During the first week of December the students of Spiritual Arts Institute gathered in Joshua Tree, California, for our annual Initiation. Every year students of all ages and backgrounds travel from around the world, some as far away as Israel and Japan, to meditate, pray, and expand our spiritual education.

The Initiation is the highlight of the year for Spiritual Arts Institute, because it is during this time that we receive a powerful and glorious blessing from the Higher. Our beloved teacher Barbara Y. Martin explains,

“Initiation is the time when the Holy Ones of Divine Light come very close to bless us for the spiritual work done throughout the year.

The Holiday time of year is important as well as this is when when the Holy Ones down-ray a lot of Divine Light to humanity.

Do your best to stay in a high consciousness so you can receive this blessing and be a channel of it for others.”

In addition to the blessings received from the Higher, during the initiation we have the opportunity to bond with our spiritual community. These friendships are invaluable to encourage us as we climb our individual spiritual ladders. One of the most beautiful things about being in the spiritual work is it brings so many wonderful people together–a true spiritual family.

Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season,
and a very bright New Year!
Barbara Y. Martin & Dimitri Moraitis

We are most grateful to all who contributed to our 2008 Fund Drive. Last year, the institute raised over $30,000 from donations. It is your support that keeps Spiritual Arts Institute thriving! To kick start donations for 2009, we have on our website a great feature where you can donate monthly. Simply click the recurring feature on the donation page and that amount will be charged once a month for a long as you wish. The donation is made automatically and you can cancel at any time. Any amount is welcomed! Click here to donate.

Our first event in January, The Aura of Relationships, follows the theme of this month’s newsletter. It will be at the Bodhi Tree in Los Angeles, Sunday, January 11 at 3pm. We are also offering this workshop in our next teleclass, Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm PST. Both events are free and we encourage you to invite your friends.

Our 2008 Spiritual Arts Institute Retreat was a great success. Our thanks again go to Victoria Jennings, Gabriella Taylor, Joanne Flory and The Joshua Tree Retreat Center for all their help. The retreat was the highlight of the year for us and the energy and fellowship were extraordinary.

We hope to see you often in the New Year!

Warmest Wishes,

Dimitri Moraitis
Executive Director