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Posted: Sep. 8, 2002
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Question of the Week: 59 - 9/11/2001

911 America: Talking Through The Terror...

Talking Through The Terror... And helping each other cope with the tragedies that struck at the very heart of the United States. The Witches Voice has opened up this forum in order that Pagans may express their thoughts on the terrorist attacks that took place in NYC and DC on September 11th. As the full realization of what happened and the toll numbers begin to come in, Americans have many challenges ahead.
What are your thoughts on these incidents? How are you feeling? Feel free to post any magickal workings or other support gatherings planned in your area.
WebNote 9/16/2001: Since we launched this on 911 this forum as become laced with powerful inspiration and critical information, feel free to use the search functions on your left to better define the info you are looking for. Search for your area, famous Pagans, key words etc. Also check Wren's Nest News for the latest news related to our community.
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| Reponses: There are 969 responses posted to this question. |
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| Well, The Attacks Of 9/11 Are Behind Us, And I'm Still... | Sep 12th. at 10:29:22 am EDT |

| Thunder Cloudsong (Lethbridge, Alberta CA) | Age: 23 - Email |

Well, the attacks of 9/11 are behind us, and I'm still not sure how to react. Or, even how I *am* reacting.
Part of me, some of you know which part, is SCREAMING for Justice. Not so much for Justice, as perhaps vengeance. For the perpetrators of this heinous assault upon all human sensibilities to be brought to task for what they have done.
Part of me is mourning. I don't believe I knew anyone who was killed on this infamous date. But many hundreds, very probably THOUSANDS, of innocent people died today for no good reason. In fact, almost 400 of them may have been firemen and New York's Finest - That psuedonym has a poignant ring to it today - that were in either of the Twin Towers upon their collapse. They died truly as heroes.
Part of me is celebrating. America is scathed, but unbowed and unbroken. This wrong WILL be righted, I believe that with every fibre of my being. In fact, there very well may be some good news in the midst of this atrocity. The plane that crashed to the South-East of Pittsburgh was on a course for either the White House or Camp David. Reports indicate that a man on a cell phone declared to several other passengers that they "couldn't let them do what they're planning" and that perhaps the passengers altered the course of the plane, saving countless more lives. More heroism. Also, 2 men were apprehended in New York, apparently en route to blow up the George Washington Bridge. They had enough explosives in their trucks to more than do the job. They were stopped.
Part of me wants to hope. For survivors. For peace to the families. That nations will overcome the urge to react blindly and instead remain rational. That this is as bad as it's going to get. That the silos will stay closed.
When I sort through all of those feelings, though, there's an overwhelming sense of Violation. That my world has been violated. I've been brought up all my life to believe that Uncle Sam would protect me from any potential harm. That we, in Canada, were safe from assault. That madmen across the globe would never be able to hurt me, because no one would dare strike at my home. Because no one would dare risk bringing down the wrath of my nation's Big Brother and Best Friend, the U.S.A., on their heads.
Today, that illusion of security was shattered forever.
If evil will strike at the very heart of the world's one great Superpower, what's to stop it from striking their complacent, impotent neighbours to the North, the so-called "Moral Superpower"? In truth? Nothing. Nothing but the knowledge that now more than ever, these cowardly acts are first and foremost in the global consciousness. Every government in the world is watching with eagle's eyes for any hint of ANYTHING amiss. In the midst of this chaos, I have become more safe than I've ever been. But this isn't about me... this is about US.
This crime against humanity has galvanized all the world, but particularly us in North America. Every flag in this Southern Alberta town of 65, 000 is at half-staff today. Canada, Mexico, even CUBA have offered the United States access to airfields, airports, aid, humanitarian relief, rescue workers... we became a continent undivided today, despite the closure of all borders. We became US, instead of us, them, you, and those guys. If any good came from this catastrophe, it's this.
I, and many others like me across the world and across North America, stand side by side with my American brothers and sisters and cry for justice. For a reason WHY. And as we sift through the rubble that 48 hours ago were symbols of western power and prosperity, we all remain in a state of shock mixed with steadily increasing rage. We are NOT defeated. The buildings came down, but democracy remains standing strong. Freedom remains standing strong. And despite all of our differences, the people of North America today are one. WE WILL OVERCOME.
That which does not kill us makes us stronger. We are not dead. Evil has not won the day, because we are still here. And when we take our eyes off the rubble and turn them towards finding the culprits, THEN Justice will be done.
In the name of all the gods who ever were... NO MORE.
Cloudy
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| Yesterday's Events Have Left Me In A State Of Complete Shock; My... | Sep 12th. at 10:30:45 am EDT |

| Duvessa (Alexandria, Virginia US) | Age: 25 - Email |

Yesterday's events have left me in a state of complete shock; my entire foundation has been shaken. Originally from NY, I now live in Northern VA - about 15 minutes away from the Pentagon - so both of my homes were hit; I feel as though I have no safe harbor. All I could think about at work today was getting my 11 mo. old son out of daycare and getting home. It took me 2 hours to go 12 miles.
After I got home, all I could think about during the replays of todays destruction was of all those people! All those families! And all I could do was cry. I have not personally lost any loved ones in this tragedy, but I feel the impact of all the lives lost today, and empathy for all those left behind. I feel all this as a physical pain.
For myself and many people I know, it is just impossible to fathom this; I cannot understand how someone could do this. It almost doesn't feel real. How can someone cause so much pain, so much death? I just don't understand; I cannot grasp this.
I originally came to this site to see if any postings were up for any gatherings in this area; if anyone knows of anything going on in the Northern VA/DC area, please email me and let me know; I'll spread the word as well. I also send my love and blessings to all those affected by this.
With solemn respect, Love and Light...
Duvessa
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| I Wrote This Last Night And Posted It Today Because I Wasn't... | Sep 12th. at 10:33:00 am EDT |

| Duvessa (Alexandria, Virginia US) | Age: 25 - Email |

I wrote this last night and posted it today because I wasn't able to yesterday, so please excuse the confusion of the "yesterday" and "today" being thrown in together...Blessings....
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| I Spent Yesterday In A State Of Shock.helpless And Horrified I Watched... | Sep 12th. at 10:35:45 am EDT |

| cynthia (Toronto, Ontario CA) | Age: 30 |

I spent yesterday in a state of shock.Helpless and horrified I watched as the unthinkable unfolded in front of my eyes.All my thoughts and prayers go to everyone involved.The evil behind these actions is unimagineable to all sane people, and any punishment meted out should be resevered for only the maniac(s) who hide their insanity behind their religion, ideaology or whatever excuse they use to commit these acts. Already this morning I have heard the start of mistrust of Arab immigrants in my community and I am also sending my thoughts to my neighbours, We cannot hold an entire people responsible for this event. We need to do what we can for the victims, donate, volunteer send our thoughts and prayers. Then with rational measured actions the terrorists must be dealt with.
peace and blessings to all Cynthia
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| This Is The Work Of Some Sick Individuals.being In The Uk... | Sep 12th. at 10:38:10 am EDT |

| willow (Manchester uk, England UK) | Age: 18 |

This is the work of some sick individuals. being in the uk, it took me until today to realise how big this catasrophe is. death may be as sacred as life, but, in these corcumstances, being 10000 innocent people killed I cant find words to descride how I feel for the people involved, wether its anger, sadness, pity, i dont know. All I can tell is that Im crying for them. Dolphinmoon and me (willow) send love to the bereaved, peace to the deceased healing to the injured, along, Im sure with many others here in the uk, and eurpoe, and america
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| When I First Heard News Of The Attacks, I Was So Shocked... | Sep 12th. at 10:39:22 am EDT |

| Tannin Schwartzstein (Worcester, Massachusetts US) | Age: 28 - Email |

When I first heard news of the attacks, I was so shocked I began to weep. As soon as I could I got in touch with a friend in NYC (Brooklyn) to get news. He wrote:
Its insane, the whole place is a disaster. its worse than they are showing on tv.
I am ok, and as far as I know, all my family is ok.
Please, you and as many people as you can, give blood. thats whats needed. there just isnt enough. Even I am donating, and you know how afraid of needles I am.
If any folks here in the Greater Worcester area want to join me on a trip to a Red Cross blood drive, Please get in touch with me at my shop (Bones and Flowers). (508) 798-3330. I have a working vehicle and am willing to do pickups within the Greater Worcester area. If any other business owners want to contact me in the effort to get out the word, they can reach me here as well.
Thanks, and may the Gods lend us and our government wisdom and strength
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| My Only Though Has Been Why?i Could Barely Stand To Listen... | Sep 12th. at 10:41:02 am EDT |

| Airsucker (Walled Lake, Michigan US) | Age: 28 - Email |

My only though has been Why?
I could barely stand to listen to the more outspoken men in my cafe yesterday.
Now the news media is releasing the news that those involved were Arab. Is this responsible journalism? Until we can specifically say the government has identified and will go after those responsible, this will only incite anger and hatred towards the Arab community. I live and work in the suburbia of Metro Detroit. There are a lot of Arabs in the area, especially in Hantramck. I do not have a good feeling about this.
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| Yesterday, I Just Felt Sorrow, But Today I Am Angry. Not Angry... | Sep 12th. at 10:46:58 am EDT |

| Gwen (-, Florida US) | Age: 18 |

Yesterday, I just felt sorrow, but today I am angry. Not angry as many are because this happened, but angry that those innocent people died and someone as horrible as me is still living.
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| First, Excuse My Poor Words In English Language.i Just Want To... | Sep 12th. at 10:49:07 am EDT |

| Amorgen (Paris, France) | Age: 36 |

First, excuse my poor words in english language. I just want to give all my compassion for american people. It was the afternoon in France when we recieve this horrible news, I have just burn a candle on my altar and pray for those who left us in such a terrible way, words are so poors...I just don't know what I can really do...I'm so sad.
Puisse la DŽesse accueillir ceux qui la cherchent, Blessed be, Amorgen
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| I Can Scarcely Begin To Post My Thoughts On What Happened. My... | Sep 12th. at 11:10:10 am EDT |

| Drake BlackRaven (Queen's University Kingston, Ontario CA) | Age: 19 - Email |

I can scarcely begin to post my thoughts on what happened. My jaw hung limply, and broken on the floor yesterday, as radio and television tolled out grim news. As I sit between classes, the university campus sits in a state of virtual surealism. The devestation that most of us witnessed yesterday is unfathomable. I can barely believe what has happened. My eyes become very grim, and I blink back tears when I hear those who scream for vengangce. I stood stunned, watching helplessly the repetition of the towers being consumed in a grey veil of dust and debris. Shocked helpless silence. I offer my most sincere heartfelt sympathy, for whatever good it will do. Gods help us all. I must trust that Mother Earth will care for the dead, for they are beyond our reach now... We can only hope to help the survivors. I urge anyone who reads this to not allow vengance to make you blind. It is human to desire revenge, and a most human need for punishment surely pervails. But I must endeavor to rise above my baser nature. In pursuit of these people I beg of everyone that we do not allow ourselves to fall to their level. We will find them. But do not allow even a tragedy such as this to strip away who you are.
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| Dear Friends,about Two Weeks Ago, When I Was In Asheville, I... | Sep 12th. at 11:11:50 am EDT |

| Starhawk (San Francisco, California US) | Age: 0 |

Dear friends,
About two weeks ago, when I was in Asheville, I woke up from a nap with a sense that something truly unexpected and unforseeable might occur. I was thinking of it in terms of the action in Washington, and had a strong sense of whatever it was being positive in ways we couldn't imagine. I brought that vision into our ritual, and we had an amazing cone of power.
I now believe that today's attack was the unexpected event, but there is no way that I can call it positive. It has been a day of horror that can have no political or moral justification. I grieve with the friends and families of those who have lost their lives.
And I fear for the direction our country will take. Voices are already calling for war and vengeance. We're at a crossroads, and many of us who have been working hard for peace and justice could now face a whole new level of repression if this becomes an excuse to stifle legitimate dissent.
But I also believe that glimpse of possibility, and the strength of the energy we raised, and the cumulative energy we've been working around support for activism, are all with us. We can draw on those energies, and on the deep intelligence of the earth herself, on unexpected allies.
A number of people have called for magic tonight. I want to add my voice to that call, joining some suggestions made by Pamela, Culebra and Toni. We all have our own traditions and ways of working, but this is the visualization I intend to use:
Hecate sits on her tripod at the crossroads in the underworld. She holds aloft her torch to light the way for those souls who have died. We send our love and compassion to them, their friends, and family. Her light also illumines this situation, enables us to see it clearly, and reveals the truth. We look deeply at the crossroads, and feel the tide pushing us toward a road of more war, militarization, and repression. We hold open the possibility that there is another way. We pour out every drop of love, compassion and hope we can and stir it into her cauldron clockwise, stirring counterclockwise to release negative forces. We let the waters of her cauldron rise and create a great, flood current that can carry us down the road of hope.
Different suggestions as to timing have been made, but I'd like to consider the entire evening and next few days as a window.
Whatever our differences, this is a moment to unite.
Love, blessings and solidarity,
Starhawk http://www.starhawk.org
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| I Want To Send My Deepest Sympathy To All That Have Lost... | Sep 12th. at 11:13:26 am EDT |

| Cathy Webb (Allyn, Washington US) | Age: 26 |

I want to send my deepest sympathy to all that have lost someone due to this tragedy. I light a candle hoping to guide the souls past to find their way to the SummerLand and also hope that the light of the candle guides the ones that are still alive out from all the rubble.
Blessed Be and may the Goddess and God hold you and care for you in your time of need
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