The Green Grimoire – Daily Gratitude Practice

One of the things that keeps me connected to my path and Nature is my Daily Spiritual Practice. I did a search through my blog and found that I posted this article in July 2012 – almost 10 years ago to the day! It feels like yesterday. It’s been a good, very simple, daily ritual and it has served me well over the years.

To save re-reading the old blog here it is

I face the east and say, “I face the east, place of air. Bring me inspiration and clarity of thought on this day.” I acknowledge the east with a bow.

I turn to the south and say, “I face the south, place of fire. Bring me passion and intuition on this day.”  I acknowledge the south with a bow.

I turn to the west and say, “I face the west, the place of water. Help me to understand my deep emotions on this day.”  I acknowledge the west with a bow.

I turn to the north and say, “I face the north, the place of earth. Bring me stability, and groundedness on this day.  I acknowledge the north with a bow.

I turn back to the east, place my hands on my heart, close my eyes, and say, “And in my Spirit, where they meet, may I be blessed, may the Earth be blessed. So may it be.”

Recently I realised that there was something very important missing from it. Like the many spellbooks I see, and some blog posts too, this practice was all about getting something. Asking the Elements for their blessings. The truth is the Elements give those energies all the time. I really don’t need the Element of Air to give me inspiration and clarity of thought. The blessing and gifts are already there. It’s really up to me to open to that energy. The same with the gifts of the other Elements. I have worked with these energies and Spirits for decades. As I travelled the Journey through the Bardic OBOD Gwersi I went through rituals to awaken them and integrate them within my being. I’ve called upon them countless times in ritual. The Elements bring their gifts and blessings to my life every day!

I have realised that, for me, the direction of the practice was backwards. I didn’t need to ask for their blessings, I needed to give thanks. Show some gratitude for that connection.

So I’ve made some changes to my morning practice to acknowledge the gifts of the Elements and Spirits.

Here it is:

“I face the East, the place of Air. I give thanks to the Element and Spirits of Air for the inspiration and clarity of thought you bring to my life. I give thanks for the life-giving air I breathe, the birds and insects of the air. I give thanks for the gifts of Spring and of Dawn” – I thank the East with a bow.

“I face the South, the place of Fire. I give thanks to the Element and Spirits of Fire for the intuition and passion you bring to my life. I give thanks to the life-giving Sun who calls forth life and brings warmth and light to my life, and for the hearth fires that bring comfort and community. I give thanks for the gifts of Summer and of Midday” – I thank the South with a bow.

“I face the West, the place of Water. I give thanks for my deep emotions, and for the wisdom, guidance and understanding they bring to my life. I give thanks for the waters of life, for the rain, the streams, rivers, and the oceans that surround this sacred island. I give thanks for the gifts of Autumn and of Sunset” – I thank the West with a bow.

“I face the North, the place of Earth. I give thanks for the groundedness and stability you bring to my life. For the home and hearth. For the fertility of the Earth and the life and food that grows and sustains me. For the mountains, land, hills and caves. I give thanks for the gifts of Winter and of the Night” – I thank the North with a bow.

I return to face the East. Hold my hands over my heart and say, “And in the centre, where they meet in my Spirit, may I be blessed, healed and protected.”

Bringing my hands down to my side and feeling that healing energy flow through me and towards the Earth I say, “May the Earth be healed and protected. So may it be.”

The exact wording will change each day. This feels more connected. More a part of it all, and that to me is what Druidry is all about.

Connection.

If you are feeling any disconnection from your path I would absolutely recommend a Daily Practice like this. Feel free to use this one, or create your own.