Otherkin

Struggling with motivation and focus as you hammer away on your manuscript at home? Want to join a community of writers as we embrace the joys and pains (mostly pains) of writing together? Bring your laptop, pen & paper, old-school typewriter, or futuristic writing gadget, and join an enthusiastic community of science fiction and fantasy writers as we work on our current projects in the same space. The format will be similar to our online writing sprints: 30-minute blocks of focused, quiet writing time (the sprints), interspersed with breaks where we can chat, ask questions, and share our writing experiences.

🌲🥾 **CROTHERS WOODS TRAIL HIKE & DAIRY QUEEN STOP** 🥾🍦 Real Trails, A Solid Climb & An Ice Cream Finish Toronto doesn’t have many *true* hiking experiences — but this is one of them. Join us for a more active, nature-focused walk through Crothers Woods, one of the city’s best spots if you’re looking for something that actually feels like a hike. This isn’t your typical flat city stroll. There are hills, forest paths, and a proper climb — especially at the end (Pottery Road 👀). But don’t worry… we’ve got a reward waiting. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social hike — a bit more effort, a bit more nature, and a great group to do it with. 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) \*\*\* **🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do** We’ll start at Broadview Station and head south along Broadview before making our way down Pottery Road into the Don Valley. From there, we’ll connect to the Don Valley trails and enter Crothers Woods, where we’ll hike through forested paths and take a short break along the way. After the hike, we’ll make our way back — finishing with the climb up Pottery Road (the final challenge 💪). And then… we reward ourselves with a stop at Dairy Queen for some well-earned ice cream. 🍦 We’ll end back near Broadview Station. \*\*\* 🌦️ **Weather & Expectations** This hike happens rain or shine. Please come prepared — trails may be muddy, and conditions can vary. This is a slightly more challenging walk than most of our events: ✔️ Uneven trails ✔️ Some hills ✔️ One bigger climb at the end Good footwear is important. Also — this is NOT a guided or historical tour. It’s about movement, nature, and being social. \*\*\* 🧢 **Meetup Details** 📍 Meetup Location: Outside Broadview Subway Station 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 11:00 AM I will only wait 5 minutes. Early is on time. On time is late. We’ll head out promptly. End Point: Broadview Subway Station \*\*\* 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🎒 **What to Bring** Water Good hiking/walking shoes (important!) A snack Weather-appropriate clothing (trail-ready 🌧️🌿) Optional: cash/card for ice cream 🍦 **Please also use the washroom before arriving, as stops are limited.** \*\*\* 🌈 **Who Is This For?** This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. **We also host:** 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. \*\*\* **REMEMBER:** You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the trail. Stay for the challenge. Leave feeling like you actually *earned* that ice cream. 🍦🌲✨

Join us for the very first meetup of Caribbean Gay Men (Queer Kings)! On Sunday, May 31st at 4 p.m., we’re meeting at O'Grady's Patio for a casual meet-and-greet. If you’re a queer man from the Caribbean living in Toronto and looking to connect, this is for you. Just head inside when you arrive—we'll be at a big table, ready to welcome you. Grab a drink at the bar, meet new faces, and let's create a space full of pride, friendship, and belonging. We can’t wait to see you!

Please try not to be late. Socialize with exceptional people in a cozy pub. Enjoy meaningful and stimulating, conversations, as we strategize and implement our plan... to Change the World in Eighty Days! Activities of ‘Eighty Days!’ follow a clear format: • Steve will meet, greet, and introduce every attendee at each meeting, • will lead a discussion of relevant, current, global news, • lead a discussion of our overall objective, intermediary goals, and specific tasks, • and, ask for volunteer(s) for each specific, small, simple task. • Attendees will help choose the next meeting day, time, and place, • and enjoy socializing, our successes, and making a difference!

You are warmly invited to join us for the **Gemini Full Moon Meditation** Sunday, May 31st, 2026 Full Moon exact time: 4:45 AM EDT *** **Evening Programme - Beginning at 7:00 PM EDT** 🌕Lecture 🧘 Meditation 🌿 Fellowship & Potluck Food Sharing (in-person only) The lecture and meditation will be **live-streamed via Zoom.** All are welcome, wherever you are. *** **Join us online via Zoom:** [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87838538451?pwd=YwtPwiplGM0SDpAP3ckFjIyCUTzZZ0.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87838538451?pwd=YwtPwiplGM0SDpAP3ckFjIyCUTzZZ0.1) **Join us in person:** Toronto Theosophical Society, 792 Glencairn Ave, Toronto, ON M6B 2A3 **Fee:** Always free The fellowship feast is a potluck. You are welcome to join the table whether or not you bring a dish. If you'd like to contribute, a vegetarian or vegan finger food or drink to share is warmly appreciated, as is a pair of hands to help with clean-up afterwards. We’d love to know you’re coming! **[https://forms.gle/bjAkyaf1zq4xoDsa9](https://forms.gle/bjAkyaf1zq4xoDsa9)** *** **6th Field of Group Work: The Mystery of the Gemini Full Moon** Keynote: “I RECOGNISE MY OTHER SELF AND IN THE WANING OF THAT SELF, I GROW AND GLOW” **The Festival of the Christ (or the Festival of Humanity)** The higher interlude of the spiritual year culminates in the Gemini full moon – in a Festival which celebrates the spiritual potential of humanity to unify the personal will with the Will of God. On this day the Christ stands before God as the representative of humanity, the “eldest in a great family of brothers,” and focalises the united aspiration of humanity into an invocative demand for more Light and Love. Through Christ, the response of deity pours forth into humanity, uplifting human consciousness and establishing a culture of goodwill and right human relations on earth. Read more on Lucis Trust: [Christ's Festival: Gemini](https://www.lucistrust.org/resources/festivals/gemini_2) **World Invocation Day** World Invocation Day is a global day of prayer and meditation when people of every spiritual tradition join together to sound the Great Invocation — focusing humanity's collective aspiration for light, love, and spiritual direction. Read more on Lucis Trust: [About World Invocation Day](https://www.lucistrust.org/the_great_invocation/wid_about) Watch more (3 mins): [Introduction to World Invocation Day](https://worldinvocationday.org/about/wid-videos) *** ## **Major Themes of Gemini** **The Pairs of Opposites and the Bridge of Love** Gemini is the sign of duality — spirit and matter, soul and personality, the self and the other. The Gemini path is one of bridge-building: learning to hold opposing poles in creative tension until duality resolves into unity. **Communication, the Messenger, and the Mind** Ruled by Mercury, Gemini governs the mind, language, and the transmission of ideas. Mercury in the Ageless Wisdom is the divine Messenger — the intermediary through which soul impression reaches the personality. **The Will-to-Good and Right Human Relations** At the Festival of Goodwill, Gemini becomes the vessel through which Love-Wisdom flows into the world as the will-to-good — active, intelligent love expressing itself through right relationship between all peoples and nations. *** ## **Planetary Rulers** **Exoteric Ruler: Mercury ☿ —** The divine Messenger, governing the lower mind as a responsive instrument for soul impression — the very faculty the disciple uses to build the bridge between higher and lower. **Esoteric Ruler: Venus ♀ —** At the soul level, Venus illumines the deeper truth of Gemini's duality: that the two poles are complementary aspects of one Life drawn together through love-wisdom. **Hierarchical Ruler: Earth 🜨︎ -** At the highest level of initiation, Earth as ruler points to Gemini's intimate relationship with planetary service — the work of bringing spiritual reality into tangible manifestation. *** ### **Positive Qualities** Capacity for Synthesis and Bridging Versatility and Adaptability Brilliant Communication and Teaching Love-Wisdom in Relationship Capacity to Hold Duality in Balance ### **Negative Qualities** Restlessness and Inconsistency Superficiality and Dispersion of Energy Duality Without Resolution Intellectual Cleverness Without Depth Gossip and Misuse of the Word *** ## \~ The Labour of Hercules \~ ## The Gathering of the Golden Apples of the Hesperides Hercules is sent to gather the golden apples of wisdom from the garden of the Hesperides — but no one will tell him where the garden is. He wanders through the world asking for directions, falling into traps and distractions. One of the traps is the most Geminian of all: a false teacher named Busiris who captures him through the very gift of eloquence and the promise of wisdom. This is the shadow side of Mercury — the power of the word turned away from the soul, used to bind rather than to liberate. The Gemini disciple must learn to discriminate between the voice of the true teacher and the voice of glamour. Eventually freed, Hercules makes his way north — the direction of spirit — and there encounters Atlas, who bears the weight of the world upon his shoulders. In an act of pure service, Hercules takes on that burden so that Atlas may retrieve the apples. This, too, is a Gemini teaching: that wisdom is not won through seeking alone, but through the willingness to bear the world's burden — to step outside the personal quest and serve. The apples come not to the one who grasps, but to the one who gives. This labour teaches the Gemini disciple that wisdom cannot be seized or hoarded — it must be lived in relationship. The golden apples represent the fruits of the spirit, the gifts of the soul, available only when the personal self steps aside and the soul is free to express through all encounters and exchanges. True communication is not the transmission of information but the transmission of light — and the Gemini initiate learns that every relationship is an opportunity for this sacred exchange. Read the full text here (free PDF): [https://www.bailey.it/files/Labours-of-Hercules.pdf](https://www.bailey.it/files/Labours-of-Hercules.pdf) *** Thank you for participating in a joint event between the **Toronto Theosophical Society** and **Toronto Open Heart 💙** *\~ Love is never wasted*

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

[Toronto Climate Film Festival](https://www.tcff.ca/) and [ClimateFast](https://www.climatefast.ca/) present: **Emergence: Women In The Storm** **Sunday May 31, 2026 – 6:30-9pm** Doors open @ 6:30 pm. Screening starts @ 7 pm. Join acclaimed directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper at the Toronto premiere for a Q&A to discuss ‘wisdom from the storm’ — how finding your community is one of the best ways to prepare for emergencies. Presented by The Toronto Climate Film Festival and Climate Fast. Doors at 6:30pm, screening at 7:00; Q & A to follow moderated by legendary feminist activist Judy Rebick. Trailer: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytX_0KiQnM) Tickets: [https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/](https://cool.world/event/emergence-toronto-premiere/) (Your Meetup RSVP will not get you a ticket!) About the film: Climate change is here. As heat domes, atmospheric rivers, and wildfires reshape our world, how do we protect what matters most? EMERGENCE: Women in the Storm goes beyond the headlines to explore how women are navigating climate emergencies. Recent disasters, including the wildfire that burned the town of Lytton to the ground and the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley, are seen through the eyes of survivors, while emergency responders and community organizers provide perspectives on preparing for – and moving beyond – the worst. Meghan Fandrich’s reflective readings from Burning Sage: Poems from the Lytton Fire, written after losing her town to the blaze, are woven together with stories of healing, resilience and hope in the face of an uncertain future. Intimate and beautifully crafted, the film offers insights on how to live in this new reality, finding ways to carry on without giving up. Website: [https://emergence.film/](https://emergence.film/)

For May, we'll read Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe 313 pages First published in 1722 About the book: Born and abandoned in Newgate Prison, Moll Flanders is forced to make her own way in life. She duly embarks on a career that includes husband-hunting, incest, bigamy, prostitution and pick-pocketing, until her crimes eventually catch up with her. One of the earliest and most vivid female narrators in the history of the English novel, Moll recounts her adventures with irresistible wit and candour-and enough guile that the reader is left uncertain whether she is ultimately a redeemed sinner or a successful opportunist.

Archetypal Coaching — Activate Your Goals with Ancient Wisdom Ready to energize your goals and gain clear direction? In this weekly meetup, we work with powerful archetypes from ancient traditions to align your intention, sharpen your strategy, and ignite real momentum. 4 Sessions Per Month Tap into the power of 4 ancient traditions: • Egyptian — Strategic clarity & long-range vision • Scandinavian — Decisiveness & breakthrough energy • Greek — Harmony, inspiration & personal charisma • Sephirotic (Kabbalistic) — Deep integration & energetic anchoring. Each 90-Min Session Includes: • Group energy alignment (20 min) • Personal goal setting in the energy of the week’s tradition (20 min) • Group activation & anchoring (20 min) • Personal alanyses, archetypal insights & support circle (30 min). What You’ll Gain: ✓ Mental clarity & motivation ✓ Energetic support for your path ✓ Clear, inspired next steps ✓ A deeper connection to purpose. When: Every Sunday afternoon 4-6pm Fee: $50 CAD per session (Limited spots available) Facilitator: Andrey Litvinov — Business Coach, Psychotherapist, Grand Master of Reiki Yggdrasil To Reserve Your Spot: Pre-registration required via WhatsApp or Telegram Message: t.me/AndyTherapist WhatsApp: +1 437 606 6502

I think we're ready to start this group's running season! 5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! This seems like a good Sunday to start as the temperature and sunlight should all be moderate. Also, plenty of time to prepare with stretch and strength if you haven't run since last year! BTW, I've learned there is a lot of benefit to starting with slow jogging - rather than walking. Please look that up, if you are slow - like me - and want to improve your endurance, consistency, aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. * As part of our kick-off, I am open to heading off to get some brunch on the Danforth afterwards, if anybody is interested! Lots of great options there! We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

Overview Full Moon Energy Activation & Sound Bath in a stunning wooden sanctuary with nature views for deep relaxation, emotional release & renewal. Held at the Unitarian Congregation a spiritual sanctuary where mindfulness and contemplative practices are held year-round, this experience takes place in a warm, rustic hall surrounded by greenery and natural light. With soaring wooden beams and expansive windows overlooking trees and spring growth, the space feels like being held by nature while remaining comfortably indoors. The atmosphere is grounding, peaceful, and deeply nurturing. ### **Why This Spring Session Is Powerful** Late spring carries the energy of renewal, expansion, and gentle awakening. Following the Full Moon, this is a powerful time to: • release emotional heaviness • integrate recent shifts and insights • reset the nervous system • create space for clarity and new beginnings • reconnect with inner balance As nature opens and blossoms, the body and nervous system naturally respond to this rhythm of renewal. ### **A Safe Space to Slow Down & Restore** As the nervous system settles, the body softens and the mind quiets. Within this supportive and sacred environment, your process unfolds naturally and at your own pace. Participants often experience: • deep relaxation and nervous system reset • emotional release and clarity • relief from stress and mental overload • renewed energy and inner calm • a profound sense of presence Nothing is forced. The body opens when it feels safe. ### **Energy Activation & Sound Bath Experience** This immersive session combines: • Kundalini Activation energy transmission • guided relaxation & breathwork • sound healing & vibrational grounding • a trauma-aware, nervous-system-conscious space • time for deep inward processing Sound frequencies support the body’s natural release process and deepen relaxation. ### **Who This Experience Is For** This session may support you if you: • feel overwhelmed or mentally fatigued • seek emotional release in a safe environment • want deep relaxation and nervous system reset • feel called to reconnect inward • are curious about sound healing & energy work No prior experience needed. ### **What to Bring** • Yoga Mat • Water Spots are limited. When registration closes, doors close. Investment: $75. Book directly on our website: www.qalb.ca

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant.

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Unshackled will be one of the largest The Prisoners wines tasting in the nation this Thursday, hosted by Rose Marie in my absence. The Prisoner Wines have several dozen white and red blended wines using unusual combinations that are very different than traditional blends from Bordeaux or The Rhone regions. ***The Prisoner Red Blend*** is comprised of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. ***Saldo***, in the $30 range, has Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Mataro, Verdelho, and Cabernet Sauvignon. ***The Prisoner Chardonnay*** has, Chardonnay, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. You get the idea: no traditional limits in blending grapes. I will get a table for people to gather. It will be crowded, so be patient with this very popular. Feel free to bring your own food as it is welcomed at this local gem or order from the newly opened Worthington Inn, or local favorites such as Dewey's, Everest, Jet, Worthington Tavern and The Whitney. Each person pays their tasting fee, typically $15, and gets their wine glass, then approximately five pours of the wines being served. **Parking is tough**. Try the second lot behind House Wine accessed by the land by the back parking lot or the municipal lot one block north of House Wine. **Waiver and Liability and Attendance Policy.** Participation by you and your guests means you agree to the Waiver of Liability and Attendance Policies on our Group Page. People who have two more or Attendance policy violations are subject to removal from the group.

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!