You Get Out What You Put In
A persistent theme in the pagan community is that spirituality takes work, that it is not something that comes easy and that it takes consistent work to be able to grow. More specifically that "You get out what you put in". To be even more specific, we are referring to spirituality and being a pagan. In my opinion, paganism is a very active set of paths and witchcraft has always been a work in progress and a daily activity for me. My relationship with my chosen Deities, spirit guides, and nature spirits are only as strong as the work that I put into them. It is the same with the people in our lives. If we put time, attention, and love into them, they return the favor with enthusiasm. I put my intent and a few words into my cooking to help with illness or sing to my herbs to help them grow. I think about creating protection as I wire wrap a stone into a pendent for my mother or create a magical object for a witchy friend. This is how I stay connected both to my path, and the world that demands my attention.
If you want to experience a deeper spiritual place, commune more fully with the world around you, or hone your skills in divination you will only move forward in your path for greater knowledge if you put the time and intent into your day. I used to always say that I didn't have time, however I have come to realize that it is, honestly all about priorities. If something is important enough to you, you will make time for it. This is the way life works in every aspect. Those things that are truly important to you are places at the top of your list by default. For me, my family, my husband, and the creatures and beings that call our farm home are always a top priority for me. However close on their heals is my spirituality, my witchy ways.
Now I am not by any means a perfect pagan. Life gets in the way sometimes, which is one of those unavoidable things. Sometimes an illness, trouble at work, or problems in a relationship cause you to temporarily go off your chosen path. The secret is to get right back on. In fact, when you are truly in a place where your Path is of importance to you, magic will become a ready response to those things that used to make you stray off the path. Instead of your old habit of stressing about a final at school, you can channel that energy into a simple working to increase your ability to retain information or enchant your pen to give you additional focus. If a friend falls ill, create a healing soup while you chant about renewed health and vitality or use meditative techniques to channel energy to them so that they can better heal themselves. Perhaps you are fighting with your significant other and a house cleansing is in order to move out negative energy and bring in more positive energy or you could work a spell to help strengthen your collective communication skills. It is not always easy to think and act this way, which is why it is something you have to want to practice so that it becomes second nature to you.
This can also be a factor in covens, circles, or groups of pagans. What you get out of that group experience completely depends on what you put into it. Do you arrive ill prepared because you did not make time to get everything you needed together? Is your mind on other things during ritual? Are you focusing and putting your intent into your purpose there or are you merely going through the motions? Every group struggles with these things from time to time, but it is important to treat the other people in your circle as you would want to be treated in return. Enter the circle prepared, focused, and ready for what ever working may come.
There is a reason that all those cliche statement have been around for so long. You reap what you sow, as above so below, you get out what you put in, etc. The reason they have stood the test of time is because they are true. Don't forget to learn the lessons that the past can teach you. Bring all of yourself to the path, and you will grow in ways you never imagined.
Blessings to you all,
Silver
