Worry

These are worrisome times. 

There are numerous worldwide issues causing anxiety. Wars in Europe and the Middle East. Concern about international conflicts spinning out of control. The effects of climate change. The renewed political power of bigotry and the threat of authoritarianism.

It’s not limited to just global concerns but also domestic. Low unemployment numbers mask the problem that many people need more than one job to make ends meet. The cost of rent is skyrocketing, while it’s more difficult to acquire a mortgage due to interest rates. Inflation has dropped, but the cost of key products, such as food, remains high. There’s a sense that crime has become dramatically worse. There’s also concern about the impact of advances in AI and robotics on jobs in the near term and existential dread in the future.

 

For some, anxiety rises to the point that it interferes with the quality of life. It may even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If this is true for you or someone you know, there is help. Consider talking with your primary physician. In the US, the National Suicide Hotline is 988. Also, some organizations may be able to help. I recommend the following source for hotlines.

However, for many, anxiety doesn’t rise to the point of the need for professional help. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address it. There are a variety of steps one can take. Healthline.com has several recommendations: getting more physical activity, eating a balanced diet, minimizing phone use and screen time, and more. 

As a Dark Pagan, I recommend additional steps.

There are several schools of thought in Western philosophy that can help. Stoicism is a powerful tool for handling stress and anxiety. I highly recommend the book Stoicism For Inner Peace: Ancient Philosophy for Everyday Life by Einzelganger. I also find the school of Epicurus to be very helpful. Unfortunately, most of the stuff written about his views are rather academic. I recommend the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy website for a good summary. 

If Eastern philosophy is more your speed, I recommend Taoism. Taoism teaches us to live within the flow of life. It embodies its philosophy through practices such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and acupuncture. There are a lot of books and resources about Taoism. For the purpose of this topic, I recommend The Tao of Inner Peace by Diane Dreher.

Finally, there’s magick. This includes theurgy (or religious magic), such as prayers and offerings to gods, spirits, and ancestors. There’s also thaumaturgy, which includes spell casting, divination, and more.  

Self-love is one of the Nine Dark Pagan principles. Take care of yourself.