City life can be a challenge for a practicing witch. Although it may be challenging in some ways, it is not impossible to practice your craft while living in the big city. An urban witch is creative. Small spaces, not a lot of quiet (if any), and resources are more challenging to come by.
But I am here to help my fellow urban witches to be able to find ways to practice their craft at home and on the go. And be sure to keep reading for my witchy tips!
Finding Tools and Materials
Being able to find the right materials for a spell can be one of the biggest challenges an urban witch may face. But is does not have to be. Sometimes all we have to do is take a good look around at our surroundings. If you look around and keep an eye out, you may stumble upon some useful items.
Look around the base of buildings and parking structures. Are there any bits of grass or weeds popping out? Never shy away from a good dandelion. That find alone can do so much for you. What else can you see? Some flat stones you can make your own runes set with, or maybe some feathers from birds that you can attach to a witches ladder. How about a nice stick to make a homemade wand with, or some coins you can use as offerings.
If you are in need of something more specific like certain tool or item, check local shops around you. Metaphysical shops, an apothecary, grocery stores or international markets for specialty herbs. Go to a nearby thrift store or dollar stores. Witchcraft can get super expensive, but witchcraft can be done on a budget.
Never underestimate the power of everyday items.
Keep a look out for any nice bottles or jars that you can repurpose. Use beads, yarn or ribbon. Chalk to draw sigils or even use your crockpot as a cauldron. Use that imagination of yours because where there is a will, there is a way!
The universe provides for us whether we are in a big city or living in a rural area. No matter where we are, there is always a way to find what we need.
WITCHY TIP: Carry a small bag or pouch with you at all times to hold those treasures you may find.
Where can an Urban Witch practice?
Finding a place to practice is another challenge an urban witch must face. It is not like you can just go for a walk in a forest to get away from everyone or have a fenced in yard where you will not be bothered by anyone. You are still able to practice, it is just more unconventional compared to practicing outside of a big city.
In home practices
Let’s start off with practicing at home. Even in small spaces, you can practice. You will have to think outside of the box. Use floating shelves, tall bookcases, top of a dresser, or a corner of a room to build an altar. Hang some plants from the ceiling. Use your windowsill to place your favorite crystals. Or if you are lucky enough to have a balcony, use this space for plants or even an outdoor altar space.
Now, I know not everyone lives in a space where they can be open with their craft. But that is ok. Use closet space or a bin with wheels that can roll under your bed as an altar space. Or maybe invest in a bedside table with a small bottom cabinet that you can make your altar in. There are ways around the obstacles thrown at us. We just need a little creativity and ingenuity.
On the go practices
Another way you can practice is on the go! That’s right! Riding the subway every day? Use this time to try and meditate. It will not be easy at first but give it some time and you will be able to tune out the noise around you and fall within yourself.
Check your area for any classes you could take. Cooking classes, Reiki, gardening classes, yoga classes, etc.
When in doubt, leave the city once in a while and go reconnect with nature. Even if it is just for the day. Being able to go where you can take your shoes off and walk in the grass or a stream, anywhere that has natural growth. A small park with a little grassy area would even work. Being surrounded by a concrete jungle constantly is not natural. Our body and our minds need nature. It is a way to connect to the world around us, connect to the Gods and connect to ourselves.
WITCHY TIP: Make a “to go” altar in an altoids tin. Put in little items you may need like a candle, a bottle cap for a candle holder, a small crystal, etc.
Urban Witch Practices
We have covered finding our tools and materials and places we can do our practices. But what kind of practices can an urban witch do? The answer is anything any other witch can do. Here is a list of things an urban witch can do but this is not all! Remember, YOU can do anything!
- Protection spells and wards for your home
- Carry a talisman
- Container gardening/ window boxes
- Carry crystals
- Collect rainwater for spell work
- Research
- Protection charms for yourself
- Work with the elements
- Ancestor work
- Make moon water/ Moon magic
- Divination (tarot would be a great choice, easily portable)
- Kitchen witchery
- Energy work
- Charm jewelry
- Meditate
- Protection charms for your car
- Glamour magic
The list is really never ending. Whatever it is you want to do in your craft you can find ways to accomplish that, even as an urban witch.
WITCHY TIP: You do not have to go about this alone if you do not want to. One of the BIGGEST benefits to living in the city is the people. Try to find witches near you or even find a coven you may be able to join. Having community is nice and can be helpful, especially living in a tough environment as a witch.