NOVEMBER 2012 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Nov 12

by Marci McCaffery

Astrologer
Marci McCaffery

SCORPIO (October 24-November 23)

I TRANSFORM

The sign of Scorpio is often referred to as the most complex of the twelve signs in the zodiac. We can rely on the resilience of Scorpio’s transformative power, fixity of purpose and instinctual nature to get to the truth in all situations. The energy of this fixed water-sign, asks us delve deeper intothe root causes of the tough stuff.The regenerative powers of Scorpio imply the need to make changes that evolve the self to a higher plane.

On October 29^th, the Full Moon at 7 degrees Taurus, marks the last of the four power moons. This is one of the most creative Full Moons of the year. The combination of the practical and the emotional energies offer us an opportunity to bring matters that have to do with what is truly valued to a successful conclusion.

SCORPIO
by Josephine Wall

As we approach the U.S.Presidential Election and a new year, we are all hungry for information about our future. More importantly, we want to know how we will be personally impacted. I think it safe to say that many are not that excited about Obama and probably less so about Romney. Moreover, it is generally the candidate that engenders the most tolerance that defines the election. Enter the role of the trickster planet, Mercury, (messenger of the Gods) which plays a decisive role in every aspect of the elections, particularly in determining choice. Mercury turns retrograde on Election Day in the truth seeking sign of Sagittarius at exactly 4 degrees. What does this mean? Possible mayhem! When Mercury is retrograde there is the potential for uncertainty, delays, false starts, miscommunication, miscalculations and the need to do things over. Mercury is probably best associated with speech, writing, technology and the computation of numbers. When retrograde, it cancreate problems and glitches with data and communication. Remember the Bush/Gore 2000 presidential fiasco? Good ole Mercury retrograde was in the details back then. This time Mercury is in a conflicting aspect with Neptune at 0° and Chiron at 5° Pisces combined with a favorable aspect to Uranus at 5° Aries. This configuration adds fire to the mix. All points are retrograde, indicating a less than powerful position. Neptune sets the tone for general confusion and Uranus rules shocks and upsets. All in all, we can expect some questionable developments on Election Day.

Eclipses increase our instinctual reactions and serve to move us further along on our life journey. A New Moon (Total Solar Eclipse) at 21 degrees Scorpio, on November 13^th is one of the most transformational moons of the year. It signals a time of major endings and new beginnings. We can use the healing energies of the Scorpio New Moon to release past hurts and heal emotional wounds as we activate new beginnings. What aspect of your life are you ready to move forward? The Sabian symbol for this New Moon reminds us to use our power wisely.

A Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon) takes place on November 28^th at 6 degrees Gemini, highlighting the Gemini-Sagittarius axis where we are asked to question our assumptions. As we shift our perspective, we realize that everything is interconnected and “from this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship with the universe.” (Albert Schwieitzer)

Mars moves into an ambitious position in Capricorn on November 16^th creating opportunities to move ahead with our goals. Neptune ends its hazy retrograde journey on November 11^th, bringing us greater clarity and revitalized energy.

In gratitude, wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

© Stardirection 2012. All rights reserved.

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological counselor specializing in life purpose, career and relationship readings. She is also a Reiki master teacher, a spiritual advisor, and an accredited business/life direction coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has a lifelong involvement with meditation, spiritual studies and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant atShining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore To learn how these changes impact you personally, contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net For free, valuable resources visit her web site at http://www.stardirectionastrology.com/

OCTOBER 2012 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Oct 12

by Marci McCaffery

Astrologer
Marci McCaffery

In a year of accelerated change, it is important that we don’t lose ourselves in the highs and lows.  May we stay centered in gratitude and acknowledge the gifts in our lives. No matter how things around us may seem, we must remember that we are immensely powerful.  Fear is the opposite of love. When we focus on love, we become invincible to fear ~~Michelle Karen

This month we are advised to ground anything uncomfortable into the earth for transformation. The period between late September and early October may be considered a critical time, based on the intense concentration of planetary aspects. The aggressive, fiery Aries Full Moon conjuncts with Uranus in Aries and opposes the Sun in Libra, on September 29th. Imbalances and the need to awaken to our own collective shadow are highlighted. Pluto joins into the mix and forms an exact square at 7 degrees cardinal. Anyone with planets at 7 degrees of a cardinal sign (Cancer, Libra, Capricorn or Aries) or within a 5 degree orb will be especially sensitized to this impact. This is an enormously significant pattern involving two powerhouse planets that can usher in dramatic changes.

LIBRA
by Josephine Wall

Three significant planetary sign changes headline the month. Venus moves out of dramatic Leo into service-oriented Virgo, but not before making a conjunction with fixed star, Regulus, at 29 degrees Leo. Regulus, is the brightest star in the constellation, meaning little King in Latin. This may suggest that someone of national prominence may become of prime importance. Expansive Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, turns retrograde on October 5th for the next four months, deepening our ability to grow in consciousness on an internal level. Mars enters optimistic Sagittarius on the Oct 7th pushing the envelope for expansion. Saturn makes a planetary shift out of diplomatic Libra, into the emotionally introspective depths of Scorpio, beginning October 6th for the next two and a half years. Saturn in Scorpio highlights emotional inconsistencies between the ego self and the higher self through major transformation. Karmic lessons (Saturn) related to the desire nature and the lust for power (Scorpio) must be purified. Emotional upheavals due to crystallized mental attitudes must be dissolved.We can rest assured, knowing that we have Divine guidance in this process. We are releasing the energies of struggle and the negative past. Meditation, yoga and other introspective practices help to counter fear and restore peace within. Pay close attention to your dreams and visualize how it feels to function from a compassionate place, where the head and heart are integrated.

The Libra New Moon on October 15th suggests a need for balance in relationships. This is a good time to assess whether there is a reciprocal balance of give and take in our relationships. We are advised to relax into the deeper part of who we are, authentically (pure Spirit.) The ego self must surrender to the essential self, if we are to move forward together in Oneness. The last of the four power moons this year is represented by the Taurus Full Moon at 7 degrees, on October 29th. We are encouraged to lead with our gut and not from our minds. We are advised to value (Taurus) our inherent self-worth as we move forward in faith and trust.

© Stardirection 2012 All rights reserved

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological counselor specializing in life purpose, career and relationship readings. She is also a Reiki master teacher, a spiritual advisor, and an accredited business/life direction coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has a lifelong involvement with meditation, spiritual studies and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore.

To learn how these changes impact you personally, contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net.

For free, valuable resources visit her web site at http://www.stardirectionastrology.com.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE CARDS

by Jody Schmidt

This easy-to-use deck of 35 inspirational cards serves as a wonderful tool in providing personal transformation and insights into the secrets of living an inspired existence. Influenced by our canine companions, principles such as thriving naturally as social creatures, loving unconditionally, prevailing in the present, and playing with boundless zest, remind us all how to live better and welcome into our lives the true gifts the universe offers.  Awaken your love for life with these inspirational cards designed to guide you toward living a more fulfilled life. What a better world it would be if we all consciously followed our dog’s lead!

Transform your life into an adventure filled with love and personal change – opening your heart for more compassion, forgiveness, appreciation and meaningful experiences. Unconditional Love transformational cards can help you realize your life is a precious gift, to be experienced in the present and shared with others. Use this deck as a guide and a way to foster support while inviting curiosity, play and wonderment into your life. Allow these cards to accompany you on your journey through life as your own personal coach and inner cheerleader. Your options on how, and when, to use them are as endless as your potential. These cards are inspired by observing our canine companions, gentle teachers living the true meaning of Unconditional Love.

How to Use this Deck – Shuffle the deck and turn it over so all you see are the back sides. You can select one card a day, or one a week, and consciously infuse the message into your life. Or, hold a thought or situation in your mind and pull a card randomly, and then ask your heart to provide clarity of its meaning. You could also arbitrarily pull three cards; the first represents the past, the second is the present and the third is the near future, and contemplate how the cards you chose integrate into your life. Another option is to divide the deck into three mini-decks, all with the same corresponding symbol. Unique only to the Unconditional Love transformational cards, are three symbols that resemble dog collar tags. Each card has one of these three symbols on it: a star, heart or circle, all of which serve as action items to enhance your experience with each card. If you feel you want to target one of these three key areas in your life (Play, Love, Grow), just select from these cards and set the others aside.

Accompanying Journal – Each Unconditional Love transformation card deck comes with a 50-page notepad. This adorable journal is a special place to capture authentic moments of awareness, inspiration and transformation. Record your observations, experiences and results to track your journey.

About the Author – Jody Schmidt holds a BA in Speech Communication and a minor in Psychology. Her experience blends 20 years in the corporate sector working with Fortune 500 firms, midsize growth organizations as well as start-up companies with her talents immersed in sales, recruiting, training, and Talent Acquisition Management. She is also certified as a Reiki Master and has extensively studied many other modalities including Healing Touch for Animals and The Reconnection. With an unwavering desire to seek greater understanding of human potential, living a more holistic life style, and honoring our bond with animials, Jody has spent the past 12 years immersed in exploring spirituality, expanded consciousness, personal awareness, self development and transformation, all the while still actively working in the corporate realm. She is compassionate about sharing her insights and teaching others about their own untapped potential and abilities just waiting to be awakened. To honor her passions divinely woven with a blend between corporate, alternative, and genuine love for animals, Jody created the Unconditional Love cards as a fun and uplifting tool for others.

SEPTEMBER 2012 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Sep 12

by Marci McCaffery

Astrologer
Marci McCaffery

There are many changes occurring at this time within people and without.The energies affecting the Earth increase in their intensity as the Earth prepares to alter its vibrational resonance. This sudden alteration of the earth’s energy field is causing a great deal of physical challenges and imbalances within the body.  –  A message from Archangel ArielTo better adapt to these changes, we are reminded to make ourselves our number-one priority, giving conscious care to our body, mind and spirit each day. We can adjust to these waves of intensity by deepening our meditation and breathwork practices. Body movement through yoga, tai chi, dance, exercise, and qigong are also helpful. Vibrational and emotional release therapies are also highly recommended. The objective is to find a regime that works best, to reduce stress levels and maintain heart-centered connection.

As the transiting Sun moves into to the industrious, self-disciplined earth sign of Virgo, our awareness turns to health, work and finding meaningful ways to be productive through humble service.

The Virgo New Moon conjoins with Mercury, the natural ruler of Virgo. On September 20^th it forms an exact t-square with Uranus and Pluto. (at 7 degrees Libra, Aries and Capricorn.) indicating that non-traditional, intuitive ways of thinking may be the best approach.  The Sabian symbol for this New Moon at 24 degrees Virgo encourages us to nurture and watch over each other. Use this time to attend to details, get organized and make improvements accordingly.

VIRGO
by Josephine Wall

Pluto, the most powerful planet of transformation, ends its six month retrograde phase and starts to move forward on the 17^th.  Its energies are intensified, as it reveals our next steps forward.  Any major transitions that have been on hold since last April, slowly begin to progress.  The ongoing Uranus/Pluto square forms the second of seven exact squares on the September 19^th.  This configuration once again causes major upsets to the status quo. Evolutionary change is its mission. We are advised to choose love instead of fear. Remember to stay calm and breatheeeeee!!

The Fall Equinox, on the 22^nd represents time when day and night are equal, reminding us of the need for a dramatic re-balance in our world of extremes and between the masculine and feminine energies. (the Sun and the Moon).The Aries Full Moon aligns within a degree of an extremely powerful convergence with the Uranus/Pluto conflict on September 29-30^th. Our energies are directed towards personal challenge. All aspects of our consciousness that we hold in separation from the concept of “Oneness”  must be balanced. The Sabian symbol for this Full Moon reminds us that as we venture into new territory, we are guided and supported by invisible forces.               

The goal for this month is to use these strong energetic forces and increased perceptions, to flow with change, as we allow others to do the same. This will be a time to clear out old remnants of anything that holds us back, such as limiting beliefs, past memories, persons, or things.  There are no quick fixes, we must do the work. We are advised to love with detachment, by understanding that detachment does not mean disconnection.  All issues that block our light are resurfacing now for release. We are shifting to a higher vibration of conscious awakenings and truth.

© Star Direction 2012

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological counselor specializing in life purpose, career and relationship readings. She is also a Reiki master teacher, a spiritual advisor, an author and an accredited Conscious Change coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has a lifelong involvement with meditation, spiritual studies and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. To learn how these changes impact you personally, contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net.

For free, valuable resources visit her web site at www.stardirectionastrology.com

CHANNELING KUTHUMI

by Sheryl Watson

The One Who is called Kuthumi (pronounced Koot Hoomi) is a Member of that Group of Beings Who oversee and guide the evolutionary development of Humankind on Planet Earth. They are, of course, non-physical Foci of Consciousness and are variously called The Elders of The Race, The Spiritual Hierarchy, and The Great White Brotherhood.Kuthumi is one of The Seven Chohans or Lords of The Seven Rays, which are Major Aspects and Attributes of The Creative Force for this Universe. In that role and responsibility, They transmute from a Higher Level through their Consciousness one of those particular Aspects for the benefit and progress of the sentient life on this planet. Kuthumi is The Chohan of The Second Ray, which is called Love/Wisdom and oversees the activity and global projects of The Second Ray Brotherhood Who work with this energy to promote the spiritual advancement of a laggard Human Race.

Kuthumi is also known as The World Teacher, having moved into that Position when the previous World Teacher (Maitreya) took a Higher Initiation within The Spiritual Hierarchy in fairly recent times. Kuthumi was the closest Disciple of Maitreya for a very long time. The Position of World Teacher is also called The Office of The Christ Consciousness in the “occult” literature.

The last incarnate lifetime of the current World Teacher was as Kuthumi Lal Singh, and Indian Kashmiri Prince of the 19th Century. Toward the end of that lifetime, He took The Fifth Initiation which is called The Ascension, and he became an Ascended Master of Wisdom in The Spiritual Hierarchy and chose to remain with the evolutionary scheme of Planet Earth (out of compassion) rather than moving on to other more extensive systems of evolution and experience.The following are a few of the more memorable lifetimes of The One called Kuthumi within the past few millennia:

• Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III (Menkheperre Reign: 1479-1425 bce)
• Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II (Usermaatresetepenre Reign: 1279-1213 bce)
• Pythagoras, the great Greek Initiate
• Balthazar, one of the 3 Zoroastrian Magi
• St. John the Beloved, the one closest to Master Jesus
• St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226 ad)
• St. Martin de Porres (Lima, Peru 1579-1639 ad)
• Shah Jahan, builder of The Taj Mahal in India

In the New Golden Age upon Earth, Kuthumi will physically manifest and walk amongst Humankind as an Avatar of The Christ Consciousness and The Lord of Compassion, and He will anchor the virtue of compassion in The Collective Consciousness to remain for all time.

© Sheryl Watson 2012

Sheryl Watson is a Spiritual Teacher, Clairvoyant and Channel. She has over 25 years experience in metaphysics and has channeled for many years in the Denver area. Her channel is held at the Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore on the 2nd Monday of each month.

LA VIE DE LA ROSE FLOWER ESSENCES

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Aug 12

La Vie De La Rose Flower Essences are dedicated to supporting the transformation of human consciousness through inner development. We offer innovative products created to meet the current and future spiritual challenges of humanity and to support the self-healing required for spiritual maturation. 

Dr. Natalia M Schotte, founder & President of La Vie De La Rose, personally chooses the specific flowers holding the requisite patterns of consciousness to meet these spiritual challenges and healing requirements.

Flower essences are natural healing agents that work in the subtle energy system of the human body to create change. These changes in the subtle energy system are reflected in a person’s consciousness and life. Some flower essences are created to assist in physical healing, others to balance the mind and emotions.

The flower essences are taken orally (on or under the tongue) with the exception of a forehead application for infants and optional water infusion for young children. For our 1/8 and 1/2 oz. bottles, take one drop daily for general support; one drop up to three times daily to support resolution of specific challenges; and one dropperful (10-12 drops) for support during times of ‘crises’. For the 2 oz. bottles, take one dropperful (10-12 drops) daily for general support and one dropperful (10-12 drops) up to three times daily for support during times of challenge or ‘crises’.

In order to maintain the purity of this product, please avoid touching the dropper to anything (e.g. tongue, hand, etc.). In the event the dropper is contaminated, please rinse in running water before returning it to the bottle.

There are 30 individual La Vie de la Rose flower essences, each activating a unique pattern of higher consciousness, and 9 flower essence sets, each offering an integrated approach to specific aspects of Accelerated Spiritual Growth^®. To determine which individual flower essences or sets are most appropriate for you, use your intuition supported by the names of the flower essences, their purpose statements and the corresponding photos – available in La Vie de la Rose Flower Essences: Your Personal Guide, the box cards from our flower essence sets, the abbreviated statements in our brochure and on this website. Because these flower essences are created to assist us all in opening to a new consciousness that will unfold over an extended period of time, all the flower essences are of assistance. 

Any choice you make is correct for you at this time.

AUGUST 2012 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Aug 12

by Marci McCaffery

Astrologer
Marci McCaffery

Leo (July 24- August 23)

Shift Happens

This month the Sun transits out of the emotional waters of Cancer, into the high-spirited, fiery energies of Leo. Courageous, creative, confident, proud, and playful, are some of the keywords used to describe this sign. Leo’s source energy is the heart, indicating that when our work is heart-centered, we act in creatively expressive ways, to “Shine our Light” as the magnificent spirits that we are.

Highlights for August include an opposing configuration between the Aquarius Full Moon and the Leo Sun, on August 1st. We are challenged to combine our personal agendas (Leo) with the collective goals of community (Aquarius). This is the third of four (“Power Moons”) this year.

LEO
by Josephine Wall

We are still recovering from the aftermath of last month’s Pluto-Uranus square, producing challenges and conflicts. Dramatic changes are reflected in our personal lives and on a global level. Economic collapse, social upheaval and intensified solar activities are some of the visible consequences of this powerful impact. On a personal level, we have two choices; to change or be changed. Uranus tells us it’s time for something completely different while Pluto indicates that conventional ways of doing things are no longer sustainable. This is the first of seven squares to arise in the coming months.It’s an energy exchange for the next six weeks as relationship oriented Venus transits from flirty Gemini to sentimental Cancer. Loyalties are attached to home, family and material gain. Security issues are likely to arise. Venus in Cancer moves into an opposing stance with Pluto in Capricorn mid-month. Relationship power struggles have the potential to erupt.

Mercury ends its retrograde journey on August 8th; restoring things back to normal. This follows several weeks of miscommunication dramas, delays in travel plans and electronic mishaps, resulting from Mercury’s mischievous retrograde antics. Mercury will remain in Leo until August 31st, suggesting “that it’s important to think with our hearts and act on our intuition.”

The New Moon on August 17th, at 26 degrees Leo, activates new beginnings, prompting us to explore our deepest creative potential and share our unique gifts with others. A helpful trine with Saturn allows us to build a solid base for our creative impulses. The Sabian symbol for this New Moon suggests “that our efforts will be worth it.”

© Star Direction 2012

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological counselor specializing in life purpose, career and relationship readings. She is also a Reiki master teacher, a spiritual advisor, an author and an accredited Conscious Change coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has a lifelong involvement with meditation, spiritual studies and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. To learn how these changes impact you personally, contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net. For free, valuable resources visit her web site at www.stardirectionastrology.com

JULY 2012 ASTROLOGICAL UPDATE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Jul 12

by Marci McCaffery

Astrologer
Marci McCaffery

CANCER the Crab
June 22 – July 23
Key Phrase: “I FEEL”

The mood shifts from intellectual to instinctual as the transiting Sun moves out of Gemini into the sensitive waters of Cancer. Cancer’s tenacious, nurturing, intuitive qualities respond to life through feelings. Cancer innately rides the highs and lows of the emotional pulse, just like the waves of the ocean. In this society we are taught to dismiss our feelings and choose logic over intuition, and head over heart. However, the more we are in tune with our own emotional rhythms, the more we can flow through these accelerated times of unpredictable change. Where are you emotionally right now? Are you operating from fear or love?

July is a super-charged month, filled with planetary tensions. The transiting Sun directly opposes Pluto in Capricorn and squares Uranus in Aries, signifying projections, conflicts and turning points. This is the first of seven exact squares, beginning on June 29 at 8 degrees Aries/ Capricorn. What on earth does all of this mean? Pluto exposes all that has been hidden or denied, forcing us to face our shadow selves and own our power. Uranus uproots all that keeps us stuck, giving way to confusion, upheavals, break downs and breakthroughs. The thrust is for individualized self-expression and personal freedom. We are advised to stay in the present moment, moment by moment and follow our intuitive guidance.

CANCER
by Josephine Wall

Two planets turn retrograde this month; Uranus, the disruptive planet of sudden and erratic change, (July 13 to December 13) and communication oriented Mercury (July 14 to August 7.) Retrogrades always slow down and deepen our ability to process planetary influences on an internalized basis. The end result reflects innovation, originality, and necessary transformations and reforms. Mercury’s backward journey through the sign of Leo, presents the potential for unforeseen misunderstandings and misplaced dramas. Is that Ego speaking or Essence? Choose your words wisely and infuse creativity and courage into the mix. Those with Leo Sun signs may experience the strongest effects of this impact. The stage is set for powerful awakenings in our social conscious. As with all Mercury retrogrades, this is not a time to sign contracts or initiate new projects.

Mars, the planetary god of war, makes an uneasy sign change from Virgo to Libra for the next couple of weeks. Our ability to initiate action is problematic, since Mars is not in well placed in Libra. The warrior planet joins its fellow activators, Uranus and Pluto, in an intensely combustible configuration by mid July. This is a pressure cooker that has been building for months. The energy pattern is frenetic, violent, jolting and chaotic. The keyword is irrevocable change. Volatile weather patterns and increasing unrest in our global economy, politics and government reach a state of extremes. This marks a time period of considerable endings and inevitable new beginnings, as an old order passes.

The Full Moon at 12 degrees Capricorn on July 3 presents yet another energetic shift, forcing us to look at all that is demanding change in our lives. The New Moon on July 18 at 26 degrees Cancer highlights the need to stay present with our emotions, rather than repress them. Our minds, emotions and spiritual strength will be challenged. Meditation, self-care, yoga, massage/energy work, prayer, being out in nature and taking Rescue Remedy (Bach Flower Essence) help to reduce the intensity of these planetary influences. Remember to breathe deeply and maintain a constant vision of possibility and renewed purpose!

Marcia McCaffery is an NCGR certified astrological counselor specializing in life purpose, career and relationship readings. She is also a Reiki master teacher, a spiritual advisor, an author and an accredited Conscious Change coach with a private practice in the Denver area. She has a lifelong involvement with meditation, spiritual studies and the healing arts. She is a featured astrological consultant at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore. To learn how these changes impact you personally, contact Marci at stardirection@comcast.net.

For free, valuable resources visit her web site at http://www.stardirectionastrology.com/

FINE ART BY LINDA LOVE AND CHRIS BACHICHA

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Jun 12

New Mexico artists Linda Love and Chris Bachicha have been creating beautiful objects for several years and are now offering these exquisite pieces through the Shining Lotus. Linda Love, an accomplished fine artist has produced many oil, acrylic, watercolor and multi-media pieces in the past and has contributed many mural masterpieces to spaces around the Albuquerque area. As a talented musician and professional artist, Chris Bachicha has been working with multi-media most of his life as well as oils, acrylics, watercolors, and stained glass.

THE RED WARRIOR multi-media mask. Measures 17″ high and 15″ wide. The mask is painted in a war paint style used most commonly by the Assiniboine tribe of northern Montana and southern Canada. Symbolizing the warrior spirit in all of us, the Red Warrior would be a powerful inspiration to live purposefully and authentically. This is a very high quality multi-media piece using leather, faux fur and stained glass.          $300

THE HUMMINGBIRD A wonderful multi-media depiction of a symbol of peace, love and happiness. Measures 8″ high and 5″ wide. Called “new world birds”, they are native to North, Central and South Americas. Ancient pagans held them sacred for their tireless energy. In Native American culture, they symbolize timeless joy and the Nectar of Life. Hang this piece in your home to remind yourself that your goals can be accomplished and you can find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.          $50

THE GREENMAN multi-media mask. Measures 17″ high and 14″ wide. This beautiful Greenman Mask is painted in shades of greens, yellows and browns with shiny, brightly jeweled eyes. Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative, forest or nature deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or “renaissance”, representing the cycle of growth each spring. Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.          $300

AUTUMN multi-media mask. Measures 12″ high and 14″ wide. This beautiful Autumn Green Man mask is painted in shades of browns, yellows, and oranges with shiny, brightly jeweled eyes. The Autumn Green Man  is related to nature deities and spirits, and primarily interpreted as a symbol of strength, or “wisdom”, representing the cycles of the seasons of the Mother Earth. Autumn is also considered to be the preferred season of the Hindu goddess of learning and creativity, Saraswati, who is also known as the “Goddess of Autumn”.         $200

AJNABUDA multi-media mask. Measures 12″ high and 10″ wide. A very peaceful and beautiful depiction of the Buddha in a multi-media art piece. Adorned with a glass jewel at the Third Eye (Ajna) and Swarovsky crystals and magnetic hematite, this mask would be a grounding focal point (lakshya) in your meditation room or yoga studio. Usually, when one meditates, a lakshya is chosen on which to concentrate the energy (prana) and attention.          $200

INTENTIONAL CREATION OF REALITY

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Jun 12

by Margaret Ann Lembo

We all have an opportunity to change our consciousness and create our reality every single day. How can we enable ourselves to deliberately create our reality? First, we must shift our vibrational field. We can create circumstances to help shake up our energy so we can change. When we consciously create circumstances, we have a smoother, happier life.

What are some of the ways to shift our vibration? There are a variety of ways to shift our vibration in order to be a vibrational match for what it is we want to create in our lives. Let me count the ways:

1. Clear out negative thoughts. Pay attention to the negative self-talk and then immediately replace it with a positive thought.

2. Decide what you want to create and think about what you want as often as possible. List every detail associated with the creation of the reality you wish to bring to fruition.

3. Take time to imagine life with that manifestation already in existence. If you can imagine, dream, visualize and feel a strong desire for it, it will be yours!

4. Carry gemstones or crystals with you. Put your intention into it by deciding that every time you touch, look or think of it, your focus will bring you another step closer to creating your new reality.

5. We may talk directly with God/Goddess or ask our Angels or Spiritual Guides to help us manifest what we want to see, feel, be, or create.

6. Attend a drumming circle, crystal bowl session or any session that would shake up your molecular structure. Sound and vibration creates, transforms and transmutes energy.

7. Take action in your life that is in alignment with making your desire a concrete reality.

8. Move into a space of allowing. Opening the heart to the Divine is an important factor in manifesting and creating reality. Focus on love and all good things follow.

9. Maintain a sense of gratitude. Be thankful for the many blessings that you already have in your life. 

Give thanks for the blessing in advance. Send blessings ahead to the new reality to meet you there in that not too distant future!

May we all remember and integrate the powers of magical manifestation that we possess. May we remember that we are creators of our own reality. May we create our world of Love, Peace, Kindness and Compassion.

Margaret Ann Lembo (Boynton Beach, FL) is a spiritual practitioner and owner of The Crystal Garden, a spiritual center and gift shop. Margaret Ann has trained hundreds of Crystal Healers. She is an aromatherapist and is well-known for her award winning Smudge in Spray and Archangel Raphael Spray. She is also the author and creator of Chakra Awakening and the Angel Gemstone Oracle Cards. For more than twenty years, she has led workshops and classes around the country. Her audio CDs (guided meditations and more) are distributed nationally. Visit her online atwww.margaretannlembo.com.

BEYOND VISUALIZATION - THE SEARCH FOR THE HIGHER SELF

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Jun 12

by Mario C. Veo

A well crafted Visualization offers wonderful opportunities – in this enchanted Trance we talk with Angels and Spirit Guides, travel to other Realms, visit Past Lives… and even walk amongst the Gods. Here we uncover Dimensions that scientists only dream of; and learn how to actively participate with its inhabitants. Such a precious Gift can be very effective in shaping our Life – for personal Transformation, for Healing and Blessing, and for manifesting all our heart’s desires – it follows the Law of Attraction and the concept: “What you perceive you can achieve“.

Yet at times this is not enough, for Visualization is based on the qualities offered by our Emotional Body – the power of this creative journey lies with our Feelings… our response to the images creates a Magnetic Resonance which attracts, or rejects, people and things. It IS a wonderful “Tool”… but it lacks the influence of the Higher Mind – the ability to hold such a powerful Focus that is bends Reality to our Will… sounds too good to be true? Not so!

All ‘miracles’ throughout history rely on one of two abilities: the presence of Spirit, acting through the physical Form; or the action of a focused Mind, molding cells and atoms to its Will. This ‘Focused Mind’ has one great advantage over Visualization: it can create permanent changes, quickly and effectively – we call these “Thought Forms“. Thought Forms are pure crystallized Energies – they can create Invincible Shields (I’ve heard of cases where they stopped bullets), they can ‘veil’ you so you appear invisible, they allow you the gift of Higher Healing, Clairvoyance, Telepathy, whatever you wish. The Higher Mind opens the doors to Higher Consciousness so you may achieve Soul Fusion (where the Personality becomes infused by the Soul)…such wonderful Gifts, if only we are ready to accept ourselves as Higher Beings.

For those of you who wish to explore the opportunities offered by your own Higher Mind, I have created new upcoming workshops: Divine Light (June 5th); Creating the Heart Temple (June 12th); Clairvoyance (June 19th); and Telepathy (June 26th)… hope to see you there.

Mario C. Veo is a Spiritual Counselor and a Practitioner of Esoteric Arts. He teaches classes and offers personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the bookstore, or you can reach him at 303.380.7336.

P.S. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain is a very valuable and inspirational resource that has led thousands to the fulfillment of their desires through the art of Mental Energy and Affirmation. It is usually available in the used book room at the Shining Lotus, but also still in print and available for $12.95 if you want a new copy.

DOREEN VIRTUE AND RADLEIGH VALENTINE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter May 12

AUTHOR VISIT AND BOOK SIGNING

Monday, May 7, 2012.    7 – 9 PM.    FREE TALK AND BOOK AND CARD SIGNING

Celebrate with us, the long-awaited release of Angel Tarot Cards and Mary, Queen of Angels. Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine will be discussing their new Angel Tarot Deck, rich with symbolism and imagery – including archangels, dragons, unicorns, fairies, and mermaids. They have created a very magical, positive and beautifully illustrated deck of cards that will provide you with inspiring guidance on your life journey.

Doreen and Radleigh will share some brief audience readings and important new messages from the angels. Doreen will also be introducing her newest book, Mary, Queen of Angels, which will help us deepen our own connection to Mary and the angels.

Doreen Virtue holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in counseling psychology; and is a lifelong clairvoyant who works with the angelic realm. Doreen is the author of Healing with the Angels, Archangel Oracle Cards, and many other books and card decks. Doreen has appeared on Oprah, CNN, The View, and other television and radio programs; and writes regular columns for Woman’s World and other magazines. Her website is www.AngelTherapy.com.

Radleigh Valentine is an internationally known speaker, author, spiritual intuitive, and radio host on www.12Radio.com. He has studied tarot for more than 20 years and teaches workshops around the U.S. He is also the creator of RadScopes, weekly horoscopes with an enchanting twist of tarot. His website is www.MagicalThings.com.

BODY SECRETS REVEALED

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter May 12

by Ellen L. Hughes

“My heart’s just not into it.”

“I have a bad feeling in my gut.”

Sound familiar? Do you ever have a sixth sense about things, instincts that don’t seem to be based on logic? There is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. It’s called a neuron. A neuron is a cell that processes information. Your brain has 100 billion neurons; your gut has 100 billion. Your heart has 40,000. In essence, you have three intelligence centers – head, heart and gut. So when you say, “My heart’s just not into it”, it’s really the result of neurons processing information – motor (movement), sensory (see, hear, smell taste and touch), and cognitive (reason, think, dream, plan, remember) that flows through the Central Nervous System.

An alternative health method that taps into this phenomenon is HeartMath. HeartMath utilizes technology, tools and techniques to facilitate communication between the heart and brain. It teaches about shifting your thinking from head to heart and taps into the heart’s intelligence.

Adventures With Natural Healing
by Ellen L. Hughes

HeartMath is just one of the lesser-known alternative health methods that takes little time but can make a big difference in your life. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or tapping) is another little-known method. EFT is a combination of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and acupressure. It is effective on a myriad of health issues. The first time I saw it used was at a conference where the volunteer was a lady in her 40′s who struggled with her memory of molestation as a child. The practitioner used EFT on her and within a few minutes, the lady’s face visibly cleared and she said she felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. I was amazed at how quickly it worked, researched EFT and finally trained in it.

During training a video showed what happens in the body when EFT is performed. There were three women: an EFT practitioner, a nurse, and a computer tech. The practitioner thought of something disturbing to her to change her mental state, the nurse then drew her blood and put it on a slide and the tech made the slide visible to the audience. The slide showed red blood cells that were elongated and stuck together – unhealthy cells. Then the practitioner performed EFT on herself. The nurse drew another sample and the tech again programmed the slide so we could see the red blood cells which were now round and flowing freely. A 5-minute session of EFT changed the blood cells from unhealthy to healthy.

These are only two examples of methods that have scientific proof to back them up. Scientific data speaks to my very logical side. And then I tend to have more faith in the method. How about you? What do you think? What is your gut feeling?

Ellen L. Hughes is an author and lecturer and describes herself as a “health junkie”. She is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and has trained in EFT, Brain Gym®, Tellington Touch, Energy Medicine and other methods. Her latest book, Adventures With Natural Healing explores 27 alternative health methods and discusses when to use them, the scientific principle and the body system accessed and basic instructions for each method.

She also shares her personal experiences. Come listen to her share her knowledge at the Shining Lotus Sunday, May 20, 2012, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.

For alternative health resources visit her site at http://www.sourceofenlightenment.com.

If you are a practitioner, there is a special announcement awaiting you at www.sourceofenlightenment.com/GC.html.

THE DECISION ASSISTANT COIN "A PENDULUM ALTERNATIVE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Feb 12

JOURNEY OF CHANGE®

$19.95

Have Questions? Need Answers?
INQUIRE about Love, Relationships, Health, Money, Finances, Family, Career and Future.

This coin/medallion is intended to be a higher consciousness “COIN FLIPPING” tool.  Designed to help you decide between two alternatives or choices. It can assist you in awakening to your own inner power and intuition.  Get to know the coin so you  can ask your own questions and know how to use the choices on the coin to answer the most pressing questions.

You can use it to make decisions with regards to a definite YES or NO. Should you ACT (it’s time) or WAIT (not now)? Should  you LET GO or HOLD ON? Is the situation (or Chakra) BALANCED or UNBALANCED? Should you proceed during the day  SUN or at night MOON? Should you USE INTUITION or ANALYZE IT! ?  You can also  make up you own two choices and use the outer black and white ring.

EASY PROCESS – Profound Results

Instructions included with the coin is a ritual in which you can activate your inner knowing and assist you with your decision(s).

This coin design won the 1st Place Blue Ribbon in the Divination Competition at the Holistic Pavilion at the 1st Annual DENVER COUNTY FAIR July of 2011. Concept and designed by Linda L. Davis of Journey Of Change, Inc. For more information see www.journeyofchange.com

YOUR DECISION ASSISTANT!

AROMATHERAPY SPRAYS

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Feb 12

SMUDGE IN SPRAY – $12.00 — Tired of smoky sage in your home or office? Use liquid Smudge in Spray instead of smoky smudge products for clearing.  Intend to replace negatvity with Love, Light, and Well-Being.  Spray it around you and your space.

Smudge in Spray consists of medical grade pure essential oils, Florida Water, Holy Waters personally collected by the creator and Sacred Site essences from all over the world!

This spray was received through Divine Inspiration by Margaret Ann Lembo, author of Chakra Awakening and the Angel Gemstone Oracle Cards. Spray it around you and your space. Watch your life transform.

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL – $12.00 — Use Archangel Michael Spray to call on this Angel of Protection and Justice! An aromatic and energetic blend of pure high grade therapeutic quality oils, Holy Waters, Crystal Tinctures, Bach Flower Essences and special colognes to invoke peace, protection, justice, goodness and love. Feel the Blue ray of support, assistance and safety shining upon you.

ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL – $12.00  –  Archangel Raphael Spray is a blend of medical grade essential oils including grapefruit, benzoin, frankincense, geranium, angelica and many more. It also includes Holy Waters, Bach Flower Essences and Crystal Tinctures. This spray won the COVR Visionary Award in 2011 as the best Aroma Personal Product!

Use Archangel Raphael to help transform and transmute illness, mental challenges, emotional upsets or anything that prevents happiness!

GUARDIAN ANGEL SPRAY – $12.00  –  Developed and inspired by angels.Made of medical grade pure essential oils including benzoin, orange, mandarin, vanilla and Holy Waters from around the world. Also include Bach Flower Essences and Crystal Tinctures to remoVe fears, reduce anxiety, and invite and invoke the angels.

Use this spray to bring pleasant dreams, invoke angels to guard you, and bring liquid light to chase away things invisible in the night. Spray it around you and your space. Remember you are always surrounded by Angels of Love and Light!

LAVENDER SPRAY – $12.00  –  Lavender is good as an antibiotic as well as an anti parasitic and is anti-venomous.  It is useful for cuts, burns, insect bites, headAches, arthritis, anxiety, panic, it induces peace, dispels depression, and promotes sleep.

BOOK REVIEW: RICHARD WEBSTER'S "SOULMATES"

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Feb 12

by Courtney DeWinter, Reiki Master Teacher - Delphine Healing Arts

Regardless of whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, it’s hard to ignore all the prompts about romantic love that occur in February, be it the cards with bright red envelopes in all the stores, the ads for chocolate, and the push to buy jewelry. Apart from the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, it’s actually good for the world (or at least the United States) to have a time of year when people’s attention is focused on love. To that end, this month’s book review covers “Soul Mates,” by Richard Webster, Llewellyn Publications. Webster is a hypnotherapist, and as a result, you’ll find the book full of references to hypnotherapy sessions and past-life regressions.

The progression of content in the book makes quite a bit of sense. The author starts by defining soul mates as a past-life connection with someone who may or may not necessarily be a romantic partner. This is a very important clarification for those working on manifesting the love of this life. He also explains reincarnation and provides a great deal of compelling information to prove that reincarnation exists. The next step in finding love connections from other lifetimes is past-life regression – and Webster spends more than 100 pages of the book specifically on past-life regressions. (So, while the book is about soul mates, it will be of interest to those exploring past-life regression, too.)

On a practical level, Webster addresses some important aspects of being able to find your romantic partner, including the concept of getting yourself ready for this love to come into your life – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And this is one of the best points in the book. Why? Many people talk about how they really want to find their true partner, but I have found, through muscle testing sessions on these folks, that these same people often are not ready for their partner to come into their life. Further muscle testing can indicate that areas where they feel stuck or not ready, so they can work on those aspects of themselves and clear blockages to bringing in that romantic love.

Now back to this idea of past lives and past-life regression. For those interested in this approach to identifying a soul mate, or determining if your current love is a soul mate, Webster explains in great detail how to do a past-life regression on yourself, as well as highlighting many case studies of past-life regressions he has done.

Tip for Readers: While past-life regression is a great tool for learning about your past lives, past-life regression must be approached with caution and done with someone who really knows what they’re doing. Why? If you do a past-life regression and take someone back to a lifetime where they were harmed in some way (beaten, tortured, raped, etc.), or they experienced deep trauma such as watching their loved one die, if you don’t set up parameters of how that past life will be viewed and experienced, the person experiencing the past-life regression can be re-traumatized by that past-life experience, and bring that trauma back into the present. So if you’re going to do pursue a past-life regression, make certain you work with someone who knows how to take you back WITHOUT letting you get re-traumatized by what you might find.

The final section of this book outlines other methods of finding your soul mate including “lucid dreaming,” dowsing, meditation, and more. I found his detailed description of how to use a pendulum to get answers extremely grounded, detailed, and helpful. So if you are still seeking your romantic love in this lifetime, or if you think you MAY have found your true romantic partner of this lifetime, and you want to verify it, this book provides some great information and tools that are helpful for both of these scenarios. Regardless of which one applies to you, this book provides helpful insights on finding the right romantic partner, and understanding how that person might tie back into past lives.

This soft cover book is available at Shining Lotus Bookstore in Denver, Colorado for $14.95. For more information, visit Shining Lotus Bookstore in Denver, Colorado at: www.shininglotus.com, or call 303.758.9113.

About The Reviewer:
Courtney DeWinter is a Reiki Master Teacher, and founder of Delphine Healing Arts, www.delphinehealingarts.com – offering comprehensive Reiki training classes in Denver, Colorado; Reiki healing sessions for people & animals; Reiki distance healing sessions for people & animals anywhere in the world; and monthly specialty workshops on energetic protection, energetic clearing, spirit guides, and more. Courtney DeWinter has 24 YEARS of experience in the Reiki energy healing system, and hundreds of hours of training in advanced energy healing. She also is a veteran journalist with 25 years of experience in reporting and magazine feature writing.

REIKI AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

© 2012 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter Jan 12

by Joy Vernon

JOY VERNON

I am extremely lucky to always have brilliant students in my classes. My current Shinpiden (Reiki Level 3) class is no exception and we had a very interesting discussion of the difference between reiju and attunements last night.

Reiju means spiritual blessing and is the Japanese basis of the practice that in Western Reiki has developed into the attunement. In Western Reiki, the attunement is considered to open and/or increase the student’s ability to connect with and channel the Reiki energy. However, in traditional Japanese Reiki, we are reminded that our innate energy is developed over time through regular practice of the precepts, meditations, hands-on healing, mantras and symbols, and the regular and repeated experience of connecting with Spirit and with others through giving and receiving reiju.

In the Usui Reiki Ryôhô style that I teach, reiju is a very simple ritual that does not use the symbols or mantras. The giver of the reiju remembers that they are one with the great bright light, and from this place of energetic connection ritualistically reminds the recipient of their own unity with that place of enlightenment through performing a series of briefly held hand positions.

I also teach the Hayashi attunements that have filtered down into Western Reiki. These attunements are much simpler, easier and more straightforward than the Western Reiki attunements I first learned. The Hayashi attunements use the symbols and mantras as part of the energetic exchange between giver and receiver. In this process, the giver connects to the great bright light but during the attunement ritual also takes time to remember each of the component elements that comprise the undifferentiated unity of the place of enlightenment, and through using the symbols and mantras to express each of these facets, teaches the student on an energetic level the steps necessary to attain oneness.

As I was attempting to express these thoughts to my students last night, I fumbled trying to think of an appropriate analogy. But one of my students did the work for me and exclaimed, “It’s like a prism!” She went on to express how the Reiki energy is the white light that enters the prism, and the symbols and mantras are the various colors of the rainbow that refract out. The Reiki practitioner is the prism itself. (What can I say? I told you my students are brilliant!)

With that metaphor in mind, it becomes simplicity itself to explain the difference between reiju and attunements. Reiju is showing the student the undifferentiated light that enters the prism—it’s teaching by introducing the end goal or destination first. The attunements teach the student to understand each of the refracted colors of the rainbow first as a way to approach an understanding of the light. As teachers, we benefit from understanding and being able to energetically demonstrate both the light entering us as well as the facets refracting from us, the Reiki prisms. Brilliant!

Joy Vernon has been studying energetic and esoteric modalities for more than twenty years. She is a Reiki Practitioner and Teacher in the Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki Ryôhô lineage through IHR. She leads the Denver Reiki Co-op and is a member of Shibumi International Reiki Association. Joy is also a Certified Professional Tarot Reader.