A word about the focus of our main ritual this year…
There are 128 endangered and threatened species in Florida (including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, corals, crustaceans, insects and mollusks). Most are endangered due to the rapid development of Florida’s wild lands and the impact humans have on our beautiful ecosystems. Just a little more space or a little less pollution would help many of them so much! Ninety percent of endangered species are on track to recover due to the Endangered Species Act. Crocodiles, manatees, and black bears are off the list now! As magick workers attuned to earth wisdom, together let’s lend our energy to support endangered animal allies, and attempt to help rebalance the scales of what humans have taken with what they have given. By acknowledging our interconnection with all species and the web of life, we heal our illusion of isolation and restore right relationship with the other creatures of Partner Earth.
We will focus on raising energy for four key endangered species: the Miami Blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) our ally for the Element of Air, the Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) our ally for the Element of Fire, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) our ally for the Element of Water, and the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) our ally for the Element of Earth.
These four animals need our help but all animals will benefit from our magick and from any effort to acknowledge human interdependence with Source and All Life. In 2023 we are Embracing our Source, connecting with animal, plant, and mineral allies, and lending our energy to the urgent need for humans to live in greater balance with all other creatures. So Mote It Be!
The Miami Blue butterfly is small butterfly with snazzy bright blue wings and grey underneath. The Miami Blue has been around at least 200 million years and its so lovable that seventeen different ant species tend to its babies! A miracle species, the Miami Blue was thought to be extinct until a lucky human rediscovered one in 1999. Miami Blue butterflies carry electric, sociable, and miraculous energy.
The cinnamon-brown-colored Florida bonneted bat has been adorable for at least 50 million years. Some human thought their big floppy ears look like a bonnet. Bats help control the insect population in Florida, and the Florida bonneted bat helps protect agricultural crops by eating loads of bugs that prey on corn and tomatoes. Some of these bats like their space and live alone while others have a big old harem of intimate family members—they are known to appreciate human-made bat houses! Florida bonneted bats carry nurturing, protective, and inquisitive energy.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is named after a fisherman from Key West who befriended a cute little sea turtle in 1906. Sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years—that some deep wisdom! Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are slowly recovering from an all time low in the1980’s. Mama Kemp’s ridleys band together offshore before all coming together to lay eggs on the beach where they hatched decades earlier. Kemp’s ridley turtles carry ancient, sovereign, and chill energy.
The Florida panther is a cousin of all the other pumas and panthers in North America who have been bringing the sexy to Earth for at least 6 million years. Today the Florida panther population is 10 times what it was in the 1970’s but its still very small (~200 animals). Male panthers like to hit the road and wander up to 250 square miles when they are looking for a mate. Panthers don’t roar or meow—they chirp! And are known to scream when they are horny. The Florida panther carries silent, resilient, and skillful energy.
How you can help more---
Join or follow one of these organizations that use evidence-based research to support these animal allies and remember we are all connected!
Florida Butterfly Movement https://floridabutterflymovement.org/
Lubee Bat Conservancy https://www.lubee.org/
The Turtle Hospital https://www.turtlehospital.org/
Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge https://www.floridapanther.org/