Defining Spiritualism

Defining Spiritualism Essay

Rev. Baudouin B.

I must first of all say that this course was one of the most learned in the Seminary, and that it would be interesting for any reader, even non-ministers. The discussion on the history of Western thought, although obviously shortened and simplified, was very accurate, and the analysis of how modern physics and how it questions ‘standard’ scientific beliefs was very right. The parallel between science and religion was very well explained.

Every scientific theory of the past has been proven at least partially wrong. The gravitation equations of Newton are correct as long as speed remains far smaller than the speed of light, but Einstein demonstrated that they were simplified versions of other equations in which time and space are no constants as speed comes close to the speed of light. One day will come (if it did not already) when someone will prove that the equations of Einstein were only correct under certain conditions, and so on. Science, like religion, is based on belief.

As a continuous learner, I particularly liked the idea that the fundamental obstacle to learning is to believe that one already knows. That form of pride is very common at all levels of society, but people fail to realize that by wanting to be right, they often waste an opportunity to grow. Every dedicated researcher, learner or student will realize that the more he or she studies, the more he or she realizes that he or she knows nothing. Even in one particular area, there is always more to learn. In that sense, I disagree with one of the last conclusions of the course, which is that there is nothing to know. On the contrary, I believe that there is an infinite amount of knowledge, and that we should not shy away from this knowledge, but that we have to be sufficiently humble to realize that we cannot know all, even in one particular area. We will actually end-up knowing only an infinitesimally small part of the infinite knowledge, which is and will remain the domain of God. This is particularly true of the social sciences, working with humans and groups of humans who are all different, but also of the hard sciences as well, as I showed above. In that sense, instead of saying that ‘there is nothing to know’, I would say that ‘what any man can ever know amounts to nothing’, which is not far from the well-known saying of Socrates.

Another major conclusion of the course with which I agreed wholeheartedly is the fact that there is no actual objectivity, and its corollary that there is no absolute understanding. Eisenberg discovered his Uncertainty Principle (and not ‘principal’) by realizing that it was impossible to measure at the same time the position and speed of an electron: the act of measuring one would modify the other. In more mundane terms, this means that the simple fact of observing something changes it. To give an even more mundane example, do we not often act differently when we notice a beautiful person from the opposite sex looking at us? 

Likewise, understanding is not absolute, only relative. As someone said before: ‘understanding is a three-edged sword: my side, your side, and the truth’. However, this truth can never be fully grasped. In that sense, there is not so much difference between Socrates and the Sophists, because the ontological truth cannot be known, and therefore, in a way, it does not exist. Only one’s relative truth can. What people think as an absolute truth is actually an epistemological truth shared by a majority. David Hume was right when he said that there is no absolute truth – but this is only my personal epistemological truth.

Good and evil similarly are relative concepts. An act can be evil or good depending on the specific circumstances, on the point of view of the participants, or on the society among which it is performed. In the mind of most people, killing in the defense of others is good, but killing for personal gratification is evil. Killing in itself is therefore neither good nor evil. Killing Jews under the Nazi regime was good (by the Nazis), but would be considered evil in most societies today. Executing criminals is seen as good in some countries, and evil in others. Absolute principles of good or evil do not exist. Good and evil are actually one, and no act or person is fundamentally good or evil. This is another evidence of the fact that objectivity does not exist.

Likewise, life and death are just events in a continuous cycle of death and rebirth. I believe that death is not the end of the life of the soul, although some would say that death is the end of all. Therefore, death is also a subjective concept. In any case, life feeds on death as death feeds on life. In my view, being afraid of death, or feeling sad for it, is meaningless or egoistic, as in every death there is a purpose, and after every death there is a rebirth. Life and death are one.

And all of this is not an absolute truth. It is my own truth. The truth of someone who, as anyone else, knows nothing.

Yes, this course was one of the best of the Seminary. The only part I did not really found fitting was the self-flagellation story of the author during the last lesson. I failed to see what it added to the overall course content and its message. Despite what happened in his past, the author should be proud of the course he put together. Even though he would probably agree that it is only an infinitesimal part of the overall knowledge, it can be an important guiding light for others.

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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.

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A course in Miracles

Universal Life Church

Dr. of Metaphysics- Essay

Rev. Diane Young Christian

I’ve been struggling with this essay for the past four days- which I find to be astounding, as this course is basically a reflection of the way that I have tried to live my life and beliefs that I have held since I can remember. I realize that this course is Christian-based, yet I see it as applicable to ALL religions, which reinforces my belief that ALL ARE ONE... even if the terminology is different. When I was young, I was deeply influenced by my studies of Edgar Cayce, which I feel gave me greater insight into the lessons.

This course teaches us to view our lives as a service to others in their own struggle to reunite with the Higher Power, thereby moving us along the same path. When we take the attitude of "giving instead of getting", we receive the blessings of that Higher Power and attract good things into our lives.

Positive envisioning to attract what we want/need, is a powerful tool. When we grasp that concept, we see that focusing on what we DON’T want attracts the same into our lives, and we are one step further to breaking the cycle of self-defeat that entraps many. Understanding that the unconscious mind thinks in pictures/images, let’s us realize that the focus of our thoughts cannot be a negative, as this does not translate into image. Also, knowing that things happen because they are supposed to and accepting misfortunes as a learning opportunities, gives us a different perspective. We are no longer "victims"

Although I agree in essence with the lesson on personal relationships, yet I found it disturbing in part because it could be misconstrued that an abusive relationship should be endured. This brought to mind the last line of the prayer "... and the wisdom to know the difference."

In all, this course is an invaluable "owner’s manual" for human existence.

Play nice; don't fight!

Rev. Diane Young Christian

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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.

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Shamanistic Journey

Shamanism, a way of life in the search for answers, healing and helping others. To me, it's being able to walk in two worlds and working with those from other worlds to help restore balance within and to help others understand. My journeys are done through self hypnosis or meditation without the use of entheogens.

The lessons that have been given me through the ULC Seminary have been rich and rewarding on this path I walk. Until this course, I thought of a Shaman as being only a healer. One who would walk into the next world

to seek and retrieve pieces or would do ceremonies in this world to help others. Some of the lessons provided where like a refresher course, but some went much deeper.

I feel that by taking this course I have been able to grasp an even bigger picture of this world and the other worlds that I see everyday and visit at other times. I have been chosen by the spirit, and while I have been studying on my own for years, I still know that I have a long way to go.

Working with the seven principles of Shamanism was truly a learning experience for me. They seem in fact to be so simple and in reality they are. It goes to show that today's society is caught up in the fast lane and has no time to slow down and feel what is really going on around them. Even myself, forget this from time to time.

When beginning this course I also had no idea that it would really show me that a Shaman is also a religious figure. I mean I knew about the spirituality involved, but I wasn't really aware of the fact that they are considered religious leaders.

I have also found that a lot of the healing techniques are things that I have done for years without ever realizing that they are a part of Shamanism. I have done energy work for years, being a Reiki Master and

learning to deal with the chakras, color therapy, and my favorite, working with crystals. I have also done Qigong, hypnosis, and I work with herbs.

In conclusion I think I feel that this course came to me to teach me to re-focus on life. It has brought about a change and has drawn it all in to me with wide eyed amazement. I know now, more than ever that my

journey down this path will continue.

Live, laugh and love,

Rev. Linda S. Taylor

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

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Buddhism Course

I have been very interested in this course for many months and decided to get my "Master of Buddhist Studies" as I am a practicing Buddhist and have been for many years.

Buddhism week 1

Total enlightenment is release from the constant rebirth and suffering of samsara. Enlightenment means that I would be completely able to help others attain complete release from suffering and the causes of suffering and that they too would be able to achieve enlightenment. 

There are similarities in all major religions, as there is a being who is perceived to be either God or a prophet of God who comes forth and teaches compassion and loving kindness and whose words are written down by their followers and studied for centuries to come. In some instances the prophet is worshiped as though he himself is god (as in the case of the Christ) although none proclaim themselves to be God. And although all major religions preach love and compassion, Buddhism is the only totally non-violent religion on this planet. Similarities between the major religions have a lot to do with the prophesies of the end of times, the Bible, the Native Americans and the Buddhists have very similar prophesies of the coming of the "end times."

Of course total enlightenment is possible, Siddhartha did it and there are several Lakota medicine men who were enlightened beings, Fools Crow and Black Elk were men of incredible spiritual depth and knowledge. Enlightenment does not require education or genius IQ, it only requires a total commitment on the part of the spiritual aspirant...when Buddha sat down, he committed himself to enlightenment and vowed not to move from his seat under the Bodhi tree until he achieved it. It is only the commitment to enlightenment that is difficult, it is within us all to become awakened beings.

For everyone, the way to enlightenment is different.

Meditation and reading the words of the Buddha, hearing his voice explaining how He became awakened is part of my path.

Also by connecting with the All That Is, the source of all consciousness in the Universe and tuning into that energy.

Studying the Ancients (the Mayans, the Egyptians) and connecting with that source.

I believe that everyone has the opportunity to become an awakened being; it is part of what we are here for. It is the Alpha and the Omega of why we choose to be born into this world of suffering again and again. And once released from suffering and the constant pain of rebirth, we are free to choose to resume rebirth in hopes of aiding those who have not achieved enlightenment.

Sincerely,

Rev. Vicki A Bennett D.D.

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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.

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Shaman and Shamanism

SHAMAN AND SHAMANISM.

CAUTION this is merely a collection of my warped thinking and observations. There is no logical order. I just ramble on. I can’t spell the computers spell check is worked hard (they should call it a nag in my computer). There is proper punctuation but not hear.

I do not speak for all ways only mine. These are my own thoughts, and you can believe or not-believe it is your choice. I have to be careful and remember that my belief is not the only belief. Every nation (person) has their Description of what a shaman is.

Shamanism is not a religion it is a practice a spiritual way of life.

It is the creators gift that uses the spiritual energy that exists all around us and within all things.

Shamans work with and for the spirit world as much as seeking the help and aid of the spirit world for our use. Remember if you take energy from the spirit world you should replace it. Why not use this returned energy to heal the world don’t be stingy return more than you take. STAND UP BE A WARRIOR FOR MOTHER!

You can be a Shaman and also have a religion.

Shaman healing is best used in conjunction with other treatments, not

as a substitute for them.

Shamans may use herbs to cure people.

A Shaman can be a male, female, or third spirit and when in their role as Shaman, are not human but spiritual. When a Shaman is working all sense of sex, race, color, age, religion, and nationality are set aside. In the creators eyes we are all the same.

Shamans channel the energy of the Great Spirit that is in all things.

A SHAMAN IS A SHAMAN GENDER DOESN’T CHANGE THE ENERGY THEY TAP INTO.

The shaman does the work of the spirit world he is only a conduit for there work.

There are several ways to become a shaman but most times you are called or you inherit the power. You can study all you want but if the spirit world does not call you won’t have the power.

A Shaman does his work by going into a trance and traveling to the spirit world.

Some shamans use chemicals to trance others train their mind to trip. The use of herbs or chemicals could put you in jail or you could trance and never return to this world.

It is my opinion the non-chemical entheogens such as music, meditation, breathing, light, color, movement and aroma are the best and safest ways to travel to other levels. It is the individuals control of the experience that makes the experience real. I believe any chemical use may hamper the individuals control and may take them to places they are not prepared to go. When chemically induced did you quest with the spirits or did you go into your mind? I have watched people on some drugs they could be manipulated on their trip. Others you could do with them what you want. When I trip (trance) my Guarding Angel (I am) protects me. I have returned to this reality instantly in emergency or if someone tries to control the trip.

A Shaman can train his/her brain to respond in accordance with her/his will in order to produce the ability to travel to the other levels. A shaman or medicine man will take a young apprentice and have a long time to train their brain. This is done by daily practice. Remember we only use a small part of the brain you are starting to use a new part of it. Like all muscles you must exercise it. It may take some time and effort to establish the ability to travel out of body, but once you have the ability you will be able to travel at will. If you stop using your power you will lose it (same with all your muscles).

After you have the power to travel into the other worlds you are not a Shaman. The people you serve give the title to you.

CLEAR SKIES

REV. HENRY F GILBERT

Usui & Tibetan Reiki Master

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Master of Religion Course Essay

By Rev. Baudouin Heuninckx

Bible study is no easy topic. When reading different versions of the Bible in different languages, I cannot help but wonder what effect successive translations and paraphrases have had had over the meaning of the texts we read today. Even if the books of the Bible were originally the actual Word of God – and it could be argued that the Bible is actually the transliteration of the Word of God by humans, translations could have even further altered its meaning. Being able to read the Books of the Bible in their original language would be a blessing.

The differences between the wordings of the Ten Commandments in different parts of the Bible could be ascribed to inconsistent translation, but as the relevant Books have been written at different times by different persons, they could also reflect different views of society, exemplified by the difference between the Catholic, Protestant, and Hebrew versions. While Protestantism is a fairly recent attempt to return to the fundamentals of Christian beliefs, Catholicism – or more precisely the first Fathers of the Church – had to cope with ingrained Pagan beliefs, and a cult of Christian martyrs was an easy way to ensure a smooth transition from one religion to another.

Moreover, despite clear reference to the Old Testament in the Gospel, and some prophetic mentions of the Coming of Christ in the Old Testament, one cannot help but feel differently when experiencing God as described in the Old Testament – a jealous God who often had to be feared – or in the Gospel – a more loving Father image. This could reflect the evolution of the Jewish society from a nomadic people to a settled people living in cities. The difference in message is not necessarily an inconsistency, but tends to show that even religious texts embodying the Word of God evolve as the society they minister unto does.

Another question that should be raised in Bible Study is the existence of the Apocrypha, an issue aptly summarized in the course. In addition to possible inconsistent translations over the course of centuries, we now know that not all the Scriptures have been included in what is today accepted version of the Bible. Even though it can be established that at least some Apocrypha is of dubious origin, this is far from certain with other books, such as the Gospel of Philip or the Gospel of Mary, that sometimes shed a different light on some of the teachings of Christ. I believe that effective Bible study should also consider these previously discarded Scriptures, even if they are not part of the Christian Canon.

This being said, the course, despite being too dogmatic at times, such as in the discussion on the Ten Commandments, provided good guidance for Bible study. In final analysis, effective Bible study is the task of each individual. In addition, it provided ministerial guidance, such as that on the Sacraments, abortion, prostitution, divorce and counseling that would be useful to any Christian minister.

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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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysics and Miracles

Metaphysics and Miracles

Visualization is one of the concepts that struck a deep chord within me. I have long believed that thoughts have power, in that we must first think about something before we can act on it and bring the thought to fruition. Our belief, or thoughts about ourselves lead to acts that fulfill the picture our thoughts have created in our minds.

Most of us are not really aware of how this process serves to actually create our lives, but truly it all starts with the thought. The more clearly we picture something, the more likely we will see it reflected in our reality. On some level we have all seen it at work. When we worry about something happening, we often see what we worry about come to pass. The student who is fearful of exams typically does not do as well as the one who is confident. This does note necessarily reflect the level of preparation, because both students may be well prepared, but fear makes one freeze up, unable to pull the material out of their mind, while the confident one is able to breeze through the exam.

Performers can all attest to the difference in their performance on the occasions where they feel confident versus the days when they are worried that they will not perform well. To take it a step further, it is possible to picture oneself as successful, and see that very thing come to pass. Conversely, when we doubt ourselves we seem to attract the very thing we dread. In practice we can manifest things through our mental pictures.

While taking this course I happened one day to be looking online at some clothing on an online auction site. I admired some things I saw, but was really only looking since I didn’t have the money to be able to do any shopping at the time. I didn’t contact any of the vendors, speak to anyone about the items I had admired or even bookmark the pages on my computer. The next day after doing some reading about visualization, I sent out a prayer asking for abundance to manifest itself in my life. About a week later I received a package in the mail, marked sample, that contained two of the items I had admired on the internet.

I believe that my visual picture of those items combined with my conviction that the universe will provide for us if we simply get out of our own way mainifested those items into my reality. Can I do this every day? No. Sadly, like most people, I am the biggest limiter of my own reality. We have been trained to look at reality in a way that discourages us from believing in the power of manifesting the miraculous. But we have all experienced that power in at least small ways - the parking spot that opens up just when we desperately need it, the small coincidences that fall into place.

When we are able to suspend doubt, we reach for the impossible and make it happen. The trick is in being able to recognize that it is not God who makes us small, it is our lack of belief in our oneness with the Creator that limits us.

As a child I was taught that God is everywhere. In my child’s mind I took that to mean that God was in the grass and the trees and the rocks, in every living creature on this planet and also in each of us. If we reach back into that childlike acceptance of the limitlessness of God, we may start to love the part of God that also resides within ourselves and makes miracles possible.

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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. I've been a member of ULC for many years and our site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Comparative Religion

In studying the different religions of the world and the histories of these belief systems, I see an underlying commonality in the universal need of mankind to make sense of the world; rather than coming away with a sense of differentiation, I see a unity in their evolution. If we reverse the histories of today’s major religions, we can see common ancestry in all basic beliefs. For example, the existence of multiple flood stories- the similarities of which cannot be dismissed- and the assimilation of pagan deities, oral traditions and rituals into the modern ecclesiastic dynamics of Christian-based religions argues to the fact that ancient religions have not died, but have been absorbed and transformed. I feel that, in taking this course, I’ve come away with a better sense of the brotherhood of mankind. One cannot study this course and remain disconnected from the whole.

I particularly liked the extent of comparison and the inclusion of related books that have been left out of the present Bible. I found it fascinating that the early church fathers felt compelled to omit any writings that favored an elevated role of women in the church, the dismissal of Gnostic beliefs, and the degree to which politics have influenced dogma. The fluidity and adaptability of religious belief is paramount in it’s remaining viable in a changing world. Societal justification of gender and race discrimination through the manipulative use of religious rhetoric incites rifts in the community and dissonance in the world. "Concerns over religious cohesiveness and identity vary with social and political circumstances." (Lesson 20- Assimilation) It’s a matter of control for the status quo. Let’s not forget that organized religion today is big business... and big money. Historically, the many schisms that formed the major religions that exist today have been influenced by money and power. This is not to say that the religions themselves have been corrupted as such, but that the leaders are not immune to these influences. This course returns one to the foundation of personal belief through knowledge, and knowledge is power. By learning more about our belief structures, we empower ourselves to better serve our G_d (and/or G_dess). By understanding and respecting the beliefs of others, we bring the family of man closer together- which is truly doing G_d’s work.

As I found this course so personally satisfying, it would be difficult to say what I liked the least. I think that I would have liked more content on Nature-based ancient religions and Wicca. And possibly, a more in-depth correlation between ancient Judaism and the beliefs of the indigenous people of that region (E.G. The gems in the breastplates of the Temple Priests and their significance). More than anything else, I feel that this course inspires the student to search for more information, and the links provided are invaluable.

I eagerly look forward to taking more courses from Rev. Kythera Ann.

Rev. Diane Young Chrisitian

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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.

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Paganism

Paganism for a New Age

This course provided a good review of many different Pagan practices and traditions, but for me only touched on the heart of Paganism, which is the interconnectedness of all of creation. We are, each of us, tied to all that is – the earth, sky, wind, rain, planets, plants, trees, all earth’s creatures and each other. What happens to one affects all, however subtly. Recognizing and honoring our interconnectedness, being in tune with that is the true celebratory act of worship of the Creator.

Rituals may help us to remember to honor the God and Goddess, but the true power of Paganism is in stepping on the earth and touching a tree or stone, feeling the wind or rain, and feeling the flow of universal energy around and through us.

As in any religion, ritual is a double edged blade. It can be a focus for reverent worship and spiritual connection with the creator or it may become a routine, acted out, but without life. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, and the richness of its rituals and symbolism still speak to me. But it was immensely illustrative of how true spirituality can get easily laid aside in the familiarity of ritualistic practice. I saw many around me going through the motions, but precious little real spiritual experience.

I have been a practicing solitary Pagan for most of my life, having searched for answers that organized religion did not seem to address in any real and meaningful way. Although for some ritual creates a powerful focus and mind set of entering into communion with God, for many ritual provides only an easy excuse to avoid actually DOING THE WORK. Rituals, tools and symbols can be powerful prods to focusing our minds and hearts. But the critical piece is in actually making the spiritual connection. The experience is as real as we make it be.

The author I think tried to convey this fact for she frequently advised us to research and find paths and methods that we were drawn to. It is important to use what we find as a starting point in finding what practices make the connection real for us. Simply going through the motions of someone else’s ritual is a place to begin. But we must each struggle to find our own real way of honoring God or Goddess in a manner that allows a true spiritual experience. For some this may entail developing precise rituals, consecrated tools and rich symbolism. For others this may be as simple as stepping out onto the earth with an open heart.

Rev. Cynthia Boelens

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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 handfasting 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.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wicca

Wiccan Basic Training

I very much appreciated the down to earth and practical approach taken by this instructor. Ritual was placed in a proper context. It serves many purposes, like focusing the mind and heart. But ritual alone is not the essence, and he covered that very well.

Many of the exercises and practices covered in this course were very familiar to me as I have been a solitary practitioner most of my life. Practical experience has shown me that tools and rituals are not enough. Sometimes they are even completely unnecessary. It is the heart, mind and energy we focus that creates.

I was especially appreciative of the fact that he stressed not opening the doors to unwanted guests, such as may be invited through the use of ouija boards. I have personally experienced that type of visitation and it taught me early on that we must be careful and respectful about what and how we practice.

Too many people are attracted to wicca because it is out of the mainstream and has some shock value. These people are not true wiccans and give the rest of us a bad name. Playing with power and energy is not only foolish it is dangerous. Spellwork has a real attraction for those who wish to feed their egos; power for those who otherwise feel powerless.

Many people I have met who professed to be wiccan played at spellwork. Some were successful. The question I have always felt about it is what is the motivation? It is very tempting to manipulate energy, and with some innate ability and practice it is very possible. But I am very leery of encouraging anyone to play at this. And play is what many seem to try to do. In many ways it is like handing a sharp razor to a child.

Thankfully, many just bungle through and don’t actually do anything. But for those with innate ability dabbling can be very dangerous. My daughter is a natural witch, who has amazing abilities. Like most young people she gets a rush from being able to do something most people can’t. I have worked hard to counsel her on the dangers of playing with power. Thankfully she is very responsible.

Those with natural talent need the guidance of someone more experienced while they develop their abilities. And always it must be stressed that they do it with thoughtfulness and conscience. Do what you will and harm none may seem like a simple enough idea, but many do not equate helping or healing with harm. The bottom line is that whenever we meddle with another beings life in any way there is a potential for harm. Spell or energy work that is directed at anyone else can be potentially harmful and should never be done without their knowledge and permission. I was very happy to see that covered in this course. Too many books on wicca hold out spellwork as a lure for obtaining power and never speak to the importance of the responsibility that goes with attaining that power.

As a solitary practitioner my practices have always been solely for my own communion with the God and Goddess. It has kept me honest, because there is no audience. While there is comfort in worshiping within a group it is also easy to be led by the group. And as with any group endeavor the energy raised depends on the group. Most of us started life in a congregation of our parents choosing. Many of us did not find spiritual food at that table. Similarly wiccan and pagan groups may suffer from the same type of problems as in any organized religion - people just going through the motions or worse, power plays.

While we must each of us find a path that works for us, I would hope that no one fear the solitary path. It may be harder to work without the support of a group. But the work will be as honest as that sole practitioner can make it. There is no pressure to conform or to perform rites without personally felt meaning. Best of all, the inner voice never needs to shout, it only needs to whisper.

All in all, I think this course was excellent. It provided a great overview for someone just starting out and it was a good review for those already on the path.

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