199 replies to this topic

[SalemWitchChild]

ULC Religious Encyclopedia


This post is to take Luvs up on her idea of creating a ULC based Encyclopedia of Religions/Beliefs. My post What Have You Learned Of A Religious Nature was an attempt to gather idea's and provide general feedback for the forum. Thank you luvzdolphins27 for this wonderful idea.

Obviously, I can only provide one entry on Wicca. This thread will require that other ministers need to compile an essay on their specific belief. I hope over time that this thread will be a great resource for our members.

Blessed Be

SalemWitchChild

[SalemWitchChild]

Wicca 101


Wicca is a polytheistic belief in gods and goddesses. There are two groups of wiccans; Solitary & Coven.

Solitary
A Solitary wiccan will perform all of his or her rituals alone. Most solitary's are advanced members or members who live too far away from a coven. With a solitary, he or she is her own leader. For support, most solitary's look for published works or internet sources.

Coven Members
Coven members are privileged and disadvantaged in my opinion. Their advantage is that each member can contribute in a unique way to produce an outcome. The disadvantage is when members disagree or there is rivalry within the coven. There's nothing worse than a witch scorned.

Within the coven there is a High Priestess and a High Priest. The High Priestess generally holds more importance over the Priest. Her duty is to guide her members in rituals. She is the teacher of the coven and is looked upon as a wise woman. The Priests duty is to support his High Priestess. In the Circle of the Blue Moon, the priest duty is to open and close the circle.

Wiccan's have a rede that we follow. A copy of the Wiccan Rede can be viewed here.
What is Magic?
Magic or sometimes spelled Magick [to differentiate between parlor tricks and real magick] is the art of energy manipulation. A spell is cast much like a prayer. We use symbols to connect with the energy we wish to manipulate. In doing spells, the Wiccan Rede must be followed. We believe that everything we put out [ie. energy we send] comes back to us 3 fold. If we put out good energy, our reward will be good times three. Therefore, we do not send out negative energy so we do not suffer negative karma times three.

What Gods/Goddesses Do you worship?
Each Wiccan is different. Within coven's there is a specific deity(s) the group will worship. Solitary's are privileged in that they can pick and choose who they wish to worship. Some popular deity's are: Isis, Diana, Hecete, Demeter, Kali, Innana. Pan, among many others.

Have More Questions?
If you have more questions about Wicca and Witchcraft, please quote this post and make a new thread.

Blessed Be

SalemWitchChild


Internet Resources


The Witches Voice
Salem Witch Child's Homepage
Circle Of The Blue Moon Store.



Edited at topic starters request.

Edited by murphzlaw1, 19 November 2009 - 03:39 AM.

[murphzlaw1]

just a side note here...depending on how this takes off, I may recommend that Kevin place this somewhere on the ulc.net site.

[SalemWitchChild]

Oh come on people. It is not hard to do this. If you don't have a set doctrine just talk about what you believe. This is suppose to be a thread that shows what ULC ministers believe. I know you can do it! Start writing.

[Dorian Gray]

i tried this about a year or so ago..hope you have better luck

[Clueless Git]

I will try to provide summat on the infamous one man sect known as the half-baked buddhist for you Salem?

I would do summat on regular buddhism but ask 12 buddhist to do that and you will get at least 13 different PoV's ...

[Thumper]

Gnostic Deism 101

What is Gnostic Deism?

The goal of the Gnostic Deist is to search for gnosis (experiential knowledgeof truth) in the ancient texts and traditions of the world, and to also search for gnosis in the present. Wisdom did not die with the ancients, and so we study and explore the Now for gnosis as well. With reason and nature, we believe in a "universal truth". This "universal truth" is what many may refer to as God.

We do not believe in the infallibility of anything written or spoken by man, as fear is always present and can filter the actual message, but our goal is attempt to look through this filter to see the true message. The true message may never be known, but the search and the journey towards the truth is the path to gnosis. Many of the ancient texts were written with this in mind which is why most are written in allegorical form. The masters knew that gnosis is not something you can learn, but something you must experience. Some would say that we do not learn gnosis, but that we remember gnosis.

We do not give any church authority in our lives, but rather allow a church to help guide us in our search. A Gnostic Deist could be a part of the congregation of any church and still be a Gnostic Deist, as we draw from many sources to help us on our journey.

So you believe in God?

Yes, but not in the traditional sense where God is seen as an entity of a supreme being. We see an order and architecture to the universe that indicates a "creator", for lack of a better word. The word "God" is used to describe this creator until we find a better term.

Who are "masters"?

This is a description of people who have come before, and may be with us now, that have attained gnosis. Some are well known, and others may only be known by you. We are all potential masters.

How do you reach gnosis?

The path is different for each of us, and most of us may never achieve it. This is not a contest, and there is no judgement , as we each live our lives for the benefit of the experience, with love and awareness in all we do.

[mark 45]

actually,there are 18 different schools of buddhism,and 100 times that many opinions,so i will not attempt to do any kind of summary.

for those who wish to investagate further,i reccommend:"the heart of the buddhas teaching"by tich naht hahn.

[SalemWitchChild]

This is an encyclopedia of religion based on our ULC members. It is ok if you differ from traditional doctrine. That is what I want to show in this post.

Contribute anyway you can. Whether it is teaching everyone about the Git Religion or a mainstream religion, you can contribute to this thread.

[Etherman]

Atheism is a highly misunderstood idea. It's neither a belief system nor a religion. An Atheist is simply someone who lacks belief in god or gods. Atheism doesn't require it's adherents to hold any other position, take any particular political stance, subscribe to any type of morality, or even agree on why we're Atheists. Atheism is not synonymous with Secular Humanism, Communism, or, especially, devil worship.

Atheists are generally divided into two types; Strong and Weak. Weak Atheists lack belief in god or gods, but don't make the claim that god or gods don't exist (an important difference, though subtle). Often this position is called Agnosticism, but this is historically and etymologically incorrect. Strong Atheists also lack belief in god or gods but go further and say that god or gods don't exist.

[MagnestyJoe]

i'll write something and post as soon as i get a chance.
hugs,
joe

[Wanderer]

Solitary Meditative Shamanism

View of The Supreme Entity
My belief that there is no one absolute truth in the universe aside from that being the one absolute truth. I believe that what those call God is actually the invisble and intangible that is present in everyone, every place and everything and that we are the physical counterparts of that God-energy. I also believe that Creation looks like a gigantic glowing web, with every living thing's energy being caught within this web and enriching it. This energy composes the spirit realm as well, and that people can tap into that energy to better all of Creation.

View of My Path
Shamanism is a way of working with spirits and the invisble forces of nature to achieve one's goals and help others. In my path of shamanism, there are no rituals or a need for physical charms. The rituals and charms have energies behind them that work with your thoughts and intents so when one begins to feel those energies, they can be reproduced and called upon without the physical anchor being needed. In my path of shamanism, one merely asks the universe for their goal or desire to be accomplished. If it happens, then that is good. If it doesn't happen then it will in time, which is good too.

Spiritual entities like totems and spirit guides can be utilized, if one chooses to use them. Like us, they are extensions of the universal energies and are enriching that same energy by helping one reach their goal. They do not immediately help someone, since they have to be befriended like everyone else in one's life before they can assist them.

View of Morals
People are inherently good, although some lose their way or give it up altogether. Animals are just as important as we are. Nature is here to help us, not bend to our will. We are all given the power to do as we please in the universe, so it is our obligation to use that power wisely. Love is the the greatest power a living creature can wield and when used by a person who gives in to it, it has the strength to change the world. The Universal Energy does not discriminate, hate, or deny anyone It's fruits; it doesn't care what we do at all, since it is always present and always flowing. We are all unique, important and essential parts of that Universal Energy, and no one can change that. It is our duty to ensure that everyone is loved and treated as an essential part of the universe.

[craigplurie]

I'm Catholic but I do not hold to many of the Church's decree's.
Priest's should be allowed to marry. Women should be allowed
to become Priest's. The Church is still to far behind the times
and not doing enough to reign in the bad Priest's that are harming children.
I strongly believe that the Seminary is not creating these monster's, but the seminary is not weeding them out. Guilty is as Guilty does.
I have had 3 near death experiences at different stages of my life.
The only explanation for two of them is divine intervention. The third I have
to say was my Military training that saved me. The first event drove me away
from God for almost 11 years. The second event brought me back upon the
path. I became ordained shortly after that event. I also know there is nothing as diverse as Religion and one must have an open mind.

Be well!!

Craig

[Aina]

Okay, finally have time to respond.

Druidry 101


Druidry is a polytheistic belief in gods and goddesses. As Druidry has become rare in this day and age, most Druids are solitary. However, Druids of the past were part of a community.

History, Beliefs, and Lore
Druidry is the religion of the Celts, so most Druids are of Irish decent. Some (though fewer) are English or French. The Druids may be best recognized for their contribution to the Authurian myth with the addition of their historical figures: Merlyn and Morrigan. Many great tales have come from the Celtic culture. Druids are very much in touch with nature. They believe in the healing abilities of the mother earth. The Druids were exceptionally good with divination of dreams. In fact, they did quite a bit of divination using runes, oracles, oghams, drums, wands, and elements of nature including: stones, trees, even the wind. The druids believe in otherwords (the Gods are not of this realm, though they do visit it).

Triads
Three was a sacred number to the Celts. It linked myths, legends, and deities together. The religious system of the druids was based on three precepts: to worship the Gods, to do no evil, and to act with courage. They grouped their teachings into triads to summarize and preserve their truths. This is quite possibly the origin of the pagan belief of three-fold. (Whatever you put out is returned three times over.) The leaders of the Celtic society were also three: druids, bards, and ovates.

The 3 Orders of Celtic Society
The Druids were the religious figureheads. While all who followed the religion were technically Druids, the Celts were labeled by their position in society. Originally, the Druids were the Celtic Priesthood. In the beginning, the Celts had similar organizations for women. These were actually in existance before the Druids, being part of the old goddess religions. Thats right, women were the authoriy first. As time passed, it became sort of an equal rights job.

The Bards was almost entirely devoted to the preservation and propogation of the historic verse and myths of their peoples. The Celts had a deep love of storytelling, and the bards were revered with an almost supernatural awe for their ability to bring stories to life.

The Ovates are concerned with new life, with regeneration. It was the Ovates who, to the greater degree, were responsible for understanding the mysteries of death and rebirth, for transcending time, for divining the future, for conversing with the Ancestors. They know that to be born one has to die - whether that means in a literal sense or in the figurative sense. In working with the processes of death and regeneration, the Ovates particular study is tree-lore, herbalism and healing.

Holidays
The Druids based their days on a lunar calandar, with the day beginning at dusk. They had great festivals to mark the changes in the earth. Many popular holidays were derived from Druid festivals. Samhain (best recognized as All Hallows) is the Celtic new year. They also celebrate Meán Geimhridh (Winter Solstice, Yule), Imbolg/Oimealg (Candlemas), Meán Earraigh (Spring Equinox), Beltaine, Meán Samhraidh (Summer Solstice), Lugnasad (Lammas), and Meán Fómhair (Fall Equinox).

What Gods/Goddesses Do you worship?
There are multiple Gods and Goddesses within the Druid religion. It is difficlt to trace some by name, as the names have been changed throughout history by outside religious corruption. Among the most widely revered deities are the mother goddesses, a range of powerful female figures who embody the earth, fertility, fruitfulness, and well-being. Some recognized names are Dagda, Lugh, Danu, Morrigan, and Brigid (known by all Catholics around the world - how does it feel to believe in a Druid Goddess?).


Have More Questions?
I know I have left out a good bit, as there is a lot to cover. If you have more questions about Druidry, please quote this post and make a new thread.

Blessings,

Aina'Edainme

Text Resources

The Lost Books of Merlyn, Douglas Monroe, Llewellyn Publications, 2002
Omens, Oghams, and Oracles, Richard Webster, Llewellyn Publications, 1995
Heroes of the Dawn, Time Life Books, Duncan Baird Publishers, 1996
A Druid's Herbal For the Sacred Earth Year, Ellen Evert Hopman, Destiny Books, 1995

Internet Resources

Aina'Edainme's Home Page (Really just a MySpace Page, My homepage is currently down.)
Great Site I found while surfing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Edited by Aina, 29 May 2005 - 12:20 PM.

[Sky]

HUNA
Religion, philosophy or science... (depends on how you want to use Huna in your life)

This is a very short and simple version of Huna history. According to Hawaiian legend and the oral history from the pre Cook invasion time, Huna was hidden in the Hawaiian language. This was not to keep it hidden from use so much as to keep it safe and alive. When Cook invaded the Islands, the Kahunas of the time were driven into hiding because the invading forces were threatened by their power and abilities. For centuries, Huna lay hidden in the language and the secret teachings of the Kahuna.

In the late 1800s and earlier 1900 many people started to explore what Huna was. One of the most famous of these being Max Freedom Long who was, among other things, a linguistic expert. A bit more recently, Serge King was adopted by a lineage Kahuna and taught Huna from the heart of the mountain, so to speak.

Huna, in its essence, is a very simple philosophy of life. As with all philosophies and subsequent religions, man makes them complicated and this can be found in many of the different studies of Huna also. If you look at the bare bones of Huna, and then Buddhism, or Christianity, etc, there are basically a few simple principles of life. Max Freedom Long spent his life researching and finding the "Huna Principles" is the seeds of all the major religions causing him to claim that the Mu people, believed to be the originators of Huna, had in fact spread the philosophy world wide centuries before Buddha or Jesus. He suggested that Huna was the actual foundation of most of today's religions.

Realistically, what philosophy or religion doesn’t claim to be the “original?” (Grin)
Personally, I don’t really care. The reasons I like Huna have little to do with where it came from or who started it as much as because to me it is a strong and unshakable foundation to build “my” path (religion, philosophy, etc.)

Again, like any other philosophy (or religion), there are different models and different "sects". Huna is no different. I personally found Serge Kahili King's tradition/model to be the clearest and most loving. Simply the one that works for me.

Huna promotes us into seeking our OWN spiritual connection. I also find Huna to be able to "shake hands" with most religions very nicely.

Huna is about living a hurtless and helpful life.

As a Kahuna (sort of the spiritual equivalent of a pastor, priest or medicine man) we are not theologians as much as we are counselors or maybe even technicians. We are more pragmatic. To quote Serge King “Healing is the goal and effectiveness is the criteria, not the proving of a particular system or method.” In other words, we will use whatever tool works to help someone in their healing. This might include changing the system.

As a Kahuna we will be able to pull tools out that might be Christian based, might be Native American, or maybe even be Voo Doo to work within the belief system of the individual to help them find a way to help themselves. With this philosophy comes an incredible amount of tolerance for other beliefs.

I don’t think tolerance is the word so much as a respect of “If it works for you it is your truth.” WOW… A belief system that actually encourages people to explore as many different beliefs as possible to be effective in healing! That is why I like Huna.

There is SO much more to Huna. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want or need it to be. Please feel free to drop

[Astara]

Excellent idea Salem.
I just have a slight issue with the following.....

We refer to them as Witches. Though because Wiccan's practice magic, they are also considered witches; with morals.

This might be interpreted by some people that Witches who are not Wiccan don't have morals.

[Rev. J.Paszkiewicz]

C.A.O.
(Compassion, Acceptance, and outreach)

My belifes are this,
God is what you make it to be, I think that each perosn has the power inside him or her to have god in whatever fro they wish. Therefore, there is no one definitive ay to god, rather everyones own journey is their way to god. People are people, and should be treated and respected as such regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, or any other factor. I only ask that you respect human life, and not take it for granted. This is what I teach. Compassion, Acceptance, and Outreach...

[lou donato]

Reincarnationism (I don't ever know if that is a word)

Being a reincarnationist can't describe my belief system. I'll try to keep it short and to the point. (Good luck to me on this).

1. We come from a source that can't be described, or named that is forever growing throughout all the universes. (lets name it "Big" just to have a handle)

2. Fragments (souls) are cast into living beings (many life forms, many planets), many of these living beings would not be recognized as a life form at all.

3. We spend quite a few hundred lives dying and returning to a body, until the fragment has acquired enough experience and learning to be reunited with the "Big".

4. There are many learning experiences we have to do, or have done, to ourselves and to others. Some good, some very horrible. But we will do them.
No matter what our current mind set is.

5. The more you experience and learn and do good, quickens the time it takes to get home to "Big".

Thats the tip of the ice burg.

[MrClint]

Setekhianism
by Balmeza

Basic
Setekhianism is the path for those who identify as a Setekhian (follower of Setekh). The goal of Setekhianism is to expand the individual's own being through self-advancement and self-deification which is a part of the process of Xeper. Setekhianism if considered Left Hand Path.

Setekh
The ancient Egyptian god known as the Red Lord, the Lord of the Night, and the Prince of Darkness (first being of darkness). The Setekhian reveres Setekh like an elder brother, a father, or a teacher. Setekh to the Setekhian is a role model of what the Setekhian wants to do which is to Xeper. To worship Setekh (not as in mindlessly groveling to him) is to have a strong desire for self-deification. He is the guide. The Setekhian picks up from there.

Xeper
An ancient Egyptian word that means become, I have come into being, and manifestation. This is known as "the eternal word of Setekh." To Xeper is to be greatly advanced in the psyche - it is to be a god! This is a very long process. To experience Xeper you must desire liberty and inner knowledge. It takes the desire for liberty, inner knowledge, use of magick, and dedication to experience Xeper.

Left Hand Path
A religious and spiritual way of life that is unlike the Right Hand Path. The follower of the LHP does not believe in groveling a deity, karma, salvation, carnal purity, and destroying the individual self. The LHP is for those who believe in undefiled wisdom, determining what it moral for themselves, responsibility instead of scapegoating, indulgence in the flesh and what brings gratification, and becoming a higher being.

Temple of Set
Setekhianism is not the same thing as Setianism in the Temple of Set. Setekhianism is not about joining a LHP group nor accepting the dogma of the ToS. It is a completely solitaire/individual path.

More info
Article on Setekh
Article on Xeper
A hymn to Setekh

[SalemWitchChild]

Hey guys and gals! Remember this thread..... come on I know there are more who can contribute.

[Clueless Git]

Buddhism.

Originated as a non deist philosophy by Sidartha Guatama around 550BC and adopted by many deist religions thereafter, some of which have kept the buddhist name.

'Buddha' means 'enlightened one' and although Sidartha is known as the Buddha he only claimed to be a buddah, saying that "there have been untold buddhas before me and untold buddhas to come .."

Anyone who is truly enlightened is thus a buddha and anyone who genuinely seeks true enlightenment is thus acknowledged as either a buddha or a fellow buddhist by buddhists irrelevant of which path they follow or emerge from and irrelevant of wether or not they follow Sidarthas teachings.

THE FOUR IMMEASURABLE HEARTS

It is held that everyone has the buddha nature within them and the buddha nature is described in the THE FOUR IMMEASURABLE HEARTS which are Love, Sympathetic Joy, Compassion and Equanamity. The fourth heart, equanamity is the definer, it means that we must love ALL things equaly, that we must find joy in ALL things equaly and have compassion for ALL things equaly.

The Four Immeasurables all have 'close enemies things that can appear to be like them but are not; Conditional love (love with attachments) is a close enemy to love, pity to compassion, indifference to equinamity and affectation and/or hypocracy to joy. They also have opposites such as hatred, cruelty, anger, jealousy and apathy.

I have covered the Four Immeasurables, the 'buddha nature', first as they are the 'universals' by which the truly good and wise are recognised by the good and wise of each and every path. They are the similarities that bind humanity as opposed to the differences that are used to divide and seperate it. Notable luminaries that have demonstrated the Four Immeasurables include Gandhi and Jesus Christ, as a btw ...

At it's simplest the buddha nature can be defined as developing the positive aspects and eliminating the negative aspects of our humanity

Do not what is evil. Do what is good. Keep your mind pure. This is the teaching of Buddha. (Dhammapada, 183.)

THE THREE JEWELS

"I take refuge in the buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha"

In this context the buddha means that we take refuge in the knowledge that we have buddha nature and if cultivated it can and will prevail. The Dharma refers to the teachings and the Sangha to the community.

THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS (DHARMA)

1. All (life) is suffering.
2. The causes of suffering
3. That suffering can be escaped
4. The path to escape suffering (The Noble Eight Fold Path)

The first, often misunderstood, is that suffering will be experienced in everything that lives. Three main stages are named; Birth, old age (also covers sickness and infirmity) and death.

The second names the causes of suffering as attachment and desire. The third that removing the causes of suffering removes suffering and, again, this is often misunderstood.

Attachment means 'fear of loss'. Fear of loss prevents the enjoyment of the things we have, family, freinds, material things, good health and even notional things as fundamental as 'freedom' as well as the suffering if the loss does actually occur. A double suffering.

Desire is also sometimes expressed as 'craving'. This is the wanting for that which we do not have yet have which causes loss of enjoyment in the things we do have. Again this is a double suffering.

Attachment and desire are often expressed in the Five Greeds: Wealth, Power, Food (excessive consumption), Sleep (idleness/laziness) and lustfull sex.

But although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed, has faith and is pure; and if he does not hurt any living being, he is a holy Brahmin, a hermit of seclusion, a monk called a Bhikkhu. (Dhammapada, 142.)

THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
(from: http://buddhism.kala..._truths.html#5)

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)
2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.
3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct
4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.
5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.
The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation:
6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.
7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".
8. Correct concentration: to to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

VEGETARIANISM

Anyone think I would not mention this?

The first precept of buddhisim is; To Refrain from the Intentional Taking of ANY Sentient life.

This is essential to the buddha nature, the issue being that all sentient beings can and do suffer and perpetuating suffering is not a buddhist thing.

All beings tremble before violence.
All fear death.
All love life.
See yourself in other.
Then whom can you hurt?
What harm can you do?
He who seeks happiness
By hurting those who seek happiness
Will never find happiness.
For your brother is like you.
He wants to be happy.
Never harm him
And when you leave this life
You too will find happiness.
(Dhammapada, Violence)

This is simply equinamity, the not allowing of differences between sentient species to overide the similarity of the ability and the desire, whether conscious or innate, to avoid suffering.

KARMA

Karma is the Sanscrit word for 'cause and effect'. Anything that is subject to cause and effect is thus karma, anything which is not subject to cause and effect is not karma.

All is subject to cause and effect so all is karma. To a buddhist it as simple as that.


That is all I have time for now. I hope it is of some help

Edited by Clueless Git, 02 July 2005 - 03:44 AM.

[coffee_sloth]

I will add something in here as soon as I am able. I'm just not quite in anything that could be considered a religion yet, I'm still kinda floating after realizing one faith was totally not for me and finding another faith would be pretty much impossible for me to join. I know what I am, but I don't know how to write it down yet.

[lammkb]

I consider myself a gnostic christian/Wiccan. I believe in a Mother and Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I use candles and gemstones for healings and protection etc. I talk to angels, fairies, etc. (even though I don't see them).

[revwayne62]

The Way of the Jedi/The Belief in the Force

The belief in the Force is based in various components of many religious philosophies. A person calling themselves a Jedi believes in the Force and is guided by moral, ethical principles that require one to follow the Light. One of the 'Maxims of the Jedi' is 'Integrity'. "A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest with himself. As long as the Jedi is not for his own self-interest and observes the Code, he is obeying the will of the Force." There are other things about the 'Maxim' that are supportive about the belief a Jedi has in the Force. The Code that is spoken of can be simplified in four lines:
"There is no emotion; there is peace."
"There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."
"There is no passion; there is serenity."
"There is no death; there is the Force."

Ultimately, a Jedi is continually on a path of self discovery and spiritual enlightenment. For the Jedi, there is only the Light and the will of the Force.