I have a buddy who doesn't feel comfortable performing any type of ritual until she has the appropriate
instruments by her side. Candles, incenses and parchment are just some of the magical tools my friend
uses to get herself into the correct mood for spiritual workings; without them she feels as if her
working is less complete. Over the years I've noticed for myself and for many others that the physical body
has the most power as an instrument of psychic and spiritual rebirth.
When you're tired or depressed or stressed about life's details, it is nearly impossible to focus the
necessary energies you need to start a working, much less complete one. And no amount of tools in the world will help your goals come to fruition if your physical and spiritual bodies are not in proper alignment.
Issues like work, family and finances are just a few of the things that can play a part in throwing an
individual out of whack, making meditation and energy flow difficult.
Illness, anger and fear are also factors that can serve to break down the body, holding it back from
soaring to greater metaphysical heights. Smoking, drug abuse (caffeine included) and alcoholism are definite body blocks- overindulgence in toxic chemicals or pollutants should be kept to a minimum or stopped altogether.
So how can you get the most positive use of your body, your main and most powerful instrument?
Here are a few things that work for me.
1. That old saying is true: You are what you eat.
If you tend to feel tired or less energized after a meal than you did before you ate, you may be eating
the wrong things. The body needs proper nourishment to run correctly and that means more natural foods. Less fast food and quick but non-nutritious meals should be kept to a minimum when possible. If you are a die-hard fast food junkie, perhaps you should consider detoxifying at least three days in advance of a
magical endeavor. After your ritual is done, presto-a large pizza pie with all the requisite toppings could
appear on your doorstep, within thirty minutes. Just like magic.
2. Drugs keep all of your natural power dammed up.
Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are major culprits on this list because each is legal and many people use
them in some form-if not all three. It goes without saying that anything that can take control over bodily
functions (read: speeding it up, slowing it down) is probably not healthy for you in the long run;
especially when these results are produced via unnatural means. I know all about this: About a year ago, I wound up in the hospital due to my passionate (although turbulent) relationship with caffeine. After being up all night with heart palpitations and cold sweats, I decided to put an end to my five cup a day habit. And though I can't say that I don't miss coffee ('cause I miss it a lot!), I do feel much better since I cut back my
intake.
3. Put away those tools.
Often, we become so attached to various items that we feel like we couldn't possibly complete a magical goal without them. Every so often, it might be a good idea to walk away from your altar or tools and commune with the elements using just the six senses.
When I need to feel more in tune with my own senses, I work my third eye through meditation. For those among you who fancy yourself hot stuff in the kitchen, cook a meal the likes that will send your palate into
overdrive and your nose into heaven. To work your sight sense, head outdoors to an area filled with
nature. Flowers, trees and the beauty of the earth are appealing to the eye and serve to remind us that there is more to life than man-made objects. For your touch sense, commune with your love partner, but treat your experience as if it was the first time. Intimate massage is a great help for this purpose.
4. Moderation is the key.
Avoid overwork, overstress and overindulgence in anything. Even too much of a good thing can be
hazardous if taken to the extreme. This may be difficult for you "A" personalities to stick to; but
if you take the time to remind yourself to slow down, eventually, taking the occasional break will become
part of your busy routine.
5. Work through negative emotions in productive ways.
Are you a screamer? A worrier? Perhaps you're the type who holds everything in, not getting relief until the
inevitable explosion.
Dealing positively with emotions like fear, sadness or depression is important for healthy living in general
and is paramount in the successful magical working. If things in your life become too difficult, seek out
alternatives like mental health professionals, creative hobbies or Reiki.
6. Exercise both your physical and mental bodies regularly.
Fitness in body can go a long way to helping see your magical plans through to fruition. No need to train
for the Olympics or anything too strenuous, but getting into the habit of exercising at least three
times a week can boost endurance, ease away tension and give an added boost to any spiritual exercise you undertake.
7. Silence can be golden.
Spells should be felt and not heard. Even for those of us who practice in a group setting, there are always
times when discretion is called for. Negative energy can take power away from your purpose and even our
friends and family members can be guilty of sending out bad vibes-whether purposefully or not.
So don't be so quick to share that new method or to show off your latest talisman. Those who smile the
hardest at us are not always who they seem!
8. Determine your triggers.
What makes you crazy? I find it helps to list the issues and circumstances that can trigger negative
emotions for me. Once these triggers are listed, take time to work on a specific issue, one at a time.
And remember: Not every solution is best gained through spell craft. Got a problem with your spouse?
Don't sit on it or slip a love spell into your marinade; sometimes a simple conversation can work
wonders. Feeling unappreciated by your boss? In most cases, it's probably easier to find ways to make
yourself more of an asset around the office. But if you really think that doing a spell for a raise while
a Capricorn moon is transiting your tenth house, I say, go for it. It certainly couldn't hurt.
9. Shield yourself regularly.
Taking care of yourself today can mean a variety of activities. Self-defense classes, martial arts and
plain common sense are just a few things we should use to keep ourselves safe.
Psychic self-defense is yet another form of protection. Shielding yourself from the uglies of the
world will keep you grounded, more optimistic and can even help with psychic awareness.
10. Solitude is one of the best energy cleansers.
Even for those of us with families, alone time is necessary for optimum mental and physical health. Most
of us are so used to tending to the needs of others that we forget ourselves.
Spouses, children, bosses and friends often make demands of us that need to be met. But forgetting to
take care of your own basic needs is a mistake. Whenever possible, take a walk or go away for a
weekend. If either of those options seems impossible, lock yourself in your bathroom for ten minutes. It may sound silly, but those ten minutes alone can go a long way toward helping you cope with the things life will throw at you after you leave that bathroom.
No matter what your magical goal is, you should be physically and emotional strong enough to help move
the energy on its way. Use the techniques above to open your power sectors. Some of the methods work well in combo; adding your own techniques to the mix can
only strengthen your results.
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