As I write this, my friends are celebrating Autumn, Mabon, Rosh Hashana, and so many are mourning the death of the immeasurable, notorious Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG). Here at the beginning rush of the Fall celebrations, I have drawn in my breath and I am taking much pause, as a cisgender woman and a Thelemite, who has accepted the Law of Liberty. 

It is said that a person who passes on Rosh Hashana is a Tzedek, a good and righteous person. How fitting, I believe. Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked tirelessly to create a more just world, until the very end. As I dream of a world that embraces the Law of Liberty and the new world that could emerge, I often think of Justice Ginsburg, who befriended her staunchest opponent, Justice Antonin Scalia. Ginsberg and Scalia rarely agreed on political issues, and yet, managed to fight things out in “fair” spirit.  

“We have to fight for Freedom against oppressors, religious, social, or industrial; and we are utterly opposed to compromise.” –– Aleister Crowley

And how. Tirelessly. Together or separately, however so, with “joy ineffable in this aimless winging.” Though I must admit, it takes an army. One that comes together to celebrate freedom and rejoices in liberty. Freedom does not mean we think, act, or value alike, it means we have the freedom to be truly ourselves and to find joy therein. Another person’s will does not diminish my will. Though it does mean my highest aspiration is in rejoicing my will, often despite the marginalization, discrimination, tyranny, and oppression around me. I am that dandelion growing between the slabs of a concrete sidewalk.

“Rejoice with me, all ye people! At the very head of the Book stands the great charter of our godhead: “Every man and every woman is a star.” We are all free, all independent, all shining gloriously, each one a radiant world. Is not that good tidings?” — Liber DCCCXXXVII, The Law of Liberty

May Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s memory be for blessing. May we be like Ruth. May we continue to pursue the freedom of mankind with the Law of Liberty, as our highest ideal, without aught stopping us. May we continue to work for a world that recognizes every individual as a star, shining gloriously. 

— Soror Musick