Many Wiccans and Pagans work with deities and spirits in their practice,
And find there to be great benefit in doing so.
We also know that the otherworldly isn't limited to deities,
Ancestors,
And spirit animals.
So for our time together today,
I'd like to take a closer look at a subject that is often mentioned yet seldom explored,
And that is land spirits.
As nature-based spiritualists,
We hold that every human being has a soul or spirit that lives on after the physical body.
In addition to this,
Some see that there are spirits that choose to associate with a known land or specific place.
Land spirits,
Known as landsvætir in Old Nordic spirituality,
And later in modern folk traditions,
Are spirits associated with a particular area of land,
And believed to be responsible for its fertility and well-being.
Tradition has it that these spirits are guardians of the land,
But whether they are the souls of past inhabitants or simply directly related to the land is a matter of opinion.
In the end,
I'm not sure that it actually matters,
And if we're meant to have a definitive answer to that question,
The spirits themselves will likely be the ones to give it to us.
Land spirits are considered to be friendly and helpful to humans,
But generally speaking,
They spend the majority of their time keeping to themselves.
Many cultures encourage the practice of interacting with land spirits because,
In the grand scheme of things,
We're all neighbors.
In fact,
It has long been held that land spirits can,
And often do,
Extend into becoming household spirits in some cases.
With that in mind,
I believe it is important to develop a solid and respectful relationship with the spirits of our land.
So how can we do this?
It starts by going outside.
Spend some time outdoors,
And,
As you do so,
Begin to notice and identify different parts of your local area.
Go out and actually feel the energy in those places,
And open yourself up to whatever presence you might encounter.
One great way to do this is by feeding the birds while you take a walk in nature,
In an area of interest to you.
To the spirit realm,
Doing so signals that you are good-natured and approachable.
You might then choose to introduce yourself to any spirits that might be present at the time,
And make yourself known to them in a respectful way.
Yes,
Talk to them.
Most of all,
Just be present and listen.
Be mostly quiet and observe.
Nature has a lot to tell us if we'll just listen,
And the same is true for land spirits.
Some traditions hold that the land spirits use nature as their language,
So tune in to the subtle sounds around you,
And you might discover that they're not so subtle after all.
Speak to the spirits,
And communicate your intention to meet them and learn from them.
And,
While I do recommend that you start your land spirit connection in a place close to where you live,
You can do so in a parking lot,
Just as effectively as from a secluded corner of a park.
Just be sure to go into each encounter with peaceful intentions and for the highest good,
As this will speak louder than your words.
It's quite likely that the land spirits near your home have been silently observing you for quite some time,
So formally introducing yourself will be extremely well received.
After your initial introduction,
Treat your ongoing interactions with land spirits as you would any other person you happen to encounter on a regular basis,
And that is by building a relationship.
Speak to the spirits often,
And convey how much you appreciate the way they care for the land.
Being polite and showing gratitude goes just as far in the other world as it does in this one.
This is why I feel that having a relationship with close-by spirits is essential,
Because both of you have a shared interest in a certain place.
State that to the spirits you encounter.
Most of all,
Show them that you care.
Above all,
Don't get bogged down with trying to figure out every aspect of your encounters.
Just be open to interactions and enjoy them,
And over time,
You will feel an alliance forming.
Leaving an offering is always a kind gesture,
But not necessary.
In my personal practice,
I will leave offerings of honey or fruit.
Anything given with joyful intentions will be well received.
When in doubt,
You can never go wrong with purified drinking water.
Or,
Perhaps,
You will want to leave the grandest offering of all that will cost nothing but your time,
Picking up litter.
Blessed be.
