Current mood:	artistic
Current music:	The Meaning of Love by Depeche Mode

Idea...a Pagan fraternal order
Most "magical" lodges were created first and foremost to propagate and promote their form of magic. As such, the system of magic becomes the focus, and the lodge structure and group mind are shrouded by the system of magic that the lodge advocates. This is the case with many orders both currently active and defunct.

What I would like to do is work with others to create a Fraternal/Magical Lodge system that promotes the ideals of the Lodge first, and then magic second. The Lodge would exist as a lodge community first and foremost, and the secondary purpose being the fulfillment of group magical working to promote the ideals of the Lodge.

What are these ideals I mention? I would like to see a Pan-Pagan (i.e., open to all Pagan traditions) fraternal system that promotes Pagan Unity, Cooperation, and Community. A system that brings us together in a spirit of fraternalism, and a system were magic can be done to help mend the fabric of the Pagan community that is constantly being torn by Witch Wars and other Pagan vs. Pagan conflict.

The ideas of fraternal lodges being created to promote unity and friendship is not new. The Knights of Pythias, for example, was formed during the Civil War to help mend the conflict of brothers and fellow citizens within the war. Other fraternal orders were created to promote friendship as well as mutual benefit societies.

Most fraternal orders are not magical orders per se, although many posses magical qualities and characteristics. Many of the magical orders we know about sprang from the roots of the fraternal orders; the OTO and the Golden Dawn are both examples of orders founded by Freemasons. As Pagans most of us are inherently magical people, so I believe it would be appropriate for a Pagan based fraternal order to also incorporate magical elements and practice.

As a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias I am very familiar with how a lodge system is organized and how lodge ritual works. However, while all the orders I belong to have merit and are good orders most of their members are Christian, and do not appreciate Paganism or understand the needs of a Pagan. I live and breathe my Pagan beliefs everyday without fail, I would like a lodge system that helps me to be a better person and a better Pagan.

This is why I would like to see a fraternal order for Pagans. Open to both men and woman, and incorporating magical work but not existing exclusively for magical work. The true purpose of said lodge would be to promote Pagan Unity, Cooperation, and Community, and would use magic to help promote these ideals.

The process I would like to use is outlined in the book, "Inside a Magical Lodge," by John Michael Greer. These steps are listed below.

Anyone interested in committing to this project, and who have a desire to see it come true please e-mail me at: athanasiosofspfd@aol.com

If there is enough interest I will create an e-mail list were we can work through the necessary steps to put the pieces together as a group.

Steps to Creating a Lodge

Step One: Establishing the Purpose of the Lodge

Step Two: Assembling the Core Group

Step Three: Crafting the Symbolism of the Lodge

Step Four: Putting the Pieces Together

Step Five: Considering Incorporation and Tax Exemption

Step Six: Dealing with Group Process

Step Seven: Formulating the Ritual Structure

Step Eight: Writing the Opening and Closing Rituals

Step Nine: Writing the Initiation Rituals

Step Ten: Writing the Other Lodge Rituals

Step Eleven: Learning and Practicing the Rituals

Step Twelve: Founding the Lodge