Christmas at Zen & The Unknown Tale of the Mushroom

Ho ho ho! Come forth the sleigh bells, the fairy lights, warm festive gatherings & the birth of our lord and saviour.. The Mushroom?! Contrary to popular belief, there are actually many other ways that people interpret Christmas! Shock right? Not quite... There is a blanket word that was coined by Christians during the 4th Century that is used to describe people with beliefs and views of the spiritual realm that contradict those that are shared amongst the five most popular religions. That word is, 'Pagan'.

According to Christianity, the practice of a Pagan belief is called, Paganism and with over 4000 known religions in the world, it's likely, you are a 'Pagan'.

Pagans, were deemed outcasts, non-believers of the 'true lord' and were punished and often killed, named 'Devil worshippers', 'heathens' and many other names.. It was certainly tough for a Pagan..

"Accusing a Pagan of worshipping Satan is like accusing an Atheist they are worshipping God".. said - Some Pagan




In this Zen-style December blog, we're going to discuss Sunday's Super Moon, Fly Agaric Santa, and what Zen has in store for you this Christmas but first.. the newest addition to the Zen family.. 

...WELCOME TO THE WORLD...
- Hari Sylvester Todd -

Christmas truly has come early for the Zen family in the most ridiculously adorable way. His first name, inspired by the Hare (Hari) Krishna of India, his middle name in memory of his late Grandmother Sylvia Chandler, founder of the Zen Shop and mother to Kate (Mother of Hari) and Megan Bliss. His last name shared by his epic and wonderful father, Paul Todd. 


When Hari was born, his perceptions were greater than anyone could have imagined. Moments after he was born, his eyes locked onto his Dad's as if to say "I've been here before". However, it's really of no surprise when his lineage derives from that of such gifted entrepreneurs, spiritual teachers, health warriors and astral wonderers. 

There's high hopes for young Hari, so from us at Zen, welcome to Earth little brother 💕


Santa's little MUSHROOM.. 🍄 

There is a Pagan belief that is so hard to ignore, it needs to be considered. What if, Santa Clause is the modern representation of a Shaman who feasted on Amanita Muscaria aka Fly Agaric and other psychedelics, to communicate with the spirit world? We'd say that is pretty out there.. BUT so are we, so here's the story. 

Fly Agaric mushrooms, just like Christmas presents can be found underneath Pine Trees, Conifers and Birch Trees. Similarly, during the Winter Solstice and Christmas period, people bring these trees into their homes and place red and white presents underneath them. Coincidence? Maybe. 



According to legend, in Siberia and The Arctic, there was a Shaman who dropped into the roofs of Teepee's and delivered bags of dried hallucinogenic mushrooms as gifts during Winter. The snow blocked the doorway and so the gap in the roof was the perfect way to gain entry. Sound familiar?

When we think of Santa flying high with his sleigh, we didn't think about how high he was flying either. It is well documented that reindeer love to eat Fly Agaric and it wouldn't be too outrageous to consider that it was the reindeer that gave the shamans the inspiration to eat the sacred mushrooms. Since the shamans of Siberia are so familiar with these stunning animals, it comes as no surprise that they are also the spirit animal the shamans envision on each sacred journey. And perhaps, when Santa ate Fly Agaric for the first time, he saw flying reindeer and just like that, a legend was born.. 

Santa is from the North Pole has anyone ever wondered why? Why he dresses in red and white as did the Shamans of the Arctic? Not to mention we still traditionally hang red and white stockings over the fire place, which is a documented Druid method for drying out Fly Agaric mushrooms.



And the final eye-brow raiser. In just one night, Santa can visit every house around the world without being caught! The only way one might be able to achieve this incredible act is by doing it on a completely different astral plain. 

And let's not forget Rudolf's big RED nose, guiding the way... It's certainly worth. thinking about.. 

THE REAL SUPER MOON! 




We've technically already had three 'Super Moons' this year but in truth, they each fell on New Moons and none were as close as this one is to the Earth. Coming in at 30'000 miles closer, we'll get to see the Moon approximately 14% bigger than we would normally. In truth, this difference may not be that visible to the naked eye and if you really want to see it in full glory, get to a telescope or a set of binoculars. 

It gets to it's brightest around 4.45pm GMT and will rise into the sky throughout the night and resides in the constellation of Gemini. The Moon in Gemini teaches us to learn and hold on to new information and ideas and to be strong from distractions whilst working hard to retain new data. We often find ourselves talking a lot, this Moon asks us to listen and be quiet whilst learning. In work we can acheive lots at once, so this is a perfect time to communicate and interact with tasks at hand. Our friends and family at this time welcome our time and like most Winters,  we have a yearning for more warmth and kindness in our words, thoughts and actions. 

Its the perfect time for performing your Full Moon rituals and for those who are well seasoned in the arts of Full moon wishes, we wish you the very best in Full Moon energy x

For those just starting out, you can purchase everything you need from us at The Zen Shop in Digbeth & Moseley. We sell everything from coloured candles to sage and frankincense to Wicca spell books and more! For reassuring guidance, you can purchase Zen's very own, 'How To' Full Moon Wish - How to Perform kit. 

Our kits provide materials and simple instructions to perform your very own Full moon ceremony. 



🌕 FULL MOON GIVE AWAY!! 🌕

Send in your pictures of the Full Moon this Sunday to The Zen Shop and be in with a chance of winning our Full moon Giveaway. The winner for best picture will receive a fresh 2018 Moon Chart from us! Good luck!  


PURPLE THURSDAY AT THE ZEN SHOP

On Thursday 7th of December to help you 'om' your way through Christmas shopping, we're taking 25% OFF gifts and jewellery! All of your favourite items at Zen will be available at 25% discount including herbs, crystals, cushions, incense, singing bowls and more! So do not miss out! 

This offer is valid for one day only and does not apply to the Solgar Range, Tarot Cards, Books or Diffusers.





PEACE, LOVE & LIGHT 

FROM US AT

x THE ZEN SHOP x


WWW.THEZENSHOP.CO.UK 






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