Spiritually difficult times

Certainly, many of us in the Pagan community are going through extremely difficult times, watching our US government being torn apart. It is in these kinds of times, our spiritual practices become ever more important.

As we approach Spring Equinox, it is a good time to check in with our balance. Balance may sound hollow right now, but it is vitally important to our sanity. As Pagans, we can affirm that both the dark and the light are part of us. We can reframe the notion of darkness as the rich, nutritious soil below us, not as a place of anger or fear. The Earth has no understanding of anger or fear except through our own experiences in our bodies. We see true fear in animals when they encounter other animals that prey upon them. They have devised strategies for those encounters. Rarely do we see anger in nature. We may think we see anger in animals, but I believe most of that is a projection of our human understanding. We certainly see protection in animals which is not the same as anger.

Light is what we shine on each other, on our world, on the truth. The light of the Sun nourishes all living things on the Earth. So, we in our turn, can let our light shine on all peoples, animals and plants. We light candles on our altars to bring some of the Sun's light to our homes. We can meditate on that light for inspiration and insight. Both the Dark and the Light have their own multitudes of meanings for us to ponder so we can find meaning for ourselves in these difficulty times.

How can we devise strategies to deflect those who would prey upon us? How can we call up the energy of protection, instead of anger? How can we shine light on truth and beauty? The answers to these questions are found in your spiritual practice. Which deities do you have a relationship with? Do you pray to them often, bring offerings, listen? If you do not work with deities, how do the Elementals speak to you? What wisdom can you gain from your ancestors? Do you use divination?

Wisdom and guidance are available when we nurture our relationships with deities, Elementals, the Fae and our Ancestors. We need only ask and listen. These beings want to be in relationship with us. We are surface walkers and we are star walkers and we are underworld walkers. We are part of all of it and as we approach these places with honest hearts and willing minds, we can draw upon ancient wisdom. As we balance, the dark and light within us, we feel peace.

Perhaps you have a robust spiritual practice. Perhaps you want a robust spiritual practice. Perhaps you are new to Paganism and want a spiritual practice. At the coming balance time, it is good to check in with yourself to see what you truly desire and make it a reality. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, we can find new things to inspire us. Find what speaks to you, what feels right. But most of all, find it.

I tend to believe that the more Pagans practice our spiritually - pray, invoke, create spells, research, meditate, etc,. the more our energy is put out into the world as a counter to anything that is not Love. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond, many of us say in ritual. We enter the circle in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Let us cast a circle of love around this country and affirm only love can enter. Let us embrace the darkness and the light, becoming balanced human beings, a counter to the chaos we see around us.

Blessed be.