by Tim Johnson 

A special thank you to all of our volunteer helpers, we couldn’t have done it without you.

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THE CIRCUS AND THE PUPPETS
by Mario C. Veo

“The Circus is coming to town! The Circus is coming to town!! Oh, what a joy, what fun… Oh, how much better our Life will be…!” And so it went, on and on for days on end… the cries, the expectations, the anticipation of this stupendous phenomenon… until the great day arrived… and the crowds gathered…

“Look! Everyone is all dressed up in their Sunday best! It truly must be special…Look! There’s games of strengths for the men… oh, and competitions too, to see who is the bestest man of all…” he said, longingly. “Yes dear, you’d better go and line up with them all… after all, what will the neighbors say if you got left out… so go on, I’ll take the little ones to see the parade with all the glitter and glamour… and yes dear, I’ll keep them away from the freak-shows, I know how we must safeguard their simple minds from the ugliness of these so called ‘men and women’… Bizarre, would you say, that the great lords would allow such as them to walk amongst honest folks as us… but what can you do? It’s modern life, and we all have our burdens to bear…”

And so the little ones were led to explore this world of many wonders… but selectively, for much is best left to grown ups who understand the fake from reality, and who would not be taken in by sleight-of-hand, or the quick patter of words designed to lure the feeble minded…

“Oh, look Ma… the puppets, the pretty puppets… can we please, please see the puppets…?” And who can resist those cavorting pretties, prancing around in their colorful attire, engaging in mock battles and other gags and tricks… and look there, the brightest one, the one filled with color, who jumps the highest, and stands so tall that all others seem insignificant… He has the best lines, the funniest jokes, and pulls the greatest stunts… Oh, and he speaks too, so eloquently… even if some prudes in the audience do not appreciate him, nor his attire. “He’s just too crude, too rude” they say, “Not for me or for mine. I’d rather spend my time being soothed by lullabies than be faced by such strident noise… Cavorting indeed – how rude, how undignified.”

And so some left, but children did not, and some adults too… and as the day moved onto night they stayed, now in total fascination, caught by the allure of make-believe. The more they gaped, the more frantic the puppets danced – they jumped higher and higher, spouting words that go louder and louder, and the frenzied acting and lurid performance all revolved around the brightest ones. Competitions got fierce now to see which puppet would emerge victorious, who would be the brightest of them all… who would be the belle of the ball.
…and at the very height of the frantic performance, one emerged victorious… Yes, the brightest one, the loudest, the one who was so obviously superior… And all the audience clapped and cheered and some whistled too, for their hero, their favorite had won… finally they could all go home, safe in the drunken joy of victory.

Now the lights have dimmed, the patrons have left… and all that remains is to tidy up for the night… And here, at the puppets’ tent an important conversation is going on… “I was the best… I’m always the best” said the brightest puppet, “See how much they clapped, they love me… me, not anyone else! I think I deserve more, in fact I know I deserve more! I don’t want to be lumped together with such inferior puppets. I’m just too special! I want my own show… in fact I demand it!” “Be careful puppet” replied the puppet-master, “Remember your place! Do not think to tell me what to do!” “Ha!” said the puppet carelessly, “I’m the one they want! I – not you – I am the STAR of the show… You’re just the faceless behind the curtain… Without me you have no show!”

“Really…?” said the hidden master, “I think your time has come and gone… Ingrate, you think too much of yourself! I am the master, you’re just a mouthpiece!” and with a careless quick flick the strings were torn, the puppet crumbled, and now uncaringly kicked to lie, discarded in a heap near the trash…

And that’s where the little ones found him the next day – but as they went to pick him up Ma said, “That’s just trash, I don’t want it in my house… put it down! It’s not dignified to carry trash inside my home! Look, the show is about to begin, and… Oh, look, they’ve got a new puppet… look how bright he is.”

This month’s classes are dedicated to Wisdom, to releasing the Bindings to our Perception, and to awaken the Gift of Insight what we may walk our Path with Love, Light, and Clarity… with no strings attached…

MARIO’S TUESDAY CLASSES IN MARCH

PHOENIX RISING – HOW TO BE FREE OF OUR HURTS & SORROW
March 7, 2017     6:30 – 8pm     $25.

INTRODUCTION TO LOVE – LIGHT – WISDOM: THE TRIPLE FLAME OF LIFE
March 14, 2017     6:30 – 8pm     $25.

HOW TO BE WISE – LIFE AS JOYFUL DELIGHT
March 21, 2017     6:30 – 8pm     $25.

OPEN HEART & OPEN MIND – THE GIFT OF INSIGHT
March 28, 2017     6:30 – 8pm     $25.

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

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

This month begins with the Sun(our consciousness) in watery, sensitive Pisces, which is the 12th sign of the zodiac, preparing us to transition into the new astrological year. We are being asked to review what has transpired in our lives these past 11 months and determine what inroads we have made in understanding our take on things. How we relate to others offers us a mirror reflecting whether we are connecting with them or simply projecting on to them our unconscious material. We can feel good about the work we’re doing in using the planetary cycles to guide us as we tie up loose ends, making space for more realistic relationships and opportunities. Mercury and Neptune are supporting the Pisces Sun, lending a compassionate and nonjudgemental influence as we dissolve our blocks.

March 1 we may feel somewhat unfocused where Neptune weaves his misty spell but March 2 Jupiter and Uranus confront each other getting our attention. Expansive Jupiter is going backward in airy, relationship-oriented Libra while unpredictable Uranus is in fiery, independent Aries. When they find a balance between their energies, we benefit by focusing on our personal truths, respect for others and nurturing our unique self-expression. March 4 Venus, the ruler of Libra, turns backward in Aries and she joins Jupiter in reminding us to seriously review where we invest our attention and involvements prior to charting a new course.

March 5 fiery, action-oriented Mars in Aries consults with serious Saturn in(also fiery) adventurous Sagittarius as to how we may combine enthusiasm with practicality and organizational skills when tackling projects. This theme is further supported by Mar’s move into earthy, stable Taurus March 9. Determination is added to the picture.
Are we considering pursuing a new venture?

March 12 is the Full Moon (culmination) in earthy, perfection-driven Virgo opposite the otherworldly Sun in Pisces. The Sabian Symbol states, “A lion tamer displays his skills and character: The need to tame one’s vital energy to fulfill one’s destiny.” Our social and spiritual development reflects upon our refining our emotions and instincts through perseverance.
Are we making time in our schedule to enjoy stillness?

March 13 mental Mercury enters dynamic Aries and we may be flooded with new ideas. Let’s write them down so we have them available to pursue after Venus turns direct in April. From March 17 when the Sun is dampened down by Saturn, we may feel constrained in our interactions but this all changes when Spring arrives!

March 20 the Sun enters Aries and the new astrological year is launched. The Vernal Equinox is greeted as a time of rebirth and celebrations honor it throughout all cultures. Day and night are of equal duration and the atmosphere is charged with promise. Venus, Mercury and Uranus are also hanging out in the sign of the pioneer and explorer. Let’s keep in mind that Aries is a cardinal sign along with watery Cancer , airy Libra, and earthy Capricorn. They all initiate new seasons and have a lot of umph. Planets who cross paths in these signs create tension which may have alchemical results or a lot of disruptions(think the Uranus/Pluto square of 2011 – 2015). Let’s see how this plays out for the rest of the month.

March 23 intellectual Mercury in Aries annoys Lord of the Underworld Pluto in Capricorn. We may be attracted to delving into hidden issues and end up feeling unsettled. Let’s have an escape route prepared which alleviates any tension. March 24 Mercury is opposed to optimistic Jupiter and the friction may actually encourage creativity, we just need to temper our enthusiasm with realism.

March 26 Mercury hangs out with Uranus who triggers innovative ideas which sometimes fuel risk-taking action. Discretion is needed since this is the warm-up phase to the March 27 New Moon(new beginnings) in Aries which astrologer extraordinaire Rick Levine describes as being on steroids. The Symbol states, “A large woman’s hat with streamers blown by the East Wind: Protection and spiritual guidance in the development of consciousness.” As we increase our awareness, we are protected against being overwhelmed by elemental forces and individuation is achieved through conscious steps requiring our perseverance.
Have we identified a  course of study which offers inspiration on our journey?

March 29 communicative Mercury teams up with responsible Saturn to ground our thoughts preceeding the March 30 exchange between Jupiter and Pluto. Anytime Pluto’s in the mix we can count on profound information to come to light.

The month ends March 31 with busy Mercury leaving his hyperactive schedule to enter Venus-ruled Taurus where issues relating to love, money and our self-worth come to the fore. Interactions assume a more sedate pace and we enjoy getting out in nature, basking in the longer days and waiting for the seeds we have planted to sprout.

Blessings and Happy Spring?

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.

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THE TRIPLE FLAME OF LIFE
A NEW WORKSHOP SERIES
by Mario C. Veo

Love… Light… and Will are the most powerful forces in Creation. In fact all of Life depends on them.

These are the Energies we use for healing, for manifestation, for attracting true Love… for creating wealth and prosperity, and living safely and peacefully… but also for Expanding our Consciousness, for awakening our communication with Angels and Spirit Guides… these are THE Keys for Transformation and Manifestation on all levels.

Together they are known as “the Triple Flame” and are considered ‘rings-pass-not’, i.e. we cannot achieve anything unless and until we first embrace these Energies, and consciously have them be active in our Life.

Equally, they are considered to be Initiations to Higher Consciousness, and hold ‘the Secret Teachings of the Masters’… and serve to awaken the gifts and powers within our Chakras, granting the person a connection with Divine Wisdom(and Clear Insight so they may know the reason ‘why things happen the way they do’)

They are seldom taught unless the person is ready for their own Self-Transformation and Empowerment.

IF you are ready for this, then we invite you to join us for a 3 month, in-depth examination of these wonderful Gifts from Spirit.

The workshop series is in three parts, each module runs for 4 Saturdays, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, starting March 25th.
Cost per module is $25 per session/$90 pre-paid($100 late registration).
Registration is through The Shining Lotus at 303.758.9113.
Workshop is held at Path To Spirit – 4155 E. Jewell Ave. Denver, CO 80222
Class size is very limited — pre-registration is advised.

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

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HEAL YOUR TEARS – $10 WORKSHOP
with Mario C. Veo

Sunday, March 12, 2017. 10:15 am – 11:15 am. $10.

There are many techniques for ‘Healing’ – the best are the most holistic, the ones that consider the Whole Person, and not just offer ‘ coping mechanisms’ so you can stumble through Life, managing to meet its basic demands.
In this special workshop we will examine how to once again unite all parts of our Identity into a beautiful, and powerful Being.

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

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MEET THE AUTHOR – DANIEL PINCHBECK, author of How Soon Is Now: From Personal Initiation To Global Transformation

2 pm – 3:30 pm. FREE DISCUSSION & BOOK SIGNING.

Sting and Russell Brand have contributed prefaces to Daniel Pinchbeck’s ambitious, concise new book which looks at the mega crisis (personal-democratic, ecological, financial-economic) as a rite of passage or initiation for humanity, and seeks to offer a blueprint for the future. Instead of New Age platitudes, How Soon Is Now? is pragmatic. It explores how we can and perhaps must change our industrial, agricultural, and energy system, as well as our social and financial structures if we want to avert an oncoming ecological holocaust that could end our tenure as a species.

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