Gather ‘round witches, and let me share a tale of how your home is alive. Within the walls of where we sleep lies a spirit that shelters and protects us. What I am speaking of is not an archetype of hearth and home that we, along with others, pray to for mercy and protection. Nor are they the spirits that may reside within the home. No, this spirit is the home. Each creak and light flicker belongs to the energy that flows behind our walls. Under the floors that we walk and clean sings a vibration for us to hear if we so choose.
Do not let this scare you, dear friends because a true witch knows that forming a deep connection is the most magical act of all. Creating space and a relationship with the spirit of our home is an opportunity to form a great bond of protection. And, just as a witch’s familiar is not an owned pet, our home should be thought of as a partner and confidant—the keeper of our secrets—a tutelary or guardian.
Deities of the home go back for centuries. In ancient times, there were more than a few gods and goddesses to praise and please. Hestia, the Greek goddess of hearth and home, was offered wine at the beginning and end of each meal. In Japanese Shintoism, many Kami (spirits) were associated with the household. Home spirits have been prevalent in folklore for ages. However, it is often overlooked that each home or building has a spirit and energy of its own. The way it lives and breathes. How it wants to be fed, and how it gives back to those who reside within.
Personally, I don’t have a set religion or beliefs that fit into a box. I do find that life is a lot more colorful when you believe that everything around you holds life and sways with its own form of breath. Isn’t it more comforting and, truthfully, fun to think that your home holds you tightly in its arms, protecting you from the outside world? It is where we retreat after a long day or where we run after things go wrong out in the world. Somehow, thinking there is a spirit at our front door saying, “It’s okay, you’re home now,” makes it all feel a little more safe and reassuring.
There are many ways to work with the spirit of our personal space. This can be anything from offerings on an altar to voiced gratitude. However, first, I would ask you to sit with your home in silence and listen. What do you hear? What vibration do you pick up? Does the spirit of your home have a name it wants to share with you? What senses are tickling at your knowing? They may visit you in a dream or show you an image of their representation as you close your eyes. If you do experience the latter, add a picture or token of what you see to the altar. It will be greatly appreciated.
Once you have given the spirit your time, move to your intention. Why are you looking to commune with the spirit, and what can you promise in return? Relationships are, after all, dual-sided. We cannot beg for protection and abundance in exchange for just our presence, no matter how great we believe our company to be.
When we moved into our current home, the previous owners left a box of notecards that featured a hand-drawn rendition of the house. It is on one of these cards that I wrote a letter to the spirit of our home. I thanked it for welcoming us and promised that we would take care of her. I asked for protection in return for love, along with the upkeep of her parts and inner workings. I then framed the card and placed it on an altar at the hearth, known as the heart of the home. Note: If you don’t have a fireplace, do not worry. Choose where you spend the most time. Or, try asking your spirit where it wants the altar to be. You may be surprised where it chooses!
Alongside the framed photo, I laid out a few offerings. A crystal blue shot glass of water I always refill when it disappears, my favorite crystals I wanted to share, herbs that resonated with the home, and a gold ring to signify both commitment and prosperity. I often light candles and incense on the altar and sometimes, I simply whisper a quick thanks as I pass. I always make sure to express gratitude often, especially when we are spared from a storm. I also pray to the home when we have very human issues, like HVAC mysteries or plumbing problems.
If you are interested in connecting to the spirit of your home, I recommend, above all else, listening and expressing thanks. Think of yourself as a roommate or visitor, instead of an owner. Create a small space dedicated to the spirit. Here, you can offer water, alcohol, and items you find around the property, such as rocks, bones, etc., herbs/flowers, small tokens, or even handwritten notes to the spirit. Just as you would with your personal altar, you may choose to add pieces in season—a flower from the summer garden or an acorn in the fall. Remember to clean this space often, both physically and energetically.
If you are in an apartment, you can still do all of the above. Even when you reside in a shared space, you can still form a bond. The spirit may be even more grateful for the inclusion and connection!
Written by Mandy Shelly