Hi Everyone,

First of all, a reminder that if you are planning to attend David Cochrane’s Opening, pre-registration is strongly advised. Once we put in our food orders, we will be unable to add anyone else in.

And speaking of food, this is what we’ve tentatively got planned for the Opening. I’m still waiting to hear from the hotel about several things, so this, as well as our banquet, is still subject to change. Here we go:

• Assorted finger sandwiches (depending on what they can offer)
• Fresh seasonal vegetable display with dip
• Prosciutto and melon
• Assorted mini quiche (depending on what they can offer)
• Baked brie with French bread and raspberry sauce, fresh sliced apples, and pears
• Swedish meatballs
• There is a cash bar and there will additionally be coffee and tea.
• And we may add to this later on, depending on what we hear from the chef.

Vegetarians, this is your last chance to give input. So far I’ve heard from nobody. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem!

Still on the subject of food, I promised to give you the luncheon lecture descriptions. But before I do that, I just want to let people know how luncheons work.

1. First of all, you can sign up on site.
2. Go to the reg desk and you’ll get a menu.
3. Fill it out and return it to the reg desk by 10 am.

That’s all there is to it. But please note that they DO need to be in by 10 am. We can’t guarantee to accommodate you after that, as we have to turn the menus in. Lunches, by the way, are generally sandwiches or salads in one variety or another.

And what about the lectures du jour?

Featured Speakers: Luncheon Lectures

On Friday our feature is Tamara Small:

Stricture or Warning Sign:  Debunking the Myth of the Invalid Horary Chart

This workshop will explore the “considerations before judgment,” giving the astrologer the interpretive understanding for each of them, with chart examples.  Participants are encouraged to bring questions or so-called “invalid” charts of their own for discussion as well.

Tamara was well-received last year. I’m sure this year will be the same. She is both passionate about and experienced with horary.

 

On Saturday our feature is Emmajay Paterson:

Rocking Your Retrogrades

In our own charts and in the sky, retrogrades can drive us a special kind of crazy! Bring your chart – we will work hands-on to make lemonade of our retrograde lemons!

Also note that Emmajay will be lecturing on Friday morning on Discovering and Maximizing Personal Genius.

 

On Sunday our feature is John Marani:

Learning Tarot Archetypes Through Pop Culture

This presentation will examine several archetypes in the major arcana of the tarot and discuss how pop culture can play a pivotal role in understanding the true nature of each card.

John is a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter. If the Tarot interests you, this will interest you.

Featured Speaker: Donna Van Toen

Also, I am doing a transiting Uranus lecture on Saturday, September 16, and as a result, I have been asked what the differences will be between that and my conference lecture. Well, first of all, the September event is an all-day workshop and it will be focusing very heavily on aspects and phase cycles. This is the blurb for the conference lecture:

Uranus Transits and Liberation

Yes, Uranus can symbolize things breaking up or breaking down. It can also symbolize the process of liberation. Uranus helps us change and move beyond conditioning and what we’re used  to. We’ll explore the Uranus cycle of transits through the houses in this lecture. Find out where your next breakthrough is coming from and what you might be freeing yourself from.

This is not quite as entry level as it sounds, as we’ll be discussing the impact of Uranus in the houses in quite a bit of depth as well as how to spot your next breakthrough, We know that Uranus will not be active for the full duration of its time in the house. Learn to spot when it WILL be active and what it will be doing.

 

And there you have it. A bunch of food for thought about food for the mind and food for the body.

Catch you next week!.

Best,

Donna

Hi Everyone,

Lots of news this time, so let’s get started:

Special Offers

First of all, I am getting a lot of queries from people on a budget as to whether they can come for just one session. We haven’t made a decision on the single session thing, but we rarely allow this option.

We WILL be offering a half-day ticket for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That will be $55 cash at the door. No advance registration.

Third, until August 31 we are offering a bit of a price break on single-day admissions in the main conference. They will still cost $100 but until August 31, you can get a free lunch thrown in. Just pick your day and you’ll get the lunch of the day with speaker until space runs out.

Lunches, by the way, are not fancy. They run to salads and sandwiches plus coffee or tea. But you will get to choose your own lunch; just turn in your lunch form before 10 am on that day. And you’re getting a lecture to go with that lunch. (I’ll post lunch descriptions next time.)

So that’s a bit of a savings for you I hope. We have a budget to meet too, so we have to be careful about cutting costs. But a free lunch is a free lunch. I’m hoping some of you locals may turn out as a result. And yes, please DO share this with your friends.

The only restrictions are: 1) These packages are one to a customer. 2) Payment is by cheque only. Make your cheque payable to Full Circle Seminars and send it to me at 35 Brock St., Suite #1405, Hamilton, ON L8L 4L7 Canada. And note that Canada does NOT have Saturday mail delivery. Allow 5 mail days for your cheque to arrive. And make sure it gets here by August 31. Because 3) This offer will expire as of midnight August 31.

Raffles and Prize Draws

Secondly, I’ve had quite a few queries about raffles and prize draws and the like. So let’s sort this out: We always have a 50-50 draw at the banquet. The winner gets half of what we collect. Occasionally there are other raffles at the banquet as well. Those depend on what we’re donated, if anything. And we may draw them at either the raffle or the prize draw on Sunday. In any case, we’ll try to tell you what’s being drawn when, though usually we don’t know how many raffles we will have until the conference.

The prize draw on Sunday is not a raffle. If you’re registered, you get a ticket. We then draw tickets for an assortment of prizes. These are all donated and vary from year to year — books, various astro-kits and Tarot kits, jewelry, astro-kitsch like candles and incense burners and pretty much anything else. You could go home with a very nice souvenir. Our speakers have been very generous with donations in the past and some of our attendees have been generous as well. Again, we never know what we’ll get, but a couple of years, we’ve had enough that some people won 2 prizes. So it’s worth your while to stick around for the closing because you have to be present to win.

Banquet Menu

OK, I mentioned the banquet earlier. The menu is still tentative, but this is what we have so far:

• House salad
• Rolls and butter
• Fresh tomato and mozzarella display with basil vinaigrette
• Seafood pasta salad
• Lemon glazed chicken breast
• Herb crusted salmon filet
• Tortellini primavera
• Au gratin potatoes
• Green beans almondine
• Dessert
• Coffee, tea

At this time I am waiting to hear if the kitchen can do us a good eggplant parmesan or something else vegetarian that isn’t pasta. And for those of you who don’t eat cheese, PLEASE let me know. We can do separate plates for you, but I have to know when I put the orders in. The rest of you are also free to make suggestions; just remember I have a budget. And since this is buffet style, yes, you can taste everything.

Featured Speaker: Chantal Patenaude

OK, since we talked about one-day passes, let’s talk about a lecture. Last year, Chantal Patenaude did a lecture on what she calls “the unified chart”. It generated a lot of interest and a lot of positive feedback. So she’s going to talk about it again. Here’s the blurb:

The New ‘Unified’ Chart

The latest research on the unified chart and its implications for relationships of all kinds. What it is, how to set it up, the connection to sacred geometry and the twin flame phenomenon.

As you can see,  this is a synastry lecture. And no, it isn’t a rehash of last year. Nor is it a continuation of last year’s lecture. Whether, you attended last year or not,  you’ll learn something. So if you’re interested in synastry, this might be for you.

 

OK, luncheon lecture descriptions next time. Meanwhile I’m running late as usual. So have a good week and I’ll catch you later…

Best,

Donna

Hi All,

Before launching into the SOTA stuff, I want to make sure everyone knows that Wade Caves appears in Newsweek sharing his comments on the eclipse. Two other astrologers were also interviewed. The article  was sane and not anti-astrology, though of course they had to get a comment from one anti-astrology person. Still, that’s unbiased journalism. Do read Wade’s comments — and if you’re so inclined, check out his website. I believe his lengthy and worthwhile article on the eclipses is posted there. Congratulations, Wade! You did astrology proud and we’re very happy to have you at SOTA. (Find Wade in our lecture schedule.)

Link to us!

OK, here in SOTAland we would greatly appreciate you sending links in your newsletter. For some reason, we got left off of a couple of our links this year, and of course that threatens to lower attendance. It will be taken care of for next year, but meanwhile, if you send out a newsletter or have a website, please include a link to SOTA. Our website is http://donnavantoen.com/  We also have a presence on Facebook — go to SotaAstrologyConference . You’ll find us there. And no, it’s not the same stuff as in the newsletter. So stay informed and check it out.

Donna at Lily Dale

I am currently working on menus and should have news for you soon on that front. Not next week, because I am away again at Lily Dale, but I’ll be back again the following week with yet more news. And yes, I will have flyers with me at Lily Dale, so if you see me, ask for one or feel free to ask questions if you have any. Since my talk is geared to beginners and focuses heavily on Sun Signs, I’m not expecting to see too many of you there, but if you’re interested in Stress and the Sun Signs, by all means come. I’d love to see you.

Menus

And speaking of menus, I know there are some vegetarians out there, but I got nary a response to my request to have you come forward so I could get a head count and an idea of what you want. So at this point, we are aiming for one vegetarian entree, one meat, and one fish.  If I hear from enough of you, I will revise accordingly, but you should be aware that we DO have a budget and if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

No vegans came forward, so we will not be having a specific vegan entree, but you can order one. We aim to please, but we need a bit of cooperation. And we DO know that not everyone would be thrilled about an all-vegetarian menu, so don’t hold your breath on that one. Even UAC doesn’t give more than one vegetarian option. However, unlike UAC, we do things buffet-style, so yes, there will be a variety of vegetables you can choose from.

Featured Speaker: Ellen Bourn

And speaking of Lily Dale again,  I want to be sure that everyone knows that Ellen Bourn has two lectures. On Friday morning, she’ll be presenting Spiritual Interpretation of Transits from 10:30 to 12:30.

Then on Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 she’ll be doing Saturn: Self-Mastery or Self-Sabotage.  This one was a last-minute addition, as Ellen graciously agreed to fill in for another speaker who canceled. Just in case your didn’t read that description of that one when it came out, here it is again:

Saturn: Self-Mastery or Self-Sabotage?

Saturn has long been referred to as the planet of Karma in one’s Natal Horoscope. What does this really mean on a metaphysical level? What does this mean one needs to learn in order to achieve mastery of the Inner Self and External Life Circumstances? Will you view your life through the lens of wisdom or the lens of inhibition? The choice is yours. Learn how to select your best option.

As most of you know, Ellen is a spiritual/kabbalistic astrologer who has quite a following at SOTA as well as in Upstate New York and elsewhere. So do come and check her out if  this topic appeals.

Featured Speaker: Wendy Guy

We have already talked about Wendy Guy, a number of times, always in her capacity as webmistress, where she is definitely invaluable. However, you need to know that she’s also a seasoned speaker. And this year, she’s going to be sharing some of her webmistress tips in her lecture. Here’s a description for you:

How To Build A Successful Astrology Website

A website is your “Internet business card” – an essential tool for astrologers today to share insights and attract clients. We’ll focus on the unique needs of astrology websites, with easy-to-understand tips for design, organization, writing great articles, selling your services, and valuable dos and don’ts to keep your site safe and user-friendly.

So if you want to know what somebody like Wendy knows and whether or not you might want to get someone to set up your website rather than do it yourself, this could be a very worthwhile lecture for you. Wendy has extensive experience. She is also a very clear presenter. You can even ask her what kind of baseball bat she uses on the hackers. And you can meet her in person. Please note that this is NOT an infomercial, but if you like what you hear and think you could benefit from Wendy’s services, I’m sure she’d be happy to talk to you after her lecture. Don’t be shy!

OK, my dinner awaits so I’m off again. Look for the next newsletter around August 15. And meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the summer.

Best,

Donna

Hi Everyone,

I don’t know where the summer is going, but it seems to be moving very rapidly for me and pretty much everyone else I know. I hope you’re all enjoying the weather as much as I am, but I also hope you will take time  to share SOTAnews with your friends. Doing so will help them get in at a cheaper rate than the at-door rate. If will also ensure that they can make travel plans and grab a hotel room.

Hotel Rooms

…Speaking of which, if you haven’t reserved your hotel room, you need to do that soon. Just call the hotel at 1-800-523-3331 and tell them you’re with SOTA. You will find that this hotel aims to please, so if you want a room on a particular floor or next to an elevator let them know and they will do their best. Ditto if you get there and find the room too hot, too cold, too dark, or otherwise not to your liking. That said, some complaints just can’t be fixed. For example, last year a woman complained that the toilets were too high. Truly! That one probably can’t be fixed. If you’re short, you probably have to accept that some things go with the territory of being short and find your own work-arounds. Mind you, I’m fairly short and I’ve had no trouble with too-high toilets or tables or chairs or anything else. So I don’t think most of you have a great deal to worry about. Do mention you’re with SOTA when you call, though, as we have a discount. Why pay more???

Panel Discussion: Traditional / Modern

Now as you know, astrologers argue — about house systems, techniques, philosophies, and pretty much all else.  Sometimes they argue against things without even trying them; other times they have explored and rejected certain things. I am all for that latter stance so long as you keep in mind that what works for you may not work for me. It really IS ok to do things differently and a lot of times “what works” is based on your own philosophy and wiring. There are many systems I don’t use for one reason or another and I’m sure there are things I use that you may not. And that should be ok…

With that in mind, we’ve set up a panel featuring four very competent astrologers who may give you some new ideas as they discuss their work. Here’s a description:

Something Old / Something New:
Where traditional and modern meet

Friday, 4:30-5:30

This panel discussion explores the intersection of astrological perspective — in this case the intersection of traditional and modern astrology. This is going to be a “both/and” look at the conversation we are having as astrologers, whether we know it or not. We hope you’ll come and add to the discussion, no matter what type of astrology you do…

Some years ago, I was totally averse to traditional astrology. I mean why would you not use the modern planets? And why would you use techniques from bygone times? This is, after all, the 21st century. Times have changed. But so has my mind. And what changed it? A valedictory address by Chris Brennan at a Kepler grad. At that time I only knew of Chris as a strong proponent of Hellenistic/traditional astrology. So imagine my surprise when he said in his speech that his first reaction to having to study the classical tradition was “Why?” At that time, he was committed to psychological astrology and had no interest in learning traditional. But he DID want to graduate from Kepler. So he had no choice but to study traditional because it was a part of the curriculum. The rest is history.

My thought at the time was that if Chris Brennan could be made a convert, maybe there was something here I needed to explore. So I tried to open my mind and make room for some traditional. Initially without much success, I might add. Some time after that, I discovered a book called Introduction to Traditional Natal Astrology by Charles Obert. He is a modern astrologer who has studied with a great many of the traditional astrologers, including Brennan. And he’s also a Uranian (or as some of them call themselves now, a Spherical). And he very clearly demonstrated that there are many traditional techniques that complement modern astrology. So you don’t have to be either/or. You can, if your mind is open, draw from both traditions. (And yes, this book will be available at the book table if it sounds interesting to you.)

There’s no need for mudslinging. We can all coexist. And better yet, we can learn from others, assuming our minds are not closed to everything but our own voice and  ego. Really, that’s what conferences are about. Learning from one another. And if you don’t get something new to try at each conference, you’re probably doing yourself a disservice.

Also note that if something Julie Simmons, Tamara Small, Wade Caves or Jessica Lanyadoo says really resonates with you, you can hear them in their own lectures elsewhere during the conference. However, Tamara will be on before the panel, Friday at lunchtime. So you might want to  check her out beforehand when there’ll be food for the mind as well as food for the body. Her topic, strictures of judgment, would be of particular interest to you horary astrologers…

So come to this panel and stick your two cents in (well, it would have to be a nickel Canadian, since we no longer have pennies). But if the purpose of a conference is to learn new things, chances are that as you learn, someone may be learning from you too.

Just bring your open mind.

Oh, and bring your friends, too. New faces and new voices are always good…

There will be no newsletter next week as I’m traveling to Ann Arbor. And while Pam and I may do some SOTA stuff, part of the plan is to eat, hang out, see crafts, and relax.

I’ll be back in early August, if not before.

Best,

Donna

Hi Everyone,

Opening Reception and Keynote

OK, I’ve had some questions about the Opening and Keynote, so let’s start with those. First of all, the opening reception will feature an attractive array of hot and cold nibblies and yes, there will be something for the vegetarians. There will also be a cash bar. And there will be seating; this is not a cocktail party.

And somebody  asked “What if you don’t know anybody?” Don’t worry;just sit down where there’s a free seat. This is a very friendly crowd, and  by the time the evening’s over, you no doubt WILL know some  people. In fact, the opening has been described as one of the best places to meet people.

David’s talk is one that is geared to all levels. He’s going to describe a  couple of astrological paths —  the roller-coaster and the merry-go-round — drawing on his experience, which is plentiful. If you’ve been studying for more than a month, yes, you will be able to relate. David is both  entertaining and thought-provoking. We are very lucky to have him doing the keynote.

However, a word of caution to you fence-sitters. Yes, you have to be registered for this unless you have a  deluxe package. In that case the opening and keynote are included. We have to order food, and we need to do that before the day of the opening. You CAN wait and see if there have been cancellations, but if there haven’t been, you will be out of luck. So no, you can’t just show up and decide to attend. Sorry, but since we  have to plan ahead, so do you. And yes, it will be worth the effort.

Divination Night

Then  on to Friday  and Divination Night. At the moment we have 9 readers, and I am hoping to hear from a tenth.  Our 9 readers are: Franco  (runes), Cassandra Butler (mediumship), Judy Conkel, (numerology), Lorraine Hughes (eclectic psychic), Patty Mac (crystal ball), John Marani (Tarot), Emmajay Paterson (dukkering, which  is  fortune-telling with  playing cards), and Dawn  Silver (gemstone oracle).

We are currently holding a space for Pat Beers, whom some of you know from the trade room, as well. And if I’ve left anybody of the list, my apologies in advance. Please let me know and I’ll put a correction in the next SOTAnews. This list has changed several times over the course of things, and meanwhile Neptune is sitting on my Sun, so brain-fog is entirely possible. Meanwhile, we are going to need at least one more reader. If any of you do astro-dice, psychometry, face-reading, or whatever, and would like to be one of our divine diviners, please contact me and I’ll fill you in.

Meanwhile, if you have signed up for this, or if you have a deluxe package, you are eligible for one 10-minute reading. But since the tables only hold 8 people max, it will be up to you to sign up for the reader of your choice. We will have sign-up sheets available at the reg desk from 5:30 onwards and at the event from 6:30 onwards. Obviously early sign-up is better, since it will guarantee your choice of reader. In the event that your reader’s table is full or if you don’t know who you want to go to, we will try to put you with someone who is a good fit.

And since ALL of these people are good, you don’t need to worry about getting a lousy reader! Readings are all 10-minutes each. Should you want an additional 10 minutes, you can sign up for it for an additional $15.00 and get one on the spot once the tables are  finished at 8:30.

Or if you’d really rather have a longer reading, you can make arrangements to get one in the trade room; ask your reader about fees and availability. Pat Beers, Lorraine, and Patty Mac will be in  the trade room for the duration. We have set aside space for others to come in and do readings by appointment. So there’s no reason for you not to be well-read!

Oh, and there will be coffee, tea, fruit, and cookies at divination night for your munching enjoyment. And you don’t have to be pre-registered. Just be aware that if you show up at 6:55, your choice may be limited.

Featured Speaker: Franco

Leading up to divination night, you can hear a lecture by none other than Franco. And yes, it’s on The Viking Runes. Here’s a description:

Alphabet of the Gods — The Viking Runes

Imagine taking the letters of the alphabet and attaching a deity to each one, affixing a divinatory meaning, and then throwing in some magical effects. What you’ll have is the Viking Runes. The Runes have intricate and complex meanings. This workshop will  allow you to dip your toes in the vast sea of the runes and see if you like the water…

Franco is, among other things, one of the few people I would call a rune master. This is one of his prime areas of  expertise, though he is no slouch when it comes to Tarot or astrology either. Actually, in the first bio I  got from Franco, he described himself as sort of a Renaissance man, and now that I know him, I would say he is definitely as described.

An engineer, a world traveller as part of his job, a musician, a rune master, a Tarot reader, an astrologer and astro-researcher (he is Alphee Lavoie’s right hand man over in ‘GatorLand), a pagan, and besides that one of the nicest — and funniest — people you’d ever want to me. So come to this lecture and then go see him in action and get a rune reading at Divination Night.

Franco is also in charge of our banquet entertainment. He has pulled many, many rabbits out of his hat for this one — and as I said last time, I never know what he’s doing until the last minute. So while we’ll talk about the banquet, I’ll have to be a bit vague about entertainment except to say it’s invariably good and very funny.

 

OK, more next week. And hopefully by then we’ll have another reader.

Stay cool,

Donna