November 23rd, 2020

Thinking about Rituals & Ceremonies we've been taught to give our energy to & accept as traditions. Specifically the Fall Rites of Patriotism as a Republican of The U.S. As a Black American Woman, it can be complicated.

...And largely dependent on my Surname.. Which is a whole nutha rabbit hole.

So, the tradition of Thanksgiving. Mostly taught in school with the myth of Pilgrims & The Long Table. The setting in late November as Autumn surrenders to Winter & the Death Cycle- the death of plants & vegetation- begins to settle over most of the country.

The traditions of 1st Nations to celebrate the last of early Fall's harvest & the last of the grain from their fields. Offerings to the Land and Sky.

And the Pilgrim's origin stories on this Land... their Mythology. Theirs. Then, much further down the line ours. Mine.

My family's tradition of coming together to "give thanks" and visit. Paid Leave from work so we can travel to meet LOVE and break bread together. A valued time.

A Ritual in purpose, food & football gladiator games. A Ritual by definition.

Despite full knowledge & experience as Black Americans that the day is not Ours. Not when we orient ourselves. And now, in 2020, most of us understand the myth is much more Dark. The shadow myth- Thanksgiving is a sacrificial occassion.

And we know Sacrifice too well.
And perhaps for some of us, the blood is on our Ancestors hands too... But that's also another rabbit hole. A snake hole that one.

And so here we are... with Knowledge, Wisdom & Understanding. Pressed to rise above the apparent true intention of the U.S.'s November ritual. Not the feather headbands and black-and-white pilgrim hats of Elementary school. But the patriotic ceremony that makes perfect sense for the descendants of Plymouth Rock and Roanoke because those are the benefactors of the first and succeeding Thanksgivings.

Let's not argue what they lost over the generations b/c that's not the point now is it?

So while not begging for the yolk of victimhood, it's a Spiritual thang to continue with the Thanksgiving Festival. Knowing the blood that was shed & the curse it perpetuates.

Not to mention the spellbinding Turkey carving scene.

That said, my Ancestors want a pretty table this year. At the least a seasonal tablecloth and disposable plate setting. With Black-Eye peas & Field Greens.. Corn Bread.. Dey 'ont wait Nu Yeahs.

Not for Thursday tho.. Fuck dat. For the season. Giving Thanks for the sustenance. For the Remembering.

"Remembering Our Magick!"

Dark-Divine Goddess Initiation

Dark-Divine Goddess