Continuum Center offers full 25th season of events
MINNEAPOLIS -- The following are featured events this spring and summer at The Continuum Center and Gallery, 2538 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis [(612) 374-4948, info@continuumcenter.net, www.continuumcenter.net] which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year:

-- Dr. Masura Emoto Reception -- Hidden Messages In Water on Tuesday, May 4, 7-9:30 p.m., Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN -- Dr. Emoto is a ground-breaking Japanese researcher whose astonishing discovery about water, documented photographically, led to a new consciousness of Earth's most precious resource and the interconnectedness of life. The message of water he brings to share is HADO: the intrinsic vibrational pattern at the atomic level in all matter. What has put Dr. Emoto at the forefront of the Hado phenomenon is his proof that thoughts and feelings affect physical reality. His work with crystallized molecules of water make for stunning visual effects. He is the author of Messages From Water Vol. 1 and 2. This event is sponsored by AquaEssence Resource.
Cost: $25 advance/$33 at the door/$20 members. Tickets through www.ticketweb.com

-- Reception to Meet Dr. Emoto on Wednesday, May 5, 5:30-9 p.m., The Continuum Center and Gallery -- Relax with appetizers and enjoy a special evening with Masura Emoto, who will sign books, and mingle. Cost: $20/$15 members -- no pre-registration.

-- Don Warne, M.D. Lecture: "The Medicine Wheel in Daily Life" on Thursday, May 27, 7-9 p.m., St Joan of Arc Church, 4357 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis -- Don, an enrolled member of the Ogalala Tribe from Pine Ridge, S.D., adeptly converges the honorable rivers of two healing traditions. He graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, and received his Master of Public Health degree from Harvard. He brings alive the synergy of conventional and traditional medicine.
Cost: $25/$20 members, register online at www.continuumcenter.net/site/register.htm

-- 25 Year Anniversary Continuum Center & Gallery Celebration on Thursday, June 24, 5-10 p.m., The Continuum Center 2538 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis -- Founded in 1979, this multifaceted organization will celebrate its history and future at its unique event center and gallery, featuring more than 60 turn-of-the-century Edward Curtis photographs of the North American Indian, and more. Silent Auction from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: $20/$15 members -- no pre-registration.

-- Unconventional Business Wisdom: All day seminar on Thursday, July 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Horst Gallery, 986 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis -- Featuring three keynote speakers:

Tom Gegax presenting "Enlightened Leadership" -- Founder and former CEO (Head Coach) of Tires Plus Stores, Tom was the innovator in the early '90's of the coaching phenomenon now popular. He sold the company in 1999 and has since been writing and consulting. His book, Winning in the Game of Life, won critical acclaim and he recently finished By the Seat of Your Pants: A Business Guide to Prosperity. Facing many crises early in his personal and professional life, Tom's search for well-being and success led him on an inner journey that transformed his understanding of how to optimize individual and corporate health.

Jane Barrash presenting "The New Intrapreneur: Discovery of Self at Work" -- What could Einstein, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra and a West African shaman do for your company? Jane, executive director of the Continuum Center, has worked for 20 years with internationally known physicists, physicians, brain scientists, creativity experts, corporate and cultural leaders to explore the nature of consciousness and human capacity. The outcome has been a unique program designed to develop the 90 percent of brain/mind capacity that is otherwise lost. Jane has been teaching for 13 years to audiences ranging from corporate executives and medical professionals, to max-security inmates and high-risk youth.

Horst Rechelbacher presenting "The Business of Being" -- Horst, the founder and former president of Aveda, built a very successful corporation and changed an industry, not only how products were made, but how they were sold. His ever-increasing profits were always tied to his commitment to involve all employees and protect the environment. Having written books on beauty and wellness (Rejuvenation and Aveda Rituals), Horst now speaks about what makes business healthy and how the spheres of personal, professional and planetary all interrelate. Horst is also the founder of Intelligent Nutrients and is recognized worldwide as an environmentalist and activist promoting human rights, indigenous cultures and organic farming.

Cost: $295/$215 members (includes lunch). Early registration (by June 16), $35 discount. Register online at
www.continuumcenter.net/site/register.htm

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Edina Art Center offers fun for all
EDINA, Minn. -- This summer, the Edina Art Center presents children's painting, pottery, computer, photography, watercolor, sumi-e, horse drawing, theatre, French, cartooning, batik, and more! Nearly 80 youth day camps and 334 other classes for adults, and all ages and abilities, will be available. This friendly, comfortable house converted into an Art Center also has a gift shop, tea room, library, a beautiful setting and media studios. It is located one mile west of Southdale in Ken Rosland Park at 4701 W. 64th St.

Special sessions will be held at Circus Juventas that combine visual arts with circus arts. Holly Stone, Art Academy Faculty and Sun Yan Hong-traditional Chinese Circus arts instructor will be two of the featured instructors. Creative. Fun. Enriching. Multi-cultural. The program includes tumbling, hand balancing, trapeze, unicycle, juggling, mask making and more!

Circus camps will be held at Circus Juventas at 1270 Montreal Ave. in Highland Park in St. Paul. The "Big Top" is an amazing 21,000-square-foot facility with 40-foot ceilings. It is a state-of-the-Arts arena and is the performance area for the annual May show and the spectacular August show entitled SWASH! (August 5-15).

For more information, visit www.EdinaArtCenter.com, call (612) 915-6600 or visit www.CircusJuventas.org or call (651) 699-8229.

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Modern-day impressionist offering one-woman show
CHASKA, Minn. -- Chaska Community Center's gallery will feature "The Quality of Light-Plein-Air Paintings by Mary Carroll Moore," a show of 40 pastel paintings by the award-winning Excelsior artist. Moore paints in a modern-day Impressionist style; she has exhibited throughout the U.S. and teaches at Bloomington Art Center.

"Since I paint only from life, rather than photographs, the biggest challenge in my work is to accurately capture light in the moment, and how it tells the story of form, atmosphere, and distance," Moore said. She trained as a restaurant chef and newspaper writer while going to art school; she has exhibited all over the U.S.

A reception for the artist will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 2. Moore, a former food writer for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Taste section, will prepare appetizers and desserts on a spring theme. Refreshments will be offered in the gallery of the Theater at the Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Center Drive, off Highway 41, in Chaska. The public is welcome.

The open house also features live music by Twin Cities recording artists, vocalist Annie Towhill and pianist John Villemonte, performing their original music. Towhill's latest CD is Release of Wings. She performs as a singer and actor in Chaska Valley Family Theater productions. They will perform from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Atrium at the end of the gallery.

Moore's paintings are in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S., including Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and St. Paul's Bethesda Hospital's permanent collections. Many of the paintings at the Chaska show were created during her 2003 travels to France, where she presented a lecture and slide show of her work to an audience of 400 in Paris.

"Healing Images-Art for the Heart," Moore's line of handmade fine-art note cards, will be available at the show. The cards are also sold at Lunds Uptown, Sola Squeeze at the Minneapolis airport, Edina Art Center, Bloomington Art Center, and other Twin Cities locations, and on her website at www.marycarrollmoore.com

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Brainerd's Center of Possibilities offers events
BRAINERD, Minn. -- Center of Possibilities, a venue for instructors, therapists, and healers to come together and offer services to the public, is located at 810 NW 7th St., in Brainerd [(218) 824-0444, e-mail lori@centerofpossibilities.com]. It presents the following events:

-- Friday Night Spiritual Celebration each Friday -- Enjoy drumming, meditation, toning, song, prayer, and lots of laughter and sharing.

-- May Daze Open House on Saturday, May 8, Noon-5 p.m. -- Featuring Soul Portraits by Lisa Owen, Transformation Game presentation by Mikki McDonald-Fraser, and "Bear Tai Chi" with Walter "Bear" Hartell, along with other presenters and practitioners.

-- Women's "Brain" Storming on the Playground Event on Friday, May 21 -- Beth Woodward offers a must-attend event for women looking for new ways to market their business. Pre-registration required.

-- Angel 1 Class on Wednesday, May 19 -- Nancy Lennon and Julie Blanchard present Angel classes based on Doreen Virtue's incredible teachings.

-- Transformation Game Workshop on Saturday, May 22 -- with Mikki May 22.

-- Open House on Saturday, June 12 -- Featuring Carolyn Corbett, Charlotte Czech, Paul McDonald and Lori Elwood as featured presenters.

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Human Design Analysis: A Compass for life strategy
by Candia Lea Cole

Imagine that you set out on a journey across the United States from New York to Los Angeles with no map and no compass and no signs along the highway. After a while, you might end up somewhere in Kansas or Oklahoma or maybe Florida, with no idea which way to get to your destination. In that situation, would it make sense for you to gun the car engine, put the pedal to the floor and speed down the road in order to get where you are going even faster?

"It wouldn't make any sense to do that," says Karen Curry, founder of Joyful Mission and a Human Design Analyst, who posed the question and scenario in the first place. "If the person who sets out on their journey doesn't know where they are going -- or they are going in the 'wrong direction' -- how are they going to get where they really need to go?"

In her upcoming five-day Human Design Analysis Intensive -- May 20-25 in the Twin Cities [(928) 282-5050 or e-mail karen@joyfulmission.com]
 -- she is going to ask Minnesotans these "where" and "how" questions all over again. She is going to ask: "Where are you going in your life? How do you know what is right for you? How do you know what decisions to make? How do you know what career is right for you? How do you know if you should take someone's hand in marriage? How do you know if you are equipped for parenting? Are you doing what you are here to do in life? Or, are you listening to the advice of others in your home, church, school, (or society, in general), who may not have a clue about what you are destined to be and do in this lifetime?"

"The human design system," she explains, "tells you exactly who you are -- the DNA of your personality, and exactly how you should live your life." Though I don't like the term "should," I understand what Karen is saying. She is saying that each of us spends too much time struggling. She is saying that we have all tried remedies for our pain and confusion, including a plethora of mental and physical remedies. But, according to Karen, "no tool in the world will help you if you don't need it or if you apply it in the wrong way." In others words, if you don't seem to be getting anywhere in your life after devoting your self to self-help books, counseling, hypnosis or even meditation, yoga and whole foods, you are probably missing the "instruction manual" for your life.

In a phone consultation with Karen around the time of my birthday in February, I decided to gift myself with a copy of my personal "life-instruction manual" by simply picking up the telephone and calling Karen for a consultation. "Human Design," she told me, "is based on a combined study of quantum physics, sacred geometry, the charka system, the Kaballah, and Eastern and Western astrology." Using my birthdate and my own human design chart as her geometrically colored guide, Karen informed me that I was a "manifesting generator" -- one of five types in the Human Design System -- whose transpersonal karma is that of a "heretical investigator."

She told me that I live in a projection field, where people put their expectations on me and expect me to have the answers for them. It was part of my life path, she added, to feel prepared, do my research, speak my truth and lovingly provoke people in a way that would lead them out of their old ways of thinking and being. This was a powerful validation that my soul's work was not optional.

In addition to learning about my karma, Karen defined many of the central themes that have shaped me and my life. Karen underscored my strategy for living well and gave me total permission to embrace my life path. After my phone session with Karen, I was intrigued enough to become a participant in one of her Family Coach Training workshops, in which Human Design Analysis was a fascinating part. As a teacher, Karen is a multi-dimensional healing force. She communicates with a wise, ancient knowing that takes you by the hand and says: "Your life mission is joyful, and it's waiting for you, now!"

To learn more Karen's upcoming workshop in Human Design Analysis, or her other workshops and personal consulting services, visit: www.joyfulmission.com

Candia Lea Cole is an artist, author and lifestyle mentor living in Mahtomedi, Minn. She has designed a new educational paradigm and book series for life-long learners (age 16 and up) called: "Bring Back The Earth! Cultivating The Eco-Relationships That Invite Whole Living." She can be reached by e-mail at clcole@comcast.net

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Conscientious parents form support group
COON RAPIDS, Minn. -- The Conscientious Parenting Collective invites the public to join its monthly gatherings in support of each other in the choice to live naturally in many different ways. It is a non-judgmental group that began when a group of families came together to create a support network. Five families first met in a home to discuss the joys and concerns of raising children. The group then moved to a church to accommodate a larger gathering.

Topics of interest include food choices/nutrition, alternative medicine, vaccinations, education, media influence, attachment parenting, elimination communication, cloth diapers, home birth, circumcision, etc. The group meets the second Monday of every month from 5:30-7 p.m. in the basement at Unity North Church, 242 Northdale Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, Minn. The next meeting is May 10 at 5:30 p.m. The topic will be an open discussion of Sleep Patterns. The meeting on June 14 will focus on Food and Children.

Participants bring a healthful small dish of food to share and their own eating utensils and plates. Everyone eats during the meeting as the smaller children play in the center of the circle while parents discuss the topic or listen to the speaker. The older children are assisted in the next room by either one of the parents or a teenage sitter.

Join the Yahoo! Group called Conscientious Parenting Collective by e-mailing conscientious_parenting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com -- or for more information, contact Leah Skurdal at (763) 780-0374.

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Workshop on challenging children
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Parent and Teacher Coach Tina Feigal, M.S., Ed., will be lead a two-hour workshop, "Transforming the Challenging Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach" on May 10. Participants in the workshop will come away with powerful techniques to help bring out the very best in the child with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attachment Disorder, or any other condition that poses a behavior challenge.

A former school psychologist, Tina Feigal has been training parents and professionals in the Nurtured Heart Approach around the U.S. for more than three years. The approach is a proven set of techniques that facilitates the adults' positive interactions with the child, changing the child's energy-seeking behavior from negatively motivated to positively motivated. Research has shown it to be highly effective, even with severe behaviors.

The workshop is open to the public, and will take place at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St., Falcon Heights, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call Rev. Jane McBride at (651) 646-2681, ext. 101, for registration information

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Edge Life Expo debuts in Wisconsin on May 15-16
WAUKESHA, Wisc. -- Edge Life Expo, a regional exhibition featuring internationally known speakers, exhibitors, intuitives and healers supporting holistic healing, inner peace and global awareness, will debut May 15-16 at the Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Road, 15 miles west of Milwaukee.

Edge Life Expo features more than 80 exhibitors who will share products and services to support Body, Mind & Soul. More than a dozen intuitive readers will be on hand to assist people through the challenges of their lives. The Expo will include non-stop free classes and workshops that support holistic growth, personal happiness and community awareness. In addition, guests will be invited to sample an array of alternative healing practices, including body & energy work. The first 1,000 guests to Edge Life Expo will receive complimentary Krispy Kreme Doughnuts®. In addition, $20,000 in Windemere Institute educational scholarships will be given away at Edge Life Expo.

Keynote guests are:
-- Author and spiritual teacher Sonia Choquette (The Diary of a Psychic, Trust Your Vibes) speaking twice on Saturday, May 15, limited to 300 people: a lecture/workshop from 4:30-6 p.m. ($55 through May 12, $60 at the door) and a special break-out session from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ($35 through May 12, and $40 at the door). Attend both sessions for $84, $90 at the door.

-- Author, healer, psychic & ghostbuster Echo Bodine (The Gift: Understand and Develop Your Psychic Abilities) speaking from Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 15 ($25 through May 12, $33 at the door).

-- Nationally known Akashic Records teacher Donna Fox, speaking from Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16 ($17 through May 12, $20 at the door).

-- Singer-songwriter and musician Cathy Bolton (The Wind Beneath My Wings, In The Garden, Changes), who will perform from 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 16 ($20 through May 12, $22 at the door).

An additional Guest speaker is Milwaukee psychic and author Debbie Smoker. She will speak from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, May 15 ($8 through May 12, $10 at the door).

A free Sunday service led by Rev. Sheila Graves of Living Spirit Church of Big Bend, Wisc., will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 16. Those who attend the free service are invited to stay at the expo free that day.

Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 15, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 16. Daily admission of $7 (both days for $12) allows access to the exhibition hall, free classes and workshops and much more. Advance speaker and daily admission tickets are available at uptowntix.com or at toll-free 1 (866) 390-EDGE (3343). Gold Card Passes allow access to all speakers and events both days ($140 through May 12, $160 at the door).

Special Lodging Rates: Edge Life Expo participants can take advantage of special lodging offers: • $79 for two people including breakfast at Comfort Suites Lake Country in a standard room (King or Double Queen). Call (262) 506-2000. • $99 for two people including breakfast at Radisson Hotel Pewaukee in a standard room (King or Double Queen). Call (262) 506-6300. The location is I-94 and Highway J near Waukesha. For more information, visit www.lakecountrycorner.com

Edge Life Expo is a production of Leap Publications, which publishes and distributes The EDGE newspaper throughout the Milwaukee and Madison area. The fourth-annual Edge Life Expo also will take place Nov. 19-21 at Minneapolis Convention Center. For more information, contact Michael Underwood at 1 (866) 381-3343, e-mail expo@edgenews.com or visit www.edgelifeexpo.com.

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Author Leo Booth exploring 'New Understanding of Spirituality'
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- Father Leo Booth, an internationally acclaimed author, lecturer and trainer, will speak at Unity Christ Church of Golden Valley on Sunday, May 16, at the 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. Fr. Leo also will conduct a workshop from 2-5 p.m. based on his new spiritual model for treatment of depressions, addictions, and low self-esteem. The workshop, entitled "A New Understanding of Spirituality," will be provided for a $20 suggested love offering.

In his recovery work, Fr. Leo maintains that growth and healing involve planning, structure and disciplined commitment. He introduces a groundbreaking model for recovery that integrates emotional components into the traditional mind/body/spirit equation for healing and life balance. Through a process combining experiential and cognitive methods, Fr. Leo teaches participants how to say "yes" to an empowered, transformed life and to living their dreams through co-creation.

He has written seven books and regularly speaks at national and international conferences, as well as churches of all denominations. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Geraldo, Sally Jesse Raphael and Good Morning America. A former Episcopal priest, Fr. Leo recently was ordained as a Unity minister. He is a Certified Addictions Counselor, a Certified Eating Disorders Counselor, and an NAADAC Approved Education Provider. For more information, visit
www.fatherleo.com. This workshop is certified for three NAADAC Continuing Education hours.

Unity Christ Church of Golden Valley is located at 4000 Golden Valley Road. Additional details on Fr. Leo's appearance can be obtained by calling the church at (763) 521-4793.

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East and West to converge in Minnesota Chorale's "Musical Chi"
MINNEAPOLIS -- East may be east and West west, but they'll meet melodiously in the Minnesota Chorale's 2004 Bridges™ outreach program, "Musical Chi," May 14-16. Renowned t'ai chi master Chungliang Al Huang and Minnesota-based Gao Hong, a virtuosa of the pipa (Chinese lute), will join conductor Kathy Saltzman Romey and members of the Chorale for presentations at The Marsh, Minnesota's leading center for personal growth and fitness, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), which houses one of the nation's foremost collections of Asian art.

Two public performances will be given at The Marsh, at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 14-15, each followed by an opportunity to meet and talk with Mr. Chungliang over Asian tea and dessert. Two back-to-back family performances will be held at MIA as part of Ford Free Sundays on Sunday, May 16, at 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Space at both venues is limited.

Featuring selections that range from Bach to East Asian folk songs, the programs will disclose surprising connections between Western classical music and traditional Eastern disciplines of the body and mind. In the engaging style that has made him a world-famous teacher, Chungliang Al Huang will relate music to movement and images and will explore parallels between musical and bodily flow. Gao Hong will reveal the depths of her instrument with pieces ancient and modern. Also featured will be Beijing Ccii Hong (Colorful Rainbow of Beijing), a narrated choral work by Twin Cities composer Janika Vandervelde that combines Eastern and Western musical idioms.

Chungliang Al Huang and Gao Hong also will appear in Bridges Education Programs at six area schools, May 11-13. Gao Hong will demonstrate her instrument and will improvise with Huang, illuminating the relationship of music to movement in real time. Together, the artists will demystify their ancient culture, challenge the conventional boundaries between art forms, and create conditions that invite participation.

Teacher, philosopher, and author, Chungliang Al Huang is an authority on East-West cultural synthesis and a longtime admirer of the music of Bach. He grew up in China, came to the U.S. to study architecture, and holds degrees in choreography and cultural anthropology. The recipient of China's Gold Medal of Education, he has performed with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Bruce Lee, among many others, and has directed theater and dance companies. His Living Tao Foundation, founded in 1976, embodies the belief that harmony and potential are intrinsic to the natural universe and the body itself, waiting to be kindled through creative awareness and supportive human relationships.

Chi (also spelled ji, ki, or qi) is the life energy that in Chinese philosophy is said to be inherent in all things. In the human body it is closely associated with the breath and hence with singing.

Since 1994-95, the Minnesota Chorale's Bridges series has employed music as a tool for building lasting relationships with diverse communities, in keeping with the organization's mission to "educate, enrich, unite, and inspire." Past Bridges partners have included the Twin Cities' Russian, Jewish, African American, and Latino communities. Informing all these initiatives is the belief that the power of the singing voice and the potent social symbolism of the chorus can help mend a divided world and reconnect us with life's depth and mystery.

For tickets or more information, call (612) 333-4866 or e-mail camille@mnchorale.org.

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Mercury-Autism link topic of public seminar
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. -- Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and autism may actually be suffering from mercury poisoning, say Maryland genetic researchers Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier.

The Geiers will explain the link between mercury and autism/ADD at a public seminar, "Neurodevelopmental Damage from Mercury in Vaccines," from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at the Hilton Hotel Minneapolis North, located at 2200 Freeway Blvd., at the intersection of Highway 694 and Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Park, Minn. The seminar is open to all. A $10 free-will donation will be collected at the door.

The father-and-son research team has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles on mercury toxicity, and have examined hundreds out of the thousands of studies worldwide that show how mercury damages DNA and nerve cells.

Dr. Mark and David Geier have testified about before the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform hearings on Thimerosal in vaccines. Thimerosal, a vaccine sterilizer, is 49.5 percent mercury. Though removed from some routine childhood vaccinations, it is
still present in full amounts in most flu vaccines and tetanus boosters, and in other vaccines in "trace" amounts.

During the 1990s, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) failed to monitor increasing levels of mercury administered to children as the agency increased the number of routine childhood vaccinations. Consequently many children received up to 129 times the adult "safe" threshold of the toxic heavy metal. Since 1990, the autism rate has increased from 1 child in 10,000 affected to 1 in 166 today.

In October 2003, Dr. Mark Geier and David Geier were allowed to analyze the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database, and they reported their findings on February 9 at the Institute of Medicine special hearing on Thimerosal and vaccines. At the VSD, the Geiers discovered that children given mercury in vaccines are statistically more likely to develop neurodevelopmental disorders like attention deficit disorder (ADD) and autism.

This seminar is sponsored by the Autism Resource Network, The Autism Autoimmunity Project (TAAP)-Minnesota Chapter, Biological Education for Autism Awareness-Minnesota (BEAT-MN), Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome (DAMS),
Minnesota Natural Health Coalition, Vaccine Awareness Minnesota, and concerned parents.

For more information or to pre-register, contact the Minnesota Natural Health Coalition at (651) 322-4542 or e-mail
mnhc1@earthlink.net.

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Edgar Cayce and why his work is important
EAGAN, Minn. -- Edgar Cayce has been spoken of in American spiritual communities since the early 1900s. He was given the reputation of a seer, mystic and psychic, and was called "The American Prophet" because of his vast messages to America and the world at large.

Mark James Anderson, a member of the Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) and long-time researcher and speaker on the Edgar Cayce material, will share his knowledge at the Sound Mind, Body Healing Center in Eagan from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 18. He also will conduct a three-day workshop from May 21-23 at the healing center.

Cayce's visions and teachings range from attunement to God or Christ Consciousness, to health and diet advice for overcoming and preventing illnesses, to predictions and prophecies on the coming changes in our world (many of which have already come true). "The wonder man of Virginia Beach, Virginia" was the true Father of Holistic Medicine in America, having been the first to introduce to America (and other parts of the world) the practices of pure natural health, including massage, chiropractic (called "osteopathy" in his day), meditation, and more.

Cayce left behind a vast collection of information in more than 14,000 readings that were recorded by his stenographer when he was giving his diagnostic and psychic readings in the early days of the spiritual awakening. Many of these readings have been proven accurate beyond a doubt by scientific research and spiritual or metaphysical research. Still there is much, much more for us to gain in using his wisdom today.

Call (651) 688-2469 for information on the lecture and workshop.

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Women to retreat for healing in Morocco
COON RAPIDS, Minn. -- Are you feeling tired, depressed, anxious or stressed out? Perhaps you are wishing for more peace in your life, or maybe you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over. Maybe you feel as though you are at a crossroads in your life. Today, many women want to renew their inner spirit, changing how they view themselves in the world in order to break old patterns and meet the challenges of daily life from a position of strength.

If such a renewal sounds appealing, Najat Kessler, founder-owner of Achieve With Hypnosis, offers just that. A native of Morocco and the granddaughter of a Master Healer and Spiritual Leader in the Moroccan-Berber tradition, Najat employs a universal, loving approach to healing that allows her to tackle with ease even clients' most difficult personal issues. Najat combines cutting edge hypnotherapy techniques and inherited ancient healing wisdom. This year she offers an intensive, unique spiritual trip that will accelerate growth and healing for participants: the Women's Healing Retreat in Marrakech, Morocco from May 20-27.

"It is vital to our essence as women that we take time for ourselves, reclaiming the power within and healing ourselves -- because our legacy depends on it," she said. "Stepping into the unfamiliar is your first step to freedom from the old ways that no longer work for you. Traveling to Morocco is your signal to the universe that you are ready to move on to a new level--and the universe will respond tenfold, providing wonderful new opportunities!"

She said Morocco "invigorates the body, opens the mind, and heals the soul." Najat's dream has long been sharing this land so dear to her heart by facilitating a visit to experience Morocco's mystical beauty. She says that her native country is a safe and enjoyable destination, and that its people are wonderfully kind.

"We are going to dance, chant, laugh, meditate, heal, learn, discover, walk, savor delicious healthy fresh foods, swim, explore historical places, experience visiting old villages where life is simple, interact with the people, go deep within ourselves and connect to all there is,"

For information, visit
http://achievewithhypnosis.com/marrakech-retreat.html, e-mail nkessler@achievewithhypnosis.com, call (763) 228-2050 or fax (763) 862-9083.

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Artist's gay-themed paintings showing at Lutheran Church
MINNEAPOLIS -- At a time when the Minnesota State Legislature proposes and defeats constitutional amendments to ban gay-marriages, and local parishes call gay candidates in committed relationships for ministry, it is only appropriate to further the dialogue of spirituality and homosexuality through reflections in art -- at a church. At Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis, Mark Edwin Carlson will show "Ordinary Love," paintings that embody what he calls "G-rated imagery of gay male couples."

"I wanted to create gay-related imagery that was loving and palatable to a wide audience, especially Christians," he said. The series was completed in 2001 for his senior show at St. Olaf College in Northfleld, Minn.

The pieces are expressive and color-intense, echoing the energy and intensity of the moments captured: a kiss, an embrace, laughter and snow angel-making.

"It is important for the general public to view imagery of 'ordinary' gay people in loving moments," said Mark. "It is common to fear what you don't understand. I want to show those who are afraid of gay people that there is nothing about gay love to fear. Remember, God is love."

A Lutheran himself, Mark's work is rooted in Christian values of love, compassion, justice and mercy. Social injustices and fears are at the core of his artistic inspiration and motivation. He is currently working on a show that examines sexual assault recovery and its spiritual implications; it opens this July at Augsburg College.

Mt. Olive is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, a Lutheran congregation that publicly welcomes and affirms people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Dave Cherwien, the congregation cantor is excited about the show.

"Mount Olive is very pleased to have the opportunity to help our members and the general public become familiar with Mark's work," he said. "It is high art that tells a story, and shares deep parts of this artists' journey -- a journey we can all connect with in various ways."

"Ordinary Love" will be presented by the Mt. Olive Fine Arts Committee, whose mission is to share the parish's passion for the arts, especially those connected with spirituality.

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church is located at 3045 Chicago Ave. in South Minneapolis. The exhibit runs through May 23. The gallery is generally open Sunday mornings and weekdays during business hours. Call to confirm at (612) 827-5919.

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A Weekend of Communicating With Grace
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Introspect...A Look With In is proud to present its students, graduates and teachers in an event called, "A Weekend of Communicating With Grace" on June 4-6 at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, just off I-494 and 34th Avenue South on East 80th Street.

Hours of the event will be on Friday from 1- 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 9 p.m.

"Introspect seeks to take the mystery out of the mystical," said Co-owner Christine Anderson. Together with Susan Anderson, the mother/daughter team and founders of Introspect will present their students, graduates and teachers offering mini-seminars during the three-day event, along with psychic readings, "gallery" style readings of "messages from the other side," shamanic and Reiki healings, the unique "Dodecahedron Healing Chamber," vendors and much more.

Participants will learn to "own their own power" by centering themselves, taking a journey within to discover their inner universe, taking responsibility for their own lives and developing a path to manifest what they truly seek in life. Psychic development is a benefit of these journeys. Participants also will learn the differences between empathy, telepathy and channeling and how this affects readings. Students will learn how to tell the difference and how they can develop their sixth senses. In their classes, they stress techniques in "taking your psychic temperature" and protections for everyday living, as well as for psychic reading.

Introspect's teaching techniques are a combination of many teachings, including those from the Monroe Institute, the "Anastasi System," noted Peruvian Shaman Don Augustine Rivas, the works of Alice Bailey, and others.

"The future will never be as important and the past more important than the present," Susan Anderson said. "Each are entwined, one the make up of the other." She stresses the importance of our development and evolution. It is about centering self and not self-centering that we can bring encouragement and help to others.

The mother/daughter team has been heard locally on radio stations KS-95, KCCO and others. They travel nationwide with others demonstrating their abilities and teaching people how they can develop their psychic abilities through classes.

For more information, contact Introspect at (612) 824-2427 or (612) 306-0779.

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Sacred Sound seminar, concert and workshop coming to LHSC
MINNEAPOLIS -- A Sacred Sound seminar, concert and workshop with bansuri master John Wubbenhorst and keyboardist/composer John Mackay will take place on Saturday, June 5, at Lake Harriet Spiritual Community, 4401 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis. It is presented by Adidam Twin Cities.

The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will include: sacred rhythm and chants from various world traditions, including Gregorian and J.S. Bach; tala clapping (rhythmic tradition of India); raga singing (melodic forms of Indian music); a discussion of the Sacred disposition given from spiritual masters; video presentations from music and spiritual masters on the Sacred tradition; and basic instruction on traditional sacred instruments (harmonium, tamboura and percussion). The cost is $65.

The concert is from 7:30 -9 p.m., featuring John Wubbenhorst and John Mackay. Wubbenhorst has the unique distinction of being a fluent virtuoso on both the bansuri (bamboo flute) and Western flute. He is a graduate of World Music studies from Rotterdam Conservatory and a longtime student of Hariprasad Chaurasia (www.facingeast.com). Mackay is an award-winning composer, keyboardist and producer. His original compositions have won awards in the U.S. and internationally. For the past 20 years, John has focused on the study and creation of sacred music (www.johnmackaymusic.com). The cost of the concert is $15.

For reservations and more information, call (651) 698-0174. Space is limited.

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Poncelet to teach workshop on Daily Shamanism
by Timothy Cope

"The spirits are everywhere," says Claude Poncelet, his crinkling eyes and mischievous smile belying the seriousness of his intent. "Everywhere. Even in the city."

While this idea may strike a discordant note with those who consider Shamanism to be a purely nature-based spirituality, Poncelet maintains that it is perfectly in keeping with Shamanism's larger tenets.

"Traditional shamanic cultures that lived close to and depended heavily on nature, worked closely with the spirits of nature," he says. "In modern societies, we spend much of our time in urban, man-made and technological environments. One of the fundamental principles of Shamanism has always been that everything has a spiritual dimension; everything is sacred. This applies to man-made objects and places as well as to natural objects and places. Only by working with the sacred in everything around us -- and Shamanism is one way of doing so -- can we bring harmony to our lives."

Poncelet is coming to the Twin Cities area from June 4-6 to teach Minnesotans do just that. He will lead a three-day residential workshop titled "Shamanism in Daily and Professional Life" at the Dunrovin Retreat Center in Marine on St. Croix. Workshop tuition is $365, which includes two nights lodging and all meals. The workshop will explore how to collaborate with the spirits in everyday situations for the purpose of enhancing creativity and understanding, and acquiring guidance in addressing issues and resolving problems.

"Even a factory or an office has a spirit of place, a corporation has a spirit," Poncelet says. "It is up to us, without judgement, to communicate with these spirits to bring harmony to the workplace."

He knows what he is talking about. Poncelet has studied Shamanism with Michael Harner, and has worked with shamans and spiritual teachers from diverse cultures and traditions. He is a shamanic practitioner and is currently on the international faculty of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. He teaches extensively in French-speaking Europe and has recently begun sharing his knowledge and experience here in North America. Poncelet has a Ph.D. in physics and was formerly a professor at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn. He has worked for a number of large corporations. He is at home in the worlds of academia and business, as well as that of spirit, and indeed, views them all as one world.

He explains how this integration can occur. "For example," he says, "when I would chair a meeting in the corporation I worked for, I would work with the spirits of the corporation, the spirits of the meeting room and other relevant spirits to ask for the most appropriate, harmonious outcome for the meeting.

"In our daily lives," Poncelet continues, "we face a multitude of decisions, large and small. We interact with people, complete tasks, face challenges of all kinds: What to tell a child who is facing a difficult time, how to deal with a difficult neighbor, where to go on the next family vacation. These are just a few examples of situations where a shamanic practice can help bring spirit to guide our everyday lives. Spirits, our own as well as those around us, are there to help us and give us advice. It is for us to be "awake" to their presence. It is for us to seek their help so we can bring more harmony to everything we do. So that we can highlight and bring to life the spiritual aspect of life, and thus contribute to peace and harmony on our planet"

The workshop is not for beginners. Good shamanic journeying skills are essential and participants are encouraged to have a solid connection with their power animals and spirit teachers.

Poncelet stresses that the title of his workshop: "Shamanism in Daily and Professional Life" is not casual nomenclature. "We live in a world that has a spiritual dimension, a world of spirits. To practice shamanism on a daily basis, to acknowledge, honor and seek help from spirits around us, including our own helping spirits, is to live fully, to live in harmony with what is. This is not easy. We tend to be asleep. We tend to forget about the sacred nature of everything. Only practice, practice and the help of spirits can awake us to the constant presence of spirit."

For more information or to register, contact Rattle and Drum Journeys at (612) 721-5566 or e-mail
RattleandDrum@aol.com

Timothy Cope is a ministerial guide at Lake Harriet Spiritual Community and a shamanic practitioner.

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Shanti Shanti coming to Twin Cities
ST. PAUL -- The EDGE is pleased to announce that it is presenting the incredible group Shanti Shanti in concert in June, followed by workshops on "Ayurveda and the Family" and on Sanskrit, which is called "the language of the Gods."

Shanti Shanti will present a concert from 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar St., in St. Paul. An intimate reception for the group will follow the concert from 9-10 p.m.

Linda Forman, a family health motivational speaker, Ayurvedic specialist and author of Dreaming In Real Time, a book that tells the amazing story of their daughters and Shanti Shanti, will present a workshop on "Ayurveda and the Family: Improving Relationships and Minimizing Stress" from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, June 6, at Central Presbyterian Church. She will offer specific applications of Ayurveda for easing daily stressors and improving family health, and she will incorporate aspects of her book as it relates to family growth and increasing the well-being of family relationships. Linda has been a student of meditation, Eastern philosophies and healing modalities for the past 25 years, and she is an Ayurvedic Practioner in one of the most respected endocrinology medical groups in the Western United States.

Following that workshop, from 1-3 p.m. Andrea and Sara Forman will present a workshop on Sanskrit. They will teach participants the Sanskrit alphabet, the basics of chanting and interesting facts about this incredibly magical, spiritual language. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and chant alongside Shanti Shanti directly.

Andrea and Sara Foreman were two normal American girls in California growing up in a Catholic family with parents who were musical and open-minded. Father Robert has performed, produced and recorded music for years, and mother Linda an Ayurvedic specialist has been a writer, teacher and speaker. Little did they know that their daughters would prove to be incredibly gifted, in a way they could never imagine .

After exposing their daughters to the ancient Pujas by priests from India, the Formans watched as their 9-year-old daughter Andrea fell in love with the sound of Sanskrit. Andrea began borrowing her mother's Vedic books, and almost overnight was able to speak, write and chant Sanskrit fluently.

"It wasn't so much that I was trying to learn a new language," Andrea said, "as it was that I was remembering one that I already knew."

As the family relates on their website (
www.shantishanti.com) Andrea sought someone to chant the ancient texts with her, and she turned to her younger sister Sara, 7, who could read the ancient Devanagari script almost immediately.

The rest is history. Within a few years, the sisters were performing to sold-out crowds, as Shanti Shanti (which means Peace Peace in Sanskrit) share their love of Sanskrit's powerful resonance with the public. They have just released their fourth CD, Dreaming in Real Time, inspired by their mother's recently released books that chronicles the Shanti Shanti story.

Tickets are: $20 for concert general admission; $60 family pack for concert general admission; $50 VIP for seating in the first five rows of the concert and admission to the intimate post-concert reception for Shanti Shanti; $60 for the two Sunday workshops on Ayurveda and Sanskrit; and $88 Gold Card Pass, providing seating in the first five rows at the concert, admission to the intimate post concert reception for Shanti Shanti, admission to the Ayurvedic workshop and admission to the Shanti Shanti Sanskrit workshop.

Tickets are available through UptownTix.com or charge by phone at (612) 604-4466 or call toll-free 1 (866) 390-EDGE (3343).

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Coletta presents quartz healing crystal workshop
MINNEAPOLIS -- Christopher J. Coletta, president of Stones of the Millennium, comes to Minneapolis to present a workshop from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, on "All About Quartz Healing Crystals" at Lake Harriet Spiritual Community, 4401 Upton Ave. S., Minneapolis. Chris is a Reiki Master and Spiritual Practitioner who lectures and conducts workshops throughout California and Arizona. His goal is to share his depth of knowledge and experience to bring greater health and wholeness to others.

"As insurance rates go up and we continue to get less, NOW is the time to take responsibility for our own well-being," he said.

This intensified workshop offers a knowledge-packed and hands-on experience into the scientific and metaphysical properties of quartz crystals, based on the research of Dr. Marcel Vogel, an IBM scientist and world-renowned metaphysician, as well as other highly respected vibrational medicine practitioners. Topics during the workshop will include: Learning how to select, clear and charge a crystal; exploring the human multi-dimensional anatomy and chakra system; identifying blockages; opening closed chakras; and energizing the physical/etheric bodies.

Coletta, who has been studying crystals since he was a boy, said he believes the Vogel® Quartz Healing Crystals are the most precise instruments to activate, accelerate and amplify the healing process.

Pre-payment is required to guarantee attendance. E-mail mbakko1@cox.net or call (651) 227-2639 to register. For more information on Stones of the Millennium, visit www.stonesofthemillennium.com.

May 2004


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