Because I feel thankful, because I know that gratitude is the seed of great magic, I want to use this Thanksgiving holiday to pass on some good fortune.
There is a rune in the northern traditions called gebo, the Gift. It looks like two lines crossing, forming an “X”. This can represent two things coming together, mutual obligation and responsibility. In my life, I take this as a reminder that my good fortune does not live in a vacuum, but requires me to continue to step forward, to meet that other line, locking the Gift into place. This keeps the magic flowing.
Each year, the elders at Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and other reservations have trouble heating their homes. 61% of the population lives below the poverty line. I won’t detail the years of injustice and neglect that have contributed to this situation, and right now, I don’t have the time, energy, and funds to rebuild every inadequate home on the reservation. What I do have the time and energy for is to collect money to help these families – particularly the elders, some number of whom freeze to death each year – heat their homes. There is great injustice reflected in the way these people are living, and we can tip the balance slightly toward the good.
Solar Cross Temple is collecting donations and will send money directly to the heating companies who maintain a list of families who need propane fuel. 100% of the money after the paypal fees will go to this cause. The more money we collect, the longer into winter these families will have heat. We suggest donations of anywhere between $10-100 (or more for those of you who are truly blessed). Please put “Donation for Winter Fuel Drive” in the subject line so we know where to send the donation. And please pass this information along via any networks you are part of. There is a “donate” button in the left hand column of this page, if you scroll down.
Let’s give back to those from whom so much has been taken. Let us make this day holy.
Happy Thanksgiving.
(Solar Cross is a temple, so donations are tax deductible. Send paypal donations to solarcrosstemple@gmail.com “Donation for Winter Fuel Drive)