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
__________________________________
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
______________________
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
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.
______________________
______________________
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
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’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.
______________________
______________________
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.
______________________
______________________
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES..REVISITED
by Mario C. Veo
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…” 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.
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…
______________________
______________________
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.”
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.
______________________
CHANGE, GROW & PROSPER…OR NOT – THE CHOICE IS YOURS
by Mario C. Veo
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
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 .
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 . 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.
______________________
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.
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 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.
______________________
Shining Lotus™ Events and Classes in July
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!!!
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.
Sunday, July 8, 2018 2:00 to 3:30 pm free presentation & book signing
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 22, 2018 2:00 to 3:00 pm free presentation
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.
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.