A witch's call to serve

Over the past few weeks, I’ve mentioned wanting to spend more time and energy on the service-related aspects of witchcraft. 

Like anything, the idea of service will depend not only on a person’s traditions and principles but also on their ability and expertise. From the perspective of a mountain witch, service is not only an important aspect of a folk practice but central to it. And with the abundance of resources available for strengthening one’s own power, I also want to make sure I’m tending the community garden (metaphorically—though a literal community garden is good too). 

(“Community” in this sense can be however you define it, whether it’s your physical neighbors, local land and wildlife, other members of a social movement, etc.) 

Traditionally, folk healers were essential figures in their villages and often the main sources of care. While many were expert herbalists and midwives, several also incorporated divination and faith healing into their work. Some even had magical specialties such as countermagic and protection. 

But even though I love fantasizing about following the example of Claire Fraser, at this point in my life, I need to find more achievable ways to serve. 

One of those is to be very intentional with the offerings I make at my altar. 

It’s easy for me to fall into a habit (especially when life gets super busy) of offering things I already have on hand, but making occasions to be more deliberate always helps to refocus and empower my practice (and strengthen the intended connection). In these cases, I’ll concentrate on time (expressly written out on paper) or money.

Of course, being home with three preschoolers severely limits the amount of time I can contribute, especially since many places request recurrent commitment. But here are a few simple and meaningful ideas I’ve found for giving back locally that you may not have thought of: 

• Women’s Shelters: Check online for wishlists—I see a lot of requests for knitting supplies and children’s socks. Many have gardens you can help with or donate to. Our local shelter is always looking for people to volunteer their knowledge, such as teaching a small group to sew. 

• Children’s Care Centers: When our babies were preemies and spent months recovering at a care facility, individuals would occasionally donate gift cards for takeout and food delivery. Since I was there all day every day, I wasn’t cooking, so having those meals once in a while was a lifeline for us.

• Likewise, groups like Project Linus collect handmade blankets for children who are ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. My kids still sleep with the Project Linus blankets that were draped over their incubators on their first Christmas. Talk about knot magic.

• Animals: I know that the bigger shelters near us require a two-hour weekly commitment for dog walkers and cat cuddlers, but don’t forget about farm sanctuaries. They may have days set aside, especially seasonally, when they can use extra help. This is also a common opportunity at nature reserves.

  One of our local sanctuaries gives you the option of sponsoring a specific perfect wonderful amazing farm animal. They also accept crop drop-offs so your extra vegetables can help feed a horse.

• Check with your occult store: My favorite shop matches offerings left at their Santa Muerte altar and donates the money to different local disadvantaged groups. Your shop probably also has a good pulse on organizations that aren’t as popular but still in need.

I’d love to continue creating a series focusing on these aspects of folk witchcraft and would love to hear about traditions and practices that allow you the opportunity to serve. 🖤