Wall of Justice Spell to Block ICE or Other Unjust Forces

Watching things unfold the way they have since January 21st in the United States has been both disheartening yet confirming. I had been telling people for months prior to the election what to expect with a second term, and the number of people insisting it wouldn't be this bad was alarming. It is exactly as bad as we said it would be, and every day I feel like we are flooded with more bad news. The ICE raids, in particular, have hit me the hardest as I watch my students hide in their homes, terrified to go to work, pick up groceries, or play outside. I am talking about children being terrified to even exist in brown skin. As a result, I decided to design a spell to help protect my students and their families, along with some practice mundane actions as well. No spell will completely keep you safe, but when paired with common sense and activism, it creates a potent combination. Know Your Rights has an amazing guide for If You Encounter ICE, as does Immigrant Legal Resource Center and ACLU Texas, that perfectly pairs with this spell. I also highly recommend downloading ICEBlock to your phone.

What You'll Need

• Brick or stone
  
• Black paint pen (or water-resistant permanent marker)
• Dish of water (large enough to hold brick or stone)

What to Do

This spell is best performed during the waning or full moon.

Begin by grounding, centering, and cleansing your space and materials using your preferred methods. On one side of the brick or stone, write words representing ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block, such as "ICE," "oppression," “hate,” or “fear”. On the opposite side of the brick or stone, draw an Algiz (ᛉ) rune.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Place the stone or brick in the dish of water and chant, “This wall stands strong, blocking hate, rejecting fear. ICE shall not enter here. So I will it, so shall it be.” Hold your hands over the brick or stone as you visualize this brick or stone as part of a greater wall that blocks oppressive energies from entering your community or space. Feel your energy and visualization entering the brick or stone, empowering it with your intention. Continue chanting and visualizing until your intuition tells you the brick or stone is charged.

Remove the brick or stone from the water and place Algiz rune up in one of the following locations based on your intention:

• Your or a friend's entryway (door or window)
• On your altar
• In a community space such as a public park, garden, community center, or other public space, specifically near a fence or wall, if you can
• In a wall or fence you or the community is building
• around a map of your city or town (as suggested by a commenter below)

Do not bury the brick or stone, as it needs to be recharged monthly by the waning or full moon, after major events such as protests, incidents of hate or political unrest, or emotionally intense events, or as needed.

To recharge, pour fresh water over the brick and say, "Fresh water renews this wall's strength; no hate shall pass. ICE remains blocked from this space. This wall holds justice."

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Remember, visualization is not necessarily seeing an object in your mind, but instead an incorporation of all senses to bring about the object or intention. When visualizing, it's more about creating those feelings than necessarily seeing the object or outcome in our mind.
• If placing in a public or semi-public space, try to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Do not do anything illegal in the process of placing this brick or stone.
• This spell is great to do in groups, whether with your coven or as part of a community event. Each member makes their own brick or stone, which can then be used to erect a wall to protect a designated area. Combining all of your energy and intention strengthens the spell. This is especially useful in protecting a specific family or community member.
• To customize this spell, you can add herbs such as St. John's Wort, rue, angelica, rosemary, or mugwort.
• For additional protective strength, drip protective oils such as hyssop or dragon's blood.
• Instead of plain water, consider adding Florida water for additional protection.
• This spell alone will NOT keep you or others completely safe. It must be combined with mundane actions to work, so don't make this brick or stone and think you are suddenly invisible and can do whatever you want. That isn't how magic works, no matter how much we may want it to.
  
  

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual or recipe) is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs, and helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed, so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

*Not pictures from my actual spell

First and foremost, this spell is best performed during the waning moon, which is strongly associated with banishment. Since we are trying to repel these forces or entities, the waning moon is the best time to do this. However, this spell can also be performed during the full moon or even the waxing moon. The full and waxing moons are both associated with strength and amplification and can therefore strengthen the wall you are building. In times of dire need, you can ignore the moon phase altogether and work the magic you need to.

Bricks and stones were the most commonly used materials to build walls and fences, and in many places they still are. The brick or stone symbolizes strength, foundation, and permanence, the same elements you want in a wall, fence, or fortress that resists oppressive ideologies and institutions, such as ICE and white supremacy.

Writing the oppressive force or agency onto the brick or stone in black not only externalizes the issue and gives you power over it, but also helps banish or block them, as the color black is associated with banishment and protection. The Algiz (ᛉ) rune is a symbol of protection, especially against outside forces. By writing words associated with ICE, white supremacist structures, or other unjust forces you want to block on one side, and the protection rune on the other, you effectively block the force from coming any further. This is further strengthened by placing the words associated with what you are blocking face down, placing them away from you, and making yourself hidden from them.

*Not pictures of my actual spell

Water is associated with purification, fluidity, and protection. By placing a brick or stone in the water, you energetically contain the harmful forces named and purify your life of them. The brick or stone can remain in the water for further protection or be placed somewhere it can serve as a direct protector.

Finally, the chant and visualization charge and empower the spell and connect it to a larger wall of collective resistance. Fighting against oppression and breaking down oppressive forces requires communal efforts, and linking your strength with that of others greatly reinforces the wall of protection around our most vulnerable. Even if others are not making bricks or stones like you, I know others are praying, raising energy, lighting candles, protesting, calling their representatives, writing new bills, representing immigrants in court, and taking other social justice actions. All of these examples raise energy that blankets our communities, and your brick is just another addition to the growing wall.

Want to break this spell? Simply remove the stone or brick from its location and scratch through both the words and rune while saying, "I release the energy contained within." You can also leave the spell to wane naturally over time. Without upkeep, the spell will naturally degrade and fade into nothingness. 

Remember to record this ritual in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

Things are tough right now. It's important that we continue to remain hopeful and joyful, as both are revolutionary acts. Look out for each other. Get involved when you can. Don't be afraid to use your magic to fight oppression. After all, that is what witches have always done, and I am proud to be a witch. Stay safe out there, my friends.

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Witchcraft for Well-Being: 5 Spells, Rituals, and Remedies to Reduce Stress During Political Turmoil

I don't know about you, but I am very concerned about the political and social future of the United States, and that concern has led to a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. My concerns are numerous and often all-consuming which has left me feeling drained, scatterbrained, and physically ill. Anyone involved in collective liberation knows this is exhausting work, and burnout is very real. However, we cannot build community and fill the community cauldron if our chalices are empty, making self-care an integral part of spiritual activism and collective liberation. 

I talk rather extensively about self-care as a form of collective liberation in my book The Green Witch's Guide to Self-Care: Natural Spells, Rituals, and Remedies for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit, and I obviously highly recommend giving it a read, but for those of you who cannot make the purchase for whatever reason, I am sharing 5 new spells, rituals, and remedies for self-care specifically designed to get you through these politically trying times. 

To reduce the financial stress some spells may impose, I have focused on no or very few ingredients, and those ingredients I did pick are readily available and affordable at your local grocery store. I have also offered substitutions, alternatives, and modifications to ensure everyone can participate.

Earthing Ritual to Recenter After a Protest (or other stressful event)

Earthing is a form of grounding in which a person directly connects their body to the Earth, using Earth's energy to help refocus, recharge, and recenter. According to Chevalier et al in The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial, earthing regularly can reduce pain, stress, and inflammation, and improve mental well-being. It is believed this occurs because electrons are able to move freely between you and the Earth, causing an energic shift inside you. Whether this is what is actually happening or not is still up for debate, but current scientific research does support that it is good for your overall health. There are many ways you can practice earthing, from walking barefoot to lying on the ground to playing in the dirt to swimming in a natural water system. However, in order to reap the full benefits of earthing, you need to spend at least 30 minutes in contact with the Earth.

Ingredients:

• Yourself
  

Instructions:

1. Go outside and choose how you wish to connect with the Earth. Will you be standing, lying, walking, swimming, gardening?
2. Take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale through your nose for four seconds. This is known as box breathing, which has been found to increase your awareness and reduce stress.
3. As you continue box breathing, feel the stress leave your face, then your jaw, then your shoulders, slowly releasing the tension as you move down your body. Push that stress out through your feet (or other low touching point) and into the Earth.
4. Continue this breathing technique and tension release for up to 5 minutes, or until you feel completely relaxed.
5. Visualize roots sprouting from your body and connecting you with the Earth. Feel the Earth's energy enter your body, evening your heartbeat, and uplifting your mood.
6. Once you have established a firm connection between you and the Earth, you can continue meditating, take a walk, swim, or otherwise go about your business outdoors, continuing to maintain that link between you and the Earth for at least 30 minutes.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• If you can not go outside and directly connect with the Earth, you can use a bowl of potting soil or a grounding crystal such as hematite, black tourmaline, obsidian, shungite, or smoky quartz.
• If you cannot use the box breathing technique (because of a cold, deviated septum, asthma, or other concerns) you can breathe through your mouth or modify other breathing techniques such as pursed-lip breathing or belly breathing.
  
  

Anti-Anxiety Bath Salt for the Burnt-Out Liberator

Taking a 10- to 15-minute bath once a week has been proven to decrease stress hormones, balance serotonin, and regulate your mood. Combining the soothing properties of water, with the healing properties of plants creates a potent mixture that will blast any stress or tension you may be having so you can continue to fight the good fight. This particular recipe uses grapefruit, cedar (or pine), and sage mixed with salt and oatmeal. Salt is a natural cleanser and remover of negativity. Oatmeal is less harsh and helps heal and repair dry skin. Grapefruit, like other citrus scents, helps relieve stress and anxiety and replaces it with happiness and positivity. Cedar (or pine) and sage are known to soothe the mind (again relieving stress and anxiety), as well as remove negativity and protect against outside influences that would seek to harm you. If you can't take a bath, there are other options you can employ listed in the Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives section.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Epsom salt
• 1 1/2 cups coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup ground oatmeal
• 1/4 cup dried grapefruit peel (or 6 drops grapefruit essential oil or fresh grapefruit slices added directly to the bath, not the salt mixture)
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cedar needles, finely chopped (or 6 drops Virginia cedarwood essential oil)
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped (or 2 tbsp dried sage or 6 drops sage essential oil)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or grapeseed oil
• Muslin bag

optional:

• amethyst, sodalite, clear quartz, smoky quartz, blue lace agate
• candles
• instrumental music

Instructions:

1. Combine salts, oatmeal, and dried herbs in a large bowl and stir clockwise, visualizing the mixture filling with calm, relaxing energy until well combined.
2. If using essential oils, combine the essential oil with your carrier oil and add to your salt and herb mixture. If you are not using essential oils, add the carrier oil alone to the dry mixture. Again, stir clockwise while continuing your visualization until well combined.
3. Add the mixture to a jar or sealable container. Use 1-2 cups of salt per bath.
4. Fill a bath with warm warm. Add the salt mixture to your bath and stir counterclockwise, envision your stress and tension disappearing.
5. If using crystals, candles, or music, set those up now by placing them around your tub (or in if you are using water-safe crystals) and dimming the lights.
6. Slip into the bath and feel your stress and tension wash away. Spend no more than 30 minutes bathing. If you wish, add in some breath exercises, meditation, or chanting.
7. When done, dry off with a white or light-colored towel (symbolizing a fresh start) and drink a large glass of cool water to help flush your system and rehydrate.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• While bathing is generally regarded as safe, warm or hot baths can cause blood pressure to drop and your heart rate to increase which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, you may want to try one of the alternatives below.
• If you cannot take a bath, this recipe can be used in a foot soak for the same purpose.
• Apart from the alternatives suggested in the recipe above, other herbal options include chamomile, lavender, basil, orange, lemon balm, or calendula.

Stress-Relief & Courage Sachet for Collective Liberation

I love a good sachet or spell bag. Unlike a spell jar, sachets allow the scent of the herbs used to permeate the space, enhancing their effects on the body. Chamomile and lavender are the most commonly used herbs to reduce stress and anxiety. Their scents are deeply calming and uplifting. Rose petals have also been found to reduce stress, but also to promote love, especially self-love. Cinnamon helps improve cognitive function while simultaneously reducing depression and anxiety. Cinnamon is a firey spice, meaning it will also inspire you to keep going, even when things get tough. Amethyst, blue lace agate, and sodalite are all associated with stress relief, but also aid in communication and intuition, allowing you to be clear in your mission and purpose.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chamomile blossoms
• 1 teaspoon lavender
• 1 teaspoon rose petals
• Cinnamon stick
• Amethyst, blue lace agate, or sodalite
• Sachet or spell bag, preferably a breathable bag

Instructions:

1. Holding the chamomile, lavender, rose petals, and cinnamon in your hand, gently blow on them, breathing life into them and helping them to awaken. Ask them to help reduce your stress and increase self-love so you can continue fighting for collective liberation.
2. Place them into the sachet while saying, "Chamomile for peace. Lavender for relief. Rose for love. Cinnamon for strength. Together bring me solace and the courage to speak up for the voiceless."
3. Next, hold your crystal(s) in your hand, and envision it filling with calming yet powerful energy. Blow your intention into the crystal(s) and say, "Soothe my aching heart and mind and give me the strength to speak my truth. Help me communicate clearly and effectively so I may change hearts and minds." Add the crystal(s) to your sachet.
4. Close the sachet and tie the drawstring into a single knot. The number one is associated with strength, focus, confidence, and leadership.
5. Hold the sachet in both hands and say, "By earth and air, fire and water, I bless this spell. May my stress be gone and my mind clear." Hold the sachet to your nose and breathe in its scent deeply.
6. Carry on your person and breathe in its scent whenever you feel stressed, need to clear your mind, and strengthen your communication.
7. Renew at least once a month with fresh herbs or whenever you feel the magic waning.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Chamomile can be replaced with lemon balm.
• If you do not have a sachet, you can easily turn this recipe into a spell jar.
• Chamomile and lavender are easily found in grocery stores as tea if you do not have loose herbs already on hand.
  
  

Tension-Reducing Tea for the Tired Activist

Tea is one of my favorite forms of magic. There is so much you can do with a few herbs and warm water. Drinking tea, no matter its contents has been proven to relax the body, reduce stress and tension, and awaken the mind. It's a great way for any political fighter to wind down and relax after a stressful day. This recipe combines green tea, lavender, and lemon balm, which are all known for their stress-relief properties. Green tea is also slightly caffeinated, which helps improve cognitive function without causing the jitters. This recipe makes a couple of servings, which can be drunk warm or cold. It also reheats nicely.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon loose green tea (or 1 green tea bag)
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender blossoms (or 1 lavender tea bag)
• 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm (or 1 lemon balm tea bag)
• 3-4 cups warm water (175-180° F)
• 1-2 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice

Instructions:

1. Combine green tea, lavender, and lemon balm with 3-4 cups of warm water. Allow the mixture to infuse for 5 minutes. Strain or remove the tea bags. If the tea is too cold, rewarm the infusion in a small saucer.
2. Add your honey or sweetener and stir counterclockwise while saying, "Banish my tension and stress. It shall be gone and replaced with peace."
3. Enjoy while visualizing your stress and tension leaving your body and peace flowing through you. Feel free to couple this with meditation or breathing exercises.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Green tea contains about 30mg of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you can remove it completely. White tea contains slightly less caffeine and can be used as a replacement.
• Those with chronic anxiety may experience increased anxiety with caffeine use.
• Other herbs you can use include chamomile, mint, passionflower, valerian, holy basil, or ashwagandha.
  
  

Moonlight Release Ritual to Empower Freedom Fighters

Sometimes even the most staunch of freedom fighters suffer from doubt, burnout, anxiety, and stress. This release ritual will help you rid yourself of all the negativity, leaving you feeling ready and empowered. This ritual can be performed during the full or dark moon, both of which are great for releasing and empowering and is best performed outside.

Ingredients:

• Pen/Pencil
• Paper
• Black candle
• Lighter/Matches
• Fire-safe Dish

Instructions:

1. Begin this ritual by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method and grounding and centering. If you wish, cast a circle and call on any deities related to collective liberation, social justice, or courage/strength such as Artemis, Saturn, Libertas, Forseti, or Lugh. 
2. Light the candle and by candlelight write down any concerns, fears, stresses, or frustrations you may be feeling right now. Allow the words to flow freely. Write down everything you can possibly think of, even if it's a stream of consciousness. Don't worry about writing in complete sentences, spelling, grammar, or anything else. Your focus should be pouring all of your pent-up feelings onto paper.  If you feel like saying the words aloud as you write, do so. You may even feel like crying, screaming, stomping, or shaking. Allow yourself to release it all.
3. Once you have finished releasing everything onto paper, burn it in the flame of the candle. See your stress, fear, frustrations, doubts, and concerns burning away and turning to smoke and say, "I release my stress, my fear, my doubts, and my frustrations. I release the tension I feel in my soul. I release all of this negativity from my life. I am free from it all and ready to proceed into the unknown boldly and confidently."
4. If you wish, spend time meditating, grounding, or doing a tarot/oracle/rune reading to help guide your next steps.
5. Close this ritual by blowing out the candle, blowing the remainder of your stress, fears, and doubts away from you.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Be mindful when working with fire. He is sometimes fickle and can easily get away from you if you aren't paying attention. Use a fire-safe dish and always have water, a fire extinguisher, or sand nearby in case of emergency.
• If you cannot perform this ritual outside, working near a window will work just as well.
• You can substitute the black candle for a white one if needed.
• If you cannot use fire, you can drown your fears, doubts, and stress in water and flush them down the toilet.
  
  

***

However you choose to engage in political activism, these spells, rituals, and remedies are for you. Use them to your advantage and remember, our opponents are not relenting, and we mustn't either. It's okay to take care of yourself while fighting for others. Self-care is the most important part of activism. We are stronger when we are healthy and well-rested. You are important too.

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A Complete Guide to Animism

One of the defining features of witchcraft, as well as many spiritual and occult practices, is the idea of animism. Animism, which is derived from the Latin "anima" meaning soul or life, is the belief that all things are imbued with spirit. This means that not only do humans, plants, animals, and other living things have a spirit, but so do nonliving things such as rocks, mountains, rivers, the wind, hurricanes, and even man-made creations like magical tools, houses, and cars. Animism has been preserved, unbroken, through many Indigenous groups, such as Native Americans and Aboriginals, but has also recently been reclaimed by groups seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

A Brief History

The concept of "animism" was first developed in 1871 by E. B. Tylor in his work Primitive Culture, which debated the relationship between "primitive" versus "civilized" societies. As one might expect, Tylor's work is extremely problematic and contains all the racist rhetoric and apt disregard for non-Christian religions so common in white-centered academia. Unfortunately, Tylor's work laid the foundation for viewing Indigenous cultures as something to be dissected and presented by white "authorities" with complete disregard for them as a living entity and existing people. While Tylor's work and perspectives are still perpetuated within the academic community, we as witches and pagans can choose to be better.

While the term "animism" is relatively new, its ideas are not. Cave paintings in Lascaux, France show animals with human-like qualities, while burial practices indicate a belief in an afterlife or spirit world. Carved figurines, hand prints, and other finds further suggest animistic views among our ancient ancestors, which carried over into multiple religions including those found in Greece & Rome, Celtic druidry, Shintoism, and so many more. 

As mentioned, these practices have been preserved in many Indigenous cultures and have recently been revived by modern witches and pagans and other nature-based spiritual practices. It's important to note, however, that the animism found in paganism and witchcraft should not and is not based on Indigenous practices, although they may share some similarities.

Animism vs Totemism

Totemism, unlike animism, centers around the worship of a particular object, symbol, or animal that is believed to possess supernatural powers or be the embodiment of a group's ancestors. In 1869, John Ferguson McLennan argued that animism was evident in fetishism which he believed gave rise to totemism. This was in an attempt to discredit the existence of animism outside of totemism. Still, modern animists and anthropologists have argued that animism is distinct from totemism, and I am inclined to feel the same.

While animism and totemism share some characteristics, such as the belief that non-human entities have a spirit, the incorporation of ancestor worship, and a reverence for nature, they have many more differences. Animism is inherently broader than totemism, with the belief that all things have a spirit versus a single entity. Because of this, the rituals associated with animism tend to be broader as well, including a wide array of living and nonliving entities. Totemism, however, is more community-focused than animism. Members within a group are all represented by the same totem, coming together to honor, worship, or otherwise involve the totem in their culture, as seen in the Haida and Tlingit tribes in North America that carve totem poles. On the other hand, animism varies wildly between groups and individuals and therefore lacks the community aspect of totemism in most cases.

Animism in Norse Paganism

Norse paganism or Heathenry is animistic in nature and while there are differences in personal gnosis, some things are generally agreed upon. First, is the inclusion of ancestor veneration. This hinges on the belief of there being a spirit realm that is capable of interacting with the living on our plane of existence. Second, is the incorporation of nature spirits such as landvætter or land spirits (genii locorum), Jötunn, trolls, hausvætter or house spirits, and other wights or spirits associated with places, objects, or creatures.

Animism in Practice & Spiritual Activism

When viewed this way, there is no separation between the sacred and the profane. This means that living and nonliving things are not just "things" to be exploited or controlled, but instead, allies that we can build relationships and collaborate with. As such, "using" something in a spell or ritual becomes "working with" and consent of the object must be sought after before incorporating it into your practice.

For example, my most recently posted spell on enchanting jewelry required the assistance of many spirits including my engagement ring, salt, candle, fire, rose, lavender, cinnamon, rose quartz, and moonstone. Each of these spirits was awoken before conducting the spell and their assistance was asked for. If, for whatever reason, a spirit refuses to aid me, I don't use it. I don't have its consent and going against its wishes places me in the wrong, which can adversely affect the spell I am performing. Some refer to this as being in "right relationship," which recognizes the sovereignty of all spirits. As such, respecting their boundaries and thanking them for their assistance puts you in "right relationship."

Animism ties directly into spiritual activism, especially in the form of ecological stewardship. An animistic perspective calls for us to engage in environmental activism while rejecting colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism. According to colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism, the Earth and all its contents are ours to do what we will with, with complete disregard for the impact this may have on the environment and the organisms that live here. This has led to the destruction of our Earth, depletion of natural resources, genocide, and climate change. Recognizing that all things resonate with spirit flies directly in the face of this view, prompting us to preserve, protect, and steward the Earth and environment, giving it the respect and dignity it deserves.

Animism also flies in the face of white supremacy culture, which prizes quantity over quality, power hoarding, and individualism. By interacting and respecting all things, the quality of your spiritual relationships becomes more important than the number of relationships you have, and "owning" or possessing more becomes less of a priority as we work to preserve and protect the environment. Furthermore, animism flies in the face of individualism, encouraging practitioners to develop relationships with others to bring about change. Spells and rituals are no longer simply about you and your power but all of the spirits coming together for one goal. We do not and cannot exist within a vacuum, and neither should your magic.

With all of that said, animism is a crucial feature of modern witchcraft, paganism, and other nature-based spiritual practices, and having a firm grasp of the concept can revolutionize your magic, broaden your understanding, and foster empathy. 

How do you incorporate animism into your practice?

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Operation Olive Branch & Pass the Hat

Back in February, I shared a spreadsheet from Operation Olive Branch that contains several Palestinian families seeking to escape the atrocities they are currently facing in Gaza. These are vetted fundraisers, mostly through GoFundMe, to ensure that the money is going to where it's actually needed, and not to scammers. After some of the things that happened when Ukraine was first invaded, I can see why many are concerned about donating to such campaigns. Through the hard work of those are Operation Olive Branch, you needn't worry that your money will go to fund scammers.

Now that "Pass the Hat" is growing tremendously on TikTok thanks to Erin Hattamer, I thought it best to share the spreadsheet again, as well as where you can find more information. You can find Operation Olive Branch on Instagram and TikTok where they share updated information, highlight families in need, and offer other ways you can make a difference. You can also find links to GoFundMes, action steps, and organizations to support in their comprehensive Google spreadsheet.

Whatever your political views may be, I think we can all agree that innocent people, including thousands of children, do not deserve to die a painful, terrifying death. I implore you to take a moment and donate to a family in need. Help these families get to safety. I understand that money is tight for everyone, but $5, even $1, goes a long way when thousands of people donate. I used to work in a call center raising money for an organization; no donation is ever too small. In fact, it's hundreds of small, reoccurring donations that often kept us afloat, not a large, one-time donation.

FIND A FAMILY TO DONATE TO HERE

We are not free until we are all free.

Spiritual Activism: Uniting Spirituality and Activism for Transformative Change

Spiritual activism is a form of activism that is rooted in spiritual philosophies and practices to dismantle oppressive systems. It combines spiritual knowledge and passion with radical real-world action. According to AnaLouise Keating, "spiritual activism is spirituality for social change, spirituality that posits a relational worldview and uses this holistic worldview to transform one's self and one's worlds." On a large scale, spiritual activism works to preserve and heal our planet and the life that resides here, while on a smaller scale, providing an opportunity for us to grow and mature spiritually. 

Spiritual activism is not part of the "Love and Light" movement. In fact, it works in opposition to "Love and Light" which promotes spiritual bypassing. According to John Welwood, spiritual bypassing is the act of using "spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional 'unfinished business,' to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks." In short, spiritual bypassing is a type of spiritual gaslighting where the individual ignores the "shadow" aspect of humanity in favor of the "lighter" aspects of life and spirituality. Ignoring these problems in an attempt to remain "positive" does two things: it dismisses the experiences of marginalized groups while simultaneously absolving white people of their personal responsibility to combat injustice. I have talked about spiritual bypassing before in The Darkness Within: Is the Love and Light Movement Hurting Us?, and how such beliefs and actions are detrimental to our mental health and well-being. It's important to note, however, that spiritual bypassing upholds also white supremacy, which is in direct opposition to true spiritual activism. (You can read more about spiritual bypassing and how it promotes racism in Unpacking Spiritual Bypassing: Why 'Love and Light' Without Action Can't Dismantle Racism and Spiritual Bypassing: The Work of Anti-Racism in Spiritual Communities.)

Traditional activism is often driven solely by anger and the idea that you have to "beat" your opponent. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being fueled by anger; it's completely justified in the face of oppression. When anger is your only motivator, however, it can lead to burnout and ultimately remove you from the fight, which helps no one. Furthermore, the true goal of activism is to secure lasting change, which often means changing the minds and actions of our opponents, not beating them into submission. In the end, traditional activism is not always sustainable for most activists, but adding a spiritual component can help reduce the chances you burnout.

Spirituality is a search for meaning in an otherwise meaningless world. It can root your activism in purpose, one that focuses on not only changing oppressive systems but also self-care. As I say in my book The Green Witch's Guide to Self Care you cannot fill the cauldron (help the community) if you do not first fill your own cup (engage in self-care). Your spirituality and practice act as the soil in which you can plant your intentions and cultivate them daily in a sustainable and meaningful way. But what does this look like in action?

Action Based on Compassion for Justice

First and foremost, there must be a spiritual motivation in pursuit of justice, and this motivation should be rooted in altruism and the desire to build community while removing oppressive systems. Some spiritual activists argue that our motivation should not be to destroy but to build, but I see the value in destruction. From destruction comes new life; just as a fire destroys a forest, it adds vital nutrients to the soil that allows life to prosper in its wake. I believe the same is true here. To build a better world, we must first destroy the systems of oppression in place that prevent our collective liberation. However, by shifting our mindset away from anger, fear, and despair toward compassion and love, we can be driven by a greater purpose and reduce our chances of burning out. Anger, fear, and despair are the killers of motivation when we rely on them as our only driving force for too long.

Recognition of Interconnectedness and Intersectionality

All living things are interconnected with each other and the nonliving things that surround us. When one group faces oppression, we all do, even if we cannot immediately see it. Our disconnect from each other and the world around us leads many to distance themselves from taking accountability for the suffering they cause, such as purchasing from companies that exploit their workers or the environment. When you dig deeper and seek these connections, you discover what is good for the oppressed is good for us all. As I always say, we are not free until we are all free. Furthermore, we must recognize that activism is inherently intersectional. To care for one oppressive group while neglecting or even demonizing another is to engage in oppression. I understand it can feel daunting to help in all areas. I am certainly not asking you to take up every cause. However, you should be aware of how your actions intersect with other causes and make the conscious decision to avoid helping one marginalized group at the expense of another. Recognizing interconnectedness and intersectionality also includes approaching our 'enemies' with compassion and moving away from the "us vs them" mentality toward the collective "we." When we move from separation to cooperation, we are much more likely to succeed at dismantling oppressive systems. This does not mean you back down on issues because it makes someone uncomfortable. Far from it. Always be hard on the issues, even when they make others uncomfortable, but soft on the people. 

Accountability with Action

There are going to be times when you mess up. I have certainly made mistakes over the years and continue to make mistakes today. Institutional and systemic racism, msyigony, abelism, and homophobia are insidious and sometimes present themselves unconsciously. A large part of spiritual activism, or just activism in general, is learning and acting on new information. You must take accountability for your actions, whether you meant to harm or not. I know we talk a lot about intention in witchcraft, but when it comes to activism, your intention matters far less than the impact your actions have. However, accountability without action is meaningless. Societal-level transformations are dependent on the accumulation of changes happening on an individual level. Engage in regular shadow work and make the inner changes required to better the world.

Willingness to Learn

One of the most important aspects of activism work is an openness and willingness to learn. It is a privilege to be able to look away from oppression, a privilege that has no place in spiritual activism. Shielding yourself from suffering prevents transformation. Not only must you be willing to keep your eyes on real-world events, you must be open to learning how your actions harm others without your ego getting in the way. Listen to Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color (BIPOC). If their words provoke you, stop and reflect on why. Again, engage in the shadow work necessary for growth and change privately. The comment section is not your journal and marginalized groups do not owe you their time and energy. When you do learn something, pay the teacher for their work!

Commitment to Spirituality and Self-Care

Finally, spiritual activism demands commitment to your spiritual journey, which includes radical self-love and self-care. You should engage in your spiritual practice on a regular basis, taking time to pray, meditate, or otherwise connect to Spirit, such as journaling, gardening, mindfulness walks, and forest bathing. Heck, hug a damn tree! Engagement in spiritual practices helps us to recharge and refocus our engeries while combating exhaustion and burnout. Remember, we are trying to build a sustainable practice, one that can catapult society into a better, more inclusive future. We need you.

In the end, spiritual activism is about creating sustainability rooted in justice and compassion. You may notice there is a new page featured on my navigation bar titled "Spiritual Activism." On that page, you will (eventually) find links to articles, books, and other resources, as well as actionable steps you can use in your own spiritual activism. It is time we stop being bystanders.

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