Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Real Magic

“Let the beauty you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth" —Rumi

Do you believe in magic? I do.

Yesterday I was with a group of friends celebrating Lughnasadh. We did ceremony, ate food from the harvest, and made corn dollies. And we talked. That was the best part for me, gazing at the faces of these beautiful people, listening to them, talking with them.

One of them mentioned that she wished there was magic like in the Harry Potter books. I've heard this before. It seems natural to us in the Western world—maybe everywhere now—that things should happen quickly; after all, we're never sure how much time we have. We don't trust the natural progression of things. I don't believe there is any such thing as Harry Potter magic, except perhaps in shamanic journeys. But I do believe in magic.

Consider, for instance, a seed. Have you ever planted a seed? Wow. Is there anything more amazing? Put this tiny seed into the Earth. Wombtime, babies. Add a bit of Water. Laugh or cry; we swim in your tears. Add enough light. Air. It's all elemental, Sherlocks. And something happens to this tiny seed. Of course it can all be explained. Ask your friendly botanist. The explanations don't make it any less extraordinary, any less magical. The shell of the seed cracks open. The seed sends out roots into Mother Earth and then reaches up to the Sky.

Oh man, oh man, oh man, woman, child! Ain't it something?

Magic is bursting out all around us. I see people creating magic in their lives every day. See the woman who lives in the converted garage up behind us with her two children. She left an abusive relationship, has a job now, and is creating a good life for her and her babies. And my friends Patricia and Cate who create peace and beauty in their lives even when they could have instead railed against circumstances in their lives. I think of my father who carries his grief with dignity and humor, who faces the prospect of more surgery with resolve. I think of my beloved Linda every day, and still feel the magic she created in my life.

The word magic has at its root magh(1) which means to be able, to have power. I believe we can all be magicians. We are all magicians. We have the ability to step into our own power, our own abilities, and do what needs to be done. Our world needs us now. We can't get lost in semantics or hurt feelings or powerlessness. Put on your magic robes, darlin's. Open your arms. It's all elemental. We're all seeds just waiting to sprout.

Now that's real magic.

2 comments:

kerrdelune said...

Sister Kim, your Lugnasadh celebration sounds wonderful - I wish I had been there. Much love and BB, Cate

Anonymous said...

This was lovely!! I enjoy your writing very much!!!

 
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