Change is in the air

We all grow up learning about the events of the past that have shaped the world that we live in. Often we look at these events as being remote from our lives today and we have difficulty seeing how any of it has anything to do with us. Well, yesterday we not only witnessed history but many of us were able to participate by casting our vote for our chosen candidate. It is a wonderful thing to be able to oberserve events unfold and have a story that one day we can share with our grandchildren.

This is the time of year when seasons are changing and we are preparing for the darkness of winter. We know we still have dark times ahead of us, but many of us hope that Obama will be the season of change to bring us out of this dark time. Seeing how far we have come as a country, that we are finally able to look past color to elect our first African American President, I hope that we will begin to see a new level of understanding in this country.

I know, it’s a lot to ask but hey, it has to start somewhere. If we as Pagans ever hope to be able to openly practice our spiritual paths, we have to achieve a level of tolerance and acceptance in this country that we currently do not have. I think many of us dream of being able to openly practice what we believe without having to worry about retaliation. At one point in our history, not to long ago, if a black man tried to run for public office he would have been run out of town if not worse. I often feel that Pagans must endure this same type of discrimination. Granted, it is not exactly the same, but there are some Pagans who must fear for their jobs, their children, and their homes. It is not right that anyone should have to deal with that type of fear in this country.

So it is my hope that this momentous event in history will be the catalyst for people to achieve a greater understanding of each other, our spiritual beliefs, and tolerance for everyone who may be different from us. It is a bold dream I know, but I feel it is one worth hanging on to.