SHINING LOTUS™ METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE NEWSLETTER

The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, since 1972

APRIL 2018

2553 South Colorado Blvd, Unit 104
Denver Colorado 80222

303-758-9113

__________________________________

in this issue

SOLAR AND LUNAR CATS AND DOGS ………………. by Bruce Johnson

SAVE YOURSELF, SAVE YOURSELF…THE SKY IS FALLING!!  …………………  by Mario C. Veo

PLANETS & POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF APRIL 2018  ………………………..  by Sally Shotwell

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY  ………………..  by Mario C. Veo

CLASSES AND EVENTS IN APRIL

______________________

Saturday, April 21 – at 3:00 pm – A free presentation & book signing
DEBORAH KOFF-CHAPIN

Meet the creator of SOUL CARDS and SOULTOUCH COLORING JOURNALS.

Please join us to welcome groundbreaking artist and creative visionary, Deborah Koff-Chapin as she presents a demonstration of her touch drawing techniques, a crystal bowl sound field and her Soul Cards. Drawing upon many years of involvement with sacred ceremonial arts and contemporary spirituality, Deborah is able to craft every event as a transformative experience. She will share stories of the process she experienced when creating the Soul Cards decks and 5 beautiful SoulTouch Coloring Journals. Don’t miss this free Saturday afternoon event. Bring your own Soul Cards experiences and questions for Deborah. A book signing will follow. Call 303-758-9113 to register for your seat.

Back to top

______________________

SOLAR AND LUNAR CATS AND DOGS
by Bruce Johnson

Encore Publication: This article was first published in the May 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.

Associating cats and dogs with dual symbolism was widespread among ancient civilizations. Like today, dogs and cats were bred as pets, and both were linked with the forces of light and darkness.

The cat of Re was a solar form of the cat to the Egyptians, because it destroyed Apap, the serpent of darkness and chaos. The lion, as the king of the cat family was also sacred to the Sun, and guarded the doors of the ancient temples. The forerunner of the Japanese Maneki Neko or “beckoning cat”, like today’s version, was a solar cat who was said to bring good fortune to its owner.

Bastet, as the cat goddess sacred to Isis, was very popular during Egypt’s Late Period. Although best known as a lunar cat, sometimes Bastet was combined with the cat of Re and demonstrated both lunar and solar qualities. To the Chinese Buddhists the cat was a representation of astral forces, and symbolic of transformation. The cat is the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac and corresponds to the sign of Cancer. The shape- changing Scandinavian goddess Freyja drove a chariot pulled by cats.

The Egyptians held the dog as a symbol of intelligence, loyalty, and devotion. Chinese tradition shows the dog as an indication of coming prosperity, and is the 11th sign of their zodiac, corresponding to the sign Aquarius. Dogs were often depicted as vigilant guides who accompanied travelers on their journeys in this world and in the afterlife. This type of companion dog can be seen in the tarot card named The Fool. Some goddesses of history were accompanied by dogs, including the Greek goddess Diana and Astarte of Syria. To the ancients, dogs were often messengers of the gods as well as protectors of man. The dog was known as a “clean animal”, and special to the Zoroastrians.

Ferocious dogs were commonly guardians of the underworld in ancient times. Examples of this type of dog include Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades, and the four-eyed dogs of Yama, the Hindu god of death, Garmar, the monster dog of the Scandinavian Hell.

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.

Back to top

______________________

SAVE YOURSELF, SAVE YOURSELF… THE SKY IS FALLING!!
by Mario C. Veo

It looks like everyday there is more bad news, new catastrophes, increased conflict / anger / derision / belittlement / senseless violence… until we are told that “The future looks bad… very bad…” So, what are we to do with all this? We cannot deny that “We live in interesting times” [as great Chinese Sages once said] … and that there’s more still to come … but, take it from me, it does get better.

So, what’s really going on? Any Healer out there will tell you about a ‘healing crisis’ – basically a process where the body is getting rid of all its toxins, all that nastiness that festered inside… and spews it all out. Yep, quite an uncomfortable process… but how else would you get rid of such corruption once it’s inside you? Now the body goes through aches and pains, some purging, and even awful headaches and metal confusion… it can get so bad that people have resorted to going back to assimilating more toxins in the desperate attempt to ease the pain… Foolish, all this does is recreate more pain, more aches, more spewing…

Now, some will turn to medication, to various drugs and alcohol in the futile attempt to ‘soften’ this passage… others will seek support groups, where they can share their pain and struggles with like-minded souls… Well, if you’ve ever tried to kick an addiction, or even go on a strict diet, you’ll know that it isn’t as easy as that. It’s not in the support that success lies, but in personal desire to want to heal, to change, to get better… Yes, don’t get me wrong, I’m all in favor of support, take any and all encouragement you need, find skilled, kind, loving people who can hold you, encourage and guide you through this process… just remember that it is your Right to reclaim a state of health…

O.K., some of you are wondering what all this has to do with our daily ‘bad news and catastrophes’… Simple, the country is detoxing, its purging itself of all that is corrupt, all that is filled with pus, all that is dark and evil / greedy / self-serving… all this is being brought forth and openly revealed… so that we can once again be healthy… Yes, do support those who are guiding this process, do encourage Light to reveal corruption, do hold those in authority accountable… and do welcome this ‘healing crisis’, no matter how painful… and for yourself ?

Look within, cleanse and release all negativity, all distortions, all hurts / betrayals / past and present offenses… so you may stand fully in your own radiant Light, and hold this Healing Energy so all around you can benefit… This is a time of healing and revelation… embrace it, guide it, support it …

We dedicate this month’s classes to this process of personal healing and transformation, so all of us can support bringing Light to those who flounder in Darkness.

MARIO’S TUESDAY CLASSES IN APRIL

APRIL 3 — VICTIM OR SURVIVOR…HEAL YOURSELF
6:30 – 8 pm     $25

APRIL 10 — FREEDOM FROM KARMA…HEAL THE FAMILY
6:30 – 8 pm     $25

APRIL 17 — RECLAIM LOVE…HEAL PAST RELATIONSHIPS
6:30 – 8 pm     $25

APRIL 24 — THE NEW YOU…SUCCESS IS ‘RECREATING YOURSELF’
6:30 – 8 pm     $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 Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

Back to top

______________________

PLANETS & POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF APRIL 2018
by Sally Shotwell

It’s Spring and we embrace the idea of a personal renewal as Aries Season enfolds us in its initiating energies. The Sun (our consciousness),  Mercury (our thought processes) and Uranus (our authenticity) are all is this fiery, vibrant sign which is ruled by assertive Mars. Because Mercury is retrograde until April 15, our focus, which would normally tend toward the adventuresome, is concerned with our reconsidering our priorities and perceptions. Along this same line, Mars (our vitality), Saturn (our maturity) and Pluto (transcendence) are hanging out in earthy, responsible Capricorn, helping us use our resources wisely so we can take advantage of future opportunities.

April 4 Mercury gets in a tussle with Mars which indicates heated interactions, these we know to avoid if at all possible.  The 5th Mercury becomes embroiled with Saturn and, here again, there’s no meeting of the minds so let’s not invest in an uncomfortable exchange.

April 15 is a day we’ve been waiting for – Mercury goes direct!   He’s still in his shadow until the 29th but this is still an improvement and contributes greatly to the positive aura which

Taurus by Josephine Wall

April 19 the Sun enters earthy, stable Taurus and we immediately feel a certain calm accompanying this sign ruled by the side of Venus who relishes Nature.  It’s a fixed sign and committed to nurturing what Aries has created.  Let’s take time to indulge our senses in honor of this event!

April 29 the Full Moon in Scorpio (culmination) opposite the Taurus Sun brings up emotional issues relating to financial and other intense activities which can only be resolved by compromise which necessitates communication.  The Symbol states “A fellowship supper reunites old comrades:  The overtones of human relationships based on a community of work or experience.”   We may not have obvious common ground to share but,  with an open mind, our social consciousness can expand to help us be inclusive.  We are all in this together!

Back to top

______________________

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
by Mario C. Veo

It started well past Spring when this little leaf decided to finally emerge, the last of the many. All others had long since grown to their full size, and now, adorned in bright colors, they tittered and twirled… and just plain ignored this new comer. No matter how much he tried, no matter how nice and polite he was, they just snubbed him… “Too little by far… Not one of us… A discard, just not good enough… Who does he think he is, trying to buddy up to his betters… Shame, I say, shame on him…” And so he sat, alone, rejected and dejected, with no-one to call friend… sigh…

Seasons warmed, the Sun grew bright, the grass greener and all other leaves fatter and stronger, all clamoring together in a social cacophony, a togetherness that was not quite complete… for the little leaf had not grown, much, was still shunned, ignored and discarded… and now he sat, morosely staring into nothing, for nothing was expected of him… Oh, what a future to not contemplate…

… Days passed and seasons grew, until one day, late into summer, this new breeze came along, with scents from lands far away, and a most curious outlook on life. “Well, here’s another foreigner…” the other leaves all said “Why is he here … he’s not one of us … Don’t trust him, he smells funny …” and so they all turned their conceited back on him, denying him even the most common courtesies.

But the breeze didn’t care – he’d seen his share of bigots, of intolerant small-minds, and these were not even that good at their elitist arrogance… So he did what most mature beings would do – pay no attention to the foolish… and leave them to their own self-created corruption… But, as he was about to depart, he noticed the little leaf, sitting apart from this vile crowd… and something made him stop “Well, color me curious … here’s one who survived the madness”

And so he approached, and took the time to introduce himself… and slowly, barely trusting, the little leaf responded… and the two began to talk, sharing ribald stories of his wild, foreign travels in return for a deeper insight in others’ folly… “Life is a great journey… you get to choose what to fill it with”. Day after day they met, sharing and bonding, growing closer and closer… until the final season was upon them. Already many leaves had started to fall, losing their bright colors in favor of browns and russets, covering the ground as a multi-colored carpet – a splash of blush against the graying skies.

… Still the little leaf hung on, desiring one more conversation with his intriguing friend… which he did, and now content, he readied himself to wait for his end.

Not wanting to follow others [for now he knew that he would never be like them – nor would he want to] and so he sat, all alone on the barren branch… still contemplating… nothing… As the fallen leaves grew brittle, crushed and broken by the harsh, cold winds, here came a little boy, looking for treasure – hoping to find at least one ‘pretty leaf’ to add to his collection.

With eyes downcast, all he saw was moldy pieces, unsightly and unpleasant to behold …everywhere ugliness… Disheartened  he turned to go until he heard a murmur, a sigh… he looked up and his eyes lit up with joy and expectation… There, perched all alone, was the most beautiful, perfect leaf he’d ever seen… radiantly dressed in autumn colors, still bright with life  “Will you come with me…” he asked, hoping…”You’re so beautiful, I can only ask if you join me and my collection… I promise to take good care of you…” Intrigued the little leaf stopped, and for a moment pondered about choices and futures… and without more thought, gently let go of the branch and lightly flitted into the boy’s hand…

And so began a most unusual journey… of show-and-tell… of sharing proudly with a little blonde girl… of being framed and shyly given as a birthday present… of  witnessing young love grow and blossom… of marriage and children born… of family dinners and togetherness… of truth, respect, and joy…

Here he is now, still in his glorious colors, framed and displayed in a special place, looking down at his family… finally knowing the meaning of a life well spent… sigh…

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 Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

Back to top

Saturdays, Mar 17, 24, Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, Jun 2, 9
ENERGY – THE POWER TO CREATE & TRANSFORM
11 am – 12:30 pm         $25 ea. class or $90 for 4
with Mario C. Veo.  Energy is the essence of all that exists – from humans to flowers and birds, from health, wealth and higher consciousness … all exists because of Energy, and the qualities it expresses. So, if you are ready for the most transformative knowledge you’ll ever encounter, then join us for this unique insight into Spirit-Creator. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Location – Path to Spirit 4155 East Jewell Ave. Suite 1102 Denver 80222.
$5 HALF-HOUR MEDITATION with Mario C. Veo
12:45 – 1:15 pm               $5 ea.

Sunday, April 8, 2018
THE INTENTION PROJECT
10:15 – 11:15 am         love donation
with SuEllen Shepard. “TOGETHER, OUR THOUGHTS CAN CHANGE OUR WORLD” This is a monthly group that meets on the second Sunday of every month to realize the potential awesome energy of our focused intention. Each month will have a specific topic as well as suggestions from the participants. Human thought and intention has been defined as an inexhaustible and tangible energy with the potential to focus our lives, heal our illnesses, clean up our communities, deal with negative forces, and hopefully improve our planet for everyone. Join us for an hour of discussion and intention and give what you feel is appropriate. Call 303-758-9113 to register. 

Wednesday, April 11 and 25, 2018
ON MEDITATION AND THE PATH
7 pm – 9 pm          $7 suggested donation
with Don Zimmerman.    A new perspective on the art and science of meditation for beginning, intermediate or advanced practitioners. This 8-session class will introduce participants to a new understanding of the practice of meditation from the point of view of the Soul. The nature of the Soul will be explored, and a method for developing a definite alignment between the three worlds of human endeavor and the overshadowing Wisdom will be shared, along with training on creating and sustaining a group field of shared consciousness.
Classes are held twice a month on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. March 7, 21, April 11, 25, May 9, 23, June 6, 20. Call 303-758-9113 to register.