Reconnecting with Nature in Your Witchcraft Practice
Christie Beauchamp
If you’re a reader of our magazine, you’ll have seen a multitude of features from our brilliant contributors sharing particular areas of their practice that are unique to their cultural and/ or spiritual backgrounds. As witches, we embrace each other in such a wonderful understanding of our unique experience - cultural or otherwise - but one common theme throughout all our unique practices, though, is our connection to nature and our environment.
We can likely all agree on the benefit that getting outside into our local environment has on our mental health and physical health, as well as on our practice. But we’re busy people! We have work to do, businesses to run, homes to tend to, or tiny humans to raise. Life gets away from us sometimes and, usually, the first things to drop down the list of priorities are our practice, self-care, and spending quality time in our environment.
As we move out of Taurus season over the coming week, we in the Northern Hemisphere will be getting into the full swing of summer. So now is the time to shake off the cobwebs and get back outside!
In case you needed any more persuasion, here are some ways getting out in nature can benefit you and your witchcraft practice:
Enhances Connection with the Divine
Nature offers us a direct connection to the Divine, in whatever that may mean to you. Spending time in nature helps us to tune into the rhythms and cycles of life, which can bring about a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. In other words, it reminds us that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves and I don't know about you but I always find that hugely comforting.
Increases Mindfulness
Being in nature can help to slow down the mind and increase mindfulness, allowing you to be more present in the moment. This can be especially helpful if you have been struggling with anxiety or racing thoughts, or any other stresses. It might take giving yourself a little push, but taking that next purposeful step outside could make all the difference to your current state of mental wellbeing - just taking a minute to experience the environment around you to take a breath.
Encourages Gratitude
When we spend time in nature, we can't help but feel grateful for the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. This gratitude can spill over into other areas of our lives and help us to cultivate a more positive mindset - working absolute wonders when it comes to connecting with our practice. Walking into spells and/ or rituals, or any other practice really, is so much better done with an already grateful heart.
Tips for Incorporating Outdoor Activities into Your Witchcraft Practice
Now that we've covered some of the benefits of spending time in nature, here are some ways you can practice outside:
Practice Mindful Walking
Mindful walking is a form of walking meditation that involves being fully present with each step you take. Try taking a walk in nature and focus on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Take note of all the plants you see and consider what correspondences they hold and how this might change the way you feel about your environment.
Do a Nature Meditation
Find a quiet spot in nature and sit down to meditate. Focus on your breath and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. You can also incorporate the sounds and sensations of nature into your meditation practice.
Practice Earthing
Earthing, also known as grounding, is the practice of connecting with the earth's energy by walking barefoot on the ground or lying down on the earth. This can be a powerful way to connect with nature and enhance your spiritual practice.
I hope this gives you a bit of inspiration to make some time for yourself and your practice this weekend. Get outside and explore the beauty of the natural world around you!
About the author: Christie Beauchamp is the Creative Director at Witchology. She also shares her art, journaling and grimoire creations via Instagram and TikTok under the handle @thejournalsupreme.
