SHINING LOTUS™ METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE NEWSLETTER
The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, since 1972
JULY 2018
2553 South Colorado Blvd, Unit 104
Denver Colorado 80222
303-758-9113
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in this issue
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ROY NEAL & MARIO C. VEO
AUTHOR VISIT – MEET DEB SHEPPARD, author of “Grieving to Believing: Discovering the Afterlife”
PLANETS & POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF JULY ……………………. by Sally Shotwell
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES…REVISITED ……………………. by Mario C. Veo
CHANGE, GROW & PROSPER…OR NOT – THE CHOICE IS YOURS ……………………. by Mario C. Veo
THE HANGED MAN ……………………. by Bruce Johnson
SHINING LOTUS™ EVENTS AND CLASSES IN JULY
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Special Announcement from ASTROLOGICAL ACTIVATIONS IN THE BIRTH CHART with Roy Neal
As of July 1 Roy Neal’s Astrology Class will have moved to a new location. The class will continue to be held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The cost will be $25.00 and the new location is in the downstairs meeting room of 2055 S. Oneida Street, Denver CO 80224. The name of the building is: Panorama Park South.
Please call Roy at 720-962-4633 at least three days prior to the date of the class and let him know that you plan to attend. The class is limited to ten people.
New students need to call Roy and give him their birth information so he can create a transparency of their birth chart which will allow them to fully participate in the class discussion.
As of this writing the first class in the new location will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2018.
Special Announcement from MARIO C. VEO
As of July 1 Mario’s Tuesday night classes will move to a new location. The class will continue to be held every Tuesday night from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The cost will be $25.00 and the new location is in his office, at Path To Spirit, 4155 East Jewel Ave., Suite 1102, Denver CO 80222. Registration and payment for classes will be handled by Mario himself at 303-525-7223.
Please call Mario at least two days prior to the date of the class and let him know that you plan to attend. The class is limited to ten people. As of this writing the first class in the new location will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
Mario’s Sunday $10 workshops and free presentations will still be hosted at Shining Lotus on South Colorado Blvd. He is available for private sessions every Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm at the store. Call 303-758-9113 to book an appointment or register for Sunday classes.
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MEET DEB SHEPPARD, AUTHOR OF “GRIEVING TO BELIEVING”
DISCOVERING THE AFTERLIFE
Sunday, July 8, 2018 2:00 to 3:30 pm FREE PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING
World-Renowned and Denver-based Medium Deb Sheppard unveils the process of grieving and how best to address your experience after the death of a loved one. Deb relies heavily on her personal experience when in 2008, her husband Brad died by suicide and then four years later her nephew chose the same path.
In her book, Deb explores her journey to becoming a medium and how her experience with the afterlife proved valuable to her while she mourned the loss of her husband and nephew. She cites her feelings of loss and the process to move beyond them, while acknowledging that her experience is not a template for others, including her own children.
Deb outlines nine guideposts for those experiencing grief and extolls the virtues of meditation as means to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Her book will be available at the event for purchase. A book signing will follow. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Deb Sheppard, internationally recognized medium, psychic, author and speaker, has connected thousands of clients to their loved ones in spirit, helping bring life full circle. Death is a part of every life, and Deb believes those who have crossed over remain connected to us––although they are on the other side, they are forever by our side.
Deb’s incredible ability places her in the top 3% most accurate in her profession. Known as an “empath,” Deb connects to the unseen realms through feelings in her body and her emotions. As a medium, she acts as a liaison, relaying comforting messages between the physical and spiritual worlds. As an entertainer, Deb’s sense of humor, light-heartedness and compassion create a safe and fun environment for all who attend her readings and events.
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PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF JULY
by Sally Shotwell
In the meantime, Happy Summer!
Blessings!
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 EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES..REVISITED
by Mario C. Veo
In a land far, far away, at a time lost long ago, there was this little kingdom… small it was but quite prosperous. The people always smiled and helped each other – no one was left to suffer, not even if they were poor… it was a good time, a time of respect and appreciation; Life was rich and everyone was happy. So it came to pass that the old King breathed his last – alas, without heir… and left the land in a pickle. “What are we to do now…Who shall guide us… Who is the best person to lead us… Who shall we bow to…?”
Oh, so many questions, so few answers… They tried holding a competition, but none wanted the responsibility… they tried simply appointing someone, but they all just refused… You see, they were a nice people, and just a little too humble for leadership. “Well, we all know our place, we do… Not up to us to ‘lord it over everyone else’…We ain’t no royalty, now are we… wouldn’t know which fork to use for soup…eh…” [that brought quite a few laughs, it did, but still did not solve the problem…] What to do, what to do…?
After many a month they looked at the bankers and merchants, and asked them for advice – after all, these were the very backbone of the land, astute in the ways of money and riches… surely they would have the answer … but sadly, they did not.
“It isn’t up to us, y’know… we’re just like y’all… simple folks, just like the rest…” and then it was all so clear – they needed an outsider… one who did not grow up ‘just like everyone else’… one who could be strong, and lead without concern and restriction… who could cast all aside in his passion for his rule! And so the town-criers rode out, to the four corners of the land and beyond, loudly declaring – “Who shall be our new King… Who shall lead us… Come forth and present yourself so that our people can once again be safe in their prosperity…”
Now many young princes set forth to reach this promised land, and some even traveled together, in bon-ami as they say… but only to be stopped by a dark cowled figure “Stay back, all you young men.. Stay back, if you favor your health. There is a plague in the kingdom, and fear runs rampant… No-one is safe, the land is cursed… Stay back if you value your life… They tried to lure you with fake tales of needing a king… it is no place for kings or kingdoms… the Dark Times have arrived !! Begone, if you still want to live… begone…”
When they heard such vile news the young princes turned around as one, cursing such contemptible ruse and the people who would lure them… “The next crier I hear, I shall behead him for his foul lies !” said the prettiest prince as he pranced away on his bejeweled horse, leading the others away… without noticing the not so dark figure laughing as he turned his horse towards the kingdom.
And so it came to pass that only one man showed up to claim the crown, and he swore to all who met him, that he was a righteous man, well suited to leading such – ehm – ‘pliant populace’ to even greater riches…
So there he sits, on his golden throne, his coffers bursting at the seams as more taxes are imposed, and old nay-sayers are deposed… after all, the land must be united… even if these changes are not for all… There he sits counting all his gold as he shouts for more wine, more revelry, more carousing…and his lackeys gorge themselves on all that once was rich for everyone…
No one to oppose him, he thought himself safe… but look – there on the far horizon – is that an angel or a demon, who carries with him a spotted sword… Is that the prophecy of plague the false king decreed… is that retribution for all – or just a chosen few… I wonder… [Whatever is loudly declared, thus it shall be…until it reaches its inevitable consummation… ]
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.
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SIGNS
by Bob Romero
About ten years ago, I had developed severe pain in my shoulders so that I couldn’t lift my arms above my shoulders. My wife had gone for a Reiki session and suggested that I try it. So I did, and I felt extremely calm and peaceful. After such a wonderful experience I went back for a few more sessions. I noticed that the pain was completely gone. I also noticed that during each session, because my eyes were closed, I would see purple splotches fade in and out, and I felt a tingling in the center of my eyebrows. I had never come across anything like this before, and so then I began to explore holistic medicine and spirituality, and came across the Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore. My Reiki Master also encouraged me to meditate, and thus I began my journey in Metaphysics. There were classes offered at the bookstore as well as guided meditations. The meditations made me feel great, and I experienced the same sensations as in the Reiki sessions.
Then one night a little over five years ago, I fainted and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out to be Atrial Fibrillation, which is commonly called Afib. The doctors decided that I needed a pacemaker, which would not let my pulse go below 60, but it was not able to prevent it from going way higher than normal. Having read in a couple of books, about how angels can give us signs, by finding feathers, coins, or seeing a long lost friend, I asked Archangel Raphael for a sign that I was going to be okay before I began my usual walk at Wash Park. Specifically, I asked to see a feather. Not long after starting my walk, I saw several goose feathers on the grass. Well I thought, there are plenty of geese at the park, and the books stated that the feathers were to be found in places where it would not be usual to find feathers. So I stated, “I want to see a great big white feather!” After I walked a few hundred yards, there hanging from a rear view mirror in a car, was the biggest white feather I had ever seen in my life!
I was dumbfounded, and my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe what I had seen. I stumbled forward on my walk not knowing what to do. I finally gathered my senses, and I thought I’d check the car on my second lap around the park, but it was gone. I kept asking for signs and a couple of months later, I saw on old colleague friend whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years. We chatted about the good times we had, and then departed. Then I remembered that seeing an old friend was a sign, and it was right where I had seen the feather. So I kept asking for signs, and again in the near proximity of where I had seen the other signs, was a bright copper penny sitting on the curb. I thought hmm, and got the feeling that someone was telling me in a stern tone, “Well Robert, have you seen enough.”
Over the next couple of years when I would have my pacemaker checked, and at first there were only a few events of Afib with each lasting a few seconds. Then the episodes got longer and I could feel my heart racing. The cardiologist tried a couple of medications, and I would feel faint due to low blood pressure from the side effects. To make matters worse, a friend of mine that I had worked with many years ago, and was two years younger than I, died from a heart attack. He was in excellent shape because he was a runner and did a lot of hiking. He was just out walking with his wife and keeled over and died. At his funeral, his younger brother talked about how his older brother was the calming influence in his family. When he was facing a dilemma, his older brother would put his hand on his shoulder and say, “Everything will be okay.”
I did research on Afib and found that it can be triggered by alcohol and caffeine. There were positive studies that came out by using acupuncture and yoga for several months. These results were outside of the medical establishment. Proper nutrition and exercise also helped. I had been going to yoga and using acupuncture, and so when I told my acupuncturist about it, and she began treating me for Afib. Around the same time, the cardiologist prescribed a new medication. He said that if this didn’t work, I would have to undergo an expensive ablation procedure.
The next time I had my pacemaker checked, which was about a year later, there were no episodes of Afib at all. The cardiologist immediately took credit for the great results. So I asked him, “Is that the way the medication is supposed to work, or does it regulate my heart when it goes out of rhythm?” He answered with “Let’s just say that you’re doing excellent.” So I replied, “Aha, so maybe the abstinence from alcohol and caffeine, along with acupuncture, yoga, nutrition, and exercise, are helping. I didn’t dare mention Reiki, because I didn’t want to see his head to explode. Then he told me to just keep doing what I have been doing.
Just recently, I took a class on “The Spiritual Messages of Life’s Challenges”, in which the message was to understand the purpose of these challenges. These disorders move us off of our center and block our progress. It’s hard to be centered when the situation seems hopeless, there is a lot of pain, or your heart is pounding in your chest. I look back now at having Afib, and I think that it was telling me to live a better lifestyle, so that I could advance on my spiritual path.
Last month I went in for my pacemaker check up, and it had been three years since my last Afib event. When the device specialist looked at her computer screen, I asked “Any Afib?” and she replied, “Nope, you’re doing wonderful!” When I walked out into the waiting area, there was no one around. The end wall was actually glass that was about two stories high with a beautiful view of the majestic Rocky Mountains. I took time to look at the mountains and reflect. I had this great feeling of stillness. I just felt so good, and I got this feeling of someone putting his or her hand on my shoulder, and saying, “Everything is okay.”
Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.
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CHANGE, GROW & PROSPER…OR NOT – THE CHOICE IS YOURS
by Mario C. Veo
Too often people think that just because they are ‘nice’ they will succeed, be recognized for their wonderful qualities, be rewarded by their bosses, appreciated by their lovers, and even be protected and kept safe. Unfortunately nothing is further from the truth – I wish it was, but the harsh reality is simply that Life doesn’t work that way… and there’s a very good reason for this. You see, the whole point of being on this planet is to learn, to understand right from wrong, and who or what creates this, to use this insight and grow in Power so that, finally, we can be active in making this a better world, truly a Brotherhood of Man. If you are one of the ‘nice people’ do you deserve all these wonderful accolades? Absolutely !
Are you likely to get them? Well, not so much … unless you are one of the lucky few who are born in the right family, and grew up surrounded by loving people – very rare…possible, but very rare [just don’t hold your breath]
What you need to understand is that all these great qualities are very precious, and they should be safeguarded, sheltered from the too common users and abusers of this world… You need to learn discrimination, so that you know who to share yourself with, who can truly understand how unique you are, and embrace the special radiance that is you.
Remember the verse in the Bible “Do not cast pearls before swine”… it is not the swine’s fault for trampling all over these precious gems… so take responsibility for how you use your treasured gifts … they are not ‘common mud’ to be disposed of so easily – you have worked very hard, and for many lifetimes to get to this point of cherished sensitivity.
“But what of family, of childhood friends, of long-time colleagues… What if they are the ones that use, or even abuse, me…?!”
Well, what of it… every one of us loudly declares Who we really are, by our words and actions… there is no hiding behind family ties, or social expectations… An Animalistic Consciousness can only be that – and nothing else… so what if you’d hoped that family, friends, lovers would live up to a higher, lofty ideal… it is up to you to choose and shape your Life accordingly. The truth is before you – do not be the enabler to their dysfunctions…
This months classes are dedicated to Truth, to passion and the examination of failure… we’ll also look at the magic and power of Color, and how it affects us on all levels.
The Tuesday classes will be held at Mario’s office – Path to Spirit 4155 East Jewel Ave, Suite 1102, Denver 80222 and registration is directly through him [303-525-7223].
July 3, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 pm $25
WHY WE FAIL SOMETIMES…& HOW TO PICK OURSELVES UP AGAIN
Life is not perfect, and neither are we… Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just don’t succeed. This is normal, yet if it happens too often – or if we fail at something which is critically important – then it can damage our whole Life – we can lose our self-worth, diminish our Identity, and even twist the love in our Heart. Join us as we explore the hidden causes behind ‘failures’, and how to move beyond it without fear.
July 10, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 pm $25
YOUR PASSION SHALL SET YOU FREE!!
Some people think of it as ‘bliss’, others as ‘dedication’… for most of us it is pure Passion – that fire which drives us to success, that creates a Life richer beyond our wildest dreams, and reveals wonderful opportunities. In fact, Passion is what gives Life true meaning… without it, you just have blah!
July 17, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 pm $25
YOUR MAGNETIC AURA & THE POWER OF COLOR
Your Aura is a powerful magnet which can be used to attract whatever you most desire – or protect you from those who would use and abuse you. With just a touch of Color, you can fill your Aura with power and focus… and create the Life you desire.
July 24, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 pm $25
COLOR MAGIC…SUCCESS COMES IN MANY SHADES
Some people are simply magical. They are the sensitives – empaths, healers, lovers, care-takers… they intuitively respond to energies, and absorb them without realizing it – sometimes this uplifts them, other times it burns up their own Life Force. If you are one of these special people, then you can use the power of Color to increase the flow of Life – now this energy can be programmed to attract love, health, wealth, unlimited success… or shield you from people and situations that are corrosive.
July 31, 2018 6:30 – 8:00 pm $25
PERSONAL COLOR ANALYSIS…THE POWER WITHIN YOU
We all have a favorite Color and are automatically drawn towards it… yet we seldom realize exactly what it is doing for us, physically, emotionally, or mentally – we are simply ‘comfortable’ with it. Yet there are many, many other Colors which we could use for very specific purposes – we think of them as ‘Power Colors’… and they are unique to us – no two people will use the same Power Color the same way. Join us for a creative and revealing experience, and discover which Colors are most powerful for you.
The Sunday workshops remain at the Shining Lotus, and registration is through them [303-758-9113]. The classes at Shining Lotus are detailed below under the heading “Shining Lotus Events and Classes in July”.
July 22, 2018 10:15 – 11:15 am $10
COLOR HEALING – SPECIAL $10 WORKSHOP
July 29, 2018 10:15 – 11:15 am FREE
WHY WE LIMIT OUR SUCCESS
Hope to see you there… it is an important time in our Life, and we should all be aware of our choices… and the consequences we create.
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.
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THE HANGED MAN
by Bruce Johnson
Encore Publication: This article was first published in the September 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.
Symbols related to Tarot’s The Hanged Man include-the crucifixion initiation, reversing the wheel of life, spiritual rebirth, and the fusion of soul and personality. Like Jesus, Quetzalcoatl, and the Persian Mithra, all ancient sun gods were crucified historically or allegorically on a cross or tree of life. The mysteries of renunciation, transmutation, and triumph of the Soul over death, are keys to the card’s occult interpretation.
The body of the man forms a six- pointed Star of David, signifying the blending of the triangles of spirit and matter, unity, and wholeness. A halo of the yellow light surrounding the head indicates spiritual enlightenment and the conscious liberation which leads to immortality. The red, blue, and yellow colors reflected in his clothing represent respectively the awakened qualities of will, love, and intelligence present. The figure is suspended from the heavenly Tree of Life, and has transcended the plane of dense physical matter maya, and sensory illusion.
Esoteric astrology teaches that less developed souls reincarnate through the wheel of life in through the astrological signs in a clockwise direction from Aries to Capricorn ending with Taurus. At the Crucifixion, or Fourth Initiation, a duality is overcome, a reorientation of the personality to the Soul takes place, and the advanced individual now proceeds counter-clockwise from Aries through Cancer to Pisces. Libra is the sign of equilibrium and balance, and point where the reversal of the wheel takes place. Uranus is the esoteric ruler of Libra, and its radiations cause the reversal from lower self personality control of the individual, to Soul control.
The Tau cross reflects the perfect balance of spirit and matter, and is a symbol of eternal life, initiation, Divine union, and regeneration. The Egyptian, or Tau cross, is identical in meaning to the Kabalistic Tree of Life. The vertical axis of the cross indicates spirit and the positive polarity, while the horizontal axis designates matter and the negative polarity. The central junction point of the two arms is where opposite energies meet, and corresponds to the sign Libra. Libra represents the blending and harmonizing of the greater light of the Soul with the lesser light of the personality, The dual nature of the Soul and and its reflection is symbolized in the Ancient Wisdom by Enoch, Hermes, and the sign Libra.
The book –Esoteric Astrology by Alan Leo, is a good resource of astrological symbolism.
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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Shining Lotus™ Events and Classes in July
CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
We will be closed on Wednesday so we and our employees may celebrate the birthday of our nation with our families and friends. Please be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July!!!
THE INTENTION PROJECT with SuEllen Shepard
Sunday, July 8, 2018 10:15 to 11:15 am love donation
Intention is a web of energy exchange that can be channeled and focused to reconcile mind with matter and bring about positive change in our lives. 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.
AUTHOR VISIT – MEET DEB SHEPPARD, author of “Grieving to Believing: Discovering the Afterlife”
Sunday, July 8, 2018 2:00 to 3:30 pm free presentation & book signing
World-Renowned and Denver-based Medium Deb Sheppard unveils the process of grieving and how best to address your experience after the death of a loved one. Deb relies heavily on her personal experience when in 2008, her husband Brad died by suicide and then four years later her nephew chose the same path. In her book, she explores her journey to becoming a medium and how her experience with the afterlife proved valuable to her while she mourned the loss of her husband and nephew. She cites her feelings of loss and the process to move beyond them, while acknowledging that her experience is not a template for others, including her own children.
Deb outlines nine guideposts for those experiencing grief and extolls the virtues of meditation as means to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Her book will be available at the event for purchase. A book signing will follow. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
SIMPLETALES™ COSMIC ASTROLOGY MONTHLY UPDATE with C. A. Brooks
Sunday, July 15, 2018 2:00 to 3:00 pm free presentation
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.
COLOR HEALING – $10 WORKSHOP with Mario C. Veo
Sunday, July 22, 2018 10:15 to 11:15 am $10
Color Healing has been used for centuries, and can be very effective if you know (a) how to use it properly… and (b) which system works best for you. In this foundation workshop we will examine the basic healing properties of Color, and various proven methods of Color Healing. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
PLAY ATTRACT IT! THE LAW OF ATTRACTION GAME with Egan Sanders
Sunday, July 22, 2018 2:00 to 3:00 pm free presentation
Introducing “Attract It!”, a fun new board game based on the Law of Attraction that helps you become magnetic to your goals. Let’s gather together to play a game of Attract It! and increase our magnetism by sharing, visualizing, laughing, learning, growing, and being inspired to make our goals a reality. Come with a personal goal in mind of something you want to bring into your life. Attract what you want with Attract It! by: Setting a clear goal, applying the Law of Attraction in a fun way, opening fully to receive what you want, shifting your perspective and effectively manifesting your highest good. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
WHY WE LIMIT OUR SUCCESS with Mario C. Veo
Sunday, July 29, 2018 10:15 am – 11:15 am free presentation
We can blame the economy, or a poor upbringing, or lack of education, or a social stigma… and while these do play a part in our struggles and limitations, ultimately the strongest reason lies within us. We are the ones who choose to bow down to all these external factors, and accept them as ‘real limitations’… but it doesn’t have to be so… Join us as we learn how to get rid of the chains we create for ourselves. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
STONES & CRYSTALS… NATURAL OR NOT with Vella Rose
Sunday, July 29, 2018 2:00 – 3:00 pm free presentation
“Buyer Beware” could be the subtitle for this one hour seminar presented by Vella Rose. Topics that will be covered include: shaped or worked stones; trademarked material; color treatments and coatings; synthetic stones; imitations, simulated stones, counterfeits and hoaxes; and common treatments used to stabilize and fill stones, especially tumbles. Vella will be using both a slide presentation with many pictures and some specimens that can be examined by participants. She hopes that after her talk, people in attendance will go away with knowledge about what to be aware of when buying stones and crystals. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Vella Rose has loved stones and crystals since she was a young girl. In her mundane life, she earned both a BS and MS in geology and after working as a geologist in the oil and gas industry, went on to teach middle school science and later taught physical geology at the college level. In her spiritual life, Vella embraces the Pagan path and considers herself an eclectic witch, having studied and practiced a variety of different flavors of paganism. She has been teaching workshops and leading public rituals for almost two decades.