Wow, what a year 2020 has been thus far. In the first half of the year, we really needed Water to help us heal. We still do as there is much work left to be done this year, but we also need the grounding and centering energy of Earth to help us deal with our anxieties and stresses so we can keep the healing movement going as well as help us understand what is truly important. Next, we will use Fire to continue burning away the old, leaving fertile soil in its wake. I've gotten a little behind on my posts and wanted to already be on Fire, but such is life. Either way, its obvious my intuition knew what elements we would need most at what time of year. Water to heal (COVID-19, anxiety, etc), Earth to ground (recentering ourselves to recognize what is really important), Fire to ignite (fighting injustice), and Air to communicate (voting, letter writing, etc). I did not match them with their traditionally corresponding seasons, and I realize now more than ever there was a reason not to. You see, not everything in life fits into neat correspondences and while we traditionally work with Earth in the winter months, it isn't what we needed this year. We needed in the late spring and early summer. We must recognize that traditions are meant to be broken so that we may work with what we need, instead of what we are told. Your practice is just as unique as you are; take what you need and leave the rest behind.
In this post, I cover a number of spells that include the Earth element. In light of recent events, more specifically the resurgence of massive BLM protests, riots, and a cry for change and the end of police brutality, I decided it was important for me to include spells to help us navigate this revolution. Some of the spells will help you with your mental health, while others are for protection, resistance, and stability. Our current battle may seem like we are trying to move mountains, but even the mountain is weathered away by the slow, steady force of Water and Air.
If my mention of this turns you off and you decide not to continue to follow my blog, so be it. I am not here to pussyfoot around issues near and dear to my heart, and I most certainly will always use my platform to speak up for marginalized voices. And so it is.
Earthing is the process of physically connecting with the Earth through touch. This is different from grounding in that grounding establishes a spiritual connection while bringing your energies in tune with the Earth, while earthing establishes a physical connection that results in a mental and physiological response. Both the Journal of Inflammation Research and Proceedings fo the National Academy of Sciences have found that physical contact with the Earth, think skin to Earth contact, has profound effects on our health and happiness, including calming the part of your brain that is responsible for depression and anxiety. As such, it reduces stress hormones, decreases blood pressure, relieves tension, and decreases your heart rate likely because the Earth is pulsing with energy. This ritual is simple and a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety, especially during trying times. It's also a great way to connect with the Earth in your area. Don't be surprised if a local spirit wishes to connect with you.
What You'll Need
- An outdoor spot where you will not be disturbed
What to Do
Begin by traveling to a local forest, park, beach, or just going out into your own yard. If you have nowhere private to go, a dish of soil will also work. Remove your shoes and walk barefoot or touch the soil with your hands, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. When it feels right, stop, close your eyes, and feel your connection to the Earth. Feel your heartbeat slowing down, the stress melting away into the Earth. Imagine the worry, fear, doubt, hatred, anger, depression, and all other emotions flowing out through your feet deep into the Earth. Allow Her to take away the pain, replacing it instead with healing energy, peace, and calm.Spend at least 15 minutes, if not an hour, connecting physically with the Earth. Lay down if you want, continue walking, or sit in silence. If you wish, ask the Earth if you may bring back gifts with you and should you feel She replies with the affirmative, gather leaves, stones, and other natural objects to bring home with you. Be sure to thank the Earth for the gifts you have received. Place these items on your altar and use them to help you connect with the Earth when stress, doubt, and fear come creeping back in.
This ritual is performed on a regular schedule. Use it to check in with yourself on a weekly or monthly basis or use it as a quick way to dispel fear before a protest!
Amulets are generally worn for protection and take on many forms. Whether you decide to use a crystal, pentacle, or some other object, make sure it can be easily worn on your person or carried with you. Amulets can also be kept in your pocket away from prying hands so it can't be used to subdue you. This protection amulet utilizes the Earth element to protect you from harm, negativity, and stress.
Amulets are generally worn for protection and take on many forms. Whether you decide to use a crystal, pentacle, or some other object, make sure it can be easily worn on your person or carried with you. Amulets can also be kept in your pocket away from prying hands so it can't be used to subdue you. This protection amulet utilizes the Earth element to protect you from harm, negativity, and stress.
What You'll Need
- String, yarn, cord, chain, or wire
- Smoky quartz, pentacle, or another protective object
What to Do
This spell is best done between midnight and 3am on a Full Moon or Waxing Moon, although any moon phase can technically be used. Gather your supplies and cleanse the object you are turning into an amulet. Smoky quartz is one of the best crystals to turn into an amulet because of its protective yet calming nature. The wisps of smoke protect the wearer from negativity and harm, while also bringing emotional calmness by relieving stress and anxiety. The pentacle, a symbol of Earth, is also highly protective. Consider using a silver pentacle to reflect negativity and harm away from you.After your object is cleansed, you need to charge it with your intent. I personally like to blow my intent into an object, but any charging method is fine. While you do so say or chant the following: "I place upon this [insert object name] protective power. It is now a shield from harm and negativity. I call upon the strength of my ancestors at this witching hour, to bless this object with protective serenity. No harm may come so long as it remains. Heed my words and protect forevermore."
Once charged, you can turn the amulet into a necklace, keychain, or just carry the object on your person. I find that having something tied to it makes it easier to hold onto and prevents it from being lost or misplaced.
Recharge your amulet periodically, usually with each monthly moon cycle, or if you have been exposed to high levels of negativity. If the crystal cracks, this is a sign that the magic is working. Simply replace the crystal with a freshly charged one. Thank the previous crystal for its protection and bury it away from your home.
The Earth is great at removing things we wish to get rid of through earthly cleansing. As such, witches commonly bury objects to cleanse them or to remove something from their life. While the Earth brings forth life, it also helps things to decay. This spell is designed to get rid of jealousy by allowing it to "rot" in the soil.
What You'll Need
- Potato
- An object from the jealous person (yourself or someone else)
- Brown ribbon or string
- Knife
- Spade or shovel
What to Do
This spell is best performed during the Dark Moon as it is a form of banishment. Cut the potato in half and carve out a spot between the two halves to fit the item from the jealous person. It can be your own personal jealousy or that of another. If you cannot obtain a personal object, a picture of the person will also work or their full name written on a piece of paper. Place the object inside the potato and tie the two halves together with the brown ribbon or string. Bury the potato somewhere away from your house, creating a resting place where the jealousy can reside. As the potato rots, the jealousy will dissipate.Now more than ever we have a need to keep the police away from us, or at least protect ourselves from police brutality, especially during protests. This conjure bag or sachet is specifically designed for that purpose. You can carry it on your person, hang it in your home, or place it in your vehicle. Heck, make three so you can place them everywhere.
What You'll Need
- Sachet or bag with a drawstring
- Fennel seeds
- Sardonyx
- Hydrangea blossoms
- Crabgrass seed heads
What to Do
Cleanse and charge the sardonyx with your intent to keep away law enforcement and protect you from police brutality. Place the sardonyx in the sachet followed by a handful of fennel, hydrangea blossoms, and crabgrass seed heads. Sardonyx is often used to obtain justice, especially against the police, while fennel sees ward off authority. Hydrangea blossoms are used for shielding and protection (a reference to their shield-like shape) and crabgrass seed heads, which look like fingers, are used to misdirect and confuse. If you are looking for an extra punch read Psalms 9, 16, and 53 over the sachet, or include them inside.While I recognize most of us are not Christian, nor believe in the Christian God, many magical practices include Christian saints and the bible in their magical workings. It is important we respect these traditions, specifically Vodou, Vodoun, Hoodoo, and Santeria that incorporate these elements. They are just as powerful as calling upon your personal spirits or deities.
Tea is a great way to combine the elements of Water and Earth together in harmony. The Water nourishes our soul while the Earthly herbs bring about magical focus. This particular tea is designed to increase your persuasiveness, whether you are arguing in favor of social and political justice, fighting flat earthers online, or trying to convince your Uncle that climate change is real. This herbal infusion can be drunk or used to bathe your hands and face to increase your persuasiveness.
What You'll Need
- 1-2 teaspoons cinquefoil (five-finger grass)
- 1 cup hot water
- Honey (if drinking)
What to Do
Begin by boiling water and pouring it over 1-2 teaspoons of dried cinquefoil. Swirl the cup clockwise and imagine it filling with golden yellow light. Yellow is the color of communication and therefore perfect in cases where you wish to persuade someone. Breathe in the steam deeply and say "Five-Finger Grass, growing wild, help me persuade those with whom I speak. Five-Finger Grass, blooming yellow, be the guide I need and seek today and tomorrow. Five-Finger grass, standing tall, give me the confidence to speak my truth. Five-Finger Grass, relentlessly perched, bring me the strength to combat the uncouth. And so it is."Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and add the honey if you wish to drink the tea. If not, rub the infusion on your hands so that everything you touch is favorable or on your face and neck so that your words are convincing. This infusion can be seal in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Sometimes we feel completely powerless over our situation and that things are spiraling out of control. This ritual is designed to bring you tranquility and peace and uses a common prayer along with crystals to help calm your spirit and bring you strength.
What You'll Need
- 5 smoky quartz crystals
- Personal item or photograph
- Private space
What to Do
Begin by sitting quietly in your private space. This can be your altar, a place in the woods, or anywhere else you can work without being disturbed. If you like, cleanse and consecrate the area and cast a circle. While sitting quietly, close your eyes and think about what is causing you to feel powerless. Focus on specific events, actions, words, etc that have caused this unease. Think about what you can do to change the situation. Think about what is out of your control. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Allow what you cannot change to leave your body and enter into the ground.When you have reached a state of calmness, open your eyes and place your personal item in front of you. Cleanse the smoky quartz, which is extremely grounding in nature as well as an absorber of negativity, by blowing on each crystal. This not only cleanse the crystals but also solidify its connection with you. Begin placing the 5 crystals around your personal object while chanting "Grant me the serenity to accept the thing I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
Spend time meditating and infusing the ritual with your energy. Allow yourself to feel your connection with the Earth and the tranquility its calming embrace brings. Leave the crystals and your personal item out as long as you can. If possible, continue to return to this place to reinforce the magical working.
Earth has the power to bring about great change and new beginnings. We see this each year with the turning of the wheel. We can harness that power to bring about change in our own lives by sowing seeds and watching them grow. As they do so, what we seek to change comes to light.
What You'll Need
- Small pot
- Soil to fill the pot
- Seeds (doesn't matter what kind)
- Water
- Paint, Sharpie, or markers to decorate the pot
What to Do
Fill the pot with soil and press the seeds you have chosen into the soil. As you do so say "I sow these seeds of change to bring about my heart's desire." If you want, include what you wish to change in your chant. Gently water the seeds and keep the soil moist until the seeds begin sprouting.Decorate the outside of the pot with symbols, sigils, images, and colors associated with the change you wish to bring. For example, if you wish for social justice draw scales, swords, or the runes tiwaz and hagalaz. Make the decorations personal. Infuse these images with your power and keep your intention clear as you do so.
As the seeds grow, so shall the change you desire.
These spells are just some of the many uses of Earth, some of which you can find elsewhere on my blog. Again, I tried to include several spells to help us navigate the current social climate, but there are several spells that can be used whenever you need them. How do you use Earth in your practice? Share your spells and ideas in the comments below!
Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!
If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.
***
These spells are just some of the many uses of Earth, some of which you can find elsewhere on my blog. Again, I tried to include several spells to help us navigate the current social climate, but there are several spells that can be used whenever you need them. How do you use Earth in your practice? Share your spells and ideas in the comments below!
Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!
Elemental Magic Series
Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit
Putting It All Together
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit
Putting It All Together
Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:
Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air
If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.
It really is astonishing how much has unfolded, impacted the planet and its people, and rewritten the course of history in a few brief months. In the scope of my own (35 year) lifetime, I cannot think of another year (or, half a year thus far) that comes even close. In some respects 2001 and then the recession years of the late 2000s were similar in certain respects, but still worlds apart in others.
ReplyDeleteYour reminder to actively work with the immensely wonderful properties, energies and abilities of the Element of Earth right now is sincerely appreciated. I find I connect especially easily with the Earth during summer, so will be putting some of your fantastic ideas and info into practise throughout the coming sun-hugged weeks ahead.
Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
Right?! This year has been completely nuts, and I thought going to college during a recession was tough when gas prices soared to almost $5 a gallon. My family lost our home during all that, but nothing quite compares to what is going on right now. We are certainly witnessing history in the making.
DeleteI've been working with Earth a lot lately. Spending a lot of time outside connecting with Her directly to help fight this sense of unease. Its tiring working fighting the good fight!