What might a somewhat typical Pagan’s life look like? I can’t tell you about everyone’s, but here’s a sample day (and month) in my life.
In a day:
I get up, having done my best to have a restful and relaxing night. As I wander to the bathroom, I pass my shrine, which has symbols, images, and statues of things of religious importance to me. That includes deities I honor, but also ongoing magical workings and goals, seasonal additions, and other things that matter to me. If I remember my dreams (I often don’t), I write them down as soon as I wake up, because sometimes I see interesting patterns later.
I spend some time catching up on online forums and lists that talk about religious topics I’m interested in, while I wake up. During this time, I take whatever morning medications and vitamins might be needed, and I often have a mug of water or tea handy. (I also read through some professional lists and other topics of general interest.)
Often, I’ll turn on music, usually picking a playlist that helps me focus on an ongoing magical goal, the current ritual season, or another particular focus. (About half the music in my iTunes is by Pagan or Pagan-friendly musicians. There’s also a lot of British folk and folk-rock, and a good smattering of medieval, renaissance, and classical music.)
I then go about my day, doing whatever it is needs doing. Some work, some time with friends, some household chores. While I’m doing the chores, I might light a candle to the spirits of the house, treating the chores as a way to honor my space and home.
When I cook dinner, I might stir in specific herbs to help a particular goal or focus. If I’m getting sick, many of the herbs associated with health magically (rosemary and thyme, particularly) are also really good for killing off infections.
I usually eat dinner sitting in front of my computer doing more stuff online, but that’s because I live alone. I enjoy trying to help people seeking online connect with good resources – plus people ask great questions that get me thinking about a better way to explain something. Other nights, I might focus on writing, making art, or playing my folk harp, or I might spend some time in ritual practice, meditation, or working on a magical craft. I might watch a movie while spinning yarn or knitting, too.
I’ll then have a bath, focusing on washing all the dirt of the day – both physical and energetic – off me. I love a nice long bath, and generally can be found with a book in my hand, lounging for a bit. I pick soaps, bath powders and salts that suit my mood and intention for the day.
I finish my evening by curling up in bed with my cat and a good book. I read a lot of fiction, but I also read a lot of general non-fiction (because the more I know about how the world fits together, the more effective I am as a witch), and a lot of Pagan books (because they help me become a better priestess, witch, and teacher, if only by getting me to articulate something I don’t agree with.)
In a month:
A relatively typical month for me (when my group is active) would include:
- Writing – here, on my blog, on other projects.
- Ritual for the full moon. This includes the ritual (a couple of hours) but also planning the ritual, cleaning up before and after, and so on.
- Ritual for the Sabbats (8 times a year): often somewhat longer rituals, and they can take more planning.
- Before each ritual, I need to make sure I have everything we need: candles, incense, bread and wine, plus anything for that specific ritual.
- When I have students, I’m also usually teaching them once every two weeks or so. This takes most of the evening, but it’s a lot of fun to sit down and work closely with someone who’s interested in this path.
Depending on the month, I also might try to make it to a public Pagan ritual or event (a concert, workshop, presentation), to an exhibit I’m interested in at a local museum, or spend extra time with friends. I might also get called on to help out someone else in my tradition if they need a hand with something.
In larger or more active groups, you can often add in a couple of planning or business-related meetings in there, plus simply more social time or chances to get together.
Other reading: If you liked this, you might also find the following pages useful:
[last edited October 28, 2011]
