6 September 2014

Hi All,

…And welcome to the crunch edition of SOTAnews. And I mean that crunch both literally and figuratively! First of all, September 25 is your last day to register for SOTA at the current rates. Fees will be going up as of September 26 and some options will no longer be available.

What options? Well, as of yesterday, the banquet is SOLD OUT. If you’re already registered and confirmed for the banquet you’re fine. If not, well, there are only a limited number of banquet tickets available, and they are first-come, first-served. We have revised the Deluxe package. Instead of the banquet, you can now get your choice of two luncheon lectures. (More about these in a minute…) And the Opening and Sweet Messages are also included. But be aware that this package will probably be a limited-time option, as tickets to the Opening are now also in short supply. When those are gone, so are the Deluxe packages. You will still be able to add Sweet Messages on to the Full package at an additional charge, but banquets are already gone and the opening will be gone too.

OK, what if you really, truly, want that banquet? When you register, simply tell me that you want a banquet ticket. If tickets are still available, I will notify you and let you know how to claim them, since they are no longer available on our web site. You will then be able to either exchange the 2 luncheons for a banquet ticket  or add the luncheon on for $50. This will require a cheque; no email and no Interac, since I don’t want to be caught up with sending refunds and additional charges. Once your cheque is received (which needs to be by September 25 latest), you will get a banquet ticket. No cheque, no ticket. It’s that simple. But if your cheque arrives on time, I can pretty much guarantee a ticket, since I now have 19 on hand.

Tickets to the Opening and Keynote are another story. When they are gone, they are gone. And we are unlikely to be selling them at the door this year.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but don’t say you weren’t forewarned. This conference has always had a “snooze and you lose” policy.

Ok, so since we are now offering luncheons instead of the banquet, let’s look at those now:

 

Friday, October 23

Why Do People REALLY Come to Astrologers?

Brad Kochunas

A challenging interactive lunch to discuss what the reasons may be as to why people seek us out and how well or poorly we serve their needs. Brad will offer a flexible structure to guide you through this fascinating and troubling topic of what constitutes “helping”.

The Menu

Asian salad with crunchy noodles, mandarin oranges, and ginger dressing
Seared wild salmon with orange ginger soy sauce
Vegetable stir fry
Rice pilaf
Coffee and tea (Starbucks if you’re choosy)

 

Saturday, October 24

Astrology and Magic

Deidre Norman

     Magic is an attempt to understand, experience, and influence the world using rituals, symbols, actions, gestures, and language. One of those languages can be astrology. The practitioner who understands the power of the stars can tap hidden forces in nature.

The Menu

House salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette
Portobello and marinated/grilled vegetable sandwich on ciabatta bread
Four cheese grilled cheese sandwich
Homemade tomato basil soup
Assorted chips
Coffee and tea

Sunday, October 25

Consider Yourself an Angel

Jacqueline Janes

We are taught to think of angels as celestial beings. However, the Greek term “angelos” actually means “messenger”. What qualities and attributes might you possess that, when communicated, awaken others to become better human beings or come into new understandings? Come join us for nurturing food and thoughtfulness.

The Menu

Vegetable lasagna
Homemade jambalaya (shrimp, mussels, chorizo sausage, chicken)
Sauteed green beans
Rolls and butter
Coffee and tea

Now what happens if you can’t decide which two lectures to choose? Or what if you’ve already got a Deluxe package but now want to add one of these in? They are only $25 each until September 25. And at the moment, we have room in all of them, since we got a big room for the luncheons this year. So feel free to go to the Registration Page and sign up with PayPal. Or pay by cheque or email transfer (Interac) if that’s easier. These may not be banquets, but they certainly are feasts for both mind and body. And note that all are served buffet style; you don’t have to choose an option.

There are still rooms available at the hotel. We also have one attendee — female — looking for a roommate. Her name might be familiar to you; you may have even heard her lecture. But don’t be intimidated; she’s just folks like the rest of us and a delightful person indeed. So let me know if you’d like to share a room and I’ll put you in touch…Also remember that the last day to reserve a room at conference rates is September 22.  Rates will go up on the 23rd…

Last but not least, we are also looking for one reader for the trade room. The table fee for the entire conference is only $100, and no, we do not take a cut of your reading fees. The ideal candidate would be an experienced reader. We would prefer not astrology. And we’d love it if you do runes or numerology or the like, though if you’re an experienced Tarot reader, psychic, or medium, we’d certainly consider you. Contact me and I’ll fill you in.

Ok, that’s it for this week, but just before I close,  an assurance that yes, I WILL get back to Open Forum next week provided the dust settles.

Have a good week!
Donna

1 September 2014

Hi All,

…And welcome to the crunch edition of SOTAnews. And I mean that crunch both literally and figuratively! First of all, September 25 is your last day to register for SOTA at the current rates. Fees will be going up as of September 26 and some options will no longer be available?

What options? Well, as of yesterday, the banquet is SOLD OUT. This means that we have revised the Deluxe package. Instead of the banquet, you can now get your choice of two luncheon lectures. (More about these in a minute…) And the Opening and Sweet Messages are also included. But be aware that this package will probably be a limited-time option, as tickets to the Opening are now also in short surprise. When those are gone, so are the Deluxe packages. You will still be able to add Sweet Messages on to the Full package at an additional charge, but Banquet and the Opening will be gone.

OK, what if you really, truly, wanted that banquet? We have started a waiting list for Banquet tickets, and at the moment there are already 3 people on the list. To get on the waiting list yourself, you first of all need to be registered for the Full conference package or the current Deluxe package. And when you register, simply tell me that you want to be put on the waiting list for a Banquet ticket. If tickets become available, I will notify you and let you know how to claim them, since they are no longer available on our web site. No guarantees of getting a ticket, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Tickets to the Opening and Keynote are another story. When they are gone, they are gone. And we are unlikely to be selling them at the door this year.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but don’t say you weren’t forewarned. This conference has always had a “snooze and you lose” policy.

Ok, so since we are now offering luncheons instead of the banquet, let’s look at those now:

Friday, October 23

Why Do People REALLY Come to Astrologers?
Brad Kochunas

A challenging interactive lunch to discuss what the reasons may be as to why people seek us out and how well or poorly we serve their needs. Brad will offer a flexible structure to guide you through this fascinating and troubling topic of what constitutes “helping”.

The Menu

Asian salad with crunchy noodles, mandarin oranges, and ginger dressing
Seared wild salmon with orange ginger soy sauce
Vegetable stir fry
Rice pilaf
Coffee and tea (Starbucks if you’re choosy)

Saturday, October 24

Astrology and Magic
Deidre Norman

Magic is an attempt to understand, experience, and influence the world using rituals, symbols, actions, gestures, and language. One of those languages can be astrology. The practitioner who understands the power of the stars can tap hidden forces in nature.

The Menu

House salad with lemon garlic vinaigrette
Portobello and marinated/grilled vegetable sandwich on ciabatta bread
Four cheese grilled cheese sandwich
Homemade tomato basil soup
Assorted chips
Coffee and tea

Sunday, October 25

Consider Yourself an Angel
Jacqueline Janes

We are taught to think of angels as celestial beings. However, the Greek term “angelos” actually means “messenger”. What qualities and attributes might you possess that, when communicated, awaken others to become better human beings or come into new understandings? Come join us for nurturing food and thoughtfulness.

The Menu

Vegetable lasagna
Homemade jambalaya (shrimp, mussels, chorizo sausage, chicken)
Sauteed green beans
Rolls and butter
Coffee and tea

Now what happens if you can’t decide which two lectures to choose? Or what if you’ve already got a Deluxe package but now want to add one of these in? They are only $25 each until September 25. And at the moment, we have room in all of them, since we got a big room for the luncheons this year. So feel free to go to the Registration Page and sign up with PayPal. Or pay by cheque or email transfer (Interac) if that’s easier. These may not be banquets, but they certainly are feasts for both mind and body. And note that all are served buffet style; you don’t have to choose an option.

Ok, that’s it for this week, but just before I close, an assurance that yes, I WILL get back to Open Forum next week provided the dust settles.

Have a good week!
Donna

 

25 August 2014

Hi All,

I had hoped to have the Open Forum roster completed for this issue, but I fear the Universe has intervened. I’m including a couple of the lecture blurbs, as well as a description of Patricia Bell’s wonderful lecture. But first, some announcements:

It’s now official: We will not be offering single-lecture tickets or half-day tickets this year (unless you want to count Pre-Conference workshops as half-day tickets.) You will be able to purchase full-day or Pre-Conference tickets as well as Full conference tickets (no banquet, opening, or evening activities) at the door. As for Deluxe packages, if there are any left, you will be able to purchase those at the door too, but right now it looks like they will be gone by September 25 if not before. And a reminder, it will be US cash only at the door. No credit cards.

As of noon Friday, we still have space at the hotel. Be aware that the last day to reserve a room at the conference rate is September 22nd — and again, I would advise you to reserve before that if you want to be on the safe side.

Speaking of hotel, we have an attendee — female — looking for a roommate. Room-sharing is not only a good way to cut costs, it’s also a good way to find out about astrology in other parts of the country (in this case, Saskatoon). If you’re interested in doing this, please let me know.

OK, announcement’s aside, let’s have a look at Patricia Bell‘s lecture:

From Heaven to Earth and Everywhere in Between

So many times people think that the unseen is airy-fairy, but in reality it is more real than what we see. Your chart contains doorways that can take you to the realms of what is truly known. Making conscious choices to use the power of these realms can make significant changes in your own life and open doors for new clients.

Patricia needs no introduction to you regulars. Nor does she need an introduction to anyone who goes to Lily Dale. She is a dynamic lecturer, an excellent medium, and a qualified astrologer. She is also the person who is responsible for keeping the Astrology Roundtable going at Lily Dale. We are delighted to have her back as a lecturer and even more delighted that she’s going to be one of our mediums at Sweet Messages on Friday night.

As an aside, I just saw a video of Patricia taking the ALS icebucket challenge. If you’re on Facebook, check out the SOTA page or Patricia’s page. It give you a side of her you may not see when she’s lecturing and proves that astrologers and mediums are definitely up for a challenge — and from the video, it looks like this astrologer-medium really enjoys a challenge.

And what about Open Forum? Well, here are the first two talks on the Open Forum track. I am hoping they whet your appetite for the rest:

Friday October 23
Boardroom

Aspects and Midpoints

9:00 – 9:45 am
Timon Harewood
There are a few astrologers today who still disregard midpoints completely. Those who seek them out fully discover that they are most reliable and of immeasurable valuable.

Timon has been a regular attendee at SOTA for some time. He’s also been active in astrology almost as long as I have. He has done Free Speech lectures at NCGR and is active in Astrology Toronto. Timon has a wealth of solid information

The Power of a Degree

10: 05 – 10:50
Marilyn
Degrees can be used far more than dividing the houses and signs. This is a unique and simple tool for any astrologer’s toolbox.

Marilyn has been a regular conference attendee and should be a familiar face to most of you regulars. She is also active in Astrology Toronto and additionally is an ordained Spiritualist Minister who will also be giving messages at Sweet Messages on Friday evening.

OK, these are just the first two Open Forum lectures. There will be more to come, some from familiar faces, and some from people from further afield.

Stay tuned — and have a good week!

Best,
Donna

 

17 August 2014

Hi All,

I’m back from The Falls and from Lily Dale, where I had to suddenly fill in for Rick Levine, who was unable to make it due to a health problem. Fortunately, I shared the slot with Patricia Bell, who is also one of our SOTA lecturers and mediums. It really DID take the two of us to replace Rick Levine, especially at the last minute.

As for the Falls, all is well at the hotel. I met the chef, who is committed to working for us and with us. I checked on rooms. And I made sure that we still had enough hotel rooms for those of you who still hasn’t registered. And yes, there are still rooms, but I’d advise you to reserve yours soon.

The last day for our special conference rate is September 22, and it’s possible that we will run out of rooms before that date. The hotel number is on the attached flyer. Call them NOW and tell them you’re with SOTA if you haven’t already done so. You won’t be sorry.

By the way, the new flyer reflects our one speaker change, which is Frank Piechoski replacing Rodney Smith in the 4:15 Saturday time slot in the Cobalt Room. And as promised, here’s Frank’s lecture description:

Sex and Blood and Chocolate

A look at how Venus and Mars operate in individuals’ charts – not only how the native relates to others but in synastry. Included will be a look at some relationships involving personalities in the music industry – some tempestuous, some stable – and at how Venus/Mars placements operate in their charts.

Frank is one of those people that conveners generally describe as “good conference energy”. He’s personable, he’s accessible, he’s prepared, and his lectures tend not to be the same old stuff. This one is no exception. Note that on Friday, Frank will also be doing a 2-hour lecture on electional astrology. I can vouch for this one as well. It is truly excellent.

I also promised you an update on Open Forum. Here’s the deal: We are STILL two speakers short, and I’ve been playing with the schedule. For a time I had hoped that we could make all the lectures one hour in length. We CAN do that, but that would mean that things are all going to start and end at different times and the last of the Open Forum slots before lunch wouldn’t end until 12:30, which would mean that some people would have to choose between Open Forum and luncheon. Not good for anybody. So we’re back to 45-minute slots. And while they will not consistently start at the same time as the main lectures, you should be able to follow the schedule very easily. And many of the speakers will have a bit of time at the end of their presentation if they need it.

While the full schedule is still being juggled, I CAN tell you a little bit about who will be presenting and what they’ll be presenting. And while the schedule is tentative, they will probably be presenting in the order given here:

Timon Harewood — Midpoints
Marilyn — The Power of a Degree
Adrianna Dream — Details to come, but here’s a hint: There WILL be popcorn.
Alex Trenoweth — The Astrology of Adolescence
Eric Pride — Astrology and Magic
Kathy Thompson — Voice Coaching —and if you don’t think you need this, you may be in for a surprise.
Suzanne Montalalou — Spiritual development using Celtic symbolism
Carol Mason — Decanates and Dwads
John Marani — Tarot
Wade Caves — Horary
Jim Schaefer — Primary Directions
Priya Kale — East-West astrology with an emphasis on the Vedic lunar calendar and its use with Western astrology
Pundit Prakash — Vedic astrology
Dionne Sutherland — A comparison of Chinese and Western signs

And yes, there are two more to come. I will be getting you the full schedule with blurbs and bios just as soon as I have it together. And if you think this is sounding pretty doggone good, you’re right! Not only that, but we have a speaker from England, a speaker from California, a speaker from New York, and a speaker from Pennsylvania joining the many familiar faces from the Ontario and Buffalo-area communities.

Now if you want to join us, I’m still trying to fill those two slots. Email me. But do it quickly, because I want to get the full roster out as soon as possible. This is just a taste…

And on that note, it’s time for me to have a taste of tea. Have a good week everybody. And don’t forget to register. Especially if you want a banquet ticket. They are in short supply…

Best,
Donna

 

1 August 2014

Hi All,

Another edition of SOTAnews…

Not many updates this time. We DO still have a female attendee looking for a roommate. She is interesting and non-labour-intensive. So if you’d like a roommate, please message me and I’ll put you in touch.

Also, PLEASE RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM if you haven’t already done so. Call 1-866-961-3780 and tell them you’re with SOTA. Our cut-off date for the conference rate is September 22nd, but I have a feeling that we’ll run out of rooms before then…

And no, the Open Forum schedule is not done yet. I am STILL looking for a couple of presenters. Stay tuned — and thanks for your patience!

Meanwhile, let’s look at one of the many excellent 2-hour presentations by one of our main-conference presenters:

Kabbalistic Astrology

Reverend Ellen Bourn

    The Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual bodies are all affected by our aspects, transits, and prgressions. Knowing how your client believes and perceives these influences to impact their life allows you as the astrologer to be a more accurate guide for your client. We will also combine a focus on what counseling skills might be best for a variety of clients who seek your advice.

I have heard Reverend Ellen speak on Kabbalistic Astrology several times, and each time I have gained new information. I think you will too. And if you haven’t heard Ellen before, yes, it would be worth your while to check her out. She’s one of our regulars for a reason. The reason is simply because she is good and you keep asking for her to come back. We’re happy to oblige.

 

I am hoping to have a banquet menu for your perusal next time. And who knows? The Open Forum schedule may magically appear too, though I think that could be another week. Meanwhile, enjoy the long weekend if you’re on this side of the border, have a happy Lammas if you’re celebrating, and may your harvest for the week be a bumper crop of good things.

Best,
Donna