Threefold Pledges - Self, Community, World
Plus: On My Drawing Board (lambs & snowdrops, oh my)
Dear Ones,
I’ve had a number of conversations this past week with different circles of friends. The topic that always seems to come up is a variation on the theme of “What can we do?” in the face of the current threat to democracy in the U.S. Since it’s still early Imbolctide, the themes of that holy season are also on my mind.
I remembered my friend Waverly Fitzgerald’s practice of making pledges at Imbolc / Candlemas (initiations and vows are themes of this holy-day). I dug out my copy of her booklet on “Celebrating Candlemas,” now out of print. She wrote:
I make a pledge every year, incorporating it into my Candlemas ritual. I like to use an idea I learned from the Reclaiming Community in San Francisco, which sponsors a Brigid ritual every year, of making three pledges: one to myself, one to my community and one to the world. (Sometimes when the world seems too large, I make a pledge to myself, a pledge to my community and a pledge to the Goddess.) …
New Year Pledges are different than New Year resolutions in that they have a spiritual dimension and are made in a sacred way. Although I undertake them seriously, I also make them with great joy.
I gave some thought to a three-fold pledge I might make. I realized I have already set my intentions and taken actions toward the following things, but I really like the idea of making a formal pledge within sacred space. (Thank you, Waverly.) I think I’ll light a candle and ask my Holy Helpers to have my back and help me when I falter.
Here are my pledges:
1. Self - Strengthen my stamina and flexibility through tai chi, walking, dancing, and other kinds of movement.
2. Community - Reach out to local folks, strengthen relationships, offer help when it’s needed according to my abilities and resources.
3. World - Continue to follow HRC and the Jessicas (Craven and Yellin), among others; make calls (5 minutes, 5 calls), make financial donations (even small ones).
More on #3, pledge to the world:
My friend Robin posted about the 5 Calls app, writing “It will tell you exactly how to call your reps and gives you a script. If you are like me and would rather chew glass than talk to a stranger on the phone, call after hours and leave a message. If voice mail is full (even if it’s not) keep calling every day.” Am I the last person to know about this? It’s awesome. More info here.
Jessica Craven pointed out in her post on Thursday, February 6th that the U.S. Senate system has been receiving 1600 calls a minute, compared to the normal 40 calls per minute. Such good news!
I also appreciated this post by Starhawk, “13 Things Groups Can Do.”
And we haven’t even mentioned prayer or spellcraft.
All these calls to action may seem overwhelming. Pick one or two that you know you can do on a regular basis. Remember, you don’t have to do them all.
Also remember: Taking action against tyranny is good for your mental and emotional health!
On My Drawing Board …
