Why are so many angels incorporated into the architecture of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church? Why would the architect, Clarence Zantzinger, turn to such a medieval form as angels to express the mystery of faith in the 20th Century? Most other Episcopal churches in the area were built in the 19th Century and they utilized very few angels, if any? In addition to the 20 angels extending over the congregation of Saint Paul's from hammer-beams supporting the roof, 10 more angels stand above the ceiling arches holding crowns, while two angels carved in stone decorate the high alter. Outside the Archangel Michael stands above the western wall while two more stone angels stand on either side of the doors, for a total of at least 45 angels—many of which are not visible to the naked eye. Cliff Cutler asks the timely question: "Could all these angels be calling us to look up?"

The Rev. Cliff Cutler became Saint Paul’s eleventh rector in 2006. Born in Germantown, he grew up in Montgomery County and is a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford, CT, and the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. The Talk & Tour will start at 2:00 pm on December 9th in the Dixon House Library. It will then move into the church sanctuary for a presentation and up-close "look" at the angels. Afterwards all are invited to enjoy holiday refreshments (including angel cookies.) No reservations are required. So, grab your binoculars and join us as the Rev. Cutler leads a fascinating program on the role of angels and mysticism in church history and architecture.

A place for interested persons to regularly gather and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. If interested or to lean more contact Janet at mather@contemporarymysticism.org.

Is left-brain logical thinking the only organizing principle in our universe? Or could there be another organizing principle at work, a way of perceiving reality as a "whole," one that engages the mystical right brain and offers the capacity to make intuitive connections within that wholeness? The principle of synchronicity contains a viewpoint of life contrary to dominant thought in the West. It is based upon the concept that a pattern larger than the human scale already exists. Everything and everyone is a part of that pattern and is thereby inter-connected.

Perceiving life from this viewpoint is primarily about making the connections. Therefore, life viewed through the awareness of synchronicity offers the potential to experience the spiritual dimension of ourselves. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who popularized the term synchronicity, wrote: "To know that there is an order and to be continuously aware that I am part of it, seems enough to remain in touch with spirit." Could a life experience of synchronicity be the gateway to higher consciousness and return to our spiritual nature?

Join Dianne Seaman as she takes us on an exploration of the synchronistic world view and how it can expand our consciousness and lead to a deeper spiritual experience of life. Dianne is a Psychological Astrologer, Regression Therapist, and Spiritual Emergence Coach with over 30 year’s experience in working with clients. She has taught at Columbia University in NYC as well as Jung Societies and Regression Therapy conferences nationwide, and she has published articles in the Journal of the Association of Past Life Research and Therapy and The International Journal of Regression Therapy.

From the mountains of Peru to the suburbs of Philadelphia, Bill and Linda O’Brien bring us an introduction into this ancient wisdom. Can the shamanic world view offer something to our modern age? Might living in harmony with all creation produce a more peaceful and spiritual life? You will explore...

• Creation of a Sacred Space
• An overview of shamanic history
• Explanation of the shamanic worldview
• Creation of your own Sacred Garden
• Retrieval of your Power Animal
• Retrieval of your Spirit Guide
• Closing of Sacred Space and a Fire Ceremony

You will come away with confident knowledge of how to begin practicing what you have learned, and how to incorporate the wisdom and rhythms of this ancient tradition into your own life.

Bill and Linda O’Brien are both Certified Shamanic Practitioners and graduates of the Light Body School of Energy Medicine. Founded by psychologist and medical anthropologist Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D. , this school is considered the gold standard of contemporary shamanic studies. Dr. Villoldo lived among the shamans of Andean Peru for over two decades. Bill and Linda have both been conducting shamanic healing methods since 2000. Bill is a former Jesuit priest and long-time spiritual leader, teacher, and author of Wise Guyde: The First Forty-Five Columns. Linda was a licensed Massage Therapist for 20 years and is now a Practitioner of Reiki and Transpersonal Breathwork. The O'Briens live in Shepherdstown, WV.