In accordance with the Traditions of the Order of the White Moon, the beliefs listed here are to be respected and acknowledged by all members of the Sisters Beneath the Whispering Willows. All members are expected to bear in mind at all times that numerous spiritual paths and sexual orientations are represented and welcomed within this safe space. Kindly treat each other with the respect you wish to receive yourself.
- The purpose of the order is twofold: to help restore spiritual balance on earth by restoring the Divine Feminine to her rightful place, and to assist female-seekers in their personal and spiritual development. It is the position of the order that all spiritual paths and belief systems can benefit by incorporating the Divine Feminine.
- Each member is her own authority, sovereign over her own life. She is not asked to bow before anyone. However, she is bound to conduct herself in accordance with these traditions in matters that affect the order or reflect upon it.
- All members will be treated with respect regardless of race, class, age, size, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, personal beliefs, background, or any other attribute. Above all else, we honor the Goddess in every woman.
- All events associated with the Order should feel safe and welcoming to all members. Therefore it is strongly recommended that all events are drug and alcohol free to protect members in recovery and to promote responsible conduct. Members' physical and emotional challenges and dietary needs should also be given serious consideration when planning events. No member should feel pressured to disregard her needs at any event.
- Each member has the right to remain anonymous at the public level. A member's identity should never be revealed to anyone outside the order, although she may choose to reveal her affiliation herself. Personal details revealed between members should not be shared with anyone else without permission.
- "Harm none" is a central teaching of the Order. Energy should not be sent out in times of anger, fear, or emotional upheaval. While each member has the right to set spiritual boundaries to protect herself or another, she is constrained from raising energy to cause harm, except in the legal definition of "self defense," when her life is in immediate danger.
- "Community giving" is a central principle of the order, and members are encouraged to work alone or with each other in providing services to their spiritual and/or local communities, keeping in mind Tradition 8 below. Members are also encouraged to become active in their branches or in the order as a whole as opportunities become available.
- The Order acknowledges the diverse religious and political backgrounds of our members and seeks to avoid controversy. When any member speaks out publicly for a cause, she should do so as an individual rather than as a member of our Order, unless she has express permission from the head of the Order. Similarly, we seek to avoid controversial religious and political discussions within the order, except when internal circumstances make such discussions absolutely necessary.
- Members are encouraged to meet with each other for spiritual events, regardless of branch affiliations. All members and current students are welcome at general events. However, if initiations, White Moon teachings, or other business of the Order is being conducted at these events, the events should not be open to non-members.
- Only High Priestesses (Level IV Graduates) of the Order are authorized to formally pass on White Moon teachings, and when they do so, they must follow the Order's "Guidelines for High Priestesses" available from the Head of the Order. (To ascertain that your teacher has been authorized by the Order, contact us at the address below.) All members, however, are free to pass on teachings learned elsewhere.
- High Priestesses are required to ask for modest payment for White Moon teachings by donation, sliding scale, barter, OR set fee. This exchange is spiritually important, showing that the student values the teachings and is serious in her intentions. However, the requested payment should not be far above average for similar teachings elsewhere.
- Each High Priestess and branch of the Order is autonomous except in matters that affect the order as a whole or reflect upon it. Each member will remain a member for life unless she requests otherwise in writing or, in extreme circumstances, when her conduct causes her membership to be revoked.
- All decisions affecting the Order as a whole will be made by the Head of the Order in consultation with the current High Priestesses. Such decisions are binding and final.