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The
fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion
which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. A
human being is part of the whole called by us 'universe,' a part limited in time
and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts, and feelings as something
separate from the rest -- a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This
delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and
to affection for a few people nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves
from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living
creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Look deep, deep into nature,
and then you will understand everything better. - Quotes from Albert Einstein
Incorporated as a religious non-profit organization in the State of Arkansas in 1996, the Ozark Full Life Church is founded on ancient Indo-European and Celtic metaphysical beliefs that are modified to a modern and changing environment.
The
Church acknowledges that those following a neo-Druidic or another neo-Pagan path
cannot be all things that the ancients once were.
The old Celtic traditions are faded by the mists of time, as are the
Druids.
The same social conditions no longer exist.
At the same time, it is believed that many of the functions and practices
can provide a valuable service in today’s society.
The ultimate goal of knowledge and spirituality is also consistent today.
Academic research into the history, mythologies, languages, and
customs of the Celtic and other Indo-European peoples provides us a tools for
understanding our heritage and spiritual awareness. This academic tool joins our
physical senses, intuition, reasoning, and present cultural matrix in developing
our knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality.
The
Church’s altars are the hearths of the home and our natural surroundings.
We recognize in our Articles of Belief the Spiritual Heritage given to us
by our Celtic ancestors. The Articles are listed as nine, following the
prominent Celtic tradition of using that number to symbolize the whole.
They are as the nine hazels of imbas that grew at the heads of the seven
chief rivers of Ireland. The
Articles are considered as a spiritual compliment to the Celtic Triads that
guide us in our daily endeavors.
The
Church is dedicated to providing the following services to Church members, the
general public, and anyone with needs: Pastoral Counseling; Hospital visitation to the
Sick, Aging, and Disabled; Spiritual
Healing; and Rites of Passage (Birth Rite, Coming of Age, Wedding or "Handfastings", Mid-Life,
Elderhood, and the Final Passage Rite).
Our cyclical celebrations are based on the four Celtic seasons and consist of Samhain, Imboic, Bealtaine, and Lughnasadh.
The Church places great emphasis on the sanctity of the home, the strength of the family, and personal responsibility. We consider that all members are capable of, and responsible for, the mediation of the Deities in their own behalf. Because of this, the Church is not structured with hierarchies. We do have officers to meet both esoteric guidance and the secular direction of the Touta, Church, and programs. Ordination is offered to those who meet specific educational requirements.
"What was it that maintained you so in your life?" St. Padraiq enquired; and Oisin answered: "Truth that was in our hearts, and strength in our arms, and fulfillment in our tongues". - The Colloquy of the Ancients
Brigit Búadach, Búaid na fine, Siur Ríg
nime, Nár in duine,
Eslind luige, Lethan breo.
Ro-siacht noí:bnem Mumme Goídel, Riar
na n-oíged,
Oíbel ecnai, Ingen Dubthaig,
Duine úallach, Brigit búadach,
Brigit búadach.”
