Up until a year ago, one of my friends was also my roommate.  Though we approach our respective paths very differently, she and I are both pagans and self-identified witches.  (In my case, “witch-in-training” may be more appropriate, but still.)  We no longer live together, but we endeavor to stay in touch and hang out occasionally.

The other day, we were having a quick dinner together, and I made a half-serious comment to her: “It recently occurred to me — now that you moved out, that makes me the official house witch!”

We both had a nice laugh about it, and then she asked me the question: Have I been taking care of the land wight that inhabits the back yard?  Admittedly, I was a bit embarrassed because, although I have made some token offerings in the past, I have not made a regular practice of it.  This, however, keyed me in to a realization: Being the sole pagan of the house, with likely the greatest awareness of the spirit world (compared to my other roommates, anyway), comes with some responsibilities.  (As does my profession of a pagan path, itself.

Responsibility?!?! Holy shit!

This is a theme that has become more prevalent in my life as of late — which is taking the time to nurture this big chunk of rock upon which we live, along with the spirits that animate it.  I have already been honoring my own ancestors for a while now, and have occasionally done things to honor other dead.  Also, when I recently attended a Lammas/Lughnasadh celebration, the organizers added the interesting twist of addressing the importance of the ocean along with grain fields, as both are places from which we harvest our food.  Specifically, they talked about their own recent trip to the beach to communicate with the ocean gods and the insights they gleaned about the current health of the ocean, due to pollution and unsustainable harvesting practices; they also addressed the importance of propitiating these gods and doing our own part to repair the damage done to the ocean and preserve it. Moreover, I recently watched this video, which drove home the importance of the land spirits and doing what we can to nurture them.

All of this is important for so many reasons.  It is important for them, because they need nourishment and care just like any corporeal being.  It is important for the land because those spirits are intrinsically connected to the health of the land (which, again, we also need to be nurturing).  It is important for us because we take from the land and from the spirits themselves.  Finally, it is important for everyone and everything because it is all part of a great balance and order of things, of give and take, and cycles of death and rebirth.

It can start in many places.  Buying from companies and vendors who engage in ethical practices with regard to the environment.  Donating to worthy causes.  Volunteering to clean up litter or pollution.  Caring for mistreated animals.  Cleaning oil-covered sea creatures.  Helping monitor unethical or harmful practices.  Writing letters to your Congressperson.  Propitiating the relevant deities and wights.

It can also start in the nearest cemetary, if you are ready for that, or in your own backyard, if you have a land wight hanging around.  If I would truly call myself a “witch,” or even occasionally praise the gods, then is there not some responsibility on my part for seeing to the health and well-being of this backyard land-wight and other local spirits?

All of this is unfamiliar, and yet it calls to me, as well.  It’s so new, but I feel like I’m at least starting to figure it out.  Let the games begin…