THE LIGHT BEARER... A TRUE STORY

© 2017 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter May 2017by Mario C. Veo

It was a glorious morning in the Ashram … the air filled with the soft murmurs of the devotees as each filed in the Meditation Hall. The air fresh, belying the hot humidity soon to come, yet we were all happy to be here, in this sacred place, surrounded by others of like intent.

Many of us had traveled many long miles in holy pilgrimage, seeking answers so our human struggles may be better understood, or at least looked at through the eyes of Spirit. Here we sat, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers from around the world, here we were all beyond caste or creed, and for once united in our Spiritual quest.

We started the morning rituals of chants and prayer, offering our hearts to Spirit, each seeking that internal release which would open us up to the Spirit Within … Oh, what a glorious sight it was to see so many men gathered in this holy light … Oh, what a joy it was to see so many lifting up their voices as one … even as the day moved on, and the temperature grew hotter, and the humidity soared … but we were happy, not so …?!

And then he walked in  [yes, a bit late, but he was here now … and that’s what counts] Tall and slim, with shining golden hair tied up neatly in a long ponytail, walking in with deep assurance, clothed in a pure white punjabi he was a delight to our sore eyes … and many quickly moved aside so he may have his place among us.

And so he sat, and with eyes closed he joined his honeyed voice to ours, making our chants a splendid sound to behold … All went well … at least until the flies came, buzzing around, landing and biting at will, so none of us were spared … and even he, of the golden hair, was not immune … Oh, but with what grace he swatted those pesky pests, and skilled too as he managed to swat many to their afterlife …“Go to your maker” he was heard to say after each successful strike…and so we too enthusiastically took up his chant and these dark harbingers them with renewed ardor  … He smiled at us so sweetly, and we all smiled back at our blond-haired brother “Would you like some of my water ?” many offered, and he graciously accepted, even as the flies renewed their attack on his moist lips …

But then the other came in … far too late for good manners to bear.

He was unkempt, wearing only a dhoti as many laborers would … his hair wild, his skin dark, and sweaty as if from a long and hazardous journey. But then so had we all traveled far and wide, and this was no countenance to be accepted in such a holy place … and so many moved away as he went to seek a place … Ha ! as if he belonged in the Hall of Brotherhood … and even with his eyes closed and his mouth turned to prayer, there were many of us who looked at him with disdain and moved closer to our blond brother … never once realizing that the flies circled around this grubby newcomer … but never landed on him …

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 Tuesdays and the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

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

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

by Sally Shotwell

The month of May begins with the Sun (our consciousness) in earthy, fertile Taurus whose ruling planet is Venus, Goddess of Love, Beauty and Money. Traditionally this time of year was filled with celebrations taking place throughout the Northern Hemisphere expressing gratitude for the bounty of Spring. From ancient times to now the spirit of this time of captivates us and even the Communists designated May Day as International Workers’ Day. We don’t have to make elaborate preparations but let’s figure out a way to experience the pleasure this season affords us.

• Are we arranging time to walk in the grass barefoot or sit at a sidewalk cafe and have a glass of wine?
• Let’s pursue whatever soothes us.

Shoring up our energy is helpful since this month is jam packed with intense, creative astrological influences which help familiarize us with our true feelings and beliefs. This, of course, means we need to recycle or discard the conditioned material we’ve been carrying around and is still lurking beneath the surface of our awareness. Major players in this venture are individualistic Uranus in fiery Aries and mature Saturn in fiery, belief-oriented Sagittarius who are teaming up to help us blend innovation with practicality as we are exposed to new, unexpected developments in our environment. Mental Mercury, also in Aries, assists us to assimilate intellectually and take advantage of what’s been revealed to us. He turns Direct May 3 and doesn’t enter placid Taurus until May 15 – during this period it is best that we keep in mind the retrograde mantra, “review, reconsider and take care in all communications”

We know that when planets are going backward they give us the opportunity to go within to dwell on the issues which fall within their domain. For the entire month we have several heavy planets either retrograde or standing still in one position, creating intensity to their influences. Expansive Jupiter (Rx) is in airy, relationship-oriented Libra, Father Time Saturn (Rx) is in fiery, freedom-loving Sagittarius, transformative Pluto (Rx) in earthy, ambitious Capricorn, compassionate Neptune in watery, otherworldly Pisces and authentic Uranus in fiery Aries are not moving on until a later date. Let’s ground ourselves and tap into the aid they offer us as we continue on our journey to self-awareness.

• Are we allowing ourselves to become more flexible in accepting the tremendous changes we constantly face?
• Are we checking out new ways to reassure ourselves through heart-centered communication with others?

May 9 the Sun enjoys consulting with Pluto who introduces regenerative information he dug up while excavating for treasure in the Underworld. Incorporating this prepares us for the challenge presented by the May 10 Full Moon (culmination) in watery, transformative Scorpio. This annual moon represents the Buddha’s birthday to millions of believers around the world and the Sabian Symbol states; “Obeying his conscience a soldier resists orders: A readiness to face the results of a refusal to follow authoritarian patterns of an oppressive society.” We may face a conflict between our own values and those imposed upon us, but, with our core intact, social circumstances cannot bind us spiritually.

Mars (our vitality) is in airy, curious Gemini all month and is particularly busy May 11 and 12 when he first challenges dreamy Neptune to disperse our cloudy thoughts before joining forces with Jupiter suggesting educational possibilities. Mercury and Saturn join the act, which gives clout to what we’re considering.

May 19 Venus and Jupiter get on each other’s nerves because right now their emotional priorities are at odds. This is when stepping back from certain interactions may prove wise. We can touch base later.

May 20 the Sun enters Gemini assuming a light, chatty demeanor. This sign is ruled by quixotic Mercury and it’s symbol is The Twins so let’s assume there may be some inconsistency in our thoughts while we’re having fun at the same time!

GEMINI by Josephine Wall

May 25 the New Moon (new beginnings) in Gemini reflects the mental bent which predominates in our environment. The Symbol states: “A revolutionary magazine asking for action: The explosive tendency of repressed feelings and root emotions.” When we are entrapped by our unexpressed motivations, Dane Rudhyar explains that our deepest desire is “reach beyond established form”, hopefully in a constructive way. That’s why we’re taking such care in delving into our psyche to find our authenticity.

May 30 Mars chums around Uranus, energizing us as we restructure our approach to life and the 31st Mercury and Pluto get into the act, contributing an earthy wisdom to the mix.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend and let’s make sure we embrace Gemini’s sense of fun!
Blessings!

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.