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A correction: In the most recent issue of WINGS, I listed the date of our Semi-Annual Solstice Swap-Meet Meetup incorrectly. The date is Wednesday, Dec. 17. My apologies for the mistake.
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It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for the ...
Between the Worlds/Sacred Space Conference
March 5-8, 2015
For a number of years, I have been attending the annual Sacred Space Conference that is held in early March between Baltimore and Washington, DC. Considered to be the
premier annual esoteric conference on the East Coast for intermediate
to advanced practitioners, this superb event has grown bigger and better
every year, with the 2014 "Metaphysics, Mysticism, Magick" program feeling like a real breakthrough to a whole new level.
The caliber of this March's speakers (Selena Fox, Macha Nightmare, and
Orion Foxwood, just for starters!), the rituals (including a powerful
devotional to Brigid, the honoring of military veterans, and a conjure
dance), the parties, and other events were stellar. And the vast
organizational machinery behind the scenes has hit a truly professional
stride, too.
But coming next year, prepare for an even more powerful experience!
In 2015, for the first time ever, the organizers have decided to combine Sacred Space with the less frequently offered Between the Worlds Conference.
Between The Worlds is an interfaith esoteric conference
that occurs when the stars indicate that such a gathering is needed and
favored. This will be its last offering until January of 2020, during
the stellium in Capricorn.
Next March, this Brigadoon-like conference will commemorate the final of
the seven squares we have endured over the past five years, between
Uranus and Pluto -- one of the most challenging and influential
astrological events in generations. The intention for the main ritual is
"to maximize evolution and to minimize harm."
As you might expect, the line-up of presenters will be equally momentous. The featured speakers for 2015 will be Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, Judika Illes, and Diana Paxson -- three brilliant practitioners and teachers, whose contributions to our traditions cannot be overstated.
Also teaching will be Thorn Coyle, Dorothy Morrison, Byron Ballard, Kirk
Thomas, Maggie (Northlight) Beaumont, Holli Emore, Christopher Penczak,
Ivo DomÃnguez, Jr., Katrina Messenger, and a host of other luminaries.
It will held be at the Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. To register and find out LOTS more, go here. Hope to see you there!
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 It's Not Too Late to Join the Wave of Prayer and Peace!
This coming Sunday, Dec. 7 will be the next lighting in our annual worldwide Solstice Sun Wheel Advent celebration.
And you can still join -- anytime -- right up until the very last candle lighting, at either Solstice or Christmas.
Open to people of every faith and philosophy, each Sunday evening at
dusk (wherever we live), we take a moment to join together in a virtual prayer circle.
This practice was originally inspired by Beltane Papers founder, the late Helen Farias, and then continued by Waverly FitzGerald. This year is the 10th anniversary of our version of this annual virtual gathering.
Many people have found that this simple practice every Sunday leading up
to the Winter Solstice and/or Christmas has become a family favorite.
It certainly provides a gentle, welcoming way to celebrate the holidays
with all family members -- Christians, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans, and even secular non-believers.
For all the details, visit here.
Please invite your friends, and join us, wherever you are, in this
lovely practice that both acknowledges the gifts of the dark time of the
year, as well as prepares for the coming of the light.
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I know that this issue of On Moonlit WINGS is already overflowing with goodies and suggestions, but here is one more that I simply cannot overlook.
Does this sound like you (or someone you know) ---
- You are between 18 and 35 years old (sorry, no exceptions).
- You watch X-Men and think, “I belong at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, too!”
- You read Harry Potter and think, “I want an owl to fly into my house and invite me to attend Hogwarts, too!”
- You’re a gifted freak. An awesome weirdo. Sensitive. Spiritual. Entrepreneurial.
- Oh, and totally obsessed with Tarot.
- You want mentorship, training, and sage advice to help you fully unlock your superpowers.
- Most of all: you want a family of magical mutants, just like you. A safe place to call home.
If this rings a deep bell of "Hell YEAH!" in you, there’s a place where
you can work, play, study, chat, connect, and learn from your fellow
Tarot freaks… and from one of the world's best Tarot business mentors.
Now accepting applications - The Tarot Brainery. It's a gift of pure love from the one and only Theresa Reed, "The Tarot Lady."
The Tarot Brainery is a place for bright young Tarot readers (age 18 to 35) who want to go pro.
It's for people who are committed to making Tarot into a part-time or full-time business. It's where the next generation of Tarotpreneurs can get business training — and take action. (There is zero Tarot training – this is strictly biz. You must already have a strong working knowledge of Tarot.)
And how much does such a thing cost? It's free. No charge. Nada. But
it's not for everyone; you have to apply, and you have to be sincere
about your commitment.
Can I just say --- Thank you, Theresa, for your generosity for the next
gen of readers. There are so many opportunities for older readers and
wannabes (including your other Tarot entrepreneur programs), but almost
nothing designed strictly for the younger folks. It's fantastic to know
they're in your capable hands!
Applications for the 2015-16 program are now open. The deadline to apply
is March 1, 2015 and the program begins on August 3, 2015. It will run
for one year.
Go here for more info. And good luck to all!
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 Owl's Life Hacks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Life
hacking refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that
increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life... in other
words, anything that solves an everyday problem in an inspired,
ingenious manner.
Hacking the Holidays
According to a recent national survey, 70 percent of Americans would
welcome less emphasis on gift giving and spending. And yet, every year,
it gets bigger, crazier, starts earlier, and drains us more deeply.
Gallup's latest measure of Americans' Christmas spending plans for 2014
finds U.S. adults expecting to spend an average of $720 on gifts, up
slightly from last year.
Recent studies estimate that for families in the $50,000 to $75,000
income bracket it will be about three months before they pay off their
holiday debts. Less affluent families will pay off their debts a little
more quickly, in an average of two months.
But the fact is, people also tend to take longer to pay off their
holiday bills than they anticipate. And many of these shoppers aren’t
starting from scratch but adding onto an existing balance — those
households that are carrying credit card debit are averaging about
$15,608. Kind of depressing, isn't it?
But this year, you don’t have to rack up more
debt or get swept up in the season’s commercialism. Instead, let's
consider creating holidays that instill more meaning into the season and
encourage more sharing, wonder, and personal renewal.
This certainly doesn't mean a boycott of shopping. Some of my dearest friends are store-owners and they absolutely deserve your patronage and support. (And I wouldn't have written a whole article about bookstores, now would I?)
What I am talking about is the consumer spending madness,
greed, and desperation that we are being told is “normal,” desirable, or
even patriotic!
Ten Ideas For More Seasonal Serenity
Finding more balanced ways to celebrate doesn't have to be complicated.
You are not stuck between the extremes of over-spending or Scrooge-like
austerity.
Your holidays can be merry and bright, but you'll have to buck
the system (yes, there's a system that wants to push you into overload).
And you'll have to be a little bit organized.
Here are ten suggestions. Pick your favorites:
- Make
a budget and a plan. I know; seems obvious, but somehow this can be the
first thing to go out the window. Write it down. Carry it with you.
- Know who you're shopping for ahead of time, and how much you can spend.
- Try not to get sucked in by social media (like Pinterest, as much as I do love it), that makes it seem like everyone else
is making treasures from scratch, cooking sumptuous 14-course meals,
and lavishing luxury on their loved ones in ways that would make Martha
Stewart jealous!
- Budget your time, too. Trying to do all your
holiday shopping or cooking in one weekend can push you over the edge.
Shop for one or two people a day to keep the mood upbeat.
- If
possible, take a Tuesday or Wednesday morning away from work to shop.
There are not as many people around and the store clerks are likely to
be less stressed, too.
- Remember what matters to you. Set boundaries and don't get guilt-tripped into spending too much of your money or your time. You really can't please everybody all the time. Instead, breathe. Be fully present and enjoy yourself more.
- There is a reason for this season, and it resonates with your own truth. Or maybe it really doesn't. Slow down. Honor this time in ways that are authentic.
- Don't
try to ignore your feelings, or sedate them with overindulgence. There
is definitely a poignancy at this time, especially when we think of dear
ones no longer with us. If we deny the bitter, we miss the sweet.
- Acts
of kindness will work wonders. I'll be posting lots more about this
practice on my website in the days ahead, but look for opportunities to
step up and give of your time and attention.
- Simplify,
simplify, simplify. Things have a way of adding on, year after year.
What parts can go? Ex: now that the grandkids are adults, you can almost
certainly cut back on the pile of presents. A heartfelt note, a
donation to their favorite charity, or just a thoughtful token that says
you are thinking of them can fill a heart to overflowing. It doesn't
really require a lot of cash.
One last consideration. Before deciding how to simplify, take a moment to reflect on what kind of holiday celebration you really want.
Are you looking for more activities to enjoy with your children? Maybe a
celebration that shows greater concern for the environment? A tradition
that involves sharing with people who are less fortunate? A clearer
affirmation of your spiritual beliefs?
Once you have decided what you want to do differently, you can decide
what action to take. I know you already have great insight and wisdom
about this.
Let’s you and I band together and turn down the volume on the pumping,
thumping ads that seduce us to spend, spend, spend. Let's make this a
year of clarity, so we can honor what really matters.
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 That's it for now.
I hope you've enjoyed this month's visit. If there is something you'd especially like to see, or other suggestions you'd like to make, please drop me a line.
May the gift of wonder ever be yours, and may your holidays be sparkling with hospitality, loving kindness, and joy.
Live in balance. Focus your creativity. Manifest your vision.
Predict your future by creating it.
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The final Full Moon of 2014 has arrived!
