The incredibly low rate of $165 includes both days of workshops, lunch buffet for Saturday and Sunday, the Friday night reception, and the Awards Banquet. Single day attendance is available for $100. Additional guests who are not attending the convention can join you at the Awards Banquet for $35. Friday?s preconference workshop on Emma Hardinge Britten is offered for $45 as a fundraiser for The Church of Light. The preconference tours are offered for those members planning to make New Mexico a vacation destination, and the nominal entrance fees and meals are on a pay-as-you-go basis. Please check the box in the registration form if you are planning to participate so that we can plan for sufficient transportation. Also check the appropriate box if you are planning to participate in the initiation ceremony. Register now online.

Our special guest presenters this year are Marc Demarest and K. Paul Johnson. They will present on Emma Hardinge Britten (EHB), the 19th century Spiritualist propagandist and one of the founders of the Theosophical Society. A document titled The History and Principles of The Church of Light, informs us that it was through two books, Ghost Land and Art Magic, both translated and edited by EHB, that The Brotherhood of Light Teachings first came to America. Marc Demarest, a Theosophical researcher and writer, currently working on a biography of EHB, will share some of his most recent discoveries. K. Paul Johnson, author of The Masters Revealed, will present on the topic of EHB and her relationship to The Orphic Circle, an occult brotherhood operating in 19th century Europe.

As a member of The Church of Light, this is an opportunity for you to hear what's going on behind the curtain, ask questions, express you opinion and vote on any questions that come before the meeting.

Initiations are an important feature of our conventions. Initiations are when members are formally inducted into the organization, as well as marking grade and degree changes. This inspiring ritual is conducted by Hermetician members of The Order of the Sphinx on Friday evening, June 24. Please let us know if you would like to participate in the Ritual of Initiation. You can do this when registering online, by by checking the approrpiate box when filling out and mailing in the Conference Brochure or by calling (800) 500-0453.

After the initations there will be a Reception for all conference attendees. Light refreshments will be served.

The Starstruck Boutique is a wonderful collection of vintage and contemporary celestial gifts and books donated to the Church of Light as a fundraising effort. This year?s boutique will feature Tarot-related items. If you have items you would like to donate to the boutique, either bring them with you or ship them in advance.

Stellarians know how to have a good time, and no conference is complete without a party. Saturday night?s Awards Banquet will be followed by a Come as Your Favorite Tarot Card costume and disco party. This will be a night to remember.

By popular demand we have again chosen the Best Western Rio Grande Inn to host our 2011 Convention. Located in Albuquerque?s historic Old Town district, this classic Southwestern inn offers warm hospitality, cool drinks, and excellent regional cuisine. It is within walking distance of numerous unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. A complimentary shuttle is available to shuttle you to and from the Albuquerque Sunport, Old Town Plaza, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Biopark. Our special convention 2011 rate is $89 a night (plus tax) for up to four adults to a room. These rates are valid for rooms reserved up to four days prior to the event and one day after. The negotiated rate will expire May 24, 2011, so we strongly recommend making your room reservation in advance.
To make your room reservation and receive our special group rate: call (800)959-4726. Please identify yourself as a member of The Church of Light.

Saturday?s educational programming will include Tarot and Initiation Part 3 by Christopher Gibson featuring the complementary relationships of the Tarot Arcanum on the pillars of the temple of initiation. Yvette Fortin will present an interdisciplinary talk on the astrological assignments attributed to the Major Arcanum by different occult authors. Sandra Mayo and the Clinton Astrological Association will be back to wow us by giving a dramatic voice to the Trump Cards of the Tarot.

Saturday night?s activities include an Awards Banquet and comedic sketch by Radine Ramsey, followed by a ?Come as Your Favorite Tarot Card? Costume and Disco Party.

Sunday?s program features a Summer Solstice Service officiated by Rev. Meg Dissinger. Allyn McCray will speak on the symbolism of the Magus. Patrick Ramsey will lead us through a ?hands-on? workshop of Tarot spreads and counseling techniques. Veiga O?Sickey will walk us through the esoteric meanings of the Minor Arcanum, and the conference will end with a special panel discussion addressing Tarot Questions  & Answers.

Join us as we take an all-day excursion up the legendary ?Turquoise Trail? to visit the charming artist colony of Madrid, New Mexico. Once a mining town that became a ghost town, Madrid was ?rediscovered? in the 70?s as artists moved in. This town is filled with wonderful art galleries and boutiques and even a mining museum! There are a variety of restaurants from which to select your lunch. Later that afternoon, we will travel to the top of the Sandia Crest (elevation 10,378 feet), for stunning views of the Rio Grande Valley and an hour of hiking in alpine forests.

This is our day to stay close to home and enjoy one of the destination spots of Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Biological Park or ?Biopark? is an environmental museum spread out over three campuses which are connected by a train. The north campus features the Aquarium and Botanic Gardens. The south campus houses the zoological park. The two campuses are connected by Tingley Beach, a series of fishing ponds and a bird sanctuary. There are gift stores and cafes scattered throughout the park. Travel between all three locations is accommodated by a small open-air train. Admission to all facilities is $12, seniors $5. (may be subject to change).