Greetings, fellow seekers!
I'm delighted to welcome you to Away With Wendy, a little corner of the internet devoted to exploring spirituality, mysticism, and magical practices from a place of curiosity and openness.
Coming from a Japanese background, I am very familiar with the Shinto tradition. While most people (especially Japanese people) don't consider it a religion, it is a way of life incredibly ingrained within Japan's culture and society. I grew up going to Shinto shrines and paying respects at family altars.
Within the Shinto tradition, animate and inanimate objects have a type of "soul" or energy to them. It's difficult to explain, but these are viewed as "Kami," a type of god. We pay respect to these gods and strive to protect them, live honorably, and pursue our own happiness. Although a visitor to Japan may pay their respects to the Kami, these gods and spirits are bound to the land, and when you leave the land, it's difficult to maintain these bonds.
I felt this when I moved away from Japan. I felt a loss of connection to my people and the energy of the land I once appreciated. This loss led me to seek out a connection with North America and its spirits and gods. When I began my spiritual journey, I picked up a book about witchcraft and was stunned at the similarities to Shinto tradition. Rituals, talismans, and purification surrounding an immense respect for the earth are critical aspects of both practices. By learning how witchcraft practitioners, shamans, and other spiritual practitioners connect with this land, I've since been able to center myself and begin setting roots in my new home.
Thanks to my exposure to Shinto, I feel a connection to the Earth and its spirits that have led me down an inexplicable path. Like many who feel drawn to the realms beyond the ordinary, I've been blessed with the opportunity to learn both Eastern and Western metaphysical traditions on my own. Everyone's path is unique, and mine has been especially winding. I don't subscribe to just one practice and believe that everyone should do what feels right to them.
Here, I hope to share some of that accumulated knowledge with you in a spirit of community, wisdom, and support.
You'll find a collection of writings and guides covering topics from herbalism to spellcraft to divination - with some playful forays into superstition and folklore as well! While I strive to bridge tradition and modernity, science and spirit, my approach, above all, honors the light within us all.
This is a sanctuary welcoming everyone from the simply curious to the formally initiated. My goal is to inform and empower you on your journey with reverence for these ancient arts. Together, we nourish rituals of nature, mysticism, and healing for modern life.
Thank you for joining me! I look forward to learning and growing on this adventure with my fellow travelers. May we walk in harmony.
Comments