Contemporary Metaphysical Thought

with Diana Friedell

June 15th, 2024 at 10:00am- 2 pm

The Friedell's Gazebo

Oneonta, NY 13820

In this class, facilitated by ISD Pastor, Faculty & Psychic Medium, Diana Friedell, we will explore and learn about leading thinkers/writers in the current day arena of spiritual growth.

Is there a metaphysical or spiritual teacher/influencer/author who you have been following, and been inspired by?

Students will create a short (10 minute) presentation, and prepare a one page outline, on the spiritual or metaphysical leader of their choice. We will take turns presenting and enjoy learning from each other. The presenter will also lead a discussion about their topic. Perhaps this material will be used in a class you teach in the future, or in a talk you develop.

This class meets a requirement for the ISD Ministry Program, and all are welcome to attend, whether you are in the ministry program or not.

This class will be held in person, and on zoom for those attending from a distance.

Tuition: FREE for ISD Ministers or Ministry Students

$45 or $35 for ISD Members will include lunch.

Path of the Magdalene Free Meditation Circle

with Dale Capristo

June 20th, 2024 at 7:00-8:00 pm

Magdalena Healing is a global movement dedicated to the rise of the Divine Feminine in balance with the Divine Masculine. This FREE group meets via zoom on the Third Thursday of every month.

Path of the Magdalene Meditation sessions are an opportunity to join together monthly on line and /or in person to activate the healing frequencies of Mary Magdalene in your own life. Mary Magdalene embodied the highest qualities of the Divine, unshakeable faith, unwavering courage, love in action. Each month a quality of Mary Magdalene; faith, tenderness, intelligence, is explored and activated. Find the ZOOM link to join this free group here...

ASTROLOGY FORECAST 

(June 1 - 7)

June opens with the continuation of a rare, lucky, and powerful Trine between JUPITER and PLUTO. It's effective arc of efficacy lasts from May 18th until June 28th. The peak is on 6/2. The Trine begins with Jupiter in Taurus, is sustained for the rest of it's power days with Jupiter's move into Gemini on 5/25. 

This is a rare transit. Jupiter is in Gemini approximately every 12 years, but Pluto hasn't been in Aquarius since 1778-1798. (These years birthed the United States, our Bill of Rights, our Constitution, The French Revolution, The Irish Rebellion against the British Crown, etc.)This portends great power in financial gains, manifestation power through meditation, transformation and redemption. The potential here is that Pluto is considered the higher octave of Mars, which can inspire the highest expression of the power associated with Mars. While Pluto is in Aquarius it is unusually transformational, because Aquarius is as well, with a high degree of star energy and altruism at its core. If ever there has been a time for choosing from your highest levels of integrity, love, and grace, this is it. 

This brings us to a delightful line-up of planets in the dawn sky in early June. If you are willing to rise a bit early, (I woke this morning at 4:44 am and the sky was getting light at this time.) you will see Mercury low on the horizon followed by Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all arcing upward along the ecliptic path that the planets and zodiac constellations follow across our sky. The first 3 planets are visible to the naked eye, the last 3 with good binoculars and/or a telescope. This parade of planets becomes possible when the astrological wheel is in the bucket formation I've mentioned often beginning this past Winter. Enjoy!

There is also another possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis soon. The giant earth facing sunspot, AR3697, has grown again and has a good imminent potential to send out more X class solar flares.

MERCURY moves into Gemini for quite a short transit on 6/3. It will be in Gemini for only 14 days, until 6/18. Mercury rules in Gemini, which means it is at its most effective while in the sign of the Twins. Gemini is interested in everything, is gregarious and communication in all forms can be comfortable and natural, especially with Mercury in residence. Mental acuity is high.

This year has an added benefit of a stellium in Gemini consisting of the SUN, MERCURY, VENUS, JUPITER, and the MOON joining the mix for a few days on the 5-7th. A 4 and a 5 way stellium is significant in any case. This one contains 2 personal planets, Mercury and Venus, and the two luckiest planets, Venus and Jupiter. Your potential for growth and even a breakthrough is enhanced. Communication is favored, meaning negotiations may find more success at this time.

HOWEVER, it will not be without challenges and may require your dedication to your highest ideals.

There is a thought in astrology that the fixed star, SIRIUS, also referred to as the Dog Star is the higher octave of our SUN. They have a binary type of relationship. Many indigenous cultures consider Sirius to be one of the homes of our “star family.” Sirius is the 3rd brightest object in the night sky, behind the Moon and Venus. It has, therefore, always been a source of inspiration. Beginning in mid-May we lose sight of Sirius in the northern hemisphere. Our “inspiration” goes dark, so to speak. Sirius returns in the dawn sky with the heliacal rising around the days of the “Lion's Gate” in early/mid August with all new energetic guidance. 

At the same time there are some prominent squares between some of the asteroids associated with our aggressive warrior archetypes. Emotions may run high and urge us to follow the power dynamics we have become accustomed to in recent ages - those of “might is right” and power over others, imbalances between the male and females sides of our nature, etc. This will be our challenge during the days when Sirius ducks behind the Sun. I have a suggestion for you that may help.

Some of you know that my profession is farming, specifically was Dairy farming. This has afforded me significant interaction with animals, plants, and the spirit of the land all my life. I can say without hesitation that these forms of life often show us our best examples of unconditional love. It is thought that many of our species of animals “home” planets are in the Sirius star system. That includes: dogs, cats, cattle, most amphibians, whales, and dolphins. My suggestion is to turn to them for guidance and support during the time when Sirius is behind the Sun. Also, don't forget possible support and communication from land masses. I will tell you that while I was cultivating a field we are seeding down just a few days ago, I had a sudden feeling of communion with the hillside opposite my location. It has happened often over the years, this “Spirit of Place” speaking to me. It is always amazing. There is a sentence in “The Seth Material” by Jane Roberts, 1970, that speaks of this. While in trance Seth touches Jane's favorite begonia plant and says, “ I like Jane's plant. Green things are a touchstone of your existence.”

So hug a hillside forest in your imagination if you like! It works for me.

The NEW MOON is on 6/6 in Gemini at 8:37 am EST. This is accompanied by a few enhancements. There is a 3 way exact conjunction between the SUN, MOON, and VENUS that falls very near a critical degree of Gemini. The degree is 16°18'’ for the Sun and Moon and 16°48'’ for Venus. The critical degree of 17 Gemini helps you find balance, so this helps a great deal. 

There are a couple of squares present as well. The 3 way conjunction, Sun, Moon,Venus is squared up with Saturn. In this case you have Saturn influencing due diligence on your part, to mind your manners, so to speak. MARS is square PLUTO, but as stated earlier, Pluto is the higher octave of Mars and in this combination, it could serve as an inspiration to excell, rather than to digress. All is free will. 

This NEW MOON asks us to be curious and to find value in variety. You are encouraged to look at everything with new eyes and thinking. May it help you find your Godspeed.

ASTROLOGY FORECAST 

(June 8 - 15)

MARS moves into Taurus on 6/9 until 7/20. Mars is moving from Aries, which it rules, into a sign it is less comfortable in.

Taurus is a fixed sign that tends toward stubbornness. MARS can be rigid about power dynamics, so you can probably guess the caution for all of us. Try to be as flexible as possible if it still leaves you with your integrity intact. 

Perhaps this is an appropriate place to discuss the extreme flexibility of our world and the energy we all operate within and create. 

Science is intently studying wave and particle dynamics, and string theory. Spirituality has additional thoughts that are beginning to be incorporated into the science studies. All of these energy units, called adamantine particles by some, are non-physical waves present in the collective “field” that coalesce together when enough similar thought waves gather together and are accompanied by strong emotion, to create a physical event or object.

Gemini is all about flexibility, variety, and vivid mental acuity. Now, let us explore our collective and individual realities in a way that may help us be more tolerant and possibly even appreciative of our differences.

The concept here is the holographic nature of the universe. It is the understanding that we each live in our own energetic field that is intact, but overlaps into the fields of others. Referring to “The Seth Material”, by Jane Roberts, 1970, page 115; The discussion is about 3 people in the room, and a glass. Seth, says,”None of you sees the glass that the others see… Each of the three of you creates your own glass, in your own personal perspective. Therefore you have three different physical glasses here, but each one exists in an entirely different space continuum. Now, Mark, you cannot see Joseph's glass, nor can he see yours. This can be proven mathematically, and scientists are already working with the problem, though they do not understand the principles behind it. Now there is an infinitesimal point where Mark's perspective and Rupert's overlap. Again, theoretically, if you could perceive that point, you could actually each see the other two physical glasses. Physical objects cannot exist unless they exist in a definite perspective and space continuum. But each individual creates his own space continuum… I want to tie this in with the differences you seem to see in one particular object. Each individual actually creates an entirely different object, which his own physical senses then perceive.”

This Gemini energy that is predominant now may help us find common ground where we can compare our separate realities. Given this understanding of our world it is an absolute miracle that anyone ever agrees about anything! We have done an amazing job, but we can do even better. We can appreciate the differences a little bit more and really acknowledge that two, or even more, things can be true at once. 

All of the encouraging information about the New Moon, planetary parade, possible Aurora, and Jupiter/Pluto trine are still in play this week. They can all help us find new perspectives if we let them. The key to this new age is flexibility. Resistance is not favored, nor does it usually create peace or happiness.

Referring back to Mars moving into Taurus, try to find the grace instead of the rigidity that Mars in Taurus might tempt you with. Perhaps invoke instead, the grace found in the basics of the earth realm that is a Taurus strength. Taurus helps you get down to brass tacks. What is the most important, what is fluff that actually clutters up your energy field? Then utilize that wonderful Mars strength to make your decisions. Material possessions, finances, beauty and grace are intrinsic Taurus traits. While stubbornness is the caution with Mars in Taurus the “ higher octave” of that is steadfast endurance and loyalty. Taurus is in things for the long haul. You can count on that and maybe even use that as your springboard to create new realities for yourself and all of us collectively. 

May you find joy and peace in the endeavor.

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.



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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.