Metaphysical Healing

Final Essay Master of Metaphysical Healing This course is informative and interesting on several different levels.  On a superficial level, it describes the practices of traditional African healers, with a particular focus on South African practices.  While this is interesting and educational in and of itself, it is only the first level of understanding.  A much deeper understanding comes with the realization that the healing practices being described are universal in their cope and impact.  The healing practices described are common to many different healing traditions, including shamanic practices found in native cultures around the world, and are not limited to those cultures described by the author.  Thus, this course has a much broader reach and applicability than would be evident to the casual reader. I found the recognition of the importance of the human energy field to be especially significant.  As a Reiki Master Teacher, I deal with human energy fields in both clinical and classroom settings.  I understand and accept the importance of achieving and maintaining balance in the energy field – my own as well as others.  My own experience validates the importance of the human energy field in healing illness and sustaining a healthy life.  Many of the lessons were familiar to me, but several of the lessons introduced concepts I was not familiar with, as well as new approaches that I have adopted and adapted in my own healing practice. Perhaps the most important lesson for me was the final lesson which discussed the recognition and regulation of traditional healing practices in South Africa.  We are a long way from that step in America and much of the world, but I believe we are moving in that direction.  This is much more than a human interest or technical issue in America, but is bound up in the interplay of cultural and political forces in our society.  There is no simple answer, and it is likely that any solution will bring with it another set of problems dealing with what should be considered legitimate healing practice.  My answer is that all healing practices must be based on faith and belief in its efficacy, and none should be rejected simply because they are not broadly accepted. Rev. Robert Gill ******************** 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

Metaphysical Healing

Masters of Metaphysical Healing Essay Rev. David Hester I found the following definition at (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holistic_health): "Holistic health is a concept in medical practice upholding that all aspects of people's needs, psychological, physical and social, should be taken into account and seen as a whole. As defined above, the holistic view on treatment is widely accepted in medicine.[1] A different definition, claiming that disease is a result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance, is used in alternative medicine.[2]" Holistic Health deals with the treatment of the whole person (Whole-istic) including the Spirit, Soul and Body using techniques that are "non-evasive and hone into the root cause of conditions"  (Course overview).  Frequently, medical doctors treat and/or temporarily mask the symptoms of our illnesses but fail to determine the root cause of our disease, which is essential to the true "healing" of the whole person.  Throughout this course, I have learned that it is essential, not only to ascertain the cause of illnesses, but also treat the whole Being through non-invasive means such as prayer, meditation, massage, and relaxation.  I strongly believe these techniques reduce stress, increase the release of natural endorphins and have significant healing benefits to the body and mind, However, as a Christian I feel that the greatest Healing is that of our spirit (our Eternal Spirits) being saved by the Blood of Christ Poured Out at Calvary 2000 years ago.  It is duly noted that metaphysical healing is a beneficial addition to the medical profession, not a replacement! As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an Herbalist who desires to treat all facet of an individual, it is my hearts desire that the various fields of the medical profession and meta-physicians and other Holistic Healers work alongside each other, acting in concert to treat the Whole person!  Ultimately, I deeply believe that this type of setup is a part of the solution to the health care crisis.  After all, it would lower costs related to medical expenses by minimizing invasive procedures to those that are absolutely essential and promoting the natural healing powers of our body, given to us by our Creator.  This would definitely increase the effectiveness of our treatment of disease, and most importantly, a holistic approach to medical care benefits the patients by truly meeting all of their needs, physically, mentally, and spiritually.  In my opinion that would be the ultimate fulfillment of God's Greatest Commandment. This course has helped me to formulate a Healing Practice and has given me various techniques that I can use to promote and stimulate healing of the body, and mind for both myself and others.   All My Love, Rev. David Hester http://davidhesterministries.tripod.com/index.html ******************** 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

Mystical Christianity

Part One -Annunciation "Magic" of Ancient Egypt    

From my reading and understanding (not comprehensive by any means), Egyptian theology actually paralleled Christian concepts which would later develop. Long before the heretic king, Akhenaton, who attempted to change Egypt's polytheistic viewpoint to emphasis on the one god, that of the sun = the Aten, the region of Memphis broke through with a theology of its own. The "Memphite Theology" called upon the creative forces of nature much akin to the highly skilled artists/architects/artisans of ancient Egypt. Their chief god's name was Ptah, and he is considered Father-god to all subsequent deities.

  Ptah's power lay in the power of the spoken word. Some sources compare his power of creation with the Hebrew book of Genesis = "Let there be light and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This power is called by scholars "annunciation". In John 1:1,2 we find the same annunciation "magic" if you will = "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Ptah put the Word into creative action.

  Atum is the term the Memphite theologians used to describe the raw material of creation whereas Ennead was similar in function to the potter's hands in forming the angles and curves of an artistic piece. Ptah's tongue articulated the magic words pushing the sound and the glory of creation between his teeth into the heavens and earth. Through Ptah's heart, pulses the spirit of the gods followed by mankind and the lesser but not less important life forms. Ptah's heart thinks the Father-god's divine thoughts, while his tongue expresses the forms he wishes to create. All identifying features and life processes were then built with Atum, the material of creation, sculpted with god-like meticulousness by Ennead, interpreter of Ptah. Formation in the god's mind,  his ideation of what he would create and its purpose is termed as "perception" and Ptah's articulation, the Word, which enters the world by divine will as creative speech, is "annunciation". Though not unique to the ancient world, within Egyptian theology, these ideas remain exclusive to Memphis.

  The Greeks had similar creation myths which scholars believe to be partly translatable into early Christian mythos.

 Part Two:   Hathor, protectress of women

 In our Mystical Christianity lessons, much emphasis is given to the feminine side of Christed individuals. In researching various sources for this concluding essay, I came upon Hathor who figured prominently as the goddess of joy and feminine love. She is depicted at various times in ancient Egypt as both the wife and mother of the god, Horus. Since both Horus and Hathor were sky-deities, they are usually pictured with either solar disks (Horus-a sun god) or in Horus' case, a falcon head which kept careful watch on the activities of humankind. Hathor, however, had the distinction of being seen in either the role as wife or mother, wearing the countenance of several "grounded" animals: the cow who nourished pharaohs and children (and hid Horus every evening in her breast as the sun set),a ewe, and during playful moments could assume the head dress of male animals as well. Her symbol or fetish was the sistern, a musical instrument which had the power to soothe and drive away evil spirits. Hathor often entertained herself with dance and music, wine and wild love-making. In the later era of the great Egyptian dynasties, Hathor became associated with the journey of the dead. This became so wide-spread that a dead person, previously known as an "Osiris", became supplanted in title to a "Hathor".

  Hathor, at this period of time, was known also as the "Lady of the Sycamores". The story is told that the goddess hid in a grove of these trees at the edge of the desert to startle, then welcome, the newly dead and assist in guiding them on their final journey. She was also known to hold the ladder which the dead would climb on their path to Paradise. Hathor was present frequently in funeral processions in various roles as protectress of the deceased's living children, a symbol of new beginnings which for the Egyptians was very true, and venerated along with her husband (or whatever relation that region attributed to her) Horus. Images or statuary of both were present during the processions and in their shared sanctuaries.

  At Dendera, large celebrations were held in honor of Hathor where her most famous sanctuary was located. Even worship of her husband, Horus, could not eclipse the participant's joy at these festivals where Hathor was the center of attention. Her birthday was New Years which added to the occasion. Songs were sung and composed and wine was abundant. Party-goers left happy and intoxicated.

  Various stories are told concerning Hathor. The most famous is about the time Hathor disguised herself as the Eye of Ra. She was about to use the power of Ra's Eye to destroy the human race when Ra himself intervened by pouring beer (blood red in color) over the field where her deadly vision was fixed. Hathor saw herself reflected in the liquid and then with a godly thirst, drank all the beer. She became so inebriated that she forgot about her murderous mission and mankind was spared.

  Worship of Hathor was wide-spread and she was known by various titles according to region. In Phoenicia, she was called "the Lady of Byblos"; in Somaliland, her name was "Mistress of the Land of Punt.." In the Sinai, her title was "Mistress of the Land of Mefket".

Bibliography:

EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY by Paul Hamlyn, Westbrook House, Fulham Broadway, London, Copyright 1965

WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE: Egypt 3050-30 B.C .by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, USA, Copyright 1990

ANCIENT EGYPT, General Editor David P. Silverman, Oxford University Press, New York & London, Copyright 1997

TIMEFRAME 1500-600 B.C.,: Barbarian Tides, by the Editors of Time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA, Copyright 1987

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Metaphysical Healing

Assignment: Number three

Student: Rev. Dr. Edonna Alexandria

Course: Metaphysical Healing

ESOTERIC PHYSIOLOGY

1. Answer each of the following questions.

a) Write a paragraph on the Human Aura:   The Human Aura is the protective invisible shield which surrounds the physical body,  it is composed of seven shields that span out around the body in an elliptical formation, much like the elliptical orbits that follow the path and rotations of the planets around the sun.  It provides protection to the body and allows information to flow through.  Information flows in and out, providing a two way communication system from the universe, immediate earth areas and the body.

b) Why do we have subtle bodies?  We have these subtle bodies to: 1) protect our physical body. 2) Provide a communication system between the physical and spiritual words.

c) Name the different energy systems.1) etheric, 2) Emotional, 3) Mental, 4) Astral, 5) Etheric template, 6) Celestial, 7) Ketheric, 8) Auric

d) What is the function of auric fibers? The auric fibers provide protection to the physical body by picking up signals from our surroundings; Caution us ; vitalize our physical and subtle bodies with life force energy.

e) where are the spinal nerves located? In the spinal cord.

2. Describe the Circulatory system in the physical. The circulatory system in the physical carries oxygen to the tissues and waste products away from.  It is the major transport system of the body involving the heart and blood.

3. Describe the Circulatory system of the Etheric.  It allows energy to be carried though the tissues physical body which assist the body in draining itself of negative etheric energy away from the body and into the auric field.  The auric energy field is a colorless like fluid which contains billions of cells that are excreted by the chakra system.  The auric cells circulate through the acupuncture meridians and exited the body along the auric cells by passing through the skin.  If this auric Sheath is damaged, the auric fluid will begin spilling out and experience in the physical body as exhaustion which will cause physical weakness.

4. Write a short paragraph on the Physical Aura. The personality of the human is created by the physical aura, which is contained in the physical body consisting of the etheric , emotional and cognitive bodies utilized to breath, think and feel.

5. What does the Etheric Body look like? It is similar to the blue/gray print of an architect.  It is an outline of the body much like that of a negative of a photograph.  It looks like the shadow of the physical body.

6. How does the Etheric body differ from the Emotional Body? The etheric body is lighter and more weightless compared to the body; additionally it creates the chakra system and is the first level where disease will reveal itself.

7. What are the main functions of the chakras? The main function of the chakra system is to vitalize and energize the body by transmitting energy through the blood system and to serve as a communication channel with the universal life force energies.

8. What is the color of the Astral Body? Rose Pink.

9. What function does the Astral Body serve? It serves as the mediator between the physical and spiritual aura, thus communicating between ourselves and the higher spiritual planes of consciousness

10. Why do we need a "silver cord"?To keep us connected the astral body because without it the physical body could not exist.   When that cord is cut, our astral body leaves the physical body which dies, while the spiritual continues to live its immortal existence.

11. Describe the Spiritual Aura. The spiritual aura is the embodiment of the higher spiritual self which allows us to communicate with beings that exist on the higher spiritual planes of consciousness and awareness.

12. Complete this sentence: The Auric Sheath is extremely strong and is resistant to penetration and  protects the fields.

13. Where are the major chakras located externally? Along the outside of the endocrine system.

14. Name them and give the corresponding endocrine glands. The

a. Crown--Pituitary

b. Forehead--Pineal

c. Throat--Thyroid

d. Heart--Thymus

e. Solar Plexus--Pancreas

f. Sacral/Naval--Ovaries/Testes

g. Base of Spine--Adrenals/Top of Kidneys

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A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles I have so loved this course and have truly hate to see these lessons come to an end.  These courses have been very life changing to me.  They have so transformed my ways of thinking in all areas of my life. I have totally loved coming to the understanding of how to judge what truth is and seeing life from the perspective of all being an illusion created by our thoughts.  This is very powerful once you grasp it,  I love how this course teaches how to manifest miracles and make them a part of daily life.  Using attention and directed focus and intensity for the desires we have in life. I have found through this course that I am more conscious of my own thoughts and desires and making sure that they are grounded and rooted in truth and love instead of being based on fear,  This course brings great awareness to these things. Through it I have been able to change the way I look at my work and my relationships, all the areas of my life. I have the book a course in miracles but I am very glad that I was able to take this course because I think that it helps to grasp these concepts before reading it. I truly also loved the way that this course changes the perception of self imposed limits and being able to move above that to clearly see that there are no limits. The things I learned in this course have built in me new aspirations and hope as well as causing me to see those around me in an entirely different light. It is not something that you can just read and put behind you, it moves you to change in all areas of your life.  I am so thankful that this course was offered here and I know that it is no coincidence that I have found it. I find myself going back to them often for reference. Rev. Cindy Roskamp ******************** 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

Spirituality

Prayer
By Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

In the reading of this course and some additional research I have done, I can see the similarities between science and the Bible, as well as the differences. In my own personal spiritual path, we believe that all Gods are one God. They just go by different names. In this course, I believe it to be the same, even with science-minded people. Whether they believe there is a God or not, they do believe there is a higher power. Even if that higher power is numbers, they see it as something greater then themselves.

 I would like to address the creation hypotheses for a moment. In Genesis 1:1-3,

1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3. Then God said "let there be light"; and there was light.

Can we see how this can correlate with science and the Big Bang Theory? As a child growing up and attending church we were told that a life-time to us was but a blink of an eye to God. The way I see this is that if the blink of an eye to God is but a hundred years, a day would be thousands, if not more. (No one can ever be sure of this). No one is ever sure if indeed there was a "Big Bang". Other than scientists knowing that the universe is expanding and that it had to start from somewhere, no one knows for sure. Just like the Bible. No one knows for sure if this is how creation was actually started. But I do believe that they go hand in hand.

Science Vs. The Bible.

The Theory of Evolution:

 Charles Darwin's theory that life came from the oceans again coincides with parts of the Bible. Genesis 1:20-21.

 Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens."

 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw this and it was good.

 This was the fifth day.

Genesis 1:26-27

 Then God said, "Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them.

 Darwin's theory that life came from the ocean could be true. Again, no one knows for sure. Who is to say that the time that passes in a day to God could be hundred of thousands or Millions of years and in Darwin's theory, with time on our side being ever so slow compared to that of God's, it could indeed seem that man came from the ocean; that this is where life started.

 There is a beautiful analogy that I believe covers all religions, faiths, spiritual paths and belief systems, science and so forth.

 Imagine if you would, a beautiful mountain. On top of that mountain is God, Mohammad, Allah, The Goddess, Shiva, the Master Architect or whatever Higher Power one may believe in.

 Everyone wants to get to the top of this mountain. There are many different paths for people to take. People need to find the path that is right for them.

 Now some people tell others about their path and that their path is the right one, the only way and to follow them. They lead them to the top.

 Some people tell others they know the best path to take to get to the top and in doing so trying to get everyone to follow them, wind up only going in circles at the base of this mountain.

 Some people may take an easy route, while others tend to take a harder path, all to attain the same dissension. Some people's path may be lonely and they go solo. Others are in groups with support. It doesn't matter how you get to the top only that one tries.

 Some people sit at the bottom of this mountain trying to calculate the best way to get to the top. Others wonder why bother? Maybe they will find another mountain they will come to climb.

 The above analogy illustrates how God is inside each and every one of us. To some it could be the Great Mother, and to others it could be this gray haired, bearded older man or it could be the infinity symbol. I believe that this Omnipotence comes to us in whatever why it sees best for the individual.

 I have always believed in the thought process that the cup is half full, rather then half empty. All belief systems are beautiful, no matter what they may be. Science has some wonderful theories, as does religion. I believe they all go hand in hand. No matter what path one may walk.  

All Gods are one God.   

       

Rev. Hope Macdonald-Vellone

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Rev. Long, a member of ULC for many years, has created this seminary to help train our ministers. The Seminary also has a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and free minister training. Those who have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning have enjoyed its ongoing growth and change.

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Spiritual Mind

Understanding the Western Spiritual Mind By Rev. Amy Heiser     The course Defining Spirituality was fascinating to me.  On the last page of lesson 18 the story regarding Socrates in relations to the difficulty we embark on this path of Ministry – It was good to read this, as I too had similar experiences.   Incorporating Spirituality into this modern life is a hard task at first because you are challenged to think about what you believe and to have faith in your beliefs; which really makes you reflect within.  Also, there are many people in the world who are quick to judge.   As Ministers we will meet others who sometimes expect us to solve their problems rather than finding their own power within.   I have learned that we can't take on problems of other people in such a way that we try to save them.  They are on their journey for a reason, so we need to help them find their lesson.  I feel it is part of our job as Ministers not merely help others, but to teach others how to help themselves.  This is a difficult job, as some people might not be ready to do that.     This course did help me understand various perspectives leading to how people think and therefore behave.  To understand the difference (and similarities) between the science minded and spiritual minded – I needed that lesson a long time ago!  That exact debate has come up in my study groups many times and I never knew how to handle it.  I am so thankful that this lesson gave me information and knowledge that I can refer back to in such situations in the future.     I loved the section in lesson 3 where it discusses the imagination.  I came to understand the power of imagination a long time ago.  When I was a teenager I let my thoughts, feelings and imagination take control.  Later in life, when my daughter was 3, we were getting ready for a family gathering.  I set up a dress and tights for my daughter to put on, and then I ran around the house like a chicken with my head cut off.  My daughter began itching her legs and yelling "Mom, there are spiders on my legs".  In the hustle and bustle I blew it off saying "There are no spiders, finish getting ready".  She argued "No mommy, there are spiders and they itch".  After going around and around I finally stopped and said "No, there are no spiders; it's just your imagination".   She responded, "Well Mom, my imagination hurts."  NOW that stopped me dead in my tracts.  What a statement for a three year old, for how true this can be.   This experience taught me that we must discipline our thoughts and our imaginations, and when we can do that in a balanced way then we can truly create our realities – then anything is possible.     Although my beliefs are slightly different, as I do strongly believe in morals and ethics yet I believe in the concept of Karma vs Sin.   As humans we are prone to make mistakes and have judgment errors.  We cannot always know every side of a situation, therefore we make choices and decisions based on what we know and perceive.  This is being Human.   I believe our purpose here is to have experiences.  As humans we don't appreciate what we have until it's earned or gone (this sometimes can include spirituality) but then when we get back what we lost, we can truly appreciate it and be grateful; or appreciate the next similar opportunity.  We will either see the experience as a blessing and learn our lesson at hand, or repeat the experiences until that lesson is learned.    I too was brought down like Rev. Chuck in the last lesson.  The scenarios are different but the feelings the same.  My scenarios came from someone I called a friend.     I trusted this person, gave this person all I could.   I thought God lead to me this person to guide them, to teach them something.   As this relationship continued, we started to "agree to disagree" about most things and in a subtle ways I was criticized, put down, and condemned.  I lost my foundation, my peace and how to stand up for myself.    This led me to be untrusting of others and defensive in my behavior.    My gut feeling told me I should walk away from this friend but I didn't understand why, I didn't realize the mental abuse that was occurring, so I did not listen and I actually did the opposite and put myself into the relationship more.  Finally I did not give this friend what she wanted and the bomb exploded.  Behind my back this "friend" attacked me publicly (online blogs) in which I had no way to defend myself.  This friend took my actions and added her own intentions and set out to take me down.   This really messed with my head, my ideas about life, who I was and who I was supposed to be.    I called out to the Deity/God/Universal Energy  for help.  I was lead to The Celestine Prophecy,  Wayne Dyer,  Deepak Chopra,  - and many other authors who had similar life philosophies , which made me feel  "normal". – I no longer had to "agree to disagree".     I once again found acceptance with myself, and through that acceptance I found my peace again.         What I learned from that experience was that WE have a choice who we allow into our lives.  This choice is OUR responsibility.    If we allow people who are aggressive or abusive into our lives and we ignore these traits, then we either become like them or we become victim to them.  So, one big life lesson is we MUST choose our relationships wisely.      Since then, I have recognized the people that were always in my life supporting me; those who recognized my positive traits, who encouraged me to be all I can be.  I have also met new people and common interest groups who understand me, just the way I am.  I learned that people who make you feel good are the people good for your life.  I have learned that relationships are about relating.   Through all this I have found wholeness again.   While I continue my personal journey I hope to take the experiences I had thus far, with the knowledge I am gaining from the ULC courses to help others as they seek their own truth, peace and enlightenment.        Thank you.    ~ Reverend Amy Heiser ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Final Essay – Spirit Quest – Master of Metaphysics    

Rev. Nancy Kimes

This study course is a great course for those beginning their path and while serving others through ministerial pursuits. One of the deepest studies in this course is lesson 13, "Your Spiritual Path". Not many know or understand that we choose our parents and our experiences. This understanding is needed to make wiser choices and take responsibility for ourselves. If one learns this it can change the course of their life and make giant steps on their spiritual path. Lessons can be learned quicker and bring more awareness to making conscious choices.

One has the opportunity to sense that their thoughts are things and will project what they are thinking outside as well as inside of themselves, emotions such as fear and love. All thoughts stem from one or the other. This is an opportunity to make conscious choices conditioning the mind for a favorable outcome.

The bigger the lesson the stronger the impulse to change patterns that better serve you and prepares you to live a better life. It also helps when interacting with others.

I am not fond of destroying roses while doing the meditations, which are great by the way, so I replaced roses for bubbles or balloons instead.

Also, there is great information on the chakras. It was hard to choose one subject for this essay as all the chapters are "gems" of knowledge. This course helped me solidify my beliefs and create a deeper connection and foundation for those beliefs.

Sometimes, I tend to get somewhat philosophical when talking to someone about spiritual matters. This course helped bring me back to the basics clearly and concisely so those who are beginning their path can ease into this knowledge. The lessons provide stepping stones of beliefs they can grow into. This course will help everyone! 

In His service,

Dr. Rev. Nancy Kimes              

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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.

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Paganism

Final paper for Paganism Course: Life is Sacred.  Nature is Sacred.  Humanity is Sacred.  Every particle of creation is Sacred.  So believe the Pagans of the past and present.  Why then are there so many religions and so many lost souls walking around in a daze, looking for something to believe in and hold to as their core of existence? I have spent, literally, a lifetime looking for the truth of my creation and my Creator.  I have studied many religious groups and their beliefs.  I have joined some in hopes of finding the truth.  But alas, nothing.  I have always been curious and my mind craves knowledge.  Knowledge based on what is, and not on what we wish it would be. I found great comfort in studying Paganism.  Finally, a group of people who understood creation and the Creator.  Simple, straightforward, belief in the Sacred.  In Paganism, the human is not some flawed, frightened  little creature, cowering in the corner, waiting for his master to inflict unbearable punishments on him.  The human is Sacred.  We make our own decisions and live our own lives and we hold ourselves entirely responsible for the outcomes, so say the Pagans, and they are absolutely correct. We must not hurt or cause harm to anyone or anything.  We must have a sense of honor and self respect.  We must also respect all that has been created and is there for us to share in it's greatness.  Blessed be to all and everything. I sat on the beach, looking out onto the ocean and marveled at it's beauty and trembled at it's strength.  I felt very small and  I felt respect for the water's power over us.  I wondered, what is religion anyway?  And where do I fit in this picture?  Who or what is God?  I pondered and meditated on this for  many years.  Now, I believe that God is not a he or a she or even and it.  God is the great force of life, the great blast of energy inside the Big Bang!  I pictured it as a rocket in the fourth of July fireworks show.  God is the gigantic explosion and we are all the little bits of fire that falls to the earth, right after the explosion.  We are all part of the great essence.  All part of that which is God, which is life itself.  That force, that energy is within us and that is who we are. As I sat on the beach, in my mind's eye, I saw, there walking out of the water,  a shape of a monk with his hood covering his features.  I thought, OK?! What is this about?  Who are you?  When the figure was a few inches away, the monk pulled back the hood and to my astonishment.......it was me! Of course!!  It is me!  It has to be me!!  The only way to find God is in me and in so doing become closer to creation and all it's Blessedness. The Pagans have it right.  Sacredness, self responsibility, Blessedness are what will make our existence on this earth worthwhile.  We are not flawed, sinful creatures, needing to be saved from ourselves.  We are guardians of the earth, keepers of the truth, and God's expression of love.  Many religions try to make us feel ashamed of our bodies, of our thoughts, of our feelings and they love to tell everyone how they will burn in the pits of hell!  Follow us or you will be sorry.  We will teach you what to believe and what to do. It is not my intention to offend anyone's beliefs,  what I write here, is simply my point of view as to the path I have chosen for myself.   Paganism is a religion and it has clergy,  but it has no dogma and it is the individual's responsibility to behave in such a manner as to cause no harm to another.  I have found myself comforted in studying Paganism.  it has shown me a world before organized religion and controlled religious beliefs.  We were created free and happy.  I am not here to be a source of entertainment  for some higher being, but to enjoy life.  Paganism was here at the beginning.  The Pagans knew the wonders of the creation and the Creator. I say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  That applies to my chosen way of spirituality. There are many pagan paths from which to choose what fits your beliefs.  I tend strongly towards the Druid path of spirituality.  Others, Wicca and so forth. Thank you for offering this course. I have studied Shamanism, Druidism, and Wicca, each in their own individual courses.  This course pulled it all together for me and now life seems a little happier and fuller. Blessed be, till we speak again. Rev. Nitza Luz Melgar, ULC Minister ******************** 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

Spirituality

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH SEMINARY Defining Spirituality Course Rev. Chuck Rev. Elizabeth Final essay The most fascinating part of this course was the discussion of god/God as an ever maturing entity.   That was a completely new concept to me and one I rather enjoyed pondering.  The multi-discipline approach (science, philosophy, etc.) was also unique from other presentations so that too was quite refreshing. The teacher had a great capacity to present complex ideas in common parlance.  He also demonstrated considerably more than a passing understanding of the verifiable material presented. The romp through science was a great start to this course and I found the physics-lite portion of particular interest.    I wish I had bumped into some of these concepts when in college, as the material was the same, however this rendering was far more interesting. The section on Marx too was particularly interesting.  Again, the history was not new per se but the context in which it was placed allowed me to widen my understanding and for that I am grateful.  Early on I surmised that the teacher of this course has (in the past or currently) a Christian point of view.   Not a denominational affiliation - but an understanding of life's purpose and a relationship with God that aligns most often and most closely to my understanding of that shared by most Christians.    He does not state that - but that is my take away.    If correct, that point of view cannot help but color the lens and/or filter of his understanding. He makes every effort to be objective and certainly at every point is sensitive and accepting of other points of view as being of worth.    For that I am appreciative.   If that is his belief, there is no harm in sharing that fact directly. The last lesson in this course was a gutsy, personal and touching.   It has an impact.    Perhaps even a positive impact.    While it is not inappropriate in the context of this course - a more objective and less personal ending would have suited me better.    Classroom work is different from spiritual testimony and in a classroom setting one does not expect such a personal account. It is NOT a negative but it is a startling conclusion to a course that begins with science, traces the philosophers throughout the centuries and ends denoting the limitations of religion on personal growth. One final point in summation, I very much appreciated the condensed, clear and intelligent presentation of the materials and would encourage Rev. Chuck to offer a follow up course. ******************** 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

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing: Final Lesson This course has touched me in a number of ways. Katharine's insight and spirituality embodies each technique and historical piece of information on the traditional and indigenous healers of South Africa. I found it intensely interesting to learn that there are over 35,000 healers in that country. It has made me wonder as to how many healers practice in the United States, and why these practitioners are not as recognized as their counterparts in South Africa. I would liked to have learned or seen more studies outside of South Africa. The information in this series was (at best) limited. The Native American and European cultures that have become more acceptably integrated into American culture have long and respected knowledge and practices that apply to the healing arts. Wicca, and other nature based philosophies, have ingrained in them, the knowledge of herbs and plants that are both beneficial and potentially harmful. While there is much to be gained and given from the practice of the laying on of hands, it would seem that it is also as important to know what herbs, plants, aromatherapy, materials for ritual…etc…are used and for what side effects accompany them. One of the final lessons on distance healing was probably the most inclusive of step by step technique and what 'tools' to use in the preparation. Perhaps an expansion would be well and good for another course study. A couple of the most important and interesting techniques that I gained from this course, is the examination of the aura and the techniques for relaxation, which are, by any other name, Hypno-therapy, and meditation. I have been able to practice these methods with my Husband with excellent results in helping him to manage his painful shoulders and back, which are a result of stress and physical labour. I am looking forward to reviewing all of the material over and over, so that I can become adept in fulfilling my calling as a healer as well as a minister and counselor. In fact, these all work together for the balance and harmony, the health and well being of everyone. Along with the medical profession, I believe that there should always be holistic alternatives available. Perhaps America will see the benefits of partnering with traditional healers, here in the US, to allow a more fruitful and complete form of healing the body, might mind and soul. It is my true belief, that if God has given you a gift, then it is your responsibility to hone it and share it, to give the glory to God for it's purpose and humble gratitude for its nature. I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied this course, to continue to hone my own skills (gifts) and the guidance that this study course has offered, to do so.  Rev. Krissy Mahrling-Harding ******************** 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

A Course in Miracles

A Course In Miracles Achieving any objective can appear deceptively simple, and understanding the message of this course is no different.  From the beginning, we must put aside our ego and engage our higher mind, the realm of the spirit.  Our ultimate goal is happiness and salvation, and there are two essential elements we must use to get there – love and forgiveness.  And this is where it all starts to get complicated. We all desire happiness, and with happiness comes love.  That desire drives our will and our thinking.  Our ego constantly tells us that it has the answer to our desire, and provides us with plenty of illusions designed to make us happy.  But these illusions provide only temporary happiness, to be replaced by other illusions.  Happiness comes from our higher mind, not the ego, for it is a state of being in which we are immune to the troubles of the world, and protected from the world.  The ego cannot provide happiness, but only the illusion of happiness.  We desire more than illusions.  But, desire is not enough.  To achieve true happiness, we must have a conscious purpose to achieve happiness, powered by our intention to seek happiness, and our devotion to that pursuit. This is where the two essential elements come in.  Happiness requires that we love ourselves and all the rest of creation.  And, we cannot find that love until we are prepared to forgive ourselves and others for the slights we have suffered.  "Only illusions can be forgiven, and then they disappear" says A Course In Miracles (T24.III.1.2).  Accordingly, we must forgive others for the illusions we created in response to their "attacks" on us, and we must also forgive ourselves for that response.  In that way, we rid ourselves of illusions and open ourselves up to love.  But that is not enough.  We must also extend that love to all of creation.  For only by extending love to others can we give it to ourselves. And thus is happiness created and salvation attained. Love and Light, Rev.Robert Gill ******************** 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

A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles
What caused me to think deeper about things was the part of the course that went into the human ego. So what follows are some thoughts on its identity, conditioned appearance and structure in mental and physical phenomena.

Lesson 4 says that everything is born out of the ego. It seems that the whole of the metaphysical course is dependent upon this one factor, which is the one and only cause of our conflict and suffering created by a distortion in our perceptions causing a selfish, individual existence. We are as if asleep in a dream world and as in a dream, we appear through our perceptions as the dream person who is separate from the other dream people, dream objects and events. However, just like in a dream, it is all one movement, projected by the mind through delusional states. It is nothing but mind, we could say that the mind is capable of creating its self with all its delusions, not only in the dream state but in the so called waking state also.

 If we analyse the waking state, we find that nothing exists in its own right as a separate entity. A person, a tree, a rock are all made up of other factors and without these other factors they could not appear. Without the sunshine, the rain, the air and so on a tree could not appear as a tree, it only appears as a tree in relation to everything else. This is also the same regarding a person, a person is dependent on physical form, feeling perception, cognition and consciousness to be able to appear to exist and without these factors there could not be a person. Everything depends on countless factors, nothing can be found as a separate entity, so the world as a whole, with all its events is nothing but one inseparable total movement in the now. This is none other than mind itself, created through our projected distortions, it appears as individual events but everything is coming into being and vanishing at the same time in this very moment. The beginning of existence is here and now. The past present and future is contained in the now, the universe did not come into being millions of years ago, it is created by the mind moment to moment in the present .This is the one cause of all problems. Through delusion we see different objects of existence, but we really cannot talk of objects of existence, as from the ultimate level, an object cannot be found. If we look into any object composing the world that we perceive, it dissolves away and only existence can be found .The universe does not prove its own existence, all it can prove is existence.

It is this distorted view point that has caused us to think we are separate individuals in a world alien from eternal reality, resulting in the deluded ego or self thought. Somebody once said that the cross in Christianity is symbolic of the self or the I thought, the example would be cross out the I and I crossed out is none other than the sign of the cross which   = no self, leaving only true reality and dissolving the world, which the self has created and all the destruction it has caused, for in reality the world does not exist. Once seen through only God, only eternal reality exists which is limitless truth and love. That is the unconditioned, beyond the delusional mind made world of distorted perception, which only sees individual appearances. The world created by the ego is only the same substance of dreams and has no reality of its own. The ego would like us to think otherwise. Once this dream has come to an end through true insight, if the slightest thought about eternal reality even the thought I am one with this reality arises, it is none other than the limited ego claiming eternal limitless reality for itself.

The ego always wants to lay claim, control and own the whole of creation, this may be what is referred to by the devil in the scriptures. He wants his own power and separation from love and truth which he will not share, for only Gods will of love and truth can be shared. He wants a separate world that he can own for himself and will cause wars, death and destruction to try to get it. This is the cause of our distorted perceptions of the true reality of the universe.

As an example of the ego or I thought is if we look at a candle flame, close our eyes then open them and think of ourselves looking at the flame, close the eyes, then repeat a few times, we will come to see that we or our ego or I thought comes into being and vanishes each time we look. It is none other than a conditioned process and yet it is the cause of all our suffering.

Until we wake up from our dream to the Truth, there will only be conflict, fear and unhappiness caused by our wrong perceptions projected as a world where we play out our own inward conflicts, causing untold suffering to ourselves and others. Until we come to see that this entire world is none other than a reflection of our mind with all its delusions and in reality we cannot own or create anything that is real, we can only create an empty dream like phenomena, for that which is real is only God or reality.

In the first lesson of this wonderful Metaphysics course, it says all we have is freedom of choice and also that Einstein said "we cannot solve a problem with the same level of thinking that caused it". We have to penetrate with love and compassion through these distorted perceptions which are none other than the world itself to the endless unconditioned love which has no limits and no description. For all description is only a limitation, of that which is beyond all limits which is so limitless that it cannot even be described as limitless. To the silence that just is.

      

   

Rev. Terence Stewart

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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.

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