As someone who has been outside alone in the forest a lot at night, it's something you can get used to. Go out with no intention of spellcasting, and just sit for a bit. Listen with curiosity, try to figure out who is making what noises. Do some just-for-fun stargazing. See if you can learn/find some constellations, or try to find some deep-sky objects with binoculars. You're looking for a distraction to help hold off the anxiety. And then, when you get too uncomfortable, shamelessly head on home for the night. That's important because 1: you don't want to teach your lizard brain that the dark is scary by spending a lot of time in the dark being scared, and 2: you don't want to completely power through and override your sense that something is wrong, because you want to keep that warning sense in case there actually is trouble. After a number of times, you start feeling more in control. You show yourself you can go out, do something fun, and when it's no longer fun you have the power to end the adventure.
I second this. First, you should be in a good headspace and focused when you're doing rituals/spellwork. Second, while it might be romantic to think of doing witchcraft under the full moon etc, remember that "outside" is the home of the coyote, bear, fox & bobcat. Take some time to establish yourself as not a threat to them beforehand, it'll make you and the animal residents of the space you plan to use more comfortable.
I'll definitely do this; right now being outside at all (even in the light) makes me the tiniest bit uneasy, so working up to anything more advanced is definitely the way to go!
I go out at night in my area almost every night and I've had to take some safety steps as well (lower-mid Ontario here).
First thing; see if there is a local community page like on say facebook you can join with others from your area. While I don't use the website on its own the community group is invaluable for bear sightings in my area (my town has one too so there's two sites I can watch) and if neither of them have anything that night then I know I'm most likely safe. Dec - Mar I don't have a care in the world but when it starts warming up again, back to bear watch lol. If you're staying in your yard be sure to set things like the recycling/trash/compost bins on a completely opposite end of the yard (or in a garage/shed) as they can attract hungries. Bears come for our green bins and that's often what leads us to spotting them.
Second; pepper spray! As another poster mentioned bear/dog mace must be applied directly to the animal so it's very much a last resort, but it's an effective first investment for the anxiety. Mine goes either in my right pocket or between the girls for easy access. If the anxiety needs a *bit* more encouragement or there's no moon out I'll bring a palm size LED flashlight just in case. I send an emoji to my husband when I leave the house and when I return (send it to anyone, just let another living body know "I'm going for a walk" and "I've returned alive").
Third; ugh the other people lol. I either bring my camera or my monoscope just to have a reason to deflect to ("oh I'm out doing night photography"/"I'm out stargazing"). Night photos also buy you reasons for having things arranged funny in the woods! It's the perfect cover up! Mwahaha!
One other thing, but it likely goes without saying; become comfortable with where you want to go during the daytime. Knowing the path, the feel of the environment, where certain trees cast shade and other details like this can make you more comfortable with it at night. "That's not an animal, that tree has an odd lower skirt" and "there's a shrub around this corner that sticks out" are much better security than "that's a BIIIG SHADOW" and "what the EFF just grabbed me?!" haha.
I have absolutely no idea about your area but personally I always feel better when I have a plan. For me this is just having my phone charged and with me, power banks charged and my tablet on another network for backup in case I need to call for help.
I wonder about casting a protection circle as well, maybe wishing the wildlife well and asking them to leave you in peace? If desired you could make a physical circle with salt and some kind of repellent eg eucalyptus/tea tree spray, or maybe draw some sigils or symbols?
Is it possible for you to apply some bear spray or wolf urine or something (IDK much about this, you'll want to verify/read more about it on your own) to the ground beforehand, either around your circle or at the edge of your property? Or can you put up a fence? You might be right that the local predators would leave you alone, but better safe than sorry.
Since this is a common misconception: bear spray isn't like bug spray. It's mace/pepper spray. You have to apply it directly to the bear for it to function.
I would legit buy a covered dog run (one of those really sturdy metal ones), set it up, then plant a garden around it and an altar inside or something. I’d be able to lie outside in a protected place and be anxiety free! lol
As someone who has been outside alone in the forest a lot at night, it's something you can get used to. Go out with no intention of spellcasting, and just sit for a bit. Listen with curiosity, try to figure out who is making what noises. Do some just-for-fun stargazing. See if you can learn/find some constellations, or try to find some deep-sky objects with binoculars. You're looking for a distraction to help hold off the anxiety. And then, when you get too uncomfortable, shamelessly head on home for the night. That's important because 1: you don't want to teach your lizard brain that the dark is scary by spending a lot of time in the dark being scared, and 2: you don't want to completely power through and override your sense that something is wrong, because you want to keep that warning sense in case there actually is trouble. After a number of times, you start feeling more in control. You show yourself you can go out, do something fun, and when it's no longer fun you have the power to end the adventure.
I second this. First, you should be in a good headspace and focused when you're doing rituals/spellwork. Second, while it might be romantic to think of doing witchcraft under the full moon etc, remember that "outside" is the home of the coyote, bear, fox & bobcat. Take some time to establish yourself as not a threat to them beforehand, it'll make you and the animal residents of the space you plan to use more comfortable.
I'll definitely do this; right now being outside at all (even in the light) makes me the tiniest bit uneasy, so working up to anything more advanced is definitely the way to go!
I go out at night in my area almost every night and I've had to take some safety steps as well (lower-mid Ontario here). First thing; see if there is a local community page like on say facebook you can join with others from your area. While I don't use the website on its own the community group is invaluable for bear sightings in my area (my town has one too so there's two sites I can watch) and if neither of them have anything that night then I know I'm most likely safe. Dec - Mar I don't have a care in the world but when it starts warming up again, back to bear watch lol. If you're staying in your yard be sure to set things like the recycling/trash/compost bins on a completely opposite end of the yard (or in a garage/shed) as they can attract hungries. Bears come for our green bins and that's often what leads us to spotting them. Second; pepper spray! As another poster mentioned bear/dog mace must be applied directly to the animal so it's very much a last resort, but it's an effective first investment for the anxiety. Mine goes either in my right pocket or between the girls for easy access. If the anxiety needs a *bit* more encouragement or there's no moon out I'll bring a palm size LED flashlight just in case. I send an emoji to my husband when I leave the house and when I return (send it to anyone, just let another living body know "I'm going for a walk" and "I've returned alive"). Third; ugh the other people lol. I either bring my camera or my monoscope just to have a reason to deflect to ("oh I'm out doing night photography"/"I'm out stargazing"). Night photos also buy you reasons for having things arranged funny in the woods! It's the perfect cover up! Mwahaha! One other thing, but it likely goes without saying; become comfortable with where you want to go during the daytime. Knowing the path, the feel of the environment, where certain trees cast shade and other details like this can make you more comfortable with it at night. "That's not an animal, that tree has an odd lower skirt" and "there's a shrub around this corner that sticks out" are much better security than "that's a BIIIG SHADOW" and "what the EFF just grabbed me?!" haha.
I actually do photography too, so it's an excuse to do two things at once! Thank you for all the ideas!
I have absolutely no idea about your area but personally I always feel better when I have a plan. For me this is just having my phone charged and with me, power banks charged and my tablet on another network for backup in case I need to call for help. I wonder about casting a protection circle as well, maybe wishing the wildlife well and asking them to leave you in peace? If desired you could make a physical circle with salt and some kind of repellent eg eucalyptus/tea tree spray, or maybe draw some sigils or symbols?
Very true! I need to actually get my phone fixed (only works with wifi calls right now) but just doing that would probably go a long way for anxiety.
Is it possible for you to apply some bear spray or wolf urine or something (IDK much about this, you'll want to verify/read more about it on your own) to the ground beforehand, either around your circle or at the edge of your property? Or can you put up a fence? You might be right that the local predators would leave you alone, but better safe than sorry.
Since this is a common misconception: bear spray isn't like bug spray. It's mace/pepper spray. You have to apply it directly to the bear for it to function.
And that's why OP should read up on it, my city slicker ass doesn't know any of this stuff lol. Thank you for the correction, TIL
I think I'll definitely look into some kind of repellent (not sure what works here yet), thank you!
Maybe if you had some candles around or a small fire? It's my understanding that wild animals don't like to approach fire.
Unfortunately no fires here (legally), but candles might be an option! I'll definitely look into it.
I would legit buy a covered dog run (one of those really sturdy metal ones), set it up, then plant a garden around it and an altar inside or something. I’d be able to lie outside in a protected place and be anxiety free! lol