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CONSTITUTION
DENVER AREA WICCAN NETWORK
I. PURPOSE
The Denver Area Wiccan Network (hereinafter called DAWN) has
as its primary foci networking and the coordination of teaching
of matters pertaining to the Craft. DAWN may also serve as a
central network for coordinating activities between and among
Wiccan groups within the Denver area. Subsidiary functions will
be defined as necessary by the governing bodies of DAWN.
II. SCOPE
DAWN will restrict its activities within both topical and
regional limits. Regionally, it will serve the area within a
reasonable driving distance of Denver, Colorado. Topically, it
will serve only the Wiccan, or Craft, community within this area.
DAWN is willing to aid or work with other similar Pagan groups,
but DAWN is not willing to serve as a clearing-house for them,
nor for other Occult groups.
III. GOVERNANCE
DAWN will be made up of a Board of Directors (necessarily
small), a Steering Committee (necessarily larger than the Board),
and the general membership which shall consist of any coven or
member of the Craft community wishing to be a member of DAWN.
The function of these bodies, and the rules which govern them,
will be covered by the Rules and the Bylaws of DAWN.
IV. AMENDMENTS
In order to amend this document, the proposed change must
receive the votes of at least 80 percent of the Directors and
must receive at least 80 percent of the votes cast at a proper
meeting of the Steering Committee, both bodies having received
at least 20 days notice of the proposed amendment.
V. DEFINITIONS
A. Craft, Wicca, or Witchcraft -- A magical Pagan or Earth
religion including diverse traditions derived from many cultural
sources. This religion usually worships at least one primary
deity who is feminine, and may also have a masculine deity or
deities. Some extant sources include Alexandrian, Celtic, Circle,
Dianic, English Traditional, Faerie, Family Traditional, and
Gardnerian Witchcraft. DAWN specifically excludes the Shamanic,
Native American, and Native African religions from its definition
of these terms.
B. Earth religion (or Paganism) -- A religion, possibly
prehistoric in origin, a major tenet of which is a belief that we
must live in harmony with the Earth and all its creatures.
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C. Coven -- Any small group of Pagans, affiliated
primarily for religious goals and purposes, which meets regularly
for the purpose of holding Esbats, holding Sabbats, teaching, or
for any other activity having a direct connection with Paganism.
D. Esbat -- Meetings held once or twice each Lunar month.
Most Covens hold Esbat at the Full Moon. Many hold Esbat at the
New Moon or the Dark of the Moon (the three days preceding the
New Moon).
E. Sabbat -- Meetings held at the eight major seasonal
demarcations: the Equinoxes and the Solstices (commonly called
the Quarter Days) and at the "time of power" of each season
(commonly called Cross-Quarter Days); the Cross-Quarter days fall
at or about the beginnings of the months of February, May,
August, and November. All individual names for these holidays
are optional.
F. Magic -- The art of changing consciousness through
disciplined and systematic use of the will and other natural
forces. Some common goals in magic are healing, guidance,
protection, and insight.
G. Occult -- Occluded or hidden, secret; the study of
hidden or secret knowledge. Secret societies include college
fraternities, the Masons, and the Rosecrucians. DAWN is not a
secret society. Its proceedings are open, but the privacy of its
members will be protected.
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