Energy Play & Visualization

Excerpt From: Wicca - A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

The energy and magickal powers at work in Wicca are real. They aren't of some astral plane. They're within the Earth and our selves. They maintain life. We daily deplete our store of energy and replenish it through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the powers that stream down from the Sun and Moon.

Know that this power is physical. Yes, it's mysterious, but only because so few investigate it in magickal ways. Following are some exercises to help you do just that.

Calm yourself. Breathe deeply. Rub your palms together for twenty seconds. Start slowly and rub faster and faster. Feel your muscles tense. Feel your palms grow warm. Then, suddenly, stop and hold your palms about two inches from each other. Feel them tingling: That's a manifestation of power. By rubbing your palms together and using the muscles in your arms and shoulders you're raising energy -- magickal power. It's flowing out from your palms as you hold them apart.
If you don't feel anything, practice this once or twice a day until you have success.
Remember, don't force yourself to feel the power. Trying harder won't accomplish anything. Relax and allow yourself to feel what's been there all the time.

After you've actually sensed this energy, begin to fashion it into shapes. Use your visualization to do this. Directly after rubbing your hands, while they're still tingling, visualize jolts of energy -- perhaps electric blue or purple -- passing from your right (projective) palm to left (receptive) palm. If you're left-handed, reverse the directions.

**Note: Remember the science fiction and fantasy movies you've seen wherein a magician sends power from his or her hands? Remember what it looked like in cinematic form? If you wish, use a similar image to visualize personal power streaming from your palms. Though that was just special effects this, of course, is real, and we can use this picture to actually send out that power.

Now envision this energy slowly swirling in a clockwise direction between your palms. Form it into a ball of glowing, pulsating magickal energy. See its dimensions, its colours. Feel its force and heat in your palms. This is a bit of energy which you've released from your body. There's nothing supernatural about it. Cup your hands around the ball. Make it grow or decrease in size through your visualization. Finally push it into your stomach and absorb it back into your system.

This is not only great fun but is a valuable magickal learning experience. When you've mastered the art of energy spheres, go on to feel energy fields.

Sit or stand before any plant. Herbs and plants in bloom seem to work best. In a pinch, cut flowers can be used as well.

Breathe deeply for a few moments and clear your thoughts. Hold your receptive (left) palm a few inches above the plant. Pinpoint your consciousness to your palm. Do you feel a dull throbbing, a hum, a wave of heat, or simply a shift in the energies within your palm? Do you feel the inner force of the plant?

If so, good -- you've felt energy. After you've felt energy. After you've accomplished this, try sensing the energies of stones and crystals. Place a quartz crystal, Stretch out with your feelings and become aware of the non-visible but viable energies that pulsate within the crystal.

All natural objects, remember, are manifestations of divine energy. With practice we can feel the power that resides within them.

If you have difficulty feeling these powers, rub your palms lightly together to sensitize them and try again.

This energy is the same power we're filled with when we're angry, nervous, terrified, joyous or sexually aroused. It's the energy used in magick, whether we pull it from ourselves or channel it from the Goddess and God, plants, stones and other objects. It is the stuff of creation which we utilize in magick.

Now that you've felt the power, use visualization to move it around. You needn't rub your palms together to raise energy -- you can do this simply by concentrating on doing so. One of the easiest methods is to tighten up the muscles -- tense your body. This raises energy, which is why we must relax in meditation. Meditation lowers our energy and allows us to drift from this world.
When you feel yourself bursting with power, hold out your right (projective) hand and direct energy from your body, through your arm and out your fingers. Use your visualization. Really see and feel it streaming out.

For practice, stand in your home. Build the power within you. Direct it into each room, visualizing it sinking into the cracks and walls and around doors and windows. You're not creating a psychic burglar alarm but a magickal protectant, so visualize the energy forming an impenetrable barrier across which no negativity or intruders ca cross. After "sealing" the house, halt the flow of energy. You can do this by visualizing it stopping and by shaking your hand. Sense your protective-powered energy resting within the walls. A secure, safe feeling should flood through you as you stand within your now guarded home.

Yes, you've done this with your mind, but also with power. Energy is real, and your ability to manipulate energy determines the effectiveness of your circle and rituals.
Work with feeling and directing the power daily. Make this a sort of magickal play until you reach the point where you won't have to stop and think, "Can I do it" Can I raise the power?" You'll know you can.

Visualization

Excerpt From: Wicca-A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

This is the most basic and yet advanced technique called for in magick and Wicca. The art of using our brains to "see" what is not physically present is a powerful magickal tool used in many Wiccan rituals. For instance, the forming of the magick circle relies in part on the Wiccan's ability to visualize personal power flowing out to form a sphere of glowing light around the ritual area. This visualization, then, directs the power that actually creates the circle; it doesn't create it alone.

Because of its usefulness in changing our attitudes and lives, many books are being written on visualization today. Each book promises to show the secrets of visualization.

Fortunately, nearly all of us already possess this ability. It may not be fine-tuned, but practice makes perfect. Can you, at this moment, see in your mind your best friend's face, or your least favorite actor? What about the piece of clothing you most often wear, the exterior of your home, your car or your bathroom? That's visualization. Visualization is the act of seeing with the mind, not the eyes. Magickal visualization is seeing something which is presently non-existent. It may be a magick circle, a healed friend, an empowered talisman.
We can raise energy from our bodies, visualize it streaming out from our palms, and then form it into a small glowing sphere, fashioning it psychically as if into a snowball, and mentally by seeing it as we desire.

In magick, I might raise energy and, while doing this, hold an image in my mind of something I need -- a new car, for example. I visualize the car, see myself signing the contract to buy it, driving it on the road, pumping gas into its tank and making payments. Then I direct energy to empower the visualization -- to bring it into manifestation.

In other words, visualization "programs" the power. This could be explained as a form of mental sympathetic magick. Instead of creating a physical image, we create pictures in our heads.

Thoughts are definitely things. Our thoughts affect the quality of our lives. If we constantly moan about being broke, then do a fifteen minute visualization to bring money into our lives, that fifteen minutes of energy will have to counteract 23 hours and 45 minutes of daily, self-induced negative programming. Thus we must keep our thoughts in order and in line with our desires and needs.

Visualization can help here.
To hone this tool, try these simple exercises, widely known within Wicca.

Exercise One: Sit or lie comfortably with your eyes shut. Relax your body. Breathe deeply and still your mind. Pictures will continue to pop into your head. Choose one of these and stick with it. Let no images intrude other than the one you've chosen. Keep all thoughts revolving around the image. Retain this picture for as long as you can, then let it go and end the exercise. When you can retain one picture for more than a few minutes, move on to the next step.

Exercise Two: Decide upon an image to hold and retain it within your mind. You might wish to have it physically present and study it first, memorizing each detail -- the way shadows play on it, its textures, colours, perhaps even a scent. You might choose a small
three-dimensional shape, such as a pyramid, or something more complex such as an image Aphrodite rising from the sea or a ripe apple.
After studying it thoroughly, close your eyes and see the object before them -- just as if your eyes were open. Don't look at the object again with your physical eyes but with your magickal imagination -- with your powers of visualization.
When you can hold this image perfectly for five minutes, move on.

Exercise Three: This is more difficult, and is truly magical in nature. Visualize something, anything, but preferably something you've never seen. For instance, let's use a vegetable from Jupiter. It's purple, square, a foot across, covered with quarter-inch green hairs and half-inch yellow dots.
This is just an example, of course.
Now close your eyes and see really see this vegetable in your mind.
It's never existed. You're, creating it with your visualization, your magickal imagination. Make the vegetable real. Turn it over in your mind so that you can see it from all angles. Then let it vanish.
When you can hold any such self-created image for about five minutes or so, continue on to the next exercise.

Exercise Four: This is the most difficult. Hold a self-created image (such as the Jupiterian vegetable) in your mind with your eyes open. Work at keeping it visible, real, a palpable thing. Stare at a wall, look at the sky, or gaze at a busy street, but see that vegetable there. Make it so real you can touch it. Try having it resting on a table or sitting on the grass beneath a tree.

If we're to use visualization to create changes in this world, not in the shadowy realm that exists behind our eyelids, we must practice such techniques with our eyes open. The true test of visualization lies in our ability to make the visualized object (or structure) real and a part of our world.
When you've perfected this exercise, you're well on the way.

Some general information about spells, spellcrafting etc.

 "What is a spell? Why do we work them? How do they work?
Well for me magick is working with certain elements such as chanting, ritual tools, candles, nature, dance, etc... to connect to the flow of energy around us. A spell is giving that magick purpose.
You direct the flow to a certain cause.
I believe all around us is energy, everything is made from it, everything produces it, and it flows through everything. If I rub my hands together quickly I can feel the heat between them.
But I believe there is another way to tame this energy. Which is by connecting to our subconscious, our inner self. I believe it is more closely connected to this energy and therefore by using it we can direct it in other ways. I hope that made any sort of sense lol.
By connecting to our inner self through symbols or chanting, dancing etc... we can open ourselves up to better control and direct it.
I don't use many spells, I think I prefer rituals or just chanting, grounding, meditation. But I do use spells.
I think the difference between a spell and a ritual is the amount of spiritual significance and spells are usually smaller the rituals.
Also I feel a ritual can be for a longer more driven goal where as a spell is more right now.
Of course this is just how I view them, and it isn't the same for everyone
I do believe spells work. Not always, it matters how much effort we put into them. I can cast a spell for a million dollars but unless I am going to give what is needed to achieve that, and willing to work for it then it doesn't work.
Why cast a spell if you still have to work for it?
Well nothing is easy or jsut given to us. Its about balance. We only get what we give out of this universe.
I believe spells are an added aid though. They balance are actions with our spirits.
If you are trying to push everything one way and someone else is pulling in the opposite direction you will get no where fast! Its better to align everything on the right path.
I also know some people say we shouldn't cast spells, but just be open and ask that the universe gives it to us. I disagree with this respectfully.
I see that as sitting at home all day and wishing people would just bring you food. Its not going to happen. We have control over our lives, if we want something we need to go and get it."
Raven about spells in Care2's Witches and Witchcraft

"A spell is not a prayer but at the same time it is. I believe in Goddess who can't be forced to do anything, and I believe in people's free will - so by spellworking I am just changing the atmosphere to a more plesant for me. I think that spells are done to adjust the circumstances. They work mostly by changing MY attitudes and expectations and releaving my fears and giving me hope, strength, courage and trust. Spells are purely psychological. A curse will not work, unless you tell the cursed one that she is cursed. Likewise the blessing will not work unless you share it. Spellcrafting is using different things, like words, song, repeating, mantras, candles, colors, stones - well, anything really - as symbols in affirmation. I agree with you, Raven, about the rituals and spells. Rituals are more like sacred plays, bigger, more complex and concentrated, when spells are smaller, easier and quicker. why not just pray? Because I feel more satisfyed when I have done something, even when it is "only symbolical". It gives me a feeling of not just being a victim, God's, circumstances' or someone else's... Life is about experience and doing stuff, not about sitting and wishing."
Ketutar about spells in Care2's Witches and Witchcraft

"There is a difference between Wizard's spells (so called High Magic) Witches' spells (Low Magic) and shamanism.
Wizards' spells almost always involve spirits and demons (here demon is not used in the "opposite-of-angels" meaning, but as their own kind - like daimon) and it is often full of summoning and invocations.
Witches' spells are very simple and involve often rhyming and simple tools. A witch uses herself.
In shamanism the spells are... well, different. A shaman IS the spell. Shamanism is like spirit magic with simple tools - but shamans don't force the spirits, as wizards do. A shaman communicates with the spirits in spirit world and is so one of them - and at the same time aware of her physical being. That is one of the things New Age philosophies often miss - we are spirit AND body. The body is not something bad, something we should get rid of, deny and see as something that makes us LESSER - no, it makes us MORE. Angels envy us the touch...
I personally think that we should keep these things apart.
I call myself an orthodox witch, and I truly believe that it becomes dangerous when one takes this from there and that from here, and calls the demons to dance when performing a simple witch spell..."
Ketutar about spells in Care2's Witches and Witchcraft

Writing your own spells and rituals

Ashley on Spells and Spellcrafting

Rexenne about Spellweaving

Quicksilver about practicing magic - short, but some nice information

Crafting your own spells

Spelwerx on spell casting

Then follows some pages about ready-made spells. The only use for these in my mind is to learn to understand the structure of spells, so that one can form one's own spells.

Free spells and magic

Free magic spells and spell casting

The spells used in "Charmed" tv series
(and a still of every page of their BOS used to be on this URL, but the pictures have been removed. Here are some copies of the pages that has been published on the internet. And then there's this guy. He claims to have replicated most of the book... but I can't see any of the work. Also, he claims he has been working with it since he was 10. Which doesn't sound really credible.)

The Electric Witch's Book of Shadows
Scroll, scroll, scroll... when you have scrolled over "Witchcraft, Words of Wisdom, Spirituality, Tools & Techniques, Magic, Rituals, Correspondences, Herbs, Psychic abilities, Deities and Divination", it's time for "the good stuff" - spells.

Correspondences

"How do I pick my correspondences?
First, I must know what I'm doing the spell for. Is it a prosperity spell, a healing spell, a spell to find a new job or maybe to improve communication with a loved one?
Once I determine what I'm trying to accomplish, I hit the books. Within my library, I have several books that index what various colors, herbs, oils and stones correspond with various desired results. I try to be as specific as I can and try to blend my choice of correspondences to better "describe" my desired result.
If I'm going to perform a prosperity spell, what attributes are going to be needed to reach the final goal? Creativity, physical strength, courage? I try to chose some herb or the oil to correspond with those added aspects and keep in mind that most herbs and oils have several attributes. Its is very possible to have an herb with the attributes of both wealth and, say, strength. With one herb you can accomplish two ends.
I leave the color of the candle to the core of the spell. For a prosperity spell, green, a banishing spell, black. 

The same applies to the stone I use. I leave it to the core of the spell."
World of Wisdom - Spellcasting

There are thousands of sites online telling you what candles suit with what spells, which oil to use, which colors match your intentions, and so on - but you need to do it yourself. Sorry.

Some intention related correspondences.
Brigid's Haven - common spell correspondences
Weejee's Wiccan magic correspondences
Weejee's essential oil correspondences
Occult 100: spell correspondences
Ghost Dragon's correspondence list
Spell correspondences
Astrological correspondences of the planets
correspondences
color correspondences
herb correspondences
Spelwerx herbal correspondences
Magical herb correspondences
Common herb correspondences by Darwin
Stone correspondences
Absynthe's Realm - stone correspondences
Gems and Crystals
Herbal magic - oils
Candle correspondences

Nature correspondences FAQ

Use the existing sites to check what kind of colors, oils, stones and other corresponding things there is, and what kind of spells they can be used - and then go on experimenting. You really have to test if the correspondences work FOR YOU.

For example:
Green has nothing to do with money in my mind. Our money is not green. I think of gold, when I think of money. I think of plants when I think of green. So it might not work for me to use green in money spell.
Naturally you can try the correspondences given on these sites and books, and if it works, keep it. But it might be "wrong" correspondences if your spell doesn't work.

So - have your list and go through just a couple of things every day.

Smell the oil and listen to your associations. Write down what you think. Then look at what you have written down, with the scent still in your nose, and try to crystallize the idea on just one or two key-words. Then, for a week, smell the oil and concentrate on the keywords. And so you have started your own list of correspondences.

The same way with colors, stones, flowers - have it on you, in your hand and listen to your thoughts, memories, associations, feelings...

Ket

Spell Worksheet

Purpose/Intent_____________________________________________________

Associations for intent: _______________________________________


Elemental Association (Air/East, South/Fire, Water/West, Earth/North.) _____________________________________________________________________


* Cast a circle
* Call in Watchtowers
* Light Incense on charcoal
* Light fire on color candles
* Sprinkle salt water
* Athame to earth
* Light Goddess/God candles
* salt to the 4 corners.
* Call in Goddess/God
* Use element to work magic with other elements
* Cleansing of self if required; purification of items.
* Recite chants or work the magick. At this time make potions, candle magic, spells, brews, oils and any other things you will need for the work.
* Spell/Incantation/Chant
* Thank deities
* close circle.
* Close watchtowers
* extinguish candles by hand.

Things to know for completion of spell to work.

Lunar (Waxing -increasing/Waning -decreasing) New Moon - Full Moon

_______________________________________________________

Incense Association________________________________________

Herbal Association________________________________________

Bath salts or oils: ______________________________________

Oil Association______ _____________________________________

Color Association (i.e. Candle):__ ____________________________

Tools Required/Suggested __________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Add the things you use for your spellcasting, remove what you don't use.
Add any additional associations, like chakras, stones,

Vision Quest

Vision Quest is an old shamanic way of getting into contact with the spiritual world. It can be used as a tool in spellcrafting - to let you know what could help you in your spellcrafting, or if there is another way you should take to get to your goals - and so on.

It is not being alone, contemplating things, getting some distance and peace to figure out things - even though that helps too - but an attempt to get a VISION. To "meet your creator" and hear what She has to say to YOU.

To take the journey, the Quest, you have to open yourself to receive the message - and remember, sometimes it is difficult to understand Goddess - be open.

It helps to get into mood by getting so close to the Mother Earth and Father Sky as you can - that's why most Vision Quests happen "out there" and alone. You should also fast and meditate and slow down - put your body out of the way for a while.

And then there is a third part.
And this has to do with the JOB - not many know this, but the JOB of being a witch or a shaman is to be there for OTHERS.
What ever you receive during your Vision Quest is not for you only, but is to be shared with your family, community, society - world.
A witch is not for herself. Never. The price of being outside the hierarchy is to be outside of it... That you are not object of the rules of society forces you outside the society... but it's necessary for you to be able to help everybody - anybody.

So if you are doing some magic for your own purposes, don't take a Vision Quest to prepare yourself for your magic, what ever who ever tells you.

But do go out to meet Mother and Father, just to connect and remember who you are.

Also, you really don't need any special guidance or expensive courses or resorts to do this.

The Quest is simply but this:
You prepare yourself by purifying yourself.
Then you go to Mother and Father and ignore your body for a while.
You keep your eyes, mind and spirit open, and you will experience some pretty amazing things... some say that you are hallucinating, but I wouldn't... you haven't been eating anything that would cause hallucinations, and not eating for a couple of days doesn't cause hallucinations.


Crystallinks about Vision Quest
"My Shamanic Vision" about Vision Quest
Modern Day Vision Quests--Can ancient ways bring transformation today?
Joe Sefran about vision quests

When NOT to cast spells

HALT rule is good here too.

Hungry - Angry - Lonely - Tired

This is an explanation of HALT rule from a site about how to stop smoking.
I'm quoting without revising, I'm sure you are smart enough to adjust it to your own life and situation.

Hunger - Drink plenty of water during the day. We are made of 80% water. Lack of energy, decreased productivity, mental sluggishness and irritable moments are all linked to lack of enough water in our body.

By no means miss or skip a meal. A well nourished mind and body is crucial for maintaining resistance to cravings and a clear mind.

Anger - You may well find yourself short tempered for a while. Avoid excess anger during this long quest for freedom from nicotine. Recognize these moments of rage and anger for what they are...

Sadness at saying goodbye to smoking as a friend. Although, with friends like this, who needs enemies?
The powerful nicotine demon leaving your body.
Feelings of helplessness against urges (steady now friend...you are not helpless...)
Longings for long-established rituals of smoking, (after dinner, while talking to Sue, after toilet, etc...)
Resentment towards those still smoking.
Fear of losing heart and smoking again.
Doubt
Anger and hate.
Frustration.
Irritable moments at things out of your control.

(Also, remember that SHAME is usually anger disguised as something "more PC". Also, usually, when you say you "hate" this and that, it's a question of things that make you angry. - Ket's comment)

As long as you RECOGNIZE these moments or short periods of anger and rage for what they are, you are better equipped to ride them down and out. Always, always remember...This, Too, Shall Pass. Believe it, my friend, it works...

This, Too, Shall Pass!

Lonely - Avoid being lonely during this time of struggle and vulnerability.

Here are suggestions, take 'em or leave 'em.

Avoid the bar - real friendships are not found there. Negative talk abounds, and lots of smoking goes on.
Instead, hang out on Main street. Find yourself a comfortable spot to study the world.
Move nearer to family.
Move farther from family.
Volunteer, get involved, get busy.
Avoid being lonely and tired.
Garden 'til your pants fall off. Dance 'til you fall down. Drive 'til your wheels fall off. Bike 'til you run into something. Love, laugh, win, lose, Live!
Take your niece/nephew tubing down the river, go camping, go fishing. Go, go go!
Strike up a conversation with the neighbor even if you maybe haven't talked for weeks. Talk about the moon, the crops, your cousin with the broken collarbone, Fords, Dodges and Chevys, etc...
Call your sister, your mother, your brother, your friend, tell em what's going on. Open up to someone. Sit down with your pastor or priest (make 'em earn their pay!), family member, or close friend and talk it through, talk it all out.

(In Swedish this step is "ledsen" - sad. I think it works better. - Ket's note.)

Tired - Avoid getting too tired. The state of fatigue is easy prey for relapse, self-pity, and overall mental weakness.

Retire early and look forward with excitement and optimism to a new day of vigorous challenges.

Take naps sometimes, they are a true blessing. And remember to drink plenty of water.

And then a couple of words about ETHICS

All I demand is that you are aware of ALL the possible consequences and that you take full responsibility. The two worst things you can say is: "I didn't think..." and "I did nothing wrong!"

Wiccan ethics
Witchcraft Ethics
The Ethics of Witchcraft by Marion Weinstein
Ethics: Intent vs. Wiccan Rede
Ethics by Cerelia and Eileen Holland
Witch Vox - Wiccan Rede

The thing is that I don't believe in "Wiccan rede". To me it's just a poem. Not very good one, either.
I don't believe one needs to draw circles, go widdershins or skyclad, or worship Ancient Gods.
I also don't believe in Karma or "Law of Three".
Do As Thou Believe To Be Right, is my rede. Because you will live the consequences. If you bind someone to you, you will have this person in your life, whether you like it or not. You will bind yourself to that person. I don't believe Binding is dangerous or harmful, or could backfire.
I do believe curses and blessings work, on some level, whether one believes it or not.
I do believe in magic, the power of the word and thought, intentions and if you want something bad enough, you will get it. If it does what you want it to do, that's a totally different story.
They say one may not cast spells on people who haven't asked for it, or who have asked not to be casted spells on. But I say - do as your conscience tells you. It is your life and you will bear the consequences.
I say you can't do anything without harming someone - or something. The best we can do is to try not to harm too many people and as little as possible.
As I believe everything is connected; a butterfly flapping it wings can well cause a hurricane on the other side of the world - I believe everything you do affects everything. This is unavoidable.

Remember this when doing magic.

P.S. "Witchcraft is not a game, it's not fooling around or playing. It is a real power and handling it demands skills. "Craft" is not there just because it sounds nice. It IS art and craft, and to master it you have to work. It might be so that it mostly have a psychological effect, but think about other "psychological effects" like mass hysteria or mass psychos... You can move mountains with your faith... So one should not use witchcraft just for the fun of it. I don't give a damn if you use it for own winning, to selfish purposes and so on - as said somewhere here, it is impossible to know all the consequences and be sure that all I do will "harm none". And why shouldn't one use her skills and knowledge to make oneself feel better? Why would it be bad thing to make my life brighter? I am a witch, not a co-dependent wussy. I can't help others if I am not well. The more I have the more I can give. So you can take your New Age fluffy preaching somewhere else. Mother knows that I, as so many other witches, have problems with TOO MUCH helping, giving, sharing."
I wrote this also 2004

about believing, trust and faith :-)

 Prince of Egypt, singers Sally Dworsky as Miriam and Michelle Pfeiffer as Tzipporah.

Many nights we prayed, with no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song, we barely understood
Now we are not afraid, although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long before we knew we could

There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, you can achieve,
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear, when prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds, too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here, my heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words, I'd never thought I'd say

There can be miracles, when you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, you can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe

They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way safe through the rain
A small but still resilient voice
Says help is very near

There can be miracles (miracles)
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
Just believe, just believe
You will when you believe
-- Hans Zimmer

I used to think that I could not go wrong
And life was nothing but that an awful song
But now I know the meaning of true love
I'm leaning on the everlasting arms

If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it

I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
I believe I can fly
Oh I believe I can fly

See I was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are miracles in life I must achieve
But first I know it starts inside of me

Could I believe in it?
If I can see it, then I can be it
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it

I believe I can fly
-- R. Kelly

"Faith can move mountains, but don't be surprised if God hands you a shovel!"

"A lot in this world is lost because it was considered lost too early..."
-- J.W.Goethe

Edain McCoy says about spellcrafting:

Once you decide to create a spell, follow these basic steps:
* Clearly understand and define your magickal need
* If you wish to use a special element then decide which one is most appropriate and collect items to represent that energy
* Gather candles, stones or whatever else you intend to use to focus and send the energy you will raise. Empower those items with your personal energy as you focus upon your goal.
* Decide upon your words of power. You may write them out, or simply remember the key phrases you wish to use as you improvise
* If you wish to use a special deity in your magick, decide on who, and on how you will petition and connect with him or her. You may want to write out special prayers and invocations and memorize them.
* Plan how you will visualize you goal. This is the essence of the magick, and very important to your outcome. The moment you start visualizing the resolution of a magickal need is the moment you begin to create the changes in your deep mind necessary for the magick to manifest. Don't skimp on visualization. Enjoy it!
* Decide when and where you want to do the spell. Where will depend largely on your own resources. When can be anytime you like, or you may take into consideration astrological influences.
* At the appropriate time gather what you will use and go to the place where you will perform the spell.
* Cast your protective circle or utilize some other form of protection which you can count on.
* Invite whatever elementals, faeries, spirits or deities you wish to have present as you work. They should always be welcome, but they are not necessary for spell work.
* Clear your mind and begin visualizing your goal.
* Raise energy within yourself and pour it into the magickal object/s
* Use your words of power, light your candles, charge your stones, dance or sing - Do whatevery you have decided to do to focus your attention and raise energy.
* Take advantage of natural phenomena which can help you raise energy. A storm, for instance, is an excellent source of energy which can help you feed a spell. Feel yourself becoming a part of the storm, and feel yourself psychically drawing on the storm's vast stores of energy, as you seek to raise your own energies or 'cone of power'
* When you feel you have put as much energy into the spell as you can, send the energy out to do your will. Relax, throw up your arms, raise a tool, kneel, or do whatever else makes your feel the energy being sent. Be sure to direct it from you visually as well.
* You should finish your spell with words such as "So Mote It Be". It is a statement of completion and an affirmation that you know your magick is successful.
* Meditate briefly on your goal. Visualize it as already manifest. Smile, and know the magick is at work.
* When you are ready to close the circle thank the elementals and spirits who have joined you, and thank your deities especially. if you have called the quarters, dismiss them in a counter-clockwise movement beginning again in the west. Dismiss all whom you have called upon with the traditional phrase "Merry Meet, Merry Part, And Merry Meet Again"
* Always ground the energy from your circle. See it dissipate and return to the earth.
* Record your ritual in your Book of Shadows with the date, time, weather conditions, and any astrological data you may wish to include. This will be useful later when you have done enough spells to look for patterns... These patterns will help you pick the best times for your own spell work.
* Back up your desire on the physical plane. For example, if you performed a spell for healing, don't avoid seeing your doctor!

Celtic Parents

The Power of Words

It is the words that make a spell a spell. So be precise when you "state your purpose" - that is why you are doing this spell in the first place. THIS is the phase you should use most time with, as the words you use ARE the spell. And I believe in magic

"be careful of what you ask - you might get it"

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him, and as he sits, the waitress comes over and asks for their order.
The man says, 'I'll have a hamburger, fries and a coke,' and turns to the ostrich. 'What's yours?' 'I'll have the same,' says the ostrich.
A short time later the waitress returns with the order.
'That will be $6.40 please,' and the man reaches into his pocket and pulls out exact change for payment.
The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, 'I'll have a hamburger, fries and a coke,' and the ostrich says, 'I'll have the same.'
Once again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with the exact change.
The waitress can't hold back her curiosity any longer.
'Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change out of your pocket every time?'
'Well,' says the man, 'several years ago I was cleaning the attic and I found an old lamp. When I rubbed it a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes.
My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, just put my hand in my pocket, and the right amount of money would always be there.'
'That's brilliant!' says the waitress. 'Most people would wish for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!'
'That's right! Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there,' says the man.
The waitress asks, 'One other thing, sir, what's with the ostrich?'
The man sighs and answers, 'My second wish was for a tall chick with long legs who agrees with everything I say.'

A couple was celebrating their 25th anniversary, both at the age of 50.
A fairy godmother came to congratulate them both and to grant them each one wish.
The fairy godmother turned to the wife and asked', "What is your wish?"
The wife thought for a second and replied, "I Would like a world tour."
The fairy godmother waved her wand, and the wife was holding two world cruise line tickets in her hand.
Then the fairy godmother turned to the husband and asked, "What would you like?"
The man thought for a second and replied, "I would like a wife 30 years younger than me."
The fairy godmother smiled, waved her wand, and the man was 80 years old.

I would recommend Terry Pratchett's book "Wyrd Sisters" - in it he let's the Fool speak some thought-worthy words about - words. You can make black into white with words...

"A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent"
-- William Blake

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth."
-- Lenin

That's how affirmations work. If you tell yourself something often enough times, if you tell ANYONE ANYTHING often enough times, if you HEAR anything often enough times, it becomes just as good as truth, and you believe every word of it.

"there can be miracles, if you believe..."

"faith can move mountains."

"An old axiom says that spells should rhyme. A rhymed spell has rhythm and joyfulness in it, it's easy to remember and repeat, and the repetition itself creates an altered, magical consciousness."

Don't expect anything, the Universe has a funny way of letting you get what you ask for, and a totally own time table.

BUT - "God helps those who help themselves" - don't just wish and wait. DO something to help "the Powers" to work
It is much easier for the Universe to give you money if you have an income of some sort - or if you buy a lotteryticket, if you sell something and so on.
It is much easier to find your dreamjob and dreamhouse if you are looking for ads and actively applying - and it doesn't hurt to practice the skills you are going to need in your dreamjob LOL
It is much easier for the Universe to give you a new love in your life, if you go out and put yourself in situations where your new love can meet you. Yes, I know about the woman, whose only dream was to get married to an adventurous and handsome man. She never left her house, so one day this adventurous and handsome man parachuted right on her backyard LOL - the Universe WILL find ways, but it IS easier if you work to make help it LOL

Blondie finds herself in dire trouble. Her business has gone bust, and she's in a serious financial mess. She's so desperate that she decides to ask God for help.
She begins to pray, "God, please help me...I've lost my business and I'm going to lose my house as well. Please let me win the lotto..."
Lotto night comes, and she is devastated when someone else wins it.
Blondie prays again..."God, please let me win the lotto! I've lost my business, my house, and I'm going to lose my car as well..."
Lotto night comes, and she still has absolutely no luck.
Once again, she prays. "My God, why have you forsaken me?! I've lost my business, my house, and my car. My children are very hungry. I don't often ask for you to help, and I am a constant good servant for you...PLEASE just let me win the lotto this ONE time so I can get my life back in order..."
Suddenly, there is a blinding flash of light as the heavens open and Blondie is confronted by the voice of God Himself...
"Work with me here, Blondie. Buy a ticket!"

"Act as if"

After you have stated your goal and purpose - stop talking

And then some pause music (No, I don't know how it fits the theme, but I love to sing it - and it has the "memory line" - Silence is golden...

Oh, don't it hurt deep inside, to see someone do something to hurt
Oh, don't it pain to see someone cry, Oh, especially when someone is her

Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see

Talking is cheap, people follow like sheep, Even though there is nowhere to go
How could she tell, he deceived her so well, Pity, she'll be the last one to know

Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see

How many times will she fall for his line, Should I tell her or should I keep cool?
and if I tried, I know she'd say I lied, Mind your business, don't hurt her, you fool

Silence is golden, but my eyes still see
Silence is golden, golden, but my eyes still see

THE FOUR RULES OF A MAGICIAN

Also known as "The Four Cornerstones of Wicca", or "The Witch's Pyramid", or "The Four Cornerstones of Magick" depending on the tradition and the teaching, but they all refer to the same four basic principles stated here:

~ to know

~ to dare

~ to will

~ to be silent

~To know: ~

To have the knowledge to do the work you have in mind. This means that you must have enough motivation to pursue learning all you can about the subject. You must also have imagination, for without that you will be simply redoing what others have already done. Remember that knowledge is power, and imagination is the use of that power.

~To dare:~

The courage needed to do the work, including the courage to carry through to the end and to take all the consequences which will result. "Where lies your fear, there lies your greatest power." Facing the fear, moving cautiously ahead, and determination to go forward in spite of the fear is the greatest courage known.

~To will:~

The will is the desire which gives the work it's impetus, without the will, nothing happens. The desire for the outcome of the magick is one of the main driving forces to make it so. If you only want something haphazardly, that is how you will get it. Develop faith in your own abilities, for your own self-doubts will destroy your work more certainly than anyone else's can. A Witch makes magick manifest because she/he "says so", "As I do will, so mote it be" means it happens because I say it does. This is my will, a very powerful tool indeed.

~To be silent:~

This is the hardest part, especially for newer magi who wish to share their latest working with others. Never share what you are doing with anyone who may cast aspersions or doubts on your work. Remember "power shared is power lost" which is an injunction against loose lips telling all about their latest spell! Be careful with whom you share your secrets. The burning times may be past, but people are still human after all, and emotions such as fear, or jealousy, or envy can certainly hinder any working

Principles for Directing Energy

Energy should not be directed indiscriminately. Send energy for the highest good of all concerned. Allow it to be used by the high-self of the recipient for their greatest good.

When directing energy, ask the person first if they want a treatment or go within and ask their higher-self. If you do not get an answer, it is ok to send the energy. Use your intuition. If the Reiki is not accepted by the recipent it will return to you.

Never assume that another being wishes to be healed, even if they say that they do.

Don't intend to heal a person; just allow the energy to work. Don't judge the effectiveness, the energy is working.

Honor the energy, yourself/intention and the recipient for the work performed.

Where awareness is focused, energy is concentrated and becomes manifest.

Those are the principles of directing REIKI energy - the magical energy isn't any different. It might be easier to understand what is meant, if you think of healing and reiki.

http://www.pagangathering.com/ritual_design.htm - the site is long gone, but it seems this has been copied straight from the page

Raising and Directing Energy

Magick is the collection and focusing of natural energies to affect a change, so this is performing magick. I have a section in which I explain my theories on What is Magick?, but I want to point some things out. Primarily because magick performed with this type of ritual is quite powerful. In addition rituals are held on sabbats and at the full or new moon. This is when the natural energies are the strongest and the magick performed is even stronger.

One of the major differences between Wicca and some other religions is that anyone, not just priests or elders, can perform magic. In fact I believe that each one of us performs magick all the time. A popular phrase among other Wiccans I know is "perception is reality." As we think and focus on a perception, we align the natural energies to make it happen. How many times have you wanted to meet someone, and thought and thought about it, then one day, bam, you meet them, just like magic! I bring this up because these perceptions, even unintentional ones, during a ritual, on a power day, can produce some interesting results. Another good reason to perform the Purification of Self.

This is a good time to bring up the threefold law again. "Any energy you send out will come back three-fold." This particularly pertains to performing magick. Interestingly enough every one concentrates on the negative connotations of this law. How if you generate negative of "bad" magick it will come back t bite you. I just want to point out the positive side. Magick created to help, that harms none, will result in good thing coming back to you.

The sacred space will help hold the energy you collect before you send it on its way to affect the change. The circle isn't required to perform magick. Without the circle the energy collected is retained within oneself until it reaches its peak, then sent forth. The circle helps retain the and control the powers before you sent them out.

It is a good idea after performing magick to thank the God and Goddess for their presence and their help. A small moment of reflection, or an offering, or the lighting of candles are all good ideas.

Grounding the Energy

After performing magick and sending the energy on its way, there is always some residual energy left. It is a good idea to ground this and return the energy to its natural state. This can be done by slow rhythmic breathing, visualizing the release of the energy as you exhale. Another method is to thank the God and Goddess and have a light snack. Eating kicks your body into a different state, and the excess energy is released.

Ground Your Energy.

You raised energy earlier, and now you must ground it. Release the remaining energy down through your body and out into the Earth. Even if you are indoors, and your feet aren't truly touching the Earth, you can still visualize your energy dispersing this way. Depending on the nature of your spell, you may find that most of the energy is used up in your spellwork.

You really don't need to do that.
A witch I know enjoys the rush the rest of the day

Any questions?

An article about the Magical Energy. Worth reading

"When you understand the true nature of the energy you work with, you can make real magic."

raise energy - direct energy - release energy - ground energy

If you are performing a ritual with a specific goal in mind (a spell), then you need to raise energy before you do that spell.
It's your energy and will that drives a spell.

If your ritual is to celebrate the Sabbats or to give thanks to the Gods, then you may not feel the need to raise any power.

LynxSpirit about raising energy

Raising energy can be done in a variety of ways: singing, chanting, dancing, and visualization (guided or otherwise). Here are some suggestions for raising energy.

Roots and Branches

Close your eyes and imagine the following:

Your feet sink into the ground, becoming roots growing deep into our Mother the Earth, Her energies are all around, rising up like sap through your feet and legs; filling your body. Feel them in every cell. You are one with her.

You are a great strong tree. Stand tall with arms upstretched. These are your branches reaching up to our Father the Sky. Your leaves drink in the power of the Sun. The energies course down your arms and into the center of your being. Earth and sky energies mix. Feel the life-giving energy swirling thoughout your body. More energy is taken in with every breath. Fill the circle with this energy. Continue to draw it in and to send it out. You are at one with all that is. The life that pulses through nature, pulses through you.

Mantras

Make a simple chant using the names of the goddess and god you are going to invoke.
Rearrange them until the syllables flow rhythmically. It only needs to be a simple mantralike chant. One example is:
"Re, He-ca-te." Another is "Ven-us, Mer-cur-ius, Sol In-vic-tus."

If you have drums, rattles, tambourines, or other percussion instruments, use them to emphasize the beat.
Dance around in a cirlce.
If unable to dance, sit and sway with your eyes closed. Feel the chant resonate within you.

The Mill

This is a traditional spell, known as The Mill, and is used to raise and send energy for any purpose.

Dance around the cauldron, focusing on your magickal intent and chant the following rhyme:

"Air breathe and air blow
Make the mill of magick grow.
Work the will for which we pray
Eo deo ha hay yay.

Fire flame and fire burn
Make the mill of magic turn.
Work the will for which we pray
Eo deo ha hay yay.

Water heat and water boil
Make the mill of magick toil.
Work the will for which we pray
Eo deo ha hay yay.

Earth without and earth within
Make the mill of magick spin.
Work the will for which we pray
Eo deo ha hay yay."

Raising energy by Raymon Grace
Beginners' course in Wicca and witchcraft, (c) 1998-99 FireyOne, Ohshawni, Earthen - Raising energy and Grounding
Another course; raising energy

Lhiannon Sidhe doesn't say much on her page of raising energy, so I post all of it:

"Dancing, Drumming, Chanting, Singing, or just plain visualization are good ways to raise energy.

Other ways I have heard of or used to raise energy are:

--Tensing all your muscles up until you can't hold them any longer then visualize the energy flowing all out at once and going where it's needed.

--A word chain

--Clapping

--Humming

--Walking in circles (usually 3 times)

--Music Making

--The Cone of Power"

What is the "cone of power"?

CONE OF POWER

Raising a cone of power is done within a magic circle. The coveners focus on a single goal which is visualized in a image which everyone agrees.
The power of the cone is raised through chanting, dancing, drumming, hand clapping or cord magic. The coveners dance around the circle and as the tempo increases the cone of power begins to rise above the circle.

To some the energy is visable as a shimmering light. When the energy is at its peak the high priestess or high priest instructs the coneners to release it towards its goal.

Timing is crucial otherwise the spell misfires. The cone has a symbolic significance in witchcraft.

In ancient Syria the cone was the symbol of Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of motherhood, fertility and war. Also tall conical hats are associated with withcraft.

The cone of power has had some remarkable success through history.
It was used by Great Britain in 1588 against the Spanish Armada, which suffered a serious defeat.
Again in 1700 it was used against Napoleon, and again against Hitler.

Mystica's entry about Cone of Power 
This is what Pagan Living has to say about the subject
Shadow Play Zine
This is what Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone say
And here's the Night Net's page on Cone of Power

As you can see, no one seems to really know what this is, but it sure sounds impressing LOL

More about energy later;

Hugs,
Ket

ritual poetry

Calling the Quarters

The Quarters (also sometimes called Watchtowers) are the guardians of your circle. They are usually directional and/or elemental in nature. The exact wording on how to call the quarters is varied, and can be adapted to your needs. You might consider these Watchtowers to be the solid corner-posts of your circle.

It's going to be very difficult to find better information than this:

Plenty of information about Ritual Quarter Calls

But here's a couple more examples of how the Quarter Calls could look like:

Airiel Celticflower's grimoire
Quarter calls for the dragon tradition
Crystal Grove Web - calling the quarters
Four Quarters Coven - Quarter Calls
Witch's Cauldron - Quarter Calls

If I haven't mentioned it yet, YOUR SPELL CRAFTING IS SOMETHING THAT IS UNIQUE AND PERSONAL - the more you "do" of it yourself - writing the spells, calls, finding out correspondences if you decide to use those and so on, the better it's going to work for you.

I am not giving these links and this material for you to copy - I'm giving it as inspiration and learning material - do as they tell you only just as long as you can't make your own material.
And, believe me, a "bad" work of yours is better FOR YOU than what the best the world's best known witch and poet could ever produce...

Invoking Deities

If you are not familiar with any specific Gods or Goddesses, you can always just call on the Lord and/or Lady. Over time, you can research the various pantheons and learn about the different Deities out there. You may invoke certain Deities just get to know them better, or choose Deities that represent the energies you want for your ritual. You should always be respectful, and ask Deities to join you.


Francesca De Grandis' Wiccan and Faerie grimoire
Lady of the Earth; Invocations
Invocations from "The Skies of Avalon"
Brandy Williams papers; Invocation (has also her own experiences, so that's nice)
Michael P. Garofalo's collection

So, the homework this time is to write a quarter call and invocation of the God and/or Goddess of your choice.

If you go and check out the worksheet, you will notice, that this "higher power" that is being invoked or called here could as well be an ancestral spirit (or any spirit), an angel or basically what ever magical being/creature/power that you wish to assist you in your magic. (Yes, it can as well be a dragon...)

Ket

Magic circle - sacred space - ritual space

MAGIC CIRCLE

http://www.paralumun.com/witchcircle.htm

The magical circle is a sacred place where all rites and ceremonies are carried out. It acts as a doorway to the Gods.
More important it is a boundary of concentrated power. Within the circle you are able to transcend the physical and open your mind to a higher level of consciousness.
In ancient times circles were drawn around sick people to protect them against demons. The circle was also used in ancient Pagan rites.
The circle serves to keep out unfriendly spirits. Negative energy is cleared prior to casting a circle.
The circle should be nine feet in diameter but larger circles are sometimes cast for large groups. The alter and ritual tools are placed inside the circle.
The circle is drawn on the ground or sometimes laid out with a cord. The witch visualizes a field of energy.
The working space of the circle is in fact a three dimensional sphere. Candles are placed on the ground at the cardinal points.
Coveners enter through a symbolic gate which is then closed. The circle is then consecreted with the four elements.
Then the gaurdians of the four elements are invoked. The God and Goddess are invoked through ritual.
The purpose of the ritual is then stated and carried out. At the close of the ceremony food and drink is offered to the coverners.
The candles are then extinguished and the circle is ritually closed.

The Magic Circle, by John William Waterhouse

Circle casting 

Datura's book of shadows - circles and sacred spaces
Datura's Book of Shadows has a really good explanation of what is a circle, why to cast a circle, how to cast it and how to close it.

Teen Witch Online - casting a circle

Echoed Voices - Basics of Magick - casting a circle

http://www.echoedvoices.org/Mar2002/Casting_a_Circle.html

Now, go and read this and think about it. There's nothing difficult in this. Then practice circle casting a couple of times, until you are totally sure and secure with yourself and could cast a circle even if you were dragged from your bed in the middle of the night to do it

Some people feel it's more safe and comfortable to have the "magical shield" while spell-crafting. The circle keeps the negative influences (outside yourself) out from the crafting, and keeps also some of your own negativity inside the circle, so that if you are worried about "harming none", you have less to worry about.
Also some people think that the circle makes the spells more effective. Whether it is because you are stating your intention very clearly and attracting the magical powers to you by casting the circle, or because it FEELS more magical that way, doesn't matter at all...

Hugs, Ket

Preparing for the ritual - purification

I have notived that ritual purifying of oneself helps one to focus - as it is somewhat meditative, one feels prepared, ready and worthy; as one's best, and it helps to make the situation "special".

There are different recipes and suggestions about special bath oils and mixtures in the Net, and suggestions about different methods how to do this. Browse freely on the Net and collect information to form YOUR OWN RITUAL. There really isn't any "right" or "wrong" way of doing things. What ever makes you feel special, powerful and "witchy" is good

Some suggest a certain amount of ascetics - like not eating (or eating something special), staying awake or other such things (not having sex, smoking, drinking coffee, watching telly...) - as this helps also in making the situation different.

Also some suggest special clothing - like the witches' hat...

This following example of a ritual bath is from "Coven of Cythrawl"

The Ritual Bath

1. Before performing a ritual, it is necessary to prepare yourself for the work ahead.
* As many Singaporeans only have showers and not long baths, as most western households seem to have, the ritual bath can be done by taking a pinch of salt and any oils into the shower and then standing or sitting under the stream of water and emptying one's mind.
* A ritual bath washes away the dirt and grime of the everyday world along with the tensions of the mundane world
* For those with a long bath; draw a hot bath and add some essence, oils or perfume that makes you feel good. If you have studied the uses of oils and scents in magick, you might want to tune your additives to the work to be done.
* Turn off all the lights and light a single white taper or small candle.
* Make sure that it is in a candle holder, that will handle it without you worrying about it setting fire to anything, or spilling wax where you do not want it. Votive candles and holders work very well for this.
* Light a stick of incense or place some on a glowing coal in a censer that you have.
* Place some sea salt in a white dish or small bowl.
* Being so close to the sea, it is easy to collect sea salt by just taking some ocean water home and letting it evaporate in the direct sunlight until all that is left is the salt crystals.
* If you cannot get sea salt, you might want to use some iodized, or rock salt, from the market. It is essentially the same thing, but personally I like the idea of making or collecting my own salt.
* You should have some purified water in a cup or vial.
* Fresh spring water or stream water is ideal but most of us living here have to make do with bottled water from a store.
* Rainwater, collected, strained, and kept in glass bottles is a good substitute though.
* It is definitely preferred that you do not use tap water because of the additives in it.

The following is a very simple ritual for consecrating the ritual bath.

* Lock the doors and unplug the phone.
* This is to ensure that you are not disturbed.
* Once the bath is drawn and any oils have been added to it as desired, take the candle and make three slow passes over the water as you say the following evocation.

• "By this creature of fire do I purify this ritual bath. May all impurities flee before its light."
• Set the candle down so that it is out of the way but still sheds light on your work.
• Take up the dish of salt and, sprinkling three pinches of the salt into the water say the following. "By this creature of earth do I purify this ritual bath. Impure creatures may not approach it."

* Set the dish of salt aside and pick up the incense or censer and make three passes over the water as you say the following evocation.

• "By this creature of Air do I purify this ritual bath. May my hopes and aspirations rise upon the smoke to be carried by the winds to the Lady."
• Set the incense aside and pick up the water. Pour the water into the bath. You may form patterns that appeal to you if you like and say the following. "By this creature of water do I purify this ritual bath. May this bath contain the Waters of Life that spring forth from the Heart of the Mother."

* Settle into the bath and soak until the water starts to get too cold to stay in, or until you have fully relaxed and left the tensions of the world behind, which ever comes first.
* This is a good time to meditate on the work you wish to do.
* Dry off with a freshly cleaned white towel that has been allowed to dry in the sunlight if possible.
* Again, the colour of the towel can be coordinated with the work you intend to do.
* Apply any anointing oils that you plan to use and go to your working site.
* There are provisions made for `emergency' ritual baths in the event that you cannot take a real bath, as we've already discussed above by taking showers if no alternative is present.
* These provisions just involve dousing yourself with any specially prepared solutions and the salt that serve the purpose.
* These are not so much favoured so much as they do not allow any time for real relaxation and meditation, unless you sit and let all the stress and dark thoughts wash away with the stream of water.

Interconnectedness

Just remember, everything is connected to everything else. When you cast a spell, everything around you is effected.

The energy that comes

Everything is inter-connected with everything else, everything shares its energy with everything else, everything communicate with everything. We are in communion with the Whole, with the Universe, we receive trillions of data every second, so much data that, to preserve our sanity, this hyper-seaquake of knowledge has to hide in the mysterious night of our unconscious.

But we can focus our consciousness, select any knowledge or power we need of to live more and more in plenitude. Perhaps we’ll not understand the data or the power that we thus acess, because it is not necessary. Everything is made of energy, of intelligence, and being in contact with the intelligences who govern the subject, they’ll provide us the circumstances and the ability we need. This happens all the time, for instance with the organic intelligences. We do not have to understand how our liver or our heart function. These intelligences realize for us  an extremely complex work (when our emotions do not affect them is a destructive manner.)

Inner Travel

Remember,

just remember a walk in a park,

feeling, feeling the energy,

the carress that comes from the breeze.

Feeling,

feeling the subtle energy, the breeze

which comes from the trees.

Imagining, feeling the subtle energy,

the breeze which comes from a mountain.

Feeling the breeze that comes from the lake.

Feeling the breeze which comes from a rock.

Feeling the breeze of energy

that comes up from the ground.

Feeling the light, delicious energy which

comes from the moonlight,

the caress of the moonlight.

Feeling the energy,

this breeze that comes from the stars,

the caress of the stars.

Feeling the breeze

that comes from the Universe,

the hug of the Universe.

Listening, listening with your skin

to the message that comes

from the moonlight and from the mountain.

With your skin listening to the breeze,

the message which comes from

the other side of the world,

which comes from Japan, from Mount Fuji.

The breeze,

the message which comes from India.

With your skin listening to Machu Pichu,

what Machu Pichu is revealing to you.

Listening to Machu Pichu.

With your skin feeling,

listening to the message

which comes from Amazonia.

Listening with your skin to a message

witch comes from the past.

Listening to this breeze which comes

from the future.

Receiving knowledge,

power coming from everywhere.

To understand is not even necessary,

friendly intelligences understand.

In communion with the intelligences present everywhere, delighted,

with your aura hugging

the intelligences here and there. 

From Dassigny.com.br

Affirmations

"I've enjoyed using affirmations for several years. It is free, easy and usually effective. For myself, it is the simple repeating a positive phrase in front of the mirror, in the car, or writing it on paper. Whenever I catch myself thinking something I don't want, I try to "change that thought" to be a new one. Here are some techniques I use with affirmations to change my behaviors. Feel free to modify them for your own use as I have for mine."
Lorraine V.

Mirror Technique:
This technique is great for helping you see yourself as beautiful. I learned this from Louise Hay books and modified it for my own use.
Stand in front of the mirror, preferably in underwear or naked. Start at one end of your body & work to the other end finding as many nice things to say about your body as you can. For example: "I love my ears. They hear well and enable me to listen. They have a beautiful shape. I love my wonderful ears."

Doing this techniques helps you find and appreciate more of you. All of your body does important functions. Your eyes see, ears hear, nose smells, and heart pumps blood.

Anywhere technique:
Whenever you catch yourself thinking something you would rather not, here is a technique that works rather well. It is based on NLP techniques.
Hear the phrase you said diminishing in volume until it disappears, then hear the phrase you want to say grow louder.
Alternately, you can see the "picture" of what you didn't like go spin away from you and have the picture of what you do want spin towards you.
Writing Technique:
I call this technique "Giving the problem to Spirit". Scott Adams used a version of this technique to change his life. It worked well for him, perhaps it will work for you.

Simply sit down at a table and write what you would like in your life 15 times every day. An example is: "I am healthy, happy, wise and free". When you are done know that the universe is taking care of it.

Trash Can Technique:
Good for getting rid of negative thoughts

Whenever you find something you don't like, write it down and throw it into the trash.
By doing this, you are telling the universe, I want to be done with this problem, please help me work through it and be done with it.

Meditation Technique:
Look for divine inspiration while repeating your affirmation

Sit quietly and ask your inner guide, universe, God, and/or guardian angel (whatever fits your belief system) for insights, help and guidance. Then quietly repeat your affirmation for 10-15 minutes. Sit quietly fo 5 minutes afterwards for any insights.

Exercise Technique:
Very nice for active people and for many health related goals.

Repeat your affirmations while exercising. Soon they will be part of your thought process.

Integration Technique:
A technique for actively working on your goals

While repeating your affirmation, actively think of ways to integrate your affirmation into your life. For example: if your affirmation is "I have a great xxxxx": find ways of loving your xxxxx, improving your relationship with xxxxx, and best ways of achieving xxxxx.

Frankly, a "Vision Board" is just another spell.

"The Secret" has become a big hit... oddly enough, because all that existed even before. People just weren't doing it. So now it has become a "lingo".

- Visualize and affirm your desired outcomes

- Vision boards remixed (about creating a life aspect specific boards.)

- Creating the vision (this lady goes all the way out with the goal...)

- Preview your life - vision boards

 

“A vision is not just a picture of what could be;

it is an appeal to our better selves, a call to become something more.”

Rosabeth Moss Kanter

 

Visualization

Creative Visualization, also sometimes called Guided Imagery is useful for many aspects of inner work, self healing, and magickal workings.

    Uncovering personal obstacles and blocks.
    Finding "spirit guides" or "power animals".
    Healing, yourself and others.
    Clarifying your aims and goals.
    Tapping into deep levels of creativity.
    Along with meditation, may allow you to access the "collective unconscious".
    Relieving stress and tension
    Past life exploration
    Precursor to astral travel.
    Promoting your connection to the divine.
    Increasing effectiveness of magickal workings.

What is visualization?

That you picture things in your head. That you SEE things with your "inner eyes". If you don't know what I am talking about, it is really difficult to explain - it is like explaining what is to see to a blind person...
Visualization Exercises

The key to all magickal operations is a strong ability to visualize. Everyone can visualize, but some need to strengthen their visualization abilities in order to gain the effects they are working for. The following technique has proved highly effective in intensifying one's visualizations.

Exercising Your Inner Eye

(taken from Experiences in Visual Thinking by Robert McKim)

Taking your time, translate each of the following descriptions into a mental image. Go back and do it again in a few weeks and then a few weeks later, and notice the difference. Notice the difference, also in the way you see things--inner as well as outer-- after you've done these exercises.

Now sense (see, touch, hear, taste, smell) with your minds eye:

    a familiar face
    a galloping horse
    a rosebud
    your bedroom
    a changing stoplight
    a newspaper headline
    the sound of rain on the roof
    the voice of a friend
    children laughing at play
    the feel of soft fur
    an itch
    a gentle breeze on your face
    the muscular feeling of running
    of kicking a can
    of drawing a circle on paper
    the taste of a lemon
    of toothpaste
    of a potato chip
    the smell of bacon frying
    of a gardenia
    of perspiration
    the feeling of hunger
    of a cough
    of coming awake
    a stone dropped into a quiet pond with concentric ripples forming and expanding outward
    these words flying away, high into the blue sky, finally disappearing.
    your shoe coming apart in slow motion and each piece drifting away into space
    an orange being cut into five equal pieces and the pieces being arranged into equal patterns

http://wuzzle.org/cave/visex.html

Meditation and witchcraft

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

We have to learn to look within ourselves, to learn to not always be looking outside for everything. That is what meditation is, looking within, and listening to the truths that lie buried within us. - Cerelia

If you can hush your thoughts, find your way to a spiritual silence, and listen with your whole self, you can hear the Universe singing. You hear it with your mind, rather than your ears. I think of that music as the lullaby of the Goddess. It's as comforting as womb music. - Eileen

Meditation comes in many different forms. If you do not do it the way an authority on the subject does it, but it works for you, it doesn't matter. Meditation is relaxing the body and mind. Because your thoughts seem to get in the way, it takes practice to calm them down. Alan Watts said, "You are your own Master. We all possess a higher self deep within us that's infinite, that's one with the All." - Cerelia

WHY DO WITCHES MEDITATE?

Not only does meditation relax, it teaches the art of concentration and focus. It is a true way to "know yourself", your real self. Meditation is an art. It is a spiritual journey in itself, not just something to relax by... although if that is all you want out of it, that is fine. Meditation can, when done properly, alter your state of consciousness and bring about 'changing your consciousness', which is exactly what magic and being a Witch is all about. Meditation comes easily for some Witches, while others have to practice it faithfully. It just takes practice, and patience. - Cerelia

One of the reasons that so many Witches meditate is because of the mental discipline that meditation teaches. Another reason is because we can get answers to our questions through meditation. Meditation is helpful with making decisions, such as choosing a new career path. Many Witches find meditation helpful when they face a crossed condition in their lives. Others prefer turning to the Goddess, or to take action and cast an uncrossing spell. You are the only one who can decide what action is best for you, in your situation. Adversity helps us to grow in our path, and learn what we are meant to learn in this lifetime. Meditation helps us to discover the meaning in our suffering. That sounds grim, but its actually a joyous process. Try meditation and divination when you seek an answer to a question. Remember that answers often seem to come when you stop consciously thinking about something, and allow your higher mind to handle it. - Eileen

HOW DOES ONE MEDITATE?

Meditation can be quite simple. Many books have been written which can help you through the problems that may arise. There are different theories about meditation, and different ways to get to the same place. A lot of us meditate in our own ways all the time, and don't even realize it. The amount of books out there on the subject make many people feel that meditation is something that is very hard to attain, but it isn't. To become one completely within yourself isn't easy, but we don't have to be meditative gurus to have success with meditation. Meditation is called by many other names now. This is helping it to become more acceptable, or less intimidating to Westerners. We do not have to devote our whole lives to meditation, as some have. We can integrate meditation into our everyday lives.

Exercise #1

Don't fight the thoughts that come when you try to meditate. Go with them, and see where they lead you. Learn to find your higher self, which will show itself with practice. Start simply, such as while taking a warm bath. Let your thoughts come and go. To be good at meditation takes practice, if it doesn't come naturally.

http://open-sesame.com/BookofAnswers2.html