Showing posts with label justice. Show all posts

Right Speech

 What is Right Speech?



Right speech is part of the eightfold path that are the guidelines for Buddhism.  Many other groups, self help gurus and religious organizations use a similar mantra for their groups.  

In the CoH and in the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo we follow the Five Virtues:

■ Compassion – Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position.
■ Courage – Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. 
■ Temperance – Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance.
■ Justice – Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people.
■ Wisdom – To have the common sense, foresight and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation.


For me, I align myself with these virtues. All of which can be found in the eightfold path.  The eightfold path is a guideline for ending suffering. We know this as it is part of the Four Noble Truths.  The Four Noble Truths guide to the the Eightfold Path and this is our path to enlightenment.

 








These are guidelines to help us use the right path to move towards the place where we can exist with our suffering but not allow it to take over our lives.

We can also see this same message in the Four Agreements - "Be Impeccable with words." falls directly in line with this mindset. 

Take some time today and sit with your speech. Review what you say.  
Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind? Is it necessary? 

So many times in social media before I began to practice this I felt the urge to battle on the internet. I'm sure if you search this blog you'll find dozens of "rants" where I'm yelling into the void my opinion and my words that are cutting, hateful and unhelpful. Each day I work to stop that behavior. I work to challenge myself with impeccable words, true words, helpful words and kind words. As part of my journey living with Hecate Brimo and following the path of the Buddha I still struggle from time to time and fall back into a negative space.  I don't dwell in that negativity when I stray off the path. I realign and start my journey again.

What does your path guide you? Do you have a similar teaching to the eightfold path? Do you have the four agreements? What do you do to right the ship when you stumble?
Take some time and ponder these questions. Now take the right action.


Blessings
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Keybearer to the Covenant of Hekate - Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo

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Full content of the five virtues from the COH Website:

Compassion
– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.


Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.

Courage
– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may chose to stand firm against those who would chose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.

Real Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.

Temperance
– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may chose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.

Real Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.

Justice
– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.

Real Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgement on another based upon your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.

Wisdom
– To have the common sense, foresight and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.

Real Life Example – Try volunteering to share on a topic that you are knowledgeable on with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.

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Judge, Jury and Executioner

EDITED TO INCLUDE A LINK - Radio Show - Hex Education


What is an apology?

Google defines and apology as:
Apology
noun
noun: apology; plural noun: apologies
  1. 1.
    a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure.
    • a formal, public statement of regret, such as one issued by a newspaper, government, or other organization.
    • used to express formally one's regret at being unable to attend a meeting or social function.


When someone does something to another person that may be some sort of offense, the offender is expected to make amends for those words or behaviors.  Over the past week or I've watched as the online community to which I belong has rallied behind the cries of an individual who offered an edited conversation as fuel to a fire set to burn a warlock at the stake.

The full text of the discussion completely ignored after disclosure.  I felt as though I was watching a 1930's Frankenstein Film.  Ok, so yeah that's a little dramatic.  The monster in this real life film fiasco was not the completely innocent unknowing oaf who was mistakenly viewed as a criminal based on his appearance.  This monster actually commented the offense in question.

I saw a soulful apology presented and an effort to move forward only met with more ridicule and hatred.

I saw someone actually post -  "Do you think you can apologize and get away with it?"
Another read - "Apologies do not matter, this is unacceptable and he should be put out of business."

Really?  Is this justice?  Who are we to judge?

I get the offensive nature of what was said.  I've seen both the edited and the unedited versions of the screen captures being passed around.  I've also listened to the radio show.  Some people love the humor of Eddie Murphy.  Some prefer Joan Rivers.  Some believe that people should be stoned for mocking God in a comedy sketch.  Offensiveness is subjective.

While I agree the unedited comments were extremely uncalled for, I also understand the beauty of forgiveness.  I'm not suggesting that we approve of the comment, I am saying that we approve of the apology.

Recently it was brought to my attention that the offender felt so deeply troubled by the pain his comment could have caused that he made a sizable donation to RAINN.  I immediately wanted to run to the accusers and say, "Is this enough?"   But then I realized.  It really isn't about the crime in question, it is more about the hunt.  There is nothing that the monster can do that would make the villagers forgive and accept him.   This is after all, come they are in control of.  Not him.  Because you see, his apology his attempt to make amends does nothing to change their hearts.  He cannot change them.  They have to change.

I beg of my fellow feminists, please allow people to apologize.  Allow those who have offended you to say they are sorry.  Holding on to that anger isn't going to remove evil from the world.  It is only going to ingrain that negativity and evil deeper into our core.  Not every man on the planet is out to get you.

I was so very disappointed when I saw someone I respected highly judge someone so harshly.  I was amazed at how we sit back and say, don't judge me.  Yet, we not only cast judgement on others around us, but refuse to allow others to make mistakes.  I, like them, have to stop and remember they are human.  I have to accept that just because they are in a high position in the group, that does not make them infallible.

As a devotee of the Goddess Hecate, I participate in the Deipnon.  There is a cleansing part of this ritual where I walk my house and sweep up around my area to cleanse or make amends, for any offense that may have happened towards the Goddess.  I look in my dust pan and see lint, dirt and the occasional macaroni noodle I dropped while cooking.  I take these and toss them out with a bit of garlic and leeks.   I know that with that, whatever transgressions that may have occurred are now gone.  Cleansing my house is offering an apology.

I like to say I have a relationship, not a religion.  I don't call on the Goddess to fix a flat or help my team win. (Though they could have certainly used it yesterday)  I use the representations of the deity and what she stands for to be sure that I am providing a sound, just world for our future generations.

Take a moment to examine what you are looking to leave this world.  What are you ready to work for?  The world already has enough pain and negativity.  Will you be a healer or judge, jury and executioner.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(






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Pagan Blog Project 2013 - V is for Virtue

Virtue is defined as behavior showing good moral standards.  The general public may think that pagan’s have no virtue. This image from perceptionvsfact.com shows a pretty good representation of that very thought process.




Recently I've seen posts on Facebook related to truth, which in my opinion is indeed a virtue.  I believe that we should always tell the truth.  Many people retort with, it’s the truth to you.  No, really I think the truth is the truth.  No matter what your position, stealing is wrong.  Stealing to because you’re poor and need food is just a migrating circumstance.  It doesn't change the fact that taking something that doesn't belong to you is wrong.

So let’s examine what pagan virtues are. (Definitions are from Merriam-webster.com)


Understanding – a willingness to understand people’s behavior and forgive them

What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean that someone has the right to continue to do things to you over and over and one has to accept it.  It doesn't mean be a doormat.  It means understand that person has the right to believe how they believe, as long as they don’t force it on someone else.  To me this also means that sometimes it is necessary to give yourself a break.  Be understanding that you won’t always make the right decision.  Sometimes mistakes are made. 

Caring – an effort made to do something correctly, safely or without causing damage

What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean continue to support someone when the continually engage in dangerous, abusive or negative behavior.  It doesn't mean letting people use your resources be they financial or emotional without some sort of reciprocation.  That reciprocation could be a monetary, emotional or just a nod.  To me this also means that they care about themselves as well.  One cannot truly care for another if they do not have the ability to care for themselves.

Giving – to offer as appropriate to due, especially to something higher

What it doesn't mean – It doesn't mean that one be penniless or a pauper.  It doesn't mean that one will always be on the giving end of either.  To me this means that they not only give to others but also to themselves.  Giving time and praise to oneself is extremely important.


Honesty – fairness and straightforwardness of conduct – adherence to the facts

What it doesn't mean is beating people up with the truth.  It doesn't mean attacking someone with facts or hurting them just because the truth is on one’s side.  To me, the key here is fairness, something I care a great deal about.  As a follower of Hecate, I believe that justice is something she stands for.  To me being fair in all I do and standing by what I say I will do is absolute.  There are no other options for me. 

It is easy in today’s world to hide behind a keyboard and lash out at others.  We see the world around us falling apart it seems with violence and poverty all around us.  We see people judge each other constantly.  There’s a lot of chatter but not a great deal of actual talking. 

I’d really like to see that change.  I’d like to see us really care about each other.  Not just say “how are you” when you don’t really care; actually start to connect to each other on a very basic level.  Take our virtues and share them.   Show the couple next door or the guy across the street that as pagan people we are open to understanding what each other has to give.

We will open our hearts and minds to others, while giving ourselves the appropriate permission to protect ourselves.

Blessings
Sosanna
)O(



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Pagan Blog Project 2013 - R is for Rede


Rede is defined as counsel and advice.  So when we look at something such as the Wiccan Rede, it makes sense that is would be advice or counsel as it relates to Wiccans. (Wikipedia)
There is a full version and the short version being,

“These Eight words the Rede fulfill: “An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will”

Many people in the pagan community following this phrase and the full version of the Rede as the “law”, in that they take it that no harm should ever be done for any reason.  On the other hand, there are those that believe as we discussed in a previous post, “A witch that cannot hex cannot heal.”

For me, as a solitary and a Hecatean, I do not hold the Rede as law.  To me, my Rede would be a single word.  Justice.  To me, in order for there to be happiness, love, understanding and any other harmony in the world, be it magical or mundane, there needs to be Justice.
I've been interested in justice for many many years.  As a child I felt I was not heard, and I was hurt by those in power.  As a young mother, I felt as though my power was taken and no one was there to fight for me.  As a woman, I've felt that my place in this world was always set upon that gender. 

To me justice is very different than revenge.  As a young student in a paralegal program I quickly learned that there are indeed, many people in prison that are innocent.  I learned that things like the death penalty are not really justice.  They serve as no deterrent and no real way to provide justice to the family.  
  
I've spent my life since, doing what I can to do the right thing and to work to see that justice is served.  I've been accused of creating drama, and bringing in negative energy on some of my fights.  At times I feel like I’m jousting at windmills in some of these battles.  But I believe, that in the end you must stand by what you believe in.  You must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. 

To me, that’s what it means to have a Rede, or a law if you will.  More directly I believe that the Wiccan Rede and my personal Rede is personal law.  Something an individual signs up for and holds themselves accountable for.  

I believe, that what you send out comes back to you.  With Hecate as my Goddess, I invoke her often to help me see what is unseen and to dispense justice.  What I send out, I am not afraid to have come back to me.  If you say what you mean, and tell the truth, generally you have nothing to hide.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(


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Gods, Goddesses and Windmills

As many of you know I've been on a personal crusade lately to identify and notify material that is not cited correctly.  I've found a mixed bag of responses to it.  Both in my contact with the offenders and in my contact with the general community.

When I approach an offender this is what I see:

1. How dare you accuse me
2. I can share what I want it’s on the web
3. Artists are happy they’re getting shared

These are the usual responses.  However, every now and then I run into a gem of a response where the offender is truly unaware of what they have done.  They quickly take the content down or provide the correctly cited material.   

When I approach the general community this is what I see:

1. Everyone Does it
2. They just don’t know better
3. I don’t need that negativity
4. Don’t put it on the web


Had it not been for a few people getting annoyed about what was happening to African Americans in the south, we wouldn't have had the civil rights movement.

Had it not been for a few people getting annoyed about how LGBT people are denied basic rights, such as marriage, we would not have the changes that we have and are continuing to change today.

You don’t walk past a child being beaten because you don’t want the drama or negativity in your life.  You stand up and protect that child.  You don’t walk past someone robbing a store or ignore a pick pocket because you don’t want the drama.  

If you are a good person, you stand up for what you believe in.  You do what you can as an individual to protect the rights of those around you.  You defend those that cannot defend themselves.  

If I steal something and no one catches me, am I wrong?  If I take another’s work and call it my own work but the artist never finds out, am I wrong?  If I witness another stealing, and I do nothing, am I wrong?

As people who claim to be in touch with the earth and joined to each other by a spirit of community and oneness I believe that we are indeed culpable.  If we walk past the homeless as if they do not exist or turn a blind eye to an injustice; we are culpable in their suffering.




Don Quixote de la Mancha and Sancho Panza, 1863, by Gustave Doré




I’m not saying grab your horse and begin jousting windmills.  What I am saying is if you are in a position to help fight injustice, pick up the sword and worry about negativity later.  

One of my favorite quotes from the movie “The Color Purple” is from the character played by Oprah Winfrey, Sophia.

Sophia says: "You better bash Mister's head wide open first and worry about Heaven later"


We all learned in school that turning in someone else’s work as your own is indeed wrong.  If I witness something wrong, my pointing out that wrong is not a negative thing.  I am not creating drama.  I believe I am doing what I feel is right.  If that bothers you, I recommend you remove me from your life now.

Referring back to the move “The Color Purple”, there’s a scene where Shug confronts her father during the song “God is Trying to Tell You Something.”  

For me I’m doing the work of justice.  It may not be a mission from the Goddess, but I do believe if I am not true in my work; like Paul, I’ll end up getting knocked off my horse.  If this fight not be for Justice, Hecate just let me know.




As I sat writing this today, I saw that a page that was sharing content actually apologized.  I really hope that they mean it and that they will change.

We can only hope.

Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(

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