aimlessly through time and space. You are only in the here and now; it is truly all you have. The past is gone and the future is uncertain, but right here and now is the tangible evidence of everything you’ve experienced up until this second. The present moment is a truth that no one can take from us, yet we tend to remove ourselves from it, prioritizing things we can no longer change or things we have no solid proof of.

Being in the moment is a superpower in a world full of worry, stress, anxiety, and all the "icky nasties." Even though there is plenty of gross gunk to get stuck in, there are also plenty of meadows to frolic in and enjoy. For many of us, we get so bogged down by the ick that we forget to look up and see what’s around us.

We are always at the helm of our vessel. We are always making conscious choices. Now, it is time to sit in the moment and sit with ourselves. We do this for no one else but us; we are the most deserving of our own presence.

Let’s take that first step together. Let’s step into the Earth—where our healing lies, where our roots go deep, and where our lives are cherished. Grab a warm beverage, a comfy blanket, and something to take notes with, because we’re about to get planted.

II. The Witchy View: Rooting into the Dark

To the average observer, the winter world looks dead. The grass is brown, the trees are bare, and the landscape is a messy tangle of twigs void of vibrant color. But this visual doesn’t even begin to describe the truth of what is happening beneath the surface. These "naked" plants are actually full of infinite potential. The ability to grow exponentially is humming within them; they are simply waiting for the conditions to be correct to show off.

The wintered land is in a state of quantum superposition. In physics, this is a state where all outcomes exist at once until the "cause" is revealed. Until Spring arrives, we don’t know exactly how the world will bounce back—but while it is dormant, the plants, fungi, and organisms are storing energy and conserving their essence. They are in a phase of deep rest.

When we decide to go within, it might look to the outside world like we are doing nothing. In reality, we are having a personal conference call with our souls. This inner meeting isn’t just about healing; it’s about building a space where our internal state begins to dictate our external reality. This is how you attract what is meant for you—by dwelling in that place of infinite potential.

The Great Exchange

Stripping away the undesired portions of the self and building up new ones is taxing, heavy work. It takes a toll on the body, which is why we feel that sludge-like need to rest. But we don't have to do it alone. We can find aid in the Earth—Gaia—our Earth Mother.

Most people think grounding is just about "dumping" negative energy. But we are also encouraged to take—to receive the positive, life-bringing energy the Earth provides. To do this effectively, I use a visualization I call the Winter Cord:

1. The Tether: Imagine a cord of pure light starting at the base of your skull, traveling down your spine, out through your tailbone, and tethering deep into the Earth’s hot core. (The color of the light doesn't matter; let it be whatever you feel called to).
2. The Intention: Once you feel that connection, state your intention. It doesn’t need to be eloquent. You can simply say: “I release all energy that does not serve my highest good and replace it with nurturing energy from the Earth, so that I may hold space for myself.”
3. The Power of Mind: Whether you say it aloud or in your head, as long as it is yours, it will work.

At first, it might feel silly. But as you learn to quiet the extra noise, you will actually begin to feel the exchange happening in your body. The beautiful thing? You don’t even need to be outside. You could be on a plane miles above the clouds and still ground yourself to the core. This is the power of the imagination—what we focus on expands.

III. The Anatomy of the Anchor

To understand the psychological side of grounding, we have to look at how we can use physical "triggers" to induce a state of peace. My body has a specific way of asking me to ground: it creates a heavy weight in my legs and tightens up my hips and lower back. When this happens, I know it’s time to anchor. I always start with the placement of my feet and the physical sensation of clothes on my skin. This sensory check-in immediately pulls me into a state of presence.

You can train your brain to use any cue to return to the now. You might try using weighted blankets, wearing heavy clothing, or rubbing a worry stone made of tourmaline, hematite, or obsidian. These physical anchors signal your parasympathetic nervous system to kick in, beginning the vital process of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Survival Mode and the Masculine Guard

Most of us spend our lives hunting for threats. We are constantly scanning for danger or anything that might oppose us. This is "survival mode," and as we discussed last week, it is deeply linked to the Solar-Masculine energy. When we are trapped in survival, we get wrapped up in the "ick" and lose sight of the beauty in life.

The first step is recognizing when you are in this mode. From there, you can work with that masculine energy to create a perimeter of safety so you can finally rest. Grounding is the "doing" and the action of rooting oneself—it is masculine in its focused intent—yet it is also feminine in the way it leads to an inevitable give-and-take with the Earth. Once the connection is made, the work is simply to be.

The masculine creates the space by securing the anchor, so that the feminine may descend into the depths of the inner world.

A Sacred Nest

I had a realization recently that made me chuckle. I’ve been imagining a future where my future husband helps me dig a literal hole in the ground for us to meditate in. He would help with the heavy lifting—digging the space and building up the rim so no one falls in—while I would weave mats for the floor and sow native grass and wildflower seeds around the edges to prevent erosion.

In this vision, the masculine provides the structure and the safety, turning a simple hole into a sacred nest where Gaia can rock us like children. It is the perfect marriage of effort and surrender. But, of course—to each their own!

IV. Rituals for the Deep Freeze

As I mentioned earlier, grounding is a practice because it is something you can perfect with intention and effort. If this is your first time building a grounding toolkit, here are a few rituals to try as you begin your descent.

The Weight of the Anchor

To represent the weight of the anchor that keeps you from drifting, you can use your own physical body to signal that it is time for rest. This can be tricky; if you aren’t already practicing regular mindfulness—like body scans and self-exploration—you might not notice your body becoming "heavy" until you are already past the point of light rest. By the time you notice, you may feel sluggish, uncoordinated, and forgetful, reaching for caffeine as the only fix.

To take back control, use a weighted blanket or weighted clothing. This allows you to make a conscious choice to feel the weight on your body. The warmth of the fabric adds a soothing layer to the practice, acting as a tangible reward for your nervous system.

You could also use a stone to ground you. I love this because a stone has existed since long before your body ever walked the planet; it is a direct piece of Mother Gaia’s history. Keeping a worry stone in your pocket or wearing stone jewelry provides a fidget-point that signals to your brain: You are safe. You are present. Over time, your brain will learn that handling this item means it is time to drop the anchor.

Bringing the Earth Indoors

During hibernation, we spend more time inside, so it is vital to bring Mother Earth into your home.

• The Salt Soak: A salt bath provides deep muscular relaxation that you can carry through your day or straight into bed.
• Tending the Green: The act of repotting, pruning, or watering a houseplant can bring an immediate sense of calm. Why? Because you are taking care of an organism that only exists in the present moment. It responds to your touch and care. Plus, getting your hands in the soil provides the same primal grounding as holding a stone.

Securing the Digital Perimeter

Finally, I highly recommend setting aside a specific space or time in your day to unplug. Digital technology is a beautiful tool for connection, but energy is still transferred through the screen.

Your brain takes in digital images and "mirrors" them, causing emotions to well up as if the events were happening to you. This is why you gasp when you see someone fall on a bike or blush when someone else is embarrassed on screen. Your nervous system takes on that external stimuli as its own.

A break from technology is essential, especially if you find yourself reaching for your phone out of impulse the second you have "downtime." Trust me, your entire being will thank you for setting solid boundaries with the digital world.

V. Conclusion: Standing Still in the Storm

You are becoming unshakeable! By securing your vessel and planting your roots deep into the Earth, you are creating a foundation that can weather any season. The deep roots you grow during this rest period will provide the propulsion needed to achieve everything you are meant to in the springtime that follows.

As I shared in our last message, rest can sometimes feel like taking a step or two back. But remember: when you finally move forward from a place of true alignment, you take leaps that carry you farther than you ever could have gone while running on empty.

Take your anchor and cast it into the unknown so that you may better know yourself. Even when the storms of the world are blowing through, you are steadfast in your ability to remain in the moment. You are home.

The Prompt

What does "home" feel like in your body right now? Is it a certain weight in your limbs? A quietness in your chest? Or perhaps a specific scent or texture that brings you back to center? Let me know in the comments—I’m excited to read where you are grounded in this winter!

Until our next Mindful Adventure, my dear friends.

My goal is simply to be a vessel, sharing the lessons and insights from my own path in the hopes that they may serve as a guide on your own. If this message found you at just the right time and resonated with you, I consider our connection a profound success. Whether our paths cross just this once or intertwine beautifully, know that I am here as a comrade and a friend on this journey.

I truly hope you feel seen, supported, and hopeful as you continue on your way. You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out directly to me. If you feel called to support this work and its mission, you can find the donation page linked in the site's footer. I look forward to connecting with you on this magnificent adventure.

With Love and Fire,

Jamelah Luckett

Link to Companion YouTube Video