I don’t believe I need to list for you the ways in which this is a time to try a witch’s soul. Even filtering what I read and know, I find I expend energy, daily, in pulling myself up out of the dark box of current events. The magical work I do, the spells I weave, the prayers I say or sing are all out of my belief that I can shift racism to respect, poison to nurturance. They express my belief that I can offset those who, as Jackson Browne says, have learned to forge the earth’s beauty into power. I have my list of what I work to change, and my guess is you have a challenging and worthwhile list of your own.
Maybe, like me, you find it hard some days to keep the faith. Headlines, Facebook, the abuses of power, the ignorance of the fearful can all get me down. Then I remember the story of Demeter and Baubo.
In the ancient myth, Demeter is crushed by her sorrow at the loss of her daughter, who was (in some versions) abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. Demeter is so distraught that she withdraws her support for life. The earth, and all that lives on the earth, begins to die. Baubo, an old woman and a servant, comes to Demeter, and in bawdy, foolish ways, makes Demeter laugh. Through that laughter, Demeter finds herself and her role as nurturer again, and the earth comes back to life.
Some years ago, I read an analysis of the story (I wish I could remember the author…) that suggested Baubo was saying to Demeter: the women cannot despair. When the patriarchy overwhelms us, we have to keep the faith, because if we don’t – humanity will die. We cannot give in to despair. We are the nurturers of life, and we have to find a way to recommit to that, no matter what.
I knew, as soon as I read that, that it was true. That I (we) cannot give up. Sustainable spirit. And keeping the faith.
For me, this myth has expanded to include all those in my communities, all of whom are nurturers of life, and beset by the patriarchy. I am grateful for those in my communities who stay engaged in the fight, and with a sense of humor too. Their insight and their big hearts inspire me to stay engaged, and to be open to laughter – they are a big part of how I sustain my spirit.
Blessings to us, Baubos all.
