PATH OF GAIA



   This path is the practice of the Gaia theory. The Earth is viewed as a
   macro-organism (a Celestine in Lupine theology) or a god. Humanity is
   murdering the mother goddess, and through it, itself. The followers of
   this path attempt to correct the damages done, by changing humanity's
   habits to a more natural lifestyle. Nature is viewed as the ultimate
   authority by those on this path, although they tend to idealise
   Nature. Still, for some, it is harsh and cruel.

   Ethics of the Path

   *Nature is the source of morality. Evil and Good are determined by
   their effects on the ecosystem. The Mother is the source of life and
   the object of respect.

   *Life is the most valuable commodity. Still, death is natural and
   necessary. The life of the Mother is more important than the life of
   the individual

   *Human virtues-like honour and love- are secondary to the principles
   of life, balance, and death, but still worthwhile.

   History

   This path originated with Lupine theology, and has been modified by
   current ecological and feminist theory. It smacks too much of the
   Weaver for most Lupus and Metis lupines, but it is quite popular among
   the Homid breeds and Kinfolk. Some Gangrel who were slipping over to
   the Beast have also began to follow this path.

   Current Practices

   There is little in the way of formal ritual, although some used
   modified Native American or Wicca rituals to venerate the Earth
   Mother. Many kinfolk use actual Lupine ceremonies to celebrate Gaia.

   Description of Followers

   Most tend to be activists and usually have little political or
   economic power. This theory is not compatible with authoritarian or
   capitalist models. Many tend to be vocal, but often fail to follow the
   tenants of the path when it involves themselves.

   Hierarchy of Sins

   10 Living beyond your natural span

   9 Killing for any reason other than survival or mercy

   8 Unnatural and uneven division of power, based upon gender.

   7 Repressing your natural instincts

   6 Excessive materialism or consumption

   5 Acts of unnecessary cruelty

   4 Failing to fight the Wyrm's minions

   3 Failing to prevent the Apocalypse

   2 Consorting with the Wyrm

   1 Desecrating Gaia

   Views about Other Paths

   Caine: They use patriarchal, eurocentric, pseudo-Nietschian philosophy
   to justify their own wyrm-traits. They are so vulnerable, because they
   cannot see the Beast has infested their every action.

   Cathari: They see the physical/spiritual split. But they are mistaken
   to assume that the material is evil. This error is used as an excuse
   for their destructive materialism

   Death and the Soul: This path is a perversion of our most sacred
   beliefs>

   Evil Revelations: The path of the Wyrm-destroy its believers

   Harmony: They are close to us, but their lack of spiritual belief
   prevents them from grasping the harmony of Gaia.

   Honorable Accord: This path is one of noble actions, masking base
   deeds. This may be the malaise of many Garou. It is a false path.

   Power and the Inner Voice: This is the voice of raw instinct.
   Unfortunately, intelligence corrupts raw instinct and makes it
   contrary to Gaia's will.

   Paradox: The strange followers of this path seek to cure the Weaver of
   its madness. Will they have enough time, before the Wyrm devours us
   all?

   Typhon: Path of the hydra wyrm. It may destroy us all.

   Do's and Don'ts

   1 Take no more than you need

   2 Fight against the despoiling of the planet

   3 Enhance your own spirituality by communing with nature

   4 Take no action to harm Gaia

   5 Do not usurp your place in Nature

   6 Respect your instincts but be responsible for the consequences

   7 You are emotional

   8 Humanity, Garou, and Kindred all hold a place in Gaia

   9 Beware of the Weaver's encroachment

   10 Use your intelligence, as well as your instincts