Funeral Ceremony - Suicide

This funeral ceremony was for young suicide.  It was co-celebrated by an ULC Minister and a Catholic Priest. The parents of the boy are long divorced and estranged.  It was very painful.  But everyone said that they were comforted by the service. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR JEREMY November 13, 2007     Opening   (ULC officiant)     To everything there is a season. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to reap; A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; A time for every purpose under Heaven.    Ecclesiates 3:1-8     We gather here today to say goodbye to Jeremy, our beloved and loving Son, Grandson, Brother, Cousin, Nephew and Friend. We come together to share our grief, love and compassion. With heavy hearts we understand that Jeremy had a disease, an addiction that took him from us. We seek his forgiveness for our failures and to forgive him for his weaknesses so we can focus on a path to celebration. A celebration of our Jeremy who touched and charmed everyone who knew him. We will miss Jeremy, who was wonderfully intelligent, loving and always brought his unique perspective to any topic of conversation. The Jeremy that loved to challenge conventional wisdom, and enjoyed reading Philosophy and was interested in ancient Civilizations and cultures. We will always remember Jeremy's quick wit and the gentle caring love he had for his pets, especially Rocky, his boyhood friend, and most recently Roxy. We will all miss our beloved Jeremy and are here to celebrate the boy and man who enriched all our lives.     PRAYER FROM CHURCH    (Father John) ……   Scripture recited by the congregation       The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pasture, He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the Paths of righteousness for his name sake.   Yea, though I walk through the valley of The shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou Are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies, thou anoints my head with oil, my cup runs over.   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  23rd Psalm …..   Blessing of the Body       (Father John)   Music by Coldplay, "The Scientist" …..   Eulogy by the father   Where do I begin? I am not a writer. I am a father who has lost one of the most precious gifts god has ever given me. It seems like only a moment ago I was a child myself pushing the boundaries and limits my own parents tried to set for me. A moment has passed and now I stand here in a place I could never have imagined.  Jeremy my son so easy to love and yet at times he made it impossible to like him.  Jeremy was at times brilliant and beautiful, hateful and frustrating, funny and sarcastic.  He was hard on the people who loved him most.  Jeremy and I would say goodbye to each other on the phone when he was little, I would say I love you more than all the stars in the sky, he would say I love you more than all the sand on the beach, I would say all the leaves on the trees, this would continue for a short time until someone would declare a winner, usually (Jeremy).  Today I won't say goodbye because although the years will pass and I will struggle to take each breathe and live each day as if tomorrow may never come, it will only be a moment and I will be with you, my son.  I pray you are at peace and know how truly loved you are.  All the stars in the sky, all the sand on the beach.  It's a tie. Nobody won.   All My Heart         Your Dad …..   Poem read by the sister   When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan- a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go. …..       (ULC officiant)   It is painful and difficult and happy and joyous to let go and it is time.  Godspeed, dear boy, may flights of angels guide thee to thy rest.      …..   (Father John)   Let us all rise, join hands, and recite the Lord's Prayer. …..   (ULC officiate)   We offer the opportunity for those who chose to come forward to say goodbye. …..   Amazing Grace sung by a cousin …..   (Father John)   The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance Upon you And give you peace. Submitted by Rev. Tony Grimwade ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link. This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.    Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Othila Handfasting Ceremony   

Universal Life Church

This ceremony binds the hands of two individuals, for wedded life together. This ceremony can be performed for one year and a day,  at which time, a renewal of vows may be taken, or the couple can remain handfasted as long as they both shall live in love.

Altar and cauldron are decorated with flowers as the couple choose. Rose-oil, salt, and incense are placed on the altar  along with A white silk cord . The rings are also placed on the altar.

Friends and family can be seated just outside of the circle, where they can witness the act. Bridal party, including matron of honor, best man and parents, will be lined up inside of the circle. The broom for jumping is used to close the circle after the circle is cast.

Circle is cast and sangrial prayer is recited.

 Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o man?

Groom: my name is _________

Who comes to be joined together in the presence of the god and goddess? What is thou name o woman?

Bride: my name is _________

Who offers her hand to be joined to this man?

Father of the bride: “ I do, with no regrets”

__________ and __________ we greet you with joy.

Having made clear thy intentions to be joined together, as husband and wife, a joining not to be undertaken lightly, do you both swear today before these witnesses, that this is indeed thy intent and you  do make this commitment without reservation, and of thine own free will?

Couple: “ we do”

In the face of this woman, may you see the face of our gentle   mother  goddess. May you find love and warmth, and rest and peace. May you have balance and harmony through the ebb and flows of the tides of life. May you find the   source of healing,  and soothing waters when storms lay ahead.

In the face of this man, may you see the face of our great father   god,  may you find strength and protection, stability and endurance. May you   be provided for , with warmth and shelter when cold winds blow. May his   spirit give you courage, and desire.

Anointing of foreheads with rose-oil; with this oil your love is sealed, may the fragrance of flowers remind you always of the bloom of your love.

Taking bride’s right hand, the white cord is wrapped around her wrist, and tied with a single knot.

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the goddess, I, _________ take thee, _______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit.  to love and respect, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

Taking grooms   left hand and tieing the other end of the cord to his left hand with a single knot,

Repeat after me;

By seed and stem, flower and root, by life and love, in the name of the god, I _______ take thee ,______

To my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to love and cherish, from this day forward, as long as we live in love together.

At this time the rings are blessed, place them in the dish of salt, to cleanse, and sprinkle a few drops of holy water to seal, these rings are a symbol of eternity and everlasting love and commitment. Wear them as a public display of your unending love and affection.

Groom; with this ring, I  wed  thee.

Bride;  with this ring, I wed thee.

Consecration of cakes and wine

As the lord and lady, have witnessed this act, so also has the sun, and moon and stars. The elemental guardians, and our friends and family have born witness   to this steadfast love, we are all blessed with this joy today, and close our circle, to begin the feast and merriment with this newest wedded couple. I now pronounce you husband and wife, let us welcome Mr. and Mrs. ________. 

                                                                                                         blessed be

At this time, the broom is at the  opening of the circle.  the couple  jumps  across the threshold as one. Their white cord is removed, and feasting begins.

Another option is for friends and family to form two lines and with their own brooms, sweep in front of themselves,  as the happy couple runs through the line to start the feast.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies. 
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Othila Pagan ceremony for blessing an Infant

Wiccan Baby Naming

Universal Life Church

In this ceremony the infant is introduced to the lord and lady, and the 4 elements. It is not the intention to bestow a religious path upon the infant, as this will be determined at a later date by the child and their parents.

The altar and cauldron are decorated with flowers and greenery, and gifts for the child are placed on or near the altar. Rose-oil for blessing and light incense are also placed on the altar. Two candles to represent the god and goddess along with a candle for the child are placed on the altar as well.

If the parents wish to give the infant a “hidden” name, this should be decided on before the ceremony, and the child should be introduced as such during the ceremony.

The ritual:

All persons enter sacred space and the circle is cast according to custom. Sangreal prayer is recited.

Invocation follows

Parents and infant are seated in circle facing the altar, and godparents stand beside them.

  objects  on altar are consecrated.

We gather this day, along with our ancestors to introduce this child ____________ to the elemental forces, and ask for the blessing of our god and goddess. We ask that this child may grow in beauty and strength, in joy and wisdom,  there are many paths, and each one finds their own in time, therefore, we do not bind this child _____________ to any one path, rather do we ask the lord and lady, who know all paths, and  to whom all paths do lead, to bless ,protect, and prepare, _____________ through the years of childhood, and to the time when the path of certainty will be chosen without doubt or fear, and with gladness.

Pledge of the godparents;

Do you __________ promise to be a friend   to ___________ throughout their childhood, to aid and guide   as need arises, and in concord with this child’s parents, to watch over  and love ________ as if they were of your blood? Do you so promise?

Godparents promise “ I do Promise.

 Moving around the circle from east to north the infant is introduced as follows:

Introductions;

We introduce ____________ to the element of air, (infant is smudged with incense) may all of your prayers be carried with a gentle breeze, may   you  find answers, and communication in the element of air.

We introduce __________ to the element of fire, ( infant  is anointed with oil) may you find  courage, and fire of spirit. May you always   find  protection with  the element of fire.

We introduce _________ to the element of water, ( infant is anointed with holy water.) may you find harmony, and wisdom in the flowing waters of rivers, lakes and streams. May you always find healing in the element of water.

We introduce _________ to the element of earth,( infant is given a few granules of salt on their lips) may you find strength, stability, and firm foundations in the cool firm earth. May you always be grounded in the element of earth

We introduce ________ to our lord god and lady goddess, may   your  blessings  shine upon this child all of their days, bringing joy to this child’s parents and godparents. We ask that you bestow wisdom, patience, compassion, and firm foundations to these adults that you have  entrusted  in  the  care and upbringing of _________ . let us seal this act of faith and trust.

Consecration of cakes and wine

We thank our lord and lady for their blessings on this child and family today, and we are thankful for our many blessings.

We also thank the elemental kings for their witness to this, our act of worship.

We welcome __________ into this beautiful, most   precious  world, and ask that  the memories of this special day remain with us for many days to come. We close our circle now, and remember that it is truly closed and never broken. our rite is finished, we are thankful,

                                             so mote it be.

Sangreal prayer:

Beloved blood mother of my especial breed,

Welcome me into your willing womb,

Let me learn to live in love, of all that you are,

So that my seeking spirit will serve the sangreal,

                                                                 Blessed be

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies. 
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Ceremony for Lugnasad (lammas; first grain)
Universal Life Church 

Introduction;

As the wheel of seasons continues to turn, we gather to honor the sun god, lugh, and the earth mother danu. The seeds of hope that were planted in spring, have matured into fruits and grain to be harvested and put away for the long cold nights ahead. projects and ideas that were inspired by the dark nights of winter, have matured, and their developments are to be reflected upon, so changes can be made for next year. We give thanks for our bountiful harvest, and mourn the sacrifice made by the god and the earth mother in the reaping of the grain. Let us honor them now with this, our rite.

Casting the circle/ making sacred space:

Ask participants to hold hands as they invite the old ones, and elemental kings to the rite,

“Close your eyes, and breathe in deeply, feel “ the element of air” welcome the mental clarity that comes from air,

Again breathe deeply, and welcome “the element of fire”, feel your spirit deep inside you, light with a fire from within. Welcome the protection, and courage, the passion of your faith. Welcome, fire.

Take a breath and let it fill your toes and continue up to the top of your head in one continuous wave.

 Exhale and let your breath flow. Feel the harmony and peace, let your breath, restore  your balance. welcome “ the element of water.

With feet firmly planted on the ground, breathe deeply and imagine yourself grounded to the earth,  with roots that extend deep into the soil. Feel your stability, stand on firm foundation, you are a rock, and your faith is unwavering, and strong. Welcome “the element of earth”.”

“Let us now invoke our gods of old, pray with me, father , lugh, god of the sun, and danu, our mother earth, welcome us into your willing womb. Let us learn to live in love, of all that you are so that our seeking spirit, will serve you in this our rite of honor and thanksgiving. We are your children. Protect us   as we seek wisdom and guidance from you, help us to understand the meaning of your mysteries,  as we meet today as others have met before us, to honor you with this our rite.”

The rite:

(For this ceremony, a shaft of wheat, or an ear of corn is ritually cut at dawn, and placed on the altar before the ceremony. Participants are asked to place their best fruits and vegetables on the altar as well so they can be blessed and consumed at the feast. Sometimes a harvest king and queen is chosen as well to preside over the festivities. A shaft of wheat or a portion of the seeds of the harvest are given out to all participants to be kept safe, and planted the following year, to ensure next years bountiful harvest. Corn dollies are fashioned as decorations and for children to play with. Berry pies and whole grain bread fashioned from new wheat and cornmeal are served) 

celebrant  speaks to congregation holding up the shaft of wheat or ear of corn;

“behold, the seed planted in the dark womb of our mother, has sprouted, grown, and now matured. It is cut and sacrificed, so as to become food for our bodies, and energy for our spirits. We mourn the death of the harvest king, the sacrifice made for us so we may live. As we partake of the harvest this day, let us remember the sacrifice, and allow this food to nourish our physical bodies as well as our spiritual body.

    Let us reflect also on our projects, relationships and ideas that we have nurtured this year, and give thanks for those that have developed and prospered.”

    (Each participant is given a grain of wheat or a seed)

   “ Know that we hold in this seed the hope and promise of our harvest for next year. It is our faith in the blessings of our gods, that makes it so. Let each one of us receive this seed, to remember our harvest king and earth mother, let us keep it as a symbol of our faith, to be  planted next year as confirmation of  our faith and renewal of  our pledge to the old ways.” 

Consecration of food and drink;

( wine or fruit juice, various vegetables and fruits, as well as breads on the altar are blessed, and passed among the participants, so all may partake of the best of the harvest.)

“ let us now give thanks for this food and drink, lovingly prepared by willing hands and grown with the goodness of the earth, and the strength of the sun, let us give thanks for our ancestors who came before us and who have taught us the ways of the old ones. Let us learn from them love, humility, sacrifice and service so that together we can make our home a better place for all. May this food and drink nourish us today, and through memory, tomorrow.”

( food and drink is passed to all participants)

Benediction;

“In peace and love we gathered here today, to give thanks and mourn the sacrifices made by all so we may live to worship here again. We thank the elemental kings of earth and air and fire and water, for stability, mental clarity, protection, and harmony. We thank our god, lugh, and our dear earth mother danu, for their guidance and wisdom to understand the mysteries of life and death. Our circle is closed now, but never broken, and remains a sacred place for us to meet again. We leave now in peace and love, and take with us a small seed to remind us of this day, and our love for our ways and each other. Blessed be.”

Suggestions

Altar decorated with summer fruits and vegetables, and summer flowers, such as sunflowers, white candles (one to represent  each,the god and goddess). Table  cloths of gold or yellow, to represent the sun. berry  pies , whole grain bread, freshly baked, wrapped in white cloths, placed in baskets on altar.

Games of summer;  making corn dollies, from ripe ears of corn, or shafts of wheat. Games of tag and races, corn mazes, fire-fly catching, music, dance, making sunflower hats, swimming, bonfires, storytelling

Hanging corn on front door;

1 ear; meant that your crop was small and your family may need food for the winter, those with plenty would leave food on the doorstep to help those in need.

2 ears; meant that you had enough food to last your own family for the winter

3 ears; meant you had plenty to share with those in need,

this was a way  to aid the poor, but to do so discretely.

Written by rev. becky king

Also known to our troops as “mamadukes’

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies. 
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Ceremonies

By Rev. A. Einion (Cardiff) A Look At Paganism

Hello all Paganism today is as multi-faceted as it ever was, perhaps even more so. But there are fundamental aspects of The Craft which underlie the belief systems of most pagans and which inform us in our daily lives. One of these in the Threefold Law. Most pagans know the rede "An it harm none, do what ye will." Added to this is the rule that whatever you send out into the Universe you will receive back, like for like, threefold. If you transmit love, then three times as much love will return to you. If you transmit hate, then that hate will be returned to you three times over. This forms the bedrock of pagan morality for many pagans, and as such needs to be explored a little more in relation to notions of good and evil. As other ministers have already mentioned, most pagans do not believe in a devil, but in evil residing in the hearts of people who practice it. Others argue that paganism is not a religion. For some it is a religion, with a prescribed set of teachings, a book, rules and guidelines for living our lives. Those of us from Hereditary backgrounds are more likely to be of the latter kind of pagan. For us, notions of good and evil also come from working against the laws of nature and of the Family or Coven. What is to do harm? Many of us do not realise that to do harm can merely be a product of failing to act. If someone is being unjustly accused of a crime or an action, and we do not act to correct the injustice, we have allowed harm to occur. If we see someone being bullied but do nothing to correct that, we are doing harm. Failing to act in the presence of evil, when such action can bring about good or prevent harm, is to do harm as surely as if we had carried out the act ourselves. What are the rules? Our Family tenet revolves around Love, and all of its manifestations. This means we must act only in love, worship only in love, come together only in love, however that may manifest itself. Certain 'morality systems' might then have issues with the ways in which that is occasionally manifested, or with the ways in which certain of our group choose to work magickally in order to engender love or follow the tides of energy that flow from the Gods themselves. If we are to 'do only that which is right' then we must clearly identify the definition of right. Is it right to go against the flow of nature? Is it right to engender hate by ill-wishing through malicious gossip? But what if the action you take is something that is right for you, but seems wrong to others? This is where all situations, circumstances and happenings must be examined in the light of full knowledge of all the facts. Let me give you an example. A Family coven is working closely together, and the powers raised are such that two of the coven manifest them in a way that involves physical intimacy. One of the pair is married to someone outside the coven. Is this wrong? In the light of those simple facts, yes, because it would be doing harm to betray a monogamous, sworn relationship and hurt another person. But let us look at the full facts. The marriage was already on the point of ending, the couple had been having an open relationship for some time, and the one who engaged in this act did so knowing that it would not change anything in his marriage, only in his magickal growth and knowledge. The other of the magickal pairing was also aware of these facts, and deemed that if Love was being made manifest in this manner, it was being made manifest as a force of change and growth, liberating the married couple from a stagnant and unhappy state and allowing both to move on to new paths and new relationships. No harm was done until someone close to the married couple found out and began spreading malicious, cruel and evil gossip about the Family, threatening the Family with physical and psychological violence, and publicly condemning them. This person acted without full knowledge of the facts, and in the assumption that things occurred which did not occur. Their only purpose was to tell the whole world that the Family were evil. But who was in the wrong here? It is a difficult question. I will not give you the answers, but allow you to muse upon it yourselves. Just remember, so-called Christian morality is not necessarily all-encompassing and, while it works for some people, is not the only moral standpoint. If we look at the tides of life for knowledge and understanding, we can see that life is constantly in a state of growth and change. It is, in our view, more 'right' to follow that flow, to move with the tides of nature and with life and with love. I hope this has given you food for thought, without laying down the law. Love and Blessings Rev. A. Einion (Cardiff) ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link. This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.    Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ceremonies

Empty Next Ceremony
Universal Life Church
Online Ceremonies

Gather a small group of friends who are making this transition.

Ask them each to prepare their favorite dish to share with the group.

Set the tone by lighting candles and remind them that just as birthing a child can be a painful and yet amazing transition when done consciously, the same is true for allowing the child to fly. So this ritual is about bring deeper consciousness to the emotions and feelings surrounding this transition.

The leader might being with the reading "A New Dance" and then do a guided meditation.

Asking each guest to travel through the years that they spent with their children.

Allowing any feelings to just be notices, sadness, guilt, joy, pride.

Bring them to the present moment, and allow them to visualize themselves in a garden surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants, tall oaks, and climbing vines. Allow them to walk around the grounds and find a place to sit. In this place have them ask for the continued perfect unfoldment, for continued guidance, and for continued grace.

Allow them to look out at all the paths that lay ahead of them, there are some that lead to the ocean, some that lead to the city, some that lead to a party of dancing people, some that lead to a library and museums. etc.

Then ask them just to notice the paths and give thanks for all these possible perfect path ways of their future. Remind them that they always carry the blood of their offspring with them where ever they go. Remind them that the same is true for their children. Their children carry apart of their parents forever. So that the two will
never be severed.

Have tissues, note paper and pens available.

Invite each member to write about their experience and  any thoughts or ideas that may have come to light. Invite them to share with the group or just hold on to it.

Bless and share the meal.

Best of luck with your project. I know it all unfolds with effortless ease and for the greater good of all.

Sincerely,

Maureen Muldoon

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies. 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Sermons

By Rev. Dragonbear Walking a Pagan Path in a Christian World

As I walk through the world and look around I often ponder to myself what does it mean to be a Pagan Minister walking in a Christian World. To me there is really no difference. I believe in a one that made all of the Universe. I just chose to hear the wisdom of that one not Through Jesus but, through a Lord and a Lady. So why is it that there is so much hate on both sides of the fence? When there should not be any? I believe that we as people spend so much time trying to persuade others that there way to the divine is the only way that I believe that we forget that the focus is suppose to be on the divine. We are all spiritual people and as long as we are doing harm to none we should be open and accepting of all religions. Like many Christian Ministers my duties are the same. I perform the rites of marriage, of birth, of death, and even perform sermons (rituals in paganism) for the holy days. So besides the words and the gestures what is different between my faith and another's? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! And I try everyday to remember this fact when my religious choices are being challenged and even insulted and I pray often to my Lord and Lady that I can find the strength to stand before the wash of hate of those who do not understand. Most of all at the end of the night as I stand within my circle and send forth my prayers I ask for one thing. A peace between all worlds religions and an understanding that the Divine is far more infinite then we as humans can ever hope to understand. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. You can  become an ordained minister, for free,  and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link. This  online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan Online Ceremonies

Deity, By Any Name...

Author: Micca MacKay

As I sit here, having just been called a devil worshiper and hearing the word "Pagan" used like a four letter word, I wonder why we are asked to endure the closed minded?

So, I want to challenge those closed minds with some questions. I contemplate these same questions myself on a regular basis. I felt these needed to be shared and I hope that by writing this it will help someone come closer to Deity, open a closed mind or help someone find their own idea and path to Deity that's right for them.

These questions are my personal beliefs and thoughts, and I hope you will all see that I don't claim them to be the only right answer or a "gospel" to be followed. Just something to think about.

First, my questions. I like to ask them to start a conversation verses an argument with people that say I'm wrong because I don't believe or accept their religious belief. I like to start with, "What do you gain from your belief personally?" The most common answer I get is "I don't know"

How strange is that! They don't know what they get from their beliefs? Sometimes someone will say it makes him or her happy or lets them see there is a life out there to live that they didn't know was there. This often leads to several other things, such as the comment, "How come you didn't know this life was out there?" and a discussion on being able to make choices in our lives that will change where we are and what were doing.

You might wonder why I take the time to talk to people who are obviously closed minded to anything or anyone that's not of "their religion". Well, I do it because I believe we, as Pagans, have to start the dialog and take the steps to open those closed minds. We need to show these people that we are not the "heathens" they think we are just because we don't follow their chosen insert religion If we don't work to open the minds and change the thinking, who will?

I hear many Pagans talk about disrespect, lack of rights, the fear of being "outed" and countless other complaints about why it's hard to be openly Pagan. Again I ask, if we don't speak up for our beliefs, and work to change these things, who will?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not out to change the world or to make anyone change their faith or belief, I'm just trying to open their minds, to see the alternatives. I hope by helping people see that there are alternatives, they will discover that thinking and belief other than their own shouldn't be scorned or put down, but accepted as someones personal choice in belief. Hopefully this will help them see that Deity comes in many names and forms, not just one.

Religion is about faith and conviction of the heart, not about the building, the book you read to find it, the money you put in the offering plate or even the politics that a religion may support. Granted, you can't turn around sometimes without one of these things being used to influence religion.

How many times have you seen a new church being built or heard the televangelist asking for more money or even the President saying "with God's help"? We are a nation that has a Constitution based on the belief in religious freedom; people fleeing to a new home to have religious faith and freedom, as they wanted it, founded this country. But it seems sometimes, that the freedom offered by the Constitution only exists if you're following "mainstream" faiths.

Pagans in some areas are facing the same religious persecution that those Pilgrims faced before coming here. Take a second to think about that and remember why this country was founded.

Yes, over the last few years, Paganism (and more commonly, Wicca) has come into the view of the mainstream faiths. Those Pagans that serve this country in the military are allowed to worship on base or ship because of changes in the past. These small steps that we are seeing come at a cost of huge gaps between all Pagans and the true freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

In September of 1986, Wicca, more commonly referred to as Witchcraft in this case, was recognized as a religion protected under the First Amendment. This ruling in Dettmer vs. Landon (1) was additionally upheld with the repeal of the Helms Amendment (2) by the United States Congress.

So don't get me wrong. There have been huge strides to better the understanding and general acceptance of Wicca and Pagan's by the mainstream religions, but we have also had barriers put before us.

In 1999, just prior to the 2000 Presidential Elections, in a televised Presidential debate, the candidates were asked "With religious diversity increasing, what are your thoughts on the protection of religious freedom and the separation of church and state? Should religions like Wicca be banned from recognition by the military, as some legislators suggest?"

Then Texas Governor George W. Bush replied to this question with "I am committed to the First Amendment principles of religious freedom, tolerance, and diversity. Whether Mormon, Methodist, Jewish, or Muslim, Americans should be able to participate in their constitutional free exercise of religion. I do not think witchcraft is a religion, and I do not think it is in any way appropriate for the U.S. military to promote it." It would appear that G. W. Bush, our current president, is all for religious freedom under First Amendment protection, as long as your NOT Pagan.

There are many more examples of the barriers and problems we must face as Pagans, but let us also look at those steps that take us in the right direction.

Enter one Chrystal Seifferly, in October 1998.

Chrystal was ordered by school authorities to remove her pentacle necklace under threat of suspension. She was an honor student, and admitted witch and Priestess of Wicca and had been for several years at that time.

So you ask, where does the step forward come from? Simple. In March of 1999, the ACLU brought First Amendment legal action against the Lincoln Park Michigan School District (3), in the U S District Court of Judge Gerald Rosen. Judge Rosen agreed with the ACLU, declaring the student's pentacle to be a recognized symbol of the Wiccan religion. As such, the display of that symbol is protected under Constitutional law.

I have traveled far and wide from the original subject, but there is much for us as Pagans to do to start opening minds. Having some knowledge of what has been done and has been dealt with in the past can do nothing but help with the future struggles we will face.

Some people, whom I consider far wiser than I and whose opinion I respect, fear for the freedom of our faith and the practice of it in these current times. Are we facing another "Burning Times?" I don't know the answer to that one, but we should be concerned and again, we need to be the ones to speak up.

We can't allow another politician to make comments like Mr. Bush did and still be elected to office. These are the people who will shape the future for us through their political and, as we can see, religious belief.

My stepdaughter comes to circle on occasion and is starting to question faith for herself. If I/we don't speak up now, and open the minds of those in authority, what will her religious freedoms be in 5 or 10 years? Freedom of faith, religion and belief for ALL not just a few, is what we need to work for.

This article is not about politics, so forgive the soapbox stand in some areas of this. But understand, if we don't stand up and demand our rights under the First Amendment, there will be Acts like the Barr (4) and Helms Amendments that slip through and harm us all in our practice of religious faith.

This article is about Deity, and changing the way people accept faiths other than their own.

A dear friend, Vernon McCoy, once said, " I close my eyes and hear Deity's voice".

I don't think I ever told Vernon how those words hit me and made me look at my own faith, but in them I found the culmination of my own long held belief about faith. It strengthened my feelings that closed minds should be questioned. I thought about my own actions and wondered if I was doing enough to open those closed minds.. and I found that I wasn't.

Yes, I questioned people when they would give me a hard time about being Wiccan. But I never took the time to talk to them. I just defended myself. (So excuse me a second as I say Thank you to Vernon...)

I'm not out to force anyone to change his or her mind, but only to ask people to think about Deity in the broad span and to think about other choices in faith and belief outside their own.

I don't expect them to come rushing to support Pagans, but if we can open a single mind, get them to think about something outside their comfort zone, to understand that we don't all have to follow one faith, then we have the beginning of a new future.

You see, to me, Deity in all its forms, names and visages falls into place when I think about the energy and grace Deity possesses. Deity is all knowing, all encompassing and because of that belief in Deity, I have my personal thoughts.

Now some will say that I am wrong; others might say that it can't be this easy. Some may even close their minds to the thoughts that faith and belief don't have to be mainstream. But I hope they will at least think about it.

So you're probably asking yourself, "What's this thought? What's his personal idea?"

Well, here it is Deity, in all its forms, names, and grace, is SMARTER than we are!

I know, some are asking how can you say that? I say it because it's true. If Deity weren't smarter, the way to knowledge, worship and faith would be impossible for us to find.

Deity being smarter than us makes the way to that path possible and we have the way to faith, belief and prayer. Imagine if you couldn't find that path. No faith in your beliefs. What a sad thing that would be.

Deity is smarter than we are, and I'm happy for it, aren't you?

Now using that simple statement, 'Deity is smarter than we are', I came to the understanding that I use to question closed minds, and yes, even some open ones. I'm sure someone reading this has had this conversation with me in person, and by the way, thank you for your input in that conversation. This discussion is ongoing; I find new ways to approach it every time I get to have it with someone.

The main question that has built from this thought about Deity being smarter than we are is simply this; "If Deity, in all its knowledge, wanted us to believe and have faith, wouldn't it make the path to that belief something we can most easily accept and understand, by form, culture and grace, as faith and religion?"

There you go! The question that has started discussions, some arguments, and in one case, a long discussion and friendship with a Catholic Priest. I still ask the question even though there are those who want to argue about it. I still use it to start a discussion or to counter negative opinions.

So, as you read this, stop for a minute, think about how YOU would answer this question.

Now that you have thought about the question, let's get into it some more. First off, Deity wouldn't come to each of us in the same form as it did for you. Why would it? What you see and what I see and what the man or woman next to you sees are most likely NOT the same thing. But yet, to us all, it is Deity.

An example of this I like to use comes from the early days of this country. With the expansion west, we came to know more and more about the Native American culture. Many Christians felt that the Indians were wrong in believing that the Eagle flying in the sky was the symbol for the Great Spirit, aka Deity, and the Indians didn't understand the early Christian's seeing a cross with Jesus on it as a form of god.

Neither culture or people were wrong in their faith, they just didn't understand the other and were closed minded about anything not of their faith. Both cultures had faith and both cultures had a belief in "God". They just viewed it with different names.

The same can be said for every religion in the world. No matter the name, image or belief, its all faith in Deity. No matter the culture or people, in whatever form they choose, Deity comes to them in the form they can accept and have faith in.

Doesn't this all sound like something the "all knowing" Deity would do? It does to me. Think about it for a minute. With the vast religious faiths practiced around the world, the countless names, beliefs and images all have one thing in common: faith.

Here comes another discussion starter In all the forms of faith and belief, religious icons, symbols and song, Deity and faith the all mighty "God" by whatever name, is still simply faith in Deity. Though we have numerous names, countless practices and cultures associated with religion, it's still all about faith, belief and worship of Deity.

I remind you, it doesn't matter if you worship outside in the forest, or in a Cathedral or in Temple. It's still faith that opens our hearts and minds to Deity.

It's that same faith that leads us to the path we choose to follow to Deity. 'Deity is smarter than we are' and has allowed each of us the ability to have faith in our personally chosen "God form"

Often this discussion leads to a variety of comments, denials and even acceptance of the idea that Deity is smarter than we are and has allowed us to find faith in a way we accept personally. What I have found that often helps with this discussion, especially when people are starting to question their own acceptance of the idea, is to calmly listen and discuss the reason they are feeling like this.

Usually you will find that people are not secure in their own faith and belief and this discussion, and the idea it represents, can make them very uncomfortable. Know in your own heart that you're secure in your faith and choice in Deity before discussing with others about their faith.

I know I'm secure in my faith. I choose to see Deity in the form of the God and Goddess and I'm happy with my faith. But remember, just because I'm happy with my faith, does not mean that anyone else is wrong in their belief and faith just because its not mine.

In my opinion, those people with closed minds will view your faith and belief as wrong simply because it's not the same as theirs and because you don't believe the way they do, or in the same thing they do.

These are the minds we, as Pagans, have to start to open, and to get people started on questioning their own strict moral high ground that they are standing on. If we can get one person to look at Deity, and see that faith in Deity is about our hearts and where we are, then we will have done the best that we can.

Simply put, everyone has the choice to believe and have faith as they wish, and this is what we have to continue to protect.

The freedom that we as Pagans and other non-secular religions have fought to gain, and are working to maintain, has to be held onto. If we allow people to change laws and/or enact policies that discriminate because of religious choice, then we have lost our own chance to have the faith that Deity has allowed us to choose.

I have been told many times I'm wrong because of my faith because its not the same as my family's choice. To those people I say, "I'm sorry you feel that way.. maybe we can discuss it?"

Remember, if we can open one closed mind to the idea that religion and the choice to have faith is based on each person accepting deity in their own way, then we will continue to gain ground in true religious freedom.

Who knows? If you ask the right questions along the way, you just might strengthen your own faith along with opening minds. Softening the religious morality and stoic views of 'right' and 'wrong' as seen by "mainstream" religions is one challenge each Pagan has to stand unto.

Without religious freedom, and the right to make our personal choices of faith and deity, then only one question remains:

Where will we be?

Bright Blessings

Micca

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