How Witches Move Beyond Sacrifice and Resentment

How is life going for you?

Do you feel squeezed by many responsibilities?

In some spiritual paths, the idea of sacrifice is pushed—a lot.

On the other hand, The Goddess emphasizes that She pours out her love.

“Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold I am the Mother of All Living, and my love is poured out upon the earth.” – The Goddess speaking in The Charge of the Goddess as written by Doreen Valiente

I have three insights for you.

Refresh your thoughts about sacrifice.

So, sacrifice is good, yes?

Imagine another take on this topic.

What if we’re talking about choice and what a person chooses as important to them?

When a parent sacrifices their time and devotes their efforts to a child… is this a loss?

Actually, this is a declaration of “I choose this as important to me.”

The parent is declaring, “This is important to me. Your well-being is important to me. This is my choice.”

Problems of resentment rise when people fail to acknowledge the choices they are making.

Is it hard to support a friend, a child, or a family member? Yes. Certainly.

I notice that my friends and I make choices because we deeply care about each other.

Avoid looking for approval.

Some spiritual paths appear to emphasize sacrifice as a way to redeem oneself. As if one was created already “tainted.”

“…if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee.”
– The Goddess speaking in The Charge of the Goddess as written by Doreen Valiente

Peace is within. Your worth is within. Why? The Gods created you worthy.

If a parent devotes their time and care to a child, it is not about whether anyone else deems the parent “a good parent.”

It’s really about the parent choosing their honorable path.

Sure, we want people to express appreciation and gratitude.

But to expect approval or gratitude can be a road to resentment.

Invite the Gods to help you move beyond resenting.

Here is a prayer:

Glorious God and Gracious Lady,
Clear my path of resentment.
May I see my choices with love.
May I enjoy the journey of devotion,
For my good and all those involved.
So Mote It Be.

Resentment and fear can grow from outside this present moment.

If you focus on giving with your clear heart, that is something in this present moment. Whether the other person feels grateful—that’s out of your hands—and outside this moment.

The Goddess invites us to be like Her and to “pour our love out upon the earth.”

May these insights support your path.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater