Bonus Post: Sleeping with the Goddess

Posted on November 19, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Image: Caitlin Fennelly Art

I twist and turn as the Fates
Spin the multicolored threads
That are the web of life.

Strength and beauty grace my path
And Mother’s gaze softens
As she looks upon my weaving.

I awaken joyous and bursting
With life and renewed spirit
Youth my ally and wisdom
Just from hand’s reach
Not ready for the taking.

I sigh into the pain as
New life issues forth
I am caretaker and guardian
Of this sacred living gift.

I close my eyes and slumber finds me
Her beating heart echoes through me
Arms cradling Her child of making
Welcoming me home into her
Womb of creation.

We, as pagans celebrate the duality and polarity of all manner of things as we perform our workings of magick, make offerings to the Deities and weave the rich tapestry of our magickal and mundane lives. Contained within these polarities are the concepts of the masculine and the feminine that transcend gender and sexual dynamics. These are the outpourings of the solar and the lunar, strength and emotion, force and form.  Read More at:   Womb of Light Blog

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A Name By Any Other Name

Posted on November 17, 2014 by themagickalpen

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What’s in a name? that which we call a rose- by any other name would smell as sweet; (Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)

Taking a Craft Name
There are many reasons to take a craft name and many ways in which one is selected. The magickal name holds much the same purpose as having specific and dedicated ritual wear, jewelry and one’s own magickal tools. It is another piece of connection that designates something important, non-routine and magickal is about to occur. But, most importantly the magickal name is your name of power. It is your energetic signature, that when spoken brings its vibration into the working that is to be done. And, as the quote by Shakespeare states above, the taking of a magickal name still retains the originally named energetic stamp of whoever newly adopts it so you are bringing the mundane and the magickal aspects of your being into ritual space.

In many ancient cultures, the name was said to contain the life essence of the individual and all of the individual’s power. It was for that reason that a person’s true name was never known or spoken by any other than the one who gave the name at birth and the one to whom it was given. And, it was Isis who tricked the God RA into giving her his secret name and thus giving her some of his power.

How To
There is no standard formula for choosing or seeking out a magickal name. Usually, the name is selected because of a natural preference for a specific subject or thing such as someone who is drawn to herbology may choose a name such as sage or rowan. Someone who feels strongly attuned to a specific element may incorporate it into his/her name such as Firesong or Wind Dancer. Gemstone and crystal names are also common choices as are animal names such as Raven’s Wing or Sacred Wolf. A name will often be revealed as part of the initiation experience or during a meditation. Asking Deity to provide you with information to reveal your magickal name is appropriate and often the most successful way of acquiring your name.

The important thing to remember is that the name that you choose or is given to you carries with it the vibrations and energies of those things you are including. This is a statement of you and what you either feel you have already developed in skill and connection or wish to draw to yourself. Take your time, do some research and be sure that what you are bringing into your spiritual life is worthy of your efforts and that you are in turn living to the fullest degree of what that name expresses.

You will also find that it is not uncommon for your name to change as you progress in your spiritual life. What you selected early on, you may have outgrown or is no longer the vital force running through you a few years later. It is fine to change your name, as long as it is not on a whim, capri or just to be “in”. You will know when and if the time is right and at that time, you may be gifted with a name from Deity or the inner planes that is just the right fit for who you have become.

A Public and Private Name
Many Witches choose more than one magickal name. This may seem in excess, but if appropriately selected each fits a specific sort of use. If the witch has a public presence, a name may be taken that is identifiable to those who are seeking him/her out. This would be the name by which you are known in public settings. For example my public name is Amethyst Brighid. This is the name I have used for many years now when I communicate with potential members and those inquiring through the internet. This is also the name I would use in our open or public rituals. I chose Amethyst because of its spiritual properties, the associated color purple, which is of a spiritual nature and it is my birthstone. Brighid is one of my patrons, and I wished to bring the triplicity of creativity, transformation and nurturance into my public presence.

I have a second magickal name that is used only within coven and Tradition settings. This is the name by which I am known to those with whom I work personally and intimately energetically. This name was also chosen because of the specifics and the energy that surrounds its use. The third name is one given to me on the inner planes and is only known to myself, and to those unseen with whom I work. It is not a name I would publicly or privately use within the coven. This is my spiritual name and as such is used as identification within the spiritual and astral realms. It is also associated with the retrieving of a past life magickal persona. Which is all the more reason why I do not share this name.

Not every witch is made aware of a magickal name that is relevant to another lifetime, as it is usually one that is given rather than selected or sought out by the witch after much work in opening to information that is kept in the deepest parts of memory. Not every witch needs a public name either. Much will depend on the nature of public presence that the particular individual has. For most, one name will suffice and with continued use it becomes the vibration of the magickal persona that you are always working to refine and empower more fully.

A Very Brief List of Magickal Names
courtesy of : Shadows of Oz (website no longer active)

Mythology
Perhaps you have a particular affinity for a certain god or goddess – if you feel particularly drawn to the Greek sun god Apollo or the Norse god Thor, you might incorporate that into your name. There are some of the opinion that giving yourself the exact name of a god or goddess shows a certain amount of hubris, and may even cause a little divine annoyance. You need to think about that before you call yourself ‘Isis’ or ‘Apollo’, and perhaps consider using names inspired by them instead – for example, instead of ‘Apollo’ you may choose ‘Apolline’ or ‘Apollos’, and instead of ‘Isis’ you could use ‘Isadora’ or ‘Isa’, which all basically mean ‘Of/Like Apollo’ and ‘Gift of Isis’. Where more mainstream names like ‘Phoebe’ and ‘Rhiannon’ are concerned, it’s not so much of an issue – but you should probably leave the big ones like ‘Apollo’, ‘Isis’, ‘Vulcan’, etc. to the gods themselves.

Other interesting names from mythology you may want to think about are ‘Inanna’ (Sumerian goddess of sexual love, fertility and war), ‘Selene’ (Greek moon goddess), ‘Luna’ (Roman moon goddess), ‘Calliope’ (Greek Muse of heroic poetry), ‘Clio’ (Greek Muse of history), ‘Vesta’ (Greek goddess of hearth and family), ‘Phoebe’ (Greek Titan, associated with the Moon), ‘Maia’ (one of the Greek Pleiades, companions of Artemis), ‘Nyx’ (Roman goddess of the night), ‘Vulcan’ (Roman god of fire, volcanoes), ‘Rhiannon’ (Welsh horse goddess) ‘Medea’ (Greek goddess/sorceress/priestess of Hecate) and ‘Morgan’ (sorceress from the Arthur legend – though incredibly overused).

Plants
People also commonly use plant-derived names like ‘Rose’, ‘Jasmine’, ‘Acacia’, ‘Lily’, ‘Iris’, ‘Ash’, ‘Rowan’, ‘Willow’ and ‘Violet’ – I also know of someone that took the name ‘Acorn’ in anticipation of growing within the Craft and becoming ‘Oak’. Since we Pagans tend to be very nature-conscious, plants are a common inspiration for our craft names. It also means you can plant your namesake in the garden, which is nice.

Animals
Animals are an equally common choice – ‘Eagle’, ‘Wolf’, ‘Hawk’, ‘Fox’, ‘Lynx’, ‘Tiger’, ‘Raven’, ‘Dove’ and so on. Someone might choose the name of an animal because they identify with the characteristics of that animal, or just because it’s always been their favourite – perhaps your bedroom has just always been covered in tiger print, and you’ve always identified with tigers. That’s the kind of sign that can lead to a craft name!

Gemstones
Everybody likes a pretty gemstone, and this is reflected in many craft names out there. You’ll find ‘Pearl’, ‘Emerald’, ‘Sapphire’, ‘Obsidian’, ‘Amber’, ‘Crystal’, ‘Diamond’, ‘Amethyst’, ‘Jade’, ‘Opal’, ‘Onyx’… the possibilities are endless! If you were going to make a gemstone part of your craft name, you would choose your favorite stone (if you have one you’ve always loved) or decide based on its properties.

Elements
Elemental themes are popular in craft names as well. You may just incorporate ‘Air’, ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’ or ‘Water’, or you may use the name of an elemental: ‘Sylph’, ‘Gnome’, ‘Salamander’ or ‘Undine’. You can even use the names of the archangels associated with your favourite element: ‘Raphael’, ‘Ariel’, ‘Michael’ or ‘Gabriel’. You can also use a name (that would be given as a Christian name) which has a meaning that incorporates your favourite element – ‘Iara’, for example, is a Brazilian name meaning ‘Water Lady’ and ‘Avani’ is a Sanskrit name meaning ‘Earth’. Just as naming yourself after a god may be a bit ostentatious, naming yourself after one of the four winds associated with the elements may also be a bit presumptuous…

Foreign names
If you have ancestors from overseas, you may want to choose a name from that country. One of the advantages of choosing a name from a country that speaks a language other than English is that you can usually find a literal translation very close by – for example, if you have Greek heritage you may like ‘Thea’ (‘Goddess’) or ‘Dianthe’ (‘Divine Flower’).

Fiction
There are some great names in fiction that you might like to consider for your craft name. ‘Gandalf’ (wizard from The Lord of the Rings – means ‘Elf with the Staff’), ‘Oberon’ (King of Shadows and the Faeries in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream), ‘Titania’ (Queen of the Faeries in A Midsummer Night’s Dream), ‘Miranda’ (from Shakespeare’s The Tempest) and ‘Ariel’ (a sylph, also from The Tempest). There are so many characters in so many books that you’re sure to find one you like, if you’re so inclined.

Foundations of Practice:
Seeking and Empowering a Magickal Name

Next Week
A Book is Not (Always) Just a Book

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Bonus Post: The Magick of Esoteric Fiction

Posted on November 14, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Teachings about the magickal path can be found in many sources. The most obvious are those of non-fiction that present theory, philosophy and practice. The more occult forms are those that are interwoven in what appear to be fictional works of fantasy writing; but hold the keys to accurate and foundational magickal working. Often this is what initally draws the seeker to the path, albeit, often unbeknownst to the reader.

I would like to share my post this week on The Magickal Pen blog. Primarily, I thought it would be of interest to give example of how a novice fictional writer could weave some of the teachings we have been working with and personal experience into a style that is “hidden in plain sight”. This is an excellent way for you to explore different ways of expressing what you have learned of the Craft and then offer up that knowledge in a way that would appeal to a larger audience. After all, most everyone enjoys fantasy fiction.

So, this is a first adventure into unknown territory for me as well as you. Enjoy!

X’anyuae 

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As she lay in her dreamsleep, X’anyuae could hear the gentle voice in her mind saying “It’s time”. She opened her eyes slowly and sat up, allowing the last bit of dream vision to clear. She did not know how long she had been in the dream Temple but she sensed that it had been several days. Today was the final test she must undergo if she was to be initiated as a Vessel. Read more…

Image: Caitlin Fennelly

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Me, Myself and I

Posted on November 8, 2014 by themagickalpen

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“The building of the magickal personality brings us to something else;
each one of us has the actor within him or her.
As Shakespeare put it, so beautifully and poetically:

All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
and one man in his time plays many parts..”
excerpted: Lord of Lights by W. E. Butler

What is The Magickal Self?

The Magickal Self acts as the interface and point of transition from the mundane world to the spiritual realms. It is you, in your higher form of vibration that will more closely match the rhythms of the other worlds you are transiting. It is the trained you that as you progress along the Path also grows and expands to encompass more of knowledge and experience you have gained and reflect it back so that it may be recognizable and useable in your magickal workings.

The form your magickal self takes will vary in accord with your energetic changes as you move forward in your work and study. For some, they see themselves in a physical shape and form, although it will not resemble their physical coloring, build or stature at all. For others, these form may more easily take  geometric shapes or streams and patterns of light that hold the more highly refined state of their energy. In either case, as the physical form is densest in matter that shape will most likely not be the exact form taken as there is the need for a more refined energy within the astral realms. Whatever form this magickal self may take it is recognizable by you because it still remains as part of your consciousness which is held within the spiritual and physical you.

The Parts of Self

When we enter sacred space or engage in a magickal working, we do not enter alone. We bring onto that space the sum total of all the pieces of our experiences physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Each of these experiences are processed through our consciousness and it’s varied states of being.

A core component of the process of creating a Magickal Self is integration and communication between all the levels of our consciousness. In many spiritual traditions there are 3-5 levels or states of being that are embodied within the human being and are the holders of the Universal energy pattern. These parts act individually but are also interdependent upon one another to achieve a balance and bring the body into a place of Self-hood or wholeness.

In the varied traditions they are noted as below:

Reclaiming: Younger Self, Talking Self, and Higher Self
Feri Tradition: Sticky One, Shining Body, and Sacred Dove
Hebrew/Qabalistic: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Chaya and Yechida

For our purposes we will be working with these three designations and the Fourth of Spirit:

Lower Self
Middle Self
Higher SELF
and
The Spiritual SELF

Lower/Physical Self
I Have

The Lower Self ( Lower Mental) is our primal instinctual nature. This is the physical body we inhabit and the conscious self that responds and reacts to stimuli in the physical world through our senses and tactile abilities. This is our place of foundation and the place from which we concretely and tangibly build the world around ourselves. The Lower or physical self obeys the laws of time and because of its density in energy the laws of space and its place within it as well.

Middle/Emotional Self
I Want (to Become)

The Middle self more closely relates to the subconscious mind. The place of dreams and aspirations; of emotions and feelings. We Feel rather than thinking our way through this world. This is the first place of desire and the catalyst that yearns to Become more than we are and can experience in the physical self. The Lower Self says “I Have or possess this” and the subconscious feeds it the “want and desire” that enlivens and creates connection to what we have acquired.

Higher/Mental SELF
I Will Become

The Higher Mental self is the super or Higher conscious self. It knows the results of the subconscious desire working upon the conscious mind and has transcended to a place of “knowing it will be”. This Higher Self has developed a state of “awareness” and from that awareness evolves the Higher Will. It is not the will of Ego, but instead the Will to create, to manifest to exist. This is the part of Self that is not confined by the bounds of linear time and space.

The Spiritual SELF
The Divine Spark
I AM

The Spiritual SELF is the continued contact and communication with the impulse of the Divine. There is no longer a need to Have or possess. There is no desire for anything; for it is all and at once formed and formless. It is the realization that there is no separateness, only union and synthesis from which all other states of form emanate. It is the Divine Spark that is contained within us all and moves with us as we pass from lifetime to lifetime.

The way in which these parts of self interact when creating and calling forth the Magickal Self are multifold. Each is dependent and interdependent upon the other for forming, coalescing and finally birthing that magickal being that is inherent within us all. The subconscious generates the desire to shape and form the appropriate interface that will allow for movement and access to the higher planes. The conscious self, having been stimulated by the subconscious begins the work of creating the shape and image that magickal form will take. If you have a firmly established magickal persona, this process usually occurs at the point of putting on your ritual grab, a sacred amulet or ring. It intensifies and builds in substance as you enter sacred space. And, once the circle is cast, the quarters called and the energy of the ritual space changes its vibration and intensity the magickal self comes forth more fully to begin the work at hand. As the conscious self seeks the contact of the Higher consciousness (Higher Mental) this form begins to interact with the energies and planes that are being accessed in the ritual. If you are just beginning the process, every ritual, every magickal working that is done with focus and intent will strengthen and bring into greater substance that magickal self.

In those rare moments, when all the parts of self are in alignment and balance with each other the consciousness rises to a place of opening to the Spiritual SELF, sometimes called the Holy Guardian Angel. This of course, is the ultimate goal and is not something easily attained. This contact usually comes through the subconscious mind rather than the conscious waking mind; and can be likened to a brief flash of brilliant light where you are completely at one with the Universe, its mysteries and its source. These moments are quite rare and even with diligent practice towards that end, occur in their own way in their own time (often lifetimes), if at all.

WHAT?
So what is the importance of knowing about these various selves? And, what does that have to do with a magickal Self? Use this analogy and think on what it truly means.
As we develop our magickal self the physical being becomes something like a cocoon. Time passes and the affects of weather and all manner of outer influence go unnoticed by what is being transmuted within. Eventually, and a just the precise moment in time there is movement within the cocoon- from which the “lightness and grace” of an ephemeral butterfly (or the magickal SELF) emerges. A completely different form from its original with access to different sets of skill understanding worlds. It’s world is different from that of its former state as a caterpillar. It is through a similar state of metamorphosis that each time the call to the magickal self is issued the potential for a more enlivened and more refined states of being is held. And as we move through these new worlds, we are as the butterfly, transformed and empowered to soar towards our Divine nature.

Another Resource:
The Sacred Vessel Blog – Magickal Alignment Series
You may find this series an interesting support to the work you begin in conceptualizing and attuning to the varied parts of your magickal and mundane being.

Foundations of Practice:
Meditation-Breathing into Grounding
Continue to practice the grounding meditation this week. We will use it as the foundation of the 2nd Meditation Practice for next week.

 

Next Week’s Post
A Name By Any Other Name
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Bonus Post- Astrological Samhain

Posted on November 7, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Today marks Astrological Samhain!

The focus of this calling of Samhain’s energy is one of transformation. The heat of the Solar light flowing as the Scorpio Sun rises from its sleep in the dark caverns  and embraces the Sun as the Phoenix rising. Visually, by the time we reach the end of the first seven days of  November, the darkness crowds in more quickly, a sign that the energy is gaining momentum as it gathers what is needed to call forth the light at the Winter Solstice. This is the opportunity to gather that light within, to call upon the gifts of accessing the wisdom of what lay beyond the veils of our human experience and allow its power to light the fires within the space of our human form. We open our awareness and our consciousness to the potential of what awaits us within these solar gates. Read More here at…….

Auspicious Days- Astrological Samhain

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Overview of the Lesson: 7 – The Magickal Self

Posted on November 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

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” Our soul, our true self, is the most mysterious, essential, and magical dimension of our being. In fact, it is not a separate reality, as traditional Western thought views it, but the cohesive force that unites our body, heart, and mind. It is not a ghost trapped somehow in the physical machinery of our body but the very essence of our being.”

… Gabrielle Roth …

Who and what is the Magickal Self?

What and who is the mysterious “Magickal Self” that is spoken of as you move along a Wiccan path? There are as many answers to that as there are every individual practitioner of the magickal arts. You see the magickal self is formed and created through the individual’s experience, innate talents and practice, practice, practice. So come on a journey back to your Divine Self.

Foundations of Practice:

Our focus in Foundations of Practice this month will center on those exercises which will begin to strengthen and establish the integration of all parts of self.

Reading and Resources:

Check out the Suggested Reading this month for additions that will give you more information about choosing a magickal name, making your robe and spiritual practice that will support the basics of developing your magickal self.

The Awakening:

This journey is one of learning more about your spiritual nature and the power of the Witch that is awakened. The beginnings of awakening this persona take form in all acts of devotion and magickal working and seamlessly interweave their magick into your mundane expression. This is the mystery of not only calling oneself a Witch, but living that truth, embodying that energy and claiming that power.

The robe slips easily over my shoulders
And drapes my body in magick.

The amulet rests at the space of voice
Just below my upturned head.

I balance all parts of my self
And allow the mysteries
Of true magick to flow.

I speak the name of power
And step through the Gates
of my own Destiny.

Blessings Bright…

The Right Mind-Set

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The Right Mind Set

Posted on November 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Training the Mind and Freeing the Spirit

At this point in your studies, you have now reached a new place on the Path and are ready to branch out a bit and begin to more actively use what has been learned thus far. Part of that process is the development and cultivation of your Magickal Self or persona. The Mind is the place of manifesting and bringing that self into the foreground where it can be used. The Mind helps us to re-member and reassemble the pieces that make up who we are- physically, emotionally and Spiritually.

When we learn to control our mind we are on a path towards stepping into our full power. Now, to be very clear about this, I am not speaking of Power over another and the enticement that many are led to the Craft by with being able to manipulate and control for their own self-interest. Power is at best a tricky word to use when speaking of spiritual matters as it has often the overlays of negativity surrounding it, making those who wish to remain humble and world serving avoid it’s use and those who do not fully understand the implications and responsibilities that accompany it’s acquisition to over state it.

The Power to which I am referring is the knowledge and use of your own Divine nature. This is the control and development of your own energies and the impact they have on that which makes up your world of experience. It is the cultivated knowing of when and how to exert your will so that it may work in alignment with the Higher Will and when to simply be and be guided by your Higher nature which is in constant communication with the Universal source of all life.

We will explore ethics of the Craft in future lessons, but for now let us say that as you progress in this work, be ever mindful of your undertakings. YOU are ultimately the one accountable for your actions and the chain of cause and effect that those actions may incur. For example; If you get up in a bad mood and begin your day in a rushed and stressed manner, the physical you sets off a specific chain of events and energies based upon that mood. If, later that day you bring that energy into ritual, meditation or any type of spiritual work that will awaken and call into action the Magickal Self, that negative energy will be amplified exponentially and will ripple out into the realms in which you are working. The intent will be affected and thus change the outcome. (This is one of the reasons for always doing some sort of grounding meditation to align yourself with positive energy prior to beginning magickal work). This is the power of the Mind and the Hermetic Law of Cause and Effect…

Pull against the tides
The glistening sand and shell is revealed.

Open the heart in gratitude
And the crowd of humanity rushes in.

Retreat into the hollow space of silence
And the echo of sound is unbearable.

Speak loudly of the unspeakable truths
And the quiet guilt takes your breath away.

Move with the dynamics of fiery will
And gates of iron tremble at your foot-fall.

Close your eyes to the disease of injustice
And chaos drives the chariot of destruction.

Rip through the veil of bountiful limit
And the great tsunami of potency crashes down.

Move into the heart and fullness of God
And She pulls you deeper into her embrace.

Remain in the place of expanded stillness
And all of the inner workings of the cosmos
Become the sweet fulfillment of your Soul.

The Mind is a Powerful Thing

So how do we correct this disparity? The obvious answer is to not let it occur in the first place. This is not to say that we are never to have a bad day, be stressed or angry. But acknowledging those Thoughts that generate the feelings, which are then acted upon is a first step towards training and controlling where your mind leads you. The most difficult of this training is in changing the way we think. There is needed a certain resiliency and adaptability that most of us rarely experience. To be flexible of mind is to become the buoy in the midst of a severe ocean storm. To remain steady, despite the violence of the waves and to allow the water to pass over, but not overcome you. When this sureness and calmness is applied to our thoughts we can accomplish great things. We respond, rather than react. We move with the tides of energy as they flow rather than bucking against them frantically.

All of the actions below send powerful messages to the brain and work to develop and train you to be in sync and in flow with the energy around you. This in turn creates adaptability and flexibility as you move into sacred space and the varied patterns of energy contained therein.

• Meditation teaches you to relax and quiet your physical being and your mind.
• Eating well and regular exercise gives the message to your physical self that you are cared for and as a spiritual vessel, I will honor you.
• Pausing before speaking and truly listening to what is being said, opens you to receptivity and the opportunity to expand your awareness.

We will discuss and explore more of these in Lesson Eight: Personal Practice, as they are key components to a vital and productive Spiritual Practice.

Foundations of Practice:
Meditation-Breathing into Grounding

Next Week’s Post
Me, Myself and I

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Foundations of Practice: Lesson Seven

Posted on November 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Breathing Into Grounding

Continue this exercise for throughout month. Next Month (Lesson Eight) we explore ways to expand on this technique and establish a regular set of exercises and meditations to keep you on track and engage you more fully in an established spiritual practice.

Take some time to either record or thoroughly review the steps outlined in the grounding meditation. You will be using this to practice  breath and sensing the energy that builds in and around you. This is a part of the process used as we discussed, when casting a circle.

* This grounding can be done at any time to bring you back to a place of balance and calm. Its nature is one of connecting you with the natural flow of positive, restorative energy.     A Simple Grounding Meditation

 

Spinal-spiralsMeditation
Seeking and Empowering a Magickal Name

This time of contemplation may be used as a place of seeking a name or further exploring the deeper meaning of a name you may already have.

Select a space where you will not be disturbed and is quiet. Sit in a comfortable position and establish an easy rhythm of breath. Form the intent in your mind of:

Seeking a magickal name, or
Seeking deeper knowledge of the the name you currently have

Breathe fully into this intent and make statement that:
I am (mundane name) and I seek a name of power through which my magick may flow and will align with my work and magickal persona. I, (mundane name) call this name of power to be revealed!, or

I am (mundane name) also called (magickal name) within the magickal realms. I seek greater understanding of this magickal name and deeper clarity as to how I may use its power more fully. I, (magickal name), call this to be so!

Sit and be open and receptive to what information is presented. This may come in the form of images, sounds, smells or via any of the sensorial routes. There may be more than one energy that presents. Simply allow it to pass through and send the intention that one is most needed and relevant will remain in sight.

Note for this next step. If you are seeking a magickal name, it may not be gifted at first try. Do not be discouraged, for the first and truest of your magickal names is that which was given at birth. So, you may apply this empowerment to that name until another is presented. Also be mindful, that the act of setting this meditation of calling in motion will begin to generate the magnetism to draw a name to you. Be aware of images, places, or things that you see, hear or otherwise experience in the days following. If you persistently see a rose (on billboards, in advertisement, etc..) and the image keeps reappearing in unusual settings or without your seeking it; this could be the message that “Rose” is to be your name of power. Do the meditation again, this time with the intent of verifying that this is indeed a message of naming for you.

When you have received what you feel is needed at this time, make declaration of:
May this name of power be ignited by the flame of Divine Will.

May this name of power be a gate to the waters of Inner Knowing.

May this name of power be the foundation upon which I move as a Witch and the Weaver of True Magick.May this name of power be carried on the winds of calling and into the halls of the Great Ones, the Celestial Ones and those beings of the Greater Earth as sign and symbol of Higher Mind.

See this name written in blue flame on your inner screen and shining brightly as beacon of recognition on all of the planes. When all is complete, make final declaration to seal the working:

So Mote It Be!

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Journaling: Your Book of Shadows

In this lesson you have learned the use and purpose of establishing a Book of Shadows (BOS). As you begin to organize the sections and decide what you wish to include in your BOS; spend some time going through the journal you began at the start of these lessons. What material would be suitable to transfer into your BOS and as you review what you have written thus far, what could be added to these experiences, now that you are seeing them anew. From here forward you have the choice of either recording in your Book of Shadows or continuing the use of the magickal journal you have started. As you begin to make more entries, the appropriate place for their recording will flow easily.

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A Simple Grounding Meditation-Lesson Seven

Posted on November 1, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Sitting in a place where you will not be disturbed, begin by using the Four-Fold breathing technique. When you feel you have established a regular breathing pattern, turn on the recording or listening to your inner dialogue move through the steps of the grounding meditation. When you are finished be sure to journal your experience and what difference this meditation has made in how you felt when you began and how you feel now having completed the cycle….

Take a few more deep breaths, feeling the connection of your feet on the floor beneath you. Feel the gentle pressure of the soles of your feet on the floor beneath and move your consciousness down into the full sensation.  Now imagine energy streaming from the soles of your feet, reaching deeply into the floor beneath like roots extending downward into moist and fertile soil.  See and sense the this energy moving down through the floor and into the ground , deep into the belly of the earth Mother.

When you have extended down as deeply as you feel is needed, breathe in deeply and begin to draw the energy of this space up through the roots of your feet. Feel this energy coiling and moving up through your feet, ankles and calves. Continue to breathe in deeply, drawing more of this energy of the earth up through thighs, pelvic bowl and into the core of your belly.  Allow this energy to move through your lower body, breathing deeply into its essence.

Now draw a stream of that energy up through the space of the heart, up through the throat and up into your head and face.  Move your space of awareness up with the flow of energy and breathing deeply allow it it to pass easily through the top of your head.  Push this energy up and through the ceiling, up and out into the light of the sky.  Breathe deeply and allow this energy to flow gently upwards coiling like smoke up towards the heavens.

When it has extended as far above as is needed, breathe deeply and as you inhale draw the energy of this space of the Great above down into your being. Each inhalation draws more of this potent energy down and through the space of crown, head, face and throat. Draw this energy down into the space of the heart and pull it into the enlivened energy now held from Mother Earth at the space of your belly.

Envision the two streams of energy intermingling, coiling around the other and forming one stream of flowing energy that moves from the Great Above, deep into the fertile earth of the Mother below.  Feel the stabilizing and harmonizing the combination of this energy brings. Spend some time allowing the flow of this combined energy to move fully and expansively through you.

When you feel completely centered and strong in the foundation of this energy, envision, both ends of these streams drawing in towards the center of your belly. Feel the enlivening of this space of your central core, feeling balanced and strengthened in this synthesis. Breathe deeply and allow this energy to distribute itself as it will throughout the whole of your body and when you are ready open your eyes and stand gently, feeling renewed and grounded; ready for the work at hand.

So Mote It Be..

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Happy Samhain!

Posted on October 31, 2014 by themagickalpen

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Happy Samhain! Please enjoy my post for Samhain on the Womb of Light Blog and may the blessings of the ancestors be realized on this most sacred of seasons…

Crackling leaves are burning
Transformed from life to death
The crow calls out relentlessly
To those unseen and life withers
In the blasting of its issue.

The Crone’s outstretched hand
Pulls me tightly to her breast
The air chills at her touch
Long icy fingers tapping out the
Heart beat of life’s pulse within.

The solemn silence of darkness
The pause of silent breath
Power and strength drawn
From the sinewy strands of time.

Quartered path of
Gravel and stone
Flesh and blood
Moonlight and stars.

The wellspring of Earth and
The light of the cosmos above
Host the spirits who walk
Along Her sacred path.

Read more at: The Wisdom of the Underworld

We begin Lesson Seven Tomorrow!

The Magickal Self 

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