New Age Shysters

Of all the problems across our planet the new age shyster falls into the lower categories of importance, such as how to avoid money scams.  However, with that said, these shysters do deserve some attention.  For after all, you might be in line for the next fleecing.  But this did not just descend on our planet from space.  The dynamics grew out of the ever rising dissatisfaction with religious authorities who seem more interested in building edifices in honor of their particular “brand of religion” than in actually helping solve some of the social problems we now face, such as the ever rising tide of the homeless.  Can you imagine what could be done on behalf of people if all the money spent by religions went directly to helping others?  Much of what you now see in the way of new age propaganda came out of the social unrest of the late 60s.  The shysters then as now were delighted with the opportunity to fleece the gullible. 

These shysters (trolls) are ever on the prowl for spamming forums and blogs with ads proclaiming the utility of their products (in this case a yahoo group) for aiding you in your quest for existential answers.   The following conversation occurred on a forum  devoted to local community events in Alamogordo New Mexico.

Begin Conversation___________________________________________

Woodland Star

The point of the post was to find Pagans living in the Alamogordo area who are NOT attached to any group. Often the term pagan gets mixed up with religious groups such as Wiccan…I am attempting to locate Pagans who simply want to meet other pagans and not meet to join a specific group involved in ritual.
info@woodlandstar.net

Quilter

Well I guess that kind of answers one of my questions. BTW, The group that meets at UU is a group of sole practitioners. We meet every 2 weeks to discuss new topics and share information. Kind of what you were thinking of starting. Last Wed. we had a drum circle/workshop. On the 9-23-09, we will be discussing, “Wielding Energy”.
Here is the latest information and the link we use to communicate. Look forward to meeting you soon.
Our study group runs bi-weekly on Wednesday night from 7-9pm at the UU Fellowship of Otero County, 1010 16th Street , Alamogordo , NM . We have selected weekends for workshops and Sabbat celebration. If you would like to suggest a workshop/study group topic, please email classes@mystic- wonders.com We welcome any suggestions or input and are always looking for facilitators so that we can learn new topics of study! Always remember, you can access more in depth information through our community calendar www.localendar. com/public/ uuotero Just click on the event and information will be posted there as it becomes available!
We will also be offering our 6 week Wicca 101 course in January, by request. Class size will be limited, so sign up early. Our six week course fee is $25 per person, which is a BARGAIN! Instructors and TA’s TBA soon, keep an eye on our yahoo group for more info! Brightest Blessings to all!(Please feel free to repost this information)
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/alamogordo area pagans
Study Group Topics through January 2010
Sept 9 – Drum Circle – We hold a drum circle quarterly that is facilitated by Rick & Bill. The first 30 minutes of class are devoted to instruction and learning new beats.
Sept 23 – How to Wield Energy – Dee Swain
Oct 7 – Misconceptions of World Religions – Greg Fultz
Oct 21 – The Dark Mothers (back by popular demand! WOOT!)– Dee Proctor & Cherie Snyder
Oct 31 – Samhain Celebration & Memorial (Dessert Revel)@ Dee & Rick’s House 8pm (more info to come)
Nov 4 – Healing and Protection from Different Religions – Doug Donaldson
Nov 18 – Huna – Ancient Hawaiian Practices – Larry Gardener
Dec 2 – Dealing with the Paranormal – Rick & Dee Proctor
Dec 16 – Herbs, Crafts and Other Way Cool Stuff – Dee Proctor & Shanna Weeks
Dec 30 – Winter Break – No Class
Jan 6 – Atheism
Jan 20 – Drum Circle – Rick & Bill