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The Gaian Faith
 

Basic Ideals

The basic belief system of the Gaian faith is that there is a higher power, which created the earth. We call that higher power Gaia and feel her presence represented in the earth itself, but also in everything around us. The method of the creation is a mystery, however, we find it perfectly plausible that Gaia may have used the methods slowly revealed to us by science. We believe that we are spiritual beings, and that our time in the flesh is meant for us to learn certain things. We believe that we set those things before us ahead of time, choosing which lessons we will try to learn. We also believe that we use this classroom repeatedly on our way to a higher level of spiritual understanding.

Moral Code

Gaians believe in personal responsibility for our actions rather than in the concept of ‘sin’. That said, we also believe in keeping a high standard of morality and ethicality. We believe in the concept that our own actions not only reflect on us, but also come back to us eventually. So it behooves us to always try to do the right thing–to behave in an ethical and moral fashion at all times. If we do only good things, then eventually only good things will come back to us. 

Some Tenets

  • It is best to be truthful at all times
  • It is best to keep only what is rightfully yours
  • It is best to treat others respectfully
  • It is best to avoid unhealthy lusts
  • It is best to prefer sobriety
  • It is best to seek balance and avoid excesses
  • It is best to be faithful
  • It is best to choose to do the least harm.
  • It is best to lead by one’s own example
  • It is best to allow other people their free will and personal freedom.
  • It is best to respect the natural hierarchy of nature and work within its boundaries

Some Concepts

Recognizing that we cannot exist without harming anything. The act of eating or even breathing harms other things from livestock to plants to microscopic beings. A Gaian must recognize this, and seek a balance in their everyday life. When there is no avoiding harm, then it is essential to be able to make choices that cause the least harm, not only to ones self, but to others. This is true physically, but also in matters of faith.

The moral choices come into play when it comes to things that can actually enter into our logical decision making process. The answers can vary from person to person in the minutia, but in basic tenets of morality and ethics they should remain constant and balanced. When we make a poor moral or ethical choice, we become out of balance with ourselves. Sometimes it is only by sensing our own lack of balance that we realize when we have made a poor choice. This is how we learn. Once establishing that we must try to make amends, either with the person we wronged, or if that is not possible then with ourselves. In this way we restore our own balance.

Jewelry

Gaians wear certain jewelry as markers of faith, rank and accomplishment in their lives. Specifically finger rings and earrings. Finger rings are generally signifiers or rank and faith, while earrings signify more personal accomplishments and can vary in individual meanings. An outsider might compare these markers to merit badges. Failing to wear the proper number of rings once they are placed is considered a breach of faith. A person who removes rings or earrings willingly casts away their knowledge and accomplishments in their faith as if they were meaningless to them. One wears one’s rings to show one’s faith in Gaia.

Finger rings

Gaian clergy as an indication of rank within the group wears finger rings numbering from one to seven. A founder who would normally wear seven rings may wear eight rings. The number of rings is the significant factor here. The rings themselves may vary from individual to individual and each one may have a specific meaning, but as a whole they indicate specific ranks. They are each as sacred as a wedding ring. The may be removed momentarily for hand washing or repair, but are expected to be worn at all other times as indicators of a clergy member’s rank in their group. If a ring is broken so that it can no longer be worn, it must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in loss of the rank that ring represents and the right to wear that number of rings.

Earrings

Earrings are worn not only by clergy, but also by other Gaians. Earrings are usually simple hoops, though often a small ornament may be added to one of more of them. This is especially true if a ring signifies a child. For example the child’s native birthstone may be added to the ring when that child crosses into adulthood. Unlike finger rings, earrings may not be removed at all once they are placed. This is partly because it is not necessary to remove them for cleanliness whereas it may occasionally be with finger rings. It is also because in order to remove a placed earring, one must generally destroy it. If an earring is lost or broken so that it cannot be worn it must be replaced as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in the loss of the honor of wearing it.