Travels of a Wizard—Part 3

Today was not really traveling, it was attending the INATS convention. It’s not huge—you can walk it and see everything in an hour or two—but it’s great to see the trends that are going on and what people will be selling in the coming year. Lots of crystals and gems. Lots of clothes. And of course, lots of books!

I went around the floor a few times—you never really see everything the first time. For me, there were a few standouts:

• Flash cards decks. One for learning astrology, another for learning the Runes, and another for learning Tarot.
• A giant tuning fork. Made of reconstituted crystal, it was about two-feet long and perhaps .75 inches thick. When sounded, it could literally cause all of your body to vibrate. It’s an amazing experience, similar to being next to someone playing a didgeridoo.
• A “singing bowl” with a handle. Another tool made of reconstituted crystal, the bottom had a bar coming out of it allowing you to hold the bowl and let it sound at the same time. The ringing of the bowl lasted for an impossibly long time, and it was easy to use next to chakras, for healing, etc.

To reconstitute crystal, quartz is first ground up, then heated at a high temperature until it turns into a liquid which can be formed.

There were lots of Llewellyn authors there. Christopher Penczak was there wearing kilts (“Hot Topic, not Celtic”). So was Melanie Marquis. Melanie has written for our annual titles and also has her own book, The Witch’s Bag of Tricks. it has some great practical ideas.

In the afternoon I visited my friend Devin O’Branagan. Although we hadn’t seen each other in decades, we’ve kept in touch. Devin is having some challenges in her life right now, so if you’re looking for a good summer reading novel, you might look at some of her work. If you’re an adult, check out her book Witch Hunt which gets raves. If you have a Twilight-loving teen, check out her Glory. You’ll have some great reading and you’ll be helping a friend. I’d really appreciate it.

(And of course, after you read some of Devin’s novels, you’ll want to read my novel, The Resurrection Murders, too.)

This evening, The Coalition of Visionary Resources, COVR, at their annual banquet during INATS, gave out their “best of…” awards. Several people and writers received awards. I didn’t receive one directly, but…

The COVR winner for the best New Age oriented website for 2011 went to Llewellyn. That’s right, the website that hosts this and other blogs is considered by people all over the world to be the best. On behalf of Llewellyn and all of the people who work hard on this website, I’d like to deeply thank COVR for this honor.

Tomorrow morning, on the 26th from 11:00–Noon, I’ll be doing a book signing at INATS. If you are in the Denver area and can’t make it, please come to Isis Books and Gifts. Located in nearby Englewood, I’ll be giving a free book signing from 4:30–5:30. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. I’ll be giving a workshop called “21st Century Magick.” Here’s a LINK for more information. Or you can find out about it on my website.

On my way back to my car, the Tantric Mobile, I saw these two fellows nibbling on the grass:

When I got to my motel, I discovered that the Wi-Fi I had paid for in advance wasn’t working. Their advice? Go to the nearby restaurant where they have free Wi-Fi. Grrr. Well, as soon as I edit this I’m done. Time for sleep.

See you tomorrow, I hope!