Hi All,

I am back from Ann Arbor, where I had an absolutely wonderful time. Pam and Diane Wenzel are not only fantastic staff, they are wonderful hostesses. And the Art Fair was, as always excellent.
A large number of registrations arrived in my absence, so I am back to work. And very happy to report that we have a good turnout.

A reminder that if you haven’t booked your hotel room, it’s definitely time. We don’t have a huge block of rooms, and once they are gone, I may not be able to do much. So please reserve your room TODAY if you haven’t already done so.

Also, we have 1 table in the trade room. We’d love to fill it with something interesting. So if you SELL something interesting, let’s talk. Remember, we already have software, books, jewelry, and Young Living Oils. We’re open to pretty much anything else…

On other fronts, both Pre and Post-Conferences are filling. I think at least a couple will be sold out by September 21, so now is the best time to reserve.

Pre-Conference: Baris Ilhan

And speaking of Pre-Conferences, one of our Pre-Conference speakers is Baris Ilhan, who is here from Turkey. Here’s her Pre-Conference topic as well as descriptions of her two main conference lectures. Baris always has a slightly different take on things, and it’s definitely worth hearing her. So without further ado, her topics:

Mercury, Mars & Venus: The use of the Inner Planets as Agents for Improvement

From the ancient texts we learn that the sources of volitional acts are three powers: carnal (Venus), wrath (Mars) and speach (Mercury). 13th Century astrologer Nasiredin Tusi says that although other powers (Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Saturn) are at their perfection, Mercury, Mars and Venus can be trained towards their perfection. During the workshop we will take a closer look at those planets and see how we can combine them in a way that carries us to loyalty, fidelity, compassion, love, submission, trust and joy.

Friday lecture: The Fourth House: Our Grave or Treasure?

The house of home, parents and roots, but also represents the hidden things, treasures and graves. We will see how this house can be our grave in a symbolical sense and how we can turn it into a treasure by working on the issues of the sign there.
(Intermediate or Advanced)

Saturday lecture: Veiled Power of the 12th House Planets

Since it is cadent and not aspected to the ascendent, 12th house is one of the most debilitated houses and the planets posited there are considered ineffectual. In a way this is true, but what if there is a veiled power there, and we can unveil it…

I think you’ll agree that these are interesting topics. Do check them out!

And while I’ve got you here, somebody asked about Kathy Rose’s luncheon lecture. So here’s the description of that one:

Kathy Rose Luncheon Lecture: Mystery Midpoints

This is a fun and profound exercise where we read an unidentified person’s natal chart using only the 90-degree midpoint sort. An amazing amount of information comes forward so easily! The identity of the well-known person is revealed after we analyze the statement from the midpoints.

Note that at this point we have only 3 spaces in this lecture, so if you want one of them, sign up NOW! When it’s full, it’s full!

I’ll be back sometime after August 15. And no, it’s not a vacation this time. It’s a hospitalization. They tell me I’ll be in for 5 days. I’m aiming for 3, but you never know. So figure after the 15th. Meanwhile, have a good start to August — and try to stay cool.

Best,
Donna

Hi All,

A quick update: We are happy to welcome Janie Brynolf to the trade room. Janie will have handcrafted journals for your perusal and purchase. I have seen them and they are beautiful. Be sure to have a look!

We still have one table and room for one reader to join Pat Beers and Patty Mac. Anything other than astrology. As for the table, this would be perfect for anyone with anything handcrafted. If you’re interested, please contact me.

Meanwhile, one of the Post-Conferences that’s filling up rapidly belongs to William Stickevers, so I thought I’d review all of his slots. (Yes, we’re keeping him busy; that’s what happens when you’re requested! Here is his post, along with his two other lectures.

William Stickevers 1-HOUR LECTURES

The Coming Global Economic Reset and Cryptocurrency “Satoshi” Revolution

(Friday, October 19, 4:30 – 5:30)
Most today have never experienced a financial or political “reset” (repression). Since 2008 we have witnessed the re-emergence of systemic risk and political turmoil with emerging disruptive technologies, i.e. Bitcoin. From an astrological perspective, we will explore cryptocurrencies’ role in transforming the financial system as Global Financial Reset begins.

2030: The Geopolitical Rise of the Red Dragon

(Saturday, October 20th, 9 -10 am)
China has become an economic force in the world and has the second-largest military, but will it truly influence world events and become the next global power? Using mundane astrological portents we look ahead to determine if China can achieve this level of prominence as many global analysts forecast.

William Stickevers POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Archetypal Astrology Through the Planetary Cyclic Index

(Monday, October 23, 2-5 pm)
We will review the 10 outer planetary combinations through a set of archetypal principles for which we have both the greatest amount of research and a very strong consensus among astrologers concerning their meanings, and interpret their archetypal qualities in history through the context of the Planetary Cycle Index.

As I said earlier, the Post-Conference is filling. We will try to accommodate all in the Friday and Saturday lectures as space permits. However, I suspect these will attract a lot of interest.

John Marani

And since someone asked, here’s a repeat of John Marani’s Telling Time with Tarot lecture:

Telling Time with Tarot

Shedding light on particular events is important in a tarot reading, but how do you determine WHEN an event will happen? John will discuss three different ways of timing events in a reading, using spreads, numbers, and astrology

OK, I will be leaving for Ann Arbor Wednesday. I WILL have my computer with me, but may be slow to respond. Meanwhile, have a good week!

Best,
Donna

Hi Everybody,

I’m back. And yes, there are a few announcements….
First of all, if you haven’t reserved your hotel room, it’s time. Call The Millennium at 1-800-323-3331 and tell them you’re with SOTA to get the discounted conference rate. And if you are a speaker, make sure your name is on that reservation, no matter who books it. We have only a small block of rooms, and it is looking like we may get a full house. If you call me up the week before and say you need a hotel room, I may not be able to help. So do us both a favor and book now!

Secondly, for those of you who are planning to ship books or other materials to us, note that they should be sent to the hotel — not to Diane. And they should be sent to coincide with your arrival. Otherwise, the hotel may charge you for storage. It will be your responsibility to get the books to Diane in the trade room so she can do a count, etc.

Third, I currently have two tables left in the trade room. If you are still on the fence, it’s time to get off and book — because when they are gone, they are gone. And yes, we are open to anything other than jewelry, books, and software.

Luncheon Lectures – Selling Out!

Fourth, as you will see from the flyer, Julie Simmon’s luncheon lecture is now SOLD OUT. And this just in — Michael Barwick’s lunch lecture is now sold out as well. There are still 3 or 4 openings in Kathy Rose’s luncheon lecture, but I am fully expecting this to also be sold out by September 21 if not before. And at this point it looks like all or most of the Pre and Post lectures could do likewise. So book now and guarantee yourself a space.

Speaking of Pre and Post stuff, John Green’s Post still has room. Here’s the blurb again:

John Green – Post Conference

Practical Synastry – Making Synastry Work for You and Your Client’s Relationships

Synastry gives us a wealth of information about the relationship between two people, but how can we use it effectively with our client’s or our own relationships. In this practical workshop we explore how to use the natal chart and synastry to help us understand relationships and make them work.

You don’t really want to miss this, do you? No? Then why not sign up now and guarantee yourself a space while there is still room.

Also note that John is also lecturing Saturday on Mars. A very apt topic for this time. Here’s the blurb:

Gods of War – Reclaiming the Mars Warrior

Will, drive, aggression, overt masculinity. These words often have negative connotations in our modern world. The warrior has been demoted to a safe fictional character or demonised in war. In this re-evaluation of Mars we look at its importance to us all and the problems arising if we ignore it.

And if you’re going to be there on Saturday to hear John, you may also want to here Franco on Birth Time Confirmation Techniques. Here’s the blurb on that one:

Franco

BIRTH TIME MATTERS

The birth time is the difference between giving an accurate reading and a reading whose timing is all off. You need to verify that your client’s birth time is actually an accurate representation of them which will give you accurate timing. In this workshop, you will learn the various time travel techniques to zero in a birth time.

Franco is developing a solid reputation as a researcher. This will not be just more fluff, though knowing Franco it will be entertaining. Do check it out…

And on that note, I will wish you a good week before I dissolve into a puddle. Hard to believe that 3 short months ago we were complaining about the cold, isn’t it??? Ah…well…Have a good two weeks anyway…Yes, two weeks, because next week I’ll be in Ann Arbor with our registrar and our bookseller.

Best,
Donna

Hi Everybody,
Well, if you didn’t register last week, the rate has increased. Still a bargain, but a bit less of one. So sorry for your luck.
I can tell you that not only have we met our June 21 registration target, we actually have also met our September 21 target. The registration was phenomenal. Thanks to all of you for making that happen — especially in a UAC year. I have upgraded the September 21 target accordingly.

This could very well be a full house, so if you haven’t reserved your hotel room, the time to do it is NOW. Just call the hotel and tell them you’re with SOTA to get the conference rate at the hotel.
A reminder that the Julie Simmons luncheon is now sold out and we expect the Michael Barwick lecture to follow suit. In fact, I am expecting all the luncheons to fill by September 21. The Kelly Surtees Pre-Conference may also fill. At the moment there’s room, but not much. I’ll keep you posted. In light of the registration numbers, I’m confirming that it will not be possible to register for single sessions at the door. Half days may or may not be available; that will be confirmed no later than September 21 or as soon as I know.

We still have a speaker looking for a roommate. If you know Patty Mac, she is delightful. If you’re looking for a roommate, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with her.
OK, and now a few words about what you’ll be missing if you DON’T attend:

Wendy Guy, Out-Of-Bounds Pluto

During our lifetimes, Pluto rarely and barely goes Out of Bounds. And from 2025 until 2035, it will go OOB for the last time, remaining in-bounds thereafter for the imaginable future. Come explore what it means to live in a time when this powerful planet is making this unique transition.

This is not a topic you’re going to see on other conference rosters. And Wendy is a declination expert. So this is something it might be worth your while to here. Unique information, not readily available.

Cassandra Butler, The Draconic Chart

The Draconic Chart: The Soul’s Purpose Revealed
The Draconic chart is a tool for exploring the path of our soul’s purpose. The draconic chart is derived by taking the lunar north node, setting it at the Aries point of 0 degrees, and adjusting the rest of the planets to this new increment. The result offers us the `missing piece’ of our life’s destiny and soul’s purpose. The draconic chart is sensitive to transits and a useful tool in synastry. Examples will illustrate it’s illuminating power.

Draconic Charts are rarely discussed. Come and hear what Cassandra has to say about them. She is a very clear teacher, so even if you’re new at these, chances are good you’ll be able to follow.

So there you have it. Just two of our great lectures that you won’t want to miss. So why not join us? Come for the day or come for the duration. Good information, good hospitality. And still affordable.
As usual, please share this with your friends. We try hard, but we just don’t know everybody.

Best,
Donna

Hi Everybody,

We’re now heading down to the wire in terms of taking advantage of the current rates. Be aware that they expire on June 21 at 10 pm Eastern. If you snooze beyond that point, you’ll pay more. So why not reserve now?

And be aware that the lunches are selling out rapidly.  At this point there are only 2 spaces left in Julie Simmons’ Aftermath: Living in a Post-Mars-Square-Uranus World, 4 spaces in Michael Barwick’s Huber Aspects and Their Patterns, and 5 spaces left in Kathy Rose’s Mystery Midpoints. So if you were planning on signing up for these on site, think again. I am expecting ALL of these to be sold out by the end of June. Maybe before. Also note that these will NOT be recorded. ‘Nuff said.

We still have a call out for a roommate (female). And we still have space for a couple of vendors, though I still have several to contact. In short, it’s going to be a full house. So if you’re coming, my advice is to book now and also reserve your hotel room.

For you locals who wanted to come for just one lecture, well, that isn’t going to be possible. We’re still debating half-day registrations, and I’ll keep you posted on that. Full day registrations are available now and it will be cheaper to register now rather than paying at the door, though the price on these doesn’t go up until September 21.

Toby Aldren, Primary Directions

So now let’s look at one of our lecture offerings. Toby Aldren is a relatively new speaker, but his very positive reputation precedes him. He didn’t lecture at UAC this time, but at the rate he’s going, he could very will be on the invite list for the next one. And his topic is not a common one.

So who is this guy? Toby is a Vancouver-based consultant and teacher. He is also a Distance Learning tutor for England’s Faculty of Astrological Studies.He was very well-received at the 2017 Canadian Astrology Conference in Calgary, which is how SOTA came to hear of him. Good credentials, good speaker. I think you’ll like him… His topic:

We’ll begin by reviewing the fundamental principles of Primary Directions. From there, we’ll develop a technique that has its own special place in the toolbox of contemporary astrologers. As well, Toby will introduce his original method of manipulating diurnal circles to better see the proportional location of planets in the heavens.

Before closing, I just want to mention our closing ceremony and prize draw. Most conferences have a silent auction. We have a giveaway. Everyone who is there and has registered or otherwise participated in SOTA (meaning staff, speakers, and vendors) gets a ticket and is eligible to win some sort of prize. What sort of prize? Well, that depends, because they are all donated by speakers, vendors and attendees, but in  the past we’ve had minerals, oils, books, incense, jewelry, and consultations, among other things.

Pretty much what you’d find at a silent auction, only you don’t have to bid on it. Of course this may mean you don’t get quite what you were hoping for, but you can always try to negotiate with the winner of the prize you wanted. It adds to the fun! Or can. And yes, you can donate too. Just contact me and if I know before the time comes, we can get it on the prize list. Suffice to say that most winners and a lot of those who donate come away happy.

And on that note, I’ll close and wish you a good week. And yes, please share this with friends. We simply don’t know everybody…

Best,
Donna