May 19 2012

Spirit Quest

Category: Religious or Spiritual General Articles — admin @ 12:02 pm

Spirit-Quest

It was most important to me to accept the assignment and write something about Spirit-Quest and my experiences within the course.  The course is a wonderful addition to my life. From Lesson 1, Goal Setting all the way through, Reverend Amy Long had my attention.

If anyone would have told me just a couple of years ago that I would be setting spiritual goals I would have laughed at them. Now I have pages regarding personal, spiritual growth. That is a miracle in itself. For all people Spirit Quest holds great tools and philosophy for moving toward the light.  What is and has been very important for me is that these 30 lessons of Spirit Quest put me in touch with volumes upon volumes of information and non-information within me. With the lessons came the tools for me to start working through those volumes of whatever to see if it’s worth bringing along in life.

 “Spiritual growth comes when you remember that your word is your bond.”
That phrase from Lesson One is on my wall.  Being raised in the great State of Wyoming for the most part, people’s word are their bond. Most people of the Cowboy State take great pride in matching their actions with their words. After moving East and becoming part of corporate America the phrase can still be found but the practice is limited.  

“With your word, comes your intention.  Your intention drives the force of your being. Your word is everything. . .”
These words of Reverend Amy are a huge part of the foundation of what I grew up thinking and it is my intention to pass these things along teaching and placing it out there in my actions for the world to see. There is a special sense of beingness when one “knows” his or her word becomes intention and intention is the driving force of one’s life.  Ah yes, “In the beginning was the Word. . .”

The tools in Spirit Quest are of inestimable value. Hypnotherapy (or what in my practice I called ‘Alpha- Technique’) has been an ardent study of mine since securing my degree and certification in 1984.  Without question, Spirit Quest offers all people and therapists of any persuasion fine, new tools. 

In pursuing hypnotherapy I had learned about a “sacred place.” Along with that my studies took me through many different kinds of induction and self-induction. To date none of them have been on the level of the tools Rev. Long teaches in Spirit Quest.  

Her ‘Grounding Cord’ is terrific if not essential.  Nearly every person seeking religion and/or therapy is insecure and seeking some kind of a new hold on life. Well, nothing could be better than to teach them about the cord and the visualizations of using their grounding cord. And, the internal visual exercises regarding their cord are a great foundation for engaging right brain activity and using the power in alpha brainwave technique. 

Personally, I now work with the Grounding Cord everyday – many times.  Within given days there can be a good deal of anxiety and conflict in my life and with this new tool (after months of practice) I simply send negative energy to Earth’s center to be recycled. It’s wonderful. I must admit it does not remove 100% of my anxiety or frustrations on every day I need it, but life is far better with a Grounding Cord than without one.

Coming from the philosophy that the Universe = Energy = Us, the Protection Rose is another far reaching tool both for me and my client/parishioners. The above concept, Universe = Energy = Us can really fill in a lot of holes in people’s lives especially when it is offered with the tools. The “Protection Rose” is an ability for people to participate in protecting themselves. For people to begin to visualize their Protection Rose and participate in their own security is a profound move toward personal growth. 

We learned of “Creating and Destroying” in Spirit Quest. I am still a little hesitant to blow up beautiful roses with people in them.  I do not know why – I’m just slow I guess. Except that I can place my own frustrations or anger into roses and blow the hell out if them.  The Past – Present – Future exercises and “bringing something to the present” and then blowing up the rose is going better for me. I think that it is because this exercise is about time.  However, as the old saying goes, “I’m not sure I understand all I know about this. This is a great exercise to teach but, I won’t be showing anyone anything about creating-destroying for awhile until I become more familiar with it and feel far more comfortable with what is going on. 

The Golden Sun and Running Energy are just plain exhilarating.  Everyday I get involved and I get other people involved in clearing out old energy and filling up with golden suns. Though these things are but metaphor the idea that the individual can be involved in doing something with their own energy is fantastic for them. Their energy does move and they can feel it. People readily understand that the Grounding Cord or the Rose etc., are human machinations but they also understand that the energy is really there and they are using and directing it! I love it.
Everyday at least 4 or 5 times a day I find myself running my energy and bringing in golden suns. (It seems to be happening almost subconsciously.) And, each time I do there is a wonderful, euphoric feeling and sense of well being. In these sad economic times everyone needs to be able to “run their energy” and clean out the old and bring in the new. It is possible we may have a duty to teach people this exercise. People need to know the tools to help themselves can be found within their own Spirit Quest.  I’ve told a lot of people about the course but I’m not certain that any of them e-mailed in and signed up for it. 

Most of them were family members and you know how that goes – at least for me. “A prophet is never known in his own home town.”  My family believes that I live a little too far out there on the fringe. I always have.  In 1984 I tried to open up a nutrition based hypnotherapy center in Wyoming and South Dakota. Wow! Talk about lonely!

                                       Competition = Loneliness
Loneliness = Spiritual Death
Reverend Amy’s discourse on competition was especially poignant and her dealing with our efforts at competing with amusement and comedy is genius. Personally I use this daily – particularly while driving. 

I think that I’m maybe a type ‘A’ personality sometimes. Before, I couldn’t stand anyone driving in front of me on the road. And, if anyone would pass me I’d go a little bit nuts.  Many times I’ve scared my passengers nearly to death getting around all those imbecile drivers. 

Well, the lesson on competition is hitting home and I am quite a bit more calm when I drive now, and I instantly know when I’m going out of it and the humor gets me back under control (and more respectful of my fellow human beings.)
On occasion, though, I have been guilty of placing those “imbeciles” in a rose and blowing them all to hell. I get a real satisfaction out of that. All my frustration goes away but I’m fairly certain it’s an improper use of the tool and I’ll quit sooner or later.  I like sprinkling scenes with my can of Acme Amusement Powder.

Lessons 15 and 16, Affirmations and Speaking Positively have special meaning for me. I was one of those kids who, like Bill Cosby, thought his real name was “Dummy” until I was 12. The things I thought were achievement and ran home to tell were greeted with all the enthusiasm of a slug. Or, one parent or the other or some teacher would say, “Now, don’t get a big head.”  What they were really saying to me was, “It’s really nothing!” Or, “You are really nothing.”

Until moving out of my father’s house and enrolling in college I didn’t think I was worth spit. Those old voices have an insidious way of creeping back in – especially in hard times. I found Reverend Amy’s Lessons not only informative but comforting too, with new sayings and new tools to bring on better, brighter methods of dealing with negativity. 

In Lesson # 24 we learned about “Kinesiology.” We were taught that it is a way of communicating using the body as a gauge to determine truth.  It was all about learning to ask the right questions. The concept was really interesting but so far I haven’t been able to play with it much but I can see where it will come in handy. Right now I have no experience from which to make any intelligent comments about Kinesiology.  

I am sure that I now know more about Universal ‘Cosmic’ Energy, Auras, and Chakras, and reincarnation than I understand. To this day, still with ardent, daily effort I have not been able to see the slightest bit of an aura around any living thing. I have practiced on every tree, the bushes, lizards, the dog – everything around here and I’m not seeing anything – yet.  It is my intent to get this and get it right because I want to be one who views auras and uses them to heal.
I do not believe in Reincarnation, Baby Beings or Spirit Guides.  However, I do not disbelieve in them either. I choose and want to believe in angels so I do fervently. Now, to me, Lesson #30 seems a little bit like a dumpster.  Therein Reverend Amy dropped so many different concepts that it became a bit jumbled for me. In this one “lesson” there are baby beings, spirit guides, angels, the reading screen, truth vs lie, charkas, roses, male & female grounding, karma and agreements, and healing energy.  I am certain that Reverend Amy could (and probably will) someday write a full discourse on each of these topics. Until then it is my considered opinion that Spirit Quest should end before lesson #30.

“When you first start this exercise, you will probably find that you spend a lot more time OUT of love than you are IN love.”  

The above is the #1 concept from Spirit Quest that pulled me in deeply.  I’m still working on this one and I believe it is a lifetime assignment for anyone ‘to know when you’re operating out of love.’  To laugh at ourselves when we find we are outside of love, I guess, is as good a response as any. Getting into Love and staying there is a most respectful goal. Teaching myself and other people to operate from out of the right questions while in love is a script for life.
Thank you Amy,
Rev. Thomas Voss
********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

May 19 2012

Spirit Quest

Category: universal life church — admin @ 5:05 am
Rev. Tammy Hamilton
The very first sentences of this course have been the most important for me. In these sentences I have grown in courage and understanding. I have been able to embrace these words as a reality for my life.
1. You Are A Perfect Being.
2. God Loves You.
3. You Were Created In Perfection, By Perfection for Perfection.
4. Your Success Is Guaranteed.
The content of this course for me has all been based in the above four sentences because in them I have found my true self. My life, not unlike others, has been extremely difficult as I come from a very dysfunctional family and I am proud that I have. The negative conditioning that I received as a child has made me value my growth process. The very first sentence says, “You are a perfect being.” The problem with the way I was raised is that I was taught to embrace my imperfections. As I studied the discourses I now see that I have no imperfections and any flaw can be turned just by changing my view. It had been easy for me to accept myself as imperfect and undeserving and while I saw myself with all these flaws my world continually supported those notions. After practicing the meditations and taking off the veil of untruth I can easily accept that this world is made perfect and just as nature is perfect so am I. My body (the spiritual as well as the physical) works in perfection and when I view myself as aligned with the universe then I can easily see myself as perfect or better yet as being, “created in perfection, by perfection and for perfection.
As a child I am the product of my mother and her union with a married man. Now my mother didn’t know that my father was married, but when she found out it was too late. So, since my mother could not punish the man she punished me by withholding love. Coming from my experiences with my family and having a mother who did know about the value of forgiveness, I thought that God (Goddess, Source, The Creator) could not possibly love someone like me. As I walked through the discourses and practiced Rose meditation and visualization, I began to see just how wrong I was in my assumption. I saw (and see) that in everything that has been created in this world and in the spiritual realm there is no limit of the love that I am the recipient of. I have learned how the source of the universe has given me genius and how she communicates this through the most basic and beautiful things (music, numbers, and color). I was born under a unique set of numbers I see my talents I see the love that Goddess has for me in all that she created. Just to know that there is no way I can fail gives me the courage to do those things I though impossible.
When I started this course I knew certain things and was in the process of opening up to realize more of the Universal Truths. Since my study I have grown to understand the reasons that I had not manifested in my life those things which I needed.
My biggest obstacle to growth had been my view on forgiveness. I had always thought that to forgive those that, in my estimation, had hurt me meant to let them off the hook. Now, I understand that it is not about letting them off the hook, but it is about realigning me with the divine. It is about releasing and letting go. Forgiveness is what I do for me and is about no giving my power away to those who have caused me harm. My biggest surprise while walking through this lesson is that I realized that I had been withholding forgiveness because I wanted revenge…I wanted them to feel the pain that I carried. In reality (this is a shocker) the pain that I felt had been because I LET IT IN! I made it my own personal pain. I decided to use the forgiveness letter. Now the forgiveness letter asks that you use compassionate and loving words to the offender. This letter allowed me to first see my offenders as human, and then it showed me the power of compassion. As I have held on to the un-forgiveness I had allowed myself to be cut off from the compassionate side of me. I didn’t mail these letters, but I did burn them and visualized the smoke as carrying my forgiveness to the person. I let go completely of the blame, shame, and need for revenge.
This course has strengthened my meditation and visualization skills. It reminds me of a song sung by a very popular R&B singer R. Kelly. The title is “I believe I can fly” and in the song there are some words that are the foundation of Metaphysics, “….if I can see it….then I can be it…, I believe I can fly.” Metaphysics as detailed in this course works because we use visualization techniques to manifest. What I can visualize in my mind, I can bring into my physical reality. In past I have manifested negative (“if you don’t fill it, someone or something will fill it for you” – discourse four) but using guided meditation to ground I learned to fill myself with positive instead.
There are so many things I learned with this course and It would take me another lifetime to talk about it all, but since I am learning about balancing my time and am practicing staying in the present I will say that this course has taken me though some horrible memories and because of that I have been able to release the negative emotions and learn the lesson. I am now a better minister because I know how important letting go is. I understand how holding on can manifest pain, and negativity into my life. I can now teach others how to manifest a rose to dispel negative energy and bring in the beauty of love. I can teach others how to tap into the divine and experience the type of unconditional love that we all deserve. These lessons have taught me that this world in which I live was created in abundance and like all of nature I have all I need after all,
I AM A Perfect Being, Goddess Loves Me; I was Created in Perfection, By Perfection for Perfection and my Success Is Guaranteed.
Reverend Tammy J. Hamilton
********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and courses in Metaphysics, Paganism, Spiritual Development and Christian Studies. 

May 18 2012

Metaphysical Healing

Category: Religious or Spiritual General Articles — @ 10:05 pm
My name is Deborah Overfield. I am working towards a degree in Ministry and Natural Health. I know many modalities of healing and taking this class from an experienced person I felt I could broaden my knowledge. This is the most rewarding work and I look forward to getting up every day to a new adventure. I am also meeting amazing people.
Things I learned is that it always seems we may be looking for an answer or something and in reality we are already in the middle of it. It seems to be our awareness is that it makes us pay attention. Everybody’s healing is individual and personal. No matter what all info should always remain confidential. Always give thanks for the power within is given to us. I learned how to ask questions and test an individual.
I learned what not to do as to not be in any trouble with the government.
What I did not resonate with is how often people want to be healed and never feel it is real or worth paying for. I had had tons of people asking for healing and only a couple willing to pay. I pray things will change I intend it to be and all blocks removed. I do heal people for free but this was not my intention for a business when I can barely make it on my own with my other job and I have all these skills I studied hard for. Another thing I don’t like is I am always drilled about WHERE did you learn this. If it wasn’t from a collage or a place the government gives you the degree they seem to poo poo it. I have run into lots of People thinking I’m a kook. There are a few that come to me that believe in me and want to trade services for a plastic $1 store plate. I did not work on them because they found no value in it. I had people thinking it was evil. I was so amazed at how many people believe the devil and evil and never seem to even grasp that God is more powerful and can do far more. Jesus is the healer. So this is my most disliked thing of all.
What I’d like to hear more of is anything that can possible work for the seemingly impossible symptoms that are worked on for years. Isn’t there a way somehow that it could be fixed faster. Some things take some things instant, some a few days, weeks, months, years. My thing is why should it take a year for some things? Maybe we will never know. My thoughts are it is possible to heal sooner. How is the question? The modalities and things I’ve learned have not taught me those skills yet. Also any and all methods are welcome for me, I like to learn things related to healing, spiritual healing and health.
Also anything more about the vortexes of the body and the environment. I am interested also in portals and healing more with the angels.
What I like is being my own best physician! I love helping people and making the world a better place one person at a time. The endocrine glands, charkas, aura and meridians including positive attitudes in balance will bring about good health. I like how instantly the body will repair, and heal itself. Intent and having the body in a willingness for change is all that is needed for change to occur. I believe that as time goes on and medical field continues to fail more and more people are awakening to natural health as the answer. I am humbled by this work and welcome the new revolution of health. More and more as I go around town I see my natural health. Stores carry more natural product now. I’m thrilled to be apart of it and knowing everyday I do this I’m doing God’s work.
Sincerely,
Deborah Overfield
********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Tags: , , ,

May 18 2012

Spirit Quest Course

Category: universal life church — admin @ 3:02 pm
Spirit-Quest, the course has been and will continue to be a valuable set of tools. I continue to cherish each one. They have a place in the library at our home. Like any teaching implement, they are referred to time and time again. I want to thank the many that have walked with me through this part of my life’s journey. Thank you Amy, thanks to those who helped put it together, the spirit guides that help me walk through my conscious and unconscious levels of understanding. Thanks to the Elemental Spirits for allowing themselves to be seen and worked with, thanks to the beings who have come to me through these studies and continue to walk with me on my path. Thanks to all.

I have searched to understand myself for as long as I can remember. Through this course, I have been able to identify energies and processes that eluded me.  My relationships with others have changed for the betterment of my self-growth. 

Specifics
Meditation as I understand it, has evolved so I may use it throughout my day and night. I visualize on a regular basis in most things that pass through my life. The exercises provided in the course have awakened senses or awareness that give strength to my Spiritual self.  My perception of my energies and the energies around me are growing and becoming more vivid. I am learning to distinguish between my personal energy, the earth energies and the “cosmos” energies. My drive to heal the creatures that come to me for rehabilitation continues with my understanding of the “purpose” or “abilities” of each type of energy. Instead of using my personal energy to try and heal one that is injured, I visualize the energies of the Earth and the Universe to work with the creature.

This course introduced me to the concept of the Astral Plane and my own astral body. I am learning to visualize the cleansing of the silver cord and the placing of my golden light within this astral body. The concept is new to me. I am sure over time, this will become second nature and many more opportunities will present themselves that deal with the ‘spiritual” or astral plane and the beings that live there. If I remember correctly, there are eleven levels that were introduced. As with any introduction, it is but a doorway through which I am entering.

I am learning different ways of perceiving the worlds around me, to release my fear of the unknown (which is taught), and to embrace others without judgment.

An added bonus to taking this course is getting to know Amy Long. Through the sharing of her life experiences and approach to subjects, she has given the blessing of herself. With this, I would like to say thanks to all who played a part in my journey through Spirit-Quest.


Rev. Sherri Roberts

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and courses in Metaphysics, Paganism, Spiritual Development and Christian Studies. 

May 18 2012

Buddhism

Category: Religious or Spiritual General Articles — admin @ 8:03 am
Universal Life Church Seminary - Buddhism Degree

MASTER OF BUDDHISM COURSE

This is an outstanding course for anyone who is interested in the religious background and teachings of the Buddha. This is an ancient religion and many of its teachings permeate our society in unusual ways.

Here are just a few of the interesting and “enlightening” things you will learn when you decide to pursue your own Master of Buddhism Degree:



Find out:

* Who was the Buddha? Has there been more than one Buddha? Find out here!

* What do the Buddhists consider the cause of ALL suffering?

* Learn the Buddhist secret philosophy to a happy life!

* Why is the lotus flower an important Buddhist symbol?

* What are the three most important Buddhist teachings?

* What is Nirvana? Is it really what you think it is……?

* Discover the rich cultural background behind this world religion!

* Find out where Buddhism originated, trace its history, and explore the meanings of its mysterious symbols! Lots of interesting stuff!

* Explore Buddhism’s holy books and religious teachings for yourself!

* Learn about the power of Karma, and how it figures into the life of the Buddhist, as well as how it can apply to you!!!

* You will also enjoy learning about the Buddhist way of meditation, their philosophy of rebirth, and path to enlightenment! Wayyy too much stuff in this course to describe on one page!

We believe you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of this course, once you choose to begin receiving it! Buddhism has been admired for decades for its appreciation of tolerance and respect for others.

The concepts of this peaceful religion have stood the test of time. Why not find out why, first-hand!

In this course, you will view the astonishing simplicity and beauty of a tradition that has transformed the civilizations of India, Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan—and has now become a stable component in the cultures of Europe, Australia, and now the United States.

Think about it: This is a chance for the person interested in Buddhism to pursue that interest, and earn a Master’s Degree at the same time!

What a unique opportunity!

Here’s why : This is a State-certified degree from ULC Seminary! Degrees in Religion from religious institutions traditionally are not accredited, however, for it to be recognized by the general public it must be State-certified to strict standards and guidelines.


We proudly adhere to the State’s policy, and thus, we are recognized as a legal Seminary. We are THE place to further your legitimate religious study, with regulated state standards, course guidelines, and mandatory work assignments that will enrich you on your path for truth. Imagine having the attractive Master of Buddhism Degree certificate framed, and hanging on your wall….and all the wisdom that comes from that awesome accomplishment!

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning, I’ve watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Tags: , ,

May 18 2012

Metaphysics

Category: universal life church — admin @ 1:02 am
My journey through Spirit Quest may have been a bit unusual considering that this is basic information. You see, I have been studying independently for nearly 40 years. So I really did not learn anything new except for some techniques. And of course I had techniques of my own that I have been using for years to accomplish the same things.
For instance, you talked of using roses to clean out unwanted negative energies. I have always used the transmuting violet flame. This actually makes a lot of sense for me as my Master Teacher is Count Saint Germain. But now I will also be teaching my students about roses as well.
And to get rid of energy ties from others I would use a knife or more often a sword of energy to cut those links. It has always worked well for me. Sometimes these energy links are set up unknowingly by those who are less aware, at other times they may be created by those who know exactly what they are doing. In the latter case, when I would cut the link I would often feel a flash of anger or frustration from the person who had established it. And I would feel suddenly “lighter.” Some energy links may be very subtle, and you may not notice them. For this reason it is a good idea to periodically go through the procedure of cutting all links. In fact I just did this and found two that I had not been aware of.
I do like your use of mock-ups. It can help with manifestation. I have been suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and have been using affirmations to help. But you showed me how to improve them and they now seem to be working better.
Your method of grounding is a bit different than what I had known and taught. Now I will be teaching both my old method and yours and let them use whichever works best for them. Personally, I do not ground, rather I use a link to the I AM presence and find that works well for me.
In the final discourse you touched on Spirit Guides. I have an entire site set up that teaches what Spirit Guides are and how to establish communication with them, among other related subjects. It can be found at http://spiritrus.com/spiritguides/
With Love and Light,
Rev. Charles Grooms
*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I’ve been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar
As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since its inception, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Seminary grow.

May 17 2012

Paganism

Category: universal life church — admin @ 6:09 pm
The Choice to Learn: An Essay on Learning about and Understanding the Spiritual Philosophies of Our Fellow Pagans
by Rev. Amber D. Gray

“It is requisite that those who are willing to hear concerning the Gods should have been well informed from their childhood, and not nourished with foolish opinions.” – Sallust [Gods and the World]

“That person is all-best who themselves works out every problem and solves it, seeing what will be best late and in the end. This person, too, is admirable who follows one who speaks well. They who cannot see the truth for themselves, nor hearing it from others, store it away in their minds, those persons are utterly useless.” – Hesiod [Works and Days].

The decision to take the Masters of Paganism course was not easy. I didn’t know much about the broad subject of Paganism. What I knew of Wicca, were the little bits I learned when I was 17, and general Paganism, I admittedly knew nothing about. My entire life, my religion has been Hellenismos, also know as Hellenic Paganism or Reconstructionism. I had been sheltered and separated from other Pagans, who like me, were devout and true to their belief system. I had come across two passages which ultimately helped me to decide to take the Masters of Paganism course. I decided to learn about my fellow Pagans and what their belief systems were, as well as what moved their hearts. This course helped to pave that road for me.

The course was broken up into twenty parts: creation, deity, pantheon and culture, magical beings, the after life, pagan celebrations, sabbats and many other aspects of New Age Paganism. One of the most interesting aspects to this type of Paganism is that New Age Paganism pulls from several different religions. When I was learning about New Age Pagan beliefs in creation, I noticed that the Hellenic view of Chaos is shared between the religions. However, one of the first variants I noticed was a dyadic system, in which it appeared that the universe, world, nature and all of life was comprised of a masculine and feminine power. Another variant that was interesting was that New Age Pagans appear to be pantheist, where All Gods are One. This is a foreign concept to me, being a rigid Polytheist. While I understand the conceptualizations presented within the course, I was not as receiving of this point of view. However, while I didn’t agree with the philosophy, I most certainly would not censure the belief of others. Another concept that got my attention was the wheel of the year philosophy. It was remarkable how that philosophy was able to be adjusted to all Pagan beliefs in some form or another. Finally, another lesson which held my attention was the two part lesson on the Great Rite. The Great Rite seems to be a ritualistic aspect in New Age Paganism that gives its members a sense of oneness, unity and communion with their spiritual deity. I believe that a person, who is spiritually in tuned with their divinity, truly understands the importance of piety and wholeness.

Things that did not work for me, were things that I felt I could not put into a philosophical context, that I could understand. For example, the lesson on magical beings and spiritual guides was philosophically understandable, until it had rationales in it that stated things like, “Demons only have the power that we give them.” Inimical spirits within my own belief system have metaphysical powers, whether a human being believes them to or not. Thus, the conceptualization of that particular line of thinking was particularly arduous for me.

Another concept that did not engage me was the concept of magick: the manipulation and vibration of energy for a positive change. This concept reminded me somewhat of Christian prayer, and “making things happen.” It is my belief that the will of the Gods changes things, and no chant or manipulation of energy can force the hand of the Gods. On the flip side, when put within the context of advanced prayer, suddenly, the concept of magick seemed to bring humans back down to earth and was far more palatable. Overall, this was an interesting experience.

Personally, I feel like this course helped me to understand where New Age Pagans are coming from, and why certain Pagan populaces receive this group well, or do not receive this group of Pagans well. This course opened my eyes to a groups understanding of how the universe functioned, and how one could be in communion with their God. New Age Paganism is very in tuned with nature, other religions, and a myriad of philosophies and concepts from all over the world. To understand New Age Pagans, from their own words, text and philosophies will help me to be a better Pagan Priestess, and have a better understanding of a group which is often ostracized by other Pagan groups. That sort of spiritual growth is favored most by the Gods… and should be favored by all Pagan Priesthoods.


*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I’ve been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar
As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since its inception, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Seminary grow.

May 17 2012

Metaphysics

Category: Religious or Spiritual General Articles — admin @ 11:05 am
Spirit-Quest

It was most important to me to accept the assignment and write something about Spirit-Quest and my experiences within the course.  The course is a wonderful addition to my life. From Lesson 1, Goal Setting all the way through Reverend Amy Long had my attention.

If anyone would have told me just a couple of years ago that I would be setting spiritual goals I would have laughed at them. Now I have pages regarding personal, spiritual growth. That is a miracle in itself. For all people Spirit Quest holds great tools and philosophy for moving toward the light.  What is and has been very important for me is that these 30 lessons of Spirit Quest put me in touch with volumes upon volumes of information and non-information within me. With the lessons came the tools for me to start working through those volumes of whatever to see if it’s worth bringing along in life.

 “Spiritual growth comes when you remember that your word is your bond.”
That phrase from Lesson One is on my wall.  Being raised in the great State of Wyoming for the most part, people’s word is their bond. Most people of the Cowboy State take great pride in matching their actions with their words. After moving East and becoming part of corporate America the phrase can still be found but the practice is limited. 
“With your word, comes your intention.  Your intention drives the force of your being. Your word is everything. . .”
These words of Reverend Amy are a huge part of the foundation of what I grew up thinking and it is my intention to pass these things along teaching and placing it out there in my actions for the world to see. There is a special sense of beingness when one “knows” his or her word becomes intention and intention is the driving force of one’s life.  Ah yes, “In the beginning was the Word. . .”
The tools in Spirit Quest are of inestimable value. Hypnotherapy (or what in my practice I called ‘Alpha- Technique’) has been an ardent study of mine since securing my degree and certification in 1984.  Without question, Spirit Quest offers all people and therapists of any persuasion fine, new tools.
In pursuing hypnotherapy I had learned about a “sacred place.” Along with that my studies took me through many different kinds of induction and self-induction. To date none of them have been on the level of the tools Rev. Long teaches in Spirit Quest. 
Her ‘Grounding Cord’ is terrific if not essential.  Nearly every person seeking religion and/or therapy is insecure and seeking some kind of a new hold on life. Well, nothing could be better than to teach them about the cord and the visualizations of using their grounding cord. And, the internal visual exercises regarding their cord are a great foundation for engaging right brain activity and using the power in alpha brainwave technique.
Personally, I now work with the Grounding Cord everyday – many times.  Within given days there can be a good deal of anxiety and conflict in my life and with this new tool (after months of practice) I simply send negative energy to Earth’s center to be recycled. It’s wonderful. I must admit it does not remove 100% of my anxiety or frustrations on every day I need it, but life is far better with a Grounding Cord than without one.
Coming from the philosophy that the Universe = Energy = Us, the Protection Rose is another far reaching tool both for me and my client/parishioners. The above concept, Universe = Energy = Us can really fill in a lot of holes in people’s lives especially when it is offered with the tools. The “Protection Rose” is an ability for people to participate in protecting themselves. For people to begin to visualize their Protection Rose and participate in their own security is a profound move toward personal growth.
We learned of “Creating and Destroying” in Spirit Quest. I am still a little hesitant to blow up beautiful roses with people in them.  I do not know why – I’m just slow I guess. Except that I can place my own frustrations or anger into roses and blow the hell out if them.  The Past – Present – Future exercises and “bringing something to the present” and then blowing up the rose is going better for me. I think that it is because this exercise is about time.  However, as the old saying goes, “I’m not sure I understand all I know about this. This is a great exercise to teach but, I won’t be showing anyone anything about creating-destroying for awhile until I become more familiar with it and feel far more comfortable with what is going on.
The Golden Sun and Running Energy are just plain exhilarating.  Everyday I get involved and I get other people involved in clearing out old energy and filling up with golden suns. Though these things are but metaphor the idea that the individual can be involved in doing something with their own energy is fantastic for them. Their energy does move and they can feel it. People readily understand that the Grounding Cord or the Rose etc., are human machinations but they also understand that the energy is really there and they are using and directing it! I love it.
Everyday at least 4 or 5 times a day I find myself running my energy and bringing in golden suns. (It seems to be happening almost subconsciously.) And, each time I do there is a wonderful, euphoric feeling and sense of well being. In these sad economic times everyone needs to be able to “run their energy” and clean out the old and bring in the new. It is possible we may have a duty to teach people this exercise. People need to know the tools to help themselves can be found within their own Spirit Quest.  I’ve told a lot of people about the course but I’m not certain that any of them e-mailed in and signed up for it.
Most of them were family members and you know how that goes – at least for me. “A prophet is never known in his own home town.”  My family believes that I live a little too far out there on the fringe. I always have.  In 1984 I tried to open up a nutrition based hypnotherapy center in Wyoming and South Dakota. Wow! Talk about lonely!

                                       Competition = Loneliness
Loneliness = Spiritual Death
Reverend Amy’s discourse on competition was especially poignant and her dealing with our efforts at competing with amusement and comedy is genius. Personally I use this daily – particularly while driving.
I think that I’m maybe a type ‘A’ personality sometimes. Before, I couldn’t stand anyone driving in front of me on the road. And, if anyone would pass me I’d go a little bit nuts.  Many times I’ve scared my passengers nearly to death getting around all those imbecile drivers.
Well, the lesson on competition is hitting home and I am quite a bit more calm when I drive now, and I instantly know when I’m going out of it and the humor gets me back under control (and more respectful of my fellow human beings.)
On occasion, though, I have been guilty of placing those “imbeciles” in a rose and blowing them all to hell. I get a real satisfaction out of that. All my frustration goes away but I’m fairly certain it’s an improper use of the tool and I’ll quit sooner or later.  I like sprinkling scenes with my can of Acme Amusement Powder.
Lessons 15 and 16, Affirmations and Speaking Positively have special meaning for me. I was one of those kids who, like Bill Cosby, thought his real name was “Dummy” until I was 12. The things I thought were achievement and ran home to tell were greeted with all the enthusiasm of a slug. Or, one parent or the other or some teacher would say, “Now, don’t get a big head.”  What they were really saying to me was, “It’s really nothing!” Or, “You are really nothing.”
Until moving out of my father’s house and enrolling in college I didn’t think I was worth spit. Those old voices have an insidious way of creeping back in – especially in hard times. I found Reverend Amy’s Lessons not only informative but comforting too, with new sayings and new tools to bring on better, brighter methods of dealing with negativity.
In Lesson # 24 we learned about “Kinesiology.” We were taught that it is a way of communicating using the body as a gauge to determine truth.  It was all about learning to ask the right questions. The concept was really interesting but so far I haven’t been able to play with it much but I can see where it will come in handy. Right now I have no experience from which to make any intelligent comments about Kinesiology. 
I am sure that I now know more about Universal ‘Cosmic’ Energy, Auras, and Chakras, and reincarnation than I understand. To this day, still with ardent, daily effort I have not been able to see the slightest bit of an aura around any living thing. I have practiced on every tree, the bushes, lizards, the dog – everything around here and I’m not seeing anything – yet.  It is my intent to get this and get it right because I want to be one who views auras and uses them to heal.
I do not believe in Reincarnation, Baby Beings or Spirit Guides.  However, I do not disbelieve in them either. I choose and want to believe in angels so I do fervently. Now, to me, Lesson #30 seems a little bit like a dumpster.  Therein Reverend Amy dropped so many different concepts that it became a bit jumbled for me. In this one “lesson” there are baby beings, spirit guides, angels, the reading screen, truth vs lie, charkas, roses, male & female grounding, karma and agreements, and healing energy.  I am certain that Reverend Amy could (and probably will) someday write a full discourse on each of these topics. Until then it is my considered opinion that Spirit Quest should end before lesson #30.
“When you first start this exercise, you will probably find that you spend a lot more time OUT of love than you are IN love.” 
The above is the #1 concept from Spirit Quest that pulled me in deeply.  I’m still working on this one and I believe it is a lifetime assignment for anyone ‘to know when you’re operating out of love.’  To laugh at ourselves when we find we are outside of love, I guess, is as good a response as any. Getting into Love and staying there is a most respectful goal. Teaching myself and other people to operate from out of the right questions while in love is a script for life.
Thank you Amy,
Rev. Thomas Voss
********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I’ve been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar


May 17 2012

A Course in Miracles

Category: universal life church — admin @ 4:04 am
Final Essay for Doctor of Metaphysics Degree
By Reverend Mirisa Kintaro
I especially want to thank Rev. Dr. Loretta M. Siani for this amazing course and also Rev. Amy Long for making it available through the ULC Seminary.
Without giving my age away, let me first say I have been a student of metaphysics for many years now. My studies have included participating in a year-long rather intensive study group on A Course In Miracles. While I did enjoy this study group, I did feel I got a bit “lost” in the actual wording of ACIM. The beautiful gift of Dr. Siani’s work is that she has taken a lot of teachings which can be confusing when reading ACIM, and simplified those teachings to make them much more easily understood, without losing any of the essence of the teachings. Consequently, I feel I have finally “gotten” some of what was rather nebulous to me in my previous studies of ACIM.
I very much enjoyed the teachings on meditation and the beautiful meditation tape included with the course. I have a very busy life and really needed to be reminded to slow down, go within and connect with what is really important.
The past year of my life especially, I have known I have needed to let much go in my life in order to let in new things of a higher energy level, but I have had trouble letting go of the old to let in the new and better. I signed up for this course hoping to get some help with this particular challenge, and now, having just completed the last lesson, I can say my self-imposed energetic logjam is finally starting to move. An example…the old car I was nursing along for years now finally got to the point where I had to let it go. I still had some fear about committing to a car payment, but the fear was not crippling, as it would have been a year ago. I was able to let go and let God, and God brought me a better new car for a lower payment than I ever could have done “on my own.” This to me definitely qualifies as a miracle.
The lesson on relationships was a huge one for me. Most of my life, I have been a “pleaser” so people would like me, and consequently I have had a lot of relationships where I was badly treated or taken advantage of and said nothing. Somewhere in the 20 weeks of this course, some truly miraculous changes took place. I have finally learned how to stand up for myself, in a loving manner, but firmly, letting people know I love them as a brother or sister and child of God, but I will no longer tolerate any behavior that is disrespectful of or does not honor me. One “friendship” has gone away, but that is OK because I realize now it was a co-dependent friendship and not healthy. The next thing that needs to change is my job because I deserve to have a job where I am respected and fairly compensated and not taken advantage of just because I am “nice” (but seething with anger inside because of how I allow myself to be treated).
One particular area in which I could really see the lessons of this course being brought up for “show and tell” was the area of personal male-female relationships. I am a widow and have been thinking for about a year now that I would like to find a life partner. But, pleaser that I was before this course, all I could seem to attract were really “needy” men. A few weeks into this course, I met a man who became a HUGE mirror for me of my own neediness and of all the areas in which I was out of balance in my own life. It was like all my faults which I nurtured in secret this guy played out in living color and at maximum volume right before my eyes! Yet I had this huge attraction to him and fell right into my old pattern of trying to please him and fix him and make everything OK for him, all the while being very conscious of just how co-dependent this relationship had the potential of becoming. Well, I am happy to report that Mr. Big Example and I have now parted ways, peacefully, but most definitely. And I know my next relationship will be a much healthier one, both for me and for the other person involved.
To anyone thinking about taking this course, I would say, “If you are really ready to make some very positive changes in your consciousness and your life, then take this course. If you take it seriously, it WILL change your life!”
Again, many thanks for this wonderful course!
Love & Blessings,
Rev. Mirisa Kintaro
*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I’ve been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since its inception, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Seminary grow.

May 16 2012

The Four Gospels

Category: Religious or Spiritual General Articles — admin @ 9:06 pm
Dr. of Christian Studies – The Four Gospels from the ULC Seminary
By Rev. Judith Lictenberger

  “Whoever prefers father or mother over me is not worthy of me and whoever prefers son or daughter over me is not worthy of me…” from  THE GOOD WORD ACCORDING TO MATTHEW/ THE UNVARNISHED GOSPELS , Matthew 10.   In comparison, and it is just the translation not the concept that changes: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…” from the King James Version, Matthew 10: 37.    You can almost feel the atmosphere change..It doesn’t matter which one of the many denominations of Christianity- in my search for a spiritual home, I’ve been to them all!

These words from Matthew 10 elicit the same reaction: confusion, dismay and “I wish they would have picked something different…”   “He that loveth his father and his mother more than me is not worthy of me.”  Well maybe. There are all kind of parents in this world. It is my opinion that each must be worthy of respect before honor even enters the picture. Thank God that the world has changed in that respect and people, little ones and big ones, have become a little more discerning. 

Jesus, raised on the 10 Commandments with Mary as His Mom and God as His Dad. ? Think about it, Jesus, there’s no way out about this one!  ”He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Now, Jesus is talking about your KIDS and we are thinking about how to interpret a disturbing utterance.  Let’s look at Jesus’ time. From a disciple’s point of view- some were fathers, I am sure. Some were husbands. Jesus asked difficult sacrifices from these men. They had to leave their families and journey into many unwelcome places. Sure, He performed miracles which were a little scarey and asked them to accept Him as the Saviour prophesized to come from the lineage of David.

He asked them to believe that He was the son of God. These men had not known Him for an overly long period of time even when it was time for Him to make the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus also sounded a little crazy and He never told you anything in a straight forward manner. These “parables” were difficult to grasp. A few of the disciples would probably rather be fishing with their kids- for FISH! 

Life in those times was hard enough but at least, in a normal family, your children looked up to you.  I’ve never been a Dad but I could not imagine that good fathers just leave their families unless it’s to find work. Traveling with Jesus must have seemed irresponsible. If you were able to make a visit home, you arrived there empty-handed. Your wife may have been angry and your children may have been sad. Was it worth it? No one knows for sure.   Let’s leave that ancient world for now.

We find ourselves sitting in church. We hear this scripture being read and remember that there are three like-minded  ideas presented in the book of Matthew. Loving God more than your own off-spring?  Let’s be more specific who “we” are sitting in that crowded church pew. You are a Mom and you are a brand new Christian, trying very hard to live your life as God instructed. You want to be a good example for your daughter.. You’re  all that she has… Now you’re thinking: “Well, that’s just great! My daughter was so sick when she was born that it’s a miracle that she started school this year. She was so tiny and so strong. I thank God every day that she can walk and talk and that she forgot her show and tell on Friday. I love her more than my own life! Now I can’t even get to Heaven . Didn’t Mary love Jesus that much? I just don’t understand.”   

The lady sitting next to you is shifting around uncomfortably (yeh, it bothered her too), looking for something in her pocketbook. (Probably a weapon…C’mon Lady, we’re gonna take that Pastor out! Only kidding.)  Wait! It’s a hard question but I refuse to believe that God who saved my little girl and gave me a new outlook , who loved ALL His children meant that to follow Him, I have to leave everything behind, especially my beautiful little miracle child. I haven’t learned enough about the Bible yet to say it with authority but maybe Jesus wanted us to trust Him in everything, to let Him make a plan for our lives, to let God be the GOOD parent and comfort us in this evil, confusing world.  

Uh oh! The Sunday School teacher is bringing my little girl down the aisle to me. She’s crying uncontrollably.  “What’s wrong, honey?”  The teacher smiles. “It’s O.K. First day in Bible class. Another kid hid the crayons. She just misses her Mom.”  I hug her and the lady next to me pulls a tissue from the “suspicious” handbag.    Something to think about.    

********************

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I’ve been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Next Page »