From Dr. Halo Quin

Weaving Magic

Hello dear ones,

I’m super excited to let you know about our special guest in the Crimson Coven for May… Lee Harrington! I have been a fan of his work for years now, “Sacred Kink” being my favourite book on the overlap between magic and kinky practices, and Lee has kindly agreed to come and talk about his new book, "Become Your Own Beloved" for the Crimson Coven, on Tuesday 2nd May ’23, at 6:30pm BST (UK time).

And you can watch the livestream directly in YouTube even if you’re not a member, because I'm good like that. Find out more here:

Crimson Chat with Lee Harrington

And, just a reminder that this Sunday is the Crimson Craft Beltane retreat, Untame Your Heart, where we'll be working with Blodeuwedd to unravel and clear away the layers of expectations and stuckness that keep us from our true selves, living with greater pleasure.

Untame Your Heart

The theme of my April has probably been gratitude. It's almost a cliché at this point but it is true that taking a moment or two to cultivate gratitude each day can really shift your outlook. Here's another thing that has really helped me over the years... our brains are hardwired to remember bad things as a survival trait, so whenever something good happens, whenever I encounter beauty or fun, or something makes me smile, or someone says something nice to me, I:

1) take that moment to really breathe in the good,

and

2) usually, if possible, I take a picture or a screenshot and save it to a folder of "Compliments and Happy Things" to look at when I'm feeling blue...

I don't do this if taking a picture feels like it'll detract from the moment, but I've found that taking a moment to really acknowledge the happiness as it happens helps to imprint that more on my mind, and the digital record - much like writing down things you are grateful for - gives me an anchor to return to.

There is a third piece of this though, a piece that makes it magic.

3) I gather up the energy of it and I blow a kiss skywards to carry it to my Divine Self (which is not actually only above me, but it's a useful ritual action).

Years ago I took a course on the magic of beauty and cultivating delight from Karina BlackHeart and she shared this wonderful phrase which I still use at these times, a declaration, affirmation, and enchantment:

"Life is sweet."

I hope you get to use it many times in the coming weeks, as the rising magic of Beltane (and the deepening magic of Samhain in the South) blossoms and inspires action!

In delight,

~ Halo Quin x

author, performer, witch

PS: All the details for Sunday's Beltane retreat are here. You can sign up as a one off, or... Apprentice level Patrons now get monthly live workshops included, and a code for 50% off the retreats, which will happen around the festivals, 8 times a year. May's workshop will be on self-love and the element of water, and in June we'll be working with Air on affirmations, spells, and poetry as magic (link to come). Become a Patron here.

Events and Offerings

Weekly Livestreams at the Crimson Coven Collective, including talks, meditations, and interviews. In April so far we've explored working with Wild Gods, Desire and Discernment, the story of Blodeuwedd, and more. Join the Crimson Coven here.

The next retreat will be a magical evening for Beltane!