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Author:
Posted: Nov. 17, 2002
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Times Viewed: 32,767

Reponses: 969

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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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Even The Mighty Human Race Is Only Mortal.for All Of My... | Sep 14th. at 4:33:11 am UTC |

Melisande (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania US) | Age: 29 - Email |

Even the mighty human race is only mortal.
For all of my life I have seen the twin towers of the World Trade Center as a testament to man's ability to create. Now I have seen them fall, taking so many lives, as a testament to man's ability to destroy.
The idea that Fate is fickle, that Fate is capricious, is nothing new. Certainly no one touched by this tragedy and by the incomprehensible order of events would doubt this. The people, the government, the world--none of us possessed the power to stop this tragedy, no matter how much we long to have been able to do so.
But where do we go from here? The United States as a nation has never been one to sit still for very long. Through our collective daze and disbelief, time is still passing and still moving forward. Though the day be far from now, there will come a day when America will have fully recovered. We all will bear scars into the future, but the future also holds the promise of a time when we will have conquered this adversity. The future is our hope, and it is to that distant beacon of the future we must look in order to come through this ordeal with the courage that suits us as Americans.
To those who have lost people dear to them through this act of cowardly malice, all of the sympathetic words in the language cannot convey the ache in my heart for you. I am thinking of those lost lights, and I reach out and encourage you, in whatever faith you may practice, to truly imagine that they too have moved on into their own futures, even if those futures do not include the rest of us. I would like to share a few verses of my favorite poems, by American poetress Emily Dickinson. It warms my soul, and I hope it will warm yours.
Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves And Immortality.
Since then 'tis centuries; but each Feels shorter than the day I first surmised the horses' heads Were toward eternity.
I wish that you be well, and that you find some degree of peace and serenity.
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Yes.. It Is A Tragedy.. It Is Hard... But... And I Don't... | Sep 14th. at 4:18:00 am UTC |

Talos D'Loristo (Iowa City, Iowa US) | Age: 24 - Email |

yes.. it is a tragedy.. it is hard...
BUT... and i don't mean to anyone here, because A) i haven't read anyone elses posts yet and B) i would think that gennerally we all adhere to the "Law of Three"...
(Continuing) I'm ashamed to be an american right now.. i live right in front of a mosque.. (muslims) and the Crap they've recieved since this whole thing has gone off...Sure.. True.. The media is constantly saturating everyone with the same visuals for hours on end (i don't know if that's still going on or not because i don't have cable) the lastes i've read online is masses of hate mail and The spurring of war...
yeah.. it's a loss.. but it's like the majority were a beehive and someone hit it...
how can we forget that we were human.. and the ones were lost were human... and the humans who did it have not admited to what happened yet... Pardon all puns.. but Why jump the gun?
*Sigh*... Talos D'Loristo http://www.geocities.com/hypmorphnemo
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I Notice Mr.falwell Opened His Mouth Again.so We Are To Blame For... | Sep 14th. at 4:15:56 am UTC |

Brandy Z. (Fort Myers/Lehigh Acres, Florida US) | Age: 25 - Email |

I notice Mr.Falwell opened his mouth again.So we are to blame for this?Not some extreme radical fundamentalist whacko's?Oh well enough energy on him.Too much has been wasted already. I am thankfull to those all over the world that send their condolences. LOVE is still alive, no terrorist or religious zealot's can change that.
I've never been to New York, Washington DC or Pennsylvania. I still feel as though I have lost loved ones.In my community the lines are so long at the blood banks they are actually turning people away, telling them to come back next week. I'm sending my check to the Red Cross today. I don't have alot of money, but I believe the right thing has no price tag.
I sent out a prayer tonight for healing the victims, the nation and the world, as well as protection for the rescue and recovery effort, the military and the nation. May the gods bless us all.
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I Did Not Read All The Post That Were Written But I... | Sep 14th. at 4:07:11 am UTC |

Dan (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii US) | Age: 24 - Email |

I did not read all the post that were written but I have some thoghts to about what has happened to our great country recently. I am in the Armed Services of this country and have sworn to defend the constitution against all enemies foriegn and domestic and I am proud to be able to serve country in that way. I was in field training when I first heard of what had happened and as a result we were brought out of the field so that we would be able to prepare in case we were called into duty. It makes me sick that someone would have the nerve to make an attack on the United States in this way. There has not been a greater reason since Pearl Harbor for Americans to take up arms to defend and to show the groups/countries or whatever else there is that the U.S. will not tolerate open threats to the basic freedoms of the U.S. and mankind like the one that was made. I am prepared for the possibility that I may have to go to combat to defend the rights and liberties of my family, my friends, and fellow Americans. I will proudly serve my country to show that those things will not be tolerated. That is all I have to say.
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I Am Many Things...a Daughter, A Friend, A Sister, A Woman... | Sep 14th. at 3:41:47 am UTC |

Seraiya Storm (Detroit, Michigan US) | Age: 21 |

I am many things...a daughter, a friend, a sister, a woman, a human, a wiccan, an American and...I am mad.
I am mad that there are people in the world who hate me simply because of who I am and where I live. I am mad that an unknown (as of yet) number of those people hijacked planes carrying men, women and children and killed them along with others who simply went to work that day. Innocent, beautiful, loving people who all had families and loved ones who will miss and mourn for them for perhaps the rest of their lives.
I am mad that someone came into my country and killed my countrymen for no reason at all simply because of where we are. I am absolutely livid that Jerry Falwell, a pathetic excuse of a Christian if ever there was one had the absolute gall to blame Pagans, gays, lesbians, and pro choice advocates for the attacks on America. He is not a man of God.
And finally I am proud...I am proud that I live in a country that will not stand for such hatred and terrorism. I am proud that in my country there are people of every race and every nationality and every religion who have stood up and said they will not stand idly by and let evil destroy what we have worked so hard for. I am proud to be an American....
Gods Bless America.
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I Just Wanted To Let Everyone Know About A Nationwide Candlelight Vigil... | Sep 14th. at 2:55:50 am UTC |

Rose (Exeter, New Hampshire US) | Age: 22 - Email |

I just wanted to let everyone know about a nationwide candlelight vigil I have heard about. I got three copies of the following in my e-mail today and shortly afterwards I heard a senator talking about how his wife had told him about this as well, and that he might be on the floor at 7 tomorrow night, but they certainly planned to do this if not something similar Please tell everyone you know about the following so that we may all send our energy and prayers to those who are in need of them:
Friday Night at 7:00 p.m.(est) step out your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism. Please pass this to everyone on your e-mail list. We need to reach everyone across the United States quickly. The message: WE STAND UNITED - WE WILL NOT TOLERATE TERRORISM! Thank you. We need press to cover this - we need the world to see.
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To All In America My Thoughts Are With You In This Terrible... | Sep 14th. at 2:52:33 am UTC |

Peter R Hall (Perth, Western Australia AU) | Age: 66 - Email |

To all in America my thoughts are with you in this terrible time, please be steadfast and resolute and reject all the negativity. The perpetrators of this deed must be brought to justice. I am not alone in my thoughts here in Western Australia there are so many "ordinary people" signing condolence books to be sent to the American people. BLESSED BE to you all
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Since The Subject Of Fallwell And Robertson Has Come Up, Let Me... | Sep 14th. at 2:35:58 am UTC |

Tanais (Spokane, Washington US) | Age: 20 |

Since the subject of Fallwell and Robertson has come up, let me just say my peace. These men have no clue. They don't know what it means to be American, they don't know what it means to be Christian, and they have no idea what it means to be pious. They want someone to blame so let them blame. Only the extreme right pays them any attention and that is because they say the same things they believe. I personally find them comical at the way they embarrass themselves. But today they went too far. They were saying in essence exactly what Usama Ben Laden is saying. The United States is a corrupt society. We are the devil. We must be destroyed for the sake of the world. And I will say this right now, THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO THEIR OPINION NO MATTER HOW MUCH I DISAGREE! What happened to the United States is a tragedy. What they want to see as their ideals uplifted in times of crisis, fine. Let them believe whatever they want. They have that right in this country. They hurt none with words. We need to stay focused on finding who acted on their fanatical beliefs and see justice served. I am as angry as anyone in the United States but I will not let a coward rob me of my ideals of Love, Life, and Light. Nobody will destroy my faith in the American People and the faith I have in my Lord and Lady. Not Ben Laden, not Fallwell, nobody. America will survive. We will be strong and be triumphant over terrorism. I again prey for the lost souls taken long before their time. Let us focus on them and their memory and see Justice served.
Blessed be the bearers of peace
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I Work In A Night Club Over Here In Oxford England.. It... | Sep 14th. at 2:34:06 am UTC |

millie lavelle (oxford, England UK) | Age: 20 - Email |

i work in a night club over here in oxford england.. it kinda hit home exactly what had happened, rathere than it seeminly like some bizzar speilberg epic, when at 3am (my time) the five of us had finnished our shift and were watching bbc news 24. the sky line of NY has changed so much, but how will you be able to explain that it never used top look this way to our children? what do you say to them? that for no good reason (and we don't know the reason yet) these two buildings were destroyed... this may not sound like the things to be saying right now, not one word have i mentioned of the loss of life thus far.. but this is something so devistating to come to terms with it's easier to think in the abstract befor the personal... i feel like because of the loss of life here i should be making mmine worth something... that those poor souls had not the chance to fully complete their circle of life i should live mine to be so much more...
my heart goes out to those who have lost... no one can understand what it is for you to have this...
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Hello All,i Have Been Reading All The Posts For The Past... | Sep 14th. at 1:43:43 am UTC |

Shanna Melton (Bremerton, Washington US) | Age: 32 - Email |

Hello all,
I have been reading all the posts for the past few days and I wanted to express my gratitude to the Witches Voice for giving us a forum in which to air our feelings. Thanks Fritz and Wren and all the Voice staff. You are always there for us in the Pagan community and we all appreciate you.
Next, the tone of the posts has been a mixed one. Everyone has valid points, great poetry and wonderful rituals to contribute. I have this to say. When you work magic during this crisis, the Gods will see your true intentions. You MUST be sure to follow the Rede and HARM NONE. As for justice instead of revenge, healing and love light and peace. The rage is there and will be there. The pain is there and won't be healed for a long time. All our feelings about this tragedy are valid. But mark my words, the Gods will take you at your word and do what you ask and then you will reap what you have sown. Do not add to the tragedy by destroying all the good work we have been doing for so long.
We preach peace and then are the first to grab a sword, we ask for love and are the first to send out hate. Please everyone out there, try to moderate your approach. And if you cannot refrain from doing magic until your focus is more pure and your intent is clear then the Gods will give you back what you have asked for three fold. Do we really want that to befall our country?
We are workers of magic and have great power to affect the outcome of this. We have to act with responsibility and restraint.
That is all I have to say.
Blessed Be, Shanna Melton Highpriestess Wolf and Creascent Moon Coven
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I'm Not A Pagan.or At Least, I've Never Thought Of Calling... | Sep 14th. at 1:26:56 am UTC |

Mike (New York, New York US) | Age: 37 - Email |

I'm not a Pagan.
Or at least, I've never thought of calling myself such... but tonight I found I may have more in common with Pagans than any other religion. Let me explain...
After work tonight, I took a walk in Central Park (New York), seeking quiet reflection, and perhaps, later, a glimpse of the stars. And I came across a number of people gathered. And my eye was caught by a beautiful harp. And I thought 'perhaps it will be played; I will stay' so I sat on a rock. And it was played. And then the people formed a circle, and started to chant, and did things I was slow to understand, and then I realised, 'they must be Pagans'.
And I stayed and watched from a respectful distance until the end of the ritual, and it was a thing of both great power and gentleness, and I wept. And I realised that they seemed after all to be doing something I understood, for I am a Highlander, born and bred in the remote North of Scotland. And there our people (or those gifted at least) have for years uncounted practiced the 'Healing' and the 'Second Sight'; we don't have a ritual or worship a Lord or Lady, we just Do It, and it seems very natural to us.
And it seemed these people were invoking the same Power, or one closely akin, which I found heartening. So I went and spoke with them, and they smiled and confirmed that I had indeed just witnessed my first Wiccan circle. And all I spoke with were kind and friendly, and patient with my questions, but I must mention especially Erika the Harpist. And I was shown the Altar, and I was moved to offer a Scottish rock, which I had carried with me, and this was accepted with thanks and smiles. I have no idea what good it may do, but it was done with deep feeling.
And I was so warmed by this encounter that on my return home I did some web research on Wicca, and this was practically the first place I found, and I was moved to write, and thank the warm, friendly and open Pagans of New York. I will now continue my research!
And now, in thanks for your companionship, I will sing for you one of my favourite songs:
Healer in your Heart (C.Macdonald / R.Macdonald)
There's a watcher waiting on the edge of the world with the thoughts that never darken when the lights go down In the rhythm of living and the shifting tribe through the cities of destruction in these graceless times
For the universe and the stars are around you now But the healer in your heart is only a breath away
In the smallness of one heartbeat power overthrow In the oneness of the journey for a homing soul With the spirits of the mighty here since day began A shadow rushes through the grasslands to the dying sun
For the universe and the stars are around you now But the healer in your heart is only a breath away For there's silence and there's blindness in a raging world But the healer in your heart is only a moment away
If the folks I met are a fair sample, you Pagan folks are amongst the best of us... I wish you all, everywhere, the power and strength to Heal.
Mike http://www.corestore.org
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I Am Very Shocked On Seeing The Terrorist Attack On Television. I... | Sep 14th. at 1:06:42 am UTC |

yogi (Pretoria, Saudi Arabia) | Age: 25 - Email |

I am very shocked on seeing the terrorist attack on television. I hope the U.S goverment take drastic action agains those responsible, to stop something like that from ever happening again.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of America, especially to those who have lost a friend or family member in this tragic event.
Yogi South-Africa
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