Welcome New Subscribers!
Sending a big thank you to all the 41 new subscribers who have been waiting to get their first issue of WINGS. It's great to have you here.
I
hope you're gonna love it. Maybe you'll even be inspired to invite your
friends, or forward a copy to them, if you wish! Please do (there's a
link at the bottom to make it easy). The more, the merrier!
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Soul Mates, Part One
Soul Mates © Benjamin Shiff
As you might imagine, the number one, most popular topic for a Tarot reading is love.
Is love coming? Is it ending? Where, when, who, how, why, why not? The questions about relationships are endless.
And here's one specialty subject regarding love that comes up again and again -- soul mates!
What do you believe about "soul mates?"
After these many decades of hearing about it and working with countless
thousands of the love-lorn I have a few ideas. (Of course, your mileage may vary!)
Soul Mates are Real
I believe in reincarnation, so I do believe that we meet people from
past lifetimes. I myself have experienced that powerful, mysterious click that happens with someone who is supposed to be a total stranger, but somehow .. isn't. Really, really isn't.
But There's a Catch!
The problem is, the mysterious pull of this Someone Special, as intense
and profoundly unique as it is, can leave us fairly defenseless. Many
people often end up making very unwise, even bitter decisions as a
result of these encounters.
In fact, our culture is pretty naive about relationships that stay connected across the veils of death and rebirth.
Some insist that such encounters can't be real. But then, how DO you explain that persistent, uncanny knowing about someone - and their almost spooky understanding of you?
And lately, popular culture is making matters worse, capitalizing and
over-dramatizing these extraordinary experiences by turning them into
vampire stories or tales of doomed romance.
We have so few tools or skills to understand or cope with such
powerful, and very real contacts. For many of us, belief in the idea of
souls who meet and recognize one another across lifetimes is not
something that was practiced in our family of origin, or our childhood
faith teachings.
And therein is a powerful clue about how to proceed. Stay tuned -- next
month, I'll share some of the insights I have gained over the years.
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 Networking Spotlight on...
Cherry Hill Summer Courses
You don't have to identify yourself as a Witch or a Pagan, or as a graduate-level seminary student to be enriched by the outstanding courses that Cherry Hill Seminary offers.
Anyone who is interested expanding their understanding of
modern non-mainstream spirituality will find that Cherry Hill's classes
are brilliant offerings that feed both mind and spirit. And this
Summer's Foundations courses are truly exceptional this year.
The Foundations sessions are short courses
(usually four weeks) with a narrow focus on a specific topic. All
Foundations courses are available to the general public, which means you
don't have to go through a more formal student application process for
admission.
They are perfect for the life-long learner and for people who want to
delve deeper into special subjects. Plus, Cherry Hill offers
unparalleled access to instructors with real-world scholarship and
proven academic excellence.
For instance, if you have ever been curious about the tradition known
as Norse or Heathenism, you couldn't find a more skillful, in-depth
introduction than the Monday evening (EDT) classes the Scott Mohnkern,
J.D. will be teaching. Mohnkern is the author of a number of books and
articles that can be found on his blog, The Modern Heathen.
In his " Introduction to Northern European Pagan Traditions,"
he will be providing an overview of the ethics and philosophy of this
sometimes enigmatic tradition that has often separated itself from the
rest of the Pagan community, instead establishing their own religious
and social practices. To learn more, and perhaps register, go here.
Or perhaps you would like to learn more about two of the most important elders in American Witchcraft - Victor and Cora Anderson.
In "Pagan Ancestors and Elders: Victor and Cora Anderson," Dr. Christine Kraemer will be discussing the founders of the Anderson Feri (or Faery) tradition.
Despite its small size, Feri has had a tremendous impact on the Pagan movement through well-known figures such as Gwydion Pendderwen (a musician and teacher who helped develop the modern genre of Pagan music), Alison Harlow (co-founder of Covenant of the Goddess), theologian and activist Starhawk, teacher and writer T. Thorn Coyle, teacher and writer Macha Nightmare, and many others.
Dr. Kraemer is the Chair of Theology and Religious History at Cherry
Hill, and is a perennial favorite instructor, so sign up right away!
This is likely to be a very popular offering!
Last, but not least, you might want to check out " Burning Man: Rethinking Ritual, Spirituality, and Culture," with Dr. Lee Gilmore, author of the acclaimed " Theatre in a Crowded Fire." 
Who are "the burners?" What is the Burning Man Festival really
about and why are similar mini-events now popping up all across the
country? If you've been curious about the deep history and broader
context of the huge annual phenomenon of Burning Man, or wondered about its broader cultural and even para-religious overtones, you will love this course!
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 Green Living:
Sunscreen Follow-Up
Just in time for outdoor Summertime activities, I have an update for
you, regarding the concerns about sunscreens that I wrote about in my September, 2010 issue of WINGS.
Some progress was made in 2011 when the Food and Drug Administration
announced new regulations that will ban misleading terms like
"sunblock," "sweatproof" and "waterproof" on sunscreen labels.
Enforcement will not go into effect until after this Summer, but it's a
step in the right direction.
The problem has been that these terms create a false sense of safety, and are downright untrue, since no lotion will block all the sun, and all of them wash off in water or when we sweat.
The Environmental Working Group,
a consumer protection and information organization, recently noted,
"Only a quarter of the more than 800 beach and sports sunscreens [we]
analyzed for our 2012 Sunscreen Guide meet our standards for
effectiveness and safety.
"But we're happy to report that's actually progress! The sunscreen
industry is taking notice. This time last year we could only recommend
20 percent of the sun protection products we evaluated, and in 2010 it
was even worse: just 1-in-12."
While this is good news, they warn, "A quarter of this year's products
still contain vitamin A ingredients that accelerate the growth of skin
tumors and lesions on sun-exposed skin, according to recent government
studies.
"Also, 56 of the products we reviewed had no
active ingredients that protect against the sun's damaging UVA rays. And
the industry continues to load store shelves with sunscreens that claim
misleading, sky-high SPF ratings that may protect against
sunburn-causing UVB rays but leave skin vulnerable to UVA."
I have myself undergone Mohs microsurgery for basal skin cancer. Don't let the "micro" part fool you. It is not tiny, and it is absolutely no fun. And of course, basal skin cancer is the least destructive kind.
Get educated and protect yourself and your family, while also keeping
hazardous chemicals away from your skin and out of our environment.
Remember -
Every little bit makes a world of difference!
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Have YOU Got a Birthday Coming Up?
(Or know someone who does?)
Why not treat yourself, or someone special, to a very special gift lovingly crafted for The Big Day, plus soulful goodies that arrive every single month for the next year?
Make this an amazing year, overflowing with inspiration and celebratory magic. Join the Birthday Club and see what it's like to really love your birthday again!
Here's what just a few people have written to tell me:
I have so enjoyed the herbs that
you sent. I carry the little bag with the herbs and emerald with me
every day, it smells wonderful! ~ M.B., North Carolina
"I
want to let you know how very much I am enjoying being a member of the
Birthday Club! My soul card is the Magician and I just love the amber
and the herbs and the meditations that go with that card. You really
have done an extraordinary job of putting this all together!
"And I got my birthday month mailing, too! Wonderful,
wonderful!!! I just love the whole experience, and I have so many more
months to look forward to!" ~ S.R., New Jersey
"Thank
you so much for the Birthday Club packets. I just love every bit of it,
and it is so spot on about all the big and little changes coming about
in my life now…" ~ C.W., North Carolina
"I
joined the Birthday Club & received my fabulous package. Felt like
a kid getting my new Decoder Ring! What a great treat for me and such a
value! THANK YOU!!" ~ T.M., Texas
When you sign up, you will get:
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an overview of your Soul card, Personality card, and Shadow or Teacher card.
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You'll also receive a Deluxe Soul Card kit (either the Rider-Waite-Smith or Gaian Tarot version).
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a bonus explanation of the magical/energetic significance of your Soul Card's herbs and crystal.
Then, when your birthday arrives, you will receive:
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A beautiful birthday card featuring artist Melissa Harris
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Your Tarot Year overview
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The first of a year-long series of monthly meditations, activities and affirmations written specifically for your Tarot year.
Join the fun, and see how a Happy Birthday can open the door to the happiest year yet! Find out all the details and sign up by going here. |
Let’s stay in touch!
I specialize in helping visionaries, healers, artists, and innovators thrive
in changing times. If you seek inspiration, practical wisdom, and solid
tools for living an extraordinary life, my classes, workshops, and
personal sessions will help you predict your future by creating it.
 Now, it's easier than ever to make an appointment with me! For a phone appointment, drop by here and then "lock in" the time with your PayPal payment.
Or if you are able to meet in person, you can see my availability here.
For further information, you can also visit my website or call (919) 620-7525.
Live in balance * Focus your creativity * Manifest your vision.
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My Upcoming Schedule
Tarot Readings at
Dancing Moon Books,
1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Twice each month:
Friday, July 6
Saturday, July 28
Hour or half-hour appointments begin
at 11:30 am, and end at 6 pm. I try to accommodate walk-ins, but I tend
to get booked up. So I suggest you schedule in advance by calling (919) 833-8081.
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If you have been thinking about "going pro" as a Tarot reader, this is for YOU!
Glory hallelujah! I am so excited to share this with you!
If you want to get out of the Tarot closet (and/or your soul-sucking
day job) and become a successful, professional Tarot reader, you can now
learn exactly how!
Wouldn't you love to find out how to build a thriving professional practice, with integrity, honesty, and skill?
My friend and co-conspirator in supporting global evolution via the Tarot, Theresa Reed, has got a knock-out gift for you.
Fondly known by thousands as The Tarot Lady, Theresa has over 20 years of experience as a successful (translation: comfortably supporting herself and her family!) professional Tarot reader.
Many of you have taken my advanced Tarot class, "How to Read for Others," and know that the practical, nitty-gritty components of building a successful business are not included in the scope of that course.
Until now, I have worried about that, having seen several people
complete my class and think they were qualified to retire from the
corporate world and dive in as full-time readers. Here's the thing:
You can be a full-time Tarot reader. And you can be honest, heart-centered, AND make a good living!
But it's not always easy. Happily, there are some tried and true steps for making your dream a solid reality.
Theresa has put together an incredible step-by-step guide to take the expensive and perilous hard knocks out of your learning experience.
Want to know more? Check out her free teleconference call, on
Thursday, July 12 from 8 to 9 Central time (that's 9 to 10 for us East
Coasters). Details are right here.
You'll be getting tons of great tips on the call that you can use RIGHT NOW. Without spending a dime!
But if you are serious enough to make a modest investment in your vision, you'll also get to hear all about her incredible "Tarot Business in a Box" that will be available soon.
By the way: I've had the privilege of previewing her Tarot Business in a Box, and let me tell you it is the Real Deal!
Like NOTHING else anywhere, it's designed especially for Tarot people!
Bottom line: I would have given anything to have had a guide like
Theresa when I was first starting out!
Find out how to launch (or upgrade!) your professional Tarot dreams. Theresa will get your practice moving -- from zero to rocking! Check out all the details here! |
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Local and Long Distance! Beginners and Seasoned pros! Everybody is welcome!
Looking for a good vibe Tarot tribe? Our Triangle Tarot and Friends Meetup group is both a local gathering once a month, and also host to hundreds of Tarot friends online, from around the world.
For the summer months, we are pausing in our exploration of 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card. In July, we're having a free-form practice, Q&A, and relaxing evening full of play and exploration. Join us!
Be sure to bring your decks, show & tell items, announcements, and a friendly smile.
Note: Space is LIMITED, so RSVPs are strictly observed! For time and location details, please sign up (free!) by going here. Join us for learning, laughter and discovery!
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 Astrological Tidbits
Hot times ahead...
Did you get to see the event of our lifetimes - the Venus Transit? I hope so!
It was just a reminder that
we are truly in momentous times. Alignments in the astrological realms
are occurring that have not been seen for a very, very long time, if
ever!
After all the intense energy
shifts in June, there could be slightly less abrupt drama this month
(except of course, the double-whammy of the Uranus and Mercury retrograde!). Instead, look for steadily intensifying pressure for radical changes in our reality.
Judy Joyce
writes, "Our stew of change and transformation continues to bubble and
the heat will be turned up this summer. As discussed here many times, we
are in the midst of major change and transformation referred to on this
website as Radical Social Restructuring."
She adds, "July and August, 2012 find us in the middle of the first two squares of Uranus and Pluto. The first one was exact on June 24, 2012, and the second will be exact on September 19, 2012. However, these two planets are still squaring each other during this in-between time, as they only move slightly out of exactness. That means the pressure for change and transformation stays high this summer."
On July 3, we get to enjoy the Full Moon in Capricorn. Jeff Jawer of StarIQ
tells us, "The Full Moon in reliable Capricorn is usually about
self-restraint and discipline. However, this time the focus is on the
relationship between power and freedom.
"Controlling Pluto's conjunction to the Moon stirs resentment of authority figures, which is intensified by rebellious Uranus' tense square to the Sun and Moon," Jeff explains. "A feeling that the world is about to change provokes fear but is meant to inspire action.
"Original thinking and
masterful management of resources gives birth to a vision that can alter
one's career path and maybe even help to transform the world.
"Bold concepts are the fires that ignite action, but self-discipline is needed to sustain faith and focus in a radical plan."
Also on July 3, Mars changes signs from detail-focused Virgo to friendly fairness champion, Libra. This is a great time to launch a new product or look for a new job, Jeff tells us.
During this week, catch up on
communications, since we will be entering the so-called "shadow period"
that precedes the Mercury retrograde coming up July 14 (more about that
shortly!).
The day before Mercury goes retro, on July 13, Uranus, planet of surprises, chaos, revolution, and upheaval, goes retro.
When the big outer planets
change sign, or change direction (from our viewpoint on Earth, of
course, not literally!), it's important news, because their orbits are
so huge and long-lasting. Uranus will not station direct until December, so expect shocking developments.
Astrologer Jim Maynard notes that "Uranus has a nature similar to Mercury
in its nervous and mental impact, but it is much more powerful,
violent, fanatical, and harder to handle for the physical body."
Being the ruler over our demands for freedom, it is the planet of extremes and sudden change.
Lynn Koiner tells us that "Uranus tends to be more potent and more Uranian when retrograde."
Followed the very next day by the Mercury retrograde, things could get a little muddled.
Mercury's
retro will tend to get our technology snarled up, travel plans
offtrack, and causing all sorts of mixups and delays in commerce,
communications, perceptions and negotiations from July 14 to August 8.
Of course, this is a superb time for assessing the past, and catching up on the things that have been piling up.
Joyce reassures us that, " This particular Mercury retrograde period has some very positive
energy. Dynamic, innovative and exciting ideas can be revisited or
changed in ways that work out very positively in the future. Take time
now to clear, revise and revitalize your projects and plans."
By the time we get to the July 19 New Moon in Cancer, though, the intensity is back. She explains, "The New Moon in the emotional and intuitive sign of Cancer occurs on July 18. The energies during this entire week could have somewhat of a surreal quality.
"There is a great potential
for creative and positive change, but also the possibility of feeling
overwhelmed with unfamiliar circumstances or feelings.
"If you feel scattered and
spacey, do activities that bring you back to Earth. Get out in nature,
take a walk, do something physical, feel your feet firmly connecting
with Mother Earth, fill your pockets with rocks – whatever works."
Whatever works, indeed.
For even more insight into this pivotal time, I urge you not to miss this article, Choose Your Power,
by the brilliant Rhea Wolf. It illuminates in stunning, inspiring
detail the flavor of this magical, challenging Summer of 2012.
May the stars shine brightly for you.
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 This month, instead of sharing the emails I have received, I am posting my own "Owl Mail" to you!
Dear Readers:
I am starting an important project, and I am looking for a few, very special people.
First - I am sorry, but for now, you must be local to the
Raleigh-Durham Triangle area (or willing to commit to traveling here
once or twice a month).
That said.. Do you have profound, vivid, and non-ordinary experiences on a regular basis
(ex: prescience; visits or other contact with the dead; intimate,
regular contact with spirit guides, plant or animal contacts, or
ancestors; clairvoyance; mediumship; clairaudience; etc.)?
If these, or other experiences, describe you, and you are interested in exploring your gifts more deeply, please email me. I will be back in touch with you to discuss this in more detail.
Thanks!
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As June turns sweltering hot for many and July's fireworks beckon, may
you be blessed with happy days and nights that will become some of your
most cherished memories.
Blessings,
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