5 Simple, Powerful Outdoor Rituals and Spells for Modern Witches

Have you ever felt the call of magic beckoning you beyond your four walls? There’s something enchanting about the idea of practicing in nature or amid the electric energy of city streets – yet so many of us hesitate, worried about curious glances or judgment from passersby.

The truth is, making magic in the outside world doesn’t require elaborate ceremonies or obvious rituals. Whether you’re surrounded by towering skyscrapers or tucked away in a quiet urban park, there are countless subtle, yet potent ways to connect with your practice in the open air.

That’s why I’ve crafted these spells with simplicity in mind – no lengthy shopping lists, no complex procedures. Just pure, powerful magic that blends into your daily life, making it easy to step outside your comfort zone and into a world of magical possibility.

Here’s what I came up with!

All of the following outdoor rituals are simple and easy to do, whether in a park, forest, field or your back garden. If you can’t get outside to do these outdoor rituals and spells you can create an environment inside, with plants, natural fabrics, nature sounds or essential oils. See my previous post 12 Ways to Connect with Nature Indoors for more ideas.

Be mindful of your safety when working outdoors. Make sure you let someone know where you will be and what time you expect to be home.

A useful toolkit for outdoor rituals includes:

Plastic tubs to hold water or herbs
A small notebook and pen
Candles in jars (to prevent them from blowing out in the wind)
LED candles (for really wet and windy days or in areas where it is not suitable to use real flames)
A waterproof mat to sit on
A windproof lighter
Bug repellant, sunscreen, water or raincoat as required

All of the following spells can be adapted to suit your own way of working and beliefs. I have included examples of chants and invocations but feel free to create your own and to tailor the spells to your personal craft.

1. Connect with the Spirit of Place

One of my favourite ways to venture out to do magic is by building a relationship with the spirit of a special place. Once you form this connection, you’ll find yourself naturally drawn back there, seeking its unique energy and wisdom time and time again.

All you need to do is choose a spot in your local area that speaks to you. Maybe it’s an ancient tree standing sentinel in your neighbourhood, a quiet corner of a cemetery, or a bustling garden square. And if getting out isn’t possible right now, don’t worry – you can form a meaningful a connection with a tree visible from your window, a friendly garden shrub, or even a cherished houseplant that keeps you company indoors.

What you need

You don’t need anything to do this outdoor ritual, but you can take some water as an offering if you choose. You can infuse the water with crystals or use water that has been allowed to absorb the moon or sun’s energy. You could also offer native plants or herbs – but do your research so that you know any offering will not harm the environment.

What to do

Walk to your chosen place and spend some time tuning into the energy. Look, listen and feel whatever is around you while taking a few deep breaths.

If you wish, you can repeat the following invocation, or use words or your own. You can say the words out loud or in your head.

Guardian of this sacred land,
I ask for your presence by my side.
Keeper of earth and wind and sky,
May your essence with me abide.

Stay in this quiet state as long as you feel comfortable. You may receive a message in return or a just a sense of peace or understanding.

To end your ritual, simply say thank you to the spirit of the place. You can also pour the water or sprinkle the herbs if you are using these. Make a note in your book of shadows about how you felt in this place and any thoughts or inspirations you received while you were there.

2. Outdoor Ritual for Healing

This simple ritual is designed to promote physical, emotional, or spiritual healing through nature’s energy.

What you Need

A small bowl of fresh water
a handful of fresh herbs (such as lavender, chamomile, or mint)
a piece of clear quartz (or any stone that is safe to put in water)

What to Do

Go to a peaceful spot in nature where you feel calm and connected, such as a park, riverside or garden. If you can, sit on the ground to connect with the earth. Otherwise, stand and focus on your feet feeling connected to the earth (barefoot works especially well but don’t get frostbite!!)

Take a few deep breaths, feeling the ground beneath you and letting the energy of the earth rise through your body, grounding and calming you.

Place the bowl of water in front of you and say, in your head if necessary:

Spirit of Earth, Spirit of Sky,
I call on your power to heal and guide.
With water, herbs and crystal bright,
Bring your healing, restore my light.

Place the fresh herbs and quartz into the bowl of water. As you do this, visualise the water absorbing the healing energy of the herbs and stone. Close your eyes and focus on the healing you seek, whether it’s physical pain, emotional healing, or spiritual renewal. Visualise yourself as whole and vibrant.

Dip your fingers into the water and anoint your hands, forehead, or heart with the healing water. As you do so, say, in your head if necessary:

By earth, by air, by water, by stone,
Heal my wounds, make me whole.
With nature’s gifts, my spirit restored,
I thank the land and all its force.

When you feel ready, thank the spirits of nature:

Thank you, earth, for your healing grace.
I walk in peace, in this sacred place.

Pour the remaining water onto the earth, return the herbs to the earth, and place the stone in your pocket as a symbol of your ongoing healing.

3. Hecate’s Crossroads Blessing for Guidance and Protection

I wanted to include some deity work in this list as I like to stay connected to certain deities and archetypes. In ancient Greece, it was believed that Hecate ruled the three-way crossroads. Hecate can travel in this world and the underworld so she is suited to this liminal place. Find out more about Hecate in my post Hecate Goddess of Witches. You may see Hecate as either a deity or as an archetype of feminine power and wisdom depending on your beliefs and how you practice your craft.

What you need

A small natural stone (found, not purchased)
Dried rosemary or sage (or other native herbs)

What to do

Choose a peaceful crossroads, where three paths meet, in a quiet place in nature.

Stand at the centre of the crossroads and place the natural stone in front of you to symbolise grounding and connection with the earth.

Turn through the three directions (left, straight ahead and right) to honour Hecate’s role as the goddess of the crossroads. As you turn, say these words aloud or in your mind:

Hecate, Keeper of the Crossroads,
Guide me as I stand at life’s intersection,
Show me the path to wisdom and protection,
In your light, I walk, in your shadow, I stand.
Hail Hecate, Queen of the Night!

Gently sprinkle the dried rosemary or sage around the stone, as an offering to Hecate. Be mindful not to leave too much so as not to disrupt the ecosystem.

Close your eyes and take a moment to connect with Hecate’s presence. Ask for her guidance or protection, and listen for any intuitive insights or feelings that may arise.

When you feel ready, thank Hecate for her presence and assistance.

Thank you, Hecate, for your wisdom and light.
May your blessings follow me on my path.

Leave the stone at the crossroads as a token of your gratitude. Leave the crossroads, without looking back, knowing that Hecate’s energy accompanies you.

4. Outdoor Ritual for the Full Moon

This ritual is designed to help release what no longer serves you and invite fresh energy and renewal under the power of the full moon.

What you Need

A small bowl of water
A white or silver candle in a jar (or an LED candle)
A piece of paper and pen.

Choose a peaceful spot under the full moon’s light, where you can see or feel its energy. This can be in your garden, a park, or any safe place that feels right to you.

Stand or sit on the earth, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Visualise the moonlight flowing over and through you, calming and centering you.

Place the candle in front of you and light it as a symbol of the moon’s bright energy. Say:

Full Moon above, I honour your light,
Cleanse my spirit, renew my sight.

On the piece of paper, write down anything you wish to release from your life—negative thoughts, habits, or situations. Fold the paper and hold it in your hands. Say:

Let go of the old, make room for the new,
Under this moon, I begin anew.

Place the paper into the bowl of water, symbolising a cleanse and release. Watch as the moon’s light reflects in the water, carrying your intention. Let the water absorb your burdens.
Now, with your hands over the bowl, say:

Full Moon’s power, so bright and true,
Fill my heart with light anew.
I welcome peace, love, and grace,
Blessed be this sacred space.

When you feel ready, blow out the candle. Pour the water onto the earth, letting your worries dissolve into the ground. Thank the moon for its light and energy. Say:

Thank you, Moon, for your healing light,
I walk in peace, empowered by night.

Take a moment to appreciate the moon’s presence. Pick up any remnants of the paper and dispose of them by burying them or recycling them. Calmly leave the space, feeling lighter and renewed.

5. Tree Ritual for Manifestation and Connection

This ritual is a great one to help you feel more connected to nature and to receive guidance from a tree spirit. By working with the energy of the tree, you are connecting your intentions to the cycles of nature, which can help ground and strengthen your desires. Trees are ancient beings, and their wisdom and strength are wonderful allies in any magical practice.

What you Need

A tree (preferably one that feels significant to you, like an old oak or willow, or even one in your backyard or a local park)
A small offering (this could be something natural like a flower, herb, piece of fruit or simply some fresh water)
A journal or paper and pen

What to Do

Choose a tree that feels special to you. It could be a large, ancient tree that draws your attention, or a smaller one with unique energy. Walk around the tree, touch its bark, and get to know it.

Sit comfortably at the base of the tree, with your back resting against its trunk. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, feeling the connection between you, the tree and the earth. Imagine the tree’s deep roots stretching into the soil, grounding you, and its branches reaching up into the sky, connecting you to the heavens.

Hold your journal or paper and pen, and think about what you want to manifest or what guidance you seek. It could be something related to growth, healing, abundance, or clarity. Be clear in your intention. Visualise your desire already happening in your life.

Write your intention down on the paper. Be positive and specific, using present-tense language as if it’s already true. For example:
I am filled with love and gratitude for the abundance flowing into my life.
If you’re seeking guidance, phrase it as a request:
Please show me the path toward my highest good. Once you’ve written your intention, hold the paper and visualise the energy of your wish flowing from your hands into the paper. Imagine the tree absorbing your intention through its roots, trunk and branches. Feel the connection between you and the tree deepen.

Spend a few moments in silence, still sitting at the base of the tree. Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and feeling the grounding energy of the tree. Visualise your intention spreading through the tree’s branches and into the sky, where it can take connect with universal energy.

As a sign of gratitude for the tree’s assistance, offer a small natural gift. This could be water, a flower, some herbs, or a piece of fruit. Place it at the base of the tree, near its roots. If you wish, you can bury the paper with your written intention at the base of the tree. This symbolises planting your intention like a seed, to grow and manifest over time. If you don’t want to bury it outside you can take it home and bury it in a plant pot.

Place your hands on the trunk of the tree and say a final prayer or affirmation, such as:
“I thank you, wise tree, for sharing your strength and wisdom. I trust that my intention will grow and blossom in perfect timing.”

Before you leave, take a final moment to offer gratitude for the tree and the space.

I hope you have found these outdoor rituals and spells useful. If you have, please consider sharing them with like-minded folks. It really does help me out!

Blessed be

Eva x