NEWSLETTERS
NEW COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
Greeting friends,
After some valuable down time, I'd like announce some new ways for us to learn from each other:
* Community circle evening gathering
* New astrology reading offer
* Renewed sound and yoga class
* Omega Institute astrology workshop
I look forward to seeing any of you who might find these offerings to be of interest, and of course don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Warmly,
Valerie
SOLSTICE & THE COMING SEASON
As a new year approaches, I wanted to share some upcoming opportunities for us to come together, beginning with our final events of 2023:
Solstice Soundscape (December 21@Elements Within Us, West Bloomfield, MI)
New Year Kirtan & Gong Ceremony (December 31@Triple Crane, Chelsea, MI)
Small Group Circles (February 2024@Home, Bloomfield Township, MI)
Astrology, Ceremony, and the Star Lions (June 2024@Omega, Rhinebeck, NY)
I’m certain other ideas will come into focus throughout the months ahead. If you have any requests or questions feel free to contact me by phone or text 248 346-2014.
And remember, all events are a gesture of love and respect for the truth that we each hold within ourselves.
Summer Meditation Series
In the Vibhuti Pada it is said that Samyama, or how meditation works, will lead one to direct knowledge of the multiverse within. Sam means together and Yama means discipline. This of course takes time to even begin to master!
I feel a great affection for that devotional part of me, and an equal measure of allure to chapter 3 of the sutras. Verses 26-28 speak to direct insight of the cosmos. The chapter cautions the devotee not to get caught up in subtle realms and mystical abilities, so it’s with practical intention I bring to you this offering.
Thursdays at 6:30 pm, starting June 3 2021
EMBODIED ASTROLOGY, JUNE 2023
I believe in the power of social connections though shared wisdom! In this offering, we’ll apply that concept to the ancient wisdom of astrology. Astrology has increased in popularity since I began my formal mentorship with the Steven Forrest school in 2008.
Now more than ever our culture is longing for deeper re-connection to our essential humanity.
There are a variety of ways we can enter into the symbolic field of astrology. I’m creating this offering for those who might be interested in embracing the symbolic language of astrology as a tool for self-reflection and awareness. We will be sharing stories, exploring imagery, and using other methods to activate the latent awareness of this ancient art form the exists with each of us.
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Where: Sylvan Lake, MI
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When: Saturdays 2-4 pm, June 3 - 24
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More info: 248 346-2014
STILLNESS, CLARITY, CONNECTION, PEACE
We will collectively inquire and provide plenty of space over the six weeks for each person to communicate sincerely and honestly. The conversation itself acts as the facilitator. In time we become more coherent, our defenses are lowered, and the nervous system begins to balance out by simply returning to these inquiries.
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Where: Sylvan Lake, MI
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When: 6 weeks, Nov 12 - Dec 17, Saturdays 2 - 4
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Cost: $100 [Venmo (Valerie-Weir-1), cash, check, or Paypal]
COME AS YOU ARE, AND LEAVE RENEWED
We are happy to invite everyone to this NEW YEAR all night event at Triple Crane Retreat Center. The night will begin with "mocktails," classical chai tea, a variety of delightful treats, and compelling conversation with some great people. Then we will be commencing into this special space with Kirtan and a cosmic OM at midnight, followed by the sound of planetary gongs ALL NIGHT LONG.
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Where: Chelsea, MI
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When: Dec 31, 2022
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More info: Click here
SPRING CIRCLE SESSION, APRIL - MAY 2023
As humans we long to be connected. We need to be seen and known, and we need to see and know others. After hosting two 6-week “heart circle” groups last year, Dale and I are convinced that these gatherings can help people meet that human longing for connection.
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Where: Sylvan Lake, MI
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When: Saturdays 2-4 pm, April 15 - May 20
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More info: 248 346-2014
SOUNDS OF THE COSMOS: GONGS!
Hey friends, wanted to let you know that we will be playing gongs Thursday evening, June 29! It’s a special offering at our circle friend Karen Faith Gordon’s new community space in West Bloomfield, and we'll be donating a portion of the proceeds to Karen's "Opportunities of Daily Living" program to inspire people to move gracefully into the final chapters of their lives.
As some of you know, we are currently hosting a series that allows us to access the zodiac using the primary agreements of circle format. I feel so blessed to have people come together and re-wild their natural awareness of astrology. We reflect on different areas of life, and it’s really enjoyable to experience astrology as an innate knowing, to see people holding each other in loving awareness.
I’m thinking about continuing with another program in the fall. Each session we focus on a different area of life.ivate the latent awareness of this ancient art form the exists with each of us.
NEW MOON ECLIPSE!
Hi friends,
We are opening our new home for the new moon Eclipse! I wanted to do something special for this auspicious occasion, sharing time in meditation. We can enjoy the moment with conversation and homemade tea.
We have room for 10. We ask all those attending to bring something to make yourself comfortable during the sound immersion – blanket, mat, etc. Very much looking forward to being together, and so are the deer.
3:00 to 5:00 pm. Reserve a spot with a $10 offering and we will send you our address in Bloomfield Twp.
ALCHEMY OF LIGHT & SOUND
Come immerse yourself in on ocean of planetary sound. Our bodies conduct sound as light waves. The gong's transmission is fluid, undifferentiated, and whole.
I invite you to experience the power of sound to change and heal, and to enjoy the planetary field of the gongs, the warmth of each other, and the pleasure of Karma’s space. The time will be a combination of sound vibration, self-reflection, meditation, and conversation.
Summer Meditation Series
LEARNING HOW TO CREATE DEEP FRIENDSHIPS AND COMMUNITY
We will collectively inquire and provide plenty of space over the six weeks for each person to communicate sincerely and honestly. The conversation itself acts as the facilitator. In time we become more coherent, our defenses are lowered, and the nervous system begins to balance out by simply returning to these inquiries. By sustaining these agreements, trust grows and community is possible.
LIGHT TRENDS
The new year is just around the corner, it holds a promise of LIGHT. Each year I enjoy offering a celebration of the teachings of light and sound during the winter solstice.
From the highest light of the sun into individual human form we are all embodiments of light. During the winter solstice light returns and, weirdly, the void becomes still. Ancients likened it to the sun “standing still,” then slowly light returns and we get to re-imagine our world. The past heaviness of 2020-2021 has me looking forward to seeing new constellating LIGHT for 2022!
FALL MEDITATION
Nature's elemental qualities find expression within each of us. Our inner cosmology holds the key to inner balance. This series will give you the direct experience to balance your elemental self. Each week we will focus on one celestial body, through discussion, classical mantras from the Yoga Sutras, guided meditation, and a gong shavasana.
By focusing on each planet’s true character, we experience those characteristics as they’re expressed or suppressed in the psyche. This will be our joyful work together.
SUMMER MEDITATION
In the Vibhuti Pada it is said that Samyama, or how meditation works, will lead one to direct knowledge of the multiverse within. Sam means together and Yama means discipline. This of course takes time to even begin to master!
I feel a great affection for that devotional part of me, and an equal measure of allure to chapter 3 of the sutras. Verses 26-28 speak to direct insight of the cosmos. The chapter cautions the devotee not to get caught up in subtle realms and mystical abilities, so it’s with practical intention I bring to you this offering..
INNER WAKEFULNESS
I’ve been spending Sunday evenings with a group of lucid dreamers from the Buddhist persuasion -- quite the quintessential Pisces practice. The liminal bardo states of dream practice can be experienced as a peaceful paradox. They can also cause confusion, or its darker expression of despair. These are just some of the teachings of Pisces.
Seeing where Pisces lands in your own chart can be a helpful way to connect with your essential self. I like to think the whole world is unwinding. Remember last March to this March? We will be emerging from the ocean womb of Pisces soon, taking new form as we "Equinox" into the astrological new year on March 20th....
BIRTHING NEW BELIEF
Have you ever experienced a power struggle? A reoccurring life situation that continually seems to have power over you? Welcome to the realm of Pluto and Samskara.
When we shine a light on our desire nature, we start to see something the yogis call Samskara, unconscious impressions of our stored suffering. Honest assessment of those desires requires confronting ourself, our cravings of approval, and a myriad of different things that can hook us....
STORYTELLER & LISTENER
Within each geometric aspect there lives primordial symbols that tell stories of qualities, tasks, and seasonal meanings of life.
We live in a critical moment. The sky is filled with story. When we focus on the outside self, the story remains unobserved. I have to admit to being somewhat fatigued with memes and the hyperbole of forecasts. ‘Facts and Beliefs’ -- the coming Age of Aquarius consumes the web. There IS quality among us, but how do we discuss it all?....
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS
Let's begin to build a bridge between the past and our future, in this great turn of the age. The evolution of consciousness is upon us and works through us in these cycles of time. I see this as a creative and purposeful force each of us can hold even when we feel turned inside out. During these unprecedented times remember that you aren’t alone. We have voice and vision to share that’s been solidifying during this past earthbound period. No one alive today has ever experienced cycles of this magnitude....
INSPIRATION
Phrases like “it took my breath away” have taken on new meaning in our world. I began the year uncertain, filled with a quest for meaning, and found myself returning to the study of breath methods through the work of breath pioneers Stan Grof and Rick Tarnas. Coincidence? I think not!
We heard the rallying cry “I can’t breathe.” As sacred mantra to soothe my own soul in the wake of so much uncertainty, I repeated the words of Richard Tarnas, “The soul of the world is breathing.” ....