Runes

It's June, and we have one class left in the Firefly Foundations class series meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the House and about our way of being Pagan. If you've been with us from the beginning, well done! For the seventh and final class of the series, we'll be talking about the elements. We've mentioned them a few other times, especially when talking about quarter calls and during our class on magic, but this time we're going to dive into them with a bit more detail and discus a bit about the history of how the classical Greek elements ended up in our strange mashup of British folkways and ceremonial magic. When you RSVP for this class, you'll be asked to provide an email address. We'll send you a link to the class video at that address as soon as possible after we receive it. We keep won't share your email with anyone ever. Watch the video before the class date and time, and come to class with any questions you might have. During the class session, we'll be going over anything from the video you wanted to review, anything from the class series as a whole that you might want to go over again, and we'll do a bit of a show-and-tell about the various tools and toys that you might see crop up from time to time during House events, especially since so many of them are connected to the elements in some way or another. If you're comfortable with it, join us at the MLK Memorial Library. The exact room is TBD, but we'll update it once the room is reserved. Masks will be welcomed, but not provided, for in-person attendees. We will also have the necessary technology to allow folks to join in online via Google Meet if you prefer to attend remotely. Video conferencing information will be sent out the morning of the event. If you're connecting that way, please give us a few minutes past 3:30pm to get the stream online. This class is a part of our [foundations class series](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-tA9ewEm1YEvY26jlWq07F2DT_-_HKwd-_wnl0l84g/edit?usp=sharing), which is only required if you wish to join the Firefly House as an initiate. If that does not interest you, then feel free to skip classes that you find less important for your journey. If you want to keep your options open with respect to initiation but cannot attend this session at the listed date and time, please contact the event host prior to the session. Keep in mind, you can only miss two of seven sessions in this way. Time spent with initiates of the House and your fellow classmates is an important part of knowing if you want to initiate. If you don't initiate, regardless of the reason, you're still welcome to all of the public events we organize. If you would like to, feel free to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) to chat with others in the Firefly House between sessions. This is also a great place to ask for help if you've lost a link to a video, for example. \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

This Saturday lets run to the National Mall! We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot. (Note there is an alternative meeting spot, it is right on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St; it will be clearly marked as the meeting spot if conditions are bad on a given Saturday. Ignore this unless told otherwise. Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro. Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. \|LOCATION: Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot ([https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W)) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot. Please meet 10 min. before the start time. Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37) PACE and MILEAGE: All paces are welcome! We'll be doing an out and back route, so everyone will just turn around at the halfway time marker. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere! ROUTE: The usual route is [https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r](https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r). It may vary occasionally. The full circuit works out to around 8:30 min/mile for a 50 minute run. Slower paces can turn around earlier, faster paces can run farther. PARKING: Use this map ([http://bit.ly/i2dWD0](http://bit.ly/i2dWD0)) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages. DIRECTIONS: For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. Also whenever it is warmer the parking lot fills up really quickly. You are strongly advised to use alternative travel or park in Rosslyn. They do ticket illegally parked cars at the island!! METRO: Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.

With Christopher Nolan's film adaptation on the horizon, it's time for us to finally read one of the most iconic classics of Greek literature: Homer's *Odyssey*! We'll be reading the epic poem over the course of three meetings, starting with books 1-8, which introduce us to the situation on Odysseus's home of Ithaca and the first half of his long journey home from the Trojan War. I will be reading from the highly regarded [Lattimore](https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-odyssey-of-homer-richmond-lattimore/ca6dbb99680e7cd9) translation, but feel free to use whichever version you prefer. As usual, we will meet in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in the **205-B Accessibility Room**, located on the second floor. Ask at the Center for Accessibility front desk if you are looking for us. See you there!

You are warmly invited to an evening of chamber music on **June 6 at 7:00 PM** at the **Kosciuszko Foundation Washington, DC Center**. # Myths and Sacred Tales This special concert features a distinguished string quintet: * **Devree Lewis**, cello * **Susanna Mendlow**, cello * **Agata Miklavc**, violin * **Holly Nelson**, violin * **Ting-An Wei**, viola They are joined by **Jason Solounias, piano**. **Program** *Mythes, Op. 30* by Karol Szymanowski I. La fontaine d’Arethuse (The Fountain of Arethusa) II. Narcisse (Narcissus) III. Dryades et Pan (Dryads and Pan) **With accompanying poetry:** * *Arethusa* by Percy Shelley * *Narcissus* by John Keats * *Hymn to Pan* by Aleister Crowley Performed by: **Susanna Mendlow**, reader **Agata Miklavc**, violin **Jason Solounias**, piano **Intermission** *String Quintet in C major, D.956* I. Allegro ma non troppo II. Adagio III. Scherzo. Presto – Trio. Andante sostenuto IV. Allegretto **Tickets:** $35 General Admission / $25 KF Members **Purchase tickets** **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/myths-and-secret-tales-an-evening-of-chamber-music-and-poetry-tickets-1988631854409?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served. We look forward to sharing this inspiring evening of music and poetry with you. More info **[HERE](https://thekf.org/event/myths-and-secret-tales-an-evening-of-chamber-music-and-poetry-at-the-kf-washington-dc/)** #### **The event is co-sponsored by the Sylvan and Eugenia Bobinski Fund.**

***Colvin Run 1st Saturday Social Ballroom Dance.*** **We invite you to join us for our Social Ballroom dance to the fantastic energy and music of the Josh Squared Duo!!!** 7:30-8:30 pm: Cha Cha Dance Lesson by **Nick Pasche** 8:30-11:00 pm: Ballroom dance to **live music by the Josh Squared Duo!** Dress in your Colvin Run Dance attire. Dress to Impress! $20 (cash, check or Venmo) for the full evening includes lesson, dance, cold water, and scrumptious snacks No partner, experience or reservations needed. Don't have a partner? Come to Colvin Run Dance Hall where you will find friendly partners HAPPY to meet you and dance with you!! 1,850 sq. ft. beautiful oak dance floor. Plenty of free, safe parking. Colvin Run Dance Hall, where everyone is glad you came and everyone knows your name!! Help spread the word: It's Fun, Fun, Fun at Colvin Run. ## Questions? Find Colvin Run at [http://www.colvinrun.org](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=a653d4304d&e=dc73d9bfad) or visit [https:](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=b3877963d5&e=dc73d9bfad)[//www.facebook.com/colvinrundancehall](https://colvinrun.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9abd22bfb1858c46263c2620b&id=eda6408288&e=dc73d9bfad) or contact [Conrad.Heer@ColvinRun.org](mailto:Kathy.Milks@colvinrun.org)

Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.

DMV’s longest running Mind-Body-Spirit-Eco event! 80+ exhibitors, 30+ workshops, new outdoor community building fun! $10, kids/parking FREE! **Join us for the mind-body-spirit-eco event of the season!** Explore and engage with 80+ exhibitors, attend any of 30+ workshops, and join the outdoor activities planned — all included in the price of admission - just $10 to stay all day! Kids 16 and under are FREE...and so is the parking! **[Our Summer 2026 Exhibitors..](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/ "https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/exhibitors/").** • Enjoy mini healing sessions to sample different methods (massage, Reiki, stretch, reflexology, hypnosis) • Get a psychic, Tarot, shamanic or Angel reading; take a pic of your Aura when you visit the Aura Camera • Learn about traditional, complimentary and alternative health & medicine • Shop crystals, clothes, jewelry, oils, skincare, candles, books... hundreds of metaphysical, natural, organic and other products and services for your beauty, home, health and wellness Bill Sanda is offering mini-Akashic Record sessions throughout the day at Table #5. I will also be speaking at 1 pm on the Akashic Records and Light Language. **[Summer 2026 Workshop Schedule...](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/ "https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expo-speakers/")** From alternative therapies and lifestyles, to spiritual, metaphysical and holistic health and wellness topics, our full day of workshops give you direct access to experts in several mind-body-spirit fields. Make connections and appointments, network with fellow attendees, and share in the energy only the Pathways Community can bring. Whether you're a seasoned natural living enthusiast or just beginning your journey, the Pathways Summer 2026 Natural Living Expo is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge, discover new products, and connect with others who are dedicated to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Stay connected through our [Summer Expo Main Page](https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/ "https://www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com/expos-and-events/summer-expo/") ... and join us for a day filled with inspiration, education, and fun!

Come take part in the ancient practice of chanting that's easy to join, powerful to feel, and impossible to forget. Call and response singing encourages connection, joy and inner peace. No experience is needed. You can sing, hum, play a drum or anther instrument, or simply listen and feel the vibration. We’ll explore traditional Sanskrit mantras, along with songs and prayers from other spiritual traditions, all woven together in the spirit of unity. Kirtan in simple terms is a chanting meditation. When you chant and repeat a mantra over and over, it vibrates your vocal chords and resonates through your whole body. When everyone in the room is chanting together, that vibration unifies us on a cellular level and allows us to access and connect with our divinity within. Space is limited, so RSVP is required. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome, as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out our crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable Rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile long driveway into the woods. You will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) so as to not stir up any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway, so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. Suggested Donation: $15-25. There's a bowl by the front door. Put in what feels right. There are also Venmo and Paypal options. With Love and Gratitude

Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails! These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter). We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead. We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!

Greetings - Blessings to everyone! We welcome you to join us for our House Kirtan Concert on **Sunday, June 7** in **Bethesda MD** (address below). 4***:00 - 6:00 pm.*** ***We chant the Hanuman Chalisa at 4 pm –there is a break after the Chalisa and the regular chanting begins at 4:30 pm*** \~\~ ***Doors open at 3:45 pm - come early to get settled*** \~\~ *(**Please note:** this will also be live streamed on **Facebook Live** – on our chanting page – **Bhakti Chant Kirtan)*** This is a private residence - open to the public - all are welcome - bring a friend, the family, the kids, the parents, the spouse, the tribe - comfortable setting. If you want to sit on the floor, it might be wise to bring something to sit on - Zafu or pillow or the like. *This is chanting with meditation* \- we chant in Sanskrit and English\, mantras and bhajans\, honoring the many aspects of the Divine\. Feel free to bring a percussion instrument, if you are moved to do so. (This will be percussion by committee!) ***Donation***: Suggested $10-20 (no one turned away) **On Paypal:** paypal.me/RufusJuskus **On Venmo**: Rufus-Juskus Snacks afterwards Many thanks -- peace and blessings to all! 


-Rufus Juskus **Address:** **5914 Johnson Ave** **Bethesda MD 20817** NOTE: The announcement page for this event on Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/18AgN2hq8E/

Let's get our 80s nerd on, BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!!!

* **Discover the doorway to peace, love, and divine guidance** * **Learn how to handle day-to-day life through a simple spiritual practice** * **Get the benefits of awakening to the present moment** **Whether you are searching for inner peace, spiritual connection, or a greater sense of purpose, this Regional ECK Light and Sound Service offers practical spiritual tools and insights to help you experience the richness of the moment you are living now. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family.** **Two easy ways to participate!** **IN-PERSON** **Virtual participation:** **Maryland ECK Center** **1738 Elton Rd #104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **ON ZOOM:** **[Register for the Zoom meeting](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucuurqjguGtVWSduDgvFcnm30OKRD2pRy#/registration)** **After registering, you will receive a** **confirmation email containing login** **information for joining the meeting.** **For local information:** Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org)

Log off for a bit and create your own bookmark while connecting with fellow book club members irl. Supplies provided & you’re always welcome to contribute supplies! more RSVPs available on GroupMe *Black Lit. Book Club is a closed affinity space for Black women, femmes, and nonbinary readers. All Black Lit. events are intentionally designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where Black readers can connect with one another in real life. To preserve the purpose of that space, attendance is limited to those who identify within that community.*

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!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

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

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

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.