The Thirteen Principles of Witchcraft

The Council of American Witches (now defunct) adopted the 13 Principles of Witchcraft in April of 1974. Although many modern-day Witches are unfamiliar with the C.A.W., the Council's principles are widely adhered to just the same. They are as follows:

1) We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-quarters.

2) We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3) We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4) We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5) We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, Inner Planes, etc. – and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6) We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7) We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it – a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Pagan Way.

8) Calling oneself a Witch does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9) We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10) Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that it's institutions have claimed to be 'the only way', and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11) As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12) We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan, or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13) We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

[The above principles are now in the public domain.]

Nature Spirit Magic

Introduction

Each plant, animal, rock, and other entity has a spirit (consciousness resonance matrix). These spirits can join together, in a hive-mind, as a spirit of an area. Nature spirits include real biological intelligences, are psychically powerful, and are much less abstract and controllable than the Elementals that many magical people who perform all of their rituals indoors are familiar with. They can be extremely powerful allies. It is possible to sense nature spirits, to determine if they are receptive to a ritual planned, and to have them actively participate in magical workings if they are.

Some Effects Of Working With Nature Spirits

Spectacular physical manifestations can happen when working with nature spirits in the wild. I have personally seen actual foxfire mark the boundaries of a magic circle at a location that was identified as a receptive power spot and attuned to a planned ritual the day before. I have seen more than one site attuned for ritual be dry and comfortable, with a round hole in the clouds overhead, on days that were cold and rainy at other nearby locations. Birds have joined in rituals, flying around the circle when energy was being raised; and insects, birds and animals have joined in chants. In addition, the wind often responds to invocations. Generally, these spectacular manifestations happen unexpectedly.

With or without such manifestations, nature spirits often will channel tremendous amounts of power into the magic being performed. It is suggested that you do not consciously try for specific manifestations. Let Nature channel her power into the magic in her own way. If approached with respect, nature may give you many pleasant surprises.

Spectacular physical manifestations are not a necessary sign of success. If you need a spectacular manifestation and nature spirits know this, you will get it. The best success in magic is on the inner planes and more subtle than such manifestations. This success involves beneficial changes in consciousness that last and helpful chains of synchronicity. In addition, working with Nature Spirits can also bring a deep sense of partnership with Nature, and bring new levels of attunement.

To get the best results, perform nature spirit attunement several hours to several days before the main ritual. The purposes of such attunement are to find suitable power spots and to get the help of friendly nature spirits. This timing gives Nature time to gather her children and to prepare to actively participate in the main ritual.

What To Not Do

If nature spirits are approached with disrespect by attempting to command them rather than listening to them and inviting them to work with you, nature spirits may flee, rebel, or attack. I once attended a ritual by some pseudo-Crowleyites who attempted to perform the "Ritual of the Barbarous Names" at a power spot in a forest and then to extend the circle several hundred yards in all directions.

While the forest in general had loud insect and frog noises, the area at which the ritual took place got quiet immediately when the main ritualist declared that all spirits were subject unto him. The vibes from nature could best be characterized as "Oh yea, Mother!" One participant was quickly possessed by an angry spirit and kept repeating "You killed my children, your children will never live in peace." When the priestess stepped out of the boundaries of the original circle, she was attacked by bees; and bees covered the Book of the Law. Magicians should know better than to attempt to command spirits whose true names they do not know!

Calling Nature Spirits

To make the most out of working magical ritual in the wild, one should find power spots where nature spirits are receptive to the ritual planned and approach the spirits with respect, as equals. In my experience, the most effective power spots for working with the living intelligences of nature are located in wild areas with diverse, active ecologies.

When entering a wild area to find a site for a ritual, find a place that feels good. Then do the following, either individually or, if in a group, as a guided meditation:

Relax, while standing upright, and focus on your breathing. Breathe deep breaths from the diaphragm. Breathe together if in a group.

Feel the wind, and let it relax you and awaken your spirit within, as your deep breathing takes you into non-ordinary reality.

Picture, in your mind's eye, a light inside you. As you breathe, feel the light expand, purify and energize you - as it expands to fill your aura.

Feel yourself glowing, balanced, purified, and full of power.

Connect with your inner self (your higher self), and feel your intuitive self operating.

Feel yourself as:

The wind, full of life and intelligence, communicating with all round.

The Sunlight, warm, alive, channeling the power to communicate with nature and energizing all around.

Water, emotional, intuitive, refreshing, and connected with nature.

The Earth, and note how your physical body is able to wander while remaining part of Mother Earth.

Focus on your spiritual self, and:

Note the light within and feel it as love,

Expand the light and love beyond the immediate aura of your body to the surrounding area - where you will go to find a power spot and contact nature spirits.

Telepathically (by thinking while channeling the love and light energy) send out signals to nature spirits to emerge and be aware of your presence.

Say why you have come, and invite them to join in sharing, mutual celebration, and the work you intend.

Visualize the light and love energy you are channeling extending out and merging with the light from distant places.

Feel the power of the Earth flowing up through your body and feet.

Feel the power from the sky, and channel this power also to further energize the carrier signal of light and love for communicating with nature.

Visualize the light expanding and merging.

Continue to send out telepathic signals.

Now go deeper:

Close your eyes, sit on the Earth, and feel your connection while you channel more light and love.

Continue modulating the light and love with your thoughts - inviting receptive spirits to join with you and to make themselves known.

If in a group, someone should start playing a drum at a rate of about one beat per second; and you should listen to the drum and let the drum take you deeper.

Affirm that you are a nature magician, a medicine person, who knows and communicates with nature. Let this part of yourself emerge to full consciousness. Let the drum and the connection to your inner self awaken that part of yourself that naturally communicates with other life forms. Let it awaken your telepathic senses.

Continue sending telepathic signals to nature.

When you feel ready and an inner urge to begin, open your eyes a crack and look around, while continuing to channel love and light and telepathically calling for a response.

You may see light coming from certain areas that are receptive. You may get other signals, such as a feeling of power or love returning in a certain direction. Perhaps the type of response to this work will be unexpected; follow your intuition in interpreting it.

You may test your connection by communicating (mentally) instructions for signals for yes/no responses (such as light getting brighter for less and darker for no) and then mentally ask questions and observe the responses.

When you have found an areas that seems to be responsive and receptive, begin walking to the area, while beaming love energy. Extend your aura to the area and sense the energy.

Entering A Power Spot

Before entering a power spot, ask permission to enter. If the response is good, enter; if not, locate another more receptive area.
When entering the power spot, look around. Perhaps the responsive energy will be concentrated around some singularity (a bush, a tree, a specific branch, a moss covered rock, or other entity that stands out). Perhaps the energy will be more general. Use your intuition and feedback from the spirits to guide your actions.

If it feels right, send out a signal that you would like to touch the singularity (or the ground) for better communication. If the response is good, approach beaming love energy, and then touch or hug the singularity (or the ground).
Treat the spirits as you would other Pagans you meet for the first time - be sensitive, open, and listen.

Deepening Communication With Nature Spirits

Now that you have made contact with spirits that seem receptive, deepen the communication:

Breathe deep breaths from the diaphragm, and with each breath, feel more refreshed.

Now imagine that your spine is the trunk of a tree; and, from its base, roots extend deep into the Earth. Deep into the rich moist Earth.
With every breath, feel the roots extending deeper,

Feel the energy deep within the Earth and within the waters of the Earth. Feel your roots absorbing nourishment from the Earth and from its waters.

Feel the moist, warm energy rising.

Feel it bursting up from the Earth and rising up your spine, like sap rises in a tree.

Feel the energy rise to your crown chakra (at the top of your head).

Now imagine that you have branches, branches that sweep up and then bend down towards the Earth, like the limbs of a willow.

Feel the branches extending and interweaving with your surroundings.

Feel the warm, moist energy of the Earth flowing through your branches. As it flows, feel yourself being purified, centered, and connected to the Earth.

Feel the power from the Earth flowing through your branches and then down back to the Earth, like a fountain.

Note how your branches absorb energy from the air. Also, feel them receiving light (fire) from the sky.

Feel the energy from above penetrating deep through your body into the Earth.

Feel the warmth of the Earth rising also.

Feel the energy circulating.

Notice how your branches intertwine with the branches of energy surrounding you.

Feel the energy dancing among your branches and the branches around you.

Notice how your roots also intertwine with underground energy channels.

Feel the energy dancing between your roots and the surrounding energy patterns.

Notice how you and the life around you are rooted in the same Earth, breathing the same air, receiving the same fire, drinking the same water, sharing the same underlying essence. You are one with the magical grove.

Telepathically mention the time in the past when nature spirits and people communicated regularly and the need to establish such communication now.

Test your connection by asking questions and observing the responses.

Working With Nature Spirits

Explain to the spirits the purpose of your coming to them and the nature of the ritual you plan.

If the spirits you contacted are receptive:

Explain to them the details of the ritual and invite them to provide ideas.

Listen, you may receive suggestions on how to improve the ritual. Such suggestions may come in the form of hunches, visions, answers to yes/no questions using pre-arranged signals, or in other ways.

Explain what type of space is needed and ask what the best place to perform the ritual is.

You may see light or get other psychic signals leading you to other sites, or you may be at one of them.

You may also ask what the best places for other aspects of the planned work are (picnicking, individual vision quests, etc.).

If preparation of the site is needed (removing briars, preparing a fire circle, etc.) ask permission of the spirits before proceeding with such action.

Before you leave the power spot, tell the spirits you have contacted when you plan to return to do the ritual (visualizing the associated lunar and solar aspects can help with this communication).

Invite them to join in the ritual when you return and to bring their friends.

Ask if it would be best to return silently, with drums, with chanting, or with some other form of approach.

You can also ask the spirits to provide guidance for working in balance and to provide a teacher to provide further guidance.
Before you leave the power spot:

Thank the spirits,

Channel love energy,

Trigger your memory of the experience, and

If it feels right, leave an offering of tobacco, or beer and honey poured on the ground (or other suitable material).
Leave in peace and love.

Proceed to other sites that were indicated by the spirits, doing similar meditations at each site.

If you need something, like a staff, a Maypole, or a wand, you can also ask where you can find it and follow the guidance you receive (not slavishly, but as you would guidance from another Pagan).

Before leaving the general area in which you found power spots and contacted nature spirits:

Channel love energy towards the receptive sites you found,

Thank the spirits of the land,

Pull back your roots and branches,
Ground any excess energy into the Earth (placing your hands on the Earth, breathe in any excess energy, and channel the energy down your arms, while visualizing and feeling the energy going into the Earth), and

Leave in peace and love.

Naturally, you should leave the area at least as clean, and preferably cleaner, than you found it.

If you work with techniques of Wicca or Ceremonial Magic, you may find that by casting a circle, calling the Elements, the Goddess, the Gods, and the local nature spirits while you are at receptive sites, you may be able to greatly increase communication.

Through the use of drums and other power raising techniques, it is even possible to energize receptive nature spirits. The results can be very interesting. If with a coven, such circles can be done as part of a group attunement to a power spot you have located.

If you do not get good feelings in response to your explanation of the ritual and are unable to come up with a ritual that gives good responses, do not try to force a good response. You would only be fooling yourself.

Thank the spirits for their attention.
Ask them why they are not receptive (if it feels right and they are communicative).

Trigger your memory.

Pull back your "roots and branches," return any excess energy you feel into the Earth.

If it feels appropriate, leave an offering of tobacco or other appropriate material, out of respect for the spirits.

Move to a more receptive site.

If it is hard to find a site that is really receptive, you should:

Consider any impressions you got of why the nature spirits weren't receptive in the area you were in, and re-think your plans for a ritual, as necessary and appropriate.

It may also be appropriate to look for another general area in which to find a suitable power site that is receptive to the work planned.

What To Do When Returning

It can be very powerful to purify and center yourself and to attune to the spirits of the land using the techniques previously described for calling nature spirits immediately upon returning to the site.

Often, individuals may have found small specific power spots to which they have a special attunement, where the spirits are interested in participating; but where the site is too small, has too much vegetation, or is otherwise unsuitable for the main ritual. Individual attunement to the spirits in such areas and inviting them to participate in the main ritual can be worthwhile.

Then approach the main ritual site using the previously arranged technique. You should have the details worked out with the spirits of the land. An exceptionally powerful technique involves doing a procession through or past receptive power spots, inviting nature spirits to join as you pass each power spot, and then moving to the central power spot for the main ritual. If participants are at individual power spots, they can join the procession as it passes nearby.

When consecrating space in the wild, or casting a circle, do not set up the perimeter as a barrier to all outside forces; it should be a beacon to attract friendly nature spirits, a container for holding magical power, and a barrier to spirits who it isn't right to be with.
One thing that is fun and worthwhile in nature is to bring instruments, such as a rattle, a flute and/or a drum, to tune in to nature's sounds, and to make music in time to nature's sounds. You may be able to get some very interesting back and forth exchanges of music going with selected creatures of the wild, and get into an amazing jam session.

After the work is complete, be sure to thank the spirits for their participation. Libations and other offerings may also be left for the spirits during and/or after the ritual.

Acknowledgments

There are other ways of working with nature spirits. This is one approach. The author thanks Selena Fox for teaching the basic guided meditation technique for locating and contacting nature spirits at a tranceworking session sponsored by the Chameleon Club (part of the Association for Consciousness Exploration) in 1981, Vicky Smith for editorial review of this article, Isaac Bonewitz for the outline of the expanded tree meditation, and Carlos Castenada, Black Eagle, Pasha, the Goddess, the Gods, and various nature spirits for teaching the rest of the good methods.

Most of this article is an expansion of an article by the author titled "Finding a Sacred Grove for Druid Initiation" by Larry Cornett, published in The Druid's Progress and in Amaranth Anthology.

Rights To Distribute This Article

This article is written by Larry Cornett. It is copyrighted l988; and it is hereby placed by the author in the public domain, providing it is not modified without the explicit permission of the author and providing the author is acknowledged. It may therefore be distributed freely to any BBS or other Electronic Forum or copied and handed out for free. Permission to reprint it in a publication for sale may be requested from the author, and will generally be granted in exchange for a copy of the publication containing the article. This copyright takes precedence over any copyright expressed or implied by any BBS or commercial system on which this file is posted.
Larry Cornet
9/24/'88 9527 Blake Lane, # 102, Fairfax, VA 22031 (703)352-3791

Filling The Void - Full Moon Insight

 

A few years ago, back in 2006, on the night of the full moon, I was thinking of a past client of mine, whom I had done some healing work on, on an emotional level.  As I was gazing out the window, watching the beautiful full moon rise over the mountains in the clear Santa Fe night, I remembered how she had told me she had been sexually abused as a child by her stepbrother and had never received any treatment because her parents were afraid it would ruin the family.  It appeared that this abusive past lead to a current eating disorder she had.

Suddenly a door slammed - I jumped - my heart started pumping harder, and I mumbled a few words under my breath.  I tried to regain my composure by turning on the radio.  I ran through the stations to find a comfortable song. "All the same empty noise," I thought.  I wonder why I keep this crazy thing on so much of the time.  It's almost like I'm trying to fill a void somehow.

I looked toward the mountains again.  The moon was so bright and full that it illuminated the clouds sitting above the mountaintops.  I turned the radio off and began to be thankful for the majesty of nature.  I thought of the full moon ritual I had planned for later in the night.  A feeling of enormous debt filled my heart and soul.  I began to offer thanksgiving to Goddess Diana for the beauty that I was seeing outside the window.  I began to muse: "I wonder, my Goddess, why I have a yearning - almost a need - to fill every minute with music or books or something to satisfy the void.  Why does Sherrie (the previously mentioned client -names have been changed) seek to fill her void with food?  Why does Susan feel a need to fill her void with drugs, and why does Bert seek to fill his void with sex?  Why does there sometimes seem to be a giant hole in our lives, even when we want to do what's right?"

After these questions, thoughts and feelings filled my heart and soul.  The answer came in a peaceful awareness.  I had lived with Goddess Diana in the premortal existence.  In that realm I was filled with Her divine love for me as Her son.  When I came to Earth, I left Her presence, and a void was created.  I felt the void was placed in my heart for my earthly journey so I would seek Her again.  As I seek to know and love Diana, the void can be filled.

It was a soft and quiet answer - as quiet as the moonlit night. But it touched my soul, and tears began to well up in the corner of my eyes.

Now, as I work with clients on healing levels who are suffering from pain, loneliness, and addictions, I have reached a new awareness that they are all trying to fill their void in ways that can only tear them apart.  The void cannot be filled by external sources but must be filled from within...so beings a journey of true healing and recovery.

Defining Paganism

The definition of Pagan is as illusive as it is controversial. By some standards, pagan is simply any religion other than Christian, Muslim or Jewish. It is safe to say that this definition does not justify the unified culture that encapsulates pagan events and gatherings.

Others refer to pagans as polytheists; that also is not true of all pagans.

According to some sources, and the definition used by the Pagan and Earth-Based Spirituality Organization, paganism "refers to the worship of deities [and] the use of surviving symbols and practices of ancient religions." This definition seems to me to be most descriptive of what I have witnessed in pagan circles. For a very thorough analysis of the various definitions, try religioustolerance.org/paganism.htm.

Is Paganism the same as Wicca?

Wiccans are pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. Paganism can be thought of as an umbrella term which encapsulates many traditions such as Wicca, Druidism, Ancient Native American beliefs, and some might even include Buddhism and Hinduism. Wicca is a specific religion which is acknowledged as an official religion by the United States government. It has its own doctrines which include "Do what ye will, but harm none", and the belief that all deeds, good or evil, return to you in three-fold. While these beliefs are not across the board for Pagans, many modern pagans have similar doctrines.

How and what do Pagans worship?

Pagans have a wide array of visions of the divine. Most recognize a balance between a feminine divinity and a masculine divinity. This is witnessed in such concepts as the Taoist Yin and Yang, the ancient earth mother and sky father, the many gods and goddesses, and even in the Hebrew Adam and Eve. Often it is seen that there is a place in which this masculine and feminine energy come together in unity and this is the ultimate source of power. Some pagans do not name their idea of divinity and merely refer to it as "The Divine", "Great Mother/ Great Father" or "Limitless Light". Others break their idea of divinity into specific attributes which are assigned to the various gods and goddesses. Some even have "patron deities", or deities in which they feel most empowered by or drawn to. Pagan worship is just as varied as any other religion in terms of worship. Prayer, ritual, fasting, meditation, drumming, singing, and dancing are often used to connect with the divine. Just as any religion, some pagans are very strict and rigid in their worship, while others are very lax.

Do Pagans sacrifice things in ritual?

Usually when one thinks of ritual sacrifice, they think about an animal (or small child!).( I, personally do NOT endorse or approve of such things, I am merely stating what is a commonly believed idea ). In reality, ritual sacrifice is usually much less dramatic. During ceremony, wine or milk is often poured on the ground, as well as bread being broken, as a offering to the goddess or to show appreciation for the harvest. Often, unproductive or bad habits are sacrificed to clear a path for new growth. There are still some groups that perform animal sacrifices during ritual, in which case the animal is blessed, sacrificed, and the eaten after ritual ( a far more humane and respectful way to kill an animal for food than the more common "slaughter-house method"). This practice is still relatively rare in modern pagan practice. Most Pagans tend to be very animal, plant and Earth friendly and some even refuse to eat meat at all.

How does one become Pagan?

One becomes pagan by learning a path which is considered pagan then developing a connection and love for it. You may be able to find local events in your area that draw a large Pagan crowd to develop a network of peers. I find that this is most rewarding and that being active in the Pagan community constantly reaffirms why you are so connected with your chosen path.

Where can I find a Pagan group?

Some areas are blessed with a strong pagan presence, while other area may require a bit of searching. Military areas tend to be good for the pagan presence as it draws people from all backgrounds and creates a "melting pot" effect. Look in the phone book for occult or magick supplies. Some times these stores have connections to local groups or may even host events themselves.

Angels, Guardian Angels and Archangels

Angels are a separate creation, believed by some to be between God and human. By others, these are believed to be gods and goddesses, as to be distinguished from Gods and Goddesses. They are believed to be powerful beings, and archangels are believed to be very powerful beings. There are many types of angels. I will only discuss a few in this writing at this time. 

Guardian Angels

Many believe that we all have guardian angels that protect and guide us throughout our lives, assigned to us from birth. In a May 2004 Gallup poll, 72 percent of Americans said that they believe in angels. 

A guardian angel is assigned to you and never leaves your side. Some believe that you have one guardian angel and others believe that you have two. But all believers agree that your guardian angel is with you throughout your entire life. 

Communicating with Your Guardian Angel

According to the book Angel Therapy by Doreen Virtue, you can communicate with your guardian angel in many ways:
Letters. Write down your worries, questions and concerns and then your angels can assist you with your troubles.

•  Visualization. You can visualize your angels using your mind’s eye. This can be a powerful experience in connecting to your angels. 


•  Thinking. You can connect with your guardian angels by calling on them mentally. Angels do not need to hear a spoken word to come to your aid; they will come to your aid when they hear your thought. 


•  Speaking. You can also speak to the guardian angels aloud. If speaking your mind comforts you, then speak to your angels and trust that they will come. 

Your angels are always there and they want to assist you with whatever is on your mind and in your heart. All you need to do is to ask for help and your angels are right there. According to Virtue, an angel will not interfere with a human’s life unless asked, except in a life-threatening situation. 

 A guardian angel’s inspiration

Whether or not you choose to communicate with your guardian angel, they are always ready to assist you with important matters in your life. They follow you throughout your day, guiding and protecting you. Your guardian angel may nudge you to do something, or nudge you to avoid doing something. You may get a good feeling about doing something – and this could very well come from your guardian angel. Your guardian angels are happy to inspire you whenever you need their assistance. 

It is comforting to know that your guardian angel is always there for you, when times are good and when times are troubling.

Archangels

Archangels are angels who epitomize the fullest development of the qualities, attributes, and principles of the Universal Rays. Donning the sacred mantle of Archangel is a celebratory act of affirmation and of commitment to the unity of the greater whole. 

There are many angels, but the ranks of the archangels are limited by the necessity for members of their angelic order to be tried and tested, trustworthy to their starcore, and truly intent upon helping others. 

As Archangels, their prior actions and behavior serve as an exemplary role model for other angels and humans to aspire to as they traverse the universal evolutionary spirals. Archangels then are angels who epitomize the fullest development of the qualities, attributes, and principles of the Universal Rays. 

Archangels can also belong to one or more of the other orders of angels. To become a chief among angels, however, an angel must exhibit noteworthy capabilities, remarkable flexibility, and just leadership abilities. 

By embodying both the highest vibrational and the lightest resonance levels, they have consistently walked their talk, earning them both the honor and the privilege of becoming an angelic chieftain. 

As Archangels, their prior actions and behavior serve as an exemplary role model for other angels and humans to aspire to as they traverse the universal evolutionary spirals. The triune qualities of Love, Light, and Power are balanced in their consciousnesses and divine matrixes. 

Although the Archangels are also almost equally balanced in both their masculine and feminine polarities, they are all slightly skewed more towards one of the polarities than the other, making them either a male angel or a female angel. 

Today for the most part, there are an equal number of female and male Archangels serving on the Twelve Universal Rays. Supportive emissaries with bridging responsibilities, the Archangels span dimensional time and space to serve as patrons and protectors of humanity, bringing hallowed blessings and providing intercessional openings... 

The most widely recognized list of Archangels that have been overlighting earthly endeavors who are currently holding positions on one of the Twelve Universal Rays includes, Archangel Chamael, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Jophiel, Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael, Archangel Urriel (Urimiel), and Archangel Zadkiel. Dozens of other Archangels have now joined them, providing supportive assistance. 

Divine Plan patterning for each of the Twelve Universal Rays, which are washing the earth and its inhabitants with many hues of divine radiance at this time, includes one overall office with at many positions for both Archangels and Hierarchs. 

In order to maximize the grounding and manifestation of the Universal Ray energetic templates, the members form a cohesively interactive group that shares both the powers and the responsibilities for that Universal Ray in an evenhanded and equitable manner. 

Each of the Archangels who serves on one of the Twelve Universal Rays has a very distinctive soul-note or spiritual personality that reflects not only their current evolutionary status, but also their personal functional aspirations for the Universal Ray they work on and the modalities they use such as their primary stones, birds, trees, flowers, and essential oils. 

The words that describe and delineate the Archangels of the Universal Rays and their Sacred Sites were carefully chosen by each of them so that they would act as ignition keys, opening windows of understanding in those who read them. 

The symbolic tonal qualities of the position titles for each of the Twelve Universal Rays was carefully chosen to indicate the full import of the outworking of the Divine Plan for this local universe via the inherent interrelationship between name and form. 

Archangel Chamael, for example, brings powerful transmutation, fiery patterning, and vigorous visualization to the Ninth Ray of Divine Protection. He strengthens and imbues pursuers of transcendent metamorphosis with hopeful tenacity, as they continue, step by step, from potent penetrating vision to authoritative fulfilling actualization. 

The primary intentional goal of the Archangels of the Twelve Universal Rays is for these commendable "Archangel Caliber" functional responsibilities, modalities, and qualities to be regularly and routinely exhibited by humanity in daily life throughout the Natural Landscape... 

The Usage of Love Spells In Magick or Ritual

In this rambling, I will talk about the ever present topic of Love Spells and also offer some guidance on the use of any spell, ritual or potion for manipulative purposes. By manipulative purposes, I am referring to a working where the object of said working is not aware it is being done, nor have they consented to such a working.

Of course this is only my opinion and it is not intended to embarrass anyone. These are simply my thoughts on a subject which gets batted around quite frequently, so take it for what is worth. From the mail I receive from those who have made or seen these mistakes happen, I'm confident they are shared by the majority who are experienced in this path.

The primary question one must consider before undertaking any ritual working, especially where Love Magick is concerned is, "Is This Working Consistent With The Basic Tenant of HARM NONE as expressed in The Rede."

Upon asking yourself the following two questions, you can effectively analyze the reasons to either justify or dismiss the working.

1. What is my intent in performing this work?
2. Is this spell or ritual influenced by anger; hatred; lust; greed; jealousy or envy?

If your answer to question number 1 is found within question number 2, then as a Wiccan and follower of the Light Path, you must abandon this spell or ritual because it will not be consistent with the Rede.

Likewise, if question 1 is answered by question 2 and you continue, you can no longer rightfully call yourself Wiccan. A True Wiccan will not use manipulative magick to negatively influence another for their own personal interests. The whole purpose of following this path is to live in harmony and balance with the natural rhythms of life, not to manipulate them to suit a selfish goal. At this point, you need to refer to yourself as a follower of the Dark Path since manipulative magick for personal gain without consideration of the outcome falls within that realm...

Harsh Words? You Bet...
Does It Make You Uncomfortable? Good...

By undertaking such an action without the consent or approval of another, you are clearly disregarding the Rede and using your gifts for purely selfish reasons. Therefore, you are setting forces in motion which will ultimately have negative impact in one way or another and you are practicing Dark Magick.

You must remember that once you create and release this energy as a thought form, it will acquire life, form and substance. It will run it's course, and the final outcome through the laws of cause and effect may not be what you wanted. The potential for great harm to both yourself and others are clearly evident in such a working. This is especially clear when you consider that you will eventually need to absorb this energy back into yourself after it has ruined your life and the lives of who knows how many others...

Let's Look At a Potential Outcome of Such a Working for a Moment... 

 
You create a Love Spell, focus your energy and release it toward your victim. I use the word victim because that is what you have just made this person if they are unaware of your work and have not given their consent.

Through the laws of magick, your victim begins to fall hopelessly in love with you or the person you performed this spell for. So much so that they become increasingly dependent as time passes. They can no longer function without your presence and guidance. You cannot get a moments peace because they constantly have to be with you. You can no longer function at work because they are calling every ten minutes. They become increasingly jealous, possessive and suspicious because they cannot have all of your time. The list of undesirable effects could go on and on and can become more than a little frightening.

Ultimately, you must ask yourself the following questions. Would "you" want someone doing this to you, and if you truly cared for someone, how could you risk doing something like this to them? In my humble opinion, it does not show a very high regard or respect for others or yourself and the decision on whether or not to proceed is clear.

I caution you that non consensual Love Magick is a double edged sword and borders on the manipulation of another human being against their "Free Will". It is also dangerously close to Psychic Rape and is considered highly unethical by most who practice the Craft.

I hope this has given those who have considered using such practices food for thought. While my opinion may not be shared by all, it illustrates the need to consider all potential outcomes before focusing and releasing a spell.

A Better Solution

 

This is written by a friend who wishes to be known as "Betty".

A couple of years ago, I was single again after the demise of a long marriage. I was lonely, and hoping I would not spend the rest of my life alone. I had decided to ask the Goddess for help, using my own energies and powers. So, not wanting another not-so-good marriage, I was asking for what qualities in a person I wanted, and asked to be -SENT- someone rather than just find someone. I went outside and performed a ritual under the full moon, by myself. I asked that I be sent -THE RIGHT- person, with no particular idea of who that person would be, or any specific qualities about that person. From my previous marriage, I knew that it was important to me that the person share important things in my life, including my religion, at least in a basic sense.

Well, in a couple of days, I met a new person online. I thought we were writing about our shared interest in folk music. Then, after a little while, first he, then I, admitted that there was more interest than that. One thing led to another there, he came to visit me. He told me that he too, had been doing a simple ritual during that same full moon: Lighting candles, and asking Goddess, "Please Mother, send me someone to love so I don't spend my life alone". He ended up staying and sending for his things, and we were later married.

This is a better solution than asking for a specific thing, in a specific way, or especially from a specific person. For one thing, the issue of manipulation completely went away. Instead, the person who was sent was also asking for someone to love, through his own ritual. We did not know each other when we did these rituals. For For another thing, we were both asking for a "right person" for us. In both of our cases, sure, other people (former spouses) believed that we were not "the right person". We probably weren't for them. For each other, we may well be. Neither of us is perfect, no one is a "perfect partner" for everyone.

We have always been amused that we were doing these rituals with similar intent, although the specifics of the operation of the rituals was very different at the same time, for the same purpose. Perhaps Goddess runs a "cosmic switchboard" of sorts. When She gets various requests, She just introduces people on some criteria - kind of like a dating service with ALL of the information.

Sacred Woods and Trees

To the Celts and many other peoples of the old world, certain trees held special significance as a fuel for heat, cooking, building materials and weaponry. In addition to this however, many woods also provided a powerful spiritual presence. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic locations, but those believed to be "sacred" shared certain traits. Unusual size, beauty, the wide range of materials they provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even our modern culture finds that certain trees capture our imagination. The mighty oak, the mystical yew and so many others are reminders of the power that trees have on our lives.

Trees are living things, filled with the essence and energy and of the Elementals and Mother Earth with an aura of power which is visible to those who are in total balance and harmony. The lore which surrounds a particular tree or wood often reflects the power the old ones sensed and drew from their presence.

ALDER - This tree was sacred to the Druids. The pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles. Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old superstition of "whistling up the wind" began with this custom.

APPLE - (Domestic) Another sacred tree to the Druids. It is said that you may cut an apple into three pieces, then rub the cut side on warts, saying: "Out warts, into apple." Then bury the pieces and as the apple decays, the warts will disappear. Use apple cider in any old spells calling for blood or wine. Apple indicates choice, and is useful for love and healing magic.

ASH - A Druid sacred tree. Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Put fresh ash leaves under your pillow to stimulate psychic dreams.

BIRCH - Known as Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Carefully gather strips of the bark at the New Moon. With red ink, write on a birch strip: "Bring me true love." Burn this along with a love incense, saying "Goddess of love, God of desire, Bring to me sweet passion's fire." The specific name of a god/goddess may be added. Or cast the bark into a stream or other flowing water, saying: "Message of love, I set you free, to capture a love and return to me."

REMEMBER: It is unwise to use this incantation and ritual directed toward a specific person as that would violate the rule. If a love is to come to you, it must be of that persons free will to do so. Please see the Love and the Use of Magick page for more discussion of this subject.

BLACKTHORN - Blackthorn is a winter tree. Its white flowers are seen even before the leaves in the spring. It is black barked with vicious thorns and grows in dense thickets. The wood is used in the cudgel shillelagh and Blasting Stick. Its thorns are used to pierce waxen images. Blackthorn indicates strong action of fate or outside influences that must be obeyed.

BROOM - Also known as Scotch Broom or Irish Broom. It can be substituted for furze (gorse) at the Spring Equinox. The Irish called it the "Physician's power" because of its diuretic shoots. Sweep your outside ritual areas with it to purify and protect. Burning the blooms and shoots calms the wind. Be cautious if you plant Broom however, it will quickly multiply....

CEDAR - Also known as the Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar. Ancient Celts on the mainland used cedar oil to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy and ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves.

ELDER - Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Standing under an elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a Fairy Ring of mushrooms, will help you see the "little people." Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Music on panpipes or flutes of elder have the same power as the wand. Remember the words of the Rede. Elder is the Lady's Tree, burn it not or cursed ye be!

ELM - A slightly fibrous, tan colored wood with a slight sheen. Elm is often associated with Mother and Earth Goddesses, and was said to be the abode of faeries, explaining Kipling's injunction; "Ailim be the lady's tree; burn it not or cursed ye'll be". Elm wood is valued for it's resistance to splitting, and the inner bark was used for cordage and chair caning. Elm adds stability and grounding to a spell.

FIR - Fir is a very tall slender tree that grows in mountainous regions on the upper slopes. Fir cones respond to rain by closing and the sun by opening. Fir can see over great distance to the far horizon beyond and below. Fir indicates high views and long sights with clear vision of what is beyond and yet to come.

FIR (SILVER) - Also known as the Birth Tree. The needles are burned at childbirth to bless and protect the mother and baby.

FURZE - Also known as Gorse, Whin. Its golden flowers are associated with the Spring Equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection and preparation for conflict of any sort.

HAWTHORN - Also known as May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells.

HAZEL - Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing. Forked sticks are used to find water or buried treasure. If outside and in need of magickal protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel branch. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Magically, hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.

HOLLY - A beautiful white wood with an almost invisible grain; looks very much like ivory. Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan and Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice. In Arthurian legend, Gawain (representing the Oak King of summer) fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a holly club to represent winter. It is one of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts. It was used in spear shafts also. The qualities of a spear shaft are balance and directness, as the spear must be hefted to be thrown the holly indicates directed balance and vigor to fight if the cause is just. Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death. A bag of leaves and berries carried by a man is said to increase his ability to attract women.

JUNIPER - Its berries were used with thyme in Druid and Grove incenses for visions. Juniper grown by the door discourages thieves. The mature berries can be strung and hung in the house to attract love.

MISTLETOE - Also known as Birdlime, All Heal and Golden Bough. It was the most sacred tree of the Druids, and ruled the Winter Solstice. The berries are poisonous! Bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb. The berries are used in love incenses.

OAK - Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. The oak was the "King of Trees" in a grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, known as Serpent Eggs, were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and Priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. It can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability; the different varieties will lend their own special 'flavor' to the magic.

PINE - The Pine tree is an evergreen, its old title was "the sweetest of woods." It was known to the Druids as one of the seven chieftain trees of the Irish. Mix the dried needles with equal parts of juniper and cedar and burn to purify the home and ritual area. The cones and nuts can be carried as a fertility charm. A good magickal cleansing and stimulating bath is made by placing pine needles in a loose woven bag and running bath water over it. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush the ground with a pine branch.

ROWAN - Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood and Sorb Apple has long known as an aid and protection against enchantment. Sticks of the Rowan were used to carve Runes on. Rowan spays and crosses were placed over cattle in pens and over homes for protection. Its lovely red berries feed the birds in winter. The berries have a tiny pentagram on them and are especially poisonous. The pentagram is the ancient symbol of protection. The Rowan tree indicates protection and control of the senses from enchantment and beguiling. The Rowan was sacred to the Druids and the Goddess Brigit. It is a very magical tree used for wands, rods, amulets and spells. A forked Rowan branch can help find water. Wands are for knowledge, locating metal and general divination.

WILLOW - Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Aspirin. Once of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, a Druid sacred Tree. The willow is a Moon tree sacred to the White Lady, Its groves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When the wish is fulfilled. return and untie the knot. Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift.

YEW - Also known as English Yew and European Yew. Another important tree to the Winter Solstice and the deities of death and rebirth. It is a beautifully smooth, gold-colored wood with a wavy grain. The Irish used it to make dagger handles, bows and wine barrels. The wood or leaves were laid on graves as a reminder to the departed spirit that death was only a pause in life before rebirth. All parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the berry, and its medicinal uses include a recently discovered treatment for cancer. The yew may be the oldest lived tree in the world. Ancient yews can be found in churchyards all over Britain, where they often pre-date even the oldest churches. There are some convincing arguments for it being the original 'World-tree' of Scandinavian mythology. The Yew may be used to enhance magical and psychic abilities, and to induce visions.

What is the Aura?

Everyone has an aura. Everyone has already seen or experienced the auric fields of others. The problem is that most people ignore the experience or chalk it up to something that it is not.

Mystics from all parts of the world speak of seeing lights around people's heads, but you do not have to be a mystic to see the aura. Anyone can learn to see and experience the aura more effectively. There is nothing magical about the process. It involves recognizing it for what it is and not ignoring the experience. It simply involves a little understanding, time, practice and perseverance.

Children are very good at seeing and experiencing the aura. Those experiences are often translated into their drawings. Around the figures, they will shade in unusual and different colors. These colors often reflect the subtle energies they have observed around what they are drawing.

Have You Experienced the Auric Energy Field?

   1. When you are around some people do you feel drained?
   2. Do you associate certain colors with people? (For example, "You always seem like   a yellow person to me.")
   3. Have you ever felt when someone was staring at you?
   4. Have you ever been able to sense how someone is feeling, in spite of how this person was acting?
   5. Do certain sounds, colors and fragrances make you feel more comfortable or uncomfortable?
   6. Do you find that some people excite or energize you more than others?
   7. Are some rooms more comfortable and enjoyable to be in than others? Do you notice the difference in one room from the next?
          * Did you ever notice how your brother's/sister's room feels different from yours?
          * How about your parent's or children's? 

The human aura is the energy field that surrounds the physical body. It surrounds you in all directions. It is three dimensional. In a healthy individual, it makes an elliptical or egg shape about the body. I have heard it proposed that the auras of the ancient masters could extend outward from the body for several miles. It is often believed that this is one of the reasons they could draw such large numbers of followers in any area where they traveled. It is worth noting that a common depiction of many masters included the halo, a portion of the aura that is most easily seen by the average individual.

The aura is weakened by:

   1. Poor diet
   2. Lack of exercise
   3. Lack of fresh air
   4. Lack of rest
   5. Stress
   6. Alcohol
   7. Drugs
   8. Tobacco
   9. Negative habits
  10. Improper psychic activity 

Feeling and Experiencing Subtle Energies

The in and out movement of the hands causes the energy surrounding them to accumulate between them, making it more perceptible to you. The hands are becoming more sensitive to the subtle energies.

As the hands become more sensitive, you can use them to detect the auric energies emanating from other parts of the body as well. These detections may feel like heat, pressure, tingling etc. Hold your dominant hand about a foot and a half above your bared forearm.

Slowly lower your hand toward the forearm. Pay attention to anything that you might feel. How close do you come to the forearm before you can feel the energy from it? Remember that the feeling may be one of pressure, heat, coolness, thickness etc. It will feel much like what you experienced between you hands. It may not be as strong, but you should be able to feel it. If you cannot, slowly repeat it. Remember that you are reawakening your ability to consciously be aware of the subtle energies around you.

The Meaning of Colors

Color can be constructive or destructive. It can stimulate or depress, repel or attract. It can even be male or female in its character. It can reflect positive or negative, and when perceived within the aura it provides a key to the personality, moods, maturity and health of the individual. It reflects physical and spiritual aspects.

It takes a great deal of practice to interpret the color shades seen within the aura. Each color has its general characteristic, but each shade of that color change that characteristic a little. The location of the color, the intensity and even the from the color takes in the auric field must be considered.

This text is not intended to provide all of the subtle nuances of color interpretation within the auric field. You will examine basic colors and the energies they commonly indicate on physical and other levels. This gives you a starting point to begin to understand what is revealed by the colors of the aura.

The colors closest to the body reflect aspects of the individual's physical condition. They also indicate those energies manifesting and energies further away often indicate the energy that the person will be able to determine time elements of certain energy patterns by the color and the location of the color with respect to the physical body.

The Rainbow colors

Red

Red is the color of strong energy, fire and primal creative force. It is the life promoting energy. It is hot. It can indicate strong passion, mind and will. It is a dynamic color that can reflect anger, love, hate and unexpected changes. It can indicate new birth and transmutation.

It is a color that affects the circulatory system of the body, the reproductive system (sexual energy) and an awakening of latent abilities and talents.

Too much red or a muddiness can reflect over stimulation, inflammation or imbalance. It may reflect nervousness, temper, aggression, impulsiveness or excitement.

Orange

Orange is the color of warmth, creativity and emotions. It is an indication of courage, joy and socialness. It is a color which can reflect an opening of new awareness - especially to the subtle realms (the astral plane) of life.

Depending on the shade, it can also indicate emotional imbalances and agitation. Some of the muddier shades of orange can reflect pride and flamboyance. It may reflect worry and vanity.

Yellow

Yellow is one of the first and the easiest aura colors to be seen. Pale yellow around the hairline can indicate optimism. Yellow is the color of mental activity and new sunshine. It can reflect new learning opportunities, lightness, wisdom and intellect. The more pastel shades often reflect wisdom and intellect. The more pastel shades often reflect an enthusiasm for something (especially in the pale yellow to white spectrum). Yellow is a color which represents the power of ideas and awakening psychic abilities and clairsentience.

Deeper and muddier shades of yellow can reflect excessive thinking and analyzing. It can reflect being overly critical, feeling of being deprived of recognition and being dogmatic.

Green

Green is the color of sensitivity and growing compassion. It reflects growth, sympathy and calm. It can reflect a person who is reliable, dependable and open-minded. Bright green moving toward the blue spectrum in the aura indicate healing ability. It is a color of abundance, strength and friendliness.

The muddier or darker shades of green can reflect uncertainty and miserliness. The muddier shades often reflect jealousy and possessiveness as well. It can indicate self doubt and mistrust.

Blue

Blue, next to yellow, is one of the easiest colors to see in the aura. It is the color of calm and quietness. It reflects devotion, truth and seriousness. It can indicate the ability for clairaudience and for the development of telepathy.

The lighter shades of blue reflect an active imagination and good intuition. The deeper shades of blue can indicate a sense of loneliness, which on one level reflects a life-long quest foe the Divine. The deeper shades of blue reflect levels of devotion. Royal blue shades indicate the person has found or is about to find his or her chosen work.

The muddier shades of blue can reflect blocked perceptions. They can indicate melancholy, rushing and worrying, domineering, fearfulness, forgetfulness and over sensitivity.

Violet and Purple-Violet is the color of warmth and transmutation. It is the color for the blending of the heart and the mind, the physical with the spiritual. It reflects independence and intuition, as well as dynamic and important dream activity. It can reflect one who is searching. The purple shades often reflect an ability to handle affairs with practicality and worldliness. The paler and lighter shades of violet and purple can reflect humility and spirituality. The red-purple shades can indicate great passion strength of will. They may also reflect a need for greater individual effort.

The darker and muddier shades can reflect a need to overcome something. They can also reflect intense erotic imaginations as well. Tendencies toward being overbearing, needing sympathy and feeling misunderstood are also reflected in muddier shades.

Other Colors of the Aura

Pink

Pink is a color of compassion, love and purity. It can reflect joy and comfort and a strong sense of companionship. When seen in the aura, it can indicate the quiet, modest type of individual, along with a love of art and beauty.

Depending on the shade of pink, it can also reflect an immaturity, especially the muddier shades. It can reflect truthfulness or a lack of it. It can also reflect times of new love and new vision.

Gold

Gold is a color that reflects dynamic spiritual energy and a true coming into one's own power. It reflects the higher energies of devotion and great inspiration. It indicates a time of revitalizing.

Muddier shades of gold can indicate the person is still in the process of awakening higher inspiration and has not clarified it yet within his/her life. It reflects the alchemical process still being active; i.e.' the person is still working to turn the lead of his/her life into gold.

White

White is often seen in the aura, prior to any actual colors. It is often seen as a diaphanous shades. White has all colors within it, and when it does appear strongly within the aura, it is often in conjunction with other colors. This is how you can know whether it is an actual energy color or just a poor perception of the aura. When the white does stand out as a color in the aura, it reflects truth and purity. It indicates that the energy of the individual is cleansing and purifying itself. It often reflects an awakening of greater creativity as well.

Gray

Gray is a color of initiation. It can indicate a movement toward unveiling innate abilities. Those shades of gray that lean more toward the silver reflect an awakening of the feminine energies. Those are the energies and abilities of illumination, intuition and creative imagination.

The darker shades of gray can indicate physical imbalances, especially if seen next to specific areas of the physical body. They can also indicate a need to leave no task undone. Much gray in the aura can indicate a person who is secretive and who is the lone wolf type.

Brown

Brown often appears in the auric field. Although many people think of as reflecting a lack of energy or an imbalance, this is not always so. Brown is the color of the earth. When it shown itself in the aura, especially in areas above the head and around the feel, it can reflect new growth. It indicates establishing new roots and a desire to accomplish. It is a color that can reflect industry and organization.

On the other hand, brown across the face or touching the head may indicate a lack of and need for discrimination. It seen in the areas of the chakras, it can indicate that those centers need to be cleaned. It will reflect in such cases a clogging of their energies. Brown is often difficult to interpret, as it can easily reflect problem areas in the physical, but you must be careful about jumping to conclusions when you see it. Feedback from the other person is the best means of understanding it.

Black

Black is one of the most confusing of colors in the auric spectrum. I have heard individuals say that, when black shows up in the aura, it is an indication of death or terrible disease. I have not found that to be true.

Black is a color of protection. It is a color which can shield an individual from outside energies. When seen in the aura, it can reflect that the person is protecting himself or herself. It can also indicate that person has secrets. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as it is not taken to extremes. Black can also indicate that a new understanding of burdens and sacrifices is going to manifest.

Black can also indicate imbalances. Physical imbalances often show up as black or darkened areas in the aura around the physical body. the location provides clues to this. In the outer edges of the aura, black can indicate holes in the auric field. I have seen this in the auras of those who were victims of child abuse and those who are or were strong substance abusers ( alcohol, drugs, tobacco etc.).

Silver Twinkles

Another aspect that I have observed should be mentioned. I have often seen within the aura what look to be soft, twinkling lights. They are usually very sparkly and silver in color. I have found that they indicate one of several things. These "twinkles'" as I call them, are almost always a sign of great creativity and fertility. When they appear within the auric field of a person, it indicates that greater creativity is being activated within the individual's life.

Strengthening and Protecting the Aura 

TECHNIQUE # 1

PREVENTING YOURSELF FROM BEING DRAINED

We have all experienced being drained by an-other person. You may talk to him or her on the phone or in person, and, when you finish, you are exhausted. Your stomach may ache etc. What you are experiencing is an energy drain.

Some individuals draw or suck off the energy of others. Most of the time this happens because the individuals involved do not realize it. In many cases they are using your energies to supplement their own rather than building up their own. All they may realize is that, when they finish talking with you or being with you, they feel better. This does not give them a right to take your energy, however, and you should not allow it.

This does not mean that you should accuse this person of being a vampire or say that you will not speak to him or her again because he or she is sucking off your energy. If you do, this person will think you have gone off the deep end. In that case, your problem will be solved, because he or she will probably not care to see you after that. Most people still are not open to the subtle aspects of energy, and you must keep this in mind when dealing with them.

It is easier just to correct the situation without saying a word about it. You can control whether another shares your energy or not. One of the simplest methods is to close your circuit of energy. There are currents of energy flowing through your body and around it within the auric field. You can close them down so that your energies only circulate around your own auric field and throughout your body. You prevent your energies from being drawn off from the aura, and you prevent your aura from drawing in another's energy.

Assuming the posture shown on the next page is all it takes. You cross your feet at the ankles and bring your thumbs and fingers together so they are touching. (If you wish, you can use just your thumbs and index fingers.) This close your circuit. Your energy will not go out from you.

The next time you encounter your friend who drains you, assume this posture. Simply rest your hands casually on your lap, touch your fingers and cross your ankles. It is casual and simple, and no one will suspect you of anything. You can also do this when on the phone with such people.

If you do this, you will get some feedback through other friends as to the effects. You may hear comments such as, "You are just not as nice,' "You are not as open as you has nothing to do with being mad at people. You will still be talking with them as nicely and as often as ever. What you are not doing is allowing them to take your energy! You simply are not allowing them to drain you. Because they are not getting "high" from you, they are assuming something is wrong. No one has the right to take your energy without your permission.

TECHNIQUE # 2 

ENERGY BREATHING TECHNIQUE

Fresh air and proper breathing are essential to a strong and vital aura. Breathing for maximum energy to the aura should be done through the nostrils. Many people have a bad habit of mouth breathing, not realizing that nostril breathing is more natural and healthy.

Mouth breathing makes an individual more susceptible to diseases. It impairs the vitality of the aura. It can even weaken the constitution. Between the mouth and the lungs, there is nothing to strain the air. Dust, dirt and other impure substances have a clear track to the lungs. Mouth breathing also admits cold air to the lungs, which can lead to inflammation of the respiratory organs.
Nostril breathing, on the other hand, is more vitalizing and healthy to your entire energy system. The nose provides specialized surfaces for the absorption of prana from the air. Prana can be likened to the vitalizing aspect that exists within air. Many Eastern breathing techniques require a conscious focus upon the tip to the nose and the entire nasal area during inhalation. This enhances the prana absorption, raises the vitality of the entire aura and stimulates the entire energy system of the human being.

The nostrils and the nasal passages are designed with hair to filter and sieve the air. They also warm the air through the mucous membranes. This makes the air fit for the delicate organs of the lungs, and breath is them more energizing and strengthening to your auric field.

In yoga, the moon breath is termed the Ida and the sun breath is termed the Pingala. The balance of the two is Susumna. Your energy has polarity, positive and negative, male and female, sun and moon. This breathing technique quickly energizes the aura and balances the polarity of the body. It also enhances your ability to remember and assimilate information. It balances the hemispheres of the brain. It can be used before studies to shorten learning time. It can also be used as a quick-me-up during the day.

The basic technique is comprised of alternate breaths, breathing in one nostril and then breathing out the other. (Remember that conscious attention to the tip of the nose, especially during the in-breath, will magnify the effects of this technique.) The rhythm is aided by holding the nose with the thumb and fingers. 

1. Begin with your right thumb and fingers over your nose and exhale. Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth.

2. Use your thumb and close your right nostril; then inhale through your left nostril for a slow count of four.

3. Keeping your right nostril closed, clamp your fingers down over your left nostril, pinching your nose closed between your thumb and fingers. Hold for a court of 16. (If you have never performed any concentrated rhythmic breathing, the count of 16 may be too long for you. If this is the case, reduce it or count faster. With practice, you will develop the ability to hold your breath for more extended periods. Try inhaling for a exhaling for a count of three. Work to find the rhythm that is most effective for you and then build upon it.)

4. Release your thumb, opening your right nostril. Keep your left nostril closed with your fingers. Exhale slowly out through your right nostril for a count of eight. 

5. Release your nose, raise your left hand up and, with your thumb, close off your left nostril. Inhale for a count of four through your right nostril and then clamp your fingers closed on it. Hold for a count of 16.

6. Release your thumb and your left nostril. Keep your right nostril clamped with your fingers. Exhale for a slow count of eight through your left nostril.

7. Repeat four to five breaths, alternating each side. Breath in one nostril, hold and exhale out the other. Reverse it and repeat the procedure. Do at least four to five breaths for each side for a quick pick-me-up. This will saturate your entire body and aura with quick energy.

TECHNIQUE # 3

THE CLEANSING VORTEX

This exercise is a visualization exercise for cleansing and purifying your entire auric field. It is an excellent exercise to perform at the end of a day, especially at those times when you have interacted with a great many people. It helps sweep out energy debris, preventing it from accumulating and creating imbalance within the auric field. It only takes about five minutes to be effective.

Take a seated position and perform a progressive relaxation. Performing the breathing technique just described is beneficial as a preparation for this exercise. You may want to use a simple prayer or mantra as well. Remember that the exercise as presented here is a guideline, and you should learn to adapt it to your own energies.

About 20 feet above you, in your mind's eye, visualize a small whirlwind of crystalline white fire beginning to form. It looks like a small, visualize it so that it is large enough to encompass your entire auric field. The small end of the funnel should be visualized as capable of entering through the crown of your head and passing down the middle pillar of your body .

This whirlwind of spiritual fire should be seen as rotating and spinning clockwise. As it touches your aura, see it as sucking up and burning off all of the energy debris you have accumulated.

See, fell and imagine it moving down, over and through your entire aura and body. Know that it is sweeping your energy field clean of all the extraneous energies you have accumulated throughout the day.

As it moves through your body, allow this energy vortex to exit out through your feet down into the heart of the earth itself. See the vortex as carrying this energy debris into the lower realms, where it is used to fertilize and benefit the lower kingdoms of life upon and within the planet. 

How To Shield Against Psychic Attacks - Various Shielding Methods

Psychic Shielding Techniques

Up until now I have figured that if there is any topic in regards to Psychic anything you are going to find all sorts of ways to shield. I find shielding to be one of the most overused and over written about topic in many cases. It however wouldn't be prudent for me to not on some level go over a few of the techniques and issues that I think ought to be looked into on this general topic.

The basic idea of shielding is to keep the bad stuff out. You want to be free from any kind of "negative" influence that can come from psychic attack, dirty environments, or messy leaking individuals that you are around. Some types of shielding are also used to act as a clean room so that no other energic ingredients get into your mystical workings when you are looking for a more pure product. One last aspect of shielding might be to close of any projection of energy that you are unconsciously doing.

Shielding Technique One:

Most places I have seen always have several types that they suggest. The Bubble shield surrounding your body is probably the most dominant so far. This is made by a visualized construct of energy that forms around your body like a clear bubble. Some folks might get fancy and visualize and then empower runes or other sigils to better defend themselves and strengthen their shield.

I find this system to be a useful basic starting point. You learn the fundamentals of the shield, you feel more secure because you keep the visualized protection in your minds eye so you know it is there. It also starts developing you towards sensing your energy in reference to everything else. I find the aspect of sticking on sigils of any kind on this rather overkill but it is a plausible idea for those that wish to continue strengthening their shield or giving people an avenue of choice when in varying circumstances.

Shielding Technique Two:

The next shield I generally hear about is the mirror shield. The idea and theory behind this one is you create a mirror like quality on the shield you are using which then projects back energy at anyone that is throwing it towards you. This seems a rather karmic type of thinking and ideology towards this shield. While it works in some cases I fret every time I hear about it.

First of all when I hear about this shield the description that it returns energy to the sender is always spoken about. The why's are never looked into, neither are the hows. For example, When you shine a flash light at a mirror does it come straight back to you? Yes, if you are standing in the right position and directing the light at the correct angle. Otherwise it does not and reflects towards some other destination.

To me for the mirror shield to work you would need to switch the angle that the energy is reflecting towards you at and aim for the opponent. What if the attacker moves from his position? What if I don't know where the attacker is?

Therefore in relation to the deflection of this energy unless you program that energy that was sent towards you to go back to the caster it isn't likely to happen. With this said if you are using the mirror shield to capture and change energy it isn't really a mirror shield is it? It becomes a much more highly advanced type of thing and in reality the shield technique is using too many over complicated steps if it were truly to be effective.

This gets into our next aspect of shielding. Certain energies will go straight through a mirror. You cannot in any realistic sense expect that every form of energy you encounter is going to bounce safely off of your man made created mirror shield. If there are an infinite variety of energies then your finite supply of ideas of defense isn't going to do jack for very long.

Disregard this type and just absorb the impact on something else, then throw it back with a modified strain attack. Better bang for your buck and without the fluffy philosophy included.

Shielding Technique Three:

In the previous paragraphs I made a comparison between body heat and your leaking spiritual energy. That leaking energy can be used for something more than just waste. This type of thing usually comes naturally and you don't need to involve a great deal of effort into it. Because this leakage came from you, you have some sort of domain and control over it until it dissipates and is absorbed into something else.

When you can sense that the hot individual you have been dreaming about nightly is staring at your back you are in effect using this same principle. You are sensing them coming into your territory with their focus, if indeed they aren't capable of being more energetically discreet. This aura of sorts is acting like a radar and sonar system.

Feeling comfortable opening this natural sensation up is going to lead you into knowing when certain negative or unwanted energies are coming into your environment. It is at that point that you can either look to avoid these energies or place up a shield of your choice in order to block it.

You can start using this type of shielding in a more advanced level and understanding that the leakages you are giving out can also not only sense but be changed in form. To deter the unwanted energies coming towards you, to add on and change it, to even stopping it short. Once again this is an advanced form and preferably I would start out if you are just starting out with the bubble until you are used to that.

This is my preferred way of dealing with shielding. It comes naturally it is effective and it doesn't really require much concentration to hold it. The advanced applications of it fit right in with other energy manipulation techniques as well and add adaptability to the situations you are in.

There are other methods of shielding available such as use of protection spells which I use in my practice of witchcraft. Talismans and amulets will work as well if properly "charged." Avoidance works well always. Simply avoiding contact with such persons, entities, and energies is the best way of dealing with such things if you can manage that. This article, Astral Parasite Defense - How To Protect Against Malevolent Spirits or Entities, also focuses on the "blocking" of unwanted energies, spirits and entities.

Spiritual Body Language

A key component to energy reading on a physical level that I don't think is talked about much is the aspect of body language. Now everyone can see if you are smiling or frowning not much to that is there? There is a bit more to it all if you dig just a bit into the mechanics of energy itself.

Because we are composed by energy anything we do causes a certain amount of leakage. Think of it something like body heat. We are always one way or another giving off a certain type of spiritual energy as well. Some individuals through the use of varying strategies such as shielding or other more advanced forms of energy control such as shrouding or harmonizing can regulate this leakage or change it so that it isn't as noticeable.

What people forget however is that you have a huge body of flesh that twitches and has its own habits which reveal certain moods or distractions which can be looked into both on a psychological level as well as delving into it with a decent empathic probe. Because you are viewing leaking energy you aren't directly accessing the individuals core and thus them shielding is practically useless.

This would be another advantage of learning how to control your body restraining certain movements and keeping your opposition off guard. I would suggest once again learning to play poker. The game isn't entirely in the cards, it is how you hold them and react to the terrible hand that you have just gotten three deals in a row.

How To Create a Psychic Shield Around You