Top image: Still, ‘The Love Witch’ (2017) dir. Anna Biller

(Demi Whitnell is a practicing Wicca currently living in London.)

Keeping with your faith during this testing and worrying time is extremely important, not only to maintain normality but to bring a sense of peace, of mind and control. The Wiccan faith centres around Mother Earth, all her children and caring and providing for all, which during this pandemic is the umbrella outlook we should all have.

As we shutter ourselves away in isolation, here is a guide to how Wiccans can pass the time positively, from faith-related hobbies to honing your shadow work. The most important phrase that the Wicca should live by during this time is: if it harm none, do as ye please.

Use your Book of Shadows:

Now is the perfect chance for you to dedicate time towards your studies and faith, especially in relation to your Book of Shadows. Choose one part of Wicca to study up on, and spend time researching. 

Now get creative with how you will showcase your studies. Your Book of Shadows is akin to using a bullet journal, decorate it as you please, play around with the layout, get some pens, paint or stickers out and have fun. Studying Wicca shouldn’t feel like a chore, it should be something fun. Personally, I enjoy drawing symbols around my page corners and placing dried flowers or plant-life into my book.

This is also the perfect time for you to catch up on your reading. Wicca is a faith with hundreds of texts (luckily online ones too) that explore the faith in consumable chunks. Now is your chance to delve into these texts – perhaps write up quotes you have found appealing or wish to remember, or page numbers of the chapters you would like to revisit. In everyday life, it can be hard to find time to dedicate time to reading, so use this time wisely and consume as much literature as you can before reality takes those moments away. I’d highly recommend tackling A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar and Wicca by Harmony Nice, both are fascinating reads and when used to their full purpose they can be extremely informative.

Practise spell work:

Leading on from your Book of Shadows studies, physically practice spell work and rituals during this period. Use your time to arrange different spell set-ups, learn which work best for you and which spells you need to work on further. Some spell work is intense and takes a lot of preparation and dedication to achieve, however this is the best time to practise. It also allows you to recover from a spell, as some can take a lot of energy and you may need some rest.

I would also suggest writing down the outcomes of each spell and tracking your progress to see if it works well for you or if you need to tweak it. Spell work is a learning curve and now is a prime time for practice.

Dedicate time to praise the Gods we need most:

Now is a time where faith, belief and positive energy is desperately needed, so spend time celebrating the deities that will help you through this period: Noderns, god of health and healing is a good example. Much like how we celebrate Gods and Goddesses during sabbats, use this time to create a small shrine or altar and provide them with gifts from around the house that relate to their powers, before inviting them into your home as a form of protection.

This will also allow you to get to know the Gods that you may not know well, giving you a chance to work your way through the many Wiccan deities and discover the ones that you wish to add to your staple (the deities you continuously pray to and celebrate, correlating to the type of Wiccan you are.)

Be one with nature:

Just because we are currently required to stay indoors does not mean that nature has to. If you are lucky enough to have seeds left over from a previous sabbat or just lying around, plant them in your garden or in indoor pots to create a greener environment. Wiccan’s thrive in nature, especially Green Witches, so don’t ignore your desire to connect with Mother Earth. 

If you are unable to venture outside, open your windows to let air and sunlight into your house. Have a spring clean and rearrange furniture to create a new and open space. Most Wiccans will have flowers in vases from the previous sabbat, dry those out and use them as decoration once they begin to brown. Play nature playlists or watch a nature documentary to connect with the outside world.

Wicca is a faith which does not demand constant attention, you can leave your studies when times are busy and return when you can. This period is the best time to return to your faith, not only to better your knowledge and understanding but for your mental health. Wicca allows you to disconnect from the realities of the 21st century, placing you at the heart of nature. Take an hour or two out of your day, away from news and social media, to dedicate time for meditation, tarot readings, tea-drinking, spell work, studying and cooking. Magick is all around you, allow that magic to shine through even in tough times.