Healing Earth Mother: Employing Natural Climate Solutions

As a Witch, my heart is drawn toward the Earth Mother. I draw strength from being rooted in the deep energy of her loam, roots and sediments. My sanctuary’s are in a garden, under a tree, beside a river or lake, or in a cave which through time has been cut from the rock. The Earth Mother provides what we need within her beautiful nature to survive and thrive. However, humanity has the habit of ruling from above, rather than living from within.

Humans Are Inventive But Not Always Careful

In spite of what some may believe, the majority of Witches, Wiccans, Heathens, Druids and Pagans are not science averse. I understand this from conversation with those whom I’m acquainted, books and articles which I’ve read. We recognize and appreciate the value and knowledge which studying the world through the scientific method has gleaned. The quality of living which modern progress has afforded. Nobody wants a return to the Bronze Age.

However, there are also consequences for some of the methods employed for such advancement. And I have difficulty understanding why so many ignore the reality of the evidence which science presents. Like it or not, we have created a situation which is harming the eco-system within which we live. And while the Earth Mother herself will (eventually) restore to a new balance, humanity and a myriad of other species may not fare so well.

My first thought as to why preserving our planet is a “hot button topic” is power, money and politics. Self-explanatory. My second thought is that change is hard. People are comfortable in their ideologies and way of life. My third thought is the problem seems too big, so it’s easier to ignore the evidence or argue for the status quo, rather than go through the more difficult challenges of change (rtn: second thought). However, while actions we as individuals can take are limited, if enough voices chorus together long enough, small victories can be achieved). Affect enough minor changes and in time the larger ones may take hold.

Houston, We Have A Problem With Earth Mother

When left to it’s own devices, our planet does experience changes in climate. A process which takes thousands of years having to do with minute changes in the planet’s orbit or the amount of solar radiation we receive. However, according to NASA: “The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95 percent probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20^th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia.”

A Few Things NASA Wants Us To Know Aout Climate Change

The planet is experiencing a rise in surface temperature.
The oceans have absorbed a lot of this heat (warming more than 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969).
The Ice Sheets are shrinking at an extraordinary rate.
Glaciars are disappearing around the globe including the Alps, Himalayas, Andies, Rockies, Alaska and Africa.
Sea Levels are rising (8 inches in the last century). However, “the rate in the last two decades is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating slightly every year.”
Extreme Weather Events including rising temperatures in the US, lowering temps around the world and intense rain are taking a toll.

We are in danger of losing a number of species (bumblebees, whales, Asian elephants, various insects, coral reefs, etc.) but that is not the only issue we face. The planet is experiencing a mass extinction of plants and animals because of loss of habitat and changes to our biosphere created by deforestation, excessive hunting, fishing or poaching, over-harvesting of wild plant species, introducing invasive plant species into foreign areas, and more. These are not new problems but we are at a point where change must happen.

Greta Thunburg Is Not My Goddess

Let me be clear. I do not worship at the altar of Greta Thunburg. Hekate, Brighid, Frigga and the Earth Mother herself (some may call her Gaia) would take issue. Rather, I appreciate the passion with which she is taking advantage of the platform given to her. Whether Greta is a “puppet” (as I read in one person’s mocking description) is not the point. IGNORE THE MESSENGER if her age, Nobel Peace Prize nomination or fifteen minutes of fame threatens you for some reason. ABSORB THE MESSAGE INSTEAD. Why? Because the message she shares is not new but still sound.

Protect: We can encourage (or demand through our vote) what sustains current environmental protection laws or creates new legislation to protect our wetlands, preserves and other natural areas and encourages other governments to do the same.

Restore: Where a forest is removed, plant a new one. Safeguard the waters of our rivers and lakes from pollutants and runoff from manufacturing plants. Protect species which are endangered. Take care when wildcrafting. Take care when creating a garden that your local biosphere supports what you are planting and will not take space from what is indigenous.

Fund: Encourage government to divert money from fossil fuels into natural climate solutions. Encourage companies to fund research into better ideas for renewable energy. Even if we cannot leave fossil fuels in the ground in total, we can lower the consumption and usage of these ores and materials over time. We have already established humanity is clever. We can do better. In fact, Costa Rica is already leading the way in this regard. More countries (including my own now) need to follow their example.

Suggestions On A Smaller Scale

There are things you and I can do to lower our carbon footprint, lead by example and do what we can to protect our environment. Remember, none of us is perfect but even a little change here or there honors the Earth Mother:

Invest in reusable bags for shopping and then take them with you to the store (something I’m terrible at doing and then must find a way to reuse the plastic bags I invariably bring home). Many stores now have them available for a minimal cost.
Store information on an electronic device and do not print copies unless it’s necessary. You can invest in recycled paper for printing needs.
Recycle, reuse, re-purpose. This can include anything from jars and bottles to shopping for clothes at consignment stores.
Save Electricity by using energy efficient light bulbs, turning lights off when you leave a room, etc.
Adopt a plant-based diet. While I know the idea of not eating meat, dairy or eggs is nie unto impossible for some people, it really can make a difference, even if you go meatless just a few days a week.
Make use of public transportation or car pool. While this is not feasible for everyone, it can be beneficial in a number of ways. Simple solutions we’ve known for years are still viable options.
Lower food waste when able. Donate to food kitchens, food pantries or take advantage of food services/stores who sell overstock or imperfect foods.
Use your voice and vote. If these are issues which matter to you, then use your sphere of influence to further the cause, change people’s minds, or elect people into office who will strive to change our course from destructive to sustainable.

There is so much we can do to make a difference which amount to simple life-style changes. The Earth Mother is our home. Living in reciprocal harmony with nature is something many people long for these days (hence the reason “green space” has become so important in urban areas). So, as Witches and Pagans let’s be the torch-bearers and lead the way.