“Transfer of Power” Death Ritual Part 1: A tale of two Columbias
The US is more divided than ever. Not just in terms of political parties or conservative/liberal but in a true division of belief and ideology. We have children in cages, environments destroyed in the name of capitalism, scientists and doctors being challenged by misinformation, police murdering black people on camera with complete impunity, the 24 hour propaganda news channels and social platforms profiting on lies, healthcare and education held for ransom, and the oligarchs continue to grow richer while the class divide worsens. But the root cause of these issues isn’t new. These are just the ugly modern trappings of a belief system that started with the Founding Fathers and is codified in the Constitution itself.
In 1776 around the Revolutionary war, this founding dream of America was personified in a goddess called Columbia. At first a mythological figure, Columbia IS the personification of that America. For better or worse. An America rooted in Opportunity for the wealthy white landowners who were creating her. (If you’ve ever wondered why we named our capital the District of Columbia - there you go!)
Columbia in modern media
Then came the Civil War and Columbia divided into two. New Columbia emerged, the dream of the poor, the enslaved, and the disenfranchised who believed in an America that promised freedom, equity, equality, and true democracy for all. As New Columbia grew in power, Old Columbia found herself at war with her younger sister and with progress itself, for Old Columbia’s ideologies were rooted in the heart of the Confederacy. And the Confederacy did not want things to change one bit. They wanted to retain their wealth and political power while refusing to give human dignity to the slaves working the land and providing their wealth. After all, this was the land of their forefathers who came into power doing the same thing.
Since this split, these two Columbias have been locked in battle with each other. Old Columbia has embedded herself in the dark hearts of so many, shifting her strategies of oppression to go by different names, different issues of the day, but always focused on white supremacy and capitalism. New Columbia has fought steadily for the dignity and rights of the people who built her through their literal blood, sweat, and tears.
The lawful and popular vote has shown the world that New Columbia is winning, she’s edging ahead. All the while, Old Columbia has tried to maintain her grasp through increasingly more violent and desperate ways.
Understanding this happening on a spiritual level is the essence of understanding this transfer of power. With the new administration coming in, we have the opportunity to harness that transitional energy into fighting against Old Columbia and weakening the systems that are harming our society. Shifting from toxic influences of factionalism, ignorance and greed and helping to nourish the healing influences of unity, understanding, and generosity.
It’s time for the dream of Old Columbia to die, so that New Columbia may step into her full power. If you’d like to participate, please check out the ritual we outline in the next post to lend your energy, and share it with other practitioners!
