During these transitional times, as the patriarchy struggles to maintain control, I turn to the wisdom of Medb, Celtic Sovereignty Goddess, who speaks to me in this difficult moment shaped by the MAGA movement.
Medb (pronounced maythv) ruled over war, fertility, and the earth. In ancient Ireland, a man could only become king of Connacht by undergoing a ritual of intoxication and entering into a sacred union with Medb at Connacht’s mystical center.
Her name, meaning “strong” or “intoxicating,” reflects her power. Often cloaked in live birds and small animals resting on her shoulders and arms, she captivated men with a single glance. She embodied fertility and earth’s vitality. Her strength and passion were legendary—she could even outrun horses. Though the Way of the Goddess waned, the Goddess has begun to rise again in recent years.
How can we make sense of this in light of the recent U.S. Presidential election? Today that rise is threatened as we find ourselves at a crossroads where the forces of patriarchy threaten to strip women and marginalized peoples of their sovereignty once more. Many of us believed a supermajority would reject a criminal figure like Trump, filled with hatred, vitriol, and self-interest, and banish him from office permanently.
Instead of the hope and inclusion promised by the Harris/Walz campaign, we now face a reality that embodies our greatest fears: a rollback of women’s hard-won agency, the destruction of immigrant families, the looming genocide of Palestinians, Russia’s domination of Ukraine, the dismantling of labor unions, and threats to Social Security and Medicare. Public education, healthcare, and environmental protections are also at risk. Perhaps the most frightening aspect of the Maga 2025 Agenda, however, is their denial of climate change. Their proposed policies could push our planet past critical tipping points, transforming Earth into a hellscape for humanity.
I’m working hard to conquer my fear of the darkness that threatens us, choosing instead to stand in courage, claim my agency, and work toward the better world I know is possible.
At first, I was angry and afraid. I even considered leaving the country. But I decided I won’t let fear and hate drive me from the home I’ve built. What happens in the United States deeply impacts the world, and by staying, I can better resist the negativity that looms over us. My fear is easing, and I feel my agency and sovereignty returning.
Some philosophers suggest that human consciousness is continually evolving toward a deeper understanding of reality’s true nature. This growing awareness integrates the wisdom of diverse indigenous spiritual traditions with groundbreaking scientific theories, such as quantum physics and string theory. Together, these insights have helped shift the Western perspective from a mechanistic, object-oriented worldview to one rooted in interconnectedness and love. As more people awaken to the profound truth that all beings are intrinsically connected, the idea of harming others will become unthinkable—recognizing that to harm another is to harm oneself.
In recent years, this potential evolution of consciousness has faced significant challenges. With a new wave of oppressive leaders gaining power in the U.S. and other countries, it feels as though we are regressing to a darker, Medieval-like era. This is a time when fear and cruelty reigned, women were burned at the stake as witches, and political enemies were mercilessly tortured—spectacles often met with public approval.
The journey to higher consciousness is long and winding, marked by setbacks of hate and division alongside progress toward light. This moment is a critical turning point for humanity. Amid economic, environmental, cultural, and spiritual crises, the choices we make now will shape our future. Is the cost of eggs truly what matters most?
Perhaps the election results reflect that humanity must endure more darkness before embracing the light of connection and love. The incoming administration is poised to deliver that darkness in abundance.
The next question then becomes how do we deal with the fear, suffering and chaos that has already begun? First it is important to remember that the result of this election is not the end of our story. The evolution of consciousness continues to unfold. As Vice-President Harris said in her concession speech, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.” She went on to close that speech with this, “There’s an adage, a historian once called a law of history, true of every society across the ages. The adage is: ‘Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.’ I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all, I hope that is not the case. But here’s the thing, America, if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of billions of brilliant, brilliant stars.” Instead of reacting with fear, be a star shining brightly to illuminate the light of love for others.
Now is the time to hold your loved ones close, deepen your connection to community, and forge your own path through the darkness. Some might engage with political action groups like Indivisible or Move On. Others might dance more, play music with friends, participate in community cleanup days, or volunteer at a food bank. Whatever you choose, it’s vital to connect with like-minded people. Isolation breeds despair, but unity fosters strength. Let your fear and anger soften, allowing space for connection and resilience.
Each of us must do what feels right. Maybe it’s too soon to release fear and anger, but I hope we can all find a way through the despair. The future remains uncertain, and we cannot yet know how the laws of action and reaction will unfold. Reflect on great activists of the past—Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Susan B. Anthony, Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger, and countless others — who faced immense challenges but never let fear or disappointment deter them from seeking justice. Remember, living with joy is an act of resistance against those who seek to keep us cowering in fear. My hope is that each of us can live fully in the moment, with joy and gratitude for the beautiful beings we are.
And remember Medb, the Celtic Sovereignty Goddess. With her by your side, you can ride boldly into battle against those who would rob you of your birthright as a fully sovereign being.
View Judith’s art, oracle decks, and Winter Solstice fairytale
on her website, Judith Shaw Art
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Judith, “As more people awaken to the profound truth that all beings are intrinsically connected”???? Judith, isn’t it clear that this is exactly NOT what is happening with the election of trump? The earth is being trashed. Humans are being trashed too. Period. As for ‘consciousness’ – I think this is a concept that has become ridiculous – humans are notorious for repeating the same stupid mistakes over and over – Very few of us ever wake up, and then that awakening takes a lifetime. I really object to the goddesses that are associated with war because war is a patriarchal concept, and when we align ourselves with war and fighting we are acting out through patriarchy. Resistance that takes the form of creating genuine community – one inclusive of all – might be one way we can deal with more darkness. The latter is Womans’ Way.
Your paintings are as always astonishing and beautiful – such vibrancy is needed – beauty is a panacea for suffering. Thank you.
This morning I look out at a blood red sunrise and think of all the slaughtered turkeys that will be consumed by this consumer society without a thought for the animal’s life that was taken…. Entitlement as always….
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Sara, Yes I agree that the only way to deal with the insanity of this moment in time is to create inclusive communities which build on the positivity of relationship and sharing.
I believe that we are now in the death throes of a 10,000 year old system of control and domination. But power is never relinquished willingly and empires fall in very bloody ways. We are all caught up in this death and rebirth and unfortunately much suffering occurs. I doubt that in my lifetime, I’ll see the end of this downfall which opens the way for the Women’s Way or the Way of the Goddess to be reborn but I will continue to have faith in the possibility. So yes, I suppose I count on the evolution of consciousness in this way as a deep time possibility.
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Thank you for this beautiful post Judith. I agree about the death throes of the old system. There is a school of thought that we are heading toward an enlightened age – the age of Aquarius. Whatever the time frame, in my lifetime or not, I am so called to do the work I do and my hope/belief is that these will be among the seeds that will nurture the rebirthing of the Way of the Goddess.
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Thanks Janet,
FAR is more important than ever for those of us who are part of the FAR community. Our discussions really help us hold on to what you expressed with these words — “I am so called to do the work I do and my hope/belief is that these will be among the seeds that will nurture the rebirthing of the Way of the Goddess.” I doubt the human story will end completely but civilization as we know it most likely will. Afters all we want the way it is now to change so let’s keep planting seeds for the Way of the Goddess to emerge once the old way is finally seen as the wrong way.
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Ah if we could finally make the transition to the way of the goddess life would actually become not only sustainable but less isolated – but oh – the powers that be – make no mistake – they are incredibly powerful – are puling us in the wrong direction – and oh – like you I won’t live to see it but since it’s the only way to continue life we must keep self reflecting and creating community with all living things – just as you do with your art – and then?
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Thank you for your strong and inspiring words and images, Judith. I want to share a quotation from Magdalen Rising. Young Maeve (named for the goddess Medb) receives some advice from two of her eight mothers:
“When women don’t have their sovereignty, it can be very messy indeed….
“Sovereignty, Maeve. Belonging to yourself. Your own terms,” Boann got in as much drill as she could.
“Tir na mBan* stands for the sovereignty of women,” continued Fand. “If it exists nowhere else in the world, it exists there. Remember that, Maeve. Sovereignty is your birthright and your inheritance. Next to sovereignty, gold torques and brooches are mere trinkets. Never surrender your sovereignty, Maeve. Carry it with you wherever you go.”
Their words were stirring but abstract. Then an image rose in my mind of myself as a sort of floating island, shining, a sovereign vessel on a vast and dangerous sea.
*The Isle of Women
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Elizabeth,
Thanks for sharing those words from your wonderful, wonderful series “Magdalene Rising.” And the vision you received is inspiring for us all at this time. May all of our floating islands floating on “a vast and dangerous sea” come together now to shine light into the darkness. Goddess Rises Again!
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Hi Judith. Thankyou for your beautiful artwork and words.
There is a cauldron I sculpted with images of the story of Cerridwen on the outside of it. Inside there is your artwork the Cerridwen Goddess Oracle card with herbs and seeds. I am now inspired to add your Medb Oracle card inside of the cauldron too.
Since the results of the election I have lit a candle for my sovereign self and a candle for those who are feeling afraid/confused right now. There are some days I contemplate should I try? Dare to hope? The dream of power WITH instead of power OVER could possibly become the more dominant mindset amongst us humans on this planet. I’ve realized no one can take away that hope from me but my own sovereign self. Blessed be.
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Michelle,
Thanks for adding your beautiful words to these thoughts — “I’ve realized no one can take away that hope, ‘The dream of power WITH instead of power OVER.’ from me but my own sovereign self.
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Thanks for your article, tremendous wisdom, though I got to say, I did not trust Harris either. What does not make a whole lot of sense if Kennedy working with this lot. This is a frightening lot, Elon Musk yikes, he is the guy that is going to hook all of us up to computers-to be cyborgs with his company Neurolink right, what are people missing here? My gorgeous city of Ottawa in Canada is just about to become a smart city with 5G roll outs-hashtag fifteen minute prison cell, what a time we are in. The thing that I find really disturbing is that people either do not care of are to busy in there bubble to be concerned, then there are the ones who say, we can not do anything, I don’t believe any of that! Thanks for beauty Judith, your art work is inspirational!
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Cate,
I think the Democratic party has lost the trust of the people due to their abandonment of the working class who were elevated by FDR’s policies and threw their lot in with the elite intelligentsia of the Coasts and continued Regan’s trickle down economics to the great detriment of the working class.
It is all very frightening. Ultimately if we don’t recognize the dangers we face then Mother Earth will succeed in taking down all this human hubris.
Thanks for your kind words about my work. Often art feels like an inadequate response, but it’s all I’ve got, so I just keep on plugging away.
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Thank you.
“I’m working hard to conquer my fear of the darkness that threatens us, choosing instead to stand in courage, claim my agency, and work toward the better world I know is possible. shift the Western perspective from a mechanistic, object-oriented worldview to one rooted in interconnectedness and love.”
“As more people awaken to the profound truth that all beings are intrinsically connected, the idea of harming others will become unthinkable—recognizing that to harm another is to harm oneself.”
“Remember, living with joy is an act of resistance against those who seek to keep us cowering in fear.”
Although I admit that I am more starting to believe in circular time rather than evolution.
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Hi Judith,
I know what you mean about circular time rather than evolution. But maybe it’s spiral time, which is open, and the spiral is a foundational building block of physical reality. I’ve heard some ideas on time and evolution unfolding in a spiral. Viewed that way we experience an upward movement (like now) where the current point on the spiral echoes themes from the past time we hit that point (like the 1930’s) on the lower level of the spiral. That kind of goes together with an astrological analysis of how the transits of the planets (outer planets in particular) echo similarly but with differences over time.
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