Crescent Moon Herbals is a fantastic community hub in Lebanon, offering not just products that support pagan lifestyles, but also classes, workshops, community events and a welcoming place to make connections with like-minded souls. At the center of this great community energy is Mary Lavoie, the owner and proprietor of the business. Mary provides a warm and welcoming environment for seekers and experienced pagans alike and is responsible for creating a network of pagans, all linked together by Crescent Moon Herbals and their experiences within.
Keri: How were you first drawn to your spiritual path?
Mary: I grew up in Beverly, Mass., the next town over from Salem, Mass. When I was a little girl, my mother used to take me sightseeing during school vacations to see the historical homes & funky little shops in and around Salem. Little did I know but I was on my journey and didn't even realize it. I had a very strong connection to Salem and its history.
Keri: What events or people were most influential or stood out as turning points to you in your life?
Mary: Eventually, I met a wonderful man, Jerry, who became my husband in 1987. We were married on Oct. 31st! LOL, I guess that was a sign. It was Jerry's idea so he would always remember our anniversary. We soon bought a condo in Salem and began our family. Although Jerry had no particular spiritual path, he bought me my first (and only) beautiful crystal ball with a pewter stand and my first Tarot deck because he knew I was so interested in witchcraft. At the time I thought he was crazy. They were the coolest gifts I ever got, but considering my upbringing as a good Catholic girl, I was very wary of such things.
Eventually we moved to Lebanon, Maine, raising 4 children. When my daughter was growing up, she was interested in the same things as I was when I was her age. We began the tradition of holiday trips to Salem with the family, took tours of the Rebecca Nurse house and did walks through the old cemeteries. We had a ball (and still do).
Some time ago, the Maine Renaissance Faire descended upon the town of Lebanon. They built an entire town within our town; it was a smaller version of the King Richard’s Faire down in Massachusetts. Tanya loved the faire so much she began volunteering in the café as a serving wench. That’s all it took.
I’ll never forget the day Tanya came home and asked if it was okay for her to start learning about Wicca. You see, the owner of the faire was a witch and quite an inspiration to my daughter and eventually, me. The rest is history. It took my daughter’s strength and strong will to pull me out of the broom closet to find the path I was always seeking. And, what a wonderful path it is.
Keri: How did you become involved in Crescent Moon Herbals?
Mary: The last year the Renaissance Faire was open (2004), I participated in the fair as a gypsy vendor; my daughter was still a café wench and one of the street participants/dancers. It was so much fun. The people involved in the faire were the nicest people ever. They shared their spiritual knowledge, invited us to full moon circles and helped me along my way.
A few weeks after the Renaissance Faire closed it’s doors for the last time, I opened my dream shop at my home. I now live out my dreams with my own metaphysical and herb shop in the woods in Maine. I am surrounded by wonderfully spiritual people who share their gifts and knowledge, not only with me but all those who enter the shop.
The name of the shop is Crescent Moon Herbals. It was named after my very first tattoo that I got just a few years ago with my husband. The tattoo is a crescent moon with stars surrounding it. You will find a gypsy lady logo on my website and on my packaging which is reminiscent of my gypsy days at the faire. And best of all, it was my husband’s idea for me to open the shop!
Keri: What would you say to the You-you-used-to-be if you could meet her now?
Mary: I don't really know. I think I would hug her and take her hand and say follow me. Cut out all the searching and spiritual loss and help her/me begin the Wiccan path a lot earlier.
Keri: What would you say to the You-you-are-becoming as a message from her past?
Mary: I'm proud of you and happy to see how at peace you have become.
Blessed Be!
Comments