Embrace Radical Healing and Vitality: The Catalyst for Transformation

 

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

― Howard Thurman

I came across this quote during my college days, right when I was able to vote for the first time in the 2016 election. At that time, I had just begun to cultivate my skills as a magician. Because of the nature of the Trump versus Clinton campaign, I often found myself striving to recognize the good in others, attempting to enlighten people about the importance of basic human rights and empathy in our world. However, this frequently left me feeling angry, tense in my body, and absorbing more of people's energy than was healthy for me. As someone who presents femininely, identifies as part of the queer community, and has survived trauma, I found it difficult to understand people could be so unsympathetic toward those who are different. This realization led me to lose a significant amount of respect for both family and friends. The sense of entitlement displayed by some was truly shocking, and the perception of women as possessions and property was deeply disturbing.

With this election, I imagined a shift in the world. I believed that people would show more compassion, invest in their education, and that activism and advocacy would gradually dismantle the deep-rooted issues of racism, xenophobia, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia. Unfortunately, I have come to realize I was mistaken. My disillusionment with the United States is profound. Like many others, I feel helpless, frightened, and bewildered. I genuinely struggle to comprehend how individuals with such hate can choose to place someone so overtly cruel in a position of power.

As a magical practitioner and individual, I understand that while I possess the ability to accomplish many things, I cannot do everything. Like many others, I am recommitting to the community to advocate for solutions, but it's essential to recognize that I cannot be present on all fronts. Choose your battles wisely and practice discernment. Just as in magical work, it's crucial to identify when a spirit is unwilling to cooperate. Exercise discretion and reflect on your contributions. Will your actions have a significant impact in that context? It may be wiser to wait for another opportunity that is just around the corner, where your efforts—be it magical practices, investments, time, or care—will yield the best results.

I recently completed "The Gorgon's Guide to Magical Resistance" by Laura Tempest Zakroff, which deepened my existing connection with the Gorgons from my experience with the Sorcery of Hekate. During this time, it's important to engage in magical practices that ensure your safety at protests, in everyday situations, and particularly when dealing with law enforcement. My trust in the system was already weak, and now it feels completely shattered. Consider creating mojo bags to keep in your car as a protective measure against the law. Be resourceful and assess your safety needs, then enhance those with magical workings.

Strive for a balance between being a warrior and a healer. Above all, remember to prioritize your own healing; it is a noble endeavor. Contrary to the narrative pushed by toxic positivity culture, taking care of yourself is not selfish. Addressing your own wounds allows you to feel more alive and in harmony with both the world and your divine essence. As I have embarked on my healing journey, I have felt a deep connection with Mother Earth. Painting has become a way for me to engage with others. In a fractured world, the most radical thing you can do is to act as if you are needed. Embrace radical personal healing as well. Healed individuals transform their pain instead of passing it on to others; they transmute it into something brighter and more meaningful.

As Robin Artisson said in Carow Gwyn, “No matter who we are, or what we do, someone needs us. It may not be easy to see, but in the vast wilderness of the human social world, the most unassuming things we might do can be the one thing someone else needs, for some reason beyond our ability to understand.”

Individuals we may never encounter face-to-face can be impacted or transformed by our actions and words. It's essential to take care of yourself to regain your own strength. The world requires vibrant, healed, and interconnected individuals. Someone out there is looking for a healed person to guide them forward. Remember, you cannot uplift others if you haven't secured your own well-being first.

Move forward today with grace, blessings, and empowerment. Be a safe haven for those who deserve it and require support. Keep your loved ones near. Last night, I found comfort in my partner's embrace, where the world faded away for a fleeting moment. Never lose sight of who you are. Together, we can do this.