First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Martin Niemöller 1946
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for a while now you’ve probably noticed that the world doesn’t seem so friendly these days. Honestly, it kinda seems like the nice, comfortable world I’ve always known has caught fire. Between shootings, bombings, hate, fear, greed fueled politicians, and absurd (to me) infighting in my local communities I’m pretty much overwhelmed with just how insane things have gotten. At this point I’m virtually paralyzed by just how far down the path to hell our collective handbasket has gotten.
Right now I’m angry about a lot of things, but the thing that bothers me the most is the complacency and indifference of many of those around me. If I’m really honest I’m also utterly ashamed of my own complacency. While magick is no substitute for actually standing up and taking action, it can help by making it a little easier and perhaps a little safer to do so. Pop culture magick is for a lot more than just fun and games. I decided to take my cue from The Boondock Saints, one of my favorite movies, and create the following spell for ending indifference.
Boondock Saints Spell Against Indifference
This spell can be done anywhere, at any time. In a pinch just recite the incantation without any of the other trappings.
If the purpose of the spell is to motivate yourself, change all of the “you”s in the incantation to “me”s. If you want to target a particular person, change the “you”s to that person’s name (take care because there’s some ethical ambiguity as this could be considered coercive - be sure you’re willing to accept the consequences of your actions).
If you can, first take a minute or two to reflect on the state of the world and allow yourself to get angry. If you don’t have a minute to spare, then chances are you’re already good and mad. Allow your anger and outrage to fuel this spell. If you need some help getting angry I suggest spending about 30 seconds on any mainstream news site, listening to some Rage Against the Machine, and/or watching the following clip from The Boondock Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to5eOs8VRuY.
If you can have some properly anti-establishment music or The Boondock Saints running in the background do so.
If you can, burn a red candle and dragon’s blood incense.
Recite the following incantation:
Open your eyes to the state of your world. See the hate, the fear, the injustice. See the open violations of self perpetrated on those around you. See the insidious, doubtful, aggressions that are written off again and again. See and know the truth.
It is time to stand up. No more shall this rampant fear and hate be allowed to rule our lives. Have courage. Take heart. Allow the fire of outrage to fuel right action.
Let the burning heart of truth incinerate those that would impede right action. Let the power of justice protect those that stand up for those that cannot. The strong arm of righteousness will strengthen and protect you.
We must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men.
By my will that indifference is cracked, broken, and ground to dust. What has been seen can never be unseen. What has been seen must be acted upon. Destroy that which is evil so that which is good may flourish. As I do will, so must it be.