Spiritual Cultivation and Movement
How does a witch's retreat and grounding relate to the Earth Mother?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
I knew a friend practicing a Western witchcraft tradition who described forest retreats and reducing attachment to worldly belongings to connect with nature. Through Chinese faith terminology, this can be discussed as grounding and the earth energy represented by the Supreme Earth Mother. This explains their intention; it does not ask everyone to imitate their clothing or retreat into a forest alone.
I also used birthplace, returning to one's roots, and the cultural practice of bringing home soil abroad to explain ties with the land. These help convey religious meaning, rather than requiring a return to one's birthplace to practice. Different paths have different purposes and conditions; outward imitation alone is insufficient.
On resonating with deities, I have heard elders say that inviting a deity of high spiritual rank into a temple involves corresponding spiritual qualities. This is their faith-based account. A temple's enshrined title alone cannot establish every actual circumstance; further understanding is needed.