Why Can't We?

Last week I was driving from one town to another on some errands. I live out in the country, and by out I mean WAY out. Sometimes I really enjoy it. Sometimes I regret not living closer to civilization because modern convenience doesn't really reach us out here aside from a couple gas stations and pop-up vegetable stands in summer.

I was thoroughly enjoying this particular drive. The sun was shining, the sky was a gorgeous shade of blue with fluffy, white clouds, and the foliage is finally once again lush and green. It was the perfect day. The kind that makes my heart sing and belt out gratitude.

Aaaaand then I crested a hill and sighed. As I rambled down the other side the view changed. Standing taller than the trees, in glaringly bright white, was a cross towering against the otherwise perfect sky.

My initial thought was "Why does it have to be so big?" And then I thought, "How stunning would it be to come over a hilltop and see a giant Hekate?"

This specific image popped into my mind that was the background picture of my phone for ages.

The image is 'Priestess of Hecate' by Jo-Freyr on Deviant Art.

This art has always struck me with a sense of awe and wonder, I imagine much like the cross does for Christians. Surely if the thought of seeing a titanic Hekate on the side of the road dwarfing trees fills ME with such joy, it must be the same for devotees around the world.

So I want you to imagine with me what our world would be like if we crested a hill and saw Her standing among the leaves. If we saw Her torches next to buildings dedicated to Her. Temples and churches and meditation gardens where we could get married or hold funerals for those we love in spaces where Her presence is strongest. Imagine having the worst day of your life and having no support, no community, nowhere to turn, and then you remember Her sanctuary. A shelter with arms to hold you, and to light a candle when you can't find the strength to do so for yourself. A place you can find others to commune with, to celebrate with, to grieve with. Food pantries and shelters and beacons of hope for those down on their luck, but instead of a cross they seek out Her torches. Because never will they be called sinners, or blamed for misfortunes out of their hands, or shamed for being human.

This is the vision I have for us. For all of us the world over. Why should we be considered lesser when our gods are older? Why can't we have our own sacred spaces as plentiful as others? Why can't we, as pagans and spiritualists of all flavors, bring this to fruition? Why can't we put our money into places that are meant FOR US? That's the advantage other factions have over us. They give, even if it's as small as the change in their pockets. The difference between us and others? When we say we're going to feed the poor, we actually do it.