Contribution short abstract:

This paper considers how contemporary Finnish witches see themselves and their actions in relation to nature. What kind of creative solutions, compromises, but also ignorance could be seen in circulatory relationships between nature and a modern Western human with spiritual goals?

Contribution long abstract:

Some trends among Western new spirituality movements have had clear effects on nature and the environment. For instance, the idea that certain plants have intense spiritual efficacy has made plants like white sage endangered because they are overharvested and sold for ritual uses. At the same time, some new spirituality movements, like contemporary witchcraft, highlight the importance of nature and its wellbeing. Many witches at the 2020’s value the idea that a respectful relationship with nature has been an important part of witchcraft throughout centuries.

In this paper, I analyze how contemporary witches in Finland consider themselves and their actions in relation to nature, especially endangered species. What kind of circulatory relationships could be built between (endangered) nature and a modern Western spiritual human? Because the field of contemporary witches is not unified, different kinds of interpretations and views are common. Circulatory relations with nature could be based on various kinds of creative solutions and compromises. However, these relations also reflect different interplays between conscious and ignorant decisions, and considerations about the hierarchy between spiritual goals and the wellbeing of nature.