CRESCENT MOON

A symbol of the aging goddess (crone) to contemporary witches and victory over death to many Muslims. In Islamic lands, crescent can be seen enclosing a lone pentagram.

 

 

COW

It symbolized the sky goddess Hathor to Egyptians, enlightenment to Buddhists, one of the highest and holiest stages of transmigration (reincarnation) to Hindus.

CIRCLE (quartered)

The sacred circle filled with a cross, four equal lines pointing from the center to the spirits of the north, east, south, and west—or to the basic element: earth, water, air (or wind), and fire. In Native American traditions, it forms the basic pattern of the MEDICINE WHEEL and plays a vital part in major spiritual rituals. Many contemporary pagans consider it their main symbol for transmitting the energy of the goddess. Christian churches have used variations of the same popular shape, usually calling it the Celtic Cross.

CIRCLE with a DOT (BINDU) in the center

In the complex symbolic system of Hinduism and Buddhism, the bindu (dot) represents the male force. Together, the circle and the bindu symbolize the merging of male and female forces.

CIRCLE (sacred hoop, ring)

An ancient and universal symbol of unity, wholeness, infinity, the goddess, and female power. To earth-centered religions throughout history, as well as to many contemporary pagans, it represents the feminine spirit or force, the cosmos or a spiritualized Mother Earth, and a sacred space. Gnostic traditions linked the unbroken circle to the “world serpent” forming a circle as it eats its own tail.

BUTTERFLY

To many pagans, its mythical meaning is linked to the soul (of the deceased) in search of reincarnation.

BAT

A symbol of good fortune in the East, it represented demons and spirits in medieval Europe.

ARROW

Through history, the arrow has symbolized war, power, swiftness, the rays of the sun, knowledge… as well as deities such as the Greek god Apollo and goddess Artemis (both hunters), the Hindu weather god, Rudra; and various gods of sexual attraction: Eros (Greek), Cupid (Roman), Kama (Hindu)… On ancient Roman coins, it represented the Zoroastrian god, Mithra. The native American Cheyenne warriors revered the “sacred medicine arrows” as symbols of male power. Arrows held by skeletons would point to disease or death. Today, they usually just point in the preferred direction.

ANKH

An Egyptian cross symbolizing a mythical eternal life, rebirth, and the life-giving power of the sun.

ANGEL

Symbol of good and evil spirits in religions around the world.

AMULET

A magic charm, worn to bring good luck and protection against illness, accidents and evil forces.

EYE IN TOP TRIANGLE OF THE PYRAMID

Masonic symbol for the all-seeing eye of god

ALL-SEEING EYE

A universal symbol representing spiritual sight, inner vision, higher knowledge, and insight into occult mysteries.

ALCHEMY

Alchemy combined a wide variety of geometric shapes to represent the various natural and esoteric “elements” needed for its science, spells, medicine and magic.

7 Basic Psychic Self Defense and Energy Protection Techniques

By Psychic Hayden

Protect Yourself From People Who Drain You

I’m sure this topic has been covered many times before. Despite this, it’s always good to have a refresher course. This is especially true considering in our world now more than ever there is so much energy draining and “vampirism” going on.

 

For those who don’t know, energy vampirism is when a person uses any fear based emotion to emotionally impact us and thereby gain access to our personal energy whereas they are then capable of claiming it as their own. Some of these fear based emotions include intimidation, guilt, embarrassment, pity, anger, and depression.

 

It becomes important for people that find themselves constantly around energy vampires and their negativity to consistently remind themselves that they are in control of their own energy and where it goes.

 

That, of course, isn’t always easy and in some cases is much easier said than done. Thankfully, there are many very basic and easy techniques that a person can learn, experiment with, and practice to protect their own energy and themselves from the negativity of others.

 

Psychic Defense Technique One – White Light

 

Perhaps the most well known technique in the new age and metaphysical realms is that which involves white light or just light energy. The concept of surrounding ourselves with the white light of eternal love and protection is not really new to many. Still, many have trouble figuring out exactly how to do this. May I suggest the following visualizations:

 

a) Picture yourself in the center of a light bulb, then imagine it is turned on.
b) While standing under a shower of water (real or imagined), see/feel the water turn into the light.
c) Visualize an angel hovering over you and the light radiating from all around it and around you.

 

White light is important as being in it raises our own vibrations thus making it less likely that we’ll even encounter those who are choosing to follow the path of a lower vibration (hence negativity). Additionally, it helps to neutralize the negative vibrations that do manage to make their way to our aura.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Two – Blue Bubble or Blue Shield

 

Not as well known as the white light technique, the Bubble and Shield technique uses the idea that we can surround ourselves mentally with either a bubble or a shield that will reflect and absorb negativity so that we don’t have to feel the full effects of it. The color blue, associated with the throat chakra, represents will power and when combined with the visualization of the bubble or shield strengthens it.

 

We can layer the bubble or shield with the white light, so both can be in effect at one time. In truth, in dire situations, all of these methods can be layered to provide additional levels of protection to the psyche and auric energy field.

 

If you are one of those people that hates being around large crowds because you are so sensitive to energy, this is an important technique which can in essence give your social freedom back to you. Go out to a mall or shopping area where a lot of people are and enter and take note of what it feels like. Exit or excuse yourself to the restroom. Put the blue bubble or shield around yourself before going back. See if you notice a difference.

 

Going with the idea, one could put a bubble around the person that is being negative too, thereby creating a form of operant conditioning around the individual. When they choose to throw negative energy or use negative emotions to their advantage, this energy can’t escape the bubble and thus they feel the full effects of it. I.E., a person learns that they have to be nice when around you or they get zapped by their own negative energy.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Three – Physical Body Positions

 

Crossing your arms and legs can also be very protective. These body positions act to close off the human energy circuits and also protect various chakra (energy) points – depending on where the arms are crossed. The next time you are around someone that seems to be pulling at your energy or spewing a bunch of negativity, sit down calmly, cross your arms and legs, and listen. Their energy won’t be affecting you and eventually they’ll get tired or drained (as they aren’t getting any of your energy and they are using up their own supply) and then just leave you alone for the rest of the day.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Four – Mirrors

 

Visualizing mirrors surrounding the self has been used almost as long as the white light and blue energy. The idea here is that your visualization should have the mirrors facing outwards so that energy is reflected away from you. Like the bubble, you can put them around someone else to act as a form of operant conditioning, but this time the mirror’s reflective surface should face inward toward the person you are putting them around.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Five – Salt

 

We are speaking of a pure salt here, such as Kosher Salt or Sea Salt. These pure salts absorb negative energy and will ground or take it away from you if you have picked up any. There are many ways to use this technique.

 

a) Put some salt into a small glass and leave the glass on your work desk or in the room where people are most often found. This will absorb negative vibes. Make sure to flush it and change it out every month or after every fight/argument.

 

b) Add a sprinkle to some bath water and soak in it. This will pull negativity off and away from you as you soak. Add a touch of baking soda also to revitalize or help regain the lost energy.

 

c) Dilute some salt into a spray bottle of spring or mineral water. Spray a mist in the air of any room which has been overloaded with negativity or in which recent fights/arguments have occurred. This has the effect of making the environment feel light, pure, and airy again. Many combine this with the burning of sage (often called smudging) to cleanse and clear areas.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Six – Protection Symbols

 

Protection symbols come in many forms. It’s the belief in the symbol that will be the most important. However, the symbol itself can act to strengthen the subconscious mind and as a result be an added measure of defense and protection.

 

Holy symbols tend to be the most popular symbols of protection (cross/crucifix for Catholics/Christians, pentagram for Pagans, cow, Buddha, the list literally could go on) however any symbol can be used as a symbol of protection as long as it is meaningful to you. Thus, don’t make fun of someone who talks about their lucky whatever. It may truly be an important symbol for them and because of their belief and what that symbol invokes; it very well may truly be “lucky” and helpful for them.

 

Psychic Defense Technique Seven – Prayer and Affirmations

 

Prayer and affirmations have long been used to build positive energy, amplify other protections, and add layers of defense to the human energy system. In the case of prayer, any prayer which is said immediately following the use of one of these methods will act to strengthen it. In the case of affirmations, affirmations such as “I allow only love around me,” “People adore me,” and “My vibration is stronger and faster each day” can improve your energy and defense techniques. When writing an affirmation, always remember to put it in the present, write it from the first person perspective, and do not include negatives (not, don’t, won’t, can’t, etc) in it.

 

Likewise, invoking or asking angels for help also falls here. A common conception of the angelic realm is that angels can’t intervene or help humans unless a human has asked and given them permission to do so. The exception being if a person’s life is in danger, then many times that rule can be broken. The point is, always be willing to ask for extra help if you need it. Your angels, guides, and the powers to be will always respond and help out.

Resource

California Psychics

Psychic Protection – Shielding

 

One of the most important skills we will learn on our path is psychic protection. Shielding is a very important component of that. I really encourage you to take the time to learn this skill as best as you can. This, honestly; has been the most important thing I have learned to control my gift. It’s what makes it so that I can go through a funeral if I need to, or watch a movie with friends without spouting waterfalls. It also allows me to keep my cool if I am in the presence of someone who is less then pleasant. What? Everyone in the world isn’t happy? Giggles. You know how essential something like this can be.

 

Right now, if you’re not familiar with shielding you probably have a visual in your head of a knight in armor carrying a shield in front of him. That’s not a bad visual. The purpose of that shield for the knight is to stop anyone from hurting him. While it doesn’t always work perfectly, it will help protect him from incoming attacks. If you think about it, I’m quite sure, just knowing that shield was there helped to bolster his confidence and calmness when going into battle or stressful situations. A psychic shield works much the same.

 

A psychic shield is a collection of energy that we place around ourselves and program to do what we wish it to do. There is so much you can do with psychic shields. It can take a lot of time for you to find the shield that is right for you. You may wish to have many types of shields that you work with. I could literally write a book just on shielding techniques…perhaps one day I will. For now though, I want to get you use to a basic shield, and talk about a couple variations on it that I believe will help you.

 

The Basic Bubble Shield

 

When working with energy, you will find that I mention white light fairly often. The white light is the light that comes from the divine. It is the energy that is warm, loving, and peaceful. The light that we are graced with on the other side. However you can have it’s benefits while you are here. All right, it’s time to get comfy again!

 

How many of you are familiar with your aura? Your aura is the energy that is made by you and surrounds you as you go through your day to day life. Depending on your mood, is what color it will be. For now, you just need to know that it’s there. It’s extension from your body varies depending on several things. For right now though I want you to envision it being about six inches to a foot away from your body. Have it?

 

Now, I want you to work on forming that ball of energy in your hands like we did before. However now, we want to make that ball of light surround us completely and protect us. Work on surrounding yourself with a ball of white light. Think of it like the bubbles you blew with soap when you were a child. It’s a layer of protection around you to stop energy from getting to you. So as you form this ball of light around you, I want you to envision it protecting you from any negative energy. This bubble will only allow positive emotions to come to you. Anything that will hurt, or harm you in any way is not allowed through it. When you are done, finish it by saying, “Only loving, positive energy may come to me.” This programs your shield and lets your intentions be known to the universe.

 

Each morning when you wake up, you want to shield yourself before going out for your day. You may need to take a few minutes throughout the day to redo it if you feel it’s not working anymore. Try to make it a part of your daily routine. Allow yourself an extra five to ten minutes each morning to protect yourself. It will make a difference as you go through your day.

 

Now how do you tell if your shield is working? I mentioned before that some of us can “see” better then others. I am one that can feel things better. If you are an empath, it is quite likely that you will be able to feel the energy of your shield before you can see it. Sometimes feeling your shield can be difficult too. So what are some other ways to tell if it’s working or not? Take a look at how you are going throughout your day. Do you feel confident and protected? How are you feeling emotionally? Do you feel in control of your emotions? These are all ways to tell if your shield is working properly. If it’s not, see if you can grab a restroom break for a few minutes. While in there, breathe deeply and reapply your shield. This should help you.

 

We also need to cleanse our shield. This is done by manipulating energy primarily through visualization as well. I usually do mine at night. As I’m falling asleep I will mentally scan my shield and try to feel it. I use my energy to cleanse any negative energy from it and tend to any places that may need it.

 

Variations on the Bubble Shield

 

There are so many things you can do to modify your shield. From textures, to layers, to shapes, to colors. The basic bubble shield is a great way to get started. I urge you to work on mastering it. When you are comfortable with it you can start experimenting with the aspects of your shield to customize it to you. The other area of shields I want to go into with you a little bit is basic colors of your shields. You can do a lot by changing the color of your shield to what is appropriate.

 

It is also perfectly acceptable to have more then one type of shield. I have a complex bubble shield that I use almost all the time and I customize it to what I need in the situation I’m in. I can change it at a moments notice now. Though it took me quite some time and practice to get there. Along with my bubble shield I also use a cloak. I visualize my cloak as being a dark navy blue on the outside, and a beautiful snow white on the inside. The inside is really silky and quite comfortable around me. It helps me to feel protected. When I wish to become more invisible I will pull the hood up on my cloak and retreat into it. It works really well in stores. Almost too well as do find I get stepped on quite a bit when I use it which always makes me laugh. Because I have such a hard time seeing it, I love having tangible proof for myself like that to help let me know it’s working as it should.

 

Colors of Shields

 

I wanted to give you a basic background on colors of shields for you to use with your bubble shield. You may want to experiment with these. It can be helpful to keep notes on what colors you use and what you have noticed when you use them.

 

White Light – White light is the main color I use. It is the color of the divine. For those of you who work with angels it will help keep you surrounded with their love and protection.

 

Rose Light – Rose is a warm loving color. It works hard to keep all energy received very loving. It is especially helpful in protecting you against negative people.

 

Yellow – Like sunshine, yellow is a very uplifting color. You can use this in situations where you think you may need extra help staying in a positive mood.

 

Green Light – Green is a healing color. Use this when you, or someone around you is feeling ill.

 

Blue Light – Blue is a very calming color. You can use this color shield when you want to stay extra calm in any situation.

 

Purple – Purple is a psychic color. You want to use a purple shield when you are doing any type of intuitive work.

 

Resource

Jasmeine Moonsong, Author
Published on the website, Jasmeine Moonsong

Shielding – Let’s Get Basic

 

I really encourage you to take the time to learn this skill as best as you can. This honestly has been the most important thing I have learned to control my gift. It’s what makes it so that I can go through a funeral if I need to, or watch a movie with friends without spouting waterfalls. It also allows me to keep my cool if I am in the presence of someone who is less then pleasant. What? Everyone in the world isn’t happy? Giggles. You know how essential something like this can be.

 

Right now, if you’re not familiar with shielding you probably have a visual in your head of a knight in armor carrying a shield in front of him. That’s not a bad visual. The purpose of that shield for the knight is to stop anyone from hurting him. While it doesn’t always work perfectly, it will help protect him from incoming attacks. If you think about it, I’m quite sure, just knowing that shield was there helped to bolster his confidence and calmness when going into battle or stressful situations. A psychic shield works much the same.

 

A psychic shield is a collection of energy that we place around ourselves and program to do what we wish it to do. There is so much you can do with psychic shields. It can take a lot of time for you to find the shield that is right for you. You may wish to have many types of shields that you work with. I could literally write a book just on shielding techniques…perhaps one day I will. For now though, I want to get you use to a basic shield, and talk about a couple variations on it that I believe will help you.

 

The Basic Bubble Shield

 

When working with energy, you will find that I mention white light fairly often. The white light is the light that comes from the divine. It is the energy that is warm, loving, and peaceful. The light that we are graced with on the other side. However you can have it’s benefits while you are here. All right, it’s time to get comfy again!

 

How many of you are familiar with your aura? Your aura is the energy that is made by you and surrounds you as you go through your day to day life. Depending on your mood, is what color it will be. For now, you just need to know that it’s there. It’s extension from your body varies depending on several things. For right now though I want you to envision it being about six inches to a foot away from your body. Have it?

 

Now, I want you to work on forming that ball of energy in your hands like we did before. However now, we want to make that ball of light surround us completely and protect us. Work on surrounding yourself with a ball of white light. Think of it like the bubbles you blew with soap when you were a child. It’s a layer of protection around you to stop energy from getting to you. So as you form this ball of light around you, I want you to envision it protecting you from any negative energy. This bubble will only allow positive emotions to come to you. Anything that will hurt, or harm you in any way is not allowed through it. When you are done, finish it by saying, “Only loving, positive energy may come to me.” This programs your shield and lets your intentions be known to the universe.

 

Each morning when you wake up, you want to shield yourself before going out for your day. You may need to take a few minutes throughout the day to redo it if you feel it’s not working anymore. Try to make it a part of your daily routine. Allow yourself an extra five to ten minutes each morning to protect yourself. It will make a difference as you go through your day.

 

Now how do you tell if your shield is working? I mentioned before that some of us can “see” better then others. I am one that can feel things better. If you are an empath, it is quite likely that you will be able to feel the energy of your shield before you can see it. Sometimes feeling your shield can be difficult too. So what are some other ways to tell if it’s working or not? Take a look at how you are going throughout your day. Do you feel confident and protected? How are you feeling emotionally? Do you feel in control of your emotions? These are all ways to tell if your shield is working properly. If it’s not, see if you can grab a restroom break for a few minutes. While in there, breathe deeply and reapply your shield. This should help you.

 

We also need to cleanse our shield. This is done by manipulating energy primarily through visualization as well. I usually do mine at night. As I’m falling asleep I will mentally scan my shield and try to feel it. I use my energy to cleanse any negative energy from it and tend to any places that may need it.

 

Resource

Jasmeine Moonsong, Author
Published on the website, Jasmeine Moonsong

Let’s Talk Witch – Losing Your Religion

While it seems that a majority of Witches were raised in non-religious families, or else had parents who had left their own families’ religion behind, many do come to the Craft from religious backgrounds. Most were brought up in a denomination of Christianity, but other faiths are represented as well.

A religious upbringing can be tricky for an aspiring Witch, particularly for those who grew disillusioned with a faith they once followed, and especially for those whose family lives were strongly infused with their religion.

If this is your situation, you might experience resistance to much of what you read and hear about Witchcraft, no matter how much it resonates with some parts of you. This resistance might be subtle or quite active, and can come from a variety ideas that you may have consciously let go of, but are deeply ingrained nonetheless.

For example, you might struggle with adopting a new concept of deity, such as the Wiccan God and Goddess, or any of their “lesser” aspects from the various pantheons that practitioners of Wicca and other forms of the Craft follow. You may have had it instilled in you from an early age that the deity (usually known simply as “God”) of your religion is the only one, and that any other deity is completely fabricated by human beings, or else somehow inappropriate to give your attention to.

Many sects of Christianity in particular havelong held that anything with the slightest whiff of paganism is inherently “evil,” but this idea is found within the other monotheistic religions as well. So even though you know in your heart that there’s nothing wrong with following a different deity, and doing so in an entirely different way, it can still feel rather strange.

You may also have been raised with a concept of deity (usually “God”) as one who is both benevolent and punishing, watching and judging your every action and providing you with plenty of opportunities to feel guilty if you’re not living up to what you’ve been taught is the ideal standard of behavior. In this kind of belief system, a rigid concept of the afterlife is often used as motivation for keeping oneself in line, and the rules involved can run from simple to complex, and from sensible to seemingly random and bizarre.

People who leave religions with strict dogma tend to be wary of the word “god,” whether it’s capitalized or not, and are generally resistant to anything resembling “rules.” So when you come across a Witch or a book that appears to take a dogmatic approach to the Craft (such as a fixed arrangement of the altar that must be followed consistently, or some other element of practice that can only be viewed from a specific perspective), it can be off-putting.

The concept of goddesses is also challenging for some who have been raised in the patriarchal religious systems of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, although this is also a major draw, if not the major draw, for many Witches who work with deities.

The presence of a divine feminine and the balanced equality between the two genders in many forms of the Craft is a refreshing and welcoming experience for many who come from a patriarchal background. And some forms of Wicca actually leave male deities out of it altogether. Nonetheless, if your former notion of divinity was exclusively male, then goddesses can be a little hard to get used to.

Not all forms of Witchcraft recognize deities, however, and it should also be acknowledged that a vast number of Witches would reject the idea that their path is a religion. Wicca is officially recognized as a religion in many places, but even some Wiccans decline to identify it that way.
It should also be noted that there are Witches who continue to practice their religion of origin along with Witchcraft and see no conflict between the two—even if most members of that religion of origin would disagree!

If you’re feeling called to the Craft, but uncertain or hesitant about how the concept of deity fits with your worldview as a “religious refugee,” know that your experience of this path is yours alone.

No one can make you believe in anything, and no amount of worshiping or honoring or invoking a deity is going to make it real for you if you’re just going through the motions because it seems like you’re “supposed to.” Unless you belong to a Wiccan coven that worships particular aspects of the Goddess and God, you really have a wide range of possibilities to explore in this department.

If following a well-established path is what feels right, then you may be more predisposed to follow deities that are widely believed in by members of specific traditions. Or you can take the “eclectic” route and build your own practice, which may or may not include deities.
No matter how your path evolves, you can let go of the idea that any one religion or belief system is the “correct” one. In fact, it can be very useful to allow for the possibility that the infinite Universe has room for all deities and all beliefs, with no one particular set of ideas being any more correct than another.

You can also relax, take your time, and trust that you will find your way when you’re ready. Although some people do end up having a specific mystical or spiritual experience that immediately opens them up to a new understanding of the non-physical world in a particular and lasting way, most of us come to an understanding of our deities of choice (or lack thereof) more gradually.

So don’t let mixed feelings about “religion” stop you from following your inner guidance. Know that if you listen to yourself first, you’ll always end up where you’re meant to be.

Source

Wicca Living a Magical Life: A Guide to Initiation, Self-Dedication and Navigating Your Journey in the Craft
Lisa Chamberlain