AND SO THE CYCLE ENDS...

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

by Mario C. Veo

All Life is about Cycles … something must end so there may be a new Beginning – but only if we’ve made space for it …

But most of us don’t  –  we hang on to the disturbing news, the harsh words, the offensive actions… and even the brutal memories… and never once question what these Energies are doing to ourselves, and our Life.
Remember the Law of Attraction…?  Whatever you focus on, so you shall receive…

Now, some of you would say that we can just stay focused on Life’s joys, the pleasurable acts, the loving memories, the smiles and gentle touch… and while this is better than focusing on the negative, still, it doesn’t make space for the New…

You see, if you fill yourself with past memories [no matter how pleasant] you get just that: ‘memories’, and nothing else can come in… In fact, you will compare everything and everyone you come across to your Past… and that’s just not fair…

Why?… Because your memory is not perfect, and while you can – and often do – remember only the good things / good times, this is not a true reflection of how you felt at that time… in fact, you create an ‘idyllic fantasy’ of what it once was…

And there’s more –  who you are today is not who you once were … so the way in which you embraced and appreciated the past is not how you would respond today  [remember the endless parties, and how you’d just bounce right back … well, can you still do that now …?]

While it is good to have these wonderful memories, still you must live ‘in the Now’ – be present, here, today – and appreciate what you have … be grateful for the good things that are available to you now, no matter how small, for these are the riches upon which you can build an even greater, more rewarding Future.

Look forward to the New Year… choose what you will do with it… and what you will become, because of your choices… Remember – everything changes… it is up to you – and only you – to guide these changes towards that which is filled with Love, Beauty, Health, and Wealth… after all, we do live in a world of Infinite Possibilities… if you so believe…

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

A FOOLISH JOURNEY...? YOU DECIDE

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

by Mario C. Veo

The young man stood at the beginning of the trail, his backpack firmly on his shoulders, and took one small sip of water … contemplating the journey ahead. “It’s a n easy one” they said …  “Just a few miles … you’ll be there before sundown … just don’t wander off, and you’ll be fine”  [like that was reassuring – what would happen if he did ‘wander off’ … and how far would he have to go off trail before ‘it’ happened …?!]

But he curbed his distracting thoughts, squared his shoulders … and took the first of many steps … His eyes firmly on the horizon, his breath strong and even, the journey began … This was not just a frivolous escapade, but one that would determine his future … well, at least as he thought his future should be …

You see, she was waiting for him at the end of the trail … a final gesture, a hope for reconciliation, a ‘test’ of his resolve …to find out if they should have a Life together … Did they quarrel ? well, not any more than other couples…and, he thought with secret satisfaction, the make-up sex afterwards was great … so, all should have been forgiven … should it not ?! After all, he didn’t cheat on her, drank very moderately, and only on social occasions, did not go off ‘with the boys’, in fact they often planned outing together … but noooo, she felt that it wasn’t enough, that he worked too hard, and staid way too late most nights …

Well, you tell me how he was going to pay for all the gifts, and jewels, the fancy cars, the mortgage, and the holidays abroad … never mind that he did it all for her … couldn’t she see that he was a good – no scratch that – a great provider …?! that anything she wanted, anything at all, he would move heaven and earth to get it for her… That all these sacrifices had to be done now, while he was still young, and strong, and could work hard … and that if he didn’t do it… well, no-one else was going to do it for him…!

So, why was she so contrary, why was she complaining so much… WHAT DID HE DO WRONG…?!!!

And with each step his mind rose in turmoil, clouding not only his reason, but also his vision… No longer was he seeing the beauty of the trail, no longer did he appreciate the fresh wind, the pretty flowers, or the birds on the wing…

Closed within himself, he stomps with each step, glowering at each pebble that twists his foot, or the branch that dares encroach upon his path, or the warm sun upon his back… No joy in this journey … what started off as a path of self-examination, and a desire to strengthen the bond that might still exist, now has simply turned into the oldest ‘blame-game’ of all “I’m not wrong, because you are not right !!”…

“After all”, he rationalizes, “both of us can’t be blameless, and I know that I did nothing wrong … so the fault must lie with her” … even if he cannot think what this might be… And as he plods along, the sun begins to set, the temperature cools off… and he realizes that he isn’t anywhere near the end of the trail… in fact, he seems to have gotten himself turned around  [was he not paying attention ?] for there, I front of him, is the very starting point, the beginning of his journey… “Oh, what’s the point of it all” he mutters to himself as he steps off “It wouldn’t have worked out – she just isn’t grateful enough … just doesn’t appreciate me !”

… and so, secure in his own unsullied pride, he once again moves towards the glittering lights of his Life …while at the end of the trail she waits … and even as the last rays of the setting sun give way to night, she hopes that he’ll realize that all she ever wanted was him – not his gifts, money, or jewels… just him…

Now you, the reader, must decide – was the journey fruitful… did it accomplish anything… and what did it reveal…? … but before you pass so quick a judgment consider that this is your perception, and so reveals more about you, than the poor protagonists of this sorry tale…

There is no ‘right’ and there is no ‘wrong’… there is simply ‘Perception’… and thus we create our Reality…

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 every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

PLANETS & POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF DECEMBER 2017

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

by Sally Shotwell

We’re now in the last month of the calendar year which offers us the transitional events of the Winter Solstice mid month and the entrance into 2018 not long after.  The demands of the Holiday Season can be daunting but we have the Sun (our consciousness),  Teacher Saturn, Mercury(our thought processes), and Venus, Goddess of Love, Beauty and Money, all in Sagittarius.  This fire sign is ruled by expansive Jupiter and his  symbol is the Archer, a Centaur (half man, half horse) who always aims his arrow upward to the stars, striving to connect with universal understanding.

We ourselves can integrate into our attitude  this big picture approach as we tackle the demands which swirl around us this time of year.  Lovely Venus has arrived on the scene December 1 and she quickly embraces an exuberant approach to interpersonal exchanges.  We may find ourselves becoming more adventuresome in our own relationships – what can we lose?

Also on December 1, we have assertive Mars in airy, harmony-loving Libra at odds with with unpredictable Uranus in fiery, in “me first” Aries and it’s best if we take care of our business and avoid this clash of wills. Fortunately,  December 2  our detachment pays off  when optimistic Jupiter in watery Scorpio gets together with compassionate Neptune in watery, transcendent Pisces create a benevolent environment, striking a spiritual chord for us to tune in to.  This promotes our faith in each other and the courage to pursue our dreams.

Are we allowing ourselves time to relax and receive the information our inner voice is sharing with us?

December 3 mental Mercury turns retrograde in inspiring Sagittarius, calling on us to refine our perceptions. Although may we interpret  this to be a set back in our progress, the need for us to rethink and review what we’re engaged in can save us from avoidable missteps.  This reflection pays off as the Full Moon(culmination) in mental Gemini is in a lively dialogue with the Sun in philosophical Sagittarius as dreamy Neptune enters in, muddying the communication.  The Sabian Symbol comes to the rescue, pointing us to the importance of our pursuing our self-awareness and independence. It uses an image which predates the Civil Rights Movement and states “A Negro girl fights for her independence in the city:  Liberation from the ghosts of the past.”  She didn’t have the resources we have at our disposal but he courage saw her through.  Let’s  work on how we can move beyond what aspect of our past stands between us and freedom.  Where do we feel blocked?

December 9 assertive Mars enters watery, driven Scorpio and enters the arena where Jupiter is holding court, investigating all things hidden. There’s a lot of emotion attached to the revelations which are surfacing, both in our personal lives and the avalanche of material from the public realm. Processing yucky stuff can be very draining and we need to be mindful that any time Scorpio is in the picture we must remind ourselves to compensate the dark with exposure to enlivening circumstances and material.  What lightens up our lives?

December 10 Venus and Neptune rendezvous and share idealistic expectations of how interpersonally we can flourish.  Let’s ponder what they bring to mind as we bask in this warm atmosphere.

Between December 12 and 15 Mercury socializes with the Sun and Venus easing us into the Holiday Season.  December 16 the Sun and innovative Uranus add an element of

excitement but we may need some down time to avoid a feeling of overwhelm.  Let’s not forget deep breathing and Rescue Remedy!

December 17/18  we want our wits about us as the New Moon (new beginnings) in Sagittarius encourages us to embody this inspiring sign’s essence.  The Symbol is “A sculptor at his work:  The ability to project his vision upon and give form to materials.”   The more we understand ourselves the more we can contribute to others. 

What resources do we have to share?

December 19 Teacher Saturn returns home to his home to earthy Capricorn for the first time in 29 years and it is a BIG DEAL.  He’s all about our taking the insights gained during his time in Sagittarius and putting them to practical use.  We become ambitious to get organized and improve our circumstances and those of others. Flexibility is also in the works since this is a cardinal sign and automatically takes initiative when changes are unavoidable (which we are experiencing now).  December 21 the Sun meets up with him during the Winter Solstice, perhaps the most important turning point of the year.  It’s seen as a special time because  it promises the return of the Light and throughout history celebrations both sacred and profane have been observed.  How might we pay homage to this event?

December 22 Mercury turns direct but it’s a good idea if we off on making important decisions, etc. until next month when important information appears.

December 24 Venus changes gowns and her mood becomes more serious as she enters Capricorn and helps the Sun celebrate on December 25, Christmas Day.  This isn’t a recipe for hilarity but we experience their commitment to love and loyalty which extends a sense of security and  comfort which is welcome.  Saturn is also on hand, keeping things real.

December 31 is a date filed with symbolism and it may be bittersweet for us as visions from the past appear in our mind’s eye.  The Moon (our emotions) is in airy, bright Gemini and he ends up spending time with Mercury and Uranus so our thoughts my branch out in intriguing directions, setting the stage for a revitalized New Year. Isn’t it nice we’ll be able to compare notes as 2018 unfolds!!!

Happy New Year 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.