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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZARATHUSTRA AND WORLD RELIGIONS
by Bruce Johnson

Encore Publication: This article was first published in the January 2013 issue of our newsletter. We thank Bruce Johnson for allowing us to share his writings and insights into the ancient mysteries and the occult.

Zoroastrianism or Mazdaism, is an ancient religion that antecedes Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Aristotle taught that Zoroaster, who is the same as Zarathustra, lived 6000 years before Plato. Doctrine, symbols, and rituals of these Persian worshipers of the Divine Light Ahura-Mazda are common to all three of the mentioned world religions. These religions of the Middle East, like Mazdaism, Hinduism, and  Buddhism, are rooted and find their unified origin in the parent Wisdom Religion of early humanity.

The Avesta or Holy Book of the Persian religion is the oldest of the Zoroastrian scriptures. It is often called the Zend-Avesta. It is based on the Laws of Manu, from the Hindu Vedas.  The first Zarathustra and his followers lived in India and studied under Brahman gurus before they migrated to Persia. The Avesta refers to the savior Sosiosh who was born of a virgin and like the Biblical savior in the Book of Revelation, rode a white horse of the sun.  The solar white horse has always been the symbol of the purified lower self that is the vehicle or instrument of the higher Divine Self. The oneness of God was shown in Ahura-Mazda, the beneficent ruler of the universe and supreme deity. Fire in its various forms was the visible symbol of Ahura-Mazda, the eternal light of good in the universe. Like Esoteric Astrology and Occultism, Zoroastrianism has it’s teachings of sacred and non-sacred fires, attributing significance and meaning to each.  Duality in the Avesta was symbolized through Ormazd as the god of light and goodness, and his struggles with Ahriman, the leader of the opposing force of darkness and evil.

Zoroastrian canon includes-six periods of creation, a Holy Trinity, sacred stones, immortality of the spirit, resurrection into eternal life, a Holy Mountain, a final judgment, Ahriman and his devils being cast into a hell containing a lake of molten metal, and a paradise with precious gems for the deserving. The source of Kabalistic doctrine on Emanations is represented in Zoroastrian mystery teachings, along with rituals of fasting and purification, and ceremonies empowering birth and renewal. Mazdaism also rebukes idolatry, which is the worship of physical objects as false gods.

The reproach of Sosiosh toward idolatry is based on the understanding that Ahura-Mazda was infinite and indescribable, having no face, form, color or limitation. Worshiping idols was to confine, pervert, distort and degrade the true nature of Ahura-Mazda, who in his unlimited being was incomprehensible and indescribable. This Zoroastrian teaching against false gods parallels the Islamic tradition against the practice of idolatry. Mohammed demonstrated this philosophy when he cleansed the great Mosque at Mecca and the Caaba of its idols, and re-dedicated it to Allah, the one God.

Zoroaster is a generic name, and the subsequent Zoroasters, including the instructor of Pythagoras, should not be confused with the original founder of Zoroastrianism. Treasure of the Magi: A Study in Modern Zoroastrianism, by James Hope Moulton, describes modern Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster the Great Persian by Loren Harper Whitney is a useful and informative book about the life of Zoroaster.

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.

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

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

Sabian Symbol “A Negro girl fights for her independence in the city.”(Photo of Rosa Parks by Underwood Archives/Getty Images)

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

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

Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality whose focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades. She has entertained and informed our readers with her articles for a few years now.

AND SO THE CYCLE ENDS…
by Mario C. Veo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are offering three different workshops to help you bring Closure to the Past… Heal any upsets along the way… and call forth the most glorious New Year you can imagine…

Dec. 10  –  A Healing Meditation  [$ 10 / from 10.15 to 11.15 am]

Dec. 12  –  Closure – release the Past so you may embrace a wonderful Future  [$ 25 / from 6.30 to 8.00 pm]

Dec. 19 –   New Beginnings – the secret to having it all  [$ 25 / from 6.30 to 8.00 pm]

Registration is through the Shining Lotus  –  303-758-9113

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

at Shining Lotus™ Metaphysical Bookstore

25% off your purchases

Our holiday promotion “Karma Cash” will be suspended during this week.

DECEMBER CLASSES AND EVENTS

Sunday, Dec 10, 2017.  A HEALING MEDITATION.
10:15 am – 11:15 am.         $10 workshop.
with Mario C. Veo.  Disease eats our very Life Force, contaminating our Heart and limiting our Inner Peace… but Healing recognizes our beauty, our worth, and returns us to our rightful center – in fact, Healing is the Key to creating a Life worth living, filled with joy and laughter and loving relationships… Join us as we explore how to reclaim our True Self. Call 303-758-9113 to register.

Thursday, Dec 14, 2017. HYPNO REGRESSION THERAPY GROUP.
7 pm – 9 pm.      $25 workshop.
with Norma Mitchell. This is a monthly group where each person has the opportunity to release any restrictions they wish. Since nothing happens by ‘accident‘, those who are drawn to participate will normally find themselves in some of each others‘ past lives. Please wear comfortable clothing, and if you would like to relax on the floor rather than a chair, bring a pillow and/or small blanket. There will be two sessions each night with a short break between. Call 303-758-9113 to register.

Sunday, Dec 17, 2017.  SIMPLETALES™ COSMIC ASTROLOGY MONTHLY UPDATE.
2 pm – 3 pm.      free presentation.
with C. A. Brooks. If you are thinking about your future, your past, or just your place in the physical present, you owe yourself a visit with C. A. Brooks. C. A. has been a student of astrology for more than 25 years and a professional astrologer for over 2 decades. She has studied Tarot, Feng Shui, Space Clearing and Animal Communication. Join C. A. and friends for a fun and informational look at the astrology of the month ahead, and you may even get a personal Tarot mini-reading. Don’t miss this class. Call 303-758-9113 to register.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2017.  ASTROLOGICAL ACTIVATIONS IN THE BIRTH CHART.
7 pm – 9 pm.      $25 workshop.
with Roy Neal. Roy facilitates awareness of how the transiting planets encourage each participant’s soul growth and the actualization of their creative potential. New students need to call Roy at 303–757–3638 or 720–962–4633 and give him their birth information so that he can create a transparency of their chart for full participation in the class.