For my fellow city pagans out there, here are some tips culled from trial and error:
1. Set up an altar in your home. Even if it's only two candles set on your bedroom dresser, every time you walk by you'll be reminded of the God and Goddess.
2. Bring nature to you-buy some plants. Plants can be included in your circles and rituals, and tending to them gives you a connection to the Earth. Plus, plants make great companions (especially for us single people-they don't leave a mess, they never tell your secrets, and they don't have commitment problems).
3. You know that whole "bury your offerings in the Earth" thing? Put them in your plant pots. Most offerings won't hurt the plants (although ale and mead aren't a good idea-plants are nasty drunks). You can also release your incense ashes to the wind-it's appropriate since incense usually represents the element of Air.
4. If you're renting an apartment, try to get one with a balcony. It gives you a place to see the change of the seasons, and it allows you to get out and feel the rain, wind, and sun. I was blessed with an apartment with a evergreen tree on one side of my balcony and a deciduous tree right in front of it. Not only does my "balcony forest" provide some much needed privacy, I get to watch the change of the seasons from my plastic folding chairs.
5. Make your own "air freshener". Put some cool water in a spray bottle, along with 5-15 drops of essential oil. Shake and spray! Not only are you avoiding chemicals found in commercially sold sprays, the essential oils bring their energies into your abode. Some particularly good oils to try are chamomile (for de-stressing), lemongrass (good for kitchens and bathrooms and a perk-me-up) and ambergris, jasmine, or rose for the bedroom.
6. Decorate your apartment (or your room) in a way that's magickal for you. Pagan prints on the walls? Different decorations for the different seasons/Sabbats? Besom on your door? Please yourself!
7. RECYCLE! Doing something for the planet (and for our children) can make you feel like you're making a difference. (Steps down off soapbox.)
8. Many cities have groups that sponsor rituals at nearby camping grounds. If you feel comfortable being at a public ritual (and with camping in a tent) it's a great way to get in touch with the Earth, as well as other pagans in your area. If you can't do this, try to find a public park near you. Even if you don't do rituals there, taking a walk there (in the day, please!) on your lunch hour or on the weekend can make you feel more grounded.
9. When out on a walk or at a ritual, take something to remember it by. I still have stones that I collected when I was a child that remind me of days spent exploring the stream across from my house. If you can't physically go outdoors, a trip in your imagination is the next best thing.
10. Your office doesn't have a window? More plants! You can also change the wallpaper/screen saver on your computer to show nature scenes, pentacles-anything that makes you feel Witchy while you're typing away. I made wallpaper for my computer from a gorgeous picture of the Goddess Nu Kwa. I also like to draw the Moon phases on my calendar. Not only does it remind me of the Moon's cycle, it reminds me when to do my rituals!
11. Since you'll probably be buying most of your supplies at a pagan-friendly store (not many herbs growing out of sidewalks), strike up conversations with the other browsers. You can meet some interesting people this way, and maybe they'll be people who you'll want to study with or even do rituals with. Many of these stores also have flyers informing the public about study groups and public rituals that you might want to get involved with.
12. If you're not comfortable meeting people face-to-face, try talking to some people over the Net. There are plenty of forums for every different path. There are even online covens out there that offer teaching and online rituals.
13. Get involved! Helping to educate others about pagan religions helps you and all the other pagans in this country. Write to your Congressperson or Representative and register to vote. Write in to your local paper or news station (especially if you read/hear something that's anti-Pagan). Contribute your time or money to a pagan organization or some other cause you feel strongly about-many pagans are passionate about the environment, education, religious freedom, gay rights or First Amendment issues. Don't sit back-stand up and make a difference!
Being a Witch in the city may not be what most people imagine it to be (when was the last time you saw pagan art that had Witches *and* skyscrapers?), but don't let someone else's conception of what you *should* be doing influence you into something that isn't comfortable or safe for you. Do what you have to do to adapt your rituals and practices to your particular situation.
Remember, geography doesn't change the basics-your love for the Lady and Lord doesn't change just because you have to move all your furniture to be able to make space for a circle. Even in my two foot circle, with the blinds drawn and my little potted plants my only witnesses, I can still feel my heart overflowing with the love of the God/dess.
