What It's Like Being a Witch & an Ecologist

[@TheOakWitch]

I forgot to write my member shout-outs at the endscreen, so a big thank you and blessings to my members: Sma, BorneHornShellStone, Manny Romero, Verdant Bliss and Witch Spirit Tarot! If you fancy supporting the channel and becoming a member click Join or follow this link: kzbin.info/door/O2YbkVStQVDxLaSLODo5rgjoin

[@lizhadley3803]

I consider myself a hobby magpie in that I love to collect/learn about A LOT of different topics and activities. One of these topics is native plant gardening in the US. I feel like one of my duties as green magic practitioner is to support the native flora and fauna of this area. I’ve removed most of the alien ornamental plants from my garden, and I’m slowly reducing the amount of grass on our property. I think it’s amazing that you can blend your career with your craft, but I want to encourage other witches to think about becoming an ecology hobbyist. ❤

[@paganoutdoors3193]

What a wonderful video, resonates totally, I've come from a wildernesslivingskills side to paganism and forest witchcraft, I'm also a volunteer wildlife/rewildingranger,on a 750 hectares estate, which has really helped me ,trees and mycology has really opened my eyes to nature spirits, so this video is perfect in away, lovely to see you back ,good health and safe travels, cheers craig

[@TheOakWitch]

That's lovely!

[@victoriaareads]

I am currently studying wildlife conservation as a practicing witch so this video couldn't be more perfectly timed! 😊🌿✨

[@Helena_helvella.crispa]

That's wonderful! All best to you. ❤

[@victoriaareads]

@@Helena_helvella.crispa Thank you! 🤍

[@cherdrol]

Yes! Expressing appreciation has opened the communication for me ❤

[@TheOakWitch]

That's great! ❤️

[@JOJO_IN_3D]

A nice watch and happy you're back! Thanks for sharing!

[@williammartinez6381]

I do enjoy the academic side that you introduce in your explanations. Have a happy and fulfilling 2024. 👍

[@dragonslibrary]

Ive been a bit "on pause" in consuming witchy content lately, so I missed when this came out, but I am overjoyed to see this video now! I have recently finished a (long suffering 😅) bachelors degree, and have finally decided to pursue a masters in ecology, and this video and your experience is very inspiring for me on all fronts! Thank you for sharing your perspectives ❤

[@activistwitch]

Thank you so much for your kind words Ari ❤️ and for the answer! I should have specified my skepticism is inwardly focused as in I am not skeptical about a plan spirit existence, but in akeptictabout my ability to hear them, say when I ask a tree if I can gather their leaves, Vs "An I just making this up in my head". I reckon it's actually my biggest road block on my witchy path 😅

[@Tina-wi7we]

Thank you, Ari. ✨🥰 Your hair has gotent so long. Such a pretty color.

[@TheOakWitch]

Thank you 😊 I am getting it chopped off in February and I can't wait haha

[@Helena_helvella.crispa]

It's great to see you, Ari! Excellent guidance as always. Really enjoyed hearing about your practice as it relates to your role as ecologist. Liked the Q&A format. Thanks for sharing with us. All best wishes. ❤

[@TheOakWitch]

Thank you Helena ✨💙

[@Jakecollick]

I’ve seen that a few witchcraft based channels are coming to an end or retiring. Please oak witch. Don’t stop making videos :) Love n light

[@hustleNBudgetmum]

I know this is a little off top but you literally have the best cups

[@peterfindlay2756]

Glad to see you again. Broadly my journey (can't really say practice yet) is very similar to yours, only for me it focuses on ancestors of place rather than plants. I'm surrounded by iron age remains and have long thought of myself as Celtic (with good reason, so for me folk 'witchcraft' is so obviously the way forward. Do you still have a reading club? And, if so, can I join?

[@dontnoable]

6:28 this is why 'plants are living too' is not the gotcha to veganism that some people try make out. Far less plants are wasted/grown without having to feed huge animals massive amounts of plants and water. Being vegan reduces harm!

[@realmwatters2977]

And as a Ecologist, are you finding that you are moving between botany and medical herbalist, how much as a pagan you find that as folk witch, you finding yourself getting further away from paganism?

[@TheOakWitch]

I don't really practice herbal medicine, outside of fairly tame cold/flu remedies to be fair! I find myself more pagan nowadays, I think working as an ecologist has helped me find a good balance between being a pagan and a folk witch 😊

[@realmwatters2977]

@@TheOakWitch Thank you for clearing that up.

[@beeray7789]

Lovely video - I can’t help but wonder how you reconcile with the fact that many of the species and habitats you’re connecting to will be largely decimated once development begins? I’m at uni, and this has put me off going down the ecology consultancy path!

[@TheOakWitch]

The point of Ecologists is to make sure that new developments will provide a benefit or at the very least, no net loss of biodiversity and wildlife. Yes development can suck and consultancy can be quite depressing at times. But development is a part of our society, and it's going to happen either way! There needs to be mediums such as ecologists to ensure that the development will ensure no harm and provide a positive for nature. Consultancy isn't for everyone - but most decent consultancies will work hard so that many of the species and habitats won't be decimated. We follow official guidance and guidelines that prioritise retention of habitats, habitat enhancements, and general mitigation/avoidance.

[@beeray7789]

Well I’m glad there are passionate folk like you in the sector! I’ve done some seasonal field ecology in the past and it all felt rather futile, but perhaps I should persist with an approach like yours. I end up being suspicious about things like BNG, but maybe I am too cynical! And great to hear you’re botanically-minded - me too! Thanks for the reply :)

[@TheOakWitch]

Don't get me wrong - the environmental and conservation systems we have in place here in the UK are not perfect. I work a lot on BNG projects and I do think there are fundamental improvements that should be made! But it is really nice to be in a job that works towards being on natures side in an development industry that inherently isn't 😊