THE SEARCH FOR A GLORIOUS LIFE

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

by Mario C. Veo

This is the story of a young man, and his search for “a glorious Life”

The story starts in a small mountain village, you know the kind, where everyone knows each other, you call all grownups ‘Uncle or Aunt’, and Life is peaceful … well, some may even say a little boring … what with all the healthy natural foods grown right there, and good, hard work following the seasons, there really isn’t much that can lead you to trouble, you know… [except boredom, perhaps]

You were all expected to provide for your family, and with a little left over to share with neighbors and the elderly – after all, they did the same for you, in your times of need, so it’s only proper that you should too … youngster would hunt for small game, or fish in the swift rivers, or even raise bees if they fancied … while grownups worked the fields, and some felled mighty trees for the local mill …
As I said, it was a peaceful Life … for most …

And so it happened that this particular young man decided that such a ‘simple Life’ was, after all, much too simple … and that he yearned – oh, so deeply yearned – for ‘adventure’ !
And his parents, who loved him very much, thought that if he really, really wanted to go … well then, they should not make him miserable and hold him back unduly …

The day of his departure swiftly came, and all the uncles and aunts gathered at the village square to see him off… many with small tokens and little gifts – a few dollars here and there “To buy you something sweets to remember us by…” or a healthy sandwich to have on the way “You never know what kind of food those outsiders may have… certainly not as good as ours…” and those that had too little to spare, well then, it was hugs and kisses, and loving embrace… [and maybe even a tear or two]

And so he left, to find ‘Life’ in the big world out there… first by train [that beast surely could move !], later by bus [oh, what sticky seats !], and finally he reached his destination – the Big City [oh, what a foul smell !]… but he didn’t care, for he had arrived , and finally he could start living !!!

He was young, he was eager, and strong to boot [never said he was lazy], and soon found a job – a little menial perhaps, but he was well liked, and soon was on track to be promoted…
Harder and harder he worked, saving every penny so he could buy a car [must have one of those, you know, town is too big to walk !], then more money to buy a house… no, a ‘condo’ [it’s more upscale, and who has time to mow the lawn and plant flowers – God forbid !]… then it was girls and dates, and oh the glorious sex !

Yes indeed, he had arrived – this was Life ! as he always wanted it to be !! of course there was so little time that he no longer called home every week, actually, not even every month… What could he say to them, they wouldn’t, couldn’t understand his Life – no longer walking barefoot on the river bank, or swimming butt naked in the creek… nope, he now wore Italian shoes and swam in a proper swimming pool… he had nothing left to tie him to his ‘rural’ [shudder !] background…

Now he found the ‘perfect girl’, and soon will be married… and when she asked about his parents he told
everyone that he was an orphan, raised by the State in different foster homes, until he was old enough to find his own way in the world…
Oh, how they admired him then, the orphan who made it rich ! the boy wonder! the man who forged a Life of wealth and success!… and how he gloried in this adulation, preening himself here and there … [he even overheard someone say that ‘men wanted to be him, and women wanted to sleep with him’… imagine that!]…… …….. ……..
And so he grew in wealth and power, buying up properties, industries, and even a bank or two … and if anyone opposed him, well then, they got what they deserved … [he was friends with some very influential people … and even some who could ‘convince’ others not to cross him … if you know what I mean]
His wife grew fat, his sons spoiled brats, and his many mistresses younger and younger… Ah, what a Life!
…….
Now he nears his final days, surrounded by lawyers and board of directors, jackals wanting to make sure they get their share before the old man dies [his sons too busy playing golf with the mayor, already got theirs]…
Do you think he made the right choice ? was this a Life worth living ? was he truly happy ?
Oh, one more thing, his parents died surrounded by loving friends …all bewildered that the son was not there…

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 & POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF NOVEMBER 2017

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

by Sally Shotwell

The month  begins with the Sun (our consciousness), Mercury (our thought processes) and Jupiter (expansion) in watery, formidable Scorpio.  It is ruled by Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, who delves deep into the mysteries hidden below the surface of our lives, from personal to global.  The emphasis now is on our emotional wellbeing as we are exposed to new information which can change our expectations do to the material that's dug up.   When we discover  the source of our  behavior which is surprising and not welcome, it's  a blessing  if we can remain connected to our meaningful relationships and activities.  Here's where we rely on our common sense and  ability to determine  what deserves our attention and focus.

Fortunately,   Benevolent Jupiter, now placed in this profound sign,  is cooperating with it's ruler Pluto who is in serious, responsible Capricorn.  Their influence promises to offer us valuable insights which can help us is our transformation but they are intense.  Here' where the other planetary cycles give us the assistance we need to keep our eye on the ball as change swirls around us.

November 3/4 the Full Moon (culmination) is in earthy, practical  Taurus, ruled by sensuous Venus, opposes the Sun in relentless Scorpio and  the issue of what we most value may come up  when our assets are involved.  The Sabian Symbol states;  "A young couple window-shopping:  The fascination of the youthful ego with the products of the culture."

What is our personal relationship to our material possessions as well as the social/cultural  contacts  which define our circumstances?  Are we concerned that they may be distracting us from  addressing meaningful issues in our life?

November 5 mental Mercury enters fiery, optimistic Sagittarius, directing us to expand our horizons and have fun in the process.  This is a good antidote to the wistfulness  we may feel as the encroaching darkness descends  ( Daylight Savings Time ends).    November 7  Venus enters Scorpio and she raises  the ante on our desire to develop intimacy in our close relationships.  This requires a true sharing of our inner most feelings and this is where the courage of the Scorpio Sun helps us to venture into unknown territory.  Are we inspired to deepen communication and reveal more of ourselves to promote mutual understanding?

November 11 this comes in handy as persistent Saturn, soon to leave Sagittarius, is sparked by electric Uranus in fiery Aries to seriously combine innovative vision with sound strategies to help us achieve our goals.  Fast forward to November 13 when Venus and Jupiter commingle and promote a generous attitude and share their inclination towards good fortune . Mercury in Sagittarius and Neptune in otherworldly Pisces are not getting along but  let's not allow their problem keep us from basking in the blessings the Goddess of Love who expects us  enjoy  each other.   The  16 she connects with Neptune and compassion is the name of the game.  Are we nurturing ourselves and others?

November 18 the New Moon (new beginnings) in resourceful Scorpio telegraphs that the power of regeneration is available to us if we are resourceful.  This requires diligence on our part to resist the superfluous diversions which bombard us.  The Symbol states:  "A military band marches noisily on through the city streets.  The aggressive gratification of cultural values."  The key word here is "aggressive" which connotes an ego orientation which we can do without.

November 19 presents us with an opportunity to detach as Pluto irritates Mars which means a power play is probably in the works.  The 21st our spirits are lifted when Venus and Pluto, now in a good mood,  support each other as passionate feelings surface and the Sun slips into adventurous Sagittarius.   The ruler of this sign is Magnificent Jupiter and  its symbol is the centaur whose bow and arrow are aimed at the sky with its unlimited possibilities.  We're  gearing up for the holiday season and this optimism is welcome!

November 22 Neptune, in watery, transcendant  Pisces is moving forward, after spending months taking us on an inner voyage, guiding us to redirect our subliminal  dreams  to those we can manifest  while recognizing our  spiritual yearning.    Jupiter is joining forces with him so we may feel particularly idealistic as we gather with others to celebrate Thanksgiving the 23'd.

November 25 Mercury happily consults with unpredictable Uranus in fiery Aries and they come up with unexpected avenues for us to pursue.  This is promising since the 27th the Messenger of the Gods consults with stable Saturn to vet any decisions we make and leads to success due to the beneficial melding of tradition with inspiration.  This bodes well for us as we branch out and  keep an open mind to all the options  available to us!

Happy Thanksgiving and 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.