You know I started ministry officially several years ago, and have been wandering down my path. Having chosen a less conventional ordination process for my abilities than seminary (Few of them exist for my people) I was left with a very traditional method of hunting down teachers for my own research, and going through brief apprenticeships, and sometimes lengthier ones. From this ancient method of advancement came my current developed beleif, and a knowledge more personal, than seminary could provide. Allowing me to study all subjects as time allowed I voarciously ate knowledge, and stored it away, and worked my rituals. I grew my order establishing it into what it is today members in four states, and two newly established temples under the watchful eye of two up, and coming graduates from my seminary program which was apprenticeship, and meritocracy based meaning you want it then earn it, and don't ask me about it till then. Over the time it took me to develop this knowledge I began to appreciate the incredible variety of things to come, and already present, psychic studies, reiki, various other religions (which I study all the time). Many other studies which were, and are inspiring to me.

I hear of ministers, clerics, priests, and rabbis speaking of their ministry so I began to think (I do this alot) when I was finished I came to a few conclusions. Firstly I am a priest not a hypnotherapist (Whcih is what I do), and a priest, I am a priest. My phone is never off, and twenty four seven I am available to my brothers, and sisters sometimes referred to as my congregation (To me they are my brothers, and sisters). I know of no other way than to be a priest, I live it with every breath, I love it with every heart beat, and i'll die as a priest.

I find comfort in the labeling, and codifying of myself from a certain standpoint because I know I am too much of an individualist to ever be contained in any one label forever. I have put my all in my ministry, and have found weakness, and ineptitde yes, but I have also found the ability for men, and women (I ordain both) to raise above their own muck, and do something about it. Under the statements (A important article of faith in the order) it states that being us means utter unflinching devotion to whatever actually interests you, and removing whatever irritates you from your life. It is the ability to choose for yourself your own friends, and life style, your job, everything is in your control now go out, and make something happen. I have time, and again seen people quit their secure jobs of years, and begin a reckless totally irresponsible trip twoards a new career at breakneck speed, and make it, which makes me smile, and feel heartfelt joy at their victory never again will they be chained by what they cannot do never again will others restrict their very existence with all of the things they cannot do....they did them smiling confident, and free.

Those moments as few, and fleeting as they are are what made the months of toiling; the pastoral counseling sessions, the preparations in the ritual space, the pep talks, and finally when they dive over board and say to hades with it, and make it! Well that just makes me swell with pride, and happiness.

Life isn't fair often the other guy has a bigger stick than you do, and often you'll never have the money for what you wanna do (With the attitude like that you never will either). I can always do it later i've heard, so I said okay so what can you do now to live life....they thought about it, and came up with a list of activities. I said whatever causes you more grief than joy remove from this list SLASH half dissappears. Okay how about only some what makes you happy slash yet again down to a quarter now. Finally the sorta happies, and yet again another slash, and we're left with what really makes them happy (A process simplified in the extreme sense of the word for times sake). Now go do it, and leave me be, set the stage for the other thing, and go do this in the mean time.

I have discovered we have this life, and perhaps many more so why waste them being sour, and virginal live, love, laugh, sing, do that which uplifts, and remove that which offends the eye. Who can tell you what you really want, why you of course no one else.

I remember getting a call at two in the morning prior to the establishment of boundaries for a dream interpretation. Now I am a night hawk, and well used to being up until five in the morning, and sleeping until 11. That day however was the odd man out. I woke up, and answered the phone in a groggy state, and boy was I worked up just as soon as I could figure out who what, where, when, why and most importantly WHAT BLOODY TIME IT WAS IN THE MORNING!!!!! So after some curt discussion with this wonderful young lady she was encouraged to use the dream diary for this purpose, and call me tomorrow during a more godly (or goddessly depending upon which, and your perspective) hour.

I have felt the need to quit many times so why am I still doing this when others don't put a fraction of the effort as I do into it? Then I realized I am it. Am I to quit myself, and leave my great work unfinished hades no. I had my enjoyable memories, and I was letting those petty trivial things accumulate on my back. So in true Priest Of The Moon fashion I kicked the offender (Myself) in the posterior, and set myself in motion sore rear, and all. (A real accomplishment I assure you at that time getting the foot to....)

Now flash foreward a year from the beginning, and I found that not everyone thought the same of my joyous status as a ordained priest as others did, and do so. I realized then that this joy while wonderful was not for everyone, and in true likewise fashion booted the theories out of my head which served me least, and promoted the beleifs that served me the most, and moved on.

AHHHHHHH but i'm done reflecting for now check in later. Maybe i'll update it (then again maybe I won't to you'll just have to wait now wontcha)

Self-reflection can be a very rewarding and enlightening thing. I hope you continue on the path that suits you and continue your ministry to those whom you touch.

Rev Jeff

I liked it. You've given me some things to think about for when I start my own ministry.

Dear Priestofthemoon,

Your reflective/venting posts always make me smile. This one for example, although it appears to be thinking out loud, still perfectly describes who you are and what you’re about. I truly enjoy your posts when you do things like that!
Fact is dear brother, though you have not asked for it, my advice is that you continue your reflections and observations. Like the wolf of your avatar, you seem to have caught a scent and are close to satisfying your hunger. Abandon the hunt, and you risk depriving yourself of the delicacy. Though there is much to hunt, you may never find the scent of this particular meal again. The wolf is meticulous, tenacious, but most of all, patient.
I have watched your posts over the time you have spent with us, and I have seen you grow both in mind and spirit, and as a result, I believe your continued pursuit of this thought will without doubt bring you much satisfaction. Just my opinion.

God’s blessings,

Rev. Campbell.

Yup! Remember a time not so long ago when you, Pathmender, and me were referred to (and not in a kindly way) as a wolfpack because of our posts? (the tenacity Pathmender speaks of) And we survived, no, prospered, in spirit as a result of the onslaught and the testing of our own true spirits. And this last post might be one of your longest and most eloquent, but I have also enjoyed some of our tirades from the past when we were still growing in our way and our paths. I am thankful for the cyber-connection and the cyber-friendship developed over the last two years. And to sum up a simple six word philosophy that I think the three of us have employed, "To thine own self be true." May the God/Goddess of our understandings help us to remain true to our convictions in our search and endeavors to do what is right. Yup! We're in it for the long haul...no doubt!.....Peace.....To`na Wanagi

Hah I still maintain we still are a wolf pack what an honor to be declared such!!!! We are the official wolf pack of the ULC Monastery wonder if we qualify for the endangered species list three animals in the species is pretty mch near exitnction after all.

Ha! I remember that my Sister. Thankfully, “wolves” cannot be “goated” (purposeful error I thought Dr. Corey would enjoy!) into meaningless combat. But be comforted Brother Priest, and ask our Sister To`na about the wolf spirit, as I am sure she will testify, it cannot ever be endangered!
I also remember at that time, only one true issue that kept coming back, which was the others who continued to complain that they had not received an invitation to join the pack!

God’s blessings,

Rev. Campbell.

Whoa! Hold on on now brother. That must be left to only you and Pathmender as I am far beyond the cub-bearing years! Uhhh....good luck with that! But I am still not too old to run and keep up with the rest of the pack....so far ....God's Peace and Love....To`na wanagi