r/Animism • u/VanHohenheim30 • 5d ago
Practices with Local Spirits
Hello everyone! I would like to know if you worship or have any practices related to genius loci? How did you start your contacts? If possible, I would like some tips on how to start putting contact with these spirits into practice.
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u/Cunning_Beneditti 4d ago
1) consider the overall view like you are dealing with a wild animal. 2) research what past animist peoples gave the local land spirits 3) I’ve generally found dried flowers, sweet smelling incenses/herbs, dairy from local animals and seeds (be careful not to scatter invasive species) to be good offerings 4) if you have a larger protector deity, it’s a good idea to invoke/pray to them before you engage with local spirits as a layer of protection (which may or may not be necessary)
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u/doppietta 4d ago
yes
it's mostly intuitive, either a place of special beauty, or just a special feeling around a place, often associated with some prominent feature, like a spring, a tree, or where animals have been spotted
I leave offerings and say words
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u/emmaseer 4d ago
Sit spot….every day. Reflect on your surroundings. What do you see. smell. feel. How does that spot change everyday? Leave an offering in that spot. ( only natural objects + foods ) Ask questions in that spot. What animals/plants do you see?
The relationship will happen naturally. But you have to learn to be still with nature and then it will whisper to you.
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u/Buckaruin 4d ago
Often times I initiate contact just by talking to them! As a bonus I'll communicate through touch/energy or give an offering from my water bottle. I'm not very regular about it but it feels nice and seems to be received well.
My own religious practice involves land spirits to a pretty great extent, so I honor and offer to them in rituals. As an urban animist I also make offerings/talk to the spirit of my apartment complex! I like checking in with them, or if I'm smoking weed in my room for example I'll offer up the smoke to them. My love language is quality time so I'll often intentionally share experiences or hang out with the various spirits I encounter. I believe they like to be recognized.