In celebration of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has encouraged artists to contribute essays that explore themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, Massachusetts singer/songwriter Naomi Westwater presents their essay titled ‘Tips & Tools for Tenderness When the World Is Hard: Cultivating Rest and Ritual’ as part of Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!
Naomi Westwater is a genre-defying musician whose work encompasses a variety of sounds, ranging from dark, atmospheric indie rock to introspective pop and folk. This queer, Black-multiracial artist is celebrated for their entrancing voice and enchanting lyrics, which delve into themes of self-discovery, queer identity, and mysticism. Their music conveys a blend of vulnerability and strength, intertwining ethereal melodies with raw, experimental production.
Westwater's forthcoming album ‘Cycle & Change’ (set to release on May 9th) represents a unique fusion of organic folk, contemporary spirituality, and modern protest. The album’s sixteen tracks, inspired by the Pagan Wheel of the Year, follow a seasonal progression from spring to winter, characterized by Westwater’s chilling, shifting tones. “It’s about both embracing and mourning change, serving as a metaphor for one year reflecting a lifetime. We persistently revisit themes in our lives and are in a state of continuous change,” they share. “This is heavily influenced by my spirituality; I consider myself a witch, influenced by nature.”
This new album follows Westwater's earlier works, including their debut album, ‘Huntress: From Dark to Light’ (2018), ‘Feelings’ EP (2021), and ‘Yule’ (2021). Their genuine expression resonates deeply with listeners, establishing them as a prominent figure in the indie and alt-pop music scenes. They have performed alongside notable artists like Lady Lamb, Mint Green, Porsha Olayiwola, STL GLD, Crooked Coast, Aisha Burns, Melissa Ferrick, and Pamela Means. Westwater is steadily growing a devoted fan base through their emotionally compelling performances and candid storytelling, paving the way as a passionate advocate for queer and witch communities.
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Cultivating Rest and Ritual
by Naomi Westwater
I am learning to be tender.
I don't need to emphasize this, but the current state of the world is incredibly challenging. Simply waking up Black, queer, genderqueer, and chronically ill each day feels like an act of courage. At my core, I am an optimistic person, but the election left me feeling as though my identity had been rejected. I remember thinking, “Wow, does my country truly disapprove of Black women this much? Would they really prefer to see it all burn?” I've felt emotionally flat ever since.
I’m working on being tender, nurturing myself as I would my garden. I’m focusing on rest and maintaining my integrity. It takes significant bravery to remain gentle in a harsh world, yet I realize that softness and vulnerability are essential for my survival. I believe they are essential for you as well.
I find solace in nature and spirituality when I lack answers, feeling a need for maternal support. I yearn to fully immerse myself in my own being, much like a peony blossoms openly without comparing itself to any other flower. There’s an abundance of fears, and my instinct is to withdraw from the world, but I know that being open is crucial for fostering community and connection with my audience when I perform.
Naomi Westwater © Sasha Pedro
For nearly four years, I’ve been dedicated to a project titled Cycle & Change, which has essentially become a lifestyle for me.
I remind myself that life is a continuous cycle of change. That is fundamentally the essence of it. We know that spring arrives each year (cycle), and also that each spring will differ from the last (change). When I return to this mantra—Everything is a cycle and change—I can accept both the state of the world and my place within it. I do hope the change part hurries up, though.
I’m not a specialist in navigating a society where the government is crumbling and facing a nightmare of white supremacy, climate change, patriarchy, and capitalism, but I have some experience surviving in a world that doesn’t celebrate my existence. These tips may not be trendy or revolutionary, but they are the everyday practices I engage in to care for myself while still embracing life. I hope they can aid you too:
On the Winter Solstice, I led a ritual with my Coven, encouraging everyone to express their fears aloud. It was daunting to voice my fears (abortion bans, struggling to survive as an artist, racial profiling, attacks on queerness). However, sharing these vulnerabilities with my close friends and hearing theirs in return allowed us to witness each other and commit to mutual support. The truth is, if you’re not a billionaire
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Naomi Westwater presents their essay, ‘Tips & Tools for Tenderness When the World Is Hard: Cultivating Rest and Ritual,’ featured in Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!