Nature worship is a huge part of witchcraft, but there are a myriad reasons why some witches can’t connect with nature often, or even at all. This post is for all the witches who want to connect with nature, but are unable to get outside as often as they would like.

Nearly every witchcraft book, article or blog post I read suggests connecting with nature, and as a Pagan and witch, I know how important this is. Our Mother Earth sustains us physically, emotionally and spiritually and connecting with her can be one of the most powerful healing experiences available to us. Conversely, feeling disconnected with nature, especially in these times of ecological destruction, can bring us pain, grief and a deep sense of loss.

I’d like to start by saying that we can never really be disconnected from nature because we ARE nature. One of the things Western spirituality has taught many of us is that nature and human beings are different and separate. Christianity teaches that we have dominion over nature, that we are superior to it and, since the industrial revolution, nature has been something to be used and monetised. From this hierarchical view of nature, it is easy to see how we have got into the ecological crisis we have. When we see nature as a resource, as less important than human life, it is easy to justify destroying it.

In other cultures, the relationship between humans and nature is very different. In many cultures, there is no perception of separation at all. For those steeped in these traditions we are all one: we are part of the same ecosystem, we are family, interconnected, reliant on each other, inextricably linked and made of the same stuff. Of course this is absolutely true, yet somehow we have lost the deep sense of its truth. Without this understanding, we don’t realise that when we hurt any part of this system, we harm every part of the system, including ourselves.

So, rather than trying to ‘connect with nature’ what we really need to do is to re-connect with the part of ourselves that knows we are nature. In practical terms, this means stepping away from our material lives of comfort, luxury, convenience and distance from our essential nature. Getting outside to connect with nature is an obvious way to do this and may studies have shown that this benefits our physical and mental health. However, spending large chunks of time out the wilderness, or even on a local park can be impossible for many people for a variety of reasons.

I am lucky enough to be healthy and physically able to get outside in nature whenever I choose. I am also lucky to have a safe space to walk among trees just a few minutes from my home. But I still struggle to connect with nature outside as often as I would like. Most of my reasons for not getting outside are excuses, but there are people, who have legitimate reasons that make it difficult for them to get outside such as physical health problems, mental health problems, a lack of time and a lack of safe places, or limited access to nature in the city, to name just a few.

So, for myself, when I am really struggling to get outside, and for those witches who find it difficult to regularly spend time in nature for whatever reason, i have complied a list of ways to connect with nature, or more accurately, re-connect with our essential natural selves, without stepping outside the door. I hope you find them helpful.

Ways to Connect with Nature

1. Connect with a plant

This one seems obvious and I’m sure you have heard it before, however it bears repeating. Plants offer us one of the easiest way to connect with nature indoors. The trick is to really try to build a connection with each plant. As well as caring for your plants by feeding them, watering them and providing the right location, spend some time sitting close to your plant or plants and really notice them, taking in each detail of stem and leaf. You can also begin to develop a relationship with them. You might like to meditate with them or connect with them in any way that feels appropriate to you.

2. Read nature writing

Another way to connect with nature without leaving home is by reading some of our great nature writers. Immerse yourself in vivid descriptions of the natural world through books, essays and poetry. Nature writing can transport you to lush forests, windswept coastlines, or serene mountains from the comfort of your home. This practice can reduce stress, spark creativity, help you connect with nature and deepen your appreciation for the environment.

My favourites include Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben and The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane. Reading poetry inspired by nature, such as the poems of William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Mary Oliver and John Clare can also be a great way to connect with nature.

3. Watch nature documentaries

Nature documentaries offer a powerful way to connect with nature from the comfort of our own homes. Watching nature documentaries can evoke a range of emotions that mirror our experiences in nature. These films can inspire awe with footage of vast landscapes, foster empathy through animal behaviours, and ignite curiosity about unfamiliar species and habitats. The natural landscapes and soothing narration often induce a sense of calm and mindfulness, similar to being outdoors, while also raising awareness about environmental challenges. Check out this post from its our planet too for some great nature documentaries.

4. Cook and bake with seasonal ingredients

Using seasonal produce in our cooking connects us to nature’s rhythms and local ecosystems. This practice supports local agriculture, reduces carbon footprint and often results in fresher, more flavourful meals. Mindful eating can also help us feel more connected to the planet that sustains us. Experiment with new recipes that highlight the unique offerings of each season. The National Trust have a great guide to fruit and veggies in season in the UK. Check it out here.

5. Moongaze or watch clouds

Observing celestial bodies or cloud formations from a window or balcony can be a meditative experience that can help us to connect with nature. This simple act encourages mindfulness, reduces stress and reminds us of our place in the larger natural world. Check out Stelvision for great realtime starmaps. You could also try identifying different cloud types or tracking the moon’s phases to deepen your connection with the natural world.

6. Use essential oils

Essential oils derived from plants can bring natural scents into your home, evoking memories of outdoor experiences. Different oils offer various benefits – lavender for relaxation, peppermint for focus, or eucalyptus for respiratory health. Use them in a diffuser or add a few drops to your bath for a nature-inspired sensory experience.

7. Connect with crystals or stones

Incorporating crystals or stones into your living space can create a tangible connection to the Earth’s mineral kingdom. Each type of crystal has unique properties that can influence mood, energy and well-being. Hold a smooth river stone while meditating to ground yourself, or display a collection of colourful crystals to bring natural beauty and a sense of tranquility to your home environment.

8. Grow and/or use herbs

Cultivating an indoor herb garden provides a hands-on way to connect with nature daily. Many herbs thrive on sunny windowsills, offering fresh flavours for cooking and potential health benefits. Nurturing herbs like basil, mint or rosemary can be a rewarding, sensory experience, filling our homes with pleasant aromas and allowing us to literally taste the fruits of our labour. Using these home-grown herbs in teas or recipes deepens our connection to the plant world and can inspire a greater appreciation for the natural cycles of growth and harvest.

9. Use natural fabrics

Choosing clothing made from natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, or silk can help us connect to nature in our daily lives. These materials are biodegradable and often more breathable than synthetic alternatives. Wearing natural fabrics can be gentler on your skin and reduce your environmental impact. It also serves as a tactile reminder of nature’s resources, encouraging mindfulness about the origin of the items we use. You can also use wood, stone, or woven natural fibres in your home decor to bring elements of the outdoors inside.

10. Create nature-inspired art or poetry or prose

Expressing our appreciation for nature through creative endeavours can deepen our connection to the natural world, even when indoors. Painting landscapes, sketching plants, taking photos or crafting nature-themed sculptures allows us to observe and recreate natural forms. Writing poetry or prose about natural experiences or observations can also help us process and preserve memories of outdoor encounters. This practice can nurture our creativity as well as enhancing our awareness of the natural beauty inherent in everyday life.

11. Create a nature soundscape

Nature sounds can help us to connect with nature and create a calm, soothing environment. Create a nature soundscape by incorporating a variety of natural sounds, such as gentle rainfall, soothing ocean waves and melodic birdsong. Nature soundscapes are particularly effective for creating a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation, sleep, or unwinding after a busy day. You could also use wind chimes to add a natural sound element to your indoor life, or simply open a window to let in birdsong if you can.

12. Set up a bird feeder near a window

Set up a bird feeder near a window to enjoy the beauty of nature up close. By attracting various bird species, you create an opportunity to observe their behaviour’s and learn more about the wildlife in your area, building a connection to the ecosystem you are part of. This simple activity brings a slice of nature right to your home, providing enjoyment and helping you feel build a relationship with your local wildlife.

I hope you have found these ways to connect with nature helpful. Its helped me to realise that I can enjoy the healing power of nature even on days when I can’t get outside. I’d love to hear your ideas for connecting with nature when you can’t get outside. Please share them in the comments below to inspire us all!

Blessed Be x