For those who don’t remember, ATOM – the acronym for Ancient Teachings of (the) Masters – has been serving the community since 1971, when it operated out of homes as well as schools and churches. As the premier spiritual resource center in Alaska, ATOM opened its doors in 1981. Founded by a small group of metaphysical pioneers, ATOM has provided a place for seekers of truth to meet, conduct seminars and workshops, take classes and network for over three decades.

In 2000, their building in midtown was sold. It took nearly three years to locate and purchase a suitable new facility. The absence of ATOM was dearly missed by those who had come to value the readily accessible, reasonably priced accommodations.

In February 2003, ATOM reopened its doors in service to the community. Mary Nelson, the original founder, and Georgia Knight are still on hand to inspire, guide and direct. The amount of information that can be gleaned from conversing with them about the history of the metaphysical community here is truly amazing. Whether it concerns the origins of the health food industry in Alaska, what events brought Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. foundation to Alaska, or the unique history of many of the therapies now available that many of us take for granted, Mary was in the midst of the whole process.

One of the distinguishing features of the ATOM Center is their metaphysical lending library. Along with collections of the works of Madame Blavatsky, Alice Baily and Edgar Cayce, one can find many books that are out of print and/or just hard to find.

Wishing you’d held onto that dog-eared copy of Castenada’s Teachings of Don Juan? Cursing the day you threw out your old copy of The Bhagavad Gita or placed your old rebirthing manual into your last garage sale? Chances are you can find all three in ATOM’s stacks. You can check the book out and bring it home or find a corner to snuggle up in and read it there. Indeed, a trip through the ATOM library stacks will almost certainly guarantee a trip down the memory lane of your Spiritual Journey. Remember Gurdjeiff, Ouspensky, Ram Dass, Ekankar, The Tibetan Book of the Dead? Concerned about earth changes and the growing possibility of needing to learn basic survival skills? Need some inspiration from the masters? Think it may be time to learn what Moslems really believe? Short on cash but long on inspiration? Teach yourself; take a trip through the books in the Travel section. It’s fun and it’s free at the ATOM library.

If you want to take a class, a sampling of what’s available on the menu right now includes Tai Chi, astrology, meditation, groups in “Loving What Is” (based on “The Work” by Byron Katie) and studying Louise Mita’s Integrative Quantum Medicine. There are meetings open to all, consisting of music, message and meditation. The cast of characters is changing. Old favorites are back and more are forthcoming in the fall. Check with us for more details.

Since ATOM is a non-profit organization, it is interdependent on the generosity of contributions and donations, which are tax deductible. Volunteers are now brainstorming for innovative ways to get grants and raise funds to keep the doors open. Volunteers are most welcome to help write grants, organize and catalogue books, do yard maintenance or even help clean and water the plants, etc.

Please, share your ideas and talents; learn the rewards of service. Drop in for a cup of coffee or tea and a chat, and learn what the planets are teaching us. Join a class or teach one. Commit and make a tangible difference. Look for our potluck and house warming party this fall and a possible book/garage sale. There is plenty of free parking.

Remember, this is your center! Bring more of what you want to see and what you want it to be. Be part of the creative process.