Metaphysical Bookstore Owner

Friday, September 04, 2015

GET YOUR LIFE BACK... IT'S TIME ALREADY...

by Mario C. Veo

Have you ever questioned Why you do what you do?... what drives you to respond or be this way...? Some would say that it's your upbringing, your education, your social background or the way you got 'trained' or programmed. To some extent all this does have an influence, but a very small one... you see, there is a much, much greater influence... and it's in you.

The truth is threefold -

Within you are a number of different Archetype Energies each competing to push you one way or another, to guide you to see the world in a specific manner, and respond to it accordingly... some people are driven by the Eternal Optimist, seeing opportunities everywhere, while others seek to comfort everyone, embracing their Mother Archetype... each behaving according to these drives, and happily embracing their function. Archetypes are central to our Consciousness, and interpret the World accordingly... they teach us the Role we are to play in Life, and give us meaning and satisfaction. In the best case these multiple Aspects within us are compatible, and cooperate with each other... unfortunately, the opposite is too often true... enter the Inner Child.

The Inner Child is that playful, innocent, bouncy part of you that is quick to smile and laugh, and wants everyone to be happy. Unfortunately it is also that part which can be too trusting, too vulnerable, and far too easily wounded by our harsh reality... it is this dichotomy which adds to conflicting Archetypes - if you are a Care-Taker Archetype, who takes care of your Inner Child... if born in a dysfunctional family, how can you laugh and play and have everyone be happy... now Life and the future don't have a strong foundation from which to grow and prosper...

Enter the Wounded Self - that 'coping mechanism' which teaches us how to 'shut-off' a part of us, so the rest can get on with what's left of Life... except that this Wounded Self doesn't quite trust anyone or anything, and actually can be an active Saboteur, able to undermine even that which you most yearn for...

It's quite a trip, right...!?

So here you sit, wondering just which part of you is running your Life... and what can you possibly do to create more Peace, more Harmony, more Rewards, how can you get back your Happy Self...?!? The good news is - you most definitely can!... all you need do is meet with your Archetypes, engage them in a cooperative Truce, nurture and reassure your Inner Child, and heal you Wounded Self... all in a day's work!

No, I'm not being funny... it's quite doable... but if you need help we've created a new Series of Workshops to give you more insight and instructions. We have a 3 month program which can either be taken together... or, if you are only interested in one section, you can just do that one.

We meet every Saturday, from 11 to 12:30 - starting in September we will investigate Archetypes, their Role and Function, and how they affect us... in October, we'll take a closer look at the Inner Child - its strengths, purpose and weaknesses... in November, we'll explore the Wounded Self and - finally - how to heal and balance it all.

So, what do you say... are you ready for the most transformative, empowering trip of your Life...?

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 at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

WHO ARE YOU REALLY...&, WHAT PLEASES YOU...!?

by Mario C. Veo

We all think that we know Who we are, when in fact what we really 'know' is simply what 'pleases' us! Most of the time we live and act from an Emotional Center - we buy the ice cream we like, the cereal that we are more familiar with, drive the car that best 'appeals' to us, even get the job that closest meets our needs... and settle for friends and lovers that... well, let's just say that 'you get what you think you can get'... Now, some of you will say that there is nothing wrong with that... and you'll be 'right'... if... you believe that "close enough is good enough".

No, this is not me - once again - trying to be funny (or simply contrary), I truly believe that most of us lower our expectations, that we accept 'that which is easiest... or close enough' rather than spend the time going deeper and deeper within, always searching for a better understanding of Who we really are, firmly believing that we deserve the very best... and that good enough simply doesn't cut it!

So, you like vanilla... does this prevent you from exploring other flavors, or even considering that there could be some other exceptional flavor that will knock your socks off? How will you know if you don't allow yourself to even consider the possibility...?

You see, Life is not static - it's continually growing and evolving, blossoming in many unexpected and wonderful ways, discovering and offering new and greater insights... and so should we grow and discover more about ourselves. What might have been acceptable yesterday, may well turn out to be just a stepping stone to an amazing new beginning. How will you know, if you don't go and look (after all, 'safety' sounds too much like 'humdrum compliance')?

So yes, I'm saying that, at best, we only know about our simple pleasures... and totally ignore that magnificent self that has been waiting for you to notice it... (just imagine how much fun you'll have when you do!)

This month's classes are dedicated to our Self Discovery - from examining our unconscious resistance to Changes... to our Karmas and struggles, and rediscovering our Loving Self... and even how to open up our Third Eye (just so you can get a better look at the glorious Creation that awaits).

...and just one last word - I do like vanilla... but chocolate is much, much more fun... (but then, I like fun!!)

Monday, August 03, 2015

"THE TIME HAS COME," THE WALRUS SAID, "TO TALK OF MANY THINGS..."

by Mario C. Veo

If you are the type who is quite happy to just drift through Life, accepting willy-nilly whatever may drift ashore, then… bless you, this article is not for you. (nor should you let anyone distract you from your own choices)…If you’re like me, one who never stops asking questions (and upsets every preacher I’ve come across), or who is frankly disappointed with the sheep-like mentality of Common Man, or the simplistic answers offered by Politicians or those who clearly profit from public manipulation… then I’ve a few things I’d like to share with you.

Since my earliest years I’ve been fascinated by the concept of Self-Empowerment, by the idea ofSelf-Revelation and the question: “Why do most people find it all so difficult?!” Well, in fact it is not so ‘difficult’… but you must be ready for it – sounds simple, it isn’t!

First you must get to the point where you begin to ‘question everything’… hang on, don’t get mad! Let me explain – I’m not advocating that we automatically reject everything… rather that we question IF we’ve been given ‘The Whole Truth’… (and yes, my cynical self would add–question the Source of such ‘Truth’!)

Once you get there, then YOU have to start your own search – for there are many ‘truths’ out there, and YOU must find The One which belongs to you… and now accept the next step (which upsets most people). “There is no such thing as an Ultimate Truth”, everything is continually growing and evolving… and so are you! Thus, whatever you believe at any point is YOUR ‘Truth’, but if you are truly committed to your own growth, then so must this ‘Truth’ grow and change as you do…

So, what to do… what to do with you…
O.K., don’t give up yet… the Spiritual Path offers some great guidelines (which we can all embrace, no matter our Lineage).

Stop being so reactive… emotions are great when you’re playing and relaxing… not so much when you’re trying to figure things out.
Don’t be fooled by your Beliefs… for they’re simple a reflection of those who ‘taught’ you – often for their own benefit… or, at least, limited by their own search for Knowledge (which isn’t where you are).
Create a ‘direct link’ between your Self and Spirit… hold on, there is a prior step to this…
3-a. Get rid of all your Negative Experiences… your pains/hurts/traumas create a Lower Resonance within yourself, which distorts any/all Communication with Spirit.
Finally, create the most joyful, rewarding, loving Life you can possible imagine… but don’t stop there…

Which brings me to this month’s classes – we are dedicating this month (in keeping with its Royal Designation**look up its original meaning if you don’t believe me) to the correct Expansion of our Consciousness… to our Liberation from our Wounded Identity and Negative Life’s Experiences… to creating a place for Spirit… and demonstrating our true Radiant Self.

So… are you ready for this? (and yes, you can still have all the ice cream you want – after all, Spirit created everything… so, bless it and enjoy!!)

Saturday, July 04, 2015

PRACTICAL NUMEROLOGY - THE GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE

by Mario C. Veo

Why Numerology ? – it is accurate yet easy to learn, with clear and direct answers. It gives you a great insight on your gifts and abilities, and what you need in Life to make you happy … as well as the challenges – seen and unseen – you will be facing. It tells you in a very straight-forward manner, the Energies you were born with, and when these Patterns will re-align for you … giving you a clear insight on the influence of your name, your address, even the career and city you are in … [and simply by changing or adding to them you can promote a better quality to your Life].

Numerology shows you which new Energies are coming into play – not only for you directly, but also for those around you, and how these will impact your Life … it empowers you to make better decisions.
Numerology is not psychic fortune telling ‘- it is a Spiritual Science based on the Symbolism of Numbers, and their direct connection to the structure of the Universe … as such it can be taught in two different ways –

Pythagorean Numerology is a later development and, much like Sacred Geometry, investigates the relationship between ratios / form / structure – it looks at the bigger picture and tries to describe the Universe as such … but is not well suited to understand personal names or patterns.
Chaldean Numerology is the original mystical teachings of the Magi of the Orient [yep, the 3 Wise Men who went looking for baby Jesus]. As such it brings a deeper understanding of Spirit, of personal Evolution and the timing of events … and is better suited for personal guidance.

Thursday, July 02, 2015

DON'T WALK ON MY SOUL...

by Mario C. Veo

Life is movement – Stagnation is death… yet too often it is our passive acceptance of a situation which makes it so. Everything is in motion – be it a flower, a science, or a civilization … all hoping to fulfill their destiny [or at least have fun trying].

What makes this movement successful or not are the Qualities contained in the person and the Path taken – these now become the ‘fuel’, encouraging us to achieve our goal… or miring us in failure. Thus if we embrace love/beauty/happiness … then so we will be rewarded – while if we wallow in criticism/anger/bitterness… then this [by our choice] will be our Life.

Everywhere I look I see people struggling to better their life, consciously trying to be happy, be kind, be generous… while others simply sit with their noses up in the air, taking advantage of the situation, using, abusing, and manipulating others… even as they congratulate themselves that they are ‘entitled’… that they ‘know better’… that, in fact, they are better.

Well, don’t let that fool you – Karma is a jealous mistress and, once she has her claws in you, she won’t let go… [hey, here’s a question for you: “what do you think your next life will be remember – what goes around, comes around…“, and, as my witchy friends so love to remind me, ‘will come back threefold!’].

Which leads me to the most important point: “When was the last time you talked to your Soul?“… and why is this becoming so important now…?

Well, in case you haven’t noticed, there is a ‘quickening’ going on.. .a compression of energies too much stress … too many demands … too many people manipulating the ‘Truth’ … too many negative emotions ruling the mind … too many dark thoughts … and much, much, too much righteousness…

So now I ask you: “how much time are you dedicating to Love, to Beauty, to the enjoyment of Life… how prepared are you in dealing with this increasing craziness – and ifnot, how safe’ will you be … ? … what does your future hold … and what will you become … ?”

OK, time to get back to our own Self-Empowerment, our own true Inner Self.., this month’s classes are dedicated to our communion with Spirit, to the Triple-Flame of Love-Light-Wisdom to embracing our own Inner Peace … and to explore the requirement we must meet for our next Spiritual Initiation …
No, it’s not difficult … after all, you’ve spent many, many, many past lives getting ready for this … [I know, I was there with you . . . but will you be here, now…?!]

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

WALKING THE SPIRITUAL PATH... OH, WHAT A TRIP!!

by Mario C. Veo

It's not easy, you know, to walk this Spiritual Path... to acquire Knowledge that is not common, to live by Higher Principles... and what's worse, to be held accountable to much, much higher standards... but, would you want it any other way...?! So, how did you end up here... why didn't you just stay as a good little boy/girl...? after all we will all one day become 'enlightened' - so, what's the rush...?

Here's what happened...
Long, long time ago, in some past life now forgotten, in a land beyond Time, you woke up one morning and thought, "surely this is NOT all that there is to Life... surely it's not just eat-drink-and-be-merry... after all, how many parties/orgies/political intrigues can one revel in before it all, somehow, just loses its appeal. Yes, you still go to the temple and worship according to the Teachings, but are the Gods still listening, and what about the Demi-Gods... who do you have to bribe before you too can become an Immortal...?" (well, maybe not all of you thought this, but it was a common theme at the time... remember, it was a loooooong time ago!)

So you thought, and thought, and thought... talked to a philosopher (but who can understand such jibber-jabber anyway?)... seeked out Holy Men on top of mountains (why do they always have to make it sooo difficult?)... and even invested in 'Holy Relics' (who would have thought there would be so many)... but to no avail.

Still with me? Good, let's go on... Despair leads to despair, leads to drunkenness (but not oblivion), until one day you've just had enough!! So now you stop, still not happy, and you sit in a morose fit... sulking away in your golden palace, you want no friend nor lover, no slave nor wine...you...just...want...to...be...left...ALONE!!

Ah, little did you know that this was going to be the Key that would lead you to this wondrous Path... You see, once you stopped, and decided that nothing you tried was going to work, that had been touted as "The Key to Heaven" was for real... only once you gave up trying. BUT NOT gave up your 'desire to know Spirit'... ah, only now wer you ready to step on the Path of Light (point of order - any other Path would not have been one of 'Light' - thus your failures and frustrations).

So, you stopped... and sat... and went deeper within you... and once you got past your fun, there it was... that Inner Light, the Radiance you'd been looking for, the Bridge to Spirit...!!!

Hallelluah Brothers and Sisters... you found the Light!!! and, as they would have you believe, "you lived happily ever after"... well no, not quite... The Path IS wonderful, but requires much of you... more studies/training/cleansing/healing/purification... (enough to last you multiple lifetimes)... then rinse and repeat - and do it all over again, and again, and again... (heck, if it was easy, everyone else would do it too).

But now you are hooked - Having seen the Light, how can you turn back...? And that's how you got here, today, wondering just what happened to you, and what this Path is all about... (hint - Love, Light, and Wisdom).

So this month's classes are dedicated to the Spiritual Journey, to the celebration of all your trials and tribulations, to the successful Expansion of your Consciousness... and above all, to the Living Light of Spirit you've awakened within you... So, congratulations, you've made it. I wish I could say that it gets 'better', but I don't lie (much) anymore... but I will say this - It gets very, very exciting... (and come on, would you want it any other way...?)

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 at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

Sunday, May 03, 2015

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GOOD PSYCHIC

by Mario C. Veo

This is a true story [unfortunately so] – I once knew this woman, a single mom who had clawed her way to financial independence, with a 14 year old kid, too sensitive for his own good. One day the kid and his best friend were crossing the road when a drunken driver roared through the intersection … and killed the friend [yep, in front of his very eyes] … they never found the driver. So, what is a sensitive kid to do, with a mom who is all alone, working two jobs while studying to improve their lives …?

Well, what everyone else does, of course:- turn to drugs! and when anti-depressants fail … well, he turned to pot, speed, downers … anything he could find to simply ‘dull the pain’ … and he succeeded beyond his wildest expectations – you couldn’t find a better ‘functional addict’ if you tried! Move forward 10 years and the kid, now a dedicated addict, is fully riddled with Elementals and Entities, all feasting on his Life Force as if they were at an ‘all-you-can-eat-buffet’ at the local Vegas Strip Joint [hey, when they say “that monkey on your back”, they ain’t being figurative].

So, one day the mom happens to be in New York for work, and finds herself walking into a ‘Psychic Parlor’ … there she meets this most charismatic woman who, right off the bat, proceeds to tell her that her son is ‘possessed’ and that his addiction will only get worse … unless he’s ‘healed’. Yep, you guessed it, she then proceeds to sell the mom a ‘Charged Crystal’ … guaranteed to ‘cast out these Demons’ … for the paltry sum of $ 5,000!
Well, what’s a mom to do – of course she buys it [“a bargain at the price … where else would you find such
a ‘special, charged crystal’ … ! ?”] Coming back home she gives her son the crystal, with all due instructions, and, would you believe, IT
WORKED … well, for a few days, anyway. The kid went into the worst Healing Crisis I have ever seen in a long time.
So the mom calls back the Psychic, with full intention of giving her a piece of her mind … but, did I tell you she was ‘charismatic’ … the Psychic claimed that the son ‘was in fact healed … but the addiction just pulled him right back in … but, good news, for only another $ 2,000 she would charge the crystal again’ … and so she did [a mother’s love never ceases to amaze me] I will spare you the tawdry details on the rapidly deteriorating relationship between mother and son, and the ugly results [interestingly enough, nothing was ever directed at the ‘Psychic’]

So why am I telling you all this…? Not because I want you to be ‘outraged’ at the Psychic’, nor at the weakness of the kid, or the desperation of his mother … rather to gain insight as to what happened:- was the Psychic for real? Absolutely yes ! She could see the kid’s addiction and ‘possession’ quite clearly without any prior knowledge … crystals can be ‘charged’ with Healing Energies, and have been used relatively successfully … charging for one’s services is normal and accepted … so, what’s bothering you …? Is it the Ethics and Morals, of someone who would take advantage of others’ misfortune …? [if this is the case let me introduce you to a slew of lawyers / cops / doctors / politicians …].

So, what’s the problem, really !?! It is the lack of Spirituality, the lack of Light, of Wisdom and Compassion [now I sound just like a Preacher … well, the burdens of many Past Lives …] IT IS NOT ENOUGH to be ‘Psychic’ … without Spirit, the person is just wallowing in Ego at best, or is an active Black Magician at worst … so watch yourself – just because you may have a true and deep calling to walk this Path, it is not without its ‘dangers’ … you have been informed – consider yourself warned.

This month I am dedicating the classes to the true understanding of Personal and Psychic Development … be it Inner Sight, Empaths, Higher Intuition … or the basic ‘Psychic Gifts’ … and – most important – how to bring Spirit into all this [after all, without Spirit we are just an empty shell, and, as my Mad-Shaman Teacher would say … “food – just food for Darkness to gobble up . . .yumm ..”].

Saturday, April 04, 2015

BEING WHO WE ARE

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter April 2015

by Norma Mitchell

When we are first born, we remember our connection with God as wholeness, without separation. As we come from our mother’s body into the world we have agreed to experience for our lifetime, we feel that true sense of separation as an individual body in a world that is designed for us to experience an individual identity. By the time we are learning how to use our voice, our limbs, our senses of space, time, realities of this planet which helps us understand the illusions of separation, we begin to forget the awareness of our oneness with our Source.

These conditions are further complicated by the emotions we experience in the people around us. We feel their love and their pain, their joy and their sadness, their peacefulness or their anger, any emotions that expand our awareness of who they are as people. When we, as infants, become overwhelmed by the emotions of others we may retreat within ourselves and experience the unity with our Source again.

Sometimes though, we react to our distress at being wet, hungry, isolated and ignored by crying for attention and help in the outer world rather than within. We also may turn to others who are a part of our spiritual connections, the beings who are there to help us remember our spiritual origin and that we are never abandoned to being in the conditions we as a soul have chosen to experience.

Some of these beings are there to guide us through our own emotional responses. Some are there as playmates to remind us that we are here to experience joy, love and laughter. And some are angelic beings or masters who help us remember that we are divine beings who have chosen to be here to utilize love to show ourselves and each other how to live that love in a world with its illusion of separation. When we accept that we are always connected through love with our Source, we can also accept that we are a part of that Source at our core.

Even if we don’t understand exactly why we’ve chosen to be herein a planet whose people pride themselves on individuality and separationwe are going through the process of remembering who we are and getting closer to that Oneness that is our truth. This isn’t easy to practice, since we are taught to compete and isolate ourselves from each other in the pursuance of individuality and excellence as people .

Scientists have told us this whole universe is made up of Energy. That this Energy simply is. That even though we have accustomed ourselves to the idea that we “see”, “touch”, and experience the various items in our planet as solid or material forms, they are actually atoms and molecules in a perpetual state of motion.

Many of us don’t see this Energy, much as we don’t see the air we breathe. We accept that air is the one substance that our bodies cannot do without for more than several moments. Let’s consider that this Energy is also something that we cannot do without. Without It, nothing is (including us).

This Life Force is the whole of life and everything that is. We see Its love for us in the opportunities and guidance It has provided throughout our lives. We may not always want to hear or follow that guidance, yet we see that when we do, we are able to accomplish our dreams, find the peace we search for within, and experience love in various ways throughout our lives.

In a world where we are accustomed to having what we want more and more instantly, do you trust The One to provide what you want even when you may not receive what you want at the moment and in the way you want? This is called faith. Without it, we are at the mercy of our fears and our issues with control.

What we can do is to accept that The One is within us, as well as around us, and that we are part of Its expression of life. This allows us to trust our Creator and to remember who we are.

Norma Mitchell has been working with clients at the Shining Lotus™ since 2008. She provides Intuitive readings every Monday from 12pm to 5pm and also works from 12pm to 5pm on the second Saturday of every month.

Norma will be continuing her Hypno-Regression Therapy Group that meets on the second Thursday of every month. Each participant is encouraged to work within their own experience to identify, analyze and clear whatever traumas, difficulties, or challenges they encounter during the two-hour regression session.
She also has a spiritual discussion group that meets on the third Thursday and brings about topics that come up in our everyday personal spiritual journeys. This class has been very popular while Norma was conducting it in her own home and now she is bringing this opportunity to our neighborhood.

Thursday, April 02, 2015

MANIFESTATION… AND THE FANTASIES WE CREATE

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter April 2015

by Mario C. Veo

In my misspent youth all I really wanted was to study ‘Magic’ – it didn’t matter what Lineage, I devoured books on Spell-craft, on Shamanism and rituals, on Kahunas and Spirit Communication… heck, I even used Ouija Boards and Trance-Work (I don’t recommend these… it’s true that Spirit protects the innocents… but what about the foolish…!?) I attended workshop after workshop, met with Kahunas in Hawaii and Native American Medicine Men and Women in New Mexico, studied with Shamans in Africa and Gurus in India… and in the end had to do my own Inner Search… all in the attempt to find this elusive ‘Magic’.

Later I found out that what I was really looking for was to understand how Energy works, how Creation comes about, and what my role is in all this.

So now, many, many years later, I found that the Key which makes ‘Magic’ possible is quite simple – “get rid of your hurts, pains and sorrows, clean up your hot buttons, really look deep within yourself so you know, 100% who you really are, and live from that True Joy that is you – the Radiant Self… only now can the Energy of Creation flow – unimpeded – within and through you”.

I can just see some of you shaking your head, thinking that this is just some New Age BS that I’ve made up… well, you discontented cynic, consider this: ALL in Creation is Energy, and this has a range of Properties which defines What it is, and How it must work… what’s more, it is Magnetic; meaning that the more it is active, the more it attracts the same (until it crystallizes and upsets the Balance, and now attracts its opposite).

OK, now consider the many Principles of Manifestation – no matter the Techniques, most people forget that it’s the Preparation which determines IF it’s going to work… or, have an opposite effect (yes, Karma plays a big role in all this). I have shared this with many of you: if you’re struggling with Love, Money, Health… and you try to Manifest Changes, the only thing you can attract is more of your struggles… until you first learn how to release your blockages… for always “Like calls to Like”.

…and don’t despair, you can succeed if you’re willing to do the work… and please don’t think that there is something wrong with you… or that you’re ‘cursed’… or that ‘God’ has it in for you, if you want Changes, then do something about it! You see, my original ‘search’ was really correct, ‘Magic’ is simply knowledge of the Laws of Creation, and the Initiations required to be able to access and use them correctly.

So, what’s it going to be, are you willing to wake up the Magician Within you (yep, it’s in all of us!)… or, are you quite content to sit in your pessimistic cynicism, sneering at the World for your lack… hey, it’s easy to blame others for our misfortune, that’s what kids do.

This month is dedicated to the many processes of Manifestation – the do’s and do not’s… and what must be done to get there… ( and still be young enough to enjoy it!!)… so join us, if you dare…

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa. From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to explore a wide range of disciplines. He has studied with Sufis, Shamans and Spiritual Masters from around the world. Mario is a senior T’ai Chi and Chi Gong instructor, a Spiritual Counselor, Shaman and Healer, and teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation, Empowerment, Manifestation and Spiritual Alignments. He is available for personal guidance and consultations.

Monday, March 02, 2015

THE HARDER YOU TRY, THE WORSE IT BECOMES...

The Harder you Try, the Worse it becomes... Have you ever wondered why this is... why this endless struggle without much results... does 'God' really have it in for you... or is it something else? Come on, how much work does it take to finally break through these struggles - after a while 'Karma' just becomes a meaningless excuse... so what gives...!?

Consider this: if you keep hitting your head against a brick wall, you are just going to hurt yourself! (hey! that's a great analogy - now 'you' are the actual cause of your own pain... I never looked at it this way before... go figure...). O.K., to get back to our topic - if you keep struggling - doing all you can to achieve your desires... and no matter how much you do, and how hard you try, still nothing changes... then you must be doing something wrong (gee, ya think!?)

So, how to resolve this dilemma... what to do, what to do with you...

O.K., let's try something a little different - answer me this:

(1) What would make you 'happy'?
Not just you quietly smiling to yourself because today your boss only threw one temper tantrum... and your dog actually didn't ignore you when you got home - hey, the schmuck thinks he's a cat... No, I mean "Happy" as in gloriously exciting, fill your mouth with teeth, jump up and down and smack your struggles upside the head (that's OK, it had it coming!)... Happy with a capital H - filled with vim-and-vigor (or is it "filled with vim-and-vinegar"?... I never get that one right!). So, gloriously "Happy" recently?... nope, didn't think so!...

O.K., now answer this:

(2) Why not?
Heck, if you truly, truly believe... fervently and emphatically BELIEVE that you DESERVE to be Gloriously Happy with every quivering breath of your body... then why aren't you?

Too hard? O.K., let's try the final question:

(3) What are you worth...? and why are you settling for less?
O.K., I know, that's two final questions... jeez louise, just answer it already!!

Yeah, I know, I'm a joker... but frivolity aside, these are very, very important questions - after all, it's your Life that's at stake... and if you don't have the answers, then what choices do you have... and what's worse: "where are you going...!?"

This month's classes are dedicated to our endless 'struggles' - why and how they occur, the Laws which govern them, and how to successfully resolve them... So, if you are ready, then please join us, and if you still enjoy banging your head against the brick wall... then do it with gusto!! (by the way, did you try opening the door that's 'round the corner... I hear it's unlocked...)

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

CHAKRAS, CHAKRAS EVERYWHERE... AND NOT A DROP OF WISDOM

by Mario C. Veo

It is absolutely true that Chakras are very powerful sources of Energy – and that we can use them efficiently to achieve anything we want… from healing the body, to manifesting a love relationship, to creating wealth and yes, even open up our psychic abilities and achieve ‘enlightenment’. So, if they are soooo powerful, how come we are still struggling with physical and emotional challenges… how come we are not wonderfully happy, how come we are not chatting away with our Spirit Guides, ghosts, and other unseen critters…?!

Why…? Because most of what has been written about Chakras is, at best, ‘tepid’, and at worst outright incorrect!
Shocked…? Many of you would say that there are hundreds of books that all say the same thing… Yes, and that’s the problem…

Most of these ‘books’ are written by popular Western authors who may be good editors or compilers of information, but they are certainly not Great Hindu Masters… or are they Spiritually Clairvoyant… so they are stuck in simply repeating what others have written – in each case the original information gets diluted, little by little, until in the end you have mush… not even good enough to paper your walls with (if you’ve ever played ‘post-office’ as a kid you’d know what I’m talking about).

Not yet convinced…? Consider this: if someone is struggling with money, his marriage and job is at risk, his car stolen, and his house has termites… which principal Chakra (or Chakras) affects all this…? Only one – the most important (and frequently ignored) foundation of Life – the Root Chakra… why? because it deals with security, strength, safety…

How about this: if a person is trying to deepen their Meditation but keeps ‘zoning out’, which Chakra needs to be strengthened? Again, the Root Chakra (it balances the Crown, and grounds/supports the inflow of higher energies).

So, now what…? Do you still think you ‘know’ your Chakras… or are willing to consider that just maybe there is more to them… hum?!

I am starting a 3 month study program so we can do a proper examination of these powerful Centers – not only of the classical 6 + 1 that everyone talks about, but also some of those considered ‘secret’ (did you know you have Chakra at the back of your throat, and 3 above your Third Eye…?)
We will meet every Saturday from 11 am to 12:30 pm for 3 months, starting February 7. Space is very limited (I am only taking 10 people)… so, if you want to know the truth about Chakras then register through the Shining Lotus Bookstore (303-758-9113)… or forever hold your peace…

P.S. By the way, the Root Chakra is not ‘red’…

Monday, February 02, 2015

WHEN I LOOK AT YOU, THIS IS WHAT I SEE... OR, MY PSYCHIC PERSPECTIVE

by Mario C. Veo

Many of you come to me for counseling, or to ask for a ‘psychic reading’ – you have questions about your future, or need insight on the best choices facing you… or simply need to understand why all this is happening to you. You experience yourself as ‘uncertain’, facing a future that appears unknown… some of you are confused or even hurt by the unfairness of Life… and are grieving (rightly so).

So, I offer advice, consolation, nurturance… as you need… and you go away feeling ‘heard’, feeling that for this one moment, you were able to speak your Truth, and be validated. And yet, you come back again and again, facing more of the same, more challenges/heartbreak/loss and tears.Why?…

The answer may not please you – You remain the same wounded self… you do not change, grow, expand your awareness… nor do you truly know your value and worth.

So, you are stuck – forced by Karma to repeat the same challenges, the same obstacles, revisit the same loss or betrayals… Yes, it is ‘unfair’, for you truly are a nice person… but I ask you again – Why do you not change?… why are you not aware of ALL the Joy that is rightfully yours?

IT IS BECAUSE YOU DON’T SEE YOURSELF THE WAY I DO!!

When you come to me, I see ALL of your potential, all the Love, Light, Beauty, and Creativity that you have within you… What do you see when you look at yourself? – Pain, Sorrow, Loss, Woundedness…

Do you not know the most basic Law of Creation… have you forgotten the simplest Truth about Free Will and Manifestation?… well, let me remind you – As Within, so Without – Whatever YOU choose to look at, now looks back at you. So, how do you change…how do you see yourself through my eyes?…

I am dedicating this month’s workshops to reclaiming your Truth, your Light, your Beauty and Joy! I invite you to embrace your True Self… or not – as you wish it, so it shall be… (come, what do you have to lose?… a few bad memories… don’t you know that Life is filled with Love and Laughter and Playfulness… what’s led you astray… hum!?!?

Monday, January 05, 2015

MOON MESSAGES

by Marci McCaffery

The season of light is upon us, even though the darkest day of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere), is almost here. The Winter Solstice and the New Moon are among two of five celestial events taking place. The Winter Solstice, which falls around the 21st of every December, is the Sun’s final turning point. It represents the shortest day of the year and the celebration of the return to light. The energy is PERFECT for setting our intentions and letting our light shine brighter than ever in 2015.

The New Moon falls just after the Solstice, at 0 degrees Capricorn, the most ambitious sign of the zodiac. It’s time to toughen up and create new beginnings for personal and professional growth.

A supercharged cosmic force results, when unpredictable Uranus in fiery Aries, collides with cerebral Mercury and relationship oriented Venus, as it forms a conjunction with Pluto. This intense impact pushes us past the limits of ordinary logic, making the end of 2014 seem more like a new beginning.

The next 4 weeks will profoundly affect the months ahead!

Expansive Jupiter’s retrograde shift, on December 8th limits our external expression of confidence and enthusiasm, as we search to find creative inspiration from within.

On December 24th, Saturn, the planet of karma and responsibility, enters a new cycle in Sagittarius for the next 2 ½ years. Taking personal responsibility for our beliefs and our actions is crutial. We can no longer be remain indifferent, during a time requiring discipline and commitment to achieve a goal of a higher vision.

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological advisor, a spiritual advisor, and an accredited business/ life direction coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has had lifelong involvement with meditation and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. Contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net.

Sunday, January 04, 2015

THE HUMAN SPIRIT

by Drusant

The human spirit has fought eternally for the right to express itself openly and freely without fear of oppression or reprisal. I now fear again for our tomorrows, for our near future of regimented control and of this new and expanded science that can influence with programmed technology the direction of our thoughts and the formation of our beliefs.

The liberation of our soul is the life-long struggle of our being; it’s the natural instinct inherited from our source. It’s what every life form yearns for as it grows through dirt toward the sun, toward the light.

I believe light is the natural and all pervasive condition in the cosmos, whether the light is emitted from our own sun or from the great central sun. Darkness is only a veil that blocks the light. Darkness is the shadow of light whether expressed in metaphor in describing thought or in physical reality.

Mystics of the ancient past all speak of growing toward the light, of becoming less confused about what is—to see reality more clearly without bias or false belief. It is our inborn right and destiny to eventually seek more light, more clarity and more truth.

We evolve our individual spirit through many centuries of expression and experience. Wisdom seems to sprout slowly through these many eons of time but wisdom brings with it the respect and reverence for the life process.

As the depth of wisdom grows, so too do our perception of the greater shades of color grow. Wisdom shows the vast differences and similarities of one object compared to another. As our wisdom grows, so too do our fascination, imagination, ethics and integrity grow. These many qualities of the human soul are the natural by-product of wisdom, understanding and maturity.

As I look at the human experience today, I feel a foreboding as if this veil of darkness may be intentionally spread over the heads of our world population by unseen hands. I must first ask the question, “Is the author of this supposed veil still the product of a divine awareness such that as the veil becomes more heavy, more obvious, then will the human spirit fight back with greater vigor against darkness?”

Or, as seems more the case, is the human spirit being romanced into yet a deeper state of slumber? Sages of the past have left many carvings in stone so that the future may be reminded of this path toward the eternal quest of enlightenment and awakening from our slumber.

There are many reminders that life does have purpose and that it really does have value. We are not just tiny drops in this soup of creation. We are indeed capable of understanding creation and of being an active participant in that creation process rather than merely the insignificant and forgotten by-product of creation.

The natural objective and purpose of our life is to gain joy, to gain pleasure and caring for all life forms. We have the capacity to ask the questions: “Do those stars out there have awareness; do they know that I am asking these questions? Is there an unseen link between them and me? Where does this feeling inside me come from when I look out at them?” We may never know the answers to these multiple and varied questions but what is so magical is that we can at least ask the questions.

Our thrust of curiosity will always carry us to newer questions and newer horizons. May those many questions always burn inside our chests; may we forever look to the stones and trees and stars and ponder the magnificent mysteries; may we forever find the source of joy buried deep within our being and may the fountain of inspiration bubble from the beat of our pulse, from our heart. May we forever make those choices between sadness and happiness; may we forever be free to choose the path of our desire. May we forever ask the questions, “Can the stars hear my thoughts and do they smile when I tell them how beautiful they are?”

We are all explorers. We are all sailors of the sea riding on these waters of deep mystery. May the winds be forever at our backs and may we find peace from turbulence and may we sail through these confusing waters toward grater clarity and solid understanding. May we come to enjoy our differences with honor and respect and may we value the path that brought us to this point of appreciation.

Drusant is the pen name of a long-time, faithful customer of the Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. A unendingly inquisitive mind that never stops asking ‘why?’ or ‘how?’, he continues to quest for esoteric, spiritual and paranormal answers in the Denver area. We are extremely grateful to him for allowing us to publish his creative writings in our newsletter and on our website. Go to www.shininglotus.com and find the search field, type “drusant” and enjoy some of his other articles.

Friday, January 02, 2015

WHERE ARE YOU GOING...& HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU GET THERE...

by Mario C. Veo

When I first started on my Journey, I was a very enthusiastic Seeker – more accurately I was a ‘Workshop Junkie’. I couldn’t wait for the local New Age Newsletter to arrive so that I could hold my pen – poised with quivering anticipation – and select the classes I so hopefully thought would lead me to ‘Enlightenment’ (or at least to Ascension)… ah, the good old days of innocent desire.

So, now that I am older (and not necessarily ‘wiser’) I have learned to pace myself and , while I may not fully agree with the facile adage (“You seek for the Truth to the Ends of the World, only to find yourself there“), still I have uncovered a few, small morsels of ‘Truth’… so, here goes:

You cannot ‘find’ yourself until you Know who you are
Stop looking for answers outside of yourself…you are the Key to Happiness
Only by knowing who you are can you choose what works for you
Once you are firmly centered in you Beauty/Gifts/Radiance… only then are you Empowered
Only when you are Empowered can you Attract/Manifest whatever you desire… effortlessly
and another thing (this one IS important, so pay attention) -

If you are struggling with something – be it pain, sorrow, woundedness, lack – and you try to ‘Manifest’ whatever you so deeply yearn for… then the only thing you can attract is more of the same!
(sorry, the Law: As Within, so Without does not lie)

So, are we doomed to forever walk this Earth like some Ancient Mariner with an Albatross around our neck? (for those of you without a classical English education, this is a reference to quite an ominous piece of poetry about the Karma generated by some misguided Innocent who did not know better) Sorry, I deviate… to get back to our little talk…

No, we are not quite so ‘powerless’… yes, we can Manifest, quite effectively actually… but only if you know ‘the Rules'(which, of course – as so often happens – ‘They’ do not want to share with you. “hey, you are not part of ‘The Secret Circle‘… nor do you know ‘The Secret Handshake’…“, ehm, as I was saying…)

Well, if you know anything about me, then you know I am not too fond of stupid Rules… in fact, I take quite a pleasure in breaking them (I am nothing if not constant). In fact, I find it quite titillating to teach these so called ‘Secrets’ to those who are now ready. As this IS the New Year, we are dedicating this month to exploring the ‘Truth’ about Manifestation… Self-Empowerment… Happiness and Prosperity. Heck, there is sooo much Beauty and Joy out there, why should you be without? Join us… if you dare…

Thursday, December 04, 2014

SHARE THE VOICE

© 2014 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter Dec 2014.

by Drusant

“This one was written after I had camped out for a few days in Moab. As I kayaked down the Green River in the deep canyons, a voice came out of me telling the stone canyon walls the entire history of earth with all her wars and sorrows. It was promised that the ancient voice would return to tell the earth we are now ready to move forward into awareness.” ~~Drusant 2009

Share the voice.
The voice has been spoken after these many thousands of years.
I am the stone pillar with a voice and I ask you now to spread the word
From one pillar to the next,
From one canyon to the next and into one country into the next.

Let it be known that today
The ancient voice has been spoken.

You have stood, sentinel, all these many years,
Waiting and longing, wondering if your purpose has been forgotten.

Walking people come and go
Taking your picture not knowing who you are.
They stand beside your megaliths with empty pride and empty minds.
And yet they want your memory for their treasure map.

Your silent voice now shouts to be heard
And I am here to say you have been heard…. and recognized.

For I am in you and you are in me.

We share the common bond of silence
And the longing of those magnificent years
When all wisdom, all knowledge was shared.

When the dark days came
And your treasures were locked up inside stone pictures,
Carved by tearful hands that knew someday these marks will be remembered,
We knew, you and I, that many winters, many seasons would pass
Before it was safe to reunite again.

You stood through countless days, alone, with no one to touch you.
You could sense your distant brothers and sisters that were also carved with tearful hands
On many continents and many cultures,
And on the many islands that came and went when some were lost forever.

I could feel your fear
That I would never return to embrace your courage,
But I am here…. now.

Share the voice for now it has been spoken.
Your instincts know the language
And your vision knows our cause.

Drusant is the pen name of a long-time, faithful customer of the Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. A unendingly inquisitive mind that never stops asking ‘why?’ or ‘how?’, he continues to quest for esoteric, spiritual and paranormal answers in the Denver area. We are extremely grateful to him for allowing us to publish his creative writings in our newsletter and on our website. Go to www.shininglotus.com and find the search field, type “drusant” and enjoy some of his other articles.

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

DON’T MISS THE BOAT…OR, HOW TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE

by Mario C. Veo

There are many – and even effective – techniques for creating Positive Changes – you can visualize… pray… chant Mantras… do rituals… engage in Shamanic Ceremonies… talk to your Angel or Spirit Guides… have a ‘professional’ do it for you… they will all work, provided you have taken care of a simple little thing called ‘Clearing’.

You see, every day you only have so much energy, and it is up to you to use it and direct it – so, if you are busy contemplating your Life challenges, worries, lack, poverty… then YOU are now directing your own Life Energy to flow in this direction! (and you have just become the very problem you are trying to resolve).

But this is nothing new – you’ve known this concept of the ‘Self-fulfilling Prophecy’ for a long time… so, why are you still struggling to find Love, Happiness, Wealth, Prosperity, Peace…!? That one is easy to answer (even if some of you will not believe me) – You have to make space in your Life for what you desire… meaning, as everything IS ‘Energy’ – which has Quality AND Purpose – then, if you spend time worrying about a problem, all you will create is an Energy Matrix which can only hold the problem and not its solution… if you are so invested in a diminishing Life, how can you embrace Positive Changes – your very Identity will deny it!

O.K., don’t look so glum – there is a solution, here it is – no matter the technique for Manifestation, you must first “cleanse and release your past wounds or offenses”… and here is where most of you will shout, “But I have already done that… and I am still struggling… so surely this is not it!”
Ah, but that’s where you haven’t been taught the full story…

The French put it very clearly – “The more it changes – the more it stays the same” (No, it’s not one more weird French puzzle… like, ‘why do they like cheese so much?) The Key is actually quite simple – The more you Grow, the more refined you become, the more you have to go back and clean up your Past.

Sounds weird, right… well, consider this – here you are, fresh out of school and newly ‘in love’… and, wouldn’t you know it, you get dumped for a newer model. Broken-hearted you rally on, pull yourself together, and bravely find your next target…(ah, the joy of youth…).

Now, years later, you wonder how come you’re not married to a wonderful ‘Soul-Mate’ – you’ve done all that has been suggested to you – journaled, vision-board, smudged, wrote to the Goddess… heck, you’ve even danced ‘Sky-Clad” under a full moon, all to no avail. And yes, you have cleansed yourself of your past heart-breaks… (or so you think…).

The very act of ‘cleansing’ yourself has shifted your Vibrational Rate, making you more sensitive, more ‘pure’ – thus, what was sufficient before now needs to be redone to match your new found Refinement… AND, you will keep doing this until, finally, there truly is nothing more to cleanse/release.

So let me be clear – until you have finally released all limiting Vibrations, you simply have not created the right ‘Space’ for your New Life… (and for those of you who are still bitching about this being ‘nonsense, or too much work, or unnecessary’… I will simply ask you, “What are you worth… and why so much resistance to the solution to finally achieving all your Heart’s Desires… ummm. someone has more work to do…)

I am dedicating this month to creating Positive Changes – wonderful, joyful, blow-your-socks-off-changes… after all, I am not only worth it, but I’ll take that with two dollops of extra whipped cream…!!

Monday, November 03, 2014

PLEASURE OR PAIN...A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY

Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter November 2014.

by Mario C. Veo

I was born in a small town in Italy, and as a good little Catholic boy, I had a deep yearning ‘to know God’… so what else could I do but join Seminary School. From day one I tried to be ‘good’ – truly I did – but became the plague of the Nuns with my never ending questions…”You ask too much… Don’t question your Faith… Why do you need to know – a good Catholic would not be so nosy…” (heck, all I wanted to know was “Who actually is this Holy Spirit”… and, “Did God have a Mother”… and, my favorite, “if God created everything, did He create Himself… and if so, why did He choose to be male“… I was not too popular…).

Chastised beyond logical response, I decided that ‘the Church’ either did not know… or did not want ‘me’ to know… and so began my Journey…
No, I did not turn my back to God, merely looked for Him (Her?) elsewhere… after all we are told that S/He IS everywhere.

In this wonderful (and sometimes painful) quest I began to explore many other Sacred Teaching, and discovered strong similarities in many (apparently opposing) Doctrines:- ‘Be Good, and Do Good'; ‘Don’t use or abuse others'; ‘Whatever you put out comes back to you’ (better known as Karma)… You would think that as clear and direct as these Universal Teachings are, that People would get along better… so I went further in my Quest, and look, there it was… Not everybody was following these Teachings!

But why, I asked? (yes, I know, I really haven’t changed much, after all, what do you expect from a good little – reformed – Catholic boy!?)
So, here it is – There are Forces of ‘Good’, which we call ‘Light'; and Forces of ‘Darkness’, which we call ‘Black’…
Light encourages us to Evolve, to grow in Love, Health, Wealth, Prosperity and Wisdom… while Darkness binds us through Selfishness, Egotism, Corruption, Elitist Entitlement, and the Abuse of Power… (sounds like Politics to me).

Going further in my research, I also realized that much of what appears to be ‘right’ is in fact pure Propaganda… utter Manipulation… sheer Lies… often using guilt or shame to make us compliant to meekly abide by these so called ‘experts’… and, God forbid, that you should ‘question their facts’ or behavior.
The choice is simple:- you can be a sheep, safe in eating your GMOs, imbibing adulterated food while happily getting stoned on legal pot… or you can start your own Journey to self Discovery… and find out for YOURSELF what all this is about… what ‘role’ Spirit plays in this mess we call ‘civilization’… and ask yourself the greatest of all questions: “Who am I, really… or… Who is pulling my strings…!?”

This month is dedicated to the process of Self Discovery, to cleansing and healing our wounds and betrayals, and to reclaim our own Inner Beauty and Radiance… and through this awaken our Gifts, Powers, or Abilities that we may live a joyful and fulfilling Life. So, join our classes…if you’re ready!!

Sunday, November 02, 2014

THE HEART

Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter November 2014.

by Drusant

Where is my Heart?

What misdeeds did I enlist to justify so fallow a soul as mine?

My people, my tribe, have conquered and pillaged everything they see and touch. That is the empty legacy I have inherited. As I look at all the remaining indigenous peoples, they have nothing and yet I envy them for they still have the heart that I am so lacking.

My people, my tribe have everything, everything they can see and touch. My science is now verifying the realm of the unseen, the realm of thought and soul and we will not rest until we subvert that too.

What pernicious crimes did I enjoy to leave me so cruel? I conquer, I enslave, and I destroy all that I see, all that I touch. I despise your happiness and I hate your innocence. I can’t let you run free for I must capture your joy. I must subdivide it, dissect it, dismember it, and bury it from the light. How did I become so ugly with the stench of decay on my breath? Am I cursed or did I merit my savage attack all by my own skill? How can I repay my sorrow, my blind rage to seize your soul? I hide my face behind the makeup of my lie. I hide my shame behind the shed of my guilt.

My people, my tribe, all pretend that we are nice and noble and we all agree to keep our falsehood hidden beneath the cloak of forbidden lust. How do I repent to you my callous usage of your life, my hunger to control your mind?

I am so pathetic, so dismal, so vile, and so corrupt. In 1,000 lifetimes I can’t say I’m sorry to outweigh the pain I caused. Can I suffer enough to balance the harm I built inside your heart?

I take my sword and raise it high above my head and with all my might, plunge it deep within my heart. May my blood flow freely upon the earth to atone for what I have done. It’s not for karma, or praise, or reward that I bow my head before your altar, but it is for my transgressions against myself that I acknowledge.