Saint Germain

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Secrets of Runes,”** on the origins, development, and interpretation of the runic script, with Lilla Kopár, runologist and a professor of medieval literature and culture at Catholic University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-runes](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-runes) .] The fame of runes outshines that of any other ancient script. They can be found not just on Viking Age rune stones, but on Bilbo’s door and as the Bluetooth logo on your cell phone. Runic script is commonly associated with magic, used by modern practitioners of neopaganism, and in recent decades has captured the imagination of filmmakers and video game designers. Yet most of us know little about the historical origins of runes and have no clue how to read or use them. Come to Penn Social to get schooled on runic script with the help of Lilla Kopár, a veteran scholar of runes who has earned a following among Profs and Pints fans by giving fantastic talks on medieval monsters and Norse mythology. As someone who has carried out extensive field research on runes, published several articles on runic objects, and even appeared on the History Channel commenting on runes in America, she’s exceptionally qualified to introduce you to runology and the fascinating things that runes tell us. Dr Kopár will discuss the development of runic script from its humble origins on the borders of the Roman Empire in the first or second century CE, through its popularity in the Viking world, to its use and misuse in modern times. She’ll discuss how runes are a set of related alphabets that underwent changes over time and she’ll describe what inspired changes in this writing system and where and how runes were used in the medieval period. Her richly illustrated talk will highlight some of the most intriguing objects with runic inscriptions, from humble bone fragments to impressive rune stones, and offer insight into the scholarly methods of deciphering and interpreting runic inscriptions. We’ll also look at the function of the runic script from simple practical notes and memorial inscriptions to cipher-runes and magic. The most fun might be the in-class assignment, which will involve reading a few runic inscriptions and writing your name and other words in runes. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Part of Codex runicus, a rune manuscript written on animal skin and dating to about 1300 (University of Copenhagen / Wikimedia Commons).

***“I am struck with how rare it is to find a few good friends on the path. It is easy to find people who simply want to sit and be entertained by teachers, or who want to sit and entertain by playing the role of teacher. In other words, the quest for affirmation often outweighs the quest for truth.*** ***Yet you may have one or two good friends, and definitely have one or two waiting to be discovered. Find them; be thankful.”*** ***— Shawn Nevins*** 'What will make me happy in life?' ... 'Am I my thoughts?' ... 'What is Enlightenment?' ... We meet every week to ask questions like these in the pursuit of Self-Knowledge and Truth. We are interested in topics like: Zen, stoicism, spirituality, psychology, mindfulness, Nisargadatta, non-violent communication, Socrates, existential philosophy, Alan Watts, taoism, Eckhart Tolle, meditation, Ramana Maharshi, etc. But we are not affiliated with any dogma, philosophy, or religion. Our goal each meeting is to serve as mirrors for one another using question-based inquiry in a safe environment. In a session, every participant takes turns discussing the week's question or topic, and the group asks reflective questions without any agenda besides trying to understand the person's beliefs. A few other guiding principles of our group: * No one is obligated to share * Be honest with yourself and others * Do not try to convince others to believe or think as you do * Keep the focus on the person being questioned We meet at the [Bethesda Library](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWMozF8zpY1m1PY26) every Monday. The library is a 5 minute walk from the Bethesda Metro on the Red Line, approx 25 minute Metro ride from Metro Center and Gallery Place stations. The library has a a parking lot with metered parking for $1/hour. \*\*\* WE WILL BE IN MEETING ROOM 3 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ----- THE MEETING ROOM IS IN THE BACK OF THE LIBRARY \*\*\* Please contact us with any questions!

Continue on the Potomac chapter's leg of the AMC 150th Relay, riding your bike with us on a stretch of the W.B.A trail between Bowie and the Baltimore Harbor. This is the 19th day of the 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine starting in March and concluding in October. The segment will travel about 25 miles on a fairly level paved multi-use trail. Registration is required, you can sign up and get more info at the following link through Outdoors Connector: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN00000264vp2AA/act00018149 Email the co-leaders if you have any questions after signing up. [About the AMC 150th Relay](https://www.outdoors.org/AMC150/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=May+2025+VR+Newsletter&utm_content=5/15/2025&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fwww.outdoors.org%2fAMC150&email_audience=Volunteers%20AMC%20-%20Auto%20Refresh): Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150th Relay—a 1,500-mile journey from Virginia to Maine. Each leg of the relay contributes to a continuous route across the Northeast, showcasing the diversity of AMC’s outdoor legacy. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event, or sharing your AMC story. Together, we’ll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure.

The Power of a Peaceful Mind In situations of conflict, we easily become angry. However, anger limits us and leaves a trail of painful feelings. On the other hand, the creative mind of patience opens us to options. In this series, we learn to understand and meditate on patience. We will discover how meditation helps us to find peaceful solutions to everyday problems. **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/monday-evening-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Learn Kali at OSMA in Herndon, VA: a beginner-friendly Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) class that builds coordination, timing, and confidence. 🔥 Experience FMA training through **partner drills**, **movement flow**, and **practical self-defense applications**. In this session you’ll: * Train classic **FMA weapon systems** such as **rattan sticks**, **training knives**, and **empty-hand applications** of Kali and Arnis. * Develop **coordination**, **timing**, **range awareness** and **reflexes** through **practical drills** drawn from Filipino Martial Arts traditions. * Improve your **conditioning**, **speed**, and **agility**: FMA’s weapon-based flow patterns and hand-to-hand transitions push both **mind** and **body**. Join a supportive community of martial arts enthusiasts in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) \-\- whether you're new to weapons training or experienced\, this class is designed to **challenge** and **reward**. This class is **open to all levels** and emphasizes **safety**, **precision**, and **continuous learning**. Whether you’re looking to explore **Filipino Martial Arts** (FMA) for **[self-defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense)**, **coordination training**, **weapons fluency**, or simply finding a **unique**, **dynamic workout** in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) -- *this is your class*. 👉 Come build real **skills**, boost **conditioning**, and ***train with great people*** \-\- j**oin us today and explore the flow and discipline of [Filipino Martial Arts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_martial_arts)!** The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, **payable on-site**. We are located in **Suite #130** — let us know when you arrive and we’ll take care of the rest.

Class: Developing Your Intuitive/Energy Skills Contents: Clearings, empath work, meditation, learning and enhancing energy work skills for working on self and others For further information, please contact Madhu 301-760-7491, info@stress-reliefcenter.com

This event is for all my singles who are looking to attend a dating event with a twist! must RSVP via Eventbrite. Come out and meet other singles, and form connections based on cosmic compatibility. There will be speed, dating, great music, great vibes, giveaways, and other surprises! There will be a different astrology theme every week. Speed dating, astrological, matchmaking, astrology game nights, etc make sure you are locked in and following us at. @TheeZodiacStore on IG and TikTok!

Come and join us for a full Moon ceremony. I will invite the spirits and guides to join us. We will have a comfortable meditation and some manifestations and intention setting for the new moon cycle. We will participate in a healing journey. This is very powerful and quite healing. This month we will do a past life regression. We will be sharing and discussing some thought-provoking questions. I recommend bringing a journal to record your thoughts. We can share some stories around the fire and then I will close the ceremony. Bring appropriate crystals that you would like charged. The best crystals to charge during a full moon are amethyst, smoky quartz, citrine, black selenite, and obsidian. We will be outside so please dress for the weather. This is a laid-back event at our home, I hope that you can join us. Howling at the moon is optional and encouraged. Please enter the gate on the right of the house behind the green bug. We are on the patio in the back. See you then! Shaman Phil

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

**The Arts as Divine Inspiration (Free Event)** **Whether it’s a piece of fine art or the work of a craftsperson or an artisan, where does the inspiration to make art, to create, come from? Is art solely a product of the material world, or is it sometimes also somehow connected to something greater than us, to a higher power, able not only to entertain us, but to drive us to be better?** **Art has a unique ability to inspire and uplift us, to teach us and help us understand the world around us, to help us heal and bring us together. But what is it – and who gets to make it? Is it solely the domain of a select few, or is the ability to create, to inspire, to bring beauty and healing to this world something that we all have the ability to do?** **The word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word inspirare meaning “to breathe into,” or even to give life to. Though understood in many different ways and called by different names, as the first maker, the first creator, is that not what God has done with us? And if we are, as some believe, created in God’s image, then are we not also creators who can do the same – or at least have the capacity to be? Is this another spiritual quality for us to develop and reflect in this world? By not recognizing and developing this capacity, are we neglecting an entire part of ourselves, a part that connects us to each other and to something greater than ourselves? Viewed in this light, how might the arts contribute to our material and spiritual progress, as individuals and as a society?** **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 perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the spiritual nature of art and creation. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the powerful role the arts can play in the spiritual and social progress of us as individuals and as communities.** **“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**

"When we are walking with Spirit, we have awareness and happiness. We have a life of action. This is the way of divine Love." --Harold Klemp, --The Keystone of Life. p.66 * ● Opportunity to learn how to walk with God in your spiritual consciousness * ● Get a deeper perspective of your physical life and your spiritual life * ● Learn to see God’s love for Soul in all that is around you * * Join us as we explore this topic at our next ECK Light and Sound Service. You will have the opportunity to share your insights with like-hearted individuals. We gladly welcome people of all faiths; feel free to invite friends and family. We look forward to seeing you in person or on Zoom. **Attend in person at:** The Maryland Eckankar Center 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104 Silver Spring, MD 20903 **Join Zoom Meeting:** [The ECK Light and Sound Service](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83425712995?pwd=GoEk28Hlj95P5PPbmoCem6GP7tHqlm.1) Meeting ID: 834 2571 2995 Passcode: 403417 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [MEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:MEC@eckankarmaryland.org) Presented by the Maryland & D.C. Satsang Societies, Inc., chartered affiliates of ECKANKAR. Copyright © 2026 ECKANKAR. Terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOULTRAVEL, and VARAIGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 USA.

Come join us for a 11-12 mile ride at a Fairland. We normally average 9-10mph. This is now a night ride and lights are required. Wheels rolling at 6pm unless someone texts me they're running a little late. We normally do 10-12 miles, and average 10mph. This ride is more for faster than average riders due to the pace. We wait up at intersections to let all riders catch up. If you have a good amount of rides under your belt and can average 8mph or better on singletrack trails, and take small brakes, then you will probably will be able to hang but it will be a challenge. About Fairland: 90% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! (there is one section of busted-up concrete, but it's not rocks, and it's only 10-15 feet long). Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails. We will visit the skills pit but be advised, there are drops, jumps, skinnies, and overall technical features that will require the appropriate experience. Always take caution and know your technical ability limits. Video of our ride at Fairland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08 What to bring: Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops. Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review!( Here (http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all)

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

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 is a free in-person meeting. 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.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

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.

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