Is Western Society’s Disconnect From Nature Damaging Us?

Do we need to remember where we came from?

Photo by Joel Holland on Unsplash

Are we as people damaged by our disconnect from nature? Regular readers may remember a recent piece discussing the human givens approach to treating depression. I listed the givens they believe we need as humans and analysed where my life is lacking. A key area was a connection to a broader group or society.

In my quest to correct this imbalance, I have decided to look into broadening my spiritual horizons. Of course, any form of religion is a complete non-starter for me as a confirmed atheist, but I am intrigued by the idea of witchcraft.

Why Witchcraft Appeals To Me

When I looked for something to be involved in, something to believe in, witchcraft topped the list for the following reasons:

1. It empowers women. Most religions insist that women know their place and are almost always lesser than men. That does not work for me at all.
2. It can be entirely non-religious. There are many deities that witches connect with as part of their practice, but it is not required. Atheist witches exist.
3. Witchcraft is closely connected with nature and the passing of the seasons. I have never been a flower child kind of person, but I often feel unhappy that we have no actual seasons in my part of the UK anymore. Most days, when I look at the weather, it could be any time from February to November. Clear skies or cloudy, with spells of rain and around 19ºC. It reinforces my worries about climate change and my disconnect from nature. I want to feel that connection again and celebrate it even if the outside world does not mirror it.
4. It is a set of practices, not a religion. There are many types of witch, so I can take a voyage of discovery to learn who and what I am. Any kind of learning and growth is hugely exciting to me. I love that witchcraft is about discovering your own path and power, not following a proscribed list of doctrines.