The Furious Spinner

So many deaths this year. Why does it seem more than usual? Two of my closest friends died, David and Linda. Another longtime friend, Sheila, also died. Two of these deaths were sudden. All came to people who were too young to die. But when is anyone "old" enough to die? Many of the diseases which are killing people are not natural—at least not to my way of thinking. Something is amiss.

I often hear people say that's what's wrong with this planet is us. I've probably said it myself. We are unnatural, so the planet is trying to get rid of us: thus all the diseases. She's trying to throw us off, get rid of us like we try to get rid of viruses or harmful bacteria. I've thought about this, and I don't think it's true. We are part of nature. We are natural. Human beings can go wrong; we've done enormous harm to the biosphere and to ourselves. But I don't believe the planet is trying to get rid of us: it just feels that way. What the Earth is trying to do is get herself back in balance, or back in health. Her waters are too hot, so she tries to cool off with hurricanes. Etcetera.

If we want to survive this return to health, we've got to be a part of it. We've got to grab those surfboards and ride the waves, baby! What can each of us do to heal the planet, to take care of our families and our communities? First, we can embody that lovely adage: be the change you want to see in the world. Be the change you want to hear, taste, smell, feel, love in the world.

You can do it!

We can do it!

(Yes, I've become a cheerleader.)

Tonight, thirteen of us are going out into the cold dark, under a half moon, to ask the Ancestors for help. Our community has been devastated this year by loss. It seems extreme. It's been extreme for the Iraqi people. It's been extreme for the 3,000 American soldiers killed and for the more than 20,000 wounded. We will sing and dance and shiver and ask for what we want. And we will understand that we are cocreators of our lives and this world. We don't have control over everything; we don't have control over much. But we will do what we can.

And we will laugh and dance and love and create beauty while we do it.

It's the Old Mermaid way.

Much, much love!

P.S. In Church of the Old Mermaids, Myla and Lily have their own rituals. Myla gives 5-year-old Lily a big kiss on her cheek every time she sees her. Lily wipes the kiss away, and Myla says, "Hah! You don't want my kiss? Well, if you decide you want it back, you can just put your hand up to your cheek." Of course, Lily immediately puts both hands on her cheeks and grins. So I send Myla's kisses out to you all. Do with them what you will. 1 comments

1 Comments:

That sounds very interesting. Times are strange. My head hurts.

later

By Lavender Dawn, at 7:22 PM  

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All photographs and written material copyright © 2003-2007 by Kim Antieau unless otherwise indicated. May not be used without permission.