Western Sydney Magick

There is a lot that happens in Springtime around Western Sydney. And if you practise witchcraft, or are even a little bit observant, you can see alot happening around you.

Western Sydney, where many of us are located throughout the Pagan Fringe, is situated on or around the Cumberland Plain, on Darug Country. I’ve been spending more of my time in the preserved public parklands and bushland bordering this area.

Spring in Western Sydney’s Dharug Country is a time of transformation. The landscape bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors as wildflowers paint the earth with their vibrant hues. Eucalypts release their invigorating scent into the air, while native birds like Rainbow Lorikeet return with their melodious songs, marking the return of warmer days. Observing these specific changes might connect the witch to the pulse of the land and offer a glimpse of the cyclical nature of existence.

Spring here whilst colourful with native wildflowers, is also golden, brown, and dry. With less than an average of 800mm of rainfall a year, it’s one of the driest parts of Sydney, especially heading into Spring and Summer. The snakes awaken from their slumber, and the magpies start their breeding and swooping.

The tilt of moonrise shifts further north in summer. Rather than turning Witchcraft into a passive sport of simply sitting and observing things around us (always a helpful thing to do if we want our practises to be aligned with the natural world) we should consider how the patterns in ones’ practice will shift as the seasons change. My witchcraft moves to a more exploratory and active tempo. I review what I need to wrap up or refresh before the end of the calendar year. So below, as above, so to speak.

From what we have been lucky enough to learn, this land is imbued with stories, traditions, and ancient knowledge that is sacred to the First Nations people. For modern witches practicing in this region, acknowledging and respecting this relationship is vital. For those new to practicing modern witchcraft, the question often arises about how to respectfully integrate local First Nations practices into their craft. Here at the Pagan Fringe (speaking from my perspective), I firmly believe in honoring the boundaries of sacred knowledge not intended for us. It’s crucial to recognize that modern witchcraft and its variations have European origins, and if we are practicing these traditions in our present context, it’s essential to approach them with mindfulness. Navigating this delicate and occasionally conflicting balance on Indigenous land can be challenging. While we may not possess all the answers, it’s important to acknowledge and address this complex situation gently.

What changes are you observing locally where you are, and more importantly, how does that impact on your magickal life?