Days of smoke, heat and intense focus on work have elapsed. Idaho is burning, many homes have been
lost and the battle continues. As I sit in the thick of the response effort I
have no time for my beliefs, rituals, prayers or the Goddess herself. All that I am is focused on achieving operational
objectives, yet it is my take on these objectives that are the product of years
of spiritual seeking and practice.
High profile fires are burning; multi-million dollar homes destroyed
and I find that my voice is one of advocacy for the small towns affected by
this disaster. Urging time and again for an understanding that the homes and
communities of average citizens should be the priorities that we establish.
Against a wave of political pressure to focus on “high value” resources, my
voice sings a song of prayer for the forest, small towns and the lives of the
not so famous.
Even when I have no time for the Goddess she is with me in
thought, deed and action.
Today I am back from a fire, in Boise, resting, planning and
preparing to respond again. As I reflect on my actions it is clear that the
most profound influence my beliefs have had on me are my instinctive actions in
crisis. When direct decisions are necessary NOW, they are laced with
compassion, internal tears for the destruction Gaia faces in this firestorm and
the need to be of service.
The most profound expression of my Pagan beliefs and
practice shine through most brightly when I have little time for piety.
She has shaped me into an individual capable of living my
beliefs under intense pressure.
I am Grateful
Storm of Western Wildfires
10 comments:
Thank you for that perspective Peter!! May the goddess protect you and keep you safe!!!
There in lies my belief that we do not practice religion, we are religion. It is who we are in every breath we take.
Do you know Mike Davis' book _Ecology of Fear_? There's a chapter called "Letting Malibu Burn" that I think you'd appreciate. Meanwhile stay safe!!
Peter, you have not abandoned your practices or The Goddess. There is no difference in doing rituals and putting your beliefs into practice. They are one.
We are a practical people! And therefore have no rhyme nor reason for guilt of any kind. I was once asked a question: "do you feel guilty when you are at work or on busy doing with your mind on something else? Of course not, your love for them is there ... and they are there for you. Our Gods are like that. There is no rhyme nor reason for guilt. They are always there for us. As there love is. So abandoning your practices ... noooooo I think not. Rather you are but the hands of the Goddess.
not sure where the idea of guilt comes into this post, I have no such feelings. But thanks for the comment
Stay safe and know, fire is an intrinsic part of any ecosystem on land. It is fire that returns nutrients to the soil, controls bugs, and opens up land for new growth. Lodgepole pines and sequoias depend on fire for their life cycles. I realized this during our drought when I was mourning over all the dead loblolly pines here in Houston. Drought is part of an ecosystem, too. We picture nature as a static entity when, in fact, nature is constantly flowing, from meadow to shrubland to forest and from evergreen forest to deciduous forest. The fire is hot because we have spent so much energy suppressing the little fires than, when the big fire comes, there is too much fuel available. Don't mourn for things. They can be replaced, even homes. Keep the people safe and trust Gaia. She's been through much worse. BTW, your ritual is a comfort to you, your beliefs and actions are the ritual you need for now
And as you pray for Mother Goddess/Gaia....... we all pray for your well being Peter. Laura González
Blessings Peter.
Wow Scott, great to hear from you. Where are you?
Blessings
Peter
cprsource@gmail.com
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