Oh I feel that so hard, I live in the greater Seattle area which is just dreary and gloomy and dark and has a constant drizzling, freezing rain for a majority of the year. Itās not excessively cold but itās always perfect hypothermia weather. Cold and wet.
Fires. I have a woodstove which is our only source of heat in the cold months and I love tending it and being around it! Bonfires/outdoor fires are also nice!
Candles. You know how it goesĀ ācandles are how we keep fires as petsā. How cute is that!?
Baths. Baths are a huge part of ghibli scenes! Take a nice hot bath (or shower). Burn some candles, add some bath salts or oils, make it really enjoyable.
Hot drinks. Feel the warmth radiating from the mug into your hands. Savor the heat as you sip it and it spreads throughout your body.Ā
When bundling up to go outside, make it feel like your preparing for a big adventure. Also wear a cute scarf or hat or something!
Make it a part of your day to open all the windows and let that little amount of light in.
Make soup. Really take the time to make it. Chop those veggies, prepare those ingredients, sprinkle those spices and add that broth with love.Ā
Take up a project. Sketching, painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidering, felting, etc.
Clean. Clean your bedroom, do the laundry, wash the dishes, vacuum/sweep the floors. Listen to some music!
Really take the time to tend to your home (living space). This place is your escape from the weather, from the cold. You can make it how you want it to be. So take care of that!
Cuddle with a pet!
Find something that youāre excited about doing while youāre stuck inside. For me, thatās reading and knitting.Ā
Try to look at the things the cold brings with awe this year. The puddles from the freezing rain, the way the frost glints in the sun, the way the snow covers a landscape and makes everything quieter. And relish in the wildness of dirty snow water, the streets having little rivers along the sides (or middle) from rain, the ice making everything slippery. Thereās a lot of moments in Ghibli with the less desirable aspects of the world in them!
Buy/prepare herbal teas to help with the sickness that comes with the colder months.Ā
Allot yourself a morning or evening with nothing to do. Keep it technology free and do what makes your heart happy. Read a book, cuddle with a pet, doodle, clean.
Invite your friends over, make a feast, have a movie marathon, etc.
Leave some birdseed out for the birds. Make it a ritual that forces you to go outside. Maybe leave it somewhere where you can stand with your hot drink and watch the birds for a while.
Find solace in the escape of warm places. The coffee shop, the library, the grocery store. Everyone in there survived the weather outside and made it to this little slice of heavenly warmth.
Make your life a fucking aesthetic. Make it what you want it to be. It wonāt be perfect, but if it makes you happier then itās worth it.Ā
Okay so as you all know since this post frickin exploded with notes, I love Ghibli and itās helped me romanticize my life and get me through one of the worst bouts of depression Iāve ever dealt with. Iām gonna list some things that helped me:
Just romanticize the ever-living shit out of everything. Make everything a moment.
Go outside. Wander around without a goal in mind. Notice all of the little things, like how the sun looks through the leaves or how the rain hits the sidewalk. Find the beauty in that one flower, the way the grass is moving, the street art that someone made, etc.
Make fancy drinks. Take time to sit down with a mug of coffee or tea and really savor it. Slowly sip that iced-whatever. Make it a moment.
Clean. Clean your bedroom, do the laundry, wash the dishes, vacuum/sweep the floors. Listen to some music!
Buy some veggies. If you can, do so from a farmerās market/farm stand. If not, the grocery store will do. Take some time to prepare them for later. I like to chop veggies and freeze them for winter soups!
Make a good meal. Like a seriously good meal. Plan it out, take the time and energy to really devote yourself to creating this meal. And take the time to fully enjoy it. I try to do this at least once a week!
Dress how you want to be. Screw sticking to your aesthetic, aesthetics and looks can change on a daily basis. Who do you want to be today?
Buy yourself some flowers.
Fancy teapots and teacups.
Take up a project. Sketching, painting, knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidering, felting, etc.
Get really immersed in your studies, strive for passionate focus. If you arenāt in school – try this with a book!
Iāve been harvesting a lot of plants and drying/preserving the things from my garden and its such a mood. Especially when baskets are involved.Ā
Replace your purse for a basket when applicable. Itās so nice!
Long car/bus rides. Try to make the best of them. Foster the attitude that theyāre something great and youāre on your way to something amazing. This is lifesaving with commutes, as mentioned in this post (which probably put the idea in my mind thatās why Iām linking it!)
Ghibli is all about working hard, so bring that energy into your life. Make it fun, make it an adventure, make it something you actually want to do!
I really love romanticizing things like going to the grocery store or the post office. Sometimes things are as good as you make them, so why not make them good? Music can definitely help you get in the mood!
Do something spontaneous! Something you really want to do! Go on a trip, visit a friend, go for a walk, sit by a river, etc.
Allot yourself a morning or evening with nothing to do. Keep it technology free and do what makes your heart happy. Read a book, cuddle with a pet, doodle, clean.
Go and sit someplace. Either in nature or in public. Be wistful, thoughtful, content, happy, cheerful. Just be.
Make your life a fucking aesthetic. Make it what you want it to be. It wonāt be perfect, but if it makes you happier then itās worth it.Ā
tea is an excellent way to incorporate green witchcraft and herbal magick into your daily life. here is a list of the magickal properties of different teas.
ā¾Ā black teas: the teas of winter. known to bring excitement, courage, and financial fortune.
Ā Ā Ā ā± english breakfast: warmth, happiness, and courage
Taken by me during a wildlife tracking expedition in the Cascade foothills.
As someone who both practices witchcraft and is chronically ill, I find it important to be able to practice my craft even when Iām physically restricted, such as being bedridden. I hope this list inspires you to practice the craft in a way that fits your lifestyle ā¤
Open a window.
Hang wind chimes outside.
Hang a rainbow prism by your window, let the light cleanse your room.
Keep a small fan.
Flip over your blankets and pillows.
Use a Himalayan salt lamp.
Clean one area per day (can be minuscule or massive)
Let the moon wash over your room.
Burn candles, let the flame burn away any unwanted energy
Make a spritz with scented herbs or infused water.
Let the weather cleanse your room, no matter what it may be.
Manipulate the energy with your hands.
Do at least one hygienic thing per day.
Set out a bowl of water to absorb the energy, dispose accordingly.
Wash all of your bedding, place some cleansing sigils or herbs underneath your mattress.
Wash yourself, even if itās just with a cloth.
Speak out loud (or communicate in some form) what things you would like to invite into your space.
Use a wax melter with some cheery scents.
Get a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Play music.
Burn incense, as the smoke wafts around the room let it push away any unwanted energy.
Visualize a light clearing out the energy.
Switch which side of the bed your lying on.
When it rains, imagine the rain washing away or drawing out the energy.
Laughter is the best medicine. Watch a funny or heartwarming movie that makes you feel content.
Keep a jar and write down anything you want to let go of. Destroy accordingly.
Change what clothes youāre wearing every couple of days.
Hold a crystal and imagine it sending out positive energy.
As someone who both practices witchcraft and is chronically ill, I find it important to be able to practice my craft even when Iām physically restricted, such as being bedridden. I hope this list inspires you to practice the craft in a way that fits your lifestyle ā¤
Tarot:
Sleep with the deck under your pillow.
Do a two-card (or more!) spread – you donāt have to lay it out if you canāt sit up, you can hold them in your hand or place on your lap.
Pick one card that represents what you want from the next day and slip it under your pillow or mattress for the night.
Play around with a tarot app (I like the products from Labyrinthos but thereās loads out there.)
Memorize the meanings of the cards.
Make or buy a mini deck for easier use.
Do the easy āfind this card and whatever is above or below it =Xā spreads.
Scrying:
Use a black mirror or picture frame with black cloth/paper behind it.
Get a mini scrying bowl and fill with water, cradle it in your hands.
Pendulum:
Wear it around your neck.
Shorten the string so you donāt have to sit up.
Prop your hand on a pillow if you need the strength/steadiness.
Use off of the side of your bed if itās too long (this can be a bit awkward)
Keep it under your pillow.
Use a mini pendulum or a necklace as a pendulum.
Make a simple board or donāt use one at all, just condition your pendulum with basic movements.
*You CAN use a pendulum even with shaky hands, it just takes a bit of bonding and conditioning.*
Tasseomancy:
Get a mug with two handles.
Keep in a sealable container until youāre ready.
Put a towel over yourself in case you spill.
Use a Tupperware container. No shame.
Runes: (Written by Tumblr user @adragonspath)
Sleep with your runes next to you.
Memorize their meaning.
Draw one rune and meditate on their meaning and how you can manifest them in your life.
Charge them with sun/moon light by your window.
Study their origin and reading methods.
Crystal and wooden runes: connect with the element Earth and the intent corresponding to the crystal/type of wood.
Other materials: meditate on the origin and developement of that material. Connect with the corresponding element and intent.
As someone who both practices witchcraft and is chronically ill, I find it important to be able to practice my craft even when Iām physically restricted, such as being bedridden. I hope this list inspires you to practice the craft in a way that fits your lifestyle ā¤
*Quick note: I’m a firm believer that deities understand our situation and understand when we put our health first. You do not NEED to do any of these things!*
Burn candles or incense that remind you of them. If you are unable to do this, try an oil diffuser or room spray.
Use blankets, sheets, pillows, etc. that have colors you associate with them.
Make an online devotional blog or altar.
Chat with other people who work with them.
If your body is okay with it, eat foods that are sacred/connected to them.
Hang pictures or decorations that correspond with their sacred animals, plants, or what lessons or teachings they present to you.
Write devotional poetry, or make drawings for them.
Draw sigils for them and hang them on your walls, ceiling, or put under your mattress.
Find a stuffed animal that you feel captures their essence or reminds you of them, and hold it close when you need the support.
Research them/browse their tag on tumblr.
Keep stones and crystals you associate with them near you ā on a bedside table or under your pillow.
Use astral travel or dream magic to connect with them.
Listen to music that makes you feel closer to them.
Watch shows or movies that remind you of them.
Pray to them, talk to them, write them a letter. Stay in communication with them, especially in times of need.
Meditate.
Drink something warm or cool that helps you connect with them.
Make a spell bottle/jar that you feel captures their essence. Charge during good days, use for connection and support during the not-so-good days.
Make emoji spells to feel more connected to them.
Expose yourself to natural light (or gentle artificial light) or complete darkness, depending on the deity.
Devote small, everyday tasks to them.
Read books about them, or that remind you of them/their values.
Make herb sachets for them, keep them under your pillow or hang on your wall.
Wear scented oils, perfumes, lotions, or pick a shampoo with a scent or ingredients that make you think of them.
Again, please note that you donāt need to do anything to be connected to your gods/goddesses/deities. They know and understand what you are going through, and are patient.
Heatherwitch 