Ripples of Healing and Transformation, Even in Dark Times

October 2025, I was struggling mentally and emotionally with the state of the world. Oftentimes, I turn inward because I have to regulate my internal self before I come up with a solution; focusing on what I can manage in the immediate moment. I quote Olaf from Frozen II in these situations, "This is called focusing on what we can control when we feel out of control." 

My resolutions to issues vary, however, most of them have a component of witchcraft. I try to back my magical workings with real life action or vice versa. Need to set limitations at work? Invoke Saturn while writing an email stating I need a step back. Taking a walk to become grounded again? Maybe take a stroll to the cemetery while chanting IO HEKA IO HO. Lacing magic with everything I do—especially with the seemingly small mundane aspects of life—makes it extraordinary. It reconnects me to the World, the Divine. Mantras or enns are especially helpful with this. I often do them while I am creating art. Each brush stroke or stitch has chants behind it, my pieces are infused with more than just the viewer’s perception.

During this particular Autumn evening, I had been ruminating on Justice. I felt that healing for people always seemed out of reach; then vile individuals in systemic power were dominating the world. I was feeling helplessly vulnerable. I had been doing so much volunteer work in my community, magical operations, political advocacy, all while doing my best to stay afloat with my personal life. My efforts frankly—didn't feel good enough. 

I prayed to Hekate and Lilith to guide me. Lilith had come forward to me recently. An owl flew by my vehicle one evening, shortly after a friend said she reminded me of Lilith because I never allow anyone to control me. I had heard the name Lilith before but I didn't fully understand who she was. I ended up reading Lilith by Nikki Marmery as well Lilith: Goddess of Darkness and Light by David Thompson after my friend made that comment. 

As I was walking down the path, I felt powerless that Justice would never be upheld and abusers would never receive accountability. I worried I was too small to do anything to tip the scales. Self doubt seeped into my mind—I entertained the idea that maybe my magic wasn't strong enough for retribution, it was all feeble attempts. I felt like Judy Hopps from Zootopia, when she was discouraged and asked her parents why she ever thought she could make a difference. Her dad responded, "Because you're a tryer." 

Lost in my thoughts, a woman appeared out of nowhere and interrupted the stream of consciousness. I was apprehensive as she started approaching me but she proceeded to ask me a simple question, "Do you like animals?" 

She then showed me a turtle in her hands that was bleeding. The young female was a local university student and she wanted to help the creature but couldn't take it into her dorm room. I said yes, and joked that my family compares me to Saint Francis with how often injured or stray animals end up in my care. I took the turtle from her and called a local wildlife rehabilitator (who also happens to be my friend) to assist with the reptile. The turtle was released the next day after a night of rest—healed and wiser too. 

The Goddess of the Crossroads and the First of All Women had made their message clear to me. While I may be small, I have the ability to make an impact —even in the life of a turtle. We are all creatures of the divine, all life is sacred. While I may not see the immediate change, there will be ripples of transformation from my one act. I can cast a stone in a pool of water, but I don't get to see the waves because nothing in the sea of life is instant. It feels invisible but it isn't.

Do not lose hope, folks. We will make it through these times together, our efforts together mean something. Stand in your personal integrity, keep striving for change, and the Divine will be right by your side. Your small actions can and will make a difference. A part of the Great Work is trying—being a Tryer is a fundamental component of being a Magician.