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Books, Music, Habits & Sacred Objects

The concept of the “wild woman” archetype speaks to something primal and authentic within us – that untamed, intuitive part that yearns to break free from societal constraints and reconnect with our deepest nature. Here’s a comprehensive toolkit for nurturing your wild woman spirit.

Essential Reading

(For a full list of my rewilding book recommendations, visit my REWILDING LIBRARY)

  • Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés – This foundational text explores fairy tales and myths that illuminate the wild woman archetype, teaching us how to reclaim our instinctual nature and inner wisdom through ancient stories.
  • Burning Woman by Lucy H. Pearce – A powerful exploration of feminine rage, creativity, and transformation that helps women understand and harness their inner fire without shame or fear.
  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer – Through indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, this book teaches us about our sacred connection to nature and how to live in harmony with the natural world.

Music to Awaken the Spirit

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  • Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard – Their haunting vocals and world music influences tap into something ancient and primordial within us, perfect for ritual and meditation.
  • Florence + The Machine – Florence Welch’s raw, powerful vocals and nature-inspired lyrics celebrate the wild feminine in all its glory, from “Howl” to “Patricia.”
  • Traditional Drumming – Whether it’s frame drums, djembes, or ceremonial percussion, rhythm connects us to our primal nature and the heartbeat of the earth.

My favourite Wild Woman/ Rewilding Spotify Playlists:

Daily Practices

(For a more thorough blog article on wild woman practices, please steal my ‘Habits Of A Wild Woman Pocket Guide’)

  • Morning Nature Communion – Start each day by stepping outside barefoot, feeling the earth beneath your feet, and taking ten deep breaths while connecting with the elements around you.
  • Wild Movement Practice – Dance freely for at least 15 minutes daily, letting your body move however it wants without judgment or choreography. Allow sounds and movements to emerge naturally.
  • Moon Tracking – Keep a journal noting how your energy, emotions, and creativity shift with the lunar cycles, developing a deeper understanding of your natural rhythms.

Sacred Objects

  • A Personal Altar – Create a sacred space with objects from nature (feathers, stones, shells), candles, and meaningful totems that represent your wild woman journey.
  • Ritual Tools – A handcrafted drum, singing bowl, or rattle to use in personal ceremonies and energy clearing practices.
  • Earth Elements – Keep collections of natural objects that speak to you: crystals for grounding, dried herbs for cleansing, and found objects from your wanderings in nature.

Essential Herbs for Your Wild Woman Journey

Before diving deep into creating a full apothecary (which we’ll explore in a separate guide), here are the fundamental herbs every wild woman should know:

  • Lavender – Your sacred ally for peace and protection. Use for sleep, anxiety, and creating a sense of sanctuary in your space. Keep dried bundles by your bed or add to ritual baths for deep relaxation and spiritual cleansing.
  • Sage – The great cleanser. Whether you’re burning it to clear spaces or using it medicinally, sage helps release what no longer serves while protecting your energy. A must-have for any wild woman’s toolkit.
  • Rosemary – For remembrance, clarity, and protection. This herb strengthens your connection to ancestral wisdom while keeping your mind sharp and your space sacred. Plant it near your door as guardian of your threshold.
  • Mugwort – The dreamer’s herb. Essential for enhancing intuition, dreamwork, and connecting with lunar energies. Keep some under your pillow or brew as a tea before meditation or moonlight rituals.

These herbs form the foundation of a wild woman’s herbal practice. For those interested in developing a complete home apothecary and diving deeper into herbal wisdom, check out our comprehensive guide on starting your own sacred apothecary practice.

Pick your favourite pin for Pinterest:

Animal Allies & Messengers

The wild woman tradition recognizes that animals carry sacred medicine and messages. Learning to work with animal allies deepens our connection to our primal nature and ancient wisdom.

  • Working With Animal Messengers – When an animal repeatedly appears in your life – whether physically or in dreams – pause to receive its teaching. A hawk circling might call you to take a broader perspective, while a fox could be inviting more playfulness or cunning into your life. Keep a journal of animal encounters and the insights they bring.
  • Finding Your Power Animal – Through meditation or shamanic journeying, you can discover which animals walk closest to your soul. These allies often appear during major life transitions or when you need their particular medicine – bear’s wisdom about rest and introspection, wolf’s teachings about community and instinct, or butterfly’s guidance through transformation.
  • Honoring Animal Teachers – Create sacred space for your animal allies by collecting respectfully gathered feathers, ethically sourced bones or shells, or artwork depicting your power animals. Learn about their real-world behaviors and habitats to deepen your understanding of their medicine.
  • Living In Partnership – If you have animal companions at home, deepen your relationship by spending time in quiet observation. Watch how they move, what they’re drawn to, how they respond to the seasons. Our domestic allies can be profound teachers of presence, boundaries, and unconditional love.

Each animal carries unique wisdom, but some common allies for the wild woman path include:

  • Wolf – Protection, intuition, wildness
  • Owl – Night wisdom, seeing through illusion
  • Snake – Transformation, healing, kundalini energy
  • Spider – Weaving, creativity, feminine magic
  • Deer – Gentleness, grace, heart-centered awareness

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