How Urban Witches Live in Capital Cities
What we can learn from Pagans living in industrial areas
While Paganism is not a religion commonly discussed, many of us still have an idea of what a Pagan might look like.
Some people may imagine nude occultist groups meeting together in a forest to dance around a fire, while others may see wise, spiritual individuals that obsess over crystals and sage. Regardless of someone’s idea, one thing is clear from all depictions — it is a nature-based religion. As such, the idea of Paganism and Urban Witches choosing to live and practice in an environment like London may seem contradictory.
London, while one of the best cities for regulating air pollution in Europe, still contributes to the worldwide problem of climate change and deforestation. This damage to the natural world would, in theory, drive Pagans away, encouraging them to move towards the countryside where damage to nature is kept to a minimum.
Yet there is still a community of Pagans that seem to be thriving in London, meeting up for social events, educating one another, participating in rituals, and opening shops dedicated to the esoteric.
So why is this happening?
One of the best qualities Paganism possesses is its interpretive value. If you ask multiple Pagans a question, you will get multiple answers and each one aligning with teachings in the religion.
For example, if I were to ask a group of Pagans if they identified as witches, I would receive different answers. For some, the term ‘witch’ has negative connotations, so they avoid it as to not intimidate or scare anyone. Others feel that the term does not accurately summarise what they do.
Those that do agree with calling themselves witches may feel that they want to take back the word and give society a much more positive and well-rounded view of their practices.
Each of these answers, while different, are all justified reasons and can in turn be analysed and understood. The same can be said for why Pagan covens remain in London.
Paganism Is Needed There
Like any other religion, different denominations and different individuals have different aims. Two of the aims of Paganism are about bringing awareness to the religion and protecting the environment.
As a result, Paganism can exist in London as it is necessary to have individuals advocating for change and the preservation of nature. If there was anywhere Paganism was needed, it would be in the heart of a metropolitan where love for nature and emotional well-being can be at an all-time low.
A Bountiful of Resources
London is home to some of the most well-known and popular high streets, but the ever-impressive array of shops does not stop there. There are many spiritual, occultist, and organic shops within this city covering a range of needs.
Crystal shops are available for anybody who loves the look or spiritual function of crystals. Some shops sell tarot cards, oracle cards, dowsing rods, and crystal balls; just about any tool or book a Pagan could want. While they could have these items delivered, a lot of people will choose crystals or tools based on how they make them feel — what they are drawn to.
Better Education Means Better Opportunities
For many young Pagans, a good education can help them achieve success in the future, and through their success, they can then be in a position where they can help the Pagan community.
If they earn more money, they can make donations to Pagan organisations or other charities established around helping people of nature. If they work fewer hours, they can dedicate more time to the religion and making it more well-known. Successful Pagans, in turn, make the religion successful.
It Does Not Completely Lack Nature
Even though London could have more natural landscapes, there are pockets within the city that allow for nature to flourish. Pagans actively work towards becoming more sensitive when in the presence of the natural world and, therefore, can look after and work symbiotically with it.
There are various wetlands and reservations that would benefit from a community like Paganism.
Nature can be found where you least expect it. Pigeons on the Tube, a potted plant on a terrace balcony, moss growing across a damp building… These are all things Pagans are sensitive to.
So what can we learn?
While it may seem like Paganism should have died off, it is not surprising when we take into consideration how this religion works. Paganism has survived quietly all over Europe and the world for centuries. In this way, Paganism has had the chance to grow and adapt.
These ideas aren’t only limited to religions though. The idea of taking into consideration your morals and personal beliefs when moving to a new location, starting a new job, or picking a degree is essential to your overall happiness. To form long-lasting relationships with the more formal aspects of life, you are going to be able to withstand any hardships.
Those of the Pagan community that are going to study in London will be more motivated if they begin to struggle because they have an emotional motive. Having an emotional motive can also push you to achieve things that you wouldn’t normally be able to. If you’re scared that going down a route you love might make you bankrupt, you should take into consideration the extra drive you will have.
Strive for the things you have an emotional motive for and you are more likely to be happy, which should be our measure of success.
