
July
2026
2553 S. Colorado Blvd. Unit 104
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The Original Metaphysical Bookstore since 1972
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in this issue...
THE TOWER AND URANUS
by Bruce Johnson
© 2014 Bruce Johnson – Reprinted with permission – Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter November 2014.
The universal truths of the tarot are reflected in many ways through varied translations. Interpreting the Tower card esoterically for an advanced soul reverses the traditional account of destruction and catastrophe, into one of great good fortune. Uranus, symbolic of soul intelligence expressed as a sudden lightning bolt of divine fire from heaven, is more present in the Tower card than in any other tarot card.
The Tower symbolizes a human personality, individual and apparently separated, looking out through unlit windows of perception. The individual is nevertheless spiritually advanced, indicated by the Tower reaching up to heaven, and its location on a mountaintop, a traditional place of spiritual revelation. Esoterically, the Tower card symbolizes a point when the limited human self has a major divine contact with the greater self or soul, and experiences a life-changing spiritual illumination and transformation as a result.
This inflow of three-fold soul power has dramatic and multiple effects. The divine intuitive mind and human concrete mind are blended and unified into one consciousness. The human mind, signified by the yellow crown, is dethroned as the ruler of the personality by the soul. The impurities of the physical and astral bodies, and their influences, represented by the red and blue figures, are expelled by the inrush of divine intelligence. Spiritual fires within the individual are awakened, including the fires of the head chakras shown by the flames in three windows and on the top of the tower.
The alchemist’s furnace can be seen in the tower with its spiritual fires of purification and transformation distilling out the pure essence of the individual. Smoke, composed of fire and air elements, is present as a by-product of the transmutation process. Reflected droplets of divine fire like dew from heaven, descend for the benefit of others climbing the mountain below.
Astrologically, Uranus rules the 11th house of group relations and creative change through group work. Uranus is the ruler of the sign Aquarius, and radiates the violet flame color ray. Uranus is one of the seven sacred planets in Esoteric Astrology, and one of the seven chakras of the Solar Logos of our solar system. The violet ray is a ray of synthesis. It relates and blends physical forces with spiritual energies. The violet ray is very important to spiritual growth in that it unifies the higher and lower selves. The violet ray is used to stimulate and develop an occult consciousness that understands the causations behind manifestation. It is the ray most related to creative and positive ceremonial magic.
The book – From Intellect to Intuition, by Alice A. Bailey, further reveals the nature of the intuitive higher mind.
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.
Rare Used Books about Astrology and Tarot are sometimes available for purchase at the Shining Lotus.
The Sabian Symbols in Astrology – by Dr. Marc Edmund Jones. $18 Trade Paperback
— Illustrated by 1000 Horoscopes of well known people — First written in 1953, and now integrated into astrological work globally. For each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac: a symbolical picture, psychological significance, key-word and positive and negative influences.
Hermetic Astrology: Volume 1 Astrology and Reincarnation – by Robert Powell. $14 Trade Paperback.
— “the ancient hermetic mystery wisdom of the stars stemming from the primal astrological revelation of the Egyptian sage Hermes Trismegistus.”
The Meaning of Tarot – by David Hoy. $45 Hard Cover signed by Author.
— “Human Nature has always sought the unknown, and the role of Tarot remains a fascinating method of divining the past, the present, and the future.” Regardless of their origin, Tarot cards became an influential factor in the lives of many kings, philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists.
Tarot Classic – by Stuart R. Kaplan. $60 first edition Hard Cover.
— An unusually important and authoritative work, Tarot Classic traces the evolution of tarot cards from their many reputed origins (Egypt, India, China, Morocco) to the seventy-eight-card Tarot Classic deck, a newly-printed (in 1972) eighteenth century deck based upon original woodcuts.
HEALERS
by Bob Romero
At a recent physical exam, my doctor asked about me about the different healing modalities that I was using. I told her that I see my chiropractor every four weeks, my acupuncturist every three weeks, Reiki from several practitioners, and a Reiki massage once a month. She told me that I should spread them out so that I have continuous treatment. I was a little surprised hearing that from a medical doctor, but I had gotten an e-mail from the health system that she belongs to, stating that they now have two acupuncturists and one Reiki master on staff. I thought that finally Western Medicine is opening up to other types of complimentary healing. I also mentioned that I had been experimenting with sound healing with tuning forks and Tibetan singing bowls, but I thought that they may affect my pacemaker. I also mentioned that the expert author of a book about tuning forks cautioned about using tuning forks and sound bowls with medical implants. My doctor advised me to follow the author’s guidelines and try other modes of sound healing like binaural beats or using my voice.
I didn’t mention that I also listen to more famous therapists online including their YouTube channels as well as their websites. Then it dawned on me that all these healers have come about their abilities in three different ways, either they’ve had a near-death experience, they are born with it, or they developed it. Those who have had a near-death experience usually become very famous because they share their experience with the world and that experience has granted them unbelievable power in helping people. This then expedites them into having workshops and seminars in which people are miraculously cured, and they pass on their knowledge to others on how to heal themselves and others. Those who born with these abilities may have come from a family lineage of healers or perhaps from a previous life. They too can produce amazing results. Then there are those who developed their gifts by studying different methods of traditional and holistic healing which includes formal training. This includes doctors, scientists, and specialized healers in all fields. Some healers may be a combination of two or all three. And there are also so many different alternative treatments as I discovered at:
https://www.heallist.com/resources/holistic-modalities
Some healing practices are new, and some have been around for thousands of years. Lately, although it’s been around for centuries, sound therapy is being used more and more as more studies are being done. I just listened to a webinar on the Shift Network by physicist John Stewart Reid on sound healing and cymatics which is sound visualization. What was amazing was that with an instrument that he invented called the CymaScope, he applied different frequencies that he discovered in an Egyptian pyramid, to sand and the grains formed Egyptian hieroglyphics. He found that the frequency of 117 Hz (Notice that it resolves to 9) healed his back pain while he was in the pyramid. He also said that music that we love will reduce cortisol and helps our body produce nitric oxide and dopamine which help us feel better and that low frequencies are optimal for vagus nerve stimulation. The music of Anders Holte was part of the webinar and I found it very soothing.
There are also many self-healing techniques such as nutrition, yoga, breathing, chanting, meditation, deep sleeping, and tapping (EFT) to name a few. Nikola Tesla said that the keys to the universe are energy, frequency and vibration. I think that it’s the same for healing. So, moving the energy to where it’s needed in the body will help that part of the body. Energy healing like Reiki will undoubtably help in some form or another. We just have to be open to receiving that energy and getting rid of limitations and beliefs that we have been subjected to by others and society as well as by ourselves, because in the end we all are healers and we all have these gifts that need to be developed.
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.
JULY 2026 ASTROLOGY UPDATE
by Roy Neal

We begin the month of July with Mercury retrograde in Cancer and Venus and Jupiter in the sign of Leo. Because Jupiter symbolizes the opportunity to learn and grow we are encouraged to learn more about the experience of love, creative self-expression and personal relationships. Reflecting on better ways to articulate our feelings and share them with loved ones and family members will assist us in this experience.
The Moon enters the sign of Aquarius on Wednesday, July 1st. We are encouraged to find a balance between our Cancer need for emotional security and our desire for independence. This is particularly true as we experience Mars conjunction Uranus on Saturday, July 4th.
One of the challenges of this day is indicated by the Moon entering the sign of Pisces. Helping others may become necessary if people choose to engage in personal as well as collective fireworks. So much depends on how we celebrate our independence. Calmer feelings are likely to prevail by Sunday, July 5th.
Neptune goes retrograde in Aries on Tuesday, July 7th. Reflecting on different ways of emotionally responding rather than reacting is encouraged while Neptune and Mercury continue their retrograde motion.
Venus enters Virgo on Thursday, July 9th. Work, finances and health concerns will demand our attention.
A New Moon occurs in Cancer on Tuesday, July 14th. A new approach to emotionally experiencing our friends and family members will invite us to express more of what we are needing and feeling.
A First Quarter Phase Moon in Libra occurs on Tuesday, July 21st. This is an opportunity to celebrate shared activities that are likely to produce mutual satisfaction.
The Sun enters Leo on Wednesday. July 22nd. We benefit by focusing on people and things that open our hearts and bring us joy.
Mercury goes direct in Cancer on Thursday, July 23rd. It should now be easier to finalize plans for travel and adventure.
Saturn goes retrograde in Aries on Sunday, July 26th. We may need to re-evaluate our projects and goals for the future.
A Full Moon occurs in Aquarius on Wednesday, July 29th. Social and group activities are favored. New friends may prove intellectually stimulating and insightful.
Roy Neal is available for personal chart updates and additional astrological insights by calling his land line at 720-962-4633 or emailing him at rneal2748@aol.com.
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.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANCER
by Roy Neal
June 21 to July 20
The Sun enters the zodiac sign of Cancer on Sunday, June 21st. This event symbolizes the beginning of the Summer season and is known as the Summer Solstice. This is also Father’s Day.
Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon. The key phrase for Cancer is “I Feel.” The Cancer soul is sensitive and emotional; their desire is to nurture and protect their family members and loved ones. Home, family and emotional security is their primary focus.
The Cancer person is a good cook. Their desire is to nurture and care for others. If you are fortunate to be a friend or family member of a Cancer soul you will rarely go hungry or lack for shelter and a safe place to call home.
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Cancer’s most popular Energetic Healing and Spiritual Power Gemstones
Aragonite, White Chalcedony, Jade, Marble, Moonstone, Opal, Girasol Quartz, Ruby and Selenite
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.
