A Spell Jar For Autumn: Collecting Ourselves Through Delicious Slowness
I keep coming back to the idea that magic is in the simple moments - the small gestures of giving your intentions space and time to be cultivated. At times we can feel like all the learning and growing is heavy. Changes and life lessons come at a pace that feels immensely overwhelming.
What do we do to collect ourselves? How do we gather our wishes and hopes? How do we nourish ourselves with the space to integrate all we've learned?
There's one simple practice I love, that I discovered at age 7. There are some things that come innately to us from a young age, and for me, this was the propensity towards gathering flowers, leaves, and other Earth debris into a glass jar, along with a wish - written or spoken - and burying it deep into the ground, to marinate for months, maybe years. I, of course, didn't have a name for this practice, back then, it just felt right. Now you can buy "witch kits" and "spell jars" to teach you how to do what children know intuitively:
From the Earth, back to the Earth.
All in its own time.
Our wishes hold power.
Our breath carries reverence.
Our words, too, go back into the Earth from our bellies.
Some wishes are received, some take more time.
Autumn is a great time to welcome slowness. To gather yourself, spend some time looking at the details around you. Allow yourself to get lost in a contemplative practice, an Earth practice, to steep in the charge of change and transition.
If you're ready for some delicious slowness, here's a perfect ritual for you
Making a Spell Jar
Gather a tote, some scissors, a glass mason jar and whatever you need to feel comfortable outdoors. Decide on a location for a short walk (ideally in nature, but do what you can. A simple walk around your block is sure to bring you some fresh surprises through this practice)
As you walk slowly, look around at the ground, the leaves, stones, flowers, acorns, "weeds", items people may have dropped or any other treasures you notice around you. Make your sole intention to notice and engage with the details of the world. Use your senses.
When you find something you like and want to place in your tote to take home with you - sit with that entity (flower, rock, etc). Close your eyes and spend time with it, talk to it in your mind and heart, introduce yourself, notice something you haven't before. Perhaps the way the chicory grows at the edge of the road reminds you of how disturbed ground grows beautiful flowers. Or perhaps the markings on the rock in your hand looks like a spiral. Play with the way you see the world and let your imagination lead you. Before you take it home with you ask if it wants to come with you or stay put. Honor the answer.
Once you've gathered what you like in your tote, fill a small portion of your mason jar with dirt, mud, or natural water, and head home.
Sit by your alter if you have one, surround yourself with candles, incense, music and items you enjoy. Create a comfortable space to sit and relax. Close your eyes, ground, and focus on a simple intention you have for yourself. Write that intention on a piece of paper and put it in the jar.
Take out your findings from your tote and one-by-one place them in the jar. As you place each one in, honor them, feel the symbolism, message, or magic they carry for you (For example: "Blue flowers for a sense of ease and rest" "a rock for grounding and support" "an acorn to remind me of all the potential I carry")
When you've placed all the items in, close the jar. Bless it, and take a moment to visualize yourself protecting or sealing the jar with your dedication to your intention.
When you feel complete, find a special place to leave the jar in your home OR find a place to bury the jar back into the Earth.
Thank your energetic supports and yourself. Ground back into your body and close your practice with a breath or a sound.
This practice is incredibly revitalizing, when you take the time to honor yourself.