Sat Mar 18, 2017 - MEET THE AUTHOR - CHRIS BRENNAN, author of Hellenistic Astrology: The Study Of Fate & Fortune

MEET THE AUTHOR - CHRIS BRENNAN, author of Hellenistic Astrology: The Study Of Fate & Fortune.
Saturday, March 18, 2017.  2 - 3 pm.  FREE PRESENTATION.

Join CHRIS BRENNAN, the former President of the Association for Young Astrologers, as he presents his hew book, HELLENISTIC ASTROLOGY: THE STUDY OF FATE AND FORTUNE. The book covers the history, philosophy, and techniques of ancient astrology, with a special focus on demonstrating how many of the fundamental concepts underlying the practice of western astrology originated during the Hellenistic period. Chris is the former Research Director of the National Council for Geocosmic Research, a regular contributor to The Mountain Astrologer magazine, and the host of an award-winning weekly program called The Astrology Podcast.
A book signing will follow. Call 303-758-9113 to register for a seat.

Visit his blog - http://www.hellenisticastrology.com/book/

Visit his podcast - http://theastrologypodcast.com/

Sun Mar 12, 2017 - AUTHOR VISIT: DANIEL PINCHBECK

Sting and Russell Brand have contributed prefaces to Daniel Pinchbeck’s ambitious, concise new book which looks at the mega crisis (personal-democratic, ecological, financial-economic) as a rite of passage or initiation for humanity, and seeks to offer a blueprint for the future. Instead of New Age platitudes, How Soon Is Now? is pragmatic. It explores how we can and perhaps must change our industrial, agricultural, and energy system, as well as our social and financial structures if we want to avert an oncoming ecological holocaust that could end our tenure as a species.

PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF MARCH 2017

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter March 2017

by Sally Shotwell

This month begins with the Sun(our consciousness) in watery, sensitive Pisces, which is the 12th sign of the zodiac, preparing us to transition into the new astrological year. We are being asked to review what has transpired in our lives these past 11 months and determine what inroads we have made in understanding our take on things. How we relate to others offers us a mirror reflecting whether we are connecting with them or simply projecting on to them our unconscious material. We can feel good about the work we're doing in using the planetary cycles to guide us as we tie up loose ends, making space for more realistic relationships and opportunities. Mercury and Neptune are supporting the Pisces Sun, lending a compassionate and nonjudgemental influence as we dissolve our blocks.

March 1 we may feel somewhat unfocused where Neptune weaves his misty spell but March 2 Jupiter and Uranus confront each other getting our attention. Expansive Jupiter is going backward in airy, relationship-oriented Libra while unpredictable Uranus is in fiery, independent Aries. When they find a balance between their energies, we benefit by focusing on our personal truths, respect for others and nurturing our unique self-expression. March 4 Venus, the ruler of Libra, turns backward in Aries and she joins Jupiter in reminding us to seriously review where we invest our attention and involvements prior to charting a new course.

March 5 fiery, action-oriented Mars in Aries consults with serious Saturn in(also fiery) adventurous Sagittarius as to how we may combine enthusiasm with practicality and organizational skills when tackling projects. This theme is further supported by Mar's move into earthy, stable Taurus March 9. Determination is added to the picture.
Are we considering pursuing a new venture?

March 12 is the Full Moon (culmination) in earthy, perfection-driven Virgo opposite the otherworldly Sun in Pisces. The Sabian Symbol states, "A lion tamer displays his skills and character: The need to tame one's vital energy to fulfill one's destiny." Our social and spiritual development reflects upon our refining our emotions and instincts through perseverance.
Are we making time in our schedule to enjoy stillness?

March 13 mental Mercury enters dynamic Aries and we may be flooded with new ideas. Let's write them down so we have them available to pursue after Venus turns direct in April. From March 17 when the Sun is dampened down by Saturn, we may feel constrained in our interactions but this all changes when Spring arrives!

March 20 the Sun enters Aries and the new astrological year is launched. The Vernal Equinox is greeted as a time of rebirth and celebrations honor it throughout all cultures. Day and night are of equal duration and the atmosphere is charged with promise. Venus, Mercury and Uranus are also hanging out in the sign of the pioneer and explorer. Let's keep in mind that Aries is a cardinal sign along with watery Cancer , airy Libra, and earthy Capricorn. They all initiate new seasons and have a lot of umph. Planets who cross paths in these signs create tension which may have alchemical results or a lot of disruptions(think the Uranus/Pluto square of 2011 - 2015). Let's see how this plays out for the rest of the month.

March 23 intellectual Mercury in Aries annoys Lord of the Underworld Pluto in Capricorn. We may be attracted to delving into hidden issues and end up feeling unsettled. Let's have an escape route prepared which alleviates any tension. March 24 Mercury is opposed to optimistic Jupiter and the friction may actually encourage creativity, we just need to temper our enthusiasm with realism.

March 26 Mercury hangs out with Uranus who triggers innovative ideas which sometimes fuel risk-taking action. Discretion is needed since this is the warm-up phase to the March 27 New Moon(new beginnings) in Aries which astrologer extraordinaire Rick Levine describes as being on steroids. The Symbol states, "A large woman's hat with streamers blown by the East Wind: Protection and spiritual guidance in the development of consciousness." As we increase our awareness, we are protected against being overwhelmed by elemental forces and individuation is achieved through conscious steps requiring our perseverance.
Have we identified a  course of study which offers inspiration on our journey?

March 29 communicative Mercury teams up with responsible Saturn to ground our thoughts preceeding the March 30 exchange between Jupiter and Pluto. Anytime Pluto's in the mix we can count on profound information to come to light.

The month ends March 31 with busy Mercury leaving his hyperactive schedule to enter Venus-ruled Taurus where issues relating to love, money and our self-worth come to the fore. Interactions assume a more sedate pace and we enjoy getting out in nature, basking in the longer days and waiting for the seeds we have planted to sprout.

Blessings and Happy Spring?

Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality whose focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades. She has entertained and informed our readers with her articles for a few years now.

Wed Mar 1, 2017 - GRAND OPENING DAY

THE CIRCUS AND THE PUPPETS

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter March 2017

by Mario C. Veo

"The Circus is coming to town! The Circus is coming to town!! Oh, what a joy, what fun... Oh, how much better our Life will be...!" And so it went, on and on for days on end... the cries, the expectations, the anticipation of this stupendous phenomenon... until the great day arrived... and the crowds gathered...

"Look! Everyone is all dressed up in their Sunday best! It truly must be special...Look! 

There's games of strengths for the men... oh, and competitions too, to see who is the bestest man of all..." he said, longingly. "Yes dear, you'd better go and line up with them all... after all, what will the neighbors say if you got left out... so go on, I'll take the little ones to see the parade with all the glitter and glamour... and yes dear, I'll keep them away from the freak-shows, I know how we must safeguard their simple minds from the ugliness of these so called 'men and women'... Bizarre, would you say, that the great lords would allow such as them to walk amongst honest folks as us... but what can you do? It's modern life, and we all have our burdens to bear..."

And so the little ones were led to explore this world of many wonders... but selectively, for much is best left to grown ups who understand the fake from reality, and who would not be taken in by sleight-of-hand, or the quick patter of words designed to lure the feeble minded...

"Oh, look Ma... the puppets, the pretty puppets... can we please, please see the puppets...?" And who can resist those cavorting pretties, prancing around in their colorful attire, engaging in mock battles and other gags and tricks... and look there, the brightest one, the one filled with color, who jumps the highest, and stands so tall that all others seem insignificant... He has the best lines, the funniest jokes, and pulls the greatest stunts... Oh, and he speaks too, so eloquently... even if some prudes in the audience do not appreciate him, nor his attire. "He's just too crude, too rude" they say, "Not for me or for mine. I'd rather spend my time being soothed by lullabies than be faced by such strident noise... Cavorting indeed - how rude, how undignified."

And so some left, but children did not, and some adults too... and as the day moved onto night they stayed, now in total fascination, caught by the allure of make-believe. The more they gaped, the more frantic the puppets danced - they jumped higher and higher, spouting words that go louder and louder, and the frenzied acting and lurid performance all revolved around the brightest ones. Competitions got fierce now to see which puppet would emerge victorious, who would be the brightest of them all... who would be the belle of the ball.
...and at the very height of the frantic performance, one emerged victorious... Yes, the brightest one, the loudest, the one who was so obviously superior... And all the audience clapped and cheered and some whistled too, for their hero, their favorite had won... finally they could all go home, safe in the drunken joy of victory.

Now the lights have dimmed, the patrons have left... and all that remains is to tidy up for the night... And here, at the puppets' tent an important conversation is going on... "I was the best... I'm always the best" said the brightest puppet, "See how much they clapped, they love me... me, not anyone else! I think I deserve more, in fact I know I deserve more! I don't want to be lumped together with such inferior puppets. I'm just too special! I want my own show... in fact I demand it!" "Be careful puppet" replied the puppet-master, "Remember your place! Do not think to tell me what to do!" "Ha!" said the puppet carelessly, "I'm the one they want! I - not you - I am the STAR of the show... You're just the faceless behind the curtain... Without me you have no show!"

"Really...?" said the hidden master, "I think your time has come and gone... Ingrate, you think too much of yourself! I am the master, you're just a mouthpiece!" and with a careless quick flick the strings were torn, the puppet crumbled, and now uncaringly kicked to lie, discarded in a heap near the trash...

And that's where the little ones found him the next day - but as they went to pick him up Ma said, "That's just trash, I don't want it in my house... put it down! It's not dignified to carry trash inside my home! Look, the show is about to begin, and... Oh, look, they've got a new puppet... look how bright he is."

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons and the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.