The Importance of Outflowing

[risingpanther]

With Christians there is very few things I agree with, however, one thing I find rather important is the concept of tithing or outflowing. I know many cultures have probably used it, but to most of us the introduction was in the church with the concept of tithing 10% of your income to the church.

Although not for the same reasons, tithing for Pagans is actually a very important and personal spiritual practice, for not only does it help to quell greed by willingly giving up a portion of your income, but also helps to teach that the universe's bounty is endless by giving up part of your hard-earned cash.

What I recommend is finding a cause that you find worthy, such as an environmental group, Habitat for Humanity, Unicef, etc, that is well known for putting funds given to it to good use. I recommend researching anywhere you plan to outflow to, to make sure it's genuine. Often this goes beyond what the company says about itself, but it is worth it to know your hard-earned savings are going somewhere worthwhile. I also recommend donating any change under a quarter to the jars in stores, as this also is change that may not be used and weighs down purses, yet can help even a small amount nonetheless.

Outflowing isnt just money however. It also is found in the form of charity spells such as those sending energy to heal the earth, warding storms from the community, or tripping/binding spells on criminals at large in the neighborhood. It also is represented with daily devotions such as a simple prayer-plea to the Goddess to help those around you (mine currently is to help the grief of the Boy Scout's families who lost their children in the tornado) or general healing pleas. And in community service, time donated to aiding a larger cause.

All of these things teach us our place in the larger scheme of things, bring joy from helping others, animals, and the environment, and help bring positive energy into our lives. I recently discovered the potent power of outflowing, and hoped my musings on the subject helped you all. =^.~=

[Jen]

I've never heard of tithing or outflowing before.
I should imagine it's something a lot of us do anyway without really giving much thought to it.

[watershield]

Tithing is a foul word in my family.

When my Grand mother wasin her twenties, her family did not have a lot of money. Because they could not afford a cash donation to the church (french roman catholic) she worked at every bake sale or other event.

At some point, they were approuched by either the priest or nun. From what I was told, the clergy did not find that her efforts were sufficiant and they demanded a cash payment. She had explained (again) that they had no cash to spare at which point they were asked to leave the church.

Now if you can understand the French from the early 1900's, to be barred from the church was a humiliation that her family could not bear. Not only did they leave the church, but the moved from Quebec to Minnisota. While my Grand mother never did return to any church, her brothers and sisters eventually became priests and nuns.
(if she had gone back, I might not be here today... )

[oshun11]

Wow WS that's awful what happened to your grandmother and family because they couldn't afford cash offerings ("donations") to a probably already thriving church. That was one of the main reasons I couldn't stand the churches I attended. Everyone gave me, then a child in my teens, a crazy look when they would pass me the offering basket and I passed it right along to the next man. I'm not giving up money for bills (then it was actually my lunch money) so that the church can profit... I REALLY used to hate that.

But to be honest, we have Pagan gatherings of all kinds where I live, for that I am pretty fortunate, however they are pretty much the same way with the donations and love offeings. I notice this more as the economy is going to shambles here... I mention this because I know that this issue is not just within Christian churches alone.

Ironically I make offerings to the gods or the great being in many ways such as inscence, lighting a candle in prayer of thanks, singing, poetry... just many other ways. First and foremost when it comes to money, I find it impractical to donate money if I know I need to pay my bills, eat, and keep my putt putt car from dying on me completely. I'm pretty sure the gods aren't offended by this either, lol.

[nini]

Hmmmn quite a good thought in tithing.However, modern church nowadays just pass the basket and doesn't care if you put a coin or 2. They are lucky if there are so many donations collected during the mass. If the organizers think that it is not enough to buy flowers and other church activities, they request for 2nd passing of the basket. 10% tithing is also not necessary as they do not know how much you earn nowadays. he he he ;D

[lisa]

Where I'm living now...Christianty is synonymous with tithing...not only is it mandatory, but my in-laws have a clause in their will where the Church will inherit most of their money...they have 8 children...all of which were told...they would split a portion...the grandchildren (there are 11 now) will get nothing and the church will get most of it. (high six figures...most) Needless to say they are pseudo-celebrities at their church...

Now, "outflowing" out of choice, not obligation to a cause you find worthwhile is never a bad idea...

mine is Greyhound Rescue... ;D

[prettydryad]

Once in an interview on PBS by Bill Moyers he talked with a famous atheist woman who's name I've forgotten. She talked about morality and she said that religious people, Christian or otherwise often accused her of being immoral for not believing in thier god. She felt that compared to many "holier -than-thou" people she'd met she was perhaps more moral because she felt that doing things like volunteering, donating to worthy causes, treating everyone with respect, not hurting those around you were things a person should do not to buy their way into "Heaven", or buy their way out of hell, but because it's simply the decent thing to do. I was so moved by her interview. I thought , wow! that is so right! I make offerings to the Gods to let them know we are one, that what I have or what I make is their's, as we are one. I donate because I'm (hopefully) a good person who knows it's the right thing to do.
Peace all! Mother bless you and Father protect you

[Avaros]

Tithing, is something I already tend to do, yet not purposely really.

I myself, have quite a hot-pocket, I do like to spend money, on things I enjoy, which is ussually a specific drink from a store that I like, or something of the sorts.

However, I almost always drop my change into a Donation Box, or into a Penny Bucket for other people whom may need an extra cent or so. Or, in several cases I give my money to those whom I think need it, an example would be giving overhearing a stranger speaking of how he skipped lunch, and had no money to spend on food and wouldn't be able to get home until later that day, then approaching said person, and giving him money so he can buy a meal.

[Heka]

I often give money to people/donate money. If i see a collection box, ill throw a few coins in, and if some guy on the street asks me for a little bit (not to much though) I'll give him a bit, even if it is just so he can buy a beer.

Another good thing you can donate too is Oxfam Unwrapped.(http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au/) or when you want a gift buy from Oxfam or a similar organisation because its helping less fortunate people oversea. So far Ive brought schooling for a child for a year. my boyfriend brought a garden for a farmer too. And there will be more...

[Jen]

Oxfam's a superb charity - I always shop there when I'm back in the UK.
They were one of the first to bring Fair Trade recognition to people, amongst other things of course.

[PaganOne]

Sept 19, 2008 7:09:15 GMT 1 Avaros said:

...in several cases I give my money to those whom I think need it, an example would be giving overhearing a stranger speaking of how he skipped lunch, and had no money to spend on food and wouldn't be able to get home until later that day, then approaching said person, and giving him money so he can buy a meal.

I tend to do the same. I have anonymously paid the bill for mom and her kids in a restaurant, given out loans I knew would never be paid back, and taken my daughter's friends to lunch with us because I knew they wouldn't get a good meal otherwise. My daughter has given some of her clothes away to her friends because she knew they needed them. I would rather give my money to those I know need it personally than to a faceless cause.

[sul]

PO - you are awesome and I totally agree with you

[Heka]

I shop at oxfam when ever im in adelaide, and often browse the online shop, plus donate to things like "unwrapped"

PO, that's so nice of you. one day (when i have the money) id love to do the same things

[PaganOne]

Giving money is easy when you can afford to do so. My sister, her husband and son spend one holiday a year serving at a soup kitchen. Giving of your time is very important and the personal connections you make with people can mean more to them than any amount of money.

I volunteer 3-4 days a week at the local animal shelter walking dogs. The staff doesn't walk the dogs and they don't get out of their cages otherwise. The little doggies get so excited when they see me and the other volunteers. They are so grateful for the time we spend with them. I am always covered with slobbery kisses. I love it.

When I am in the bathtub (my favorite meditation spot) and when I go to bed at night, I send Reiki to the animal shelter and friends and family that need it. Simple things like spending time in quiet solitute sending your love and healing energy is a wonderful gift.

There is so much we can do to help others that doesn't involve sacrificing time away from family or money needed to pay bills.

[Heka]

I dont do any volunteer work currently, but going to adelaide next year will open up opportunities for me, so I plan to help then. It's hard for me atm, being young and still livig at home, but one day..... add it to the list with everything else