Sacred Phenology and Phenomenology
/As the seasons turn, we are invited to witness and honor the subtle shifts and rhythms of nature as sacred forms—holy hours that call us to deeper awareness. These seasonal changes are not just natural occurrences; they are Earth's own ceremonial practices, rhythmic rituals repeated as expressions of the Sacred Wild. By attuning ourselves to these cycles, we engage in the practice of sacred phenology—the attentive observation of the wild beings around us as manifestations of Divine Mystery.
In Celtic spirituality, nature is seen as a living, breathing scripture, where every creature, plant, and landscape is a verse revealing the Sacred. As you intentionally observe the life forms around you, consider how this deepened attention transforms your relationship with them. Phenomenology invites us to be fully present to the conscious shifts within ourselves and our interactions with other life forms through direct experience. When you view these beings as sacred, how does it change the way you engage with them? How does this shift your encounters from an impersonal I-It relationship to an I-Thou connection—one marked by mutuality, presence, and a profound sense of the ineffable?
Following is an example of a phenology wheel—a tool to help you track and record the seasonal patterns and beings you observe. This wheel serves as a personal map of your journey through the year, allowing you to document not just the external changes in your environment, but also the internal transformations these encounters inspire. Consider printing out a few copies of the provided Rewilding Wheel and use them to record your observations the seasons to come. What are you witnessing in the natural world (sacred phenology), and how is it changing you (phenomenology)?
Engage with this practice as you would with any sacred ceremony. Before you begin, consider blessing your senses—perhaps with a drop of water or oil on your eyes, nose, lips, ears, and hands—to attune yourself fully to the world around you. Then, step outside and commune with creation.
Pay close attention to the wildlife in your homescape:
Who do you notice? Sink deeply into your senses and observe who is present in this life-giving Earth.
Notice sun light and shadows; where is the sun in the sky/horizon line?
Where are the shadows, and where is the coolness?
Practice a seasonal exercise: An example for a winter practice could be walking in the dark, whether in the early morning or evening. Depending on your location, you might even experience a darkening walk in the late afternoon. As the darkness gathers, observe how the wildlife behaves:
Where do they go?
What are their energy levels?
Reflect on how the more-than-human world interacts with this time of day and this season of the year. What mirroring behaviors are you invited to consider? As you deepen your connection with the Sacred Wild through this practice, allow the wisdom of the natural world to guide you in embodying seasonal rhythms.