The Magickal Cottage

The Natural Pagan Lifestyle.

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It is said that the various pagan paths are forms of nature based spirituality. This definition seems to imply to many who are not pagan that paganism is somehow a primitive or childlike way of believing. Pagans are seen as naïve and even silly in the way they live their lives and worship their gods. Then there is the whole witchcraft, “murdering innocent animals and children” idea that has been perpetuated since the burning times. There is so much misinformation out about paganism that focuses on the negative beliefs of the ignorant ones, that it’s almost enough to make a pagan lose heart.
At times, when I feel like I am losing focus on what is truly important in life and succumbing to the often negative mindset of the modern world, it helps to remind myself what being pagan is really all about. Being pagan is feeling a connection to the natural world. Call me a “tree hugger” but I am at my most alive and connected to Spirit when I am in nature. I feel for the pagans that are forced to work inside cubicles all day away from the trees and animals, but I bet there are many of those pagans who bring plants and crystals and other parts of the natural world into their cubicles to feel that natural connection throughout their work day. Lucky is the pagan who lives in the country and grows their own organic food, but the apartment dwelling pagan who grows veggies on their balcony is a hero in my eyes.
Pagans are often the ones seen spearheading environmental programs to save the Earth and it’s creatures from pollution and other forms of destruction. Living the green life is natural for a person who finds spirituality in nature. Adopting animals from an animal shelter or strays off the street is another common practice among pagans. Again, there is that connection to the Earth and all its creatures that is so satisfying to the pagan soul.
I like to follow the seasons and celebrate their change by decorating my home and garden to reflect the change in nature. I also follow the moon signs and phases and try to stay aware of how the moon energy is affecting my world and how I can harness it to improve the way things are going for me and my family. Giving thanks and feeling gratitude to the Lord and Lady is the basis for what I believe, and acting on that gratitude through a connected lifestyle is better than any words I might speak to Them in ritual.
Staying connected to Spirit and the pagan lifestyle on a daily basis is often challenging when life gets busy, as it is known to do. Recently I was rereading the correspondences of the days of the week as they relate to performing magick, and it occurred to me that those same correspondences might be used to focus an intention on those every day activities we have to perform. What positive energy might we bring to our lives if we could use the ability to time activities in the just the right way?
When possible, I will use these daily correspondences to plan the work and activities of my week. So here is what I am thinking I might do:
• On Mondays I will do anything connected to nurturing. That includes tending the garden, cooking and baking (a good day to bake bread for the week), talking to my mom, doing something special for my kids and furrbabies. You get the picture. Monday is connected to the moon which is feminine and mothering. Sprinkling some holy water around the house or working with essential oils would also be great on Monday. Monday could definitely be a good time to do the laundry with the connection to water.
• On Tuesdays, which is ruled by masculine and energetic Mars, I will work out (not just on Tuesday but definitely on this day!), I will tackle jobs that need energy and make war on the dirt and grime (both physical and spiritual) that may have accumulated during the previous week and fortify the protection on my home and family. Burning candles would be great on a Tuesday to beef up the household energy level.
• Wednesday is about the planet Mercury and communication. Networking, communicating, catching up with old friends and clearing out my inbox. Airing out the house, burning incense and even vacuuming and sweeping would be great to work with the air element that can be associated with Mercury.
• Thursday is associated with Jupiter and abundance. I may make this the day I plan menus and go to the supermarket. Being generous in all its forms would be good on a Thursday. Giving the gift of time and working for a charity on Thursday would also be appropriate.
• Friday is all about Venus and beauty. Time to spruce up the house and garden and beautify your surroundings! Plan a romantic dinner for you and your partner or just watch a dreamy movie or listen to some lovely music.
• Saturday is related to Saturn and a good time for discipline and banishing things from your life and environment that you no longer need. Purge and cleanse! If your home needs a major cleansing then Saturday just might be the day for it. Get out the floor wash and smudge sticks and banish away!
• Sunday corresponds to the sun (yeah, I know the sun is not a planet…neither is the moon… they ARE heavenly bodies, though, and they count). I put Sunday last because to me it is at the end of a work week. It is a day for hanging loose and soaking up some rays. Sit quietly (in nature, of course) and contemplate all that life has given you. Be thankful. Life really is good.

This list of days and associations is just a suggestion as what you might do on those days of the week. Feel free to add to the list. I’m sure I will! So that is the plan. And you know what they say about the best laid plans. But, hey, living the natural pagan lifestyle is so rewarding when you remember to stay focused on your connection to Spirit.
I wish you joy in a life dedicated to realizing the magick in all of creation!
Blessings,
Sarina

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