I know it's been a while, but life gets hectic sometimes. I barely have time to breathe, and finals are coming up next week.
The "last" step for practicing magic is learning to shield.
Shielding is a way of deflecting or redirecting energy aimed at you. (Either consciously or not.)
This practice can come in handy not only for protection, but also if somebody is fairly empathic as an everyday thing.
When working with other people, especially if they're unexperienced, shielding can protect you from "nuclear runoff" or energy that's gone astray.
Okay, enough rambling... Onto the meat of the post, how to shield.
The way I learned to shield, is by putting up a bubble of energy around you, and empower it to do what you want with energy that comes your way. The most common would be deflecting it. Though some people empower their shields to ground the energy, or to reflect it back to where it came from. This will take some practice, but if you've been working with energy, then you should have a pretty good feel of how to do this.
A lot of people do visualizations with their shielding. Barbed wire, or armor are very common visualizations. Many people also put up multiple layers that protect against various types of energies, which they can "take down" and put back up individually.
Personally, I don't find a reason for shielding too often. I put up a shield to protect the vehicle I'm in whenever I go somewhere. I put up a shield when I'm in a public place with a lot of people I don't know so I don't get overwhelmed by the emotions. But when I am home or with people I care about, I have nothing to be protected from.
Some people are paranoid about other people practicing magic against them, but I am not.
There are also more permanent kinda of shields that you can put up around people or places, but these are more allong the lines of a protection spell or ward.
Blessings,
Skye
Showing posts with label Magical First Steps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magical First Steps. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Magical First Steps - Part Five
Grounding and Centering
You may have noticed that you're feeling a bit tired/headache-y/irritable after practicing raising energy. This isn't uncommon, and it happens to all of us. (Even if we've been practicing for years.)
The best way to counteract this is to "ground" any excess energy. To ground energy means to send any extra energy into the ground, or to pull energy from the earth to replenish your own "stores".
There are many ways to do this, but sitting down on the ground, in a chair with both feet on the ground or standing straight up seem to be the most common methods.
Focus on the energy that you have in your body - but make sure not to accumulate anymore or to concentrate it any more than it already is. If you're feeling jittery or overwhelmed with energy, channel the energy down into the ground. If you're feeling drained, draw some out of the earth and into yourself. The purpose of grounding is to balance out the energy in you to where it should be.
Visualization can help with this; many people visualize roots from their feet into the ground or some other similar imagery. (Personally, I use an anchor, which has significant meaning to me.) Try a few different ways to see what works for you.
Another reason to ground is to bring your mind and body to the present. It helps you focus on what you're doing at the moment, rather than be scatterbrained and all over the place.
Centering is just pulling all of your energy to one place in yourself. It helps you focus. It is usually done when grounding.
When you feel your connection to the Earth, and your energy is all balanced out - focus on whatever the task at hand is. (If you're just grounding to get rid of excess energy and not to focus, you don't really need to do this step.) Set your attention to whatever it is you need to do or want. And that's essentially the gist of it.
Physical methods of grounding are eating something, jumping hard onto the ground, laying down for a couple minutes. Sometimes food and physical rest can be better than going through all the energy work involved in grounding.
You may have noticed that you're feeling a bit tired/headache-y/irritable after practicing raising energy. This isn't uncommon, and it happens to all of us. (Even if we've been practicing for years.)
The best way to counteract this is to "ground" any excess energy. To ground energy means to send any extra energy into the ground, or to pull energy from the earth to replenish your own "stores".
There are many ways to do this, but sitting down on the ground, in a chair with both feet on the ground or standing straight up seem to be the most common methods.
Focus on the energy that you have in your body - but make sure not to accumulate anymore or to concentrate it any more than it already is. If you're feeling jittery or overwhelmed with energy, channel the energy down into the ground. If you're feeling drained, draw some out of the earth and into yourself. The purpose of grounding is to balance out the energy in you to where it should be.
Visualization can help with this; many people visualize roots from their feet into the ground or some other similar imagery. (Personally, I use an anchor, which has significant meaning to me.) Try a few different ways to see what works for you.
Another reason to ground is to bring your mind and body to the present. It helps you focus on what you're doing at the moment, rather than be scatterbrained and all over the place.
Centering is just pulling all of your energy to one place in yourself. It helps you focus. It is usually done when grounding.
When you feel your connection to the Earth, and your energy is all balanced out - focus on whatever the task at hand is. (If you're just grounding to get rid of excess energy and not to focus, you don't really need to do this step.) Set your attention to whatever it is you need to do or want. And that's essentially the gist of it.
Physical methods of grounding are eating something, jumping hard onto the ground, laying down for a couple minutes. Sometimes food and physical rest can be better than going through all the energy work involved in grounding.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Magical First Steps - Part Four
The fourth step in learning to work magic is raising energy.
Raising energy isn't like drinking an energy drink. It's not the same as feeling energized, but rather a feeling of power - of something that can be put to use in a better way than just physical. It's a deep sensation in the stomach. (For me at least, though I'm sure it can radiate from other places.)
To start with this exercise, figure out which hand it your strongest. It's usually your writing hand, but whichever hand you feel has more ability to send out can work. You can also try this exercise with both hands, or alternate until you learn which one works better, or you prefer. Personally, I use both hands, as they are fairly well balanced for me.
Start out by getting into a fairly meditative state. Make sure that you won't be getting interrupted, keep outside sounds to a minimum. Ask any roommates or family members not to bother you for a while. Take your time.
Once you're nice and relaxed, put your hands out in front of you and shape them like you're cupping a ball. Your hands can be a bit straighter, or nicely curved - whichever is more comfortable for you to keep up for several minutes.
Focus on sensing the energy around you, then narrow down on your own. Pull the energy into your stomach/chest. Then funnel the energy into your hands, then finally the space between your hands. It will pool up and eventually feel like a squishy nerf ball.
You should be able to feel the density of the area.
After trying this, if you're capable of seeing the energy, you can try to change the colors - or you can try to change the temperature or other aspects of the energy.
Raising energy isn't like drinking an energy drink. It's not the same as feeling energized, but rather a feeling of power - of something that can be put to use in a better way than just physical. It's a deep sensation in the stomach. (For me at least, though I'm sure it can radiate from other places.)
To start with this exercise, figure out which hand it your strongest. It's usually your writing hand, but whichever hand you feel has more ability to send out can work. You can also try this exercise with both hands, or alternate until you learn which one works better, or you prefer. Personally, I use both hands, as they are fairly well balanced for me.
Start out by getting into a fairly meditative state. Make sure that you won't be getting interrupted, keep outside sounds to a minimum. Ask any roommates or family members not to bother you for a while. Take your time.
Once you're nice and relaxed, put your hands out in front of you and shape them like you're cupping a ball. Your hands can be a bit straighter, or nicely curved - whichever is more comfortable for you to keep up for several minutes.
Focus on sensing the energy around you, then narrow down on your own. Pull the energy into your stomach/chest. Then funnel the energy into your hands, then finally the space between your hands. It will pool up and eventually feel like a squishy nerf ball.
You should be able to feel the density of the area.
After trying this, if you're capable of seeing the energy, you can try to change the colors - or you can try to change the temperature or other aspects of the energy.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Magical First Steps - Part Three
Visualization
This part is something you should be practicing along with meditation and sensing energy. I probably should have written this before doing the sensing energy post, but there's nothing that I can really do about this now.
Visualization is seeing something in your mind without it necessarily being real. This can be something like a memory or a dream, or it can just be an object in empty space.
To start off, get into a comfortable position and spend a few minutes winding down. When you're ready to start, close your eyes and picture whatever it is that you want. It is best to pick an image or a picture rather than a scenario to start off with.
It isn't uncommon for the picture to fade quickly in your mind, just keep bringing it back. Do this with the same image for 5 minutes or so, or until you start to feel tired or worn out.
It's good to practice this skill often, as it can come in handy for practicing magic. Once you are comfortable with a single image, turn it around in your mind, manipulate it in some way or another. (You don't need to be practicing with the same image every time unless you want to.) From here you can move onto places.
When it comes to visualizing places, it's something I usually do during meditation, anyways. The places I have came naturally to me. Try moving about it in a way that you would usually do. Avoid animals and people at first, as they will be difficult to manipulate along with everything else.
When you get to practicing magic, this will come in handy during the whole "visualize outcome while putting your energy into a candle" or another similar part of the ritual.
(A small side note: If you're a strong and vivid daydreamer, this should come naturally to you. Also, many good artists are very good at this. I, however, have issues keeping an image in my head.)
Exercises
This part is something you should be practicing along with meditation and sensing energy. I probably should have written this before doing the sensing energy post, but there's nothing that I can really do about this now.
Visualization is seeing something in your mind without it necessarily being real. This can be something like a memory or a dream, or it can just be an object in empty space.
To start off, get into a comfortable position and spend a few minutes winding down. When you're ready to start, close your eyes and picture whatever it is that you want. It is best to pick an image or a picture rather than a scenario to start off with.
It isn't uncommon for the picture to fade quickly in your mind, just keep bringing it back. Do this with the same image for 5 minutes or so, or until you start to feel tired or worn out.
It's good to practice this skill often, as it can come in handy for practicing magic. Once you are comfortable with a single image, turn it around in your mind, manipulate it in some way or another. (You don't need to be practicing with the same image every time unless you want to.) From here you can move onto places.
When it comes to visualizing places, it's something I usually do during meditation, anyways. The places I have came naturally to me. Try moving about it in a way that you would usually do. Avoid animals and people at first, as they will be difficult to manipulate along with everything else.
When you get to practicing magic, this will come in handy during the whole "visualize outcome while putting your energy into a candle" or another similar part of the ritual.
(A small side note: If you're a strong and vivid daydreamer, this should come naturally to you. Also, many good artists are very good at this. I, however, have issues keeping an image in my head.)
Exercises
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Magical First Steps - Part Two
Learning about energy.
After you are familiar with meditation (you don't need to be a pro, but being comfortable with it helps) it's time to move onto energy work.
The first thing to do is to learn what it feels like, and the best way I've found to get acquainted with energy is this exercise:
Start off by gathering several different objects. Make some of these natural, some man made. A good list includes: a (live/potted) plant, a stick/leaf, pencil, mirror, jewelry, candle. Anything you have laying around, really. Make it versicle. Start with 3 or 4 and move up as you feel comfortable.
Meditate to clear you mind. Get in a good state of mind, make sure that you're relaxed. Don't do this when you are very wound up or tired.
Pick up one of your object and hold it in both hands. (You can also hold it in your dominant or writing hand. Close your eyes and get a good feel of the object. Run your fingers over it. Pay attention to the way it feels aside from just the texture or temperature.
This is the hard part to explain. Do the same as you did in the last part of the exercise only without touching the object. Leave two inches or so of space between you and whatever it is you are using. Feel for any energy that it is giving off.
After a while of practicing this, try guessing what object it is that you're feeling. Having somebody arrange them in a random order or putting them in paper bags and mixing them up can help with this step. Don't be upset if you don't get them right at first. It takes practice.
If any of you try this or have any questions let me know. This is the hardest part to explain in my opinion.
Blessings,
Skye
After you are familiar with meditation (you don't need to be a pro, but being comfortable with it helps) it's time to move onto energy work.
The first thing to do is to learn what it feels like, and the best way I've found to get acquainted with energy is this exercise:
Start off by gathering several different objects. Make some of these natural, some man made. A good list includes: a (live/potted) plant, a stick/leaf, pencil, mirror, jewelry, candle. Anything you have laying around, really. Make it versicle. Start with 3 or 4 and move up as you feel comfortable.
Meditate to clear you mind. Get in a good state of mind, make sure that you're relaxed. Don't do this when you are very wound up or tired.
Pick up one of your object and hold it in both hands. (You can also hold it in your dominant or writing hand. Close your eyes and get a good feel of the object. Run your fingers over it. Pay attention to the way it feels aside from just the texture or temperature.
This is the hard part to explain. Do the same as you did in the last part of the exercise only without touching the object. Leave two inches or so of space between you and whatever it is you are using. Feel for any energy that it is giving off.
After a while of practicing this, try guessing what object it is that you're feeling. Having somebody arrange them in a random order or putting them in paper bags and mixing them up can help with this step. Don't be upset if you don't get them right at first. It takes practice.
If any of you try this or have any questions let me know. This is the hardest part to explain in my opinion.
Blessings,
Skye
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Magical First Steps - Part I
The first part to becoming proficient in working magic is learning to control your mind. You need to control the inner chatter of you brain and focus on one thing - the magic you're working and the desired outcome.
Regular meditation is the easiest way to achieve this.
When first starting out meditating, it's best to focus on your breathing. Take long, steady and deep breaths. At first I would count "1, 2, 3, 4" or "In... Out... In..." but over time I got over it and I learned to just pay attention to my breath. You can do this in any comfortable position, sitting or laying down, but you might just fall asleep if you're laying dawn. (If you end up falling asleep sitting up, you'll fall over and most likely wake yourself up.)
It's a good idea to set a timer when you're first starting out just in case you do fall asleep. (And you can keep track of how long you're meditating, too.) Smaller amounts of time are best when starting, as they are easier to achieve and it is less likely for you to feel disheartened.
Also, if you're having trouble quieting your mind, just let the thoughts come. Don't dwell on them, but don't fight them either.
Other ways to help with meditating are:
Listening to music. (Preferably without words.)
Visualizing a scene or place.
Doing repetitive tasks and focusing solely on what you're doing.
Stretching - focus on your breathing while you stretch. Like yoga.
Note: A way that I make meditation more spiritual than just about well being or magic is by using it to connect with Deity. I have a place that I go to where I can be with my Patron God/dess and it does a world of good.
(Don't forget to comment with your own suggestions.)
Bing Search on Meditation Videos
Regular meditation is the easiest way to achieve this.
When first starting out meditating, it's best to focus on your breathing. Take long, steady and deep breaths. At first I would count "1, 2, 3, 4" or "In... Out... In..." but over time I got over it and I learned to just pay attention to my breath. You can do this in any comfortable position, sitting or laying down, but you might just fall asleep if you're laying dawn. (If you end up falling asleep sitting up, you'll fall over and most likely wake yourself up.)
It's a good idea to set a timer when you're first starting out just in case you do fall asleep. (And you can keep track of how long you're meditating, too.) Smaller amounts of time are best when starting, as they are easier to achieve and it is less likely for you to feel disheartened.
Also, if you're having trouble quieting your mind, just let the thoughts come. Don't dwell on them, but don't fight them either.
Other ways to help with meditating are:
Listening to music. (Preferably without words.)
Visualizing a scene or place.
Doing repetitive tasks and focusing solely on what you're doing.
Stretching - focus on your breathing while you stretch. Like yoga.
Note: A way that I make meditation more spiritual than just about well being or magic is by using it to connect with Deity. I have a place that I go to where I can be with my Patron God/dess and it does a world of good.
(Don't forget to comment with your own suggestions.)
Bing Search on Meditation Videos
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