I mentioned a few posts back that I’ve been going through a bit of a spiritual crisis lately. I guess “crisis” is kind of a strong word considering things are pretty okay for the most part, but I definitely felt disconnected from my current practice and it was time to try something new. I’ve been making some changes in my routine for a month or so now and I know a lot of you guys were struggling with similar issues, so I thought I’d talk a little bit about what I’ve been doing and how it’s been working for me!

1. Reading

I’ve been making an effort to read something spiritual EVERY DAY, even if it’s just a few pages. This sounds like it wouldn’t be so hard considering I have an hour lunch break every day at work, but I ALWAYS end up falling asleep in my car instead. ALWAYS. The car nap struggle is real. I’ve been trying to at least read a few pages and make progress on some spiritual books I’ve been enjoying before passing out for all my coworkers to see.

Some things I’ve been reading:

• Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham: I picked up this book because while Wicca has never really felt right for me, I wanted to learn more about it. I love Wicca’s emphasis on connection with nature and wanted to incorporate more of that into my own spirituality. To my surprise. I’m LOVNG this book! It’s very informative without feeling like a lecture, and Cunningham makes it a point to say that he’s just sharing some of the options that are out there: it’s up to everyone to determine what their own practice looks like. I do feel like I struggle with a literal interpretation of the God and Goddess… I feel like the gender binary is a little unnecessary when talking about spiritual beings and also like maybe I believe more in a metaphorical interpretation – like all of us have the Divine in us, not necessarily that there are two great beings out there calling the shots. Anyone else have thoughts on alternate interpretations of the God and Goddess? I’d love to chat about this!
• Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler: This is an old fave of mine that I’m returning to. I think it does a great job of debunking some of the common myths and misconceptions about witchcraft while still being a book for our people. A must-read for anyone new to the Craft or who is interested in learning more about it!
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: I mentioned that I wanted to deepen my connection to the earth, and this book is a gorgeous portrayal of the human-nature relationship. I’m not very far into it yet, but so far it’s giving me hope that humans and nature can have a mutually beneficial relationship someday (if we cut all our poisonous crap, that is.)

2. Unplugging

This is really hard for me lately but I feel like that’s why I need to do it. It’s so hard to feel connected to ANYTHING when I’m staring at a screen all day. It’s all for work, so it’s not just mindless Internet browsing, but still. I’ve been taking time every day to unplug, even just for a little while – to wash the dishes, to read, to take a bath without any technology involved. This helps me get grounded and gives me time to reflect.

3. Talking to the Universe

The word “prayer” leaves a bad taste in my mouth due to my own personal experience with organized religion, but I guess that’s sort of what I’m talking about. Usually when I’m in the car, I take some time to talk out loud to the powers that be. I feel like I’m addressing my spirit guides, but I don’t know who they are or anything about them so it’s sort of just an out-loud chat with whatever’s listening. I express my gratitude for the things that I have and ask for help wherever I need it. It feels good to make those things known, and I’ve honestly noticed that whenever I ask for help, I get it. Make of that what you will!

4. Eco-Consciousness

This one has been hard for me. Part of deepening my connection with nature has been accepting the part I play in her destruction. Of course I recycle, but being eco-friendly was never really a goal of my household growing up. We never really thought about the impact things like our cleaning products and trash had on the environment. Now that I have my own household to care for, I downloaded the Think Dirty app and was GROSSED. OUT. to see the kinds of toxic chemicals that are in things I took for granted before, like window cleaner and dryer sheets.

These things don’t just end up in my system, but when the packaging ends up in landfills and the chemicals get into the air, it hurts the environment, too. It’s scary and hard to think about overhauling the things we buy and use, but even taking one step is doing something.

This was one of the many reasons I signed up with Young Living – they don’t just do essential oils, they have a WHOLE LINE of natural cleaning supplies. Basic things like dish soap and laundry detergent that you probably don’t think twice about using, but natural, harm-free versions. Last month I ordered their wool dryer balls (because did you know that dryer sheets contain LARD? Ew!!) and this month I’m ordering their laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and dish soap. It’s not much, but it’s something. I’m looking forward to learning more about what I can do to help the environment and use more natural products in my everyday life!

I made a whole page about essential oils if you’d like to learn more <3

If you’re interested in Young Living, you can buy a Premium Starter Kit through my link! You’ll get access to Facebook groups full of resources to help you use these products AND I’ll send you a copy of French Aromatherapy for free <3 As always, if you have any questions about Young Living or essential oils you can ask me any time!

5. Tarot

Tarot is still a huge part of my spiritual practice! I read for others, yes, but I read for myself as well. Most recently I used the cards to work through a difficult career decision, but I also like to use them to choose an intention to focus on for the day. Tarot is great for journaling – it helps you get to the heart of a situation and to better understand yourself. My favorite deck of the moment is the Pagan Otherworlds tarot – it’s gorgeous!

Side note: do you guys have any questions about tarot that you’d like a blog post about? I’m trying to brainstorm but I can’t think of many things that haven’t already been written to death! Let me know in the comments if there’s something you’d like to see 😀

6. Moon Rituals

To be honest, my rituals are suuuuper simple right now. This is an area I’d like to work on, but I’m currently swamped with projects and don’t have much time for a big, detailed ritual. It’s okay to have quiet rituals, too! Mine currently involve lighting candles and some incense and sitting with them for a while, focusing on my intention for the moon cycle. Then, before the candle an incense burn out, I like to take an action. If I’m trying to manifest a new job opportunity, for example, I’ll fill out an application, or if I want to let go of past emotions I’ll get rid of something that reminds me of them. By pairing your intention with an action in the hear of the moment, it signals that you’re serious and willing to do the work!

And that’s about it for right now! I might post an updated update in a few months after I’m done with my day job and have time for a steadier routine <3

What are some spiritual things you’re doing lately? Books you’re loving? Tarot decks I need? I’d love to hear!!