So the other day I was reading an article from the magazine New Witch, and it spoke about working with the spirit and energy of your city. There were 5 suggested steps, and with them examples of what you can do to work with them. This is my understanding of the "steps":


1: Learn the folklore of your city

By this she meant to read the history of the city and visit places with unique histories. Could be a haunted house, could be a spot where a battle took place. It just has to have some sort of history behind it.

2: Create Magic Places of your own

Basically here she is saying that we should find our own sacred spots in our home town. Kinda like how in Europe they have many historical sacred sites, this time it's up to you to find your own sacred spots in your city. One I have found is in the neighboring city. There is a beautiful park in the center of the city filled with sacred energy and oak trees. I tend to spend more time there starting this spring...

3: Honor the spirit of your city

Here it's basically stating that every city has some spirits that live there. Some cities (like the one next door to mine) have mythical creatures that symbolize them (in my case it's the phoenix). In order to work the best magic you can in your area, do a ritual or meditation to meet the spirits that make your city a special place.

4: Honor the ancestors of your city

This one is self explanatory. However the way I take it is that you should visit the cemeteries in your city/area and greet those spirits. Learn about them, and maybe have them work with you in a magical ritual.

5: The final step: Create a Public Altar

The is the only one I don't completely agree with, and maybe it's because I was misunderstanding the way the statement was made. To me it was stating create an altar in a "magical" or special spot in your city where others can go to it and meditate or just see it. Personally I don't know the laws in my area, and I wouldn't set one up.

Does any one else have any ways they work with the energy of the place they live? How does it change your practice?