Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 24

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – August 24

“The mind’s eye changes the way we judge things.”

–Fools Crow, LAKOTA

“What you see is what you get.” Our head has inside it a movie projector that projects out from our foreheads and shines on a screen a picture of our true thoughts. This is our reality. We can only see what we project
(our beliefs). If we believe someone is a jerk, every time we see them we reflect our beliefs about what we think about that person and that is all we can see. Even if someone tells us this person is a kind, loving, caring, intelligent individual, we wouldn’t be able to see it. If we change our belief about them, that person will change and so will our judgment about that person.

My Creator, let me realize the power of choice. Let me see the advantages of changing my beliefs. Today, if I am judging my brother, let me change my beliefs to acceptance. If my thoughts are of anger, let me change them to love. Let my eyes only see you in everything and every person.

Let’s Talk Witch – MEDITATION

Native American Comments & Graphics

MEDITATION

 

Meditation is an excellent method of refining your awareness and your ability to sense and control energy. It’s a method of managing stress, which can interfere with your ability to channel energy. It smoothes the rough energy flowing through our lives into calmer, positive energy.

Most people think of meditation as sitting cross-legged with their eyes closed, trying to think of nothing. While this is certainly a valid interpretation, there are actually many different kinds of meditation. Most practices may be classified as one of two kinds of meditation:

Active Meditation: This is when you allow an object to evoke associations in your mind as you focus on it. Associations can include such things as sounds, dialogue, memories, and even interaction with images.

Passive Meditation: This is when you don’t allow your mind to wander, focusing your visualization upon only the object of your meditation.

There are several reasons to meditate. The opportunity to quiet our minds allows self-discovery, healing, insight, the re-establishment of emotional balance, and it encourages positive change. Meditation provides the opportunity to listen to our souls and bodies without the distraction of mental chatter, or stream of consciousness. It can be a very spiritual practice. Edgar Cayce once said, “Prayer is talking to God. Meditation is listening to God.”

The benefits of meditation are legion. It creates increased awareness of the self and the environment; it provides a time of inner silence, which is important for physical, mental, and emotional health; it creates a better energy flow for easier and more efficient living; it enhances personal energy for use in spiritual practice; and it conditions the mind through mental exercise.

Why exercise your mind through meditation? Everything begins with mind power. Even physical action originates with a thought. You’ve already discovered the importance of visualization and a clearly defined goal in spellcasting. Meditation helps hone these skills.

There are four basic requirements for meditation: a quiet environment to eliminate distractions; a comfortable position allowing complete relaxation of the physical body; a few moments spent relaxing to start; and a “mental device” to help block stream of consciousness generated by the waking mind, often called a mantra. That mental chatter, known as the stream of consciousness, is always present; you just notice it more when you try to meditate.

When is the best time for you to meditate? Take a moment to think about what the quietest time of your day is, or when you’re least likely to be disturbed. That’s an ideal time. Make sure the phone is off the hook, and that the TV and radio are turned off. Make sure you leave yourself enough time for preparation, for meditating, and for slowly coming out of the relaxed state. Create your ideal relaxed environment by selecting gentle music, soft lighting, and scents that calm you.

How often should you meditate? Remember that meditation is exercise, just like going to a gym, except this is a mental workout. Don’t overdo it. And have patience: we frequently become frustrated with a practice such as meditation, because we expect instant change in the twenty-first century. Meditation is a slow process by which the mind is trained. It’s better to meditate for ten minutes per day than for one hour per week. Like physical exercise, regular workouts are more effective than longer, fewer sessions.

Posture is important in any exercise, and being aware of your body is part of the work of meditation. Your physical state reflects your emotional state, so logically, your emotional state is also capable of influencing your physical state. While you may be tempted to lie down to meditate, be aware that your mind associates this position with sleep.

When sitting, keep your spine erect by imagining a string running all the way up your spine and out of the crown of your head, pulling you taut. This allows your energy to flow unimpeded throughout your body.
Relax your jaw; allow your head to float over your neck. Don’t strain your head forward or force it backwards.

Allow your arms to rest gently at your side or on your lap. Do not cross your arms or fold your hands.

Let your feet contact the ground, preferably flat.

If something happens during your meditation, accept it; look at your response objectively, and don’t leap to judge yourself. You have the ability to choose how to respond to things like annoying little itches, thoughts of inadequacy, and physical discomfort.

 

Power Spellcraft For Life: The Art Of Crafting And Casting For Positive Change
Arin Murphy-Hiscock

 

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – June 17

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – June 17

“Your power comes from the songs.”

–Ethel Wilson, COWICHAN

If you do not know any of the songs, ask an Elder to teach you. Get yourself a drum. When you sing a song and play the drum, you’ll be surprised how your mind, body, and spirit will react. Everything becomes calm and joyful. Our bodies love the songs. The songs allow us to touch the hand of the Creator. When we sing and touch the Great Spirit’s hand, He gives us power. Songs are another way to pray.

My Grandfather, teach me a song today.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 26

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 26

“The man who sat on the ground in his tipi meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures and acknowledging unity with the universe of things was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization.”

–Luther Standing Bear, OGLALA SIOUX

There is a concept that says you move toward and become that which you think about. If we think about everything as interconnected and interrelated, we will begin to accept the greater whole and that there is a power who is in charge. If we see the cycles of life, if we see the inner powers, if we see the interdependence of the universe, then we will participate in a harmonious way. We all need to pray and meditate on this. We need to understand the property of unity.

My Creator, let me have the insights of nature and give me the power of acceptance.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 15

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 15

“We must have respect and understanding for women and all female life on this Earth which bears the sacred gift of life.”

–Traditional Circle of Elders. ONONDAGA

At a gathering of Native Elders we were told that many men of today had lost their ability to look at the Woman in a sacred way. They said we were only looking at Her in a physical sense and had lost the ability to look at Her sacredness. They said the Woman has a powerful position in the Unseen World. She has the special ability to bring forth life. They told us to start showing Her respect and to look upon her in a sacred manner. We must start this today.

Grandfather, show me how to see in a sacred way.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 12

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – May 12

“All the stones that are around here, each one has a language of its own. Even the earth has a song.”

—- Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA

To believe that every tree, plant and insect can talk takes an open mind. Go by yourself into nature and sit quietly. Then pick up a rock and listen to your thoughts. After a while, put that rock down and pick up another rock. Your thoughts will change. These are the voices and wisdom of the Stone People. Each one has different wisdom and they are willing to share their wisdom with you. Many of the Stone People are very old and very wise.

Great Spirit, let every rock and leaf be my teacher.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – April 28

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – April 28

“Indians living close to nature and nature’s ruler are not living in darkness.”

–Walking Buffalo, STONEY

There are many Indian people who are living according to nature and according to ceremony and culture. They may not have a lot of material things, but that doesn’t mean they are not successful. What is success anyway? Can success be measured by material things? What is it we are really chasing anyway? The Elders say that what everyone really wants is to be happy and have a peaceful mind. Material things by themselves do not bring happiness and peace of mind. Only spiritual things bring happiness. When we live a spiritual life we will not have darkness. Instead, we will be happy.

Great Spirit, today, let me walk the Red Road.

Let’s Talk Witch – The Power of Meditation and Prayer

The Power of Meditation and Prayer

The power of meditation and prayer Meditation takes many forms. It can loosely be described as a method of stilling the mind in order to experience inner peace or to connect with inner or higher guidance. Meditation frequently involves inner reflection but it can also be used to focus healing energies for self and others. It can be used to alter consciousness and access other realities. There are many schools of meditation or yoga and it is not difficult to find and learn a technique that suits your personality or to develop your own personal method of meditating. Any activity that stills the constant chatter of the busy mind can be described as meditation. Dance, cycling, knitting, and gardening may all be used as meditation to still the mind.

When people meditate for a specific purpose it is often in a still, quiet place and it usually involves standing, sitting or lying, with spine straight, in a comfortable position and following a set routine which will close down the conscious mind. Many people grossly underestimate the power of individual and particularly group meditations to affect the world around us. When a group of people sit together with a clear group focus and shift their consciousness as one, then it is possible to work miracles.

Prayer is a powerful way of clarifying and expressing your concerns directly to your own Higher Self, the Creator or the Oneness you are. It is best done with a little preparation in a special place that is still, beautiful and free of distractions. This can be a room or part of a room, or if you can access it, a private place in nature. You do not need to go to church to pray, nor do you need an intermediary. It is your birthright to talk to the Divine or the Oneness, however you perceive Her/Him, in the way that you feel most comfortable.

Affirmations spoken out loud, alone or in groups are one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation available to humans. Affirmations work by clearly and positively stating your intentions to both the superconscious and your own subconscious. The spoken word has the power to create its intention and when made repeatedly and with clear intent, affirmations will directly affect the reality of the person making them.

Both your own subconscious and the Universe will respond to repeated affirmations whether they be positive or negative. Consider the person who repeatedly tells themselves and others, “I am useless, I will never amount to anything, nothing ever goes right for me.” These statements often repeated become a self fulfilling prophecy. How can anyone else believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself?

As the Universe exists to serve us, it will respond automatically to our stated beliefs. Consider the person who states out loud, “What a magnificent day! I feel great! Everything is going splendidly!” How much easier it is for us to support and encourage someone in this frame of mind, how much easier it is for them to believe in themselves. Of course the Universe and their own subconscious respond accordingly.

If we hold images of perfection, health, abundance, peace and harmony in our minds and express them through our words, then they are registered in the superconscious mind as already existing and will come into our lives on this plane. This is the key to creating your own reality – a harmonious life full of abundance, joy and love.

Never underestimate the power of the spoken word! Affirmation combined with meditation and prayer create a mighty trinity. If practised in the ways outlined in this book they will create positive change in your life and the lives of your loved ones, that will assist your own evolution and planetary healing.

Source:

Spirit Guide
Author:  Raym Richards

The Direction East & Its Correspondence

East

The Wheel of the East- Free Mind, Creativity, Illumination, Divination, Brain Stimulation, Philosophy, Mindfulness, Awareness, Perception, Thinking Ideas, Communication, Meditation, Focus

Element- Air

Energy- Swift, Mercurial, Changeable

The Journey- The Journey of perception on chaos.

Traditional Colors- White, Yellow, Scarley, Peach, Turquoise Blue, Gold, The Rainbow colors of illumination

Sacred Spirits- Danu: Goddess of Creativity, Mercury: God of Communication, Athena: Goddess of Wisdom, Kwan Yin: Goddess of Mindfulness, Buddha: Teacher of Illumination, Raphael: Archangel of the East, mystic illuminator, star traveler, Paralda: Servant of Raphael, shape changer in the mists of mind, Sylphs: Elemental spirits of Air, ruled by Paralda, Yod He Vawhe: Elemental King of Air.

Sacred Animals- Doves: For Messagesof peace and illumination, Hawk: Focus, Perception.
Eagle: Philosophy, Ideals, Wolf: Communication, Perception, Deer: Perception, Awareness, Raccoon: Thinking, Cardinals: Creativity, Parrot: Communincation, Cats: Dometic and predatory, Foxes: Awareness, Turtle: Creativity.

Sacred Items- Sunbleached bones (recycled light), White Feathers – Messengers, Amber, honey, tree saps, Sun-ripened, sun-dried, sun-charged items, Tree top branches, Flying insects, butterflies, most birds, bees

Sacred Plants- Wildflowers: For Creativity, Ash Trees: Peace of mind, Birch, aspen, beech, palms for mental health Windweeds and Air Plants

Meditation Incenses- Spearmint, Lavender, Clover, Lemon Balm and Sage

In the East We Work With- Creativity: Tapping the energies of expansion, Divination: Learning to read the energies, Mental Powers: Shaping our awareness and perception, Peace: Finding and Sharing the flow of harmony.

Sacred Minerals- White or Clear Flourite: For Illumination and creativity, Moonstone: For Receptivity to illumination, Turquoise: For Focus and Awareness, Single-Point Crystals: For Perception, Amethyst: For Meditation and Illumination, Rhodochrosite: For Brain stimulation
Royal Azurite: For Brain Codes, Silver, Receptivity, Smooth Sand and Salt

Human World Helping Activities- Divination, Foretunetelling, Sourcing, Vision Quests, Zen Meditation, Tai Chi Chaun, Martial Arts, Brainstorming, Philosophical Debates, Expressive Arts, Flower Arranging, Oriental Mindfulness, Awareness, Buddha Spirit Vibration and Guides

Helping Thoughts- Illumination through Creative Communication. The Mind is Awareness.
Perception is all Philosophy. Focus for Peace in Chaos.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 12

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 12

“All the stones that are around here, each one has a language of its own. Even the earth has a song.”

—- Wallace Black Elk, LAKOTA

To believe that every tree, plant and insect can talk takes an open mind. Go by yourself into nature and sit quietly. Then pick up a rock and listen to your thoughts. After a while, put that rock down and pick up another rock. Your thoughts will change. These are the voices and wisdom of the Stone People. Each one has different wisdom and they are willing to share their wisdom with you. Many of the Stone People are very old and very wise.

Great Spirit, let every rock and leaf be my teacher.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 6

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 6

“We must remember that the heart of our religion is alive and that each person has the ability within to awaken and walk in a sacred manner.”

—- Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

The Native Spirituality is full of life. When we seek it we become alive. Even if we have gone astray and have conducted ourselves in a bad way, we can look within and have a new awakening to life. Maybe we have drunk too much alcohol; maybe we have cheated on our spouse; maybe we have done things that make us feel guilty and ashamed. If we look outside ourselves, we will not find life; if we look inside, we will find life. Anytime we choose to change our lives, we only need to look inside. How do we do this? Take some sage and light it, close your eyes and say to the Great Spirit, I’m tired, I need your help. Please help me change.

Great Spirit, I know you exist inside of myself. Let me awaken to your teachings.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 2

Elder’s Meditation of the Day May 2

“Think only about what is holy. Empty your mind.”

–Archie Fire Lame Deer, LAKOTA

If we let our minds wander, we will come up with a lot of junk: maybe bad thoughts about a brother or sister, maybe angry thoughts, maybe self-pity thoughts. Our minds are not the boss. We can instruct our mind to think about whatever we want to think about. We cannot stop thinking, be we can choose what to think about. The Elders say we move towards what we think about. That’s why they say, “Think about what is holy, think about the Grandfathers, think about culture, think about values, think about ceremonies, and think about good.”

Great Spirit, today, empty my mind and let me experience what it would be like to think about what is holy.

The Daily OM for April 22nd – Before the World Wakes

Before the World Wakes
Morning Meditation

by Madisyn Taylor

In the first moments of day before our mind is fully awake can be a wonderful time for meditation.

Just before the coming of the pale rays of dawn, Mother Nature exists in a state of flux. Earth’s energy is stable, free of the disordered vibrations that are a by-product of humanity’s comings and goings. In these first moments of day, when the sun’s golden light is only just peeking over the horizon, our animal mind remains in the land of slumber though we ourselves are awake. Deep sleep has washed away the impurities of existence that accumulated within us, so our mental, physical, and emotional potential is heightened. To meditate in this peaceful yet energetically charged in-between time is to connect with the divine in an extremely intimate fashion. We discover a new kinship with the universal life force during morning meditations because our awareness becomes a mirror for earthly consciousness—we wake as the world wakes, quietly embracing the joy of being and setting the tone for a serene, fulfilling day.

In the first glorious glow of morning, the light, air, and energy flowing around us speak in hushed tones of the activity to come. While we recognize that another day of being means becoming once again immersed in the challenges of action and reaction, we also understand that we can draw upon the unique energetic qualities of daybreak for comfort, creativity, and vigor. There is bliss in the simple knowledge that we have been given the gift of another day of existence. We are inspired by sights and sounds of the sun’s gentle ascension. Birds serenade the luminosity, which grows richer by the minute. And though we may feel a residual lethargy, our vitality returns as our meditation helps us to become one with the stirring of other beings rubbing the sleep from their eyes. At the start of each day, our destiny has not yet been written, and so there is nothing we cannot do.

How we choose to meditate is less important than our choice to attune ourselves to the spirit of wakefulness that travels round the world each and every day. Even the briefest moment of quiet contemplation in the muted light of the sun can put all that is yet to come into perspective. As a consequence of our daybreak reflections, our lives are imbued with the same stability, tranquility, and increased awareness that humanity has long associated with the stillness of early morning.

Source:

The Daily OM

 

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 21

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 21

“Conciliation is the key to survival. Peace is the goal.”

–Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

When we make decisions or experience conflict we need to look at the greater whole. The end result we want to accomplish is peace of mind. If we keep this goal in mind, we will, overall, live a happy and fulfilling life. Everything in the world is constantly changing so we should not resist this change. A good question to ask ourselves is, “Would I rather be right or happy?” If we would rather be happy, then it is easier to let the little things go. If we would rather be right, we tend to look for the WIN/LOSE.

Great Spirit, today, give me the tools to seek peace of mind.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 14

Elder’s Meditation of the Day April 14

“The base of all things is love, respect.”

–Vickie Downey, TEWA/Tesuque Pueblo

The greatest weapon of any Spiritual Warrior is love. Love will change minds; love will forgive; love will let go; love will cause good luck; love will heal; love will cry; love will get rid of resentments; love will overcome fear. Love loves love. Any human who is loving will be guaranteed respect. Respect loves love. We need to love and respect ourselves.

Grandmother, Grandfather, today, lead me on the path of love.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – April 10

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – April 10

“Together we can end the Holocaust against the environment.”

–Haida Gwaii, Traditional Circle of Elders

We are all familiar with the Holocaust against the people. When this happens we feel bad and we vow never to let it happen again. We need to seriously examine what human beings are doing to the Earth and the environment. Many species are extinct and many more will become extinct during the next 10 years. We are methodically eliminating life that will never return again. Today, we should take time to pray real hard so we wake up before it is too late.

Great Spirit, today, I pray for us to awaken to what we are doing.

The Daily OM for March 25th – Violet-Flame Meditation

Violet-Flame Meditation
The Power of Transmutation

by Madisyn Taylor

Adding a violet flame meditation once in a while to your daily practice is a lovely way to feel a fresh sense of peace.

The violet flame is a powerful tool anyone can use in meditation. It helps release negative karma, raise your consciousness awareness, the frequency of your vibration, and accelerate your spiritual growth. Energy can’t be erased but it can be changed, transmuting negative into positive, darkness into light. This allows you to make the choices you feel negatively about become positive, while also changing your emotional experience. Physically, the violet flame releases emotions and energy pent up within that make you vulnerable to illness and disease.

The violet flame in meditation uses a combination of affirming thoughts and visualization. Once centered, begin by surrounding yourself with white-and-blue protective energy. You may even want to call on archangel Michael for his protection while you go into this powerful spiritual state. Then repeat thoughts such as “I am cleansed and purified by the violet flame. Picture a huge bonfire before you, its immensity making you feel small beside it, and marvel as the colors flicker between purple, violet, and bright pink. Sense its warmth while noticing that it will not burn you. Step into the flame, letting it surround you entirely while also filling the spaces in your body, your thoughts, even the cells and molecules within you. Once there, focus on the positive things you’d like to create in your life or your hopes for others. Visualize the violet flame in the midst of the scenes as they unfold in your mind. You may want to ask that the power of the flame be multiplied to assist those in need.

When you have finished your meditation, be sure to close with gratitude. The violet flame is a powerful tool that should be used consciously and with intent. Forgetting to close with thanks keeps you connected and may lead to the unintentional misuse of this energy. It is always a good idea when finished with any spiritual practice to give thanks as this creates closure. Saints and adepts throughout the ages have known how to use the violet flame, but it is available for all to use to raise our awareness and, eventually, that of all mankind.

 

Source:
The Daily OM

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 24

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 24

“Our religion is the traditions of our ancestors, the dreams of our old men, given them in the solemn hours of night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our sachems, and is written in the hearts of our people.”

–Chief Seattle, DWAMISH

Our Spiritual ways have carefully been given to chosen people. Slowly, through our past generations, through past conflicts, our Elders prayed for guidance, which the Creator provided. Then it was passed down to the next generation through culture, ceremony and oral traditions. Our Indian religion has been tested and is about how we should behave and treat other people, animals and the earth. This knowledge is written in the heart of every person. We can find this knowledge by looking inside ourselves.

My Creator, today, when conflict occurs, I will look inside myself for the answers.

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 21

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – March 21

“The manner with which we walk through life is each man’s most important responsibility, and we should remember this with every new sunrise.”

–Thomas Yellowtail, CROW

Every spiritual person should carry a vision of God’s will in every area of their life. One day at a time, each morning at sunrise, we should spend time praying to the Creator. We should say something like, my Creator, this morning I ask you to show me, in terms I can understand, what you have or me to do. By doing this daily, over time, we will develop an unquestionable vision. Each person is responsible for taking the time to do this. It will bring great joy and peace of mind to those warriors who do.

My Creator, give me the vision, today, of what you want me to do.

The Anatomy of Magical Power

The Anatomy of Magical Power

Author:   Iritar 

In my teaching, there are some key basic elements to each and every pagan’s spiritual path that emphasize the power of each practitioner. Whether you are just starting your path or have been on your journey for many years, it is important to return to these basics in order to grow past hurdles when you feel that every corner is filled with roadblocks that impede your growth.

Visualization

I cannot stress this enough. Practicing and maintaining good visualization exercises helps to construct energies within yourself and from the divine source (s) you follow. Without being able to see that energy, you are not capable of casting circles, putting up spiritual defenses or see your magic being sent out.

Meditation

This goes hand in hand with visualization. By following one of two meditation techniques (and swapping between them as you feel led) you can let your higher self and the powers that be guide you around the roadblocks. Using proper meditation techniques such as getting comfortable, setting the atmosphere with incense, candles and music will allow you to get better results.

With Focused Meditation, you are looking to direct your energy for a purpose whether that is health, peace, love, etc. This is where you retain an image within your mind, whether moving like a movie or still like a photo. Focused Meditation is also a good place to instill commands to yourself that will accelerate specific tasks to “snap you into it”.

For Christians, Psalms 23 and the Lord’s Prayer are two distinct ways for them to immediately focus on peace, spiritual defense and assurance. By reciting these passages, it allows them to take a predetermined “emotion” and resurrect that emotion instantaneously without a lot of prop and circumstance.

Pagans can do the same. I use a reinforcement phrase in my meditation that will allow me to instantly surround myself with spiritual defense. I use the phrase, “Shields Up”. Although I’m not a Trekkie, I use the visualization of the defense shield from the series as a way of protection. As I performed the visualizations of those shields in my meditation for self-protection, I reinforced this with the phrase. This allows me to quickly throw up my spiritual defenses without much focus in everyday life.

Another form of meditation is Intuitive Meditation. This is a free form style meditation where you don’t focus at all like intentionally daydreaming. You should protect yourself before you begin by putting up your defenses and then clear your mind briefly. I usually visualize a white sheet of paper with no lines for the canvas of my meditation, holding it in my mind for a few minutes. Allow your eyes to unfocused and relax. As the images come in, allow them to flow and pay attention to everything you see. Usually these images will show you what you should work towards, reveal the mysteries in your life and even allow you to see what’s ahead of you.

After your meditation is done, document them in your journal and you can plan Focused Meditation sessions to examine what you need to more closely.

Emotional and Spiritual Balance for Protection

Building off the visualization exercises and meditation, you need to protect yourself from negative energies and spiritual attacks. Not all attacks are within the physical or from a being you know. Some negative forces are drawn to your spiritual light like beetles to lights in the darkness.

Follow the codes of Harm None and understand the Law of Three. All indoctrinations have variations of these principles. The easy explanation is what you send out will come back with a punch. Do what you will, avoid imposing against someone’s will even with good intent.

I usually ask permission from people when doing spell work from them. If I chose not to disclose my spiritual beliefs to someone, I ask them if I can pray for their need in my own way to request that permission.

Avoid the negativity; you don’t need it in your life.

Rites and Ritual

Follow the codes of your coven if you are in one, but also establish your own practices. Do what feels right from you when communing spiritually one on one with your deities. Some people need detailed ritual work to enter that communion where the magic flows; others can instantly open themselves up by simply asking their deities to stop by for a visit.

If you are a solitary practitioner, establish your own journals and Book of Shadows. Read and study, but if you feel restraint in following a ritual like not being able to remember the exact words of someone else’s ritual you read, make your own.

The issue at hand is that if it feels like work and you cannot break through, then it is work. I associate this much fun to doing my taxes. Ritual should never be a burden.

Spells

If you are just beginning your life path, it is good to look at samples of other people’s spells. This can help you find your own structure and what you need to be successful in your practice. I strongly encourage creating your own spells as simple or as complex as you need. You can chose to incorporate what elements are right for you such as what kind of incense to use, if any, calling the elements, herbs and recitals.

If you are in a group or coven, ask them for guidance and learn group spells and rites. This will instill harmony in group spell works and communion.

Resist Pride and Envy

No one has all the answers or they wouldn’t be here. No matter how powerful you feel that you have become or how close your walk is with your deities, understand that you still have something to learn. Avoid competing with other practitioners and don’t measure yourself against them.

Each of us is on a personal journey. We should never look down upon another because what they need to know will be revealed to them when they are ready. You can offer a general word of assurance and aid if needed, but do not feel that you have to tell them what they need to do unless you perceive they are asking for your help.

Be open to share with others, but if you encounter opposition to the knowledge you share, know where to end it peacefully. Avoid challenges by weighing those challenges against your beliefs and avoid debates. If the emotions start feeling tense during a conversation where questions are arising, you are going to far. Stop, center yourself and listen willingly to the other part. If they are wrong, they will discover this themselves even if it means the hard way. That is their path.

Fear that someone is trying to take control of your group (even if they are) will become self-defeating. Use your protection guards and wards. Speak truth and do not seek to tear others down. This is a good way to weed out the deceit and negativity from the group. Those remaining will become more enlightened and grow by leaps and bounds.

Conclusion

Que Se, Que Se. What will be will be. Don’t lose focus on your spiritual path and start will the basics if you are feeling stagnant. Avoid negativity and realize it when you are the source of it. Discharge it and get rid of it.

Avoid feelings of guilt, betrayal and loss. If you are having problems with these, address them with meditations and reinforce their removal through spells and rites that are of your construction.

Blessed Be,
Iritar