A friend of mine has recently been exploring paganism, trying to determine if it’s the right path for her. I’m answering her questions as best I can, and directing her to sites and books that I’ve found useful in my path. She recently made a comment that really stuck with me, reminding me of some of the reasons I was attracted to paganism myself. I can’t remember what she said word for word, but the idea was that she really wasn’t all that attracted to the spirituality aspect at this time. The notion of gods, goddess, spirits and other beings didn’t really interest her; it was the connection to nature that drew her, and that’s what she wants to explore.
Most of my posts so far have been about the sabbats, information for rituals and other esoteric subjects. While all that is important to my path, it was nice to be reminded of the simpler things, connecting and learning to work with nature. Since paganism is mostly considered an earth centered belief system this seems obvious, but humans tend to get caught up with more complex ideas, and we all need a gentle hint now and again, to go back to the basics.
This year I found great joy in having my first garden. Digging my hands into the dirt, watching things grow and produce food for my own table, not to mention for a variety of wildlife! The vegetables and fruits I’ve grown myself taste much sweeter than the ones from the grocery store and the feeling of accomplishment and gratitude are indescribable.
Now that the vegetables I planted are done for the year, I have to clean out the garden and plant the winter crops. And I’m already looking forward to spring, fixing mistakes that I made this year, planning new techniques and anticipating next year’s harvest. As an urban dweller, I know in my head that the seasons change and each season brings new tasks and opportunities, but this is the first time in a long time I’ve really felt it in my soul.
The weather became more interesting to me thanks to the garden as well. I found myself keeping a closer eye on temperatures, winds and precipitation. And because I was watching the weather more closely, I found myself appreciating the complexity and interconnectedness of the ecosystem more fully. While I’ve always loved the power and beauty of a thunderstorm, I’m also more aware of the benefits of a gentler rain. This year was very wet, so I’ve also been reminded to bask in the warmth and light of sunny days. I’ve become more perceptive of the shortening days and longer nights.
I’ve been more conscious of scents, the smell of the coming rain, the flowers blooming in the yard, the aroma of freshly picked tomatoes; heaven for the senses. Sounds are more prominent; birdsong, the buzzing of insects, the patter of rain and the rustling of wind in the trees. It seems all my senses are sharpened and focussed.
My growing connection to the soil and the plants brings the reminder of my connection with the animals as well. I’ve been feeling the urge to reconnect with the wild, and delve into the teachings of my non human kin.
I am very grateful to my friend and I'd like to thank you for your inspiration, intended or not. You reminded me that whatever rituals I hold, whatever magick I wish to perform, whatever deities I wish to honour; I shouldn't forget the simple act of living in the world. Living with the world. Feeling the energy of the earth with your body. Witnessing the beauty, savouring the scents.
Listen to the heartbeat of nature and remember that you are part of it.
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