Cosmology

THE DESTINY OF A NATION - YEAR 2026 Vedic Astrology with Brendan Feeley Thursday January 22, 2026 at 7:30pm We Network of Lighters are so excited and delighted that Brendan Feeley, M.A., D.Ay., is coming to be with us Thursday, January 22! The year has started with a bang and the alignment of planets in the heavens in the first week of January promised an unexpected military event. What else can we expect in year 2026? What do the planets promise and when will the events take place? The year 2025 saw a shift in the global power structure with the inauguration of President Trump and the introduction of tariffs and many other strategic changes. 2026 brings the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and in November, the mid-term elections will determine the balance of power in the national capital's corridors of power. We also have the gubernatorial races; 36 states will elect governors. We can say that 2026 is a decisive year in defining the future of the nation and the driver is going to be voter sentiment. Since President Trump took office, we have witnessed a restructuring of global alliances and countries are redefining their strategies. Brendan will examine the following topics in his talk: USA economy Mid-term elections Venezuela and the fate of Nicolas Madura Israel, Iran and the Middle East Banking and digital money The stock market The property market  Meet, Greet, Eat and Pray 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Potluck Please bring your favorite healthy dinner dish to serve 8 people. Astrology Presentation - 7:30 pm  PLACE: The Network of Light, 6304 30th Street NW Washington, DC 20015 Please park on Tennyson Street. Please do not park in the 30th St. cul-de-sac. LOVE DONATION: $20 suggested As usual, no one is turned away due to lack of funds. Brendan Feeley is a professional Vedic astrologer with a full- time practice in Rockville, MD. He is recognized internationally for his writings, teachings and lectures on Vedic astrology, Ayurveda and Vedic philosophy. He is a founding member of the Council of Vedic Astrologers-USA and has received the professional title of Jyotish Kovid (excellence in Jyotish) in recognition for his work. For more information, visit www.bpfeeley.com Contact Brendan Feeley, M.A., D.Ay. (301) 424-6644 or email bpfeeley@aol.com

## Details **Location:** **Crimson Whiskey Bar (Downstairs Bar, Not Rooftop)** The purpose of Thinkers and Drinkers is to facilitate casual but meaningful and interesting conversations with other people in a face-to-face setting. The topics cover a wide variety of issues and are different for every meeting. While conversations may get heated at times, we ask that all members be respectful of each other and refrain from personal insults. # **Topic: When is Foreign Intervention Justified?** Just three days into the new year, the US launched an operation that captured President Maduro of Venezuela and brought him back to the US to stand trial. This occurred in a time when most Americans, regardless of party affiliation, are against getting involved in another foreign war, with memories of Iraq still fresh in their minds. While it may be too soon to definitely judge the consequences of this intervention, there are many examples of foreign interventions by both the US and other countries in the last century. Some of which were more successful than others. The US intervention in the Gulf War (1991) to liberate Kuwait is considered to have been a quick, decisive victory that was very popular in both the US and Kuwait itself. Other intervention examples by countries include: * USA invasion of Iraq (*2003-2011*) * Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (*1979-1989*) * French intervention in Mali civil conflict (*2013-present*) * Chinese intervention in the Korean War (*1950-1953*) * Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia to overthrow Khmer Rouge (*1978-1989*) * USA intervention in Vietnam War (*1965-1973*) * Indian intervention in Bangladesh independence war (*1971*) * Cuban intervention in Angola civil war (*1975-1991*) * South African intervention in Angola civil war (*1975-1988*) * Russian intervention in Syria civil war (*2015-present*) * Saudi-led intervention in Yemen civil war (*2015-present*) * USA support for coup in Chile against Allende (*1973*) * Soviet suppression of Hungarian Revolution (*1956*) * USA intervention in Dominican Republic (*1965*) * Turkish intervention in Syria civil war (*2016-present*) # **Questions to Consider** * How much should human rights affect the decision to intervene? * Is intervening based on ideological grounds warranted? * How important is maintaining international law on intervention? * Should we differentiate between direct military action and covert (CIA-like) operations to topple governments? * Should security and economic interests be the deciding factor? **SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS:** Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers) CONNECT: Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/) Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational) Email: [ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com](mailto:ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com)

Trivia!! Trivia starts promptly at 7, come earlier to get set up 630-645. Clear Sky's Meadery. 15201 Display Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

Are you ready for a new you with new friends? Join us for a happy hour Gathering @ Stella's in Kensington! Make new friends! Stella's is a fun sports bar FREE Parking Good food and drink menu! Guests must be over 50 to attend Seating is first come first serve This is a non reservation event If the weather is bad I will cancel it within 2 hours before the event. RSVP today

Looking for a classy spot with budget-friendly bites and drinks? Join Social Sips & Bites for an upscale happy hour with unbeatable deals! Menu Highlights: $10 Margaritas $8 Wines Appetizers from $9–$17, including their signature steak This will be a small and fun group.

Join the DMV Bible Study's prayer night for an evening of connecting with the Holy Spirit through a corporate prayer. Dive deep into the teachings of the Bible, specifically exploring topics related to Christian theology, spirituality, and the significance of doctrine in our faith journey. This session will be an enriching opportunity to study the Word of God, reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and connect with fellow Christian men and women in a supportive environment. Through interactive discussions, prayer sessions, and group activities, participants will have the chance to enhance their understanding of key theological concepts, deepen their spiritual connection, and foster a sense of community. Whether you are a seasoned Bible study enthusiast or just beginning to explore Christianity, this event welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs to come together for a night of growth, reflection, and fellowship. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and knowledge of the Christian doctrine!

Hey Chapter Twoers, I have a feeling we're going to be stuck inside for a lot of the weekend. So come out while you still can and join us at McGinty's Public House in downtown Silver Spring for drinks and snacks. All are welcome!

Join PSW Science® on January 23 at 8 PM as we welcome Lecturer Gordon Guyatt, Professor of Medicine and Health Research Methods at McMaster University, for the Presidents' Lecture. During the question and answer period, in-person attendees and live stream viewers may ask the speaker questions, and in-person attendees may also engage with the speaker during the post-lecture reception. Refreshments are served. For more information on this meeting, please visit: https://pswscience.org/meeting/2529/ The meeting will be held in the John Wesley Powell Auditorium, adjacent to the Cosmos Club. The Powell Auditorium is located at 2170 Florida Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008. Use of the Cosmos Club is restricted to the Powell Auditorium, the entryway to the auditorium, and the restrooms immediately outside the auditorium. Please note there is no onsite parking available. PSW Science, founded in 1871, is one of the oldest scientific societies in Washington D.C. Now, over 150 years later, we celebrate the Society's rich history and contributions to scientific discovery and cross-disciplinary collaboration. For information on how to become a member of PSW Science and membership benefits, please visit https://pswscience.org/join/

Join us for brunch and Freethinker discussion! We will meet at Caboose Commons at 11am (in the upstairs area of the building) to munch and chat. We'll organize into a handful of separate tables with 6-8 people at each table. Each person will write down ideas, drop 'em in a hat, and each group will pick 'em out at random to determine our topic(s). We'd love to mix the "louder" and "quieter" voices so that everyone has a chance to weigh in—we want to hear all perspectives! :) We're a very friendly bunch, and welcome participation from newbies and old-bies alike! Come with your best ideas—anything goes. Feel free to post interesting articles, videos or thoughts in the comments section beforehand to inspire our discussion. PLEASE NOTE: We have placed a cap on the event, so if your plans change, please adjust your RSVP, so someone on the Wait List can attend.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

7. The Human Science /197 end p. 224.

We will be playing **SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence** with up to 4 players. If you have a copy of this game please let me know and I will open the event to more players. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes. In **SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence**, you lead a scientific institution tasked with searching for traces of life beyond planet Earth. Players will explore nearby planets and their moons by launching probes from Earth while taking advantage of ever-shifting planetary positions. Decide whether to land on their surface to collect valuable samples, or stay in orbit for a broader survey. Additionally, by directing your telescopes to gaze into distant star systems, you may detect traces of alien signals or undiscovered exoplanets, and collect promising data to examine and study back home. Back on Earth, you can invest in upgrading your equipment so you can analyze incoming data more efficiently, boost your telescope signal capacity, or increase your supply of resources—all to expand the scope of your search that could lead to a discovery of extraterrestrial life forms. Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsJgjoEYNAY&pp=ygUQaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgc2V0aQ%3D%3D) a how to play video on youtube. Find [here](https://filemanager.czechgames.com/storage/files/seti-search-for-extraterrestrial-intelligence/rules/seti-rules-en.pdf) the rulebook. Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. **The earlier you update your RSVP the better** so that players on the waitlist can attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.

_This is a sponsored activity I recommend you attend! Join us for a deeply relaxing and nourishing afternoon at Karma Yoga. You must follow this link for registration: https://momence.com/Karma-Yoga/%F0%9F%A5%A3-Sound-Bath-Immersion-%26-Reiki/122785585 This 90-minute experience includes ceremonial cacao, gentle hands-on Reiki offered by Mona, a Reiki Master, and a full sound immersion guided by Mimi. During the session, sound is played both around and on the body, allowing you to fully settle, unwind, and reset. Saturday, Jan 24 4:00–5:30 PM Karma Yoga, Falls Church $55 Reserve your spot using the link provided (membership is not required).

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Optional topic for this meet up: Is life a dream? Is life a simulation? Dreams feel real while they last. Could life work the same way? How do we know we’re awake, and what follows if we can’t be sure? Let’s kick that around over a around of drinks: • What makes something feel real: continuity, shared evidence, or meaning? • How do we know we're not in a simulation? • How would you tell you’re awake (reality checks, memory, other people)? • If life is dreamlike, what becomes of free will and responsibility? • Is identity a story we keep telling—who’s the narrator? • Are we author, actor, or audience in our dreams and how would you tell? • Does art/film reveal reality or replace it? No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it’s fun.

Love, museums? How about an experience with an adult twist? This event will be different as tickets are required to be purchased through COSI ($37: No add on required) Come by yourself or come with a guest. Most of our members work the following day so a little fun before calling it a night can never be a bad idea.  Experience the ultimate fusion of flavor and innovation at COSI After Dark: Cocktails and Chemistry on February 12! A dozen of Columbus’ top mixologists will compete in a science-infused cocktail invitational, crafting imaginative drinks that blend creativity, chemistry, and competition. Guests will enjoy included samples from all 11 contenders and cast their votes to crown the evening’s champion. Featuring award-winning local spirits and cutting-edge techniques, this 21+ event transforms COSI into the city’s most spirited laboratory, and an unforgettable night that’s perfectly mixed for your Valentine’s week. COSI After Dark: Cocktails & Chemistry is on February 12, 7pm - 10pm,

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.

"Astrology: The Essential Basics" 5 classes with Judi Vitale, MA, C.A., NCGR-PAA Wed, Feb 11 | Zoom This course is an introduction to astrology for those who are interested in using this ancient art and science for their own illumination, and in preparing to offer astrology services to clients. About the event Astrology: The Essential Basics - Class Outline A 5-part course presented by Judi Vitale, MA, C.A. NCGR-PAA Wednesday 7:30 PM February 11 (#1) and 25 (#2), March 11 (#3) and 25 (#4), April 8 (#5). This course is an introduction to astrology for those who are interested in using this ancient art and science for their own illumination, and in preparing to offer astrology services to clients. It covers the very basic elements of astrology, including how astrology can be used and the ethics involved in working with clients. Written materials are provided, along with instruction on drawing the glyphs of the planets and signs. The Whole Signs House system will be used as the basis for this course. This system makes it easier for students to comprehend the meanings of elements, modalities, sect, and aspects. Each class is 90 minutes in length. Lesson #1: Astrology: A Historical Overview and Applications in the Modern World Lesson #2: The Zodiac, The Signs, and the Planets that Play in Them Lesson #3: The Ways the Planets Play (Planets in Signs) Lesson #4: The Houses and Aspects Lesson #5: Forecasting with Transits - Ethics and Technique After more than 40 years as a professional astrologer, speaker, and writer, Judi thrives on sharing what she has been given by her illustrious teachers. She earned her Level IV Certification from NCGR-PAA in 1995, She specializes in counseling clients using techniques ranging from traditional astrology to Uranian analysis. Judi holds a Master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling, and offers a coaching practice that emphasizes hypnotherapy and breathwork as well as astrology. She lives in Pittsburgh with her tiny dog Candace.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.