Voting for the big picture...

Poetry has been the backbeat of the last few days, and I am still following strands to new poems on this mighty web of poetry that has been spun. That, along with the hints of spring that I see in the emerging buds on the fruit trees, has uplifted spirit and soul.

And, there’s that other thing. The election is today. Many of my friends are for Obama. Macha is wearing a giant button for him wherever she goes. Others are for Hillary, excited that a woman is finally being taken seriously as a candidate, or impressed simply with her experience. The last couple of days I’ve felt the excitement growing, and I’ve told friends from both camps how I envy them. Because I do. I wish I could feel solidly behind someone. I know whoever wins the Democratic nomination I will vote for, and maybe even campaign for. I’ll put my shoulder to the task of putting Hillary or Obama in the White House. But I still envy my friends who are ardent in the support of one or another.

I can’t get there, and probably never will. I am fervently praying for a series of events to occur around the election that will bring healing change and transformation to the United States and the world. Will I ever believe again in one great leader? I grew up with too many charismatic leaders who were assassinated and have seen too that the brighter the light, the larger the shadow. Plus, I think the time of great leaders is over.

So, no matter who I actually vote for, I’m not at this moment putting myself behind anything except praying for an outcome that will serve positive change. And when I say praying, I mean that thing we witches do of interfacing with the elements and the Mysterious Ones and asking for the energies of life to come into alignment with our vision or will. I’ve learned by experience to be both specific and broad in my spellcasting. What I truly want is neither Obama or Hilary, it’s healthcare for all, peace on earth, everyone fed, a sustainable relationship with nature, and a graceful transformation from empire to a collaborative nation amongst collaborative nations.

As I look out the living room window at the buds which are barely visible on the branches, I breathe into the possibility of gentle yet profound change. I feel it in the air and amongst the growing green. Tonight, whoever wins, I will be for them. But my prayers are bigger.