The Aspen Tradition

Recently, a stranger on social media remarked that I was “pretty smart for a person who believes faeries are real.” I imagine they saw my profile identified me as Wiccan. “The difference between us,” I said “is more about how we define belief, faeries, and reality.”

Belief: More than a Simple Acceptance

Belief isn’t just about accepting something at face value. It’s a complex, deeply personal experience that often intertwines with cultural, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. Beliefs give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. They guide our virtues and ethics and provide a foundation for morality. Shared beliefs form cultural bonds and a sense of belonging.

Faith is a special type of belief. It’s a trust or confidence in something greater than ourselves. Faith provides us with many benefits. Our faith provides us with comfort during challenging times. It’s motivational and inspirational, encouraging us to strive for our goals and remain optimistic about our future. Our faith offers spiritual fulfillment and our connection to the tapestry of life.

Faeries as Allegory: Exploring the Hidden Wisdom of Mythical Beings

Faeries have long held a place in the collective imagination, appearing in folklore, literature, and art across cultures. Faerie Tales are allegories that carry moral lessons, cautionary advice, or insights into human nature.

Faeries symbolize the forces of nature, the mysteries of the forest, and the magic of the world around us. Faerie tales are allegories that teach us to respect and preserve nature. They show us the delicate balance of our ecosystem and the interconnectedness of all living things. They remind us of the fragility of nature and our responsibility to care for it.

Beyond this, faeries embody curiosity, creativity, and mischief. In much of folklore encounters with the Fey Folk lead to confrontation with our own desires, fears, and moral dilemmas. These stories lead to self-discovery and personal growth. Faeries show us the complexity of our emotions and thoughts.

Real: A Flexible Concept

To some, reality is confined to what can be experienced through our senses. If we can’t see, hear, smell, touch, or taste a thing, then it doesn’t exist. But we know there’s more to reality than just these things.

What about time? gravity? magnetic fields? Electrical currents? Scientists believe “dark matter” makes up a significant portion of the universe because of its gravitational effects on visible matter. Our understanding of the science of quantum mechanics is evolving rapidly.

How about Love? Fear? Joy? Emotions cannot be sensed through smell or touch, they’re intuited and experienced directly. So it is with the world of fantastical beings.

Encouraging Open-Mindedness and Humility

In a world that often gravitates towards black-and-white thinking, it’s essential to maintain an open mind and a humble heart. We don’t know everything, and our understanding of the world is always evolving. By acknowledging the shades of gray in life, we open ourselves to new experiences, perspectives, and wisdom.

Let’s embrace the mystery, celebrate the unseen, and remember that there is always more to learn. Keep questioning, stay curious, and never stop exploring the beautiful tapestry of existence.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other’s perspectives.