift ideas.

The Holistic Butterfly Studio

Based out of East Lansing, Michigan the Holistic Butterfly Studio is a self described “Center for Mind-Body-Spirit Health and Wellness” run by the charming Beverly Bates.

 

 

How long have you been in business?
I have been doing massage therapy since 2003.

What’s sorts of services to you offer?
I offer a combination therapeutic and relaxation massage that I call Integrated Holistic massage, clinical massage, chair massage, hot stone massage and couples massage.

What is your most popular?
The 90 minute Integrated Holistic massage is the most popular, esp. for people with a specific area of pain who also want a relaxing massage.

One of the services listed is couples massage. Is that popular, or are men too shy?
This IS a popular service, esp for Valentine’s weekend, anniversaries and birthdays. Most of the appointments for couples massages are booked by the female, however lots of men receive regular bodywork on their own.

Do people buy massages for loved ones, or is this more of something that someone indulges in for themselves?
Both, gift certificate sales usually increase at Christmas time, graduation time, Mother’s day and birthdays.

What are your rates like?
60-70 minute Integrated Holistic Massage: $60
90 minute Integrated Holistic Massage: $80
120 minute Integrated Holistic Massage: $110
30 minute Clinical Massage: $35
60 minute Clinical Massage: $60
60 minute Couples Massage: $120
60 minute Reiki/Energy Session: $60
90 minute Hot Stone Massage: $90

I hear a lot about Reiki but have never experienced it myself. What should someone expect?
From www.reiki.org: “A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. Many have reported miraculous results.”

I typically integrate Reiki into my massage. The main result I see is that pain diminished faster. I’ve also witnessed and experienced emotional releases.

What’s sorts of benefits do they report?
A few of my most memorable and unusual responses have been:

• “I couldn’t do my job without you; You’re like my best friend.”
• “I actually hope that I get a headache on my massage day, because I know it’ll be gone by the time I leave you.”
• “I feel like a butterfly that just came out the cocoon.”

Generally speaking, results are increased mobility/range of motion, increased energy (not immediately of course), better digestion, improved sleep, decreased stress, decrease in pain and tension, improved mental clarity and a better sense of well-being, emotionally and physically.

Do you come to people, or must they come to your studio?
I travel when I do chair massages (also called onsite massage) and if the client has special needs that prohibits him/her from traveling. Otherwise, they will need to come to my studio.

Does being a pagan affect your work, or does your work affect being pagan?
ABSOLUTELY!! I am a Witch Doctor aka Medicine Woman! My bodywork IS Witchcraft, in its purest form! Once I realized this, a whole new world opened up to me! It became easier to hear Spirit directing me on what technique to use on what area. There are no words that can adequately describe how it feels to follow Spirit direction then either see the result, get verbal confirmation that it worked or both! It’s both humbling and greatly satisfying!

Tell me about your path
I’m a natural witch, a healer. First and foremost I must heal myself. So I seek words of wisdom, truth, inner peace, guidance from fools and sages, then share it! No one “religion” or path speaks the absolute truth to me. I study (as opposed to “practice") what Spirit leads me to. Currently I’m studying Shamanism and New Thought.

Tell me a bit about yourself
I’m 35, multi-tattooed, and I love music, singing (in private), drumming and dancing. Lately I’ve been a big movie fanatic…let me clarify…that’s FANATIC, as in borderline obsession. LOL
I also love food, cooking and eating! Most people eat to live, I live to eat!

What’s the best way for people to contact you
For appointments or business questions not answered here or on my website, phone is the best: 517-303-5849
Business website is: www.HolisticButterflyStudio.com
my personal sites are:
myspace.com/bevandroco
http://www.paganspace.net/profile­/BevButterfly

But perhaps you don’t live near East Lansing? Never fear, TwoSnakes still has you covered! Or maybe I should say I might have you love one covered…

Ties that Bynde Designs

Jessica Haering began making steel bones corsets at the age of 17, and has expanded that into Ties that Bynde Designs, offering corsets of all types, created with the personal touch of a master craftsperson.

 

 

What does the typical woman look for in a corset?
I have found that most women look for support and waist reduction when they are looking for a corset. Typically they are trying to obtain an hourglass shape.. When a women is looking for a corset, they are often concerned about the number of layers of fabric, the number of stays and what the stays are made of. But the number one thing is proper fit and comfort

How do you size people, do you have to meet them to measure?
I have a very small “off the rack” selection that is based on waist, bust, and hip measurements. Most of my corsets are custom made to my clients measurements and for this I take about 16 different measurements, depending on the style. I can have the measurements sent to me, I just recommend that someone else does the measuring.

Is there one style that is more popular than others?
Victorian era corsets seem to be the most popular, both under-busts and over-busts. However more and more people are asking about Edwardian or S bend corsets

Some women can be shy about their bodies, what advice would you give them?
I can understand being shy about you body, I hid under baggy clothing for years. I found for me that custom tailored clothing gave me the confidence to show what I had. I was able to design outfits that hid areas I was uncomfortable with and accentuate areas that I liked. My goal with Ties that Bynde Designs is to make every women feel beautiful, and confident.

What is the most unusual corset or costume you have made?
I cant say that anything that I have made has been all that unusual, typically because it has come out of my own head. I strive for every piece to be unique. Right now I’m working on a pair of saloon girl costumes, which when they are done will be very cool.

How many hours does the typical corset take to make?
My corsets take anywhere from 15-30 hours to make. This includes the time to draft a custom pattern

What are the price ranges?
My simplest corsets start at $200 and go up from there. It depends on what they are looking for, fabric, amount of stays and embellishments raise the price

How long have you been in business?
I just officially started my business in October. I have been sewing for 15 years and sewing for my friends and family for about 4 years

How did you get started?
I started sewing when i was about 10 to make doll cloths, and then before long I was making my costumes for historical re-enacting. I first tried my hand at design in high school so that I could have one of a kind dresses for our formal dances. I starting making and wearing corsets about 8 years ago. Then about four years ago my friends started asking me to make them corsets and other outfits

I know you mentioned being at ConVocation in February, where else can people see your work?
ConVocation will be my first event that I will be selling at. At Witches Ball I had 5 gowns there that I designed and made. I designed and made the outfits for opening ritual for ConVo this year, and I will have an elemental line being shown for the first time sat night at the masquerade.

Does being a pagan affect your work, or does your work affect being pagan?
I have not found that being pagan is directly affecting my work, only in the fact that it is who I am, and part of what lets me create what I do.

Tell me about your path
Right now I am still deciding on my exact path, I know that I am pagan but beyond that I am still exploring and figuring it out

Tell me a bit about yourself
I’ve been sewing for 15 years now. I first found my love of fitted bodices at the tender young age of 4 when my aunt made me my first Elizabethan. I have been involved in historical re-enactment since then and making costumes for that. Right now I work as a dog groomer to pay my bills and fund my corset addiction, till Ties that Bynde Designs takes off. I spend entirely too much time sewing, and researching patterns, and goofing off with my friends. My 3lb 11oz dog Zilla wards off all the evil fabric dust bunnies and is a constant source of amusement. I dabble in all kinds of fiber related arts; knitting, spinning, and of course manipulating fabric. I’m hopelessly addicted to horror movies. And when i can pull myself away from the sewing machine its typically cook. I love to cook and entertain. I’m always on the go and happy to be that way

What’s the best way for people to contact you?
The best way to contact me is my e-mail at jessica@tiesthatbynde.com, from the website www.tiesthatbynde.com or myspace www.myspace.com/ties_that_bynde

Blatant and Shameless

I would love to meet some of you in the coming month. My wife Spider and I will are planning on attending ConVocation ourselves this year for the first time. Goddess willing. If you see us, please come up and say hello. I love meeting new people!

On January 31st, we will be participating in the HLC Witches Imbolc, along with a family ritual conducted by the Crossroads ATC. Deatils on Motor City Pagans or PaganSpace.

Take a visit to Spiders ebay store at SpiderCreationsOnline.com, and find her profile on PaganSpace.

And while you are here at Witchmoot, make sure to sign up for an email subscription, so you will be the first to see new articles as they are posted.

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. I would love to interview a pagan musician, a pagan truck driver, or maybe a pagan who has a job that should appear on Dirty Jobs! You can remain in the broom closet and still give an interview, come on, don’t be shy!

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