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Changing Times

It is with a touch of sadness that we acknowledge a significant change within Desert Shadows Temple. In the past, we were fortunate to operate under the ethos of "freely received, freely given," holding our gatherings in spaces that cost us nothing. This allowed us to share wisdom and spiritual guidance without the need for financial considerations.

A New Approach

However, times have changed, and our Temple has downscaled, losing access to those free facilities. Now, maintaining a dedicated space for our spiritual activities involves significant expenses—rent, utilities, and the materials needed for our rituals. Additionally, we have two dedicated individuals who contribute their time: one full-timer who manages much of the Temple's daily needs, and one who helps whenever she can. Their efforts, along with the materials for teaching and the time spent maintaining our email, website, and other necessary tasks, are vital to our community and should be valued accordingly. This compensation is akin to the old saying about "allowing the oxen to eat as they plow," recognizing the importance of sustaining those who sustain us.

Supporting the Temple’s Future

But here’s where the silver lining shines! The beauty of our new system lies in its fairness and communal spirit. As members of Desert Shadows Temple, we share the cost of renting space. Imagine this: if we rent a space for $20 an hour and use it for 3 hours, the total cost is $60. If there are 4 of us, that evening costs $15 each. But if 8 of us come together, the cost drops to just $7.50 each—how exciting is that? The more we grow as a community, the lighter the load becomes for each of us.

Looking Ahead

For those seeking instruction from outside our Temple, your contribution is crucial. By making a hearty payment, you not only help cover the costs of our current space but also contribute to our dream of eventually securing a dedicated, sacred space that we can all call home. Free-will gifts are also accepted as a way to show appreciation for the time and effort put in by those who maintain the Temple’s activities and resources.

While we have moved away from the "freely received, freely given" model, this change brings with it a sense of empowerment and shared purpose. Together, we are not just maintaining our Temple—we are building a stronger, more resilient community. And that is something to be truly enthusiastic about!