
February
2026
2553 S. Colorado Blvd. Unit 104
Denver Colorado 80222
303-758-9113
The Original Metaphysical Bookstore since 1972
303-758-9113
in this issue...
THE NUMBER 13
by Bruce Johnson
© Bruce Johnson. Reprinted – Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter, May 2011.
Light from the lantern of Esoteric Science frees our minds from medieval superstitions connected with the number 13. Let’s review this number that unfortunately is synonymous with death and bad luck for many people in the west.
The mystical meaning of the number 13 was unknown to the uneducated masses of 14th century Europe. Thirteen people were present at the Last Supper which preceded the death of Jesus. The death of Jesus took place on a Friday, rendering it unlucky and negative to early Christians. Thirteen was seen by many European Christians as a number of death, unlucky fate, and treachery.
On Friday the 13th– 1307, Phillip the 4th of France initiated fabricated charges of heresy that resulted in the arrests and tortures of the Knights Templar’s of that country. With the blessing of Pope Clement the 5th, Templar property was stolen and Templar’s were killed and hideously tortured by the” Holy Inquisition”. This tragedy further reinforced the growing superstition that 13 was an unlucky number.
The 13th card of Tarot’s Major Arcana is the death and rebirth card. The death aspect is too often accented by exoteric tarot readers to the exclusion of the equally present rebirth and renewal quality of the card. Occult study shows death and rebirth to be expressions of the continuous motion and change of life.
The Phoenix is a positive example of the number 13, as it symbolizes renewal, and rebirth from the ashes of death. The Initiate who experiences allegorical death and mystical rebirth of the soul, is another example of the positive nature of the number 13. A circle of 12 stones with a central stone in the middle, expresses the number 13, and is a microcosmic symbol of our macrocosm. To the astrologer and occultist, it is a symbol of oneness expressing itself in 12 manifestations.
Thirteen is the number of unity in the Kabalah.
Our Masonic forefathers understood the positive meaning of the number 13, and used it frequently in the Great Seal of the United States. The fact that there were 13 original colonies is not the reason 13 was used so extensively on the obverse and reverse of our Great Seal. The Secret Destiny of America- by Manly P. Hall, examines our Great Seal, along with the founding and important role of the United States.
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.
SOUL PAINTINGS
by Bob Romero
One of my first articles was on angel card readings and how they are usually spot on, especially as you do more. It helps your intuition increase. Most metaphysical shops carry all kinds of oracle cards including angel oracle cards. The Shining Lotus also has many used decks, some of which are from Doreen Virtue. I have collected many of her decks from the Shining Lotus until she stopped making them. So, I started looking for other sources and I found some delightful ones from Melanie Beckler. They are very positive, not in a Pollyanna sense, but because they are in alignment with Spirit. Lately I started doing name angel card readings and name numerology at the Majick Soul in Lafayette Colorado for cash donations that I use to buy healthy food for Sister Carmen’s Food Bank in Lafayette.
Recently a woman came in and wanted to have an angel card reading. She was full of enthusiasm, and I could sense her positive energy. She said that her name is Summer Allen and is an intuitive painter and that she was working on a soul painting. She suggested that I choose the deck and I selected the “Ask Angels” deck by Melanie Beckler. I like that card deck because each card is associated with a crystal. She chose two cards, one for opportunity and the other for results. As I flipped over the cards her eyes got big. Not only did the readings from the guidebook for those two cards resonate with her, but the cards had images that were eerily similar to the images that she had just added to her painting. I am showing the cards and part of the painting to illustrate this. I also want to thank Summer for being so generous in letting me use her painting for this article. You can see her work at summerallenstudio.com.
In the first card were stars that she had just felt the intuitive need to add. I enlarged that part of the painting to show the stars. The card said “Enter Into The Void” with archangel Uriel which to me felt like the cosmos and the stillness when you meditate or are engrossed in a project.
The second card was even more amazing. I circled the image on the card and on the painting to show the similarities, and this was another image that she had just added. Plus, the second card said “Soul Power” again with archangel Uriel, which to me is indicative of the fact that she has intuition to do soul paintings. The guidebook states that “You are here on Earth now to tune into your vast past experience as a soul and spiritual being to bring this light to the surface in the physical realm”. It goes on to say “As your frequency increases more and more, your gifts, strengths, and abilities naturally rise to the surface. With increased awareness, you allow the gifts and power of your soul to shine through”. Summer said that she hadn’t connected archangel Uriel before. Some days later though, she said that when she mentioned what had happened with her client, the client said that she worked with archangel Uriel all the time.
I also used Chaldean numerology on her name and one of the characteristics of her name is artist. To me, all of this goes beyond synchronicity. While I’m still amazed, I’m not surprised. These are direct messages from the angels and Spirit. You just can’t make this stuff up.
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.
FEBRUARY 2026 ASTROLOGY UPDATE
by Roy Neal

We begin the month of February with a Full Moon in the sign of Leo on Sunday, February 1st. Our emotional need to connect with experiences that bring us joy and open our hearts will prove to be the most rewarding. We need to balance a desire for independence and autonomy with social experiences of friendship and fellowship.
Uranus goes direct in Taurus on Tuesday, February 3rd. This is a signal to make necessary changes in our work, goals and daily activities.
Mercury enters Pisces on Friday, February 6th. Our intuition will be essential in our decisions and communication involving others.
A Last Quarter Phase Moon occurs in Scorpio on Monday, February 9th. Knowing about the best time to let go of control will be spiritually and emotionally supported by the help of others as Venus enters the sign of Pisces on Tuesday, February 10th. We will benefit personally by being compassionate and helping others.
Saturn enters Aries on Friday, February 13th. Owning and honoring the truth of who we are and cultivating healthy boundaries will help us as well as others successfully reach our goals. Loving detachment and self-reliance are favored.
A New Moon/Solar Eclipse occurs in Aquarius on Tuesday, February 17th. New beginnings in social activities with friends and groups is indicated. Community oriented events and activities are favored.
The Sun enters the sign of Pisces on Wednesday, February 18th. Trusting our inner guidance and focusing on actions, activities and relationships that nourish our soul will prepare us for a soul-inspired and successful experience of life.
A First Quarter Phase Moon occurs in Gemini on Tuesday, February 24th. Changes in our way of thinking and communicating are stimulated by a trine with Pluto and Mercury going retrograde on Wednesday, February 25th. Delaying any major decisions until all the facts are known is recommended.
Roy Neal is a professional astrologer with a private practice in the Denver area. If you would like to know more about how this month impacts you personally, call Roy at 720-962-4633 and schedule an update of your individual birth chart.
AQUARIUS the Water Bearer in 2026
by Roy Neal
January 19 to February 18
The Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aquarius on Monday, January 19th. Aquarius is an air sign ruled by the planet Uranus. Saturn was the original ruler of Aquarius until Uranus was discovered in 1781. Uranus is called “the Awakener.” Uranus symbolizes a turning point in the evolution of human consciousness.
We will soon have Mercury, Venus and Mars all entering the sign of Aquarius. Evolution and revolution will be experienced in our personal and daily affairs. A time of personal and social change is at hand.
Independence, innovation and the willingness to do things differently will be essential for our survival. We benefit by seeking the comfort and company of friends and family that nourish our soul. Some form of prayer and spiritual practice is recommended for our mental and emotional wellness.
______________________________________________
Aquarius’ most popular Energetic Healing and Spiritual Power Gemstones
Amazonite, Amethyst, Apophyllite, Blue Aventurine, Barite, Dumortierite, Rainbow Fluorite, Sodalite, Stichtite
Roy Neal is a professional astrologer with a private practice in the Denver area. If you would like to know more about how this month impacts you personally, call Roy at 720-962-4633 or email him at rneal2748@aol.com and schedule an update of your individual birth chart.
