SHINING LOTUS™ METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE NEWSLETTER

The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, since 1972

DECEMBER 2014

2178 South Colorado Blvd, Denver Colorado 80222

303-758-9113

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in this issue

THE SECOND BIRTH & THE SUN CARD by Bruce Johnson

DON’T MISS THE BOAT…OR, HOW TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE by Mario C. Veo

MO’S KEEP IT SIMPLE SERIES: UNDERSTANDING THE RUNES with Mo Abdelbaki

PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF DECEMBER by Sally Shotwell

THE ART OF SPIRITUAL MARKETING with Marci McCaffery

LET’S GET STONED $5 MEETUP with Meghan Taft

WHAT IS MEDITATION & WHY SHOULD I DO IT with Fredda Kendara Laurel

CHAKRA ACTIVATION & AURIC CLEANSING with Paul Stang, author of Explore the Sacred Through Geometry

SHARE THE VOICE Poetry by Drusant

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43rd Anniversary Sale

25% off everything – Dec 26 thru Dec 31

During this, the coldest season of the year, winter is regarded as the season of dormancy, darkness and cold. The coming of lighter days after the winter solstice brings a more festive mood. This return of the light is a fantastic reason to celebrate that nature’s cycle is continuing.

It is during this season, we also celebrate our store’s birth 43 years ago in the dawning of the “new age”. When widespread study of Metaphysics was being re-focused in 1972, our store was born on the east end of Colfax Avenue.

Please join us during the week between Christmas and New Year’s for our 43rd Anniversary Sale, when you may buy anything in the store at 25% off. We will also have special door prizes, balloons and cake and coffee.

Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore, The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, founded in 1972, has been Denver’s best source for metaphysical books and supplies for 43 years.

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THE SECOND BIRTH & THE SUN CARD

by Bruce Johnson

Jesus taught in John 3:3 that to see the Kingdom of God, a person must be born again. He then refers to a birth of the flesh, or our birth onto Earth, and a birth of the Spirit, called the second birth. The second birth of the ancient mystery religions related to the regeneration the soul experienced as a result of inner illumination and spiritual initiation. Jesus, as mystery school initiate himself and teacher of the Ancient Wisdom spoke this truth of soul rebirth in a way that those who have eyes and ears to see and hear would understand.

The Sun card of the tarot symbolizes the rebirth of the soul described in the Book of John. The naked child is the soul, the” Child of the Sun”, reborn into a natural, innocent, and joyous condition. The child holds its arms outstretched and forms the five- pointed Star of Initiation with its body. A flowered wreath of spiritual achievement crowns the head of the child, along with the feather of truth pointing toward the life- giving and immortal Sun in the background.

The victorious divine child carries an unfurled orange banner signifying the triumph and conquest of light over darkness. The banner represents the unfolding of the soul’s dharma, which is rooted in the positive character qualities contained within the traveling bag of the spiritual seeker shown in 0, The Fool card.

The Sun card shows the soul riding the White Horse of the Sun, like Vishnu of the Hindu trinity, Sosiosh the Persian redeemer, the goddess Kwan Yin, Buddha, and the Savior in the Book of Revelations. The white horse is an ancient symbol for the purified lower nature that has become attuned to, and a vehicle for, the illumined intelligence of the God Self.

The Sun card shows the soul beginning a new stage of the divine journey, leaving the walled garden of human experience and limitation behind. The four sunflowers represent the Sun’s spiritual energy manifesting in the world of tangible physical matter. The sunflowers follow the movement of the solar-child revealing it to be a miniature manifestation of that great Cosmic Life represented by the Sun above.

Bruce Johnson has over 30 years of study in the fields of Ancient Wisdom and occultism. He has taught classes on a wide range of topics, from Atlantis to mediums to Zoroaster. He is also a spiritualist minister, with a background in spiritual astrology. He lives in Colorado with his wife and their cat.

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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…!!

DECEMBER TUESDAY CLASSES

SELF-CRITICISM… WHAT A WASTE OF TIME…!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $20.

MANIFESTATION & THE MAGNETIC AURA.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $20.

MOVING TOWARDS A NEW FUTURE.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $20.

LIFE MOVES ON… ARE YOU IN CHARGE…!?
Tuesday, December 23, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $20.

BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YOU.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $20.

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MO’S KEEP IT SIMPLE SERIES:

UNDERSTANDING THE RUNES

with Mo Abdelbaki. Saturday, December 13, 2014. 2 – 4 pm. $20.

The Runes are amongst the most accurate and insightful oracles ever created. Mo has been working with them for over 30 years and knows how to access their knowledge simply and enjoyably. He’s ready to pass along that knowledge to you. In this class, you’ll learn the meanings of the Runes, but more importantly how to blend them to form cohesive thoughts that will allow you to see past, present and future with clarity. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced with Runes, you’ll get something out of this offering. Get ready for a fun, simple and informative afternoon designed to enhance your journey on the road to mastering this powerful tool.

Some consider him a local celebrity – reclusive and yet prolific. Of Egyptian heritage, Mo Abdelbaki has been a student of the mysteries for over fifty years and has been a professional consultant for over thirty. His intensive studies have encompassed Vedic Astrology, Tarot, I Ching, Hermetic Qabalism, Runes and numerous other spiritual systems.

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PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF DECEMBER

by Sally Shotwell

Sagittarius is the optimistic sign ruled by the planet Jupiter which is noted for expanding everything in its path. Jupiter is now in fellow fire sign Leo pouring energy into and enhancing Sag’s mission inspiring us to grow. We’ve recently gained access to personal insights which had previously been concealed via introspective Scorpio’s intense influence. The melding of this potentially transformative material with our quest to identify where we fit into the scheme of things is Sag’s goal. It’s aided by the Sun (consciousness), Mercury (thought) and Venus (affection) spreading the concepts of adventure and exploration in our worldly and spiritual lives. We’re supposed to open our arms and entertain new beliefs which are compatible with our ever changing reality. Contributing to this process are Neptune (idealization) and Chiron (the unusual) which are in empathetic Pisces. The fact that Pisces is a mutable water sign contributes a softening of the experience we encounter as we forge ahead.

Where do we find ourselves changing in response to our circumstances?

How do we nurture and encourage the changes we like?

Part of the answer to questions we have about coping may be found in the Sabian Symbol message for the Full Moon (culmination) in communicative Gemini December 6. “Two Dutch children talking to each other, exchanging their knowledge; the need to clarify one’s experiences through actual contacts with like-minded individuals.” The desirability of person-to-person interaction has been stressed for many months. Children representing a source of knowledge unspoiled by artiface encourages us to see beyond distortions. The little boy in Saint-Exupéry’s wonderful book The Little Prince comes to mind as he extends compassion towards a jaded, seemingly together adult.

December 10, the climate for the month begins to shift somewhat with Venus entering responsible Capricorn. Mercury follows December 16 and the earth element is welcome since we need grounding in dealing with the sixth of seven tense squares between Uranus (revolution) and Pluto (transformation) Capricorn December 14. We have now been exposed to this exchange of energy five previous times and created strategies to avoid being drawn into any chaos which may surface around us. These disruptions in what we’ve formerly taken for granted precede changes which in the long run will benefit humanity and the earth in general. In the meantime, we’re certainly going through weird developments.

What procedures have we come to count on to help ourselves relax?

What are we doing to have fun?

As the Winter Solstice ushers in a new season with the Sun in Capricorn and the New Moon (beginnings) arriving December 21, we’re gearing up to embrace responsibility and a desire to achieve what we most desire. The Sabian message “An Indian chief claims power from the assembled tribe; the power and responsibility implied in any claim for leadership.” Inherent in assuming a leadership-role which requires the loyalty of others is truly a challenge to be responsible. From ancient times this time of year has carried an element of the Divine based on the promise of the return of Light. Religious celebrations and more secular traditions continue to honor this special time and let’s figure out a way to really share with others good cheer.

What would we like to experience during this holiday season?

Who do we want to spend time with?

December 23 Saturn (boundaries) enters flexible Sagittarius (yeah!) after being in secretive Scorpio for over two years. This is a big deal since our lessons in streamlining our lives should be presented in a lighter fashion. We’ll still have to commit to refining our priorities and focus but there should be some sparkle involved. Whether we celebrate Christmas December 25 or have other ways to gear up for the New Year.

Best Wishes!!

Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with a super-natural curiosity and an undying thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.

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THE ART OF SPIRITUAL MARKETING

with Marci McCaffery

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LET’S GET STONED! $5 MEETUP GROUP

with Meghan Taft

Wednesday, December 10, 2014. 7 – 8:30 pm. $5.

Hello All! I have chosen the next three stones from my magic box of rocks! These three stones are Amazonite, a beautiful, opaque, bright turquoise colored stone. Sugilite, another opaque stone, this one is a mottling of purple, magenta, dark red (sometimes) and black. And Citrine! A translucent, bright yellow stone. All three of these stones are wonderful fun to work with, and I look forward to discussing them with you all at December’s meetup! December is going to be the last meetup for the winter season. With all this wonderful winter weather, it’s getting to be time to spend at home. The meetup will be starting again in April, so come on out to Shining Lotus Wednesday December 10th and Let’s get stoned!

LET’S GET STONED…or ‘The Art of Being Distracted by Shiny Things’, is a guide for working with gemstones to help you balance your life. Doing so helps you heal yourself, manifest positive changes, and develop your psychic abilities. There are many gemstones to work with, and many different things they can do for you! We will go over the basic of the basics about gemstiones and how you can woek with them. Also, if you have any stones that you can’t identify, bring them with you and I can help you to learn how to identify your stones! We are going to have a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing you there, so come on and Let’s Get Stoned!
Meghan Taft has been studying geology and working with gemstones for 14 years. She works with gemstones by setting up grids in houses and businesses and does gemstone readings.
Please contact Meghan Taft at 303-789-0646 and ask for ext 47 to sign up for the group, admission is $5, we will go over a different set of stones each month and you will be emailed the updated info for each group.

For more info on the Meet-up group, go to:
http://www.meetup.com/Lets-Get-Stoned/events/218714769/

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WHAT IS MEDITATION & WHY SHOULD I DO IT?

with Fredda Kendara Laurel

Sunday, December 21, 2014. 2 – 3 pm. FREE PRESENTATION.

Meditation is one of the fastest ways to tune into your Highest Self. When you take the time to meditate, you are in a state of listening. You are able to receive insights. In fact, regular meditation has the potential to increase/enhance your intuitive abilities. It is said when we pray we ask. When we meditate, we listen. Both are equally important, and when we are in this meditative state, we are free from the mindless chatter of everyday life.

In this talk, we will discuss what meditation is, the benefits, how to overcome the obstacles and excuses, which keep you from doing it. Meditation doesn’t need to be a long drawn out process. It can be done for a short time once or twice a day. The results will be the same. You will leave this class with the technique and skills to incorporate daily meditation into your life simply, effortlessly and effectively.

The benefits are amazing. There will also be a guided meditation to allow you to experience this process fully. This talk is open to anyone wanting to learn to meditate and also those who already meditate and want to learn more about different techniques.

I hope to see you on December 21 for this free 1 hour talk. Call 303-758-9113 to register.

Fredda Kendara Laurel is a psychic and healer. She teaches classes in meditation, psychic development, tarot, I Ching and healing. She also runs a weekly mentoring class and organizes the ‘Introduction to Metaphysics’ Meetup.

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CHAKRA ACTIVATION & AURIC CLEANSING

with Paul Stang, author of Explore the Sacred Through Geometry

Monday, December 22, 2014. 7 – 9 pm. $20.
Chakra activation and Auric cleansing, given in two hours as an intensive meditation on releasing old energetic forms and a personal and community energy charging! Join us and bring your crystals and totems and help build a medicine wheel.  We gather round it and do a guided meditation through each of the Chakras, letting things go, creating intention and raising our vibration. The participant is welcome and encouraged to then purchase my book on Exploring Sacred Geometry, and booklet on the meditation itself, as guides for developing understanding and helping the Self. Call 303-758-9113 to register.

Paul Stang is an artist, author, teacher and international presenter currently living in the vicinity of Mt. Shasta, where he has been gifted meditations in Ascension practice, furthering his work with chakra activation.

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SHARE THE VOICE

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.

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