Web Page

CIVIL WAR UNION FLAG - The basic "Stars and Stripes" design of the Civil War Union flag was not altered during the war, but the Union flag did see some other changes during that time.  These changes were due to the addition of states to the Union, which caused the number of stars on the flag to change.   Stars were never removed from the Union flag, because the Union did not believe states had a right to secede.   Therefore, the Confederate state's departure was not acknowledged on the flag.

DUCKS - The bird is generally thought to be a symbol of freedom.  They can walk on the earth and swim in the sea as humans do but they also have the ability to soar into the sky.   Birds are free to roam to earth and the sky.   Many cultures believe that they are a symbol of eternal life; the link between heaven and earth. 

POMEGRANATE -  Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah.   For this reason and others, it is customary to eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah.   Moreover, the pomegranate represents fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom.

Mjölnir (HAMMER OF THOR) - In Norse mythology, Mjölnir is the hammer of Thor, a major Norse god associated with thunder.  Mjölnir is depicted in Norse mythology as one of the most fearsome weapons, capable of leveling mountains.  

Most practitioners of Germanic Neo pagan faiths wear Mjölnir pendants as a symbol of that faith worldwide.  Renditions of Mjölnir are designed, crafted and sold by some Germanic Neo pagan groups and individuals.

ARMENIAN CROSS -  An Armenian cross is a symbol that combines a cross with a floral postament or elements.   In the Armenian Christianity it was combined with the Christian cross and this design was often used for high crosses (khachkar) – a free-standing cross made of stone and often richly decorated.

SEICHO-NO-IE CHURCH -  Seichō no Ie, literally "House of Growth", is a syncretic, monotheistic, New Thought Japanese new religion that has spread since the end of World War II.  It emphasizes gratitude for nature, the family, ancestors and, above all, religious faith in one universal God.  Seichō no Ie is the world's largest New Thought group.   By the end of 2010 it had over 1.6 million followers and 442 facilities, mostly located in Japan.

IZUMO TAISHAKYO MISSION OF HAWAII - Located in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, the Izumo Taishakyo Mission is one of the few Shinto shrines in the United States.  The wooden A-frame structure was inspired by Shimane Prefecture's classical Japanese shrine Izumo Taisha.  It was designed by architect Hego Fuchino and built by master carpenter Ichisaburo Takata.

The primary kami of this shrine is Ōkuninushi, and the Hiroshima Peace Bell is on view.

TENRIKYO CHURCH - Tenrikyo, sometimes refered as Tenriism, is a new religion which originated from the teachings of a 19th  century Japanese woman named Nakayama Miki, known to her followers as Oyasama.  Followers of Tenrikyo believe that God of Origin, God in Truth,  known by several names including "Tsukihi," "Tenri-Ō-no-Mikoto," and "Oyagamisama (God the Parent)" revealed divine intent through Miki Nakayama as the Shrine of God, and to a lesser extent the roles of the Honseki Izo Iburi and other leaders.

ECKANKAR CHURCH -  Eckankar (meaning Co-worker with God) is a modern-day religion founded by Paul Twitchell in 1965.   It is a non-profit religious group with members in over one hundred countries.  The spiritual home is the Temple of ECK in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

CHRISTIAN & MISSIONARY ALLIANCE CHURCH -  The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) is an evangelical Protestant denomination within Christianity.