By definition,
Gnomes are earth spirits from European folklore.
From my perspective,
However,
I would argue that they are far more than mythical.
They're quite real,
As real as any other spirits.
Gnomes are known to protect gardens,
Farms,
Sacred areas,
Natural resources,
And families.
Magically speaking,
They are associated with the element of earth.
They are similar to sprites and pixies in nature,
But gnomes have a more humanoid appearance.
Gnomes have been popularized in books,
Cartoons,
And movies.
In these depictions,
They are often portrayed as tiny,
Pointed hat-wearing,
Jolly beings.
While there's nothing wrong or inaccurate with this characterization,
Such a portrayal often overrides the fact that they are indeed spiritual beings.
By viewing gnomes as being strictly cute or playful,
We tend to strip away reality,
Which is that they are very real.
They have personalities,
Likes,
And dislikes,
Just like we do.
They're certainly joyous,
Which can lead to them acting a bit overzealous at times,
Or at least what we would describe as such.
This almost always happens in a good way,
By them helping out too much,
And it coming across to us more like innocent interference.
They are kind and patient,
But they can also be stubborn,
And occasionally tricksters.
In German,
They are known as Erdmannlein,
Or Heinzelmansion.
In Scandinavia,
They're referred to as Nysa,
Or Tumte.
Especially in these areas,
They are regarded as spirits of the home as well.
The Fiasnysa are Nordic barn gnomes that live in farmhouses or barns,
And tend to the animals there.
In fact,
A Nordic tradition is leaving out an offering of Julegrote,
Which is a sweet rice pudding,
For them on the night before Jule,
As a way of showing appreciation for the help they give.
Gnomes are nocturnal.
You might never see them,
But you will sense them if you practice stillness,
And simply listen as you are out in nature.
Much like the Fae,
They do not sense time and space the same way we do,
Because they are on a different vibrational level.
As such,
They don't often tend to be seen,
Or care to be seen,
But their presence can definitely be sensed and felt.
All we need to do is pay attention.
Gnomes respond to respect.
If you respect the earth,
Animals,
Other people,
And yourself,
They will pick up on this and begin viewing you as trustworthy.
If you garden or tend to plants,
Feed the birds,
Or so much as go out of your way to pick up litter,
This will be noticed by the gnomes,
And you will score points with them.
You can leave them offerings of milk,
Honey,
Berries,
Or nuts,
Near your door,
Or in your garden.
They also appreciate crystals being left out for them.
The shinier,
The better.
And while they do enjoy certain things more than others,
The intention is much more valuable to them than the actual gift.
Practicing mindfulness and living with a sense of stability and security will also get their attention quickly.
Speak to them.
Whenever you are outdoors,
Around your home,
Speak kindly to them.
Tell them that their presence is wanted and welcome.
This is especially good to do if you choose to leave offerings for them.
Whatever you do,
Though,
Do not say thank you to them.
While this is a common courtesy for us,
Gnomes interpret that as being talked down to.
So,
For example,
Instead of thanking them for helping tend to my garden,
I will say something like,
It makes me very happy to see how these plants are growing so well.
They bring so much joy to me.
Working with gnomes in your practice of magic is done in much the same way as you would with any other earth,
Spirit,
Or land ancestor.
Call upon them for any working pertaining to protection,
Grounding,
Security,
And stability.
These are just a few ideas.
Just as in working with any spirit or deity,
Your request for assistance should not be the first conversation you have.
It is important to first build a relationship with them before asking for anything.
In some cases,
Asking for assistance might be entirely unnecessary.
If your thoughts and actions are naturally earth conscious,
Gnomes will already be aware of this.
They will sometimes assist you without invitation.
If nothing else,
When you are casting a circle and calling in the elements,
Deities,
And ancestors,
You can also invite in the gnomes,
Especially when you are calling forth the element of earth.
Some view gnomes literally.
Some view them metaphorically,
As personifications of spirits.
Much like the way in which deities are seen in Wicca,
There is no incorrect way to view or relate to them.
Keep in mind that,
Just like deities and other spirits,
It is not necessary to see gnomes with your physical eyes in order to realize their presence.
Having a desire to be aware of them is really all that is necessary.
So,
Why are gnomes and earth spirits important to us?
The simple answer is that they care for the earth.
Further,
And perhaps most importantly,
They teach us to care for the earth.
This is why people who are not so consumed with the hustle and bustle of daily life in the human existence,
To a point that they are blind to the importance of nature,
Really stand out to the gnomes.
It is their wish for us that we develop a love for nature,
That we will be hospitable and helpful to all living beings,
Even without being asked.
Lastly,
It doesn't matter to gnomes whether you believe in them or not.
Keep in mind,
However,
That they very much believe in you.
Blessed Be.
