Magicians
“Magicians…restore
the balance of the psyche or the society by naming the new reality and
domesticating or transforming it. They also encourage the ongoing evolution of
the universe by helping others to find their true names (i.e. their identities),
for that is how the universe evolves—by our becoming increasingly more
ourselves and more willing to take responsibility for the world we are creating
together.”
Carol
Pearson (The Hero Within: Six Archetypes We Live By, p.123; Harper and Row, 1986)
Carol
Pearson is describing one of the characteristics of the Magician archetype—or people
who embody that archetype. They don’t wave magic wands, but they do facilitate
change around them by transforming the perceptions and understanding of those
who pay attention. Magicians lead by confirming others’ true passions and
identities—through encouragement. Do you remember someone in your past who said, “Yes,
you can do it!” when it seemed the whole world was telling you not to try? Or
someone who pointed out that you have talents and abilities that could be
useful to pursue. That’s the role of the magician—to help you identify your
gifts and learn how to put them to use.
It was Howard
Thurman, theologian, author, educator, who said: “Don’t ask yourself what
the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Especially now,
as we are emerging from the traumas and losses of the past year and a half, we
need people who are alive and ready to step into their own authority. People
who are confident enough to say, “Here I am; send me.” Who ask questions like, “What
is my role in changing the conditions of the world around me?” knowing that
they have an important role to play no matter who they are.
According
to Michele O’Bama, “If there’s one thing you should learn in your life, it’s
the power of using your voice.” If you have ever stood in a circle of
friends for communion, passed the bread and wine, or spoken the Shabbat prayers
while lighting the menorah, or bowed your head to the floor in deference to Allah
or spirit-danced to the mother drum, then you know the power and presence of spiritual
community. It does not separate, it unites. It speaks in a united chorus of individual
voices.
Everybody has a voice. Nothing
is gained by playing small; the world needs all of us to step up and become wholly
ourselves, so that we can contribute all that is ours to contribute to the
evolution of humankind. So, go ahead—come alive!
In the Spirit,
Jane
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