Not Doing Enough

I want to start by saying I have a terrible memory and am absolutely hopeless at getting organised enough for Sabbats and the like. There it is, I’ve said it!  But I do not believe for a second that I am the only one – how many of you either forget altogether, or do something at the very last minute because you saw a reminder on Facebook? Be honest now, because in all honestly, I do not believe it really matters.

If we go way back in time it is clear that life was nothing like it is now, we have it so very easy in comparison. There were no clocks as such, no watches, no internet, no social media – other than perhaps having a gossip with your neighbours.  Life was hard and short, and I believe the Sabbats actually gave people cause for celebration as much as they did spiritual reflection, maybe even more so? They would have provided an opportunity for people to let their hair down and enjoy some time laughing with their neighbours. I’m not sure how much spiritual weight they placed on these way points in the calendar – they certainly helped them navigate the year, and I’m sure there was spiritual significance, but I suspect there was more emphasis on joyful celebration, a bit like our Christmas I suppose. Do you really believe that the ordinary folk had time to worry about their crystals, or which herbs they’d picked, or if they’d set their altar up? Certainly, the local Hedge Witch come Wise Woman would have placed much spiritual significance on the wheel of the year, but that was kind of her job wasn’t it – she was the one who offered cures, became the village midwife, told fortunes, offered spells, all in return for something in way of a payment. So, whilst I do understand the spiritual significance of the turning of the wheel of the year, with its Sabbats and Solstices, I also understand that getting tied up in spiritual red tape does not make you a better spiritual person.

We live in a time of luxury in all but time somehow – everyone has such busy lives and so much on their minds. It is difficult for most to create enough energetic space to fully embrace the old traditions in this modern setting. Before we worry about not doing enough, remember that we are human first and that our spiritual beliefs must fit around our lives, not the other way about. I will apologise no more for forgetting to set up my altar for Samhain or the Winter Solstice, both of which are rapidly approaching, for not finding the appropriate crystals for these way points – I honestly just grab what feels right from the little tray I keep my tumbled stones on. I’ll let you in on a little secret – last Samhain I dug out a candle and an oracle card on my way to bed and stopped for just a couple of minutes to think about my loved ones on the other side, both two and four legged. I don’t do big elaborate anything, that’s just not me, and honestly the simplest things are often the best, most effective things; and that Samhain eve I felt just as close to my loved ones as I did on the occasions I made more of an effort.

This attitude ripples out into the rest of my spiritual life – my altar is only half set-up right now, I haven’t done any spell work in months, and I can’t remember the last time I cleansed my crystals …. I have quite enough on my plate without tying myself up in knots over my spiritual practices. Let’s keep some perspective here – all these tools are merely outer reflections of our inner spiritual beliefs; we do not need any of them. A simple thought of a loved one in spirit and a thank you for all the times they made you smile, is enough of a practice at Samhain for example.

Please, if you find yourself saying “yes, I forget that too”, then laugh and give yourself a break, because I will never judge you x