“The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.”
— JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Today is Tolkien Reading Day, founded by the Tolkien Society because it was the day when the Ring was destroyed. It’s also Lady Day, and Tolkien chose it for the date of the Ring’s destruction because of his special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The theme of Tolkien Reading Day this year is ‘Service and Sacrifice’.

For many Pagans, Lady Day is a celebration of the Great Goddess.

This quote seemed particularly appropriate for current events. Much has been marred in the world: by war, genocide, ecocide, industrial pollution, greed, etc. There is much that is still beautiful and worth saving.

And it is true that love grows stronger in these circumstances: look at the love Palestinians have for each other; the service and sacrifice of those who go to share food, rescue people from the rubble, and try to deliver food and medicine.