By Katrina Rasbold
I feel hopeful today because of a hard truth I am finally seeing clearly: we are learning the cost of silence.
I’ve been reflecting on a line from Philippa Gregory’s Boleyn Traitor, a novel about Jane Boleyn. As she nears the end of her life, Jane realizes that Katherine Howard is destined for the same fate as those before her. Speaking of the tyranny of Henry VIII, she speculates that they all should have said “no” when the first innocent fell—to the axe or the rope—so that someone would have been there to say “no” for them at the end. It is a chilling reminder: if we do not say “no” now, there will be no one left to say “no” for us later.
The Great Awakening
My broad hope is that the current “license to be vicious” is actually a massive, painful alarm clock. It is forcing those who were once indifferent to realize that we can no longer afford to look away. There is a certain power in this lack of ambiguity; the ridiculous arrogance of this vitriol has left no room for fence-sitting. Because the manifestation of this evil is so prevalent and so loud, everyone is forced to either condone it or denounce it.
I do not believe there are more hateful people in the country now than before, though that realization sent me into an emotional downward spiral in October 2025. I drastically underestimated how many truly awful people are out there. These mindsets have always existed, but they have now been legitimized and vindicated. Years of social suppression created a pressurized explosion of vitriol the moment that behavior was validated. But now, as the results of that explosion plays out in real-time, I believe saner minds will prevail.
The Mirror and the Toddler
This era is a mirror held up to society, showing us exactly who we are—even if we don’t like the reflection. While this mirror has ended some of my personal relationships, it has also taught me to treasure the people I’ve kept: those with empathy, compassion, and a genuine care for others. They are my proof that the line is being held. The most important task we face, other than saying, “no,” is to resist the temptation, regardless of how compelling it might become, to allow this time of national crisis to harden us and take away our humanity.
On a global scale, it feels as though we are watching a collective toddler having a tantrum—ignorant, loud, and concerned only with its own benefit without regard for consequences. Much like the powerful, volatile child in the Twilight Zone who “wishes people to the cornfield,” this collective tantrum is breaking precious, irreplaceable things while we watch.
However, we know how tantrums end. I believe the toddler will eventually tire and be revealed as small and weak as the “adults”—those who have finally learned to say “no”—take over the room.
A Life-Saving Measure
I am blessed to live in relative isolation, where I can stand in my backyard, look over the valley, and feel separate from the chaos. If not for the internet, I might never know any of this was happening. I recognize that this perspective is a privilege, and I never take it for granted.
I will stay here, look at my trees, and pray. For me, hope is not a luxury or a fleeting emotion; it is a life-saving measure. Without it, I am nothing. My greatest hope remains the conviction that I am not alone in my distress. If I am sitting here, devastated but still clinging to my values, then there must be millions of others doing the same. There are more of “us,” and we will be the ones to remember this feeling when it is our time to say “no.”
As Editor of the Green Egg Blog, Katrina Rasbold weaves ancient wisdom into the complexities of modern life, fostering a space for deep inquiry and magical growth. Katrina is the editor of Green Egg Magazine, a priestess, author, and co-creator of the CUSP path, working from the crossroads of tradition and transformation. She owns and operates Crossroads Occult with her husband, Eric, offering a sanctuary for those seeking mentorship, quality handmade magical items, and authentic craft. Discover her full body of work at www.katrinarasbold.com.