Two Llewellyn titles, Bridge to the Afterlife (Troy Parkinson; Bronze in the Inspirational/Spiritual category) and Follow the Shaman's Call (Mike Williams; Silver in the New Age [Mind-Body-Spirit] category) are IPPY  award winners! As noted last week, these titles were named as finalists in the 2010 Independent Publisher Awards, which are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. In a departure from previous years' protocol (where awards were both announced and distributed at the pre-BEA ceremony in New York City),  the 2010 Independent Publisher Awards (IPPYs) were revealed via an announcement on

Last week I wrote about the Circle Readings workshop taught by Mary K. Greer. I mentioned that it was one of my favorite activities of the weekend. Now here is the thing about Readers Studio and why it is more than just an educational opportunity and why it is an experience that cannot be replaced by a book or even on online class. Almost everything that is taught is then practiced and experienced by everyone there. You perform the technique and you are on the receiving end of the technique. In addition to honing your skills as a reader, you receive intensely powerful readings that can change your life. There is something about being physically present with someone that adds to or

Well, I'm back after spending a wonderful weekend at the Pagan Unity Festival with about 300+ other people. A great time was had by all. Being a boy from L.A. I wasn't used to the humidity, but when it rained it cut that out and was a pleasant relief. The lightning made a great show, too. I'd like to thank the wonderful people who put on PUF and would certainly encourage people to attend in coming years. They put this great sign on my cabin door: My only disappointment was that Raven and Stephanie Grimassi didn't make it. Apparently there was mechanical problems with three planes. I gave workshops on the evocation of spirits and psychic self-defence. I also volunteered to stand in

For the past couple years, I've been unable to understand just what it was about Lady Gaga (real name Stefani Germanotta) that drew fans. To me, she seemed overly eccentric, most of her music not my thing, and her outfits just plain odd. That is, until I was introduced to her song "Telephone;" for the past two days I've had the song on repeat over and over, at work and at home. Doing some quick math, I'll bet I've now heard this song some 180 times. I kid you not. So now my attention has turned from distaste to curiosity: what is about this woman that inspires her to dress the way that she does? Where does her confident stage presence come from? I decided to do a little *astrological*