When we cast a circle, we create an energy form, a boundary that limits and contains the movements of subtle forces. - Starhawk

The Judge, whose core issue is our sense of worth and value, splits us into Judge and Subject to be Judged. When possessed by the Judge, we live in a world of comparisons, competition, and punishment, constantly rate ourselves and others, feel jealousy and guilt. The Judge seduces us with the false promise that we can gain value if we obey, perform, produce.

It’s worth ten times the price to get you out of those things. Besides, I’ve got credits to burn.” He did. They all did. The more they worked, the more credits they got. The more they got, the more they needed to spend them before they expired, which they did after a year. You didn’t need to save them. All the things that Maya’s generation had saved for — a home of one’s own, retirement, the kids’ college education, medical emergencies — all those were now each person’s birthright. When the surplus was totaled each year — for the City inevitably ended up with a net surplus — it was simply a measure that they had produced more than they consumed, given more than they took back.

Instead of closing our eyes to meditate, we need to open our eyes and observe. Unless our spiritual practice is grounded in a real connection to the natural world, we run the risk of simply manipulating our own internal imagery and missing the real communication taking place all around us.