First Friday in Historic Leesburg, VA September 09

Current mood: adventurous

A Night on the Town - in Historic Downtown!

Have you been to a "First Friday" lately?

There is so much to see, hear, taste and do.

PLUS - It's fun, free and fabulous!

First Friday - September 4th

Live Music offered at 7 different places:

* 1757 Real Estate Company presents jazz saxophonist, Rob Matelick.
* Very Virginia/The Pink Shop presents local acoustic guitarist, Don Chapman.
* The Recovery Center of Northern Virginia presents singer/songwriter, Patty Reese.
* Creme-de-la-Creme presents violin soloist, Michael Francis Haley.
* Carlos Salon and Day Spa presents the Latin American band, Sentmiento Andino.
* Sona Bank presents the classical music quintet , Moonlit in the Sun.
* Doener Bistro presents British guitarist, Dave Pepper.

Wine tastings events offered at 5 different places:

* The Leesburg Vintner - North Gate Vineyards
* Flow Yoga - featuring wines from The Wine Kitchen
* Loudoun County Visitor's Center - Willowcroft Vineyards
* Carlos Salon and Day Spa - Casanel Vineyards
* The Pink Shop - Bluemont Vineyards

Also lots of art shows and fun entertainment:

* "Mujeres" Art Show at Gallery 222
* Student Art Show at Medlin Art Gallery
* Photography show at Photoworks
* Free Yoga practice followed by "Happy Hour" at Flow Yoga
* "Make a Difference Photography" show at the Resourceful Woman
* Open Drum Circle with Tarot card and palm readings at Esoterica
* "Green Hair" Open House (chemical free) at Lindsay's Salon
* Play with baby lambs and support Loudoun Sheep Farmers at the Very Virginia Shop
* Ellen Crosby discusses local history and her newest book at the Loudoun Museum
* Live comedy improv show at the Tally Ho!

Over 35 Specialty Shops, Art Galleries, Antique Shops & Restaurants are open until 9pm or later, many offering free refreshments and/or special sales.

Leesburg Original Towncenter

Click on the website below for detailed info about each activity,
links to the various artists and to print out this month's
"First Friday Event Schedule"
to help guide you to the activities, while strolling around downtown.

www.LeesburgFirstFriday.com

First Friday - it's FUN, FREE and FABULOUS!

April Happenings at Esoterica of Leesburg

New This Month!

Check out our gorgeous new line of custom-decorated wooden altar boxes! These beautiful boxes range in size and style—you’re sure to see something you just can’t go without! We also have custom-wood-burned mirrors and picture frames. New candles are on the way, new lengths and colors of Unicorn Tails, new clothing, rune sets and tarot cards coming early this month…there’s just so much nifty new stuff! It’s definitely Spring at Esoterica!!!

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Upcoming Classes and Events

Leesburg First Friday!
Swing by Leesburg Friday, April 3rd for First Friday! Over 25 Specialty Shops, Art Galleries, Antique Shops and Restaurants will be open until 9 pm or later, many offering free refreshments and/or special sales. Leesburg's First Friday Gallery Walk is presented the first Friday of the month by Participating Merchants in partnership with the Loudoun Arts Council and Town of Leesburg. Visit www.leesburgfirstfriday.com for more information.

Reiki III
Come out Saturday, April 4th from 10 am to 3 pm to continue your journey into Healing! Reiki II practitioners will learn the final healing symbols as well as how to pass attunements. Each student is attuned to the Reiki Energy to become a Certified Reiki III Practitioner. Class includes manual and certificate upon completion. Seminar costs $385, preregistration is required.

Magickal Herb Gardening from Seed to Harvest
Join us from noon to 5 pm at Esoterica in Leesburg, VA, Saturday, April 11th, to learn how to plan, bless, plant, maintain and harvest your very own magickal garden with this fun, interactive class. Students will receive Magickal Gardening booklets as well as two magickal herbs to take home. Class costs $55. Seating is limited to 25 and students MUST preregister and prepay. We will NOT be accepting drop-ins for this class.

Corset Show!!!!!
Come out to Esoterica to check out Renaissance Fashions' beautiful, hand-made steel-boned corsets Saturday, April 18th. Bring the ladies and have fun getting fitted and perusing the gorgeous, sexy wares. Corsets of every type and style imaginable will be available! Renaissance Fashions caters to women of every size and shape, pixies to goddesses! The store opens at 10 am for this very special event!

Platform Readings
Join us Sunday, April 19th, for Platform Readings with Mediums Rev. Bob Hickman and Kevin Baird, from 1 to 3 pm. This is a 2 hour session where the Mediums will channel messages from the other side for the class participants. Please come with Open Minds and Open hearts to receive commentary from the spirit world, be they departed loved ones, guardian spirits or etheric guides. $45 for a single 2 hour session if pre-registered, $55 at the door. Seating limited to 15 people ONLY. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Trance Channeling with Rev. Bob Hickman

Come out Saturday, April 25th, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Esoterica in Historic Leesburg Virginia for a very special spiritual opportunity. Rev. Bob Hickman will trance channel his spirit guides, providing information and inspiration from the other side. Part of the evening will be interactive--questions from the audience for the guides are encouraged. Pre-registration is recommended-- seating is limited. Cost is $50 per person for the session.

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Weekly Gatherings

Mondays: Mindfulness Meditation
Join Ron Mondays at 7:30 for Mindfulness Meditation in the Gazebo. Free and fun, this class will help you relax and become more present in your life. A donation of $5 is recommended.

Tuesdays: Hand Spinning Class
Come out for Spinning Class with Ashley Wells Tuesdays at 7 pm. Learn to create your own drop spindle, spin wool and other textiles into yarn/thread with your drop spindle, use a spinning wheel and more! Class costs $15.

Tuesdays: QiGong
Come out for QiGong Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. Qigong uses slow, sincere movements to cultivate the energy of life that exists all around us and pull it into the body to increase every aspect of health. Class costs $15.

Wednesdays: Spirit Circle
Join us at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays for a Gathering of people, regardless of sex, age, religious belief or creed, all coming together to explore their spirituality and share their experiences. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Thursdays: Witchcraft 301
Come out Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm for Witchcraft 301, the Divination level. This month’s classes:

April 2nd – Tarot Week One $30
April 9th – Open Full Moon Class & Ritual $15
April 16th – Tarot Week Two $20
April 23rd – Tarot Week Three $20
April 30th – Open Beltane Class & Ritual $15

Fridays: Paranormal Research
Do you have an investigative mind? Would you like to enter into the science of paranormal research? Do you want to understand what all the "Boo" is about? Come join us for the educational class of the century "Other Dimension 101" Lead Speaker will be Keeler, VP for VSRA, Virginia Scientific Research Association. Seminars begin at 7 pm each Friday and cost $30. Refreshments will be served.

Fridays: Victims of the Paranormal
Victims of the Paranormal would like to invite you to come, share and learn about your experiences. Do you see/hear/feel things that others around you don't? Do you affect electronics, or have constant unexplained illnesses? Group meets at 8:30 pm every Friday night.

Fridays: Open Drum Circle
From 8:30 to 10pm, only $5 to join in! All percussion instruments welcome! Extra drums may be available, but only on a first-come first-served basis.

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Psychic Readings!

Ron will be available for Palm Readings, Tarot and Playing Card Readings, and Handwriting Analysis Friday through Monday.

Leoni is available for Tarot and Animal Communication Friday and Saturday.

Rev. Tom Vandeberg will be available for Tarot and Rune readings and Hypnosis on Sundays and alternating Thursdays after 5 pm.

Psychic Medium and Trance Channeler Rev. Bob Hickman will be available for readings Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th.

Kevin Baird is in the first and fourth weekends of the month for Tarot readings, and when he and Rev Bob Hickman participate in the Platform Readings and Trance Channelling.

Anne Nguyen offers Reiki treatments on Saturdays in the gazebo.

Mary Kupper is available for Tarot readings Saturday and Sunday.

Esmeralda will be available for Tarot readings Saturday, April 4th.

Beth the Rune Goddess will be performing Rune Readings Saturday, April 11th.

Phone the store at 703-777-4642 to make appointments with individual readers.

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Stay in Touch!!!!

Join one of our Online Communities to get regular updates about store events!

Our website: http://www.esotericaofleesburg.com
Our myspace: http://www.myspace.com/esotericagoddess
On livejournal: http://community.livejournal.com/esoterica_lburg/
Our Yahoo Group: EsotericaAnnouncements-sub scribe@yahoogroups.com
Our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Leesburg-VA/Esoterica/54388880030

Saturday 17 May at Esoterica!!!

Reminder that tonight we have David La Fleur - from 8 til 10 - playing in the Gazebo at Esoterica. Come and listen to his wonderful folk and bluegrass music - amazing guitar and Mandolin work! Concert is free - but we urge folks to tip heavily (and often ;-> ) so that our wonderful musicians continue to come back and play their special music for us. David plays a wonderful mix of his own music and cover tunes. Twill be sure to delight and sooth the soul. We have coffee, tea and cookies available too - in case those munchie urges hit you mid-concert. And of course - all the wonders of Esoterica to browse through - and tonight we have the AMAZING Bob Hickman, a renowned medium, who will be available for readings all day and evening. Come By NOW!!! Stay late (and enjoy some of the dining choices within easy walking distance of Esoterica!!).

Saturday!!! 2 February!!! Brigids Faire 2008!!!!!

Saturday, February 2
1 PM to Midnight

Join us for our 5th annual All-Day Music Festival, Brigid's Faire!! Showcasing the best in local original music, Brigid's Faire is a day of beauty and warmth in the midst of winter. The show starts at 1 PM. Cover is $5 per person after 4 pm--free bracelet with admission. Kids 12 and under are free.

1 PM - Doug Alan Wilcox Doug Alan Wilcox is a seasoned singer/composer/guitarist/drummer equally at home performing his own songs or accompanying others with percussion and vocals.

2:15 - Awen Original folk/rock with lush vocal harmonies by ex-"Blue Knight" songwriters from New York City!

3:30 - David LaFleur With a rich tenor voice and a mastery of the guitar, dobro, mandolin, and dulcimer, David LaFleur has been performing his award winning mixture of folk, blues, and bluegrass for over 20 years.

4:45: Ben Schuman An upbeat and fun act, Ben Schuman's gorgeous tenor vocals and acoustic guitar lend themselves to an engaging blend of rock and pop. Ben Schuman

6:15: Lauren Kendall Lauren Kendall's haunting, sultry vocals arc over an amazing bed of cello, piano and hand percussion.

8:00 - The Dreamscapes Project The Dreamscapes Project is an award-winning Folk-Core band from Washington, DC. Animated, exciting performers with a humorous edge.

9:45 - Cassandra Syndrome Cassandra Syndrome delivers an original and intelligent brand of dark, brooding hard rock driven by soaring female vocals, scathing guitars, and pounding drums.

Saturday NIGHT CONCERT W/ David La Fleur

Come in for some awesome Bluegrass, Folk, and other good stuff - - Originals, some covers, amazing all!!! Concert is free - but we have a tip jar out so that the musicians can get enough money for food and gas (the tip jar is virtually the only money they get - so lets make them happy and wanting to return!!!) David will have his various CDs with him for sale too - so you can enjoy his music over and over again! Come Join Us!!!

Summation of September Activities at Esoterica

Upcoming Classes:

Learn to Spin Wool!

Learn the basics of handspinning wool yarns using hand spindles and
spinning wheels. The series will provide a hands-on introduction to
handspinning techniques, fiber characteristics, and the basics of
fiber preparation. Students will make a basic hand spindle (yours to
keep) and use instructor-provided spinning wheels in class. Fiber for
class and 'homework' are included. Additional fiber and hand-turned
drop spindles will be available for purchase at Esoterica. Classes
are Tuesday nights, September 11th through the 16th from 7 to 9 pm.

Instructor: Ashley Wells, Willow Hawk Farm. Ashley is a veteran
handspinner, weaver, dyer and shepherd. She and her husband produce a
variety of fiber for handspinners on their farm in Lovettsville.

Full course registration is $80 (6 classes), or $15 per class for
drop-in students. See the full schedule online by visiting
http://www.esoteric aofleesburg. com/beginningspi nning.html. You can
register online, call 703-777-4642 or sign up at Esoterica in historic
downtown Leesburg, VA.

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Learn to Hand Drum!

Ever wanted to learn how to drum? Here's your chance! Hand-drumming
classes are Thursday nights at Esoterica September 27th through
November 1st. Learn types of drums and their origins, several Middle
Eastern rhythms (Baladi, Chiftitelli, Ayoub and Karachi), techniques
for Shamanic Drumming, Drum Circle etiquette and so much more! Each
class has an hour-long lecture portion, then an hour of hands-on
drumming! A few drums will be available for use by those who do not
own their own, but this ~cannot~ be guaranteed.

Hand Drumming class costs $15 per class or $75 for the full six-week
course. Preregister by calling 703-777-4642 or sign up in-store.

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The Joy of Spiritual Channeling

Learn techniques of mediumship with Professional Medium, Trance
Channeler, Spiritual Healer and Teacher Noemia Walaksa RH, INHA. Her
first class, 'The Purpose of Meditation and Clairvoyance, ' is
Saturday, October 6th from 12:45 to 3 pm. Class begins promptly at 1
pm. The class costs $35 in advance, $40 at the door and is limited to
20 people. To preregister, call Esoterica at 703-777-4642 or sign up
in-store.

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Witchcraft 101

Learn the basics of modern day Witchcraft through the Tradition of the
Witches Circle. Witchcraft 101 focuses on the history of Witchcraft,
Deities, Elements, Meditation and Visualization, sacred space, tools,
rituals and personal empowerment. This first level serves as a
foundation for daily spiritual practice. Classes can be taken
individually on a drop-in basis or as a full course, complete with
closing certificate. Fully matriculated students receive one green
binder containing course materials printed on parchment paper, a
meditation CD and a chanting CD. Classes cost $15 for drop-in
students or $130 for the full course. Witchcraft 101 runs Thursday
nights November 15th through March 27th from 7 to 9 pm. To
preregister or get a full class listing, call Esoterica at
703-777-4642 or drop by the store.

Witchcraft 301

Develop your Divination abilities with our Witchcraft 301 course.
Learn to scry, effectively use Tarot, Runes, Pendulums, develop your
Psychic Abilities--even create your own divination system! Classes
can be taken individually on a drop-in basis or as a full course,
complete with closing certificate. Fully matriculated students
receive one green binder containing course materials printed on
parchment paper, a meditation CD and a chanting CD. Classes cost $15
for drop-in students (unless otherwise noted) or $200 for the full
course. Witchcraft 301 runs Tuesday nights November 13th through
April 8th from 7 to 9 pm. To preregister or get a full class listing,
call Esoterica at 703-777-4642 or drop by the store.

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Reiki I and II

Reiki is an ancient alternative healing modality that helps relieve
stress and tension. Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal
Life-Force Energy. The Ki part is the same word as Chi or Qi part is
the same word as Chi or Qi, the Chinese word for the energy which
underlies everything. Reiki is a system for channeling that energy to
someone for the purpose of healing.

Students will learn this ancient art of healing in a small class
setting through a combination of lecture & hands-on experience.

Reiki I includes the history of Reiki, how to use Reiki for
self-treatment & treatment of others, the Reiki hand positions, and
the opportunity to give & receive a full Reiki treatment. Each student
is attuned to the Reiki Energy to become a Certified Reiki I
Practitioner. Class includes manual and certificate upon completion.
Reiki I costs $155 and there are classes on Saturday, September 15th
and Saturday, October 13th from noon to 5 pm.

Reiki II teaches Reiki I practitioners greater proficiency at energy
healing and introduces new healing symbols. Students will learn these
new healing techniques in a small class setting through a combination
of lecture & hands-on experience. Each student is attuned to the Reiki
Energy to become a Certified Reiki II Practitioner. Class includes
manual and certificate upon completion. Course fee: $255.00 Join us
for Reiki II Saturday, October 27th from noon to five pm at Esoterica
in Leesburg, VA.

Anne Nguyen, a Reiki/Karuna Ki Master, has been practicing Reiki for
several years. She is an Ordained Minister and a Master Teacher in
Magnified Healing, another alternative form of healing energy. Anne is
an intuitive and natural healer. She also teaches classes in Reiki
healing.

For more information, visit us online at
http://www.esoteric aofleesburg. com or call 703-777-4642

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Weekly Gatherings:

Mondays: Mindfulness Meditation

Ron, our beloved Palm Reader, Handwriting Analyst and Very Silly
Person leads our Mindfulness Meditation Class. Free and fun, this
class will help you relax and become more present in your life.
Mindfulness Meditation starts at 7:30 pm every Monday. For more
information, visit us online at
http://esotericaofl eesburg.com/ meditation. htm or call 703-777-4642.

Wednesdays: Spirit Circle

Join us at 7 pm on Wednesdays for a Gathering of people, regardless of
sex, age, religious belief or creed, all coming together to explore
their spirituality and share their experiences. Class will begin with
Cleansing and Grounding and will end with an Energy Gathering ritual.
In between will be the discussion portion, which will have some
structure, but will also be participant driven. A donation of $5 is
suggested.

Thursday - Sunday

Psychic Readings

Ron is available Friday - Sunday to read palms and analyze handwriting.

Pavlina is available Thursday - Sunday for Russian Gypsy Cards, Palm
Reading and Face Reading.

Leoni is available to read Tarot Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments
are recommended, since she books up quickly.

Kevin is in most weekends to read Tarot.

Irene is available many Saturdays and Sundays for Tarot readings.

Anne Nguyen offers Reiki treatments on Saturdays in the gazebo.

Phone the store at 703-777-4642 to make appointments with individual
readers.

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The After Hours Coffee House

Join us Friday, September 7th at the After Hours Coffee House at
Esoterica in Leesburg, VA, for a FREE performance by David LaFleur:
Singer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentali st. David's songs range from
Intimate and Beautiful, as in "The Quilt Song" to Absurdly Funny, as
in his cover of "I'm too Sexy for my Shirt!" One minute you're in awe,
and the next you're rolling on the floor with laughter! The show
starts at 8 pm and runs until 10 pm. As always, free coffee, tea and
munchies will be available as well as all the wonderful stuff the
largest New Age supply store in the DC-Metro area has to offer. So
come out and give your ears a treat! For more information, call
703-777-4642, email store@esotericaofle esburg.com or visit us online
at http://www.esoteric aofleesburg. com

Join us Friday, September 14th at the After Hours Coffee House for a
FREE concert by Celtic minstrel Maugorn. The show starts at 8 pm and
runs until 10 pm. As always, free coffee, tea and munchies will be
available as well as all the wonderful stuff the largest New Age
supply store in the DC-Metro area has to offer. So come out and give
your ears a treat! For more information, call 703-777-4642, email
store@esotericaofle esburg.com or visit us online at
http://www.esoteric aofleesburg. com

Come out Friday, September 21st to the After Hours Coffee House at
Esoterica in Leesburg, VA, for a FREE performance by Wilcox and
Butcher: beautiful acoustic music with shining vocals. As always, free
coffee, tea and munchies will be available as well as all the
wonderful stuff the largest New Age supply store in the DC-Metro area
has to offer. So come out and give your ears a treat! For more
information, call 703-777-4642, email store@esotericaofle esburg.com or
visit us online at http://www.esoteric aofleesburg. com