Starshine Journal

whereas, say Ghibli films express a deep Shinto-based respect and reverence for nature:

fighting for it as a means of both self-preservation and expression of heroism revolving around justice

and a matter of other groups of humans (the government often) going up against the stalwart youth

This is contrasted to western animation which tends to be like…. hey! look at this funny bat! And pollution is an evil spirit you can fight like physically 

that isn’t to say the west doesn’t depict environmentalism as heroic and even involving collective action, Captain Planet is a good example of this

but individualism is still very present, the struggle is stalwart youths versus an individual or individual corporation, hell, sometimes you even get a sympathetic backstory for the corporation and weirdly cool rock song

to be clear, antagonists like Lady Eboshi in Princess Mononoke are sympathetic too, but it is… different, Lady Eboshi is trying to survive due to circumstances but it is all of Irontown that represents a system of corruption

In comparison, there is this western idea of corruption coming from individuals rather than systems as well as the fact they aren’t trying to save nature because we are part of it, but because nature itself is a person and thus worthy of respect

In Fern Gully the fairy’s represent nature, the Lorax represents nature, Captain Planet is literally just nature, all things we can talk to and relate to, where in Princess Mononoke and Nausicaa the ultimate nature spirits are something you can’t talk to and are frankly terrifying, awe-inspiring, and mighty

Western epistemology is heavily rooted in Christianity which says that man has dominion over fish of the sea, fowl of the air, and creatures of the land, ect, which leads to a utilitarian and separate view of nature– what can it do for us as separate (higher) beings, and the only way to combat this view is to say “actually nature is a person and thus worthy of protection”

Whereas Japanese Shintoism has much more emphasis on the idea that we are all part of a whole with nature, nature is the ultimate divine with nothing more important than the other, and something worthy of protection not because we can understand it, but because we can’t

“It’s a mistake to think about nature from the idea of efficiency, that forests should be preserved because they are essential to human beings”– Hayao Miyazaki

this is not to completely bash western animation, it does have other strengths such as emphasizing children’s relationship to empathy, empathy toward others in “Toy Story” and empathy toward themselves in “Inside Out” 

folklore lockscreens

Sometimes as someone who is stuck in one spot, it can be hard to feel connected to your gods/goddesses/deities. However, it’s not as hard as you may think to find some solid methods! Please note that your deities understand your situation and don’t expect you to suffer for them or consistently do things for them!

Burn candles or incense that remind you of them. If you are unable to do this, try an oil diffuser or room spray.

Use blankets, sheets, pillows, etc. that have colors you associate with them.

Make an online devotional blog or altar. I do this [X]

Chat with other people who work with them. 

If your body is okay with it, eat foods that are sacred/connected to them.

Hang pictures or decorations that correspond with their sacred animals, plants, or what lessons or teachings they present to you.

Write devotional poetry, or make drawings for them.

Draw sigils for them and hang them on your walls, ceiling, or put under your mattress.

Find a stuffed animal that you feel captures their essence or reminds you of them, and hold it close when you need the support.

Research them/browse their tag on tumblr.

Keep stones and crystals you associate with them near you – on a bedside table or under your pillow.

Use astral travel or dream magic to connect with them.

Listen to music that makes you feel closer to them.

Watch shows or movies that remind you of them.

Pray to them, talk to them, write them a letter. Stay in communication with them, especially in times of need.

Meditate.

Drink something warm or cool that helps you connect with them.

Make a spell bottle/jar that you feel captures their essence. Charge during good days, use for connection and support during the not-so-good days.

Make emoji spells to feel more connected to them.

Expose yourself to natural light (or gentle artificial light) or complete darkness, depending on the deity.

Devote small, everyday tasks to them. (Example for the Greek + Roman pantheon.)

Read books about them, or that remind you of them/their values.

Make herb sachets for them, keep them under your pillow or hang on your wall.

Wear scented oils, perfumes, lotions, or pick a shampoo with a scent or ingredients that make you think of them.

@thewitchofthenorse also has a post on this here!

And here is a post about nature connection while bedridden, which is great for nature deities!

Again, please note that you don’t need to do anything to be connected to your gods/goddesses/deities. They know and understand what you are going through, and are patient.