——Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda
You are an autonomous spiritual being, free and capable of establishing your own relationship with the Divine as you understand It. As the Pagan Federation International defines us, Pagans are “those who pursue their own vision of the Divine as a direct and personal experience.”
Autonomy and freedom are two core values shared by most true spiritual paths. Autonomy means you are in control—you decide how, or even whether, to follow a spiritual path and in what way you will do so. Freedom means you can make those choices without fear of Divine judgment or the judgment and control of other people. And yet, it seems our greatest lessons are learned through being in relationship with each other.
The very thoughts, feelings, and actions that will lead to fulfillment on a spiritual path violate the behavioral and social requirements of earthly institutions that tell us we are flawed, and we must continually beseech God for forgiveness and to hold back his wrath.
But actually, the Divine is interested in only one thing—that we grow toward reunion with our Source and have experiences that broaden our perspective and increase the wisdom of our Souls. I believe there is one rule, which is ascribed to Wicca but appears in many other philosophies and teachings:
Harm none, including yourself. Beyond that, do what you will.
In many ways, we are at a very contentious time in our society and the application of this Wiccan Rede has never been more essential, or perhaps more difficult. And yet, imagine how the news would change if all were to live by this precept.
As we each travel our sacred paths, we have three resources to draw from: Divination, or a means to obtain direct information from Spirit; Manifestation (Magick, if you will), or the ability to set an intention and focus and direct energy to realize it; and healing, or the ability to do our shadow work, and heal energetically, psychologically, and physically from the stresses of the journey.
The ingredients of the Witches’ Brew this month are these: As we enter the reflective time of year, Seek guidance from Spirit on our decisions, words, and actions; set the intention for the highest good for ourselves and others, and focus and direct our energy toward that outcome; and be kind to ourselves by seeking energetic, emotional, and physical healing and replenishment as we go.
Brightest blessings to you on your path.