March 2019
The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, since 1972
303-758-9113
in this issue:
Planets and Possibilities – A Look at the Astrology of March ………. by Sally Shotwell
Wisdom… A Lost Art ………. by Mario C. Veo
Planetary Affinity and the 7 Rays ………. by Bruce Johnson
Trance Channel from The I Am ………. through Norma Mitchell
The Bogeyman Cometh ………. by Mario C. Veo
Planets And Possibilities – A Look At The Astrology Of March
by Sally Shotwell
The month begins with the the Sun (our consciousness), Mercury (our thought processes) and Neptune (our spiritual longings) in the watery, otherworldly domain of Pisces. The sign’s symbol is two fish, with their tails attached, facing in opposite directions swimming in a depthless ocean. Their plight expresses a conundrum we face within ourselves as we are pulled between subjective reality and the requirements of our daily existence. Our sensitivity to others is heightened and let’s be aware that our receptivity means we absorb the energies surrounding us. It’s important we seek out the positive as we enter two new astrological cycles, the March 6 entrance of unpredictable Uranus into stable, nature-loving Taurus, lasting 7 years, and the March 20/21 Vernal Equinox when the Sun enters Aries, launching a new astrological year. Quoting Dane Rudhyar, “Within the end of the cycle the seed of new beginnings exists in potency” and we want to be grounded and ready to benefit from the opportunities for growth coming our way. Are we allowing ourselves time to relax and contemplate what we most value in our lives at this time?
Our values color our view of life and March 1 Venus, Goddess of Love, Beauty and Money, ready to leave traditional Capricorn, finds herself at odds with iconoclastic Uranus in impetuous Aries relating to just this issue. We may observe the influence of their kerfuffle seeping into interactions around us, disrupting some alliances. The plot thickens when she almost immediately slips into airy Aquarius (Uranus’s home sign) and begins directing her loving attention to humanitarian causes. We ourselves may been drawn to becoming more active in charitable endeavors. Let’s not get too excited about making any commitments though, since on the 5th Mercury turns retrograde and helps us turn our attention to reflecting on, and reviewing, our current involvements. If possible, let’s hold off any major decisions until March 29.
March 6 starts off in a big way with Uranus, The Great Awakener, entering earthy Taurus. He’s prone to announcing himself to a new environment with surprising behavior and his goal is to release pent up energy that is causing blocks which are detrimental to our growth. He represents electricity and technology and his innovative brilliance can create wonders in transforming the areas in Taurus’s domain (natural resources, food, finances) but we can expect a period of adjustment before this happens. For us personally, the fact that Taurus is ruled by pleasure-loving Venus and our personal appetites and behavior, we may find our preferences evolve in startling ways. Are we already releasing emotional and physical stuff to make way for the new?
Later the 6th we have a New Moon (new beginnings) in Pisces with Neptune at hand and stabilizing support being offered from responsible Saturn in earthy, ambitious Capricorn. The Sabian Symbol’s message is “In the quiet of his study a creative individual experiences a flow of inspiration: Reliance upon one’s inner source of inspiration or guidance.” With the chart loaded with the vision and compassion of Pisces and the practicality of Capricorn, our efforts at growing self-awareness are being reinforced and we needn’t be discouraged by any setbacks we encounter.
March 9 and 10 goodwill is still in the picture, first with the Sun and Saturn connecting deeply and giving us the encouragement to believe in ourselves. This is backed up by vital Mars in sympathetic Taurus sharing psychic hunches with dreamy Neptune, inspiring us to actively follow through with our ideas and share them with others. The 13th the Sun and profound Pluto in Capricorn lend their gravitas to make clear to us that our focus is sound and the 14th Mars and Saturn join the picture stressing that we have the skills and motivation to persevere on our course. MercuryRx is chummy with the Sun and we seek to combine our head and heart energies, with unconditional love being an aspiration.
March 15, 16, 17 and 20 the Trickster is busy meeting first with expansive Jupiter, Pluto, Mars and Saturn. No matter how much territory he covers, we must keep in mind that he’s Rx in Pisces, the sign which clouds all earthly issues.
All this is leading to the first big event of the 20th, the Vernal Equinox when the Sun enters Aries, introducing a new astrological cycle. Since ancient times we’ve been aware of the import of our shifting into a new realm of possibility, reflected by the increase of light and re-engagement in life. Even though we may not participate in any formal celebrations, let’s express our appreciation for arriving at Spring by doing something symbolic to express Nature’s magnificence. Acknowledging the Super Full Moon (culmination) in airy, harmony-oriented, Venus- ruled Libra following the Equinox is a good way to participate in this charged time.
The Symbol states “in a collection of perfect specimens of many biological forms a butterfly displays the beauty of its wings. Its body impaled by a fine dart: the immortal archetypal reality that a perfect and dedicated life reveals.” Relating to Libra’s ideal, the perfection alluded to is personified by the integration of our individuation with our ability to successfully come together with others. The balance of “I” and “We” is one we all hope to achieve and in our efforts, frequently painful, we’re given the opportunity to really become more aware of ourselves.
March 21 Venus in Aquarius and Mars in Taurus are carrying on the clash of value routine between each other and let’s just ignore them. Within a few hours she’s swept off her feet by impressive Jupiter in fiery, expansive Sagittarius and their camaraderie brightens the atmosphere and Ideas abound. The 26th she enters Pisces and replaces her mental approach to affection with an empathetic, idealistic image of life and love. The only drawback is that in our desire to see the best in everyone we may project onto them attributes which are unrealistic. When this happens, disillusionment may set in and that’s no fun at all. Let’s be open and accepting of others but practice discrimination at the same time.
March 27 Venus, newly in Pisces, meets Uranus, newly in Taurus, and they suddenly experience a chemistry which inspires them to join forces in romantic and fiscal affairs. This should be exciting for as long as the influence lasts but here’s where a certain aloofness on our part is a good idea.
March 28 Mercury turns direct and we may feel relief as we deal with technology and muddled communications with others. He’s still in inspiring Pisces so our dreams and imagination are enriched and let’s seek out stillness. It’s also a time to surround ourselves with positive influences and be in Nature when we can. The 31st assertive Mars enters airy, communicative Gemini and our thoughts could take on a new forcefulness. We may surprise ourselves pursuing new interests with unexpected zeal and having a great time. Gemini is ALL about information and we have a lot of new territory to investigate!
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.
Wisdom… A Lost Art
by Mario C. Veo
Since my earliest days in college I have been studying human nature, and what drives us to behave the way we do. One of the things that has most amazed [perturbed] me is how easily people get manipulated…and why…
Here’s the fundamental key to it all:- If life has been hard for you, you’ve been unfairly treated, used and discarded with no feelings for your worth, then what drives you is a sense of uncertainty, insecurity, or even tentative timidity… and now anyone who presents itself as your ‘friend’, supporting you in your belief, will have access to your vulnerability…and yes, can manipulate you quite easily for you have chosen to let them in…
If this same life situation has resulted in legal or social abuse, then you are even more easily influenced… You see, Man is what is called a ‘social animal’, and is always looking to join up with others that see life the same way…but what he fails to understand is that once he finds his ‘peeps’ then he gives up a lot of personal identity, and is easily swayed by the currents others may create…and so he submits ‘to the greater good’, trusting them to ‘know better’ [Well, can you blame him, all he wants to do is to ‘belong’ – that’s why Group Therapy works] But all this is well known to counselors, therapists, policemen, politicians…and con artists.
And this brings me to one of the most important discoveries… how ‘Men and Women of goodwill’ get controlled [without even realizing it] Most people are basically good – they want to help, to reach out to those less fortunate, to rally against what they see as injustice, to join together to support those who are having a hard time… Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying this is a bad thing…just pointing out Man’s innate good nature… but…have you ever considered how this ‘good nature’ was first formed…?
The desire to help is shaped by ethics and moral values [which, by the way, are common to ALL – no matter your race / religion / social status…well, maybe some politicians flunked this course, but I digress]
As a child we are told to be ‘good’, and do good, for that is the mark of a nice person, of a worthy person, of a decent neighbor, of an upright citizen…. and at that point we were taught what this behavior looked like…and we just accepted it, without question [after all, we all want to be nice, right ?!] It is here that ‘good people’ can so easily be manipulated:- the simple acceptance that ‘authority’ knows what is right, and righteous… and so we just comply, abiding by our sense of Virtue, and the trust that we are being told ‘the Truth’ … It’s called ‘misdirection’ – if I show you a small offense, and tell you it’s the cause of all our wrongs, most would believe me…and if I now offer you a ‘solution’…why would you not trust me…
After all, I have placed myself as the authority of this subject, and have proven my trust by agreeing with you that we both know this horrible thing to be wrong… so, why question my solution…? [and never, never, never question who would benefit from this misdirection…certainly not you] Ah, poor innocent Noble Man, never once thinking that someone would take advantage of your pure nature, and so lead you to blindly accept what they want you to believe…you’re just too much of a ‘nice person’.
No, don’t think of me as being cynical, rather think for yourself… Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Krishna, Lao Tsu…and many others were all Great Masters, and so yes, we could – and should follow their teachings… but I don’t see any ‘great masters’ in those who influence our society, I don’t see many altruistic executives that support their flock instead of squeezing one more penny for their own profit… All I see is lies, and more lies, and a lot more misinformation…and so many good, good people being led astray…
So now it’s up to you – yes, each of you out there – all the ‘good people’ who just want to live a nice, fulfilling life…think for yourselves …don’t just accept that ‘authority’ is flawless – because it seldom is… Live, think, and act from your own Inner Wisdom… you have a lot to offer – you’re not just a puppet whose strings are pulled by skilled manipulators. [unless, of course, you find it reassuring to have your strings pulled]
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..
Planetary Affinity And The Seven Rays
by Bruce Johnson
Encore Publication: This article was first published in the June 2011 issue of our newsletter. We thank Bruce Johnson for allowing us to share his writings and insights into the ancient mysteries and the occult.
Egyptian astrologers taught that the sun, moon, and five visible planets were symbols and expressions of the seven primary color rays. All physical forms were said to correspond to, and be rooted in, one or another of these seven basic energies or powers. Let’s review the ancient order of these celestial bodies and their affinities in color, number, and geometric form.
The priests of Ra counted the Moon as the first planet. The moon signified the violet ray, and harmonized with the intermediate colors red/orange and yellow/orange. Seven was the number of the moon, with the heptagon and seven- pointed star as her forms.
Mercury, the planet of Thoth, was next. Mercury radiated the yellow ray, but also had rapport with the colors orange, violet, and yellow/green. Mercury was dual and corresponded to the number two. The symbol of infinity accurately represented the balanced and neutral nature of Mercury.
Venus, the companion planet of Earth, followed Mercury. Venus outpoured the indigo ray, as well as attuning to the colors green, red/orange, and red/violet. Venus conformed to the number six, manifesting in the shapes of the hexagon and the six- pointed star.
The Sun, although a star, occupied the central position in the Egyptian order of planets. Orange was the color of the Sun, who was also friendly with the colors red and yellow. The Sun was triple in nature, with the number three and the triangle as its natural expressions.
Mars the red planet was next in the sequence. Mars pulsed with the energy of the red ray, also resonating to the intermediate colors blue/green and indigo. Mars as the planet of beginnings was numbered one, with either the circle or point as his corresponding geometric symbol.
The giant planet Jupiter succeeded Mars in this esoteric astrological system. Jupiter emitted the color blue, and was sympathetic with the intermediate colors yellow/orange and red/violet. Jupiter vibrated to the number five, the pentagon, and the five- pointed star.
The ringed planet we call Saturn was the seventh and last of the planets. The color of Saturn was green, but Saturn was also compatible with the colors blue/green and violet. Saturn’s number was four, with the cross and the square as associated geometric structures.
Encyclopedia of Astrology by Nicholas DeVore is a classic of astrological information.
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.
Channeled from the I AM through Norma Mitchell
Norma Mitchell. As a spiritual counselor, medical intuitive, business consultant, medium, teacher and hypno-therapist with 30 years experience “Helping People Help Themselves”, Norma has appeared on television, radio talk shows and in newspaper articles. Norma’s experience is varied from individual sessions in person, phone and mail; teaching classes such as “Opening to Your Full Potential” and “Use Intuition to Increase Your Business”; helping people resolve addictions, enhance performance, alter life patterns and outdated beliefs through hypno-therapy and relaxation techniques; business consulting to troubleshoot, act as liaison between management and support personnel, screen applicants for hiring and personnel for promotions; speaker for business and social groups; and has been a guest counselor for a therapist’s talk show.The Bogeyman Cometh
by Mario C. Veo
It all started the night of the blizzard – a bitch if ever there was one, with winds howling so hard the very roof trembled, and w’all thought the last days’d come.
Ice had covered our crummy cottage [barely big enough for the five of us] and we all felt frozen to the bones… Pa had called to say he’d stay in town, ’cause the roads were so bad that he didn’t trust himself to drive safe [even though Ma thought he was just too drunk anyway, and he should’ve left earlier, before the storm…but we all knew he liked booze better than home…so, what’s we to do…? At least he wouldn’t be beating Ma again…] And so w’all huddled in front of our little pot-bellied stove to try an stay warm, or maybe just to snuggle together…y’know, for that thing they call ‘the human touch’ – not that we’d ever spoke about it, “We’s no sissies”, as Ou’pa used to say.
Ma had made this thin soup, with just a few bones and carrots and things, so we’d have some dinner, but there was no meat, no bread, no nothing else, and that’s when little joey started to fidget – hungry he was, though his belly looked full and big around, still he kept whining and mumbling and rocking from side to side, like he had something crawling inside of him that wanted to come out… And soon jenny started too – prob’ly cause joey did; she always copied him, y’know…the awful twins, they called them, and a truth that was…always finding mischief, and testing Ma’s patience.
So first she just looked at them – that look that told you’d better behave, or else… But did they stop ? heck no, they just got louder and more fidgety …now pushing and shoving each other, and their voices grating to a shrill… Noisy – too noisy for Ma….
So she smacked each a good one ’round their ears, just to calm them down a little…burn off their ‘excess energy’ like… Well, it’d worked before, but tonight seemed like everything was off, so J ’n J started crying, ’n slobbering, ’n making an even bigger noise than the storm out there…So I just thought I’d help and held each by the arms and shook them a little “If you brats don’t shut up, I’ll call the Boogeyman to come an eat you, skinny bones ‘n all”…
Well, that didn’t seem to work so good…Joey turned his red little face at me with a big angry frown, squinted his eyes and took a big breath, about to cry even louder… And would you believe it, just at that moment there was a loud knocking at the door, a boom, boom, boom… and this horrible sound, loud but twisted, garbled like… Joey stopped in mid-breath, Jenny started to tremble, and even Ma was shook up, with eyes getting big and round… and as I started for the door she held me back, shaking her head…
Boom, boom, boom… “Open up, or I’ll f***ing kill y’all”
Well, that did it for us – we all crawled together, with Ma holding us in her arms, shaking her head, like she had a nervous tick or something… all you’d hear was us just breathing like… with mouths open, so not to make a sound.
Boom, boom, boom …the door rattled and shook… and at that point the storm raged louder and louder, like an angry dog, fighting you for his bone… snarling and scratching like mad… The whole house felt assaulted, as branches tore off, bashing against the shuttered windows… Boom, boom….crash….it felt like parts of the ol tree upfront didn’t survive no longer, and must have smashed against the house… the wind got louder and stronger, rattling against the roof… hail pelted the house…and we all trembled, but quiet like… waiting for the boogeyman to come in, and kill us all…
It was a long and cold night, but none moved from the floor in front of the little pot-bellied stove, and whatever little warmth we could glean… Hours passed, and so did the storm…and in the chilly morning Ma stood up and went to the door , opening it just a little, still maybe afraid of what she’d see… Yes, the big ol tree had split and crashed just outside the door…smashing onto something…no, someone … sure was dead by now…
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.
Sunday, March 3
2:00 – 3:00 pm
A donation bowl will be available
A Spirit Channeling with Norma Mitchell. The Source (Spirit, or maybe you call her God) talks to us, and we need a channel through which to hear these messages. Norma is just that channel. The valuable information that comes through her is lovingly supportive and profound. Please join us for a small introduction to the beautiful and spiritual messages that come directly from Spirit. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Thursday, March 7
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
$1 a minute
Rejuvenating Chair Massage by Edna Garcia. We know how stressful your day-to-day life can be. Wouldn’t it be great to have a restful and calm place to go for a few minutes and get a rejuvenating massage from a certified and licensed massage therapist? Now you can take some time out from your busy life and invest in some self-care. One dollar a minute with a fifteen minute minimum is just the ticket. Call 303-758-9113 and reserve a time.
Sunday, March 10
10:15 – 11:15 am
A donation bowl will be available
The Intention Project with SuEllen Shepard. The Earth level isn’t always an easy one. Sometimes we see or hear about big world problems and we are left uneasy and not knowing what we can do. It seems too big. We feel overwhelmed or helpless. This is where intention comes in! 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. 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. Each month will have a different topic. Come join us for an hour of discussion and intention! Call Shining Lotus 303-758-9113 to register.
Sunday, March 10
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Free Presentation
Author Visit – Phoenix Jackson, author of The Spirit Of Business. Many want to start a business or take on a new endeavor… however our personal journey to entrepreneurship is much more than paperwork and providing a product or service. Many are not successful in their development of their enterprise or able to move to the next level within their lives because they do not take an accurate assessment of what the past has meant, what healing they may need, and how to begin the process. To reach the heights and to begin along a journey of success, one must take inventory of what has been their excuses up to now, look into where their self doubt lies, access their self worth and more. The Spirit Of Business guides the reader as they take this bold leap into manifesting a better future for themselves. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Sunday, March 17
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Free Presentation
SimpleTales™ Cosmic Astrology Monthly Update 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.
Sunday, March 24
10:15 – 11:15 am
A donation bowl will be available.
The Spirituality Of Abundance with Mario C. Veo. A donation bowl will be available. Life is filled with unlimited opportunities… It is up to each of us to receive all that is joyful and abundant. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Sunday, March 31
10:15 – 11:15 am
Free Presentation
Healing The Heart with Mario C. Veo. Life is often unfair, leaving us feeling hurt and betrayed. If we allow these negative experiences into our Heart, we will never trust again, never feel safe, never embrace the Love we truly deserve… for now doubt rules, and insecurity is our unfortunate belief. Heal your wounded Heart, and reclaim that which is rightfully yours. Call 303-758-9113 to register.
Please call 303-758-9113 if you have any questions about our schedule. Most of our events require a registration call to ensure your seat.