Happy Earth Day! – News, paganism, perspectives, the wild hunt, world

Today is Earth Day, a time when we reflect on our intricate connection to the planet we call home, and ideally reconsider our obligations to nurturing the delicate ecosystems that sustain life. Earth Day made its debut on April 22, 1970 and this year marked its 50th anniversary, with the current theme focusing on climate action.

In the years leading up to the inaugural Earth Day, Americans consumed vast amounts of leaded gasoline due to the prevalence of large, inefficient cars. Industries discharged smoke and waste with minimal regard for legal consequences or public perception. Air pollution was widely seen as a sign of economic prosperity. Until then, mainstream America remained largely unaware of environmental problems and the harmful effects of a polluted environment on human health.

However, the landscape was poised for transformation following the publication of Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book ‘Silent Spring’ in 1962. This literary work marked a pivotal moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries and raising public awareness and concern about the mutual connectedness increases significantly. of living organisms, the environment and the profound effects of pollution on human health.

On the first Earth Day in 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, catalyzing the implementation of several environmental safeguards in the United States. These measures included the introduction of laws such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, in addition to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July 1970.

Image credit: NASA – public domain)

Earth Day also serves as a reminder, a day a year that offers a moment of realization, that the resources vital to our existence are finite and fragile. Originally created as an educational event on environmental issues, Earth Day has grown into a global platform highlighting environmental awareness, ecology and the conservation of our natural resources. Given the increasing urgency of climate change, the question remains whether we can transcend political barriers and seriously strive to mitigate its most devastating impacts while we still can.

While many modern Pagans today resonate deeply with environmental issues, to the extent that many now identify with an “earth religion,” this was not always the norm. Despite signs of hedonism and avoidance of organized religious practices, the early pagan religious movements of the 1950s and 1960s placed particular emphasis on reverence for the immanent manifestations of nature.

It is worth noting that within the wider Pagan community, certain individuals and factions have recently moved away from terms such as ‘earth religion’ or ‘nature religion’, seeing them as inaccurately representing their beliefs and practices. Nevertheless, there remains widespread support for environmental causes, a willingness to acknowledge contemporary scientific findings on issues such as climate change, and a prevailing belief that protecting natural resources is essential in our interconnected communities.

As we look to the future, one of the major hurdles facing the Pagan community appears to be aligning our actions with our principles. Central to many, but not all, pagan spiritual traditions is a deep and reverent affection for the earth, its diverse life forms, and its intrinsic processes. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we often find common ground in seeking solace and tranquility in the natural world. Even though many of us live in urban environments, our hearts ache as we witness the unchecked devastation wrought by fossil fuels worldwide and the scientifically confirmed, dire consequences of human actions on our shared home.

Earth Day is a secular reminder of our collective obligation to manifest a healthy planet.

As Pagan elder Gus DiZerega pointed out more than a decade ago, our Paganism that focuses on the cycles of nature and a relationship with the land have a clear role to play in elevating Earth Day as a call to action .

I think that only spiritualities of sacred immanence are able to do justice on earth, and I think that we, as pagans, have a responsibility to act and speak in defense of this planet that blessed us into existence. If anyone can do that, it is we who can advocate and sometimes introduce others to a direct experience of the sacredness of the earth. (…) Rather than being anti-human, we need only expand that part of us that is perhaps most unique, our heart, to embrace what (Aldo Leopold) calls a “land ethic.” Such an ethic: ‘simply extends the boundaries of the community to include soil, water, plants and animals, or collectively: the land.’

The possibilities to engage our world more deeply are limitless. There are events happening all over the world and a simple search on social media will reveal them all.

There are opportunities to build community, learn about the challenges, take magical actions, and bring about practical results. Every action, regardless of its size, has meaning – whether it is planting a tree, minimizing waste, saving water and energy, or actively participating in any conservation effort. Let’s collectively take responsibility for feeding our planet and promoting a cooler, healthier future.

Most importantly, Earth Day is an opportunity for optimism. The news is constantly bleak, but we can remind ourselves today that hope is something we can create. We are amazed by the world and find the simplest ways to help.

If you’re in the United States, this is National Parks Week. Entrance fees will be waived for the week beginning April 20, 2024, to kick off the celebration and encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person.

It is an opportunity to admire nature. Like tonight’s Pink Moon, the Lyrid meteor shower, or even a walk in your backyard, garden or park. Each represents a moment to reconnect with nature and redouble our efforts, practical, spiritual and magical, on behalf of our home.