Rumi once said, “Don’t be sorrowful. Everything you lose returns in a different way.” 

This phrase beautifully captures the ancient rhythms of transformation and renewal. As Witches, we should understand that all things are bound to cycles, and even in moments of loss or disappointment, the Wheel continues to turn. The old gives way to the new, reshaping our lives and creating space for growth, even when we cannot yet see what lies ahead.

In the quiet of the night, I found myself feeling the full weight of everything beyond my control. It’s easy to get swept up in the noise and despair that seem impossible to silence. My heart felt heavy, and I realized that to move forward, I needed to sit with these feelings rather than push them away. Here, grief and hope intersect, woven into the fabric of our experience.

When we face unexpected or challenging outcomes, our minds can scatter, spiraling into a hundred “what-ifs.” It takes a conscious effort to ground ourselves, letting each breath bring us back to this moment, to be present as it is. Deep, intentional breaths help me reach a space of calm where I can hold my thoughts gently, without being overtaken by them.

Fear often emerges when we sense how much is beyond our reach. Yet, in every moment, we can choose how we connect: to ourselves, to each other, and to this sacred Earth. This connection strengthens me, reminding me that, as Witches, we are here to walk forward, one step at a time. It’s important to allow ourselves to simply be, to feel what we need to feel, and to recognize that we are moving, however slowly, toward understanding and compassion.

I’ve asked myself repeatedly why my heart feels so heavy. 

What are we truly mourning? 

Reflecting on the source of our grief can bring clarity. It may be the sense that a shared vision has been altered or a loss of unity in values we hold dear: compassion, fairness, and care for all beings.

In Dreaming the Dark, Starhawk reminds us, “We are all longing to go home to some place we have never been, a place half-remembered and half-envisioned we can only catch glimpses of from time to time.” Her words help me remember that while we may feel far from this place of harmony, each choice we make to stay grounded and act with integrity brings us closer. Even when the world feels clouded in difficulty, it is in holding onto hope and clear intentions that we find our true work. Our energy is best directed to what we can affect here and now, rather than dwelling on all that lies beyond our reach.

The grief we experience is part of an ancient cycle of change and transformation. Acknowledging it is essential. By naming what weighs on our hearts, we begin to release it. These small acts of recognition are powerful, and they help us come back to ourselves and each other.

One of the things I have learned from being a Witch, is that no matter how overwhelming life may feel, there is always a path forward, if we are willing to seek it. Even if some hopes feel distant, we are encouraged to stay grounded and continue working toward them. Starhawk says, “To dream is to create, and as we dream, so we become.” This act of dreaming, of envisioning the world we seek, becomes a source of strength. Our resilience grows with each effort we make, each step taken with intention.

This call to honor our vision reminds us that life will bring new possibilities and paths. Think of moments when your hope has blossomed, be it in community, in acts of service, or through a renewed sense of purpose. These are the small but mighty seeds we plant and nurture.

Like these seeds, let us remain rooted in the understanding that even in times of loss, we are here to dream a different future, to cultivate hope that can endure the hardest of challenges. In the midst of disappointment, hope is a conscious choice. It is a commitment to keep going, to view the world and ourselves as sources of resilience and renewal.

Being with others who share these values has been a deep comfort to me. When we gather in shared purpose, our strength grows, and together we become a light that withstands the forces of division or despair. Hope, then, becomes an act of defiance against darkness, a statement that love and healing are the final words.

Together as a community, we will continue to move forward, guided by hope as our compass, sustaining ourselves and those around us.

I am with you in sorrow, and I am with you in hope. Let us nurture these dreams within ourselves, daring to envision a brighter future.

Take whatever time you need to heal, to rediscover peace, and to renew. Today, simply let yourself exist in this moment, trusting that healing will come, and remember, our work (united by the spirit of hope) goes on.

Sources:

1. Rumi, as cited in The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks.

2. Starhawk, Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics.