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Death, Life & Politics
Death, Life & Politics
by Walter Zeichner
Birth,
Life, Death, Rebirth. These are the cycles of nature, the cycles we see
in our own lives. There is something native to my soul when I watch the
seasons change, and at this time of year watching all the death, it often
brings a bittersweet feeling.
Hallowe'en, or Samhain (SOW-en) is that
time of year when, according to ancient beliefs, the veils between the
worlds are thinnest. The veil between the land of the living and the land
of the dead is thinned and we honor those that have passed in the previous
year, and beloved dead from years past. We honor the ancestors and what
they've passed on to us in our cells, in their stories: their wisdom and
folly too.
This year, as autumn takes over, warning
of the coming winter, we are also witness to the great performance that
American politics, especially presidential, has become. For your entertainment
this year we have the military deserter taking aim at the service of the
decorated war hero. LIES = TRUTH as Orwell might say. Something has died
in American politics. We watched its lingering demise for decades but,
in the decision of the Supreme Court in Gore vs. Bush, the death knell
sounded. American democracy is officially up for grabs to the highest
bidder, no need to even pretend otherwise anymore.
That
being said, I can't give up hope. I will vote. And, while participating
in the political game, I will also continue to do what I can to leave
as small a mark as I can on the planet. I continue to distance myself
from consumer culture. The less we revere the dollar, the less relevant
the corrupt political system will become. By working and converting life
energy into money, we make it possible to "spend" our energy
in the ways we choose. If we send less and less of it to the corrupt politicians
in the form of taxes, in the form of supporting the corporations that
"own" the politicians, we reclaim our power! Buying less stuff
= reclaiming power!
My hope is that more and more people
will continue to honor the earth in their daily lives, in community rituals,
in remembering to see the sacred earth all around.
Samhain is "Pagan New Year's."
It's the end of one cycle of fertility, the seeds gone to rest for winter,
gestating the beginning of the next fertile season. Let this year end
by releasing that which we no longer need. Let the New Year begin by the
people reclaiming their power.
Postscript: Since this was written some things have occurred in my life
that affirm my belief that the sacredness of life takes precedence over
everything. Life trumps wealth, stuff, power, etc., all things which people
in our society strive for. It is my deep disappointment in our species,
in our willingness to kill for stuff, that causes my greatest grief. It
is the wonder of our spirits, the kindness and generosity we are capable
of, and our creativity, which inspire and nourish me.
Walter Zeichner is a psychotherapist, bodyworker, farmer, witch, and
political activist of conscience who lives in Bolton.