Explain Yourself To No One

What do we hold on to? What keeps us in the same place, doing the same thing we’ve always done, reacting the same way we always have? It’s easy to see when others are stuck in some fashion, riding the same wave they’ve always ridden. It’s much more difficult to see ourselves in that same process.

The rune, Hagalaz, is thought to be transformational energy that is structured in some way, as opposed to energy that flows at will. Also known as the witch rune, Hagalaz, like the witch, focuses energy for a particular purpose, in much the same way a spell is cast. Candles of a particular color, stones, incense are all utilized providing a structure or framework to focus or direct the witch’s intention.

But when does that framework or structure limit us? I think as humans we tie everything up with a nice little bow in an effort to make sense of our lives. Daily routines are an example of this tendency. We like the familiar in our lives. The problem is that we become stuck in that familiar routine creating a comfort zone that we we resist stepping outside of.

As witches, we must not be afraid to step out of our magickal comfort zones, embracing new ideas and change with childlike curiosity, jumping into the deep end with our clothes still on if necessary. Let no one draw lines in the sand, defining you with their limiting judgment. Move quickly away from those wishing only to judge, because instead of ignoring such negativity, judgment stops us in our tracks. And then we forget to witch up and stand in our own power, moving forward in what we know, not in what we’re told is true.

Maybe I see things differently because I’m in my Crone years now. I’ve been doing the work around for far too many years, moving around people who never have my best interests at heart. I couldn’t even earn a Black Belt without listening to endless disrespectful comments. As the wife of the instructor, of course my belt was given to me. Never mind I trained every day, attended every class, my own and others. Never mind a seventh degree tested me as well, reaffirming my husband’s decision. But time and again, going the extra mile to become acceptable has always been something I would do.

And then one day I stopped. I finally realized that in my effort toward acceptability, I kept myself from living authentically. Somehow, I had convinced myself that I could do both – live my truth and be acceptable to others. I didn’t realize that my mistake was in doing anything other than living my truth.

I told myself it was none of anyone’s business that I was a witch. I’m sure my choice was based on my life growing up as an empath in a dysfunctional family. I didn’t really understand that term when I was young, believing my awareness was because I was a witch, which was certainly true, but not the whole picture. That understanding would come later.

But a witchling develops her coping strategies early in life, and it is what it is. On a side note, an ancestor, King Edward III, came up with that saying, it is as it is. I’ve always had a strong connection with my Akashic Record, which may account for my unexplained obsessions with runes, sayings, Nova Scotia, Ireland (okay, my Grandmother was born there, but still), herbal medicine, Druidry, and divination.

And as for the acceptability I desired, I’m not sure it ever happened. It’s like trying everything to improve a relationship only to find out that all your hard work was for nothing. Your partner was leaving anyway. So the day I stopped was the day I realized that no matter what I did, I had no control over what others believed about me.

At that point, it became about where I wanted to put my energy or my intention. I stopped paying attention to what was coming from others and began doing what I wanted when I wanted. And the more I did that, the more I realized that I’m here only for myself. After all, it’s my focus into physical reality. I didn’t come here in tandem with anyone else. It’s my life and I’ll live it as I choose. And that’s a really great thing.

Now, typically when people notice changes like this in a woman my age, witch or otherwise, it can be disconcerting for everyone concerned. Ignore them. They can say whatever they want, have whatever reaction they choose. It’s none of your business. Get on with things.

And the best part, tell no one you’re doing this. Just do it. Break out of the mold you’ve created and begin anew. Let no one interrupt your flow. You’ve arrived, finally. No apologies, no regrets. The past is over. It has no bearing on the present, on the Now. You owe no one and no one owes you. Doesn’t that feel fabulous? Ignore the naysayers. Regard them as the nosy busy bodies they are. Explain yourself to no one.

Let me repeat that last one: EXPLAIN YOURSELF TO NO ONE.

I mean, really, what witch does that anyway? It’s just that many of us just find the work around instead of not giving two fucks about what others think. Maybe I’m in a blessed place now, Cailleach and Hecate more relevant than Persephone or Demeter. When you step away from the self-imposed framework of your life, possibility gives way to actuality, a posse ad esse. Let the chaos continue around you. Stay in your centered still point. Your power is there.

Let your magick flow unfettered, unbound. It’s your birthright. It’s your calling. It’s your resonance. You’re an unstoppable force of nature.

And you already know that.

~Blessed Be the Witch