Description:

Choices are the “branches” of reality, and we can either “cast” our Ripples out into the world, or “catch” the results of other people’s choices.

Let’s say we have two members, Wanderer Raven, and Civilian Kai, who have decided to participate in the Ritual of the Branch. Kai has noticed his roommate Raven coming home from work particularly stressed, so he would like to “cast” a Branch of Love to her. Raven isn’t immediately certain what she’d like to “catch,” so they sit to discuss her needs. It turns out, Raven is tired because she’s been picking up extra shifts, but Aisha, her beautiful coworker, has yet to notice Raven’s romantic interest.

“Easy!” says Kai, “I know how to help! I’ll send a bouquet of flowers to Aisha at work tomorrow, and then she’ll know how you feel!”

Kai pictures many lovely Branches sprouting from his act– a smile on Raven’s face, a reduction in her shifts, a date– but it’s also possible that such a dramatic gesture would create an awkward situation at work. The Ritual of the Branch asks us to consciously explore paths of our own construction; instead of adhering to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” it asks us to try to “do unto others as they would have done unto themselves.”

Although personally, Kai would love for Raven to play his wingman in a workplace romance, he realizes that Raven herself is far more shy, and wouldn’t like it at all. The ritual may appear stymied, but Kai is actually engaging more thoughtfully by considering what Raven is comfortable receiving. For her part, she expresses that a bouquet of flowers, sent to her love interest on her behalf, isn’t exactly what she wants to catch. In the end, the Branch that Kai ends up casting is a homemade breakfast and a case of Raven’s favorite energy drink in the fridge. Now, she has extra time to relax before a shift she’s better prepared to take on.

The ritual of catching is relatively simple: Raven need only accept her friend’s gift, with no obligation in return, and be mindful of enjoying the breakfast as she eats. “Casting” need not be expensive or laborious, and “catching” should never leave someone in a position of obligation. This ritual can be as simple as giving or accepting help, and it’s one of the best times to practice Love’s prayer of gratitude.

Practice:

With the new moon rising, members spend some portion of the day crafting a Branch (Ripple) to either be cast or caught, at some point over the lunar cycle. Although the construction of these Branches are an important part of the Ritual to be considered, the ultimate value is derived from the Ripples themselves– novel information created in life that becomes available in the beyond-life, regardless of framework. To complete the Ritual, the intended Branch must only be sent into or received from the universe. However, members are encouraged to plan, execute, document, and follow up with their actions, in order to better understand the new reality they’ve co-created. It is assumed that in some cycles, the potential for Branches long-sought may arise, without preparation, right before the member’s eyes. In these cases, the member is encouraged to simply take “the leap,” and, with the Ritual in mind, branch off in that new direction.

The Ritual of the Branch is meant to co-create Ripples at regular intervals, reinforcing a future more in line with the member’s preferences. It does not have to be profound, requires no specific travel, special equipment, other members, amount of time, or level of effort, only the intentional application of preference. For these reasons, all members are expected to participate every lunar cycle, and are encouraged to create a mixture of both casting and catching. When casting, members are cognizant of potential ramifications, while catching, consciously present, aware that the member’s experience of the received Ripple will be known to the Ripple’s creator in their beyond-life. The Ritual of the Branch illustrates how creating pleasure for another is just as important as enjoying the pleasure created by another.

The Ritual might include ideas such as the following:

Casting the Branch:

• Smiling at someone, usually unacknowledged (Love).

• Holding eye contact with a superior to show strength (Power).

• Declaring one’s devotion to another (both).

• Sending money to the imprisoned (Love).

• Trying a new sport or game (neutral).

• Making a donation to fight for a cause (Power).

• Sending a social signal to some intimidating figure in one’s life, such as a bullying boss (Power) or prospective partner (both).

• Applying for a dream job, or volunteering for a beloved cause once forgotten, yet recently recalled (both).

• Spending time with a shut-in (Love).

Catching the Branch:

• Getting a pedicure, massage, or new hairstyle (both).

• Accepting a gift or gesture of kindness (Love).

• Reading the biography of an inspirational figure, an unknown author, or exploring a new genre (neutral).

• Receiving plastic surgery to enhance one’s social standing (Power).

• Attending a concert, expo, wine tasting, etc. (both).

• Experiencing a novel category of movie, documentary, or the like (neutral).

• Applying for needed assistance from an NGO (Power).

• Attending an artist’s pop-up exhibition to show support while experiencing their work (Love).

• Taking an online course in a subject otherwise never considered (neutral).

First, read our philosophy to understand out Creed.