SHINING LOTUS™ METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE NEWSLETTER

The Original Metaphysical Bookstore, since 1972Shining Lotus logo

FEBRUARY 2017

2178 South Colorado Blvd, Denver Colorado 80222

303-758-9113

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in this issue

PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF FEBRUARY 2017 …………… by Sally Shotwell

JACOB’S LADDER AND THE LEVELS OF HEAVEN …………… by Bruce Johnson

YES, YOU REAP WHAT YOU SEW… BUT IS IT WORTH IT…?! …………… by Mario C. Veo

SIMPLETALES™ COSMIC ASTROLOGY MONTHLY UPDATE …………… with C. A. Brooks

THE SECRET TO EFFECTIVE MANIFESTATION – $10 WORKSHOP …………… with Mario C. Veo

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WE HAVE FOUND A COUPLE OF POSSIBLE SITES, BUT HAVE NOT FINALIZED A LEASE YET… STAY TUNED!!!

Movingby Tim Johnson 

Our shopping center has been scheduled for demolition in 2017, so we will be moving soon. The new owners of the property have planned a very large apartment complex on our block and most of the existing buildings will be torn down. We have been diligently searching for our new home but are unable to announce it yet. We will make sure that you know where we will be once we sign a lease.
We are looking forward to a successful and prosperous New Year, wishing the same for you, and we will continue striving to bring you the very best and latest in products and services in the Metaphysical World.

Thank you for your support and concern,

Tim, Justin and Gayle

MOVING SALE

30% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE

Sat. February 4, 2017 through Sat. February 18

PLEASE COME IN AND BUY STUFF SO WE WON’T HAVE TO PACK IT AND MOVE IT.
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO GET THOSE STATUES AND JEWELRY THAT YOU WANT AT FANTASTIC LOW PRICES.

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http://tinyurl.com/LLEdinner

livinglightevents.org

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PLANETS AND POSSIBILITIES: A LOOK AT THE ASTROLOGY OF FEBRUARY 2017
by Sally Shotwell

Planets-PossibilitiesWe’re now in the midst of Aquarian territory with the Sun(our consciousness) in the process of attuning us to our need for community. This is the sign of impersonal humanitarian efforts to bring us together for the betterment of all. It is  symbolized by the Water Bearer who showers brilliant ideas down on us, guiding us to know where our interests lie. It’s a fixed air sign so we must be sensitive to the fact that, by being associated with electricity and technology, the emotional component in any equation may be overlooked. Let’s make room for our own feelings as well as those of others as we pursue exciting new agendas.
Are we concerned that we are not able to express ourselves to those we’re in contact with?
Have we identified individuals or groups to share our values with?

This month we have many opportunities to expand our frame of reference with dynamic planets triggering each other to encourage us to become proactive in our lives. We also have two eclipses which are always noted to deliver unexpected endings and beginnings which modify the landscape of our lives.

February 2 Mercury(our thought processes) is still in earthy, conservative Capricorn and fiinds himself in an awkward staring contest with expansive Jupiter in airy, harmony-seeking Libra whose focus is relationships. To add to the mixes signals, beautiful Venus heads into fiery, assertive Aries on the 3rd. She’s ready for adventure so we may surprise ourselves with being drawn to uncharacteristically lively encounters. We feel a little more muted as mental Mercury enters cool Aquarius on the 7th and logic takes hold. Also, Jupiter turns backward the 5th, turning us inward.
Are we experiencing restlessness in our relationships?
Are we considering re-configuring them?

barebackriderFebruary 9, the Sun and innovative Uranus in Aries give us lots of clues as to how we may personally embrace our potential while releasing self-doubt. This allows us to consider how we may be of service to others through developing our own gifts.
February 10, Mercury and venus are networking together, nicely preparing us to take advantage of the Moon(our unconscious) finding herself in a Full Moon(culmination) Lunar Eclipse in fiery, creative Leo. She is opposite the Sun in collective-oriented Aquarius and reminds us that, in spite of the apparent contradiction, we are not being selfish as we work toward achieving our individuality. Our strength contributes greatly to the larger whole. The Sabian Symbol states: “In a circus the bareback rider displays her dangerous skills; The audacity and perseverance required to control and play with powerful energies of the vital realm in human existence.
Are we recognizing our unique attributes?

The Sun and Jupiter give us a hand February 11, as they imbue us with optimism, sharing their positive support. This is furthered by the Sun and realistic Saturn in fiery, belief-oriented Sagittarius on February 13. They concretize the opportunities awaiting us. We’re being validated!

PiscesBetween February 16 and 21, Mercury has happy meetings first with dynamic Mars, lending accuity to our communications with others. He then gets in touch with Uranus, inspiring us to venture forward. Wrapping up this networking is Jupiter adding his gravitas to the message. We’re being directed to move beyond our established boundaries.
All this contributes to the import of the Sun’s entrance into watery, transcendent Pisces February 18. This sign’s symbol is two fish swimming in different directions in the ocean which is endless. Its ruling planet is dreamy, otherworldly Neptune who is associated with compassion as well as illusion. He can carry us to realms way beyond dualism but he may also trap us in escapism. Let’s continue to connect with the mundane world which is where we’re able to gain self-knowledge. Realistically studying our relationships to our whole environment opens our eyes to how we perceive things.
Are we spending time in natural settings?

JockeyFebruary 22 we’re glad we employ grounding practices as Mars in Aries and Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, in Capricorn do not play well together. They throw themselves into a psychodrama which we may find nerve-wracking. Let’s keep the Rescue Remedy handy.
February 25 Mercury enters Pisces, pouring cool water over our thoughts, preparing us for the New Moon(new beginnings) Solar Eclipse in Pisces on the 26th. It’s Sabian message entreats is to release the superfluous stuff which gets in the way of achieving self-actualization. “A jockey spurs his horse intent on outlasting his rivals: Intense mobilization of energy and skill in the drive for success in any social performance affected by the competitive spirit.” Volatile Mars and Uranus join forces as this eclipse is taking place and our ability to zero in on our agenda aids us in retaining our equilibrium during these fireworks. Busy Mars then gets Jupiter involved in a tussle on the 26th, so we need to continue to take care of our own business. Knowing that we are in charge of our responses to external circumstances and remain centered is very reassuring indeed. This how far we’ve evolved!

Blessings!

Sally Shotwell is a life-long student of esoteric spirituality with an undying thirst for knowledge. Her focus on studies in Astrology have spanned decades, and have included studying with Mario C. Veo, John Joseph, Mark Husson and C. A. Brooks.

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JACOB’S LADDER AND THE LEVELS OF HEAVEN
by Bruce Johnson

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

LadderBlakeChapter 28 in the Book of Genesis tells the story of Jacob’s journey to Haran and his mystical dream while sleeping with a stone as a pillow. Jacob dreamt of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending the ladder. The symbolism of the Ladder to Paradise is universal, and is referred to in many ancient and modern religions.

The ladder, like the step pyramid, links the earth plane to the realms of spirit through a series of rungs or levels, often seven in number. Each rung or level indicates a plane of life, a spiritual initiation, a planetary sphere, a color ray, a musical note, and a step into a higher plane of conscious awareness. Above the highest step of the ladder is God, or the cosmic consciousness one gains by ascending beyond the top rung of the Ladder of Life.

Like Jacob, the Biblical seer Enoch saw the Kingdom of Heaven in a vision, along with its divisions. He was lifted up on a cloud, as the wind raised him into the uppermost levels of the Celestial Worlds. After leaving Jerusalem on their famous night journey, the Prophet Mohammed and the angel Gabriel visited each of the seven heavens. They flew to each of the heavens and met and talked with the prophets of God who dwelt on each level. They then entered Paradise, and Mohammed experienced the joy possible for the one attuned to Allah, before they returned to the earth plane. Allegorically, Mohammed was said to have climbed a “Ladder of Silken Cords”.

eyeofhorusThe Egyptian sun god Horus set up a ladder to the Crystal Heaven and surmounted the physical world. Buddhist teachings include a ladder of different colored rungs that symbolize the seven planetary spheres above Earth. The initiates into the mysteries of Mithra climbed a seven-rung planetary ladder, with every rung made from a different metal. Shamans of northern Europe substituted a pole with seven notches for the seven- rung ladder of the ancients. Rosicrucian’s and Kabbalist’s have their own forms of the Ladder of Spiritual Ascent, with each rung corresponding to one of the seven sacred planets. Occult symbolism shows Jacob’s ladder as the spine, with the seven rungs as the major chakras.

Ladders have practical significance as well. Check out some examples used by fireman at www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org.

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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YES, YOU REAP WHAT YOU SEW… BUT IS IT WORTH IT…?!
by Mario C. Veo

jungle_boyThere is a little village at the very edge of the jungle that’s been left alone and ignored forever… and because of this the people are happy – you see, they know no better.
This is the story of a little boy who lives here(let’s call him Untu). As a child of nature he loved to roam around naked as the day he was born, playing in the mud by the river, or seeking to find the elusive morning bird( you know, the one that’s always first to welcome the new day, and wakes you up each morning).

He thought his life was blissful… until the day that the Trader arrived, and brought with him ‘clothes’. Oh, what strange articles these were, precious and colorful beyond description, they were desired by all… who freely paid whatever the Trader wanted for this wonderful luxury.

…and, to make it even more special, they were sold only to those who were the best in the village, only the richest, prettiest, strongest were allowed to buy these ‘clothes’… but(so as to not create unnecessary discord), the rest were given just pieces of cloth, and told to make their own.

Yes, many agreed, it was only right that the best of them should have such magnificent articles… while the rest had to make do with the remnants… after all, if you worked hard and put aside your old ways, you too could make your own ‘clothes’. Of course, there was a catch – no one was given enough cloth to actually make ‘clothes’, nor were they provided with thread and needle…
All that will come next time I get back here,” said the Trader, “In the meanwhile, work hard and look up to your betters, and they will tell you how to succeed… be just like them and you too can have ‘clothes’.
And he left… but the little village was in shambles – greed, envy, jealousy… ran amok, dividing this little peaceful tribe until violence erupted… and so the Elders, in the (ehm) ‘wisdom’ decided that only they(and, of course, their family and friends) should have ‘clothes’…
Well, they were the ‘special ones’ in the tribe, and so it kind’a made sense…

And so everyone agreed… and willingly gave up their ‘gifts’ from the Trader.

The next day, the Elders paraded themselves in their colorful attire… Oh, but look, so did the pretty ones, the strong ones, the rich ones…
They are part of our family… of course they should also be honored,” explained the Elders, “If you complain and disagree, it just shows how petty you really are, how uncaring you are, who wrong you are… and if you still persist, well then, you give us no choice but to feed you to the crocodiles…“.

And so it went, day after day the division grew more and more pronounced… except for a few who chose to believe in the (ehm) ‘wisdom’ of their Elders… and yes, this is the story of Untu who was such a good little boy and was the first to blindly follow his leaders…
So he worked harder and harder, even late into the night… no rest for him, no fun, no pleasure, no laughter either… And, the next time the Trader came, here was Untu, proud of his achievements, he was the first to give the Trader all his coin… and yes, the Trader did give him another piece of cloth – and even a rusty and twisted needle as a ‘prize’, but had no thread to spare.
Too bad that the cloths did not match in color… and that Untu was not shown how to make ‘clothes’.
Well, that comes later, my boy,” said the Trader, “What!? Are you so greedy that you want it all at once? Go away, you shameful child before I take it all away!
And Untu left, clutching his pieces of cloth, for they were precious, and he did not want to lose them.

Year after year he worked, and collected all that he needed… working ever harder until finally, late in his age, he now had enough to make his precious ‘clothes’… all with different colors, and broken threads, and lopsided sleeves… but hey, they were ‘clothes’.
The following day he too went out around the village, parading himself with all the pretty ones, the strong ones, the wealthy ones… except he was now old, and feeble, and not at all pretty nor wealthy… but he did have ‘clothes’.
Reflect well on what you have, and what you want… and why… for such is the price you will pay.

This month’s classes are dedicated to man’s folly, and how easily he is manipulated… even if he’s kind and gentle and hard working… Ask yourself “In the end, is it worthwhile to blindly follow others'(ehm) ‘wisdom’?

Mario’s Tuesday classes in February

ANGER AND ARROGANCE… THE FASTEST WAY TO PERSONAL DESTRUCTION
     Feb 7, 2017  —  6:30 – 8pm  —  $25.

DON’T BE A VICTIM… OR, HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR DEEPEST FEARS
     Feb 14, 2017  —  6:30 – 8pm  —  $25.

ONCE AND FOR ALL: BE IN CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE!
     Feb 28, 2017  —  6:30 – 8pm  —  $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 Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

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SIMPLETALES™ COSMIC ASTROLOGY MONTHLY UPDATE
with C. A. Brooks

Sunday, February 5, 2017.   2 – 3 pm.   FREE PRESENTATION
CA Brooks 2014If 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.

C. A. BROOKS
has been a student of astrology for 25 years and a professional Astrologer for more than two decades. Her astrological experience was started by a series of classes from Colorado’s leading astrology expert, Gayle Bachicha in the 1980s at the Metaphysical Bookstore. In addition to astrology, her training includes Instinctive Feng Shui, Space and Clutter Clearing, Voyager Tarot, and Animal Communications, working closely with animal communicator, Joan Ranquet.

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THE SECRET TO EFFECTIVE MANIFESTATION
$10 WORKSHOP with Mario C. Veo

Sunday, February 12, 2017.   2 – 3 pm.   $10.

thankfulThere are literally hundreds of books on ‘Manifestation’, each with their own unique techniques, and they all claim to be powerful and effective… So – if this is the case, how come so many of us still struggle to manifest health/wealth/love/inner peace…?! The answer may surprise you…(you see, it’s not them, it’s you… or rather, what’s inside you…) Call 303-758-9113 to register.

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 Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

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