When I was younger I did a paper round. One day, I was walking down a sidestreet when I noticed a tree stump in amongst some foliage which had a perfect fairy sized hole, in the shape of a door, at the base of the stump. This stump was old, gnarled and covered in green moss, young ivy and surrounded by flowers. Every week when I saw that stump, I felt like the place I lived was a little more magical than other people knew. That one tree stump, still burried in the ground and slowly being swallowed up by nature, was my genius loci. When I left that paper round, I didn't see the stump as often. One day I visited it for old time sake, and it had been completely consumed by ivy. But I knew it was there. I might be the only person that ever noticed how beautiful that little hidden stump was, and it's still one of my most precious memories, the feeling of the place changed for me the moment I saw that stump.

@ladywytch129

5 жыл бұрын

This was beautiful!💜

My local loci, the place whose spirit I’d say I’m connected to, is a lake that is walking distance from my apartment. Growing up, I would go to the water park on the far side of it - but now I live on the other side, which boasts a little bridge, a beautiful shore area, and a series of campgrounds that edge into the woods that you have to walk through to get from my apartment to the lake. The water park is open Friday and Saturday in the summer, but otherwise it’s actually a very quiet, serene area. I go there on New Year’s, Samhain, my birthday, and occasional other times, usually around a significant event or a particularly beautiful full moon. Sometimes I do a full ritual, sometimes I journal, usually I just pull a few cards and look at the lake. I will admit, I’ve kept a few small items I’ve found there on my altar. My favorite thing is that around that area, I keep finding stones upon which someone has painted inspirational sayings. “Smile.” “Stay Strong.” “Be Happy.” I wonder if they are gifts from this genius loci. :)

I live in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and felt it was really important to learn about the history of magic in this area, and in the process I learned about Appalachian witchcraft which is a blend of hoodoo, American Indian, scot-Irish, and Romani traditions. It's been an interesting topic to learn about.

I love this. I live in an area of Scotland that saw horrors of witch hunting in the 17 and 18th century. Dozens of women who were executed lived in my local area. I have been tracking down locations of their homes, most just a mile or two away. Some broken down cottages, some buildings still standing, I have been giving offerings, leaving wild flowers and whispering blessings to these departed souls. It makes me feel connected to my place.

her energy is just so alluring and beautiful

There's an ancient spring 1/2 mile from my house. 100 years ago people used to bring her offerings but not many do any more. I will not give away any more of her secrets.

I'm glad to hear that there are still quiet libraries out there. My library doesn't seem to understand the concept of being quiet there are loud conversations happening all over the place, either in person or on the phones after they loudly ring. The Librarians themselves are some of the worst offenders. I thought this was an awful trend that had started but I guess it's just at mine. Which I'm both glad and sad to hear.

As a fellow art witch I just want to thank you for putting your voice and your thoughts out to the world. I love watching your videos and take comfort knowing that I'm not the only one who practices in this way. Don't stop being magical!

I do collect seeds&plants from local cemeteries and then place them in parks or other areas that crave new life! I love drawing symbols on objects in coffee shops, parks, bus stop benches,& gas stations. I adore going to post offices, libraries and other deep seated structures to collect energies & observe the architecture. You're incredible for suggesting such clever ideas for everyone to try!

I've only watched a couple of videos but for some reason I feel like I've known you for a very long time

There's a few natural spaces in my town. I do litterpicking and gravetending at my local graveyard, and also litterpick the nearby parks and green spaces as well. I'm the neighbourhood Druid who goes on patrol to these places, cleaning them up. I climb trees and sit on their boughs, and give offerings of tea and lavender buds.

I live about a 15 minutes from Lake Michigan (hey Chicago, whaddya say?) and this summer made it a point to head down there a few times a week for a quick lake dip after a bike ride or fun swims with friends. It really connected me to the area in a way I had never felt before, and at this point I feel like the lake and I are good pals. Nice to have such a large body of water to enjoy right in my backyard!

This was so wonderful. I am an older gal now living in the country of my ancestors, but foreign to me. Still struggling with language but trying to create a sense of home. Lucky to have a small garden and live next to the forest complete with wildlife. You’ve inspired me to redouble my efforts & given me beautiful and entertaining ways to do so. 😊💗💗💗

Recently found my genius loci. It’s in what I believe Is the heart of Palm Springs where I have lived 21 years of my life. I’m on a destiny quest that I have been on a month before my 21st and it’s lead me to you after I did my first outdoor ritual I felt pulled too the night of a the last sturgeon moon after breaking up with a love of mine and kicked out of my place of living. I feel in me something huge. Im still on this journey that literally has had me in chills on sites, during my rites, moon phases, etc. I’m still new to using it towards magical purposes and such and wanna lead this subject further.

I've had an interesting experience with the goddess Nemetona and genius loci...I have recently felt a call to Nemetona, and when I did a meditation to meet with her, I only discovered her when I went to ground myself in the meditation by hugging a tree. The tree turned out to be Nemetona! I wasn't expecting her to be a tree, and that is when I realized she was a genius loci that was given so much power by the Druids who worshipped their "goddess of the sacred grove" that she gained sentience and became a goddess. I also realized that my walks through this little grove that used to be a train track but is now abandoned and overgrown, is how I "picked up" Nemetona. Does this even make sense??? LOL Somehow I feel that the spirit of place of this little grove called up the bigger goddess one, and now Nemetona is around me. I have a new goddess. :) Interesting that you should make this video at this time IMO. :)

I actually live directly next to the last remaining part of the forest that used to be where my village is and I feel very connected to this place because I've lived here my entire life

Living in a place I don't much like for reasons that make sense for now, I've been Intending to find ways to Love it. (Not Love as in like it to a point of preference, but ways to actively love it, despite my lack of preference for it.) This video really helps, and as someone whose family name comes from the Roman word for one's hearth gods, genius loci as a concept just hit as "Of course!" Thanks for all you share here on KZread. You've helped lead me back into alignment with a part of me I tucked away for safety when I came back here and have been frustrated in my efforts to bring back into the light.

I think I managed to find my home on a Genius Loci. Some years after buying the house, I mapped out my previous homes in town, and drew a couple lines between the four locations. They intersected pretty much right on top of where my new home is located. I knew the moment I walked through the door the house was "mine", but it was nice to see a bit of real-world confirmation that I was meant to be here. Plus, it's right on the Oregon Trail!

I know when I go back to my parents place I often feel like there's a great big lab or golden retriever in the air overjoyed to see me and hug-tackling me from every angle. I often wondered what percent of that was family egregore and what part of that was my own residue combined in with that.

Genius loci is an interesting concept outside of occultism too. Many lit students will have studied modules on the writers’ /artists sense of place. Du Maurier’s relationship to Cornwall for example. A more literal though still literary example is Tolkien’s enigmatic Tom Bombardil. Tom Bombardil is well worth a Google of the more learned essays on the texts.

Love this. The spirit of place has always been super important when it comes to my practice. I'm in love with my city and its spirit, and we have a FB group that unites our neighborhood. And urban foraging is my JAM. I actually did a video that touched on some similar ideas recently, so this is very timely. Thank you!💗💗💗

I've never really deeply thought about it but I fall in love with places around me when I go on walks into nature and it's vibes are amazing. I always give a moment of thanks by energy.. that and if it's a more traveled way I pick up the trash those leave behind. When I was a little girl I used to leave painted rocks to the animals and fairies of the forest. This has opened up so much more to me. Thank you. I always watch your videos and they help me greatly in opening doors and windows and paths I wasn't seeing before. :)

I just moved to a new place, so this is very much something I want to do to get to know my new neighborhood!

The middle stall at Company Brewing on Center St has some of the best graffiti quotes I've seen in a while. Was just there last weekend. 😂 Up in Ozaukee county I've been finding pretty painted lake rocks left around for people to find. They make me smile.

This video really really connected something in my mind for me. I have had such a hard time letting go of where I'm from I've always been so connected to my hometown, I haven't lived in even the same state for going on 8 years now, and I still feel like ahh I need to go back that's home that's where I'm connected to everything. But I've been trying to become more connected to where I live now. I've found a way to be appreciative and grateful and I've gained the ability to admire my surroundings but I still totally struggle with actually connecting to the energy here and the spirit of this place. So I'm definitely going to try a few of your recommendations. Thank you for being lovely! Oh and congrats on working on the new book I absolutely can't wait to read it! 💖💖💖

Your videos are such a treat and most meaningful time spending :) I would never considers myself an urban witch but here I am living in a city centre of dense populated area. Since I live in Łódź, Poland, city with both wonderful and incredibly painful history it's really difficult to stay sane here ( IIWW nazi death-camps ). Sometimes even in daylight one can see ghost of murdered people just walking the streets. I'm really reluctant to really open or even do mindfulness meditation because all this complicated energies just suck you in. Despite this dark past, I really love my home-town and I really feel that "the spirit of the place" likes me as well. Thank you for this video I think it will give me courage to open a little more to fasten my connection to Lódź's Genius Loci. XOXOX

Interesting! I have been doing healing with thy spirit of the hime, since I head trauma in this hime, I figured the connection and relationship could be healed and it changed it all for me. Lately I’ve been reached by the neighborhood plants and stones, you’ll be surprised how gratifying and mindfully clear it could be. This came up on my recommendation so now am happy! Thank you!

I missed this gorgeous face! love you beautiful. I have several Genius Loci or what I call Sacred Space. My in laws farm, my favorite lake with a tree that I used to climb as a child, my local park has a stream with a pavillion that I meditate in all the time. I feel much more powerful and connected to my magick when I am in these spaces

This is all what I'm about!!!! I love "feeling" a place and getting a vibe and making a place my own so this was super interesting 💖💖💖

I'm sad to say, I love my home but I hate the city I live in. I'm still going to the parks I grew up going to. the park in my city I was told never to go to because I'll be mugged or worse. I am surrounded by people who think this city is their personal trash can. I'm always picking up other people's garbage and it enrages me to know that people have no respect for this city or for the environment. all I can focus on is getting the hell away from here. being surrounded by such negativity is emotionally draining and I wish I knew how to get people to stop being slobs and littering everywhere. I'm just so tired of being the only one who cares. anyway, thank you for sharing. I always look forward to seeing your videos.

@peterfitzgerald4330

6 жыл бұрын

we may be few in number my friend but your not alone in your frustration

Damnit woman! I came here for the topic but I had to keep reminding it because you are just so beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful and captivating then a woman with high intellect and spiritual power

I'm getting ready to move to a new city, and this video and concept are filling me with such excitement and hope. I can't wait to develop a relationship with the genius loci of my new home

This video came at the perfect time. I just moved to a new apartment and needed to hear this. I will apply this to my practice. Thank you so much, Molly.

Great video. I’ve never heard the term Genius Loci but local spots immediately come to mind, including two local cemeteries that I have visited many times. I was also intrigued by the idea of idea of Trash Oracles. Living on the Washington coast, it would take beachcombing a whole new level. Thanks much.

I’ve missed watching your videos. I’m finally ready to dive into this practice. I was new to my place when this video came out and didn’t feel right about doing this yet. But so glad this video is still here cause it’s time. 😊

I love the idea of urban foraging and planting native plants to the region in our own yard. Loved this video and your ideas :)

I'm a performing artist working in the UK and I'm currently writing one part of a larger anthology of stories that people can listen to as an audiowalk around a local area. I have decided to write from the perspective of a very small area of parkland in between three roads. It really is very small. It is arguably the last part of large public gardens full of exotic plants that were created in the 19th Century, but were cut up and sold off to private investors to make houses after the gardens failed to make enough money to be sustainable. I've been directed to the idea of genius loci to help with my writing. In essence, I have been asked to identify the character of the park, and how it sees itself and the wider area so that I can better speak from its perspective. I just wanted to leave this comment so say thank you for making this video and helping me think about creative and artistic ways I could try and get a sense of the genius loci. Please feel free to respond if there is anything specific or interesting that could help my process or that you want to ask.

Love your brainstorming sessions. Always so many great and practical ways to flush out and fully experience an idea. I would like to add that the Spirits of Place are not always as reactive and quick to response as other identities that people may work with.It is important to respect and consider that a relationship may need to time to form. Offerings and observations are the flirtations and a proper introduction may also be in order. Be patient and consistent.

I just moved to a new city and am struggling to feel connected. These ideas are so great and I can't wait to try them and hopefully become more in tune with the genius loci here. Thank you!!

Yay urban legends! Hahaha! Seriously though, I've been doing this this last year, connecting with my place. I highly recommend finding out as much as possible about finding out the indigenous spirits and stories. Xx

Thank you so much for this Molly !! I pick up litter from "special places" I have left hidden crystals all around and within my Town. I was going to say Cemeteries and you just mentioned it LOL. Leave small shiny coins in "natural" type places for the Fae. I also send Rieki/Healing energy to Trees. Monuments also hold a lot of energy, both positive and negative.

I live in dorset on the jurassic coastline and am very connected to where i live. Some great ideas to try out, hugs sara

Another wonderful, inspirational video! I keep a little bag of small crystal beads and pieces to offer as a token of gratitude anytime I am gifted or discover a treasure from nature. If I happen to be without my trusty baggie - I, too, will give some strands of my hair and touch if my hands as I whisper my thanks. I put out a video a couple months ago about feeling the genius loci of certain areas. I like how you went in depth and offered ideas for working with those spirits. 💜

This is wonderful, thanks for the ideas! I've always been drawn to certain places in my home town, I'm low key obsessed with its history and I was looking for ways to use all this in the craft

I get SO excited whenever you upload a new video!! ❤ ❤ ❤

I absolutely love foraging. It's one of the first things I do everyday in the spring.

Always excited to see a new video from you and great subject and ideas! I LOVE libraries. My local library was built in 1811 and is said to be haunted, so extra special being there!

Wonderful teachings

your videos are my favorite painting soundtrack. thanks for being so awesome molly.

Could you make a video explaining why you could be drawn to a specific place like a country or a city?

Thank you.

good to see you! I look forward to each video!

I love love love the Spirit of Place concept! Thank you for introducing this to me. I have a complicated relationship with where I live and Spirit of Place is a great way to celebrate what I love about here. I’m inspired to do a VR, I have so many ideas about this! 💜

Have heard many great things about this video, Molly, and finally took the time to check it out. Yup- they're right... this is an especially GOOD one! I love the energy of my neighborhood & have spent a lot of time connecting to its past & it's present. Big Sur though has the most special, powerful energy for me! It's got a real sense of "personality".

love this video thank you Molly

You have me food for thought so thank you for that

Thank you for this sis!

Beautiful voice and thanks for this useful info! 💯

These were some really amazing ideas. I love our local park and a park where we used to live both places were where mine and my husband used to go on a date (young and no money lol). Now we take our kids through them.

These r great ideas I have just moved and am really exited to have fun with this xxx

Welcome back (: I love your idea videos. I'm so going to try the idea of seeing what parallel I have. I'll be doing this as my full moon ritual. I'm REAL CURIOUS NOW! Blessings (:

Thanks for making an interesting and uplifting video. I've just come across your channel and looking forward to watching more.

Cornwall is definitely a Genius Loci of mine, even tho I've never physically been there. But part of my soul has taken up residence there. I feel such a sense of peace and awwww whenever I see photos or videos of Cornwall. I now follow some Cornish instagram accounts, and belong to some Cornwall-loving FB groups. I've even found a few people there who are sending me things from Cornwall so I can have pieces of it in my house. :D

Just came across your videos and have been binge watching them thanks for your awesomeness :) ❤❤❤

Really enjoyed this video, many thanks for the mound of ideas! Bless to thee well. 💜🌈💙

Love going to lake Michigan

Love this video and this topic :)

Thanks for this Molly, fantastic information and insights as usual. I've been acknowledging The Genius Loci for-ever, I just didn't know it had a name! I collect stones, sticks, roots, flowers, nuts, leaves, and dirt from my sacred local havens, which range from rivers to historical sites and cemeteries. I place these objects around my home and altar to evoke the essence and spirit of place. I invoke the energies of these objects in my magical workings, often finding them more powerful and effective than store-bought items. I always give thanks and leave offerings of fruit, flowers, and small quartz crystals when I am able to. Love your work, I look forward to your next book! XO

Lot's of really good recommendations! I'm going to a special place this evening for full moon drumming with some witchy friends! Well... they'll drum. I'm still looking for a drum without animal skin that I like. So i'll dance, haha.

You are the most adorable human ever 😂😭💟💟💟

I love this chick!

Thank you for the name of this book I just added it my wish list at Book Despository to get at a later date.

beautiful video

Thank you for your work, your contribution to this beautiful world, and for the love that radiate from everything you generously share with all of us. Speaking of local exploration and searching the past, I've just discovered, thanks to your suggestions, that less than 200m was born Allan Kardec, the founder of spiritism, in the same street where I live! How crazy is that ahah?!

I manage Airbnb places and this information gave me so much valuable wisdom to apply to my business. Thank you 💕

The place that calls to me the most is on the bad side of town so my fiance doesnt want me to go there. I finally talked him into taking me but all around the river are signs that state that there is a hefty fine for trespassing. I guess i will have to stick with astral projection. I wish i could go in person...

Hey Molly, I would like to know what music you use in your video's because they are really calming and meditative. Please and thank you! Love your video's! :)

Van Camps was often the main thoroughfare down here at Flint ~ stones, during the Summer for a lot of people at the Waterpark back in the early 60's . . . Though the Vans didn't get flowers painted all over the sides until the 70's & developed further portraying panoramas with the use of spray guns ~ Alas it is all surrounded now by the Trailer Encampments on three sides. * Noha's' son [HAM' - as] was the name of the beer with the Indian and a Bear eating the sand-witch advertised on T.V. from a neighbor who ultimately in Time /Voted/ for BUSH ~ Re pub le can am guessing. Having finally have had it of 3.2 O key Om - a & their Quack packs of 20, the flush set of dumpsters installed, were taken out as a detraction to the former adjacent overgrown automobile junkyard (Ken)s' and moved 9 miles up behind the pol~ ice station. Genius Loci.

hey molly✨🌙🌺molly✨🌙🌺-I know that this video is from yrs ago (lol) but I love this topic...I just was wondering, with the genius loci, could a person's spirit of place be somewhere that isnt necessarily in their area but a certain place where a euphoric feeling was found from when they were younger?

Ofc indeed genus locii is city wide oriented and neighborhood specific locale at times...

@nthonyaelle

2 жыл бұрын

Pschye or soul is totally how it's connected

I just encountered a Genius Loci that's why.

I need a little help. I am a "young" witch (but 34 years old), a totally newbie. I finally got a second chance in life to begin a new training/education and can become something new. Now I feel I have so much to learn as trainee AND wicca. but the new job comes first und I dont always find time to study wicca or live it. I feel bad about it. I really like to embrace my new self as a wiccan. There is the feeling that I already lost so much time. Unfortunately I can t find wiccans in my area. How can I develop without others, without a coven? I feel a little lost. for the first time in my life religion does not feel awkward or wrong to me and I dont want this to end because the lack of time or people. Do you or the community have advice for me?

What a fantastic video! I suppose I do have a question for you (and any other Moon Babies in the comments). I moved from the most suburban/woodland area to a city/intense urban environment. I've found a lot of my magical strength in nature, so the sudden change has been honestly draining. What would you suggest as ways to feel witchy/connected in an urban environment?

@nowitssovivid1273

6 жыл бұрын

Yuna Autumn, walk. I know this may sound too simple, but pound the ground and explore the city streets. Get lost on purpose! Also, look out for those nature-rich knots like parks, cemeteries, etc.

@nowitssovivid1273

6 жыл бұрын

(I thought of something else): Seek out places that spark the same feelings in you that nature can. An example from my own life is that I'm an architecture nerd. I loooove to seek out snazzy buildings as a place to meditate or connect with the city in ways that can respect my introverted nature. I hope this helps.

@evaiskra11

6 жыл бұрын

Magic is everywhere :) Although I would really recommend cleansing yourself and your apartments as often as possible. Cities have so much energy concentration and not always the best one :) Cheers!

@michelmoore9821

6 жыл бұрын

The concept of being a City Witch is quite well explored in Molly's previous videos but also in other's videos. Jessi Huntenburg is another KZreadr that has some content about this topic. I have moved away from the city and there are a number of resources that I miss as I practice in a smaller town. Nature connection is vital to me but so are great libraries, other practitioners, museums, and awesome witchy shops which tend to not be in smaller places. This time for you may be about connecting with that which is other than nature to strengthen your work in other ways:)

@greyscaled7094

6 жыл бұрын

Yuna Autumn another good idea would be to bring the nature inside!!!! Maybe set up a green room? Fill it with plants and items of magic so you have a place to go recharge!!

Hi Molly I love your videos and found them so helpful and informative thank you. You have such an amazing spirit i was wandering if you would be able to check out a study/ learning group I started on Facebook called wisdom of old it would mean so much to me to know what you think about it Thank you

Never thought of this in a direct way. Probably more Unconscience

pronounced "Low-K-eye" -- with a k not like in city

Have you tried oral?

You are So beautiful