Liber ab Gens (Book of Tribe)^241
being an organization unto itself, the organization has no rank structure, no politics,
and no doctrine. Instead, the organization focuses on the idea of facilitating commu-
nity simply by making it possible for folk to meet. Currently, the organization is pre-
dominantly Internet based, with an annual homecoming in Columbus, Ohio called The
Real Witches Ball. We offer instant messaging and chat with a project underway to
offer voice and video conferencing by the end of this year. Shortly thereafter, we will
be establishing groups similar in structure to Spiral Scouts, but with the focus on pro-
viding similar contact and resources without the limitation of being focused on chil-
dren or the Internet.
The idea of this organization, called Pagan Nation, is that the Pagan community is
perfectly capable of establishing its own traditions and groups, but that it has fallen a
bit short of providing an accessible community that is not limited by specific tradition.
Our primary goal is to facilitate exchange, not dictate that exchange. As such, Pagan
Nation’s first and primary goal is to establish chapters which offer the chance to meet
folk socially and then let those folk decide what feels right for themselves. To that end,
each chapter is charged with providing social gatherings once a month (and better it be
on the same Saturday each month). It is our hope that in so doing we will promote the
formation of interpersonal relationships (households) as well as membership in and
the creation of local chapters of nationally and internationally recognized organiza-
tions. A friend of mine likes to compare the principle to rush day in college, but I shy
away from comparing Pagan Organizations to fraternities and sororities. Although fa-
cilitating social exchange between its members is the ultimate purpose of those monthly
get-togethers, just putting people in a room and telling them to interact would be a bit
silly. So we incorporate a three-fold path in providing those social gatherings.Need—The First Path
Need is the first of the three-fold path of Pagan Nation. It can be equated to the
first order of life, plants, and the first degree in the Wiccan religion. In addressing this
path, chapters in Pagan Nation are charged with hosting a monthly potluck dinner. To
that dinner, prosperous members are encouraged not only to bring a covered dish, but
whatever non-perishable food they can offer in sacrifice to the community. This is con-
ducted in accordance with the Wiccan Rede where we are instructed to ‘fairly take and
fairly give.’ Although found in the Wiccan Rede, this principle is not unique to Wicca,
thus I do not feel it is overly dictator like of me to say it should be included in Pagan
Nation or any other such organization. The sacrifices are blessed in whatever way folk
feel is appropriate and added to a pantry reserved first for the chapter. However, if
that need is met, it should be shared with other food pantries without regard to their
religious affiliations. Need is need, no matter what religion a person belongs to.Service—The Second Path
Service is the second of the three-fold path of Pagan Nation. It can be equated to
the second order of life, animals, and the second degree in the Wiccan religion. In
addressing this Path, chapters in Pagan Nation are not only charged with the sacrificev WB Chap 13.p65 241 7/11/2003, 5:58 PM