Theosophical Society of Greater Cleveland
Besant Lodge

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FEBRUARY

Ancient Spirituality, Modern Practice by Neal Szpatura, Sunday, February 5, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Snow date: February 12)

Shamanism is often described as “the first spiritual practice of humanity,” with traditions and techniques that can be traced back more than 5,000 years. Evidence of shamanism has been found in every culture and on every continent throughout the world since the dawn of mankind. More importantly, its legacy, methods and belief structures can be useful today in personal growth and healing. This month's presentation will cover a basic introduction to shamanism and its practice as a modern path for spiritual growth and personal development.
Neal Szpatura is a shamanic practitioner, writer, Tarot reader and intuitive consultant. He has studied with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and in independent study with its faculty, as well as with indigenous teachers from North and South America, Africa, and Australia. He teaches shamanic practice, dreamwork and intuitive development and works with clients on sacred path issues.

Creation Story; Putting It All Together by Gary Saus, Sunday, February 19, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Based on a chemistry demonstration of the second quantum number, Gary came to the realization of the order and geometry of the universe. A study of basic science concepts and comparing them to spiritual principles leads one to the hypothesis that the ancients knew the secrets of the universe. Science is only now proving them to be true. This presentation explores the unity of science concepts and religion through scientific theories, numerology, sacred geometry, astrology, etc.

MARCH

Introduction to Yoga by Marcia Hudgel, Saturday, March 10, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In this lecture, we will discuss the basic meaning of yoga and Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga that are found in the Yoga Sutras: yamas (ethical standards), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration) dhyana (meditation) & samadhi (state of bliss). Participants should wear comfortable clothing as there will be both floor and chair demonstrations for those who wish to learn some basic yoga poses. If doing floor work, please bring a towel or mat with you. Marcia Hudgel may be reached at 216-526-5921. Facilitator: Craig Fawcett

Connecting to Trees for Energizing, Healing and Renewal in 2012 by Renie Brooksieker, Sunday, March 11, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Participants will have an opportunity to take a time out to discover how connecting to trees, their magic and medicine can help themselves and those around them energize, renew and may be even heal. We will explore both the medicinal and spiritual aspects of the special tree of the month and all will leave knowing what tree has a special connection for them.
Background: Renie is an enthusiastic teacher and lecturer as well as a non-denominational Minister, Reiki Master, RN; Medical Intuitive, Medium, Certified Hypno Therapist, and Astrologer. She is an excited champion of Trees, Cycles of Nature, Alternative Healing Modalities, Dreaming, Labyrinths, Medicine Wheels and Sacred Geometry as vehicles for uncovering and discovering the wisdom of our one heart. Renie’s mission is to seek and evoke the best in herself and others in unique and imaginative ways, through a vehicle of love and harmony.

Drumming, Saturday, March 17, 2:00 p.m.

Theme: All our Ancestors. Bring in pictures or stories about your ancestors, we will dedicate our drumming to them. Since it is St. Patrick's Day, we are hoping that everyone will wear green. Facilitator: Bev Cotton

Open Meditation, Sunday, March 18, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Planting the Seeds for Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality or Reflections on the Mystical Wheel of the Year. Facilitator: Barbara Pierce

APRIL

Raja Yoga in the Aquarian Age. Presented by Terry Hunt, National Theosophical Society Speaker, Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, April 15, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Special Two-day workshop from the National Theosophical Society.

This is a special presentation and attendance will be limited to 45 attendees. Members will be given first preference.

Please RSVP to president@clevelandtheosophy.org

The aphorisms of Patanjali were written centuries ago in an era very different from our own. These aphorisms give important hints for controlling the mind and the emotions, but most importantly, they give us valuable information on how to create a reliable contact with our Higher Self. How can we use modern inroads into human psychology to help us meet this goal? Together, we will learn and practice some new forms of visualization and meditation we can implement in our daily life in order to attain the goals of Raja Yoga.
• What is the nature of the soul, the Higher Self?
• Practical techniques of creative visualization
• Developing your own spiritual practice
• Understanding the nature of emotions
• Buddhi manas vs. kama manas
• Techniques for individual and group meditations
• Control of thoughts and emotions
• Creating positive thought patterns in your life

Your Soul’s Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born by Robert Schwartz, Sunday, April 29, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The book Your Soul’s Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born by Robert Schwartz (www.yoursoulsplan.com) explores the premise that we are all eternal souls who plan our lives, including our greatest challenges, before we’re born for purposes of spiritual growth. The book contains ten true stories of people who planned physical illness, having disabled children, deafness, blindness, drug addiction, alcoholism, losing a loved one, and severe accidents. The information about their pre-birth plans was obtained by four gifted mediums and channels. The book presents the actual conversations people had with their future parents, children, spouses, friends, and other loved ones when they planned their lives together. For readers, suffering that once seemed purposeless becomes imbued with deep meaning. Wisdom may be acquired in a more conscious manner; feelings of anger, guilt, blame, and victimization are healed and replaced by acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace. May be ordered on the Your Soul’s Plan web site, from all Amazon sites, and from your local library or bookstore. Author Bio -In a personal session with a medium in 2003, author Robert Schwartz was astonished to speak with nonphysical beings who knew everything about him - not just what he had done in life, but also what he had thought and felt. They told him that he had planned many of his most difficult experiences before he was born. Realizing that knowledge of pre-birth planning would bring great healing to people and allow them to understand the deeper purpose of their life challenges, he decided to devote his life to the study of pre-birth planning. The extraordinary insights that have emerged from his work speak to our heartfelt, universal yearning to know why.

MAY

New Members Tea, Sunday, May 6, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Chakra Workshop, Sunday, May 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You will learn about healing with crystals and Chakra energies. There will be a brief discussion of the Chakra system, color fundamentals and crystal healing, then you will make your own crystal bead Chakra bracelet. This will be followed by a brief meditation. Prior registration is required. Please call Barbara Pierce at 216-533-3599 to register. Materials fee: $8

JUNE

Rededication and Initiation, Sunday, June 10, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Members only.

Drumming, Saturday, June 16, 2:00 p.m.

Theme: To be announced. Facilitator: Bev Cotton

The End Is Not Near It Is Here!!! by Carol Fellure, Sunday, June24, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There were times when Jesus admonished his disciples to have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. He was of course referring to spiritual eyes and ears. He was asking that they look beyond the surface, beyond the mere physical appearances and see more deeply. He was asking that they see the inner reality, that they learn to live in a greater spiritual manner.
It is true that the Mayan Long Count Calendar ends on December 21st of 2012. This has spawned much discussion about its significance, and there have been all sorts of predictions including cataclysms and even the end of the world. But if you look closely at the situation you see that the calendar has to do with time, and so the most likely, and the most commonly expressed significance of the 2012 date is that it points to the end of time, not the end of the world. Some might say, what’s the difference, aren’t both consequences essentially the same? And the answer is no. In actuality, time has never really existed. Einstein knew this and once commented to the effect that time was really only an illusion, although a very difficult one. He knew this, but even he had neither the eyes nor the ears to fully penetrate this mystery. So, time is not coming to an end, it has never actually been here except in the illusions of our minds. Perhaps 2012 marks the time when our eyes will be opened sufficiently to see through the veil of time. Only time will tell.)

Please Note

New classes and programs may be added at any time and all classes are subject to change. Please remember to check the website for these changes, or contact the class facilitators.

The opinions and statements made by all speakers and facilitators do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of The Theosophical Society in America or its members.

All classes are by donation ($5 suggested) unless stated otherwise. All donations are welcome.

Updated 1/29/12

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