February 1, 2024



Sunday Spiritual Service



The Lotus Center

124 County Highway 58

Oneonta, NY 13820

Also on Zoom




HOMILY: "Its Not About Me, Its All About Me: Finding Me in a World of We", Rev. Renee Ranke


EMCEE: Rev. Diana Friedell




ZOOM LINK
MORE SUNDAY SERVICE INFO





2024 ISD Membership Drive



Happy New Year to our Members and Friends,


We are so amazed at the progress we've made since ISD Oneonta began its existence in 2016 as "a good idea" in a few people's heads! The Institute for Spiritual Development has has become the first metaphysical church and learning center in our area- as well as a an important part of so many of our lives as we move into our eighth year together. At our ISD Board meeting last night, we reviewed our vision, the "why" that carries us forward with commitment:


We believe that all great religions and philosophies contain within them the spark of truth and wisdom that can inspire within us a more complete understanding of our place in the universe. Aided by this belief, we seek to provide a supportive environment through Sunday services, spiritual healing, fellowship and education.


Here at the Institute, we have had so many great leaders, teachers, students and volunteers, who have kept the fire of that mission growing & thriving with their wisdom, creativity, intuition, support, and resilience to find our way through both the wonderful and the rocky times. We have had many beautiful, hilarious, and magical moments together! We are reaching our goals together.


Now is the time to renew your support and commitment to our mission and vision for 2024. Membership not only sustains ISD Oneonta in our yearly budget, but gives members a good discount on the price of classes/workshops & events. This year, for the first time since 2017, the Finance Committee and the Board decided it was necessary to raise the membership fee from $25 to $30 for an individual and from $35 to $40 for a family. Many of our routine expenses, like our accountant, constant contact, and paypal have raised their prices over the years, and although we have stayed within our budget, there are new expenses that go along with expanding our public reach, to online classes and services. If you want more information about our budget and setting priorities, please refer to the Annual Report from April of 2023. If you are currently a member you can renew your membership here. Our challenge for this year is to have all members renew by January 27th. Do you accept the challenge? If you are thinking about membership at ISD Oneonta, you can learn more and apply for membership here.


We also would like your ideas, thoughts, comments, which will help our ISD Board to formulate a vision for where we are headed in 2024. If you can take a few minutes to fill out the SURVEY, at the button below- your response is very valuable to us!


ISD Member/Friend SURVEY

Upcoming classes and events...


Foundations 101: "Developing Psychic Pathways"



February 1st and 8th at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

ZOOM Mtg- Get link when you register. . .




“My Spidey Senses are Tingling!!” As spiritual beings how do we receive our psychic information? In what ways are we receiving messages, reading energy, and experiencing those things around us that we cannot physically hear, see, or touch?

And as human beings, how do we interact and understand those around us in the physical world? How do we begin to learn what we are receiving intuitively and what is the ‘junk’ that we have picked up from others?



This two session class, led by Rev. Renee Ranke, will help us to understand how we are receiving our telepathic messages and in what ways we can 'energize' our psychic sensitivity.

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER


ISD Monthly Board Mtg


February 4, 2024 at 11:45 am - 1:15 pm


ISD Lotus Center and on ZOOM

124 Co. Hwy 58

Oneonta, NY 1382



The board for the Institute for Spiritual Development usually meets on the first Sunday of the month on the same zoom link that the Sunday service meets on. Decisions concerning the direction and finances for ISD are made. If you have suggestions for ISD, please contact our board president, Kimberly Winsor, at  kimberlyawinsor@gmail.com. All are welcome to attend as guests, but don't have the same privilege of voting on ISD business that Board Members have.



Oracle Group on Zoom

with Story L. Ducey


February 5, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Remaining sessions-Feb 5th & Feb 12th



This Monday Group is called an Oracle Group because we will be focusing first, on deep meditation for healing and renewal for ourselves as we attempt to reenter the world together. Then, we will be seeking guidance, teachings and home work from Spirit together for all of us and our families as we move through this transition. This is experimental work with Spirit. We allow Spirit to direct us and present the teachings they want us to focus on. We will record the messaging and seek the overall message as confirmed by the majority of the messaging.

The overall goal is to dissolve challenging personal and communal karma while we seek strength and guidance in creating a new chapter for ourselves as individuals and for our world.



FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER


ISD Mediums Present

"Ask Me Anything"



February 7, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm



Mysteries revealed, receive evidence of your Spirit helpers! Join the fun! On the First Wednesday of the month, from 5:30-6:30 pm Eastern Time, join us for a free Facebook Live event called "Ask Me Anything". In these free sessions, One of our very talented Mediums will provide an opportunity for anyone who tunes in to get a free 5 minute psychic reading. Pop on with us at https://www.facebook.com/isdoneonta and ask any life direction question, or a question about a dream you had; or just wait and see what message your spirit guides want to say to you to help you on your life path.


For More Info on These Three Amazing ISD Mediums, Visit Their Profiles by clicking on a link below.



Diana Friedell's Profile 


Story Ducey's Profile


Renee Ranke's Profile



Facebook live event


Soul Oracle Vision Board


February 9, 2024 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm


Upper Susquehanna Cultural Center

79 North Main St.

Milford, NY 13820

607-433-208


Just in time for the New Year, Lori is leading a workshop that helps you become re-acquainted with your Soul's purpose and mission. Powerful meditations and contemplations lead you toward creating your very own Soul Vision Board that will help to guide your decisions and keep you on purpose and on your path in the New Year.

All supplies for your vision board are included in the price of the workshop.


Tuition: $88/ or $77 for ISD Members


Above picture is shared by Ally. This was her experience, "“Lori Solensten’s Oracle Vision Board class is creative, fun, and is meaningful in a way one wouldn’t expect. I got so much guidance from my higher self and guides that really has helped steer my ship into a new path for me in life. This class is not your average class, it’s really tuning into your own soul in a creative artistic way to see what messages are there. It’s like giving yourself an intuitive psychic reading as art.” - Ally from Sidney, NY



FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER


Foundations 102


"Harnessing Your Psychic Abilities" w/Diana Friedell


February 15 and 22, 2024 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm


ZOOM Mtg- Get link when you register. . .




We all have psychic abilities, but how do we harness and expand them? In this 2 part class, with Psychic Diana Friedell, learn the safe way of opening the door to intuitive messages, meet personal spirit guides in meditation, and learn the 7 Spirit Guides of Theosophy. Through fun games & exercises, develop confidence and clarity in your intuitive answers, both for yourself, and for others.


This course is open to all Seekers empowering themselves to sharpen their intuitive gifts during these challenging times.  It also meets a requirement for the Intuitive Practitioner Certificate Program. Rolling Admission. You do NOT need to be enrolled in the Intuitive Practitioner to sign up for this course. 



FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER


Magdalene Meditation Circle

with Dale Capristo



February 15, 2024 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm




ZOOM LINK
FOR MORE INFO


A few VENDING Spots left for SHIFT Fair 2024! Act Fast. . .


Please join us for the Spring 17th annual SHIFT Fair,

on April 27th and 28th, 2024 at the Oneonta Quality Inn, 5206 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY.


 Looking forward to metaphysical/spiritual exploration, as well as community networking and just plain FUN, at this, our 17th SHIFT Fair. 


The Reader spots are now full, (waiting list only) but we still have openings at this fair for vendors, healers and workshop presenters.  We look forward to making the world a better place by the beautiful energy we build at the fair! If you want to participate in our spring Fair, or want more info, CLICK HERE.


If you are filling out the application, (the pink button right on the shiftnewyork.com home page) remember to put something in each spot that has a red (*)asterisk. 

 

Any questions, feel free to email me back or call 607-433-2089, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Finally, thank you so much for your attention and we look forward to working with you.


Sincerely,


Diana Friedell

SHIFT Fair Director

Pastor, Co-Director, ISD Oneonta

www.shiftnewyork.com

MORE INFO & Application




MORE INFO & Application


Check out our February 2023 events calendar for upcoming events and remember to like and follow us on Facebook, to see our events, guided meditations and homilies posted there.


Looking for a moment of Zen? Subscribe to

our ISD Youtube Channel

to watch inspired homilies & guided meditations from our favorite ISD Ministers and guest speakers! 



Prayer Warriors


Just a reminder that we are continuing our Prayer Warriors group, every day at 5pm we pause to pray and send our healing energies where they are most needed right now.


Each day at 5 PM EST, we will pause for about 10 minutes and meditate and pray with the intention of sending healing energy to all. You do not have to be present each day to be part of the prayer/healing team.


If you would like to be part of the Prayer Warriors, or have a request for healing please email our Healing Program director, JoAnn Wormuth at joannwormuth@gmail.com and she will add you to the team, and/or the prayer list.




Our Astrological Forecast


Connie’s Celestial Conversations



PLUTO, GONGS, AND WHALE SONG


The ages of Aries and Pisces are when the astrology systems we use the most were created and popularized. If closely examined, many of the character traits assigned to the planets, signs, and associated Gods and Goddesses are quite dysfunctional! We are now in a different age. One that is altruistic and utilizes more wisdom from our Cosmic community. I believe the wisdom that states, “You get more of what you concentrate on.” This might be the perfect time to let all things Aquarius be our assistant.


For example, the US Constitution, with its 27 amendments; Is this wisdom static, or is it a living system that can evolve in its meaning and interpretation? 


Do you believe your Soul evolves and becomes more of its full expression? If you do, then consider, might the divination systems humans use for assistance also experience similar growth? May they be added to in a way that celebrates our more divine traits?


This brings us back to Pluto in Aquarius again. Might a planet that was declassified as a planet by science actually grow in stature from a mystical standpoint? 


I had a few things click into place in my mind recently that I'd like to share with you. ( I know from discussions that some of you have had similar experiences.)


I vividly remember the first time I heard whale song decades ago. I immediately thought, “we are supposed to know what they are saying.” I recently listened to a recording of gongs entitled, “Pluto Sound Bath.” 


https://youtu.be/z27ViCmiUiw?si=6-TIef15U1TxZO6L

This recording connected some very important things for me. 


Gongs have always sent me into “no time” and “no space.” By this I mean I can be taken to ancient and/or future times, and to the void almost immediately when I listen to gongs being played. The sounds on this recording mimicked whale song to an uncanny degree. The musician connected these sounds to Pluto. (It is not the only gong sounds that have sounded like whale song to me.)


I also thought of a new perception in my hearing that has some similarity. Many of you may know that I am a farmer. Listening to the sound of your equipment as it is running is very important. Any change in sound is a clue that all is well, or conversely, that something is about to go wrong. I have begun to detect a change in the sounds my equipment is making. In addition to the normal sounds, I sometimes hear what sounds like orchestral music! I am delighted to think that this might be because we have passed into the Photon Belt that I discussed with you in the 1/16/24 column. How do I connect all of these points together?


It has long been thought by many that whales are living carriers of the planet's akashic records. Many recordings of gongs sound, beautifully, like whale song. Now bring in our solar system's passage into the Photon Belt. Then add Pluto's ingress into Aquarius at the dawn of a new age. 


Could all these things together be gifts to help us remember our divinity. That knowledge had previously passed out of our conscious awareness. Now, as the fractals of time, space, and the energetic fabric of our existence dance around us we are on the cusp of the age of enlightenment we have always hoped for.

  

That is an example of Plutonian energy in the Age of Aquarius, while in the Photon Belt. Don't be afraid of this small, powerhouse of a planet. Stick it in your pocket and make friends with it!



ASTROLOGY FORECAST 

(Feb 1 - 8)


MERCURY moves into Aquarius on 2/5 until 2/23. This is a fantastic placement for Mercury. The intrinsic mental and philosophical capacity of Mercury takes on an added depth of perception. Innovative and altruistic, Mercury may usher in solutions and inventions that have not been considered before. This can be true in your personal circumstances as well as the world at large. You may find inspiration and a certain lightness of thought while under the influence of the Air element of Aquarius. Mercury joins the Sun and Pluto to form a stellium in Aquarius. 


The Aquarian stellium will endure for several weeks, since by the time Mercury and the Sun move into Pisces, Venus and Mars will have joined Pluto in Aquarius.


PALLAS moves into Sagittarius on 2/6 until 11/30. Pallas is an agent of change, with significant strength in strategic intelligence. The combination is quite beneficial. Due to a retrograde later, this influence will be with us for almost 10 months. 


CERES moves into Capricorn on 2/7 until 12/7. This 10 month transit will combine the Earth element with motherhood, agriculture, and nurturing. Attention to one of the most basic ways we care for ourselves may evolve to another level of understanding. For example; We might consider the multitude of life in the microbiome. How does the Earth Mother work with these life forms, and how might we expand our heart energy to appreciate the vital role they play in our survival.


VESTA stations direct again in Gemini. This asteroid is the sacred flame in your chart. She exhibits a devotion to your first, best destiny. In Gemini she encourages solutions that benefit all of society. Broad interest in the whole encourages win-win situations.


There is the beginning of what will be a sea change in humanity. Pluto's move into Aquarius and the long term trines between the outer planets will have an ever increasing influence on all of us. The conflict and duality seems extreme at the moment, but be heartened, because, “this too shall pass.”

May you find your Godspeed.




Aquarian energy in particular, functions as a tuning fork and a link between Earth and the Cosmic forces. That is even more pronounced now as we will be crossing the Photon Belt for most of the next 2,000 years. Those of us alive now will be looked upon as the pioneers of this new age. Do your best and be of good cheer. Remember your divinity and that of everyone around you, as often as you can.


With that in mind, how might you best navigate these years? To begin with, pay attention to any planets in your natal chart that are in Aquarius, and also to those which have significant aspects to Aquarius. Trines and Sextiles will contribute to your strengths, while Squares and Oppositions point to areas you are hoping to improve in some way during this lifetime. Also pay attention to the aspects of the North and South Nodes of the Moon in your natal chart, and how they relate to your chart's other major influences. When there is a stellium in any sign, it makes sense to compare your natal chart to the current transits. (This technique holds true to all the transits.) The other major influences are the houses where the planets are placed in your natal chart. Each house governs specific themes in your life. This will help you determine the specific areas of your life that a planetary transit will most influence. (There are multiple astrology sites that will help you understand the basics. I frequently use: cafeastrology.com and Astro-Seek.com)




ASTROLOGY FORECAST 

(Feb 9 - 16)


There is a NEW MOON in Aquarius on 2/9 at 5:59 EST. As with any New Moon it is a great time for new beginnings. In Aquarius the emphasis is on the greatest good for the most beings. The emphasis is on FEELING, as well as thinking your way to a new creation. A lunar objective might favor picking a predominant feeling you wish to grow in your life; joy, grace, elegance, peace, etc. Then allow that feeling while putting few requirements on how that shows up. It is taking a leap of faith away from strictly manifesting, to allowing and receiving from a more complete part of your soul in a way that surprises and delights you. You are still the focal point of your creation, yet you are receiving from the “complete you” that includes parts of you that are not incarnate in the physical world.


This NEW MOON has another important characteristic. The planets form an extremely tight arc around the conjunct Sun and Moon. It is called a bundle alignment and involves all 9 planets, chiron, and the North Node of the Moon. A bundle emphasizes attention on the specific signs and their themes. This would include the later part of the Zodiac wheel shaping and influencing the beginning of the next cycle. The themes are taking your newest understanding and balancing that against the greatest good for all beings, while trusting that this includes you as an individual. Then you bring this prospective into the new cycle with you as the energies become more personal in nature. The planets are also lined up in the Eastern Hemisphere of the chart which puts the strength toward progress on a worldly basis.


MARS moves into Aquarius on 2/13 until 3/22. Mars is not generally comfortable in this sign, but can use it positively if they can turn their inherent strength toward helping groups who are not receiving equal opportunity. This may show up as extreme, so caution is appropriate.


VENUS follows right behind and moves into Aquarius on 2/16 until 3/11. Venus is happy in Aquarius. She will help bring beauty to altruism and innovation. She is within the arc of conjunction with Mars for quite some time at the beginning of 2024. They moved into range late in January and will travel within the effective arc until Mar 8th.


There are two ways this is likely to influence everyone. The more obvious way involves relations between males and females. How well we co-exist while still honoring the best both genders has to offer. Is there as much balance and respect as possible between us? The second way is finding balance between the polarity of the sexes within the self. This is more obscure, but the more inner balance we can achieve the easier our relations in the outer world may become.


There is another theme to 2024 that I want to tell you about. It is the Chinese Year of the Wood Dragon. This begins Feb 9, 2024 and continues through Feb, 28, 2025.


The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals in its wheel and 5 elements. The elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal(gold), and water. How it differs from sidereal and tropical astrology is that the elements shift every 12 years for each sign. Thus you have shifting themes throughout your span of years that is slightly different than in the other systems.


The Dragon is a Divine Being in Chinese culture. It is intelligent, honorable, righteous, and never an enemy. The Dragon is an all powerful, primordial being able to create growth, progress, and abundance. Dragon energy dreams of changing the world.


A few characteristics of the Wood element are: courage, optimism, idealism, imagination. Wood is associated with green and Spring. It is able to usher in the winds of change.


This year of the Wood Dragon is considered auspicious and will be our partner for over a year. May you find many a blessing in 2024!





I hate math tests, because all throughout the chapter it's like really easy and then you think, "Yeah, I've got this". Then the test is like...If I throw a triangle out of a car and the car is going 20 mph, and the wind resistance is a thing that exists, how many cupcakes can Pedro buy with one human soul?




Best Dating Advice


Don't date the "life of the party", date the guy who makes sure the "life of the party" makes it home.





What is the Institute for Spiritual Development?


It's both a metaphysical church and an educational center originally founded 40 yrs ago in Sparta, NJ. With the belief that all paths lead us Home, ISD is dedicated to helping each spirit walk their path with courage and joy.



We stand for each individual’s right to seek their own personal Truth, as they respect the same right for others. We honor the sacred texts of all traditions of the Light


The Oneonta NY chapter of ISD was Lovingly created by Rev. Diana Friedell & her sister Rev. Sue Landon. We are now led by a powerful leadership team, and executive board.


ISD is a spiritual community that focuses on healing and intuitive connection, and the joy of finding the spirit connection within rather than being told how it should or could be experienced.

We welcome those who want to belong to a spiritual group of like-minded people, in which you can explore and find your own path in a community of love and support.


There are classes, services, events, and a sense of community and fellowship. Energy healing and intuitive messages are delivered as a regular part of the worship service. Classes offer many tools which will help you on your life path, and the community we are creating together is one of openness and acceptance, and the ability to adapt with change and growth.



Welcome Home!!!


We could use your help. If you would like to volunteer to help with our Metaphysical Library, event planning, service planning, website, office tasks, or anything else- Just call or email Diana!


Did you know that there are other ISD chapters?

It all began with ISD Sparta NJ!

Now there are also chapters in, Washington DC, Treasure Coast Fla, and of course....right here in Oneonta NY.



We would ALL like to welcome you to our new Institute for Spiritual Development Facebook group:



Like and Follow on Facebook


Institute for Spiritual Development International



Together we shine love and light to souls around the country and around the world with education, metaphysical services, healing and community.

We support YOU in your quest to explore, build, and develop your own spiritual connection




Got Bottles & Cans to return?


ISD has a CLYNK account at Hannaford in Oneonta. 

How can I help? 

Email Tom Landon at tflandon51@gmail.com and he will give you a time to pick up stickers at our new ISD headquarters.

Take one to put on each bag that you are bringing to Hannaford- Ask someone there where the bags go. With that correct tag on it, the bottle deposit money goes directly into the ISD Oneonta Account.




Kimberly Winsor

Rev. Story Ducey

Rev. Diana Friedell

ISD Oneonta Board of Director


Kimberly Winsor - President


Jo Ann Wormuth- Vice President


Tom Landon-Secretary


Sali Dellysse - Treasurer


Connie Lull-

Trustee


Susan Owens -

Trustee


Story Ducey -

Ex-Officio Member


Sherry Barton

Trustee




Diana Friedell - ex officio

Our ISD Leadership




Diana Friedell - Pastor, Co-Director


Story Lucile Ducey, Co-Director

Adult Education/Programming Chair

Ministry Training Program


JoAnn Wormuth – Healing Program Director


Carla Finn- Newsletter Editor


Tami Barrows- Administrative Assistant


Amy Gallop- Social Media



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