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The Divine Feminine is our standard for beliefs, behaviors and attitudes. The following Statement of Faith identifies the essential She-Animist truths, which we wholeheartedly believe, teach, and obey as fundamental to our faith in the Goddess.
Women, the ones who can bring forth life and keepers of ancestral DNA, knowledge, and wisdom, are the natural leaders, educators and guardians of this world. As such, we revere the divine feminine and the Goddess as the Creator, the Earth Mother, who endows us with certain inalienable rights. From the birth of the Universe, to the birth of our planet, to the birth of our children, we, women, are creators just as our Creator created us.
PLEASE NOTE: These beliefs may be adjusted, expanded and added to in the future.
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She-Animism:
Our belief that energy animates all; our universe, our planet, our species, the flora and fauna, and even the soil, air and water. We call this energy Spirit.
Spirit is what connects us to everything and everyone; our past, present and future; our communities and our ancestors, the natural world and the vastness of space.
A fundamental respect of Spirit is a core tenet of our religion, and our worship reflects this principle of respect for the Spirit in everything, from the breath in the lung to the air in the sky, the tallest trees to the smallest fungi, drops of dew to the deepest oceans, the smallest grain of sand to the mightiest mountain, all creatures inhabiting this Earth and any that may exist elsewhere, our past generations and those yet to come.
TRIPLE MOON
The Goddess:
We believe in the Triune Goddess, eternally existing in three aspects: Mother, Maiden and Crone. We believe the Goddess is Spirit, birther of the Universe and Creator of all things, the Divine Feminine, pure energy, loving and wise, eternal and everlasting.
The Earth Mother:
We believe that the Earth is our Mother - from her elements we are made and through her gifts and bounty we are sustained. We revere Mother Nature and the balance of energies, of light and dark, of day and night, of quiet and exuberance, of strength and softness, and the laws of nature that govern our planet. We respect our planet, the soil and seas, the peaks and valleys, streams and fields, the winged and the footed, those that swim in water or slither and skitter on land, and all who play a part in the great cycle of life, death and rebirth. We believe in taking no more than we need; careful in our role as caretakers charged with passing down to future generations a world that is clean and healthy, and pledge to move towards living a sustainable life, endeavoring to leave a legacy of love for our planet, each other and all that call this world home.
The Divine Feminine:
We believe the female is the Divine prototype for the human species, as the X chromosome is present in all human beings, typically with women having two (2) X chromosomes and men only having one. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother to daughter virtually unchanged, and has done so for approximately the last 143,000 years. Men usually have one X chromosome, and one Y chromosome which originated in Africa only 59,000 years ago. Fetuses develop as biologically female up until approximately 6 weeks of embryonic age when main development of sex organs begins. Nipples do not start developing until a week later, when genitals appear well differentiated. Main development of external genitalia is finished at embryonic age 13 weeks. It is only by genetic expression at the precise time that males can develop, making males the mutation rather than the core design.
The Wisdom of Women:
Women have long been the wise elders and keepers of knowledge and history. We are one of three (3) species that has menopause. Humans, orcas (killer whales), and elephants: all depend upon information to survive, so older females live longer to provide education and pass on traditions and history. Grandmothers dispense wisdom and knowledge, teaching younger generations. Typically, human women live 25 years post-menopause which means that there is evolutionarily great value in being able to educate. The three (3) big-brained animals all have females that stop reproducing for the last part of their lives, whereas males are able to continuously produce sperm up until death with no impact to life or health, proving that a male’s primary evolutionary role is reproduction. Pregnancy and childbirth are damaging to the health of females and dangerous to the point of fatal, so since women accumulate more wisdom and knowledge as they age it is more beneficial to society and the survival of our species to halt reproduction in order to preserve generational knowledge, information, traditions and wisdom.
The wisdom of women - the healers, the historians, the advisors, the skilled artisans and artists, and the independent and self-sufficient - has long been suppressed under the patriarchy. With the advent of male-domination in medicine and the profits to be made, wise-women, often herbalists, midwives and women with knowledge of healing, were demonized and labelled “witches” resulting in the incarceration, torture and murder of women over hundreds of years. Today we reclaim those words intended to belittle and harm us, and instead use them proudly as labels of intelligence, wit and wisdom. We now recognize the words ‘bitch” and “witch” as acronyms that stand for ‘Being In Total Control of Herself’ and ‘Woman In Total Control of Herself’ and celebrate whenever we are called either one as we draw power from them. Similarly we also reclaim the word “cunt” as a word related etymologically to words like “country,” “kin,” “kind,” “cunning,” and “ken” (meaning knowledge, wisdom and remembrance), and related to the Hindu Goddess Kunti, or great “Yoni of the Universe,” who represents the beauty and power of the female body. We recognize the “cunt” as a most beautiful, desirable and necessary thing, and do not consent to it being used as a slur or insult, instead we prefer to use it to represent the beauty and power of the female body.
Matriarchal Lineage:
We believe that matriarchal lineage makes the most sense. Mitochondrial DNA is the constant, and while paternity is disputable, maternity is not. A man’s desire to ensure his wife’s children were paternally his led to a system of control and subjugation of women as property that has persisted for generations. In today’s modern society men feel entitled to women, their bodies, their time and attention, their labor and their care. Instead, women should be celebrated and cherished as the vessels who are capable of bringing forth new generations, and treated with respect as a whole person. Men who are lucky enough to find acceptance as a mate, partner or husband must play a pivotal role in ensuring the woman’s health, safety and comfort in order to provide a conducive environment if she chooses to procreate.
Matriarchal Society:
We believe that women are the natural leaders in this world.
1. Women-led companies tend to perform better due to better leadership & collaborative decision making. Women leaders are more effective at showing up as compared to men, irrespective of their age or management level.
~ We are more empathetic, inclusive, impartial and have high emotional intelligence
~ We encourage free thinking
~ We value work/life/family balance
~ We are good at multitasking
~ We are motivated by challenges and handle crisis situations well
~ We are strong communicators and tend to keep our ego in check
~ We dream big, and know how to translate big ideas into concrete action and results
~ We are more collaborative and focus on teamwork
~ We are long-term strategic thinkers, and are less inclined to rally behind a short term strategy if a more sustainable approach can be executed
~ We lead by example, and have usually experienced a variety of roles before attaining leadership
~ We are pragmatic, resilient and able to maneuver tricky situations, with a perspective borne of a mix of trial by fire and sheer fortitude
~ We make use of ingenuity and creativity to solve problems rather than relying merely on strength
Given all our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical strengths, our ability to consider collective well-being and our collaborative approach to decision-making, we believe women should make the majority of important decisions in society.
2. Matriarchal societies are also better for women’s health, with studies showing women in matriarchal societies having less than half the rate of C-reactive protein levels (an indicator of chronic inflammation) than women in patriarchal systems, and when comparing rates of blood pressure, 25% of those in a matriarchy had hypertension with the rate jumping to 33% in patrilineal communities. The culture of patriarchy programs women to look after everyone else’s emotional needs and take on extra responsibilities and stresses while always having to be “nice”, and denies them the opportunity to healthily express anger, leading to the destruction of their own health. A matriarchal society means that women having autonomy in decision making and greater resource control, and the ability to develop excellent social support relationships, will have better health outcomes.
3. Matriarchal societies hold sacred a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and self-determination. We believe that women should have autonomy over all aspects of their lives - their bodies, their freedoms, their self-determination, finances and resources, relationships, movements, careers and choices. As such, it is each woman’s choice as to engaging in sexual activities; emotional, financial, or other relationships; healthcare and pregnancy.
The Principle of Self Responsibility:
We believe that all that follow the Goddess have a responsibility to themselves, their communities and the Universe to be truthful to themselves and others, and to work towards their self-betterment spiritually, morally, mentally, physically and environmentally. Growth of the mind and spirit in self-awareness leads to greater understanding of ourselves, our sisters and others, and our place in the Universe.
We are also encouraged to be self-reliant in our efforts to survive and thrive, to work with nature and be mindful in our use of resources. By developing ourselves, our intellect, our strengths, our gifts and talents, our abilities and skills, and our communities, we become the best versions of ourselves, able to be generous with our bounty, knowledge and love. We then can offer our hand in help to those that come behind us and alongside us, recognizing the spark of the Divine in everyone as we progress along our journey through this life, striving to be a positive addition to the world. We believe that such learning and self-development is a life-long endeavor.
The Principle of Respect:
We believe in the right of all to exist peacefully as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. Therefore, we believe in respecting the humanity and the spark of the Divine in ourselves and in each person regardless of age, race or ethnicity, color, creed, language, national origin or immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or characteristics, socio-economic or employment status, ability or disability, marital status, education, weight or height, or health status. We respect all religions and beliefs that do not discriminate, alienate, segregate or persecute others both within and those not of their faith. We pay as much respect to harmful beliefs as they are due, which is none.
Pantheons:
We believe the Goddess in her triple aspects as the birther of the Universe also allows room for belief in all pantheons and spiritual practices. As She-Animists we are accepting of multiple deities and methods of worship as long as the Divine Feminine is respected.
Members, Priestesses, Churches, Temples, Covens and Congregations are able to guide their spirituality in whichever direction best suits their collective needs, as long as they adhere to the DotF Bylaws, Statement of Faith and Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality, and cause no harm to, or infringe on the rights of, others.
Death and the Afterlife:
We believe in the eternal energy of the Universe. As energetic beings having an earthly experience, we believe that at the end of this life our energy returns to the Creator’s universal energy, where it may wait for reincarnation, act as a spiritual guide, become part of another force of energy (the same way a wave that has crashed onto the shore becomes part of another wave), or remain attached to the Creator’s energy. We can also accept other ideas, such as Valhalla, where the virtuous feast and make merry for eternity! Death is a natural part of living. As our energy returns to the Goddess, our bodies return to the Mother, to be recycled and give nourishment in death as we took it from the planet in life.
We do not believe in and reject such constructs such as the “devil,” “hell,” “purgatory,” “original sin,” “eternal damnation,” or other ideologies which paint humans as evil or sinners, as energy is neither inherently good or bad, but rather eternal, and the Goddess understands all. It is our responsibility to work towards our highest purpose, without placing blame on external scapegoats.
Men:
We believe women and those of feminine or dual spirit should have no fewer rights than men in society, and that men have an important role and responsibility in society as a helpmate to women.
As the human race is dependent upon women giving birth to continue as a species, it is our belief that men play a critical role in supporting a society that makes it possible and desirable for women who wish to bear children to do so. When a woman feels safe and supported, respected and cared for, she feels better prepared to become a parent. In modern life, without financial, social, medical, emotional and physical support and assistance, the dangers and burdens of pregnancy and motherhood are not as attractive, and it behooves men to create conducive environments in order to perpetuate humanity.
As sons, brothers, partners, fathers, friends, colleagues and members of society, men should be communicative, supportive, compassionate, collaborative, respectful, resourceful, kind and caring in their relationships. Men are respected for their commitment, strength, integrity, skills and ability to provide the environment that best suits their family, and the important role they play in the balance of nature. We encourage boys and men to fully encompass and experience their emotions in order to ensure healthy emotional development and regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
As men play a critical role in contributing to the development and health of the placenta, and men produce sperm continuously, men should strive to be in peak health and physical condition when preparing to procreate so as to supply the best chance for healthy pregnancies. Therefore, men should limit their intake of harmful substances, and follow a healthful diet and exercise program in order to create the healthiest and most viable sperm. Attempting to procreate with substandard sperm is highly discouraged.
Men are to be supported in connecting to their own Divine Feminine within and rising above such limiting beliefs and emotions as possessiveness, jealousy, arrogance, narcissism, obsessiveness, anger, or need for control; instead developing such positive skills as active listening, taking initiative, empathy, curiosity, nurturing, and practicing gratitude and appreciation. Taking on a role as an active, willing and intentional participant in relationships of all kinds leads to greater fulfilment within those relationships for all parties involved, and indeed, becomes a benefit to society at large.
Marriage:
We believe that the Goddess has always intended marriage to be a union between two (2) or more consenting adult people in a faithful, supportive, and mutually beneficial, emotional and sexual relationship for as long as love may last. We believe that marriage, whether legal or Spiritual, is for the formal acknowledgement of relationships, but is not necessary for sexual intimacy. When parties enter into a legal or Spiritual marriage, and make covenants and vows between and to each other, the sacredness of those promises within the marriage contract must be respected.
Sexual Morality:
We believe the Goddess designed us to be sexual beings, and sexuality is part of knowing one’s self in full. Engaging in consensual, safe and healthy sexual activity is to be enjoyed and celebrated. Our bodies are intricate instruments capable of producing great pleasure, and as such there is no shame to be felt in sexual intimacy. Consenting to sexual activity requires the legal ability to consent as well as an equality of power, so that one party is not taking advantage of another’s age, inexperience, cognitive ability, or lack of knowledge or strength, and as such we do not condone such activities as pedophilia, bestiality, incest, rape, or sexual molestation or abuse of any kind.
Abortion:
We believe that the Goddess endows us with the right to determine our own fate and it is each female’s choice whether to undergo the rigors and risks of pregnancy and/or giving birth. We believe an individual’s life begins at first breath or birth, and that all medical decisions are private and personal between the patient and their doctor in order to ensure the life and well-being of the pregnant person.
Right of Autonomy:
We uphold everyone’s rights as our birthright from the Goddess:
~ The right of life, liberty, and free will.
~ The right to defend ourselves, people and property, name and reputation.
~ The right of bodily autonomy, self-determination and happiness, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.
~ The right of religious freedom in our beliefs and practices, and the right to freedom from religion.
~ The right to privacy of personal information, property and effects, digital information and activities.
~ The right to privacy of medical information and healthcare choices, except in cases posing a serious and significant risk to public health and safety.
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Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
1. The Goddess wonderfully and wisely creates each person as a unique individual. Within us, humans have a complex array of biological and psychological settings that may or may not be activated to determine gender, gender identity or expression, and sexuality. Therefore, DotF Members recognize, respect and accept everyone on the spectrums of gender and sexuality, as each person has the right to bodily autonomy and self-expression as long as they are not infringing on the rights of others.
2. Marriage is defined as the coming together of two (2) or more legally adult, competent and consenting souls who wish to formalize their love and commitment to one another. Marriage is also a legally defined relationship and status subject to the governmental laws and courts of the land. While some governments may not recognize same-sex marriages, ‘throuples’ or polyamorous relationships, a Spiritual ceremony to acknowledge the love and commitment of the parties involved to formalize their relationship as a ‘Spiritual Marriage’ is allowed by DotF Churches, and is afforded the same respect and reverence as legal marriages.
3. In order to preserve the integrity and mission of DotFI as part of the She-Animist religion, the leadership of DotFI (MMC Council Leaders, Priestesses, DOTFI Directors, staff, and volunteers) and all Churches, Temples, Covens and Congregations, and all Members under the authority of DotFI shall agree to and abide by this statement on marriage, gender, and sexuality.
4. DotFI believes in the sanctity of the marital union and does not condone the betrayal of promises made in marriage, or behavior that impacts one party’s legal, financial, health or other interests without their knowledge and consent. If for any reason parties to the marriage wish to no longer remain in the legal or Spiritual marriage, the marriage must be dissolved before pursuing other interests. DotF Members also pledge to revere the sanctity of marriage and not interfere or alienate within another’s marriage.
5. The Churches, Temples, properties and facilities of Daughters of the Flame may be used for weddings that adhere to the aforementioned definitions of marriage and are open for use by Members, their immediate family members, and the community at large who are respectful of our beliefs. These facilities may not be used by any individual, group, or organization that advocates, endorses, or promotes hateful, racist, misogynistic or other forms of harmful behavior. This policy also applies to birthday parties, reunions, anniversaries, weddings or baby showers, et al.
6. Any Priestess or officiant using the Church, Temple, property or facilities of Daughters of the Flame to perform a wedding, or any other person leading any other ceremony or activity in the facilities must agree to DotFI’s Statement of Faith and Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. They must also have the approval of the MMC Council of each Church, Coven or Temple to conduct such events on DotF property.
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