Observing is one of the simplest, and perhaps most profound, ways we can begin to develop a spiritual relationship with the living world. For this reason, observation is the foundation of
spirit ecology. Cultures throughout history have engaged in rituals involving quiet observation to either connect with oneself, the natural world, or the Otherworld. Such practices include the Nordic útiseta, Greek incubations, and the Indian Sakshi Bhava, among numerous others. And while all of these practices differ greatly, at their core they are forms of ritual observation.
In modern times, many of us have become disconnected from our ancestral roots and struggle to sit and observe without action for any lengthy period, causing us to miss quite a lot of information in the process. We have fallen into the trap of only noticing that which demands our attention at a specific moment in time: the traffic light, the weather forecast, the phone vibrating in your pocket. Everything else is drowned out. There is a particular kind of magic, however, in noticing something for the very first time, not because the thing itself just appeared, but because we have finally taken the time to notice it. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the landscape begins to reveal itself.
However, even when we intentionally seek connection with nature as part of our spiritual practice, it can be tempting to approach the natural world with an agenda. We go outside looking for signs and messages or searching for magical meanings and tools before we have learned anything about the environment we are in. Modern, Eurocentric, esoteric thought perpetuates the idea that we are above the natural world and therefore can take freely from it. Spirit ecology directly opposes this mindset, reinforcing that we are but a single part of a very complex, interconnected system and encourages practitioners to observe before interpreting.
Observation Before Interpretation
As mentioned above, modern spiritual traditions often teach us to look for meaning in the natural world around us. Seminars, courses, books, forums, and other sources of esoteric knowledge teach us the symbolism of animals, plants, stones, weather patterns, dreams, and celestial bodies. We learn that certain animals are associated with particular deities or spirits, plants have specific correspondences, and that different natural occurrences are omens. There is value in this symbolic language, but learning correspondences, associations, and signs encourages us to skip a critically important step: observation.
For example, I saw a crow this morning while feeding the stray cats in my neighborhood. Modern approaches to witchcraft and spirit work would have me ask, "What does the crow mean?" Spirit ecology, however, encourages us to ask a different question: "What is the crow actually doing?"
For me, the crow was sitting in a dying pine tree across the street, calling to a neighboring crow who was occasionally answering. In other instances, the crows may be circling, flying down to the grass in search of food before flying back into a nearby tree, or sitting quietly. Sometimes I observe the same behavior multiple days in a row, while other times they behave differently. This distinction between observation and interpretation may seem small, but it changes our relationship with the natural world and allows us to better interpret the messages the Otherworld may be sending us.
While observation is not necessarily more spiritual than interpretation, it's important that we know the difference. The crow sitting in the tree, calling three times, is an observation, while the crow is warning me of something is an interpretation. When we become accustomed to interpreting before observing, we can accidentally turn the natural world into a collection of symbols designed to speak exclusively about us. A bird becomes an omen rather than a bird. A tree becomes a magical correspondence rather than a living organism. A fox becomes a messenger rather than an animal going about its own life. And let's be real, the world does not revolve around you; you are merely a participant in a fascinatingly complex system. Observation gives the earth its independence back.
Becoming a Witness & the Practice of the Sit Spot
The more time we spend practicing observation, the more our understanding of spirituality can change. In becoming a witness, rather than an interpreter, we recognize that relationships do not always begin with communication, but sometimes with recognition. This is one reason observation belongs at the heart of spirit ecology. Before we can develop meaningful relationships with plants, animals, waterways, landscapes, ancestors, spirits, or other-than-human beings, we have to become capable of noticing that they exist independently of our attention. We have to become witnesses.
Part of becoming a better observer, and therefore interpreter, is being able to recognize patterns. A singular observation can be interesting, but repeated observation allows for deeper connection to form, and that is where one finds wisdom. This is something scientists have understood for a long time, and why multiple trials and observations are needed before anything can be considered conclusive. It's all well and good to see a drug work for one person, but we can't distribute it to the masses until many people see the same results. This same exercise can and should be applied to our own practice.
If you see a particular bird once, you may remember it. If you see that bird every morning for several weeks, you begin to recognize its habits. You may learn where it tends to perch, what time it arrives, which other birds it associates with, and how its behavior changes with the weather. You develop a familiarity that can better inform your interpretation of the information you are receiving. Is the Otherworld really trying to speak to you, or are you just observing a bird living its best life?
There has been a push lately to engage in local witchcraft, meaning working with the land, spirits, and beings where you live. Consistent observation is necessary for this, as much as it is for spirit ecology. Instead of knowing about trees, you know which trees bloom first, keep their leaves the longest, or produce the best fruit. The turning of the year becomes less about fixed dates and more about the real changes in your area, the signs that a new season has begun. Most observations are not omens, but they are no less valuable as they teach us how our home works. Over time, these patterns become a sort of ecological literacy upon which we can begin forming relationships.
One of the best ways to engage in observation and recognition is repeated exposure through spending time in the same space for days, weeks, and months. This is a concept known as a sit spot, a particular outdoor place that you return to regularly for the sole purpose of observing. In ecology, this is done fairly often during research to record changes in an ecosystem over time, a concept easily applied to spirit ecology.
Begin by picking an outdoor location in your area to observe. It does not need to be wilderness, especially if you do not live or work nearby. Your backyard, garden, neighborhood park, or apartment balcony can act as your sit spot. Try to pick an outdoor location where you feel comfortable working magic in the future, or at least working with the spirits of that place. This is why being closer to your home is better.
Once you have picked a spot, dedicate time to visit and observe. Spend at least 10 minutes (preferably 30 minutes to an hour) just observing. You may be tempted to interpret what you see and experience, but now is not the time. Instead, focus on what is happening around you. Listen to the sounds. Watch for movement of leaves, insects, wildlife, and the clouds. Notice the quality and quantity of light. Also take note of the things you do not see. Do you feel any spirits around? Make sure to turn around in your sit spot to observe the world from multiple perspectives. You can even spend time lying, staring up at the sky through the leaves.
Then come back as often as possible for at least a year. Return at different times of the day and when the weather and seasons shift. Keep returning at different times (including at night if possible), taking note of the changes you see around you. Note what is familiar, such as the individual animals, and what is unfamiliar on each visit. Over time, patterns will begin to emerge as the ecosystem becomes more familiar.
Nature Journaling and Seasonal Tracking
While visiting and observing your sit spot, I encourage you to keep a nature journal to track your observations and the changes you see over time. Journaling helps preserve your familiarity and make patterns more recognizable over time. This also acts as a reference, allowing you to determine if something is a potential sign or message versus a normal occurrence in the ecosystem.
While in your sit spot, write down the date, location, weather, and any observations you make while visiting. Describe the wildlife and their behavior, changes in plant life and appearance, sounds you hear, and even how you feel. Feel free to sketch what you observe as well, but avoid using electronic devices while engaging in this activity if possible. Our phones have a tendency to pull us out of a moment, disconnecting us from our environment. The purpose of this activity is to foster connection with the world around you, not the world inside your device.
A useful approach to journaling is to begin with the following three statements:
- I notice...
- I wonder...
- It reminds me of...
These are very similar questions I have my students answer when introducing science phenomena. They get you thinking about what you are seeing, hearing, or otherwise observing. "I notice..." keeps you grounded in the task of observation, while "It reminds me of..." and "I wonder..." create space for curiosity, symbolism, memory, and personal connection. While journaling, remember to be as descriptive as possible. The more you write, the easier it will be to recognize patterns.
The goal here is not to eliminate interpretation or the receiving of signs or spirit communication. Instead, it's to help ground you in the practice of observation so that later messages can be easily received and utilized. Over the course of a year, your entries will become your ecological record, so when something changes, you will notice. This attention inevitably leads us toward relationship because the more closely we look, the harder it becomes to see the natural world as a collection of isolated things. A flower is connected to the insects that visit it, who are connected to birds and other animals that eat them. The more we observe, the more we begin to see these connections.
Exercise: Learning to Notice
Over the next month, focus on slowing down, observing, and reconnecting with place by engaging in the following activities:
- Sit outside for 10 minutes without your phone.
- Learn the names of three plants and three animals near your home.
- Observe sunrise or sunset for several days.
- Track weather patterns.
- Notice where water flows in your environment.
- Take a slow, intentional walk/hike.
Follow these activities up with the following journal prompts.
- What does “belonging to a place” mean to you?
- What have I ignored because I move too quickly?
- What rhythms exist around me independent of human schedules?
- What changes when I approach nature as a community instead of scenery?
***
Observation encourages us to move beyond the idea that nature is simply a collection of magical resources waiting to be used, and instead allows us to see the vast interconnected system that is our natural world. Herbs become plants with ecological relationships, animals become members of communities, water becomes a living system, and the land becomes something we inhabit rather than merely something we visit.
In the next post, we will learn about reciprocity and how nature is not a resource to be consumed, so keep an eye out in the next month or so for more.
Spirit Ecology Series
If you liked this post, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.
