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Osireion had a special day yesterday. One of our members has spent the past year doing individual work to learn more about the role of priest. The culmination of that year was a “crossing the bridge” ceremony in which she met challenges by each of us and stated her intentions for service. We affirmed our support in her, empowered her energetically, then got down to the business of celebration with a covered dish meal and gifts for the new priestess.
Most who know me have heard me state often that true leadership consists of helping others discover their own talents and put them to use. As Osireion’s leader, I feel deep gratification when someone who originally came to me as a young student now takes up the mantle of responsibility. And she does it so gracefully, with a becoming blend of confidence, humility, and maybe a bit of awe at the path she herself has chosen.
Kermit said, “It’s not easy being green,” and it sure as heck isn’t easy leading. Just the idea that someone else might be leading them sends many Pagans into tantrums of indignation. They confuse visibility with ability, mix up notoriety and a good reputation, and most definitely have not learned the difference between control and guidance. Personally, I favor the leading-by-example mode, since I’ve had to endure my own share of psycho-bosses, -friends and -ministers. With that kind of experience under my belt, it’s easy to see what I don’t want to be like. Mostly, at the end of the day I realize that someone has to pick up the tools and get busy building or there won’t be anywhere to go when the weather turns cold. So I start sawing and hammering, and I show others how to do it when they come along and show an interest.
Our new Osireion priestess exemplifies many of the qualities I’ve wished I’d done better during my life: graciousness, kindness, a sense of humor, earnest self-reflection as the way of spirit. She has her vision fixed on Ma’at, so I know she will go far and carry balance and healing wherever she may go in the years to come.
