Spirituality
Labels have little meaning when faced with our commonality: the pursuit of knowledge of a better understanding of our relationship with Mother Earth, the Universe, and the force, which binds us all together.
Many of us are now calling ourselves Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, Shamans, Magicians or just Seekers, Seekers of knowledge, Seekers of truth, Seekers of love. New Age religions, which I wish to point out are not new at all, have been a part of human life since before the dawn of time. However, it is our spirituality, which varies markedly from individual to individual. Each of us usually defines our own relationship with the life force of the universe in an intense and unique way.
As a child, what I felt I could not express in words as I can now as an adult.
I for one feel a deep reverence and respect and love for the Earth and all life in all its forms. Mother Earth, the Goddess I see and understand as a manifestation of the divine in the universe. And with this understanding I also consider Earth to be a living conscious being. I have at least one foot on the path to an Earth-based spirituality. This I feel the strongest, of all my many beliefs, and I do have many. And I am not proclaiming myself to be of any one particular religion or path. If I had to give myself a label, I would find it hard to chose. I have been told that what I seek is very close to Native American beliefs and also Pagans.
I feel that anyone, who is moved by dark silhouetted trees on the horizon by the orange sun on an autumn evening or is awed by the roar of powerful waves carving designs on a peaceful beach, believes and understands. Anyone who is breathless while watching a butterfly flitter amongst the blooms in a summer's breeze or is grateful for the smell of the damp earth after the rain, will understand those who believe. All aspects of life are sacred, even things, which traditionally would not be considered "alive": such as rocks, clouds, the ocean, the moon, the sun and the stars. � Every rock, every tree, every creature, has a life, has a spirit has a name.�
As the Earth quietly revolves along her orbiting path around the sun through space, we too follow our own paths. And along that journey, the Seasons of the Earth - spring, summer, autumn, winter- are hard-wired into our bodies, so as She turns and changes we too respond in a similar fashion. Spring fever? Winter blahs? Sun worshipers in the summer?
Unfortunately that is clouded because we live in a society that has lost touch with the world, the Earth. Cement and pavement surround us, and we are fast losing our natural lands and resources, and we are polluting the very air we breathe and the water we drink. We lead our daily lives following the clock, rushing to meet deadlines, striving to survive paycheck to paycheck, bowing to the almighty dollar. What�s more important, trees or jobs? I chose trees. After all, how would you reap the benefits of a high paying job if you had no air to breathe?
We have lost touch with the turning of the seasons and their importance, and the fine web of life in which all life on this planet are connected- human, animal and plant. The be spiritual, and whatever label you chose, is to celebrate the changing of the seasons, following the moon�s cycles and getting back in touch with that web of life, reconnecting with humans, animals and plants. We all have our jobs to do and our roles to play in society. I am not suggesting that to quit your job and run off into the wilderness. But to take the time to enjoy and respect nature and what this world has to offer. What you take give back. And honor the Goddess within you and without. Grow a garden, walk through woodlands, go hunting with a camera, and be at peace with yourself and this Earth. Be at harmony with nature. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. With this realization New Age religions are religions of ecology- to allow nature to thrive, not just to survive.
I chose to walk my own path gathering knowledge from many sources along the way.
I am one of life�s wanderers and wanderer�s. I am a Seeker.
You create your own reality.
Your thoughts and emotions are magnetic.
Like attracts like.
This is an abundant Universe.
You can't get what you want until you know what you want.
Everything is just the way you think it is.
Apryl Copyright �2003 April L Livermore