A challenge for me after moving from Asheville in the US to North Staffordshire in the UK was the loss of the bond with where I lived. Over fourteen years I had developed a precious, reciprocal relationship with the genius loci and leaving the spirit of that place was very hard. I know of course, that I have to do the work to build that relationship again.
And so that is why this recent visit to London and Oxford was so important and special. It is true that for Pagans such as myself, look to the natural world for sacredness but we can also look to a more urban landscape. A place such as London heaves with history and is replete with the echoes of times gone before. Streets where occultists and healers famous and hidden walked still resonate with their energy.
I grew up in London and have visited it countless times since and while it is familiar and I can find my way, there is still so much I don’t know and have not seen. You could live a thousand lifetimes there and London still would have mysteries to share.
Returning to the UK, I feel that magic is everywhere if we only slow down and sense it.
Journal Prompt: What makes a place sacred to you? How can you take those criteria and expand on them so that more places feel sacred?
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