Walk into the non descript building I work in, in the non descript business park it's located in and you might wonder "where in the gods' name is the magick here?"
Most corporate offices I visit are a maze of grey walls and grey cubicles. Not exactly where one thinks to practice magick or see the face of the goddess.
Most Pagans (I use that term generically, feel free to substitute in Wiccans, Druids, Fae Folk or your favourite word of choice!) talk about a connection to nature, the belief that magick is all around at all times, but it can conspicously absent from the sterile office environment.
Now I realize that in some cases that's a matter of practicality. Few of us make our living out of our magickal practices or can have a cauldron bubbling away on top of the file cabinet with the latest herbs picked from the garden hidden under our desks. Far too many still live in areas where being "out of the broom-closet" could jeopardize a career (or worse!).
So, how does one stay in touch with nature and magick in the office environment without being overly obvious about it (carving a giant pentacle in your desk is right out, sorry!)?
One thing that has worked for me is to Surround yourself with the Elements:
Earth: Can you have a plant on your desk? Could you suggest that the HR department purchase plants to hide power outlets or exposed corners in the building? Is there an outdoor, employee patio and if so, could you dress it up with flowers in planter boxes. Taking the time to beautify one's office space or surroundings is not only good for your spirit but can uplift other employees too...and what a better way to contribute to the smooth operation of the business than by inviting some good ol' earth energy to help with grounding. I'm in that process now. My office has a lovely window and a few well-placed plants would go a long way to getting some "life" into the room.
Air: Well, the obvious solution here is to open a window and let the air flow into the work space. Not always practical though and the windows in our building don't open. Pictures of storms, feathers, birds can work well. My favourite way to invite air into the office is to get out of the office! At least once a day I stand in the fresh air (rain or shine) and drink in that glorious energy. And I find laughter to be a great way to bring in the air. Nothing better than a big, healthy guffaw to change the energy on a dull Monday afternoon!
Water: A desk-sized fountain can do the trick here, but think big - can your office take a water feature in the main lobby? What about out in the company courtyard? Even somethng as simple as getting a water cooler to stand around can be a good thing. Fresh, clean water is healthy. Many companies have coffee pots and soda machines but not all of them have available water (that isn't from a tap).
Fire: Have to be careful with this one! Creativity might be the better course of action here! I have a few pictures on my desk top that inspire me. I look at fire as inpiration. A love letter or a card from an admirer might be a good way to remember fire. Standing out in the sun can do it too.
Witches by nature are a creative bunch. Taking the time to "magick" up the office can be a blast. Green offices can go all out by creating gardens, getting rain-water silos going and the like. Even suggesting a company clean up day of a park, freeway section or beach can be a good way to incorporate nature as part of the office culture. If your office/company is open to it there are hundreds of ways to make your office more environmentally friendly. There are hundreds of easy suggestions online such as:
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_ways_to_go_g.html
Just a thought...
Most corporate offices I visit are a maze of grey walls and grey cubicles. Not exactly where one thinks to practice magick or see the face of the goddess.
Most Pagans (I use that term generically, feel free to substitute in Wiccans, Druids, Fae Folk or your favourite word of choice!) talk about a connection to nature, the belief that magick is all around at all times, but it can conspicously absent from the sterile office environment.
Now I realize that in some cases that's a matter of practicality. Few of us make our living out of our magickal practices or can have a cauldron bubbling away on top of the file cabinet with the latest herbs picked from the garden hidden under our desks. Far too many still live in areas where being "out of the broom-closet" could jeopardize a career (or worse!).
So, how does one stay in touch with nature and magick in the office environment without being overly obvious about it (carving a giant pentacle in your desk is right out, sorry!)?
One thing that has worked for me is to Surround yourself with the Elements:
Earth: Can you have a plant on your desk? Could you suggest that the HR department purchase plants to hide power outlets or exposed corners in the building? Is there an outdoor, employee patio and if so, could you dress it up with flowers in planter boxes. Taking the time to beautify one's office space or surroundings is not only good for your spirit but can uplift other employees too...and what a better way to contribute to the smooth operation of the business than by inviting some good ol' earth energy to help with grounding. I'm in that process now. My office has a lovely window and a few well-placed plants would go a long way to getting some "life" into the room.
Air: Well, the obvious solution here is to open a window and let the air flow into the work space. Not always practical though and the windows in our building don't open. Pictures of storms, feathers, birds can work well. My favourite way to invite air into the office is to get out of the office! At least once a day I stand in the fresh air (rain or shine) and drink in that glorious energy. And I find laughter to be a great way to bring in the air. Nothing better than a big, healthy guffaw to change the energy on a dull Monday afternoon!
Water: A desk-sized fountain can do the trick here, but think big - can your office take a water feature in the main lobby? What about out in the company courtyard? Even somethng as simple as getting a water cooler to stand around can be a good thing. Fresh, clean water is healthy. Many companies have coffee pots and soda machines but not all of them have available water (that isn't from a tap).
Fire: Have to be careful with this one! Creativity might be the better course of action here! I have a few pictures on my desk top that inspire me. I look at fire as inpiration. A love letter or a card from an admirer might be a good way to remember fire. Standing out in the sun can do it too.
Witches by nature are a creative bunch. Taking the time to "magick" up the office can be a blast. Green offices can go all out by creating gardens, getting rain-water silos going and the like. Even suggesting a company clean up day of a park, freeway section or beach can be a good way to incorporate nature as part of the office culture. If your office/company is open to it there are hundreds of ways to make your office more environmentally friendly. There are hundreds of easy suggestions online such as:
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife/2007/03/10_ways_to_go_g.html
Just a thought...
Love the way you think Gary.... my brain often ponders similar paths.... while my counseling and healing work is a 'sacred vocation,' it is not so easy to apply those principles to other more mundane business world tasks I am also 'called' to perform in the name of providing income for our family. I do meditate on this concept, how do I invoke/evoke the Sacred in the less glamorous... Sacred dishwashing? I can do it! Sacred bookkeeping? A much tougher lesson to embrace... but I am working on it.
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