Wicca

I have been studying and Practicing Wicca for the better part of 9 years now but I found this course very enlightening and informative. It is an excellent way for a beginner to become familiar with Wicca and the traditions. This course helped to reaffirm my beliefs and cement the path I have followed and shall continue, For being a solitary it is easy to get caught up in everyday routine tasks and not set aside time for spiritual side.

I have always found a similarity between many religious traditions and the Pagan ways, and I firmly believe the Catholic religion especially adopted there ways and traditions from the pagan ways but put a different twist on many. The section on Dowsing I found very interesting for it is an area I up to now never paid much attention to, But when I tried it and found the level of accuracy to be so high I was amazed. I also found the section on spells so very important. Wicca has become so misunderstood in this area, so to relate prayer to spells is an excellent observation. For we cast spells to bring about change in ourselves not others. By changing ourselves everything else changes also. 

Another Most important subject touched upon is fact we don’t believe in Satin or the Devil. A part of society believes that we worship Satin but in fact we do not believe in the devil and in fact we can wish harm nor cause harm we are quite the opposite. Positive energy is what we are about, For positive begets positive and the respect for all living things. The only thing we banish is negativity and what it creates.

A very interesting phase in the Wicca course was on Bioelectric energy. It is the energy that every living thing has. It is what carries the instructions from our brain to our fingertips. This energy can be channeled externally. One assignment was to put one hand above the other (palm to palm). Close your eyes and think of a flow of light. After a few moments of concentration you should have felt some tingling or coldness or a hot sensation. If it didn’t work try again by rubbing your hands together in a circular motion, then proceed as written above. I found this to be quite enlightening, perhaps a form of self awareness. 

Overall the course is setup in an excellent structure in the way it teaches you step by step but in an important order. I found it left me wanting the next lesson, waiting a week was in most cases a long wait. I think this course could be a great information resource even for someone who is not following a Wiccan path.

Blessed Be

Rev. Frank L Ducharme

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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 Course

Wiccan Basic Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

Wicca

Good afternoon Amy,

As part of the Master of Wiccan studies program, Lord Starwalker has asked that I send this assignment to you. Specifically, the assignment in Lesson 15 is to send in all of the completed assignments. Not all lessons had assignments and some required drawings etc. that I will describe rather than include here.

The first assignment was in Lesson 2 - Consequences. This is one of the basic building blocks of Paganism. Responsibility. Responsibility for your own choices, responsibility for your actions and, responsibility for your inactions. The assignment asked that I write down in a column every decision I make and in the other, note the consequences. I do this as part of my job, so it was relatively easy to carry it over to everything I do. It was an interesting assignment and it brings to light that everyday decisions can have long term consequences. I hole heartily agree that, as a society, we should take responsibility for our actions, which we are doing less and less of, especially here in North America.

The assignment in lesson 2 was to choose my altar tools and directions. I chose My Alter Directions as

North = Air (Spirit) - Reason: North is considered "up", spirit is synonymous with air, East = Water - Reason - I live in the North East. The closest large bodies of water are east of me. South = Fire - Reason - The south is hot - heat is fire and West = Earth - The prairies - millions of acres of grasslands. My altar tools are my Book of Shadows Representing Spirit and, it has the pentagram on the cover , a Photo of a goddess Representing the earth, a Goblet Representing water and a lighter Representing fire and a Knife in lieu of a sword.

Lessons 6 & 7 involved Dousing. I studied these chapters closely but, at the present time, I'm not able to fully focus my energies to achieve the results that can be expected. I plan on going back to this in the spring and summer when times are less stressful for me.

Lesson 10 covers the holidays. The Assignment was to explain what each holiday means to me.

Samhain starts at sunset October 31 and goes to Sunset November 1st (Hallow'een). This is my favorite holiday. I love the fall especially harvest time as I grew-up on a farm. It is the most spiritual time of year for me in all respects.

Yule or Midwinter, Winter Solstice usually falls on December 20 - 22. This is not my favorite time of year. In the north east, winter is only 6 weeks old but it already seems endless. I grew-up a Catholic but I never really liked the whole Christmas season.

Ostara - Spring equinox, March 21. I enjoy spring but we are usually overanxious for winter to be over by mid March. In the North East we can still have big snow storms right into early April.

Litha Midsummer, June 21. I love the heat of summer and when I read about this, I thought about the Playboy Mansion Midsummer Nights Dream party. A joyful and sexy time.

Lesson 12's assignment was to describe in what ways expressing these holidays feels comfortable to you. Personally, I enjoy observing people. When I was young I was very shy and, to a certain extent, I still am. Therefore, I get most enjoyment from observing.

Lesson 13's assignment was to pick a myth and analyze it as if you were listening to a myth of another culture for the first time. I am fascinated by this stuff. I had a difficult time choosing only one that would be unique. The lesson here is to analyze myths so that we can see the true context (in my opinion). A small modern example: On the TV program "Las Vegas", Ed Deline, the GM of the Montesito Casino is usually referred to as "Big Ed Deline", not because of his stature, which isn't that big, but because he has a demanding and powerful personality. At one point, upon meeting him for the first time, this ex convict says: "You're Big Ed Deline? You're not so big" to which Ed Deline responds: "Big enough". It makes you wonder about some of the mythical creatures of the past. Food for thought.

Lesson 15 covers rituals. The assignment is to write a ritual for the consecration/dedication of a child (who is still an infant) sometimes called a Wiccanning, just after they are born. Here goes:

Preparation: Set up the Altar and lay out the tools for easy use.

Consecration: Bless and prepare the space for use. Ritually cleanse the Circle of any negative influences, seal the Circle by "casting" it, bless the participants in the rite, and bless the area.

Invocation: Invite the deities to join the Circle, and bless it with their presence.

Working:

Celebrant: Welcome one and all. We are gathered here today to welcome this child of (name the parents) into our plane of existence. Are you (name the parents) the lawful and legal guardians of this child?

Father and Mother: We are.

Celebrant: Who bears witness to this fact?

Witnesses: We do.

Celebrant: What name do you propose for this child to be known as from this day forward?

Father and Mother: Erica Lynn

Celebrant: Do the witnesses concur that this name is acceptable?

Witnesses: We do.

Celebrant addressing the child: From this day forward you will be know as Erica Lynn. Erica Lynn, I present you to the Deities present, to your Mother and Father and to all others present.

At this stage, each person presents themselves to the child as follows: "Erica Lynn, I am (Name). As long as you are a minor, I will protect you from all that is evil to the best of my ability."

Celebrant: To all present (both physical and nonphysical), we appreciate the time you have taken to participate in this ceremony. As a small token of our appreciation, please partake of the food and drink we have prepared for you to your hearts content.

At this stage we open the Circle, say good-bye to everyone invited (both physical and nonphysical) and go our merry way.

Amy I hope I have covered all the basics. I tried to keep the e-mail as short as possible without leaving anything important out. I skipped the details of the ritual since they form part of the lesson and I thought it best to keep the e-mail as short as possible. If you want more detail, please let me know and I can provide it to you.

Best regards

Robert Pelot

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

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism Course

Anne Marie Brooks

Shamanism Course

This has been extremely interesting not just because of the material and history of shamanism but because I am in the process of completing a dissertation. The dissertation will show that a shamans, religious mystics/psychics and psychotics not only exhibit similar behaviors but also have similar brain activity. The other aspect is that culture dictates how the person is viewed. Much of the information in this course confirms my theory.

I did not realize that shamans could be found all over the world. I was surprised that there were some of the first shamans in Russia. I did find it just a bit confusing in that initially the course indicated the differences between shamans, medicine men and healers. And there was obviously wide difference in whether women could be shamans or not.

There was consistency in the altered states of consciousness and personal behaviors noted in many different tribes. These same altered states of consciousness and behaviors can be found in psychics/mediums and religious mystics. The early signs of shamanism whether through birth line or from a calling are much the same. Some tribes use natural drugs found in their environment. The information provided in the history of Shamanism confirms my hypothesis that depending on where you are born will determine how you are viewed. There are cultures that value shamanism. If a young person exhibits early signs of anxiety, altered stages of consciousness, and are typical symptoms of psychosis such as visual and auditory hallucinations. Often these young people are taken by an elder or an older shaman and taught how to use these gifts and how to protect themselves and others. Many are sent on a vision quest to allow them to fully experience a shamanic episode.

Many of the very same behaviors, beliefs and altered states of consciousness are found in those who are considered religious mystics such as speaking in tongues and lying on of hands. Like with cultures that revere shamanism they are both viewed as gifted or blessed to have the abilities they have.

In the western world, we have the America Indians while there are still many shamans/healers/medicine. These individuals are still revered, trained, and accepted by their culture. If these same beliefs, behaviors and altered states of consciousness are seen in a child or adult there is quite a different reaction. Having worked in mental health my whole career I now question whether or not some of these people were what our culture refers to as psychics and were wrongly treated for a mental illness.

I learned a lot I didn’t know about Shamans and I also found a lot of material that support my hypothesis.

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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.

Wicca

Wiccan Basic Training

By Rev. Barbara Hynal

How it affected my life

What I learned

I have pretty much been practicing Wicca, naturally not knowing what it was, since I was a child. I did not believe in the things that the different religions, in the Bible Belt, taught about their God. Each religion saying their God was the true God. Teaching of fire & damnation if you followed any teaching other than "theirs". I believed in a "greater power" that gives life &  love to all living things.

As I grew, I became fascinated with the stories of the Greek Gods & Goddess's. I felt that we all had the God/Goddess spirit within us, if we would only acknowledge this spirit. You can imagine how the idea of being a Goddess in oneself went over in this geographical area.

My philosophy of: what I do is MY BUSINESS (as long as my intention is good, I take responsibility for my actions & I bother no one else) use to drive my parents up the wall. They thought I was a disrespectful person. "An it harms none, do as thou wilt".

All of the above was well before the broom closets were opened. I moved to California about the time you could say witch or Wicca without thinking you might be burned.I found Scott Cunningham's books to my liking & they added to my education of what I was practicing. I am still a solitary practitioner. I have attended several covens & found the power struggle for the HP status too stifling.

I enjoyed this course very much.I liked the way we are reminded that the ritual must speak to YOU. An effective ritual unites the worshipper with Deity. I had not thought about the alter tools as being "attention-getters" to focus your attention. I like that theme. I have several tools that "I like" that do not really fit with the pattern of alter tools. They do now, because they are "attention-getters" for ME.

Being reminded that alters grow & change (with the growth of the person), reminded me that it is OK to set my alter my way.The Invoking-evoking was a good lesson. I really had not realized the difference. I have always "invited" the element to honor me with the presence. I have heard HP use "EVOKING". That tern did not set well & now I know why.

Lessons 12-13-14 were pretty intense & educational.

Lesson 23 on improving your spells was very helpful. The information

about which moon phase for the purpose of the spell was very helpful.

This course reinforced most of my beliefs & taught me a few new ways of looking/doing things.

So Mote it be!

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

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

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Paganism Course

Master of Paganism

Final Essay

PAGANISM

The pagan religions are all those religions that have evolved from primitive religion, keeping the polytheistic conception,

The name "Pagan" comes from the Latin Pagus (rural town) and was used in a derogatory way by Christians.

With the adoption of Christianity by the Roman Empire, as the official religion and the beginning of persecution against the pagans, the ancient religions seemed to disappear.

Many practitioners were hiding to escape persecution and cults were modified slowly.

The ceremonies, the first openly carried out during the day, were practiced in hidden mode and night.

The rites were transformed slowly overcoming all the persecutions Inquisition.

More recently revived the Ancient Greek religion, Roman, Celtic, Nordic and Slavic.

The tradition of the Italic witchcraft was recovering from giving birth to Gerald Gardner's Wicca Religion
Currently, we raise both the old religion but religions derived from old forms.

This is a phenomenon in the world for a greater awareness of the populations.

The Vatican is trying to oppose the revival of the polytheistic religion, but has lost much credibility and power after the shocking news stories involving the Vatican and its hierarchy.

Many countries are recognizing the ancient religions and their ministers. Exemplary case of Ireland and Scotland and throughout the UK. In many countries of Eastern Europe, Slavic cults are tolerated and are attracting a lot of people. In Greece, was built the first temple of the Cult of the Modern Hellenic.

In Italy encountered a number of different temples and sacred groves.

We also see the ancient religions of Central and South America flourish again and practice their religion, even in the presence and the wishes of top government of their nations.

In India (Hinduism) and Japan (Shinto), the two major ancient religions politicians keep their place and have managed to survive and stay strong to attack from the monotheistic religions.

European Paganism, in its diversity of Religious Affairs, commonly bases:
a pantheon of gods and goddesses very similar, albeit with different names
almost the same as a calendar: four major holidays, four lesser festivals, 12/13 lunations
great respect for nature and life forms
the abolition of the ancient blood sacrifices
respect for human beings
the lack of "missionaries" in search of recruits
the absolute freedom of worship
compliance with laws
the search for an official recognition in the states of origin.

Another important thing that characterizes the old policy is the natural inclination to live peacefully with other religions.

This would seem to conflict with what we were taught about the "persecution of Christians" made by the Roman Empire, but looking closely, we discover that we were taught notions "directive" of history.
The Romans never did religious persecution but only against what they put disorder. The most important was that against the Jews: the Jewish Diaspora. A punitive steps against a people who had rebelled in arms, not against his religion. Each religion was absorbed by the Roman Empire and temples were built for each Deity. But Christians behaved differently with religious intolerance began to attack the Pagan Temples, and this caused the reaction with some of the Roman state repression, often only small amounts and only in remote areas of the Roman Empire.

By Theodosius and the suppression of pagan religions the violence perpetrated by Christians assumed enormous proportions, as mentioned with satisfaction the reporters themselves Christians. Winners rewrote the history of persecution against Christians to exaggerate and create an epic of the martyrs, but History can not be erased completely and thankfully remained the historical evidence to confirm what was written.

Returning to the present times and to see the holiday calendar Pagano called Sabba (major and minor) and Esbat.

The four Sabba (major) mark the four main events calendar
Spring equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox and winter solstice

.


The four Sabba (minors): Lupercalia (Imbloc), May Day (Beltane), Harvest Festival (Lughnasadh) and Day of the Dead (Samhain) and mark four times in the calendar year and the relationship with nature and its fruits .

The other holidays are those of the Moon Esbat and are called, as a rule but they are twelve years we have a thirteenth moon (Blue Moon) as the civil calendar differs from the lunar calendar.

The pagan rituals are very fascinating and very important rites of passage such as weddings and Presentation. Even the funeral rites are very intense and full of meaning.

Here is the formula taken from the bed "Rituals and Ceremonies" that I wrote for the Ceremonies of the Temple of the Gods and Goddesses - Old Religion:

FOR LIFE AND LOVE, IN THE NAME OF THE GODS AND GODDESSES, I ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I take you ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... IN MY HANDS IN MY HEART, IN MY MIND, THE AWAKENING THE SUN AND THE COURSE OF THE STARS. No death can separate us. Eternity At the same time we are reborn into the same space, and we meet again, and understand them,
AND WE REMEMBER And we love one another, YET

The formula of presentation that is made to the Gods of the New Born and the Company is very important and follows the ancient custom of the Romans:

OH GODS AND GODDESSES listen.
I AM HERE, YOUR PRESENCE TO SUBMIT TO YOU, gods and goddesses, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... SON OF A ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. And ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
TOGETHER WITH WITNESSES AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY '.
Here before you, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ....
Pour out of him or her your blessings, Infuse strength, health, Courage, Intellect, GOODNESS 'and a long and happy life.

AND THAT IS SO '

Now the road is open, the path is traced. silent pilgrims, once hidden, now shows in the sunlight and now cry that an invocation for thirteen hundred years have only had to whisper:

ITERUM SUSCITAMUS VESTAE FOCUM
(Turn on the sacred fire of Vesta)

And these sacred fires began to light up all over Europe.

We Europeans have much to American brothers and sisters. In fact, many battles for religious freedom have been taken from them. This encouraged us very slowly and allowed us to emerge from the shadows and begin to practice our public rituals.

That the Gods and Goddesses bless and protect us.
AND THAT IS SO '

Rev Massimiliano Militello

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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

Dear Lord Starwalker, Dear Amy,

I started the ULC Dr. of Wiccan Studies Program in the beginning of January this year and received the final lesson a few days ago. Despite a little glitch of no consequence in the e-mail system, the course was very well delivered and very enlightening. It is clear that Lord Starwalker is well-learned on the subject of Wicca and Paganism, and he is very good at sharing this information. I appreciated his down-to-earth writing style, which could describe wide range of fairly difficult concepts in a straightforward way. He went directly to the point, making risks and potential pitfalls clear.

I liked the way the course was structured, moving from the history to the philosophy, to the mythology and theology, then to rituals only at lesson 15, and to spells only in the end. I find that a lot of books on Wicca tend to pass very quickly on the more spiritual aspects of the religion and dedicate most of their teaching to rituals. This in my opinion leads people to focus too much on the magic and not enough on spirituality, philosophy and theology. Not so in this course!

I have read quite a number of books on Wicca and Paganism, and this course was at the same time covering a number of topics I had already read on and meditated about, but it also very often put them in a new light. I liked the advices on rituals in lesson 16 and 17. You don’t read very often about them, and they are important things to think about when performing rituals. I also found lesson 21 on ethics very important.

The lesson on herbalism and herbology were interesting, but I think that I would need much more reading before I delve into more than only the most risk-free basics. Lord Starwalker did well to include a warning at the beginning of the lesson. The lessons on the holidays and the sabbats and esbats were very good. They put them into perspective from a historical and practical point of view, and I learned quite a lot there. It is true that the content of the Wiccan holidays can and does change from tradition to tradition and that their description is often different, but I think it is important to know the origins and reasons of celebration to be able to really know what we are doing at that time.

I have not been able to practice the lessons as much as I would have liked, but I have filed them all for further reference and I am sure I will go back to them regularly. I thank you very much for your time and efforts. Again, this was a great experience.

May the Goddess bless you and everyone at ULC.

Baudouin Heuninckx

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The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

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

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar