Paganism Course

Neo-Paganism in Post-Modern Canada

I have searched for sanctums. There is one in Toronto, I used to be in an all-male circle and before that I was in a female circle.

Paganism, Neo-Paganism and Wicca are at a crossroads. The three religions draw scholarly types, lonely young adult men and older spiritual women who want a second family

You would be surprised most right-hand path Wiccans of the male persuasion are mourning Jesus or another historical figure, and are trying to emulate a role model while learning about the casting and herbalism the faith offers

Sanctums are very rare and the domain of religious societies. Most Wiccans practice along or with some dedicated friends. Circles have to most followers but you must be invited within to take part.

I am trying to work my way back to right hand path

Part of my faith in the dark is personal and my way of honouring the environment

Most other wiccans use the faiths to stop others from hurting our families and also as a way to strengthen a community

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

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

Wiccan Studies

 Wiccan

Final Essay

Mary McGar

This course was very interesting to me and helped me tremendously in my new volunteer position of co-moderator of a Unitarian Universalist Pagan group.  Without this course I would have been unable to assume this position.  When I started this course, while I was not new to Pagan philosophy, I was new to Pagan thealogy, mythology and practice.  I did not know anything about ritual tools, altar set up, Elementals, rituals, etc.  All of these topics were broken down and thoroughly explained so this course has served as a guiding light for me.  I liked the suggestion to look around at what you have that can be used as a ritual tool before running out and buying some.  I, also, liked the suggestion to look for tools in estate sales and garage sales.  I would have never thought to look in those places.

Learning some mythology was necessary to me at that point and I think the course covered the topic well.  Not only is the mythology important it is crucial in the preparation of a ritual.  I appreciated the information regarding consecrating the ritual tools because I had not learned that yet in my group.

The most fun lesson, to me, was the dousing lesson.  I did go out and buy a pendulum and have had lots of fun with it.  I was able to get the pendulum to work for me and give me answers that later proved accurate. 

Diving the holidays into two lessons was beneficial as there was far too much information in each lesson to absorb in one.  I found it helpful to learn about each ritual in brief and then being provided with a search engine, Northern Lights, for more detailed information was thee easiest way to grasp the big picture of the Wheel of the Year. 

The lesson that covered some of the attributes of the Deities in Celtic mythology was a great starting place for trying to learn a few of the many Deities involved in Pagan celebrations.

I recently prepared and led an Imbolc ritual for my group and, today, gave a talk in church regarding how the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans fits well into UU's perspective, Paganism in general, ritual tools, altar setup, Elementals, Deities, different paths and beliefs of Paganism, the mythology of Imbolc and a brief description of the ritual itself.  This course served as a basic guide for me in the preparation of both the ritual and the talk, so naturally, I feel I gained much from this course and enjoyed it.  The course stimulated me to learn more about each topic covered in the lessons.

I knew very little about the use of herbs and learned much from this section.  I purchased some eye bright and intend to use it as a healing spell on myself soon.  Of course, the lessons covering spells were fascinating but also very useful due to the detailed explanation of the instructions.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Irish sayings contained in many of the lessons.  The only suggestion I would offer is that it would have been nice, since this will serve as a main reference for me, to have an Index of the Lessons so I could more quickly find the topic I need.  Thank you for writing and presenting the course. 

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

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

Wiccan

I began this course as a practicing Wiccan with a desire to learn different approaches to Wicca. As a teacher, I am in the habit of gathering and evaluating information. Some things I keep for future reference and others I discard. It was with this perspective that I entered this course.

As a Wiccan 101 course, it covered the basics very well. I enjoyed the different approaches you gave. You conveyed to the students the idea that Wicca is a personal relationship and not some tightly held dogmatic beliefs. I noticed a thread of Ceremonial Magic weaved into your Wiccan Tapestry. I also noticed that you touched on some Druidic beliefs as well. I applaud you on both.

I feel the course was a through presentation of Wiccan 101. Your presentation encouraged students to become personally involved in Wicca and to think for themselves. I enjoyed the course very much.

Rev. Angela Firmin H.P.S., D.D.

Lady Emeraldmoon

Rev. Angela Firmin

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

Wiccan Studies

Jason J. Stone

ULC

Master of Wiccan Studies

Things Said and Left Unsaid

I have read many books regarding the path of Wicca and Paganism. Although they all have different authors and different subtopics, they all contain a similar message in them. NEVER STOP LEARNING!! I have been drawn to Paganism because it is so eclectic, I am constantly reading and taking bits and pieces of one form of Paganism and merging it into my beliefs and practices. This course helped me gain yet another aspect of Paganism.

I have read many books about how to be a Pagan, how to worship, how to perform spells, and what tools to use and how to use them. This course is the first place I have read a significant history about Paganism in general and specifically Wicca. I enjoyed reading about the beginnings of Paganism and some of the key individuals that had a hand in the rebirth of Paganism into Neo-Paganism. This section unfortunately left out a very influential person in many people's path to Wicca. To me, and many others, the writings of Scott Cunningham have been a strong guide along the Wiccan path. I think his name should have been mentioned in the history section of this course, although he did not found anything, I feel his writings were instrumental in opening the door to many individuals on the pagan path that wanted to learn about Wicca but did not have the means to obtain the information. Being that I am a solitary Practitioner, I consider two of his books on solitary Wicca especially important.

Another point I wish to address from the course is the "Responsibility" segment in Lesson #2. Growing up in a strict Roman Catholic family household, I have heard many unfortunate events get blamed on the Devil. My whole life I have listened to other people blame THEIR malignant actions or in-actions on a fictitious Character invented to instill fear. If more people would take responsibility for THEIR actions, instead of blaming their downfalls on a made up character, the world would be a much better place. I have read the "responsibility" concept many times in several books, but I have never read it presented as in this course. I thought it was an excellent idea to compare responsibility of our actions with being out on your own with only $400.

The final part of this course that I would like to discuss is the section on Metaphysical Energy. I enjoyed that portion of the course simply because it is nicely presented, and very important. How the sources of energy is broken down and presented really made it easy to comprehend. Most people understand that a person has a certain amount of "spirit" energy, but the elemental energy is overlooked in my experience. It is very important to be aware of your spiritual energy you possess, but it is equally important to be aware of the elemental energy that is out there and ready for your use. Without the use of that elemental power things like Reiki, Crystal or Herbal healing would not be possible.

I would like to close by saying I enjoyed this course and am looking forward to taking another in the near future as I continue on my path.

Blessed Be!

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wiccan Studies

Wicca Essay

The Wiccan class is one that I have truly enjoyed. While I am not a practicing Wiccan, I find that I do practice Wicca in many ways.

I have enjoyed all the classes, they were very interesting, an easy read that held my interest.

The introduction to herbs class as inspired me to learn more about herbs. I drink the herbal teas, I have rushed to the health food store to purchase herbs as a remedy for a cold, but never really gave much thought to it. I never considered the lavender plant to be an herb, it’s one of my favorite scents of aromatherapy. My rosemary bush by the front porch has taken on a new life, so to speak. I recently purchased a beautiful mortar and pestle, I am ready to take on the herbs.

I enjoyed the classes on alters and have added additional alters around my home.

Rituals, spells, the basics are here. My rituals are limited to moon ceremonies, perhaps someday I will expand, it’s nice to have all the basics here at hand.

Since starting this course, I have added some new books to my library, spells and herbs, dousing, rituals and ceremonies.

Wicca, a religion or a way of everyday life…I believe we are all wiccans at heart, this class helps you realize that.

Thank you Amy and Lord Starwalker. I have enjoyed the journey.

Nancy L. Kuhn

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Happiness is when what you think,

what you say,

and what you do are in harmony.

~Mahatma Gandhi

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Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving,

the most beautiful of the arts,

because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life;

it is life itself.

~ Havelock Ellis

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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

Wiccan Studies

"Wiccan – No Broom or Pointing Hat Needed!"

A Final Essay for the Master of Wiccan Studies Course

By Daniel L. Moore

            This completes my personal journey in exploring the "earth religions" (Druidism, Shamanism, Paganism were the others).  My goal was simply to understand and get through the popular notions to what is really practiced.  Flying on brooms sticks, bubbling cauldrons, and pointing hats may be entertaining through the lens of Hollywood.  The truth is that modern Wiccan is form of an ancient religion. 

            I liked the approach of this instruction.  The lesson on consequences was important.  Responsibility plays a big part in the practices of the followers of Wiccan.  The spiritual forces are powerful.  As a pilot of a jet fighter must be responsible in control of the jet and its systems, so to must the Wiccan be in all he or she does.

            The tools and symbolism lessons were valuable to me.  it is I who would give meaning to the tool.  Again, I see a lot of sense in this approach.  The stone, the salt, the fire, the wand…will have representation of what I see to use it for.  They are tools to be used to help me concentrate, focus, divine energy.  It is like a four foot stick I find in the woods.  I can clean it up and use it as a cane or walking staff.  The stick by itself has no power.  I bring my imagination to it and then … the possibilities are many.

            Over and over again, the instruction teaches that behind the altar, tools, and rituals it the "personal touch."  This is something we all do to a degree.  I buy a truck but I will "personalize it" by putting in a new pickup bed lining, a tool box, and custom tires. 

            I also note that use of the objects help in another way…it is one of familiarity.  There is power in this.  I can relate.  I go fishing and though I have several rods and reels…I have my high confidence ones.  They are the ones I reach for first.  In my tackle box I have lures that also are tried and proven.  I can't explain it, but there is energy in those I have high confidence in and it would be the same in the objects used in the rituals, ceremonies, and spells.

            Another strong point of this course for me was the interaction – homework – in some assignments.  I had to define the names of the holidays, I would write a ceremony, I was encouraged to practice a couple of rituals.  This is plus.  It is one thing to read about a subject but it is another to be actively involved.  I can read about preaching a sermon but it is quite another to do all that is involved from research, writing, practice, and finally delivering the sermon.  It stretches one!

            I was really challenged with the exercise of lessons 14 and 15 dealing with mythology.  At first I was stumped to find a "modern myth" but remembered some of my favorite characters as a child – Tarzan!  As I look back on that lesson, one can also find modern myths in the stories of various movies and television shows today.

            Finally, I liked the instructor's ability to question.  In lesson 17, he asks concerning Catholic rituals, "Where do they get all their rituals?"  When we accept blindly without asking a ritual or tradition, that action fails.  Why?  I believe that in the beginning a ritual or traditional practice was designed to be a teachable moment.  What has happened is that the story or event behind the ritual is forgotten. 

            For any student seeking to understand the early religions in a modern context, this is a good one.  It also helps to round out the courses on Druidism, Paganism, and Shamanism in a complementary way.  Well done! 

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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

Wiccan Studies

Wiccan Studies Essay
I have to say I was a bit hesitant to sign up for this course, but something told me to do so because of the hesitancy and fear of the unknown with in the public for this religion. My mother is third generation to the states from Ireland, where as she and her mother before her and before her were practitioners of the old ways. I can remember going to my great grandmothers kitchen and not understanding why the herbs were hanging or the table in the corner was set a certain way with "pretties" on it and i was not allowed to touch. i remember one time that we went there the "old women" were chanting around that table, and when I wondered in they accepted me in the circle with open arms, i remember my grandmother saying "she's ready, she's curious" and that my friend was the beginning of trying to teach others that being a witch was not taboo.....anyway this course, even though I am a practitioner of the old ways, has rekindled some thing that I have forgot in general, I will take these things and use them in my practice of teaching to where i hope that others can become more comfortable with us that do not necessarily believe in what they believe in.

I thank you for the opportunity to take this class...the teacher was awesome and very knowledgeable.

thanks

Rene

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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.  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