Great Circle

[The place where it all happened]

The last two days have been the most grueling time I've ever spent working within the consensus system. It was the semi-annual meeting of the general membership of our organization.

Throughout the history of our organization, there has been a schism between the folks who live in the city and the folks who live on the land. In recent years, this has grown to the point that we've found it difficult to govern ourselves. The difference of opinions has come to dominate most of our interactions.

In this two-day meeting, we attempted to address the "root anxiety", as it were. And we did. The first day saw no decision-making at all. Instead, we went over many of the business items and just discussed our opinions on them, trying to find our common ground.

The second day was more difficult as we sought consensus on these things. Most difficult for me personally was my proposal for Caretaker status here on the land. There are very few differences between Caretakers and visitors: they are obligated to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the land and the functioning of the community in exchange for housing and utilities. Visitors work here, but don't answer to the greater organization and aren't guaranteed housing. They also have to pay utilities in the Winter.

My proposal was debated hotly for over two hours while I worked to understand and address every concern. In the end, the deciding factor was the fact that there are others to keep my strong personality in check.

On the day of decisions, I mixed up a new version of a very old recipe. It's a toilet water that helps a person feel fresh and cool. It's part of an old purifying ceremony that I use to prepare myself for deep spiritual work or clear the air after an emotionally difficult experience. Boy, was I glad I had it with me!

Agua Florída (Water of Flowers, Florida Water)
By Blossom Merz
(All oils are the highest quality essential oil. Synthetic or "perfume" oils will not give a satisfactory result.)
In a 10 oz bottle, mix the following:
2 oz 190-proof grain alcohol
32 drops lavender oil
32 drops sweet orange oil
20 drops white grapefruit oil
20 drops lemon oil
5 drops clove bud oil
1 drop cinnamon oil
1 drop kewda oil (Rare, expensive, and undetectable in the final result. Used because it is historical, going back to Old Testament times.)
Shake hard for 1 minute, then add:
8 oz water
Keep tightly sealed, shake before using.