Spiritual Reading: Daily Practice Series for 2021
Scrolling through my Instagram feed this past December, I saw that Marianne Williamson was going to offer a daily reading in 2021 of A Course in Miracles. Knowing I couldn’t afford it, I decided to participate anyway, just doing it by myself.
So every morning I wake up, and after tending to my altar responsibilities, I read the day’s lesson. Reading this helps me get focused, and sets the groundwork for spiritual thought for the day. I hold on to the lessons and readings from this early morning ritual when the practicalities of the day get in the way. I have a simple exercise to practice when emotions and thoughts come up with work, my philanthropy work, or household chores and I can re-orient my mind and spirit.
Doing this reminds me of my time in Seminary. Yes, I went to Seminary, but bailed when I realized I was being called, but not in that way. While in Seminary, we had, of course, our daily readings during chapel services. But I also started reading a Psalm a day, and it helped remind me why I was there: to deepen my spiritual practice, and answer my call to be of service to others. I have kept up this practice in some way, with Christian, Buddhist and Witchcraft sources at my fingertips.
Eclectic Witch
As an Eclectic Witch, I embrace all available religious and spiritual thought, and love to explore other spiritual paths. I think that’s how I ended up studying theology and contemplating ordination. But ultimately, I realized that at my core I was a witch, I would always be a witch, and while I could embrace all religious thought, I couldn’t forgive religious practice. I think I got so used to hiding as a witch that I learned to take what was meaningful to me, make it my own, and leave the rest. But I could never get over the dogma, the rules, and the subjugation involved in the church’s foundation. So I took what resonated with me, and I embraced my path as an Eclectic Witch. One of those things that resonated with me, that I still practice, is a daily devotional reading.
While A Course in Miracles isn’t for everyone, I do recommend that you read something that inspires you as part of your daily spiritual practice. Much like the card of the day, having a daily spiritual reading can help you navigate the day’s tasks. I have compiled a list of books or readings that can help you start this easy 5-minute practice, and reap the benefits of a deeper spiritual connection to the Universe.
This list covers many spiritual paths, so explore them and choose one that feels right for you and where you are now.
Comment below or join us in the group and share your book list. What books inspire you? I would love to hear what is on your bookshelf!
A Short Reading List to get you Started
The Wealthy Spirit: Daily Affirmations for Financial Stress Reduction by Chellie Campbell
A Course in Miracles by Foundation for Inner Peace
You Are What You Think: 365 Meditations for Purposeful Living by Wayne Dyer
The Tao of Joy Every Day 365 Days of Tao Living by Derek Lin
Claim Your Power by Mastin Kipp
Crafting a Daily Practice: A Simple Course on Self-Commitment by T. Thorn Coyle
The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff (more Christian-focused)
Life’s Daily Blessings: Inspiring Reflections on Gratitude and Joy for Every Day, Based on Jewish Wisdom by Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky
The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation and Psychic Development by Christopher Penczak
A Year and a Day of Everyday Witchcraft: 366 Ways to Witchify Your Life by Deborah Blake
You could also check out Althaea Sebastiani’s website for more ideas and resources
