(^242) A Wiccan Bible
discussed in the first Path, but in recognizing the duty that we as human beings are
uniquely qualified to perform. Although this principle is presented here in the Book of
Genesis as our duty to protect, tend, and serve our world, it is not a uniquely Wiccan
idea. For this reason, every local chapter is charged with organizing the sacrifice of
time and labor in service to our world. This can be in the order of adopting a waterway,
park, or even a stretch of highway. It can be in serving meals to the elderly, reading to
children in a hospital, or any other activity where one’s time is spent each month for the
betterment of our world.
Now, one might feel donating cash or gifts to a community service organization
fulfills this obligation. While they are certainly encouraged, they are no substitute. Re-
member that the primary purpose to this organization is facilitating social exchange
between its members. Sending a check to your favorite charity is encouraged, but it
does not facilitate that social exchange.
Celebration—The Third Path
Celebration is the third of the three-fold Path of Pagan Nation. It can be equated
to the third order of life, humanity, and the third degree in the Wiccan religion. In
addressing this Path, chapters of Pagan Nation are not only charged with enabling cel-
ebrations. In this matter, chapters make available places for celebrations as well as
instruct in general methods of Pagan celebration; the teaching of chants, drumming,
dance, and other activities come to mind.
Need, Service, and Celebration
Now, I have spoken greatly about my aspirations for Pagan Nation the way a proud
father might speak highly of his newborn child. However, the principles that I have
discussed for Pagan Nation are not unique to my vision of a single organization. In-
stead they are found in virtually every Pagan culture one can document. Why? Because
they are necessary to promote community, and community is necessary for the survival
of the human race.
In short, if these three Paths were not addressed, then humanity would not have
made it as far as it has. If these three Paths are not addressed by humanity, we will
shortly fade from existence. You see, although I speak rather concernedly about the
current state of our world, comparing the current extinction rate to that of the dinosaur’s
exodus from our world, the fact is it will be a great time until our sun supernovas and
until then, the Earth simply will not die. Life will always find a way, even if we fail to
insure it. However, if we fail to continue then we fail in our duty to our Lord and Lady.
So to the survival of humanity Wiccans are also committed, and for that survival our
needs must be met by the service to and from our community such that we can rejoice
and celebrate. Remove any one of these three vital Paths and we crumble. This obser-
vance on a large scale, I call the Pagan community. This observance on a small (family
and friends) scale, I call a Wiccan community. Within each of those communities we
find both support and obligation.
v WB Chap 13.p65 242 7/11/2003, 5:58 PM
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