Lughnasadh 1998 Newsletter Service to the God and Goddess By Paganbert

Rather than discuss specific ways in which we might serve the God and Goddess, I thought I would look at the aspects of the God and Goddess to which we might offer service. I will gloss over the more familiar God and Goddess of ritual - find that path that suits you and follow it as you see fit.

Nature

This is the only planet that we have and we despoil it at our physical and moral peril. The wheel of life shows us that all things will die and that death is a part of life, we cannot (and perhaps should not) expect our society to have no impact of the environment, but to act as though the world is an endless resource available for our exclusive use is both ethically repugnant and environmentally suicidal.

Enough of the eco-rant, what can we do in service to our natural God and Goddess? Perhaps not much, a bit of recycling here, some public transport there and maybe a different vote at the next election - but even the small acts of many individuals CAN make a difference. If you have an affinity with a particular aspect of the God and Goddess, you might spend some time on projects that preserve or promote elements of the environment sacred to that God or Goddess.

Each Other

We are all aspects of the God and Goddess, even those who know it not. Service to each other can be service to the God and Goddess. I don't mean any sort of self-imposed subservience to anyone who asks, but an understanding that acts performed with good intent benefit both parties. With the trappings of Christmas all around I am reminded of the saying 'It is better to give than to receive' and the truth that it holds.

We can serve each other every day in small things with no ceremony. Do unasked and with joy what you usually only do in ill-temper when nagged. Wash the dishes even if it isn't your turn. Be nice to everyone, it will please you friends and astonish your foes.

Ourselves

Western society has poor regard for anything labelled 'self-serving' but I think that the God and Goddess prefer me in full bloom and full heart, not worn down by the struggle from one day to the next.

The God and Goddess are within each of us; look after yourself. Strive to be happy.