Ever since my first lesson in magic, I have learned to be more observant of my surroundings. Most people take for granted, the little things that they hear, see, taste and feel. All of these are stored somewhere in your subconscious. You should try to notice what you can on a conscious level.
If you can, go spend an hour or so just sitting under a tree in nature. What does the ground feel like? Take a hand full of dirt, what does it smell and feel like? What sounds do you hear around you? Touch the tree and really feel what is beneath your hand. Can you feel the life and energy beneath it? Every creature, plant, being, has energy. When you start taking notice of the little things, sensing their energy becomes easier. All of these things tell you what is going on around you. A simple bird call can tell you if a storm or pressure change is coming. The scents on the wind can tell you what is downwind of you. The taste of plants in your garden can tell you what minerals are in the earth around you. The amount of fruit or flowers on your plants can tell you what the coming winter will be like.
Knowing and truly being attuned to these things can help you in your magic journey. Being able to feel the energy around you helps you to feel when a new energy is present. Feeling weather changes can tell you if it is time to pick your herbs, or if you should wait on outdoor workings. Learning the different calls of the animals in your area can help alert you to dangers. Knowing the animals can also help, because ones that you find around you often might be your totem animal or familiar.
The whole point of this ranting, pay attention to your surroundings. Try to become attuned to them. You might be surprised by what you find.
I agree with this. I've done this before, even before I thought about the Craft. I can feel that winter will be hard this year, just because of how the air is.
