12 October 2014
Well folks, this is it — the very last SOTAnews before SOTA 2014. We have a fair bit to cover, so let’s get right into it.
First of all, the hotel: The conference rate has now expired. They may or may not have rooms available, but if they do, you will pay a premium. Sorry, but if you snooze, you’re bound to lose.
Secondly, PayPal will go into hibernation as of 10 pm Eastern on October 15. After that date, your only option will be to pay at the door, which will be cash only in US funds. How about a cheque? Sorry, I can’t guarantee that it will reach me in time, as I leave for the hotel before the 23rd. Interac maybe? If you’re on this side of the border, Interac MAY be an option after that date. Contact me and we can talk. Just be aware that even Interac will not be an option from the 20th onwards.
So what’s available?
- Deluxe conference packages that include 2 luncheons.
- Full conference packages
- Single day admissions.
- Pre-Conference tickets.
In terms of luncheons, it’s looking like we will have a limited quantity of tickets available at the door. They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
As for banquets, we have 3 tickets left. They will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. I’ve already had two people express interest in these, so it’s to your advantage to contact Myra, our lovely registrar, at SOTA as early in the conference as possible if you really, really want to come. We may or may not have any more tickets available. So again, snoozing gives a good chance of losing.
Tickets for the reception and keynote and for Sweet Messages will be available at the door.
There have been no further changes to the schedule, so all of the great speakers you see listed on the attached flyer will be there. One of those speakers is none other than Pam Gallagher. Here’s her blurb:
The Art of Blending Planetary Energies
Pam Gallagher
We will discuss keywords for major aspects as they relate to planetary combinations. By pairing up all of the planets using a handout, we will choose appropriate words that combine with both the easy aspects and the more challenging ones. Come practice speaking astrology!
Now this sounds pretty basic. It isn’t, unless you’ve already had good training in synthesis as well as in thinking astrologically. Many astrologers are taught keywords, which they then memorize. This lecture will take you well beyond rote memorization and into synthesis and astrological thinking. So you just might want to give it a try.
Trade Room
Pam will also be in the trade room, along with none other than Fei Cochrane. You’ll find them at the Cosmic Patterns booth, where you can get a demo of Sirius, a copy of your chart, a printout of your midpoints, any one of a number of reports, and just about anything else astrological you might desire in terms of computer output.
And since we’re talking about the trade room, let’s have one more look at who and what else will be there:
Al and Carol Godzick of A-C Tapes. You can order recordings of everything you missed from them.
AFAN. If you enjoy the hospitality suite, consider showing your support by becoming a member. They are a service organization and in addition to this and other hospitality suites, they offer scholarships to various conferences, can match you with mentors, and provide various networking opportunities.
Astrology Toronto. Yes, it’s a local group, but they have workshops that are worth the trip. Check them out!
Billee Dommell and David Jordan. Some of the best deals on jewelry and minerals you could ever hope to find. Lots and lots of neat stuff.
Gardens by Grace (Darla Guyer) has an amazing line of herbal products including soaps, oils, bath products, and much more.
Books! What would a trade room be without books? Helene Arts will be back with a wide array of books, including a few gently-used and out-of-print titles, our authors’ titles, and lots of titles related to the various workshops.
Mindy Made. Mindy Soisson makes a number of neat things, including bags, shawls, and aprons. And DO check out the aprons. They are absolutely amazing and even people like me who try to avoid domesticity can appreciate them.
Joy White and ML Vaughan. Joy is a carver. Among other things, she is bringing a selection of her gorgeous hand-carved gourds. I think you’ll like what she has to offer. They will also be offering We’Moon calendars.
Nora Sturtevant Bouvier. Nora will be bringing a wide array of prints, including many that will appeal to astrologers. I’ve already picked one out for me. Go and see which one has YOUR name on it and take it home!
Our readers. If you’re a regular, you probably already know Tim Brainard and know he’s absolutely amazing. In addition to Tim, Patricia Beers and Deirdre Norman are back again by popular demand. Our new addition this year is Aisling Arts, whose specialty is Tarot.
So there you have it. We’re hoping we have something for everyone, including some of your friends who won’t be here. Oh, and speaking of not being here, a special request to you locals. Please spread the word. The trade room is open to the general public and it’s absolutely free. Let’s keep these vendors busy and make them happy they came!
Open Forum
OK, nearly done now, but there are still a few Open Forum lectures we haven’t touched on. Let’s do that now:
Under the Same Sky: East meets West
Priya Kale
An exploration of the Vedic lunar calendar and mythology, in relation to the lunar cycles of the Tropical zodiac, Western Astrology and its symbolism.
Priya is coming to us from either NY or Bombay — not sure which, as she divides her time between both.
Smiting the Skeptics
Matthew Currie
How to smite the skeptics using their own arguments.
Matthew is also from New York and is both very bright and very funny. And this topic is one we can ALL benefit from.
The Shamanic Journey for Power
Jodie Cara Lindley
Connect to the energy of a personal power totem, through the ancient process of journeying. Be the Shaman, and ride the Drum to the cosmos.
Jodie is an up-and coming speaker from the Toronto are. Her topic is a fascinating one, so do consider checking her out.
Chinese Astrology – East Meets West
Dionne Sutherland
The twelve eastern lunar signs in Chinese astrology correspond directly to the twelve western solar signs. This offers additional information that astrologers can study.
Here’s another one for those of you interested in an East-West synthesis. Dionne has been a regular at SOTA for a number of years, but this is her first time speaking for us.
A reminder that none of the Open Forum presentations will be taped, so if one of them catches your fancy, you’d better go check it out. A-C Tapes will not have CDs of these available.
OK, one last thing before I sign off. A big, huge, gigundous thank you to our webmistress extraordinaire, Wendy Guy. Wendy has kept the web site up to date and kept me on track as well. I truly couldn’t do this without her. And if anyone out there is looking for the services of such a wizardess, she can be contacted through her website. Oh, and by the way, you might want to check out her website, Evolving Door Astrology. She does some great blogs on the current transits.
And on that note, I’m outta here. If you need me, you’ll be able to reach me by email, but as the week goes along I am apt to become more and more sporadic and slow to respond, so please be patient. Here’s hoping I’ll see many of you at SOTA — and by all means bring your friends.
Best,
Donna