Welcome to the first task in the Wicca: A Year & A Day challenge. The first challenge centers on earth and nature spirituality which is the heart of the Wiccan way. So what does one need to do? Get out in nature and ground and center with Mother Earth. The Wiccan way loves and reveres nature. We should never rob her or destroy her for any form of selfish gain, but seek to live in harmony with her. There's a reason why we ask the nature spirits for permission and leave an offering before taking any resources for tools from a living source. It is a way of being respectful to living plat or tree that the tool is being harvested from. It's not worship of the element per se, but being compassionate to it. Part of the Wiccan Rede mentions, and it harm none, do as you will. Not only should we not harm life. We also should not harm natures beauty, its waters, its skies, and even inanimate objects.
Seeing things from an animistic light can really teach us compassion, the most important virtue of Paganism, of Wicca, and of Christianity. There are times when wrathful means must be used to subjugate wrong doing, but it should never be done out of revenge or for the sheer sake of seeing someone suffer. While it is true that some people will only learn when their path has an obstacle in it that causes suffering, what we as Wiccans should do is lead them to correct a behavior out of ethics, morality, and compassion. I am no priestess by any means. I would be lying if I said I was, I seek to live the best life possible not just for myself but for others, and at the same time, not giving away so much that myself also suffers. There has to be a balance between the Yin and the Yang so to speak. That is the essence of balance. Not too indulging and not too ascetic.
So on the subject of nature centered spirituality, Wicca is about being in tune with those cycles and using them for magickal work and self transformation. We get in touch with a concept called the Wheel of The Year, the eight sabbats, and thirteen esbats (full moons) We use natural weather patterns, astrological signs, moon phases, and planetary hours. But before we can step into the complexities of time itself, it helps to get to know the Earth and her ways. Wicca is earth centered rather than heavenly centered. In the Egyptian myths, we are said to pass through the gates of the underworld and eventually enter the Field of Reeds, an earthly garden type paradise, a natural place if you will.
So how do we get to know nature more? Go outside, get some plants, plant a garden, walk barefoot on non-conductive soil, forest bathe, have a picnic in a wooded park, or camp out in nature. We get to know her by learning to identify local flora and fauna, and by taking time to really spend time with her. So of course our first exercise is to find a place outside, ideally a forested area or grassy area, and ground and center by visualizing ourselves becoming one with the natural environment, rooting ourselves to the Earth and feeling the nourishment that Mother Earth provides. As we do this, we are to reflect on the experience and our relation and connection to nature. The following questions are given in Timothy Roderick's book:
In what way was my connection strong?
What do you suspect is the reason for any strong connections?
In what way was my connection weak?
What do you suspect is the reason for weak connections?
What action can I take that might strengthen any weak connections?
So let's reflect on some of my own experiences. Let's use one of my exploration adventures from years ago, the time I went to Linville Caverns. While this was not a forest aspect of nature, it was a beautiful and soothing aspect of the womb of the Goddess and her peace and comfort, along with a bit of thrill, considering that I actually love enclosed spaces rather than hate them. So how was this connection strong? While at the time, there was no visualization exercise that I did, that I can remember, the place was serene. Just standing in the stillness while listening to the streams inside the cave babble was a meditative and grounding experience in and of itself. Did I feel power? Maybe so. That's been a while, but as I imagine the experience and recall it, it was a rather invigorating experience. So was the cave I explored while in Mexico on a cruise in 2009. While I did not get in the water, the adventure was lovely. In the womb of Mother Earth is a sense of comfort as you are withdrawn from the mundane aspects of life that cause mental distress and suffering most of the time. Why did I feel a strong connection to this place? Because enclosed spaces are comforting. Believe it or not, spirituality can be comforting without escapism. We do not have to live in a state of twenty four seven arousal and fear of sinning or going to hell. Wicca, while a religion, is not about legalism or fundamentalism, so no constant fear of eternal torture. The Lake of Fire is part of the Egyptian underworld journey that is used for purification.
Back to the cave story, so what about the connection was weak? I can't really say. The moment we were in the narrow part of the cave called "tall man torture, fat man squeeze" was a little unnerving. The "bottomless pool" was a bit scary but at the same time safe to stand over do to the scaffolding in place. When the tour guide turned of the lamp and we were in total darkness, it put me in the shoes of people who often get trapped in caves. The only way out, was to follow the stream to the light in that case. So was a weak connection felt here? If you mean fear of being trapped in the cave then yes. Could such a weak connection be strengthened? Yes, in a controlled environment where you have a trustworthy lantern. Overall, the experience was lovely. And as a way of reflecting on nature throughout the day, it reminds me to take comfort in the womb of Mother Earth. Some times those secret spaces can be pleasant. For instance, climbing under the blankets is like being in a cave. It's a retreat into the night. Nature is all around us. We just have to take the time to see and listen to her. Blessed Be.
