Psychic vampires

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

Join Celeste and Chris Gates every other Sunday morning at 10:30am to experience the profound healing energy of vibrational sound. You’ll be led in a guided meditation to connect with the wisdom of your own soul and that of your team of spiritual support. Release your stress as energy flows, allowing your senses to open up to the presence of divine love. Dress comfortably, and feel free to bring your journals so you don’t miss a thing! Donation is $20 to paypal.me/mediumcelestewoods or Venmo to @celeste-woods-2. A great new start to your week!

***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.

Class on Discovering, Recognizing and Celebrating Your Abundant Spirit - lead by Sue Bracey

We all know about love in our personal relationships, that it’s not just something you think or even say but that it’s something you show by putting what you’re feeling into practice. But what happens when we think about love in a wider context? How do we embrace loving those beyond our existing circles? What about all of humanity? Is it enough to simply feel love for all mankind, or do we also have to seek out ways to put that into practice? This can seem like a daunting task, but even coming together with people of different backgrounds and beliefs and exploring these ideas together in an open and respectful setting can help contribute to creating the world we want to see! Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspectives offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the power of love in action. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how developing that practice in ourselves and in others can help create the change we want to see in the world. *“Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.”* – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

We'll be celebrating our friend, Genise's birthday

**Come Join to Celebrate Charles Darwin's Birthday! Banana Splits will be served! Our Talk is** **Beyond the Bare Bones: What Human Evolution Means to You** The study of human evolution isn't merely an academic exercise in looking backward. It tells us who we are and the kinds of things we do. Hence, it can inform us about our impact on the environment and our future as a species. This presentation will be illustrated with revealing images from the Smithsonian's Hall of Human Origins. Our speaker, Fred Edwords served eleven years as the founding editor of the American Humanist Association’s *Creation/Evolution* journal, refuting creationism in print and on the debate platform. He also served fifteen years as the American Humanist Association's executive director and twelve years as editor of the *Humanist* magazine. This is an in-person meeting only. We serve coffee starting at 10:45. Come then and chat!

Join us every Sunday at [One Spirit Martial Arts](https://www.virginiabjj.com/) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) for open training in [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu): Research, Review, and Roll! 🥇 This is a **student-driven session** designed to help you explore what matters most to your BJJ development. Whether you want to **research techniques, review material from the week**, or **roll with different partners**, this open format gives you the flexibility to focus on your own goals. An **instructor will be present** to answer questions, offer feedback, and help troubleshoot positions, but the pace and flow of the session are entirely up to you. You can **drill, experiment**, or **get in some live rounds** in a relaxed and supportive environment. Open training is ideal for students who want to **refine their technique, test new ideas, and build confidence** through *consistent practice*. All skill levels are welcome -- come train, learn, and grow with the **[Northern Virginia Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community](https://www.meetup.com/northern-virginia-martial-arts-group/)**! **Note:** We are located in **Suite #130**. The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site.

This is our weekly training session. NOVA Jujutsu is a self-defense focused system incorporating Geri (Kicking), Atemi (Striking), Uke (Blocking), Tai Sabakai (Body Movement), Tai Hodoki (Escapes), Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locks), Nage Waza (Throwing), Shime Waza (Choking), Katame Waza (Grappling), Tantojutsu (Knife), Bojutsu (Bo), Kenjutsu (Sword), and Kata (Forms). Come on down to a class and see for yourself what this group has to offer. You will get a great workout! You will have an awesome learning experience! You will meet some good people! We look forward to meeting you. See you there. TAGS: japanese, martial arts, self-defense, jujutsu, jujitsu, juijitsu, bujutsu, defense, karate, koppo, kenjutsu, bojutsu, tantojutsu

Social Sips & Bites — DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase Social Sips & Bites friends, we’re heading to the DC Rockers Winter 2026 Showcase- an all-ages, afternoon-to-night celebration of Rock ’n’ Roll through the decades. Five bands. Five decades. One epic day. Each band performs a full 1-hour tribute set, so come early, stay late, or drop in anytime. Lineup & set times • 2:00 PM – Barco Loungers • 3:30 PM – The Redactions • 5:00 PM – The Wanderers • 6:30 PM – The Spirographs • 8:00 PM – Dad Bod **Event fee: $15** Questions or Tickets : Email: ericSeisler@yahoo.com Easy vibes, great music, and classic Social Sips & Bites energy. RSVP and let’s rock winter 2026 together. https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/dc-rockers-15-feb

Sunday service at Unity of Fairfax will leave you feeling inspired, blessed and empowered to experience the fullness of life. **On a Spiritual Journey** Our community is made up of people, like yourself, who have been led to Unity by Spirit. We are all here because we’re on a spiritual journey to become all that we were created to be. **Welcome to Everyone** Unity welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. We welcome people of all creeds, sexual orientation and social background. There are no exceptions in our welcome to everyone. **We Offer Tools** In Unity we don't tell people what to think; rather, we offer tools that individuals can use to create lives of meaning and purpose. **What We Believe** To review what we believe, go here: https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity

**CONTENT WARNING: Disease, mutilation, abortion.** **This film contains extreme body horror, prolonged depictions of illness and bodily decay, environmental contamination, and disturbing imagery. It also includes references to pregnancy loss and a graphic act involving the removal of a fetus from a woman’s body. Themes of obsession, emotional distress, and death are central to the film. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. You are welcome to step out at any time.** Please read the original manga ahead of the dicussion: https://mangadex.org/chapter/bf397fc1-17bc-4fa1-8cd7-2cfd35f8170c Hideshi Hino's *Mermaid in a Manhole* is body horror stripped of bravado. When a lonely artist encounters a dying mermaid trapped in an underground sewer, he attempts to care for her — documenting her condition as her body deteriorates in disturbing and intimate ways. What begins as a strange act of compassion transforms into a bleak meditation on decay, obsession, and environmental collapse. Blending body horror with tragic romance, the film replaces shock-for-shock’s-sake with an atmosphere of sickness and inevitability that seeps into every frame.

Have you had dreams that felt strangely significant all your life - as though something was trying to teach you things while you sleep? Do you sometimes get internal messages about something that you’re pretty sure didn’t originate from you? Are you nervous about working with the spirits of your ancestors because they were wretched, angry people when they were alive? This is a form of awakening to a larger connection with both yourself and the surrounding energetic spirals that surround us. I can help you learn to connect more strongly - to open safely to that energy/those spirits. This is a session open for folks at all levels of mediumship. There is no set curriculum. This is entirely experiential and intuitive. Come And See. This class is $50

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/c/e/8/600_454271496.jpeg Usui Ryoho Reiki I Certification Tune into the spiritually guided life force energy of Reiki to become a Certified Reiki practitioner! In this course, you will learn the traditional teachings of Usui Ryoho, as well as practical applications for working with energy, managing heightened intuition, & understanding the basics of the chakra system. Upon completion of the class, you will be able to give Reiki treatments to yourself and to others. Sunday, February 22nd 10:30 - 4:30 Sunday, March 1st 10:30 - 2:30 This two day intensive class will cover: · The origin and history of Reiki · The nature of Reiki energy, why people get sick, and how Reiki heals · The Reiki Ideals · The Human Energy System · Reiki Hand Placements · Working with spiritual energy—grounding, cleansing, & protection · Reiki I Attunement Cost: $250 (includes light lunch, a smile, and a hug each day) The class is a combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration and practice time. Each student receives a full Reiki I attunement, manual and IARP endorsed certificate upon completion of this class. https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/8/6/600_447672934.jpeg Taught by Juli Richardson, Certified Reiki Master Teacher & Certified Psychic Medium All Reiki Classes Offered: Reiki I (2 days) - $250 Reiki II (1 day) - $200 Animal Reiki (1 day) - $150 Reiki III/Advanced Reiki Training (2 days) - $275 Reiki Master Teacher (3 days) - $350 ***SPECIAL COMBINATION RATES*** Reiki I & Reiki II - $425 ($25 savings) Reiki I & Animal Reiki - $375 ($25 savings) Reiki I, II, & Animal Reiki - $525 ($75 savings!) All payments are final. (Minimum of 24 hrs. notice required to reschedule.) By making payment, you acknowledge that "Any and all services/information/products provided by Juli or Light Works are never substitutes for licensed Medical or Psychological care."

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics2) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

## Details Soulfull Spirit Saturdays @ Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center!! Saturday, January 10th 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm If you're looking for a place to go to hang out with light workers, spiritualists, teachers, seekers, readers, and pursuers of high [vibes....look](http://vibes....look) no further! The residents of Light Works Spiritual Wellness Center invite you to come join us for an afternoon on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Share conversation, meet new friends, enjoy some food, or simply come by and soak up the good vibes. Free to attend! If you're interested in a reading or healing session, there will variety of practitioners (mediums, card readers, astrologists, animal communicators, energy healers, massage therapists, and more!) each month, offering their services at discounted rates. Simply stop by and sign up for a session or contact your practitioner directly to book ahead. Our resident practitioners will be available, offering the following: **Juli Richardson** Juli is a certified psychic medium, Reiki master teacher, animal communicator, & founder of Light Works ([www.lightworks.biz](http://www.lightworks.biz)). For this event, she will be hanging out and enjoying the day with everyone! **Tina Neuhaus** Tina is a tarot reader and the owner of Destination Tarot ([fb.com/destinationtarot](http://fb.com/destinationtarot)). She found tarot to be instrumental in her own personal past trauma healing journey and transformative in aligning with her higher purpose. She's been reading professionally for roughly 10 years. Tina takes a therapeutic approach to readings, working with the shadow aspects of the self. She finds this to be essential for growth and empowerment, creating deeper self-awareness to engage with life from a place of strength. For this event, she will be offering 30 minute Tarot readings for $45. To pre-book: 719-930-9673 or [tinaneuhaus@gmail.com](http://tinaneuhaus@gmail.com) **Dr Kirsten Wagner** Kirsten is a clinical psychiatrist, tarot reader, and owner of Circle of Life, MD. In Kirsten's 30 years of practicing psychiatry, she discovered her love of tarot and that there are many roads that lead to healing. She offers a variety of services, both traditional and spiritual - individual and group psychotherapy, tarot & runes readings, and oracle/angel cards. For this event, she will be offering tarot readings for $30. To pre-book: 978-239-4945. **\*\*\*Other residents may be added closer to the date of the event - check back later to see who will be attending this month and offering their services!\*\*\*** We're also excited to have the following guest practitioners joining us this month!! **Amber Noelle** Amber is an intuitive channel, a master certified hypnotherapist and a certified Reiki practitioner. Her spiritual journey was activated during during her teen years while living in Athens, Greece through a series of out of body experiences. These experiences set her on a quest to gain a deeper understanding of who she is, of what consciousness is and, ultimately, how to harness the infinite knowledge available to us all. Since that time, she has continued through many years of mentorship and self-study and is passionate about helping others navigate their own awakening. It is her intent to be in service to those who quest for self knowledge and to help those who long to get in touch with their own joy -- so they may live that joy to the fullest ([www.ambernoelle.com](http://www.ambernoelle.com)). For this event, she will be offering 20 minute Intuitive Tarot readings for $60. To pre-book: 703-470-9915 or [ambernoelle@gmail.com](http://ambernoelle@gmail.com) **Kevin G** Kevin is a certified psychic medium, Reiki practitioner, and just an overall good guy! His awareness of his psychic abilities began years ago with a sudden, unexpected, and OVERWHELMING sense of unconditional love for all beings. This experience came out of nowhere and had him feeling euphoric....which led him to embrace spirituality. Since then, he has become a seeker of understanding the love of Spirit and how to communicate with them for himself and for others. For this event, he will be offering 45 minute life path and mediumship readings for $50. To pre-book: 240-435-9514 or [wtfhappened383@gmail.com](http://wtfhappened383@gmail.com) **Nikki Tanks** Psychic Medium, Reiki Master Teacher, Angel Messenger and Shamanic Apprentice, and owner of Life Energy Reiki and Readings ([www.lifeenergyreikiandreadings.com](http://www.lifeenergyreikiandreadings.com)) - where her mission is “Healing…1 Touch at a time…1 Message at a time. Using her gifts of claircognizance, clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsetience, and clairempathy, she connects with Spirit Guides, Angels and Loved Ones to deliver healing messages of Love, Guidance, Comfort and Joy. As a Reiki Master Teacher she offers a healing technique that supports physical and emotional healing. As a Shamanic Apprentice she focuses on Chakra and Energy Healing. For this event, she will be offering 30 min readings for $60, 30 min Reiki sessions for $50, and 30 min shamanic chakra healings for $45. To pre-book: 703-203-9711 or [lifeenergynikki@gmail.com](http://lifeenergynikki@gmail.com) **Erin DeBono** Erin DeBono is certified and licensed massage therapist, yoga instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, and is the founder of [Harmony Bodyworks](http://www.massagebook.com/therapists/Erindebono), a holistic wellness practice that provides services to nurture the body and uplift the spirit.. She has been practicing various massage modalities, CranioSacral Therapy, and Reiki since 2015. In addition to massage and bodywork, Erin offers private yoga as well as virtual and small group yoga classes. She believes compassionate touch and kindness are cornerstones to the spirit’s well being. Erin uses intuitive guidance to share her therapeutic touch, supporting the body’s natural flow towards balance. As a massage therapist, Erin has a deep appreciation for the awesomeness of the human body and understands how it is affected by the habits of daily life. For this event, she will be offering 30 min massage and/or Reiki sessions for $44. To pre-book: 303-601-0777 or [erindebono@gmail.com](mailto:erindebono@gmail.com) **\*\*\*Guest practitioners will be added closer to the date of the event - check back later to see who will be attending and offering their services!\*\*\*** Come as you are or bring a friend! Hope to see you there!

Have any abduction stories? Want a group to make contact, CE5 style? Sleep paralysis? Starseeds? Join us for all things star beings!