Celestine Prophecy

Insights into Awareness Final Exam

by Rev. Jean Pagano

The rise of the middle class and the accumulation of wealth made possible by the Industrial Revolution slowly but surely moved man out of the fear of religion that categorized the Middle Ages and into the waiting arms of materialism. As people gathered more and more goods, man turned less and less towards his spiritual nature. As a result, man became disconnected, disconcerted, and closed to the spiritual world around him/her.

        Interestingly enough, at some indeterminate point, strange events and coincidences began to occur to individuals. Many of these people kept these coincidences to themselves, fearing the label of "strange" or "bizarre". Yet others, unafraid of the stigma of being different, began to speak to other people about their experiences and they discovered a remarkable thing – others were having the same experience!

            This awareness that "we are not alone in this" gave rise to the fact that the petty local and regional "possession" issues that ruled mankind from the Iron Age forward were secondary to a more global awareness. This awareness is a realization that we have a global or cosmic responsibility and destiny to fulfill. When a person talks about global warming, for example, this is the awareness of a cosmic or global issue. The energy that we direct towards these cosmic goals is something that has not been seen in a long time, if ever. With the advent of particle physics we see that there is much more to matter than just substance, there is also energy entering the equation. The world is made up of energetic particles so, by the use of our will and our desire, we believe that we can move the world, if ever so slightly, by the use of intent. Since we have begun speaking to our friends, neighbours, and confidants about our esoteric issues, it now occurs to people that if one person's energy may make a difference, then many peoples' energies will make an even bigger difference! Now, as enlightened and connected individuals, we can use energy to accomplish wonderful things. Interestingly enough, people using energy for positive purposes should work; however, people working for negative ends may also be able to manipulate energy.

            These negative ends are basically employed for a number of reasons; however, they have been the source of conflict from the beginning of time. The coveting of energy is essentially the same as the coveting of property since we have established that substance can be reduced down to energy. Because of the descent into interests surround substance or material things, we, as a people, have become adrift and seemingly disconnected from the Divine, the divinities, or perhaps the Source. By reconnecting ourselves to the energy flow that pulses within us, we also approximate a connection to the mystical and the Divine. The Second Coming, as I see it, is the realization that what we have been looking for all along is to be found within ourselves – we only need to look.

    Once we understand that the source bubbles up from within ourselves, we can begin to reintegrate our own energy flow into our need for energy, thereby freeing us from having to take energy from others. This is not a short-term project, but will take some time to deprogram within ourselves. Knowing and understanding control dramas helps the individual to learn how to avoid the dramas all together and rely on ourselves and the universal source(s) for the energy we need.

            Somewhere along in this process of reintegrating ourselves with ourselves, we come to understand that we are given this source of energy for a reason, not just for-the-heck-of-it. There is a mission and a goal to which we apply this energy. This is the hardest task of all. Deep inside, we all fear that there is no reason and that there is no purpose for our journey through the wheel. Yet, we strive to discover this for it feels as though we are being pulled along, drawn to the centre. What we find there, of course, is one of the Great Mysteries. 

            We discover, in the company of like-minded-energetic-beings, that we resonate, not only with ourselves, but with the pulsations that arise when such energy bodies come together. As part of the process of making this world a better and more vibrant place, we pass along the things we have learned and experienced to those who we sense are ready to learn and understand. Here too, one must use their intuition to find the right person for such an approach.

            Finally, with such a tapping-into the energy source, one may find that the entire cosmic physic shifts as more and more people become aware of their energetic potential. The ultimate (perhaps Utopian) goal is that everyone is moving towards the same energetic potential. When and if this happens, the entire paradigm of life-as-it-is will shift and change. A new world will have arise, from within the individual to form something even more remarkable. It is a dream and a possibility.

            This was a very enjoyable course. There is a lot of reading in the lessons but they are very much worth the time. The journey through the insights is well presented and then the ensuing discussion does focus on peripheral topics that are relevant to the whole. I found the course wholly enjoyable and well worth the large amount of time required for completion.

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A Course in Miracles

WHO AM I In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. These words are from the King James Bible in the passage of John 1. When I was young I went this way and that way playing in life. As I grew older I learned responsibility, and hither and yon became quests of learning and establishing beliefs I would live by. One of these quests led me to the point of my very substance. My root of roots, of the Metaphysical side of the human and who I am. The spiritual side of the Physics that makes us all whole as it were. I will in this text try to keep it simple as life itself is but a simple vapor, but also to go in depth to the degree of understanding as we are a very unique and complex being. Stay with me now. This will be I hope for you one of the most important bits of information that a person can find. As I had said before I was on a quest in my life. I had enough of Preachers who didn't know their job,. Preachers who were in the category of total hypocrite. Those that would answer my questions with " It's a mystery or you'll have to wait to ask God about that one sonny". Then smile and walk away not even one bit concerned that I was bleeding inside. I wanted answers. Did I get saved and that's it? Was that all there was. Wait till I die and go to some Mansion in the sky? What's up with that? Is being a Christian the same as I was before but with a new title? I had to find out for myself. Years went by I joined the military, did my hitch and then went back to work as a truck driver. 23 years later I was still asking Preachers the same questions. Who actually is God. Why does it say he knew me before I was born. Why did he love me? What is the real meaning of life. Come on already......doesn't anybody know? Am I to just grow up learn to work and then die? There's got to be more to life than this. Just gotta be. I read books, asked questions, surfed the net. Then one day an amazing truth hit me. How could I have been so blind? Why, if God is the God of everything, couldn't I just ask God. No, that would be too simple and besides if God is a God of everything think of the time on hold just waiting for an answer. lol I quit with my foolish thinking and got down on my knees, humbling myself before the almighty. God, I said, I know your there and I know what your word says as I have read it over the years and searched for these answers. I know you are the great I AM. Can you help me now and answer my questions? Then I added, I know your probably busy handling world hunger and wars and such, but if you could take just a minute of your time and just tell me what I am really here for I would appreciate it. Well I didn't get hit by a lightning bolt or anything but I did get a picture in my mind and these words. "seek and you'll find" Ok, now was I just told the same thing that the preachers had said or was there a deeper meaning to what I heard? Maybe I imagined it. Maybe it was just me hearing what I thought I would hear. Then it happened. "Be still and know that I Am God" A still, small voice said that inside my head? heart? soul? Well, where ever it was, I heard it..............more years went by and I learned to pray and ask questions in the same manner as before. but as time went on I saw a pattern that never failed. I would praise God for who he was, thank him for what I had and then tell him where I was in my situations. Then I would wait and the answers would come.That's right ...the answers. What answers? All answers. Well at the risk of being a bit shallow and vague I will leave this all as it is written. If you want answers I have given you the formula for life. If your too blind then maybe you just shouldn't see anyhow. But the answers are in the writing above if you'll just ponder and realise the answer to WHo Am I is actually I AM. Thank you and my your voyage be safe and full of Love. REF: John 3:16 --Rev. Michael ******************** 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. 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

Metaphysics

Dear Amy, Thank you for all the Spirit quest program. I wanted to focus my 300 word final on Discourse #29 MONEY!!! I guess that gives it away. The exclamation point that is. I consider myself a spiritual being living and adapting to a overly materialistic world. In a way materialism is part of our being. We possess our body and organs so life as we know it is biased towards materialism. What I appreciated about this session is that you where not resisting money and you where reflecting that like everything else its what you do with it. I think I have gotten to a point that I believe you either have it or don't and live a wondering monk's life. That is not a choice since I chose to be a proactive part of this world and am married with two wonderful children (9mos and 5yrs old). So I am committed. So how can I make friends with money since I actually would like to have a lot of it and I want all the luxury and freedom that comes with it? First focusing on the idea that money is good but my impression of people that have it is not very good. I have not met many people that accumulated wealth that I truly respect. The people that are making a lot of money today in especially in sales and money mgt world are mostly fake and are just gaining peoples trust to get their way. So I need to earn my keep by doing what I believe and am good at in the most sincere matter and not getting disappointed when people don't believe me. I need to use the rejection as a learning experience and not try to save or savor it. I need to move on with that learning experience to the next relationship and sharing of my story and why I am doing what I do. Another great point was about doing what you love. I love helping people and helping them overcomes their obstacles. I should have become a psychologist but I didn't because I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I have all these ideas and things in my head that I need to bring to life but get stuck after the creation part. After it is created then the only motivation is money and I don't follow through. I love working with people so I need to stick it out and reach out despite the rejection. I need to put my self in their position and as I get more confident and can prove my sincerity I will gain the like minded people that can see through me and can place their trust in me. So I will stop procrastinating and don't try to make money evil so I don't have to earn it. Thanks, KS ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Dr. of Spirituality – The Miracle of Prayer

Rev. Ernest Kayorie

I would like to thank the Reverend Loretta Siani for putting together the materials that have comprised the course on Spirituality and the Miracle of Prayer.  The work that this course required is perhaps the most important curriculum that anyone could engage in during their lifetime. It was an interesting journey into one's own definition of what spirituality can mean and how important it is to apply that to your life.  The conclusion that this writer has achieved did not come without its own brand of pain.

After reading the course faithfully for about six sessions, I came to the conclusion that it was not for me.  The materials were well written and presented in an excellent format, but it didn't make sense to me.  Here was another "do it and you'll feel better" program  and also this one based on the Course of Miracles materials with Jesus as the prime teacher.  Get serious, I thought, I have better things to do then waste my time on this again.  The last time I tried to delve into the Course of Miracles, it didn't make sense.  It was too wordy and convoluted in a lot of ways.  It wasn't me…… on and on and on……

After stewing about this for about a week, the next lesson arrived and I decided to finish what I had started.  I read the lesson and then suddenly, it happened.  The words started to make sense,  It was as if someone turned a light on.  When that occurred, it gave me time to clear my mind long enough to realize that all the while I was protesting, my ego was sitting back self satisfied that it had successfully averted another attack on its supposed supremacy.   Happily the words conveyed in the course abided and their healing energy broke through.  The remaining weeks were an interesting and evaluative experience.

Slowly…. subtly…the words of counsel gleaned from the lessons made continued sense to me and the affirmations reminded me of the strength of those words.  Many of the superficialities that I allowed to become important to me fell by the wayside.  It's amazing how trapped we become by them and by societal standards.  It reminds me of the story related by Joseph Goldstein, co founder of the Insight Meditation Society who stated how difficult it was to remain faithful to his Buddhist vows after he decided to return to the United States after spending many years as a cloistered monk in Asia. 

Although I felt that it was important to mention that Jesus was the source of the knowledge conveyed through the Course, I realize now  that  is not important.  It doesn't matter what your particular philosophy or theology is because this is a curriculum of living and understanding that bypasses all the intellectualizing and hence rationalizing that keeps us "in bondage" slavishly following tired old ways of doing things.  If we just listen to the simple message, we will be transformed and made new and that's what is important.  With this new insight, each day is a renewed journey and hopefully, I can sustain that renewal for awhile. 

I'm re-reading many works that have been put aside and as I do that, I realize that the similarity of their messages is amazing.  .  I don't know whether I have learned anything earth shattering about prayer but I hope by reminding myself of my potential as a "son of God", I will begin to realize the import of that statement that "of myself, I can do nothing, but with God, all things are possible" and that has to be a powerful prayer.

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Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Metaphysical Healing

I was excited and enrolled in the Master's of Metaphysical Healing class for two reasons. First I am a Master Level Reiki healer and use this almost daily and so I am always interested in other natural and spiritual healing methods. The class paralleled much with my professional training in the three levels of Reiki classed I was certified in a few years ago, so in this way it was a good review. At the same time it went far beyond that, as well, and added even more expertise to my spiritual healing practice. Some of it was far above my comprehension and this is one class I wished I could have taken with hand's on experience. Almost four years ago I was asked to write and illustrate a biography of the son of a African King who was visiting in the United States. Much of my art, my storytelling, and even my dress is often with an African flavor, and in past life regressions I have been told I have lived there often, and perhaps this is the reason I played with black dolls as a child instead of white ones and I have a house decorated with African art in every room, even the bathroom, and last my nickname is "Tiger;" Writing the biography of the son of a African King, I learned that King Alu had been married to an African healer and it had been his wives desire that their son come to the United States and study medicine so that he could combine his professional study with her herbal and spiritual healing. One of the illustrations of the book is a painting of the spiritual doctor gathering her herbs and carrying them in a basket on her head, telling her son as an American plane flew over that one day when he grew up that he would travel to the U.S to study medicine, and she was sure with the two combined that he would make one of the best doctors in African. Unfortunately, Dr. Alu had to return to Nigeria before I finished his book and communication in his remote village is rare with the outside world unless he travels out of the village. However, perhaps the time will come I will finish the book and travel there when it is published and I can proudly say, "Yes, I have study on a small scale, as a African healer,too." While the typical degree certificate will with this class I wished the Professor Kruger would also send us a certificate saying something to the affect of, Completed 20 weeks of study in Spiritual African Healing Methods, or at least add something to the regular degree showing the study was in African Healing Methods? Is this possible? I hope so. I want to show my publisher my certificate when my book, King Alu's Last Wish is published. Rev. Linda Francis ********************    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 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.

Comparative Religion

Universal Life Church Seminary

Master of Comparative Religion

Rev. David Hester

What you gained from this course.

I gained much from this course including but not limited to:

- a firm grounding in Comparative Religion that allows me to understand the various aspects of the different faith systems. 

- The Awesome Missions Principle: "It is imperative that as ministers, we make every effort to communicate from the perspective of those we serve."   An excellent example was given concerning the term "angel" and it not being difficult to learn to use the word "dakini" with those from Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist backgrounds.

- Minister needing to learn to serve all ages.  Obviously how you would minister (while equally important) to a five-year-old and an adult would be different.  As a Christian I have learned that most adults do not understand Christianese so how can I expect to use terms like sanctification, epistemology, etc. with a child?

What you liked best in this course.

- I could not wait to get to the sections at the end of each lesson titled: Recommended Reading.  I am still reading many of those recommendations!

- I loved the sections on holy symbols and architecture.

- I loved the simplicity of the presentation for each of the 20 lessons.

- I found the Recommended Activities each week to be great eye-opening experiences.  I had a wonderful experience learning of the Mormon Faith while I did not agree with all of its Doctrine. 

What you liked least about this course.

While I enjoyed this course I tended not to like the push toward ecumenicalism (for me the Bible warms of a one world government, religion, etc.).  Having studied the various faiths I learned that they cannot all be describing the same G-d.  Thus to try to combine them (in truth) would be impossible.  For instance the G-d of the Koran is not the G-d of the Bible.  You realize this in studying the character traits of Allah versus that of YHWH.

For me to "do that which is right" would be for me to do that which is true.  I am comissioned to "speak the truth in love" according to the Bible.  I would be unable to combine Christianity and Islam.  While I do believe that inter-faith dialogue is vital.  I have to stand for that which is true!


How you think these discourses could be improved.

These discourses could be improved by adding the apologetic of those opposing the Inter-Faith/Ecumenical Movements.  This I thought would bring another dimension to the course.


Any other comments.

I found Discourse 3's section on the Golden Rule to be most interesting.  In this section of the course we learn that Bahai, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Jainism, Native American, Taoist, Wiccan, and Zorastrianism all have the concept of the Golden Rule.  I also find this to be true of the Ten Commandments.  If this is not the proof of the existence of One G-d and the fact that we all have Eternity in our hearts I do not know what is!

Rev. Kythera Ann (at least for me) has proven the Bibles teaching on a Global Flood actually happening beyond the shadow of a doubt by sharing all of the Flood Stories from around the world.  The following is Rev. Kythera Ann herself: "Because of the consistency of this story, the current scientific geological data, the idea of a worldwide flood actually happening is very likely."  You got that right!

I enjoyed the information on the Shinto Festival called "Ontohsai" showing/sharing/mirroring the Biblical Akeda (the near sacrifice of Isaac).  This teaching portrays the concept of Substitutionary Atonement!  We cannot save ourselves! 

There were so many wonderful things about this course that its hard to put it all on paper!


Would you be interested in taking other courses from Rev. Kythera Ann?

Rev. Kythera Ann has surely done her homework and put together an excellent course tying the various faiths together showing there similarities and differences.  I would be interested in taking more of her courses.                                                                                  

All My Love,

Dave "Avery" Hester

www.davidhester.blogspot.com

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Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Final Essay on The Four Gospels  

Rev. Nancy Kimes

   

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Unvarnished Gospels".  It read like a story and I was not distracted by chapter and verse, and small print like most bibles have.  It was an easy read for me and all the participants in each gospel were so alive!

At times I felt like I was walking with Jesus and witnessing the miracles of the loaves and fishes, turning water into wine, walking on water…the remarkable healings and casting out of demons. Which brings me to the point of what Jesus taught and how he wanted to save us by making us aware of a higher calling, higher understanding, and an awareness of the limitations we put on ourselves. Jesus was patient and sometimes impatient in what he was trying to teach then, and what He taught is true for us today.   

Jesus wore so many hats. He was a prophet, a counselor, a healer, a master, a psychic, a teacher, a savior and a Son of God. The works He did we can do also. And it is not Jesus but through God the Father that He (Jesus) is able to do these things.

My background is Christianity. At first, traditional teachings of the bible was the only way for me until I had an experience that changed my life. It was a visit from an angel!  For now just take my word for it because I would like to get to the meat of the Four Gospels.

It is true, that we hear more scriptures quoted from the Gospel of John regarding the four gospels, because it is direct and to the point. And, although it may seem that Jesus' portrayal in this particular gospel was out of character, I think it showed Jesus with some human characteristics which we had not seen before, at least not as pronounced, in the previous gospels. The fact that Jesus was so bold did not bother me. Wouldn't you be irritated if you had to constantly go over the lessons you were trying to teach, and  still your students didn't understand or doubted what you were saying?

This brings me to the "comforter" that Jesus said would be coming.  I do not believe this was the second coming.

Jesus, after ascending, would not physically be with them.  Jesus did not want them to feel that they would be alone and spoke of the comforter which was the Spirit of God working through each person who believed in the teachings, miracles and healings that Jesus preformed.  It brings me to the thought that when I am "spirited" (In-Spirit or inspired), moved, or motivated to do something,

things happen.

The demonstrations and miracles that Jesus did was to teach us not to be so limited in our ways or in our thinking… to go outside the box, so to speak. Since my angel experience, and it wasn't an instant transition as I had a lot to work through, I was led on a path to know my true self. It was a freeing experience for me at the time as I lived inside the box most of my life, and afraid to be who I really was. I didn't know who that person was anyway. However, traditional teachings brought me on the path for my search for truth. Much later in life, I learned to turn the knowledge I received to something I could apply in my life, and eventually saw the wisdom in it. 

Jesus knew because of His foresight who believed or didn't believe in his teachings. He states that we are not to judge least we be judged also. "And if I do judge" He states… I really don't think this is a contradiction as some may imply. My understanding is if Jesus does judge it is "right judgement" or discernment, a knowing that what He discerns is true. The meaning of "judgement"

can get so out of hand, like political correctness.

This course has given me more insight than I expected. Usually, I focus on staying neutral with no expectations except to learn what the course wants to teach me.  Previously, I did not know that Mathew, Mark, Luke and John did not live in the same timeframe as Jesus did, and I want to research that further. I started on a metaphysical path 28 years ago after my encounter with an angel. This encounter was published in the book called  "Angel Visions" by Dr. Doreen Virtue Ph.D., should you want to read about it.

Thank you for the inspiring, and mind expanding views of this course.

In His service,

Rev. Nancy Kimes

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Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

The Key is Metaphysics  by Rev. Matthew T. Volk What is Metaphysics? Prior to this course I would have thought it was some type of science. I would have been right to a degree but to bring that understanding to a sharper idea I would describe it as the Science of One. It is the great secret held from man. It is the law of attraction, connection and quantum physics all in one. Prior to the course, I was a student of all beliefs, traditions, and religions. With an open mind I have gone threw most of the major belief systems. There are many common threads in the ideas but the missing link is metaphysics. Metaphysics sets all the responsibility right on your lap. Right where it belongs. The release of guilt and understanding of positive thought and action coupled with the lessons learned allows one to excel beyond the guilt. It becomes like a trampoline in that at first it is hard to begin but once momentum is achieved there is unlimited drive. Not to say one will not fall from time to time but once you have got the momentum once thane you know how to get it back. Once you understand the principals you have no real limit to what you can achieve. Recently the global view is beginning to shift. As we are all connected on the energy level as thoughts shift more people learn these truth's the easier it is for the whole to accept. You can see the curiosity in others when they hear the word consciousness. There have been documentary films put to the mainstream. "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and "The Secret" have made the facts quite clear. This is very positive because once you hear something you can't forget it. The more people begin to see the benefits other achieve they will be drawn to question how this is done. How do they live a life where they seem to be in control, where luck is abound? Metaphysics loosens the shackles of the physical world through understanding. The more you shine, the more others will follow and the understanding will free them. It is like a chain reaction that has already begun. I dream of a world in which we can all see the only truth. Where we understand that we are all equally free. That we all work with one power source. That we shape our whole world on how wither we choose to act or react to situations. Someday perhaps we will come to an understanding that we are all blessed, rich, powerful beings who have a much greater control over the things around them than they could ever believe. Matthew T. Volk ******************************* 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 , 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

A Course In Miracles

A Course in Miracles As I lay in bed this morning, I could hear the rain pouring down the side of the house onto the flower beds. I looked out my window and saw the water pounding hard against the ground. Tropical storm Fay was paying us a visit, here in Alabama. The mighty wind made the rain appear to be dancing in a whirlwind of joyful bliss. This way and that, like a mystical ballet. It was beautiful. It was mesmerizing. I thought to myself, how can I capture this and hold on to it, so I could show it to my grandchildren, my friends, my loved ones. I can't, except in memory. For the rain will dissipate and return from whence it came. The wind will become silent. And the earth will be still once more, as if nothing ever happened. That is what I feel this course is about. Life is a moment. A moment given to us by Almighty God to experience. God is in us. We are a part of God's very essence. We share in the experience with Him. But life is an illusion, a dream. We are left only with memories. Some people take these memories and store them up in suitcases or large boxes in their brains and hearts. Unfortunately, they tend to store the bad events with the good. For some, the bags become so large that the person can no longer see past them. They stop living the moment. They disconnect from God. I see life as "TODAY", right "NOW", this very second. I live, I breathe, I pray, I hunger, I love, all right now. There is a program called, Dr. Who. He is a Time Lord, a time traveler. I consider myself a Life traveler. I am so grateful to God for everything. I am at peace. I am happy. The trick is "NO" baggage. Don't waste time on negativity. Think positive thoughts and keep them in your heart. Surprisingly, these thoughts are quite light. Anything else is left behind. Know thyself, know thy God, know that what you have now is all that matters. The future will take care of itself. What you do now will reflect on the future, so don't waste the now. Go out in the rain. Get wet. Feel God's blessed, soft, cool water against your skin. Live now, for tomorrow my never come and yesterday, no longer exists. Life, here, is fleeting. No guarantees, except for death. Open your eyes, open your heart, open your soul and receive God's lessons for you. Everyday is a miracle, everything around you is a miracle. YOU are one of God's miracles. A walking, breathing, living miracle. This body is but a vehicle to return our spirit home to God and heaven. The Holy Spirit is the Father of miracles. What good is a miracle, if you are not open to receive it? Remember: "There is no time with God: a thousand years, a single day: it is all one" (2 Peter 3:8) Why waste it. Thank you for this course. I loved it. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and watch over all of you and the one's you love. Rev. Nitza L. Melgar ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysics

Master of Metaphysics  by Rev. Judge Edward Singleton What can I say about the Spirit Quest Course and the 30 weeks of enlightenment. I have truly, truly enjoyed it. I so much enjoy the topics such as karma, meditation and in fact all of the topics. I can't really pick one to be my favorite but i would like to express my gratitude for the course and your enlightening spirit you gave throughout the lessons. I came into the course almost 8 months ago with some personal issues that I was working on and through the techniques used in this course I was able to work through the issues without much stress and problems. It is nice to know that this course it out there and available to people, especially those that are under stress, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse and any other mental or physical disorder. The thing taught in this course are valuable to all and will help those with the previous mentioned problems and any that choose to use the lessons to better themselves in any aspect of their life. I can sit here all day and talk about how much I enjoyed it and that I am better for having taken the course, but you will not know until you have taken the course yourself. I encourage all to sign up today and learn for yourself the benefits and knowledge that the course offers. Thanks again Amy for everything. ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism by Chris Goin The value of studying shamanism is to learn how we can use it to help others, and the earth heal today. Even though different types of shaman are recognized throughout the world, many of their healing techniques are universal. Some shamans specialize in healing the body, some specialize in healing the mind, some specialize in healing the spirit, either before or after the physical life. Yet others recognize that you can't heal one without healing the others. Shamans often help someone heal by entering an Altered State of Consciousness (ASC). They enter this state by drumming, singing, chanting, meditating, fasting, dancing, using entheogens, and more. During the ASC they journey across the Axis Mundi to the "upper world" to communicate with ancestral spirits. They may also journey to the "lower world" to visit power animals. They may journey into the past to help heal from a past experience, journey into the future, or journey into a remote part of the earth where the local spirits have the information the shaman needs. During the journey they encounter spirits who play an important role in human lives. These spirits, though usually sympathetic with humanity, are not always helpful. So the shaman either controls or cooperates with the spirits to help the community. Every human has helping spirits, even if they aren't aware of it. These spirits usually are eager to help identify the cause of illness, either involving a power loss, or soul loss. Shamanic healing is designed to regain power and the protection this power provides. The soul loss may be the result of power-intrusion in which vagrant spirits come to reside uninvited in the body. So healing involves returning the intruding spirits to their rightful place in the universe. A shaman's strength is derived from the strength and number of spirits she can call upon for help. The spirits are of varying strength and it is their strength that determines the shaman's rank. They help the shaman treat people, foretell the future, and influence it. The more powerful the shaman, the more loving, because with the power comes a lack of fear. The shaman needs the spirits as much as they need her. It is said that spirits must be in touch with our physical world to stay charged with energy. So when a shaman, for some reason, decides to sever her ties with them, this may have dire consequences for both of them. Shaman have a strong understanding of their surrounding environment and their true purpose is to balance humanity with nature. They learn by watching birds, animals, and fish. They may also simply ask the earth to answer their question. Different locations are believed to have spirits who command the birds and animals living there and can help humans if they choose. Animals may be called upon to be united with the power and essence of the animal. Each animal has attributes that we can learn from and use to become stronger. An animal may also come to you as an omen or messenger. For example, bird songs will welcome you to an area, while bird fights will tell you to be on guard. Shadow animals invade you with fear to teach a lesson. Many places on the earth are considered 'power spots where people can go to increase their power or experience greater power: Crater Lake in Oregon, Mt. Shasta in California, Stonehenge in England, Black Hills in South Dakota, Skellig Islands off the Irish coast, Serpent Mound in Utah, Red Rock in Sedona, Arizona, just to name a few. Divination is the control over weather. Shaman believe they can smooth a tidal wave before it hits shore, or divert a tornado around the village rather than through it. They merge with the tornado, and as the tornado they aren't able to make it turn around and go the other direction; but they are able to encourage it do go a direction that it may have gone anyway. Shaman will gather together for added strength when severe weather conditions warrant it. Wind/directions have spirit animals, elemental association, and attributes: East (lion/fire/spirit/enlightenment), South (human/water/emotions/strength), West (buffalo/earth/body/transformation), North (eagle/air/mind/information). The shaman uses this power of the wind, but doesn't control it. The Axis Mundi is a location, bridge, rope, or plant symbolic for where the physical and metaphysical meet. The axis connects heaven and earth as well as provides a path between the two. So the shaman goes across the axis to bring back the knowledge needed for healing. The caduceus, the symbol for medicine today, uses this axis as the staff in the center and the serpents going around the staff are the guardians or guides to the other realm. Another important role of the shaman is story telling. They tell stories about how they have experienced the world through the eyes and ears of mythic and spiritual beings. They are masters of symbolism and interpretation. There is a well-known tale of a group of blind men who come upon a strange entity that has just arrived in town, known as an elephant. Each blind man is trying to figure out what this elephant entity is all about. One puts his arms around its huge leg and concludes the elephant is probably a living tree, another crashes into the massive body and visualizes the elephant as a solid wall, a third feels the vibrating tusk and naturally infers it must be a huge serpent, while yet another touches the tail and concludes that it is just a wimpy, rope-like animal. The point of the story is that each one of us can only relate to life using the experiences we have available to us. These experiences may be very limited and therefore limit our ability to understand someone else's experience. Or we may have many experiences in our past that help us understand the troubles someone else is living today. The story telling is their way of helping us relate 'lessons' to our personal lives. Many, if not all, religions have roots in shamanism. Hebrew/Jewish scriptures supported shamanistic practices. Had they never been given their Torah they would have been able to learn all they needed to know from the animals. They even recognize the importance of the four directions/winds, as having an organic, living nature. Jewish shaman perceive magic in the ordinary, miracle is the natural course of events. Where most people will be awestruck at the sight of a passing comet, the Jewish shaman will be awestruck at the sight of a fallen leaf. By seeing the miracle of what we consider ordinary, they unite with the Creator in a clear and open relationship. Then the veil between spirit and matter grows thinner and thinner and they no longer experience themselves as observers of this wondrous planet, but as integral parts of it. Some shaman use breath to redirect and transform the body/mind/soul. Breath is believed to connect the physical body with thoughts. Breath calms the mind creating a space that reflects our true nature. Without this stillness we see only distortions and illusions of separation and loss of love. Our true nature unites cosmic intelligence and human consciousness with the universes potential. With proper breathing techniques we can synchronize our breath/pulse with the breath/pulse of the universe. One such breathing technique to begin a meditation is to inhale and hold it for a count of 4, then exhale and hold it for a count of 4, then slowly increase so that you are holding for a count of 12 or more! Meditations may also use symbols, mantras, sacred postures, drumming, music and burning of herbs. Shaman believe life is a dream that we created and continually create with our thoughts, without limit. The apparent limits are the result of what we have learned. It is our beliefs, decisions, and actions today about ourselves and our world that give us what we have and make us who we are. So during psychotherapy the shaman tries to understand the source of the illness, believing it's the result of scars from our past that created a feeling of separation, or loss of love, in our subconscious. Understanding the origin of the pain, and bringing it into the conscious, releases deep seated traumas. Sometimes they would encourage the 'patient' to embrace the suffering. By reaching a place where one can embrace the suffering, the negative emotions vanish. Sometimes they would get the 'patient' to figure out the right question he needed answered. Once the right question was formulated, the answer appeared and the sickness disappeared. The shaman may also ask the patient to touch the area of the body in pain and say "Whatever this is related to, I forgive it completely and it doesn't matter anymore." The shaman believes if the power was in you to create the illness, then the power is within you to change it. The shaman teaches to watch your thoughts because your thoughts become your actions. Watch your actions because your actions become your habits. Watch your habits because your habits define who you are. It all starts with a single thought. So the more we can focus on positive thoughts the more positive our life will be. Shaman may use chants like this Kahuna (Hawaiian shaman) chant: be aware, be free, be focused, be here, be loved, be strong, be healed. Is this more psychotherapy or is it calling spirits, or is it both? It is said a shaman can resurrect the dead. A Kahuna would revive the dead by pushing the person's spirit back into the big toe. Surprisingly astute since squeezing the big toe is a well-known method for reviving someone who has fainted, and the day before someone dies their big toe drops downward. Other techniques, not mentioned above, include behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, family therapy, herbal therapy, drug therapy, psychodrama, and dream interpretation. The shaman may also direct communal rituals, communicate with animals, invoke spirits, dream quest, make rain, smudge, create animal and human-like creatures out of the earth, exorcise wandering spirits, part waters, draw water out of stones, heal snake bites with a copper serpent, and consult oracles. Today's shaman recognizes the earth is at a turning point and people need to become aware of clues through our senses and intuition. By developing our sensitivity to plants, animals, water, rocks, soil, etc. and by relating to them with appreciation we can gain powerful allies. To focus our thoughts on our intention to learn nature's language, the more she will communicate with us. By stating our intention, nature responds. Just like when we form the right question, the answer appears. Shaman believe that everything that exists is inter-connected. So a single thought of love or hate affects the whole world. Also, everything that exists is alive and can be communicated with, if approached properly. So by developing our sensitivity to the natural world we strengthen her. There are many correlations between the earth and humans. The colors of the chakras are in the same order as the rainbow. The nervous system sends energy through the body, just like electricity sends it through the house, just like the ley lines send it through the earth. The invisible meridians of the body send energy like the invisible meridians of the earth. Science proves many positive physical changes take place during spiritual practice. An increase of T-cells and salivary immunoglobulin has been documented which increases our immunity functions. Also, the more time someone spends in spiritual development, the less time they spend in pain and disease, because it triggers a shift in brain activity that brings a more positive sense of well-being. Science recognizes that 90% of all matter is empty space. Perhaps this is the creative void we use to create our lives. I have shown the origin of religions to open the path for all people to return to shamanic ways. For the doubtful reader I have shown areas of science that support shamanic activities. If every sentence written here is truly absorbed into the mind and body of the reader, we will discover the shaman within each one of us and unite together to return the earth to her vibrant state of health. by Rev. Chris Goin ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysics

One of the greatest and most obvious enlightenments I've received after taking the course,is being able to tell the difference between the "ego" and the "HOLY SPIRIT".      I've struggled for years not knowing what the problem was! Having had been through the twelve steps of alcoholics anonymous more than a few times, experiencing peace and serenity and not fully knowing "HIM" along with the awesome wonder of who was this [spirit]helping me?      DR. Loretta Siani, put in simple terms and applications that really helped me when applied, got almost immediate results! all ready bible versed found myself relating back to what I have already learned, as if I were translating a foreign language within myself, very interesting effect.     Another plus you might could say is, I've also noticed that my prayer life has changed because of reasons, that I found in the course that when I personally examined for myself and having made sense. One being which seams a little childish now, would find myself knowing what I wanted,..... then praying for that............. as being GOD'S WILL for me, not receiving what I personally wanted...............but received...[what?]  GOD"S WILL for me! and getting mad!!!!    A very simple concept when fully understood saved me and is saving me a lot of needless pain. Along those same lines talking about the more personal my GOD is to me after taking this course was being able to let down my preconceived ideas that I had of spirituality and the course allowed HIM to introduce HIMSELF to me!!!!! one of the simplest concepts being; children already have parents, they don't create their parents,although they grow up and become like their parents, creating children....... not forgetting who their [parents] are,see that simple concept for me let me finally know that I could finally surrender,after thinking about that for about 4,000 hours! lol!!! trying to imagine a GOD who suited me!  and my needs....and could finally wait and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to introduce HIMSELF to me and others, whom I might add,  haven't yet been able to chose, but allow them to come to me for guidance and love.   THANK-YOU, DR.LORETTA SIANI, AND ULC                                                  John Schroeder ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Instant Online Ordination, button -- Click the link! 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 and seminary courses. As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary. The ULC Seminary has created an RSS Feed. RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication and through the magic of the internet, we can post articles and news stories and have them appear right on your personal computer screen through Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Google. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. Please use any of these buttons below, you can personalize your or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button. As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years being the founder of the Seminary, I've had the privilege of watching our 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.

Metaphysics

Going into one's self and finding out who you are and what makes you tick, is a serious undertaking. Finding one's spirituality is an occasion of overwhelming joy. To learn that you and God are one, that you share the same essence, is a discovery that will change you forever. You will never be the same, because you have traveled to the very center of your universe, to the very core of your being and found God's pure love. God is formless, an essence of pure energy, supreme intelligence, able to take whatever form God desires, to accomplish a goal. God is unending, total love. The knowledge that you contain even a minute portion of this essence, transcends you to a place, somewhere between heaven and earth. From there you see the world with new eyes. You look at everything and everyone, as if for the first time. With the new and powerful insight of one of God's children, you and God and everyone of His creations, share the identical essence. God in motion. God feeling, touching, talking through us. God teaching, healing, loving His children through us. We are spirits using this body as a vehicle to do God's work. Our bodies are temples of unending worship to Him that created us. We must be mindful of this at all times, taking care of our bodies and always behaving in a manner that brings both joy and honor to the Creator. If you watch smoke engulf a room, you would see how it slowly penetrates every corner. Essence does the same thing. God is pure essense. He is present in every corner of our existence. Inside us, we carry Him. When a woman is pregnant, she is so aware of the baby within her. She is extra careful in all she does, in what she eats, what she avoids. The baby's welfare is all important to her. So it must be with us. We must know and understand our spirituality, our being, our essence and be very careful not to allow anything harmful to enter. Armed with the tools we have learned in the course, we grow stronger everyday in our quest to be God-like in our behavior. The Roses, the grounding, the knowledge of karma and the Chakras bring us ever closer to our goal, to be God's children here on earth. Life can be hard. Life can be cruel. But we must persevere and be strong. Use these tools from Spirit-Quest and be who you were meant to be. Life is too short, to give up now. Remember, God is waiting for our return. Let Him say, when the time comes, "This is My Beloved Child, in whom, I am well pleased." "Well Done!" God bless, all of you. And thank you to our instructor for allowing me this opportunity to get closer to God. Rev. Nitza L. Melgar, ULC Minister and Disciple of the Rule of St. Benedict ********************** Ordination with 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 Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest by Rev'd John A Simpson My essay is by way of response to the course and how it has affected me for good. Techniques: I found the various techniques of value, as often programs do not always address the "how to" component of metaphysics. The Rope as a way to ground myself and let go of unwanted ideas; The centre of my head - sitting in a space ship and seeing the screens before me helped me visualize; Protection Rose - visualizing a Rose and letting negatives flow into it and then destroying them. Later techniques…. These all enabled me to tap into my Intuitive side for spiritual growth. The creative, is one way into the intuitive self. Teachings: Some concepts really challenged me, among them: I am a perfect spiritual being on a unique course. Me taking charge of my life instead of my life taking charge of me. Setting goals at other levels than the final one, e.g. to become exposed to simple Visualization. Your intention drives the force of my being. I am forgiven for EVERYTHING! – after using the forgiveness letter. Love is what comes around. What "comes around goes around". The energy I'm Created from is eternal. This was brought home when my daughter paid for our accommodation when we visited her in Italy! I was able from these to get a better sense of myself, as unique, able to grow and change, potentially perfect and forgiven by God, the All. Since then I have been realizing my goals and helping others to set and reach theirs. My Beliefs – what I call my "operational theology". As a former minister, I thought I had worked my way to what I believed in my heart, what I really operate from. Questioning my decisions and thoughts, Discourse #15 showed me how much they are based in relationships, the way I've been responded to. As I step back and see the people involved, I am thankful for their interest in me without having to accept any longer their values. Example: An elderly couple encouraged me in my Christian faith as a young man. It was a fundamentalist faith. Gradually I moved away, yet inwardly their kindness kept pulling me back to their faith. I have been able to visualize them and my telling them my truth now – which they accepted with love. Life is a complicated game! How Spirit Communicates was very exciting for me, as I have loved colour and music, worked with it and used colour to communicate to others the aliveness of all things. I had not thought of numbers before. This is communication on the spiritual level, especially when I mix and match things, make connections using colour and music. I'm working on the numbers as a way of communication. I've learnt that I'm becoming a present time person, putting energy into what I want. Looking to the past, previously, has helped me gain from it. Forgiveness has set me free from having to obey its impulses. Keeping my goals in the present time has progressed using the rose grounding method. I've changed my feelings about myself from bad to perfect – the mantra- : God loves you. You were created in perfection, by perfection, for perfection. Your success is guaranteed - Has enabled this. Overall I have got freed up to use my energies creatively, to imagine what I want to become – "a fully alive, fully divine man". I watch my words as they are powerful to attract, so that I say more of what I want. In short this course has brought me onto new ground where spring has broken out! ******************************* 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.