Desert Magick Podcast: Gnomes—Our Magickal Neighbors

Gnomes have inspired artwork, books, and mythical tales—but these things are just part of the story. In this episode, will be looking at gnomes as earth spirits and magickal allies—bringing a fresh perspective on them that is anything but new.

Credit for show intro: Catherine D.

Transcript

Bringing olden ways to modern days, For Wiccans, Witches, Pagans, And all who honor a nature-based path. This is Desert Magic with Crow Moon. Merry Meet, And welcome back to another episode of Desert Magic, Coming to you from the beautiful and magical desert of Southern Arizona. My name is Crow Moon, And I'm your host. I've yet to encounter one person who doesn't like gnomes. Whether or not they actually believe in their existence is immaterial. At the very least, They enjoy the idea of them anyway. Many people who do not identify as spiritual in any way will have a statue of a gnome in their garden. We see gnomes for every season in practically every home decor store. Gnomes can be found on greeting cards and t-shirt designs, Often depicted as they participate in activities thought to be almost exclusively human. Those depictions are often humorous and sometimes irreverent. People find comfort in the images of gnomes, Thinking that they are joyous and cute, And consideration of gnomes generally ends there. If asked, Many would say that they do not actually believe in gnomes, Thinking that they are purely as imaginary as leprechauns or fairies. But there are some of us who see gnomes as earth spirits, And we know that they are real. One such person is speaking to you at this moment. My fascination with gnomes first began as a child, When I came across a richly illustrated book about them. This book became the favorite of my childhood. It transported me to another realm, But not in a fictitious way. I felt as though this book was allowing me to understand something that was not only quite real, But also actively around me. It was as if both the author and the illustrator were laying out in physical form what I'd long been sensing. I never believed in gnomes because belief usually involves taking someone's word for something. Instead, I always knew that gnomes are real. I never outgrew this, But I did cease talking about it. Saying that you believe in Bigfoot, UFOs, Or conspiracy theories might get you a sympathetic ear from the like-minded every now and then. But saying you know that gnomes are real often blazes a trail of, At the very least, Solitude. As with any other spirits, Gnomes can be sensed. It's quite possible to see them with our physical eyes, But such occurrences are rare, Due to the fact that gnomes are nocturnal. Furthermore, Gnomes go out of their way to not be seen. They prefer this. They also do not care if we believe in them or not. That was Autumn Dew, By yours truly. By the way they are depicted in books, Cartoons, And other illustrations, We are inclined to picture gnomes in our minds as eternally joyous creatures, Who also happen to be cute. This is very similar to the preconceived notion that ghosts are naturally inclined to be evil, And that their presence is largely because of a desire to haunt a person or place. Both of these stereotypes are inaccurate and unfair. Gnomes can be quite friendly, And they often are, But they are as individual as we are. It is their desire to help, And this help applies to nature, Animals, And even us. But the way in which this help is sometimes given can also be contrary to what we might expect. These acts might appear to be prankish to some. An example of this would be the morning I went out to check the mail and found a cornstalk growing just outside my front door. One could easily argue that this was caused by birds, But I know better. Without giving any further details, The placement itself was too perfect. The example I just shared is very typical of the way in which gnomes will interact with us. As with all spirits, These interactions don't often mirror the ones we have with those of this realm. And as with all communications and interactions with spirits, One must practice awareness. More often than not, When gnomes interact with us, We will perceive it to be playful. In this regard, They are, Indeed, The jolly folk we see in modern depictions. And if gnomes choose to interact with you at all, Not only will it be a good-natured experience, But you can take it to mean that you have found favor with them. They're not known to prank those they dislike. They simply have nothing to do with them at all. So how do we get on a gnome's good list? The easy answer is by simply offering kindness to everything around you, Especially nature. Bonus points if you're kind to yourself. If you wish to express kindness, Specifically to gnomes, You might leave offerings such as milk, Honey, And berries just outside your door. Keep in mind that such offerings are similar to those we give to any other spirit or deity in that they are consumed energetically rather than physically by the recipient. And, As with all relationships, They require a bit of consistency and nurturing. Although you can eventually ask gnomes for favors, Such a request should not be your first interaction with them, Nor should seeking favors be your primary motivation. Favors might, Indeed, Come your way, And you could find that making a request for them is entirely unnecessary. Gnomes pay attention to everything, Including us. They are aware of what brings us joy and what does not. At this point, You might be wondering why someone would wish to build a relationship with gnomes. The answer is quite simple. We are all neighbors. You might not necessarily want to become close friends with the person living next door to you, But it's likely that you would seek to have a harmonious coexistence with them. It simply makes life better and more pleasant for all concerned. Of course, If you desire something that is more on a friendship level, Gnomes will generally be receptive to this, Too. Beyond offerings, Other ways of interacting with gnomes run parallel to ways of doing so with other members of the spirit realm. These can include meditating, Scrying, Or simply a non-verbal dialogue while practicing awareness. Quite simply, All one needs to do is listen, Sense, And feel. If you are practicing Wiccan, You might choose to invite them into your circle or include a mention of them when you are calling in the element of Earth. Start thinking of gnomes in the same regard as you would ancestors and spirits of the land. If gnomes are present where you live, They will eventually make their presence known to you. This won't be because of something that is written in a book or anything I've just said. You will know, And you will not need confirmation beyond your instincts. But if you want to altogether dismiss the idea that gnomes exist and you further think that the notion of interacting with them is ludicrous, There's no harm in that. The gnomes will not have hurt feelings and, Accordingly, Begin ringing your doorbell at all hours of the night. They will simply go on doing what gnomes do. But there is one thing you cannot stop gnomes from doing, And that is believing in you. Until next time, The crow flies from me to thee. To send the message, Blessed be.