NEWSLETTER Nº 20

MAY 2016

Hello Indigos!

I am writing this on the first day of May, May Day. As with most festivals the origins are Roman, if not earlier. The goddess of fruit and flowers, Flora, would be celebrated at this time when flowers are blooming and trees are blossoming. Local village fairs and the crowning of a May Queen with a garland of flowers represent Flora beautifully.

Right now, the sun is shining, but if last week is anything to go by, there could be snow, sleet or hail within half an hour! Just a freaky finish to April, or one of the many signs of our changing climate?

I was talking with someone a while ago about The Indigo Umbrella. “Why do you do it?” he asked. For once I was stumped. I didn’t have a ready answer because, actually, there are many reasons. It all started about 18 months ago, growing out of a period of me doing deep therapy sessions to clear out my emotional trash can, as I put it. It was “suggested” to me by Head Office, as I call my unseen helpers, that I should actually do something to help people along their spiritual pathway. No pressure there, then! I have no special qualifications, no special training for this, except a business background in marketing and communications, a professional practice as a hypnotherapist and past life therapist, and a growing understanding of the importance of acknowledging and developing the more spiritual side of ourselves.

What I try to do is provide an environment in which people of all ages can meet with others of like mind, knowing they can talk openly about “all this stuff” - makes it sound like a secret society, doesn’t it? Actually, that is precisely the challenge, because I firmly believe that spirituality in all its facets should be totally mainstream. It is the most natural thing in the world, and we need to remind ourselves ever more that we are spiritual beings in a physical body, that we are all connected, to each other and to the universe. If The Indigo Umbrella can provide a warm, friendly environment for that; a safe, secure, nurturing place to meet, share, discuss and learn, then I feel I am doing what I agreed to do. And don’t let’s forget the fun we have along the way, with Brekkies, discussion groups, talks and workshops on a wide range of topics - in this newsletter alone we go from Moon Mysteries and Shamanic Healing to Working with Colour and Past Lives: not bad for starters!

I am still learning, Indigos - some things work, some don’t. That’s OK - it’s a journey, not a business. It’s a support network, not a shareholder-driven, profit-chasing enterprise. But equally it’s not a charity, so when certain things don’t cover the costs of venue hire and promotion, then I have to take a decision which may mean calling a halt. And that’s OK too.

Thank you for all your support along the journey so far, Indigos - long may it continue, wherever it may lead us!

Love Jude x

NEWS

NEXUS MAGAZINE - SPECIAL OFFER ON ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

I was talking with Marcus Allen, UK publisher of Nexus magazine, at the last Andy Thomas talk a couple of weeks ago. Nexus is now one of my favourite magazines (right up there with The Big Issue) - if you have not tried it, I encourage you to do so. I call it the Private Eye of the esoteric / metaphysics world, bringing us the stories behind the stories, fascinating research studies that you won’t find in mainstream media and so on. It comes out every two months and, as from the next issue, will be in full colour throughout. As from the next issue an annual subscription will cost £22, but Indigos can take advantage of a discount - just £18 for six issues, which I reckon is pretty good. This is not a “flick through” type publication - you need to have your brain switched on before you start reading. But it is worth it - for instance, I am going to be taking up the suggestion in the current issue to sleep on a slope! Watch this space for a new, improved Jude in months to come!

If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, simply call the Nexus office - which is in East Grinstead - on 01342 322 854 and say that you would like a subscription at the special Indigo rate of £18. This offer is only valid to the end of June 2016, so get your skates on!

www.nexusmagazine.com

GLASTONBURY SYMPOSIUM22 - 24 JULY 2016TRUTH, MYSTERIES

AND NEW FRONTIERS

I would like to give a shout-out to a very special event - this year’s Glastonbury Symposium. Andy Thomas, who has proved so popular with his recent talks, is co-founder, and the event is supported by Nexus magazine. The agenda is broad, covering (and I quote from the poster): Truth Issues, Mysteries, New Physics, Conspiracies, Crop Circles, Consciousness, UFOs, Metaphysics, Health, Spirituality, Geopolitics, Science, Sacred Sites - and I am sure there is lots more besides!

I love the fact that all of these topics are being covered under the one umbrella: for me, they all come together as part of our search for meaning, our shift in consciousness. Speakers include The Barefoot Doctor; Larry Warren; Patrick Henningsen; Pippa King; Todd Acamesis, Andy Thomas and more.

Three-day tickets are £130, day tickets are available. For full details go to the website:www.glastonburysymposium.co.uk

Are you wondering if I am going a bit OTT on all this Conspiracy stuff? I donʼt think so - for me, there is a closing of the divide between science and spirituality, conspiracy and consciousness. It is all part of the overall mix, and I feel we need to step back and look at the bigger picture to see how it all fits together.Does that make me any less “spiritual”? I certainly donʼt feel so!

DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OF ETs?

I am doing some informal research, for my own benefit at this stage, to see how many people feel they have had any sort of interaction with ETs. I am finding increasing numbers of hypnotherapy clients with such experiences - either as “spirit passengers” or having had contact with an Extra-Terrestrial of some kind. This does not imply negative contact, on the contrary, most stories I have heard have been of loving, compassionate contact, or curious interest.

Do please let me know - everything will be in complete confidence, and it will help me build a picture of what is going on out there. You can call me on 01444 459 433 or 07597 020 512, or email me on: theindigoumbrella@gmail.com. Many thanks for your help.

LOOKING BACK

On 14th April, we held our first workshop under the Dying to Know banner - “The Money Stuff”. The speakers were first-class, the amount of information, advice and practical hints & tips they shared was fantastic. What a shame only a handful of people turned up to take advantage of having three specialists in front of them for a full four hours. The feedback was glowing and those present received a 35-page bound document after the event summarising all the info.

Do you know what a STEP-qualified Will-writer is? Nor did I, but it is important, and it could have significant implications when you are having your Will drawn up.

Have you had a flyer through your door offering insurance policies to protect your home against being sold in the event of needing care home care? We heard of some people who followed this route, where a £99 policy turned into a £9,000 policy - which is totally useless.

Did you know that it can take three months to register Lasting Powers of Attorney at the Office of Public Guardian, and that it can take anything from six months to a year to register Deputyship at the Courts of Protection? If anything happens during those processing months - tough luck!

And as for all the information held on computer, passwords, accounts and so on - that could have been a workshop all by itself! But there are ways to manage and secure it, as we discovered.

I would like to say a HUGE “thank you” to the speakers:Victoria Crick, Private Client Executive at Burt Brill & Cardens Solicitors, who specialises in legal matters for the elderly. Head office in Brighton, offices in East Grinstead and Worthing.Tel: 01273 604 123 Email: vcrick@bbc-law.co.uk

Gareth Briscoe, Managing Director of dedicated Will-writing company James McKenzie, based in East Grinstead (despite the phone number).Tel: 020 7193 2060 Email: gareth.briscoe@james-mckenzie.co.uk

Richard Smith, highly-experienced and streetwise Financial Consultant, Crawley based:Tel: 01293 385 050 Email: richard@thefinancezone.co.uk

When the time comes when you need sound, independent financial advice for end-of-life planning, I can totally recommend these people.

MARK WENTWORTH gave us a great talk on “Colour for Life - a Way of Living, a Way of Being”. As you can imagine, it was very colourful, and we all came away knowing what our particular life-path colour is: I know a couple of people who have already brought their colour more into their lives as a direct result! There was a lovely buzz in the room on the evening, and Mark is following up with a full-day workshop at the Pavilion on Saturday 11th June: “Know Yourself through Colour”. If you enjoyed the talk, imagine a whole day with Mark: just do it!

ANDY THOMAS was a sell-out, again! His talk “A Conspiracy History of the World” took us back to Nero playing his lyre while Rome burned, via the Gunpowder Plot and the power of the Catholics up to contemporary times with JFK, Watergate and Diana to two World Wars, 9/11 and 7/7. He joins the dots so well that it all makes perfect sense, relevant to every one of us. And at the end he brought it all back to a raising of our human consciousness: how lovely is that! I’m planning to get him back to talk Crop Circles and Christmas stories if his packed schedule allows ....

WHAT’S ON - 20 MAX

MARCUS ALLEN is no stranger to mysteries, cover-ups and conspiracies. As UK editor of NEXUS magazine, he knows more than most.

His personal special interest is the mystery surrounding the first Apollo Moon Landings in 1969. There is so much more to it than merely “did they or didnʼt they?” If they did, why are there still so many questions? And if they didnʼt, why the enormous cover-up? Surely not just saving face? Why does it matter anyway?

Marcus looks at the wider geo-political picture that Andy Thomas touched on, and tells us why, almost 50 years on, it matters very much.

TERRY WEBBER has a strong background in healing across modalities including re-birthing with Leonard Orr and TCM Acupuncture. He has also studied and worked with iridology, crystal healing and flower essences.

It is his Shamanic wisdom, knowledge and understanding that he will be sharing with us in what promises to be a fascinating evening. His physical journeys have taken him to the high Himalayas (Kailash) and the ElquiValley of the Chilean Andes.

He now journeys to Ashurst Wood to talk about and demonstrate the use of the Medicine Wheel, Rattles and Drums in the Shamanic Healing Tradition.

SPECIAL EVENTS

MARK WENTWORTH has been working with colour for some 30 years now, and he travels extensively throughout the world sharing his knowledge and experience. He works with corporate clients in the private and public sectors, and with groups and individuals, exploring the supportive potential and healing power of colour in different environments.

There will be elements of story-telling, drama and creative arts as Mark leads you on a journey to discover your personal colours, bring them to life and give them a voice.

I have worked with Mark over the years and can totally recommend his workshops.

JUDY SHARP is an experienced hypnotherapist who combines past life and life-between-lives work as a standard part of the healing process with her clients.

These two workshops focus on complementary aspects of the Cycle of the Soul: a past-life incarnation, and then the all-important life between lives.

Past life traumas can and do affect our current lifetime. Fears & phobias; relationship problems; that general, nagging anxiety and even relationships with money and success - they may all have their root cause in a past life.

And understanding the script your soul prepared for this lifetime, you gain valuable insights into the goals and challenges you face this time round.

SPECIAL EVENTS

. . . everything you ever wanted to know about FUNERALS, but were afraid to ask . . .

Breaking the taboo Dying Matters Awareness WeekOpening a fresh conversation 9th - 15th May 2016

Practical tips and advice from experienced professionals

Answers to all those questions you have been afraid or embarrassed to ask - or didn’t know you had to ask!

The (only) 3 things you have to do when someone dies The service: religious, spiritual or neither? Coffins, caskets, cremations: traditional, modern and eco-friendly Who is the funeral for? Marking the occasion appropriately Who to notify - and how, in this age of on-line communication Words? Music? Photography? Filming? Facts & figures; plans and prices

More information from: JUDY SHARP

Tel: 01444 459 433 or 07597 020 512

www.indigoumbrella.co.uk

THURSDAY 12th MAY 9.30am - 1.30pm £10

CHEQUER MEAD ARTS CENTRE, de la WARR ROAD, EAST GRINSTEAD RH19 3BS

ARKA Original Funerals Ballard & Shortall Funeral DirectorsEden Valley Woodland Burials Inter-faith Minister Jean Francis

Do you know the (only) three things you have to do when someone dies?

Have you seen the amazing array of coffins, caskets and pods now available - some are bio-degradable; some can be painted and personalised.

Who is a funeral for? Why do we bother? How best to mark the passing of a loved one?

Would you like some ideas about words and music? Have you thought about professional photography, or even filming?

Join the panel of specialists to talk about all aspects of funerals, and ask all those questions youʼve not quite been able to ask before.

Tickets £10, please book in advance.

WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF DEATH AND DYING ....

AMANDA EDWARDS is hosting a talk on this subject on FRIDAY 6th MAY, 8pm - 10pm, at the Main Hall in the Forest Row Community Centre. Suggested donation £5.Joining her on the panel will be:TOM RAVETZ, priest, author & lecturer; Fr STEPHEN ORTIGER, Benedictine monk & Roman Catholic priest; CORINNE EWEN, communication trainer and Buddhist meditation instructor; ANNIE BLAMPIED, soul midwife and interfaith minister; and MIKE GRENVILLE, dying doula and funeral celebrant.

More information direct from Amanda Edwards on 07703 561 616

DYING MATTERS AWARENESS WEEK: 9th - 15th MAY

No, it’s not just me - and Amanda - talking about Death and Dying. There is a whole week dedicated to breaking the taboo and having fresh conversations. If you would like to find out more, please go to the official website: www.dyingmatters.org

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

DISCUSSION GROUP -CUCKFIELD

This goes from strength to strength. Great bunch of ladies (men are welcome too, of course!) and fascinating discussions, all in the nurturing energy of Margaretʼs home.

We meet on the 3rd Friday of the month, 10am - 12 noon. So Friday 20th May and Friday 17th June. £2 donation to Margaretʼs charity pot to thank her for opening her home to us.

Call me on 07597 020 512 if you would like to join us, and I will give you address and directions.

MEDITATION CLASSES - CUCKFIELD

The new weekly meditation class on Tuesday evenings is settling in nicely at The Old School, Church Street, RH17 5JZ.Classes run 7.30pm - 9pm, £7 per session.

We have a mix of meditators, and so a mix of meditations: some are guided with gentle background music, others are totally silent. If you would like to join us, please give me a call on 07597 020 512.

MEDITATION CLASSES - ASHURST WOOD

Thursday evening Specially Spiritual meditation classes at Ashurst Wood continue. As last year, we shall have to look for a new home during the lighter summer months when people are making full use of John Pears Field and the tennis courts - or do we simply close the blinds and meditate through it all? Or have a summer holiday? Your choice!

BREKKIES -CUCKFIELD AND EAST GRINSTEAD

Brekky at Cuckfield Golf Centre, Staplefield Road, Whitemans Green, Rh17 5HY, is on the first Tuesday of the month, from 9.45am, so this coming TUESDAY 3rd MAY and then Tuesday 7th June.

Brekky at Chequer Mead Arts Centre, East Grinstead, RH19 3BS in on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 9.45am, so Tuesday 17th May then Tuesday 21st June.

WHAT’S ON

SPIRITUAL & WELLBEING FAIRRichmond Rooms, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing BN11 1HQSUNDAY 8th MAY 10.30am - 4.30pmorganised by Ann Lawder. £1 entry fee.Info: annlawder@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION TO CRYSTALS WORKSHOP with Karin BainVitality Heath & Wellbeing, Beacon Road, Crowborough TN6 1ASSUNDAY 19th JUNE 10am - 4pm, £72Info: bainclan13@gmail.com

WILLIAM MEADER “Spiritual Initiation: Milestones to Enlightenment”MONDAY 16th MAY 7pm - 9pmFriends Meeting House, Friars Walk,Lewes BN7 2LE£8 in advance, £10 at the door

His website says “William Meader is an influential and respected teacher of The Esoteric Philosophy. His work assists students in the refinement of the higher abstract mind in order that they might align with the soulʼs creative intention.”

If I wasnʼt already committed to giving a talk elsewhere, I would definitely be going to this!

Info & booking: Carol Duncan oncarolduncan8hl@btinternet.com

I am re-reading Gregg Braden’s lovely book The Turning Point at the moment. As the cover notes put it: “We solve our problems based upon the way we think of ourselves and the world. From peak energy and peak debt to failing economies and the realities of climate change, everyday life is showing us where we’ve outgrown the thinking of the past. It’s also showing us where big changes in the world mean big changes in our lives.”

The planet is moving into a different part of the solar system, the vibrations are shifting, we are going through changes not experienced for thousands of years - or perhaps never before, if some commentators are to be believed. So, as Braden says, the world is changing and it will not be going back to the way it was. This encourages - nay, insists - that we “let go and go with the flow”, something that many find uncomfortable, threatening even.

Then we have more light being shone into all the dark, murky corners that those in power have tried to keep away from prying eyes. Look at the Panama Papers, the biggest “data dump” so far - and that was from just one company in a small country whose fortunes are built on such shady business. At last we can all see how those at the top of the financial pile manipulate systems to protect their assets, evade taxation and keep their dirty dealings private. Those revelations brought down the Prime Minister of Iceland and there will, I’m sure, be more surprises as even more research is done and more disclosures made public.

“Justice at last for the Hillsborough 96” read headlines last week - and my goodness, what a tale that is turning out to be: one of lies, cover-ups and corruption over decades, pushing blame and guilt onto innocent members of the public. At last we can see how those in power closed ranks and looked after each other, to the detriment of integrity, truth and the law. It has blown a big hole in the official line of “you can trust us”.

These are just part of the bigger picture that is emerging, heralding a change in consciousness, giving us the opportunity to make new choices. Just as science and spirituality are coming back together, where they belong, so we as humans need to come back together, where we belong. You only have to look at how whole communities come together in times of crisis - a war, or flooding or similar disaster - to see what can be achieved by putting aside differences and focusing on a common goal. We have a wonderful chance to create a better world - it’s in our hands to make of it what we will!

Love Jude x

THE BACK PAGE - JUDE’S COMMENT COLUMN

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH

My name is Judy Sharp - Jude to my friends. You can call me on my land line 01444 459 433 or my mobile 07597 020 512.

WEBSITE: www.indigoumbrella.co.uk

Email: theindigoumbrella@gmail.com