The Heartland Spirit Spring 2012

Spring 2012

The Heartland Spirit A free publication of the Heartland Spiritual Alliance

Happy Spring!!!

photos curtesey of Ron Gilbert

In this issue Wiccan Morality ....................................................................................... 4 Spirit Circle ............................................................................................ 6 Fehu ......................................................................................................... 7 Uruz .......................................................................................................... 9 Work Exchange for HPF ....................................................................... 14 Message From Your HPF Trash Pirates .............................................. 17 Healthy Tips and Tricks ........................................................................ 18 Earth Day .............................................................................................. 19

Heartland Spiritual Alliance (HSA) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the appreciation and acceptance of a variety of alternative religions and philosophies. HSA encourages participation in educational programs and activities; most of which deal with the various nature oriented or nature connected religions of the world, the similarities within all religions, and the respectful free exchange of spiritual beliefs.

We strive to maintain a well organized, dynamic, and smooth running organization within an atmosphere which allows people of all religious traditions to coexist peacefully.

Heartland Spiritual Alliance Board of Directors and Officers Board of Directors: Diana Arganbright Sarah Geimer Kaleigh Jones-Clark Tristan Knight John Kramer Dana Locke (Chairman) Lane Locke Officers: President: Angela Krout Vice President: Dusty Silversmith Secretary: Kettryn Jones- Clark Treasurer: Michelle Lindeman 2

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Please submit your contribution along with your article's title, your "pen"-name, pictures or public domain graphics, and a four to five sentence by-line introducing yourself and/or your business/trade/organization.

The Heartland Spiritual Alliance reserves the right to accept or reject all submissions at its discretion for any reason.

All copyrights remains the property of the submitter. As a non-paying newsletter, we ask for reprint rights only. We will not grant permission for a third party to reprint your content without your permission.

All submissions are accepted and published on the representation that the submitter is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold Heartland Spiritual Alliance and its agents harmless from any and all liability, demands, or damages arising out of the submission. Such indemnity includes the provision of a defense to any actions or claims and the payment of costs and attorneys fees in connection therewith.

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Choose a theme, announce it in the first paragraph, and use it throughout your article. It is important to be clear, precise, succinct, and organized..

Re-read your article and look for ways to make it more focused and easier to read.

Use subheadings to help break up longer articles into specific topic areas.

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If presenting yourself as an expert on a subject, make sure you list your credentials in your by-line. Acknowledge your sources.

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Other tips: Shorter sentences are better than longer ones. Front load your point in the first paragraph. Simplify when possible. Use and follow an outline.

Don’t overuse a word. Have someone else read it. Write from the heart!

3

Wiccan Morality

by Gasper I think most of us strive to be a good person but how do we define this idea of good? We know that lying is bad but are there circumstances where lying would make us a good person? We know that killing is bad, but am I no longer a good person if I kill an animal to eat, swat a pesky mosquito that has bitten me, or go to war as a military soldier? In essence, the examination of these questions is what the study of ethics is about.

Terms To begin this discussion, we should examine a couple terms that are often used incorrectly or interchangeably.

The term morals is generally defined as the attitudes, characteristics, and ideals that society has determined as right and wrong, or important and not important.

We are introduced to these beliefs through our membership in various social organizations – our family, our work places, our social circles, our religion, our political institutions, etc. Often times these beliefs are not consistent with each other. Our moral character is judged by others based on how well we follow these standards.

Values are our internalized fundamental beliefs. They are the attitudes, characteristics, and ideals that are our individual guiding principles. They may or may not be consistent with our moral teachings. They are what our gut tell us is right or wrong. They may be shaped by our morals, but they are the beliefs that resonate within you.

Ethics are the actions or decisions we make based on our moral teachings and values. When we act in ways which are consistent with them, we are acting ethically. Because our values and morals may come into conflict, what we might consider ethical, might be considered unethical by the moral code imposed upon us by our social organization. Since our values are individual, our values might come into conflict with another’s values. We might also be faced with ethical dilemmas which are decisions based not on what we believe to be right and what we believe to be wrong, but between competing rights or wrongs. For example, is it ethical to steal a loaf of bread to feed a starving child?

The Rede One of the moral codes that has been given to those who follow the Wiccan path is that of the Wiccan Rede which, in its most common form. states An it harm none, do what ye will.

The earliest known reference in Wicca to the Rede comes from the con’t page 5 4

controversial "The Old Laws/The Ordains" which was in Gerald Gardner's Book of Shadows: You may use the Art for your own advantage, or for the advantage of the Craft, only if you be sure you harm none. But ever let the Coven debate the matter at length. Only if all are satisfied that none may be harmed may the Art be used. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way without harming any, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way, so as to harm none. May the Curse of the Goddess be on any who breach this law. So it be Aredane. (sacredtexts.com) Hanz Holzer's, The Truth About Witchcraft (1969), states that Doreen Valiente uttered the following phrase in 1964 while giving a speech for a dinner hosted by the quarterly newsletter Pentagram: Demanding tolerance between covens as well as toward the outside world, Doreen spoke the Anglo-Saxon witch formula called the Wiccan Rede or wise teaching: "Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil, An' it harm none, do what ye will."

In 1974, this phrase was included in a twenty-six line poem called "The Wiccan Rede" published in the neo-Pagan magazine Earth Religion News. Shortly afterward, another version of the poem titled the "Rede of the Wiccae," subtitled "Being known as the counsel of the Wise Ones," was published in Green Egg magazine by Lady Gwen Thompson.

A casual browse through the internet today will find dozens of versions and variations as Pagans have attempted to modernize and adapt it to other areas of their lives.

Influences The principle is not a new and can be found in many other writings. About 1600 years ago, The Prayer of Saint Augustine of Hippo (340-430 CE) states "Love and do what you will." In the 16th Century, Francois Rabelais' crude and satirical French novel, The Life of Gargantua and of Pantagruel, had these lines: "DO AS THOU WILT because men that are free, of gentle birth, well bred and at home in civilized company possess a natural instinct that inclines them to virtue and saves them from vice. This instinct they name their honor."

In 1904, Crowley wrote in his, The Book of the Law: “Who calls us Thelemites will do no wrong, if he look but close into the word. For there are therein Three Grades, the Hermit, and the I. con’t page 8

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Spirit Circle Spirit Circle is a monthly educational gathering facilitated by the Heartland Spiritual Alliance Sacred Experiences Committee. They strive to bring together respected presenters of various backgrounds and belief systems to help share knowledge within the community.

Spirit Circle meets 7-9 pm on the third Thursday of the Month at Aquarius Books, 3936 Broadway, KCMO 64111.

October 20th KC Metaphysical presents the Tarot. A high level introduction and discussion on the cards followed by readings for donations.

November 17th Angela Krout presents an introduction to, and discussion about, Native American mysteries and traditions.

December 15th Mark Stinson presents a Heathen Yule/presentation on the Norse traditions.

January 19th Shae Moyers presents an introduction and discussion on the Voudon traditions.

February 16th House Arcanum hosts a demystification and discussion on Kaos magic.

March 15th The Sacred Experiences Committee presents a Spring Equinox ritual. A purely celebratory observance of the season.

April 19th (tentative) A presentation of Mayan beliefs and how they relate to 2012 is planned.

May No spirit circle is planned in May due to Heartland Pagan Festival.

June 21st (tentative) A presentation of Wicca by Jeff Heckathorn is planned.

6

Fehu

by Greg Meister As we continue with our series on the runes, I will address the first rune in the Elder-Germanic Futhark: Fehu. The surface level meaning for Fehu is cattle or mobile property.* The more in depth meaning for fehu is about the initial spark or impetus that precedes everything. It is the spark that occurs before the first creative thought.

Fehu is an incredibly dynamic energy. The energy of fehu could be compared to the Big Bang, but on a psychic or ethereal plane. The spark ignites the energy of consciousness which leads to conscious thought and eventually physical manifestation.

We must be careful to remember that fehu is without form or focus. Fehu is a very powerful energy in manifestation magic when used in conjunction with the runes Ansuz (Knowledge and Wisdom) and Kenaz (the focused-directed use of the will).

The galdr (the intonation of specific sound or vibrational wavelength for magical purposes) sound for fehu is the “F” sound as in food or fool. The fehu galdr can be intoned by itself as a long drawn out almost hissing “F” sound. It can also be intoned in combination with the vowel runes: Uruz which is intoned as the long “U” sound as in rule or tool; Ansuz which is intoned as the “A” sound as in Father; Isa which is intoned as the “E” sound as in fee; Ehwaz which is intoned like the long “A” sound as in gate; and Othilla which is intoned as the long “O” sound as in tone. This combining, depending on the desired focus of energy can be done with the Fehu Galdr and any one of these vowel runes or you may choose to combine it with all of them. When combining with all of them you end up with a string of intonations that sound like: foo, faa, fee, fae, foe.

Now consider how large of a role the Etins and Jotuns, or giants played in the Nordic mythos and we start to see how certain magical lore was passed on through fairytales, (Fee, Fie, Foe, Fum).

The Rune Stave for Fehu is: * For the “Introduction to Runes” see the Winter 2012 edition of The Heartland Spirit. con’t page 16

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Wiccan Morality con’t from page 5

Lover, and the man of Earth. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will."

In 1919, the English version of the Pierre Louÿs's 1904 book, The Adventures of King Pausole, states: "I. Do no wrong to thy neighbor.

II. Observing this, do as thou pleasest."

Gerald Gardner, the father of modern Wicca, referred to Pierre Louÿs's writings in his 1959 book, The Meaning of Witchcraft, when he wrote: “... the morality of the legendary Good King Pausol, "Do what you like so long as you harm no one." But they believe a certain law to be important, "You must not use magic for anything which will cause harm to anyone, and if, to prevent a greater wrong being done, you must discommode someone, you must do it only in a way which will abate the harm.”

Interpretations Taken in parts, An it harm none implies that a Wiccan should refrain from negative action or thought toward another (Ahimsa - the Hindu and Buddhist doctrine of refraining from harming any living being) or themselves (self-care).

This idea might also include how we act toward non-human creations such as plants and animals since all is considered manifestations of the Divine. Debate often revolves around the idea that there is nothing that we can do that does not cause some level of harm, even if only at the microbial level.

In a seemingly contradiction to the first part, the phrase concludes by stating do what ye will. What is available to us to do if everything we do creates harm? Is this phrase the same as saying do what you want or is there an important difference between will and want?

Purpose There is also some debate within the Wiccan community as to the purpose of the Rede.

Some writers have speculated that the purpose of this phrase is to reassure the public that Wiccans are not a threat to others. Those not familiar with magic have been known to have a great fear of it. con’t page 12

8

Uruz

by Greg Meister The second rune in the Elder Germanic Futhark is Uruz. Uruz is a much more straight forward and simple concept than many of the other runes. The surface level meaning for Uruz is Auroch. The Aurochs were a form of European Bison; now extinct.

The more in depth meaning for Uruz is primal energy, or primal power. This is why it is so well represented by the Auroch. Here we explore pure, untainted, raw power. The initial spark of Fehu moves into this raw power (think again of the Big Bang).

Uruz reminds us that energy or power is not light or dark, or good or evil, but completely neutral. It is its usages that are white, black, or the infinite shades of gray in between. Uruz requires you to explore its essence more than to just read about it. Years ago, to explore my more primal energies, I would go outside with Apollo (my Husky/Malamute mix canine companion), get down on the ground and fight & wrestle with him on his terms. He thought I was a rather strange human, but we became very good friends and I learned a great deal about my more primal animal nature. Meditation and contemplation about the nature of pure primal energy can also lead to great insights.

The galdr sound for Uruz is the long “U” sound as in rule or tool. There are three historical runic galdr magical formulas that we will go into at another time. At this time I will just mention that Uruz is included in all three of them as is the rune Ansuz. They are the only two runes that are in all three.

The Rune Stave for Uruz is:

,

The Body Stadha for Uruz is: con’t page 13

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HEARTLAND PAGAN FESTIVAL May 24 - May 28, 2012 Gaea Retreat Center McLouth, KS http://www.kchsa.org

“Dawning of a New Day” Honored Guests: include Selena Fox, Kerr Cuhulain, Christopher Penczak, Barbara Criswell, Judy & Nels Linde, Big Bad Gina, Brian Henke, Flannigan's Right Hook, Murphey's Midnight Rounders, Wendy Rule The 27th Anniversary of One of the Largest Pagan Festivals in the United States Rituals · Vision Quest · Bonfires Distinguished Speakers · Concerts Workshops · Mystical Merchants 11

Wiccan Morality con’t from page 8

Given that the word ‘Rede’ means advice, or counsel, some believe that its purpose might be to act as a general guideline that must be individually interpreted to fit each particular situation. By labeling it as advice we understand that there is no mechanism to stop or punish a person as opposed to other Wiccan tenets like the Threefold Law or the Law of Return.

Wiccan Ethics As stated before, ethics are the actions or decisions we make based on our morals or values. These decisions are not always easy: we are sometimes forced to choose between two rights or two wrongs. This is called an ethical dilemma.

In order to make ethically sound decisions, Wiccans must choose among the alternatives only after careful consideration of the consequences of their actions, words, or thoughts. This allows them to avoid pre-programmed reactions and mechanical behaviors. They must then accept the responsibility for those decisions. Others may not support said decision as it may disagree with their own morals or value beliefs.

Conclusion The Wiccan Rede has become a moral philosophy that appeals to the hearts of modern witches and it has become the core of Wiccan Spirituality. A Wiccan generally follows the Rede not they are being made to follow the Rede, but because a person should follow the Rede.

To further explore the use, meaning and purpose of the Wiccan Rede I welcome you to join me and others during the Wiccan Ways Festival from June 15 -17 at Ozark Avalon. This year the theme is the “The Wiccan Rede.” For more information go to http://www.wiccanways.org/

Gaspar is a member of several Pagan social, charity, educational, and spiritual organizations. He enjoys religious studies and is currently taking classes through several Pagan and metaphysical organizations. He also loves to talk and can easily be drawn into a good conversation; especially around an enjoyable fire with friends.

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Uruz con’t from page 9

, and the Hand Mudra for Uruz is:

.

The Stave, Stadha, and Mudra as I previously stated are all tools to use as focuses when seeking to gain greater insight into a given rune or when seeking to manifest the energy of a given rune for a specific purpose. Uruz is often used in healing and is the perfect energy to call upon when you need that extra little bit of strength or stamina. Uruz can also be very effective when seeking to add energy to other workings.

So until the next issue and more runes‌ Fair Winds and Full Sails, Meister-Asworthing Greg Meister began investigating various alternative spiritual paths 28 years ago and has been an Asatru Gothi (Priest) and Vitki (Rune Magician) for 18 years. He is deeply versed in the Elder Germanic Futhark, its rune staves, galdr, mudra, and stadhas. He has presided over several dozens of rituals over the years; always working with the runes. He has taught dozens of rune Workshops; working with runes for divination; runes for healing; rune galdr, mudras, and stadhas; rune meditations; and the runes as a means to enlightenment.

HSA Membership If you are 18+ and would like to become a member of HSA and help promote the practice of, and tolerance towards, alternative spiritual paths, please visit our website at www.kchsa.org to submit a membership application.

Membership in HSA is $20.00 per year, and the membership year extends from July1st to June 30th of each year.

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WORK EXCHANGE AT HPF 2012 Register Online!!

The Work Exchange program offers an opportunity for festival patrons to waive their festival entry fee in exchange for a minimum of 20 hours work before, during, and after the festival. The Work Exchange applicant must provide a $100 Good Faith Deposit. This deposit (less the $20 camping fee and ticket service fee ) will be refunded after festival if the participant satisfactorily completes the Work Exchange Agreement (see below).

Work Exchange participants must be able to arrive on Wednesday, May 23rd, to help with set-up and stay through Tuesday, May 31st, for tear-down. Work Exchange participants must also be able to perform manual labor tasks including heavy lifting. Duties throughout the festival will vary based on committee needs. This will be addressed in a daily Work Exchange meeting.

All Work Exchange registrations must be completed using the online registration feature at the HSA website by May 10, 2012.

1. Contact Michelle at workexchange@kchsa.org to receive the work exchange code. (If you register without this code you will not be registered as Work Exchange) 2. Log on to www.kchsa.org and follow the instructions to register for HPF 2012 and submit your deposit.

Space is limited for the Work Exchange program and we cannot guarantee that all applications will be accepted.

After your registration is complete and your Good Faith Deposit is received, you will receive a notification from the Work Exchange Chairperson with further information about arrival at HPF, the daily meeting, and departure from HPF. con’t page 15 14

Work Exchange at HPF con’t from page 14

If you have questions about the Work Exchange program, please contact the Work Exchange Chairperson (Michelle) at workexchange@kchsa.org. Please label the subject line as ‘Work Exchange’.

WORK EXCHANGE AGREEMENT  I will report for Work Exchange on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.  I will work a minimum of 20 hours before, during, and after HPF.  I will turn in my completed timesheet before departing from HPF on Tuesday, May 31, 2012.  I will attend the daily Work Exchange meeting.  I will arrive on time to my scheduled work assignments.  I will complete all work assignments that I am given.  I will maintain a mental and physical state that enables me to responsibly complete my work.  I understand that I will be expected to perform manual labor tasks including heavy lifting.

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Fehu con’t from page 7

The Body Stadha for Fehu is:

The Hand Mudra for Fehu is:

.

The Stave, Stadha, and Mudra are all tools to use as focuses when seeking to gain greater insight into a given rune or when seeking to manifest the energy of a given rune for a specific purpose. Fehu is often used in manifestation and is the perfect energy to call upon when you need to pull creativity from the ethos.

Due to its manifestation uses it is also often used in prosperity magic, which brings us back around to its surface level meaning, cattle or mobile property.

Fair Winds and Full Sails, Meister-Asworthing

Heartland Spiritual Alliance is a proud sponsor of:

www.witchvox.com 16

Message From Your HPF Trash Pirates Ahoy Maties! The Trash Pirates will be collecting aluminum, plastic, and glass during festival. For safety reasons, we collect glass separately. Please be courteous to our Trash Pirates and place only proper items in the recycling barrels! We would also like to remind you that we collect trash twice daily so when you hear us coming be sure to bring out your trash and recycling to reduce the mounds of trash we’ll be wading through at the end of festival. To help reduce trash on site, remove all packaging at home and think of ways to reduce consumption. An easy one is to try bringing a large cooler of water instead of bottled waters.

We would also encourage all guests to pick up scattered MOOP (Matter Out Of Place). Though it is the Trash Pirates responsibility to pick up trash and recycling during festival, it is everyone’s responsibility to help keep our land clean.

We will again be collecting all gently used camping items (resalable items only please!) that would normally be thrown away and donating them to a local non-profit that helps homeless youth!

Remember to:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and ‘Leave No Trace’!

Ur Trash Cap’n, Uriah

17

Healthy Tips and Tricks

by Sherree Ross The United States Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, Section 201, Chapter II, (gg)1 defines processed food as "any food other than a raw agricultural commodity and includes any raw agricultural commodity that has been subject to processing, such as canning, cooking, freezing, dehydration, or milling."

This definition establishes parameters for the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to regulate quality and safety in the food processing industry.

The billions of dollars spent to process the natural whole food into food-stuff , doesn’t encompass where the food comes from which translates to additional transportation costs nor does it encompass the thousands of food additives used in this processing. These additives include artificial vitamins, emulsifiers and minerals, artificial flavorings and colorings, preservatives, texturizers, artificial scents, processed white table salt and processed white and corn sugar (high fructose corn syrup’s new name is corn sugar).

The average American consumes 150 pounds of additives per year. The body, meant to consume real whole food, does not effectively process or metabolize these additives. The body was meant to be nourished by eating real food grown in the ground or by consuming animal products from animals that eat real food grown in the ground. These additives can contribute to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid and other hormonal issues, joint issues, and the list goes on. The food processing industry does all this processing for us on the pretext of improving shelf life, making food more available, making preparation easier and faster, and improving the taste and appearance of our food.

They aren’t concerned about anyone’s health, only their product and its market appeal.

How to avoid additives and less impact on the earth? Plant your own garden, buy organic, join a CSA (community supported agriculture), or visit your local farmers market. Think about this: how can you improve on the beautiful colors, freshness, and taste of food harvested with the last 24 hours? Have you tried any of that 100% grass-fed meat? What about fresh baked goods that contain no preservatives? The more local and in its natural state the food is, the more nutrients and overall health benefits it will have. Happy local eating!!

1. FDA Definitions

Sherree Ross is a Certified Health Coach, a living foods chef, a Seichim Reiki and a Karuna Reiki® Master/Teacher, an Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and a trained herbalist. Helping people with food allergies (especially going gluten-free and dairy-free) reclaim their health, she offers nutritional classes, healthy cooking classes, weight loss classes, pantry makeovers, and grocery store tours. Sherree@SherreerRoss.com or www.SherreeRoss.com 18

Earth Day—April 22, 2012

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology. Earth Day was first observed in San Francisco and other cities on March 21, 1970, the first day of Spring. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations where it is observed each year.

About the same time a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

While this April 22 Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations.[1][2] Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network,[3] and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year.[4] Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues.

In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.[5]

Earth Day activities and events: Lawrence, KS: http://lawrenceks.org/wrr/earthday Wichita, KS: http://www.scz.org/visitor_tickets-signature_zoo_events.php McLouth KS: http://www.campgaea.org/forums/festivals.php? do=view&festival=12 Prairie Village, KS: http://act.earthday.org/event/prairie-village-earth-fair Kansas City, MO: http://www.bridgingthegap.org/egap.php?id=183 http://www.cultivatekc.org/news-events/events.html/event/2012/04/28/earthday-crop-mob Platt City, MO: http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/395440/ Across MO: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday/edaylinks.htm http://act.earthday.org/events/search/distance/64111 19

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Send an email with a .jpg or .gif of the finished artwork to newsletter@kchsa.org with your name, phone number, the number of issues in which you’d like to advertise AND Mail your check with a memo of ‘NEWSLETTER AD’ to HSA, P.O. Box 270198, KCMO, 64127

The Heartland Spirit / HPF Brochure Advertising Rates: Single Issue Business card size per newsletter issue /$5.00 ½ page size ad per newsletter issue /$10.00 Full page size ad per newsletter issue /$15.00 Yearly Issues (July to June) Business card size ad in 8 newsletter issues /$30.00 ½ page size ad in 8 newsletter issues /$70.00 Full page size ad in 8 newsletter issues /$100.00 Heartland Newsletter / Brochure deadline for submissions and ads is: May 1, 2012 Editor’s Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in The Heartland Spirit are strictly those of the authors of each individual article and do not necessarily represent the positions of The Heartland Spiritual Alliance’s Board of Directors, its Officers, or Membership.

Heartland Spiritual Alliance

e Web! We’re on th .org www.kchsa

P.O. Box 270198 Kansas City, MO 64127 Phone: 816-813-8167 E-mail: info@kchsa.org 20