I'm not typically one to rally behind the "Remember the burning times," banner, but the emotional resilience represented by this mindset is a useful one. There are times in all of our lives where we are constrained, where we are set upon by circumstances beyond our control, where we are not able to live our idea life. And how we deal with these times is a reflection on our own character and strength.
We are living in unusual times. We are facing things that haven't been seen in living memory, and I might even go so far as to say the extent of the situation is beyond that which has been seen before. Because of our modern conveniences, the pandemic we are facing is racing across the globe at an accelerated rate.
Our history shows that this isn't the first such wave of disease we have faced as a species, but travel times have changed dramatically. The spread of such a pandemic is much faster and more complete than any other that I have ever heard about, and it is both far reaching and quick.
And this leaves us changing how we live our lives...which makes some people loose their common sense and fight blindly against what they feel to be a personal attack on their freedoms. I find it sort of sadly amusing that the people who are upset the most by any perceived loss are those who had the most to start with.
As a group, Pagans and witches are used to not having the same freedoms as other faiths and practices. We are looked down upon, often without a proper understanding of what we believe and do. We are treated as if we aren't a legitimate thing, and many people don't feel safe admitting what they do out of fear of how ignorant people will respond.
Right now gathering of all sorts are prohibited in most of the world. This is a huge change for many religions, and I think it is admirable how so many religious leaders are making the necessary adjustments, finding new ways to reach out to their people, and encouraging everyone to both keep their faith and keep safe.
And while many of us are well versed in practicing in our homes, some groups and covens are struggling to find the best ways to navigate this change as well. As a practice-based faith, we are in the unique situation where a circle or ritual involves participation, and especially in a learning capacity this creates a lot of challenges that more traditional preaching-based services just don't have to deal with.
Even if you normally practice at home, there are just so many changes going on right now, there are things you may have to change or find a way to do without. With specialty stores being shut down, getting supplies might be an issue for you. Even normal grocery stores are experiencing shortages and some items may be in short supply. Many stores have managed to shift to an online presence but some smaller stores may have had to close their doors.
Many people prefer to find their sacred spaces out in nature, and many natural places aren't as easily accessible. People around the world are finding their movements restricted, and they feel under the microscope when they do go out, not a sensation that is conductive to spiritual practice. So, even though we may be going out alone, to a secluded place, it might not be viable for us right now.
The thing is, your faith resides in your heart. And no matter what is going on in the world around you, people of all religions and spiritual practices have found ways to keep that flame burning. There is an inclination to feel oppressed by your circumstances, but there is also room to rise above them.
And this is a highly emotional and stressful time, so some changes may feel impossible. It may feel like all you can do is hang on, you may be struggling to simply make it through the day. That is completely valid!
The thing is...your faith is yours. Yours to own and yours to create. And some days that might look like simply holding space in your heart for your beliefs. It may be clinging to the hope that things will get better. It may be saying prayers in the dark with tears streaming down your face. It might be lighting a candle so there is a little spark of light in your world.
Or, you may find that devotion gives you something to hold onto. When the world feels crazy, you may be bringing more rituals into your life. You might be adding devotions and making offerings. You might be working with deities you hadn't before, because now they are a presence in your life.
And you might find yourself with extra time to finally work on that project you have been wanting to do. You might be crafting new tools, working with new divination styles, reading that pile of books that you hadn't quite gotten around to yet.
What your practice looks like, in extreme circumstances, will be as unique as you are! What is important is that you find the ways that work for you, that you don't make excuses...because excuses and legitimate reasons are quite different! That you look for ways to make things work instead of just listing off all the things you can't do that you wish you could.
What we do in times of scarcity shows us where our strength lies. It shows us what the absolute core of our practice is. It highlights the ways in which we are stronger than we thought, and gives us resources to draw upon when we might fear there are none.
And this is what we need, in these trying times! We need to light the beacons of hope and faith and keep our personal practices strong, in whatever way fits our life. We need to support each other, and help where we can, because everyone needs a little assistance sometimes. And we need to keep strong in our belief that we can, and will, make it through, because that is what keeps us moving forward.
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