Peace to all,
        I'm writing this to share my interpretation of some practical wisdom that many of us are in touch with these days.  Please forward this message to any you feel would want to be a part of this, I'm also posting it on the HOD forum.

The wisdom that comes to me is that now is the time for those among the wise, among the spiritual seekers,who are so moved to step forward and serve as a living witness
to the simple truth of these times: we must respect not only each other, but we must equally respect the eco-system that sustains us, because until we do, we are headed on a path that can only end in destruction.  At this point in time, a witness, backed by actions of integrity showing that change IS possible, to this truth, will have great power to encourage positive change.

What I've outlined below is the simple outline of a practical, plan that begins to work towards manifesting and supporting the kind of changes we all need to make, and while making these changes, they can serve as a powerful witness that it is possible for an individual to change.   Especially when that individual is supported by others on the same path, with compassion and kindness, without judgement, but instead with gentle support to help each other make the changes we need to make in order to preserve the life-web of our world.

These kind of things start small, but the small, positive, changes get the momentum started, especially when shared in a cooperative group environment.  Even something simple like using cloth bags instead of plastic bags, or having a thoughtful, intelligent conversation with a co-worker searching for clear perspective, they all lend power to this momentum for positive changes.  And as the momentum builds, we find that eventually, we are able to tackle the bigger, harder changes. 

Also, the completion of each of these changes lends power to our witness, both in the energetic sense and in the apparent world.
I have a notion that we could enact a type of "Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony" that taps into this dual, aligned power, this power created by the completion of these changes done with intention, done with compassionate support, and loving encouragement of a group, as both a witness to the apparent world and a source of positive energy.
I have a notion that such a ceremony, conducted by this same group, tapping into the positive energy generated by our deeds, done with the intention to inspire others to follow a path of integrity that honors what is right and perfect for each one,
would be incredibly effective, incredibly transformative, and wonderfully magical for both the participants and audience, and the atmosphere of the planet in general.
My vision is that we can hold a "Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony" at the Gorsedd.

My goal, as informed by wisdom that occurs to me, is that we forge a practical plan that is a product of all our wisdom. 
If you feel moved, let's meet and talk about this, let's start an email exchange, and let's see what happens when you get a bunch of us on the same page in the same room, to make a plan.
So don't take the plan I outlined as anything special, it's just one interpretation, where I strive to capture the essence of the wisdom that came to me.  Improve upon it, edit it, as you feel moved.

What occurs to me is that many of us are not used to speaking openly about these deep truths, for many different reasons.
What I really seek to find/create is a forum where we can get comfortable sharing our deep wisdom with one another, without fear of judgement, without fear of others tearing into what is sacred, what we have learned to protect.  Where we can stay grounded, centered, balanced, and yet still deal with these deep truths that shape our near future, and commit to positive, mutually supportive action to shift our consciousness.

Another aspect of this wisdom is that each of us has our own path, and many beings will not be called to this path, because it is not for them.  That is just as it should be, and must be honored.

The plan is an expression of my interpretation of the wisdom that is available to many of us, so don't be surprised if many parts of it mirror your own wisdom, it is the same wisdom!
In fact, in a discussion with Jen and Brian, many of the notions expressed below are theirs, so if I don't attribute proper ownership, apologies in advance!  Speak up and correct me. <G>
And of course it's all passed through the filter of my human engineer mind, so please bear that in mind. :-)

1) Define or find a simple word that encompasses this concept, this notion of universal respect.  I've been using the term Procyon, but there are other words, perhaps better ones, that will
    occur to others, maybe Divine Integrity, maybe Divine Respect.

2) Swear an oath/pledge.
Here are some key points of such an oath/pledge:

a)  Simple statement of the journey leading to the pledge. Example: "I acknowledge that the institutions of modern humanity no longer accord equal respect to
existences other than themselves.  I acknowledge this attitude to be ultimately destructive     to self and other.  I accept that until these institutions change, we walk a path that leads only to destruction."   

b)  Simple statement of personal acceptance: Example: "I accept responsibility for the destructive consequences of my lifestyle choices, without blame, without judgement.  I acknowledge my desire to live with integrity, I desire that my actions should align with my thoughts and words." 

c)  Personal Pledge to shift: Example: "I pledge that I shall work to
shift the foundation of my life, that my new foundation shall accord respect to all existences in thought, word, and deed, in the manner which is right and perfect for each one."

d)  Group Pledge to shift: Example: "I pledge that I shall I work to shift the foundations of our
civilization, that our civilization's new foundation should accord respect to all existences in thought, word, and deed, in the manner which is right and perfect for each one."

3) Support each other in making small simple changes, to live out the pledge.
Here is a simple concept:
a) Agree on a simple, flexible set of categories to help provide some simple structure to
the actions we can take with the intention of living with greater integrity.( I know that James' Taliesin group are focusing on making practical changes as well, I would love to hear about that!)

For example, here are some from the set I presented in the prior message:

Positive Education - This means getting the word out in the manner we are called to.  For example, someone might feel called to write a letter to the editor, or might choose to create art that expresses the message, or might choose to  financially support organizations that provide positive education.
                                                 
Reduction - This means making steps to reduce our impact on the ecosystem.  For example, you might start using cloth  bags instead of plastic bags.                                                                 
You might commit to getting lower wattage lights.  You might commit to remember to turning off your lights.

Owning our Impact - This means being aware of the consequences
of our lifestyle choices on our world.   For example, for me, I've decided that the best
place to start is by simplifying, by reducing the amount of stuff in my life.  It seems to me that if I
have less stuff, less attachments, I have less impact that I need to be aware of.  To that
end, we've committed to going through our rooms  one by one, slowly but surely, and reducing our stuff.

Care - Care for yourself and others. For example, simple things like taking care of your teeth, matter, and can be done with the intention to support this shift.

Youth of spirit - Stay receptive to new ideas! Cultivate the spirit of youth, the spirit of awe, acceptance without judgement. 
                                                 
Open to Spiritual Inspiration - Follow a spiritual practice so that we may stay open to divine inspiration.   For example, by commiting to a weekly spiritual practice.

Nurture - Nurture others on this path.  For example, by committing to a monthly meeting where we offer each other non- judgmental encouragement.
                                             
b) Touch bases once a month in some type of meeting.

c) At this meeting, there are five parts:  (Jen has a similar inspiration, a 12-step    program, that I would love to hear more about!!)

A) We enact an opening ceremony, something that puts us in sacred
space, where we leave all judgement behind, and take wisdom, encouragement, and humility with us.

B) Each of us shares with the group what changes we had committed to last month, and whether or not we achieved it, and what we learned from our experience.

C) Each of us shares with the group what we plan to change this month.  Each of us commits to change only as much or little as we are moved to do.

D) Close down the sacred space. (Maybe after E?)

E) Talk about new ideas, share wisdom that has come to us with each other.
 
4) Enact a "Witness Ceremony" where, with one voice, and one mind, and one heart, we recite our pledge/oath before others.

Some thoughts on such a ceremony:
a) The intentions of such a Witness/Earth Healing Ceremony include:

A) Provide inspiration to those who are called to this path, but feel alone, or isolated, or hesitant, or trapped in cultural conditioning, that we serve as a witness to them, that they should be inspired to heed the call of their inner path.

 B) Speaking this oath begins the process of making public the "dirty truth", the truth that unless we change, destruction is the only outcome, but at the same time, we present a positive direction, a positive path of integrity, a path that is humble, simple, compassionate, wise, without judgement that acknowledges this truth without succumbing to doom and gloom.  The world needs this!  Let me say it again, to emphasize how strongly I am moved as I write this,

THE WORLD NEEDS THIS, THE WORLD IS READY FOR THIS!!

b) Jen's Earth Healing ritual seems so appropriate here, where as each of us
recite the oath, we pour sacred liquid into the central cauldron, emphasizing
how each of our small changes, the positive, sacred contribution of each of
us, contributes to a greater healing whole.
 
Some random notes:
                 
Divine Respect: The concept that all existences are reflections of the divine mystery, and as such, it is right and proper that each existence prosper in the manner that is right and perfect for that existence.  (Wording Inspired by the Druid's Prayer!!)

Divine Integrity: A state of being where our actions align with our highest self.

Peace, may the cauldron of Awen bubble and brew, may practical inspiration of the highest loving-wisdom shine forth and be made manifest,
                            -JP