picture: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Meditation
Visualization Practice

This visualization exercise incorporates several disciplines and can be used a variety of ways to enhance your workings. Memory and observation play a large role in all magickal work. We draw continually from our subconscious experiences to inform and enhance our work. This store house holds everything we have encountered as we move through the world. Honing your skills of observation, being able to transfer those things observed into visual images on our inner screen and retaining those impressions within our sub conscious mind trains us to exercise and strengthen our working base.

In spell work, being able to clearly and concretely visualize the outcome provides to the universal flow of energy what specifically is desired. That image may then be used as the basis of a manifest form or a blue print, if you will. In the art of divination, being able to draw upon the memories stored and experiences seen, enables us to make a more informed interpretation of the information that is being received. Additionally, if divining for yourself, these added layers of resource push to the surface which treasures have been excavated for a closer look as the more relevant answers are revealed.

To begin:

• Ready yourself by taking some restorative calming breaths and setting the intention of being open to what is received.

• Set a timer and spend at least 20 minutes looking at the picture above. Do not write anything down; but, do make mental note of the things that initially draw your attention.

• Make note of as much  as you can about the details of each singular item that draws your attention. These would include; color, shape, size, number of those objects in repetition, etc.. Once you have fully scanned one object, move your vision out to include additional objects and more of the picture in the lens of focus.

• Now, make note of how these objects fit together in the picture. The colors that are compatible or dissonant; the moods evoked; their placement in relation to one another, etc.. Extract as much information as you can, allowing it to fill your mind’s eye.

• When the timer rings, close your eyes and then recreate as much of the scene or portion of the picture that has been in your focus. Bring as much into that inner picture as you can. Color, shapes, form, number of objects, their relationship, etc… Just relax and allow the image to build; do not force it.

• When you feel you have as complete a picture as you can create at this time, open your eyes and look once again at the original picture.

• In your journal, write down those things you were able to re-create and write down those things that you missed or gave different attribution to.

Do this exercise until you can recreate most of the picture in your mind. It is okay to work on pieces of it; it is after all a very large and densely filled picture. But part of the process is also learning to train yourself to focus in and out like the lens of a camera. There will always be certain objects whose energies immediately draw your attention. Go with those first and then train yourself to expand your vision from there. If the point of interest is large, train yourself to focus in towards a smaller piece. To bring into focus the detail that might otherwise be over looked. There will be times in your work when you will need to have this ability to zero in on what needs minute attention or to be able to see all that is in your periphery to accomplish the task at hand.

Be sure to record your experiences in your Book of Shadows.

Practicum: Scrying Practice

These past months you have finely tuned your breath practice and should be able to control your breath in preparation for the work at hand. Begin your practice sessions by taking several calming breaths and opening your self to receive the information you are seeking.

This foundational exercise is going to develop your abilities to scry into water. The reflective surface of water moves in a way that is not distracting versus that of a scrying mirror. Because the surface is so reflective of the iteration of your facial image, this can sometimes detract from the ability to soften your gaze and allow the secondary images to form. More importantly, this is an excellent way to begin training yourself to relax, be open and receptive and does not require anything that you already do not have.

Water Scrying

Begin by establishing a calm breathing pattern. Sitting in a place where you will not be disturbed, begin to focus your intent on formulating the question you wish to have more information about. You will need:

• A wide bowl (approx. 7-9″ diameter across)- preferably dark in color or you may use a clear glass bowl with a dark black cloth underneath and surrounding it. You may also color the water if you have food coloring. The object is to create a dark reflective surface to gaze into.
• Water
• 2/ Candles in holders
• Mood setters (optional): incense and or soft, relaxing instrumental music

Place the bowl on a surface that will allow you to sit comfortably as you gaze downward in to the bowl. Place the candles on either side of the bowl: 6-12″ away from the edge of the bowl. Experiment with how far away they should be to allow a gentle light source but so as not to be seen reflected in the water. NOTE: Be sure that the candle flames are not near your hair or any flammable headwear!!!

As you gaze into the surface, allow your mind to relax in the train of random thoughts, soften your gaze and allow whatever wishes to present to take form on the surface of the water. You may see shapes, forms, patterns or colors.

It takes practice, so don’t be disappointed if you do not get the theatrical results you may be anticipating. Everyone has the capability to vision, but often this skill is made all the more difficult to retrieve if you are anxious about having a specific type of experience.

Continue in this relaxed open state for no -longer than 20-30 minutes, initially. Be sure to record any impressions you may receive. What may not seem significant at the time, can often, given a second look provide just the key that is needed to unlock the greater answer.

Journaling
Write Your Own Spell

Now it’s time to write your own spell.Review the post: The Basics of Spell Casting. Before you gather your supplies, sit quietly and reflect on what you will to attract to yourself.  Begin to write out what what this thing is.  Don’t censer or try to structure what you are writing; just let it flow.  Now go back and add the structure as you refine.

When you have tweaked what has been written, gather the supplies that you feel would be appropriate and in support of what you want to set into motion. Be sure to put the finished piece in your book of shadows. Remember, the more you put of yourself and your energy into the spell the more successful you will be.

Bonus Foundation: Intuiting the Tarot

The High Priestess