I’m still thinking about Sharon Knight’s call to “re-enchant the world.” On Saturday I talked about some of the ways we can do this: through the arts, in Nature, and through our own magical work. But how do we create an enchanted world when the disenchanted world keeps intruding? And even if we can, what right do we have to live in a magical world when so many people are living in a world where it’s a struggle just to survive?
Pagans aren’t the only ones thinking about this. Here’s a link to a CNN.com article about how Christian ministers are struggling with what to say about our bad economy. Should they teach people to do what they have to do to get by, or should they preach against the unjust structures that make it so difficult for them to succeed?
Should we even be trying to re-enchant the world? Is the primary goal of our religious, spiritual, and magical practices to make our lives happier or is it to help us build a better world for everyone?
Why do we have to choose? Why not both?
Our spiritual practices and magical work keep us connected to our Source. That Source gives us the strength and determination to do what we have to do to make a living for ourselves and our families. Making a living gives us the material resources to contribute toward the betterment of society. It also enables us to engage in deeper spiritual practice – it’s a lot easier to be spiritual when you don’t have to worry about paying the rent or affording your kid’s medical bills. The deeper practice points us toward the Great Work of our souls.
If you don’t make time for the practices that keep you grounded, if you don’t re-enchant your world at least a bit, you’ll burn yourself out. If your re-enchantment becomes escapism, you’ll end up being one of those people Karl Marx ranted against when he said “religion is the opium of the people.”
Stay connected to your Source through dedicated spiritual practice.
Do what you have to do to make your way in the world.
Make the world a better place. You don’t have to fix everything – you don’t have to fix anything. You just have to do what you can do.
Live a magical, enchanted life.
Find your Great Work, and do it.
It all starts with dedicated spiritual practice.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In