a. Have a big glass jar where you see it often. Each time something of pleasure, or good fortune happens in your life, drop a penny or a pebble into the jar. Another pretty idea would be to use those glass pebbles that are sold for use in fish tanks. You will see your 'good fortune' building up.
b. Have a special calendar with large squares for the days and put on a special sticker when the good things occur. This could be a gold star or a red heart, or any other symbol you feel appropriate.
c. Prepare a thank-you candle. This could be a very large white candle and you could also mark it with a rune, eg Gebo which is an X. This would represent the joyful exchange of energies between the Self and the Universe.
d. Leave an offering to Gaia or Her creatures by sprinkling cornflour, grain or bird seed on the ground.
e. If you like beading you could also make a necklace and/or bracelet by adding a bead to a cord for each positive event
Showing posts with label Daily Rituals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Rituals. Show all posts
Visualisation & Meditation
Visualisation is the first and most important of all of the magical skills. Meditation and visualisation are skills that have been used in spiritual training for centuries. Their origin is unknown. However, the techniques are found in various forms in every religion of the world. Different people acquire these skills at different rates. It is important to remember not to rush through, but ensure that you have accomplished each stage. You should make the practice a habit.
These skills are not acquired by force; in fact quite the opposite is true. Some systems teach that it is important to get into a habit of regular meditation. That you should condition the body and mind into a pattern of exercise, in order to develop the skills. However, if you are not the sort of person who takes easily to this form of discipline, or your lifestyle does not allow it, then you will need to find other strategies. You must decide how you are going to approach this skill, and plan your time appropriately. Whilst freedom in organising your study is advocated, it is wise at the beginning not to leave long gaps between periods of work, as much that you have gained from each session will be lost.
Centring
Also known as grounding and relaxation, is essential to good meditational practice. When starting out you may find it hard to settle and focus on your intended activity. Part of the reason is the state of mind in which you come to the practice. Life is full of hundreds of stresses and concerns, and even with the best will in the world you will still bring some of them with you. As a result you will need to make a conscious effort to put yourself into the right frame of mind, and put aside the material world.
When starting it is useful to establish a set place in which to work. You may dispense with this later, but while acquiring the skills of meditation and visualisation it is helpful. Find somewhere you will not be disturbed, by the phone, doorbell, or any other forms of distraction. Make sure there is enough room for you to sit on the floor, or on a chair, or even to lie on the floor. Initially you may be trying all sorts of physical postures.
You may wish to use some focal objects, a candle, pictures, or natural objects. It is often quite helpful to develop an area of focus, where you can place found natural objects, crystals, images and candles. The area should become a living mandala, into which you add things at will. A mandala is pictorial, and physical, of your own inner self, beliefs, or a particular focus. You may find yourself changing it quite often, as you grow and develop.
The use of music is optional. However, if you do choose to use music there are some important considerations. The music should not be so dull it sends you to sleep, but neither should it be too lively. You do not want to be listening to the music; its purpose is to add atmosphere. Another consideration is the technical issue. You do not want the tape clicking off during your practice. Nor do you want to spend ages messing around trying to get the music to play.
When first starting it is good to try out various physical positions. The suggested method is to sit upright on a chair that offers back support. But really it is up to you, be sure that you are comfortable and not in a position that may with time cause discomfort and or pain. If you lie on the floor it is an idea not to make the floor too comfortable. You do not want to go to sleep. During the practice you want to move as little as possible. The ideal is not to move at all, but this is not often very practical. Nor is it suited to all of the exercises. What you are seeking to avoid is excessive movement that will distract you from the intended action.
After working on any of these exercises, throughout this unit, it is useful to take a few moments to return to normal consciousness on completing the task. It is helpful to spend time writing down your experiences, and noting comments for next time. Also try to have something to drink or eat afterwards, as this will help you return to normal consciousness.
Silence
A frequently used method for grounding is just to sit in silence. You should just sit silently until you feel ready. However, this method is best suited to people who have established relaxation triggers.
Awareness
As you sit, ready for meditation, with your eyes closed turn your awareness or attention to the sounds you can hear. Listen to these sounds without thinking about what they are. At first you will spend a lot of time naming the sound, until slowly the naming will become irrelevant. This method requires perseverance and will not happen in seconds. You will find yourself not only hearing external sounds, but sounds that arise from your own body, the movement of breath, the beat of the heart, or the rumblings of your mind. As you ground and centre these sounds will decrease in volume.
Another awareness exercise is known as progressive muscle relaxation. Starting with your feet. Become aware of each part of your body. Notice the position, touch of clothing, any stresses or tensions. Then on an in breath tense all of the muscles in that area, and release on an out breath. As you release feel that area becoming relaxed. You should progress up through your legs, body, arms, hands, head and face. When you have completed each part in turn, turn your awareness onto the whole of your body. As you breathe in tense the whole of your body, and on the out breath release the tension. Feel your body becoming relaxed, light and almost floating.
Awareness of breathing is another useful exercise of this type. It is important to breathe normally throughout this exercise. If you try to change your breathing by force you will not achieve the desired result. With your eyes closed, notice the first place your breath touches as it enters, your body. Notice how the breath feels, its coolness, and motion. As you breathe out, find the last place your breath touches, and again notice how it feels. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down to the soft palate at the back of your mouth. Be aware of the breaths whole journey, and how it feels. As you breathe out be aware of the breath moving from your soft palate out. Continue this awareness for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down through your windpipe to the top of your chest, but not into it. Again notice the effect of the whole journey. As you breathe out do the same again. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down into the top of your lungs, notice it filling your chest and causing it to move. As you breathe out notice the effects and follow the journey of your breath until it leaves your body. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down to your diaphragm. Notice how it effects your belly. As you breathe out follow this same journey. Be aware of every part of the journey. Do this for a little while. Somewhere deep in the centre of your physical body a place will begin to tickle or throb. This is the centre of your awareness, the point of relaxation, watch it, and allow it to grow with each breath. As you breathe in see it expand. As you breathe out see the tensions that restrict it leave with the outgoing breath. Allow the centre of your being to expand until it fills every conceivable part of your being.
With your eyes closed try to remember the main events of the day. Start with the most recent events. Do not go into lots of details. Rather try to fix on one particular item or moment. Progress steadily back through your day, picking out key events, or moments. Stop when you reach that moment just before you woke up that morning. At that point remember how relaxed you were lying in bed, how safe, and secure. Spend a few moments enjoying that feeling.
This exercise is best done standing or sitting, but is a little strange if you are lying down. With your eyes closed, try to image that there are roots going out from your feet. They search their way down into the earth, they continue down, into the very heart of the earth. When you feel they have gone as far as they will go, begin to draw up the deep raw energy of the earth. Feel it rising through the roots, flowing up into your very being. When this flow is established, without forgetting it, begin to notice your breathing. Image that the air you are breathing is filled with the golden rays of the sun, that you are breathing it deep into your being, where it mixes with the energy of the earth. Feel yourself responding, growing, and spreading Out from your own limits. Image yourself stretching out like a tree. You may even want to move freely at this point, if so, then do it. When you feel ready withdraw your roots, imagine then drawing back up. Allow any excess energy to flow naturally back into the earth, or breathe it out into the air.
Using sound is always effective, but it takes time to get over the initial inhibitions you may have. Close your eyes, and either use a repeated phrase, the vowels are good for this, or a sound. Voice your chosen sound, make it loud, and clear, try to express your feelings in the sound you are making. Allow the sound to grow and change, it may become louder or softer, it may loose coherence. You might even begin to make strange almost inhuman noises; you may become wild and abandoned, or fall slowly into silence. Whatever happens allow it to do so freely. Do not feel self-conscious, as this is the very thing you are trying to free yourself from. When you finally feel sounded out, and there is no more to release, become silent, and for a few moments enjoy that silence.
In this exercise it is important to try to imagine each colour as vividly as possible. Do not just imagine objects of that colour; feel as if you are immersed in it, One way is to imagine that that colour light surrounds you. Closing your eyes, start with the darkness all around you. Imagine that you are falling through this darkness, with no particular goal or direction. The slowly start to see the space around you fill with bright red. Let the red fill the space totally, entering your very being. Continue falling without direction through this colour. Slowly allow it to lighten into Orange, until you are bathed in orange. Continue in this way through the colours of the rainbow, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Then continue into clear bright white light. Float here for a moment, at peace and at rest.
When you have mastered the art of grounding and centring spend some time becoming firmly aware of the sensation. Really get to know how it feels to be in this state of consciousness. Try to remember the feeling. Associate a simple image with the process of grounding. Perhaps a leaf falling to the ground, or the waves crashing on the shore. Then next time you start to ground or centre sit in silence with your eyes closed; imagine the image you have used. As you picture the image know that you are grounding and centring, experience the associated feelings as you have come to know them. This system is only effective if you have already got used to grounding and centring through other exercises, and can be used quickly and efficiently.
Extending Awareness
Through these exercises you aim to move your awareness beyond the confines of your head. Most people live in their head, and are rarely aware of their whole self By centring, grounding, and relaxing you will be able to extend your awareness into the whole of your body. In so doing you will come to know and understand your bodies needs and functions.
Begin by entering a relaxed state. When you are ready take your awareness into the centre of your being. Feel this awareness expand until it fills the whole of your physical body. Stand up, as you do be aware of every move you make of your physical response. Stand for a moment with your eyes closed. Become aware of what it is like to stand. What position is each part of your body in? How does your body feel? Inclining your head down open your eyes. It is not important to look around, but you do need to see the ground before you, so that you do not fall over in the next part of the exercise. Begin to walk slowly around the room. Try not to think about where you are going, or what is around you, just walk. Become aware of the sensation of walking. Feel the movement of your muscles, the flow of your body. Continue this for several minutes. When you are ready stop, and return to normal consciousness.
This exercise can be extended further. You can go for longer meditative walks, and perhaps end by contemplating the place where you have been walking. If going for a long walk it is advisable to go with someone who knows what you are doing. Equally you could do the exercise whilst paying more attention to your surroundings, but this takes practice.
The exercise can also be done through dance. Select a piece of music, which you feel that you can move freely to. When you have centred, stand up, start the music, and begin to move in whatever way seems to suggest itself Completely surrender your movement to the music, without concern. Be aware only of your body and its flow.
Another stage of the exercise is to take your awareness beyond your body. Look at an object or view. Allow yourself to become a part of all that you are aware of Try to feel as if you are the object, or part of the view. This takes a lot more practice, but allows you to change your perspective on issues.
A similar exercise, which appears to be simpler, but can give rise to very profound experiences uses listening. Find a place that you feel safe in, in town or countryside. Make yourself comfortable, ground and centre. Closing your eyes try to become aware of all the sounds you can hear. If it is the sound of a car, or footsteps try to determine the direction they are moving in. Try to locate the position of birds, the rustle of trees in the wind. Listen to the symphony of the natural world. However, you will need to resist the temptation to open your eyes and look, as to do so will almost certainly bring the exercise to an end.
Visualisation
At the simplest level visualisation is the production of an image in the mind. In other words it is the constructive use of your imagination. This is the root of all magical operations. People learn the skill at different rates. For some it involves real visual sensation, as if using the eyes, for others it is an idea or sense. No particular expression of the skill is better. It is important to work through these exercises in the order given, if you are to effectively develop this skill.
Exercise I
Start by trying to form simple objects in your mind. When you are centred, close your eyes and try to imagine an orange. Be sure to get every detail, the orange colour, the pitted skin, and the green stalk. Then imagine sinking your nails into the skin, feel the resistance of the skin against your nails. Smell the zest of the orange. Slowly peel your imaginary orange. See the pith and the flesh beneath. Feel the juice run onto your fingers, smell it. Take a piece of your orange put it in your mouth and taste it.
You can choose any object you like for this exercise, but make sure it is a simple one. It may be helpful to spend some time looking at a physical example of the object before you do the exercise.
When you are able to do this easily move on to more complex objects, plants, trees, or animals. This takes time, as you can add sound to the experience, and motion. Be sure to build as complete an image as possible.
Then go on to places. You could start by using a photograph. Clearly form the place in your imagination. Use all of your senses. As yet you should not be trying to place yourself within the image, that comes later.
Exercise 2
Metabhavana, a Buddhist form of meditation makes a good stepping stone in developing this skill.
Centre and ground, and with your eyes closed try to imagine yourself Picture yourself as clearly as possible. Imagine yourself bathed in love. Send that love into your very being. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you a very close to, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you are indifferent to, as clearly as possible. Perhaps it is someone you see every day but have not really got to know, imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you dislike, an enemy, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture the world. Start with your immediate area, then slowly include more and more of the country, of Europe, through the other continents until you can picture the whole world. Try to imagine the life force of every living being on the planet, building it i. p slowly with each step. As you go through each step imagine everything bathed in love. Send your love out to every being in the world. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Exercise 3
You are now ready to try a few imaginary journeys. In this exercise you will be using all of the skills that you have developed so far. The easiest place to start is with a scripted journey. These can be bought pre-recorded on audiotape. However, it is not possible to try out such tapes before purchasing them. Books of scripted visualisations are available, and thanks to the use of this technique by RE teachers, more materials are becoming available. However, remember that the scripts will reflect the purpose the author had in mind, and this is not always a magical purpose.
You will need to become familiar with the scripted visualisation in order to use it without help. It is better to find someone who understands what you are doing and is willing to read it to you. Equally you could record the script onto audiotape yourself Which ever you do, make sure that the reader does not rush through it. Read slowly, but not too slowly. Allow short pauses between images. If the text calls for a pause make it a lengthy one, of several minutes. If when doing the exercise you are told to spend some time in a place or with certain characters you will need plenty of time to do this. In such a situation you should use the opportunity to explore the place, or to ask questions and listen to answers.
Here is an example of a simple journey. Try out this exercise and write a report on your experience. Try to make a realisation related to your journey.
Ground and Centre
You find yourself standing by a five bar gate. Look at the gate. Notice its condition, the latch and post. Feel the wood from which it is made. Be aware of the sensation of touch. Hanging from the gatepost is a storm lantern, which is alight. This may be puzzling, as it is such a nice sunny afternoon here. This lantern is your marker it will guide you home. Beyond the gate you can see a wood, look carefully at all the different types of trees. Either open the gate, or climb over. You find yourself on a path, leading to the wood. Follow it, enjoying the feel of the sun on your face. As you enter the wood, notice the coolness of the shade. .Smell the resin from the trees. Follow the path on into the wood. Look at the flowers, and undergrowth. Hear the rustle of the trees. Feel the plants brush past you on either side. Listen to the song of the birds. Suddenly you come into a clearing. In the centre stands a large upright stone. Go over to it. Its surface has a carved pattern, look at it. Touch the stone and feel its surface, run your finger along the pattern. Sit with your back to the stone. Feel it firm behind you. The sun seems to be dipping towards the horizon, and you see its rays through the trees before you. As you sit looking at the rays notice the things that appear caught and illuminated by each ray of sunlight. Quietly and calmly an animal conies out of the wood before. Look at it, and do not be afraid, it will not harm you. It makes its may slowly towards you, stopping by your side. Reach out your hand and touch, notice how it feels. You seem to be communicating with this creature without the need for language. Spend a few moments in its company. You notice that the sun is nearly set and that you must return home. You stand and look for your path. The creature goes before you, it guides back along the path through the woods. Follow it. Do not wander from this path Jbr now. As you reach the edge of the wood you can see the light of the lantern on the gate. Before heading for it you turn and bid your guide farewell. A for the creature can come no further this time. Walk down to the gate. Before going through it remember hat you have seen and done. As you pass the gale you will return to this place and time. Your journey will be over and you will back it that place you call reality. Return and remember.
Gently awaken as from a dream.
Have something to eat or drink and write down the results of your journey, try to make a realisation. The creature you met is one of your spirit animals. As such it reflects an inner aspect of your self Try to realise what it reflects.
Exercise 4
Try to write your own scripted visualisation. Base it on a journey to the cliffs, where you will meet a bird, another of your spirit animals. Try to give your script pace, and depth of experience. Remember to return in the same way that you went in. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 5
Write a scripted visualisation. Base it on a journey to a lake, river, or the sea. Be sure to enter the water. Leave space to meet someone or something, but do not define what or who you will meet. Do not use any visual cues in this script. Base the whole script on the other senses, taste, touch, smell, and hearing. Try to give your script pace, and depth of experience. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 6
Take a photograph or painting of a place. Look at it and make it your intention to journey into the image, in order to meet the spirit of the place. Do the exercise. Create the image in your mind, then step into it. Explore the place and go on. Remember to return by stepping back through the image, perhaps looking at it again in your mind's eye. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 7
Do exercise 6 again but this time use a Tarot card as the image, if you have any. Step into the card and spend time talking to the characters within it, before returning. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 8
Use your imagination to build a door of gate through which you will travel on your future journeys. Describe or draw it. Use it to go on a journey to one of the places we have already visited in this unit.
All of these exercises will help you develop the true base and essence of all magical practice. Use them, and develop your skills. Remember it takes time, and this not a section to hurry. Good work now will ensure later success.
These skills are not acquired by force; in fact quite the opposite is true. Some systems teach that it is important to get into a habit of regular meditation. That you should condition the body and mind into a pattern of exercise, in order to develop the skills. However, if you are not the sort of person who takes easily to this form of discipline, or your lifestyle does not allow it, then you will need to find other strategies. You must decide how you are going to approach this skill, and plan your time appropriately. Whilst freedom in organising your study is advocated, it is wise at the beginning not to leave long gaps between periods of work, as much that you have gained from each session will be lost.
Centring
Also known as grounding and relaxation, is essential to good meditational practice. When starting out you may find it hard to settle and focus on your intended activity. Part of the reason is the state of mind in which you come to the practice. Life is full of hundreds of stresses and concerns, and even with the best will in the world you will still bring some of them with you. As a result you will need to make a conscious effort to put yourself into the right frame of mind, and put aside the material world.
When starting it is useful to establish a set place in which to work. You may dispense with this later, but while acquiring the skills of meditation and visualisation it is helpful. Find somewhere you will not be disturbed, by the phone, doorbell, or any other forms of distraction. Make sure there is enough room for you to sit on the floor, or on a chair, or even to lie on the floor. Initially you may be trying all sorts of physical postures.
You may wish to use some focal objects, a candle, pictures, or natural objects. It is often quite helpful to develop an area of focus, where you can place found natural objects, crystals, images and candles. The area should become a living mandala, into which you add things at will. A mandala is pictorial, and physical, of your own inner self, beliefs, or a particular focus. You may find yourself changing it quite often, as you grow and develop.
The use of music is optional. However, if you do choose to use music there are some important considerations. The music should not be so dull it sends you to sleep, but neither should it be too lively. You do not want to be listening to the music; its purpose is to add atmosphere. Another consideration is the technical issue. You do not want the tape clicking off during your practice. Nor do you want to spend ages messing around trying to get the music to play.
When first starting it is good to try out various physical positions. The suggested method is to sit upright on a chair that offers back support. But really it is up to you, be sure that you are comfortable and not in a position that may with time cause discomfort and or pain. If you lie on the floor it is an idea not to make the floor too comfortable. You do not want to go to sleep. During the practice you want to move as little as possible. The ideal is not to move at all, but this is not often very practical. Nor is it suited to all of the exercises. What you are seeking to avoid is excessive movement that will distract you from the intended action.
After working on any of these exercises, throughout this unit, it is useful to take a few moments to return to normal consciousness on completing the task. It is helpful to spend time writing down your experiences, and noting comments for next time. Also try to have something to drink or eat afterwards, as this will help you return to normal consciousness.
Silence
A frequently used method for grounding is just to sit in silence. You should just sit silently until you feel ready. However, this method is best suited to people who have established relaxation triggers.
Awareness
As you sit, ready for meditation, with your eyes closed turn your awareness or attention to the sounds you can hear. Listen to these sounds without thinking about what they are. At first you will spend a lot of time naming the sound, until slowly the naming will become irrelevant. This method requires perseverance and will not happen in seconds. You will find yourself not only hearing external sounds, but sounds that arise from your own body, the movement of breath, the beat of the heart, or the rumblings of your mind. As you ground and centre these sounds will decrease in volume.
Another awareness exercise is known as progressive muscle relaxation. Starting with your feet. Become aware of each part of your body. Notice the position, touch of clothing, any stresses or tensions. Then on an in breath tense all of the muscles in that area, and release on an out breath. As you release feel that area becoming relaxed. You should progress up through your legs, body, arms, hands, head and face. When you have completed each part in turn, turn your awareness onto the whole of your body. As you breathe in tense the whole of your body, and on the out breath release the tension. Feel your body becoming relaxed, light and almost floating.
Awareness of breathing is another useful exercise of this type. It is important to breathe normally throughout this exercise. If you try to change your breathing by force you will not achieve the desired result. With your eyes closed, notice the first place your breath touches as it enters, your body. Notice how the breath feels, its coolness, and motion. As you breathe out, find the last place your breath touches, and again notice how it feels. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down to the soft palate at the back of your mouth. Be aware of the breaths whole journey, and how it feels. As you breathe out be aware of the breath moving from your soft palate out. Continue this awareness for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down through your windpipe to the top of your chest, but not into it. Again notice the effect of the whole journey. As you breathe out do the same again. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down into the top of your lungs, notice it filling your chest and causing it to move. As you breathe out notice the effects and follow the journey of your breath until it leaves your body. Do this for a little while. Then follow your breath on its journey down to your diaphragm. Notice how it effects your belly. As you breathe out follow this same journey. Be aware of every part of the journey. Do this for a little while. Somewhere deep in the centre of your physical body a place will begin to tickle or throb. This is the centre of your awareness, the point of relaxation, watch it, and allow it to grow with each breath. As you breathe in see it expand. As you breathe out see the tensions that restrict it leave with the outgoing breath. Allow the centre of your being to expand until it fills every conceivable part of your being.
With your eyes closed try to remember the main events of the day. Start with the most recent events. Do not go into lots of details. Rather try to fix on one particular item or moment. Progress steadily back through your day, picking out key events, or moments. Stop when you reach that moment just before you woke up that morning. At that point remember how relaxed you were lying in bed, how safe, and secure. Spend a few moments enjoying that feeling.
This exercise is best done standing or sitting, but is a little strange if you are lying down. With your eyes closed, try to image that there are roots going out from your feet. They search their way down into the earth, they continue down, into the very heart of the earth. When you feel they have gone as far as they will go, begin to draw up the deep raw energy of the earth. Feel it rising through the roots, flowing up into your very being. When this flow is established, without forgetting it, begin to notice your breathing. Image that the air you are breathing is filled with the golden rays of the sun, that you are breathing it deep into your being, where it mixes with the energy of the earth. Feel yourself responding, growing, and spreading Out from your own limits. Image yourself stretching out like a tree. You may even want to move freely at this point, if so, then do it. When you feel ready withdraw your roots, imagine then drawing back up. Allow any excess energy to flow naturally back into the earth, or breathe it out into the air.
Using sound is always effective, but it takes time to get over the initial inhibitions you may have. Close your eyes, and either use a repeated phrase, the vowels are good for this, or a sound. Voice your chosen sound, make it loud, and clear, try to express your feelings in the sound you are making. Allow the sound to grow and change, it may become louder or softer, it may loose coherence. You might even begin to make strange almost inhuman noises; you may become wild and abandoned, or fall slowly into silence. Whatever happens allow it to do so freely. Do not feel self-conscious, as this is the very thing you are trying to free yourself from. When you finally feel sounded out, and there is no more to release, become silent, and for a few moments enjoy that silence.
In this exercise it is important to try to imagine each colour as vividly as possible. Do not just imagine objects of that colour; feel as if you are immersed in it, One way is to imagine that that colour light surrounds you. Closing your eyes, start with the darkness all around you. Imagine that you are falling through this darkness, with no particular goal or direction. The slowly start to see the space around you fill with bright red. Let the red fill the space totally, entering your very being. Continue falling without direction through this colour. Slowly allow it to lighten into Orange, until you are bathed in orange. Continue in this way through the colours of the rainbow, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Then continue into clear bright white light. Float here for a moment, at peace and at rest.
When you have mastered the art of grounding and centring spend some time becoming firmly aware of the sensation. Really get to know how it feels to be in this state of consciousness. Try to remember the feeling. Associate a simple image with the process of grounding. Perhaps a leaf falling to the ground, or the waves crashing on the shore. Then next time you start to ground or centre sit in silence with your eyes closed; imagine the image you have used. As you picture the image know that you are grounding and centring, experience the associated feelings as you have come to know them. This system is only effective if you have already got used to grounding and centring through other exercises, and can be used quickly and efficiently.
Extending Awareness
Through these exercises you aim to move your awareness beyond the confines of your head. Most people live in their head, and are rarely aware of their whole self By centring, grounding, and relaxing you will be able to extend your awareness into the whole of your body. In so doing you will come to know and understand your bodies needs and functions.
Begin by entering a relaxed state. When you are ready take your awareness into the centre of your being. Feel this awareness expand until it fills the whole of your physical body. Stand up, as you do be aware of every move you make of your physical response. Stand for a moment with your eyes closed. Become aware of what it is like to stand. What position is each part of your body in? How does your body feel? Inclining your head down open your eyes. It is not important to look around, but you do need to see the ground before you, so that you do not fall over in the next part of the exercise. Begin to walk slowly around the room. Try not to think about where you are going, or what is around you, just walk. Become aware of the sensation of walking. Feel the movement of your muscles, the flow of your body. Continue this for several minutes. When you are ready stop, and return to normal consciousness.
This exercise can be extended further. You can go for longer meditative walks, and perhaps end by contemplating the place where you have been walking. If going for a long walk it is advisable to go with someone who knows what you are doing. Equally you could do the exercise whilst paying more attention to your surroundings, but this takes practice.
The exercise can also be done through dance. Select a piece of music, which you feel that you can move freely to. When you have centred, stand up, start the music, and begin to move in whatever way seems to suggest itself Completely surrender your movement to the music, without concern. Be aware only of your body and its flow.
Another stage of the exercise is to take your awareness beyond your body. Look at an object or view. Allow yourself to become a part of all that you are aware of Try to feel as if you are the object, or part of the view. This takes a lot more practice, but allows you to change your perspective on issues.
A similar exercise, which appears to be simpler, but can give rise to very profound experiences uses listening. Find a place that you feel safe in, in town or countryside. Make yourself comfortable, ground and centre. Closing your eyes try to become aware of all the sounds you can hear. If it is the sound of a car, or footsteps try to determine the direction they are moving in. Try to locate the position of birds, the rustle of trees in the wind. Listen to the symphony of the natural world. However, you will need to resist the temptation to open your eyes and look, as to do so will almost certainly bring the exercise to an end.
Visualisation
At the simplest level visualisation is the production of an image in the mind. In other words it is the constructive use of your imagination. This is the root of all magical operations. People learn the skill at different rates. For some it involves real visual sensation, as if using the eyes, for others it is an idea or sense. No particular expression of the skill is better. It is important to work through these exercises in the order given, if you are to effectively develop this skill.
Exercise I
Start by trying to form simple objects in your mind. When you are centred, close your eyes and try to imagine an orange. Be sure to get every detail, the orange colour, the pitted skin, and the green stalk. Then imagine sinking your nails into the skin, feel the resistance of the skin against your nails. Smell the zest of the orange. Slowly peel your imaginary orange. See the pith and the flesh beneath. Feel the juice run onto your fingers, smell it. Take a piece of your orange put it in your mouth and taste it.
You can choose any object you like for this exercise, but make sure it is a simple one. It may be helpful to spend some time looking at a physical example of the object before you do the exercise.
When you are able to do this easily move on to more complex objects, plants, trees, or animals. This takes time, as you can add sound to the experience, and motion. Be sure to build as complete an image as possible.
Then go on to places. You could start by using a photograph. Clearly form the place in your imagination. Use all of your senses. As yet you should not be trying to place yourself within the image, that comes later.
Exercise 2
Metabhavana, a Buddhist form of meditation makes a good stepping stone in developing this skill.
Centre and ground, and with your eyes closed try to imagine yourself Picture yourself as clearly as possible. Imagine yourself bathed in love. Send that love into your very being. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you a very close to, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you are indifferent to, as clearly as possible. Perhaps it is someone you see every day but have not really got to know, imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture someone you dislike, an enemy, as clearly as possible. Imagine them bathed in love. Send that love to them. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Picture the world. Start with your immediate area, then slowly include more and more of the country, of Europe, through the other continents until you can picture the whole world. Try to imagine the life force of every living being on the planet, building it i. p slowly with each step. As you go through each step imagine everything bathed in love. Send your love out to every being in the world. Spend a few minutes doing this.
Exercise 3
You are now ready to try a few imaginary journeys. In this exercise you will be using all of the skills that you have developed so far. The easiest place to start is with a scripted journey. These can be bought pre-recorded on audiotape. However, it is not possible to try out such tapes before purchasing them. Books of scripted visualisations are available, and thanks to the use of this technique by RE teachers, more materials are becoming available. However, remember that the scripts will reflect the purpose the author had in mind, and this is not always a magical purpose.
You will need to become familiar with the scripted visualisation in order to use it without help. It is better to find someone who understands what you are doing and is willing to read it to you. Equally you could record the script onto audiotape yourself Which ever you do, make sure that the reader does not rush through it. Read slowly, but not too slowly. Allow short pauses between images. If the text calls for a pause make it a lengthy one, of several minutes. If when doing the exercise you are told to spend some time in a place or with certain characters you will need plenty of time to do this. In such a situation you should use the opportunity to explore the place, or to ask questions and listen to answers.
Here is an example of a simple journey. Try out this exercise and write a report on your experience. Try to make a realisation related to your journey.
Ground and Centre
You find yourself standing by a five bar gate. Look at the gate. Notice its condition, the latch and post. Feel the wood from which it is made. Be aware of the sensation of touch. Hanging from the gatepost is a storm lantern, which is alight. This may be puzzling, as it is such a nice sunny afternoon here. This lantern is your marker it will guide you home. Beyond the gate you can see a wood, look carefully at all the different types of trees. Either open the gate, or climb over. You find yourself on a path, leading to the wood. Follow it, enjoying the feel of the sun on your face. As you enter the wood, notice the coolness of the shade. .Smell the resin from the trees. Follow the path on into the wood. Look at the flowers, and undergrowth. Hear the rustle of the trees. Feel the plants brush past you on either side. Listen to the song of the birds. Suddenly you come into a clearing. In the centre stands a large upright stone. Go over to it. Its surface has a carved pattern, look at it. Touch the stone and feel its surface, run your finger along the pattern. Sit with your back to the stone. Feel it firm behind you. The sun seems to be dipping towards the horizon, and you see its rays through the trees before you. As you sit looking at the rays notice the things that appear caught and illuminated by each ray of sunlight. Quietly and calmly an animal conies out of the wood before. Look at it, and do not be afraid, it will not harm you. It makes its may slowly towards you, stopping by your side. Reach out your hand and touch, notice how it feels. You seem to be communicating with this creature without the need for language. Spend a few moments in its company. You notice that the sun is nearly set and that you must return home. You stand and look for your path. The creature goes before you, it guides back along the path through the woods. Follow it. Do not wander from this path Jbr now. As you reach the edge of the wood you can see the light of the lantern on the gate. Before heading for it you turn and bid your guide farewell. A for the creature can come no further this time. Walk down to the gate. Before going through it remember hat you have seen and done. As you pass the gale you will return to this place and time. Your journey will be over and you will back it that place you call reality. Return and remember.
Gently awaken as from a dream.
Have something to eat or drink and write down the results of your journey, try to make a realisation. The creature you met is one of your spirit animals. As such it reflects an inner aspect of your self Try to realise what it reflects.
Exercise 4
Try to write your own scripted visualisation. Base it on a journey to the cliffs, where you will meet a bird, another of your spirit animals. Try to give your script pace, and depth of experience. Remember to return in the same way that you went in. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 5
Write a scripted visualisation. Base it on a journey to a lake, river, or the sea. Be sure to enter the water. Leave space to meet someone or something, but do not define what or who you will meet. Do not use any visual cues in this script. Base the whole script on the other senses, taste, touch, smell, and hearing. Try to give your script pace, and depth of experience. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 6
Take a photograph or painting of a place. Look at it and make it your intention to journey into the image, in order to meet the spirit of the place. Do the exercise. Create the image in your mind, then step into it. Explore the place and go on. Remember to return by stepping back through the image, perhaps looking at it again in your mind's eye. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 7
Do exercise 6 again but this time use a Tarot card as the image, if you have any. Step into the card and spend time talking to the characters within it, before returning. Make this journey and report on it, making any realisations you can.
Exercise 8
Use your imagination to build a door of gate through which you will travel on your future journeys. Describe or draw it. Use it to go on a journey to one of the places we have already visited in this unit.
All of these exercises will help you develop the true base and essence of all magical practice. Use them, and develop your skills. Remember it takes time, and this not a section to hurry. Good work now will ensure later success.
EXPECT, BELIEVE, RECEIVE
My mantra, my credo, my actual tagline is 'EXPECT, BELIEVE, RECEIVE.' It's that last little piece of advice, the 'receiving' part, that I find so many people have so much trouble with. Sometimes doubts and fears can keep us from receiving all that the universe keeps trying to give to us. If you have a particularly painful situation confronting you at the moment and just don't know which way to turn try the following meditative method and then receive the right answers that will bring you peace and personal empowerment. Every morning for nine days, as soon as you awake, find a comfortable chair and sit up straight in it with both hands cupped and resting facing up on each knee and each foot planted on the ground. Now, light a white candle and place it between your feet and then sit back. Leaving your eyes open a small slit (don't close them completely) allow five to 10 minutes of quiet time to help keep you focused and clear. Concentrate on your question/conundrum and just 'receive' the answer. Remember that the answer might be yours in that first five minutes or might come at the 11th hour of the ninth day, but, the promise is, as long as you are ready to receive your answer will come!
Witchy Wednesday: Daily Habits to Show Gratitude
a. Have a big glass jar where you see it often. Each time something of pleasure, or good fortune happens in your life, drop a penny or a pebble into the jar. Another pretty idea would be to use those glass pebbles that are sold for use in fish tanks. You will see your 'good fortune' building up.
b. Have a special calendar with large squares for the days and put on a special sticker when the good things occur. This could be a gold star or a red heart, or any other symbol you feel appropriate.
c. Prepare a thank-you candle. This could be a very large white candle and you could also mark it with a rune, eg Gebo which is an X. This would represent the joyful exchange of energies between the Self and the Universe.
d. Leave an offering to Gaia or Her creatures by sprinkling cornflour, grain or bird seed on the ground.
e. If you like beading you could also make a necklace and/or bracelet by adding a bead to a cord for each positive event
b. Have a special calendar with large squares for the days and put on a special sticker when the good things occur. This could be a gold star or a red heart, or any other symbol you feel appropriate.
c. Prepare a thank-you candle. This could be a very large white candle and you could also mark it with a rune, eg Gebo which is an X. This would represent the joyful exchange of energies between the Self and the Universe.
d. Leave an offering to Gaia or Her creatures by sprinkling cornflour, grain or bird seed on the ground.
e. If you like beading you could also make a necklace and/or bracelet by adding a bead to a cord for each positive event
Daily Rituals
Ritual is a wonderful way to connect with the elements, the Gods, and all who have ever worshipped them, and all who ever will. But there is no need to wait until the Full Moon or the next Sabbat to make this connection. Opportunities abound in our everyday lives. As magickal beings, every intentional action we take is a magickal act.
While there are no hard and fast rules, generally Pagan rituals consist of the following steps: creating sacred space, inviting the four elements into the sacred space, inviting the God and Goddess, a statement of purpose for the ritual, the body of the ritual, cakes and ale, thanking the elements and deities for joining, and then closing the circle.
The following are suggestions, based on the outline of a Pagan ritual, for creating (or rather noticing) magick at work in your daily life.
Creating Sacred Space: Every night before going to bed, tidy up your room and make sure there are pleasant things to look at as you go to sleep: a piece of art, photographs of loved ones, spiritual objects, etc. Say goodnight to the God and Goddess, thank them for what you have learned that day, and ask that solutions to problems you are working on come to you while you sleep. Center and ground as you lie in bed, releasing all tension and worry. Feel the peace spread outward filling the whole room, creating the sacred space to enjoy as you sleep.
Calling the Quarters: Get out of bed and walk outside or open a window. Face east. Raise your arms and stand with your legs apart so that you form a star. Stretch and take a deep breath, following that breath as it goes deep into your lungs and hold it. Really experience the Air. Let the breath out, and as you continue to breathe, think of those things which you associate with Air (freedom, youth, beginnings, intelligence, etc). Feel the air cleanse you and become part of you. Light some incense if you like. Thank the Spirits of Air.
Depending on the time of day and the weather either light a candle or feel the sun shining down on you. Feel the warmth. Draw the warmth into your body. Feel its healing power, feel it energize you and burn away negativity.
As you take a shower or wash your face consciously feel the Water as it flows over you and through your fingers. Let it fill you with a deep sense of calm and security. Feel the Goddess' love and nurturance.
Stand outside and feel the Earth beneath your feet, if possible feel it with your hands as well. If you can't go outdoors hold a large stone or crystal in your hands. You could also place your hands on the Earth in a large potted plant. Ground yourself, feeling your roots growing down into the Earth. Feel the solidity and silence of the Earth. Let it fill you with strength and confidence and the wisdom of the ages.
Welcoming the God and Goddess: Practice a morning devotional ritual daily and you will begin to see things in a new light. There are many different forms a morning devotional ritual can take. At the least it consists of a self-blessing, a connection with the elements or the Gods. A simple self-blessing can be done by anointing each major body area with your finger. You can anoint yourself with oil or Holy water. Here is a common self-blessing, which I believe is based on the Five-fold Kiss:
Top of head - Bless me Lord and Lady (God and Goddess, or specific names) for I am your child. Third eye - Bless my mind that I may know of your truth and wisdom. Throat - Bless my voice that I may speak with kindness. Heart - Bless my heart that I may feel your love and allow your light to shine forth. Genitals - Bless my womb (or phallus) that I may be creative and productive. Knees - Bless my knees that kneel at the sacred altar. Feet - Bless my feet that they lead me always on the path of right and reverence. Hands - Bless my hands that they be instruments of creation and healing. Top of head again - Bless me with your presence this day Lord and Lady for I am your child.
This blessing can be modified to fit particular circumstances of your daily life. If you need to make a speech one day you could say something like "Bless my voice that I may speak with eloquence and surety". If you have a test coming up you could say, "Bless my mind that I may think clearly and remember well."
Body of the Ritual: Find the magick in the "mundane". Magick is change. Take notice of changes that occur throughout the day and let them fill you with wonder.
Think of the elements while going about your normal everyday business. Consciously connect with the elements wherever and whenever you encounter them. Experience the Air as you watch the trees sway and the clouds and birds move across the sky. Even as you feel Air blowing from a fan or heating or cooling duct know that the Spirits of Air are with you. As you drive your car, think about the magick of Fire keeping the engine running. When you eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage the Spirit of Fire touches you and you are energized. Experience the element of Water as you put a load of laundry in the washing machine, drive through the rain, pour a glass of water or fix a cup of tea. Throughout the day whenever you walk on the Earth or even on pavement feel the Earth beneath your feet. Consciously connect with Her and feel that solid strength.
Releasing tension and anger: Take a swim, let the soothing waters of Mother Earth's womb wash your troubles and anger away. Take a ritual bath - do some research into aromatherapy and use appropriate oils in the bath.
If a ritual bath or swim are not convenient, hold your hands under running water for a minute or put a bit of water in the basin and feel the tension and negativity drain from you hands into the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps. Focus your anger into a spot in the air in front of you, encase it in a bubble and envision it floating away. Take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it.
Do a grounding exercise. Touch, sit, or lie on the Earth and send your anger down into the fiery core of the Earth where it will be burned away.
Healing energies are all around us - in the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, plants and trees, rocks - everywhere. When you are feeling weak, draw these energies into yourself.
Cakes and Ale: Every meal is an opportunity to reconnect with the Gods and the elements. Before you eat, pause a moment and either think or say the following:
For the seeds that grew them, For the cows that gave the milk, for the chickens, that laid the eggs, For the lives of the animals whose bodies will nourish ours, For those who planted and tended, For the Wind, the Sun, the Rain, and the Earth that nourished them, For those who harvested, milked, gathered and slaughtered, For those who carried, prepared and delivered, I thank you Lord and Lady (or God and Goddess, or specific names)
The food blessing should be modified according to the type of food you will eat. The idea is to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifice that went into your meal. It is thanking the seeds, animals, plants, etc. themselves as well as the Gods for all that we have. As you say the blessing aloud or in your head, envision someone sowing seeds, milking the cow, kneading the bread.
You may chose to make a libation to the Gods occasionally or even for each meal. When choosing your offering remember you are making a libation to the Gods to thank them for providing your meal and to show them you trust them to provide you with food in the future. Therefore, a libation should include the nicest pieces of each type of food. These should be carefully placed on a plate, not just heaped into a bowl. The entire plate can be set outside under a tree or in some bushes, or carefully slide the food from the plate onto the Earth. Liquid libations are poured directly onto the ground. Some people reserve a special place in their yards for leaving libations, or you could leave them in various places till you find one that feels right.
Closing the Circle: A ritual bath can be a way to prepare for ritual, a ritual by itself, or a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Here is one way to prepare a ritual bath. Feel free to modify it and/or add oils of your choice.
You will need incense, a dish of salt, a white candle, and a pitcher of water (if possible, rain, ocean, stream or spring water is best). Fill the tub. Light the candle. Turn out the lights.
Wave the incense in a deosil motion above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Air, bless this Water. Help me breathe away any thoughts that cloud my mind. Blessed be."
Move the candle deosil above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Fire, bless this Water. Your inspiration is felt in all acts of creativity. Let me feel my creative energies renewed. Blessed be."
Again, moving deosil, pour the pitcher of water into the bath and say, "Spirits of Water, bless this bath. As you are the tears of the sorrow and the joy of the Mother, flowing from Her as the tides and the rain, let me feel the love of the Mother in these Waters. Blessed be."
Sprinkle the salt into the bath with a deosil motion (three pinches is good), "Spirits of Earth, bless this Water. Cleanse away fears and stress as I enter. Let me feel the warm embrace of the Mother Earth. Blessed be."
Stay as long as you like and feel the stress drain away. The ritual bath can also be a good place to meditate.
Meditation: Meditation should be part of a daily magickal practice. Set aside minimum 15 minutes a day for meditation. It is a major component to magickal and spiritual growth. As with all magickal practices, the key is consistency, doing it on a regular basis. The more you meditate, the deeper you will become acquainted with yourself, the Gods, and the powers of the Universe which are available to you.
Journaling: Just before bed is a good time to write in your journal. Include any messages or revelations which came as a result of meditation. Also include any changes in your perception of the world. Try to write in your journal every day so that it becomes a habit, even if it is only a line or two.
Dreams: If you want to remember your dreams better, say so aloud before you go to sleep: "I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams in detail." To increase your chance for meaningful dreams that you can remember, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping aids.
Write your dreams down in a separate dream journal as soon as you wake up. Keep a pen and light handy so you can record dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night without waking yourself or anyone else up too much.
Honesty: In 'The Spiral Dance', Starhawk wrote, "Those who would practice magic must be scrupulously honest in their personal lives. In one sense, magic works on the principle that 'it is so because I say it is so.' A bag of herbs acquires the power to heal because I say it does. For words to take on such force, I must be deeply and completely convinced that it is identified with truth as I know it. If I habitually lie to my lovers, steal from my boss, pilfer from supermarkets, or simply renege on my promises, I cannot have that conviction...To a person who practices honesty and keeps commitments, 'As I will, so mote it be' is not just a pretty phrase; it is a statement of fact."
Magickal Vows: All of us could use some improvement. Whether it is developing a good habit (meditating, exercising, eating better, smiling more, reading) or getting rid of a bad one (smoking, passing rumors, complaining), we do not always need an elaborate ritual to accomplish our goals.
As part of your regular Esbat ritual, start a new habit of making "Lunar Vows". A Lunar Vow is something you promise the Gods you will do for a month. Such as, "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to finish reading Drawing Down the Moon" or "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to say something nice to someone at least once a day".
Write the vow in your journal and keep track of your progress.
While there are no hard and fast rules, generally Pagan rituals consist of the following steps: creating sacred space, inviting the four elements into the sacred space, inviting the God and Goddess, a statement of purpose for the ritual, the body of the ritual, cakes and ale, thanking the elements and deities for joining, and then closing the circle.
The following are suggestions, based on the outline of a Pagan ritual, for creating (or rather noticing) magick at work in your daily life.
Creating Sacred Space: Every night before going to bed, tidy up your room and make sure there are pleasant things to look at as you go to sleep: a piece of art, photographs of loved ones, spiritual objects, etc. Say goodnight to the God and Goddess, thank them for what you have learned that day, and ask that solutions to problems you are working on come to you while you sleep. Center and ground as you lie in bed, releasing all tension and worry. Feel the peace spread outward filling the whole room, creating the sacred space to enjoy as you sleep.
Calling the Quarters: Get out of bed and walk outside or open a window. Face east. Raise your arms and stand with your legs apart so that you form a star. Stretch and take a deep breath, following that breath as it goes deep into your lungs and hold it. Really experience the Air. Let the breath out, and as you continue to breathe, think of those things which you associate with Air (freedom, youth, beginnings, intelligence, etc). Feel the air cleanse you and become part of you. Light some incense if you like. Thank the Spirits of Air.
Depending on the time of day and the weather either light a candle or feel the sun shining down on you. Feel the warmth. Draw the warmth into your body. Feel its healing power, feel it energize you and burn away negativity.
As you take a shower or wash your face consciously feel the Water as it flows over you and through your fingers. Let it fill you with a deep sense of calm and security. Feel the Goddess' love and nurturance.
Stand outside and feel the Earth beneath your feet, if possible feel it with your hands as well. If you can't go outdoors hold a large stone or crystal in your hands. You could also place your hands on the Earth in a large potted plant. Ground yourself, feeling your roots growing down into the Earth. Feel the solidity and silence of the Earth. Let it fill you with strength and confidence and the wisdom of the ages.
Welcoming the God and Goddess: Practice a morning devotional ritual daily and you will begin to see things in a new light. There are many different forms a morning devotional ritual can take. At the least it consists of a self-blessing, a connection with the elements or the Gods. A simple self-blessing can be done by anointing each major body area with your finger. You can anoint yourself with oil or Holy water. Here is a common self-blessing, which I believe is based on the Five-fold Kiss:
Top of head - Bless me Lord and Lady (God and Goddess, or specific names) for I am your child. Third eye - Bless my mind that I may know of your truth and wisdom. Throat - Bless my voice that I may speak with kindness. Heart - Bless my heart that I may feel your love and allow your light to shine forth. Genitals - Bless my womb (or phallus) that I may be creative and productive. Knees - Bless my knees that kneel at the sacred altar. Feet - Bless my feet that they lead me always on the path of right and reverence. Hands - Bless my hands that they be instruments of creation and healing. Top of head again - Bless me with your presence this day Lord and Lady for I am your child.
This blessing can be modified to fit particular circumstances of your daily life. If you need to make a speech one day you could say something like "Bless my voice that I may speak with eloquence and surety". If you have a test coming up you could say, "Bless my mind that I may think clearly and remember well."
Body of the Ritual: Find the magick in the "mundane". Magick is change. Take notice of changes that occur throughout the day and let them fill you with wonder.
Think of the elements while going about your normal everyday business. Consciously connect with the elements wherever and whenever you encounter them. Experience the Air as you watch the trees sway and the clouds and birds move across the sky. Even as you feel Air blowing from a fan or heating or cooling duct know that the Spirits of Air are with you. As you drive your car, think about the magick of Fire keeping the engine running. When you eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage the Spirit of Fire touches you and you are energized. Experience the element of Water as you put a load of laundry in the washing machine, drive through the rain, pour a glass of water or fix a cup of tea. Throughout the day whenever you walk on the Earth or even on pavement feel the Earth beneath your feet. Consciously connect with Her and feel that solid strength.
Releasing tension and anger: Take a swim, let the soothing waters of Mother Earth's womb wash your troubles and anger away. Take a ritual bath - do some research into aromatherapy and use appropriate oils in the bath.
If a ritual bath or swim are not convenient, hold your hands under running water for a minute or put a bit of water in the basin and feel the tension and negativity drain from you hands into the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps. Focus your anger into a spot in the air in front of you, encase it in a bubble and envision it floating away. Take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it.
Do a grounding exercise. Touch, sit, or lie on the Earth and send your anger down into the fiery core of the Earth where it will be burned away.
Healing energies are all around us - in the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, plants and trees, rocks - everywhere. When you are feeling weak, draw these energies into yourself.
Cakes and Ale: Every meal is an opportunity to reconnect with the Gods and the elements. Before you eat, pause a moment and either think or say the following:
For the seeds that grew them, For the cows that gave the milk, for the chickens, that laid the eggs, For the lives of the animals whose bodies will nourish ours, For those who planted and tended, For the Wind, the Sun, the Rain, and the Earth that nourished them, For those who harvested, milked, gathered and slaughtered, For those who carried, prepared and delivered, I thank you Lord and Lady (or God and Goddess, or specific names)
The food blessing should be modified according to the type of food you will eat. The idea is to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifice that went into your meal. It is thanking the seeds, animals, plants, etc. themselves as well as the Gods for all that we have. As you say the blessing aloud or in your head, envision someone sowing seeds, milking the cow, kneading the bread.
You may chose to make a libation to the Gods occasionally or even for each meal. When choosing your offering remember you are making a libation to the Gods to thank them for providing your meal and to show them you trust them to provide you with food in the future. Therefore, a libation should include the nicest pieces of each type of food. These should be carefully placed on a plate, not just heaped into a bowl. The entire plate can be set outside under a tree or in some bushes, or carefully slide the food from the plate onto the Earth. Liquid libations are poured directly onto the ground. Some people reserve a special place in their yards for leaving libations, or you could leave them in various places till you find one that feels right.
Closing the Circle: A ritual bath can be a way to prepare for ritual, a ritual by itself, or a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Here is one way to prepare a ritual bath. Feel free to modify it and/or add oils of your choice.
You will need incense, a dish of salt, a white candle, and a pitcher of water (if possible, rain, ocean, stream or spring water is best). Fill the tub. Light the candle. Turn out the lights.
Wave the incense in a deosil motion above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Air, bless this Water. Help me breathe away any thoughts that cloud my mind. Blessed be."
Move the candle deosil above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Fire, bless this Water. Your inspiration is felt in all acts of creativity. Let me feel my creative energies renewed. Blessed be."
Again, moving deosil, pour the pitcher of water into the bath and say, "Spirits of Water, bless this bath. As you are the tears of the sorrow and the joy of the Mother, flowing from Her as the tides and the rain, let me feel the love of the Mother in these Waters. Blessed be."
Sprinkle the salt into the bath with a deosil motion (three pinches is good), "Spirits of Earth, bless this Water. Cleanse away fears and stress as I enter. Let me feel the warm embrace of the Mother Earth. Blessed be."
Stay as long as you like and feel the stress drain away. The ritual bath can also be a good place to meditate.
Meditation: Meditation should be part of a daily magickal practice. Set aside minimum 15 minutes a day for meditation. It is a major component to magickal and spiritual growth. As with all magickal practices, the key is consistency, doing it on a regular basis. The more you meditate, the deeper you will become acquainted with yourself, the Gods, and the powers of the Universe which are available to you.
Journaling: Just before bed is a good time to write in your journal. Include any messages or revelations which came as a result of meditation. Also include any changes in your perception of the world. Try to write in your journal every day so that it becomes a habit, even if it is only a line or two.
Dreams: If you want to remember your dreams better, say so aloud before you go to sleep: "I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams in detail." To increase your chance for meaningful dreams that you can remember, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping aids.
Write your dreams down in a separate dream journal as soon as you wake up. Keep a pen and light handy so you can record dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night without waking yourself or anyone else up too much.
Honesty: In 'The Spiral Dance', Starhawk wrote, "Those who would practice magic must be scrupulously honest in their personal lives. In one sense, magic works on the principle that 'it is so because I say it is so.' A bag of herbs acquires the power to heal because I say it does. For words to take on such force, I must be deeply and completely convinced that it is identified with truth as I know it. If I habitually lie to my lovers, steal from my boss, pilfer from supermarkets, or simply renege on my promises, I cannot have that conviction...To a person who practices honesty and keeps commitments, 'As I will, so mote it be' is not just a pretty phrase; it is a statement of fact."
Magickal Vows: All of us could use some improvement. Whether it is developing a good habit (meditating, exercising, eating better, smiling more, reading) or getting rid of a bad one (smoking, passing rumors, complaining), we do not always need an elaborate ritual to accomplish our goals.
As part of your regular Esbat ritual, start a new habit of making "Lunar Vows". A Lunar Vow is something you promise the Gods you will do for a month. Such as, "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to finish reading Drawing Down the Moon" or "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to say something nice to someone at least once a day".
Write the vow in your journal and keep track of your progress.
Everyday Ritual
Supplies you’ll need:
Offering of Food, Offering of Drink, A candle, matches or lighter
Sit quietly.
Take a moment to contemplate all the blessings you have in your life.
Eat some of the food, drink some of the drink. (Be sure to save the last bits as a sacrifice)
Sit and meditate for a few moments.
Snuff the candle.
Pour the sacrifice outside or in a potted plant.
As you go about your day, be sure to keep negative thoughts at bay and try to mentally tally all the wonderful things that have come into your life.
Offering of Food, Offering of Drink, A candle, matches or lighter
Sit quietly.
Take a moment to contemplate all the blessings you have in your life.
On (say the date) I light this candle (light candle) in gratitude. I honor the Lord and Lady and thank them for the blessings and prosperity they have brought to me. Thank you.
Eat some of the food, drink some of the drink. (Be sure to save the last bits as a sacrifice)
Sit and meditate for a few moments.
Snuff the candle.
Pour the sacrifice outside or in a potted plant.
As you go about your day, be sure to keep negative thoughts at bay and try to mentally tally all the wonderful things that have come into your life.
Chants
All through the ages and all throughout differing cultures and traditions there are words and sounds that, when intoned in certain ways, bring about tremendous and terrific change in your current circumstances while even eventually invoking an answer to any or all of your prayers. The word/sound 'HU' (Hoo) is such a one and, when tied to our hopes and wishes and dreams, can make really sweet music in our lives. Simply inhale and silently intone the word and be sure to have it resonate through every aspect of your inner self. On the exhale, literally hum the word out to the universe, vibrating it audibly and long enough to send out tones to all of the environment immediately surrounding you. Using any sacred sounds on a daily basis builds a bridge of transformation that will allow you to march to your own drummer, strike up your own band and feel the heart beat of health, happiness and prosperity as they make their way into your life.
Dealing With Negative Energy
First for the dealing with unpleasant eminations attached to your altar. Remember that not only is your altar a sacred space, but also the images that surround it. Set the scene around your altar with visually soothing elements, this may rid you of some negativity you are unwittingly taking in when you recharge in front of your altar.
Second for negativity in general, a ritual can be performed to banish bad energy from yourself and your home.
1st smudge (burn sage) to clear away the negative energy in your home. Then take a spiritual cleansing bath using the 5 senses and the 4 elements. The recipe for this bath is 8 oz. of sea salt, a box of baking soda, a drip of lavender oil or lavender bubble bath, light a candle (dim the lights), light an incense, turn on some mellow music, and get a nice cool beverage of your choice. Enjoy!
Salt is the Earth
Candle is the Fire
Smoke from incense is the Air
The water is obviously the Water
See fire
Smell incense
Taste beverage
Touch water and
Hear music
Then after your bath spend 20 minutes in the sun to re-energize yourself. I do this like once a week.
Second for negativity in general, a ritual can be performed to banish bad energy from yourself and your home.
1st smudge (burn sage) to clear away the negative energy in your home. Then take a spiritual cleansing bath using the 5 senses and the 4 elements. The recipe for this bath is 8 oz. of sea salt, a box of baking soda, a drip of lavender oil or lavender bubble bath, light a candle (dim the lights), light an incense, turn on some mellow music, and get a nice cool beverage of your choice. Enjoy!
Salt is the Earth
Candle is the Fire
Smoke from incense is the Air
The water is obviously the Water
See fire
Smell incense
Taste beverage
Touch water and
Hear music
Then after your bath spend 20 minutes in the sun to re-energize yourself. I do this like once a week.
Magic Throughout the Day
Sometimes it’s easy to get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we become disconnected from our spirituality, leaving us more frayed and feeling less capable of handling it all. Here’s a good daily schedule to work into your day if you don’t already. These suggestions are from Patricia Telesco’s “A Charmed Life“.
Morning Devotional: wake up, take a deep breath. go to your altar and light a candle/incense and greet your vision of the Lord/Lady. Give thanks, ask for guidance.
Daily Affirmations: Instead of being a zombie as you get dressed and get cleaned up in the bathroom, try some simple affirmations to put you in the right frame of mind for the day.
Get Dressed: look at your clothes in terms of their correspondences - what do you want to enhance/project today? Think about what colors/textures/shapes you wear and how you can use them to give you a magickal boost.
At the end of the day: shake off the day with a workout and some spiritual cleansing to refresh yourself inside and out! Take some time out for yourself: take a magickal bath, read, do a bedtime meditation, enjoy a special herbal tea, write in a journal - whatever you feel like to rejoin your body and mind.
Morning Devotional: wake up, take a deep breath. go to your altar and light a candle/incense and greet your vision of the Lord/Lady. Give thanks, ask for guidance.
Daily Affirmations: Instead of being a zombie as you get dressed and get cleaned up in the bathroom, try some simple affirmations to put you in the right frame of mind for the day.
Get Dressed: look at your clothes in terms of their correspondences - what do you want to enhance/project today? Think about what colors/textures/shapes you wear and how you can use them to give you a magickal boost.
At the end of the day: shake off the day with a workout and some spiritual cleansing to refresh yourself inside and out! Take some time out for yourself: take a magickal bath, read, do a bedtime meditation, enjoy a special herbal tea, write in a journal - whatever you feel like to rejoin your body and mind.
Blessing your morning coffee
In the morning, when you make your coffee, this is a great chant to chant while making it! What you'll need: a brown or white candle, ideally a coffee scented one, a coffee perculator, some coffee beans and a coffee grinder.
Light the candle. While grinding the coffee beans, chant this first verse:
"Yummy yummy coffee bean,
Fill my mug with hot caffeine.
Coffee, coffee, quickly send
Hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate blend."
If you don't have a grinder, just chant that verse over it. While putting the grinds in the machine, chant:
"Sun is rising, Great God Ra,
Your falcon wings bring me java.
Goddess Bast, your rattle shakes the grains
Of morning brew running through my veins."
While putting your sugar and cream in your favourite mug (while the coffee is brewing) chant:
"Bit of cream instead of milk,
Turns my coffee into silk.
Allow me a taste of sugar,
Without it my coffee is vulgar."
As you're mixing your coffee, chant:
"Rising sun's gift, all this caffeine,
Kitchen's percolator, supreme machine.
So Below, As Above,
This cup of coffee, I do love."
Now enjoy your perfect cup of coffee
Light the candle. While grinding the coffee beans, chant this first verse:
"Yummy yummy coffee bean,
Fill my mug with hot caffeine.
Coffee, coffee, quickly send
Hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate blend."
If you don't have a grinder, just chant that verse over it. While putting the grinds in the machine, chant:
"Sun is rising, Great God Ra,
Your falcon wings bring me java.
Goddess Bast, your rattle shakes the grains
Of morning brew running through my veins."
While putting your sugar and cream in your favourite mug (while the coffee is brewing) chant:
"Bit of cream instead of milk,
Turns my coffee into silk.
Allow me a taste of sugar,
Without it my coffee is vulgar."
As you're mixing your coffee, chant:
"Rising sun's gift, all this caffeine,
Kitchen's percolator, supreme machine.
So Below, As Above,
This cup of coffee, I do love."
Now enjoy your perfect cup of coffee
Living Magically
Each Day A Magick Ritual
Ritual is a wonderful way to connect with the elements, the Gods, and all who have ever worshipped them, and all who ever will. But there is no need to wait until the Full Moon or the next Sabbat to make this connection. Opportunities abound in our everyday lives. As magickal beings, every intentional action we take is a magickal act.
While there are no hard and fast rules, generally Pagan rituals consist of the following steps: creating sacred space, inviting the four elements into the sacred space, inviting the God and Goddess, a statement of purpose for the ritual, the body of the ritual, cakes and ale, thanking the elements and deities for joining, and then closing the circle.
The following are suggestions, based on the outline of a Pagan ritual, for creating (or rather noticing) magick at work in your daily life.
Creating Sacred Space:
Every night before going to bed, tidy up your room and make sure there are pleasant things to look at as you go to sleep: a piece of art, photographs of loved ones, spiritual objects, etc. Say goodnight to the God and Goddess, thank them for what you have learned that day, and ask that solutions to problems you are working on come to you while you sleep. Center and ground as you lie in bed, releasing all tension and worry. Feel the peace spread outward filling the whole room, creating the sacred space to enjoy as you sleep.
Calling the Quarters:
Get out of bed and walk outside or open a window. Face east. Raise your arms and stand with your legs apart so that you form a star. Stretch and take a deep breath, following that breath as it goes deep into your lungs and hold it. Really experience the Air. Let the breath out, and as you continue to breathe, think of those things which you associate with Air (freedom, youth, beginnings, intelligence, etc). Feel the air cleanse you and become part of you. Light some incense if you like. Thank the Spirits of Air.
Depending on the time of day and the weather either light a candle or feel the sun shining down on you. Feel the warmth. Draw the warmth into your body. Feel its healing power, feel it energize you and burn away negativity.
As you take a shower or wash your face consciously feel the Water as it flows over you and through your fingers. Let it fill you with a deep sense of calm and security. Feel the Goddess' love and nurturance.
Stand outside and feel the Earth beneath your feet, if possible feel it with your hands as well. If you can't go outdoors hold a large stone or crystal in your hands. You could also place your hands on the Earth in a large potted plant. Ground yourself, feeling your roots growing down into the Earth. Feel the solidity and silence of the Earth. Let it fill you with strength and confidence and the wisdom of the ages.
Welcoming the God and Goddess:
Practice a morning devotional ritual daily and you will begin to see things in a new light. There are many different forms a morning devotional ritual can take. At the least it consists of a self-blessing, a connection with the elements or the Gods. A simple self-blessing can be done by anointing each major body area with your finger. You can anoint yourself with oil or Holy water. Here is a common self-blessing, which I believe is based on the Five-fold Kiss:
Top of head - Bless me Lord and Lady (God and Goddess, or specific names) for I am your child.
Third eye - Bless my mind that I may know of your truth and wisdom.
Throat - Bless my voice that I may speak with kindness.
Heart - Bless my heart that I may feel your love and allow your light to shine forth.
Genitals - Bless my womb (or phallus) that I may be creative and productive.
Knees - Bless my knees that kneel at the sacred altar.
Feet - Bless my feet that they lead me always on the path of right and reverence.
Hands - Bless my hands that they be instruments of creation and healing.
Top of head again - Bless me with your presence this day Lord and Lady for I am your child.
This blessing can be modified to fit particular circumstances of your daily life. If you need to make a speech one day you could say something like "Bless my voice that I may speak with eloquence and surety". If you have a test coming up you could say, "Bless my mind that I may think clearly and remember well."
Body of the Ritual:
Find the magick in the "mundane". Magick is change. Take notice of changes that occur throughout the day and let them fill you with wonder.
Think of the elements while going about your normal everyday business. Consciously connect with the elements wherever and whenever you encounter them. Experience the Air as you watch the trees sway and the clouds and birds move across the sky. Even as you feel Air blowing from a fan or heating or cooling duct know that the Spirits of Air are with you. As you drive your car, think about the magick of Fire keeping the engine running. When you eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage the Spirit of Fire touches you and you are energized. Experience the element of Water as you put a load of laundry in the washing machine, drive through the rain, pour a glass of water or fix a cup of tea. Throughout the day whenever you walk on the Earth or even on pavement feel the Earth beneath your feet. Consciously connect with Her and feel that solid strength.
Releasing tension and anger:
Take a swim, let the soothing waters of Mother Earth's womb wash your troubles and anger away. Take a ritual bath - do some research into aromatherapy and use appropriate oils in the bath.
If a ritual bath or swim are not convenient, hold your hands under running water for a minute or put a bit of water in the basin and feel the tension and negativity drain from you hands into the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps. Focus your anger into a spot in the air in front of you, encase it in a bubble and envision it floating away. Take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it.
Do a grounding exercise. Touch, sit, or lie on the Earth and send your anger down into the fiery core of the Earth where it will be burned away.
Healing energies are all around us - in the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, plants and trees, rocks - everywhere. When you are feeling weak, draw these energies into yourself.
Cakes and Ale:
Every meal is an opportunity to reconnect with the Gods and the elements. Before you eat, pause a moment and either think or say the following:
For the seeds that grew them,
For the cows that gave the milk, for the chickens, that laid the eggs,
For the lives of the animals whose bodies will nourish ours,
For those who planted and tended,
For the Wind, the Sun, the Rain, and the Earth that nourished them,
For those who harvested, milked, gathered and slaughtered,
For those who carried, prepared and delivered,
I thank you Lord and Lady (or God and Goddess, or specific names)
The food blessing should be modified according to the type of food you will eat. The idea is to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifice that went into your meal. It is thanking the seeds, animals, plants, etc. themselves as well as the Gods for all that we have. As you say the blessing aloud or in your head, envision someone sowing seeds, milking the cow, kneading the bread.
You may chose to make a libation to the Gods occasionally or even for each meal. When choosing your offering remember you are making a libation to the Gods to thank them for providing your meal and to show them you trust them to provide you with food in the future. Therefore, a libation should include the nicest pieces of each type of food. These should be carefully placed on a plate, not just heaped into a bowl. The entire plate can be set outside under a tree or in some bushes, or carefully slide the food from the plate onto the Earth. Liquid libations are poured directly onto the ground. Some people reserve a special place in their yards for leaving libations, or you could leave them in various places till you find one that feels right.
Closing the Circle:
A ritual bath can be a way to prepare for ritual, a ritual by itself, or a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Here is one way to prepare a ritual bath. Feel free to modify it and/or add oils of your choice.
You will need incense, a dish of salt, a white candle, and a pitcher of water (if possible, rain, ocean, stream or spring water is best). Fill the tub. Light the candle. Turn out the lights.
Wave the incense in a deosil motion above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Air, bless this Water. Help me breathe away any thoughts that cloud my mind. Blessed be."
Move the candle deosil above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Fire, bless this Water. Your inspiration is felt in all acts of creativity. Let me feel my creative energies renewed. Blessed be."
Again, moving deosil, pour the pitcher of water into the bath and say, "Spirits of Water, bless this bath. As you are the tears of the sorrow and the joy of the Mother, flowing from Her as the tides and the rain, let me feel the love of the Mother in these Waters. Blessed be."
Sprinkle the salt into the bath with a deosil motion (three pinches is good), "Spirits of Earth, bless this Water. Cleanse away fears and stress as I enter. Let me feel the warm embrace of the Mother Earth. Blessed be."
Stay as long as you like and feel the stress drain away. The ritual bath can also be a good place to meditate.
Meditation
Meditation should be part of a daily magickal practice. Set aside minimum 15 minutes a day for meditation. It is a major component to magickal and spiritual growth. As with all magickal practices, the key is consistency, doing it on a regular basis. The more you meditate, the deeper you will become acquainted with yourself, the Gods, and the powers of the Universe which are available to you.
Journaling
Just before bed is a good time to write in your journal. Include any messages or revelations which came as a result of meditation. Also include any changes in your perception of the world. Try to write in your journal every day so that it becomes a habit, even if it is only a line or two.
Dreams:
If you want to remember your dreams better, say so aloud before you go to sleep: "I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams in detail." To increase your chance for meaningful dreams that you can remember, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping aids.
Write your dreams down in a separate dream journal as soon as you wake up. Keep a pen and light handy so you can record dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night without waking yourself or anyone else up too much.
Honesty
In 'The Spiral Dance', Starhawk wrote, "Those who would practice magic must be scrupulously honest in their personal lives. In one sense, magic works on the principle that 'it is so because I say it is so.' A bag of herbs acquires the power to heal because I say it does. For words to take on such force, I must be deeply and completely convinced that it is identified with truth as I know it. If I habitually lie to my lovers, steal from my boss, pilfer from supermarkets, or simply renege on my promises, I cannot have that conviction...To a person who practices honesty and keeps commitments, 'As I will, so mote it be' is not just a pretty phrase; it is a statement of fact."
Magickal Vows
All of us could use some improvement. Whether it is developing a good habit (meditating, exercising, eating better, smiling more, reading) or getting rid of a bad one (smoking, passing rumors, complaining), we do not always need an elaborate ritual to accomplish our goals.
As part of your regular Esbat ritual, start a new habit of making "Lunar Vows". A Lunar Vow is something you promise the Gods you will do for a month. Such as, "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to finish reading Drawing Down the Moon" or "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to say something nice to someone at least once a day".
Write the vow in your journal and keep track of your progress.
Rites of Passage
Each life-changing event can be cause for acknowledgement or celebration. Rites of passage can be celebrated alone, with a close friend, or with a large group. The ritual can be simple with few props, or as elaborate as you choose. You can even celebrate rites of passage with non-Pagan friends (they don't have to know the event holds magickal significance for you).
The following are some events which can be considered rites of passage.
Pregnancy - Birth - Dedication to the Gods - Initiation - Menopause - Becoming grandparents - Death - Retirement - Miscarriage - Wiccaning - First house or apartment - First day of school (or college) - Puberty - Receiving driver's license - Handfasting (marriage) - Graduation - First Job - Engagement - Eldering or Croning
Ritual is a wonderful way to connect with the elements, the Gods, and all who have ever worshipped them, and all who ever will. But there is no need to wait until the Full Moon or the next Sabbat to make this connection. Opportunities abound in our everyday lives. As magickal beings, every intentional action we take is a magickal act.
While there are no hard and fast rules, generally Pagan rituals consist of the following steps: creating sacred space, inviting the four elements into the sacred space, inviting the God and Goddess, a statement of purpose for the ritual, the body of the ritual, cakes and ale, thanking the elements and deities for joining, and then closing the circle.
The following are suggestions, based on the outline of a Pagan ritual, for creating (or rather noticing) magick at work in your daily life.
Creating Sacred Space:
Every night before going to bed, tidy up your room and make sure there are pleasant things to look at as you go to sleep: a piece of art, photographs of loved ones, spiritual objects, etc. Say goodnight to the God and Goddess, thank them for what you have learned that day, and ask that solutions to problems you are working on come to you while you sleep. Center and ground as you lie in bed, releasing all tension and worry. Feel the peace spread outward filling the whole room, creating the sacred space to enjoy as you sleep.
Calling the Quarters:
Get out of bed and walk outside or open a window. Face east. Raise your arms and stand with your legs apart so that you form a star. Stretch and take a deep breath, following that breath as it goes deep into your lungs and hold it. Really experience the Air. Let the breath out, and as you continue to breathe, think of those things which you associate with Air (freedom, youth, beginnings, intelligence, etc). Feel the air cleanse you and become part of you. Light some incense if you like. Thank the Spirits of Air.
Depending on the time of day and the weather either light a candle or feel the sun shining down on you. Feel the warmth. Draw the warmth into your body. Feel its healing power, feel it energize you and burn away negativity.
As you take a shower or wash your face consciously feel the Water as it flows over you and through your fingers. Let it fill you with a deep sense of calm and security. Feel the Goddess' love and nurturance.
Stand outside and feel the Earth beneath your feet, if possible feel it with your hands as well. If you can't go outdoors hold a large stone or crystal in your hands. You could also place your hands on the Earth in a large potted plant. Ground yourself, feeling your roots growing down into the Earth. Feel the solidity and silence of the Earth. Let it fill you with strength and confidence and the wisdom of the ages.
Welcoming the God and Goddess:
Practice a morning devotional ritual daily and you will begin to see things in a new light. There are many different forms a morning devotional ritual can take. At the least it consists of a self-blessing, a connection with the elements or the Gods. A simple self-blessing can be done by anointing each major body area with your finger. You can anoint yourself with oil or Holy water. Here is a common self-blessing, which I believe is based on the Five-fold Kiss:
Top of head - Bless me Lord and Lady (God and Goddess, or specific names) for I am your child.
Third eye - Bless my mind that I may know of your truth and wisdom.
Throat - Bless my voice that I may speak with kindness.
Heart - Bless my heart that I may feel your love and allow your light to shine forth.
Genitals - Bless my womb (or phallus) that I may be creative and productive.
Knees - Bless my knees that kneel at the sacred altar.
Feet - Bless my feet that they lead me always on the path of right and reverence.
Hands - Bless my hands that they be instruments of creation and healing.
Top of head again - Bless me with your presence this day Lord and Lady for I am your child.
This blessing can be modified to fit particular circumstances of your daily life. If you need to make a speech one day you could say something like "Bless my voice that I may speak with eloquence and surety". If you have a test coming up you could say, "Bless my mind that I may think clearly and remember well."
Body of the Ritual:
Find the magick in the "mundane". Magick is change. Take notice of changes that occur throughout the day and let them fill you with wonder.
Think of the elements while going about your normal everyday business. Consciously connect with the elements wherever and whenever you encounter them. Experience the Air as you watch the trees sway and the clouds and birds move across the sky. Even as you feel Air blowing from a fan or heating or cooling duct know that the Spirits of Air are with you. As you drive your car, think about the magick of Fire keeping the engine running. When you eat a hot meal or drink a hot beverage the Spirit of Fire touches you and you are energized. Experience the element of Water as you put a load of laundry in the washing machine, drive through the rain, pour a glass of water or fix a cup of tea. Throughout the day whenever you walk on the Earth or even on pavement feel the Earth beneath your feet. Consciously connect with Her and feel that solid strength.
Releasing tension and anger:
Take a swim, let the soothing waters of Mother Earth's womb wash your troubles and anger away. Take a ritual bath - do some research into aromatherapy and use appropriate oils in the bath.
If a ritual bath or swim are not convenient, hold your hands under running water for a minute or put a bit of water in the basin and feel the tension and negativity drain from you hands into the water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps. Focus your anger into a spot in the air in front of you, encase it in a bubble and envision it floating away. Take time for yourself and don't feel guilty about it.
Do a grounding exercise. Touch, sit, or lie on the Earth and send your anger down into the fiery core of the Earth where it will be burned away.
Healing energies are all around us - in the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, plants and trees, rocks - everywhere. When you are feeling weak, draw these energies into yourself.
Cakes and Ale:
Every meal is an opportunity to reconnect with the Gods and the elements. Before you eat, pause a moment and either think or say the following:
For the seeds that grew them,
For the cows that gave the milk, for the chickens, that laid the eggs,
For the lives of the animals whose bodies will nourish ours,
For those who planted and tended,
For the Wind, the Sun, the Rain, and the Earth that nourished them,
For those who harvested, milked, gathered and slaughtered,
For those who carried, prepared and delivered,
I thank you Lord and Lady (or God and Goddess, or specific names)
The food blessing should be modified according to the type of food you will eat. The idea is to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifice that went into your meal. It is thanking the seeds, animals, plants, etc. themselves as well as the Gods for all that we have. As you say the blessing aloud or in your head, envision someone sowing seeds, milking the cow, kneading the bread.
You may chose to make a libation to the Gods occasionally or even for each meal. When choosing your offering remember you are making a libation to the Gods to thank them for providing your meal and to show them you trust them to provide you with food in the future. Therefore, a libation should include the nicest pieces of each type of food. These should be carefully placed on a plate, not just heaped into a bowl. The entire plate can be set outside under a tree or in some bushes, or carefully slide the food from the plate onto the Earth. Liquid libations are poured directly onto the ground. Some people reserve a special place in their yards for leaving libations, or you could leave them in various places till you find one that feels right.
Closing the Circle:
A ritual bath can be a way to prepare for ritual, a ritual by itself, or a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. Here is one way to prepare a ritual bath. Feel free to modify it and/or add oils of your choice.
You will need incense, a dish of salt, a white candle, and a pitcher of water (if possible, rain, ocean, stream or spring water is best). Fill the tub. Light the candle. Turn out the lights.
Wave the incense in a deosil motion above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Air, bless this Water. Help me breathe away any thoughts that cloud my mind. Blessed be."
Move the candle deosil above the bath while saying, "Spirits of Fire, bless this Water. Your inspiration is felt in all acts of creativity. Let me feel my creative energies renewed. Blessed be."
Again, moving deosil, pour the pitcher of water into the bath and say, "Spirits of Water, bless this bath. As you are the tears of the sorrow and the joy of the Mother, flowing from Her as the tides and the rain, let me feel the love of the Mother in these Waters. Blessed be."
Sprinkle the salt into the bath with a deosil motion (three pinches is good), "Spirits of Earth, bless this Water. Cleanse away fears and stress as I enter. Let me feel the warm embrace of the Mother Earth. Blessed be."
Stay as long as you like and feel the stress drain away. The ritual bath can also be a good place to meditate.
Meditation
Meditation should be part of a daily magickal practice. Set aside minimum 15 minutes a day for meditation. It is a major component to magickal and spiritual growth. As with all magickal practices, the key is consistency, doing it on a regular basis. The more you meditate, the deeper you will become acquainted with yourself, the Gods, and the powers of the Universe which are available to you.
Journaling
Just before bed is a good time to write in your journal. Include any messages or revelations which came as a result of meditation. Also include any changes in your perception of the world. Try to write in your journal every day so that it becomes a habit, even if it is only a line or two.
Dreams:
If you want to remember your dreams better, say so aloud before you go to sleep: "I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams in detail." To increase your chance for meaningful dreams that you can remember, get enough sleep, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping aids.
Write your dreams down in a separate dream journal as soon as you wake up. Keep a pen and light handy so you can record dreams when you wake up in the middle of the night without waking yourself or anyone else up too much.
Honesty
In 'The Spiral Dance', Starhawk wrote, "Those who would practice magic must be scrupulously honest in their personal lives. In one sense, magic works on the principle that 'it is so because I say it is so.' A bag of herbs acquires the power to heal because I say it does. For words to take on such force, I must be deeply and completely convinced that it is identified with truth as I know it. If I habitually lie to my lovers, steal from my boss, pilfer from supermarkets, or simply renege on my promises, I cannot have that conviction...To a person who practices honesty and keeps commitments, 'As I will, so mote it be' is not just a pretty phrase; it is a statement of fact."
Magickal Vows
All of us could use some improvement. Whether it is developing a good habit (meditating, exercising, eating better, smiling more, reading) or getting rid of a bad one (smoking, passing rumors, complaining), we do not always need an elaborate ritual to accomplish our goals.
As part of your regular Esbat ritual, start a new habit of making "Lunar Vows". A Lunar Vow is something you promise the Gods you will do for a month. Such as, "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to finish reading Drawing Down the Moon" or "I vow, before the Gods this lunar cycle, to say something nice to someone at least once a day".
Write the vow in your journal and keep track of your progress.
Rites of Passage
Each life-changing event can be cause for acknowledgement or celebration. Rites of passage can be celebrated alone, with a close friend, or with a large group. The ritual can be simple with few props, or as elaborate as you choose. You can even celebrate rites of passage with non-Pagan friends (they don't have to know the event holds magickal significance for you).
The following are some events which can be considered rites of passage.
Pregnancy - Birth - Dedication to the Gods - Initiation - Menopause - Becoming grandparents - Death - Retirement - Miscarriage - Wiccaning - First house or apartment - First day of school (or college) - Puberty - Receiving driver's license - Handfasting (marriage) - Graduation - First Job - Engagement - Eldering or Croning
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