Fear of Fluing

Here in the U.S., most people think of Influenza—the flu—as not much more than a serious cold. In fact, the flu is a terrible disease. In the U.S. alone, the CDC estimates it causes about 36,000 deaths yearly. Worldwide, the estimates are 250,000 to a half-million deaths per year. As of July 6, 2009, the total number of deaths worldwide from the dreaded and fearsome Swine Flu you’ve been hearing about is…

wait for it…

429.

Not 40,000. Not even 4,000. Just 429. In the entire world.

I’m not trying to be callous. As far as I’m concerned even one death from the flu is one too many. But does it really make sense to be terrified over the loss, terrible as it is, of 500 people when, on average, the yearly toll is up to one thousand times that?

Annually, the flu hits early and then returns later in the same year with a more severe attack. This number will, unfortunately, go up. But as two of my teachers pointed out to me a few years ago when the Bird Flu was the disease predicted to wipe out millions, “It’s the flu.”

They were right.

The fear-mongers were wrong.

The media, politicians, and leaders of various groups like to spread fear and terror so you’ll keep listening to them, reading their writings, giving them power over you, and sending them money.

The flu shouldn’t be ignored. It takes a terrible toll on the world every year, especially among the very young, the very old, the ill and the weak. But from a magickal point of view, it shouldn’t be feared. Rather, it should be understood and dealt with.

Before doing a ritual you have to determine your purpose, plan out what you will do, and then perform the rite. In my opinion magicians should do the same thing when it comes to the flu. Your purpose should be to avoid or minimize the effects of the flu. Your plans should include getting as healthy as possible, including drinking fluids, getting exercise and rest, dealing with stress, eating healthful foods, etc. If you are not sure what you need to achieve optimum help, consult a professional. Then do the “ritual,” which in this case would be getting exercise, eating proper foods, etc. If you do come down with the flu, see a doctor immediately.

With this approach—the magickal approach—the media, politicians, leaders of various groups can’t make you fear. Without fear to motivate you they can’t get your money, they can’t get your power, and they can’t obtain control over you. That’s why they traditionally fear magickal people. It’s not because magick is “evil,” but because it gives you personal responsibility and takes away the power they so desperately want.

What is your advice for avoiding the flu? How will you take your power back, or keep your power, from those who would instill fear?