Today is Indigenous People’s Day, and I find myself reflecting on the importance of honoring not only the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land for centuries but also the land itself and its spirits. In my spiritual practice, land spirits play a key role, guiding me toward a deeper connection with the earth and its history. I live in Eastern Pennsylvania, on land once home to the Lenape people, and their presence and legacy continue to inspire my work with the spirits of this place.
The Lenape: Original Stewards of the Land
Before colonization, the Lenape (also known as the Delaware) thrived in the regions now known as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of Delaware and New York. Their relationship with the land was sacred—every river, tree, and animal had a spirit, and they viewed the earth as a living being to be respected, cared for, and honored.
Though the Lenape were displaced by European settlers, their spiritual presence is still palpable in the natural world around us. To truly work with land spirits, I believe it is crucial to honor the original stewards of that land, like the Lenape. Acknowledging their wisdom and relationship with the land offers a profound way to deepen my spiritual practice.
Personal Reflection: The Blanket Exercise
Last month, I attended Spirit Kindred, a women’s spiritual and healing retreat. I took part in a workshop, “Witness to Injustice,” KAIROS Blanket Exercise, which walked us through over 500 years of Indigenous history, highlighting the relationship between Indigenous peoples, like the Lenape, European explorers, colonial settlers, and the U.S. government.
As we moved through the exercise, blankets representing the land were slowly removed, signifying the loss of territory, culture, and life that Indigenous peoples faced. This immersive experience left a deep impression on me. It reminded me of the trauma that these communities have endured and how important it is to not only acknowledge this history but also honor the spirits and ancestors of the land in my spiritual practice.
Connecting with the Land Spirits
In my spiritual journey, I’ve come to understand that the spirits of the land—those connected to the forests, rivers, and mountains—are always present, watching over and interacting with those who walk the earth. These spirits, often seen as protectors or guardians, offer guidance, wisdom, and a deeper connection to the earth itself.
Yesterday, I sat on a rock on the bank of the Schuylkill River, less than half a mile from my home in Phoenixville. For several hours, I quietly observed two great blue herons attempting, surprisingly without success, to catch fish in the river’s gentle current. In Native American culture, the great blue heron is seen as a symbol of patience and good luck. In Celtic mythology, the heron represents transformation, adaptability, and is often associated with transitions and transcendence. As I watched them, I felt deeply honored by their presence, as if they were a reflection of my own spiritual journey—reminding me of the need for patience and the transformative power of working with land spirits.
The wind rustled the leaves above me, and the soft murmur of the water flowing over the rapids was like a distant whisper from the past. I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the land, as if the Lenape themselves had once sat in that very spot, watching the river much like I was, listening to the same rhythms of nature centuries ago.
Archaeological evidence shows that the Lenape inhabited this area long before the Europeans arrived, establishing villages along the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. Sitting there, I felt the presence of the land spirits and the echoes of the Lenape, whose bond with this land runs deep. It was a reminder that to truly work with land spirits, we must honor the original stewards of the earth and their spiritual legacy.
This kind of quiet listening is how I often connect with the land spirits—by simply being present and open. I offer my respect to the spirits through small gifts, such as flowers or herbs, left at significant places like the riverbank. In return, the land often speaks to me, offering guidance through dreams or moments of stillness like the one I experienced by the Schuylkill River. This relationship is a key part of my spiritual practice, especially as I continue to learn about the Lenape and their sacred connection to the land.
Adding the Lenape to My Ancestor Altar
Though the Lenape are not my direct ancestors, I feel it’s essential to honor them in my ancestral veneration practice. After all, they are the spiritual ancestors of the land I now call home, and their connection to this earth is something I deeply respect.
On my ancestor altar, I’ve added small items that represent the Lenape’s presence and their relationship to the land. A feather that I found while walking the Schuylkill River Trail represents air, and the spirits of the sky, and a stone symbolizes the earth and its deep connection to it. Tonight, I will light a candle to honor the Lenape and say a prayer acknowledging their history and sacred stewardship of this land. This small act helps me connect with the spirits of the land while paying respect to the people who cared for it long before I arrived.
Incorporating this kind of intentional honoring into my spiritual practice is something I’ve been deeply committed to during my spirit feast, where I invite ancestors, deities, and land spirits to be part of my space throughout the month of October.
Why Honor Land Spirits in Spiritual Practice?
Honoring the land spirits is not only an act of gratitude but also a way to bring balance and healing to both the physical and spiritual realms. The Lenape viewed the land as living, and when we work with land spirits, we can tap into this ancient understanding of reciprocity. By offering respect and mindful stewardship, we help restore harmony to the natural world and, in return, gain insight and spiritual connection.
Working with land spirits is especially meaningful around Indigenous People’s Day, when we can pause to reflect on the original caretakers of the land. In recognizing their wisdom and traditions, we are able to walk more lightly on this sacred ground and build a relationship with the spirits that have been here long before us.
Practical Steps for Honoring Land Spirits
If you’re looking to honor land spirits in your practice, start by learning about the Indigenous people who once lived where you now reside. Do some research to understand their connection to the land and how they honored the spirits. Consider these simple ways to honor land spirits:
- Offerings: Leave food, herbs, flowers, or other natural items in sacred places like rivers, forests, or at the base of a significant tree.
- Prayers or Invocations: Write or say a prayer acknowledging the land spirits and offering gratitude for their presence.
- Meditation and Listening: Spend time quietly in nature, listening for the guidance of the spirits around you.
These small rituals can help you cultivate a deeper relationship with the land and its guardians, much like the Lenape once did.
A Final Word on Responsibility
Spiritual practice must align with respect for history. As I honor the Lenape on my ancestor altar, I also reflect on the collective responsibility to protect the land and its spirits. Whether through activism, environmental care, or simply being mindful of how we interact with nature, we can all contribute to the healing of the land.
I encourage everyone to not only work with the land spirits but to honor the Indigenous peoples who originally cared for that land. This includes giving back, whether through supporting Indigenous causes, participating in land cleanups, or planting native species. It’s about walking in harmony with the earth, just as the Lenape and so many Indigenous peoples did.
Yesterday, during my walk, I noticed litter along the trail. Today, and every day moving forward, I will always have a trash bag with me.
Conclusion
Indigenous People’s Day is a powerful reminder to honor the original stewards of the land and the spirits that dwell within it. Whether you’re working with the spirits in your backyard or adding a small token to your ancestor altar, remember that this work is about building a relationship with the land and respecting its history. By honoring the Lenape and the spirits they held sacred, we deepen our own spiritual journeys and contribute to the healing of the earth.
Today, in honor of Indigenous People’s Day, I also signed a petition to tell Pennsylvania lawmakers that they must give State Recognition to the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Please help make this change happen by adding your signature as well.
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.