EXPLORING #WITCHTOK — THE EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF WICCA ONLINE

This Halloween, the witch isn’t green with a long, warty nose. She doesn’t have a tall pointy hat, a sneering black cat, or a magical flying broom. She doesn’t cast spells with eye of newt, smidge of hemlock, and sting of nettle, nor inflicts mean, mean pain on waif-like kids. No, today’s witch is digital. She’s connected, socially smart, and sorcery savvy.

Wicca online has explosively grown in the past few years. Especially since the Covid lockdowns forced secluded young women to seek novel friendships through social media. The appeal of the occult—the mystic and arcane—mesmerized millions and millions who tuned to #WitchTok, a platform now having 42 billion views. Yes, 42 billion. Witchcraft is just that popular.

It’s a fascinating shift in society with practicing Wiccans doing digital covens. And it’s far from the witches of Macbeth, Salem, Oz, and Samantha. Let’s look at what #WitchTok is and how the explosive growth of Wicca online came about.

In Dyingwords posts, I usually create new, from-scratch content about subjects I have some expertise in like human death investigation or writing and publishing. Today, I’m talking witches—witch talking—something I have absolutely no experience with except that the editor of my first novel, No Witnesses To Nothing, was a practicing Wiccan. I found her very intelligent, and there was nothing kooky or spooky about Heather at all.

For this piece, I’ll defer to the real experts—witches I’ve sourced online and extracted quotes from. It’s far better to hear from those in the know, especially about a topic like witchcraft which I suspect is poorly understood by the rank and file. However, we need to know the background of Wicca, Wiccan, and witchcraft. For that, I’m turning to my AI friend.

Me — Please explain clearly and in detail what Wicca is. Give me the history, how it progressed, and what the status of Wicca is today.

Friend — Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that was developed in England during the first half of the 20th century. Though influenced by pre-Christian beliefs and practices of Europe, it is distinct from these as a specific, organized path with its own unique characteristics. Gerald Gardner, a British civil servant and amateur anthropologist, is credited with founding what is now known as Wicca in the 1940s.

History and Development — Early Foundations

The roots of Wicca trace back to the early 20th century with the resurgence of interest in esotericism and the occult in Europe. Figures like Aleister Crowley and organizations like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn were part of this broader milieu that influenced Gerald Gardner.

Gerald Gardner and Wicca’s Formation

Gardner was initiated into a New Forest coven in the late 1930s or early 1940s and claimed that this coven was a surviving part of an ancient witchcraft tradition. However, historical accuracy of these claims remains contested. In the 1950s, Gardner began publicizing his beliefs and practices through books and lectures, calling it “Witchcraft” and later “Wicca,” which he claimed was derived from Old English meaning ‘the wise ones.’

Spread and Evolution

After the Witchcraft Act was repealed in England in 1951, Gardner published more openly about his beliefs and practices. His works, notably “Witchcraft Today” (1954) and “The Meaning of Witchcraft” (1959), served as foundational texts for Wicca. In the 1960s and 1970s, Wicca spread rapidly in the United States and Canada, largely due to the influence of figures like Raymond Buckland, who introduced what became known as the Gardnerian Wicca tradition.

Beliefs and Practices

Wicca is diverse, with no central authority, but it typically includes the worship of a Goddess and a God; the observance of seasonal festivals known as Sabbats, which make up the Wheel of the Year; and esbat rituals held at the full moon. Wiccans practice magic, often aligned with natural forces, and adhere to a moral code known as the Wiccan Rede, which states “An it harm none, do what ye will.”

Contemporary Wicca

Today, Wicca has evolved into a variety of traditions, some closely following Gardnerian practices, while others have developed new interpretations or amalgamated practices from other spiritual paths. It is recognized as an official religion in some countries, with practitioners entitled to the same rights and protections as followers of other religions.

Modern Diversity

Contemporary Wicca includes a variety of traditions such as Alexandrian, Dianic, and Seax-Wica, among others. There’s also a trend toward more eclectic and solitary practitioners, who blend Wiccan practices with other spiritual beliefs.

Challenges and Acceptance

While Wicca has gained greater acceptance as a legitimate religion, practitioners can still face misconceptions and prejudice. However, its ecological ethos and reverence for nature align closely with contemporary ecological concerns, adding to its appeal.

Online and Global Spread

The internet has played a significant role in the spread and evolution of Wicca. Online forums, social media, and digital covens have made it easier for solitary practitioners to learn about Wicca, connect with others, and practice rituals even in remote areas.

Wicca continues to adapt and evolve, influenced by broader cultural shifts and the needs of its practitioners. It remains a dynamic and growing religious movement that appeals to many seeking a more personal, nature-based, or feminist spirituality.

Me — What is Wiccan?

Friend — “Wiccan” refers to an adherent of Wicca, a modern pagan and witchcraft religion. It can be used both as a noun and an adjective. As a noun, a Wiccan is someone who practices Wicca, embracing its rituals, beliefs, and ethical codes. As an adjective, “Wiccan” describes anything related to the Wicca religion, such as Wiccan rituals, Wiccan beliefs, or Wiccan practices.

Key Aspects of Being Wiccan:

  • Beliefs: Wiccans typically believe in a dual deity, worshipping both a Goddess and a God, who represent various forms of nature and aspects of life. They may also believe in other spiritual entities such as spirits, ancestors, or other deities.
  • Practices: Wiccan practices include ritual magic, casting circles for protection during rituals, celebrating seasonal festivals known as Sabbats (which honor the cycles of nature), and performing rites at phases of the moon, known as Esbats.
  • Ethics: Wiccans generally follow the Wiccan Rede, an ethical guideline that states “An it harm none, do what ye will.” This underscores a philosophy of freedom and responsibility, emphasizing that one’s actions should not intentionally harm others.
  • Community and Solitary Practice: While many Wiccans join covens, which are formal groups with initiated members who gather for rituals, many others practice alone as solitary Wiccans. Solitary practice allows individuals to adapt rituals and beliefs to their personal spiritual needs.

Wiccans often feel a deep connection to nature, seeing the divine manifest in the world around them. This connection guides their practices and rituals, many of which are geared towards aligning with natural forces and cycles.

Me — What is a witch?

Friend — A “witch” is a term with a complex and varied history, and its meaning can differ significantly depending on cultural, historical, and individual contexts. Broadly, a witch is someone who practices witchcraft—a set of skills and knowledge that often involves magic, ritual, and an understanding of natural forces. Here are a few key perspectives on what a witch typically represents:

Historical Perspective

Historically, the concept of a witch has often been associated with negative stereotypes and misconceptions. In many cultures, witches were thought to be individuals who used supernatural powers to cause harm. This view was particularly prominent during the witch trials in Europe and North America from the 15th to 18th centuries, where many accused witches were persecuted.

Modern Neopagan Perspective

In modern times, particularly within Neopagan religions like Wicca, being a witch is viewed positively. Witches in these contexts are practitioners of witchcraft who engage in rituals, cast spells, and work with the energies of nature to bring about change. These practices are often aimed at healing, protection, and personal growth, rather than harm.

Cultural Variations

The definition of a witch can vary widely across different cultures:

  • In African and Afro-Caribbean traditions, such as those practiced in Voodoo, Santería, and other religions, witches may have roles that blend magical practices with community healing.
  • In European folklore, witches were often seen as wise women or men who understood herbs, could heal the sick, and had the ability to affect change through supernatural means.
  • In indigenous cultures, the concept similar to witches might involve shamanic practices, where certain individuals interact with the spirit world for healing or guidance.

Characteristics of Witches

  • Magic and Ritual: Witches often use rituals and magic to work with natural energies to manifest changes. This can involve casting spells, using tarot cards, practicing divination, and creating potions or herbal remedies.
  • Connection to Nature: Many witches feel a deep connection to nature and often honor the earth and its seasons through various ceremonies and rituals.
  • Ethical Considerations: Ethical practices can vary, but many witches follow a form of the ethical guideline, such as “Harm none,” which emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others with one’s actions.

In Popular Culture

In literature, film, and television, witches have been portrayed in a variety of ways, from the wicked witches in fairy tales like “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Wizard of Oz” to more sympathetic figures in modern media like “Harry Potter” or “The Craft.” These portrayals can influence how the general public perceives witches.

Overall, being a witch involves a diverse range of beliefs and practices, and its interpretation can change dramatically depending on the cultural and religious context. The modern appreciation for witches and witchcraft generally focuses on empowerment, the reclaiming of personal and communal power, and a profound respect for nature and its cycles.

Me — What is witchcraft?

Friend — Witchcraft is a complex, multifaceted practice with various meanings and interpretations, depending on cultural, historical, and individual contexts. Generally, it refers to the use of magical or supernatural powers and practices that involve rituals, spells, and an understanding of natural forces. Here are some key aspects that define witchcraft:

Historical and Cultural Contexts

  1. Pre-modern Witchcraft: In many pre-modern societies, witchcraft was viewed with suspicion and fear, often associated with malevolent magic used to harm others. This perspective was especially prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages and the early modern period, where it led to witch hunts and trials.
  2. Indigenous Practices: In various indigenous cultures, practices that might be considered witchcraft in Western terms are often part of shamanistic traditions, involving healers or spiritual leaders who interact with the spirit world for the benefit of their community.
  3. African and Afro-Diasporic Traditions: In African and Afro-Caribbean contexts, such as in Voodoo, Santería, and Candomblé, witchcraft can involve complex systems of magic, healing, and interaction with spirits or ancestors, often serving protective or healing roles within the community.

Modern Witchcraft

  1. Neopagan Witchcraft: In contemporary contexts, particularly within Neopagan movements like Wicca, witchcraft is seen in a positive light. It involves practices intended to work with natural energies to effect change, often focused on personal growth, healing, and positive transformation.
  2. Eclectic Witchcraft: Many modern practitioners of witchcraft draw on a variety of traditions and may not adhere to a single religious framework. These eclectic witches blend elements from different spiritual and magical systems based on personal beliefs and experiences.

Practices and Beliefs

  1. Magic and Rituals: Witchcraft involves various magical practices, including spell-casting, divination (like tarot reading), herbalism, and the crafting of magical objects. Rituals can be complex ceremonies or simple personal practices intended to manifest specific changes or desires.
  2. Connection to Nature: A significant aspect of witchcraft is its emphasis on the natural world and its cycles. Many witches celebrate seasonal festivals that honor these cycles, such as the solstices and equinoxes.
  3. Deities and Spirits: Some witches work with deities or spiritual entities. In traditions like Wicca, these might include a God and Goddess. Others may connect with a broader range of spirits or ancestral figures.
  4. Ethical Considerations: Ethical views in witchcraft vary, but many follow some form of the Wiccan Rede, “An it harm none, do what ye will,” which emphasizes the importance of not harming others through one’s magical practices.

Social and Cultural Impact

Witchcraft has been reevaluated in many contemporary societies, moving from a stigmatized and persecuted practice to one that is increasingly accepted and embraced, especially within alternative spiritual communities. It is often seen as a means of empowerment, a way to reclaim agency, and a path to deeper understanding and connection with the world.

In popular culture, witchcraft continues to captivate the imagination, depicted in a wide array of narratives from horror to fantasy, reflecting both historical fears and modern reimaginings of the witch as a figure of power and mystery.

Me — What is #WitchTok and how many views has it had?

Friend — #WitchTok is a popular hashtag on TikTok that encompasses videos related to witchcraft and magical practices. As of now, October 2024, it has amassed over 42 billion views. This online community involves content ranging from tarot readings and crystal usage to candle-burning rituals and advice for newcomers interested in witchcraft. The significant viewership reflects a broad interest in magical and mystical themes on social media platforms.

Me — That’s a lot of views. Now let’s hear from the witches themselves.

Ayla Skinner created #WitchTok. She says, “For Wiccans and witches, magic is real. They believe that magic happens when psychic energy is raised through dance, song, rituals, or meditation. It’s then directed through thought into a particular outcome. All living beings produce psychic energy that can be used to change things in the world. Those who are trained, such as witches, can do it more often and with more accuracy. For many, Wicca is a form of spirituality that provides a sense of community. #WitchTok is a community that gives you a bit of control in your life.”

Helen Berger says, “Wicca began to be practiced by American feminists in the 1960s and was underground. By 2000, with the arrival of online communities and the decline in affiliation with traditional religions, witchcraft began its entry into the mainstream. While Wicca is a religion, it’s individualistic in many ways. You can do your own thing. It’s not signing on to an institutional dogmatic organization. It’s not signing on to a set of actions or beliefs that you must adhere to.”

Berger continues, “Witchcraft reflects two timeless and universal urges. The need to draw meaning from chaos, and the desire to control the circumstances around us. It’s the connection between energy, objects, and people where the magic is. Look at quantum entanglement which proves that objects can influence each other instantaneously in unforeseen ways and at great distances. Isn’t that magic?”

Emma Griffin is an A-list author. “The rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram played a significant role in making witchcraft more visible and accessible. This is a very positive development and very beneficial especially for younger, marginalized women. However, it’s crucial to approach the practice of witchcraft with respect and awareness of the origins and the meanings.”

Kemi Mani is a witch with over 300,000 X followers. “It brings people to a new awareness. People can become interested in witchcraft and can dabble in it to see if it’s for them. Or not. When you’re alone in your house, and you don’t have many people to connect with and the only thing you’re craving is a connection—that’s what people find in these spiritual spaces like #WitchTok. Connection. Something beyond the material.”

This from Julie Roys. “It makes sense that witchcraft and the occult would rise as society becomes increasingly postmodern. The rejection of Christianity has left a void that people, inherently spiritual beings, will seek to fill. Wicca has effectively repackaged witchcraft for millennial consumption. No longer is witchcraft and paganism satanic and demonic. It’s a pre-Christian tradition that promotes free thought and understanding of the earth and of nature.”

Honey Rose goes by the handle @thathoneywitch. Her quote is, “I am a lot of marginalized groups. I’m nonbinary. I’m queer. I’m half-black. I practice magic and that has been the voice of people who are voiceless, and it has been for a very long time. Some people have a problem with traditional religions and traditional spirituality so sometimes they go towards an abstract form of spirituality which can be witchcraft.”

Gabriela Herstik is the author of Inner Witch: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Craft. Gabriela offers, “We live in a very dark intense age. People want purpose, and they want connection. But beyond that, they want something that helps them connect to something larger than themselves. Something that helps them feel like there’s a purpose, and witchcraft does that. Magic is a way to align with your purpose, your power.”

And Diana Rose (no relation to Honey Rose) sums it up. “It’s engaging outside the boundaries of scientific materialism. We all have a desire to reach out and connect with each other and touch parts of our existence that can’t be understood or controlled by science. Through new channels like #WitchTok, these old ideas are providing people ways to start conversations and engage socially with introspection. A positive power in doing something—anything—to make sense of it all.”

IF OUR UNIVERSE TEEMS WITH LIFE, WHERE ARE ALL THE INTELLIGENT SPACE ALIENS?

Our universe is mind-boggingly vast. The best estimates claim it’s about 92 billion light-years wide and around 13.82 billion years old. Cosmologists say there are trillions of galaxies holding quadrillions of stars, never mind quintillions of planets interwoven throughout the sky.

That’s a sextillion of combinations—exceeded only by the Avogadro’s number (6.02214076 × 1023) of mistakes I’ve made during 68 revolutions around the sun. Seriously, though, principles like the Fermi Paradox and the Drake Equation assure us that biological life exists elsewhere in the universe, but there may not be much “intelligent” life out there. That conclusion is supported by the space-breaking astrobiology work of Professor Sara Seager with her thought-leading, biosignature model of hunting out exoplanets containing extraterrestrial life.

Fermi? Drake? Seager? Who are these guys? What do they know about extraterrestrial bio-lifeforms in relation to your Earthly place in the universe? And where are they—these intelligent space aliens—that astrophysical calculators say have to exist?

Maybe it depends on your definition of life and intelligence. We’ll get to that in a moment. First, let’s look at the history of Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) programs and two recorded, unexplained, electromagnetic contacts that just may have been sent by ET.

Starting the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence

SETI began more as an amusement than a serious scientific venture. In August 1924, a natural celestial event coincided with an advancement in human technology. Mars was in its closest orbit with Earth—a condition called an opposition—and it attracted a lot of astronomical interest, even with amateurs now equipped with rather sophisticated telescopes.

Radio transmitters and receivers had enormously increased in output power and input sensitivity. David Peck Todd, an American astronomer, had been experimenting with the new SE950 radio which was invented at the end of World War I. It never saw active service and was now surplus to the civilian market. Todd and Charles Francis Jenkins, a photographer and inventor, teamed up to point the radio at Mars and record if anything returned.

This experiment interested the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington that offered a Navy observation dirigible (airship) to take the SE950 antenna two miles into the sky so it would have less impact from terrestrial interference. They pointed the antenna at Mars, and what they found shocked the world.

The radio’s receiver was connected to a graph which recorded a repetitive series of dots and dashes somewhat like Morse Code. When printed on paper, the code became a human face. The signal from Mars suddenly stopped and was never heard again.

The SE950 Radio

Sensing human interference or even a prank, Todd and Jenkins had their experiment reviewed by Nikola Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi. These two pioneers of electricity and radio dismissed the human element, verified the signal as real, but suggested it didn’t necessarily originate on Mars. They surmised the message possibly came from the same region of the sky but much further out.

The “Mars Face” ignited a century-long search for alien intelligence. It also created the overall space race which resulted in Sputnik, Apollo Eleven, and the poor saps currently marooned on the International Space Station caused by a broken Boeing rocket. It also funded exponential generations of publicly and privately funded SETI projects.

One venture, the Ohio State SETI Big Ear program, paid off on August 15, 1977. Jerry Ehman, a project volunteer, was shifting through signal records and spotted an abnormality that fit perfectly with a technological output—not something that could possibly originate in nature.

The signal arrived in the frequency of hydrogen atoms which is the common denominator researchers monitored. The reason being is that hydrogen might be the universal frequency used among advanced civilizations for interstellar communication. The signal’s imprint was 6EQUJ5 which means SFA to you and me, but to a trained eye like Ehman’s it was so outstanding that he wrote “WOW!” beside it in bold red letters.

The WOW! signal needs a bit of explaining to understand its relevancy. In SETI-speak, the signal started out at an intensity of 6—already an outlier on the page—climbed to E, then to Q, peaked at U—the highest power ever recorded by any SETI search— then decreased in equilibrium through J and signed off at 5.

This signal invigorated the SETI industry and still drives it today. Most researchers and learned scientists feel WOW! remains the strongest candidate for an intentional alien transmition. Alas, the signal was never recorded again but has no reasonable earthly or natural explanation.

The SETI experiment from 1960 onward is so comprehensive that entire books have been written documenting the process. And the fascination hasn’t waned despite hiccups in funding. Today, in 2024, there is a hyperdrive movement in SETI experiments with an alliance between the Breakthrough Listen and National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at the Very Large Array in New Mexico.

The new venture’s name is COSMIC which stands for Commensal Open-Source Multicode Interferometer Cluster. (Someone really had to work to come up with that acronym.) COSMIC is AI-powered by supercomputers and will be able to process billions of intercepts in real-time, not like in 1977 when the WOW! signal surfaced days after transmission/reception.

The Drake Equation

1960 was a pivotal year for SETI expansion. David Drake was a young astronomer attached to Project OZMA at the NRAO Howard Tatel telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia. Drake was a brilliant man who looked for simple solutions to complex problems. He was invited to present at the National Academy of Sciences about the current state of SETI exploration.

Drake knew he was going to get the “What’s the chances” question, so he sat down and tried to figure it out mathematically. The answer being an estimate of the number of active, communicative, extraterrestrial civilizations in our Milky Way galaxy. (Note: All SETI explorations focus solely on the Milky Way, not distant galaxies.)

David Drake considered factors such as the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars that could have planets, the number of planets that could support Earth-like life, the fraction that develop intelligent life, the number of societies that have reached technological advancement to communicate interstellarly, and the number that have survive to be currently active. His equation gave the answer of 23. See screenshot below:

The Drake Equation is still the gold standard that drives SETI credibility. It’s a formula taught at the beginning of every Astronomy 101 course and is considered the second most famous scientific equation besides E=MC2.

The Fermi Paradox

So, if David Drake is right, and there are 23 Milky Way civilizations capable of communicating with us, why don’t we hear from them? Where are all the intelligent space aliens? This question is the Fermi Paradox.

In 1950, Italian physicist Enrico Fermi was working on an offshoot of the Manhattan Project where they were building a civilian nuclear reactor. He was having lunch with colleagues when he suddenly blurted out, “Where are they? Where is everybody?”

His associates looked at Fermi as if he had two heads until he qualified with, “I mean the aliens. If the universe is teeming with life and there are intelligent beings out there, where are they? Why haven’t we seen or heard evidence of them?”

Fermi had a good point. If Drake is correct, and there are 23 societies outside of Earth, why haven’t we seen or heard evidence of them? Set aside the two strong candidates from 1924 and 1977. It’s a paradox. If they exist, why don’t they show themselves as we here on Earth so desperately do?

In SETI-speak, the Fermi Paradox is “The Great Silence”. The paradox expands the contradiction with possible explanations:

  • The Vastness of the Universe minimizes the chances of contact.
  • The Age of the Universe limits civilization lifespan to coexist at the same time.
  • The Rare Earth Hypothesis says that intelligent life is exceedingly rare.
  • The Great Filter says that advanced societies are filtered out by natural forces.
  • Technological Self-Destruction eliminates complex civilizations.
  • Intentional Invisibility says these alien intelligences don’t want outside contact.
  • The Zoo Hypothesis posits that aliens are very much aware of us and watch.
  • The Simulation Hypothesis questions if we are a programmed simulation.
  • The Dark Forest Hypothesis says they’re there; we just can’t see them.
  • The North Sentinel Language Hypothesis claims we’re unable to understand them.

Stephen Webb wrote an interesting book titled If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens … WHERE IS EVERYBODY? Seventy-Five Solutions to the Fermi Paradox and the Problem of Extraterrestrial Life. Some of Webb’s suggestions are pretty far out, but it’s worth the read if you really want to think out the Fermi Paradox.

The Sara Seager Answer

Someone who really has thought out the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox is Professor Sara Seager. She’s the uber-bright, planet-hunting, astrobiologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she uses the new James Webb telescope to identify exoplanets with Earth-like conditions. So far, Seager has found over 5,000 probables in pretty much every place she’s looked.

Professor Seager is convinced the universe is teeming with life—biological life—not necessarily intelligent life capable of signaling. She suggests the SETI folks are looking at this wrong. Rather than randomly look for radio technosignatures, searches should be zooming in on biosignatures to find out first if life is there and then scan for intelligent emissions.

Seager and her team look for the chemical signs of oxygen, hydrogen, and methane coming from exoplanets. These are the primary indicators of carbon-based life, and they seem to be exceedingly common in the Goldilocks Zone which is the right distance from the host star to allow liquid water. Seager’s approach is to first find the life, then listen to hear if it has anything to say.

Sara Seager has rewritten the Drake Equation for a more modern approach. Her conservative calculation is that we’ll find at least two inhabited planets within the next ten years. “It’s only a matter of when,” Seager says. “Not if.”

Then it’s a matter of asking, “If our universe teems with life, where are all the intelligent space aliens?”

SET YOURSELF UP TO ENJOY THE PASSAGE OF TIME

This post is part of a new direction at Dyingwords.net where I find lifestyle topics that interest and resonate with me in my Stoicism journey, and I think they might do the same with you. These posts aren’t sent out on my bi-weekly mailing list notification every second Saturday morning. Rather, I just publish them on the blog and if they’re found, they’re found. Sort of like notes to myself with attributions to the originator.

I get a weekly newsletter from Shane Parrish who hosts Farnam Street which I think is one of the best motivational and introspective sites on the internet. This morning his podcast guest was Brian Halligan, the founder and CEO of HubSpot. During their conversation, Brian mentioned a quote by music legend, James Taylor. It went, “The secret to life is to enjoy the passage of time.”

Talk about powerful. I Googled the phrase and found this short piece on The Daily Quoter Substack. With full attribution to the host, here’s what they said:

James Taylor, the iconic singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and soothing melodies, once penned a line that has resonated with generations: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” While seemingly simple, this statement holds immense depth and offers a powerful perspective on how to approach our often-fleeting existence.

Taylor’s message isn’t about hedonism or chasing fleeting pleasures. It’s about cultivating a deeper appreciation for the present moment, the very act of being alive, and the ever-changing tapestry of experiences that make up our life journey. It’s a gentle nudge to shift our focus from the anxieties of the future and regrets of the past to the vibrant possibilities unfolding right now.

But how do we truly “enjoy the passage of time”? Here are some key takeaways from Taylor’s wisdom:

Embrace the Present

We often get caught up in planning for the future or dwelling on the past. However, the only moment we truly have control over is the present. Mindfulness practices like meditation or simply focusing on our five senses can help us anchor ourselves in the here and now, appreciating the sights, sounds, and sensations around us.

Find Joy in the Everyday

Taylor reminds us that “any fool can do it.” Enjoying the passage of time doesn’t require grand adventures or expensive outings. It can be as simple as savoring a cup of coffee, noticing the beauty of a sunset, or connecting with loved ones in meaningful conversations. Cultivating gratitude for these everyday moments fosters a sense of contentment and appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Let Go of Control

The human tendency is to control everything, but the reality is that life is inherently unpredictable. Accepting this and learning to flow with the changes, both expected and unexpected, can significantly reduce stress and allow us to find joy in the unfolding journey.

Find the Ride in the Glide

Taylor uses the metaphor of “sliding down a hill” to describe our journey through life. We might not know where we’re headed, but we can choose to enjoy the ride! This perspective encourages us to embrace the adventure, bumps and all, and find amusement and wonder in the unknown.

Open Your Heart and Connect

While Taylor primarily focuses on individual enjoyment, true fulfillment often comes from connecting with others. Opening our hearts to love, compassion, and genuine connection adds another layer of richness to the experience of life.

Ultimately, James Taylor’s “secret” isn’t a secret at all. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate the present, and find joy in the ordinary. By adopting this perspective, we can transform our everyday experiences into a meaningful and fulfilling journey, one moment at a time.

And to quote Brian Halligan, “Set yourself up to enjoy the passage of time.”