When we decided our Samhain issue should have the theme "Pagans Respond to Death," Samhain being the Sabbat when we see our beloved dead, it was summertime. No one had run planes into the World Trade Center. The country wasn't at war. We had no idea what kind of death we'd be talking about.
Now, more than ever, I think we need to consider our response to death.
We're lucky, I think, to publish two different visionary experiences this issue: Erika's revelation of oneness, which she had exactly two months before the tower attacks, and Sylvana's visit to Hecate. Both give us a glimpse beyond this plane, something we need (or anyway I need) right now. Later, Sienna asks, what's so bad about death anyway? -- if we really believe that life does not end there.
On the attacks and their consequences, Donna discusses how the astrological configuration of September 11 may play out over the next months. Sylvana gives us a meditation on drawing peace from chaos in our lives, and bringing peace to the world at large. On the news front, we round up how pagans locally and nationally responded to the attacks. Scott discusses support of Muslim Americans.
Yet war and death cannot be our whole focus. Perhaps some Goths in the world can drench themselves in darkness 24/7, but those who have lived with death know sometimes you need a break. There remains light in the darkness, brilliant fall leaves in the dirt, glowing pumpkin lanterns. Catherine talks about the therapeutic benefits of making bread, and Cynthia writes about Pan de Muertos, baked for the Mexican Day of the Dead -- a holiday for communing with the ancestors in an atmosphere of joy. Genevieve talks about music that speaks to pain and music that can heal. And for something entirely different, George Jackson talks about the ups and downs of attempting work with the Cthulhu Mythos. I can't say he recommends it.
There'll be a lot of folks at our Dumb Suppers this year, as Janice says in her front-page story. Forces shadowy and fiery remake the world in violence, and suddenly we're familiar with biological war and the mountains of Afghanistan. As pagans, we have the calling to direct the energies we can muster toward the best and highest good, the best resolution of this pain.