This weekend there is so much to choose from you lucky New Yorkers.  There’s Gnostic Paul, and Disorient’s Glamtech party, then there’s Allyson Grey’s opening reception at CoSM, and some awesome music performed by Gunter at Invisible Landscape…, a discussion of what a utopian society would like like at Bluestockings books, you can meet the folks who run dance parade at their fund raising kickoff party, you can learn how to deepen the shamanic experience at the Open Center or discover the mysteries of Astrology at East West Books.  plus much more. 

=====Thursday, March 13th=====

Meet Visionary Artists Alex and Allyson Grey

CoSM, the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, is a space in New York City dedicated to housing and showcasing the transformative artwork of visionary artist Alex Grey. Listen to Alex as he discusses CoSM, which is an art piece in itself, and his holistic worldview for planetary awakening. Alex will take you on a virtual tour through each magical room of CoSM, revealing the symbols and meaning of every work of art within the Chapel.

(7p, Free)
East West Books Cafe
78 5th Ave
http://www.eastwestnyc.com

=====Also on Thursday=====

The video for Bjork’s latest fantasia, Wanderlust, will be projected in 3-D at Deitch Projects Thursday night.

Show up in Long Island city and you’ll also get to see a making-of video as well as an installation of puppets, costumes and concept art from Wanderlust.

Deitch Projects
4-40 44th Drive
Long Island City
http://www.misnomer.org/blog/2008/03/10/bjorks-wanderlust-screening-deitch/

=====Thursday, March 6th - 16th=====

2008 NY Arab and South Asian Film Festival

lAlwan for the Arts, 3rd i NY, and the South Asian Women’s Creative Collective are once again joining forces to bring New York audiences the best in recent features, docs, & shorts from North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and their diasporas at prestigious venues such as Tribeca Cinemas, Columbia University, Art in General, and NYU.  Scheduled for March 5-16, 2008, the New York Arab and South Asian Film Festival (NYASAFF) strives to bring you films and videos that achieve the highest artistic quality as well as provide a much-needed counterpoint to the stereotypical representations often encountered in mainstream media.  Although our organizations came together as a result of the geopolitical realities of the contemporary post 9-11 world, over time, we have also discovered the need to reflect on the complex and intertwined histories of these regions and the ways in which our art, music, philosophy, and literature have enriched and inflected each other over millennia.  As we finalize the 2008 NYASAFF program, we are happy to announce several highlights and themes that should delight and challenge viewers. The 2008 fest rolls out a slew of US and NY Premiere features that range from politically astute comedies to gritty, yet poignant examinations of urban poverty. An emerging theme amongst this roster of films is the multi-faceted nature of sexual desire in the Arab & South Asian world, stories of love and attraction marked by racial and class tension, war, religious restrictions, and the hardships of migration. Joseph Massad, Associate Professor of Modern Arab Politics and Intellectual History at Columbia University and author of Desiring Arabs - a diverse compendium of Arabic writing from the nineteenth century to the present charting changes in Arab sexual attitudes, will guest curate a retrospective program, Bellydancing in Egyptian Cinema. Tribeca alternative arts space, Art in General, will play host to an evening of Art Videos, that will be guest curated by Özkan Cangüven, a graduate of the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College, and Swati Khurana, a member of South Asian Women’s Creative Collective and media artist, who has put together program of experimental Arab & South Asian shorts that will examine the subject of storytelling and its complicated connection to the real. Finally, filmmaker Tala Hadid has put together a collection of videos that take innovative formal approaches to the notion of resistance against contemporary imperialisms

http://www.alwanforthearts.org
http://www.nyasaff.org/
 Tix:  http://www.smarttix.com/package.aspx?showcode=20066

=====*Friday, March 14th=====with Jonathan Phillips*=====

Gnostic Paul & The First Chakra: The NYC Gnostic Meetup

The NYC Gnostics will be starting a group Gnostic initiation process, working up the body temple of the chakras by focusing on the root chakra. Drumming exercises, grounding meditation, scriptural examples, as well as a discussion of the first sephira of the Kabblah Tree of Life. We will also discuss Elaine Pagels’ “The Gnostic Paul: Gnostic Exegesis of the Pauline Letters”.

(7p, $6)
Hudson Educational
180 W. 80th St at Amsterdam. Dial Office #211
http://gnostic.meetup.com/162/calendar/7363706/

=====Also on Friday=====

Glamtech from Disorient

Glamtech is the style of Disorient.  Glamtech is pink and orange and goes blink in the night.  Take a deep breath of Glamtech.  Feel your mind and your energy depart from your body and electrify the dance floor.  Featuring:  Sunder (Sub Swara, NYC), Jeff Mission (Beatfix, Boston), Friar Tuck (Disorient, NYC), Beenjammin” (Gnome, NYC), DJ Balls (Disorient, BRC), Body painting by Lowroad.  Installations by Miyong, Behind-the-Glass cell & AKAirways

(10p, $10 in Glamtech attire, $20 w/o)
Club Exit
147 Greenpoint Ave.
Brklyn 718-349-6969
 
=====Also on Friday=====
 
“The Invisible Landscape”

Live performance on Friday, March 14th, 10:30pm at the Living Theater.  feat. Daniel Carter “one of the legendary masters of creative music”, (All about Jazz NY) - alto sax, Kirk Knuffke - Trumpet, Yusuke Yamamoto - vibes, electronics, Nicolas Letman Burtinovic - Bass, Gunter Gruner - drums, compositions.  Please listen to the music on http://www.myspace.com/guntergruner

(10:30p, ?)
21 Clinton Street
Subway: F train to “2nd Avenue” (exit front of train on 1st Ave; walk east along Houston, make a right at clinton).
http://www.myspace.com/guntergruner

=====Also on Friday=====

BK Breakz at Galapagos Art Space Hosted By::  Strife & L.Vijalanti

Dubstep, elektro, breakz jungle, ragga, breakcore experimental tekno, sounds fun.

(8p, front room free, backroom $10)
Galapagos Artspace
70 N 6 TH ST Brklyn 
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=65510134

=====Also on Friday=====

Mocean Dance
 
Be moved by the music ~ Find your rhythm ~ Dance your ass off ~ Have a great time.  A lightly guided dance journey produced by everMix & facilitated by Scott Raposa ~ electronic musician, DJ & creator of The M Room.

[8- 10p, $18 (at the door)]
Bikram Yoga Montclair
18 Lackawanna Plaza
Montclair, NJ 07042
http://www.bikrammontclair.com
 
=====Aso on Friday=====

Dance Parade Kick off Party!

This Friday, March 14th is Dance Parade’s Kick Off Party at Plumm.  * Free for Dance Parade Guests before midnight.  * Access to both lounges (upstairs and downstairs); * DJ Peter Parker and DJ Massi Upstairs, DJ Johnny Cocco downstairs.  Portion of bar proceeds go to Dance Parade!

(10p-4a, bring $ for drinks)
Plumm
246 West 14th street (near 8th ave)
 
=====Also on Friday=====

Yoga as Body Prayer with Priti Robyn Ross, RYT

Many of us have experienced the physical and psychological benefits of hatha yoga. This evening we will delve into its spiritual essence. Combining sound, imagery, breath, inspirational teachings and chanting with our asanas, we will explore the profound essence of the postures. Experience the prayerful opening of backbends, the sublime surrender of forward-bending asanas and the calling of spirit inherent in the conscious “inspiration” of breath. When approaching your practice with this heartfelt depth, the movements of hatha yoga become like a sacred body prayer. This workshop provides an opportunity to take your yoga practice to a deeper level and to learn to use this exquisite discipline as the spiritual path it was designed to be.  Priti Robyn Ross, RYT, has been teaching yoga locally and worldwide for over 15 years and holds advanced-level certifications in Kripalu, Prana and Rasa yoga and in Integrative Yoga Therapy. She co-directs Kripalu and Prana yoga teacher trainings, has created yoga programs for several NYC hospitals and corporations and has been featured on network television and major magazines.  Note: Although this workshop will involve nonstrenuous postures, some yoga experience is required.

 08WBY75M
(6:30p–9:30p, Members: $35 / Nonmembers: $40)
NY Open Center
83 Spring St 212.219.2527
http://www.lifeasyoga.com/
http://www.opencenter.org/content/view/1580/5/

=====Saturday, March 15th=====

Allyson Grey Opening Reception CoSM Chaos, Order & Secret Writing (followed by Entheocentric Salon)

The reception will be held in the Microcosm Gallery at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors location.  Afterwards at the Salon, Alex and Allyson will discuss the symbolism in her work.  Afterwards, the party begins and Haj will be dj’ing.  Also this wonderful Jazz ensemble called Club D’elf.  Marco will be spinning psychosaturated sound, Dharma will be in the Hall of Spirits with Psytrance, Mikio, Alien Ambasasador,Haj and Hannah (violinist) will be cranking out beats in Cosmosis.  Get ready to sweat. For your chillout pleasure also remember to visit Radio Free Static and DJ Cloud in the Microcosm Gallery.   

Reception: 6:30-8:30, Free)
Salon 8p- 10p talk, 10p - 4a live painting and music dj’s and vj’s
(8p - 4a, $20)

=====Also on Saturday=====

Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra) Workshop with Natalie Ullmann

“When you have the largeness of heart to let go and forgive others, you free yourself to be able to move forward with your life.  This ability to forgive can be cultivated within you by remembering that others, just like you, are only doing the best they can in any given situation.  Backbends move us into our future.  The ease that you have in moving into your future will be reflected in the ease you bring to backbends.  Ease comes as you develop your ability to accept the limited capacity of others.  Through forgiving others you open to your own limitless capacity for compassion, which will catapult you towards enlightenment:  the realization of the Oneness of Being, freedom from disconnection.”   Sharon Gannon, Focus of the Month , November 2006.  In this workshop we will work with mantra, asana, meditation and visualization to explore the relationship between forgiveness, surrender, compassion and backbending.  Our asana practice will illuminate the relationship between creating a harmonious relationship with the earth energetically and through action, and moving forward through backbending.  Together we will surrender our resistances and cleanse our hearts of past karmas so that we may creatively move forward into a new future.   30% of the proceeds of this workshop will go to “BlinkNow”.  (www.blinknow.org).  BlinkNow is a grass-roots organization working to empower young people to become pioneers in developing their own solutions to world poverty.  The organization targets under-developed, war-torn countries where extreme poverty exists.  These nations have high rates of illiteracy, disease, child labor, and unstable governments, thus making them the prime focus for the organization.  The organization has established its initial project in Nepal, the Kopila Valley Children’s home.

(6p - 9p, $45 in adv. ,$50 dr)
Http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com
212-353-0214 ext. 0

=====Also on Saturday=====

Theory Events collective

Theory Events collective, putting on free art and music showcases in the East Village. This Saturday we’re putting on after(happy)hours, a special 8-midnight inter-party event featuring live electronic music, dancehall, hip-hop and urban photography downstairs at Midway on avenue B between 2nd and 3rd streets.  There’ll be no cover, no bottle service and no dress code, just fresh art, fun music, cool people and cheap booze. Leprechauns and everyone else are welcome. You can go to theoryevents.com for more info.

(8p-12a, Free)
Midway on Ave B btwn 2nd & 3rd St.
 http://www.theoryevents.om
 
=====Also on Saturday=====

Astrology De-Mystified with Montgomery Taylor

The instructor will provide a free natal chart to all students attending his workshops. Please call 212-243-5995 to submit your birth information at least 3 days before class.  Montgomery Taylor is a professional astrologer with over 41 years of experience. By understanding one’s astrological influences, it is possible to understand the way we experience life and how to make adjustments and to move ahead with true balance.  This month: “Transcending Limitations!” Limitations are hardened thought forms. How did they become that way? We will look at structures as a support system, not barriers and learn to blend the house of “routine” with the house of “inspiration”.

Saturday, March 15, 4-6:30pm, $35
East West Books
78 5th Ave
http://www.eastwestnyc.com

=====Also on Saturday=====

Real Utopia

Real Utopia: Participatory Society for the 21st Century With Michael Albert and Chris Spannos  Imagine if society’s defining institutions, those that bounded our economic, political, familial, ecological, and communitive realities, were based on self-management, equity, solidarity, and diversity. Come out for a discussion about obliterating coercive institutions and about theories, practices, and strategies for building egalitarian societies (and then read the forthcoming book “Real Utopia” from AK Press). Participants include Chris Spannos, Lydia Sargent, Jessica Azulay, Brian Dominick, Michael Albert and Andrej Grubacic.

(8p - $5 Suggested)
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 allen St. bwtn Stanton and rivington, 212.777.6028
http://www.bluestockings.com

=====Sunday, March 16th=====

Heart of The World Healing presents:  Learning to Channel: Interdimensional Friendship

Channeling is one of the most powerful ways to receive accurate, insightful guidance. In this workshop, you will learn how to make this loving connection.  We will focus on writing and speaking the words. You will learn how to distinguish different energies: what is you, your Higher Self, or a guide? Psychic protection,working with crystals and grounding will be emphasized. You will leave having channeled for yourself and for another. Most of all we will create a safe, fun and playful atmosphere for students to begin or deepen their channeling skills and their personal connection to their divine self.   To deepen your experience, private channeling sessions are available and recommended prior to or after the course for a reduced price of $85 for workshop participants. (Regular price $100)  BIO:  CC Treadway is an energy and sound healer, channel and artist with a private practice in New York City. She is a graduate of the 4-year program, The Barbara Brennan School of Healing and is also a Reiki and Theta Healer. She has studied and traveled extensively with world-renowned author and teacher, Drunvalo Melchizedek, working with various tribes for Earth’s healing. CC regularly teaches workshops on channeling, creativity and healing.  Assisted by Samantha Ibarguen Suggested reading: Opening To Channel by Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer.  To register, contact CC Treadway: 917-685-7889, healer@cctreadway.com

(2-6:30 pm, $85) Register early, size is limited.
Sanavita Union Square
145 East 16th St,. ground flr
http://www.cctreadway.com

=====Monday, March 17th=====

 Book Signing Gabriel Cousens A Cure for Diabetes?

Diabetes, which is supposedly incurable, now affects close to 21 million people in the United States. World-renowned holistic medical doctor Gabriel Cousens asserts it is possible to reverse type-II diabetes through practical changes in nutrition and well-being in 21 days.  There Is a Cure for Diabetes includes simple dietary instructions and 100 recipes of low-glycemic and low-insulin-scoring meals plus psycho-spiritual principles to help type-II diabetes sufferers free themselves. “The cure,” Cousens writes, “means choosing to live in a way that promotes life and well-being for oneself as well as the planet.”  Gabriel Cousens received his MD from Columbia Medical School and has over 30 years experience in healing diabetes naturally. He is a member diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and a Diplomate in Ayurveda. He also facilitates the spiritual, nutritional, and lifestyle tele-seminars, “Alive with Gabriel.”  Recognized as the leading world-wide medical authority on live-food nutrition and as an internationally known spiritual teacher, he is a lecturer, holistic physician, psychiatrist, family therapist, international lecturer, medical researcher, and the author of six books, including, Spiritual Nutrition, Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine, Tachyon Energy, Depression-Free for Life, Sevenfold Peace, and Conscious Eating. Cousens is the founder and director of the Tree of Life Foundation and the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, Arizona.

(7p-8p, free)
East West Books Cafe
78 5th Ave
http://www.eastwestnyc.com
 http://www.treeoflife.nu   1-520-394-2520

=====Also on Monday=====

Church of Craft

Please note the new time! In the interest of bingo with Murray Hill that starts at 9 we are shifting our meeting to an hour earlier! 6-8.  It is almost springing! It is making me so excited I can barely sit still. I have so many projects to do!! which to do first? use the woodburner to make all my garden labels? sew myself a new skirt? finish these crazy mittens for next winter?  As always, all projects are welcome. Perennial yarn projects are often a favorite, but don’t be shy; bring all your crazy wire wrapped, flying paper, hand-painted, stretched leather, free form, rubber stamped, stitched, glued, baked, and etched projects.  Rapture Cafe is so great! There’s lots of room to spread out and craft our hearts out in this clean, well lit, comfortable place. Please reward Rapture’s generosity by partaking of their delicious tea or coffee or snax and keeping the hot glue off the tables and the glitter outside.  So bring it all (or at least what you can carry) and craft with us! All are always welcome. Bring a project you are working on or just come and check out what everyone else is up to.

(6p-8p, ?)
Rapture Cafe
200 Avenue A (Between 12th & 13th St) 212-228-1177
http://www.rapturecafe.com
 
=====Tuesday, March 18th=====

Deepening the Shamanic Experience Itzhak Beery

This “mini-apprenticeship” is for those who have had some exposure to shamanism and some experience of journeying into non-ordinary states but who wish to go deeper, either to make shamanism part of their daily practice or to add its age-old healing methods to their repertoire of healing practices. We will explore rituals and practices from several traditions, including those of the Ecuadorian Quechua and of the Brazilian Amazon; shamanic journeying to the upper, middle and lower worlds; the role of power animals and teachers; the use of huachas (sacred items); how to set up and properly use a sacred altar from which to draw power; chants and the role of music in healing; shamanic divination; the development of intuition; healing techniques; and, most importantly, how to protect oneself from negative energies. Weekly homework will be given.  Note: Bring drums and/or rattles if you have them, as well as eye coverings, a blanket, a journal and a pen. Sage will be burned in class.  tzhak Beery is a NYC-based shamanic healer who conducts shamanic workshops in the U.S., Israel and Hawaii. He trained intensively with the Ecuadorian Quechua, Shuar, Uru-eu-wau-wau and other South American indigenous shamans, and is a co-founder of the NY Shamanic Circle. www.itzhakbeery.com

A Weekly Course
(6 sessions) Tuesdays, March 18–April 22, 8–10pm
08WSH05T
( 8p-10p, Members: $185 / Nonmembers: $200)
New York Open Center
83 Spring St. 212219.2527
http://www.opencenter.org/content/view/1521/

=====Wednesday, March 19th=====

Jessica Grippo, Laughing Sage Wellness, facilitator NYC Goddesses Meetup Group

NYC Goddesses is a group that connects fun, intelligent, creative women who are interested in empowering their health, accessing their feminine energy, and being inspired.  Its main goals are to bring a sense of sisterhood and community to a city that can feel isolating, to educate women about their health and well-being, and to activate conversation about feminine energy and how to use it our advantage.
Join us if you are looking to connect with like-minded women, learn about your health and explore your goddess nature.  About the facilitator:  Jessica Grippo is a holistic health counselor working with Laughing Sage Wellness Group, an innovative women’s health center here in NYC. Combining her background in dance, psychology, and holistic nutrition, she guides women in exploring the deep connections between their physical and emotional health.

(6:30p - 7:30p, $5 cafe purchase required)
Study Group
East West Books Cafe
 
=====March 21st=====

March 21, 2008.

World Psychedelic Forum 2008

Basel, Switzerland
21-24 March 2008

Along with Gaia Media, MAPS is co-sponsoring the 2008 World Psychedelic Forum. Gaia Media is the same group that organized the Spirit of Basel symposium in honor of Albert Hofmann’s 100th birthday in January, 2006. As always, stay tuned to the MAPS Monthly News Update for the most up-to-date conference information and details including program listings, ticket sales, and travel plans.  We hope to see you in Basel in 2008!

Gaia Media Stiftung Contact Info:
Gaia Media Stiftung
Postfach 350
CH 4003 Basel

Gaia Media Foundation
PO Box 350
CH 4003 Basel
Switzerland
board@gaiamedia.or