My New Approach to Stormy Weather Prep
My New Approach to Stormy Weather Prep
Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's witchcraft
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
~ Albus Dumbledore
Happy Hanukkah, Friends!
We’re officially in the thick of the Holiday Season. And with it, winter storm season. This week, me, myself, and I want to know: How do you prepare for a storm?
Let me know in the comments:
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How I Prepare for a Storm
I clean. And cast spells.
There are other things, too. My husband and I make sure our fuel stores are topped off (indoor firewood ring for the woodstove, gas cans for the generators, etc.) and there’s enough food and bottled water for us + the animals for at least a few days, just in case we can’t get out.
I charge all the devices and the battery bank and make sure there are extra batteries for our headlamps. We fill a large container with tap water and secure any large outdoor items that may blow around in high winds. If I have time, I pour beeswax candles, but the candlemaker in me has been seriously slacking lately (that, and I struggle with the art of wick placement).
But, mostly, my day-ahead storm prep centers around cleaning and housewitchery.
Since moving to Maine in 2020, we’ve become pros at enduring severe weather. At least two heavy storms have knocked out our power for several days, both of which overlapped with a holiday (Easter 2020 and Christmas 2022).
We live on a private road in a small house that used to be completely off-grid. Now, we’re one of five power customers. But that first year, we were the only one. I’m only sharing this to point out that we’re an extremely low priority when it comes to power restoration efforts.
The first time, we were so underprepared that we ended up melting snow in a pot on the wood stove to flush the toilet and wash dishes. Like cavepeople.
Other traumatic memories associated with long power outages include piles of unwashed laundry, dirty dishes, and leftover seafood going bad in the too-warm fridge.
Last night, we fell asleep to howling winds and pouring rain. Now that we’re cooped up in the house with three bored dogs, I’m so glad I spent all of yesterday cleaning. I can relax in my recliner chair and type away, knowing we have multiple sets of clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our fridge contains food that can be easily heated and enjoyed with little to no preparation. Anything that might’ve spoiled this week has been composted, pickled, or frozen.
Even Jason caught the bug — I found him disinfecting the kitchen counters and rearranging furniture this morning.
Fortunately, the storm seems to have mostly passed, and we still have power!
Another thing I’ve been doing for the past few storms is casting protective “bubbles” around my home and neighborhood. Yes, I’m talking witchcraft.
Recently, I’ve been working on casting circles and expanding them to encompass all the living things and structures on this piece of land I call home. I also take a moment to check on the wards I’ve placed to ensure they’re fully charged and ready to protect us.
If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, I highly recommend reading these books by Althaea Sebastiani:
By Rust of Nail and Prick of Thorn: The Theory & Practice of Effective Home Warding — This is an intermediate book intended for witches who’ve already mastered sensing and moving energy.
A Witch’s Guide to Spellcraft — Great for beginners and teaches you how to sense and direct energy.
(I may earn a small commission if you purchase a book through one of my links. This is at no extra cost to you and will make you feel much better than supporting the A-hole.)
Since I started incorporating witchcraft into my storm prep, we haven’t experienced a single power outage or damage of any kind, even when others in our area haven’t been so lucky. A quick Google search for our power company revealed 66 outages affecting more than 2,500 customers from today’s storm. I am not one of them.
You can call it a coincidence, but I don’t believe in such things. I do, however, believe in magic ;)
Speaking of magic! I am still doing tarot readings!
Here are the deets:
✨ New Year Email Tarot Readings — $60 for a 12-month tarot outlook and monthly affirmations typed up in a neat PDF including a photo of your spread
✨ 3-Card Video Readings — Still free until Dec. 18 for any of Hayley’s loved ones who haven’t gotten one yet. If you’ve already gotten one and want more, it’s $20
Reach out via email, text, or DM to set something up! L.Steinheimer@gmail.com
Thanks so much for reading! To support my work, you can share, subscribe, and buy me a coffee.
I love you!
Lauren