On this well-known holiday, let's take a different view. The story of Saint Patrick clearing the snakes out of Ireland is symbolic of his attempt to drive out the Pagans/ Celts. As we all know, he was not successful. He merely drove them underground. Perhaps this is not a day to celebrate Saint Patrick if one is a Pagan, and an Irish Pagan at that. Let our celebration focus instead on banished people and beliefs that did not die, but survived and strengthened over the centuries to thrive in these modern times.
Light a candle and say a prayer: "To all those forced to hide, Now out of the dark night, Now into the day's light, Triumph over hate and scorn, To flourish and be reborn." |