Gratitude

Written during Wicker Man Burning 2017

At the end of our Lammas ritual, there was a Wicker Man burning. We had been asked to write a note of thanks to send up with the Wicker Man to the Gods. The Wicker Man is used to show the sacrifices that are made for the harvest that year. In its burning, we are offered the chance to let the Gods who give Their lives each year so that we may be sustained.

I was compelled to write this as my offering of thanks and I wished to share it with others because it is easy for any of us to see things that we wished were better. It is easy to complain about the things that we don't have, and in these times, it is difficult to remember the things that we are grateful for. Many of us find it easy to be upset at the difficulties in our lives and forget all the blessings that we have each and every day.

I am grateful for the love shared with friends and family,

for food and drink and a shelter over my head.

I am grateful for the path I walk, and the freedom to walk it as I please.

I am grateful for my Ancestors of flesh and of spirit who have given their lives for the freedoms that I have today.

I am grateful for the turn of the wheel, the changing seasons and the changing moon in the sky.

I am grateful for my health and the health of those close to me.

I am grateful for the sharing of music, ritual and dance.

I am grateful for books and the knowledge and wonder they hold.

I am grateful for all my teachers on this path from those who teach me magic to those who taught me to read to those who have written of their struggles to the teachings of nature and the Gods themselves.

I am grateful for all the Gods and Goddesses of this world and the lessons they teach, even when they are difficult.

I am grateful for the air I breathe.

I am grateful for the runes and tarot and the stories they share.

I am grateful to be ever-learning.

I am grateful.

I am grateful.

I am grateful.