universal pathways: a sanctuary within reach

7/30/2019 Universal Pathways: A Sanctuary within Reach

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UNIVERSAL PATHWAYSA SANCTUARY WITHIN REACHEDITED BY K. A. LAITY


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A peaceful sanctuary thats within easy reach of your

busy life in the Capital Region

UNIVERSALPATHWAYS


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Steve and Mary Browne

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ABOUT THE DREAM

The history of Universal Pathways and the history of our home

farms are an on-going weaving, but for this writing I will attempt to

separate the two.

In the early 1980s I took a course in Reiki. It would change the focus

of my life forever. My start in the practice was slow due to many fac-

tors -- raising children, sheep, vegetables and all of day-to-day liv-

ing. My practice grew slowly and as it grew I realized there would

come a time when I would no longer be able to practice in our

home. So I looked at converting the carriage barn. I was advised by

an architect that the carriage barn was not suitable for so many rea-

sons and it would cost a fortune to remedy all the deficiencies.

It was six months later that my next-door neighbor came to tell me

she was going to sell her house. At that moment, I felt the house was

much too large for my vision at that time, but Steve repeatedly told

me the house was perfect and I could begin to widen my vision.

Universal Pathways is predicated on vision. The vision has always

been to assist people of allages in creating their own vision through

health, nature, creative investigation and open opportunity to experi-

ence all of the above.

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The labyrinth features the trees of theCeltic zodiac and offers a place forwalking meditation


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Within the first two years we put in the labyrinth, planted the Celtic

zodiac, developed a peace garden and a meditation garden. The

library continues to expand.

Universal Pathways is now viewed as home to many groups of peo-

ple. It has become a peaceful reminder for those whose daily lives

can push aside the real reason for accepting the privilege of life on

this earth.

We laugh, we play, we retreat, we learn, we cry, we are real.

Who are we?

All who come and find something of value.

May it be you.

Welcome --

Mary Browne

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The white birch: where memoriesand memorial join

The first time I visited Universal Pathways and met Mary Browne

was for the purpose of finding a location to host a spiritual retreat

for an organization in which I am a member. My friend, Dee, and I

had arranged to meet with Mary and assess the property to see if

it would accommodate our organizations needs. On the drive to

Universal Pathways we naively told each other that we could ac-

complish this meeting in an hour, maybe two tops! We were hop-ing to find a location where our members could gather, away from

the business and busyness of mundane life, with plenty of space

for inner and outer exploration of their connections with spirit. We

could not anticipate at that time that we would find all of this and

so much more.

We arrived in the early afternoon, surprised that the trip toBerne went much more quickly than we had anticipated. Mary,

herself, is such a wonderful mixture of qualities it is impossible to

capture her character in a writing such as this. At best I can offer

you a few glimpses of her, knowing it will fail to do her justice. We

were captured almost instantly upon meeting her by her warmth

and generous hospitality. She welcomed us into the little house

where she runs her business. Instantly we knew we had entered

a wonderland where farmhouse meets library, where spiritual

sanctuary meets art gallery. After a brief conversation of introduc-

tions she invited us to explore the house with words which cap-

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main house and several more gardens of both vegetables and flow-

ers. There we found the dragon flies and frogs happily enjoying the

beauties of the largest, cleanest pond Ive ever seen. Again, the

area was graced with flowers, trees, and beauty everywhere you

looked. We followed a pathway beneath a flower laden trellis and en-

tered a borderland between cultivated space and woodlands. The

perennials and annuals blended so smoothly into the woods as weapproached the footbridge that took us across the bubbling stream

into the grove that it gave the impression it must have always been

this way. We knew, however, that we were in the presence of a great

artist with an eye for beauty. Mary told us the story of the day that

she told Steve that she needed him to build that amazing altar in the

far end of the grove and that she had the altar stone all picked out.

When you meet her yourself make sure to ask her about that one. Its

a great story! And what an altar he built! I wondered at the feat of

physical and mental strength it must have taken to move those gi-

ants now partly covered by years of moss, ivy, and a circumference

of flowers. A fitting focal point which mirrored the larger circle of flow-

ers and trees which defined the border of the grove. Later, when we

met Marys husband, Steve, it was apparent that he was the perfect

man for the job. He was himself a giant of a man who under different

circumstances might have struck the fear of the gods in me from his

size alone. He, like Mary, was also an artist committed to the tireless

work of manifesting their combined vision.

Our journey continued along the stream through the woodsuntil we came to a natural feature of the landscape that echoed with

mystery and sanctity. The mystical source of the stream on the prop-

erty was a small cave in an enormous rock wall. At the mouth of the

cave the crystal clear waters of stream flowed over a bed of solid

rock which formed a hollow large enough to hold an adult person, a

natural mikvah. The air in the vicinity was cooled naturally by the wa-

ters and the breath of the cave. After a short time we returned to the

grove and left behind the water spirits as we followed a path that

wound its way up the wooded hillside. After a few minutes the path

opened into a large clearing which held a fire pit in the center. The

transition at the top of the hill from the darker cooler cover of the

trees into the bright, warm, openness of the fields with the sun shin-ing in the clear sky above was magical. It was like walking into an-

other world and felt to be a very appropriate place to honor the spir-

its of sky and fire. Of the many trees in the perimeter of that space

one stands out as the queen of the hill. In the east, a little removed

from the other trees, stands one of the largest white Birch trees Ive

ever seen. She is truly amazing. Mary explained that this was where

she holds open celebrations for the eight seasonal holidays and that

wed be welcome to use it for our retreat as well.

This was just a taste of the wonders of the landscape. As wewalked back down the path to the main house Mary explained to us

that the farm had hundreds of acres and that the retreat attendees

would be welcome to walk and explore as spirit took them. We sat

on the terrace at the main house and enjoyed more conversation

and refreshments. I believe that is where we met Steve for the first

time and had the first of many conversations. As the sun started to

move lower in the sky Dee and I began to think for the first timeabout time. How late was it? For the first of many times we experi-

enced the timelessness of Universal Pathways and Mary laughed as

she told us that tends to happen there. What we thought would be

accomplished in a quick hour or two had expanded well beyond

that in both time and intention! We really didnt want to leave but real-

ized how wonderful it was that we would be able to come back! As

we later relayed our experiences to our friends in our organization

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Cattails in the autumnour enthusiasm was hard to control. In time the

members came to know each in their own way

the special magic that is woven at Universal

Pathways.

In the years since our first meeting of Mary and

Steve Browne I have been lucky to attend many

events and gatherings at Universal Pathways. I

have been very blessed to find a community of

people who dont all think alike. There are so

many wonderful spiritual traditions and perspec-

tives represented in that community and the

thing that makes it truly special is the loving ac-

ceptance and welcoming spirit everyone brings

and the true appreciation for the gifts and per-

spective offered by each person. I have also

been blessed to find not just a location for re-

treats, though many since have taken place

there, but a vibrant spiritual community. This is a

place in the world that is truly, by every defini-

tion of the word, home. I found people who are

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The bridge over the creek

friends but not only friends. We are ultimately a family in its truest

sense. Here people embrace and value hard work and honest

efforts but do so with respect, a light heart and always a spirit of

play. When lifes challenges come to visit as they do for all on

this planet we stand firmly together and support each other offer-

ing what we can. This is a place where the land and the various

inhabitants of the land are truly respected and revered as con-scious members of the community. Ive come to know and love

the trees of the grove, the labyrinth, and of course the White Lady

of the hill. The sense of peace and grounding one can experi-

ence on this land is nothing short of therapeutic. Ive been fortu-

nate to be reminded why its important to walk the land with no

shoes! Time still slips when I visit there. That has never changed.

Those left behind in the mundane world know better than to ex-

pect me home on time. It never happens. Usually, however, when

it is time to finally leave, though its always with a little sadness I

remind myself how wonderful it is that soon Ill be coming back!

Allan P., Albany, NY

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Do you remember when you were small and you had a place that

was special to you? It may have been a room or a tree or a fort. A

spot in the natural world, a man made structure, or even a space

tucked away in the crevices of your imagination. It may have been a

secret spot that you never told anyone about, or it may have been a

spot you shared with people important to you or the world as a

whole. But no matter where it was, whether it was big or small, tangi-ble or imagined it held a comfort that felt unique only to it. Maybe it

was a spot to escape for a while, or maybe a spot to sit and think, or

feel, or just be. Maybe you went there to scream and yell and cry

when you were upset and just wanted to be alone or maybe you

went there to laugh and celebrate and smile just for the sake of do-

ing so. Maybe being in your space allowed you the security and

quiet to problem solve or to completely lose yourself in your imagina-

tion. No matter where your space was or what you did there it was

special to you. It was a space that held magic.

Coming to Universal Pathways is like revisiting that space that was

so special to you as a child. It might look different, but when you

close your eyes you may sense that it feels the same. The comfort,

safety and magic are there and the people who gather at Universal

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The waters flowing from thedepths of the cave


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Curious donkey says hello

Pathways share an understanding and respect for one another

and for their surroundings that is uncommon, and much needed,

in the world today. It is a wonderful experience to have had a spe-

cial space as a child, but its even more wonderful to realize you

can have it as an adult as well. Universal Pathways has been that

space for me and I am eternally grateful that I have been able to

spend time there and be a part of the wonderful community thathas been created.

Amy

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Serenity within reach

What Universal Pathways has meant to me for the past 15 years

or so is a spiritual home.This may sound trite but I have been look-

ing for such a place since I was 6 or 7. I was born into the Lu-

theran Community and raised a Catholic, but at 7 I was attending

Seventh Day Advent Sabbath School, later attending a Mennonite

Summer School, and I tried various places in between, from Na-

tive American to Wiccan -- all had something for me to clothemyself in, but did not fit my soul. It sounds academic and for a

while I tried to wear that hat too, from History to Archaeology and

Art History. But for me that way too was {as in the spiritual quest}

some of it fit but seemed to claustrophobic. What Mary Browne

and Universal Pathways gave to me was a safe place or refuge to

explore the compass and scope of my divergent beliefs. At 19, I

once explained to a professor I defined myself as a Celtic Deist --

it still holds true and Pathways gives me the place and the circle

of friends who accept me as I am with no set boundaries or doc-

trines to define me. It is a place and a space of Grace and True

Beauty. Another friend at my Ordination at Universal Pathways

said "this is where you belong..." she was right.

K. Maeve Noonan of Ballston Spa

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Dredged up some old e-mails in my attempt to figure out how

long I've known about Universal Pathways. Apparently it's been

nearly 10 years since I first drove up that driveway. I felt immedi-

ately welcomed, and by the time I had finished my tour of the Lit-

tle House, I was quite enchanted. The place has its own Pres-

ence -- and is filled, of course, with many other Presences -- yet

unlike some other centers of spirituality that I've visited, it's notoff-putting or aloof. There is space for all, and of course Mary

and her family at the heart of it.

Ruth Olmsted, Vischer Ferry NY

When we meet in a circle and speak from the heart, I feel ele-

vated to a new plane of humanity. Our mutual sharing, brings me

energy of understanding. All the mystery falls away and I am

within the light of joy and within the hearts of all who share. No

journey starts without the first step, and to take that first step with

the love and support of our spiritual friends, brings me the

strength I need to carry my burdens forward. We are blessed

with each other, and we bring our small light of love, to mingle

with each others light, to create a great bonfire, that not only

lights up the past but shows the way into the future.

We are the mystery. We are the path. We are the future. Our

hearts lead the way. Come walk with us.

Larry Syzdek, Vischer Ferry, NY

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How does one attempt to describe a place

and the people that I have met there who

have been so transformational in my life? It

started simply with a weekly meditation

class at the cave room in the little house,

where I was introduced to Mary and Steve

Browne. My experiences at Universal Path-ways continued to broaden, as I allowed my-

self to open to all that it has to offer. Those

offerings are more than simply the sum of its

parts, and can not just be defined by listing

what classes are held there, or what Celtic

events are celebrated, or by the monthly

moon walks. For me, it has become much

more than a place to take classes - it is the

land, the people, the water, nature itself - the

connection to something bigger than myself,

and the openness and respect that there is

more than one way or path to that realiza-

tion. The title is quite illuminating Univer-

sal Pathways! Words are often not ade-

quate vehicles to express inner spiritual ex-

periences, and a sanctuary of this magni-

tude must be experienced and felt. Walking

the thyme lined labyrinth in bare feet with a

gigantic full moon overhead must experi-

enced, and not just read about. Wandering

the over 400 acres in snowshoes, or during

a rainstorm, or standing in a circle of friends

(some brand new and others known to you

for years) with a large fire in the middle and

sharing, much like has been done for thou-

sands of years, or ducking into a pool of wa-

ter, lovingly referred to as a mikva, or in my

somewhat twisted expression, as a spiritual

douche, that has just come from an under-

ground cave, your body jettisoning upward

as your lungs burst with a primal screamthat drains the negativity and invites the love

and understanding that such a place can

nurture, are all incredibly rare and unique ex-

periences that I have been truly blessed to

be part of. I have also been blessed totravel throughout the United States, and visit

a few other countries, and there are only a

few places that have such a visceral and

primitive connection for me, and this is the

only one that is a short car ride away. Yes,

part of this is the land, but all of that natural

beauty has been enhanced by the vision

that Mary has brought to the table the nu-

merous gardens, the labyrinth, the fire cir-

cle, the pond, the classes, the grove, all add

to the magic and majesty that is Universal

Pathways.

Thank you Mary,

Love, Kurt

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Dees photo of the rabbit inBarts garden

My first encounter with Universal Pathways and

Mary Browne was several years ago now. My

friend Allan and I were looking for a place to

have a spiritual retreat for the Hudson Valley Pa-

gan Network. Another friend had been at UP for

Morris dancing on Beltane and recommended

we look into using space there, so we made an

appointment to go and check it out. Mary met

us at the door of the little house. My first impres-

sion of Mary was that she seemed so centered

and to be an embodiment of peace. During our

visit we toured the little house and the major fea-

tures of the grounds, including the labyrinth, the

fire circle, the grove and the pond. As we

walked and talked, the white dog circled around

the periphery and Rufus led the way, frequently

running back to us as if to tell us we were being

too pokey and slow. What Rufus didnt under-

stand was that there was so much for human

brains to take in and process!

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We went out, thinking that wed be there for maybe an hour sev-

eral hours later we could hardly believe how long wed been talking.

When we expressed our surprise, Mary just looked at us knowingly

and said, Thats what happens here. Time isnt the same here. We

made arrangements with Mary for rental of space for a retreat, the

first of MANY we would hold there over many years. And, we came

to know how true it was that time is something else entirely at UP.

As the years passed, several women from HVPN began taking

Marys Goddess Class. I had aspirations of taking it, too, but my fi-

nancial resources precluded me from entering the class until a little

over a year ago. My class is made up of myself and my very good

friend, Sheree. Every month I look forward to spending time in the

company of Mary and Sheree, as we read and explore books, and

talk about the work of the Goddess and its relevance in the world

today. My gratitude to Mary is boundless, as her wisdom and grace

have guided me through some very difficult spots in my life.

Mary is a healer, a teacher, a mentor, a mystic and a friend. She is

an example of actualized womanhood and a Mother Goddess here

on Earth.

Dee Coyle Tocci

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The pond catches the after-noon light as well as its own

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My name is Jennifer Simon and I am a student in the Womens Mys-

tery School at Universal Pathways. Mary Browne is my teacher. For

me, the experience has been life changing. Mary Browne is a

teacher who challenges you to face your fears and grow--spiritually,

emotionally and psychically. The material we cover is fascinating

and I feel well-fed on books I would never have imagined that I

would buy, let alone enjoy. I do not leave class each month withoutthe feeling that Ive done real, tangible work and my spirit is sus-

tained by Mary Browne and Universal Pathways.

In addition to class, I have spent time at retreats at Universal Path-

ways and this time is precious to me. The land is an enchanted

place and I am always--yet never--surprised at the depth of my spiri-

tual experiences when walking the land. Among my favorite places

at Universal Pathways are the Grove, the fire pit, the cave and the

mikvah. I love to be at the cave when my friend, Kate, is drumming!

I have crawled naked into the cave to experience the womb. Inside,

I was moved to tears in remembrance of my mother. I crept out of

the cave and plunged into the mikvah and emerged with a profound

sense of rebirth. I have yet to find this anywhere else.

This is what Universal Pathways has to offer. I hope you will explore

it for yourself!

Jennifer Simon

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In the grove you will find thealtar overgrown with mossand vines, as if it had alwaysbeen there


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I was in my first year in Knight School, about

my fifth month, when I experienced some-

thing that will stay with me a long time. I had

finished a ton of reading assignments (some-

thing like 11 books in the first month alone),

as well as a number of deep talks with Mary

and the guys, when I felt the strongest, yetgentlest of 'tugs'. As Mary was releasing us

on what I seem to remember as a sort of

walkabout meditation (with some assign-

ment which I can't remember), I knew I

needed to cross the road, to cross the field

across the road from the little house,

to...something. Something that was not a

book, not a talk, not an idea. So I went. I

ended up on a rock, looking at a very large

tree. It may sound daft, crazy, self-involved

New Age navel-gazing, but then again, you

weren't there, and you weren't me, but the

tree and I and the rock had what I can only

call a talk. It was more like I was eavesdrop-

ping on a deep part of me talking to my two

companions, catching every second or third

word. Time passed, I received no command-ments, although there was a request for me

to turn my cellphone on and to hold it close

for examination. I received a sense of aware-

ness of the awareness of leaf and flint, of

stone and oak, that opened me to ... some-

thing. I told Mary, who nodded and said that

this tree was a grandfather tree, a locus of

nature-consciousness of the surrounding

woods. I visit them occasionally in body, of-

ten in spirit, and although nothing has

changed dramatically, everything has

changed deeply. I take my son to Mary's

when I can, to the nearby park when i can't,

and soon I will be putting in mini-trails in mybackyard, where there will be little pockets

of mini-wildness for my wild child. Yes, it's

for me too - sometime in midsummer, late at

night, beneath Orion's Belt, laying on my

back, I will simply be.

Lou, Flatlander

The sense of community I find at Universal

Pathways is refreshing and unique. I have

met so many kind, wonderful people who

share in my desire to continually grow and

explore. It is the place I go to connect

deeply with Nature in order to experience

the wonderful healing powers of the Earth.

Walking barefoot surrounded by acres of

natural beauty feels like a hug from Mother

Nature herself! I always depart feeling some-how changed or renewed. When I am not

there, reflecting on time spent at Universal

Pathways and the farm fortifies my soul.

Bean

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Rufus said farewell thisyear, but his spirit remainsan indelible part of ourmemories and the land

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The trellis guides visitors onto thepath, over the river and up thehill

When first coming upon Universal Pathways one cant help but

admire the rolling hills of green, the colorful flowers and the

charming house. It is a peaceful place where thoughts are easily

collected and the tension of the world drifts away harmlessly in

the breeze.

However, for me it became a completely different experience

once I met the stewards of this wonderful place, Mary and Steve

Browne. Their warmth and generosity enhanced the beauty

around me and made it familiar, magical and embracing. The

spirit of community is strong here, where people meet as strang-

ers and leave as good friends. One is made to feel welcome

here, an experience not to be missed in any lifetime.

I have experienced many different things here. I have attended

fire circles, holiday gatherings, Mystery School, clergical ordina-

tions and even a couple of weddings. I can always tell those who

are new to Universal Pathways; it is the look of delight and won-

der in their faces that is the tell-tale sign.

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What will you find at Universal Pathways? Whatever it is you

need, even if you are not sure what that exactly is. Mary and

Steve Browne have created a place that is sorely needed in these

modern times, where time is flexible and there is more than meets

the eye. It can even be said that this is a sacred, mystical place.

It can cure what ails you if you still yourself. And listen.

Maryann Fairman, Schenectady, NY

Universal Pathways is a place where I can be myself - my pure

self. I can shed all the external aspects and roles of my day-to-

day life, e.g., my roles as a professional, mother, volunteer,

committee-member, and all other demands, and focus on the

core of my being. Mary Browne embraces us as individuals and

magically makes each person feel special and loved.

The place that is Universal Pathways, the pond, the forest, the

open space, the fields, the paths, the wildlife, transports me to a

spiritual place of being. It brings everything that's important into

focus, and brings me to a time that is timeless. Speaking of time,

it passes differently there. It's like there is no time, you just are.

You don't need to be aware of time, only yourself, your inner self,and what is important to you and who you are It is also a place to

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Everything grows, fades andpasses away to be reborn again

share that experience with others who are different, but like-

minded. Those who find themselves at Universal Pathways may

be very diverse in our day-to-day lives, but we all share compas-

sion, respect, kindness, and a willingness to share ourselves.

There's no room or place for negativity, only the positive.

Mary Browne brings out the best in everyone and helps you to be-

lieve that you are special, even if you don't believe it yourself at

first. She's the match that ignites the flame of hope, love, mutual

respect, and introspection. She also empowers us to make a dif-

ference, take an active role in changing the world for the better.

It's not about relinquishing control, it's about making a difference

in all creatures' (people included) lives and the world. She is the

hub of the wheel that turns, with all of us representing different

spokes. It doesn't matter so much as to where the wheel takes

us, it's that it is turning, with the cycle of the year, the turn of theseasons, and the development of ourselves and being truest to

ourselves and to each other.

Sheree Hipwell

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Any time of year the 550 acresof forest and farmland prove ajoy to wander

To come to Universal Pathways is to find sanctuary; Steve and

Mary Browne and their family (both born and acquired) and

friends have established a space where it is possible to simply

be. An hour or a day or longer spent there can be carried with

you when you return to normal life, like a lucky charm in your

pocket.

When I head out to Marys I say, Im off to Brigadoon! Theres

something magical about the place and indeed, sometimes the

mist has closed behind me and I feel that I have stepped into an-

other world. I unplug from my 24/7 life without a backward

glance. I know it will be waiting for me when I return.

From my first visit I connected with the place, but even more so

with the extraordinary people. Steve, the big bear who said much

without speaking a word, who was always ready to make the im-

possible manifest, left this world last year -- yet he is here every-

where you turn.

So often Universal Pathways is full of people and always there is

joy in their faces and voices, even when tears flow. There is

safety here, nurturing and support. It brings us all back for sea-

sonal celebrations, for classes, for retreat from the busyness of

the other world.

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I M I f l I h i h I k


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In Mary I feel I have a sister to whom I can speak

without fear of judgement or distress. She has

opened her home to me so many times, listened to

my wild dreams and made me breakfast from her

own chickenss eggs. We have drunk wine and

shared the truths in our hearts, laughed and cried.

Wherever I travel in the world, I know that I have a

home in Universal Pathways and a door that is al-

ways open to me.

All brightest blessings on those who cross the

threshold. May you share the gift that is Universal

Pathways.

Kate Laity, Hudson NY & Dundee, Scotland

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All works remain thecopyright of the individualcreators; photos exceptfor those of Mary andSteve and those otherwiseattributed are K. A. La-ity

Version 1.2April 2013

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universal pathways: a sanctuary within reach

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