February Light Bearer

At the Food and Agriculture Committee's meeting on January 12th, we shared thoughts and insights some of us gained at the two-day Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Conference held in Tulsa. The group's reaction could be summed up in the realization that gardeners may or may not have profit matthew and seedlings

motives, but in either case, to be successful it is necessary for the gardener to also love Nature and want to spend time nurturing plants.

We discussed the nature of Nature. Someone described Nature as the intelligence behind all living things. Someone else saw Nature to be synonymous with the Devas and Elementals that are at work building plants according to their archetypes. Someone else saw our "work" as one of helping to bring more of a balance into the garden situation. Someone said they saw this as a rare opportunity to be "God's fingertips" to aid in nurturing plants by adding minerals and nutrition via healthy compost to help in their growth.

We also talked about the recent Lucis Trust Article, which discusses growing ecological consciousness and the role of the "custodians of sustenance".

Biodynamic methods engender an energetic balance that includes cosmic forces (the moon as well as the planets) and the energy of the soil and the gardener as well. If there is balance, our plants will be hearty and will provide better nutrition when consumed by us humans.

The plan for our 2008 garden is a "work in progress." The seedlings in trays at the community building appear happy and healthy. The plan is to move them to a greenhouse when they need more space. What greenhouse? Good question! We are planning to build a simple lean-to type greenhouse on the south side of the garden shed that is being built jointly with the Community Association.

The group is very grateful for all of you who have made the Farmers Market so successful. Plans are to continue every Saturday morning, starting at 8:30 am.

February Class Schedule

February 2

GRADUATE PROGRAM ORIENTATION

February 4 - 8

GRAD WEEK I: CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: Christianity: The Fulfillment of Christ's Mission
Rev. Dr. John Nash

Christianity was a very human response to the Christ's message of love, inclusiveness, and expanding human consciousness. It has exhibited broad diversity of beliefs, observances, attitudes and behavior. Christianity's 2,000-year history reveals saintliness and depravity; turmoil, disagreements and reconciliations; episodes of glory, tragedy, comedy, rejoicing and sadness. Nevertheless, Christianity's mysteries continue to impress us, along with the insights of its mystics, the attainments of its scholars, and the selflessness of those who serve in Christ's name.

The course will examine Christianity's origins, failures and successes and will explore what can be done to ensure that Christ's vision for humanity and the world is realized more completely as we move into the Aquarian Age. $500

February 2, 3, 9

WELLNESS GUIDE PROGRAM: Wellness of Spirit
Director, Rev. Linda Oliver, RN

We know that advancement on the spiritual path is enhanced by meditation. As guides, we learn how to teach others the science of meditation and explore universal laws with their everyday application to life. Understanding the difference between spiritual emergencies and physiological problems and their treatment is an important function of the wellness guide. Spiritual wellness-the alignment of inner and outer selves-can be activated by utilizing ancient, as well as contemporary, wisdom of both East and West.

This is one of three components required for Wellness Guide certification. Note: Wellness Guide Program classes begin on the Saturday morning prior to Graduate Week and continue on the Sunday prior and the Saturday following Grad Week. Wellness Guide enrollees also participate in Grad Week activities with other seminary students. $500 Grad Week plus $200 Wellness Guide Week-Ends ($700 total)

February 2, 5, 7

SPIRITUAL MENTOR PROGRAM: Prayer and Meditation:
The Mystical Experience in Self and Others
Director, Rev. Carol Parrish

The Spiritual Mentor Program prepares individuals to assist those who seek a personal relationship with the Divine Essence within themselves. A Spiritual Mentor is a catalyst, confidentially interacting with the seeker to stimulate the process of relating and responding to God as personally understood. This work transforms the mentor as well as the seeker.

This is one of three components required for Spiritual Mentor certification. Note: Spiritual Mentor Program classes are scheduled in conjunction with Graduate Week. Spiritual Mentor enrollees also participate in Grad Week activities with other seminary students. $500 Grad Week plus $200 Spiritual Mentor activities ($700 total)

February 18 - 22
INTERMEDIATE ASTROLOGY
Dennis Acrea

The universe is purposeful and filled with Lots of Vital Energy. Nowhere is this more profoundly evident than in the study of the Divine Science of Astrology and its application as an intuitive art for spiritual growth. Higher consciousness unfolds in ever deepening layers of self-awareness when we apply the Karmic implications of transits and progressions to our birth charts. Students will use their understanding of signs, planets, houses and aspects in order to see the daily movement of planets as the soul's opportunity to evolve in this lifetime.

Prerequisite: Basic Astrology or the equivalent, including knowledge of signs, houses and planets. $225/250, incl. lunch

February 26 - March 2
29TH ANNUAL INTENSIVE: The Sancta Sophia Showcase
Rev. Carol Parrish and Team

Creative, stimulating, and fun, this annual event is a time to share the deep insights and spiritual growth of the Seminary's students, advisors, and faculty. Join these like-minded individuals, who gather to strengthen the inner call to which they resonate. Through a variety of inspiring presentations, we gain a deeper grasp of esoteric teachings and how they can help us better perceive our part in this era of transition. A great time for a first visit! $500, incl. lunch, dinner, housing

March Class Schedule

March 1
ORDINATION SERVICE

March 2

HEART/MIND BLESSING

During this blessing, the recipient remains fully clothed, lying on a healing table, while one of the ancient biblical healing oils is intuitively chosen for him or her. The ritual, inspired by the desire to be in resonance with the loving compassionate heart of God, establishes a connection and an energy balance between the heart and the mind. The blessing takes about 20 minutes and recipients make donations to support the work of the Wellness Center.

March 3 - 7
ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY I: ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY AND ITS HIDDEN MYSTERIES
Rev. Carol Parrish

According to St. Augustine, the true religion has always been in existence, but when Christ came in the flesh, it began to be called Christianity. Together we will explore the Faith, its origins and its powerful message. Esoteric teachings are designed to lead us deep within to the core of our nature and turn on the energies that ignite Love-Wisdom and the Will to walk the Path of Initiation.

The powerful magnet Christianity introduced to the world through the message of Jesus Christ was "equality" for all. As souls we recognize our sameness, but we also all realize personalities are not equal. Some are more talented, some less so, but the Soul of each is precious. We strive for a way to live from the heart. We shall explore the lessons, assignments, and tools of transformation to make them our own. (Bring EC 101 lessons by Carol Parrish or pay $50 material fee.) CEU'S PENDING $225/250 incl. lunch

March 8
SKILLS DAY

This insightful day begins at 10 AM with a lecture and messages by Carol Parrish and assistants ($4 donation). From 11:15 to closing, students and others share their personal intuitive skill-astrology, numerology, psychic and Shustah attunements, Reiki, Healing Touch, and others-in 15-minute private appointments ($8 each).

March 10 - 14
ESOTERIC CHRISTIANITY II: THE MYSTIC LIVES WITHIN
Rev. Carol Parrish and Rev. Giovanna Vannall

Embracing Sophia as the Holy Spirit of Wisdom, we will expand our understanding through a new look at the Bible, grasping a bit of Gnosticism, exploring the Mysteries and the role of prayer and meditation. Within our era Christianity is maturing to take its place within the family of world religions. We would be wise ones of our tradition.

We embrace the healing consciousness as we move from dogma to spirituality, from the law approach to the heart centered way of life. We restore respect for the Mother who has always been with us even when her presence was denied. The holy path leads deep within, and we are destined to come to know the ways of the Soul. We shall continue to use the EC course lessons and learn how to lead others in the study of them. (Bring EC 102 lessons by Carol Parrish or pay $50 material fee) CEU'S PENDING $225/250 incl. lunch

March 14, 15
MARY MAGDALENE: LOST BRIDE OF THE EASTER MYSTERIES
Margaret Starbird

This workshop will explore the role and legends of Mary Magdalene, the "beloved companion" of the Bridegroom/King sacrificed at the Spring Equinox. Ms. Starbird will discuss Mary's story as a woman but more importantly as the embodiment of Sophia and the archetype of the "Lost Bride" - the feminine principle denigrated in Western Civilization. Slides of medieval artwork and an experiential art meditation will enhance the experience of the "Bride in Exile" and the importance of reclaiming the Sacred Partnership of Christ and Sophia that was once at the heart of the Christian story. $100

March 16
HEART/MIND BLESSING

There is a divine purpose behind the life of everyone who comes into the world; no one has been created for nothing. We have something to learn from everyone. This is the mystery of humility.
--Kirpal Singh