Atwater Vitki

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  1. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  2. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  3. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  4. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  5. Atwater Vitki
    Well, yes.....and er, ah....mmmhhmm...okay sure. I've had two experiences which defy current logic regarding UFO's or alien beings. However, I can not rule out both situations were a total fabrication of a very active imagination. During both incidents I was sober, in good spirits and had nothing terribly taxing going on in my life, so I lean towards the validity of both accounts. I was around 8 yrs old the first time and mid 40's the second. Do I believe ALF's (Alien Life Forms) exist? Yes, absolutely, somewhere out there in all that "space" there are many, perhaps even millions. Do I believe they've been here to Terra Firma? Possibly. There are numerous ancient documents and things like cave paintings, rocking carvings, picto-glyphs etc that would suggest they have been here. My brother and I even explored the Book of Genesis in great detail over a couple of years; "Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion... " which got us into such authors as David Icke and James Redfield. Our conclusions were inconclusive. I guess like most folks, when I meet one face to face, remember it the next day, I will believe. Blessings of Peace, PS: Glad to see you back around the forum Suzanne!
  6. Atwater Vitki
    I look forward to your continued "construction" of your site and will check back soon! Looks great so far! Blessings Be,
  7. Atwater Vitki
    Only two things are infinite, the Universe and human stupidity, I'm not certain of the former. Imagination is more important than knowledge. both Albert Einstein
  8. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC.net forum! Take a look around, join in on the discussions and let us know a little about yourself in New Members and FAQ's. We are always glad to see new perspectives. We're glad you've chosen our forum to expand your path and understanding! Blessings of Peace, Al

  9. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC.net forum! Take a look around, join in on the discussions and let us know a little about yourself in New Members and FAQ's. We are always glad to see new perspectives. We're glad you've chosen our forum to expand your path and understanding! Blessings of Peace, Al

  10. Atwater Vitki
    Gwydion- "calm and confident"...that's excellent and ever so correct. When we are confident we will get to the bottom of an issue, or help a situation in any way at all, that truly does seem to get results. You've probably seen what I have and that is getting the people with the problem involved in their own healing or progressing forward. Once they take the interest and know they can be in control of their own destiny, it's usually not long before handing over the reins to them and letting them drive themselves into a positive future. Fawzo- "Ninja Minister"...love it and also inspiring. When someone comes to the crossroads of Self discovery it's a beautiful thing. When we have the opportunity to hear of their struggles and then eventual healing... but they don't know exactly when it began... it always puts a smile on my face. Usually, it's like you said, they heard something or a single thought (seed) was implanted and things began to change in a positive way. I don't think there's very many of us who want fame or notoriety or credit for helping our fellow travelers on this planet. I think one of the fundamentals of being a ULC minister (or ?title?) is simply a sower of many good seeds. As we progress, we look back and see many, many healthy crops...and that has to be the biggest reward! Blessings Be,
  11. Atwater Vitki
    Blackowt...frankly many years ago "black out Al" was a moniker people used for me due to excessive substance and alcohol abuse. As I said...many years ago, but was what got me into counseling substance abusers. Since I have several aspects to my ministering, I simply wear a nice black or pinstriped suit for formal occasions and then of course for my more esoteric works the brown muslin robe I hand made some 20 years ago, adding my sleeve chevrons, crescents, triskelons and hash marks as I progressed through the Gild ranks. Being on call for "Alternative Religion" duties at the county jail, that only requires my ID badge and casual slacks/shirt. I try not to freak people when out in public in my robe, but the several occasions to do so most people actually have said "monk" before anything else...sorta funny. Like others have said, it seems family was the worst for being put off by my choice of being ordained by the ULC but some even scoffed when I was studying at Phillips Theological (Universalist/Unitarian)...so be it, their guffaw and bad. Especially those who claimed I was following the "false teachings" or "non-Christian" theologies when in truth, it just wasn't their 'brand'. Actually, I'm going through what seems to be "Round 10" of a never ending prize fight with my elderly mother and her church group of friends, again. I honestly don't mind our differences of opinions regarding "salvation" however it's their hypocrisy that drives me nutz....i.e; banishing LGBT sons and daughters and several other controversial issues. I'm certain this will die out soon, as usual....and until next time! In the mean time, I simply stick to what I know to be my Truth. Blessings of Peace,
  12. Atwater Vitki

    I'd like to take this opportunity to Welcome you to the forum! Thank you for joining and I hope you'll find our little Family of Friends to be a place you come home to on a regular basis. We always enjoy new perspectives and fresh ideas, so let's hear yours! Blessings of Peace, Al

  13. Atwater Vitki

    I'd like to take this opportunity to Welcome you to the forum! Thank you for joining and I hope you'll find our little Family of Friends to be a place you come home to on a regular basis. We always enjoy new perspectives and fresh ideas, so let's hear yours! Blessings of Peace, Al

  14. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our growing family of friends here on the forum. We're glad you could joins us! As you feel the need, join us in the discussions and let us know a bit about yourself. It's always a pleasure getting to know new folks. Blessings of Peace, Al

  15. Atwater Vitki
    Shaggy - First off, Welcome to the forum! I know first hand what you speak of in your post. That you are able to keep focused on Universal (God's) Law is a great thing and I hope will occupy more thoughts than contempt for 'man's laws' which are subjective at best. I hope you will share more of your journey with us in the near future. RTL-LTR! and Blessings of Peace, Al
  16. Atwater Vitki
    rssear, Welcome to the forum! You could start here....http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/connecticut/index.shtml Hope that helps, Blessings of Peace, Al
  17. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to the ULC-dot-net Forum! We're ever so glad that you decided to join us and we look forward to hearing about your particular Spiritual Journey. We hope you'll share your thoughts on whichever path you have chosen. Blessings of Peace, Al

  18. Atwater Vitki
    I just had to call Scott again this morning and apologize for my poor manners. After reading what you said Salem I really felt bad about using "warlock" for the many years I've known him, both in his presence and not as well as a general term for male witches. Only once did I ever get a negative response from someone, a complete stranger, but I never knew why until this topic came up. So far, everyone is correct. war-lock; a male witch [from the Middle English warloghe, from Old English wrloga, oath-breaker : wr, pledge; see wr-o- in Indo-European roots + -loga, liar (from logan, to lie; see leugh- in Indo-European roots) Scott put my heart at ease "It's a title I wear gladly". As he went into the history it seemed to me to make sense and not a "bad thing" per se for those choosing that path. Around the 6/7th century CE, those who did not embrace the church were charged with the "crime" of waer loghe or 'breaking the solemn oath to God and church' (remember the Apostle's Creed?) one of the many things the early church could claim "heresy" and condemn people to death. I now understand why there would be a split decision on the use of the term 'warlock', however, I can also see why there are those who would use the title with dignity and pride. This is just one more reason I personally think it's so important for people to take an interest in their own family and beliefs history.... so they know the why's and how's of their chosen paths. Thanks Salem and drewj and everyone...were it not for this topic it may have been several more months before there was occasion to call my old friend! (b-day is July and usual phone call) Blessings of Peace,
  19. Atwater Vitki
    As I mentioned Hermano, that is what I was taught within the first US Rune-Gild and which the leader ("Yrmin-Drighten") was a college etymology professor. I have to admit at the same time, that since 2001, when I left my post and title within that very gild, I've learned quite a bit about our Yrmin and have also found some of his views to be rather...hmm...shall I just say..."non-mainstream academic" regarding such things as our ancient beliefs. As well, when I was researching the KJV, I ran across references to notes taken at the Hampton Court proceedings (1601, convened by King James) that both terms, heathen and pagan, were used by members of the council, and other monikers, to cite the many types of "Non-Christians". It is my belief that Hampton Court was used to not only define the "Bishop's Bible" in an accurate translation to English, but to also define the canon and other doctrines of the medieval church. When one looks into the (many changes) that occurred within Christendom between 1500 and 1650, especially the Lutheran and Anglican church, it's quite obvious that the many councils and the new translation of the KJV affected far more than just the wording of the Bible.. But I do believe the Yrmin-Drighten's analysis regarding words and the origins of same. After all it was his chosen profession and primary skill. Blessings of Peace, (words in parens above are links)
  20. Atwater Vitki
    Yes, most assuredly Bro Hex...."heathen" has two 'e's' and one 'n' while pagan has two 'a's' and one 'n' to start with....oh you wanted a serious answer...sorry I was taught "heathens" referred to early Saxony people that would practice their naturalistic beliefs among the "heathrows"...a viny, prickly plant used to separate fields and lands. Pagans on the other hand had more formalized pantheons of gods and goddesses...one worshiping "mother earth and nature" the other emulating the ways of the gods. The early church used the terms interpolated when condemning non-Christians to the stake or noose, but technically the differences are stated above. Blessings of Peace,
  21. Atwater Vitki
    A phone call seems to put a bit of clarity on the "Book of Shadows", for me anyway. One of my Wiccan friends said the "The Gardnerarian Book of Shadows" is held by many modern Wicca as the "guide book" for their basic set of beliefs and practices. Each witch or warlock would also have a "My" Shadows (not necessarily named or titled) book that they are responsible for putting in their personal versions of spells, reading formulas and insights about the craft. This is the same light as within my circle in the "Galdor's Book" (The "Calling" or "Read"). Runic followers may have several resources for traditional "Rune Works", but then we each have our own journals for keeping our scrying formularies, particularly insightful readings, rune formulas and so forth. The whole thing, as I've known it, is that both Wicca and Runic followers are continually growing and enlightening their craefts, once a person is beyond the "initiate" level, all witches, warlocks, vitkis etc. (as pertains to each path) are part of the evolution of their chosen works. Hopefully Salem or one of our other practicing Wicca can help inform us better about this. I trust my friend's summation, but he too is such a private practitioner that he may not be in touch with the majority view held by others within Wicca. Blessings Be,
  22. Atwater Vitki
    There's a bingo Leo! I think that's why we find so many "secuutus singuli" within the many paths of Paganism. The "single follower" is free to practice their rites and so forth as they see fit and best suits them. I've only marginally associated with other "discessio paganus" such as Wicca, but I've never seen so much descent and variations as in my own realm of Nordic Pantheonism and especially runic divination due to this. The many, many "Pagan Paths", or more formal "direction", is indeed arduous and why I think there are so few formalized congregations. Where I see one distinction in the numerous pagan paths is freedom. Since there is no set dogma and/or doctrine the individual can pretty much choose what vibrates best within their core essence...within the one guideline of "Do that which is Right!" ("Do as you will as long as no harm befall another", etc) I mean I know one family that practices the "absolute given" there are 365 'holidays' within the annual cycle and yet another fellow that claims only the equinoxes and solstices are worthy of recognition and both claim "due to traditions". Another distinction is the types of people involved in traditional movements and those not so much so. Some folks simply have to have peer approval and personal recognition for their efforts, or even, the sense of being "right" in order to define Self. Others, who I think rank among the majority of "pagans", could care less what other people think and are secure enough in their Self identity to simply do their own thing. I hear you loud and clear about having to spend the time "battling assumptions" and is also one of the reasons why I choose the term "Vitki" since no one has ever heard of it. If they have, well that saves a whole lot of conversation time focusing on subject matter rather than definitions! If they haven't, like you say, "clean slate"! "To each their own be true, to all else be in Truth!" - I saw that above the door of one of the fellowship halls built by one of gilders where I use to go to moots. It was in that very hall where 3 factions of the gild split and went their separate ways and now, nearly 20 years later are still battling each other over whose interpretation of the old runic ways is more correct. Interesting, eh? Blessings of Peace,
  23. Atwater Vitki
    Thank you so very much... everyone! Kay is actually sitting next to me as I answer so I literally mean "we" when I say: Yes!, we do indeed believe in the power of prayer, meditation and focused energies. We think this is why things turned around so quickly besides getting an early diagnosis. The doc mentioned just a few months ago (last visit) that he didn't want to get expectations up, but her progress was quicker remission than what normal treatment usually produced by a good 6-12 months. Kay has also gone to our community "Hands On Healing" sessions started by one the retirees and reiki practitioners. We're fortunate to have such support services available right here in our neighborhood at the Hobby House. The 1-2 hour sessions (depending on how many showed up) would start with pool, (weather permitting) hot tub, exercises and discussion then end with each person standing in the "Healing Circle" while everyone else did a laying of hands. Funny how the doc will cite "remarkable, unexpected, quick progression" in his reports but was hesitant to mention the reiki works as "that is not proven science"!! Bless him anyway! We're certain it was a combo of it all! We went for a long drive yesterday, first in a long time and just soaked up some sun, drove about 60 miles of the 49er hiway up in the foothills and checked out many fabulous views of the valley from the many turn outs along the way...got back exhausted, yet refreshed in many ways and slept throughout the night for the first time in many months. Now, getting back to Maui is priority numero uno! Blessings of Peace and again, thank you each and everyone for your support, thoughts, prayers, energies and all that other "unproven science" stuff!
  24. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al

  25. Atwater Vitki

    Welcome to our family of friends. We're glad you could joins us! Regardless if you are well established in a traditional religious path or struggling to find something less mainstream, we're sure you'll find what you seek here. We are a “blended family” of all Beliefs, all Faiths and all manners of seeking Truth. We hope you'll share your views with us soon! Blessings of Peace, Al