Everything aspires to the Good, and yet, as long as the expanse of our hearts is disturbed and troubled by the mundane, the less our chance of finding therein our Godhead.
Our minds should be prepared through study and ritual before we face the world every day. The moment we step out of the idyllic situation of our devoted hearts, we step out into an existential dilemma. Keeping safe in the crucible of Society is no simple feat. In it we are steeped in a mixture of good and bad, right and wrong with little to inform us according to whom and for whom the bell tolls.
Our minds and hearts are influenced favourably or contrarily by suffering, addiction, disappointment, entertainment, pain, misery, heartache, joy, concern as well as all sorts of adverse conditions and effects.
Automatically our “away-from” nature seeks every means possible to avoid the disease, discomfort, unhappiness, and dives head first into the sensual illusion cunningly procured by those who exploit mankind’s propensities towards weakness.
A warrior does not attempt to face its adversary on the battlefield unarmed, unprepared or unprotected. An adept trains his mind to face every adversity and to evolve the necessary mental and spiritual maturity to face every situation with success, without sacrificing itself on the altar of mindless living and resorting to the comforting of itself with that which pleases it and enables it to forget its woes.
As Pagans we should train our minds, develop character through the study of philosophy as well as its application. In turn this, community service and contemplative hearts, the honing of our Wills, the strengthening and fortification of our determination, will lend us astuteness , spirit (gees), drive, discipline, morality and ethics; all principles on which our Spirituality is founded.
We must be consistent therewith and not become living contradictions of our own ways of strength, erudition, compassion, honour, service, perseverance, fidelity, troth, integrity, truth, virtue, beauty and respect for the All.
Let us encourage the Teachers of all our Traditions to instill in our youth that the only antidote for worldly misery is purity of heart and spiritual inspiration. From this courage, patience, devotion, tolerance as well as the energy to persevere as warriors will evolve. Warriors of unbreakable spirit, future men and women of our ways who will deserve respect and admiration.