Pagan self-care is a concept that focuses on self-care practices through the lens of Pagan beliefs and spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's mind, body, and spirit to achieve overall well-being and balance. In Paganism, nature is considered sacred and interconnected with the divine. Therefore, Pagan self-care often involves spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and observing natural cycles and rhythms. This can be achieved through activities such as walking in the woods, gardening, or simply sitting quietly in a natural setting. Meditation and mindfulness are also key practices in Pagan self-care.
Much as the Romantic poets showed their appreciation for nature by writing about its beauty, now Pagans throw their arms up to the sky to welcome in the rain when it is needed, grow native plants to feed the bees and only take as many leaves from nature as they need so as not to disrupt the balance of local flora. This care for and worship of the natural world in the face of climate change is perhaps why witchcraft and Paganism are the perfect practices to help us reconnect with the world and survive in the 21st century.
Often, it s about checking in with ourselves and paying attention to our needs so we can move into a more positive physical, mental, or spiritual state of being. There s this idea in contemporary spiritual philosophy that if you want to move forward in any area of your life, you must first honour and be thankful for where you are now.
Meditation and mindfulness are also key practices in Pagan self-care. By quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment, individuals can attune themselves to the spiritual energies around them and cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony. This can be done through guided visualization, breathwork, or simply taking a few moments each day to pause and reflect on one's blessings.
Add Some Magic To Your Self-Care Routine
When we say the word ‘witch’, some people conjure up images of Halloween costumes, pointy hats and broomsticks. It’s sometimes seen as made-up or supernatural, sitting alongside vampires and werewolves.
Witchcraft however is very much alive and well, and has deep roots. Thousands of years ago, before Christianity was established, witches were known as healers.
People would come to them with a problem and would often be given a blend of herbs and a spell. The idea that magic could change the course of someone’s life however posed a threat to the new religion of Christianity - but what exactly is magic?
Some people describe magic as the combination of intention and action. The process of gathering ingredients and making a ritual can make simple acts full of intention and purpose. This concept can add a whole new dimension to self-care.
If this is peaking your interest and you’re keen to learn more, Semra Haksever’s book Everyday Magic, is a great place to start.
In it she goes over the basics of casting spells and offers up a whole host of herbal blends, spells and manifestations to try. Here are a couple of our favourites:
Spell to bring about change
If you’re feeling a little stuck or like you need a gentle kick up the bum to make a change, try this simple spell:
- Write down something that you would like to change in your life.
- Find an oak tree.
- Sit beneath the tree and visualise what it is you want to change.
- Bury what you have written down beneath the tree. Leave the tree an offering, like a crystal or piece of cake.
- Take a leaf from the tree (make sure you ask permission first) and carry it around with you (or leave it on your alter beneath a tiger’s eye crystal).
We so rarely give ourselves the time and space to what we want to change in our lives. Setting up this spell gives you an opportunity to really think about it and make a symbolic action to invite change.
Courage to walk in the right direction
If you’re struggling to know which direction to go in and can’t make a decision, this spell can help you feel more confident in your decision making.
You will need:
- 1 heaped teaspoon coconut oil
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
- Bowl of warm water
Directions:
- Place the coconut oil in a bowl of warm water and blend with the peppermint oil in a clockwise direction.
- Use the warm mixture to massage your feet for confidence in walking in the right direction.
If you know you have to make a decision later in the day, do this in the morning. By adding an action to your intention of making a decision, you’re giving it more power.
Spiritual cleansing bath
If you’ve had a bad day or are feeling energetically drained, this cleansing bath can help you rest and recover. Allow the water to energise you and wash away any negative energy.
You will need:
- Candles (white are good, but any colour will work)
- Pinch of dried or fresh sage
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- ½ cup of Himalayan salt or Epsom salts (any salt will do if you can’t get access to
either of these) - 1 clear quartz
- White clothing to change into (optional)
Directions:
- Light some candles and add the ingredients to your bath along with the quartz. Soak yourself and visualise white cleansing light.
- When you step out of the bath, be conscious that the water going down the drain is taking away negativity.
- After your bath, wear white clothes (if you like) for the next eight hours as a reminder that you have reset yourself.
Extra power: If you are cleansing something specific, write it down on a piece of paper and burn it with a black candle before your bath.
Of course, taking a bath won’t solve all your problems but giving yourself permission to rest and setting an intention of letting go is an incredibly powerful action within self-care.
The beauty of magic is that it encourages us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, while offering us the space we need to do so. So, if your self-care practice is feeling a bit lackluster, why not add a little magic?
Everyday Magic introduces readers to simple magic and rituals for every day to encourage self-love, protect your energy and lead a fulfilled life.
Author Semra teaches readers how to weave bespoke spells, create their own alter and take part in moon rituals. Herbal teas, bath blends and candle manifestations make spells simple and accessible.
Pick up your copy and start introducing a little magic into your life.
Author: Semra Haksever
RRP: £10
Publisher: Hardie Grant Publishing
Images cover: Used with permission from Hardie Grant Publishing
Rituals and ceremonies play an important role in Pagan self-care. These can be simple acts, such as lighting a candle or burning incense, or more elaborate rituals marking significant events or phases of life. Engaging in ritual allows individuals to connect with their spiritual selves, honor their beliefs, and set intentions for personal growth and healing. Physical self-care is also emphasized in Paganism. This includes practices such as herbalism, aromatherapy, and energy healing. Many Pagans believe in the power of plants and natural remedies to support physical health and well-being. Incorporating these practices into one's self-care routine can help promote balance and vitality. Pagan self-care is not only about individual well-being but also about being in harmony with the larger web of life. This often involves living in accordance with ethical values that prioritize sustainability, respect for all beings, and a deep reverence for the Earth. It may include practices such as recycling, reducing waste, and supporting local, eco-friendly businesses. Ultimately, Pagan self-care is about finding ways to nurture the mind, body, and spirit while honoring one's spiritual beliefs and connection to the natural world. It is a deeply personal and individual practice that seeks to cultivate a sense of inner peace, connection, and well-being..
Reviews for "Honoring the Earth: Pagan Self Care Practices for Environmental Consciousness"
1. Jane - 1 star - I was really looking forward to reading "Pagan self care" as I am interested in exploring different approaches to self-care. However, I found this book to be incredibly vague and lacking in substance. The author seemed to rely heavily on generalizations and provided very little practical advice or guidance. Additionally, the book seemed to be more focused on promoting the author's personal beliefs and experiences, rather than providing valuable information for readers. Overall, I was very disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars - As someone who is not familiar with pagan practices, I was hoping that "Pagan self care" would provide me with an introduction to this concept and possibly offer some insights into how it can benefit one's well-being. Unfortunately, I found the book to be quite inaccessible and lacking in explanation. The author often used terms and concepts without providing any context or background information, which made it difficult for me to fully grasp the concepts being discussed. Additionally, the book tended to veer off into unrelated topics, which further added to the confusion. Overall, I believe this book would be better suited for individuals already well-versed in paganism, rather than those seeking an introductory guide.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - While "Pagan self care" had an interesting premise, I felt that the execution fell short. The book seemed to be disorganized and lacked a clear structure, making it difficult to follow. I was hoping for a practical guide with step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate pagan practices into my self-care routine, but instead, I found myself reading a collection of vague anecdotes and personal reflections from the author. While the author's personal experiences are valid, I would have appreciated a more structured approach with actionable advice. Overall, I didn't find this book to be very helpful and would not recommend it to others seeking practical guidance on pagan self-care.