Y’all, it has been a week. August is well upon us, and I’m sure if you go digging back in previous August archives, you will find references to this being a tumultuous time of year. The heat, it does things. This year unfortunately has been no exception. And here I am about to head off to the steaming cauldron that is New Orleans this time of year.
Physically I’ve been slowed down by ills, which were more minor than they could have been and are on their way out thankfully – but I’m pretty worn out. Which makes trying to wrap my head and heart around yet another fucking round of shootings here in the US even harder. Then there’s all of the friends and those in the collective circle dealing with cancer and many other kinds of loss. Our spaces are being invaded by fear, hatred, loss, and deaf ears. More brutal layers on even more trying times – and I wish I had solutions for it all.
But I don’t. I’m just one person – and I can’t be everywhere always, doing and saying all the things. No one can, nor I don’t think that’s really the point of any of this. I can bring guidance and inspiration, but ultimately it’s up to each of us to make our way, to forge our paths. You can change the world with Witchcraft, but you have to start with you and work out.
I can hear Chris Orapello’s introduction to Down at the Crossroads in my head – which is where today’s blog title comes from. We must remember who we are and make way for a Witch’s work. This life, it’s for living. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: these are the times we have been made for. We must clear our paths – from fear, debris, misinformation and other blockages. They want us to be afraid, to not live our lives fully and freely, to not believe in our own power and the vitality of the world around us. But we are the Witches, and we have work to do. WE are the ones who shape our reality. Thread by thread, stitch by stitch, with seed and thorn, cup and blade, under sun and moon – we are the tides of change.
But that can feel like a lot of responsibility – so much on your shoulders. Weight that drags you down, muddies your vision and clouds your spirit.
Remember, you rarely see a tide changing dramatically all at once. It creeps, slides, and slithers – and then all of sudden one sees that the landscape has changed. But it starts with inches given and taken, little by little. When the larger view has got you worn out, take stock of where your feet are. Who and what is immediately around you – and what do the spirits of place and time whisper to you? Find the beauty in the moment, seek out the thread you can hold, wind, and weave. Begin the pattern anew – you have never lost your place. Be kind to yourself and take your time when possible – and you will make your way. It may not seem like everything is magic, but you change everything you touch. Believe in the beauty and power of small things to clear the way.
To aid you in your path, I will remind you of my 3 Rules for Living:
1) Take Care of Yourself.
2) Take Care of Others.
3) Don’t Be a Jerk.
And for August, keep your cauldron fresh and handy.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In