Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 14:02:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Nest notes  part I
To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com

[...]
Joy Williams
CAW Nesting How-To
(originally published in GREEN EGG #44; Yule, 1971
--revised and updated June 16, 1994)

We are pleased that you wish to form a Church of All Worlds Nest in
your area. Here are some notes on how one goes about Nesting.

Ultimately, each Nest should be presided over by a High Priest andor
High Priestess, but as that is impossible in areas where there are
mostly new members, we have devised two catagories of Nests:

Chartered Nests and Proto-Nests.

A Chartered Nest is an autonomous congregation of the CAW with all the
rights, privileges and responsibilities of a legal Church as stated in
our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.  Each Nest will report
quarterly to the Central Board of Directors, both a financial
statement and other items of interest.  A person of at least Scion
status serves as coor-dinator.  In the absence of ordained clergy,
priestly functions are shared among members. Proto-Nests are a
beginning form designed to give new members a framework on which to
build into a full- fledged Nest.  At least three people must be CAW
members, and they must get together at least once a month.  A
Proto-Nest cannot purchase property, bo rrow money or otherwise
indemnify the CAW.  They may open a bank account with which to carry
on activities.  Proto-Nests may become full chartered Nests when they
have been in existence for a year and have one Scion.

The details of functioning, emphasis and orientation will always vary
somewhat from Nest to Nest and we encourage this.  Church of All
Worlds lives up to its name, evolving in diverse directions.  We offer
here a general program that works well in many di fferent situations:

Meetings. 

You might start out with getting together at new andor full moons and
expand from there.  Our old St. Louis Nest met every Friday night (for
Star Trek), and held dinners, classes, work parties and discussion
groups on other nights.

A place to meet regularly could be members' homes until your group
outgrows it--as long as you have reasonable privacy and freedom.  We
recommend rotating to avoid burn-out and to give everyone a chance to
host a Nesting. Hold some Circles outdoors, preferably in some remote
place where no outsiders are likely to be about.  A Pagan is truly a
child of the natural world, and can commune better with the powerful
Nature-forces when out in the open, even better in some place of
wilderness.  

When you grow enough to require more space, look into renting a
meeting room at your local Oddfellows Lodge--which, incidentally, you
should seriously consider joining, as the Oddfellows are a dying
fraternity, eager to pass their very impressive holdings on to a new
generation.  Hereabouts they have been welcoming an influx of CAW and
other Neo-Pagans with open arms.  Work out your own programs for these
meetings, whether singing and playing music, simple rituals,
disseminating information, playing sensitivity games, or whatever the
season or times of your lives siggest.  As in Stranger in a Strange
Land, we have always found that nudity promotes openness and closeness

("And as a sign that ye be truly free, ye shall be naked in your
  rites." --Aradia, the Gospel of Witches).

        A spiral of love (a tight-packed spiral group embrace) with
chanting can be very moving, as can simple ceremonies, such a water
sharing, breaking bread, candle lighting, etc.  Follow your own
feelings.  and refer to some of the books listed in the member' s
bibliography for specific rites.  At each meeting, make it an order of
business to decide when and where you will meet the next few times,
and themes of meetings (see "Suggested Nest Topics").

Outings.  Plan special group activities, such as dinners, parties,
campouts, excursions, presentations, study groups, book discussions,
special guests, and bardics (in which everyone brings music, poetry,
short stories, etc. that they have written, and ta ke turns sharing in
a circle).

Name your Nest.  Come up with a clever name for your Nest.  Consider
doing a one-or-two page newsletter that summarizes what happened at
the last meeting and gives times, places and themes for the next few
meetings. Send it to everyone on your list, as we ll as to all other
Nests and to us here at CAW Central.  Solicit enough donations at each
meeting to cover printing and mailing costs ($1 should be a minimum).

Expand by members inviting a sympathetic friend occasionally.  The
best way weUve found to allow growth without interrupting the intimacy
of the group, is to allow only one new person to be invited by each
member at a time.  Then, after these new people h ave been to a couple
of meetings, they may wish to join CAW and your nest and in turn
invite someone.  We encourage diversity and are non-discriminatory
regarding race, sex, sexual orientation, practice, age, etc.  At each
meeting record names, addresses a nd phone numbers of all those who
attend.  When you have a couple dozen names, distribute the list to
everyone, including us here at CAW Central.

Incorporation.  Check with your Secretary of State to find out what
the legal requirements are for registering as a foreign non-profit
church corporation in your state or country.  Send us the information
so that we can help you become legally entrenched.  Once you get off
the ground, and are complying with the requirements of our Bylaws and
the IRS, we will issue you an official charter to hang on your wall.

A model for an introductory meeting: People have been told what to
expect, and have been asked to bring munchies or drinks.  After
everyone arrives, they are assembled into a circle, around a small
altar.  The circle is cast deosil.

On the alter are placed: Images of the God and Goddess, a potted
plant, a round mirror, a chambered nautilus or other spiral sea shell
(on the West side), a crystal or fossil (North), a feather (East), a
candle (South), a large chalice of water, and a bowl of Sunshine
Cheez-its (Note: the first heresy declared by the Roman Catholic
Church was the artotyrite heresy; those who ate cheese on their
communion bread.  In the CAW we affirm the right to diversity in
sacraments by honoring the artotyrites with Cheez-its).

In the course of the evening, some of these altar objects can be
passed around the circle, and people are encouraged to say a few
appropriate words as they receive each.
===

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:42:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: Nest notes part 2
To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com

Second part

Water sharing: after a few introductory remarks by the leader on the
symbolic significance of water-sharing, the chalice is passed around
clockwise with ritual phrases taken from Stranger in a Strange Land,
such as "May you never thirst," "Thou art God ( or Goddess), or
[God/dess]" "Water shared is Life shared." As the chalice passes from
each person to the next, hands are joined.  When it is returned to the
hostess, heshe then empties the final drops into the potted plant.

This simple ritual can be followed by many other forms of sharing.
For an introductory gathering, pass the shell and as it comes to each
person, they tell the tale of how they came to be here. At other
times, the candle, crystal, feather, or other obje cts selected for
their associations may be used, as people free-associate the thoughts
that come to mind upon holding these objects.

After such sharing, the chalice may refilled with wine, fruit juice,
or more water, and passed around again, followed by Cheez-its
(accompanied with an explanation of the symbolism, jokes: "What a
friend we have in Cheez-its;" "Cheez-its Saves," etc.).  The most
common phrase to accompany the passing of food is: "May you never
hunger."  Other snacks and drinks may also be shared at this time.

The Sacred Bullshit Session: Eating together stimulates conversation
and comraderie.  Business is discussed, plans are made for the next
meeting, donations are collected, etc. Finally, the mirror is passed
around, and each donations are collected, etc. Finally, the mirror is
passed around, and each person looks into it, saying "Thou art God (or
Goddess)" into their reflection.  When it is time for the first people
to leave, the circle is opened with a group hug.  Ritual words of
parting are said ("Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again!"
"...and merry party again!"), a nd farewells are made.

Here are a few bits of ritual poetry that we at CAW have
enthusiastically adopted from allied traditions:

Casting a Circle:       
	I cast the Circle of ancient lore-- (Mike Fix)      	
	Waves upon a timeless shore.                 
	With no beginning, nor an end;                 
	Always knowing foe from friend.                 
	Ouroboros, of legends old;                 
	Rings of power, forged of gold.                 
	Wheel of life, circle of stones; 
	Cycle of creation, birth to bones.                 
	A ring around the silver moon;                 
	I cast you now, o ancient rune!

Blessing a meal:        
	Holy Mother Earth, yours is the power (Moonrose)      
	To grow, to destroy, to give birth.                 
	We conjure you now                
	By seed and by shoot,                 
	By flower and fruit,                 
	By light and by love,                 
	From below and above.                 
	In your ancient names:                 
	Kor , Demeter, Hecate-                 
	Grant us the blessings of your body;                 
	Thank you for the blessings of your body.

? Opening a Circle:       
	All from air into air, (Gwydion)       
	Let the misty curtains part.                
	All is ended, all is done,                 
	What has been now must be gone.                 
	What is done by ancient art                 
	Must merry meet and merry part,                
	And merry meet again!

Tailor your rituals to suit your own needs, bearing in mind that it is
always the intent rather than the word which really counts.  Put in
your own ideas, and honor the Goddesses and Gods as you feel deep
within your heart that they should be honored.
===

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:46:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: nest notes, part 3
To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com

Naturally, one important aspect of your meetings will involve
discussions of the philosophies of Paganism and the CAW.  Your Nest
Liason will respond to your personal inquiries with letters, tracts
and recommended reading (please include SASE!).  An im portant reason
for your continuing study and advancement through the Circles is that
people will expect you know know what itUs all about if you take on
Nesting.  Add to the Pagan lore which you now possess, drawing from
all sources.  Make your own small enclave of Paganism a place of
mystery, power and magic.

As your group expands, you can start widening the range of your
activities.  You may, for example, set up workshops and seminars,
promote and sponsor public events such as music festivals, run a
recycling center, throw great feasts and festivals, publish a
newspaper or magazine, promote and sponsor conservation and
reforestation projets, start a wilderness sanctuary or retreat center,
open a coffee-house, put on benefits for appropriate causes, and
countless other projects, limited only by the scope of y our
imagination, interests and talents.  We here at CAW Central have done
nearly all of the above, and can offer our assistance.

If , after reading this material, you still want to work towards
setting up a CAW Nest in your area, let us know and we will so list
you in GREEN EGG and SCARLET FLAME. When you are ready to have your
first open meeting, contact CAW Central and we will send you a
printout of mailing labels for all the people in our database in your
area to send flyers to.  Keep in close communication with us here, and
we'll try to help you along with suggestions, ideas, etc.  If there
are problems or questions, write us or phone, if you want personal
consultation on your nickel!

Membership applications and copies of our Bylaws, Articles of
Incorporation, literature and propaganda, Progressive Involvement
Programs, bibliographies and information on ordination are available
from CAW Central at: PO Box 1542, Ukiah, CA 95482 Phone (707) 485-0481
FAX (707) 485-8287 e-mail-- cawnemeton@aol.com
[or obviously, ftp/pub/caw, or me!]
===

Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 16:23:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joy Williams 
Subject: nest notes, suggestions for nests
To: cawpagan-l@netcom.com

Suggested Topics for CAW Nest Meetings

1) Introductory meeting (repeat as necessary)-- "How I came to be
here, and where I wish to go."  (Begin with song, "Welcome to a
Moon-Filled Night") [no, I don't know this one, folks!]

2) Ethics vs. morals-- If you don't believe in a judging deity, or
heaven and hell, what makes you an ethical person?  Issues of freedom
and responsibility.

3) Ethics of Spellcasting-- Love spells; weather working; protection,
etc.  Manipulative magic?

4) Bardic Circle-- everyone bring songs andor poetry to share in turn.

5) Pagan parenting-- bringing up our kids to make a free and informed
choice of religion; fun and seasonal activities; children blowing our
covers; cowan relatives and co-parents.  How can we pass on our
values?  The ethics and politics of teaching childr en, especially
kids of non-Pagans.

6) Reincarnation-- Types of reincarnation from different cultures--
transmigration to different species, the ecological view of "material
animism."  Soul survival-- intact, fragmented, or no personal soul at
all.  Ethnic identities.  Experiences with the dying and the dead.

7) New mythologies-- Science fiction & fantasy.  Movies, comics,
music, art.

8) Building Pagan communities-- Urban?  Rural?  How to maximize the
feeling of community and individual choice in lifestyle?  Business,
living arrangements, aesthetics.

9) Paganism & Witchcraft-- In and out of the broom closet.  Handling
the Craft at work and with relatives.  Sharing experiences.

10) Sacrifice & the seasonal round-- Is the continual re-enactment of
the yearly sacrifice a viable mythic model for us?  What mythological
alternatives might we consider?

11) Sexual polarities-- The metaphysics of sex and heterosexism.  What
would gay or straight or bisexual magic be like?  Do the different
rhythms of the year call for different sexualities?  Theories of love
and magnetism, erotic and mystic ecstasy, etern al love.  Sexuality,
polarity, androgyny.

12) Sexuality & relationships-- Open relationships; monogamy vs.
polyamory.  Different models; polyfidelity; the "condom committment."
[forthcoming] Dealing with jealousy.  Rules for inclusive
relationships.

13) Living a nature religion in an urbantechnological world-- Gremlins
and machines; recycling; deep ecology; seasonal awareness in an
urbanized setting (worshipping the moon through glass!).

14) Magic & money-- Our relationship to having and to generosity.  How
we relate to prosperity and how we manifest it.

15) Pagans & community responsibility-- The burnout cycle and group
motivation.  Resistance to our visions; how to change the world if we
can't get ourselves moving?  Varieties of Pagan experience, from
itinerant party-er to persons motivated by strong po litical or
ethical principles.

16) Paganism & politics-- Pagan response to anti-choice lobby, Helms
Amendment, anti-Satanic hysteria, etc.  Preparing position statements,
letter-writing campaigns, petitions, etc.

17) Skills exchange on a variety of topics-- massage, Tarot, geomancy,
dowsing, astrology, divination, etc.

18) Book of Shadows "swap party."

19) Song & chant swap (bring tape recorders)

20) Shamanic trance techniques.

21) Videos.  Rent a video that has a Pagan theme.  Discussion follows.

22) Relationship of myth to reality.

23) Purpose of existence-- Who are we?  Where are we going?  How will
we get there?  Personal salvation/enlightenment vs. larger mission...

24) Practicing magical techniques-- Sensing auras, using pendulums,
dowsing, etc.  Survey of divination methods.

25) Guest lecturers-- Invite presentations from individual group
members or outside sources.

26) Book study & discussion-- Select a book from the Basic
Bibliography or other; everybody read it and discuss at next meeting.

27) GREEN EGG discussion-- Four times a year, bring the latest copy of
GE and discuss issues raised in articles and letters.

28) Comparative religions-- Invite representatives from different
religions to present their views to Nest; then have Nest attend their
next services.

29) Special events-- Sponsoring and participating in public events;
debriefings from distant journeys to attend Pagan Festivals, magical
mystery tours, etc.

31) Group outings-- Picnics, campouts, dinners, movies, trips to
sacred sites, such as hot springs, the ocean, mountains, caves, etc.

32) Other topics?  Send suggestions from your group to CAW Central,
POB 1542, Ukiah, CA 95482.

Don't forget to pass around sign-up sheet for new people.  Decide next
meetings-- dates, places and topics.  Potluck dinner or munchies?
Prepare a calendar of events.  Arrange to contact absent members by
phone or letter.




Joy Williams / dhummer@netcom.com
Scion in the Church of All Worlds