April Elliott Kent: UAC 2012 (Part One): Hola From Nola

What makes New Orleans awesome.

I'm a little late getting these up. I put them up on our Facebook Group but completely forgot to post them on the blog. Fortunately, Lisa sent me a reminder, so here's a partial look. Don't forget to click on the link to read the entire post.

This is Part One of April Elliott Kent's (of Big Sky Astrology) blog post on her time at UAC in New Orleans this year:

I began this post three weeks ago in New Orleans. Hence the title, which I like too much to change it even though I’ve been home for two weeks and am actually bidding you “Hola” from San Diego at this point. Part two, with deets about the conference itself, is here.

The City

We arrived in New Orleans after two hours sleep and a long, tedious day of flying, and I’ll admit, I was underwhelmed. The muggy heat and the din of street noise were a bit … something. And not a pleasant something. My impression of the city began to improve over dinner with Kelly Surtees, her charming fiancé Peter, and their delightful friend Kira Sutherland. We found a barbecue place on a small sidestreet, where we gorged on fish and red beans and rice and numerous cocktails while flames occasionally erupted from the kitchen a few feet away. Good times.
The next morning Jonny and I rolled out of bed early and wandered the six blocks to breakfast at Cafe Du Monde – because apparently when you’re in New Orleans, it’s the law. We daintily sidestepped rivers of goo from freshly hosed sidewalks and wrinkled our noses at the city’s distinctive bouquet, the tang of a place that never really dries out. “The Virgos in Hell!” we dubbed ourselves. But the funk was worth it, because the place is not to be missed. Outdoor tables crowded together under ceiling fans, covered in a dusting of powdered sugar and dripping with sweaty touristas like us. Beignets were everything I’d hoped they would be, and my frozen cafe au lait was a delight. I was charmed.

Read the rest  HERE

Kate Petty: The Power of Antiscia

The Muse of Astrology, Urania

  

I have the most fabulous news!

Kate Petty, astrologer extraordinaire, has made her UAC Lecture on Antiscia available on her website: Urania Designs!

Not only is her lecture there, but her web site is pretty cool, as well. I highly recommend you go spend some time there!

You can find her lecture here: The Power of Antiscia 

 

 

Rick Levine from Toni Thomas and Anne Clancy

Rick Levine from Toni Thomas and Anne Clancy, a photo by Postcards from UAC on Flickr.

This is actually an Ann Clancy pic that I pilfered off of Toni Thomas' Facebook Feed. I am so hoping I don't get in trouble for this. However, just how cool is this photo of Rick Levine. This UAC elf is a big fan of Rick's :) rd

Video: Building Bridges in Astrology

From Nadiya Shah: My #UAC2012 New Orleans (this is the coolest thing~rd)

Video from Donna Woodwell: Our banquet table

Venus Flashmob at UAC 2012

Andrea Gehrz, the Astrological Detective Radio Show

Seriously cool! You won't want to miss this!

Andrea Gehrz, the Astrological Detective, has just shared the link to her latest uber cool radio show, where she talks about her experiences at UAC 2012!

Radio Show from 30 May 2012

Links: News Coverage

Some of these links will contain articles we've already posted. Some of them are duplicates of each other. I thought it might make more sense just to do a page of links. However, don't miss the Picture Gallery with none other than one of the Postcards from UAC elves: Donna Woodwell!!

 

Media Gallery USA Today: Astrology Gathering   [this is the picture gallery (don't forget to look for Donna Woodwell) and was also distributed by UPI... rd]

 USA Today News from 29 May 2012

On Tue, May 29, 2012 at 8:12 PM, 

Note: AP and Reuters placements yielded over 200 media placements

Presidential Election 2012 Panel

Reuters May 29 2012

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/29/us-usa-campaign-astrologers-idUSBRE84S1E520120529

Bayou Buzz May 27

http://www.bayoubuzz.com/louisiana-news/louisiana-local-news/508150-astrologers-make-predictions-will-president-obama-be-re-elected-will-the-saints-go-to-the-super-bowl

Compilation of most media hits

May 25

Reuters: (landed in many outlets including cbs, more than  20 placements)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/26/us-astrology-convention-idUSBRE84P0D920120526

Times Picayune (hard copy out Friday 5/25)

 

http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2012/05/astrology_conference_to_share.html

First of AP stories hit early Thurs 5/24

 

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/05/24/astrologers-predict-outcome-of-presidential-race/ 

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/b6f5709eff334147ab2bc1bd7434d7ac/LA--Astrology-Presidential-Race/

 YES, we're in the AP Day Book!

Enjoy!

Fox News Latino: Predicting the World – and the Next President, Maybe

This is a news article that was "Based on reporting by The Associated Press."  I'll leave you to work that one out for yourselves. There is a photo of a woman with a crystal ball which will probably annoy you. It did me. However, no news is bad news??... robin]

Predicting the World – and the Next President, Maybe

Published May 25, 2012

Fox News Latino

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/05/24/predicting-world-and-next-president-maybe/#ixzz1wRb5cBYe

Video: Associated Press~ Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race

Watch video on Yahoo News HERE

and USA Today HERE

Astrologers predict outcome of presidential race

Thu, May 24, 2012 - AP 1:38 | 7,447 views

1. Approximately 1500 astrologers from more than 30 countries have gathered in New Orleans for the United Astrology Conference, where they are discussing everything from the economy to the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. (May 24)

   
   

   
   

   [this astrologer was slightly disappointed that apparently the Associated Press (bless their hearts) doesn't know the difference between a Tarot Reader and an Astrologer, but this is still a good video with short clips of interviews with some brilliant astrologers. robin]

Heraldnet: Astrologers gaze into the future in New Orleans

[This is the long version of the Associated Press release.  robin]

NEW ORLEANS -- Will President Barack Obama win re-election? Will the world end Dec. 21, as some say the Mayan calendar predicts? Will the economy ever improve?

If you ask the 1,500 astrologers contemplating planetary alignments this week in New Orleans, the answers are yes, no and yes.

The astrologers, representing 30 countries, are in the city's famed French Quarter for the United Astrology conference held every four years. They say their work goes beyond the entertainment of horoscopes, tarot cards and palm readings, instead relying on in-depth study of the solar system.

This year, there is no shortage of predictions.

"If you thought that the election of 2000 race was crazy, that's nothing compared to what's going to happen in November of 2012," said astrologer Michael Lutin, an astrology columnist for Vanity Fair magazine for 25 years. "Don't count on anything being smooth."

That's because Mercury -- the planet of communication, tabulation and transportation -- goes into what's known as retrograde on Nov. 6, Election Day. Retrograde in astrology refers to the optical illusion of a planet moving backward, causing changes or disturbances in areas of life represented by that planet.

In 2000, Mercury was in retrograde when controversy swirled in Florida over the recount that took center stage in the race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Florida was a swing state, and the outcome of the election wasn't known for more than a month after balloting.

"There could be tabulation problems, problems with the polling machines. Vote absentee to make sure your vote is counted," said New York City astrologer Shelley Ackerman.

Read the rest of the article

HERE

CBS News: Astrologers Gaze Into the Future

[I have recently been given a list of the various new coverage UAC2012 received. Some of them, the postcard elves managed to find, but some slipped through our diligent fingers. So the next few posts will consist of news coverage I (and possibly you) may have missed.
 Robin, Postcards from UAC~United Kingdom Branch]

 

May 24, 2012 11:24 AM

Astrologers gaze into the future in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Will President Barack Obama win re-election? Will the world end Dec. 21, as some say the Mayan calendar predicts? Will the economy ever improve?

If you ask the 1,500 astrologers contemplating planetary alignments this week in New Orleans, the answers are yes, no and yes.

The astrologers, representing 30 countries, are in the city's famed French Quarter for the United Astrology conference held every four years. They say their work goes beyond the entertainment of horoscopes, tarot cards and palm readings, instead relying on in-depth study of the solar system.

This year, there is no shortage of predictions.

"If you thought that the election of 2000 race was crazy, that's nothing compared to what's going to happen in November of 2012," said astrologer Michael Lutin, an astrology columnist for Vanity Fair magazine for 25 years. "Don't count on anything being smooth." 

Read the rest of the article  HERE

Hal Bahr On His Way Home

This is another update we received from Hal Bahr on our Postcards from UAC Facebook Group. You can find him on Facebook HERE  and also on his Wordpress Site: Soul Journey Design

 

 

Hal Bahr is in the Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans sitting next to Kelly Lee Phipps and Alan Oken waiting for our flight to Denver and then I keep going on westward to Medford Oregon and my sweet home and garden in the little town of Phoenix a few miles away.

UAC was an interesting mix for me. So many brilliant people all together in a hotel that was more than a little toxic. Too much air conditioning keeping the place too cold led to a lose/lose situation with the hotel spending more than they needed, the environment suffering, and a great number of the attendees catching respiratory bugs. I took refuge in the tropical outside air of the pool as much as I could during the main part of the conference. Many of the lecture rooms were cell-like and the set-up lent itself to a fractured feeling instead of really drawing everyone together. When the masses did get together there was a distinctly high school vibe present so I'm hoping next time we gather in a different way and more fully embrace our cooperative efforts here in the world with less need for ego gratification and one-upmanship. I'm sure everyone will leave the event remembering the particularly diabolical elevator system which seemed designed to serve the inanimate much more than the animated people trying to use them. But enough of the gripes.

I got to spend a good amount of time with a number of my favorite astrologers and friends and even managed to make some new ones. I was inspired by some of the speakers and got to meet a number of my Facebook friends. I even got a chance to see some of New Orleans and had a couple surprising and very pleasant personal encounters.

As I went to the airport I only felt incomplete in one thing and that was the promise I had made to Carola Eastwood to introduce myself to Alan Oken and give him a hug from her....so who do I end up sitting next to here in the airport but Alan. Enjoy the Ride? Mission Accomplished.

Hal Bahr at Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans on his way home...

From Michael Erlewine: Going Home

[This is Michael's final installment to The New Orleans Journal, as we all say good-by to this indescribable gathering of astrologers from around the world. There was one line in it that resonated quite deeply with me, so I wanted to single it out here:

"I understood once again that in any mandala offering, it is the 'offering' process that is auspicious and meritorious (what we gave of ourselves), the giving itself, and not the result --"

Namaste' y'all.
Robin
Postcards from UAC~The United Kingdom Branch]

GOING HOME

In a just a little while I will be on my way home from UAC, the United Astrology Conference, here in New Orleans. For someone who does not travel and, aside from nature walks and photography, does not even go out all that much, this has been a trip in more ways than one. In other words, you will seldom see me in large social groups.

At 2 PM yesterday the Marketplace closed and we deconstructed our booth. As we packed our freight boxes it was only too clear that the mandala of UAC was disintegrating very literally by that point. No, we did not sweep it into the river, but as I surveyed the now-empty space where our booth was, I understood once again that in any mandala offering, it is the 'offering' process that is auspicious and meritorious (what we gave of ourselves), the giving itself, and not the result -- what we got from the process.

Of course I personally got a lot out of the conference, but it probably cannot be measured in dollars earned in the Marketplace. Immersed real-time in the stream of astrologers from all over the world, I once again have a real sense of how things are with us and where we are going. And as wonderful as we are as a group, I cannot say that all is rosy.

It is clear to me that astrology is still struggling to be properly recognized as a profession by society and that making a living through astrology remains a hard row to hoe. At the same time, I see that our intent and heart is in the right place and our compassion to be of use to others is very much alive and well.

Being here has been something of a wild ride, one that I will long remember. I certainly have ridden in enough elevators (some packed to the limit) and walked enough hallways for a while. And I will not miss the stinging in my eyes from the strong rug shampoo these hotels use that apparently has no way of being absorbed, except by our bodies.

But I will cherish the very many friends I have met here and the meaningful conversations we have had with one another. Isn't that what this conference is really all about? Of course I enjoyed the lectures I attended, but when I spontaneously think of this last week, it is the friendship of my fellow astrologers that comes to mind, and all my Facebook friends that I had never met before. We are many!

I include here a quick iPhone photo of our dog Molotov that my wife took yesterday. There he is amidst some poppies in our yard. I know that he is (and has been) waiting for me to come home all this time. My wife tells me that he has been spending most of his time in my office.

Anyway, I am on my way. Thanks to all of you who read this and I will return to my regular blog tomorrow (as they say around here), "If the good god is willing, and the creek don't rise."

Molotov, Michael Erlewine's dog

CONTINUING COVERAGE OF UAC BY ERIC FRANCES AND PLANET WAVES FM

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to share this message from Eric Francis and the people at Planet Waves. Click on the link for some fabulous interviews with astrologers at UAC!

Photo from Planet Waves FM (c)

CONTINUING COVERAGE OF UAC

"This page contains the still-growing Planet Waves coverage of the United Astrology Conference -- more than 20 hours of interviews conducted by me with conference participants, as well as some other stuff. The page is still developing." ~ Eric Francis

Einstein and Newton

Einstein and Newton, a photo by Postcards from UAC on Flickr.

Steven Forrest as Einstein and Andrew Morton as Newton. From Lynda Hill on Facebook
From "The Mayans Were Right..." Show

From Michael Erlewine: The Mandala Is Breaking Up

THE MANDALA IS BREAKING UP

The UAC mandala is dissolving. The last day is already here. I have to remind myself that, like the intricate sand mandalas of the Tibetan Buddhists that once finished are swept into a pile and tossed into a river, it is not the colored sand that is the mandala and blessing, but the act of offering and making the design. We have all offered ourselves to one another here; how inspiring.

When I first arrived in New Orleans, time seemed to crawl by and each day was an endless display of promising events. But each succeeding day has gone by faster and faster, like two trains passing, until today we are suddenly at the end. I already see that leaving all of this is going to somewhat painful. I was afraid of that.

Much of my experience here has been like a dream or movie in which the cast of my many astrological friends appear one after another in succession. I am awake in my own dream. As for my Facebook friends, I have met scores of you in person for the first time and, although we have never seen each other face-to-face, we were already old friends. It has been such a treat to meet you!

In my life I wear several hats, including being a musician. I had to skip the UAC banquet I was looking forward to when I received a dinner invitation from Ben Jaffe (the owner and creative director of the Preservation Jazz Hall), and the son of Hall founders Allan and Sandra Jaffe. Ben also plays tuba and bass for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. This was an offer I could not refuse. It was a wonderful evening, just a few folks meeting at an incredible home for food and conversation. 

Attending was acclaimed musician John Boutte, who wrote the theme song and other music for HBO's original series, "Treme." I had lunch with Boutte earlier in the week. Also there was the legendary musician Charlie Gabriel, a 79-year-old clarinetist who also plays in the Preservation Hall Band. Luke Winslow-King, who  played music at our UAC booth twice this week, was also there, along with Celia Sinclair (who helped out in our booth). Celia is the daughter of my long-time friend, poet, and activist John Sinclair. My old friend Bill Lynn picked me up at the hotel and brought me back. We had a delicious and vegetarian (mostly vegan) meal, so it was almost like home, what a wonderful time.

Today I will be tying up loose ends and (quite symbolically) taking down our booth sometime around 2 PM. After that I have no idea what I will do, probably say goodbye to as many folks as I can and prepare to head to the airport early Wednesday morning. I will soon be back home in a small town in mid-Michigan with my family, so far away from all this. Au revoir to New Orleans and to all of you at UAC.

Michael

 

 [Photo of Charlie Gabriel, not by me]

 

Charlie Gabriel, Clarinetist and member of the Preservation Hall Band

 

Goddesses Backstage

Goddesses Backstage, a photo by Postcards from UAC on Flickr.

Sent to us by Dorothy Oja on Facebook: Michael Lutin's Play
L to R: Kim Rogers-Gallagher, Paula Dare, Dorothy Oja, Madalyn Hillis-Dineen, Susie Cox, Demetra George, Suellen Ruben, Kelley Hunter

Molly Hall from About.com Astrology Gives Us a Mention

Just how cool is this! [does happy dance around her aforementioned kitchen] Molly Hall has mentioned us again in one of her posts. And this one, beside mentioning us, is so cool on so many levels]

You can find the link to the full article here: Roman-Era Satire on Astrology

I've been a voyeur on UAC postcards, seeing what all is going down in New Orleans at the UAC conference. My favorite images are of palm and tarot Readers in Jackson Square and one of astrologer Donna Woodwell throwing a shoe on Bourbon Street! Looks like some fun has been had, minds expanded and friendships made from my vantage point three Southern states to the east.

I see that the two major news wires Reuters and Associated Press covered the UAC conference. Only a touch of snark in that first article, but in general a 'just-the-facts' style. It takes me back to being a reporter with the A & P as we called it, in my twenties. The business model mirrors the feedback loop we see in major media -- the wire services collect, rearrange and redistribute. Many wire bureaus I worked in or visited had no windows to the outside world, much less to the wonders of the night sky. 

Though the business-as-usual disparagement of astrology pushes my buttons, I really like satire. Like the Onion horoscopes, with this for Cancer this week: "You will be caught utterly and completely off-guard by next week's events, causing you to wish once again that you had some sort of way to tell the future." 

See rest of article at the link mentioned above!