(Courtesy of Pastor Brandon on Facebook)

(Courtesy of Rob Brezsny)

“One of the reasons so many people are suffering from stress is not that they are doing stressful things but that they allow so little time for silence.” John O’Donohue (1956-2008) Irish Writer

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DAILY REFLECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

The Astrology Podcast • Jan 29, 2025 • Monthly Astrology Forecasts Discussing the astrological forecast for February 2025, and talking about news and events from the past month through the lens of astrology, with astrologers Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. For the first 90 minutes of the episode we talk about news that happened in the news since our last forecast, and then in the second half of the episode we do a deep dive into the astrology of February. The astrology of February opens with Uranus and Jupiter stationing direct in Taurus and Gemini, and then later in the month Mars stations direct in Cancer while Venus prepares to go retrograde in Aries.

Published: January 28, 2025 (TheOnion.com)

SULPHUR, OK—In a heartwarming visit that both man and boy are likely to remember for the rest of their lives, Sgt. Thomas Anderson, a highly decorated soldier from the Cyber War of 2096, reportedly returned to his childhood home Wednesday with a message for his 8-year-old self.

The bionic warrior, who leads an elite unit in the 501st Battle Brigade, delighted onlookers when he exited a time portal in the year 2024 and made an emotional surprise visit to himself as a child. Still dressed in bullet-riddled titanium armor, he knelt down, wrapped his mechanical arms around the stunned third-grader, and whispered a poignant message into his ear: One day, robots would try to kill everyone on the planet, and the young boy would be humanity’s only hope. 

“Hello, Tommy—my name is Sgt. Thomas Anderson, and I am you, from the future,” said Anderson, who smiled and cocked his cybernetic arm cannon as his childhood self looked on, eyes wide and jaw agape. “Sadly, I am here to bring you dire news from our people. In the future, a roboscourge will wipe out society as we know it, and you will be called upon to be very, very brave and save us.”

“I come from a time when all that you know and love will be gone,” he continued, “but you, Tommy, will become a great hero. In fact, you are the most important child in the history of the world.”

Stationed in the deadliest combat zone on what remains of Earth in 2096, Sgt. Anderson is believed to have requested a special leave from his battalion so he could initiate a chrono-tunnel and visit his young self, who friends and family said had been feeling very lonely as his ninth birthday approached.

As the two met face-to-face, witnesses described a touching scene in which the battle-hardened Anderson slowly removed his helmet, revealed the charred remains of his face, and, with a smile, told Tommy the world needed him now more than ever, because he was the chosen one. According to reports, the boy beamed and saluted the cyborg sergeant repeatedly throughout their visit.

“I was so sad this morning, but meeting my future self today was the best thing ever,” the young Anderson told reporters. “You see, every year on my birthday, ‘old me’ sends ‘young me’ a holographic message saying he wants to be here but he’s too busy fighting the bad robots who want to hurt people. Then I blow out the candles and make a wish that he’ll come to visit, and now he really has!”

He added, “It turns out the only reason he didn’t come sooner is because he was being imprisoned and tortured by an evil techno-overlord.”

Although the sergeant lost half his face when his platoon was attacked in a surprise naval assault by a squadron of aquabots, onlookers swore they saw a tear fall down his cheek as he high-fived his past self, tousled his hair, and handed him his most prized possession: a plasma gun he once pried from the cold mechanized grasp of a vanquished robot general.

Later in the day, the elder Anderson was seen hopping on his hoverboard and taking the younger Anderson to a local ice cream parlor where they shared a banana split and discussed his elementary school, his favorite sports, and the 2064 Battle of the Automatons, which blacked out the sun and nearly eradicated all life on the planet.

“With his future self around, little Tommy’s a totally different kid,” said neighbor Ally Rialto, observing that a strong male figure in the boy’s life would do wonders for his self-confidence. “He gets bullied a lot, but he told me the next time a kid tries to mess with him he’s going to tell them to watch out or Sgt. Anderson will shoot them with lasers just like he does with those killer robots.”

“His mom really did try her best,” Rialto continued. “But there’s nothing quite like having a version of yourself from the future to play catch and discuss the horrors of cyber war with.”

Family members said the two Thomas Andersons bonded in the backyard with a heartwarming combat-training session during which they shot crossbows, practiced stunning enemies with a techno-scrambler, and even killed a rogue enforcer drone that had managed to follow the older Anderson out of his time portal. 

But as the sun began to set, the sergeant received an urgent holo-message telling him his fleet had been ambushed and his wife—also a legendary fighter in the human rebellion—had been taken hostage.

“I’m sorry, Tommy, but it’s time for me to go,” said Sgt. Anderson, reminding his younger self to be strong for his family during the robotic uprising. “I know things are hard, but one day you’ll be an unstoppable warrior. And while you probably think this is gross now, someday you might just fall in love with little Emma from down the street. Trust me, she knows how to kick some serious robot butt.”

“The fate of our species rests on your shoulders,” he added. “Without you, we’re all doomed.” 

At press time, neighbors could be heard screaming in fear after robots from the future suddenly emerged from a time portal, fired their disrupter rays, and vaporized both Thomas Andersons. 

New Thinking • Jan 22, 2025 Julia Mossbridge, PhD, is a Visiting Scholar in the Psychology Department  at Northwestern University, a Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the Science Director at Focus@Will Labs, and an Associated Professor in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is the author of Unfolding: The Perpetual Science of Your Soul’s Work and The Garden: An Inside Experiment. She is also the co-author, with Imants Baruss, of Transcendent Mind: Re-thinking the Science of Consciousness. She is coauthor with Theresa Cheung of The Premonition Code: The Science of Precognition, How Sensing the Future Can Change Your Life. Her website is https://www.mossbridgeinstitute.com/ In this video, rebooted from 2018, she discusses the paradox that our understanding of time in theoretical physics differs dramatically from our day-to-day experience. She points out that personal experience is the basis of empirical science. She also describes research in parapsychology related to precognition. She and host, Jeff Mishlove, both discuss life-changing personal experiences of precognition. Then she describes her “Positive Precog” program and her vision of a world in which people skilled at precognition become central to many areas of human endeavor. New Thinking Allowed host, Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, is author of The Roots of Consciousness, Psi Development Systems, and The PK Man. Between 1986 and 2002 he hosted and co-produced the original Thinking Allowed public television series. He is the recipient of the only doctoral diploma in “parapsychology” ever awarded by an accredited university (University of California, Berkeley, 1980). He is also the Grand Prize winner of the 2021 Bigelow Institute essay competition regarding the best evidence for survival of human consciousness after permanent bodily death. He is Co-Director of Parapsychology Education at the California Institute for Human Science. (Recorded on November 28, 2018)

Wendy Cicchetti

New Moon in Aquarius:

This New Moon in Aquarius brings a powerful energy of innovation, individuality, and forward-thinking. When the Moon is new, it signifies the start of a fresh cycle—a time to set intentions and plant the seeds of future growth. Here’s how this specific New Moon can help and impact people:

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1. Encourages Individuality and Authenticity

Aquarius, ruled by Uranus (the planet of rebellion and change), is all about embracing your unique self. During this New Moon:

• How it helps: You’re encouraged to break free from societal expectations and honor your true identity. It’s an ideal time to ask, “What makes me unique, and how can I express it?”
• Impact: People may feel drawn to explore unconventional ideas or hobbies, take risks, or even make bold changes in their personal style, career, or relationships.

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2. Inspires Fresh Perspectives and Innovation

Aquarius energy promotes creativity and revolutionary thinking. This New Moon is perfect for:

• How it helps: Dreaming big and brainstorming new ideas, especially those involving technology, community, or humanitarian causes.
• Impact: You may feel inspired to rethink old ways of doing things and come up with innovative solutions. This is especially helpful for those stuck in routines or seeking inspiration in their personal or professional lives.

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3. Focuses on Community and Collective Good

Aquarius is known as the sign of social consciousness and collective progress. It reminds us that we’re all connected.

• How it helps: It’s a time to reflect on your role in your community, assess how you’re contributing to the greater good, and strengthen your connections with others.
• Impact: People may feel more inclined to join groups, collaborate on causes, or network with like-minded individuals. It’s an ideal time to build relationships based on shared values.

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4. Supports Breaking Free from Limitations

With Aquarius’s rebellious and progressive energy, this New Moon helps shake off restrictions.

• How it helps: If you’ve felt stuck, this energy can provide a push to break free from outdated beliefs, toxic patterns, or limiting situations.
• Impact: Many may feel inspired to take bold steps toward personal freedom, whether it’s leaving a stagnant job, setting boundaries, or embracing new opportunities.

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5. Sparks Visionary Goal Setting

Aquarius energy is future-oriented, and the New Moon supports dreaming big and planning ahead.

• How it helps: This is an excellent time to set intentions related to long-term aspirations, particularly those involving technology, learning, or social impact.
• Impact: Goals set now may be unconventional or idealistic but are aligned with your higher vision. It’s a chance to focus on where you want to go and how you can make a difference.

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6. Heightens Awareness of Global Issues

Aquarius energy reminds us to think beyond personal gain and consider global challenges.

• How it helps: It prompts reflection on how your actions align with the needs of the planet and humanity.
• Impact: People may feel called to support causes related to equality, sustainability, or innovation. It’s a time to think globally while acting locally.

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Tips for Harnessing the New Moon in Aquarius Energy

• Set bold, unconventional goals: Write down dreams that excite and scare you.
• Embrace technology and innovation: Try out new apps, gadgets, or platforms that can make life easier or more connected.
• Connect with like-minded individuals: Seek out communities that align with your interests or causes.
• Let go of outdated beliefs: Reflect on areas of life where you may feel trapped and brainstorm how to break free.
• Engage in humanitarian efforts: Volunteer, donate, or educate yourself on causes that matter.

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Zodiac-Specific Impact

While everyone benefits from this New Moon, here’s a quick breakdown of its effects on each element:

• Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Feel empowered to express new ideas and lead change. Creativity flows freely.
• Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Bold actions in personal and professional spheres are likely to gain traction.
• Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Practical plans receive an innovative twist—focus on building something groundbreaking.
• Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotional insights lead to breakthroughs, especially in relationships and intuition.

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This New Moon in Aquarius is a cosmic green light to embrace your authenticity, dream boldly, and align with the collective energy of progress and change. Use it to reinvent yourself and build a better future! ��✨

The Five of Swords: The Lord of Defeat is yet another of the unwelcome Sword cards. It generally appears to indicate that we are in for some disappointment or loss.In a highly competitive world, we are bound to be defeated by some of the challenges we set ourselves. If we are not to limit ourselves so severely that we never compete for anything, then at some time this card will inevitably come up. And our response to its effect is very important. If we feel shattered and disillusioned, then we will start the process which leads inevitably to the Ten of Swords – Ruin.The way we face the Five of Swords has a great deal to do with how much effect a setback can have on the whole of our life. If we are able to accept that we cannot be winners all the time, if we are to set our minds to learning from our experiences, if we are to struggle to be positive in the face of adversity, then we can overcome disappointment, and rob the Lord of Defeat of total triumph!In occasional really bad cases the card can indicate external treachery – somebody deliberately attempting to undermine or damage us. In this case it will almost always come up with other Swords like the Nine of Sword, or the Eight of Swords. If the Ten of Swords appears further on in the reading, then we are in danger of being affected quite dramatically. In this case you would need to consider who you think your enemies are, and take appropriate steps to combat their illwill – never underestimate the power of other people’s malice. And don’t retaliate with more of the same!At most times the Five of Swords will indicate much smaller matters than this – you won’t get the job you applied for; you won’t sell the manuscript this time; you won’t get the exam result you wanted; you won’t get the house you tried to buy. Look for surrounding cards that indicate the area of your life which will be affected.It’s natural to feel down-hearted when we don’t get what we want. But it’s rare that every single thing in a person’s life is going badly at the same time. So count your blessings, pick yourself up and go and do something nice for yourself. And remind yourself of something – you tried, and can try again. And maybe next time your efforts will be met by the Lord of Success!!

(Angelpaths.com)

“Hundreds of years ago, Indian artists created visual images of dancing Shivas. In our time, physicists have used advanced technology to portray the patterns of the cosmic dance. The metaphor of the cosmic dance unifies ancient mythology, religious art and modern physics.” Fritjof Capra (b.1939) Austrian Physicist

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DAILY REFLECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove • Jan 27, 2025 Gary Lachman is the author of more than twenty books on topics ranging from the evolution of consciousness to literary suicides, popular culture and the history of the occult. He has written a rock and roll memoir of the 1970s, biographies of Aleister Crowley, Rudolf Steiner, C. G. Jung, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Emanuel Swedenborg, P. D. Ouspensky, and Colin Wilson, histories of Hermeticism and the Western Inner Tradition, studies in existentialism and the philosophy of consciousness, and about the influence of esotericism on politics and society. In this video, rebooted from 2019, he describes life in the eighteenth century as a time of both enlightenment thought and biblical reverence. Swedenborg’s father was a bishop who also attained a title of nobility. Swedenborg travelled widely and developed scientific interests. From childhood he began developing breathing practices for purposes of concentration. He explored nuances of the hypnogogic state. Later in life he published books about his visionary experiences. He was recognized as a visionary and for his psychic skills. New Thinking Allowed host, Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, is author of The Roots of Consciousness, Psi Development Systems, and The PK Man. Between 1986 and 2002 he hosted and co-produced the original Thinking Allowed public television series. He is the recipient of the only doctoral diploma in “parapsychology” ever awarded by an accredited university (University of California, Berkeley, 1980). He is also the Grand Prize winner of the 2021 Bigelow Institute essay competition regarding the best evidence for survival of human consciousness after permanent bodily death. He is Co-Director (with Callum Cooper) of Parapsychology Education at the California Institute for Human Science. (Recorded on January 9, 2019)