This title may seem a little out of place with the subject of
Paganism, but it isn't really. Being Mother's helpers is also a
part of being Pagan/Wikkan. By Mother I mean Gaia, or Mother
Earth. When you stop to think of it, all mankind is intrin-
sicaly tied to Earth. There's not one part of our bodies, even
to the molecular level that is not an element found some where on our planet. A child is intrinsically a part of its mother and father. A mother always knows the child of her womb. Just
as a mother provides nurture for her babies we are nurtured
physically, spiritually, and mentally by her.
We as a people do not have the same health that our ancestors once did. We've progressed beyond them, but still create the deseases that destroy us. As the health of the earth itself declines, so does the health of the people who must inevitably
turn to her for nurture. Those of the many Pagan faiths recognize this and the importance of striving to preserve our planet. Our pagan rituals reflect earth consciousness as do our
day to day practices. As we strive to open our awareness
to those things around us as they relate to the energies of earth, we are also made aware of the agony and pain She must endure as mankind progresses. Even though the damage to earth
is not being done solely by males, and is being done by females
as well, it is possible that a change in social orientation might be a major step in prolonging the life of the womb from which we emerged.
Is it possible that the patrifocal cultures which are currently in power on earth are responsible more so for the vastness of this damage because of the unwillingness to allow the female essence to share wholely in that seat of power? It's very possible. I touch on this question briefly because there are a number of studies which results point in this direction.
There are any number of things that we all as individuals can do to attempt to restore nature to its original glory. From embarking on extensive recyling programs from within our homes to even participating in the adopt-a-highway programs which are popular accross the US. Developing areas of beauty in our homes and work places that give nature a foot hold in our day-to-day endeavors is another way. Plant a garden. Along with the garden, start composting the organic waste from your kitchen. Participate in neighborhood gardening projects. Add your voice to those combatting the systematic destruction of the natural landmarks and wonders is another way to participate in the reversal of the decline of Gaia's health and welbeing and in so doing decrease the decline in the health of humankind itself.
