Psychic Development & Readings

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

We had a wonderful session in September so let’s do it again! A Reiki Circle this is a gathering of Reiki practitioners who work in a group to provide Reiki treatments on each other. The main purpose of the Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, encouragement, and positive energy. We will share our wisdom and skills, socialize and make new friends in this Reiki community. Space is limited to 10 people. We will see if we need to grow or shrink from there. Let us know if you have and questions! See you there! Shaman Phil

**Release and Renew: Finding Freedom Beyond the Negativity of Today’s World** In today’s world, the weight of negativity, stress, and constant change can feel overwhelming. This workshop offers a gentle space to pause, reflect, and release what no longer serves you. Through guided reflection and meditation, you’ll discover how to let go of heaviness and reconnect with the original peace and light of the soul. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for staying free from the pull of negativity while cultivating inner clarity and strength. Leave feeling lighter, renewed, and empowered to move forward with a greater sense of freedom and hope. Saturday, Dec. 20th 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at https://shorturl.at/kUd4C

Room 401-F. A game development **Working Session** involves 3 key parts: 1. Tell people what you're going to do 2. Actually do stuff 3. Show people what you did **What to bring**: Laptop, Charger, maybe a power strip if you have one handy, any other game development tools you need. Try to download any software you need before the working session. There is Wifi at this location, but it may be slow if you have to download any large files.

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

**IN-PERSON + ONLINE** *In-person is at the **East Columbia Branch Library** in the* *Marvin Thomas Room.* Join us **IN-PERSON** or ONLINE. Anyone with an interest in game design and development is welcome, from beginners to veteran professionals. **Year In Review**: The floor will be open to anyone who wants to speak about their 2025 accomplishments and 2026 goals! We will be meeting in the Marvin Thomas Room at the East Columbia Branch Library (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD). (Not an official Howard County Library System event.) If you want to attend virtually, the Discord server link is provided in the main monthly (1st of the month) meetup details. An organizer will ensure that a laptop is provided on-site to connect the Discord attendees with those physically on-site. It takes us a few minutes to set up the projector, so hold tight when you join the Discord voice chat channel. We'll be there soon!

Join us on the Solstice to celebrate the return of the Sun and affirm our community fellowship to see us through the dark half of the year. We will gather, rain or shine, in the National Arboretum around 11:30 for a start time of noon for the ritual. There are no tables, so you needn’t bother with any potluck dishes, but if you want to bring a hot beverage to share, it would be most welcomed.

** Take note: This is not in Burke** Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! See you there! Shaman Phil

Note: RSVPs for this meetup open when our previous meetup ends. For December, we will be reading The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks. The novel was first published in 1997 and the paperback version runs 272 pages. The blurb from Amazon is: In The Sweet Hereafter, Russell Banks tells a story that begins with a school bus accident. Using four different narrators, Banks creates a small-town morality play that addresses one of life's most agonizing questions: when the worst thing happens, who do you blame?

**Please reserve your spot at [www.piesfitnessyoga.com.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./)** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at [www.piesfitnessyoga.com.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./) **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** **Harness the Energy of the Moon to Manifest Your Dreams** Have you ever felt a quiet pull to align your life with the natural rhythms of the Earth and sky? Or wondered how the moon’s cycles could guide you in achieving your dreams? Imagine setting intentions in a supportive circle of like-minded individuals, with expert guidance to help you turn aspirations into reality. **New Moon Visioning Circle** is a transformative 90-minute monthly workshop series designed to align you with the potent energy of each New Moon. Whether you're new to lunar practices or seeking deeper connection and accountability, this series offers a nurturing space to reflect, grow, and manifest in harmony with nature’s cycles. **What to Expect** Each session integrates scientific insights, ancient wisdom, and community connection to support holistic wellness across your physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual layers. Together, we’ll explore the following steps: **Sacred Sharing Circle** Begin with compassionate sharing, where you’ll connect with others in a supportive space that honors your dreams and challenges. **Lunar Insights** Discover how the moon’s current phase, zodiac sign, and elemental energies influence both personal and collective experiences. As a former meteorologist, Kristi weaves science into these astrological teachings, offering grounded, actionable insights. **Shamanic Yoga Nidra** Relax deeply with a guided meditation uniquely crafted to match the month’s lunar energies. This practice connects you to your inner wisdom, bringing clarity to your goals and dreams. **Intentional Writing** Transform your meditation insights into actionable steps. Through journaling, you’ll create intentions, realistic goals, and affirmations that resonate with your authentic path. **Manifestation Ritual** Conclude with a ritual tailored to the moon’s elemental sign. This practice anchors your intentions and infuses them into an optional token (such as a crystal or jewelry) to serve as a touchstone for the month ahead. **Who Is This For?** This workshop is perfect for you if you: * Feel drawn to working with lunar cycles for self-growth and manifestation, regardless of your experience level. * Value a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. * Seek a supportive group for compassionate accountability and insight into breaking through barriers to your goals. * Enjoy blending yoga, shamanic practices, and astrology into your self-care and personal development. **Participation Options** You can join us **in person** at PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in Old Town Alexandria or **live via Zoom**. **What to Bring** * **A yoga mat** for comfort during meditation. * **A notebook and pen** for intentional journaling. * **An optional item** (e.g., a crystal or piece of jewelry) to charge with your intentions. * **An open heart and mind** to embrace the transformative process. **About the Facilitator** **Kristi Schwickerath** is a certified yoga therapist, shamanic practitioner, and former meteorologist who brings a unique blend of science and spirituality to her teachings. As a senior staff member of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio’s Holistic Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapy Training programs, Kristi has spent over 15 years guiding individuals through yoga therapy, shamanic rituals, and lunar practices to cultivate clarity and alignment. Her work emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, helping participants transform their dreams into actionable steps while honoring their personal rhythms. Kristi’s compassionate and evidence-based approach empowers you to connect with your inner wisdom and the energy of the natural world. **About PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, **PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** is a welcoming space specializing in holistic wellness. This black-woman-owned studio has been a hub for inclusive and therapeutic yoga practices for over 15 years. With its accessible location near the King Street Metro station, it’s a nurturing space for growth and transformation. **Ready to Manifest Your Dreams?** Reserve your spot today and step into a year of intentional living, guided by the moon’s wisdom and supported by a compassionate community. **Sign up at** [www.piesfitnessyoga.com](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./). **Sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.**

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

***We have now resumed in-person meetups!*** We are a group of tarot practitioners and enthusiasts who are looking to practice and expand our tarot skills through both collaborative discussion and hands-on practice. Everyone is welcome regardless of skill level, even if you've never picked up a deck in your life! Each month we'll have a topic to discuss together, and when that discussion wraps up the session is opened up to any questions people might have about tarot. We also often break up into smaller groups to practice giving readings to each other. (The giving and receiving of readings are both completely voluntary, so please don't feel pressured!) Having a tarot deck is not required. (If you're looking for recommendations for a first deck, we'll be more than happy to help!) Some have found it helpful to bring pen and paper for notes as well. No fee, however snacks, donations for the tea fund, and gifts of practical items for the shop (toilet paper, paper towels, etc) are always welcome. Use of workshop space agreement at Sticks and Stones: 1. Feel free to arrange and decorate the space before your event, and make sure before you go to leave it as you found it. 2. Hot water and tea are provided by the store and you are welcome to help yourselves. We accept donations in the form of money, tea, paper products (tissues, paper towels, toilet paper) dish soap, etc, to help pay for this free service. 3. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to your event (no alcohol.) It is suggested that you bring any utensils and plates if needed, however we might have some available from previous donations if you forget. 4. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, in all areas of the store. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to take any of the workshops/classes. 5. Sticks and Stones respects each and everyone’s spiritual path; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, political views, etc. Please be kind and respectful with your discussions, as we have many people from all faiths entering our store during business hours.

An Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast * Hear the story of the love bond between a woman in crisis and a rescue kitten * Get a powerful dream exercise that can help you find answers to your most burning questions! Join us for this exciting and uplifting podcast. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and insights with other like-hearted individuals. People of all faiths are warmly welcome; feel free to invite friends and family. The program will be presented at our Ruscombe Mansion location in Baltimore and streamed on Zoom. Sunday, December 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Three easy ways to participate! 1. Attend in person at: The Ruscombe Mansion Main Mansion dining room, 4801 Yellowwood Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209 2. Join others for a virtual participation at: The Maryland Eckankar Center, 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104, Silver Spring, MD 20903 3. Attend online at: Zoom Meeting ID: 895 7212 3209 Passcode: 559017 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [BEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:BEC@eckankarmaryland.org)

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

This special holiday event will be AT GAMEARENA near the Gateway!!! Come with games if you like but also come just to chill and relax with new and old friends before we end the 2025 year. Snacks will be provided and working to get holiday drinks like last year if you would like partake more at the bar. Play game at the main venue or other games COGG members bring! \-\-\- **Usual In-Person Notes** \-\-\- **Attendees:** Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games the better! **Developers:** Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available. Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided! Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar: [https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu) Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out. 75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9) If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at info@[thecogg.com](http://thecogg.com/)!

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Topic details coming soon. AGENDA: 7:00pm - Opening announcements 7:10pm - Main Topic 7:50pm - Q&A

Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates listed for this series are about 95% reliable. We are completing our 2026 schedule as we speak, so minor adjustments are still occurring. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee, though this first offering is free on a first-come, first-served basis. 3. Each class, from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective, is a separate entity. **Introduction:** HTML5 is the foundational technology for modern web development, serving as the standard markup language for structuring and presenting content on the World Wide Web. Developed through a collaboration between the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group (WHATWG), HTML5 provides a robust system of elements (tags) that tell a browser how to display text, images, and multimedia in a clear and meaningful way. It works in concert with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for presentation and JavaScript for interactivity, forming the core technology stack for virtually all websites and many web applications today. One of the significant advancements of HTML5 is the introduction of powerful new features and elements designed to improve functionality and simplify development. Key additions include native multimedia support via the \ and \ tags, allowing developers to embed media without third-party plugins. It also offers new form controls for better user input, such as date and email types, and introduces web storage capabilities to store data offline for enhanced performance. These features streamline the process of building rich, interactive web experiences. A significant focus of HTML5 is enhanced semantics and better structural organization of content. New semantic elements like , , , , and \ provide meaningful structure to documents, which aids in search engine optimization (SEO) and improves accessibility for assistive technologies. These elements define different parts of a webpage (e.g., a header for the top, a nav for navigation links, a footer for the bottom), making the code more readable and understandable for both developers and machines. This emphasis on clear structure helps in creating more logical and maintainable websites. Developing websites in today's competitive environment requires taking advantage of every technique you can to get the maximum exposure possible. Our HTML5 class will not only show you what's new in the HTML specification, but also the best way to develop optimized web pages that get the attention your client and/or company requires. **The breakdown of the four-class series is as follows:** **Class 1: Introduction to Web Structure and Basic HTML5** This class introduces the core concepts of web development, the history of HTML, and the fundamental structure of an HTML5 document. * **Topics**: * **Web Architecture Overview**: How browsers, servers, and web pages interact. * **HTML Fundamentals**: Understanding elements, tags, and attributes. * **Basic Document Structure**: Using !DOCTYPE html, html, head, and body. * **Text Formatting**: Headings (h1 to h6), paragraphs (p), and text-level semantics (e.g., strong, em, br). * **Lists and Links**: Creating ordered (ol) and unordered (ul) lists, and linking between pages using anchor tags (a). * **Activity**: Students create a basic personal webpage containing text, a list of hobbies, and a link to an external website. **Class 2: Semantic HTML5 and Multimedia Integration** Class 2 focuses on modern HTML5 elements that provide meaning (semantics) to content, improving accessibility and search engine optimization. It also covers adding images and multimedia. * **Topics**: * **Semantic Elements**: Understanding and implementing elements like header, footer, nav, section, and article. * **Images**: Adding images using the img tag and attributes like src, alt, width, and height. * **Multimedia**: Embedding audio and video content using the audio and video tags. * **File and Folder Structure**: Best practices for organizing project files and managing file paths. * **Activity**: Students refactor their Class 1 project to use a proper semantic layout and add an image and a link to a video file. **Class 3: Forms and User Input** This session is dedicated to building interactive HTML5 forms, which are essential for capturing user data and input. * **Topics**: * **Form Basics**: Using the form element, action and method attributes. * **Input Types**: Exploring various input types (e.g., text, password, checkbox, radio, date, submit). * **Form Elements**: Utilizing label, textarea, select, option, and button. * **Client-side Validation**: Implementing HTML5 validation attributes like required, minlength, and pattern. * **Activity**: Students build a complete contact form with different input fields, radio buttons, and basic HTML5 validation. **Class 4: Introduction to CSS3 and Basic Styling** The final class introduces Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to style the HTML content and make the web pages visually appealing and accessible. * **Topics**: * **CSS Fundamentals**: The role of CSS, selectors, properties, and values. * **Integrating CSS**: Using inline, internal, and external style sheets. * **The Box Model**: Understanding margin, padding, border, and content for basic layout. * **Basic Styling**: Changing colors, fonts, and text alignment. * **Accessibility Basics**: Identifying principles of web design usability and accessibility, including ARIA labels. * **Activity**: Students apply an external CSS file to their Class 3 form project to style the layout, colors, and fonts, culminating in a well-structured and styled webpage.