Meditation

A Visualization of the Last Beltane Fire

Settle into a comfortable position in which you may remain awake. Prepare in suitable fashion for an extended visualization... Breathe deeply. Feel yourself becoming one with your breathing. Hear your heartbeat. Feel your heart begin beating in time to the rhythm of cosmic impulse, to the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Extend your nervous system to include your immediate surroundings. Feel the building, the land around you. Revel in the soil. Know that this is the last time you will cherish Her in this pure form. Expand downwards and outwards to include the entire Earth within your sphere of consciousness. Feel Her warmth, Her life as you encompass and permeate Her. Focus now on your waters. The briny ocean, the many seas, rivers and streams. Know the waters as you know your own life blood. Feel its wetness, its potential to birth new life. Now expand just a little more so as to include your atmosphere. Breathe the air that is all around you. Feel the misty jumble of cloud which covers you like a tattered blanket. Become the wind on the waters, the rushing hurricane, the turbulent monsoon. Know that you are complete, that you are one in your glory and health. You have your masculine and feminine aspects. You are the Mother of all life. You are the Father of all things seen and unseen. Feel your totality, your completion in each moment, as you rotate slowly in your orbit. Now become aware of your surface. There are countless life forms in and around this thin layer of soil. Feel the buildings, the homes. Feel the star-shaped entities who know themselves as 'humans' moving about and sleeping quietly. They respond so readily to the warmth you now feel from Sun on your left side. Feel them organizing a great ritual. They have waited long for this time of the year and gathered a great mountain on your right side for the last Beltane fire. See that mountain now. It is composed of all the explosive weapons which humans have created, nuclear and chemical.

Hear them chant fearlessly as they sing to you in love and dedication. Feel their joy and despair, their knowledge and ignorance. Let their reverence and folly pierce your Heart in its purity. Watch carefully as they wait for the prescribed hour and detonate this mountain in one horrible explosion. Sun and Moon to your left, they have merged into eclipse, while at midnight on your right the explosion rips through the atmosphere, extending for thousands of miles, displacing soil and rock, air and water, in all directions. Experience your shock as this minor force, initiated by a handful of humanoids, sets in motion a perfectly designed plan to alter your normal orbit. You begin to feel offbalance, wobbling to your left, slowly at first, and then more severely. You notice that your left side begins to feel warmer, that you are falling rapidly in that direction, that as your orbit decays, Moon is locked between you and your magnificent star. Feel the warmth grow as you turn toward the direction you are moving. Full front now, your face is hot with Sun's burning frenzy. Moon begins to glow as She enters Sun's outer reaches. Sizzling, Moon blazes and is extinguished by the unendurable furnace. Your air is heated and dissipates. Your water evaporates in a vast veil of fog which is to be your death shroud. Your fleshy soil heats and bubbles into a molten symphony of smoke and ash. Feel yourself become a moth of lava, hurtling into the last Beltane fire. Know that you are purified by this ritual. Experience the sadness at the passing of your old form. Feel the wonder of rebirth as you glide, effortlessly, into the vast ocean of solar fury. Witness the horror of the Mother of life. Know the glee of the Crone of wisdom. Hear the laughter of the Father of the Underworld. Feel the welcome of the King of Light. As you pass into this fiery tomb, which consumes the last shreds of your outward form, know the freedom and joy of direct experience. Feel your true self, in all its purity and distinction. As you move into the Heart of Sun, feel the serenity, the peace of final at-one-ment. You become a beacon for those who would follow you. Extending your light and love, you rest, relaxed and whole.

The cosmic pulse comes once more into the foreground. You feel the breath of the solar wind. These now begin to resolve into your own heartbeat and respiration. Purified, you come to greater awareness of your true surroundings. Waking, you know the joy of the new world which awaits your playful dance. The journey is over. Your life begins again.

A World Healing Meditation

In the beginning In the beginning God In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And God said Let there be light; and there was light. Now is the time of the new beginning. I am a co-creator with God, and it is a new Heaven that comes. As the God Will of God is expressed on Earth through me. It the Kingdom of Light, Love, Peace, and Understanding. And I am doing my part to reveal its Reality. I begin with me. I am a living Soul and the Spirit of God dwells in me, as me. I and the Father are one, and all that the Father has is mine. In Truth, I am the Christ in God. What is true of me is true of everyone, for God is all and all is God. I see only the Spirit of God in every Soul. And to every man woman and child on Earth I say: I love you, for you are me. You are my Holy Self! I now open my heart. And let the pure essence of Unconditional Love pour out. I see it as a Golden Light radiating from the center of my being. And I feel its Divine Vibration in and through me, above and below me. I am one with the Light. I am filled with the Light. I am illumined by the Light. I am the Light of the world. With purpose of mind, I sends forth the Light. I let the radiance go before me to join the other Lights. I know this is happening all over the world at this moment. I see the merging Lights. There is now one Light. We are the Light of the world. The one Light of Love, Peace, and Understanding is moving. It flows across the face of the Earth, touching and illuminating every soul in the shadow of the illusion. And where there was darkness, there is now the Light of Reality. And the Radiance grows, permeating, saturating every form of life. There is only the vibration of one Perfect Life now. All the kingdoms of the Earth respond, and the Planet is alive with Light and Love.

There is total Oneness, and in this Oneness we speak the Word. Let the sense of separation be dissolved. Let mankind be returned to Godkind. Let peace come forth in every mind. Let Love flow forth from every heart. Let forgiveness reign in every soul. Let understanding be the common bond. And now from the Light of the world. The One Presence and Power of the Universe responds. The Activity of God is healing and harmonizing Planet Earth. Omnipotence is made manifest. I am seeing the salvation of the planet before my very eyes. As all false beliefs and error patterns are dissolved. The sense of separation is no more; the healing has taken place, and the world is restored to sanity. This is the beginning of Peace on Earth and Good Will toward all, as Love flows forth from every heart, forgiveness reigns in every soul, and all hearts and minds are one in perfect understanding. It is done. And it is so.

Active Mediation to Increase Spirituality and Psychism

Supplies for Beginner and Intermediate Exercise: Incense (optional) Candle light (optional) Supplies for Advanced Exercise: Modeling clay Incense (optional) Candle light (optional) Basic Exercise Close your eyes and take three deep breathes. Ground and center and visualize yourself sitting in the center of a protective, white light. Count down slowly from 25 to 1. Imagine that there is a third eye at the center of your forehead that is currently closed. Take a deep breath and concentrate on that eye. It is not bad or evil, it is simply another sense -- the sixth sense that youve read about. Norma. Natural. It can see things that your other senses may subconsciously pick up (and they do), but they arent strong enough to bring the information to your conscious mind -- you need this eye (for the moment) to do that. Take your time visualizing with and connecting to the idea that you do, indeed, have this psychic gift. As we already know that everyone has this ability and that you simply have to work with it to succeed (like youre doing now), this wont be too hard. If you have any trouble thinking you are psychic, look back to your childhood when all things seemed magickal. It wont take long to capture that feeling again. For the first two weeks, concentrate simply on opening this eye. What does it feel like as this eye slowly awakens? Do you feel hot? Cold? Is there a pleasant tingling sensation? Each person will experience different phenomena. Fear is not an option. If you are afraid, go no further. You are not ready to awaken your gifts, and dont get all excited about it. Perhaps you need to study more, or overcome something more important in your life right now. Anger management might be an issue. If you are not afraid, move the eye around with your mind. (Remember, your other two eyes are closed.) Check out the room. What do you see? If it isnt clear, dont panic. You are exercising a talent that has been dormant for a long time. Dont strain. When you feel youve had enough, concentrate on closing the eye. Ground and center again, then count from 1 to 5. Open your eyes and take a deep breath. If you had any psychic flashes at all, write them down in a notebook.

Intermediate Exercise The intermediate exercise is not done in your home or apartment, but during moments of active life. Carry a small notepad with you to take notes, if necessary. The key to this exercise is to follow the directions without skipping anything. No matter when you open the third eye, you must remember to consciously conjure that protective white light around you to avoid the emotional connection. Step One: Ground and center Step Two: Visualize white light all around you Step Three: While your eyes are open, look at a particular person, where their third eye is located Step Four: In your mind, open your own third eye Step Five: Without emotion, catalog the impressions you receive, if any. Do not be intrusive or try to probe someones mind. Thats not what this exercise is about. (Its also rude and eventually youll be caught. The backlash you receive wont be pleasant) Step Six: Mentally close your third eye Step Seven: Take a deep breath, pushing all negativity away from you as you exhale. Later, record your impressions without allowing your emotions or personal judgments to interfere (which is also an exercise well worth learning to control) How do you know when the exercise has been successful? First, if you begin seeing the spirit body of a person when you look at them, then you are on the right track. When looking at a spirit body, all emotion you attach to that person drains away. You are seeing them for what they really are -- normally glowing light (the wattage depends on a number of factors, including their health and state of mind). Second, if the information you receive later proves to be true, then you know that your sensing capabilities were accurate. One note of caution: Sometimes you will have off days, or your own state of mind wont be the best, or perhaps youre not physically feeling well yourself -- in those instances, the information you receive may not be accurate, which is why we must always stay away from snap judgments and be patient when it comes to dealing with psychism and information gained in this way. Advanced Exercise There are nine different objects that you can make and the intent statements that go with them listed below. In a magick circle, cleanse and consecrate the clay, then make the object with your hands, considering the intent. Allow to dry. When you are ready, situate yourself comfortably for meditation, holding the object in both hands in your lap. Think about the statement of intent associated with the object. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Ground and center, then visualize yourself sitting in the center of protective, white light. Count down slowly

from 25 to 1. Imagine that there is a third eye in the center of your forehead that is currently closed. Take another deep breath and concentrate on that eye. Take your time visualizing with and connecting to the idea that you do, indeed, have this psychic gift, and that such a gift enables you to reach for the intent represented by the object held in your hands. Slowly open your inner eye. Connect your psychic vision with the intent of the object in your hands. Relax and let the images come. What do you see? If it isnt clear, dont panic or strain. If nothing happens, dont worry about it. Work with the object for one week. If you still get nothing, move to a different object the following week. Later, once you have worked with all the objects, you can use them again for purposes designed for yourself. When you feel youve had enough, concentrate on closing the eye. Ground and center again, and count from1 to 5. Open your eyes and take a deep breath. If you had any psychic flashes at all, write them down in a notebook. Week 1 -- The Goddess Intent: Connecting with Goddess energy Week 2 -- The God Intent: Connecting with God energy Week 3 -- Your Favorite Totem Animal Intent: Connecting with the animal kingdom Week 4 -- A Mountain Intent: Connecting with Earth energy Week 5 -- A Cloud Intent: Connecting with Air energy Week 6 -- A Flame Intent: Connecting with Fire energy Week 7 -- A Waterfall Intent: Connecting with Water energy Week 8 -- An Angel Intent: Connecting with angelic energy Week 9 -- A Wheel Intent: Connecting with the tide of the seasons and the tides of life Week 10 -- A Circle Intent: Connecting with all positive religions on the planet. Learning to feel oneness with the universe Week 11 -- A Pentacle Intent: Connecting mind, body, and spirit to work as one Week 12 -- A Skull Intent: Connecting with your ancestors in a positive way

Air Meditation
It is dawn. I find myself in a forest filled with Aspen trees. I raise my eyes and look for the sky, but the boughs looming overhead hide it from my view. As I look up, feel the cool breeze of spring brush my face, and hear the sound of the rustling leaves. Blowing, laughing from the east, Eurus brings thoughts of renewal and life. I follow the wind further into the soft shadows of the forest, inhaling deeply the strong scent of the trees. I smell, too, the wafting hints of fragrant incense. I follow where my senses lead me and come to a small clearing circled by burning censers filled with sweet-smelling oils. Toward the east end of the circle is a staff. I walk over to the place and sit on the ground before it. I take the staff into my hands and close my eyes. First come swirling colors of white then yellow then fading darker into lavender. Then, out of the swirling fog of colors come dozens of small, lithe figures that swirl around as if carried on the wind itself. They dance around my head and body, swirling around as if caught in a dance to unheard music. Then, taking my attention from the spirits of the air, I look up to find further figures emerging from the mist. First comes a woman with the beauty of the dawn. As she steps forward, each of the four winds, in turn, hasten from around here and fly, one to each of the four corners of the earth. As she fades, there comes another whose form seems insubstantial, and seems to constitute both the image of a woman and a cow at the same time. I look closely the attempt to solidify one form, but I cannot. As this image fades, I am presented with the forms of two women who immediately remind me of the nighttime sky. One glows with the pale light of the full moon, and her eyes hold the fullness of hidden knowledge. The other, whom also seems to radiate cool starlight, seems to embody the possibilities of many lifetimes. In due course, these figures too fade and I am left with only the mist of the elemental world of air. Suddenly, three male figures issue from the mist. They seem to be three aspects of one man, but each's attributes differ. The first glows with the light of the moon, seeming to be its protector. The second and third appear almost identical, except that one has a winged helmet and shoes. As I sit and study the sameness and difference of the three, they begin to fade, as does the fog. When the mist clears, I find myself sitting within the circle still clutching the staff in my hands. I place the staff once again on the ground and rise. I thank the element of air, and all it is associated with for sharing with me its wisdom, and leave the circle.

Alpha Meditation
Alpha is the natural state that we are able to access to see beyond our five senses. When our brain is in alpha we are in a deep meditative, light trance or dream state. Learning alpha is not hard we pass through the alpha state each time we go to sleep or wake up. A little background to understand where alpha falls into our patterns of brain activity. When we are fully awake, active and alert, we are in Beta state our brain waves register at fourteen to thirty cycles per second. Alpha is the visualization state when brain waves are at seven to fourteen cycles per second. Theta is a deeper state associated with drowsiness and deep tranquility, where we can even control things like pain and bleeding. Brain waves in theta are at four to seven cycles per second. Delta is deep unconsciousness or coma state, with brain waves at one to three cycles per second. Learning to drop into alpha is a valuable skill for everyone. In alpha the mind is open to other forms of communication. Our filters that rationalize and process reality are weakened or removed leaving the mind open and receptive. There are many ways to count down into alpha, and we all find one that works for us individually. Not only is Alpha a wonderful tool for adults, but it is also great for children to help them calm down at the end of the day, to help get through frustrations and in general to learn something together. My children and I have used alpha meditations in the dentist office to rid anxiety and discomfort. I also used alpha quite successfully this past year with my oldest daughter throughout a prolonged illness and prior to surgeries, both for relaxation and to help her visualize perfect health. There are many ways to count down into alpha the following is one of my favorites that I use with my kids. Relax and close your eyes, breathe deeply and concentrate on the sound of your breath. In and out, in and out. Clear your mind and picture only a door the door is red, and on that door is a red number seven. As you open the door you go into a red room the walls are red, the ceiling is red hanging on the walls is a red seven. Walk through the room to the next door that door is orange. On the door is an orange number six. As you open the door you walk into the orange room the walls and ceiling are orange and you see the orange six. Walk through the room to the next door that door is yellow. On the door is a yellow number five. Open the door and walk into the yellow room yellow walls, yellow ceiling and the yellow fives.

Continue through the room to the next door it is green. On the door is a green four. Open the door and walk into the green room green walls, green ceiling and green fours. Walk to the next door its color is blue. On the door is a blue number three. Open the door and walk into the blue room blue walls, blue ceiling and blue threes. Keep going and go to the next door it is indigo. On the door is an indigo number two. Open the door and walk into the indigo room the walls and ceiling are indigo the number is two. Walk to the next door it is violet. On the door is a violet number one open the door and walk into the violet room. The walls are violet the ceiling is violet and the number is one. And we count down further into alpha ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two one. This is the point that you arrive in alpha to gain knowledge and insight. At this point many will do meditation, healings, journeying, work with spiritual guides, affirmations etc. When alpha work is finished always remember to give yourself clearance and affirmation for perfect health. Do this by telling yourself that you see yourself in perfect health and clear any unwanted energy away from you by smoothing and clearing your aura with your hand starting behind at the back of your neck over your head and down your body then simply count back up from one to ten. Other methods of counting down into alpha include the use of a rainbow, colored crystals and more again do what works for you. Many find that it helps while going into alpha to make some gesture which their brain then associates with this state. It can be as simple as crossing your fingers, or touching your third eye. After a time, this state becomes so second nature that just making the gesture will drop you into alpha. The best way to perfect achieving an alpha state is practice. Safe Journeys and Blissful Meditations!

Basic Chakra Meditation

Find a place where you will not be disturbed for about a half hour (though your first meditation experiences will probably much less than that). Sit comfortably in a chair. You can lie down, but sometimes when we do that if we are very tired, we'll fall asleep. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Imagine that your entire body is surrounded by white light. Take a minute or two to think about the white light. Don't worry if you can't visualize right away. You'll get better at it as you go along. Take a deep breath and relax. Now, imagine the white light of the Goddess coming down into the top of your head and slowly moving down your entire body, into your neck, shoulders, chest, arms, fingers, pelvis, legs, and down into your feet. Allow any negative energy collected in your body to flow out of the bottom of your feet. Take a deep breath and relax. Follow the same visualization again, using the visualization of God energy doing the same thing, all the way down to your feet. Take a deep breath and relax. Imagine the base chakra glowing red; you can think of it opening like a flower or spinning like a ball of light, some like to see it as a colored flame. Like a flower turning toward the sun, imagine your inner self turning toward Spirit and receiving the right amount of cosmic energy that is right for you. Move up to the next charka (sacral), and visualize orange. Work through all the chakras in this way, matching the color to the point on the body. When you finish with the crown chakra, take a deep breath and relax, imagining the chakras closing one by one, from the crown down to the base. Take another deep breath and open your eyes. Shake your hands lightly. The meditation is finished. Try practicing this meditation every day for at least a month.

Basic Meditation Guidelines

When we meditate, we make a conscious decision to sit quietly and relax body and mind. You can meditate for five minutes a day, or half an hour or more. How long you meditate is up to you and should fit your current lifestyle. Meditation is often linked to deep breathing exercises, which help to relieve daily stress. If you learn to meditate on a consistent basis, you can expect your grades, sports activities, and daily life to improve, but like all things hard-won, it takes time for you to visibly see the positive results of meditation. Your motto when learning to meditate should be Dont give up. Here are a few tips to help you during meditation. Always try to meditate in a quiet, peaceful place. You cant focus your mind inward if there is commotion around you. Try to choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted, as breaks in meditation can cause emotional stress because you become irritated at the intrusion. Soft, peaceful music and low lighting can help. Practice deep breathing exercises with your meditation. Breathe in to the count of ten, and breathe out to the count of ten at least three or more times before beginning a meditation sequence. Slowly count down from fifteen to one in your mind after the breathing exercises. This helps to keep the conscious mind busy and signals your body, mind, and spirit that you are preparing to meditate.

Basic Meditation Techniques

The course is divided into three sections. Section one deals with what meditation is and how it plays a part in the lives of those who use it. Section two will go into the techniques and tools of meditation. Section three gives suggestions on how to use what you've learned, in everyday life. A list of books for further reading on the subject, will be given at the end of section three. Webster defines meditation as "The act of meditating; close or continued thought; the revolving of a subject in the mind." To meditate is to focus mentally on one thought, idea, or concept. It may also mean, to revolve an idea in your mind so as to change the way in which you think of that idea. Meditation is therefore, a tool with which you may manipulate thought in an organized manner. Many people view meditation as a very difficult thing to learn. In reality though, we do it often without even knowing it. When you daydream or find your mind fixed on one thought, that is a form of meditation. Have you ever watched a bird in flight, or stared up at the clouds in the sky, or maybe even found yourself watching a stream of water flow by? If you have and at that moment the rest of the world around you has seemed removed, then you were in a state of meditation. The real key to this practice, is to be able to exercise control over your thoughts and awareness of the world around you. There are many groups of people for whom meditation is an everyday ritual. Others use it at special times as a means of relaxation and "mental house cleaning." It allows the individual a freedom unlike no other freedom. The freedom to look inside oneself and learn just who you are. Some use it as a way of being closer to nature or God. No matter how you wish to use it, you will find it a healthy and very rewarding experience. Most all religions practice meditation in one way or another. Eastern philosophies such as Yoga, and Buddhism are not the only ones to view meditation as a way of looking for the Truth found in one's own consciousness. Even in Christianity meditation finds a place of value. The Bible itself mentions the value of meditation. In writing to the Philippines, the Apostle Paul tells them this. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

(Phil. 4.8) So you ask, what can it do for me. Well, beyond just being a good way to really relax, which we can all use in this hectic world, it can be a doorway to the Truth inside yourself. It is a way of gaining wisdom. Knowledge has always been fairly easy to come by. Wisdom on the other hand, is a bit harder to grasp onto. In "The Task" by William Cowper, the following line is found. "Knowledge dwells in heads replete with thoughts of other men: Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own." For me, meditation becomes a way of "grounding" myself, of reaching a place of peace and stability, where I can find how I fit into the universe. In many philosophies, meditation is viewed as a necessary skill. All those who are students of these philosophies must learn the ways of meditation early in their training. Although the techniques may vary from one group to another, the most basic concepts remain the same. The ability to be able to focus on one thought and selectively block out all others is the foundation upon which many more advanced skills will be built. These skills may range from telepathy to the ability to move objects with only the mind. It is well known that Yogi adepts can lower their breathing and heart rates to near death levels. This is something you should not try as it takes years of practice to learn and can be quite dangerous. Still, these yogis are proof of the type of power the mind can exercise over the body through meditation. In some cultures, the use of drugs to achieve a meditative state is encouraged. The American Indians for example, used drugs derived from various plants to put themselves into an altered state of consciousness. This was usually done as a religious practice and as an event marking the change from one state of life to another. A good example would be the ceremony marking the coming into manhood of a young boy. Today there are still many, who advocate the use of drugs to achieve these altered states. It is my opinion that such measures are neither necessary nor good. You can reach an altered state of consciousness without the use of drug induced "highs". It takes practice, but it can be done. In New Age philosophy, the art of meditation is highly valued. We also find another well developed skill which is called "creative visualization". This is the idea of visualizing what you want to the point of it becoming reality. A good example would be a salesman visualizing himself as successful and prosperous. The concept is simple, if you can visualize a personal reality, you can change or bring that reality into being.

"Positive Thinking" is a very similar idea. The technique of creative visualization goes beyond positive thinking however. It deals with the premise that we all create our own reality and therefore have the power to change many aspects of that reality. The idea of "personal reality" is a lengthy one and we do not have enough room to cover it in this course. So far we have looked briefly at what meditation is and how it is used. By no means have we touched on all the aspects of this practice. There are many books on the subject which cover it in much more detail. My purpose is to give you an overview of the many facets of meditation in the hope that you will wish to learn more. Basic Meditation Techniques II This is the second part of a three part on-line course in Basic Meditation Techniques The course is divided into three sections. Section one deals with what meditation is and how it plays a part in the lives of those who use it. Section two will go into the techniques and tools of meditation. Section three gives suggestions on how to use what you've learned, in everyday life. A list of books for further reading on the subject, will be given at the end of section three. In this second section of the "Basic Meditation Techniques" course, we will discuss various relaxation procedures and how they will aid you in entering a trance or meditative state. You will also be given some ideas about types of music and other "tools" which can help you achieve these relaxed states of mind. Let's begin. First, let's set the stage for our meditation practice. You should pick a place which is as private and safe as possible. An altered state of mind, as in meditation, lessens your awareness of the outside world. For this reason, it is not advisable to practice these techniques in a public place where there is a chance of being mugged, robbed, or molested. If you are at home, with other family members or friends present, ask that you not be disturbed and that all other noise in the house be kept to a minimum. When you have found a place suitable for meditation, you may begin. "The seekers of new mind states- the mind control devotees, the encounter group enthusiasts, the drug takers, the psychics, the mediators - all are on a journey into the interior universe trying to burst the limits of the socially conditioned mind. Weather acceptable or unacceptable, moral or immoral, wise or foolish, the mind of man is stirring toward a new evolution." Dr. Barbara Brown (1) As I said in section one, trance or meditative states, alter the way your mind deals with the realities it accepts as normal. Things which are experienced in a trance state

are often not easily expressed in everyday language. You will at some level, experience a heightened state of awareness. Colors, smells, and sounds may seem amplified from what they normally are. People who can achieve very deep states of trance often leave their bodies in astral projection, or have psychic experiences. I highly recommend, that if you wish to enter deep states of meditation, you do so under the guidance and teaching of someone who is well trained in the practice of such techniques. The key thing to remember is that it's not what level your working on as much as what you are learning. There is a lot to be gained in wisdom and knowledge at all levels of trance. Now let's learn some simple and useful relaxation exercises. You want to be sure that the time you pick to practice your meditation is a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. You should not be overly tired or have just finished eating as both of those conditions may cause you to fall asleep. Even though you wish to achieve an altered state of consciousness, you do want to remain conscious to some degree. If you fall asleep when you are meditating, no harm is done and you will awaken quite refreshed and rested. Unfortunately though, you may not be able to recall all the things you experienced while in trance. If you are lying down, be sure your back and neck are properly supported so as not to fatigue the body. If you are sitting, be sure that both feet are flat on the floor and that you are sitting as erect as possible without being too stiff or strained. You should have your arms resting comfortably in your lap with palms up. In either case, it is important that your body not become strained or fatigued for at least thirty minutes. This is a good length of time to begin with as it should put neither a physical or mental strain on your being. Next, visualize a yourself in a cocoon of white light. You should surround yourself completely. See the light as bright and warm. You may play with this sphere of light making it bigger or smaller until it "feels" right for you. Say to yourself, "I am protected by the pure white light of all that is good and truthful. I am surrounded by the pure light which keeps out all unwanted and evil influences." This is a good idea to do for several reasons. There are those, and I am one of them, who believe that each of generates an aura which protects us from outside influences when we are in trance. This aura may be strengthened by visualizing the light as growing brighter at our command. Even if you do not accept this idea, the practice

lends a feeling of safety and security to you. Nothing which is outside of you may enter or touch you without your permission. Learning to control and pay attention to your breathing is the next step. You should start by taking a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for the mental count of 4 and then let it all out slowly through your mouth. Repeat this until you begin to feel at rest and relaxed. Allow your breathing to settle into a steady, rhythmic rate. Just this simple technique can relax and refresh you at any time. When you are only doing the breathing exercise, it is not necessary to go through the white light sphere visualization. Some people use a muffled metronome or recording of some other rhythmic sound, such as ocean waves, to aid them in setting the pace of their breathing. A good source of recorded sounds which can help you in meditation is a series of records and tapes which have been produced under the title "Environments". Now, as you are breathing, see yourself lying in the warm light of the sun. The light is warm and pleasant to be in. Starting with the tips of your toes, feel the light warming all of your body, slowly moving up into your legs, your trunk, and then into your arms and fingers. As you feel this warming become more and more relaxed, going deeper and deeper into a calm and quiet place. When you feel totally relaxed and at peace, bring a single thought into your mind. It should be of a pleasant experience or of an idea such as love, joy, peace, or compassion. Focus on this one thought and if some other thought should try to intrude, picture it as being written on a clear board between you and your focal thought. Then picture it being erased from that board as it might be from a piece of paper. Deal with any thought, other than your focal thought, quickly. Try to maintain concentration on your focal thought for at least five minutes. Picture it as being real and experience it as if it were. When you are able to do this and can exclude all other thoughts as they attempt to enter your mind, you will have learned the single most important technique of meditation. It is now time to begin coming back to normal consciousness. Slowly let the thought fade from your mind and again become aware of the warm light of the sun. As you feel the light bathing you in its' warmth, start to reconnect your mind with the physical sensations of your body. Become aware of your breathing and the room around you. Do this slowly and calmly. When you are fully aware of your surroundings, open your eyes slowly. Enjoy the sense of calm and peace. If you succeeded in doing this exercise, you should feel more relaxed and calm than normal. It is important to remember that you are comparing it to normal for you, not to what you think others would or should feel. If you do not feel you succeeded try again in a day or two. Between meditation

sessions, practice your deep breathing exercises. If you keep trying, you will soon reach a calm and meditative state. Do not attempt to meditate when you are ill, tired, or hungry. Those feelings only serve to make your efforts more difficult. A very important part to remember is that you can not force yourself into a meditative state. You must flow into it and surrender to it calmly. Some things which are found to be helpful in meditation follow. Try concentrating on the flame of a candle when focusing. You could also use a crystal ball. The later is rather expensive but small crystal window ornaments or pyramids also work well and cost much less. Music is also an aid to some. The music should be quiet and rhythmic. It should bring on feelings of peace and comfort. Such music may range from New Age recordings to classical. Another useful device is to focus on a symbol which holds special meaning for you. It may be an well known symbol or one you design yourself. As long as it holds a special meaning or expresses a special concept, it is a useful focusing tool. This brings section two of this course to a close. In the next part I will give you some practical ways in which to use what you have learned. The most obvious use of the techniques you have learned, is relaxation. During the course of the day, many of us have moments when the pressure becomes almost to much. When this happens, we often can't deal with other people or projects the way we should. The breathing exercises you learned in section two can help at these times. It doesn't require a lot of time or absolute quiet as does your meditation practice. All that is required is about five minutes and relative privacy. At these times, begin doing your rhythmic breathing and visualize a place which is calm and refreshing. This simple and quick exercise, can work wonders to help you regain control in a hectic situation. Another way in which meditation is used is in the development of psychic powers. There are several books on the subject, listed at the end of this section. Most of those who teach about the use and development of these abilities, agree that meditation is necessary to any such study. Again the reason for this is that meditation allows you to reach an altered state of consciousness. In this altered state your mind is more open to such phenomenon as telepathy. If you should decide to pursue studies in this

direction, please seek the help of someone trained in these areas. One final use I will suggest is visualization. Meditation can be used as a tool for problem solving. While in a meditative state of mind, you have the ability to take any situation and manipulate it. By that I mean you can mentally play the out the situation using several different solutions. Then, you can pick the one which seems to best solve the problem. While the use of meditation can help you deal with problem solving more effectively, it is not infallible. All it can do is allow you to think more clearly and concisely about the problem at hand. Well that concludes this study on meditation. I hope you have gained something useful from this course. It has been by no means, a full explanation of the subject. There is much more to learn than could be covered in this short series and It is my hope that you will want to continue your studies into this fascinating and useful skill.

Basic Meditation Techniques: Part 1

This is the first part of a three part online course in Basic Meditation Techniques. The course is divided into three sections. Section one deals with what meditation is and how it plays a part in the lives of those who use it. Section two will go into the techniques and tools of meditation. Section three gives suggestions on how to use what you've learned, in everyday life. A list of books for further reading on the subject, will be given at the end of section three. This material may be reproduced and distributed only if the header, by line, and BBS info remain part of any such reproduction. Webster defines meditation as "The act of meditating; close or continued thought; the revolving of a subject in the mind." To meditate is to focus mentally on one thought, idea, or concept. It may also mean, to revolve an idea in your mind so as to change the way in which you think of that idea. Meditation is therefore, a tool with which you may manipulate thought in an organized manner. Many people view meditation as a very difficult thing to learn. In reality though, we do it often without even knowing it. When you daydream or find your mind fixed on one thought, that is a form of meditation. Have you ever watched a bird in flight, or stared up at the clouds in the sky, or maybe even found yourself watching a stream of water flow by? If you have and at that moment the rest of the world around you has seemed removed, then you were in a state of meditation. The real key to this practice, is to be able to exercise control over your thoughts and awareness of the world around you. There are many groups of people for whom meditation is an everyday ritual. Others use it at special times as a means of relaxation and "mental house cleaning." It allows the individual a freedom unlike no other freedom. The freedom to look inside oneself and learn just who you are. Some use it as a way of being closer to nature or God. No matter how you wish to use it, you will find it a healthy and very rewarding experience. Most all religions practice meditation in one way or another. Eastern philosophies such as Yoga, and Buddhism are not the only ones to view meditation as a way of looking for the Truth found in one's own consciousness. Even in Christianity

meditation finds a place of value. The Bible itself mentions the value of meditation. In writing to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul tells them this. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil. 4.8) So you ask, what can it do for me. Well, beyond just being a good way to really relax, which we can all use in this hectic world, it can be a doorway to the Truth inside yourself. It is a way of gaining wisdom. Knowledge has always been fairly easy to come by. Wisdom on the other hand, is a bit harder to grasp onto. In "The Task" by William Cowper, the following line is found. "Knowledge dwells in heads replete with thoughts of other men: Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own." For me, mediation becomes a way of "grounding" myself, of reaching a place of peace and stability, where I can find how I fit into the universe. In many philosophies, mediation is viewed as a necessary skill. All those who are students of these philosophies must learn the ways of mediation early in their training. Although the techniques may vary from one group to another, the most basic concepts remain the same. The ability to be able to focus on one thought and selectively block out all others is the foundation upon which many more advanced skills will be built. These skills may range from telepathy to the ability to move objects with only the mind. It is well known that Yogi adepts can lower their breathing and heart rates to near death levels. This is something you should not try as it takes years of practice to learn and can be quite dangerous. Still, these yogis are proof of the type of power the mind can exercise over the body through meditation. In some cultures, the use of drugs to achieve a meditative state is encouraged. The American Indians for example, used drugs derived from various plants to put themselves into an altered state of consciousness. This was usually done as a religious practice and as an event marking the change from one state of life to another. A good example would be the ceremony marking the coming into manhood of a young boy. Today there are still many, who advocate the use of drugs to achieve these altered states. It is my opinion that such measures are neither necessary nor good. You can reach an altered state of consciousness without the use of drug induced "highs". It takes practice, but it can be done.

In New Age philosophy, the art of mediation is highly valued. We also find another well developed skill which is called "creative visualization". This is the idea of visualizing what you want to the point of it becoming reality. A good example would be a salesman visualizing himself as successful and prosperous. The concept is simple, if you can visualize a personal reality, you can change or bring that reality into being. "Positive Thinking" is a very similar idea. The technique of creative visualization goes beyond positive thinking however. It deals with the premise that we all create our own reality and therefore have the power to change many aspects of that reality. The idea of "personal reality" is a lengthy one and we do not have enough room to cover it in this course. So far we have looked briefly at what meditation is and how it is used. By no means have we touched on all the aspects of this practice. There are many books on the subject which cover it in much more detail. My purpose is to give you an overview of the many facets of meditation in the hope that you will wish to learn more. In the next section, I will give you instructions on how to meditate and achieve an altered state of consciousness. Also a list of aids to meditation will be given and their use explained.

Basic Meditation Techniques: Part 2

This is the second part of a three part online course in Basic Meditation Techniques The course is divided into three sections. Section one deals with what meditation is and how it plays a part in the lives of those who use it. Section two will go into the techniques and tools of meditation. Section three gives suggestions on how to use what you've learned, in everyday life. A list of books for further reading on the subject, will be given at the end of section three. This material may be reproduced and distributed only if the header, by line, and BBS info remain part of any such reproduction. In this second section of the "Basic Meditation Techniques" course, we will discuss various relaxation procedures and how they will aid you in entering a trance or meditative state. You will also be given some ideas about types of music and other "tools" which can help you achieve these relaxed states of mind. Let's begin. First, let's set the stage for our meditation practice. You should pick a place which is as private and safe as possible. An altered state of mind, as in meditation, lessens your awareness of the outside world. For this reason, it is not advisable to practice these techniques in a public place where there is a chance of being mugged, robbed, or molested. If you are at home, with other family members or friends present, ask that you not be disturbed and that all other noise in the house be kept to a minimum. When you have found a place suitable for meditation, you may begin. "The seekers of new mind states- the mind control devotees, the encounter group enthusiasts, the drug takers, the psychics, the mediators - all are on a journey into the interior universe trying to burst the limits of the socially conditioned mind. Whether acceptable or unacceptable, moral or immoral, wise or foolish, the mind of man is stirring toward a new evolution." Dr. Barbara Brown (1) As I said in section one, trance or meditative states, alter the way your mind deals with the realities it accepts as normal. Things which are experienced in a trance state are often not easily expressed in everyday language. You will at some level, experience a heightened state of awareness. Colors, smells, and sounds may seem amplified from what they normally are. People who can achieve very deep states of trance often leave their bodies in astral

projection, or have psychic experiences. I highly recommend, that if you wish to enter deep states of meditation, you do so under the guidance and teaching of someone who is well trained in the practice of such techniques. The key thing to remember is that it's not what level your working on as much as what you are learning. There is a lot to be gained in wisdom and knowledge at all levels of trance. Now let's learn some simple and useful relaxation exercises. You want to be sure that the time you pick to practice your meditation is a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. You should not be overly tired or have just finished eating as both of those conditions may cause you to fall asleep. Even though you wish to achieve an altered state of consciousness, you do want to remain conscious to some degree. If you fall asleep when you are meditating, no harm is done and you will awaken quite refreshed and rested. Unfortunately though, you may not be able to recall all the things you experienced while in trance. If you are lying down, be sure your back and neck are properly supported so as not to fatigue the body. If you are sitting, be sure that both feet are flat on the floor and that you are sitting as erect as possible without being too stiff or strained. You should have your arms resting comfortably in your lap with palms up. In either case, it is important that your body not become strained or fatigued for at least thirty minutes. This is a good length of time to begin with as it should put neither a physical or mental strain on your being. Next, visualize a yourself in a cocoon of white light. You should surround yourself completely. See the light as bright and warm. You may play with this sphere of light making it bigger or smaller until it "feels" right for you. Say to yourself, "I am protected by the pure white light of all that is good and truthful. I am surrounded by the pure light which keeps out all unwanted and evil influences." This is a good idea to do for several reasons. There are those, and I am one of them, who believe that each of generates an aura which protects us from outside influences when we are in trance. This aura may be strengthened by visualizing the light as growing brighter at our command. Even if you do not accept this idea, the practice lends a feeling of safety and security to you. Nothing which is outside of you may enter or touch you without your permission. Learning to control and pay attention to your breathing is the next step. You should

start by taking a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for the mental count of 4 and then let it all out slowly through your mouth. Repeat this until you begin to feel at rest and relaxed. Allow your breathing to settle into a steady, rhythmic rate. Just this simple technique can relax and refresh you at any time. When you are only doing the breathing exercise, it is not necessary to go through the white light sphere visualization. Some people use a muffled metronome or recording of some other rhythmic sound, such as ocean waves, to aid them in setting the pace of their breathing. A good source of recorded sounds which can help you in meditation is a series of records and tapes which have been produced under the title "Environments". Now, as you are breathing, see yourself lying in the warm light of the sun. The light is warm and pleasant to be in. Starting with the tips of your toes, feel the light warming all of your body, slowly moving up into your legs, your trunk, and then into your arms and fingers. As you feel this warming become more and more relaxed, going deeper and deeper into a calm and quiet place. When you fell totally relaxed and at peace, bring a single thought into your mind. It should be of a pleasant experience or of an idea such as love, joy, peace, or compassion. Focus on this one thought and if some other thought should try to intrude, picture it as being written on a clear board between you and your focal thought. Then picture it being erased from that board as it might be from a piece of paper. Deal with any thought, other than your focal thought, quickly. Try to maintain concentration on your focal thought for at least five minutes. Picture it as being real and experience it as if it were. When you are able to do this and can exclude all other thoughts as they attempt to enter your mind, you will have learned the single most important technique of meditation. It is now time to begin coming back to normal consciousness. slowly let the thought fade from your mind and again become aware of the warm light of the sun. As you fell the light bathing you in its' warmth, start to reconnect your mind with the physical sensations of your body. Become aware of your breathing and the room around you. Do this slowly and calmly. When you are fully aware of your surroundings, open your eyes slowly. Enjoy the sense of calm and peace. If you succeeded in doing this exercise, you should feel more relaxed and calm than normal. It is important to remember that you are comparing it to normal for you, not to what you think others would or should feel. If you do not feel you succeeded try again in a day or two. Between mediation sessions, practice your deep breathing exercises. If you keep trying, you will soon reach a calm and meditative state. Do not attempt to meditate when you are ill, tired,

or hungry. Those feelings only serve to make your efforts more difficult. A very important part to remember is that you can not force yourself into a meditative state. You must flow into it and surrender to it calmly. Some things which are found to be helpful in meditation follow. Try concentrating on the flame of a candle when focusing. You could also use a crystal ball. The later is rather expensive but small crystal window ornaments or pyramids also work well and cost much less. Music is also an aid to some. The music should be quiet and rhythmic. It should bring on feelings of peace and comfort. Such music may range from New Age recordings to classical. Another useful device is to focus on a symbol which holds special meaning for you. It may be an well known symbol or one you design yourself. As long as it holds a special meaning or expresses a special concept, it is a useful focusing tool. This brings section two of this course to a close. In the next part I will give you some practical ways in which to use what you have learned. Also, a list of books for further reading will be included. References: (1) Dr. Barbara Brown "New Mind, New Body" New York, Bantam Books, 1975 Page 17

Basic Meditation Techniques: Part 3

This is the third part of a three part online course in Basic Meditation Techniques The course is divided into three sections. Section one deals with what meditation is and how it plays a part in the lives of those who use it. Section two will go into the techniques and tools of meditation. Section three gives suggestions on how to use what you've learned, in everyday life. A list of books for further reading on the subject, will be given at the end of section three. This material may be reproduced and distributed only if the header, by line, and BBS info remain part of any such reproduction. In this third and final section we will discuss some ways in which you may use what you've learned, in your daily life. The most obvious use of the techniques you have learned, is relaxation. During the course of the day, many of us have moments when the pressure becomes almost to much. When this happens, we often can't deal with other people or projects the way we should. The breathing exercises you learned in section two can help at these times. It doesn't require a lot of time or absolute quiet as does your meditation practice. All that is required is about five minutes and relative privacy. At these times, begin doing your rhythmic breathing and visualize a place which is calm and refreshing. This simple and quick exercise, can work wonders to help you regain control in a hectic situation. Another way in which meditation is used is in the development of psychic powers. There are several books on the subject, listed at the end of this section. Most of those who teach about the use and development of these abilities, agree that meditation is necessary to any such study. Again the reason for this is that meditation allows you to reach an altered state of consciousness. In this altered state your mind is more open to such phenomenon as telepathy. If you should decide to pursue studies in this direction, please seek the help of someone trained in these areas. One final use I will suggest is visualization. Meditation can be used as a tool for problem solving. While in a meditative state of mind, you have the ability to take any situation and manipulate it. By that I mean you can mentally play the out the situation using several different solutions. Then, you can pick the one which seems to

best solve the problem. While the use of meditation can help you deal with problem solving more effectively, it is not infallible. All it can do is allow you to think more clearly and concisely about the problem at hand. Well that concludes this study on meditation. I hope you have gained something useful from this course. It has been by no means, a full explanation of the subject. There is much more to learn than could be covered in this short series and It is my hope that you will want to continue your studies into this fascinating and useful skill. Selected Bibliography: Miriam Simos (Starhawk) The Spiral Dance New York Harper & Row; 1979 W.E. Butler How To Read The Aura, Practice Psycometry, Telepathy and Clairvoyance New York Destiny Books; 1978 Melita Denning & Osborne Phillips The Development of Psychic Powers St. Paul, MN Llewellyn Publications; 1985

Body of Light Meditation

This meditation works well for: General grounding and centering Removing daily stress Removing sickness from the body Finding answers to important questions Find a place where you wont be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes. Take three deep breathes and relax. Count down slowly from ten to one. Imagine that there is a pinprick of light inside your body, hovering around your naval. Slowly encourage this light to grow, moving into the trunk of your body, into your legs, then into your shoulders, arms, and neck, moving into your feet, and spreading out to the top of your head and the tips of your toes. Take a deep breath and relax. Now envision this light sparkling right underneath every inch of your skin. Allow the light to move through the skin and form a dancing white aura around your body, and remember that this light is still coming from inside of your body. Allow yourself to feel that you are one with the universe. There is no care or worry, no pain or unhappiness. Ask yourself, What do I need? and allow a picture to come forward in your mind. It doesnt matter how stupid or silly the image. Just let one come. Take another deep breath and relax. Let the light continue to swirl around you. Let go of the image, if you havent already. Allow the light to retract inside your body. Count from one to five and open your eyes, telling yourself that you feel refreshed and filled with harmony. Write down the image you saw. Think about what it may mean to you. If you dont understand the image, thats okay. You made a record of it, and perhaps later it may make sense. The mind is funny that way sometimes, and needs a day or two to consciously mull over those gifts from the subconscious.

Breath of Fire
Air is the sustenance that gives fire its life. Begin your breathing sequence by focusing on the cycle of energy released and replenished. As you breathe with the intention of creating a relaxed state of being and an energized state of mind, you are in fact performing an act of transformation. Breath becomes life and life becomes breath. 1. Inhale through your nose to your fullest lung capacity. Hold the breath for a count of three and then exhale in short managed bursts, using the syllable kh with each exhalation. When you get to the end of exhaling your lung capacity, release any remaining air in your lungs by blowing out through your mouth. 2. Repeat this three times and then pause for a moment to observe how your perception has changed. If you are experiencing a feeling of lightheadedness, go back to focusing on the slow deep breathing exercise described before, then proceed slowly with the breath of fire technique.

Chakra Information
The following list will help you match the colors of the seven major chakra vortexes to different areas of the body. You may find this information helpful in planning your healing work.

Crown
Color: White Association: Universal consciousness, wisdom, transformation in a spiritual way Body Area: Brain and pineal gland Emotional: Peace, purity, cuts through mental confusion, encourages the growth of new ideas. Helps shy people open up

Brow (Third Eye)

Color: Violet Association: Intuition, insight, paranormal abilities, connecting with the group mind and universal consciousness Body Area: Face, nose, sinuses, ears, eyes. Brain functions that include the pituitary gland, cerebellum, and central nervous system Emotional: All knowledge, spiritual advancement, cleansing for emotional addictions, release of painful memories, heals the emotionally shattered. Brings the sleep cycle into balance

Throat

Color: Blue Association: Creativity, self-expression, and communication. Changing the vibrations around you through sound. Body Area: Throat, neck, thyroid, ears, windpipe, and upper part of lungs Emotional: Peace, calm, serenity. Looking back on the past to learn and grow, frees the power of the spoken word, releases mental confusion

Heart
Color: Green Association: Unconditional love, compassion, healing, learning to live in balance, bridge from physical to spiritual Body Area: Heart, upper back, breasts, general function of the lungs, blood and air circulation. There is a secondary chakra close to the heart chakra called the thymus, which controls lymphatic systems Emotional: Emotional clearing and insight, clarity, stability. Healing for both body and mind as one complete package. Brings balance, focus, Green/Gold works on nervous and stammer

Solar Plexus
Color: Yellow Association: The storehouse of spiritual and physical energy; keeps the other chakras healthy. When we ground and center in magick, we are concentrating on the solar plexus chakra Body Area: Lower back, digestive system, liver, spleen, gall bladder, pancreas, and the production of insulin Emotional: Forgiveness, removes depression, negative thinking, boosts self-esteem, helps to release fear and phobias, and adds the energy of joy and laughter. Emotional success, abundance, and vitality. Gold helps to relieve suicidal tendencies

Sacral
Color: Orange Association: Purification, joy, receptivity to nature, feminine energy, immunity from disease. Located around the pelvis Body Area: Pelvis, kidneys, production of adrenaline, womb, bladder, and the liquids of the body -- blood, lymph, gastric juices, and sperm Emotional: Breaks down barriers, helps in cases of mental breakdown, depression, rape, divorce, and accidents. Best color for dealing with grief, loss, or shock. Helps to eliminate fear

Base

Color: Red Association: Root of the collective unconscious, vitality, stability, and survival Body Area: Bones, teeth, nails, rectum, colon, prostate gland, blood and blood cells Emotional: Renews enthusiasm, strength to carry on, power to do something you dread. Courage, support, and willpower. Removes sluggishness

Chakras

Chakras are energy zones of power residing in or near a living being. Human beings possess seven chakras. Each chakra serves to integrate both external and internal energy into the body systems. Each chakra is also linked to one of the seven planes of existence and interacts with emanations related to those fields of energy as well. The chakra structure is an essential system regulating not only the condition of the body, but also the indwelling spirit. The cumulative energy emanations of the chakras create the aura that surrounds the physical body. The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with sexual glands and organs. It governs sexual energy, regeneration, and creative drive. Its ruling planet is Saturn. The second center is located near the spleen, halfway between the pubic area and the navel, and is associated with the endocrine system. It governs purification, metabolism, and immunity. Its ruling planet is Jupiter. The third center is located at the solar plexus, just above the navel, and is associated with the sympathetic nervous system. It governs the adrenal glands, body energy, circulation, and general mood. Its ruling planet is Mars.

The fourth center is located at the breast bone and is associated with the thymus gland. This chakra is also known as the heart center. It governs health of the mind, body, and spirit. Its ruling planet is Venus. The fifth center is located at the throat and is associated with the thyroid gland. It governs the balancing of body systems. Its ruling planet is Mercury. The sixth center is located just above and between the eyebrows, and is associated with the pituitary gland. The seventh center is located at the top of the skull and is associated with the pineal gland. Chakra Crown Forehead (Third Eye) Throat Chest Navel Abdomen Groin Color White Purple Blue Pink or Green Yellow Orange Red

Contacting Your Inner Guide

It is often said to be advisable to contact your inner guide before progressing any further with Meditative state, this is to ensure your protection in these other states of awareness and being. When you are trying to contact your Inner Guide for the first time, try not to make it hard or think that you can't do it. A state of ease and relaxation is helpful, though not necessary, for the experience. Sit in a comfortable straight-back chair, with your spine erect and both feet flat on the floor. Make sure you separate the two sides of your body - do not have your legs or arms crossed! Now with your thighs parallel to the floor and your hands resting lightly on your thighs, palms up and open. Or, alternatively if you prefer, sit on the floor in a yoga position with your legs crossed, arms resting on your thighs. Putting the thumb and first finger of each hand together, an oriental 'mudra', seems to help achieve and maintain a good meditation level for some. Having the left palm up and the right palm down is helpful to others. Experiment to discover which body and hand positions work best for you. I personally find that if I do a bit of body work first, stretching running on the spot and loosening my body first, try shaking everything at once, it feels good too, then I get into my position and my body is able to respond to relaxation a lot faster, just a tip! There seems to be a specific motion sequence or 'movement of the mind' that gets you most easily to your Guide. It is forward then left and then right Try using this forward, left, right. to see how you go, if you are not getting any response then just relax let go and try another time, this is so very simple, most people get too uptight or try too hard, open up your heart and trust. I am now going to present to you a visual sequence used for the initial Guide contact. So if you find this doesn't work for you, accept a structure that your own unconscious presents to you, or invent your own, but utilize the forward, left then right movement. There is no way to do wrong if you follow these instructions. Close your eyes, and invent a cave around you as if you have just walked into the cave and the entrance is at your back. Allow the cave to structure itself as it will,

large or small, well-lighted or dim, smooth-walled or rough. Try to be like a blank film receiving impressions. Accept these impressions uncritically as they come to you from this environment. Try not to edit what comes. Be as sensory as you can. Is the cave moist or dry? Feel the weight of your body as you stand on the cave floor. What kind of floor are you standing on? Feel it with your feet. Is it flat and smooth or rough and uneven? Feel the texture of the floor under your feet. Is it sandy, rocky or gravelly? Feel the air around you. Are there currents, or is the air still? Smell the air. Notice the color impressions that come to you. Use all your senses. Be sure that you are observing and sensing this environment while being in your body and looking out of your eyes. Don't be watching an image of yourself! Should you find yourself watching yourself, get back into your body, keeping the point of view of your own eyes. If at any time during the meditation you do find yourself watching your own image, return to the view point of your body until it becomes a habit. Feeling the touch of your feet on the ground in the inner world - and the weight of your body on your feet - will help keep you in your body, as does the active use of any of your senses, such as touching something and feeling what it feels like. Keeping the point of view on your own eyes and body is one of the most important aspects of this meditation. If you are only watching the meditation process and not actively in it with all your senses, the meditation becomes no different than a fantasy or a day-dream You may well get information, but nothing will change, heal or transform in your life. Being in your body is essential. When you can feel yourself in the cave, even though things may still be vague at this point, move forward and to the left, away from the entrance further into the cave, and find some kind of doorway or opening there on the left that will lead you to out into a landscape. Many people find an actual door in the cave wall. Some go through an arch. Some find a small opening low on the ground that they must crawl through, A few emerge directly into a landscape. Others find a tunnel that leads them out into their landscape. Still others walk right through the wall. Again, take whatever comes uncritically, and move through the aperture presented by the unconscious. Take a step out into the landscape when it appears, feeling the new type of ground under your feet. Is it soft or hard, gassy or rocky? What is around you? What is the scene like? Let all these impressions come to you, and let them solidify. What seems to be in the distance? What is the weather like? Be there as totally as you can.

Then with your mind, call for an animal to come to you. Let it be an animal you don't know (not a familiar house pet or some other known outer world animal, e.g., your friend's horse, the neighbor's cat, an animal you had when you were a child), but not a fantasy animal like a unicorn or griffin. Ask the animal to lead you off to the right to where your Inner Guide awaits you. Concentrate on following the animal, and try not to anticipate the guide. If the animal appears to meander or stops, give it permission to take you directly to the feet of your guide. If you loose sight of the animal or of the scene, will yourself back to the point where you last saw the animal or scene and allow the action to continue from there. The animals that appear come in all varieties. Deer are common, as are squirrels. Sometimes a lion, or a dog or a cat will appear. People have even had skunks and anteaters. Again, take what ever animal first appears to you, and trust that it will be able to lead you to your Inner Guide. The animal will lead you to the feet of an unknown male figure - your first Guide. The initial Inner Guide for both men and women is an unknown male figure. This is probably because the horoscopic area which describes his physical being and personality (the ninth house) is associated with three masculine or yang energies: an odd numbered house, the ninth; the sign Sagittarius, the natural sign of the ninth house; and the planet Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius. Without Exception, female figures who appear and claim to be the true first Guide have always turned out to be one of the Archetypes - which renders them dangerous to the unprotected ego - or a false guide. You will generally feel an outpouring of love, protection, and total acceptance from this figure. Many people weep at this point. Start receiving impressions about the figure. Begin with the feet. Are his feet bare or in some kind of footwear? Then slowly work up the body. Allow impressions of what the figure is like to come to you uncritically, again as if you wee a blank film. What kind of dress or costume is he wearing? What type of body does he have? Is he fat or thin? Is he short or tall? What kind of hair if any, does he have? If the figure is hooded, ask him to throw back the hood. Is he wearing anything on his head? Is he bearded or clean shaven? What kind of feeling about him do you get? Is he an active or passive man? Gentle and introverted or extroverted and outgoing? Is he dressed in the clothing of any particular country or region of the world? Does he hold anything in his hands?

Let all these impressions come to you as they will. Don't try to see the Guides face clearly right away unless it presents itself easily. One of the hallmarks of the true Inner Guide is that his face isn't usually clear at first, although a false Guide's face almost always is. The true Guide's face will clear and come into focus later on as you work with him in the meditation process - when you stop trying to 'make him a face.' Be sure to ask the figure if he is your true Guide and if he has the power to protect you on the inner realms. Generally a false guide will answer "no" to this question or will disappear. Then ask the figure to take both of your hands in his. Feel the hand contact as much as you can. Feel the texture of his skin. Is his hand warm or cool, moist or dry? Is the skin smooth or rough? Now, with your mind, give him your permission to let you feel his feeling for you. If you don't feel total acceptance and love or caring, you're with a false guide. There is no love from a false guide. Then ask your Guide to take your right hand in his left, so that you are both facing in the same direction, the Guide at your side. (In left handed people it is usually reversed, the Guide's right hand taking the left hand.) Ask your Guide then to point to where the Sun is in the sky of your inner world. Look to where he points. Is the Sun right overhead or off to one side? Are there clouds, or does it shine in a clear sky? At the point when you ask the Guide to point to the Sun, a false or ego guide will generally balk, change the subject, try to divert attention in some way, hedge or will simply vanish. Test for his love again if he remains and your doubts are stirred. If you cannot feel it, stay where you are and look to the right of where the false guide is or was. Another male figure will be there, or at least nearby. Feel where the love energy comes to you from and creates a warmth in your chest, and look in that direction. through the earlier process of allowing the Inner Guide to appear clearly to you, and ignore the false guide if he is still hanging about. If you happen to get a false guide, your Inner Guide is close by, and if you call for him and give him your permission to come to you, you will probably see him quickly. The false guides might be either male or female. Don't accept any known person from your outer world as your Inner Guide. Your Guide is a being who wasn't alive on the planet when you were born, so if your

favorite uncle, or your father, or anyone else that you have known, just keep looking past him to the right. And if a famous deceased guru or teacher or luminary from the past should appear, test him, and see if another figure appears beyond him on the right. The Inner Guides come in all the many varieties that we humans do, and they are always unknown figures and not celebrated spiritual teachers or avatars of the recent or distant past. The Guides tend to wear the clothing they wore when they last lived on the planet (or so they say about themselves), which is perhaps why they seldom appear in, contemporary dress. They also say that they are connected to us through love or duty, and that we have shared a life on the planet with them at some time and may well again. And, most important, the Inner Guides are always human and do not have the powers or attributes of the Gods. If a sea serpent, a fairy, an angel or a winged man claims to be your guide, move past it to the right until your true Guide is encountered. After your Guide takes your hand and points out where the Sun is and you see it, ask the sun to come down, in human or human-like form, to where you and your Guide are. Accept the first form it takes. It may come as male or female. It might be a man with a bird's head or a swirling mass of colors and energy in a humanoid form. It make take the form of a God, or it may be a dwarf. Try not to preconceive what the Sun, as it exists in your inner world, is going to look like. Let it be what it will. The Sun is the archetype of the Centre of the Self - the love giving, life-sustaining, creative energy that animates each of us and gives life and motion to the other archetypal forces we carry within us. Our true Inner Guide generally delights in the initial solar contact. Even if the Sun energy in your particular horoscopic pattern is weak or repressed, the Guide will do all in his power to bring you in contact with this central solar figure so that you can begin the assimilation of this vital energy. When you and your Inner Guide are together with the Sun figure, direct your attention to the Sun and ask it to send as much light and love into you as you can physically handle at that particular time. Try to absorb the energy as it comes into you. Try not to resist it. It is at this point most people realize that something real and unusual is happening to them and that they are not 'making it up", because they don't know how to make up such an experience. This experience of light and love from the Sun is often overwhelming, generating tears of joy and is the first inner world experience of a non-ego, archetypal force.

If by chance, you don't experience this energy physically, give the Sun permission to penetrate any blocks that may be up against its energy so you will be enabled to feel the energy flow within you, making sure that you are in your body. Asking the figure to literally touch you with its hands or with a directed ray will generally penetrate the blockage and allow you to feel the energy flow. The two questions I recommend for use when interacting initially with each of the 22 tarot Archetypes are: 1. What do you need from me and from my life work with me and be my friend? 2. What do you have to give me (in the form of a symbolic object placed in your hand) that I need from you? The answer to the first question may be a request for a quality such as Love or Trust or Honor. Or it may be a request such as "Come and visit me daily," or "Start being kinder to others," or "Eat more brown rice"." Take the first answer that comes to mind, even if your ego views it as nonsensical. This answer may come in code form to get past the ego's defenses against hearing this information from within. The Inner Guide, or the archetype itself, may be asked to interpret further or decode its need or request. If you reject the first image or answer that comes to you, ego chatter will follow and confusion will ensue. Try to shut off your normal thinking process and become a receiver. Some of the archetypal forms that, in the psyche, are representative of repressed or suppressed energies may initially appear as negative, evil or sickly in the form aspect they present, and may request things which are opposed to your moral or ethical values such as, "Poison your dog," or "Shoot your neighbor." Ask you Guide's advise before agreeing to even seemingly innocent requests, especially if your intuition gives you warning or you "get a funny feeling" about the request. Refuse those requests your Guide advises you to refuse, and continue asking the archetype's need until you get an acceptable request, one which you feel you can and will fulfill in your everyday life. Remember, you're in foreign territory. Trust and use your Inner Guide to act both as interpreter and counselor - truly let him guide you. Expect from him what you would from a wise teacher. If you become confused or don't understand what's going on there in the inner world, ask him to explain. The true Inner Guides don't volunteer information, so don't hesitate to ask questions

in order to get explanations and interpretations. Another thing about the true Guides is that they judge no one, neither you nor anyone else in your world. Nor will they usually make predictions about you or others. They will never invade another's privacy in any way. Should your guide start agreeing with you that someone in your outer world is a "bad guy" or "evil," you're with a false guide. Another thing to look for is improvement of the outer world conditions as you work with your true guide. These conditions tend to worsen or fall apart when you are working with a false guide. Watch results and don't be afraid to test the guides and the archetypes. This system is not fragile and can withstand much testing. The second test that I recommend asking each archetypal form during the first encounter with it is: "What do you have to give me that I need from you?" Ask that the archetype respond by placing a symbolic object in your hand. Accept the first object that appears. If its not clear, ask that the object be bought into focus and made more clear. Again, use your senses. Feel the object. Is it round or square, hollow or solid? What material is it made of? Is it large or small, heavy or light? When you are clear what the object is, ask the archetypal figure to interpret just what talent, ability or power the object represents. If you regard it as a tool, how do you use it? What effects can it produce in the inner world? In the Outer world? How do you utilize it in your everyday life? These initial gifts from the archetypes represent the talents and abilities you were born with that relate specifically to the energy forms that give them to you. You receive the gift in symbol or code form and then have it decoded. An archetypal gift may have a very common use: "It will make you more aware of your surroundings," or "It will keep your neck from getting stiff," or "It will help you sleep." Or its use may be associated with the twilight zone of extrasensory perception and magick: "It will begin the safe arousal of kundalini." Remember to check with your Inner Guide as to whether or not you should accept what is offered. If he OK's it, be sure that you have asked enough questions so that you understand just what it is that you have been given. If you don't understand , ask more questions until it is clear to you. Ask both the archetypal giver and your Guide to help you to understand the gift and the ways you may use it in both the inner and the outer worlds. When you have really understood the talent or ability, ask the archetype that presented the gift to place it in or on your body at a place where you should absorb or carry it. Feel where the energy form of the object settles within you. This absorption

into the body is usually accompanied by unusual physical sensations in one or more parts of the body. Again check out all the steps in the process with your Inner Guide. He's there to help you, but he can't help unless he is asked. (The Guides will not act spontaneously on their own except when physical, spiritual or psychological danger to the ego is encountered.) Nor can he answer unasked questions.

Essential Advice on Meditation

When you read books about meditation, or often when meditation is presented by different groups, much of the emphasis falls on the techniques. In the West, people tend to be very interested in the "technology" of meditation. However, by far the most important feature of meditation is not technique, but the way of being, the spirit, which is called the "posture", a posture which is not so much physical, but more to do with spirit or attitude. It is well to recognize that when you start on a meditation practice, you are entering a totally different dimension of reality. Normally in life we put a great deal of effort into achieving things, and there is a lot of struggle involved, whereas meditation is just the opposite, it is a break from how we normally operate. Meditation is simply a question of being, of melting, like a piece of butter left in the sun. It has nothing to do with whether or not you "know" anything about it, in fact, each time you practice meditation it should be fresh, as if it were happening for the very first time. You just quietly sit, your body still, your speech silent, your mind at ease, and allow thoughts to come and go, without letting them play havoc on you. If you need something to do, then watch the breathing. This is a very simple process. When you are breathing out, know that you are breathing out. When you breath in, know that you are breathing in, without supplying any kind of extra commentary or internalized mental gossip, but just identifying with the breath. That very simple process of mindfulness processes your thoughts and emotions, and then, like an old skin being shed, something is peeled off and freed. Usually people tend to relax the body by concentrating on different parts. Real relaxation comes when you relax from within, for then everything else will ease itself out quite naturally. When you begin to practice, you center yourself, in touch with your "soft spot", and just remain there. You need not focus on anything in particular to begin with. Just be spacious, and allow thoughts and emotions to settle. If you do so, then later, when you use a method such as watching the breath, your attention will more easily be on your breathing. There is no particular point on the breath on which you need to focus, it is simply the process of breathing. Twenty-five percent of your attention is on the breath, and seventy-five percent is relaxed. Try to actually identify with the breathing, rather than just watching it. You may choose an object, like a flower, for example, to focus upon. Sometimes you are taught to visualize a light on the forehead, or in the heart. Sometimes a sound or a mantra can be used. But at the beginning it is

best to simply be spacious, like the sky. Think of yourself as the sky, holding the whole universe. When you sit, let things settle and allow all your discordant self with its ungenuineness and unnaturalness to dissolve, out of that rises your real being. You experience an aspect of yourself which is more genuine and more authentic-the "real" you. As you go deeper, you begin to discover and connect with your fundamental goodness. The whole point of meditation is to get used to the that aspect which you have forgotten. In Tibetan "meditation" means "getting used to". Getting used to what? to your true nature, your Buddha nature. This is why, in the highest teaching of Buddhism, Dzogchen, you are told to "rest in the nature of mind". You just quietly sit and let all thoughts and concepts dissolve. It is like when the clouds dissolve or the mist evaporates, to reveal the clear sky and the sun shining down. When everything dissolves like this, you begin to experience your true nature, to "live". Then you know it, and at that moment, you feel really good. It is unlike any other feeling of well being that you might have experienced. This is a real and genuine goodness, in which you feel a deep sense of peace, contentment and confidence about yourself. It is good to meditate when you feel inspired. Early mornings can bring that inspiration, as the best moments of the mind are early in the day, when the mind is calmer and fresher (the time traditionally recommended is before dawn). It is more appropriate to sit when you are inspired, for not only is it easier then as you are in a better frame of mind for meditation, but you will also be more encouraged by the very practice that you do. This in turn will bring more confidence in the practice, and later on you will be able to practice when you are not inspired. There is no need to meditate for a long time: just remain quietly until you are a little open and able to connect with your heart essence. That is the main point. After that, some integration, or meditation in action. Once your mindfulness has been awakened by your meditation, your mind is calm and your perception a little more coherent. Then, whatever you do, you are present, right there. As in the famous Zen master's saying: "When I eat, I eat; when I sleep, I sleep". Whatever you do, you are fully present in the act. Even washing dishes, if it is done one-pointedly, can be very energizing, freeing, cleansing. You are more peaceful, so you are more "you". You assume the "Universal You". One of the fundamental points of the spiritual journey is to persevere along the path. Though one's meditation may be good one day and not so good the next, like changes in scenery, essentially it is not the experiences, good or bad which count so much, but

rather that when you persevere, the real practice rubs off on you and comes through both good and bad. Good and bad are simply apparitions, just as there may be good or bad weather, yet the sky is always unchanging. If you persevere and have that sky like attitude of spaciousness, without being perturbed by emotions and experiences, you will develop stability and the real profoundness of meditation will take effect. You will find that gradually and almost unnoticed, your attitude begins to change. You do not hold on to things as solidly as before, or grasp at them so strongly, and though crisis will still happen, you can handle them a bit better with more humor and ease. You will even be able to laugh at difficulties a little, since there is more space between you and them, and you are freer of yourself. Things become less solid, slightly ridiculous, and you become more light-hearted.

Faerie Meditation
This is a lovely meditation that can be used to meet your local Faerie folk, in your garden, local woods etc. Find a quiet, safe, comfortable place outside to sit and relax. Somewhere you feel safe and connected, close to nature. Close your eyes and focus on the darkness of your minds eye, this is the blackness you see when you close your eyes. Now imagine that the darkness of your minds eye is slowly filling with a magickal green glow. Feel that magickal green glow start to flow all around you until it is bathing you in magick and beauty. Enjoy drinking it in and absorb all that magick for a moment. Let the Faerie power feed you, cleanse you and work its magick on you. When you feel comfortable, happy and relaxed in the light, call out into it and ask (never demand, always be polite) for a faerie friend to come and visit with you of their own free will. If no Faerie presence comes forward or makes contact with you, thank them for coming and say goodbye. Try again another day. If you are greeted by a Faerie friend then thank them for coming to visit you. Talk to your Faerie but remember that Faeries are tricky beings, never ask Faerie questions as they are unreliable and known for lying. When you being to feel tired (and you will as you are using a great deal of energy to concentrate and make contact) thank the Faerie for coming and say goodbye. You may wish to contact them again if you particularly liked them so ask its name. Some people like to offer a gift to their Faerie friend as a token of their affection (like an apple or a cake) this is perfectly fine to do so but remember that Faeries take bonds and oaths made to them very seriously and if you promise them anything you must never go back on it. If you promise to leave them a gift every week, then you must honor that promise leaving that gift out every week on the same day without fail.

Whenever you wish to visit with your Faerie again go back to your special spot and do the exact same thing but when you call out to the Faeries to make contact with you ask for your own special Faerie by name.

Forge Working Meditation

Introduction This is the Snow Moon, the Horning Moon, the moon that is both Crone and Maiden, the moon of the silent depths of winter. This is a time of rest, a time of stasis. The Earth slumbers beneath a blanket of snow. The Lady rests, gathering Her strength after the birth of the God. It is a time of stasis, but also a time of transformation. Deep beneath the white cloak of winter, new life stirs into wakefulness. It is a time of transition, and ever have transitions been regarded as things of power. Not wholly of what was, nor of what will be, but partaking of both. A place between places, a time between times, a Gate between Worlds. Defined by no single thing, from whence all things are possible. No thing, yet all things, for upon the Wheel of Life no thing may stand alone. What was partakes of what may be, as what may be is forged of what was. All that was, both the light and the dark, is the ore from which the future is forged in the eternal fires of the Gods. Thus we gather here together on this magical night, this night of transition and transformation. Dancers together of the spiral dance, fellow travelers upon the sacred path. Each one of us brings to this Circle all of what was in our own lives, all of what makes each one of us the unique individuals that we are. For each one of us is the product of our own past, the product of joy and sorrow, triumph and tragedy, pain and ecstasy, dark and light. All of this, each one of us brings here tonight, to lay upon the forge of the Gods, the raw material from which to forge what will be. For tonight you yourself are the ore, raw metal and dross mixed inexorably together, that you bring to the smithy door. The forge fire roars, and it is your hand that pumps the bellows. Raw ore melts in the crucible, black dross sinking into the very atoms of the metal or burning away in spiraling smoke, and it is you yourself who are transformed. All that was, all that has gone before, that has made you what you are today, you will transform under your own hand and will to mold what you will become. For this is the essence of the Craft, that your life is a tool of your own forging, for good or for ill. The hammer rings against the anvil, shaping and transforming glowing metal, and it is your arm that swings the hammer. Arm and hand, striking with the skill of a craftsman and the power to transform worlds. And it is your will that guides them, your vision that forms the final shape. It is up to you. Guided meditation As you sit with your eyes closed, you breathe deeply, reaching simultaneously inward and outward in the personal ritual of grounding and centering that is so comfortable

and so familiar. Gently, gradually, the room fades from around you, and slowly you begin to become aware that you are sitting with your back against a rough stone. Next, you begin to feel the wind, cold, raw, as cold as the dark between the stars, yet strangely familiar, laced with the scents of salt and heather. It whispers to you, whispers of times gone by and times yet to come. Secrets, also, it seems to whisper, secrets of Earth and sky, of things that care little for mortal man. Faintly, far away, the sea booms monotonously against the cliff face, as it has done since the beginning of the world. Slowly, very slowly, you open your eyes. The stone at your back, gray, gritty, and cold, towers over you, a massive, rectangular slab of granite that seems to reach from the Earth to the stars. As your eyes slowly become accustomed to the darkness around you and the flickering firelight, you begin to realize that you are not alone, that other stones stand with yours on the heath, forming a great ring. Above you, the clear dark sky blazes with stars...with constellations strange and brilliant, yet hauntingly familiar. In the center of the circle burns a huge, roaring balefire. A low, blocky stone shape, half lost beyond the glare of the fire, betokens an ancient altar. Beyond it, anonymous in robe and shadowed cowl, stands a lone figure, half seen, half unseen. Across the fire from the altar, a single huge monolith, even taller and more massive than the standing stones of the ring, rears against the night sky. The leaping, dancing, flames of the balefire cast flickering shadows across the hard, dry ground. The enormous monolith of the kingstone casts a long shadow toward the edge of the circle. The hooded figure beyond the altar seems to be chanting softly in a language that you cannot quite understand. The fire dances moving, twisting shadows on and about the kingstone. After a long moment, you become slowly aware that the shawled figure of an old woman is standing, half-hidden by the dancing firelight, in the shadow of the kingstone. You sense dimly from the figure a feeling of unknowable age, and yet of preternatural alertness. The crone speaks no word, makes no sign, yet you sense suddenly that you have been summoned. You lift yourself from the ground, muscles protesting from cold and inaction, to follow that inexorable summons. But the shadowy figure of the crone is - gone. Still, you know where you last saw her, she cannot have gone far. One -- two -- three -- five more steps carry you into the shadow of the kingstone ... and your eyes, dazzled by the baelfire's glare, are suddenly plunged into blackness. Almost by reflex, you put out a hand to touch the ancient stone, surely no more than a foot or two away -- to touch nothing. Caught off guard, you stumble blindly forward. The

massive, brooding bulk of the kingstone seems, unaccountably, to have vanished. Instead, the ground slopes gently downward beneath your feet, and you get the sudden impression not of the open, barren expanse of the heath around you, but of rock. It is as if the standing stone had become, somehow, a tunnel. The wind is gone, not stilled but cut off, and the air is dry, still, and cold. The force that first summoned you remains and, almost without conscious volition, you follow it, trusting that whatever power brought you here will guide your feet. (Pause) The beating of your own heart is loud in your ears, as though reflected and magnified by the still unseen tunnel walls. Slowly you begin to realize that the darkness about you is no longer absolute, that a dim, sullen red light glows in the midst of blackness, far in front of you. Still you walk, the dim, red light swelling slowly, very slowly, before you. The beating of your heart grows louder in your ears, louder and more solid, with a deep, ominous, almost metallic ring to it. (Pause) As the light grows ever so slowly brighter, you become aware of other figures around you. Most notable, silhouetted against the slowly growing light, is the shawled, shadowy figure of the crone. The light grows brighter, and the deep, steady, booming beat in your ears grows louder. The air is growing hotter, as well. The dry cold of the heath is gone, along with the tang of salt and heather. Now the scent in the warming darkness is that of smoke and of heated metal. (Pause) The glow before you has grown now, so that you can make out the shape of the tunnel mouth limned against the blackness. Just beyond it, the figure of the crone stands to one side, silhouetted against the glow. Once so far away, the end of the tunnel is upon you with startling suddenness, and you stop abruptly in the opening. Heat beats against your exposed skin -- the heat of a huge forge -- as the beat of hammer upon anvil rings in your ears. Silhouetted against the red-yellow glow of the forge, a glow that fills the cavernous room with sullen light, stands a huge, burly figure, perhaps half again your own height. (Pause) Shadow against shadow, the two figures face each other across the great cavern of the smithy. For a long, slow moment they regard each other, still as statues, silent as the tomb, the beating of your heart deafening in your ears. The coiling tension in the still air wrings sweat from your palms, and blasting waves of forge heat rip it away again.

(Pause) Crone: I have come. God: Why have you come, old crone? Crone: As death and change must come to all, so I. God: Here is no death, only the change, the refining of the raw. Crone: There is slight difference, one from the other. The turning Wheel rules all things. I serve that Wheel, even as you do. God: Not all that is mined is worthy of my fire, the purest ore the finest weapons make. Crone: Aye, pure gold is perfect and yet a thing of clay, without the strength it gains from the dross. Yea, and copper also of itself complete will hold no edge, lest leavened it be. For copper and tin become more than either one alone. So too the purest iron, unless alloyed with coal, will never be steel. God: To other I leave the swords that cleave the skull, part soul from body, my hammer shapes a finer blade. Crone: Even the spirits that you refashion benefit by their flaws, are strengthened by the darker side of their nature. Know then that light and dark so wed, so forged, so joined one to the other make the whole, as day and night complete the wheel of life. (Long pause) God: So mote it be. Once again the hammer strikes against the anvil, a blow that could shatter worlds. The forge fire flares -- and explodes -- and the world is lost in a blast of white fire. The stone floor beneath your feet burns away in an instant, and you are falling -falling into the heart of the fire. White heat boils around you, burning away all it touches, until naught is left but the fire and the endless beat of the hammer -- beating against the molten core that is you. (Pause) Falling, falling, and still the heat increases, the fire beating against you in wave after endless wave. The beat of the hammer vibrates through every fiber of your being; wringing, changing, melding, transforming with every stroke. Smoke writhes now through the white fire, the smoke of things that once were and are no more. The smoke coils through you as well now, absorbed into your substance, for you are the molten metal, and the ashes of the past are a part of you, now and forever. One and inseparable, now and forever, they are a part of you and a part of your strength, for without them you would be less than you are. (Pause) The forge fire burns brighter yet, brightness beyond light, until at last it burns black,

with the smoke twining in glowing threads of red-gold fire against it. (Pause) Hammer crashes against anvil once more, this time within your own mind, and black fire vanishes in an instant into deeper blackness, searing fire quenched in a shock of icy sea water. The beat of the hammer is now the booming of storm-lashed surf against a craggy shore. The sea explodes skyward in a blast of wind-driven fury, driving up, up, high into the sky, only to crash back down across the headlands at the top of the cliffs. The water drains away and is gone, and as your sight clears you behold the stone circle once again, a dark, shawled figure half-hidden in the fire-cast shadow of the kingstone. The figure nods silently to you, as if in salute, and vanishes into the shadows. Your eyes close, seemingly almost of their own volition. The wind dies, the feeling of the stone at your back fades, and the rough grass and coarse ground beneath you become once again hard floor and even carpet. You have returned from a long and a most strange journey.

Goddess: in Her Many Forms Meditations

Venus, Goddess of Love and Beauty Demeter, Goddess of Grain and Maternal Archetype Persephone, Maiden and Queen of the Underworld Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Craft Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow Hecate, Triple Goddess of the Phases of the Moon Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Diana, Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt Juno, Goddess of Commitment The Moirai, the Three Spinners of Fate The Muses of Meditation, Memory and Song Venus Luxuriate with Venus, Goddess of Love and Beauty. Commune with Venus (Aphrodite, Aphrogenia, Anadyomene, Astarte, Cytherea, Cypris, or Dionaea, as she is also known), when you want to celebrate your sexual passion, your sensuality and all your "tender" feelings! To know her within you is to know your creativity, fertility and your enjoyment of love, affection and beauty in your life. Invoke her to bring your senses to more awareness of these properties. Look in the western sky for Venus' bright light. Look for Venus in the beauty of the sea -- her place of birth -- or a sunset. Call on her to bring harmony to your life. Demeter Nurture with Demeter, Goddess of Grain and Maternal Archetype. If the archetype of Demeter (or Ceres, as she is also known) is alive in you, then you are rejoicing in the yearning to provide physical and spiritual nurturing to your children, or perhaps your inner children or chosen children. Invoking Demeter involves honoring your power to sustain life through all its phases -- gestation, birth, marriage. She is the archetype of the Great Mother inside us all. Focus on her to ground yourself in your physical body and to nurture it. You can also act on Demeter's behalf by being an activist for environmental issues, as Demeter is the goddess of the earth mother and natural agricultural cycles. Persephone Honor Transitions with Persephone, Maiden and Queen of the Underworld. Persephone (Prosepina, or Kore, as she is also known) represents the transition from innocent maidenhood to adult womanhood, knowledgeable of the depths of the

psyche. In myth, Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, was abducted to the underworld by Hades when she had been entranced by a lush field of narcissus blossoms. In her grief over the loss, Demeter the Goddess of Grain, stopped the natural agricultural cycles. Eventually Persephone was allowed to return to the world each spring to bring fertility back to the earth, and thus she became a symbol of renewal that returns each year. She also became a guide for other Goddesses to the underworld, and thus she became a symbol of our deepest knowledge of ourselves and the value of sharing our journeys with other women. Thus she represents the continual spiral that is our psychic development. Meditate on Persephone to become more aware of your simplicity and complexity. Athena Consult with Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Craft. Athena (Glaukopis/"owl-eyed", Gorgopis/"gorgon faced", or Minerva, as she is also known) within us represents that part of ourselves that is summoned to provide logic and self-assurance. Her totem bird is the owl. She is ruled more by her head than her heart. Your inner Athena can be fostered by practicing skills and crafts. Athena is the Goddess of weaving, horse training, flute playing and other military, political and domestic crafts. She invented the wheel and all arts & sciences. Athena sprang from Zeus' head fully formed. If your archetypal Athena is strong, you may have always seemed mature, even in childhood. You may need to develop your abilities to let yourself be free, unrestrained and immature. Set up an altar to Athena with olive branches, blue candles, and amber incense. Envision Athena and invoke her by saying: Athena is my strength. She is my armor. I walk in peace and safety. Her shield deflects all harmful. Iris Let Your Feelings Flow with Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow. Iris was attendant and messenger to the Goddess, Juno, and thus the feminine counterpart to Hermes. She represents balance, action and intelligence in dealing with the flow of feelings. You invoke her when you make decisions based on sympathy, kindness and the wish to preserve relationships and harmony. This provides a balance to Athena's detachment. However, sometimes Iris represents ambivalence and a lack of separateness from others that can also be an extreme to be avoided. Hecate

Deepen with Hecate, Goddess of the Moon. Hecate is portrayed as a triple-faced Goddess, representing the maiden, mother and crone and the three phases of the moon. She is a mighty sorceress or witch. She is often described as inhabiting the heavens, earth and the Underworld, thus having access to our collective unconscious. She represents fertility, the menstrual cycle, crossroads, intuition and fluctuation. She represents hope when we are confused and our understanding seems vague and mysterious. Foster your awareness of your depth by invoking Hecate through focusing on your dreams, fantasies and using art experientially. Hestia Feel at Home with Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth. Hestia (also known as Vesta or Vestal Virgin) is the inward-focused, meditative goddess of spirituality represented by the warmth of the fire in the center of the hearth. Invoke Hestia by making your hearth and home beautiful and by reorganizing in the meditative, centering quality of homemaking activities, such as by taking the time to slowly rearrange your closet or bedroom. Creating order in your home can be a path to creating inner order. Diana Become Active for Yourself with Diana, Goddess of the Moon and the Hunt. Call on Diana (or Artemis as she is also known) for inner strength. She is the virgin goddess of the woods, whose totem animals are the deer, bear and hare. She is an archer who's arrow never fails which can serve to inspire you to make goals with determination. You are invoking Diana when you spend time not focusing on relationships but rather on yourself and your own development. Explore your environment by taking a hike or traveling. Juno Enhance Your Capacity to Bond with Juno, Goddess of Commitment. Meditate on Juno (or Hera, Hebe, Theria as she is also known) to aspire to know your own fullness of power and healing. She is the Goddess protector of women and marriage, "the Lady of the Cities," "the organizer," the lady of civic law, child raising and relationships. She is the Goddess of the summer bounty and the June bride. Juno, Hera, Queen of the Powers, Bring me, bring out my own, my own. Let all that is needed be done well, be done well. Let me sing of your glory under the moon. I am ready for my personal power. I am the arm that does your work. I am the mind of your thoughts.

I am the will of your achievements. I am the conductor of your power. Hera, Juno, Hebe, Theria, I am the heart of your love. The Moirai Meditate on your Life with the Moirai, the Three Spinners of Fate. The Moriai are the mythical spinners of the thread of human life and destiny. They represent that part of ourselves that is in our center that makes unconscious choices based on our fate in life. This image invites us to look at our part in calling our experiences to us, both negative and positive. The Muses Seek Inspiration from the Muses of Meditation, Memory and Song. In the act of creating you invoke the muses. They invite us to live our lives in self-expression and in recognition of the inspiration in nature all around us.

Guided Meditation for a Magickal Name

If you have access to a tape recorder, you should record the following meditation as it is very easy to allow your mind to travel with this method. If you are one that has a good, clear memory, then you may choose to do it entirely from memory. For this exercise to begin, you need to do whatever it takes to relax, clear and protect your mind. "You are standing at the edge of a forest. You are on a path that has come through a meadow of tall grass. Upon the path, you are aware of birds and other animals' presence. You can hear and see the animals scurrying in the grass around you. You can smell the various scents of flowers and weeds as you walk barefoot through the soft loose dirt of the path. There are areas where the grass covers the path, but it is very soft and pleasant to your feet. There is a taste of freshness in the air as if it has just rained, yet the path is dry. As you enter the forest, you notice that the trails of animals are leading off in different directions. You stop to consider the animals that made these trails through the woods. There are larger paths and smaller ones. Look down these pathways and determine if you can see one of these animals. Choose a path and follow it. The path leads a winding trail deeper and deeper into the forest. There is no human life this deep within the woods. Up ahead is a clearing and you head towards it. In the clearing, you see what looks like steps. As you near the object, you see that it is the steps of a very ancient building. Look around you and see that all paths end here. Climbing the steps, you come to a great door with a polished knocker, which you use to rap on the door. The door opens to you. Before you are more steps. Look around, what do you see? Now climbing the inner stairway, you reach the upper room without a door. As you enter the room, you notice that it is a library in which there are thousands of books. Look around and if you feel drawn to a particular section, maybe you'll be drawn to a particular book. Take this book and examine its cover. What do you see? Mark this well within your mind.

Replacing the book, descend the inner stairwell and exit the building. The door closes behind you as you descent the outer steps. Remember and find the same path that brought you here. Follow the path back through the forest the same way you came. You find yourself back at the edge of the forest, again at the meadow. Turn around and thank the animal that made this path. Go back through the meadow, noticing the birds and animals, sights, sounds and smalls of the journey as before. Return to your body. Open your eyes slowly and breathe normally. Move your limbs, fingers and toes. You have returned. Write down this experience in your mirror book. Remember what you saw in the library. The information that you received will lead you to a magickal name. Follow up on this information, and pay close attention to detail.

Guided Visualization
When you are in a relaxed state you may wish to try a guided visualization. You will need to record this onto a tape or get a friend to read it aloud to you. On the drop down menu you will find examples of visualizations you may like to try (the power of your imagination is such that whatever form your sanctuary takes it can adapt for example if the visualization calls for you to follow a path leading away you can simply imagine a path and add it to your sanctuary where you wish it to be). Guided visualization is also called Trance work and is very important to a Magickal practitioner. They can be used in many ways, if you need an answer to something it can often be found by putting yourself into a trance - with a protective circle around you, (this can be done quite simply by imagining yourself surrounded by a bright white light, or by a bubble) - entering your sanctuary and asking your inner guide. Ideas for rituals and all sorts of inspiration can come to you this way. Now take a deep breaths, relax completely and you are ready to try the guided visualizations. When you wish to return to your sanctuary at the end of the visualization, glide swiftly or fly if you wish. Then come back slowly to everyday awareness. Remember to take time to ground yourself after any mediation - walk about a little, place your palms on the ground or eat and drink a little something.

How to Meditate
Find a quiet space where you will be undisturbed. If you have an altar, that's an ideal spot. Seat yourself comfortably. You may wish to assume the Lotus position, sitting on a cushion on the floor with your legs crossed, pelvis tilted forward, shoulders back, and spine straight. If sitting on the floor is painful or uncomfortable, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, your spine straight, and your hands on your knees. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. As you breathe, feel your body relaxing completely. Check in with your body, turning your attention first to your feet, then to your ankles, to your shins, and so on up to the top of your head. Feel each part of your body relaxing with your breath. If a part of you contains built-up tension, simply accept that it is there and continue breathing. At this point, you may begin doing a visualization exercise, or you may move into a deep, meditative state. Let's move into a deeper meditative state. Continue breathing. Focus all your consciousness on your breath. Do not try to control your breathing. Simply let your body do what it does naturally. Thoughts will come into your head. Let them come, and let them go. Return your awareness to your breathing. Continue breathing in and breathing out. Repeat the last three steps again and again. After you have done this for a while, you will reach a place inside of yourself that is beyond words.

Tips: Don't get discouraged! Meditation is harder than it sounds. Be gentle with yourself and do what you can do today. Meditation gets easier with practice. Try to meditate every day, even if it is just for five minutes. The longer you can sit, the deeper you can go. Meditation is like listening to God/dess. But in order to listen, you first must still your own mind so that you can hear what S/He has to say. Have faith that S/He is there, waiting to speak to you.

How to Practice Visualization

Sit comfortably. I suggest sitting cross-legged with a meditation pillow to support you. Close your eyes and take some deep, cleansing breaths. Keep your eyes closed and concentrate on your breathing for a few minutes. Allow any thoughts that come into your head to leave at their own pace. Redirect your attention to your breath, without trying to control it. Become aware of your spine's connection to the earth. Envision roots growing down from your spine deep into the earth's molten core. Feel the earth's energy moving up through the roots and through your body. Open your eyes. Cup your hand in front of you. Visualize the energy coming up from the earth moving through you and forming a ball in the palm of your hand. Look at the ball. Notice the color, the feel of it, its heat, its smell. Hold it steady. Then try to make it rotate. Hold the image for as long as you can, and then absorb the energy back into your hand. Let the energy flow from your hand back through your body and into the earth. Tips: As with physical exercise, you should start slowly and build your way up. Try holding the ball to the count of ten at first, and then letting that time gradually expand. Once you feel comfortable with visualization, it will become easier for you to cast spells that will help you change your own reality. As an alternative to the ball, try pointing your finger and drawing an invoking pentacle (beginning at the top point and moving down and to the left) in the air.

Healing Emptiness
I remember years of watching vast New Mexico summer sky emptying into a fierce sunlit blueness and then filling with the blessings of clouds, veils of rain, lightning, rainbows: storms moving around and through the sky bowl by their own breath, pouring out gifts to dusty ground. Watery hands brushed the face of my world. I remember the sharp smell of fire and water in the air, the cleanness of emerging sun shining on the wet ground later, the earth flowing, then flowering. I remember a recent weekend of ocean side camping, watching the peaceful foggy emptiness of clouds darkening the night sky, then waking two hours before dawn on the last day to find the darkness filled to bursting with stars. Emptiness does not stay so, either in the physical or spiritual realms. The cycles of nature reflect the greater reality of which the physical world is an inseparable part. The "scientific" truism that "nature abhors a vacuum" also reflects spiritual and inner truth. The miracle and blessing of being human includes our ability to move through our own inner voids and emptiness and to find our creativity, our core. These things are not the same as void and emptiness, which are only a setting for them. We fill the voids as a natural part of the cycle - to freeze into one part is unnatural as neither happens without the other. While many spiritual traditions acknowledge the power of void and chaos, most also move past them, or see them as the birthing place or as a place of death which precedes birth in a repeating (and ritualized) cycle. At times it is easy to confuse the pain and fear that goes with loss with the emptiness and void which precedes renewal and growth. The confusion can perpetuate that void and prevent healing. That can lead to a halt in the natural cyclic movement and can turn the power of a person's inner emptiness into something destructive and unhealthy. Many times this is unintentional, of course, especially if brought on by physical or emotional crisis, but in the same way that nature prompts things to move into a vacuum and fill it, the empty one draws life and energy to herself - sometimes in a material way (like hoarding or overeating) or sometimes by draining other people's energy. A very few perpetuate this condition within themselves with intent, sensing power there, however unhealthy it may be, and choosing to use it against others, or not knowing there are better alternatives. They choose not to step back into the natural cycle. (This is commonly known, especially when done with intent, as psychic vampirism.) Extend this situation to its analogous presence within the spiritual realm and you can get a glimpse of truths behind the multiplicity of stories in our culture about positive or negative spiritual entities. (Yes, they're there.) I see positive as implying acceptance and movement within the natural and spiritual cycles

of death, creation, and rebirth. I see negative as the frozen, locked, vampiric energy which exploits only the power of the void and will not move past it. And we have only to look once more at the world around us (and inside us) to know that the enormous void is blessed with uncountable stars and worlds, including our own. Everything evolves and changes, but it all lives. And there is always the Light, outside in the void and within our own emptiness. I offer a meditation. Go into your own emptiness. Walk into it as though you were descending a spiral staircase, solid steps under your feet moving you into a deep cavern. Move into a flat place and quiet yourself. The walls disappear until there is only dark. Pass into that dark place. Maybe you've been afraid to look at it, let alone be in it. Let yourself be enfolded into it. Become aware. Maybe you will feel a velvety feel to the darkness. Or hear a sound not quite a sound. Or sense a whisper of air. In the emptiness you can hear a faint, then growing, cosmic heartbeat. It becomes louder. It is the heartbeat of the Mother. Open your inner eyes. You may have thought they were open, but now you find another opening, a lifting of the veil. At first you see nothing. Then, a spark. Then another. Stars are born, springing all around you. You see their light. You can almost hear them singing. Look into the Center. You may see the Goddess there, using Her hands to weave the stars into this place. She looks at you and invites you to approach. You do so. Then somehow Her hands and your hands are overlapping and become one. You sit where she sits; you, too, birth the stars through your fingers. When it is time, let the vision fade. Return to the stairs you used to descend into the dark. Climb them, feel them under you. Retrace your steps. Emerge into a sunlit world again, and feel the world around you. And when you can, watch: even the empty sky is filled with life and light. And so are you. Bright blessings.

Healing Meditation: The Sword of Light

To be used for physical trauma, wounds, infection or the like; can be modified to fit individual circumstances. Sit comfortably or lie down, as you prefer. (Do a grounding and centering exercise such as the "Tree of Life".) Close your eyes and visualize yourself being surrounded by a gentle mist. This mist is warm and comforting, and has a golden hue to it. Feel the mist, the warmth and moistness of it. You notice the color gradually changing to become silvery. The light does not come from any single source; it is just all around you. The light is gradually becoming brighter and brighter. As the mist dissipates, you find that you are in your special sacred spot. Maybe this is a sacred grove deep in the primordial forest, or a stone circle under the full moon, or a crystal cave deep within Mother Earth. Wherever you are, you know it is a place that is completely safe, And where you can relax totally. Feel the joy of being in this special place, and the peace within you that it brings. It is time now to allow your spirit body to step out of yourself. You can look down and see your body as it is lying or sitting in its sacred place. Know that it is perfectly alright for you to do this; your body will remain safe. Take a few moments, before the next stage of your healing journey, to look at yourself from the outside. Feel a sense of loving acceptance of yourself and all that you are, including whatever pains and shortcomings you may possess... Know that you are where you need to be right at this moment, and that all is as it should be. Now your spirit body begins to shrink very fast. From your perspective, it is as if your real body were growing to the size of a small mountain. You leap into the air and fly effortlessly towards your body. You are heading towards the side of your neck. You are now so small that it is easy for you to slip through one of the pores in your skin. In you go, until you encounter a large, glowing red tube which is one of your arteries. This is where you must go, and there is no difficulty in passing through the wall of the artery. You have entered a wondrous world of flowing life-energy. You can hear all Around you the pulsing beat of your heart, moving this precious fluid all through your body. (This would be a good time to have a drummer begin a heartbeat rhythm, if this is possible.) You may pause for a few moments at the inner wall of the artery, to accustom yourself to this new environment and to the rushing power flowing all

around you. Now coming toward you is one of your red blood cells, and it is just the right size for you to sit upon. You step on to this friendly cell and settle comfortably on it, before it resumes its journey down your bloodstream. Though you are traveling very fast, there is no need to worry about falling off your seat; you are settled in it very snugly. Throughout this journey, you are constantly aware of the beauty and wonder of your body. Feel the essential health and balance that is there all around you. But now you come to a place where all is not in balance, the place you have come to help heal. There is disruption and chaos all around, and the color of your surroundings is no longer vibrant, and healthy, but angry and dull. You can see there are invaders in your body intent upon harm. You can sense the wrongness in these invaders --- their colors are varied but overall dark and constantly shifting. Watch for a few moments as your body's defenses struggle against them. Sparkling, brilliant white globes are engulfing and destroying some of the invaders. These are your white blood cells. Also in the battle are tiny strips of what looks like shiny tinfoil. These are your antibodies, and they fly against the invaders and overwhelm them. (Drumming can intensify at this point.) After watching this chaotic struggle for a few minutes, you feel that you must join. You are not sure of how you can help, but suddenly a Sword of Light appears in your hand. This is a very special sword, and it is glowing brightly. It is so bright that if you were looking at it with your real eyes you would have to look away. You can feel the power in the sword, for it is actually part of you. The energy in the sword is your own life energy, and you can feel it humming. With a fierce protective urge you leap forward and join your body's defenders as they battle the wrongness. You are quickly surrounded by some of the invaders, and they are terrible. But there is no fear, and your Sword of Light dissolves them at the slightest touch. Whole-heartedly you join in the battle, helping your body to heal itself. You notice that some of the invaders are leaking an oily fluid into your body, fouling your precious bloodstream. You can reach out with your Sword of Light and the oil changes at once into the crystal-clear Water of Life, spreading healing energy through the damaged area. (Pause for some length of time before continuing) You have helped your body in its healing, and now it is time to allow it to do its work. Your Sword of Light vanishes before your gaze, and you once again climb aboard your red blood cell, and resume your travels through the bloodstream. Now your coach pulls you to the side of the artery, and you dismount. Be sure to thank your red blood cell for carrying you as it vanishes into the pulsing stream. Leave the

artery now, and go back out the way you came, (end drumming) out through your neck, and now you are growing again, growing, growing until you are your normal size again. Your spirit body must now return into your real body. You are again safe in your sacred space. Know that you can return here any time you need to, and that your Sword of Light is always available to help in your healing. Again you are surrounded by mist, first bright silver, then gradually darkening to a golden shade. When you are ready, you may open your eyes.

Home Blessing Meditation

A home blessing meditation for charging a room: Sit Straight with palms on lap, take deep breaths, relax, and move into a mental space where you activate your intuitive senses. Imagine a cord of energy from your spine connecting you to the Earth, and channel energy from the Earth through it. Silently ask for divine protection, guidance, and blessing. Direct your psychic sensing outward, and feel lines of force coming out of your aura. Note where the strongest energy is (check out the floor, ceiling, directions, etc). Note spots that feel empty or dead, note places that feel full alive, focus on where you are sitting and how you feel at that particular spot. Imagine a sphere of light and love energy at your heart, feel it pulsing outward with every breath. Feel the radiance increase with every breath, feel your self as a star, continue to breathe deeply and send out the energy, letting it pulsate in the room. When ready, start making power sounds representing the love and light you are channeling; use it to amplify the light you are weaving; and fill the room with the energy. Then shift focus to sending a probe out into the room, and note the differences in the quality of energy and how you feel about it. Repeat if necessary, When done, feel the completeness of the work. This Home Blessing was taught by Selena Fox at Esotericon V, in January 1988. A room blessing involving elemental quarter invocations: Face each direction (with arms out in appropriate elemental invoking gesture), and say, while channeling and visualizing elemental power: Powers of (say direction),

Powers of (say corresponding element), We great you, we honor you, we welcome you here! Watch over and bless and protect this place. After each invocation, shape
the energy into columns of light by sweeping ones arms together until they are parallel and sweeping them up and down while channeling and shaping the energy. When the energy is properly shaped, say: So mote it be." After you have done all four quarters, channel in spirit energy. To return the energy to a more mellow state while energizing yourself, put your hands out and take in a bit of the energy into your self from each direction, going widdershins, hold hands to your heart and take in the energy (techniques also exist

for bringing it into a stone and retrieving it when needed).

Imbolc Ritual Meditation

Settle yourself. Close your eyes. Feel your body relax. Feel as the tensions drain away from your face, your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your torso, your legs. Sense the whole of your body, calm, heavy in its relaxation. Center yourself. Feel for that calm, comfortable center in which you are whole. Ground yourself. Extend yourself into the Earth, your mother. Feel as your roots grow into the ground, as you find your connectedness with her again. This time is the time of Imbolc, the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The sun has begun his journey back to full strength. He was born at Yule, and progresses through his transformation from infant to young man. He is potential, waiting to be realized. The days are lengthening as the nights shorten. Each day the sun brings a little more warmth, foretelling the thaw to come. For now, however, the Earth remains in slumber, Spring still only a faint whisper. Extend your senses beyond the walls, to the world outside. Smell in the crisp air the hard frosts that grip the land. The cold grabs the inside of your nose, and every breath is a gasp. See the dark gray skies. Sharp ice crystals bite into your cheeks as the wind whips the tops off the snow drifts. A branch breaks with a loud snap as cracks caused by summer storms finally lose their battle with the weight of heavy snows. Foxes sleep, snug in their dens, as sparrows fight for a chance at the feeder, not always refilled. The bright flash of a cardinal contrasts starkly with the sullen white snow, a bloody gash across a barren landscape. Ice coats the twigs and chimes in the breezes. Rebirth seems remote - even the call of the goose is a distant memory. But look into the barns and the fields and watch the teats of the cows and the ewes begin to swell. The milk is beginning to flow. Old loin-fires of bulls and rams are soon to burst forth as the first new calves and lambs. They will struggle up on unsteady limbs, symbols of the green waiting impatiently to explode from the as yet quiescent soil. This is the time of metamorphosis, of the promise of fruition of seeds sown in seasons past. Brigid stokes these fires, inspiring the bard, the smith, the healer. Fertility and creativity begin to flow in this dormant season, as small things born at the solstice begin to manifest, heralding the full flowering to arrive when the sun re-conquers his throne.

Fire. The fires in our hearths. Feel the warmth, smell the food cooking. The fires in our smithies. The clang of hammer striking anvil, shaping raw metal into tools. The fire of desire. The climax which joins cell with cell in the creation of life. The fires of creativity. Music rings and voices flow as living beauty is sculpted from idle words and actions. The fire of transformation. The season of transformation from the depths of Winter into the rebirth of Spring. Now, slowly, gradually, come back inside. Come back to us. Begin to sense the world inside. Prepare yourself to celebrate this season of Brigid, this season of fire, this season of changes. Rouse yourself. Be ready to grab the spoke and turn the wheel past the numbing cold of winter to the seductive promise of Spring, as we join together in the celebration of Imbolc!

Into the Grove

Sit in a comfortable position that you will be able to sustain for a while. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Hold your breath for a second and then exhale slowly and completely. Continue breathing in a relaxed, easy manner. Form a mental picture of your immediate surroundings. Allow your imagination to enable them to disintegrate. Gone are the tables and chairs, curtains and walls. Gone are the telephones, the television, and all the trappings of the waking world. Let your mind create new surroundings, reflections of the natural world. The door to the room you are in is then replaced by the pathway to a new reality. You are standing at the edge of the woods. The sun has set long ago and the night is cool and clear. You see a path before you and you feel compelled to follow it. The sounds of the night are all around you like a natural orchestra. Crickets provide the string section, a chorus of cicadas dominates the treble notes, and an elusive owl contributes the occasional solo. You are comforted by this symphony, knowing that you are not alone but in the peaceful company of natures creatures. The moon is rising high in the sky, casting shadows all around you. You are drawn in by instinct, not knowing where you are headed, but knowing that some intriguing mystery awaits you. You are on unfamiliar ground, but you are not afraid. The cool night air surrounds you and comforts you. You feel strangely at home, as though you were walking through a pleasant childhood memory -- some special place that only you and maybe a trusted friend knew about. You feel as though you are traveling through time with every step you take. Each step on the path takes you deeper into the woods and farther from home, and yet you have rarely felt so at peace. You feel as though you are being led through these woods, that some unknown destiny is calling you toward itself. You have lost track of time. It seems that you have been walking for hours, yet you feel no effects of exhaustion or weariness. The path widens and you come to a small clearing. There is a pond before you, surrounded by thirteen trees. You recognize many of them: oak, willow, ash, hawthorn, and birch. You realize that you are in a sacred grove and that the trees are here to protect and guard you. The pond beckons you to gaze into the still waters and you happily oblige. You walk to the waters edge and expect to see your own reflection. Instead, you see only the mirror of the night sky above the radiant white moon reflected back at you. You are mesmerized by the sight of moonlight on the water. The pond is so still and the air around you is so vibrant and alive. It seems as if the moons reflection is close enough to touch. You reach out and run your fingertips across the surface of the pool, sending ripples that spread outward. The moonlight

responds by dancing for you, shimmering through the circles your fingertips have created, and then gradually becoming still again. You look upward toward the sky, amazed at the clearness of the night and the brightness of the moon. She seems so very far away and unattainable like a delicious dream from which you do not wish to awaken. The sounds around you remind you that you are very much awake and experiencing this peacefulness with full clarity and lucidity. The moon looms, shining and large, and seems closer to you than it did a moment ago. You feel the cool night breeze across your skin. You look around and even the trees seem closer. You can see the branches vividly as though you are moving upward, yet you feel as though you have not moved at all. The moon draws you closer. You are now eye level with the very tops of the trees. The sky opens before you; vast, perfect darkness, strewn with stars. It is as if you are looking the great Goddess directly in the eye. The expanse of black sky is nothing more than the pupil of her eye and the brilliant moon is but a glimmer of knowledge and recognition. You ascend higher and higher. The earth is now very far away and you are surrounded in perfect silence by the cosmos. The glorious moon is right in front of you like a gigantic mirror. You can see your own reflection in the light she reflects from the sun. You can see yourself through all aspects of your life: as a young child, as an adolescent, as a young adult, as a mature adult, as an elder. The images flow smoothly, one into another in a seamless fade so that you can hardly tell when one has begun and another has ended. You realize that the moon is turning, and you are seeing yourself reflected in all the phases: new, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, and new again. As the moon moves through her phases, enacting all aspects of the Triple Goddess, so too are you changing, seeing yourself for the first time against the expanse of time. You realize that you are who you are now, as well as all of the ages you have been and are yet to be. You are drawn even closer to the moon until you feel that you are being absorbed into her. Any sense of yourself begins to dissolve as you become integrated with the pure and perfect white light. You feel it permeating every pore of your being. You are pure consciousness living in a brilliant glow of light. The moonlight moves through you. It is you; you are a part of it. Take a moment to pause and experience being pure consciousness. Listen to the will of the universe and see your place within the divine matrix. Slowly, you begin to pull yourself together back into your familiar form. You feel perfectly at peace. The moon is before you once again; so huge you can see nothing else. Slowly, the moon begins to drift back and you are once again able to see it against

the backdrop of the night sky. Even the stars seem closer and more familiar. You look down and you can see the earth rising up to meet you. You turn back to the moon and it is a little father away. You feel the familiar atmosphere surround you once again. When you look down, you can see the checkered patterns of civilization on the earth, even the pattern of city lights scattered across the land. Down, down you descend until you are once again among the familiar tops of the trees. The sounds of crickets and frogs fill your ears with a welcoming melody. You can smell the organic scents of the forest. Slowly, slowly you touch the earth again and find yourself gazing again into the pool, contemplating the reflection of the moon and the reflection of all the lives you have lived on this earth, all of the different people you have become, and all that is still left for you to discover. You understand that the nature of change is inherent in life. You can see it with every turn of the tides, with every silver crescent that you know in your heart to be a full circle, even when it is hidden. You stand up and gaze into the pool one last time before turning to the path that brought you here. Dried leaves crunch under your feet. The creatures of the night that welcomed you with their song now bid you a fond farewell until you meet again. Even the trees in the grove seem to wave farewell in the night breeze. You leave the forest with the bright moonlight casting shadows as you pass. You smile with the knowledge that this sacred grove will always be here for you when you are in need of peaceful contemplation and self-awareness. You look up at the moon, now high overhead, seemingly as unattainable as ever. You think about the journey you have taken tonight. You have bathed in the moonlight and it has touched every part of you. You are a child of the goddess and this light now lives within you to illuminate your path wherever you choose to wander. Congratulations. You have just taken a trip to the moon. Pause for a moment to focus your thoughts and reacquaint yourself with your real-life surroundings.

Mantras
1. (Especially in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound which is believed to possess a special Spiritual Power: A personal Mantra is sometimes repeated as an aid to Meditation or Prayer. 2. A word, phrase or sound (such as Om) which is often repeated and which sometimes expresses a belief: Mantras are normally used in meditation, that is for me anyway. It can be a word or a phrase that means something special to you. It can be used for spirituality or for self improvement. Such as if you were going to use it for self improvement, let's say to lose weight, you might repeat the phrase "I am getting thinner each and everyday". You would say this repeatedly over and over to instill it in your mind. But if you were going to use it for spirituality there are so many great Mantras that can be used to enlighten ones' self. The most well know mantra (you have all heard this sound before) is "Om" which means, the Divine which manifests in all that is. It is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. Mantras are thought to be charged with vibration power. Chanting or meditating silently on mantras helps one to attain an altered state of consciousness. In such a state it is believed possible to perceive the true nature of the mind, the unity of mind with mind. The correct pronunciation and intonement of mantras is extremely important for it creates strong vibrations that effect every vibration of everything in the universe, including the Deities and lower spirits. Mantras can and are used by some people in the Occult to wreak havoc upon their enemies and to cause harm. The main key here is while in meditation to repeat the mantra over and over again. Repetition of mantras with attention directed to the source of the sound, completely engages the mind. This is Tapas (penance). The source is not just in the vocal chords alone, but also the idea that sound is in the mind, whose source is self. Thus the practice of mantra repetition is more than a suggestion, a bit of advice or an idea. It is a means of getting in touch with our self. Faith is that which creates the effect of mantras. Melody, intonation, pronunciation, whether silently or aloud, all are important in the recitation of mantras. Moreover, the beat cycle in which mantras are recited is important, but it changes according to the state of consciousness of the one who is chanting. Increasing the speed of chanting increases the speed of mind, heartbeat and Breathing. The beat cycle of the

mantra also affects the emotions. A fast speed sometimes creates a continuous vibration and when it is done in groups it creates a good effect, because the mind works in synchronization with the beat cycle and has no time to fantasize. Fast chanting of mantras exhausts the mind, heart and breath and relaxation comes after the chanting is over. Slowing the beat cycle of mantras also creates the same continuous vibration, but it slows down the speed of mind, heart and breath while the chanting is going on. It induces a hypnagogic state, but it is good only when the chanting of mantras is done individually. A medium-speed beat cycle is good for group and individual chanting of mantras. It does not disturb the heartbeat or breathing pattern and makes the mind more awake, alert and conscious. The place from which the sound emanates influences the tonal quality. Deep tones are produced by the vocal chords in conjunction with the abdominal region, middle tones in conjunction with the chest, heart and throat regions and high pitched tones in conjunction with the upper region of the body. Indian classical music uses all three regions in a gradual order, but the middle region is used most and produces a greater emotional impact on the listeners. Some of the Mantras should be what is called Vibrated. when Vibrating a name, word or sound you are actually stretching out the word. For example: "Om" Vibrate it like this: Ommmmmm. Feel it vibrate throughout your being. You can study my page on Vibrating Sacred Names. Here are just a few of many, many mantras that can be used in meditation:

"Om" "I am that I am " "Om Mamni Pudme Hum" "I Bow to the Light Within" "I am one with God" "I am a being of Light and I rid my being of all negativity" "I am getting thinner each and everyday" "I am the essence of God himself for we are one in the same"" "We are the universe for we are God"
Now as you can see the list of mantras could go on forever and you can make up your own to say whatever you feel or wish to change about yourself.

Meditation for Beginners

1. Meditation is not always about stilling the mind so that you think of nothing. Give up on that idea and the rest is easy. 2. The first trick is to breathe normally, don't try to control your breathing - just relax into your breath Keep your breathing natural. The more experienced meditater will take control of the breath but at this stage it is pointless. 3. When you are relaxed and breathing normally - imagine that you are sending the breath to different parts of your body. Send it to your palms, the soles of your feet, your of the body, if your mind strays don't get frustrated or give up, just bring your mind gently back to focusing on that particular part of your body. If it helps try seeing the breath as a color moving through your body. 4. When you have sent the breath throughout your physical body, imagine breathing in the air through your skin of your whole body, and feel it go out the same way, as if your body is a huge lung. 5. Finally the images will start to come into your mind, it might be color, people, pictures of all sorts, allow these images to just flow over you. Dont try to control them or mentally comment on them. Just allow the thoughts and images to be. 6. Now this is when you can tell your mind what you want it to show you. You can ask it questions, for example if you are meditating on colors, you might ask "show me the color of happiness", You might want to ask something about your life, 'show me how to find love'. Just ask the question you need answered, ask it often and in different ways. Ask them in your mind, of course, hearing your own voice might snap you out of your meditative state. 7. Now you have to let the images come, try and see each one as it appears, and as you see it acknowledge what you have seen, for example, "ooohh yes a yellow bird, I see it", then let the image float away. 8. Your mind is filled with images all day long and you ignore most of them, meditating is about giving them space and controlling what you want to see. When your mind wanders, bring it back to the focus. Tell it as often as you want what it is you are wanting to see/know/feel. 9. When you feel ready, come back to this space and open your eyes, have paper and

pen handy and write everything you can remember - even if you think it is stupid or irrelevant. This is very important, I am a big believer in writing and recording as much of your Magickal life as possible. The reason being that as you record the events they become more firmly embedded in your psyche and you are able to get a greater understanding of the events and yourself. Plus it gives a more scientific basis to your magickal practices.

Meditation for Children

First Steps to Meditation When your child is born, begin right away to spend time when your child is calm just talking to them, describe, in detail, various things you see, experiences etc. It does not matter that your child is unable to understand your words, they will learn to become engaged with your voice and through this learn to be still. Then move to just sitting in silence holding them and without holding them (so they don't become dependent upon you for their mediation time), this experience of just being is completely natural to a baby and if you follow these exercises with your child, it will encourage them to keep the ability to be at one and in the now. When you bring your child home set aside a few minutes each day, for your child to join you in meditation. Choose a time when you know your child will be quiet, and stop immediately your child becomes distressed, or anxious. You do not want to have your child associate anything but pleasantness with meditation time. Simply set up as you would for your own mediation, candles, quiet space, or music if you prefer (though make sure to spend some of the time in silence too) - just be aware of incenses and oils that may be harmful to your young child by inhalation on via skin contact, this is basically the only real precaution you need to take at this age. You can then either lay the child on a blanket, cushion or on the floor if it is soft, or you may choose to sometimes (only sometimes) to meditate holding your child, this needs to be a rare occurrence as you want to teach your child how to be within their own self, first and foremost. Holding them in meditation is more an act of closeness and bonding for you and the child rather than teaching. As your child grows and is able to sit, they can sit beside you as long as they are able to sit still for. This may only be a few moments at a time, and you should be prepared to have two meditation times, one with your child/ren, and another for yourself until your children are old enough to participate in a full mediation (which will vary from child to child). As your child learns more language and is able to understand colors and can sit still you can begin to introduce a bedtime meditation. This involves having the child, close their eyes and listen to either you read a story or tell them a mediation - do not discriminate between reading a bedtime story and the meditation, have them lay comfortably and listen with their eyes closed so they can imagine the story, and put themselves in the position of their chosen character. When doing a guided mediation they will do the same, see themselves in the role of the 'character' which is actually them.

You may be required to be inventive in how you present your children with meditations, you will be required to look beyond your own imaginings and to become immersed in a more unrestricted world of childhood belief and imagination, but you will also learn a lot from taking the time to grow in this with your child. Teaching Meditation to Older Children If you begin the first steps to meditating as above this stage will be much easier, however many parents come to teaching their children mediation later, the following will take this into consideration. Before beginning with meditation talk with your child, this must be something the child is open to trying. If your child seems reluctant do not push it, wait a couple of weeks before broaching the subject again. If your child seems interested but a little fearful, assure them that meditation is just like dreaming when your awake. Most children however seem to take to meditation extremely well, their minds are open to new experiences and they learn quicker than an adult, you may soon find you have quite a good partner for meditating if your children take to it! When beginning to teach a child to meditate, begin with allowing the child to sit with you while you meditate. This sets the scene for the child making an impression on them as to the nature of what they are going to attempt. Try to make these first experiences for them as pleasant as you can. Indulge all of the child's senses light incense, meditate by the soft glow of candle light, play soft music, make the child a meditation robe (out of a material that feels nice against the skin) and ground after by drinking and eating fresh fruits (exotic ones are nice for this sort of occasion) and a glass of iced water and lemon, or if your lucky enough to live near a river, a beach, or just a quiet park you can meditate with nature and your child. Take your time during this stage, explain to the child that they must find a comfortable spot to sit or lay in because they won't be moving for a while. When they say they are comfortable tell them that they do not have to stay as long as you but that when they have finished meditating they may get up quietly and leave. This is very important, if the child feels this is something they must do they will not stick with it long enough to find out it's benefits for themselves. Tell the child to close their eyes softly and listen to their breathing, then sit beside them and begin to meditate.

Do not be discouraged if a child gets up and leaves five seconds after starting, just continue and finish your usual meditation. If they feel no pressure to stay they will join you each time you meditate and as they notice the time difference between your meditations and theirs, they will stay longer. This process will take a different time for each child and some will decide they don't want to do it at this time. When your child is able to maintain this state as long as you, different types of meditations can be used. A simple first meditation for children to try is a candle meditation. (This is also a great meditation for anyone new to meditation or those seeking to improve their visualization capabilities.) Candle Meditation Preparation Create a Sacred Space or cast a Circle. Make yourself and the child comfortable, sit facing each other with the lit candle between you. Meditation Breathe deeply into the stomach, imagine your stomach being filled with the light of the candle, feel the light filling your body right down to your fingers and down to your toes. The light makes you feel all soft and relaxed. Now look at the candle, don't stare, just softly focus your eyes on the candle. When you feel you can see the candle in your mind close your eyes and see how clearly you can recreate the image. Now tell the child to look at the candle for a while and then close their eyes and see if they can see it in their imagination just like it looks in front of them. Let them try it a couple of times but don't over do it, it takes time. Which is why the adult should try it first so that both they and the child realizes it takes practice. After a couple of tries the child should be able to see an image of a candle in their minds it probably won't look exactly like the one in front of them, but they will be getting the idea. When the child feels they can recreate the object you can substitute other objects, starting with simple shapes moving up to more complex ones. When the child has reached this stage of visualizing objects they can begin to visualize their goals hopes and dreams, and so no longer are you teacher but now a fellow traveler!

Meditation for the Dawn

Supplies: Proper dress for the climate 1 white seven-day candle Lighter Your divination tool Instructions Carefully select a special card, lot (if you are using runes), or symbol from your divination tool that best describes something that you would like to accomplish in the future. Check the newspaper or almanac to determine when the sun will rise on the day you choose to do this magick meditation. On the chosen day, sit outside facing east with the unlit candle before you. Take several deep breaths and relax. Ground and center. Close your eyes and connect with the nature around you: the trees, grass, perhaps ocean and sand. If you are in the city, don't despair: the earth is under you, there are birds and squirrels, maybe a windowbox or even a coffee can with flowers, and the sky above. Nature is there, even if she is hidden by concrete, macadam, and stone. Slowly, you will feel the nature spirits around you, which will fill you with a pleasing, peaceful sensation. As the sun begins to peek over the horizon, hold your candle up to the light so that the ball of the sun (in your view) sits on the unlit wick. Blow one soft, deep breath onto the candle. Close your eyes and ask for the blessings of Spirit on this new day, on your life in general, and on your specific request. Lower the candle ad light the wick. Set the burning candle in front of you, on top of or near the divinatory representation you brought with you. Close your eyes and connect with your Spirit helpers. This could be the angels, a totem animal, or your support group on the other side of the veil. Suddenly, where you are sitting will feel crowded, and that's perfect. You'll feel love all around you. You may also plug into other souls who are doing the exact same thing that you are: communing with Spirit and sunrise. You may see (in your mind) someone sitting on a hill in an unpopulated area, or perhaps you will connect with someone standing on top of a tenement building. The name or the face doesn't matter; the communion with the divine does. When you are finished, take the candle inside and allow it to burn continuously in a safe place. If you aren't allowed to have candles, you can still do this meditation and use your divinatory tool. Simply hold the tool toward the sun as you would the

candle. You may like this meditation so much that you practice it at sunrise on a regular basis.

Meditation on Interdependence
Sit comfortably, and breathe normally. Let your awareness become focused on a glowing circle at the center of your chest, and let the outside world slip away until you are only aware of this glow, and my voice. See before you a field of grain in the sun, swaying gently in the wind so that it looks like a golden ocean. Sharpen your focus on a particular stalk of grain. Watch it moving in the breeze, heavy with the kernels at its head. Focus closely on one of the kernels, go closer, closer, let your awareness of the grain fill you until you are the kernel. There is no difference between you and the grain. Feel how you are warmed and ripened by the sun, growing and swelling slightly. Feel the nourishment which comes to you through the stalk, and which feeds you and the other kernels. Your whole existence is taken up by growing and warmth. Now you can hear something, far away at first, then coming closer. A swishing sound is going through the grain, and you can feel its passage. the sound comes closer, and closer, and you can see what it is it is a scythe, sweeping through the grain and cutting it down. You can see the sun glinting on the metal, then the scythe passes through your stalk, and you fall to the ground, cut off from the Earth. You lie on the ground feeling only the warmth of the sun. Then you are gathered up, and separated from the other kernels. You are, for the first time in your life, alone. You are placed into a dark place with other kernels jostling you, but you are no longer connected to them. There is a sense of movement, but you cannot see where you are being taken. When you can see again, the sun fills your vision, and you can feel its warmth flowing into you. You are cast upon the Earth, and you feel the moist soil under you. Then you become aware of a sound, a thudding noise that is coming closer to you. As the noise comes nearer, you can see a chicken, pecking at the ground. It comes closer, then its beak descends and grabs you up. As it swallows you, you plunge into darkness. You can feel yourself moving down through its throat, down into its stomach. And there you feel yourself begin to dissolve, your body coming apart and being reduced to its smallest parts. Yet your awareness remains, and you realize that you are becoming part of the chicken - and you can trace back your journey. There is no difference between you and the grain and the chicken.

Look out through the chicken's eyes, and see the world around you. The sun is shining above you, warming your feathers, and you stretch your wings to allow the wind to ruffle them. You can taste the grain that you have just eaten. The Earth is firm and warm under your feet as you walk around the yard, pecking up kernels of grain and swallowing them. As you eat, you become aware of a sound, a rhythmic thumping noise that comes closer to you. You look around, and see a man coming towards you. He reaches down and picks you up. There is a sharp pain, and you can see no more. Your awareness continues, however, and you feel yourself being carried somewhere. In the darkness, you can feel things being done to you, and for a while, there is a great warmth like the sun, but much, much stronger. Sight returns to you for a moment, and you can see the man looking down at you. You feel him cutting into your body, but there is no pain, and all your awareness pours into this small part of you that is being carried towards his mouth. He swallows you, and you begin a long journey in darkness down his throat, into his stomach - and there you feel yourself begin to dissolve, your body coming apart and being reduced to its smallest parts. Yet your awareness continues, and you realize that you are becoming part of the man, spreading throughout his body - and you can trace back your journey. There is no difference between you and the grain and the chicken and the man. Look out through the man's eyes. You can taste the chicken you have just eaten, and on the plate is a small heap of bones. Around you is a kitchen, and you realize this is your home. Now you begin to feel a fullness in your bladder, and you stand up and go out of the back door. Out in the yard, you can see the sun, and feel it shining down on you, warming you. The Earth is firm under your feet, almost time for the seeds you have recently planted to start growing. You walk away from the house, and relieve yourself. As the urine drains out of your body, you feel your awareness going with it. You feel yourself fall upon the ground, and soak into the Earth. As you spread into the Earth, you feel yourself beginning to dissolve, your body coming apart and being reduced to its smallest parts. Yet your awareness continues, and you realize that you are the Earth, and you can trace back your journey. There is no difference between you, and the grain, and the chicken, and the man, and the Earth.

As your awareness spreads into the Earth, you can feel the small things which move in it, the worms, and beetles, and small animals. And now you come upon something small and hard - a seed of grain which has been planted. You feel your awareness flowing into the seed as you nourish it, and becoming part of it - and you can trace back your journey. There is no difference between you, and the grain, and the chicken, and the man, and the Earth, and the seed. As you feel the Earth nourishing you, you feel yourself swell, and the first roots begin to push out of you. You take a firm hold in the Earth, and begin to push your shoots upward, up through the soil until you break through and feel the sun warming you. Drawing nourishment from the Earth, and feeling warmed by the sun, you continue to grow, becoming longer and larger until you feel a heaviness at your tip. Your awareness moves up through the stalk, and you realize that there is a group of kernels at the top, and your awareness flows into one of these kernels. You feel the sun warming and ripening you, and the Earth nourishing you through the stalk, and you can trace back your journey. There is no difference between you, and the grain, and the chicken, and the man, and the Earth, and the seed, and the grain. Let yourself pull back now, out of the kernel of grain, away from the field of gold, back, back until you become aware that you are seated in this room, and you are focused only on the glowing center of your body, and my voice. As you come back, carry with you what you have learned - that the life which is in everything is all part of the same whole, that it is a cycle, a circle, and nothing is greater or lesser than any other. When you feel able, begin to increase your breathing slightly, and slowly allow your focus to widen, until you become aware of other sounds and sensations. Come back to yourself, and slowly begin to move and stretch, and when you feel able, open your eyes.

Meditation Techniques
In order to let ourselves relax, it is useful to start from a place of peace, a center, a point of stability, so the first step, will be to take ourselves to that place. Relax and sit back. Close your eyes, and let your mind start to drift. Breathe slowly, and deeply, breath from your diaphragm, from your center and as you breathe, sit straight, but remain comfortable. As you straighten, so does your spine, and like a pole, it connects you between the ground below and the airy sky above. Feel the energy tingle at both ends of the pole that is your spine, and let the energy flow from the earth, up your spine, and out the top of your head, dispersing back into the glorious star-filled universe above. As this energy flows, let it carry with it all the negative emotions, pain, frustrations, bothers, and tensions that you have built up. Let it carry those tensions up through you, and out of you, and let new energy, and a peaceful state of relaxation fade in slowly. Now, let yourself relax, and if you want, let yourself sink backwards until you are lying flat on the ground. Let your mind drift, and let any thoughts that surface just surface and float away, like bubbles on a calm day. You can and will remember them later if you want, but for now, just let them go, and let yourself float. Breathe deeper, and slow your breathing down with every breath. And with every breath, relax your body and your mind even further, and the more relaxed you get, let your breath slow even more (repeat this a few times, then pause). Now as you relax, feel yourself enveloped in a cool, comforting red mist. It's neither hot nor cold, and you can just barely feel it against your skin. Let it swirl around you, and relax. Feel yourself lying on a cloud, solid enough to support you, but very, very cushioned, very, very comfortable. Every part of your body is supported by this cloud, your , your legs, your arms, your back, your neck, your head, all cushioned, all supported, all very, very comfortable. Now the cloud slowly starts to sink through the red mist, carrying you along with it very, very slowly, and very, very comfortably you are carried deeper and deeper into relaxation. The mist around you slowly begins to change from the deep lustrous red, to the beautiful orange of a fall sunset slowly, slowly. The orange lightens, and the mist changes color to a soothing lemon yellow and as the color lightens, so does your body, you float on the cloud that carries you barely touching it and slowly, the yellow darkens to the verdant hue of a summer lawn, a green so beautiful, you can almost hear the wind blowing through grass stalks and slowly, the green deepens to the blue of a summer sky, beautiful and brilliant, an azure heaven surrounding you, and you still float downward on the cloud resting lightly, relaxed and comfortable. Now the blue darkens and deepens to the midnight

purple blue of the moonless night, dark and peaceful, quiet and you feel the cloud you have been riding touch down gently. And the mist fades away, and you are lying on your back, on a patch of grass. The wind blows lightly over you, a very full moon pours down light onto the field, and you can hear ever so faintly, the crickets and other night insects chirping in the distance.. Wherever you are now, there will be something that draws you towards it, it might be a path, it might be a place, it might be another person in the field with you. There can be anything here that you desire, because this is your sacred space, your heart of dreams. In this place, anything can change, but it can only change as you let it. Since you have built this place, you have furnished it, you have populated it. It is a place for you to go to explore yourself, and your connections to the world around you. Go now, and explore this area for a time, taking note of what interests you, speaking to whomever you encounter and wish to. (Long pause) Long Very slowly, you come to realize that it is time for you to bid farewell for now to this place. Say farewell to whatever creatures you have conversed with, bid farewell for now to any things that you wanted to look at, but have not yet had time to examine. They shall be here if you ever choose to return. Know that you can return here if you wish to, just by willing it, and bid this place farewell. Let yourself lie down again in any small clearing in the place. Feel the mist, comfortable and relaxing, close in over you again, dark as the midnight moonless sky, and feel the comfortable cloud form again under your feet, your legs, your arms, your back, your neck, your head, feel it support you, and begin to rise, very, very slowly, very, very comfortably, breathe deeply, and relax, and rise upwards, and let the dark sky of midnight fade to the azure blue of noon, slowly, slowly, rising, the blue deepens to the verdant green of a summer lawn, and the cloud keeps rising slowly, slowly the green lightens and is replaced by the soothing lemon yellow and slowly, slowly, you keep rising and the yellow deepens to the beautiful orange of the summer sunset, and you rise again slowly, slowly, until the orange fades, and is replaced by the deep soothing red. Let your mind still float, and your body remain relaxed, but very, very slowly start to ease back into the feeling of the floor under your back, the sense of people around you in the room (long pause to let everyone recenter).

Meeting Your Inner Guide

Before you attempt this guided visualization please read the information on the Guided Visualization page. Please arrange for someone to read this aloud to you or record it yourself before attempting. Following the guide to relaxation on the Meditation page. Enter your Sanctuary. Allow the feelings of peace, tranquility and safety surround you. Know that you are about to embark on an amazing journey. Continue to feel completely calm and relaxed. Look around you, you see a flight of shallow, wide steps, they are leading away from your sanctuary, you look up the steps and see that they lead into a soft mist. You may not have noticed these steps before but be assured whatever form your sanctuary takes these steps lead from it. Walk over to the Steps and stand at the foot of the stairs. Do you want to go up them? If the Answer is yes then start to climb the steps, slowly climbing upwards, higher and higher, you will feel a deep sense of peace but at the same time expectation. The mist above you is glowing softly. As you climb you may see special objects or artifacts on the steps, take note of them as they may be important. You begin to realize that you are getting to the top, now the mist is becoming thinner. You hear faint music, like distant bells or wind chimes. As you climb higher you can hear the music become clearer. It seems to be all around you and inside you, soft and gentle. It is like a waterfall, a rushing stream, a cascade of temple bells, yet it is still soft and gentle. You find yourself at the top and the mist disappears. You find yourself in a lush meadow. The sun is shining, the grass is a lovely emerald green- all the clouds you see have an extra depth and beauty. Look around you and notice any plants, trees and animals. The music still surrounds you and you look ahead and see a glistening waterfall, cascading over rocks and running into a crystal clear river. Someone is coming towards you from the direction of the waterfall. You feel a sense of warmth and recognition. This is your guide. Greet him or her and listen attentively to anything she/he has to say. This is your friend, guardian and spiritual mentor. Ask him/her any questions you wish. Now pause for ten minuets. Relax and make no attempt to control what unfolds. Let

everything develop in its own way. It is time to leave. Listen to your guides final words. She/he may give you a gift or some special advice. This is something to treasure. You may wish to also give a giftperhaps a pledge or mealy a thank you. Turn back into the mist and slowly walk down the steps you came up, carrying the gift, back into your sanctuary. When you reach your sanctuary find a special place to put your gift for safe keeping. Now open your eyes and come back to everyday awareness. Be sure to write down everything you experienced. The guide that you met is your inner guide, a teacher who can help you with any issues that trouble you, from the most mundane to the most esoteric. Visit him/her frequently so that the relationship becomes deep- this is a very important step on your spiritual path, and you will some to look forward to these encounters with a deep joy.

Mystical Pentagram
The Mystical Pentagram is a technique which will enhance psychic self-awareness. Practiced on a daily basis it will produce surprising individual results. One of the features of this technique is that it encourages personal development by allowing each entity to discover a personal mantra which corresponds to the five elements. To begin, you will need a table of correspondences such as "777" by Aleister Crowley. Look up the names of the gods and goddesses that correspond to the air element. Pick a name which when chanted 'feels' right for you. For example, Nu is the Egyptian lord of the firmament and corresponds to air. If I were inclined towards Egyptian deities, I would chant the name Nu for several minutes to see what effect transpired. If I felt relaxed, comfortable, and generally positive I would inwardly know that this name would be in tune with my inner self. Proceed to find correspondences for fire, water, and earth in the same manner and finally for spirit since it is the aggregate of the four common elements. Once you have found a personal mantra or a chant consisting of five names, vowel sounds, etc. You are ready to proceed with the practical application of the Mystical Pentagram. Assume your favorite meditation position, relax and begin to breathe in a rhythmic pattern; i.e. Inhale count one, two, three, four, exhale count one, two, three, four and so on. Continue to breathe in such a manner for about five minutes so that a definite rhythm is firmly established. Visualize the five psychic centers. Memorize their positions so that you become familiar with the positions. Next visualize a brilliant white light forming a circle above your head in the spirit center. Mentally draw a white light pentagram within the circle of light. This should be an invoking pentagram. If your mind should begin to wander, gently bring it back and vocally vibrate the mantra you have chosen for the spirit center. Let your mind dwell on this center and intone your mantra several times for at least five minutes. Next see a shaft of white light radiate down through your skull stopping at your throat near the Adam's apple. See a circle of white light begin to form and pulsate. Mentally draw an invoking pentagram within the circle of light and vocally vibrate

your chosen mantra for the air center. Continue to stimulate this center for at least five minutes. Now see a shaft of white light radiate down through your torso stopping at your fire center. This is located just above the navel. See a brilliant white light begin to pulsate at this center and draw an invoking pentagram within the circle of light. As your mind begins to wander gently guide it back to he image of the glowing white pentagram. Here vibrate your chosen fire mantra. Once this center is stimulated the sensation is unmistakable. A mild tingling or vibration of the solar-plexus area is physically experienced. Continue to dwell on this center for at least five minutes. See the shaft of white light pushdown tot the water center which is located in the groin area. Here, too, a brilliant circle of white light should be visualized. Again draw an invoking pentagram within the circle of light. Intone the mantra for the water center and repeat the sound several times for the next five minutes. Having arrived thus far, see the shaft of white light radiate down through your legs stopping at the bottom of your feet which is the earth center. Form a brilliant, white, pulsating circle of light and draw an invoking pentagram within the circle. Intone your earth mantra and vocally vibrate the sound several times during the next five minutes. When all of the energy centers have been stimulated, direct the light energy from the spirit center to the earth center. As you exhale see the light travel from the top of your head down through your body to the bottom of your feet. As you inhale see the energy travel from your feet up through your body up to the top of your head, the spirit center. These circulations should be persisted for at least seven complete circuits. See the energy cleanse and vitalize every part of your being and expand your awareness to cosmic consciousness. As you continue to repeat this technique each day you will begin to see and feel a change in your psychic awareness and a marked improvement in your health. Don't become discouraged if you don't achieve results immediately. This technique produces very positive effects but they are cumulative in nature. Be gentle with your inner self however you must also be persistent and keep the communication open. It is also a good idea to perform this exercise at the same time each day in order to allow your body cycles incorporate the energy flow in a natural order. Suggested reading: The Art of True Healing -- Israel Regardie Energy Ecstasy -- Bernard Gunther

Oracle of the Lake

Relax. Feel the ground as earth beneath you. Warm earth. The air around you is humid. You are in a small cave and as you sit up you realize you are naked, warm and comfortable. Through the cave opening you can see the night sky, the full moon is streaming in upon your face. She is round and heavy, lazing in a sky full of stars. As you move to the cave opening you become aware of the sights and sounds of a fire festival, with dancing, leaping figures silhouetted against crackling flames, naked and free, moving to the rhythm of drums pulsating through the air. The fires spread out in front of your cave, and lead down past some trees to a large, still lake, at the center of which sits a small island. The dark mirrored surface of the lake reflecting the full moon and the flickering flames of torches at its edge. As you step out of your cave the warmth of the night washes over you, caressing your skin. You are drawn to the flames, to the drums, to the leaping, dancing, twisting figures. The drums pulsate through your body, their rhythm infectious, and as you are drawn closer to the fires you begin to move with the beat, swaying, letting the rhythm pulse through your body. You move and dance amongst the figures, twisting and turning, their naked limbs glistening with sweat and reflecting the flames. As your gaze travels across the faces in the crowds you eye is caught by a figure standing at the waters edge. His eyes are staring right back at you. He is calmly, patiently, waiting for you. He is the boatman. His purpose is to take you to the Oracle of the lake. But before he does he will ask you a question and you must answer that question truthfully. You make your way through the crowds towards the boatman. The sounds of the festival die down and the crowd thins out and suddenly you are stood before him. He ask you his question. What is your greatest fear? You look into his eyes and feel a familiarity. You know that you can trust him. And you confess to the boatman your greatest fear. Taking your hand he helps you into the boat and you set off from the shore, moving across the still, dark waters of the lake towards the island at its center. The island is

surrounded by trees and as the boat draws closer you can see a small path leading from the shoreline. You reach the island and the boatman helps you ashore. Leaving him behind you set off along the path, making your way through the trees until you reach a clearing. Set in the middle of the clearing is a small fire. Over the flames you can see the figure of a woman sat in silence. She is looking right back at you, the flames dancing in her eyes. She is waiting for you. This is the Oracle. You step closer to the fire, and then sit, taking your place opposite the Oracle. All the time your eyes are locked to hers. Sinking into them, deep, dark eyes. Open. You lose yourself in her eyes. You see truth in her eyes, and you know that she knows and understands the fear you confessed to the boatman. She begins to speak with words you do not recognize. In a language you do not understand. Her words flow quicker and louder, their rhythm pulsing through the air, reaching deep down inside of you, pulsating and throbbing in your belly, taking hold of your fear and dissolving it before pushing down to the ground beneath you, and spiraling up your spine to the sky above. Her words vibrating through every cell in your body, the rhythm pulsing through you, beating inside of you, filling your head. The energy of her words coursing through your veins, in your blood, vibrating through your bones and muscles, spiraling up and down, stretching out through your limbs. her words echoing inside your head. Until suddenly, you understand her words. You feel yourself connected to everything above and below. You feel her words filling you with strength, courage and power. You understand her words. Listen to what she has to say. The flames of the fire are dying down, and you notice that the sky is lighter. The night is almost over. as is your time with the Oracle. She reaches across the fire, her finger tracing a symbol on your skin just below your navel. As she withdraws her hand, you notice that the symbol remains. It vibrates with power, radiating her energy. This symbol is your strength. Hold this symbol in your minds eye. Remember it. Keep it with you. It is time to leave the Oracle. You stand, thanking her for her words and for the strength shes given you. You turn and make your way back through the trees, along the path and to the waiting boatman at the shore. Without a word, the boatman helps you aboard and you set off across the lake. Your journey home is swift, and soon you are at the waters edge and are being helped out of the boat.

You are dazed and drowsy, and you make your way slowly towards the fires, which have all but died down. There are fewer figures left dancing, slowly swaying to the music. The mood is softer, the night is ending, and everybody is tired. You make your way through the fires and dancers, towards your cave. It is warm and inviting. You step inside and lay down. Relaxing into the earth. Letting the words and feelings of the Oracle remain with you, along with the symbol she gave to you. This is your symbol. Keeping hold of your experience, slowly begin to feel the cave leaving you, the earth becoming floor beneath you, as you come back to this time and space. Become aware of your body, start to stretch your limbs, take a few deep breaths and when you feel ready open your eyes. This guided visualization is best read aloud by someone -- or you could record yourself and play it back. The breaks indicate longer pauses to allow for further interaction with the visualization, such as dancing by the fires and communicating with the Oracle.

Past Lives Meditation

This should be done with a partner, in case you get into such a deep trance, or you get upset and you need someone to help pull you out. 1. First you must perform a cleansing a grounding ritual/spell. 2. Lay down. 3. Make sure you either tape your experience and/or have your partner write down what you say. 4. This can be said out loud by your partner or you can do this internally, but if your partner is saying it out loud, you must visualize the scenario. 5. Picture a huge, beautiful architecture library (let your imagination run wild). 6. In front there are ten giant steps leading up to the front door. 7. Very slowly climb up the stairs counting each one (your partner may want to count you through this). This is the meditative steps to put you into the mental state to accept the information. 8. When you get to the top of the stairs, imagine a huge door with a giant knocker. 9. Knock on the door. 10. Someone will answer the door. this is your spirit guide. 11. Tell him/her what it is you would like to see (as in a certain past life, or something in general). 12. At this point you may or may not have a lengthy conversation with your guide. S/he might be concerned with how you are going to handle this information, etc. 13. Next, ask your guide to lead you to where you can get this information. 14. Picture another door behind the guide and have the guide walk you through here. 15. S/he will lead you into another room and sit you down. 16. At this point, whether you are audio, visual, or written comes into play (or any combination.) 17. You might take down a book and start to read the story of a past life. Look at pictures like a photo album. Watch a movie. Listen to someone narrate the story, or like I said, any combination. 18. When you are done, thank your guide very much. 19. Open the main door to go back down the stairs and count your way back down. This will lead you back out of the trance. 20. Play back the tape or read what your partner has written. You may or may not remember what it is you have just experiences and/or said out loud.

Past Lives Meditation 2

This should be done with a partner, in case you get into such a deep trance, or you get upset and need someone to help pull you out. You must perform a cleansing and grounding ritual. Lay down. Make sure you tape or have your partner writing down what you say. Make your partner say out loud, and visualize the scenario "Picture a huge beautiful architecture library" "In front of there, are ten giant steps leading up to the front door" "Very slowly climb up the stairs counting each one" (To get you in trance). When you get to the top of the stairs, imagine a huge door with a giant knocker Knock the door. Someone will answer the door, this is your spirit guide. Tell him/her what is you would like to see (as in certain past life or general). At this point you may or not have a conversation with your guide. Next, ask your guide to lead you where you can get this information. Picture another door behind the guide, and have the guide walk you through there. He/She will guide you into another room and sit you down. At this point whether you are audio, visual or written, comes into play. You may take down a bookend start to read a story of a past life. Look at the pictures, movie or listen someone tell you the story. When you are done, thank your guide very much. Open the main door to go back down the stairs to get out of the trance. Play back the tape or read what your partner has written. You may not remember.

Relaxation Ritual
It is good to do this ritual before any other rituals are performed. Sit or lay in a place where you will not be disturbed for at least five minutes. Get comfortable. If you are sitting, you back should be straight. Whether sitting or lying down, your arms and legs should not be crossed. If sitting, rest your hands, palms down, in your lap. Your eyes should be closed. Visualize a ball of beautiful, warm light surrounding your feet. If you can not "see" the ball of light when you visualize it, that is okay. Just know that it is there. truly know that if your powers of visualization were different, you would be able to see it. The ball of golden warm light always brings peace and total relaxation. Wherever the ball of light goes, tension departs. Let it go, and as it goes, feel your feet filled with the warm, golden glow of peace and total relaxation. Now allow this ball to rise up your legs and up your torso. Then allow it to go down your arms to your fingers, and finally up your neck and into your head until you are completely covered with the warm, golden glow of total peace and relaxation, and all tension is gone. If you notice tension anywhere, send the ball of light there and the tension will vanish. Stay in this state of deep relaxation for a few moments. Know that you can return to this state whenever you like simply by doing the relaxation ritual. If you are having trouble sleeping, try this instead of suffering or taking dangerous pills. Be at one with yourself. It is important not to go from a state of deep relaxation into total alertness; the effectiveness of this ritual would be lost. when you are ready to come out of this state of deep relaxation, take three deep breaths and feel fresh life and energy coming into your body with each breath. be sure to record your experiences.

River of Life Meditation

Find a comfortable place where you can relax and be completely quiet relax allow your thought snow to just come and go come and go and take a deep breath in and hold it (pause) now gather up the tension in your body, and release it as you exhale take another deep breath, and as you exhale, let go of anybody else's energy or thoughts you may be carrying and breathe in new energy breathe in new possibilities and allow your body to fill with lightness feel it becoming lighter and lighter as you relax more and more relaxing deeply going deeper feeling very light now so light you could almost float away. And as you relax, imagine a beautiful colored mist is swirling up around you, billowing up around you into a cushiony, soft, cloud of energy and you are resting completely upon this cloud and you are safe as you breathe in and out, let your thoughts just come and go relaxing more and more and the cloud of energy now lifts you up into the air and carries your down into your own inner world down between the boundaries of time and space to a place of timeless beauty and infinite possibilities floating down now, going deeper and deeper, leaving the outer world and its concerns far behind, as you drift and float on this beautiful cloud going further and further- down below you is a rock, a giant rock and the cloud gently and effortlessly lands upon the rock and you step off it, as the cloud swirls back into a mist and disappears for now. Stand upon this rock now, and feel the strength of it under your feet and as you turn around, you look out upon a great river flowing as far as you can see seeming to come from some infinite place and disappearing into an infinite place a flowing, endless river of energy this is the river of all life waters all of life draws upon the life force that moves through its steaming currents look closely at the water what color is it? it may look like liquid light to you look deeply into it, and sense the power and depth of the river what sound does it make as it courses through its channels? as you stand securely upon your rock, notice and fragrance and bend down and cup your hands in the living water, and splash some of it on your face feel the life giving force on your skin take a sip of the water allow the river of life to nourish you. Now relax a moment upon the rock and bring into your mind the magical intention that never seemed to go anywhere what were you trying to accomplish? what was the basic intention you had? what was the emotion behind the intention? feel the energy of that emotion moving onto the palms of your hands now feel the energy glowing pulsating breathe and allow your intention that you're still clinging to externalize the energy of it is now shimmering, glowing swirling into a sphere allow all of your

desire to flow into this sphere and allow this sphere to appear to you however it appears and just observe what you see you may see pictures or symbols emerging within the sphere whatever you see is fine. When your sphere is completely filled with the last of your desire, emotion, and intention, hold it aloft feel the power of it in you hands, a globe of power that you can now release and look out into the river of life watch as its currents of possibility flow for ever and ever, as far as you can see and whenever you're ready, with as much and as little force as you need, throw the pulsating sphere into the river and give this intention to the life force of this great river watch as the sphere touches the water and gradually disappears into the current. Take a deep breath as the sphere disappears the last of your intention and emotion and desire merges with the source of all life, from which it originally came and leaves you. Now complete any business here that you need to finish take a few moments to enjoy the flowing river of life, and know that the possibilities it nourishes can bring miracles into you life too. Take another deep breath, and notice that colored mist is once again swirling around you billowing up underneath you to form a beautiful cloud of cushiony energy, which is lifted up into the air, with you upon it relaxing into the cloud you are returning the way you came lifting up through time and space, coming back from the inner world coming up further and further floating and drifting back coming back bringing you all the way back into your body now, into this room brining your attention completely back into this time and place take a deep breath and begin to reorient yourself to the outer world and when you're ready, count to three, and on the count of three open your eyes, and return feeling relaxed, alert and at peace. As always, change any of the wording or images in this meditation if it suits your purpose better. The important part is just to finally and completely let go of your intention, so that the energy can be recycled in whatever form the creative force and your own consciousness will allow. Out of this release, new lives, new opportunities, and new magical opportunities are born!

Sacred Breathing Exercise 1

Choose a time when you won't be disturbed. While standing, do three toe-touches or other stretch-type exercise. Sit comfortably in a chair with a straight back. Rest your hands on your thighs, palms up. Make sure your feet are placed firmly on the floor. Close your eyes and relax. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth as slowly and evenly as possible (this gets easier as you continue). Try to take the same amount of time breathing in as breathing out. If it helps, try breathing in to the count of four, and then breathing out to the count of four. This is called the rhythm of sacred breath. Practice breathing in and out, letting yourself relax. Envision yourself surrounded by a pure, white light. Try this every day for a week, more if you are upset or working hard.

Sacred Breathing Exercise 2

Follow the same instructions as in number one but, before you open your eyes, imagine every time you are breathing in that you are drawing a beautiful, white, healing light into your body. Every time you breath out, imagine all the negativity of the day leaving your body. After a while you might feel a "floaty" feeling: that's ok, you are now relaxed and moving into a deeper alpha state. It is from this feeling that meditation and visualization, two of the esoteric mystery teachings, take place. You will know that you have reached your objective when suddenly you feel at one with the universe. This incredibly pleasant feeling will wash over your body and you will feel love all around you. When you are ready, count from one to five, open your eyes, and shake your hands. If you can, do this exercise twice a day for a month.

Sanctuary Meditation
This is good meditation to start off with as it helps you create a special place in your mind, your sanctuary, a place where you feel safe and can go when you need to relax and escape your everyday life, nothing bad can touch you here, it is a place just for you. First you need to learn to relax (this is harder than it sounds, as life always seem to creep in, noises from other family members are noises outside). You will need to have a routine. You should aim to devote at least ten minutes a day to meditation (not one hour a week as it is very hard to meditate for a prolonged amount of time, especially when you are a beginner) and to learning the art of relaxation. Choose a time when you are least likely to be disturbed and lay on your bed (your subconscious mind should associate this with relaxing, but be wary of falling asleep, if you are one of these lucky people who seem to fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow, sitting in a chair may work better for you). Some people find the tense and relax method works well for them, this involves tensing then relaxing each muscle in turn, starting at your toes and moving up your body to the top of your head. The warm wax is another good method, imagine that you are a candle and the top of your head is the wick, a gentle flame is burning there. All the soft, warm wax is running down over your body, and it is taking away all your tension with it. Alternatively you can imagine that all your muscles are powered by little men (or women) moving them up and down, in and out of time with your body. Tell them to down tools and imagine them all walking down through your body and out of your toes, leaving you completely relaxed. It does not matter which method you choose just remember to take it slowly, giving yourself plenty of time to unwind, rechecking every so often to make sure no tension has crept make in. You will need to keep practicing until you are reasonably sure that you are free of tension. When you are completely relaxed you can begin to visualize your sanctuary or happy place in your mind - a special place where you can go when you need to recharge or need to feel more in touch with yourself, alternatively when you just need to relax and unwind. Spend as much time as you need to create this sanctuary, until it is a reality to you (it truly is a reality on the astral plane, you just dont need to pay rent), make sure it is a place of safety and beauty where you can feel at home. It could be a building, a woodland grotto or something that resembles a place in the material world that you

love. It is best to invoke the Guardian Spirits of the Elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water at the four compass points as you would in a magick circle and affirm that they are present, guarding your sanctuary. You may like to add personal items to help you feel at home, maybe a favorite armchair or your altar, and maybe adding your personal representation items for the Quarters and the God and Goddess. It is good practice entering your sanctuary for a while to meditate before doing any form of guided visualization/meditation or before embarking on any magickal work (spells or rituals). Practice entering your sanctuary and try to empty your mind completely (but dont worry if you cant quite manage this). You have now achieved the ability to control your body and to banish unwanted tension from it. Also you will have practiced the art of visualization and will have built some place very special to you on the astral plane. This will add to your inner confidence and personal power.

Seven Chakras
The following is a general summary of my current understanding of the physical locations and elements associated with each chakra. Over the years I have noticed some minor discrepancies between how different people "define" each chakra, (particularly the second and third chakras) but the differences have only been minor. Certainly the colors and locations of the chakras have always been consistent. The base chakra extends down and the crown chakra extends up, the chakras in between have vortexes both to the front of the body and to the back. The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with red. It is the chakra that governs our physical existence, our bodies and our health. The second chakra is located in the area of the womb (or thereabouts for men) and is associated with the color orange. This chakra governs creativity, and some say emotion. (I associate emotion with the heart chakra). The third chakra is located at the solar plexus and is associated with the color gold (yellow). It is associated with the will or desire. The fourth chakra (the middle chakra in the chain of seven) is the heart chakra and is associated with the color green, and also the color rose, which is the "color of love." This chakra is connected with emotion and human love. The fifth chakra is located at the throat and is a bright blue. It governs communication and personal magnetism. It is the chakra that most influences intercommunication and our "personas." It is also the link between emotion and thought. The sixth chakra is located at the third eye (mid-forehead) and is indigo (deep purply/blue). This chakra is associated with thought (though some say the third chakra governs thought) and with vision, particularly psychic vision. It is also the chakra of spiritual love and connection. The seventh chakra is at the crown of the head, and is violet fading to white further away from the body. This chakra is our connection to our "higher selves" and to the "divine." It is associated with wisdom and integration of our eternal selves with our current physical selves. It is like our umbilical cord to "God." When all the chakras are "whirling," open, bright and clean, then our chakra system

is balanced. When a chakra becomes blocked, damaged, or muddied with residual energy, then our physical and emotional health can be affected. Often this occurs habitually as the result of negative or incomplete belief systems. The effects of our habits, feelings, beliefs, thoughts, fears and desires can be found in our chakras. For example, if you eat poorly (a lot of processed food, for instance) and don't exercise, chances are your root (red) chakra is going to become sluggish, darkened and dull. If you "close off" your emotions because they're painful or overwhelming, your heart chakra is likely to become tight and closed and block emotional energy. If you, on the other hand, are extremely centered in your intellect, you may have a bulging and bright third eye chakra but a disproportionately small heart chakra or root chakra or womb chakra. Or perhaps you're cerebrally focused on finding answers to deep questions about "reality" (as I was for a while). In the West we tend to value the upper chakras over the lower chakras. This probably has it's roots in our ancestors' religious aversion to the "flesh" and their focus on the rewards of "heaven." The goal is a strong, clear, balanced energy system. The more open, clear and balanced the chakras, the more energy can flow through your system. This energy is essential for vitality, health, and continued growth on all levels.

Suryanamaskar
Traditional mantras and meditations are associated with each of the Surya asanas. More advanced students often practice this way at Sunrise, Sunset and Midnight, transforming a series of physical postures into a Japa, an invocation, a Dhyana ideally, even a 'Diksa,' or initiation. Namaste! 1. Stand with spine straight, feet close together, palms together in Anjali mudra ("Namaste" gesture), face turned slightly upward. Inhale. Exhale. While in first position, try to "feel" the solar energy, or the light of the sun, pervading you entirely. The Mantra is: "Aum Adi Deva Namah." AUM is the Pranava, the Mula Mantra, and symbolizes just about everything possible; its 'meanings' are too numerous and complex to attempt 'translation' here. 'Namah' means both 'Name' and 'bowing.' Adi Deva means, literally, "first Shining One (god)" or "first consciousness of one's divinity." The position, standing straight, facing the sun, in Anjali mudra, represents Purusa, the "first Man" or "pure spirit." (All the mantras should be "said" silently, but "vibrated" as though spoken aloud.) Pronunciation: Ahhhhh-Ooooo-Mmmmmmmm AH-dih Deh-vuh Nah-Mah. 2. Inhale as you bring arms upward, in a "V" around your head. Stretch backward, arching back as far as is comfortable with abdominal & buttock muscles contracted. As you inhale, consciously 'feel' the vital energy filling you. The backward bend is symbolic of one side illuminated, the other side shadowed; as the sun illuminates one-half of the earth while the other remains in darkness; as the soul begins to come into a deeper, but still incomplete awareness of Its divinity. (Note: Traditionally, with Note: Hatha, backward-bends symbolize a state of 'striving,' as forward-bends symbolize its companion state of 'surrender.') Mantra: Aum Jata Veda Namah. Jata Veda being the 'Birth of Wisdom' or beginning of knowledge. Pronunciation: Aum Juh-Tta Veh-Dah Nah-Mah. 3. Exhale as you bend forward, keeping head between arms. Keep your knees straight, bend from the waist. Palms on floor to sides of feet. Relax neck and shoulders (if you can't stretch all the way forward at first, as far as you're able). As you exhale, the primal creative force is represented by your outbreath. You touch the ground, symbolic of the 'creation' of the earth, matter, the incarnated self. Mantra: Aum Jyoti Mey Linga Namah. The linga/lingam is the male organ, the symbol of Siva, thus also symbolic of pure consciousness. Jyoti Mey is pure light or pure 'matter'. The two together represent the male and female creative powers (ie, Siva/Sakthi, Purusa/Prakrti, etc.). Consciousness has entered matter. Pronunciation: Aum JYO-ttee May Lihn-GAH Nah-Mah.

4. Inhale. Bend knees, lift head so that chin points toward ceiling. Stretch your right leg back, right foot on the floor, knee bent, palms flat on either side of left foot. Your foot is on the ground, but not your knee: you immerse yourself deeply in the union of matter and consciousness, while turning your face to the sun. Mantra: Aum Devya Swarupa Namah. Devya is your divinity, or divinity personified in you you. Swarupa is "form"--"true" form, or the "form" which does not change. You recognize your "divine form" although not fully 'feeling' it yet. Pronunciation: Aum Deh-VAH-yuh Svah-ROO-puh Nah-Mah. 5. Retain the breath, as you stretch your left leg back. Toes on floor, legs and body straight--similar to a triangle. With your body in a straight line, hands and feet on floor, you represent a 'bridge' between the smallest atom and the whole of the universe (micro & macro). Mantra: Aum Ansu Namah. Ansu=smallest particle of matter. Ansu also means 'bridge.' Pronunciation: Aum Uhn-SHOO Namah. 6. Lower body to the floor. Contract abs and raise stomach-- your hands, forehead, chest, knees and toes will be in contact with the floor. Exhale. The position represents vibration and action while paradoxically being the "Astanga action, Pranama" mudra, representing obeisance before Divinity. Aum Rajaguna Rupa Namah. Raja=supreme, royal. Rajas=energy, activity. Raja and Rajas are both implied. The "Gunas" are principles, qualities, states of being; Rajaguna is inherent in all energy, movement, action--in all of Life. Rupa means both 'form' ('outward' form, one's 'way of being' or presenting) and 'beauty.' Again, both are implied. You are the embodiment of Sakthi -- recognizing this, you bow before yourself You experience yourself. your Self as the energy that must unite with pure consciousness, and the Beauty within that state. Pronunciation: Aum RAH-juh-GOO-nuh ROO-puh Namah. 7. Inhale up into bhujangasana--Cobra posture. Palms flat on floor, elbows slightly bent, chin pointing upward, spine arched as far as comfortable. You rise to face the sun and bend backwards, having glimpsed your creative form, striving to unite fully with it. Mantra: Aum Amrita Swarupa Namah. Amrita is 'lifegiving nectar'; it's also 'immortality.' (a-mrt, literally 'without death' or 'without end'.) Your true form is immortal; you have the power to give life, to create, to endure. Pronunciation: Aum Uhm-RITT-uh Namah. 8. Exhale as you lock chin to chest and rise up with palms and feet flat on the floor, bent at hip--as in asana five.

You rise up while looking down; forming another bridge, between the conscious realm (symbolized by looking down at the earth) and the realm of the 'absolute.' Again, this is micro/macro, but from a different perspective: dove rather than serpent. Mantra: Aum Usra Swarupa Namah. Usas=Dawn; Ush=the warmth produced by the first light of Dawn. Usra=the experience of the warmth and the glimpse. You simultaneously assume the form of the experience and the experiencer. Pronunciation: Aum OOSH-ruh Namah. 9. Inhale, bend knees, stretch left leg back, knee bent, foot flat on floor (similar to #4, but opposite leg). Palms flat on either side of right foot, chin pointing upward. Similar to fourth asana, but this time you immerse yourself in consciousness rather than matter. Mantra: Aum Hiran Mey Namah. Hiran=gold, golden. Hiran Mey=Pure Gold; that which endures beyond enduring; that which is is. Pronunciation: Aum Hih-Runn May Namah. 10. Exhale as you bring right leg forward. Feet together, palms flat on either side of feet. Straighten legs so that you're bent from the hip as in #3. Relax neck and shoulders. Similar to position three but "destroying" rather than "creating"-- the expiration of that which is not Pure Gold or "That". You submit yourself to your Self. Mantra: Aum Akasa Vihara Namah. Akasa=aethyr; also radiant "inner" "space". Vihari=void, cave. "Vihara" also signifies the force or the "going" of Siva (Hara); the Anahata Chakra is often described as the "cave of the heart." As the bullshit dies, you embody pure, radiant universal energy; as the force of Siva extends throughout the universe, you embody the void, merge with the nada, "hear" the unstruck sound. Pronunciation: Aum Ah-KAH-shah Vih-HAH-rah Namah. 11. Inhale, straighten body, keeping arms in "V" around head. Stretch up and arch back, as in #2. Similar to position 2, but joy and divinity are now illumined, the remainder shadowed. Breathe in--you have 'given birth to' that which endures. Mantra: Aum Adi Teya Namah. Adi Teya=the first 'offspring' of divinity. Pronunciation: Aum AHdih Teh-YUH Namah. 12. Exhale. Straighten spine. Bring palms together in Anjali. Return to first position = the cycle completed. Mantra: Aum MahaVisnu Namah. Maha=great. Visnu=god who represents the principle of preservation (as Brahma of creation and Siva destruction). You preserve the purity of Self that remains after the cycles of creation and destruction represented in two through. 13. Pronunciation: Aum MAH-huh VIHSH-nooh Namah.

The Charge of the Goddess

It is Midsummer Nights Eve -- the longest day of the year. This is a unique time, full of unlimited power and mystery. You are standing in a large, secluded clearing, banked on three sides by the dark, evergreen skirts of Earth Mother. Behind you expands a rolling corn field in the cycle of infancy. Above you hangs the moon. She is full and heavy, dripping her milk-white light on the planet below, like a mothers breast that anticipates the nurturing of a child. The remainder of the heavens expands about the glowing orb, velvety and black, pricked by a multitude of winking stars. You take a deep breath -- heavy-sweet with the odors of a cooling summer day. The field, the dark, the sounds of the night, the forest and the moon all collide in time that does not exist. As you look around the clearing there comes the realization that you are one among many -- old and young, robust and slender. They, as you, have come from many distant places to be here this night. A sea of faces, each barely masking the taunt anticipation behind them, utters whispers that merge with those of the nocturnal insects. An atmosphere of peace and unity with both worlds prevails. A hush, like the roll of a soft wave, moves across the crowd. Silently, the people form a circle. A lone cloud scuttles to greet the face of the moon and veils its brilliance for a second. In the darkness, man, woman, and child join hands. As the light once again filters down among the people, you hear the awed murmur of the crowed. The center of the circle, empty only moments before, is brilliantly lit by the aura of a single woman. She is like no other. You search your memory, but you can remember no equal, neither in this lifetime or in any slips of memory that your stingy brain has allowed you to recall. Her stance is straight and proud. Her strong yet delicate arms raise to the heavens, drawing down the light of the moon into her breast. Into her soul. She is swathed in shimmering material that any human has yet to make; you marvel at how it ripples about her, like fine flesh that kisses the night. Some in the crowd see her as a raven-haired beauty; others see her as a white-blonde princess. Yet there are those who observe a fiery, red-headed warrioress. To you her skin appears a musk-honey color, but to the man next to you it shines with polished ebony. It is then you realize that you are connected to the thoughts of all in the Universe. To look upon her radiant face is to have the air stolen from your lungs, and you gasp, eyes fluttering in mild fear of drowning in the logic of nothing. The sensation flashes by; you are left with steady breath and a pumping heart.

To look within her is to experience the DivineThe Goddess! The logical mind does not well accept the creative premise of divinity. Therefore, you internally debate whether you are looking upon human flesh or a figment of the heaves. You have been told by others that the human is Aradia, Queen of the Witches. Some have said she is the incarnation of the Goddess herself, others say she is the daughter of the Goddess, as She could not enter her full self in human flesh. Regardless of the debate, you know that you have waited a very long time to see her. Although the humans here are total strangers to you, you finally feel that you are home. This is the place where you belong. She speaks. Her silver voice rings loud and true. In amazement you watch as the tallest trees around the clearing bow down in reverence as she begins The Call:

Hear my words and know me! I shall be called by a million names by all who speak! I am Eternal Maiden! I am Great Mother! I am the Old One who holds the immortal key! I am shrouded in Mystery, but am know to every soul!
She lowers her arms and holds them open toward the people circled around her. A small girl-child in the crowd cries out in fear, erupting the peace of the circle. Her horrified mother attempts to remove the child as the little one breaks into a lusty squall. But Aradia only smiles and beckons the small one to her. She holds her arms in a cradling position, and where they once were empty, the child now materializes, encircling the child to her breast. The mother is left guiding only empty space from the circle. If there was one among the crowd who does not believe in her reality, it surely blossoms in that moment, as the child nestles into Aradias shoulder in peaceful contentment. Still holding the child, Aradia gestures one elegant arm to the sky and speaks:

Hear my words and know me! Whenever the moon rises in the Heavens shall my children come to me. Better it be once a month when the moon is full, shall ye assemble in some secret place, such as this, and adore the spirit of I. I, who am the Queen of the Witches! And under my watchful eye, my children shall be taught the mysteries of Earth and Nature, the ways of all Magick! That which is unknown shall be known, and that which is hidden shall e revealed, even the secluded soul shall be pierced with my Light. From my cauldron shall be drunk all knowledge and immortality!
She pauses to caress the head of the girl-child, then lowers her gently to the ground. The tot scrambles back quickly to its mother, the cherub face serene, radiant, and blessed. Aradia begins to glide slowly around the circle of people, looking intently into many shadowed faces. She speaks:

Ye shall be free from slavery and ye shall dance, sing and feast. Music shall surround you, for mind is the ecstasy of the spirit, and mind is also the joy of the earth!

Her eyes grow large and luminous and her voice flares with raw power as she proclaims:

I do not demand sacrifice! For behold, I am the Mother of all living things!
She places the palm of her right hand on one mans forehead. She shouts:

Create and be healed!

Then softens her voice and winks at another:

Be strong, yet gentle.

She turns quickly to an old woman:

Be noble, yet reverent.

She then tips the chin of an attractive young lady:

Bring forth and replenish.

And pivots with a seductive laugh. She moves about the circle, touching each individual, murmuring encouragement of hopes and dreams, laying aside fear and hatred.

And as does the cycle of the Moon ever begin to wax and wane, to grow forth again, as do the seasons from one to the next flow in smooth rhythm, from sowing to reaping, to seeming death and rebirth, so will my children know their own pattern in both worlds!
Your heart begins to beat its own primal rhythm as she moves -- no glides -- towards you. Your stomach does those familiar flippity-flops when you realize it is you she has singled out. She stands but a breath in front of you. You feel her warmth envelop you with the perfume of musk, or is it lavender? She is so beautiful you think your eyes will never see normally again. Her hand delicately touches your shoulder, sending a rapturous vortex of power jolting down your body, then building in your belly. She speaks in a whisper that, amazingly, all can hear:

And ye shall say these words I Will love and harm none. I Will live, love, die, and live again. I Will meet, remember, know, And embrace once more. For the free will of all, and with harm to None all As I will It now is done So mote it be!
You speak the words. The people speak the words. She backs to the center of the circle, never appearing to move; but there just the same. Her power churns through every molecule of your system. The circle begins to fill with drifting notes of pan pipes, whirling into a foggy spiral toward her. Where she once stood alone, now solidifies a towering being -- half beast, half man. His body is covered in fine, golden iridescence. His bronze, muscular

arms encircle her gently, as if she were made of the lightest faery wing. Two large, twisting horns protrude from His head, glowing with a light that appears to be all its own. His visage does not frighten you, for you realize this is the God, the consort of the Lady, and that he is the golden half of her silvery being. They smile deeply at one another. Their separate bodies slowly melt together into a single, blazing entity of light. And the human circle is plunged into darkness. Your fearful heart turns your eyes to the heavens, but it is only another cloud that has passed before the face of the moon. The light returns almost as quickly as it was stolen. Perhaps mosquitoes mystical as before. All eyes turn to the center of the circle. And it is bare.

The Circulation of the Body of Light

The energy used in the Circulation of the Body of Light is very powerful and best used for self-healing. Start by doing the Relaxation Ritual, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, and the Middle Pillar Ritual, but do not visualize the Middle Pillar vanishing. Step One: While keeping the visualization of the Middle Pillar, refocus your attention on the white brilliance just above your head. Visualize this brilliance in a state of extreme strength, needing to radiate out even more energy. Visualize it sending a current of energy down into the head and to the left shoulder. Let this energy pass down the left side of your body to your left foot. Feel it move to your right foot, up the right side of your body, to your head, and back up into the brilliance. This motion should be synchronized with your breath. When you exhale, feel the energy go down your left side. When you inhale, feel the energy go up your right side. You should have the sensation of a circle of energy swirling around you. Move the energy, with your breath, in six to ten cycles. Feel free to extend the energy out further to the sides (the most common is about three feet away from your body). Step Two: This is similar to the first method, but instead of directing the energy down one side and up the other, here you should direct the energy down the front of your body and up the back. be sure to synchronize your breathing so that as you exhale the energy goes down the front of your body and as you inhale, it goes up the back, up to your head and into the brilliance. Do this six to ten times. Step Three: Re-visualize the entire Middle Pillar. This time, focus your attention on the brilliance at your feet. From the upper right side of this power center visualize the energy curling up in a tight spiral to the front of the left leg. from here it continues around the back and continues moving upward in a counter-clockwise spiral. It is as if you are being wrapped like an Egyptian mummy, from the feet to the head. Instead of cloth, however, you are being wrapped in energy. You should feel a whirling of spiritual power as the pure spiritual light and energy rises up in spirals to the brilliance above your head. When it reaches this brilliance, you should visualize the energy exploding out like a water fountain in all directions. This energy lands at your feet and begins to rise in the spiral again. As you inhale, feel the energy rise towards the top, as you exhale, feel it explode out towards your feet.

Do this for six to ten cycles. Then, take a very deep breath, and as you exhale, see the energy disappear visually, but know that it is still there invisibly. Step Four: Finish by doing the Tarot Contemplation Ritual.

The Cycle of Breath

Begin by finding a comfortable sitting position. It is important to clear your physical space of distractions that will inhibit your mediation; after all, you are trying to achieve a peaceful and relaxed state of consciousness. A ringing telephone can be an interruption that can ruin your session. Any other distractions should be dealt with before you begin. Once you have achieved a comfortable position, pay attention to how your body feels. Make sure youre sitting in a position that you will be able to maintain for some time. If you get the sensation that your feet are falling asleep, you will need to shift around until youre comfortable. Many people find that sitting cross-legged on the floor works well, though others cannot tolerate this position at all. Some are able to maintain the lotus position, in which one sits cross-legged on the floor with the feet tucked over the thighs, hands resting on the thighs and palms facing upward, sometimes with the thumb and index finger touching. You may even experiment with lying down, but remember that the purpose of meditation is relaxing the body and opening the mind, and not falling asleep. While comfort is important, you do not want to be so comfortable that you lose interest in the meditation and end up snoozing. Maintaining both focus and relaxation is an important aspect of developing a meditative practice. Once you have achieved a comfortable and sustainable position, sit with your spine as straight as possible. Imagine a silver cord rising from the top of your head, pulling you up toward the sky. This image will help you maintain proper spinal alignment. Also envision a cord extending from the base of your spine deep into the earth. This will help keep you grounded. Sitting with your spine very straight also helps you retain your energy, for when you slouch over, your internal organs are crowded on top of one another and cannot perform at their most efficient level of function. Such a lack of alignment is not an optimal position for maintaining an energized state of being. What you are seeking is a relaxed, but invigorated state. You feel calm and at peace, but alive and very much full of energy. 1. Begin by taking very deep breaths. Establish a cycle of breathing by inhaling to a count of three and then exhaling to a count of three. 2. Repeat this cycle of breathing for nine repetitions. Once you have done the nine repetitions, increase the length of time you spend inhaling and exhaling. 3. You can add one additional count and repeat this cycle three times. Add another count, again repeating it until you have achieved what feels to be your utmost lung capacity. Breathing at your fullest capacity increases oxygen levels in your

brain and in your blood, thus touching every part of your body. The oxygen you are giving yourself is purifying. It will unleash your creativity and keep your mind and body in good working order. Focus only on the breathing at first. When the cycle feels natural to you and no longer an effort, it is time to continue with your chosen technique of meditation.

The Four Directions Energy Layout

You need four large quartz crystals. This layout is used for meditations and for 'charging' objects. First, locate the true directions of the North, South, East and West (using a compass if necessary). Place one crystal representing north, one crystal representing south, one crystal representing east and one crystal representing the west. The single-terminated ends of each quartz crystal should be pointing towards the center. Sit in the center of the four quartz crystals. Relax and feel all your stress and tension evaporating away from your body. Sit in this crystal energy layout for between 15-20 minutes. If you feel it appropriate you might like to hold a crystal cluster in your hands. Sit in the direction you feel guided to face. Many people like to sit facing the East. If you decide to lie down in this energy pattern, you should have your head facing North. Your feet should face South. This flows with the polarities of the earth. You can 'charge' crystals, water or other objects within this energy pattern. If you place objects for charging inside a pyramid which is itself within the four direction layout the whole process will be greatly amplified.

The Journey Between the Worlds

I see before me the Tunnel of Time. I project myself toward this place and am drawn down and down, back and back, way, way back to before the dawn of Christendom in a land of emerald green and ageless beauty. I am flying low over rolling hills and moorlands, circling freely over forests and small hamlets of country folk, over manor and mere heading toward an inevitable destiny. I slow and close the distance between my world and this. The timelessness of a winters night is silent; not even the sounds of the hawk or the owl can be heard through the thickening pall. I descend. Now I hear muffled sounds from the marshland below me. I come to ground level where the mist is not so thick, but moving, steadily shape shifting as it swirls around the mire. There! Just ahead, on horseback, holding high a lantern to pick a path through this desolate place, is the horse and rider that I have been seeking. I swoop slowly and land, as a mist, upon the horses rump. We think of naught; we must not lose our thoughts upon any other theme than that of following the almost imperceptible path through this empty place. No life here. The lights of a thousand lost souls glint through the mist to remind us of our peril, but we hesitate not and heed, not their warnings. My destiny burns within my soul and would destroy me were it not fulfilled. I can see myself clearly by the light of the lantern; outlined with the ravages of many a sleepless night, I am gaunt. My jaw twitches with my effort, and my eyes are haunted by the dream. I am physically strong, cat-like. I clench the lantern, vice-like, in my hand. My clothing is simple: thronging crisscrossing the furs about my calves and woolen leggings as thick as mail about my thighs. My jerkin is the skin of a wolf snared in some past day and my cloak is russet and of heavy woven wool that hangs limply along the sides of my mount. I wear a hood of leather, but my hair lays in tangled rivulets down my back. The length, thus far, of my journey lays heavily upon me, and my shoulders are bent forward with fatigue; but we may not stop until we are past this dreadful place. Hour upon hour we move, well into the midnight, until at last the horse raises her head and snorts as she stumbles onto the grassland. We travel slowly still until the rider is certain of our bearings, then we roar with triumph and we are off, running like the wind, as the plain thunders beneath us! We slow as dawn creeps above the horizon in a washed-out blur, and horse and rider, sweating at their efforts, breathe deeply at the sight. We come at length to a copse of trees into which we walk. We dismount and lead our beloved mare into the depths. There, a stream, cool and deep, at which we drink before we lead the horse to graze beneath the oaks and peer around, cautiously, to guess that none come here often;

that we might have peace for a few hours during which we will rest. I know not why, but know it I do, that the rider wishes to be seen by no one, so we ride by night and hide by day so that none may know that we are abroad. We unsaddle the mare, crooning to her as we do so, and rub her down with the blanket from beneath the saddle. A smile crosses the riders face, and a look that stirs my soul with its intensity and passion. Our task done, we proceed to prepare a small fire over which we roast potatoes and a strip of dried meat. We draw a leather flask from our pouch from which we quaff deeply, the contents sweet and fiery. Having eaten of our simple meal, we stamp the fire and curl within the cloak to sleep away the daylight hours. And so I watch at one point I rise above the trees and seek to ascertain our safety, for although the rider is furtive and a feared of noticed, I ache for the quest, knowing it is also my own, and my compassion reaches out to the strength within our sleeping form who would do no harm without good cause. I know not how I would rouse us should danger approach, but there is no farm or village within distance, so I fear not for us. I return to find us turning about restlessly in our sleep, the dream causing much mumbling and sighing; and so it is for a few hours more until I am woken by my own shouts. Sweat beads upon my face, I stand and remove my hood and cloak, and walk to the stream to wash myself, and so lose the dreaming. I again light the fire and draw from my pouch a large cup that I fill from the stream. I brew a draught of strong herbs to help me to wakefulness for the long night ahead. My journey will be done, thus far, on this night at least where riding is concerned. The journey of the rest of my life is just beginning, the end of which is assured in my mind. There is no turning back from what I so earnestly seek but what I so earnestly dread, for it is unclear to me what ventures will befall me between the present moment and some eventful death. I stamp the fire and cover its remains with dirt and brambles so that none may know that any had passed this way. I call to my horse and she comes from her grazing by the stream. I saddle her and attach my pouch to my belt. I don hood and cloak, and mount. We move slowly through the trees in the direction of the setting sun. We reach the edge of the woods and wait. When the night is black, I ride; hour upon hour do I ride. This night is clear and I watch the stars for a bearing. Sometimes I walk the horse, sometimes it almost seems that she flies. Rising behind me the Moon glows full and high, lighting the way. Ahead I see monolithic rocks rising to the night sky and the mist of ocean reaches all about us. The tang of salt is in the riders nose and I see my nostrils flare and my eyes widen with that same unseeing passion. We approach the cliffs and I hear the roaring of waves thrashing upon the rocks below as if relentlessly drawing all within themselves. A wild place is this! I see a vast expanse of inky blackness within each rocks shadow, which is also the sea over which the Moon glows, causing a pathway

between herself and the things beneath the waters. I stop to light the lantern for the path is rough and the mare troubles with each step. I sigh and lay my head upon my arm before raising myself straight within the saddle. It is now, I whisper, We wait and seek no more! As known, I have arrived! I look ahead to a rocky outcrop like a finger upon the sea. I ride hard then, sparks flying from the horses hooves upon the granite way. As we approach the peninsula, I see a faint glow, as if from another lantern. I slow down now, and throw my own light over the cliff. I am wary and seek to approach unseen. I dismount and walk toward the glow. I see a small cottage almost buried, so deeply was it built within the overhang of the cliffs, like a tiny fortress against the wild winds and sea. A lonelier spot I have never known. The riders face is set like stone and I cannot perceive what thoughts are veiled within. We walk with dignity, as if to our death. I come at length to the door, of massive proportion compared to the size of the cottage. I hesitate not but bang a fist upon it, a sigh upon cold lips. There is a wait, the a womans voice calls from beyond the door, Who comes? I am called (Name), I shout. There is a laugh from within and the door is swung wide. There stands a small woman dressed in male attire, with wild copper hair cascading down her back. You are doubly welcome, (Name), and thrice! We have waited long for you! I knew it to be true! I reply, although I smile not. Was it you who called me here? It was your own dream, (Name), and not of our doing. Enter. I shall tether the mount and see her well. What name have you? I ask, without moving; but she just smiles and shakes her head and again bids me enter. The room is dark save for the lantern in the window and the fire in the hearth. I see that only the first of the cottage is man-hewn and that the rest is of solid rock formed from the depths of the cliff. A hooded figure stands from a chair beside the fire. Straight of frame and as tall as an elm, but with the whiteness of hair to tell of great age, that falls to shoulders that show no stoop, hallowed with fire glow. He wears a robe of heavy dove-gray wool, and as he moves toward me he smiles. I see great love in the smile, but as I look into his eyes I flinch at their blackness and depths. There is unfathomable power within them as though they had seen the passing of time from its very conception and had learned from the travel all that had been there to learn. Ive missed you, (Name)! Blessed be! he says, as though he knows me well. He takes my arm and leads me to stand before the fire. we have known that you would come. He laughs with obvious glee. Who is the woman? By all the Gods, who are you? I demand, as, although this whole thing excites me, I fear it also and am tired of the mystery that has haunted me waking and sleeping. She is who I am, and who you are to become! he replies.

Her name? Call Her (Goddess), and She will answer you! And you, Sir, what be your name? I ask again. (Same Goddess) is one of the names that I am known to be, child. And why am I here? I ask, hoping for confirmation of my yearning. To learn, (Name), the secrets of life and fire! To be at one with Her and mold tomorrow with all of my yesterdays! he says. What must I do? I ask. Show me the ritual!

The Medicine Wheel Meditation

Sit or lie comfortably. Drumming or flutes are helpful. Close your eyes and slow your breathing. You are walking across an open plane. The prairie grass is waist high, swishing softly as you walk through. It is a bright summer day, you can smell the grass parching. The sky is clear. You can hear the prairie birds. As you walk, you come to a circle of cottonwood trees. Step into the circle. Turn toward the north. There is an old Indian man standing there. He is older than old, dressed in buckskin with obsidian beads around his neck and black feathers in his hair. Two long plaits of silver hair fall across his chest. "I am He who watches in the North" he says. "I come to bring stability and knowledge". Look into his eyes for a moment. Turn to the east. There is a young Indian woman there. She is dressed in white buckskin, with turquoise beads on her dress and around her neck, blue feathers in her hair. Her hair falls down her back in one long braid. "I am She who watches in the East," she says. "I come to bring insight and inspiration." Look into her eyes for a moment. Turn to the South. There is a warrior standing there. His chest is bare, streaked with red and yellow paint. A string of red jasper beads hangs around his neck. There are red feathers in his hair, which falls on his chest in two black braids. "I am He who watches in the South," he says. "I come to bring strength and courage." Look into his eyes for a moment. Turn to the West. There is an old woman standing there, in buckskin dyed violet. Seashells hang about her neck. There are purple flowers in her hair which hangs down her back in one long braid. "I am She who watches in the West," she says. "I come to bring healing." Look into her eyes for a moment. Look around the circle. Go the direction that you feel you are most drawn to, that can give you what you need in your life at this time. Spend time there, listen to what the watcher says. Stay

as long as you need, learn what you can. Then return to the center of the circle. "We are the Medicine Wheel. Those who watch. Go forth with your new knowledge and return to us in times of need," the watchers say together. Turn to the North. The watcher turns into an immense black wolf and disappears across the prairie. Turn to the East. The watcher turns into an eagle and disappears into the sky. Turn to the South. The watcher turns into a golden mountain lion and disappears across the prairie. Turn to the West. The watcher turns into a gull and disappears into the sky. It is done.

The Parts of the Soul: A Greek System of Chakras

Introduction This essay resulted from an attempt to find a Greek system of "energy centers" corresponding to the chakras of Eastern philosophy. Such a correspondence would help illuminate Greek mysticism and reveal some of the foundations of the Western Magical Tradition. This goal might seem to be a shallow exercise in analogies, but there are reasons to expect a substantial correspondence. First, the Eastern and Greek systems evolved out of a common Indo-European culture, so one would expect genetic correspondences; these connections were likely maintained over the millennia, since we know the Middle East mediated continual cultural transfer with both the West and East. Second, there is a certain degree of objectivity in the system of chakras, as reflected in the physical body, which would lead to correspondences even in the absence of cultural contact. The consequence of these two factors is a significant uniformity in ideas about the Spirit and its connection to the Body across the Eurasian continent, and even beyond, as documented, for example, in Onians's Origins of European Thought. How would we know a Greek system of chakras if we saw it? The standard I have used is that (1) they should be approximately seven energy centers; (2) they should be approximately located where the chakras are located; (3) they should have approximately the same "functions" as the chakras. It's worth keeping in mind that the chakra system best known in the West, with seven chakras, is not the only system; some have more than fourteen (Eliade, 243-5; Murphy, 156). Therefore, we should not expect an exact correspondence of number, since certain energy centers might or might not be counted depending on their strength or the "kind" of energy they concentrate. Furthermore, different systems differ in their exact placement of the chakras, so likewise we should not expect an exact correspondence in a Greek system. Nevertheless, it will be apparent that the Greek system corresponds closely to the system of seven chakras. My principal source has been Onians, especially Part I and Part II (chh. 1-7), but the overall structure is described in Plato's account of the "Parts of the Soul" in the Timaeus (69c-73d), which probably embodies Pythagorean doctrine. In the following I've numbered the energy centers from the top down with Roman numerals, since this accords better with Platonic doctrine; however, the chakras are conventionally numbered from the bottom up, for which I've (appropriately) used Hindu numbers

(so-called Arabic numbers). Part I The Crown of the head (Gk. koruphe, Lat. vertex). Plato said the humans stand upright because of the connection between the Heavens and the Soul in their brains. People with especially great power in their heads were represented with a nimbus, a halo of flames, around their head (attested as early as the 3rd cent. BCE in Greece). This center corresponds to Chakra 7 (at the crown of the head), called Sahasrara, which means "thousand (-petaled)," an appropriate description of a nimbus. Part II The Brain (Gk. enkephalos, Lat. cerebrum), which contains the psuche (Gk.) or genios (Lat.). (I use the old Latin spelling "genios" to avoid confusion with the English "genius." The genios is sometimes called the anima.) In Homeric times the psuche was taken to be the "Vital Spirit" or Life Principal (the mind or consciousness was placed in IV, the chest), corresponding to Skt. asu. The later view, which is found in Plato and corresponds better to the Eastern system (cf. Skt. atman), is that the brain is the center of rational thought, the Intellectual center. In both Homer and Plato the psuche is considered the immortal part of the Soul. The physical substance corresponding to psuche was marrow (medulla), especially the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain and spine, but also in other parts of the body (see below). For this reason departed souls were thought to appear as snakes, which are all brain and spine. Scalp and facial hair were considered physical emanations of the psuche, and so the hair, scalp and chin were considered sacred (hence the dedication of locks and the touching of the chin or beard in supplication). This center corresponds to Chakra 6 (at the brow), called Ajna, which means "authority or command," an appropriate name for the rational faculty, which Plato said "controls and restrains" the lower faculties; Onians calls it the Executive function. Part III The Neck (Gk. trachelos, dere; Lat. collum), which Plato called the "isthmus or boundary" between the Superior, Divine or Immortal Soul and the Inferior or Mortal Soul. He said that it allows communication between the two, but prevents the Lower Soul from "polluting" the Higher. This center corresponds to Chakra 5 (in the throat), called Visuddha, which means "purgation or purity," that is, "the purging of the merely animal, physical system" (Campbell, 165). Part IV The Heart and Lungs (Gk. phrenes, Lat. cor), which contain the thumos (Grk.) or animus (Lat.), which is the Higher part of the Mortal Soul. In Homeric times the thumos was the Conscious Spirit, the vehicle of Thought and Feeling (cf. Skt. manas).

Later, it was restricted to feeling, emotion, passion and especially spirit, courage and anger - the Affective function. This center corresponds to Chakra 4 (at the heart), called Anahata, which means "not hit" (referring to the mystical sound). This chakra is associated with prana (Skt.) - vital breath, vital spirit (Campbell, 164), as are the phrenes with pneuma (Gk.) or spiritus (Lat.) - breath, spirit. Campbell (164-5) says, "This is the aspiration, then, of spiritual striving," and "the birth of the spiritual as opposed to the merely physical life," and likewise the phrenes are associated with spirit, as opposed to the lower parts, which are associated with physical needs and desires. The "little foyer" (the Red Lotus of Eight Petals with the Kalpa Tree) below the Heart Chakra corresponds to the diaphragm, which Plato called the "midriff partition" separating the two parts of the Mortal Soul (associated with Spirit and Desire, respectively). Part V The Belly (Gk. gaster, Lat. abdomen), between the diaphragm and navel, is the site of the Lower Part of the Mortal Soul, which is the Appetitive Soul, which we share with the lower animals and plants; its function is nutrition and it is the source of Desire (both Nutritional and, by most accounts, Sexual). This center corresponds to Chakra 3 (at the navel), called Manipura, which means "city of the shining jewel," and its function is "aggressive: to conquer, to consume, to turn everything into oneself" (Campbell, 159-60), which is a good description of the Appetitive Soul. Part VI The Gonads (Gk. gonades, Lat. genitalia), representing the Procreative function. The "marrow," the stuff of which psuche or genios was made, was the Life Essence; Plato says that in it is made "the bonds of life which unite the Soul with the Body." This marrow or sap is passed down the spine, concentrated in the gonads, and is the source of the life of the offspring. In particular, semen was considered a kind of cerebrospinal sap. This center corresponds to Chakra 2, called Svadhisthana, which means "her favorite resort," an apt name for "the cakra of sexuality" (Campbell, 144). Part VII The Sacrum or Holy Bone (Gk. hieron osteon, Lat. os sacrum), that is, the base of the spine. Because this was a center of concentration of the Life Force, Middle Eastern people believed that the entire body could be regenerated from this bone, and Onians (p. 208) conjectures that its potency may account for "kiss of shame" (osculum infame) of the Witches and Templars (and perhaps the Cathars and Waldenses). This center corresponds to Chakra 1, called Muladhara, which means "root base," which Campbell (p. 144) associates with "hanging on to life" and a "reactive psyche," so in

both cases we have the grossest form of the Life Force. Similarly, the Spine was called the Holy Tube (hiera surinx), which recalls the Sushumna (Spine), which is likewise considered a channel (nadi). Likewise the Egyptian Ded Pillar, which represents the spine, was a symbol of Life. I have not, however, found Greeks correspondents to the Ida and Pingala nadis. Part VIII The above are the "central" energy concentrations of Greek philosophy, and it is apparent that they correspond closely to the familiar seven chakras. The Greeks also recognized "peripheral" energy concentrations in the hands, thighs and knees (which have a large concentration of "marrow"). This explains the sacrifice of thigh bones, the use of the hand (especially the right hand) to exercise executive power, and clasping the knees when beseeching. (The knee - Gk. gonu, Lat. genu - was especially associated with the Life Force - genios - and with procreation or "generation"; cf. genital, genetic, gonad, etc.) So far as I know, corresponding chakras are not recognized in Eastern thought. As a general rule of thumb, Spirit, of one sort or another, is most concentrated where the flesh is thinnest (Timaeus 75a), thus, in the head, chest, sacrum, knees and hands. Summary # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 English English Crown Brain Neck Heart/ Lungs Belly Gonads Sacrum Greek Koruphe Enkephalos Trachelos Phrenes Gaster Gonades Hieron Osteon Latin Vetex Cerebrum Collum Cor Abdomen Genitalia Os Sacrum Function Illumination Intellection Purification Affection Appetition Procreation Basic Life Chakra Sahasrara Ajna Visuddha Anahata Manipura Svadhisthana Muladhara # 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The Temple Sleep

Dreams allow us to explore what lies beneath the surface, the unspoken world of image and mystery that lies dormant, ready to rise and make its presence known in our lives. The Goddess may come to you in dreams through symbols and signs. She travels from a place beyond, both in and out of time. Enter into Her temple with the intention to know Her and to open your subconscious mind to Her presence, Her words, and Her teachings. Let the room be dark, except for a lighted candle or two, but no more. Lie flat on your back with your head pointing north, preferably toward your altar as well. Relax and get comfortable. You will be here for a while. Visualize yourself approaching the doorway of a grand temple. You walk up the wide marble steps between two towering columns. Inside, the walls are illuminated by the fiery dance of torch sconces. Flowers adorn the high altar and curls of fragrant incense waft through the air. 1. Begin by focusing on rhythmic breathing. Inhale, and energy is transformed from air into breath. Exhale, and energy is released back into the atmosphere from whence it came, forever changed by you. 2. Continue this rhythmic breathing until it is well established. You should feel relaxed, but invigorated with energy flowing through you, as in a successful meditation. 3. Inhale, and tighten all of your facial muscles in a deliberate grimace. Exhale, and relax them, assuming your usual countenance. 4. Inhale and tighten your shoulders, bringing them up toward your ears. 5. Exhale and release the tension, allowing your shoulders to drop to their normal position. Inhale and clench your fists tightly. As you breathe out, let your hands relax and go limp. 6. On your next inhale of breath, arch your back and neck as much as you can without straining. Think of trying to look at the north altar that is just beyond your head. Hold this pose for a moment; exhale and relax your spine. 7. As you inhale, tighten the muscles in your buttocks. Exhale and release the tension. Inhale and tighten your thigh muscles. Exhale and release. Inhale and flex your feet, even curling your toes. Exhale and relax your legs. Lie still for a moment and notice the change in your energy. 8. Continue the steady, rhythmic breathing and begin to visualize a soft, red, glowing pinpoint of light located at the very base of your spine. As you breathe, allow your vision of this light to grow so that the pinpoint grows first brighter, then larger, as it envelops your entire body in a warm, red aura, surrounding you

and comforting you. Just as slowly as the light grew to surround you, allow it to collapse within itself and return to the pinpoint at the base of your spine where it began. 9. Continue your cycle of breathing and begin to visualize a tiny pinpoint of orange light emanating from just below your navel. As you did before, focus on the pinpoint of orange light, allowing it to grow in size and in intensity until it covers your entire being in a warm blanket of peace and pleasure. Breathe into this orange light, allowing it to flow through you. Slowly gather the light and send it back to its source until it once again resembles the glowing pinpoint. 10. Sustain your rhythm of breath and envision a pinpoint of yellow light glowing in your solar plexus. The yellow light grows and covers you like a kiss from the sun. You are surrounded by its beauty. Breathe into it, allowing it to grow and permeate every cell in your body. The light extends above you and below you, surrounding you completely. It is a part of you and you are a part of it. You are inseparable until, by the force of your will, you encourage the light to collapse within itself and return to the pinpoint of light, small but glowing steadily in your solar plexus. 11. As you continue to breathe, you feel your heart open to reveal a pinpoint of bright green light, shiny like a new leaf. The light grows and surrounds you with an overwhelming sense of healing and love. You are covered in green, like a virgin field in the newness of spring. The sensation of pure love flows through you, emanating from your heart but extending outward to touch every part of you, even that which lies beyond your reach. You are whole. You are at peace. You revel in this delightful green aura until you decide to let the green light return to its home, where it continues to thrive as a tiny pinpoint of light nestled safe within your heart. 12. You continue your cycle of rhythmic breathing as you imagine a pinpoint of blue light emanating from your throat. The light grows to surround you with coolness and truth. You breathe into the blue light as though you are floating on an azure sea, buffeted by soothing waves. Enclosed within the radiant blue, you allow yourself to drift into a realm of peace and understanding. You are on the cusp of uncovering a great secret, an ancient wisdom. You wish to travel further, but in order to do so you must first send the radiant blue light back to its origin, where it will continue to glow. 13. You continue to breath as you envision a deep indigo light glowing in a pinpoint on your forehead right between your eyes. The light grows and its intensity deepens. You are surrounded in the calm of this deep dark indigo. Unseen worlds begin to reveal themselves to you. You are opening your psychic sight. All the work you have done begins to make itself apparent. Knowledge and wisdom inhabit this light, which fills your being. Breathe slowly and accept the teachings of this light.

14. Breathe gently and allow yourself to be cradled in the light of wisdom. Proceed with your cycle of breathing and allow the light to return to your third eye, where it will continue to extend gentle radiance throughout the long night. 15. A tiny pinpoint of purple light begins to emanate from the top of your head. It begins to extend outward like a crown. The light grows until you are surrounded by a regal purple aura. 16. You are covered in this splendor and are experiencing sensations that occur rarely in a lifetime. You are activating your spiritual self, exploring your identity as part of the divine matrix. You are unique and individual, but an aspect of the living Goddess as well. 17. Breathe in this and experience yourself in your highest form and function. You are in a place beyond time and space, able to see the unseen and touch things far beyond your reach. 18. Experience these sensations as ultimate reality. You have chosen this spiritual path, and now your eternal essence is making itself known to you in a very real way. You are experiencing it through this purple light that envelops you totally. You live through this light, and as it extends outward, so do your energy and your essence. Breathe into this light. You will always be a part of it, even as you send it back to its source. It will forever live inside your mind, able to spring forth from your crown whenever you have need of it. You have seen yourself as a pure spiritual being. You have caught a glimpse of your divine essence. 19. Lie still. All along your body are gentle pinpoints of brilliance, bathing you in all the colors of the rainbow. You have a sense of completeness and wholeness about you. You are utterly relaxed and at peace. Your mind is open and unencumbered. You lie in darkness and in silence. Your only company is the divine presence and the surrounding shadows. You have chose to be here. You are unafraid. You may even fall asleep if you are comfortable enough and inclined to do so. Give yourself plenty of time to experience this state of being. When you are ready to arise from your temple sleep, sit up, and open your eyes.

"The Tree on the Hill": Taking a Walk

Find somewhere comfortable to sit/lay where you will not be disturbed and taking some slow, deep breaths allow yourself to relax, letting any tension drain away. Feel the ground beneath, supporting you as you let your body sink into it, relaxed and comfortable. You can feel a gentle, warm breeze across your skin, and see dappled shadows moving against your eyelids, like sunlight dancing between leaves on a tree. You are relaxed and peaceful. You are sat under a great oak tree, the trunk strong and firm behind your back, a canopy of branches and leaves spreading out above you, the leaves gently twitching in the breeze. As you stand up and look around you find yourself on a small hill in a beautiful meadow filled with wild flowers and gars. You can make out a path running along the side of the meadow leading down the hill and away from the oak tree. It is a warm, bright afternoon and as you step out from the shadow of the tree you can feel the warmth of the sun reaching down to you. Making your way to the path you become aware of birds singing in the trees, insects buzzing amongst the flowers and catch sight of butterflies dancing over the meadow. The slope of the hill is gentle and as you walk down the path you catch the fragrances of passing flowers, warm on the breeze. You let your hand brush through the long grasses along the side of the path, stopping now and then to admire a flower or watch a butterfly flitting by. As the slope evens out you reach a thin line of trees gently whispering in front of you. You can hear the sound of water nearby, and as you move through the trees you arrive at a river, the sunlight sparkling across the surface. There is a rock slab just in front of you, welcoming you to sit. Leaning over the river you dip your hands in and splash your face with the water -- cool and refreshing after your walk in the sun. You can see fish moving beneath the surface, occasionally surfacing with a gentle 'plop'. As you relax by the river your eye traces the line of trees on the opposite bank of the river. The river stretches off to the left and winds around some rocks before disappearing from view. Another day you might take a walk past the rocks and follow the river -- but for today, it is time to return to the tree on the hill. As you get up and dust yourself down, thank the river for your time together and the refreshing water it provided you with. Leaving the river behind you walk back through the trees to the foot of the hill. You take a different route back up the hill, cutting straight through the meadow, the flowers and grasses tickling your legs and arms. The walk uphill is easy going and in no time at all you arrive back at the oak

tree, it's branches spreading out to greet you. Before you sit back down you take another look around you, at the hill spreading back down to the river, to the trees below, the bright skies above, the sounds of the birds and the insects, the butterflies dancing among the flowers -- know that you can come back whenever you choose -breathe in the clean air and feel revitalized. As you sit back down under the tree allow yourself time to listen to your surroundings, to smell the air, to feel the breeze -- and feel totally calm and relaxed. Slowly let the sounds fade away, the scenery gently fading to darkness. Become aware of your physical body once again. Feel the ground beneath you and gently come back to the waking world -- stretching your limbs, opening your eyes, and touching your surroundings. Keep a peaceful, refreshed but relaxed feeling with you, and write down your experiences in your journal.

The Wheel of the Year, a Guided Visualization

Make sure you are seated comfortably, and spend a few moments quietly, allowing your mind and body to relax. Now, close your eyes, and allow these images to build in your imagination: It is dark, and a chill wind is blowing. You are standing within a mighty forest, and can feel the ground hard and cold beneath your feet. You look up, and see the stars, but there is no Moon. Patiently, you wait. You hear a sound behind you, and turn and look over your shoulder. You realize that you are standing upon the edge of a clearing; at its center burns a fire, with an old man seated before it. He is wearing tattered animal skins, and has long ragged hair which blows about in the wind. On the far side of the clearing you see the mouth of a cave, and standing before it is the mighty figure of the Horned God. You turn back and look through the trees, looking towards the eastern horizon. For tonight is the longest night: the dark time before the Sun is reborn at the Winter Solstice, and you wait patiently for the first rays of the newborn Sun. At last you see a faint glimmer of light upon the eastern horizon, and as the rays of the newborn Sun rise in the morning sky, you hear the sound of a new born babe crying. You turn and look back across the clearing as an old woman walks out of the cave carrying a newborn child in her arms. The Horned God reaches forwards and caresses the child's cheek, and then the old woman takes the child, and sits by the side of the old man at the camp fire. As the Sun continues to rise in the sky, you know that you have witnessed a very great mystery - the mystery of birth - the birth of the Sun, and of the Son. You leave the clearing, and walk back through the forest to your own cottage, where you warm your-self at the fire, for you are chilled through after your long vigil throughout the darkest night. Days pass, and although the ground is still hard and cold, and the nights long and dark, you are aware of a change in the season, and know that winter is drawing to its close. One night as you are about to go to bed, you hear a tinkling of bells from deep within the forest, and are strangely drawn towards their sound. As you make your way through the night, a waxing Moon lights your path, and at last you find yourself once more in the clearing. You look towards the cave, and see that a great red veil hangs across the mouth, and that the old Crone, and another woman stand before it. The other woman is younger than the Crone, but obviously not a youth, and you instinctively realize that this is the Crone's own daughter.

As you stand and watch you realize that the bells are being shaken by the Crone, and that she and her daughter are softly singing an ancient song: a song which calls to the Virgin to awaken, and to come forth as the herald of winter's end, and spring's beginning. The two women reach up, and with a single movement, rend the veil, tearing it away, revealing the Virgin standing poised upon the threshold. She is purity and innocence: a young figure - blindfolded, dressed in white, and carrying in her hands a posy of bright yellow flowers, symbolic of the growing powers of the Sun. The Mother and Crone reach forward, and linking their hands behind the Virgin, they pull her out of the cave. They lead her towards the fire, and then the Mother speaks quietly to her. You see the Virgin nod. The Crone then seems to ask her a question, and although you cannot hear the answer, it seems she has spoken truly, for the Crone nods, and reaches up to remove the blindfold. The Virgin blinks her eyes, and stretches. She begins to dance slowly around the fire at the center of the clearing, full of the joy of her awakening, and in the knowledge of her power and potential as a woman. Self-contained, she dances the dance of life; of blood and waters flowing freely, no long frozen and still. You turn and leave the clearing, taking one last look at the Virgin dancing joyfully around the fire. As you walk back through the forest, you feel an answering power moving through the land, and you are aware that the Earth is beginning to come alive beneath your feet, and on the trees you see the yellow blooms which are the promise of spring, and the end of winter. Day by day the Sun now grows visibly stronger: the land has awakened from its sleep with the fire dance of the Virgin, and now the Sun itself approaches the magical time of the Equinox: the time when day and night are equal, but when light is in the ascendant. The day of the Equinox dawns bright and clear. The wind is fresh, and all around you are signs of spring. From deep within the forest you hear the sound of a horn, and deep within your innermost self you are aware of a stirring response to its call. You make your way quickly through the forest; as you approach the clearing, you realize that you are not alone, for all the creatures of the forest are gathered upon the edge of the clearing. They too have answered the summons of the horn. At the center of the clearing stands a naked young man, his skin shining with reflected sunlight. He is blindfold: before him stands the old man, and behind him, the mighty figure of the Horned God. It was he who blew the horn. The old man dances around the youth - slowly, a shambling kind of dance - shaking a rattle and chanting softly. He stops. The Horned God whispers to the youth, who nods his head in reply. The old man then asks the youth a question, and after listening to the reply,

nods, and reaches up and removes the blindfold. The youth blinks, and stretches. The Horned God hands him the horn. He puts this to his lips, and a single blast echoes through the forest. With a laugh the youth leaps away into the forest, followed by all the birds and animals, for he is Lord of the Forest. You feel a stirring in your own blood, and before you realize what has happened, you find yourself chasing the figure of the youth on his mad dash through the forest. It is a wild and carefree dance, and you feel the answering echo from the trees, and from the Earth, as they are warmed by the growing Sun. The Land and the Youth both awaken to their fertile potential. As you run through the trees, out of the corner of your eye you see a flicker of white; you turn, and there hidden in the trees you see the Virgin, watching and waiting. She is looking curiously at the Lord of the Forest, intrigued by his strength and drawn by his beauty. He sees her watching, but on this day, he is too full with the joy of being in control of his own creative power to cease his headlong chase through the forest. Gradually you tire, and at last you find yourself walking back through the forest to your own cottage, where you find rest. All through the growing spring the Virgin and the Young Lord watch each other through the forest. Each aware of the other, but both self-fulfilled with their own potential and power. But the Sun keeps getting stronger, and at last we come to that moment where the Young Lord and the Virgin realize that they have a greater destiny to fulfill, and driven by their natural desires, and the signs of the burgeoning world all around them, they seek each other out, and in celebration of the great mystery of the Land Marriage, they join as one. It is the height of spring, and the signs of fertility are all around. As you make your own way towards the clearing, you feel the warm Sun upon your face, and feel the life in the Earth beneath your feet. In the center of the clearing stands a great tree trunk, crowned with a garland of spring flowers, with many red and white ribbons fluttering in the breeze. From far and wide people have traveled to the clearing, for today is the day of celebrating the growing Sun, and the fertile Earth. Men and women take hold of the ribbons, and enact their own celebration of Life as they dance the pattern of the sacred spiral of creation around the tree. You hold your ribbon firmly, and watch the spiral form as you dance the ancient steps that have been danced since first Man and Woman were joined as one. You hear cheering and shouts of laughter, and there, walking through the crowd hand in hand come the Young Lord and his wife - Virgin no longer. Together they have celebrated the sacred mystery in accordance with the Old Laws: for they have joined in love, and so have become the King and Queen of the Land. And the weeks pass, and the Sun grows ever stronger in the sky, and the King grows

in strength and majesty. The Queen begins to show signs of her pregnancy, the mirror of the crops and fruits that the Land begins to produce, for the Queen represents the Land, and is at one with it. At last the day arrives when the Sun reaches its most powerful time: the Midsummer Solstice. The King and Queen are at their peak too, reflected in the majesty of the King, and the growing life in the womb of the Queen. To mark this day, the King and Queen host a great celebration in the forest clearing: a feast to mark the Solstice day, and their own creative powers which have brought many good things to the Land. All day the feast and games continue, with the King and Queen bestowing their blessings upon everyone. At long last the Sun begins to sink slowly towards the west; as it falls you hear a disturbance upon the edge of the clearing. You see people running, and hear their screams. And then into the clearing stalks a dark figure, his black cloak swirling around him, wearing a helmet which obscures his face from view - shadow of darkness in the forest. He strides towards the King, and in a loud clear voice, challenges him for the right to rule the kingdom, and for the Queen as his consort. The King must protect what he has striven so hard to create, and must protect his wife and unborn child. He accepts the challenge, and a great battle ensues as the Sun slowly sinks in the west. The challenger lays the King's thigh open with a sweep of his sword, but is unbalanced, and despite his wound, the King manages to throw the challenger to the ground and disarm him. The challenger begs for mercy, but the King fears this dark and threatening figure, and so ignoring his cries for mercy, he plunges his sword deep into the challenger's heart. And so in order to protect, the King destroys, and a shadow of darkness is cast upon the Land. The challenger's blood soaks into the Earth, and the Sun finally sinks beyond the western horizon. You make your way back to your cottage, as the King is carried away to have his wound attended to. The next day the Sun rises as before, and seems as strong as it ever was, but you have seen and felt the shadow of the dark, and now sense a change in the Land. Instead of growing, things are ripening; the heat of the summer Sun brings the crops and fruit to ripeness, but the growth is now over. And just as the Land gives forth its fruits, so now does the Queen give birth to her son. The wheat is harvested; the barley made into ale; and a great feast is held to give thanks for all the good things of the Earth, and for the safe birth of the King and Queen's son. But in giving birth, the Queen is no longer simply a wife; she becomes the Mother. She knows that her son is the hope for the Land, for the King's wound, taken at the Midsummer battle, is a wasting wound, and will not heal. He grows weaker by the

day, a reflection of the waning powers of the Sun. The Queen knows this, and as her son grows, she trains him in the ways of sovereignty. The King sees only that his son grows stronger, as he grows weaker. He watches the Sun wane day by day as summer slips towards the time of the Equinox, when once again day and night are equal; but this time, the dark is in the ascendant. At last the night of the Equinox arrives. The King feels drawn towards the clearing in the forest, and under a waning Moon, he makes his way along the track. He remembers his initiation at the Spring Equinox; his love for the Virgin, and their joyful celebration of the Land Marriage at Beltane; he remembers how proud he was of his creative powers at the Midsummer Solstice, and with a pang of sadness, he remembers how he had to face the dark challenger who threatened his Kingdom and his Queen. And finally, he remembers the birth of his son - a joy now turned to sorrow, as the King finds himself once more in the clearing, where waiting at the center is his son, armed with a spear. Out of the corner of his eye, the King sees a movement in the shadows, and remembers how he first saw his beloved wife, when she was newly awakened, a young Virgin, and he was the Lord of the Forest. Now his wife hides in the shadows - she wears a black cloak, and covers her face with its hood. The King and his son face each other, and then without a word being spoken, the King draws his sword and they begin to fight. Sword against spear, a mighty battle rages in the clearing. The powers of light and dark are equal, but the powers of darkness are now in the ascendant, and as the night grows on, the King begins to tire. The wasting wound he suffered at the Summer Solstice has never healed, and his powers - like those of the Sun - are waning. There is a brief pause in the fight: the King and his son look deep into each others eyes. There flashes between them recognition of the mystery that light and dark are equal: that they are not fighting each other, but that each is fighting himself. For the light and the dark are one and the same, as are the King and his son, and with this realization, the King joyfully lifts his guard, and is impaled upon the spear as he drives his sword deep into his son's heart. Together they fall dead to the ground, and their blood pours out upon the Earth. At the edge of the clearing the Queen watches, and as she sees her husband/son die, she sends a great wail echoing through the forest. There, standing in the cave mouth is the Lord of Death and Resurrection, but she cannot see him. For her husband/son/ lover has now become the Lord of the Otherworld, and she is still of this world. The waning Moon watches as she tears her hair, and as one possessed, runs through the forest in an agony of grief. For she too saw the mystery, and now she understands that the light and dark are but the same. She knows that her husband/lover/son has passed beyond the veil, and that her creative time is passed. For the Queen is now a

Witch: the ancient Hag Crone who knows the mysteries of life and death and has walked the path of initiation. In making her journey she has truly found the gods, and knows that behind the wheel of the seasons there is an ancient power. By walking the wheel she has joined with the mystery. She has been a Virgin, a Wife, the Queen, the Mother and the Crone. She has walked the way of the seasons. She has seen the spring, the summer, autumn and winter, and she understands that an ancient truth lies hidden within it all. At last the time of the dark Moon arrives, when the Sun's powers are low, and the veil between the worlds is thin. Standing alone in the forest she makes her way to the clearing. She stands alone for she is feared by those who have yet to walk the wheel. For now she must perform the supreme act of magic. She kindles the ancient Samhain fire, with woods of all the sacred trees. One for each season, one for each way, one for the night and one for the day, one for her lover and one for her son, one for the serpent and one for her song. As she raises her arms in invocation a great storm gathers. With a final act of understanding she opens the veil between herself and the gods. She opens the veil of the Otherworld and calls back the spirits of the dead. For she knows now to fulfill the mystery she must join with the Lord of the Otherworld; they must love and join as one. The storm breaks: lightning and thunder tear and crack at the ancient night as the trees creak and bend in the wind. For the wild hunt is now upon us as the spirits of the dead are led from the Otherworld by the Horned God. Chaos now reigns in the world for the Mystery is upon us. But to join with this mystery the Crone must embrace the Lord of Flame, the Lord of Death and Resurrection, and go with him back into the Otherworld. To join with him she must become the Goddess. So of her own free will, she dies the death of true initiation and enters into the cave, and passes with the Horned Lord back into the depths of the Otherworld. There they join in love as one: the supreme moment of the true Great Rite in which all the mysteries of the male and female; all the mysteries of the light and dark are married together as one. For love has always been the key. It is love that conquers our fear and shows the way to union. For true love is true death, as the individual sense of self is transcended by a vision of the One. As the gods fulfill the mystery of love, the seed of new life is planted deep within the womb of the Great Mother. And the land sleeps, for the dark time is upon us once again, and the God and Goddess lay in each others arms, deep within the Land, hidden from sight. The Sun quickly wanes day by day, the nights growing longer, the days shorter. Winter grips

the land as a cold wind blows through the forest. The darkness seems complete, but those of the Wicca are wise and weep not for they know that the Sun will be reborn through the love of the God and Goddess. Life will not fail - the Sun will return again. And at last the night of the Midwinter Solstice arrives: the longest night of the year, but we know now it is only the darkness that comes before the dawn. As you stand upon the edge of the forest, you see the first signs of the new born Sun rising upon the eastern horizon, and hear the sound of a new born babe. But this time, you walk away from the clearing towards the rising Sun, and as you leave the forest, you turn and see that it is no more than a shadow behind you. Before you is a world which you know well; it is the world in which you live, and now it is time to return. The Otherworld is real, and you may return at any time, for the mysteries of the gods are there for all to understand, if you have but eyes to see. You continue to walk into the everyday world, and become aware of the sounds around you, and of the place in which you sit. Spend a few moments quietly re-attuning yourself to your normal state, and then open your eyes and stretch. (End of Guided Visualization) If you want to make any notes do, but please remember that the Wheel of the Year is an emotional experience, not an academic exercise! And finally, always have something to eat and drink after any activity which uses an altered state of consciousness. This is the most effective and efficient way to "ground," and is vital if participants are traveling home after the working.

The Witch
Within the corner of a darkened room a woman sits on a chair and hums a repetitive tune. Her eyes are closed and she rocks back and forth, back and forth, back and forth -- seeming to sway in some invisible wind like the rushes on a lake shore. Her hands are moving between threads as she weaves and plaits them, every now and then stopping to tie a knot; the silence more permeable for the lack of song. She sits, thus, for hours until the room lightens with the glow of the rising Moon, the shafts of which pierce the window to land at her feet. The monotonous humming stops, the rocking stops, the dancing fingers stop -- her eyes are open. She stands and walks to the center of the little room where her table is set with the instruments of her birthright: cup picking up the glow of the moonlight and dipping cup, it into the cloth beneath; knife with the hilt as black as jet that glints with streaks of silver that have been set into the ancient runes that surround the base, and with a double-edged blade that flares and tapers finely to its point of power; pentacle that glows with burnished light, the symbols on its face deep and meaningless to any save its owner; wand of willow wood, finely carved with her own hand into an intricate set of spirals and swirls, worn in places where it has been lovingly worked; unlit candles of purest white to compliment the Moons glow, and a heavy silver medallion on a cord, older than even she knows, that has been passed down, along with her knowledge and her sword the Initiator, from one to the other, in secret nights and sword, ancient tongue, from one to another, by right of succession and ancient oath, until to her it was bequeathed with all that belongs to the passage; a bowl of burning coals that glow and shed warmth round about, upon which she drops juniper twigs and wood from the dead bough of an apple tree. From the coals she lights a taper, then the candles, one by one -- all in silence and certainty of what is to follow. Her shapeless dress is unbuttoned and dropped to the floor; her hair, bound about her head in a tight braid, is unraveled and spreads around her in a wild, burnish copper haze. The medallion she takes lovingly in her hands to greet with a soft kiss before raising it to the Moons glow for approval; she then drops its cord over her head onto her breast, drawing comfort from its familiar coldness on her skin. She kneels, raises her arms above her head, breathes deeply, and waits. Very soon the Moon is fully risen and the shafts of silver cover her body and radiate around her. She cries out, in the ancient tongue of the Lands of Lirian, that she is ready to greet her Goddess, whose name she summons by the name she knows, and it rings around her thrice, like the secret chiming of bells.

The air is still and expectant. She slowly stands and takes the cup, this sacred chalice, now filled with water, later wine, and walks around the little room sprinkling as she goes. A soft, melodious chant is rising, rising from her as she quickens her pace, deosil, deosil, leaving trails of moonlight in a circle all around her. She feels the force field, an almost imperceptible swishing that grows to a hum. When it is constant she stops, moving back to her table, proclaiming it altar. Now she dips her wand into the cup and uses the sacred water to seal her body from all things impure or mundane, thinking, Be ye far from us, oh ye profane She kisses the wands tip and lays it back on the altar. She refuels the brazier and inhales the sweet-smelling smoke -- a tribute to her Goddess. She takes the pentacle between her two hands and raises it above her head, calling forth the force of the Four Winds to act as sentinels to her rite. She takes the dagger, the power of her birthright, and presses it to her breast to fill it with her own essence, and then she stands. The dagger is now athame. She raises it slowly; her whole being is poured from its magnetized tip in shafts of blue fire as it pierces the night for the acknowledgment she knows will come. Her breath is still. The night is still. The forces of life wait expectantly, and suddenly the light returns to flood the room -- the priestess of the Moon cries out to the primordial mother, to whom she was bequeathed before the dawn of time. The mother answers with the heartbeat of a thousand million lives and acknowledges her daughter, sister, self. They fuse and are one -- was it ever any other way? The cycle is complete, and the priestess of the Moon is assured. The magick of her fingers will soothe where they lay, and the magick of her voice will heal where it is heard, the magick of her eyes will light the Earth, and all things will grow wherere she looks upon them. The Way of the Goddess will continue, though to most her name is unknown. As long as even one remembers will the knowledge proceed and the Earth be sustained. Though the foolish fear what they dont understand, the magick goes on and the secret survives, for the priestess of the Moon is witch, and what she represents is at one with whats living, and all that she is will continue -- for without her the Earth would weep and the night would ever understand and so would cease to be. She is the spiral of life -- the oceans, the rivers, the falling of the dew, the changing of seasons. She is the corn at harvest and the birth of birds. She is the wind on the mountain and the spiders web at dawn.

All things of beauty are the name that she summons, for she is the mirror of the Goddess that is life, and the mother of all living things. If she could not continue, or was the last of all, then all hope would cease to be.

The Wood Beside the Lake

Allow yourself time and space not to be disturbed and find a comfortable place to lie down and let yourself relax. You may like to try the following exercise to release any tension in your body -scrunch your toes up tightly and then relax them, slowly move up your legs tensing and relaxing your muscles, moving up your thighs, your buttocks and continuing up your body, not forgetting your chest and shoulder area, or your arms and fingers, neck and face. Take a few deep, slow breaths -- breathing in through your nose and from your abdomen, holding the breath before slowly letting it out. Let all the tension melt away from your body. Feel your body become heavier and heavier, sinking into the ground. The ground beneath you is hard and cool like rock and you can feel and taste a cool dampness in the air. You open your eyes and find yourself in a cave. A small waterfall cascades past the mouth of the cave like a shimmering curtain. As you move to the cave opening you can feel the spray on your face, and as your step through the waterfall feel the water washing over you. You emerge in a small, shallow lake bathed in sunlight, the water is warm and the pebbles smooth beneath your feet. You move through the water with ease towards the shallow shore and find the ground warm and dry beneath your bare feet. In front of you a wood stretches out. The air is filled with the sound of birds and animals, and as you walk towards the wood you catch glimpses of movement in the trees, along the ground, and in the air. A narrow path leads into the wood, where it is cooler and shaded. You follow the path through the tree until it emerges into a small clearing with a large slab of rock in the middle. Making your way to the slab you climb on to the surface and lay on your back, soaking up the sunshine and the warmth of the sun-baked rock. You close your eyes and return your focus to the sounds around you. You can hear movement all around you and know that you are not alone. When you open your eyes you see that your guide is with you. This is your time with your guide -- ask your questions and listen. When you are ready your guide accompanies you on your journey back through the wood and to the edge of the lake. But here your guide will stay and it is time to bid farewell, give thanks and step into the lake, knowing that whenever you need your guide they will be with you. The water deepens slightly as you head to the waterfall

covering the cave entrance. Step back through the waterfall into your cave and lie down on the ground. Remember your experience with your guide, and remember that you can return here whenever you desire. Feel the ground beneath you soften slightly as you let the cave fade away. Feel the ground beneath you, feel your physical body against this ground and let yourself slowly come back to the waking world. Stretch your limbs, open your eyes and ground yourself (touch your surroundings, have a stretch, roll your shoulders, take some deep breaths and move around.) Get yourself a drink of water and don't forget to write down your experiences in a journal.

The Yew Working

The Yew-Working seeks to synthesize the runic forces of the heavenly and chthonic streams in the consciousness of the vitki. (Preferably, this working should be performed in bare feet on the surface of the earth.) 1. Stand facing north with your arms at your sides. 2. Settle and concentrate your mind with a few deep breaths or through the use of breathing exercises. 3. Center your attention below your feet, at the imaginary infinitely small center of the Earth, where-from the subterranean streams of power spring; visualize this as pitch black and then intone the formula uuuuuuuuuuuu. As this force rises from the center of the Earth and streams into your feet and is formulated into a black sphere of about 6" diameter, halt intonation of the vocalic formula. Hold this image in your mind. 4. Turn your attention to the wide expanses of the World above your head. Visualize the zone of white energy of infinite expanse, intoning the vocalic formula aaaaaaaaaaaa as this force flows from a wide expanse into a vertical column to the crown of your head and formulates a white sphere. Hold this image, along with that of the black sphere, and stop for a moment to consider the polarity, the force of attraction between them which is palpably manifested throughout the vertical column formed by the length of your body. 5. Next, turn your attention to the region of your genital organs and visualize a column of energy rising from the black sphere, slowly becoming deep blue as you intone the vocalic formula iiiiiiiiiiii and it stops in the genital region and forms a sphere. Holding these various images, proceed to the next step. 6. Turn your attention to the region of your upper chest (at the top of your sternum) and visualize a column of force descending from the white sphere and the crown of your head, becoming pink and finally bright red as it reaches your upper chest, where it too forms a bright red sphere. During this process, intone the vocalic formula eeeeeeeeeeee. Once this sphere has been established, you may halt the intonation of the vocalic formula, again to pause and consider the polarity between these two complexes of cosmic energy. As you do so, you will feel the ever increasing force of

attraction each has for the other. 7. Now visualize the forces of these two complexes simultaneously meeting in your solar plexus region as a bright green sphere is formed that radiates with a golden or bright yellow light from its center. Intone the vocalic formula oooooooooooo during this process. Concentrate on the wholeness of this structure and its fundamental unity with yourself. 8. Now, to end this rite, being to circulate the collected and intensified force from your center throughout the length of the structure with the vocalic formula eeeeeeeeeeee (a lax neutral vowel sound during which all the muscles of the mouth as relaxed). The energy will flow up and down the length of the vertical column within your body, becoming focused and intensified at each of the centers, or wheels, within your system. 9. End by gathering all energy in the center, allowing it to re-balance itself throughout your system. Relax and finish with a few deep breaths.

To Get the Sight

Sight cometh to different people in divers ways; 'tis seldom it cometh naturally, but it can be induced in many ways. Deep and prolonged meditation may do it, but only if you are a natural, and usually prolonged fasting is necessary. Of old the monks and nuns obtained visions by long vigils, combined with fasting and flagellation til blood came; other mortifications of the flesh were practiced which resulted in visions. In the East 'tis tried with various tortures whilst sitting in a cramped position, which retarded the flow of blood; these tortures, long and continued, gave good results. In the Art, we are taught an easier way, that is, to intensify the imagination, at the same time controlling the blood supply, and this may best be done by using the ritual. Incense is good to propitiate the spirits, also to induce relaxation to the aspirant and to help build up the atmosphere which is necessary for suggestibility. Myrrh, Gum Mastic, Aromatic Rush Roots, Cinnamon Bark, Musk, Juniper, Sandalwood and Ambergris, in combination, are all good, but the best of all is Patchouli. The circle being formed, and everything properly prepared, the aspirant should first bind and take his tutor into the circle, invoke suitable spirits for the operation, dance round till giddy, meanwhile invoking and announcing the object of the work, then he should use the flagellum. Then the tutor should in turn bind the aspirant but very lightly, so as not to cause discomfort - but enough to retard the blood slightly. Again they should dance round, then at the Altar the tutor should use the flagellum with light, steady, slow and monotonous strokes. It is very important that the pupil should see the strokes coming, as this has the effect of passing, and helps greatly to stimulate the imagination. It is important that the strokes be not hard, the object being to do no more than draw the blood to that part and away from the brain; this, with the light binding, slowing down the circulation of the blood, and the passes, soon induce a drowsy stupor. The tutor should watch for this, and as soon as the aspirant speaks or sleeps the flagellum should cease. The tutor should also watch that the pupil becomes not cold, and if the pupil struggles or seems distressed he should at once be awakened. Be not discouraged if no results come at the first experiment - results usually occur after two or three attempts. It will be found that after two or three attempts or experiments results will come, and soon more quickly; also soon much of the ritual may be shortened, but never forget to invoke the Goddess or to form the circle, and for good results 'tis ever better to do too much ritual rather than do too little at first.

It has been found that this practice doth often cause a fondness between aspirant and tutor, and it is a cause of better results if this be so. If for any reason it is undesirable there be any great fondness between aspirant and tutor this may easily be avoided by both parties from the onset, by firmly resolving in their minds that if any fondness ensues it shall be that of a brother and sister, or parent and child, and it is for this reason that a man may only be taught by a woman and a woman by a man, and that man and man or woman and woman should never attempt these practices together, and may all the curses of the Mighty Ones be on any who make such an attempt. Remember, the circle properly constructed is ever necessary to prevent the power released being dissipated; it is also a barrier against any disturbing or mischievous forces; for to obtain good results you must be free from all disturbances. Remember, darkness, points of light gleaming amid the surrounding dark, incense and the steady passes by a white arm, are not as stage effects but rather they are mechanical instruments which serve to start the suggestion which later unlocks the knowledge that it is possible to obtain the divine ecstasy, and so attain to knowledge and communication with the Divine Goddess. When once you have attained this, ritual is needless, as you may attain the state of ecstasy at will, but 'til then or, if having obtained or attained it yourself, you wish to bring a companion to that state of joy, ritual is best.

Touch Ground
1. Resume a comfortable position. Tap into your cycle of breath. 2. Focus on listening to the environment around you. Make mental notes of the things you hear, however faint or seemingly inconsequential they may be. Allow the sounds to merge into an indiscernible primal sound, a sound that is difficult to categorize. 3. Let your mind create the humming of an air conditioner. Let this hum become the humming vibration of a planet traveling through space. Let the sounds of distant chatter meld into the whisperings of the spirit. 4. Continue to breathe and as you listen carefully to all of the sounds around you, make a low, nonverbal sound as you exhale. 5. Continue to breathe, releasing a sound on every exhalation, each time allowing the sound to grow louder and stronger. But do not force it. Release your inhibitions and love the sound of your own voice. 6. Get into a repetitious cycle of transforming air into breath, breath into life, life into the vibration of sound. 7. Continue developing the sound until it takes a distinct and repeatable form. You are creating your own mantra, the primal vibration that links us with the spiritual world. The best-known mantra is the Sanskrit word, OM, pronounced ohm. You can use this sound or create a unique vibration of your own. The mantra is the primal sound of the universe that connects us to the past and the future. It is in a place beyond formal language; it is the language of the spirit. 8. In addition to creating your own vibration through vocalization, you may also use the sound produced by striking a bell. Strike the bell deliberately and focus on the sound in its entirety as you breathe. Experience every aspect of the vibration, from its actualization that pierces the silence and awakens the mind, to the sustain that carries it through the air, to the gentle fade as it dissipates into the ether. 9. Let the sound disappear completely and meditate in a moment of silence before striking the bell again. As you listen to the cycle of sound, imagine that you are listening to the voice of the Goddess. She carries a special message for you. Keep your mind tranquil and open so that you may receive the blessings of Her divine presence.

Trance: Traveling the Divine Matrix

While we previously explored the beneficial properties of meditation, trance work takes those basic techniques and builds on them to transport you further down the magickal path. While the purpose of meditation is to quiet the mind and relax the body, trance work begins at the point where they effective meditation is actualized. In trance work, you are seeking not only mere relaxation, but also information and insight, even prophecy and a glimpse at things to come -- images from the deep recesses of your mind. Once a meditative state is achieved, it is possible to introduce ideas into the open and relaxed mind that will move the practitioner into a much deeper state of selfawareness. Because a trance can sometimes be difficult to control, it is important to verbalize what you are hoping to learn by allowing yourself to enter a trancelike state. This is similar to the creative visualization, wherein you suspend disbelief and entertain imagination as reality. However, the trance differs in that the symbols and images you encounter will be generated by your own mind and not introduced into your consciousness by an outside source. A trance journey can be a very powerful experience, leading the practitioner to a deeper level of understanding of his or her own spirituality. It can illuminate the dark areas of the soul that we seek to embrace without fear. It can teach us why we choose the things that we do, why we seem to call in certain energies and not others. Trance is a state of complete relaxation and trust as well as cognitive lucidity. In your meditative practice, you may have discovered the challenge of maintaining your energy level while simultaneously trying to relax. Maintaining lucidity is extremely important. A trance is not a nap or a daydream, but a concentrated effort to explore areas of the mind normally associated with dreaming while awake. Clarity will allow you to access the far corners of your mind. You may be surprised by what you discover there. Some people experience memories of a past existence. Others find a recurring problem illuminated in such a way as to achieve resolution. Some find inspiration through the removal of creative blockages. Whatever your goal in entering a trancelike state, you will surely discover some dormant aspect of your mind or personality that will aid your magickal workings. By committing your consciousness to traveling to a place beyond time, you are undertaking shamanic work, the work of the spiritual realm, and this is never to be taken lightly. You are, in essence, exploring the world of the deities, one that remains most hidden from us on the earthly plane of existence. How you experience this journey will be determined by your frame of mind. When you face the unknown

with respect instead of fear, you open yourself to esoteric knowledge that would otherwise be unattainable. A symbol often used in magick is that of the six-pointed star, composed of two overlapping triangles, one pointing up, one pointing down. Also known as the Star of David, this symbol, in addition to its association with Judaism, is regarded as the magickal symbol of the upper world and the lower world: as above, so below. It is a highly charged conduit for psychic intent. We seek knowledge of the world beyond while maintaining our connection to the earth. We seek communion with the spirits without having to permanently leave our bodies. We seek comprehension of the afterlife while we keep our life on earth. It is the line between these worlds that you are choosing to walk when you enter a trance. It is much more than something that can be conjured by your imagination alone. Your encounters along the paths between the worlds are powerful images. One of the most immediate challenges you will face when beginning your trance work is letting go of intellectual reasoning. This is the voice that has you convinced that imagination is not reality and that experiences outside of the laws of reason are not to be trusted. You must first leave this voice behind.

Visualization Exercise
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

Visualizing Visualization
Some people can skip off into a fantastical dream-world at the drop of a hat, or picture a place they visited 10 years ago as if it was only yesterday, for other people visualizing something as recent as what they ate for breakfast can be an uphill struggle, but with a little practice and patience anyone can hone their visualizing skills. I would say that without a doubt the group of people who are likely to find visualization easier than others would be those of a creative/artistic ilk -- and of course children. I would also hazard a guess that left-handed people find it easier than right-handed people. I don't just mean those who write with their left-hand, just anyone who is left-hand orientated (opening doors, brushing your teeth etc -- the arm you use the most). Left-hand orientated people tend to be controlled more by the right side of their brain -- this is the creative, visual, imagining side, as opposed to the left side of the brain which is more analytical, logical and verbal. The right brain also specializes in memory and recognition of objects, places and music, whereas the left brain specializes in memory and recognition of words or numbers. (This is of course a rather simplified look at a very fascinating and complex topic). When we practice visualization and image based ideas we tend to be using more of our right brain than our left. The interruptions that block so many people from successful visualization tend to come from the analytical left brain -- the one which modern day society tends to favor and teaching methods in schools only seem to encourage. The trick to encourage visualization and artistic expression may be to allow your right brain more freedom! But don't panic, it's a lot more simple than it sounds. If you tend to be right-hand orientated try using your left hand more -- brushing your teeth with your left hand, opening doors or picking up objects, holding your mug or brushing your hair with your left hand. You could even try writing with your left hand, or drawing/doodling -- finger painting is a great way to start, especially if you feel totally uncomfortable holding a pencil in your left hand. The right brain is also connected to the left eye, you could try covering your right eye for short intervals and using your left eye to take in information. (If you have a lazy left eye, or weaker vision in this eye, you may even find that this exercise will improve your eye strength and health). If you're already left-handed there are still plenty of techniques to help enhance your

visualizing skills. Any form of creative expression will help -- get into the habit of doodling, or try copying simple pictures or objects. Exercises to help build your visualization skills: Concentrate on one object (a flower for instance) -- observe it, describe it out loud, be aware of how it feels, how it smells. Drink in the detail, close your eyes and try to see it in your minds eye. You may like to keep a journal in which you can sketch and make observations of objects you come across. Picture a journey you make frequently -- you may be surprised at just how much detail you can remember, but dont be disheartened if you cant remember much detail at first. The next time you make your journey be sure to take in as much information as you can, then write a detailed description of your journey. Read over your description a few times, and then close your eyes, relax and build up the journey in your minds eye. Visualize a room that you frequent often -- it could be your bedroom, kitchen, living room (or even your garden) -- observe the room, drink in the details, and then close your eyes and build up the room around you. Then move to another room and visualize the previous location. Daydream your way to an imagined location: Decide on an initial setting (edge of a field; a tree on a hill; on a beach etc.), then find somewhere comfortable to sit, ensure that you wont be disturbed, and work on building up this setting in your minds eye, adding more detail as you go along, we often do this when we're engrossed in a particularly good story/book. Exercises to try with a partner: Describe an object -- pick an object you feel particularly drawn to and take a few minutes to take in the details -- the shape, the feel, the color, the smell, is it hot or cold? dry or wet? Drink in the detail and try and hold it in your mind's eye. Then give the object to your partner and sit facing the other direction (so you can no longer see the object). Now describe the object to your partner in as much detail as possible. Your partner can prompt you with questions if you run out of steam too early. "Photographic Memory" -- Get a collection of photos, postcards or pictures together and choose one to start with. Now describe to your partner the image -absorbing as much information as you can. When you have finished, hand the picture to your partner and proceed to describe the picture -- recalling as much information as you can. (Again, your partner can prompt you with questions if necessary). "Object Tray Game" -- we used to play this one a lot at school -- the teacher would place a number of different objects on a tray, which would be covered over with a tea-towel. Once the tray was uncovered we would have 1 minute to try

and take in as much information as possible before the tea-towel was placed back over the tray. We then had to write down everything we could remember. When we were finished writing our lists the tea-towel wool be removed and we could see how much we'd remembered. There were variations on this game -- the following omitted the list writing part: After the initial 1 minute look (although the time allowed got shorter and shorter) the tray would be recovered and an object taken off the tray. The tea-towel would be removed and we had to say what was missing. This was usually combined with objects being moved around too. Keep a visualization journal so you can keep track of your progress -- and don't be disheartened if you find yourself struggling at first -- perseverance and patience is needed whatever skill we're learning/improving. If you find you struggle to keep focus when you're trying a particular visualization you might like to get a partner to read something out loud, or if you prefer to work alone record yourself and play it back -- remember not to speak too fast so you can allow time to build up scenes and situations. The important thing is to have fun! Relax and enjoy yourself and you may just be surprised at how quickly you can improve your visualization skills, and what effects this can have on other areas of your path.

Web of Stars Psychic Protection Meditation

This meditation, practiced every day alone or with other meditations, exercises your ability to protect yourself from negativity, relieves stress, and urges you to think about the divine. Sometimes we call this activity shielding or warding. This meditation only takes a few moments, so its easy to fit into your busy day. Find a place where you will not be disturbed. Sit comfortably in a chair. You can play music if you like. Close your eyes. Ground and center. Take three nice, deep breaths. Count down from ten to one. Imagine that you are surrounded by white light. Allow that white light to grow stronger. The light becomes a solid shield around your body. Now surround the white light with a web of stars. This web is like an electrical force field. When any negativity touches the web, it disintegrates. The waves that result from these tiny explosions turn into positive energy, clinging to the net, thereby reinforcing the original web. If you have trouble visualizing this, think of a bug light. The bug hits the light, and there is a zapping sound as the light grows brighter. Hold this visualization as long as you can. Then take a deep breath. Reach out with your heart and feel the presence of Spirit, allowing that peaceful feeling to flow through your body. Take another deep breath. Count from one to five and open your eyes. Practice at least twice a day, every day. You can also use this visualization when you feel sick, upset, sad, or think you are in danger. When you have practiced at least two weeks, you can begin to use the same mediation to protect pets, friends, and family members. Follow the instructions above, then visualize the person surrounded by white light, covered by the web of stars. Hold the visualization as long as you can. Practice every day until you feel the threat is over, or practice as a part of your daily prayers that include pets, friends, and family members.

Winter Full Moon Meditation

Feel the drums pound in your blood, as waves pounding on the shore. See the moon rising from her water bed, rising slowly, silently into the sky, competing with the stars for a path through the blackness, her hair lying flowing on the waters. Feel as her fullness climbs into the realm of the sun, laying claim to her place. Feel as she exerts her influence, feel as her presence pulls the tides, the tides that made the pounding waves advance and recede along the beach. As she becomes fuller, she gathers the oceans to her, and releases them, and gathers your body to her and releases it. Feel her draw you near and let you slip away, and draw you near again. The waters of your body, the waters in your cells, feel her pull, as she waxes and wanes. Feel as the beat of the drums brings you into synchrony with the waves that wash the shores, wash higher with every break, wash higher as she waxes fuller and fuller. Feel the drums pull you into her sphere, into her light, as she fills your vision. She grows larger and larger, her silver bathing you, draping over you, embracing you, engulfing you. Her silver light rolls over you, seeps into your skin, into your veins, into your self, runs into you until you are of her, absorbed, whole, complete in her, made of the light that is her. Feel yourself expand as you become part of her, feel yourself begin to feel her, as you are absorbed into her. Her thoughts are your thoughts, her instincts, your instincts. The drumming is very faint, the rhythms of a thousand life forms, far away below you.

As you look down from the heights, see the land laid out below you, quiet, dark, you light falling on the bare trees, the sleeping trees, the sleeping creatures beneath them. Smell the cool damp of autumn leaves, now lifeless on the forest floor. Your silver rays make cold and silent fires in the lakes. The world beneath is yours, safe in your care, shaped in your body, nestled in your cool arms. Feel the tenderness welling up inside you as you gaze protectively upon the earth, as you sense her needs, and feel her desires. They rhythms of the drums slowly swell again. Feel yourself disengaging, gently drawing down, lightly floating back toward the sleeping earth. See her body, large in the sky, becoming more distant as you are drawn back toward the drums. Feel yourself slowly disentangle from her soft rays, as the silver bathes your body, distinct from hers again, as the beating drums become your life force, your beating heart, as you see her hair upon the waters once again. They rhythms of the drums welcome you, as you look up and see her fullness, distant in her serenity. See her beauty, and rejoice.

Witch's Pyramid Meditation

Study the above diagram. Now close your eyes, take three deep breaths, ground and center yourself. In your mind, begin at To Know. Let your mind wander. What do you see? How do you feel? To Know represents the element of air. Breath in and out slowly. Connect with the element of air. Ask for wisdom and it shall be given. Now move to the To Dare position. This is the element of water. Is there something you are afraid of? Cleanse it from your mind. Open your heart to transformation. Feel the universal love. Take a deep breath and travel over to the To Will point of the star. This is the element of fire. What courage do you feel you need right now? Are you using your creativity to your best advantage? Fire also purifies. Let any negativity within you turn to ash and drift away. Take a deep breath and move on to the To Be Silent point. What does this mean to you? Touch the still point of the universe, where everything is one, where everything is at total peace and harmony. In silence you will find truth. Take a deep breath and move up to Spirit, the point of manifestation. Reach out and touch deity with your mind. What are you trying to manifest in your life? What are your goals? Visualize them. Take a deep breath and travel back down to the To Know point of the star. As your mind moves down the point, imagine that Spirit has granted your wishes and that they are even now moving toward you on the material plane. Will you be ready to recognize these gifts when they materialize? Do you feel you deserve what you have asked for? If you dont, then your will wont take form.

Have faith that what you have asked for will be brought to you. Know that Spirit has granted your request. Feel that certainty, that knowing, deep inside. Take another deep breath and let any visualizations go. Count from one to five, then open your eyes. Practice this meditation for at least two weeks to get the feel of it, then use it before ritual, spell casting, or in your daily devotions.

Yule Ritual Meditation

Settle yourself. Close your eyes. Feel your body relax. Feel as the tensions drain from your face, your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your torso, your legs. Sense the whole of your body, calm, heavy in its relaxation. Center yourself. Feel for that calm, comfortable center, in which you are whole. Ground yourself. Extend yourself into the earth, your mother. Feel as your roots grow into the ground, as you find your connectedness with her again. This time is the time of Yule, the Winter Solstice, when the sun clings most closely to the horizon. It is a time for rebirth. While many months of winter still await us, the days now begin to lengthen, holding behind the hoary frost the promise of the gentle breath of Spring. Extend your senses beyond the walls, to the world outside. Smell in the crisp cold a hint of snows yet to come. See, in your mind's eye, the clear clean air. Old dry leaves, long fallen, rustle as they tumble around, caught finally in the tangled stems of dormant shrubs. Bark cracks in the hard frost, and breaks away, falling unnoticed to the earth. The last of the fall berries dance and sway in the wind, the wind that moans through black branches, crooked fingers that rip the bellies of low heavy clouds. Snow swirls silently into the frozen tracks of squirrels and foxes, rabbits and raccoons, revealing their secret paths. Jays call raucously, as sparrows fluff their breast feathers, puffing up and huddling close to conserve their meager heat. The fields lie bare, the harvest of wheat, pumpkins and corn safe in the barns. The crows scavenge for stray grains which escaped the harvester's blade. The orchards are empty, their leaves tossed by the storms, their fruit deep in the cellars. We - we are snug, cocooned in the warmth of our homes and the warmth of our kith and our kin. The winds will howl with the wolves as we remember the harvest just past, and we rest and regenerate as we look to the rebirth of life in the Spring. For now the sun is returned, beginning his slow journey, regaining his ascendancy, as the wheel turns again. Now, rouse yourselves, and join us, and dance and sing, and celebrate the birth of the sun!