Interweavings

Spell bound

Recently, a sweet neighbor was visiting and began talking of Paganism and Wicca. She met a fellow student who was talking to her about using spells to “get back at” other girls who were fundamentalist Christian. Both of these girls attend a rural, southern college which is  overwhelmingly attended by not just Christian, but Southern Baptist. My neighbor was uncomfortable with the conversation. She is a gentle soul who has been open to Spirit showing up in her life in any form. She was unsure about using “spells and magic” in this manner. She asked my opinion.

In our family, we have taught that, for us, a spell was active prayer. Intention focused and then action taken to make the prayer physical. In order to live and flourish in the deep south while following the Goddess path, we have looked for the bridges between our beliefs and the beliefs of our friends, family and neighbors. I reminded my friend that it is not necessary to advertise beliefs as much as it is necessary to live our beliefs. Walk the talk. We want others to be tolerant of our beliefs. We, in turn, must be an example by showing tolerance to others.

I then showed her our family altar. Anyone else would think it  is a collection of things on an antique table.  I have created an altar to Joy this month. With negative news and images bombarding us from all sides, I decided to dedicate the month of July to Joy.

There is a vase of colorful daisies and zinnias. A set of primary colored birthday candles are planted in a flowerpot with a spiral lollipop in the middle of them. I have candy which represents the four elements in a candy dish shaped like a pig. There is rock candy for Earth, sour spray candy for Air, red hots for Fire and a tiny bottle of Godiva chocolate liquour for Water. And then there are silly pictures of our family. It is designed as a touchstone for our days. One glance and a smile ensues. A smile is Gratitude expressed. And Gratitude is a prayer in action and according to our family beliefs, that makes for a kind of spell.

My friend began to understand and relaxed into a lively conversation about classes and boys and all the bad food in the college dining hall.  Joy was present.  I was grateful for the opportunity to ease someones heart concerning their chosen path.  We can wear pentacles and beautiful black gothic clothing or  we can wear t-shirts and silver moons. It is how the Divine is expressed through us that matters in my book.