Mary Occhino and Angels on Call

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a spiritual person. Although I do not attend church as often as I once did, I do consider myself a Christian. I am also a person blessed with an awareness of things on many different levels. Call it what you want- being in tune with the energy in the Universe, intuitive or just a good listener. I'm a firm believer that there are no coincidences in this Universe- everything, and I do mean everything happens for a reason. We all have free will and a choice to make decisions with what is presented to us. The challenge is to be aware of what is going on around us and listen to our angels who guide us along the path of life. Last week I discovered someone who not only believes in these same ideals, she has a daily radio show to talk about it. Now, I'm like most people in that I am a creature of habit. I rarely vary from the familiar routines of daily life- and like it that way. But for some reason, last week I changed the channel from my usual morning routine on Sirius satellite radio and stumbled on "Angels on Call" radio show, featuring Mary Occhino. Mary calls herself a "psychic medium-intuitive explorer of the universe". She is not your typical psychic; a Long Island Italian-American from New York, she has a way of speaking that makes listeners feel comfortable- I was immediately drawn in to her show. She has a great line that sums up her outlook: "Karma can either kiss you or kick you...you decide." She promotes the power of positive thinking and helps people find their own solutions when troubled with self-doubt. After a week of listening to her program, I finally went to her website to learn more about her.

As a young girl, Mary claimed she knew was able to “see” future events and communicate with people who have passed over. For more than two decades she has been conducting readings and found her abilities have become more pronounced over the years. In 1992 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which had a magnifying effect on her intuitive abilities.

According to her website, she conducts seminars nationwide, phone readings and e-mail readings. Listening to her radio show, callers ask for help with relationships, career paths, health and family issues. She also helps people who lost a loved one, providing closure to the grief-stricken. I especially like her"rapid fire" segment when she allows callers to ask one question in 20 seconds. Many calls are people asking things like "when will so and so find a job" or "I am pregnant, will it be a boy or girl" or things along that nature. I actually called in one morning and happened to get through- again, not a coincidence given the hundreds of callers who don't get through.

Mary has written several books, including "Beyond These Four Walls: Diary of a Psychic Medium, "Sign of the Dove" and "Awakened Instincts: Seven Keys for Enhancing Every Aspect of Your Life". She just announced a new show on the Sy-Fy Channel, premiering July 25th

If you subscribe to satellite radio, and have even a remote interest in psychics, I highly recommend Mary’s satellite radio show. “Angels on Call” which airs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. EST. on Sirius-XM’s Stars 102 channel and also on XM 155. Even if you think some of it is nonsense, it will help you start thinking more positively in your own life.

-Rick Rockhill

My Psychic Friend Says....

For some reason, last night I was drawn to call to one of my long time psychic friends in LA. She is a profoundly wise person- a true sage of sorts. She is modest about her "gift" and asks for nothing in return. It had been sometime since we last spoke, and she answered with an all-knowing greeting: "I knew you'd be calling sometime this week". I wanted to respond by saying "I bet you say that to everyone", but I thought better of myself. After a bit of small talk she retrieved her deck of tarot cards and directed me to ask one simple question. I did. She shuffled and shuffled her deck, and finally pulled the "Wheel of Fortune " card. Excellent, I thought. This card is all about good, big things: luck and always good fortune. She explained that this card indicates abundance, happiness, and a change that just happens, bringing great joy. I liked that answer and decided to leave it at that. Then, before we hung up, she told me to check my dog's paws. Strangely enough Sheldon had piece of gum stuck in between his paw pads in his hair. Crazy? I don't think so. That's just part of the excitement of having a psychic friend. It was a perfect way to start the weekend, with positive energy and confidence in the future. I wrote this for one reason. I want to share this positive karma with a few blogger friends who need it right now. They shall remain unnamed, but you know who you are.

-Rick Rockhill

How About a Dash of Spiritual Enlightenment?

Dear Readers: the following is not a paid post. I am writing this "just because"...
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In downtown Palm Springs, there is a very special place called Crystal Fantasy. I have no real-world connection to this store, but I actually do, on some level that I cannot explain. I've never questioned these sort of things in my life. I just go with the ebb and flow of life's tides. And so out of the blue comes this post today. I probably should have first called Joy, the owner to ask if she wouldn't mind me writing about her store, so I'll have to apologize for being presumptuous the next time I drop in. Rather than me try to describe Crystal Fantasy, I thought I'd use Joy's words, directly from her website:

"Our mission is to spiritually uplift our community, and work towards a greater good. We help those seeking spiritual healing and enlightenment find the path that will lead them to a higher power. We support our fellow man and community and hope to serve as a guiding light. " Sound like a place you'd like to know better? Well, read on...

Crystal Fantasy is a fun store to visit and browse for a spell. They sell all sorts of magical things, including: fairies, mermaids, wizards and dragons, candles, incense, jewelry, ethnic and relaxation music, books on world cultures and spirituality, greeting cards, as well as minerals and crystals from around the world. She has an impressive array of fantasy art by artists such as Amy Brown, Karen Bagnard, Melody Pena, Pat Kwake, Josephine Wall, Jessica Galbreth, and others. It is one of those stores where you can easily get lost within its treasures!

Aside from all that fun stuff, Crystal Fantasy hosts all sorts of in-store events, readings, spiritual advisers, etc. This year is the 2nd Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Celebration. Billed as "a life changing weekend of inspiration and enlightenment" it is an event not to be missed. If you ever needed a reason to plan a weekend in Palm Springs, this would be it. Our weather in October is most pleasant, and most of the tourists/snowbirds have not returned yet, so it is a perfect time to visit the desert. Here is the schedule of events:

Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Celebration Weekend:

Friday October 2, 2009

6:00pm-9:00pm

Crystal Fantasy Enlightenment Center

268 N. Palm Canyon Drive, downtown Palm Springs California

Music - Food - Fun

Meet the Artists

Meet the Readers

$10 in advance - $15 at the door

Saturday October 3, 2009

10:00am-8:00pm

Features over 20 classes and workshops and 20 exhibitors including spiritual counselors, healers, wellness professionals, Reiki, Theta Healing, mediums, astrologers, tea leaf, palmistry, tarot, massage, aura photos, authors, artists, musicians, aromatherapy, jewelry, crystals, goddess wear, and more!

Sunday October 4, 2009

10:00am-6:00pm

Features over 20 classes and workshops and 20 exhibitors including spiritual counselors, healers, wellness professionals, Reiki, Theta Healing, mediums, astrologers, tea leaf, palmistry, tarot, massage, aura photos, authors, artists, musicians, aromatherapy, jewelry, crystals, goddess wear, and more!

PLUS RAFFLES EVERY HOUR, Featuring Hay House Publishers!

So with all that going on, don't you just want to come to town for a visit? If you do, please let me know, I'll meet you there!

-Rick Rockhill

Dr Wang's Second Annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit, Final Day

Dr Wang's Palm Springs Psychic Summit has come to a close, after two full days of meetings and countless predictions. The annual summit assembled a veritable who's who of top psychics and fortune tellers of the ages. While the exact location was kept a secret for security reasons, local residents reported seeing strange light emissions and unusual cloud formations over the mountain retreat house where the psychics were believed to be meeting. Due to daytime temperatures in Palm Springs close to 100 degrees, the psychic sages met primarily during the evenings and slept during the peak heat hours of the day.

above: Special psychic guest Mr Ayedunno joined the distinguished group late in the evening. He presented his latest theories on communicating with the hereafter. Following his speech the group held a seance and attempted to contact former Palm Springs resident and actress Lucille Ball. There was an extended period of silence, when only the flicker of the candles could barely be heard. Madame Wanda and Professor Trelawney gripped hands tightly as they concentrated on a box of chocolate covered cherries to summon the spirit of the great comedic actress. Suddenly, Professor Marvel started to twitch and shudder, and then Miss Solitaire's eyes shot open wide. She began speaking remarkably like the late actress and asked the group "What do you want?" Miss Cleo shouted " We Love You Lucy, we're here in Palm Springs thinking of you". The spirit of Lucille Ball replied in a deep, gravel like voice: "Ohhhh I love Palm Springs, I had some wonderful times there." The Amazing Zoltar asked Miss Ball if she had any secrets to reveal. Lucy replied: "Yes, part of my fortune is still hidden in one of my houses in Palm Springs, it is buried in the garden near the pool along with my wig collection". Dr Wang was swimming swiftly in his tank and attempted telepathic communication with the spirit of Lucy, but suddenly the channel was closed, and she was gone. Mr Ayedunno tried to reconnect with Lucy but with no luck. Miss Solitaire, who had been channeling Lucy, regained her consciousness and was unaware of what occurred, but kept asking the group if they thought she would look better as a red head. With the success of this contact from beyond the grave, Dr Wang declared the summit a success. The group made a few final predictions before adjourning. Their predictions are as follows:
1. Former President Bill Clinton will become spokesman for Viagra, with Bob Dole
2. Michael Jackson will go on tour with his sisters Janet and LaToya, performing the songs of the Supremes.
3. Singer Fergie and Duchess of York Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson will record a song together called: "Livin like a Princess"
4. Canada will declare war on the United States after we issue an embargo on Maple Syrup.
5. Johnny Depp, dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow, will lobby the French government to establish national "Talk Like a Pirate Day" .
6. The "I Love Lucy" show would be remade, starring actress Lucy Liu and Latin heartthrob singer Ricky Martin.
Dr Wang's Palm Springs Psychic Summit may be over for this year, but each of the esteemed psychics pledged to remain in close contact throughout the year-even if telepathically.

Dr Wang's Second Annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit, Day Two

Day two of Dr Wang's Second Annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit started with a celebratory dinner at midnight. Out of respect to Dr Wang, no fish of any kind was served. Since several guests had dietary preferences, the menu included Vegetarian and Vegan options. The Amazing Zolar and Madame Zora were served a steady diet of quarters all evening in place of food. Dr Wang had his usual flakes of food sprinkled atop the surface of the water in his tank and seemed quite happy. The exact location of the super secret psychic summit is still not known, but this photo was released anonymously by one of the attendees. It shows the secluded mountain home high above the desert floor, where the group is believed to be assembled.

above: There was extensive discussion and debate over the origin of the mysterious desert mountain canyon known as Tahquitz Witch. The canyon is believed to have supernatural energies. It gained its name due to the way the shadow forms in the canyon. Can you see the Witch in the shadow?

The Psychics Contact Our Elected Officials

After several hours of concentration and multiple attempts at telepathic communication, the psychic team successfully contacted President Bush and the future Presidential contenders.

above: Although it seemed nearly impossible, the group was able to send a psychic message to President Bush. You can see him pausing as he receives the message. Senator John McCain lowers his head and covers his eyes as he concentrates on the telepathic communication.

above: Presidential hopeful Senator Barrack Obama briefly entered into a trance as he contemplated the meaning of this communication. Senator Hillary Clinton was overwhelmed by the message. Shortly afterward, an anonymous source claimed she said "That was the frigging weirdest thing I've ever experienced"
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Later, the psychic powerhouse team made the following predictions:

1. President Bush will learn to tie his shoes before he leaves office in January.

2. Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan will meet in rehab and will discover they are both related to Paris Hilton.

3. American Idol winner David Cook will reveal he is possessed by Kurt Cobain's spirit.

4. Mariah Carey will sue Cher for lying about her Farewell Tour that never ends.

5. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will build a house in Palm Springs on the site of a natural hot spring and will host mineral mud bath parties for their Hollywood friends.

6. Michelle Obama will need to seek therapy for her addiction to Purell.

Dr Wang's Palm Springs Psychic Summit continues....

Dr Wang Hosts Second Annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit

DR WANG, the psychic betta fish and resident oracle of "Wisdom Wednesdays" column fame, is hosting his second annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit. The clandestine meeting is taking place at an undisclosed secret location, but sources indicate that the top psychics of the ages are at a private desert home nestled in the mountains in the Palm Springs. This event assembles many of the world's leading psychics and fortune tellers for two days of closed door meetings and summit talks. Aside from an impressive line-up of gifted guests, perhaps more amazing is how once again, Dr Wang organized this event. From his fish tank at home, Dr Wang sent telepathic messages to his peers, imploring them to attend the summit this week in the desert. The General Session opened at 12:01 am on Wednesday, with a seance. Dr Wang's tank was illuminated with a black light to enable his guests to see him more easily.
DR WANG'S DISTINGUISHED GUESTS

above: first time attendee New Age psychic Lady Sheila flew into Palm Springs from New York City to attend the summit.
RETURNING GUESTS FROM LAST YEAR:

Above left: The Amazing Zoltar & above right: Madame Zora both may be bound to their booths, but that didn't stop them from attending. "We're happy to participate, even if the fish can't put any quarters into our slots" said Zoltar.

Above left: Jambi: "Mekka-lekka hi mekka hiney ho!" & above right: Miss Solitaire both have a flare for the theatrics.

Above left: Miss Cleo & above right: Madame Wanda. Both had multiple steamer trunks of luggage packed with plenty of gold lame and head turbans to last the entire week.

Above left: Mr Chang & above right: Mr. Gypsum. These gentlemen brought multiple crystal balls for use with various phases of the moon.

Above left: Both Professor Marvel & above right: Lady Charlene seems startled when they arrived at the mountain retreat.

Above left: Professor Trelawney & above right: Kenny Kingston. Each had dire predictions for their fellow psychics in attendance.

above left: Mr Fekkesh & above right: Madame Ruby traveled together, bringing several cases of ancient vine wines from Europe. Stop back tomorrow for another update from the Dr Wang's Second Annual Palm Springs Psychic Summit, where great mysteries and predictions will be revealed!

Zoltar's Psychic Message to Dr Wang

Famed fortune teller Zoltar sent a psychic message to Dr Sidney Wang in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Standing in his traditional oak panel and glass cabinet, Zoltar was unusually animated and active at 1:00 AM, EDT. The event started when Zoltar's crystal ball filled with smoke, as he waved his hands and started to telepathically communicate with Dr Wang, who was 3,000 miles away. Dr Wang received a dire warning regarding the rising ammonia levels of the water in his tank. Dr Wang had been meditating with "Mini-Booda" and was unaware of the dangerous water conditions. Zoltar also took the opportunity to urge Dr Wang to plan another Psychic Summit in Palm Springs as soon as possible. Dr Wang did not divulge any other messages from Zoltar, although the telepathic channel remained open for nearly 30 minutes. Dr Wang summoned his caretaker Yod for an immediate water change, using his preferred imported spring water.

-Rick Rockhill

The Palm Springs Monster Mash, Part Two

Today is the second post of photos from my "Palm Springs Monster Mash" Halloween Party this past Saturday. As I mentioned yesterday, I had to take these photos during the day because my camera does not take good photos at night. So none of these look quite as scary as they did at night with the spooky red lights we had all over the place. We went all- out with decorations, some of which we made, and others we bought. This Zombie head on a spear (photo at left) was motion-activated and would shriek a variety of crazy sayings to unsuspecting guests.

Above: We made this flying ghost, which was hanging over the bar on the back patio. (Even our bartender was spooked by this ghost). Above right: various props from around the house, skulls, jars full of blood & eyeballs, and big black hairy spiders.

Above: Hanging Bats and caged Zombies hung overhead by the pool.

Above: Scary Zombie heads hung from the rafters, while strings of huge hairy black spiders slithered down strings, hitting guests in the face while making their way outside by the pool patio.

Above left: Skeleton silhouettes hung inside these glass French doors on the east end of the patio & above right: The outdoor fireplace was a favorite spot for our guests to hang out and admire the spooky atmosphere.

Above: Meet Esmerelda, our Gypsy Fortune Teller, whose head was inside a glass globe located in the Library waiting for guests to stop by for her words of advice. Her head moved and her eyes lit up as she dispensed her cryptic messages.

Above: I bought these signs, which were fun: Griselda's Nail Salon, which reads: "Today's Special: Bunion polishing and broomstick wax. Free Cellulite stretching with every mole massage", and 'Witch Beatrice's Bone Meal Bakery, Try Our Famous Earwax and Booger Cakes, and for the kids: Soiled Spider Swirls".

I did nearly all of the cooking and baking for the party, with a large buffet spread which included: Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce, Beef Tenderloin, Pasta with Vodka Sauce with Crimini Mushrooms & Turkey, Scallops with Champagne sauce, Veal & Pork Meatballs, Five varieties of sauteed Chicken Herb Sausages, Two varieties of Quiches, and over 10 different hors d'œuvres , which were passed on trays throughout the evening by our servers. One of my favorites were bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with almonds. Since they were grown locally, the dates were a big hit with the guests.

The dessert table included homemade brownies, bat-shaped sugar cookies with green frosting, dark chocolate bunt cakes with Ledson Chocolate Merlot Wine Sauce, and of course an endless supply of Fannie May chocolates!
-Rick Rockhill

Mysteries of the Tarot...Memes Welcome

OK, so let's go deep. Real deep. Meme questions are below the images.

Wouldn't everyone like to know the future? Or at least sometimes to have an inkling of what cometh? Should I take that job or not? Should I start this business now or next year? What should I do about _____?

Its human nature to want to guidance or ask questions. Some people pray, and believe they get answers from their Creator. Some people also like to use other methods-their "gut instinct", a friend's advice, or other spiritual methods such as divination or the occult. By the way, the term "occult" does not necessaility mean evil things. In my opinion, its OK for a person who subscribes to an organized religious faith to also seek guidance from the Tarot, for example. Maybe THAT's how God can speak to you. Some people pray to God for answers, which is fine, but if they'd see a psychic, maybe that's a method God could communicate the answer more easily, rather than sending the answer on a grilled cheese sandwich, or carved in a tree somewhere!

Of course, there are many methods of divination and fortune-telling. I've always been fascinated by The Tarot, specifically the Rider-Waite Tarot deck.


This meme is seeking your thoughts, so let's get this rolling:

• Have you ever used, or met someone who uses Tarot cards?
• If so, what kind of Tarot cards do you prefer? (Rider-Waite, Abyssal, etc)
• Ever had a crazy "Oh My God" moment or interaction with the Tarot?
• What do you think is the luckiest card?
• What other methods of divination do you prefer? Tea leaves, palm reading, crystal ball?

This blog posting will be participating in the "Bestest Blog Meme Carnival" hosted by Mimi at http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com

- Rick Rockhill