As a witch, two of my favorite things to do are celebrate and cast healing spells. In a case, like this I get to do both, which thrills me. It is a worthy goal to cast spells for international peace, on Sunday September 21, 2014; this is day the world has set aside to focus on international peace. As such, I know that the energy from my spell work will join with energy from other witches, and the prayers of non-magickal folks from all over the world on this special day.
“Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at at all. Do it for peace.” Mother Teresa
The International Day of Peace established the same year that I left high school, is a day that needs a LOT more recognition, in my opinion. I think it should be every bit as well advertised as every other world holiday. It should be bigger than Samhaine; more widely celebrated than Yule, and generate more excitement than the World Cup, World Series, and Super Bowl combined. It is an important opportunity for citizens of every nation to concentrate on finding peaceful solutions to the problems between different factions the world around. It is a chance for leaders of nations to talk about solutions, explore new ideas and work together to end the ravages of war and discord that exists in and between so many countries. It is a time for rebels and regimes to find a better way than wholesale slaughter of one another to exist.
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” Nelson Mandela
If we learn to talk to one another, work with one another, discuss terms, come to agreements, and realize that we all need the same things. We 
need sufficient clean air, clean water, and safe food. We need shelter, safety, and security for our loved ones and ourselves. We need to be able to contribute to society, to feel a part of something and help build toward a greater future for the whole world. We need the freedom to worship our God, Goddess, Gods, Goddesses, all or none of the above as we see fit without persecution from others for our beliefs. There are many more, but these are the most important to my mind with only one exception. We all, as human being, deserve and have a right to exist in peace. We need to stop killing over possessions. We need to stop killing of resources. We need to stop killing in the names of our deities. They are surely as sick of it as we are, yet it does not end.
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi
During this time of global ceasefire, global concentration on peace and non-violence, we need to focus not only on making peace from an external standpoint of putting down our weapons, but also of finding peace within ourselves. We need love in our hearts and most importantly peace for those who think differently, peace for those who worship differently, peace for those who love differently, peace for those who act differently.
If we can find the peace in our hearts, we can bring it into our actions. It is a small step from the heart to the mind. It is a step worth taking to save lives, entire generations, to end the genocides, the wars against brothers, neighbors and friends.
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” Dalai Lama
Every year there is another International Day of Peace observed. Every year, millions of people take part, the world over, people celebrating from state to state, nation to nation, and continent to continent.
When we will realize that just as with everything else in life, if we take peace day-by-day, starting on September 21st, this year and carry it forward, one day at a time. With each step we take away from violence, we begin to heal. With each day that passes it will become easier. Each day that passes will save more lives; each day will make a phenomenal difference even taken one single day at a time.
Can we try it this year? Can we take peace one day at a time? Can we see how long we can make it last, not just for ourselves, our children and grandchildren, but also, for the world as whole? I am ready, are you?
Sacred Hands Coven 