Recently we discussed Iran’s new, improved, and super charged vice squad. It appeared, at first glance, it was more about fashion than morality, with the targeting of those racy Iranian women who wore make-up or showed off some hot ankle. Now Iran is learning what pop culture junkies here in America have known forever, fashion and music go hand in hand. So while those feisty ladies have been rebelling in fitted jackets, the disenfranchised male youth of Tehran have turned to a musical culture founded on the struggle of impoverished youth battling against authority…that’s right, hip hop.
The use of profanity has made rap music the latest cultural endeavor to end up in Iran’s vice police cross hairs. As those of us “old school” rap fans here in America know, sure, the swears words concern Iran, but the anti-authority, revolution inspiring themes, are what is really causing the Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry to crackdown on the genre. According to Mohammad Dashtgoli, the official for music at the Ministry, as quoted in a Breitbart.com article, “Illegal studios producing this type of music will be sealed and the singers in the genre will be confronted.” He also states that “a large number of illegal rap singers have been already identified.”
Can you imagine an America where Public Enemy not only had to struggle with the conditions of their communities, but also with the sticky wicket of getting arrested for expressing their concerns musically? “Fight the Power” indeed. I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened if N.W.A. released their classic track “F*** the Police” in Iran. But, don’t despair, just like the rap hustlers of the early 80’s discovered, there is always a way to get the music out to those who want it. There is a brisk black market trade of rap albums in Iran.
Iran has cause for concern. This is a symptom of a greater disease for their government. Iran is coming down with a bad case of democracy.
On a related, but unrelated note. To the American public: Let musicians express themselves however they want to in their music. You don’t like an artist’s language or message, don’t buy their music. If I ever, ever, hear another round of politicians suggesting that there must be a way to quasi legislate an answer to the fact that rappers use the n word and call women hos I will be forced to take drastic action. In an effort to not incriminate myself, I will just say that it will probably involve Al Sharpton and a pair of hair shears.
Author: Administrator
Violence is Never the Answer. Well, At Least Not to a Curse.
I try to keep an open mind when being exposed to other cultures or belief systems, but there are some things I just can’t abide…and guess what? It isn’t animal sacrifice, but that’s another blog. It’s the practices employed by many different religions and cultures when dealing with someone who is believed to be possessed by a demon or somehow cursed. The stories abound, and trust me, when you go to Google News and type in the key word “witchcraft” as often as I do, you see a lot about this. I think it’s the fact that I didn’t go looking for this news story that made me notice it more.
There I am, visiting The Drudge Report website when I see the Drudge headline of “Girl nearly loses sight in eye-gouging exorcism…” It lead me to the story of a 14 year-old Maori girl in New Zealand that nearly lost her eyesight when relatives scratched at her eyes in an attempt to drive out a curse. The girl’s cousin drowns during the same curse lifting ceremony. An estimated 40 members of the family attended the ceremony. Five other members were worked on, but not injured.
Let’s not get into a debate as to whether a person can actually be possessed by a demon or evil spirit. Let’s just say, for the sake of this blog, that a person can. That, in my opinion, is no excuse to cause physical harm to anyone. From what I understand, the general concept is, a demon inhabits a body, so make the body uncomfortable and the demon will leave. (Much the way that sage smudging drives away negative energies from a home. The sage makes your home stink so much that spirits leave.) I get it, but um, so what? Your child or whatever is possessed, so suddenly you don’t give two craps about their body. Cursed or not, it’s your kid’s eyes you’re scratching out, not the demon’s. Maybe I’m a sap, but I think a human’s soul is way stronger than their body, so let’s take it easy on the scratching and water, okay? In this particular case the ceremony was held because one of the family members stole a stone lion from outside a hotel. I don’t have children, so perhaps I’m wrong here, but if you find out your child stole something I’m pretty certain that you don’t start with scratching out their eyes. Call it a hunch.
Can I suggest that if you think that you or someone you know is possessed by an evil spirit, to go see a medical doctor. I know, it’s horribly unromantic, but the fact is, every single day scientists are learning something new about how the human mind works. Also, if your priest or other religious community leader ever suggests that causing physical harm to yourself or someone else is the answer, kick them to the curb.
“Your Altar” Can Be Your Road Map
When you first start to read “Your Altar” by Sandra Kynes, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. If you’re like me, when you think of setting up an altar, particularly a home altar, you imagine a wonderful jumble of icons, mementos, crystals, and aromas. Set up solely to please the eye, with no deeper thought than that. Then you open up “Your Altar” and you find yourself going, what?! You want me to follow set ups?! Some so involved that I may want to chart them out?! Whatcha talkin’ about Sandra?
Then as you continue to read, you realize what’s going on. Sandra Kynes is providing us with a guide to exploring our relationship with our altar. She offers various game plans from approaching one-part altars (you know, altars with one thing) up to nine-part altars (you can guess the difference right?). I know, this still sounds complex and overwhelming, but once you settle in and surrender yourself to the book all becomes well.
“Your Altar” isn’t just a book about altars, although obviously it could have been. This is a book about symbolism, history, meditation, archetypes, and how all of that can be used to create your personal altar. Each altar set up is its own chapter, rich with details, charts, and diagrams all designed to help you determine what is right for you. Honestly, the book is so authoritative on matters of symbolism that I will probably add it to my stock of reference books that I go to when writing articles about symbols for The Magical Buffet magazine! This book isn’t a rulebook; it’s a guidebook. A map to your altar, if you will.
Before you start learning about different altar set ups Kynes talks about meditation. It’s a wonderful little introduction to the concept of meditation for someone new to the idea, and a nice reminder of how it should be approached for those familiar with the practice.
The first Appendix to the book gives a very brief overview of the history of altars. Obviously, I found this to be tremendously interesting and could’ve read a whole book just about this. Perhaps that will be Kynes next book. She follows that Appendix with a second one about preparing crystals and gemstones for use. A very helpful section that serves to remind us that you cannot just slap a quartz point down and call it a day.
“Your Altar” although at first may seem constrictive in the end can be a map to personal spiritual freedom.
The Make Up of a Buru
Article by Rebecca
Image by Will Hobbs (www.sirwilliamwesley.com)
What’s fun about cryptozoology are the lists of “What is the creature, really?” This month it has: is it a lizard? Is it a crocodile? Is it a lungfish?! For me, and cryptozoology fans, it’s a buru.
The buru is a large lizard that allegedly terrorized or annoyed, depending on whom you talk to, the people of northeast India. They are described as looking like a monitor lizard. Essentially a twenty-four foot aquatic version of a Komodo dragon. This described appearance is why many believe it to be something from the crocodile family.
It is said that those who lived in the area of the burus drained all the marshes in an attempt to make the land inhospitable to them. Apparently, it worked well, because no one has been able to provide physical evidence of the creature, although there are some fossils that have been found that could potentially belong to the creature. Despite the marshes being drained, occasionally a sighting will occur. This is why some relate the buru with the lungfish, a creature known for its ability to survive at the bottom of lakes during the dry seasons.
Of course, none of the known creatures that people have tried to link the buru to can explain reports of the buru’s cries, which sound like a hoarse bellow.
Magical Buffet Mythology: Ba’alat
Article by Rebecca
Image by Will Hobbs (www.sirwilliamwesley.com)
Religious landscapes are always complex, but they can become downright insane when tracing the most ancient deities. This month we’re discussing the Phoenician goddess Ba’alat. Of course, the Egyptians and Semites claim her as well. She has a list of associated names, whether hers or deities believed to also be her, a mile long. None of that confusion matters to me though, Ba’alat is one of my favorite goddesses and here is why.
Ba’alat is sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Gods”. This is mostly likely because she is the female counterpart to the Phoenician deity Baal, who is the supreme God of all. To me, she is the “Queen of Gods” for breaking that most ancient of stereotypes, that smart women cannot be sexy.
Ba’alat is the goddess of libraries, books, and writers. She is responsible for giving humans papyrus, the forerunner of modern paper. Obviously, Ba’alat is a knowledgeable deity.
The Phoenicians would depict this smarty as a woman with a smokin’ hot body, naked, with her hands covering her full breasts. Later there was the addition of an elaborate Egyptian hairstyle and a tight robe with shoulder straps.
Apparently, the Phoenicians had no trouble believing that an immensely attractive woman could be intelligent and sexual, even if it may have only been in their deities. In my mind, this sexed up Velma Dinkley is a wonderful role model for women everywhere.
Product Profile: West Wind Flags
Inspired by my vision while trekking in the high Himalaya of Nepal, I created West Wind Prayer Flags. Since 2000 West Wind has been offering prayer flags in English. Every year a new design comes into being and is added to the line. So far I offer Namaste Prayer Flags with messages of universal spirituality, (the original West Wind set in English), Global Peace Flags, Healing Flags, Rainbow Flags and this year’s new set:
Abundance Flags. And there are many more sets in the works. I am passionate about my business and love the wonderful connections I have with customers, who often become friends. My belief is that prayer flags contribute to the world in a gentle, yet pervasive way, and make an impact.
Firmly grounded in ‘Fair Trade’, I am happy to be working with a family of Tibetan Buddhist prayer flag makers in Kathmandu, Nepal who make my high quality flags from 100% fine cotton. We have developed a wonderful relationship and I treasure our interdependence. I have traveled to Nepal three times and hope to visit again soon.
West Wind’s mission (and my mission) is to increase kindness, healing and peace; to benefit all beings by generating abundant blessings on the wind. I am happy to tithe 10% of profits to ‘The Hunger Project’, in recognition and support of its outstanding work to improve the lives of girls in developing countries. For more info visit their web site at www.thp.org
West Wind Prayer Flags™ with blessings in English, are created in the spirit of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition…where it is customary to give and display prayer flags for special occasions, new beginnings and always for the New Year. For over a thousand years the Tibetans have been displaying prayer flags to benefit all beings. My hope is that this is just the beginning of a prayer flag tradition in the west.
Namaste and be well,
France Robinson
West Wind Flags
www.westwindflags.com
888-388-6467
Ashland, Oregon
Transforming yards into garden sanctuaries since 2000
Product Profile: Folkmanis Puppets
Folkmanis Puppets
Gnome – When you go for a walk in the forest, you may see a clump of leaves, berries, twigs, moss and tufts of milkweed seeds, but look again, the wee folk are masters of disguise! Garbed in the colors of the forest, this little Gnome finger puppet will care for your home…if you take care of his. “Three-fingered” design means you can animate his head and both arms.
Ten Questions with Raven Digitalis
1.Obviously this is a word that each individual defines differently, but for you, what does the term “Goth” mean?
Well, “Goth” was originally used as a derogatory term—much like “Witch” was—to refer to those who were uncivilized and trouble-making, in particular the Ostrogoths and Visigoths of Sweden. The Visigoths are famous for having sacked Rome in 410. Anyway, the Goths had a similar deital/religious structure to the Norse and other Germanic tribes, and were eventually driven underground.
Then comes the Gothic architecture style of the Renaissance, in which case “Gothic” is derived from the previous “Goth” or “Gothick” derogatory term, because the architecture of the time was very much against the grain and, though immaculately gorgeous, was not generally looked upon too fondly at the time.
Modern Goths, however, have nothing to do with the historical Goths. The title “Goth,” in this case, comes from the literary usage of the term in the later European Romantic period, in which “Gothic” was used to describe darkly-themed literature. Modern Goths carry over this vibration, seeing as they are darkly expressive in their own art, including musically and visually. To me, the modern usage of “Gothic” refers to a particular energy pattern; that of dark beauty, emotional depth, and creativity shrouded in shadow. I find it to be a very spiritual thing, which is greatly the focus of my book Goth Craft.
2.According to your website, not only are you trained in Georgian Wicca, but also Buddhist philosophy. What influence has Buddhist philosophy had on your spiritual and magical practices?
Yes, I am very much aligned to Buddhism. I find the religion’s focus on love, compassion, and awareness to be like none other. Buddhist thought has many psychological levels that are applicable to anyone in any moment. Buddhists “take refuge” in the Three Jewels; the Buddha (as a teacher), the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings), and the Sangha (fellow practitioners/seekers), and strives to do away with the three Mental Poisons of Greed, Hatred, and Delusion. Every school of Buddhist thought is different, but all emphasize compassion, awareness, and diligent meditation.
3.Um, now I have to ask, what is Georgian Wicca, and how is it different from other traditions?
Georgian Wicca is derived from British Traditional Wicca, and practices rituals and observations that are included in Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca. It has many different influences and is, like all traditions, a conglomerate of numerous preceding trads (though British Traditional is its main influencer). Georgian Craft was begun in 1970 by George ‘Pat’ Patterson, Zanoni Silverknife, and Tanith. I was lucky enough to be trained by Zanoni Silverknife herself, here in my hometown of Missoula, Montana.
4. Joy Division or New Order?
Oh gosh. Umm, they’re quite similar, seeing as New Order is basically Joy Division without Ian Curtis. New Order is considerably more dancey, though, which I adore, but I have lots of respect for Ian Curtis, so I’d have to say Joy Division!
5. What do you feel is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Goth culture?
Probably that we are sinister, self-serving, or bitter people. Most Goths are actually quite pleasant; we simply have different viewpoints from most people and tend to express the darkness of our minds and society through dark art.
6. Who are some of the people that have inspired you spiritually and magically?
Countless authors, teachers, musicians, magicians, Witches, and friends. I’ve known so many people over the years that I couldn’t even begin to count how many have had positive spiritual influences on me. I am so grateful for everyone I know. I would say that the people who have had the most impact are my two Priestesses, Estha McNevin and Zanoni Silverknife. If I were to name two musical artists as being profoundly influential, I would name Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Anna-Varney Cantodea of Sopor Aeternus and the Ensemble of Shadows.
7. What other Llewellyn author would you like to take out for some heavy drinking and general mischief making?
Hah! I actually did just that a few days ago with Kala Trobe (my new roommate!) and Christopher Penczak. It was a hoot-and-a-half. We are all soul-connected so it made for a magickal, bonding time.
8. Liquid or pencil eyeliner? Any brand you’d like to endorse?
Definitely liquid eyeliner; it’s like using a paintbrush. You can do anything with it! I actually go off in my book about how awesome it is. As for brands, I tend to endorse brands that don’t test on animals. For general makeup and cosmetics, I recommend the following brands that are cruelty-free (this list is taken from Goth Craft): Clinique, Revlon, M•A•C, Avon, Chanel, Almay, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Burt’s Bees, Prestige, Bonne Bell, Estée Lauder, Manic Panic, Stargazer, Urban Decay, and GoodGoth.
9. What’s next?
I’m gonna get a cup of tea and write some more of this short story I’m working on.
Oh, you mean in general? Well, my second book, Shadow Magick Compendium, is contracted and the manuscript is finished, so that’s going to be the next big project. I love writing! In the near future—October to be precise—, I will be going on a book tour and hitting up Chicago, Minneapolis, San Diego, LA/Hollywood, and Baltimore (see website for [up]dates), and will be working on book #3 after that.
10. Parting shot! Ask us here at The Magical Buffet any one question?
Okay… What are your thoughts on genetically modified food?
I know I put too much faith in the FDA, but I take on faith that my non-organic food is safe. Thanks to advances in science we may not have achieved the fabled all breast meat Kentucky Fried Chicken ( http://www.snopes.com/horrors/food/kfc.asp), but our plants and animals yield more food than ever before. The tragedy to me is that we use all this science to generate more food and still so many go without. I don’t mind genetically modified food, I mind that those advances aren’t helping the people they should.
GOTH CRAFT DESCRIPTION:
“When Paganism and Gothic culture collide, a powerful blend of independent thought and magickal transformation is often the result. Raven Digitalis explores this dynamic intersection and what draws us to the dark side. Digitalis introduces many kinds of Goths and Witches, and the philosophy of each. Practical as well as insightful, Goth Craft covers the basics of magick, with special attention to blood magick, death magick, and necromancy. You’ll also learn how to channel dark emotions, express yourself through the dark arts (clothes, hair, makeup, body modification), choose appropriate Goth music for ritual, and myriad other ways to merge magickal practice with the Goth lifestyle. Also covered is vampyrism, BDSM, gender/sexuality, and the magickal-spiritual use of drugs. From working shadow magick to spellcasting on the dance floor, Goth Craft revels in the exciting convergence of two vital subcultures.”
AUTHOR BIO:
Raven Digitalis (Missoula, MT) is the author of Goth Craft: The Magickal Side of Dark Culture, and the forthcoming Shadow Magick Compendium, both on Llewellyn. He is a Neopagan Priest and co-founder of the “disciplined eclectic” shadow magick tradition Opus Aima Obscuræ, and is a radio and club DJ of Gothic, EBM, and industrial music. With his Priestess Estha, Raven holds community gatherings, Tarot readings, and a variety of ritual services. From their home, the two also operate the metaphysical business Twigs and Brews, specializing in magickal and medicinal bath salts, herbal blends, essential oils, and incenses. Raven holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Montana and is also an animal rights activist and black-and-white photographic artist.
www.ravendigitalis.com
www.myspace.com/oakraven
Profile: University Of Metaphysical Sciences
Text provided University Of Metaphysical Sciences
The University Of Metaphysical Sciences is a non-profit distance learning facility, offering downloadable courses from the internet or delivered via postal mail. Study at your own pace while you work, stay at home, or travel. University Of Metaphysical Sciences brings professionalism to the field of metaphysics. The curriculum is designed to give the student a well-rounded education in all areas of metaphysics. As a practitioner, healer, teacher, writer or leader, the graduate will be more effective in his or her work with others. The credentials are within your reach. Become a true professional in the growing field of metaphysics, and do your part to lead the world into peace and a higher understanding of life.
UMS has approximately 1,000 students world wide in multitudes of countries. Each day several more people enroll at UMS, and it is growing exponentially as its reputation as the best school of its kind travels far and wide. UMS has set new standards in the field of metaphysics that other schools have not yet been able to achieve. University Of Metaphysical Sciences is unlike any other metaphysical school because it cares more about humanity than money and provides the greatest possible curriculum yet operates with the essence of a true non-profit organization in a “break even” format so that it can keep its prices as low as possible for the true education that it offers. No other metaphysical education compares to UMS.
Mission Statement
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to assisting people in becoming knowledgeable about metaphysical concepts and discovering the true self.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences has made its program affordable for people of all walks of life, keeping tuition prices low, and creating payment plans for every budget.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences is here to help the student answer his or her calling in assisting the human population in its spiritual evolution and awakening, giving the student knowledge, experiential practice, and legitimate credentials.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences purposely designed courses for the distance learner so that relocation is not necessary and attendance in person is not required. The student can study on his or her own schedule rather than a schedule set by a university.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences is dedicated to assisting spiritual teachers as they pursue their life purpose and life work, learn to live with integrity and grace, and teach others how to do the same.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences is a facility for spiritual learning, whether the student seeks knowledge for personal growth or goes on to become a metaphysical teacher, writer, minister, workshop facilitator or other type of healer.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences believes that the healer must be whole before true efficiency in helping others is attained.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences gives the student vast amounts of academic information so that the student is well versed in the wide variety of material and techniques many spiritual seekers are using in their efforts to heal themselves. The culmination of these studies is geared to assist the graduate in becoming a radiant, steady source of love and grace through self healing and introspection.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences provides courses to fill in the gaps that might have been missed by the more advanced student who has studied on his or her own.
* University Of Metaphysical Sciences is a metaphysics university level school teaching new age concepts, including holistic theology, enlightenment, spiritual education, and meditation classes. Much research has gone into every course. Metaphysic classes are an excellent way to go for any spiritual seeker on the path to the truth of the self, leading to a metaphysical degree which can assist the graduate in his or her spiritual work after graduation from this metaphysical college.
Courses:
The courses are designed to give the graduate a broad understanding of metaphysics and metaphysical subjects. The material spans several religions and belief systems so that the graduate will be well versed in the ideas many parts of the population hold. It is important for the student to be exposed to all areas of spirituality for a broader understanding of human nature.
Some of the courses are meant simply for the student’s self-introspection and self-inquiry, which is a necessary and ongoing practice for any teacher, healer, or leader. Audio meditations will serve the student for many years.
The student is highly encouraged to investigate more deeply the subjects that interest him or her. Recommended reading is given on every subject in the curriculum for further study, although it is not required, and a complete bibliography of reference material is given.
The graduate will have a resource of lists, diagrams, exercises and information which can be referred to anytime the need comes up in his or her professional practice. For instance, many of the courses have easy to use reference lists like the properties of herbs, sacred symbols, dream symbol indexes, and other quick access reference lists that the student will find useful.
Bachelors Degree Curriculum:
140 credits
Consciousness I: 25 credits
CS101 Archetypes
CS102 Enneagram
CS103 Metaphysical Communication & Problem Solving Methods
CS104 Affirmations & Reprogramming
CS105 Shadow Work
CS106 Transforming Personality
CS107 Emotional Well-Being
CS108 First Causes-Core Issues
CS109 Inner Child Work For Adults
CS110 Anger Management
Metaphysical Health Studies I: 15 credits
HS102 Juicing, Fasting & Cleansing
HS102 Pranayama & The Art Of Breathing
HS103 Herbs & Natural Medicines
World Religions: 25 credits
WR101 Overview Of World Religions
WR102 Great Spiritual Teachers, Gurus & Yogis
WR103 Mystical Beginnings Of Christianity
WR104 Native American Traditions
WR105 Gods, Goddesses & Mythology
WR106 Wizards, Magical Creatures & Adepts
WR107 Witchcraft
WR108 Shamanism: Indigenous Worldviews
Meditation Skills: 15 credits
MS101 Overview Of Meditation
MS102 Hypnosis: Self & Others
MS103 Colors & Symbols
MS104 Unlocking Imagination
MS105 Mantras & Mudras
Intuitive Skills I: 25 credits
IT101 Chakras & Auras
IT102 Psychic Skills, ESP
IT103 Divination Systems
IT104 Channeling Skills I
IT105 Crystals & Gemstones
IT106 Astrology Basics
IT107 Phenomena
IT108 Connecting With Angels
Miscellaneous Courses I: 25 credits
DR100 Dreams & Dreaming
CM100 Course In Miracles
RC100 Reincarnation, Past/Future/Simultaneous
MF100 Manifesting Skills
EM100 Energy Of Money
CP100 Creative Project
10 Electives: 10 credits
Masters Degree Curriculum:
90 credits
Consciousness II: 20 credits
CS201 Metaphysics & Meditation For Children
CS202 Relationships
CS203 Trauma & Recovery
CS204 Death & Dying
CS205 Metaphysical Technologies
Metaphysical Health Studies II: 25 credits
HS201 Spiritual Nutrition/Eating/Cooking
HS202 Reiki
HS203 Physical Exercise For Spiritual Well-Being
HS204 Yoga
Intuitive Skills II: 25 credits
IS201 Hypnosis II
IS202 Channeling Skills II
IS203 Predictions
IS204 Unconditional Love
IS205 Astral Projection
IS206 Lucid Dreaming
IS207 Aura Viewing
IS208 Vibrational Healing
Career Skills: 15 credits
CA201 Finding Life Purpose/Life Work & Soul Agenda
CA202 Awakening To True Self
CA203 Leading A Meditation
CA204 Attracting Clients
CA205 Practitioner Ethics
CA206 Promoting Your Spiritual Business
CP200 Creative Project
5 Electives: 5 credits
5,000 Word Master’s Thesis
Ordination
Practitioner Certificate
Electives Courses
1 credit each
CW301 Writing In The Metaphysical Field
EA302 Emotional Art
FS 303 Feng Shui
GA304 Gaia, Mother Earth
AM305 Attracting Your Mate
QB306 Qabalah/Kabala
UF307 UFOs & Extraterrestrials
EC308 Ear Candling
DO309 Dolphin Healing
CE310 Moon Ceremonies, Equinoxes, Solstices
TO311 Taoist Healing Arts
AR312 Altars & Rituals
FA313 Falun Gong
AY 314 Ayurveda
TA 315 Tantra
PO316 Polarity Therapy
LB317 Sacred Labyrinths
BR 318 Breatharianism
UR 319 Urantia Book
HP320 Hope
CS321 Coping w/Stress Using Mindfulness
FG322 Forgiveness
MM323 Mary Magdalene
More Electives always being added…
Doctoral Degree Curriculum:
Your doctorate degree is based on your 10,000 word doctoral dissertation. The student is highly encouraged to pick a subject that he or she can truly expound upon with written text.
Degrees:
You can obtain your minister’s or reverend’s ordination in the Master’s Degree program. Ministerial Ordination is all you need to legally practice as a minister or religious counselor. The primary reason to acquire a doctoral degree is to establish a professional image of yourself as a person well educated in your chosen area of expertise, which is metaphysics. Obtaining a doctorate shows a deeper level of commitment, education, and professionalism. Most people seek out a “doctor” when looking for a counselor, not necessarily a reverend or minister, even though a reverend or minister can legally counsel people. With Doctorate credentials behind your name, you establish yourself as a “doctor” and can list yourself as such in the phone directory with other counselors, rather than as a minister or reverend only.
“With a degree in metaphysics from University Of Metaphysical Sciences you can become a Metaphysician. Career opportunities, metaphysics / metaphysical job: a Metaphysician helps people learn how to change their reality by working with the underlying thoughts and emotions that cause the problems and create manifestations of suffering. This is a different kind of doctor, one who works with the energy that creates disease and illness, rather than treating the resulting symptoms in the physical body or reality. It is most important to reach deeper into the roots of the problems, and by changing the inner landscape, the outer landscape, as pertains to the universal laws of nature, must change with it.” —Christine Breese, founder of UMS
*For more information on the specific degrees you can earn with University Of Metaphysical Sciences, please visit http://www.umsonline.org/Degrees.htm
Testimonials:
“The diverse information University of Metaphysical Sciences offers is a gift to the soul. The need and desire for a college such as this has been long awaited. As the mother of a UMS student, I know this material is definitely broadening his awareness. I am very excited for his future!” —CS, mother
“I wish this kind of university was around in my younger days when I was first exploring the concepts and teachings in metaphysics. I have attended multitudes of workshops, read hundreds of self help books, and spent thousands of dollars on spiritual teachers, but nothing compares to the knowledge I have gained at the University Of Metaphysical Sciences so far, and I am not even finished with the program yet! It is presented in a very organized and easy to follow format, and I am truly enjoying my studies here at UMS.” —YP, UMS Student
“Thank you so much for all of the joy you have brought into my life with this course. I love it!! The courses are genuinely a gift that just keeps on giving… Thank you very much for founding the University and for all the work that you and your staff have put into it. For the first time in my life I have found a program that is truly a labour of love. This has all been a very rewarding, fulfilling, highly interesting, thought provoking, illuminating, joyful, humbling, satisfying and ineffable experience that continues to surpass all expectations. This program is a conduit that is changing my life for the better in so many ways. I am very grateful to be able to learn this material and I really just wanted to thank you for the exceptional work that you have done. Everything that you and your staff have done is outstanding.” —DI, UMS Student
Snakes. Why Did It Have to be Snakes?
According to Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, in her book “Dreams and What They Mean to You”, a snake in your dream means, “An evil omen predicting danger through enemies, deceit, and general misfortune. If you kill the snakes, you will overcome all obstacles.” Fortunately, I have outgrown the idea of a dream dictionary, and the idea of two dimensional snake symbolisms. The snake has a rich and varied symbolic history, and I would venture to guess that if right now I asked five different people what they thought of when they heard the word “snake” I would quite possibly get five different responses.
Let’s start with evil. The poor serpent. By telling Eve about a certain tree in the Garden of Eden, the snake will always be associated with evil, or Satan. Thanks to that, any animal that beats up a snake seems to be associated with Christ. Both elephants and birds of prey that stomp or claw snakes to their doom are symbolic of Christ triumphing over the Devil, or evil. Yawnsville. Seriously, if this the only symbolism you can come up with for the snake, put down your worn out dream dictionary and read on.
How about sex? Snakes are symbolically sensual. In Renaissance and Baroque art the deadly sin of lust was frequently represented by snakes. They were often depicted feeding on the breasts or genitals of women. Those Renaissance guys had a weird relationship with women! In other purviews, snakes are related to the umbilical cord and penis. From sexuality, it is just a short hop to fertility. The snake is a creator. Earth mother deities are continually associated with snakes. The Cretan Earth Mother holds the snake of death in one hand and rebirth in the other. Aboriginal art depicts the snake, a Dreamtime ancestor, known for abundance, rainfall, fertility, and creating mankind.
Let’s not just be fertile, let’s heal! Snakes, despite some being poisonous, are continually linked to healing and health. There is some debate, or not depending on what you read, but the entwined snakes on Hermes’ staff caduceus and/or the symbol of a tree snake wrapped around a staff ala Asklepian are symbols of healing or the health professions. But to heck with health, how about immortality? The snake’s continuous shedding of skin makes it a perfect symbol of endless renewal. The image of a snake swallowing, or eating, its own tail, sometime called the Ouroboros, often depicts eternity.
It is safe to say that the snake is a primordial symbol. Since the dawn of time the snake has meant many things to many people. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Hindu, Christians, Europeans, and just about every other culture and religion that has ever been or will be on this planet has had an opinion of the snake. It is a wonderfully complex symbol and once you start learning about its history, it becomes easy to see why there have always been people that worship it. Let’s face it, when even the cartoon “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy” have a cult devoted to worshipping snakes, you know you’ve made it to the big time.