The way that I practice magic, visualization is a core skill. Visualization is the act of seeing something in your mind in order to actualize it in the real world. The more realistically you can see, hear, taste, smell, and touch the goal you are trying to reach, the easier it will be to actualize…
New pagans, especially solitaries, may have some doubt if they are channeling energies properly, or even at all. It can help to learn how you sense energies. The following exercise can help you learn to feel the energies around you. To sense energy for the first time: Hold your hands several inches apart, palm facing…
Grounding is the act of connecting your energies to the energy of the Earth. The Earth is a powerful energy neutralizer, taking in negative energy and converting it to neutral energy. Due to this, grounding can help balance your energies, whether you have too much energy or too little. Grounding can help you correct and…
Magic is the application of will to affect reality. In magic, you have a specific goal, and take steps toward making that goal manifest. A wide variety of pagans use magic, but the most common method published today is the Wiccan method. We will address the Wiccan method but understand that there are many variations…
Centering is about finding your energetic center. This varies from person to person. I may be in your solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, brow (“third eye”) chakra, or sacral chakra. For some reason, perhaps because my first lessons on energy work came from martial arts, I have always felt my energy center was my sacral…
A circle is a special space that is created for ritual and magical use. A circle is cast in an existing sacred space. A circle has three purposes: creating a space between the worlds, defending against distractions, and protecting from negative energies. Creating a space between worlds is important for rituals in which you are…
Smoke cleansing, sometimes called smudging, is a method of spiritually cleansing a sacred space or an individual. This is done by wafting the smoke from burning herbs or resins around the area or person being cleansed. The energy of the herbs clears the aura where the smoke passes. Why not call it smudging? Many pagans…
There are many ways in which color can be used in magic. The most common use of color in magic is candles. Color magic can also be used with crystals, stones, fabric, herbs, or any other magical tools. Using color can enhance the power of your rituals. Typical meanings of color in magic are: Black…
Before you do any ritual work as a pagan, you should learn how to create a sacred space. A sacred space is a private area that is cleansed, purified, and consecrated for ritual or magical purposes. If you are able to find a dedicated area where you can create a permanent sacred space, that is…
The principle of “As Above, So Below; As Within, So Without” is one of the core beliefs of Wicca and some other pagan faiths. “As Above, So Below” describes the relationship between ourselves and the Universe. It means that the universe reflects what we do and we reflect the way the universe behaves. “As Within,…