Sacred Garden for Conjuration
This time of year—even in cold Chicago, where we are being pelted by yet another snow storm—there is a word in the air, catching wind and filling our minds with beautiful thoughts. It is called gardening. I love gardening, but with my involvement with the earth-based spirituality movement, I see it as opportunity for growing more than fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. Gardening each year, I learn a little more about my environment: my “self,” community, state, region, ancestors, and deity, which surround me. I call these activities two things: sacred gardening and conjuration. Together they help me build a sacred garden for conjuration—an activity I would like to share with you.
Sacred
- Set apart for worship or veneration.
- Space devoted entirely to a specific purpose.
- Regarding religious objects, rites, or spiritual practice.
I am a sacred gardener. Through this activity, I have gained pleasure, sensual delight, and metaphysical insights, as well as witnessing a miracle or two. My sacred garden draws energy from the sun, water and, just as importantly, from daily spiritual practice—prayer, meditation, yoga, rituals, and ceremonies.
Conjure
- To summon using supernatural power.
- To influence or effect by metaphysical means.
A conjurer’s space is different. It is typically an area open to oracular animals and frequented by prophetic insects; it is populated by spiritual objects such as: wind chimes, bells, coins, bottles, sea glass, charged rocks, and statuary, along with symbolic flowers and trees designed to invoke energy and presence of specific types. This desirable energy includes ancestors, nature spirits, and deity, as well as varied orders of beings—such as angels. By conjuring natural and spiritual energy, knowing the language of flowers, trees, certain deity and elementals, a magical garden is easily within in your reach. Having strong intent—knowing and owning your purpose—promises the desired outcome.
Seeds, bulbs, and eggs are prevalent objects now—harbingers of spring. These symbols help us understand this as the time of great potential. It is time for tilling soil, revealing hidden secrets, dusting off memories, and organizing our lives. We try to meet the promise of spring while listening to the almost imperceptible messages of the earth.
