Rosewicket Wicca Coven

Here are some simple exercises, question & answers, tips, experiences, ect. on Meditation. Feel free to ask questions or add your own ideas.

If you have not already read the meditation page, it is a great starting point. I suggest you read this, but it is not necessary to understand what I will go over here.

For starters, meditating is something anyone can do. It may take more practice for some people to quiet their minds, but everyone can achieve it. There are many different kinds of meditations - ones for magical purposes, meditating as centering & groundings (to raise and release power), to hold on sabbats, for elements, just to relax or even to mentally cast a spell. There is no one proper way to meditate. Many, especially if chakra-based, will suggest you sit in the lotus position (involving crossed legged with each foot over the opposite knee) but if any suggested pose is uncomfortable (or impossible!) then try another.

The first topic to be covered is breathing. Some people get hung up on this, which is why it is first. Each meditation is different, some will require deep breathing, and some uncontrolled breathing. If you are starting then I suggest you simply let your body do what it does naturally, do not worry if it sounds too deep or shallow, just let your lungs fill comfortably. If you are trying to calm yourself (as in, if you were nervous when you started) then I suggest you take long breaths, pause for a few seconds, then release. Do this again, slowly increasing the time it takes for each breath and pause. When you are fully relaxed, it should be fairly easy to keep a pace without thinking about it.

Next, surroundings. When you get really good at it, you can meditate anywhere. I have done this on many bus rides to school - despite all the noise, it left me very calm but alert in the mornings (I definitely recommend you try this). For starters, though, I will assume you have a busy mind and thus would suggest the following:

-Closed doors, privacy, and lack of visual distractions

-Earplugs or headphones to block noise, soft comforting music, or as near silent as possible

-Candles or incense to set the mood

-A comfortable place, such as a soft rug, a pillow, a chair, or bed

-A comfortable pose of your choice (I quite like lying down, which I suggest to beginners)

-No distractions. For example, don't be starving, or thirsty, waiting for a friend to call, or too rushed, it will only make this harder.

-A crystal that resonates with you or your purpose

However, none of these things are necessary. You can meditate, as I said on a loud bus ride if you choose, without anything but your mind. These things are only here to help you, just because you have them does not mean you will succeed, and if you do not have them you can still prevail.

The first thing you need to do is relax. Slowly let your worries melt away. Do not worry about making that appointment tomorrow, do not kick yourself over the fact that you burned your toast this morning (as examples, of course), just focus on there here and now, because in the now, you have the ability to create total internal peace.

You may choose to keep your eyes closed (to feel relaxed), or open (to keep your mind from wandering), it is up to you. Ditto with positions or types of meditations. Do what works.

In the next post I will give you some simple beginner’s meditations.

The Tree Meditaion

This is copyright Magicka School. It is a simple version of a generic tree meditation, and I did not write the exact words. This is great for drawing power, relaxing, or connecting to the earth. It is a populare way to ground. Grounding is the term used for the various ways that this energy can be harmlessly channelled back into the earth.

Light a candle in your meditation space and use either sandalwood or frankincense to perfume the air if you wish. Breathe in for seven, hold for�four and breathe out for seven. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes. Try to just concentrate on your breath. This is harder than it sounds and you may find any number of images crowding into your mind. Don't worry if this happens; just gently bring your attention back to your breathing.

Imagine that you are sitting in a forest glade with your back against a tree. Dappled light shines down on you through fresh green leaves. You can smell the scent of moss and pine, and feel the gentle rub of bark on your back.

Slowly allow yourself to become absorbed into the tree. Feel your back become as one with the bark and fibre of the trunk until you can sense the tree's energy flowing through your body.

Concentrate now on the light pouring down from the Sun, through the leaves, the twigs, the branches and the trunk of the tree. Feel the Sun's energy flowing through you as well. For a few moments allow the light to create a sense of well being and vitality as it seeps in to your very core.

When you are ready let this energy pass through you, back into the tree, from where you can feel it working its way downwards; down through the main roots, down through the root fibres, down to the dark rich earth.

Slowly and gradually become aware of your breathing. Breathe in for seven, hold for four and breathe out for seven. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes.

Come to normal consciousness feeling refreshed and calm.

Record your feelings and impressions in your journal or Book of Shadows if you wish.

For the time being use this meditation after any work that causes energy to be raised.

Pentagram Visualisation

The central symbol of Wicca is the pentagram, or five pointed star, which is used extensively throughout Wiccan practice. This meditation can be used with any other spiritual symbol, not just teh pentagram. Also copyright Magicka School.

Light a candle in your meditation space and use either sandalwood or frankincense to perfume the air if you wish. Breathe in for seven counts, hold for four and breathe out for seven. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes. Try to just concentrate on your breath. If images crowd into your mind just gently bring your attention back to your breathing.

In your mind's eye imagine a black backdrop. It is a black as you have never experienced before, it is the void of the Universe, empty of all things. There is no light whatsoever and you are unable to see. Allow yourself to experience this blackness for a few moments. Gradually a small gentle silver droplet, similar in colour to the Moon, appears at the top of your vision. Slowly and steadily the silver drop grows, at first downwards to the left, then up to the right, across to the left, down to the right and up to the top. In front of you is a moonlit pentagram set against a background of the deepest black.

Hold the image in your mind's eye for a moment or two and contemplate the meaning it has for you.

Now, starting at the bottom left, you will begin to banish the pentagram. See the light gradually disappear from the bottom left to the top, from the top to the bottom right, from the bottom right to the left, across to the right and down to the left.

Finally, you are left with a barely visible silver dot. Watch this slowly fade from view.

Slowly and gradually become aware of your breathing. Breathe in for seven counts, hold for four and breathe out for seven. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes. In...1,2,3,4,5,6,7...out...1,2,3,4,5,6,7...again...

Come to normal consciousness feeling refreshed and calm.

Record your feelings and impressions in your journal or Book of Shadows if you think it would be beneficial.

Next, elemental meditations...

Elemental Meditations

You may use these to connect with a certain element, or if you believe you must find 'your element' (the one you connect with the most) then try these. It may also be beneficial if you are trying to utalize a quality of that element (such as fire for protection, water for love, ect ). If you have the time, doing each of these before rituals/spell casting is great. Found at Firesilks Demesne.

A Water meditation:

Lying or sitting comfortably, close your eyes and breath deeply. Let your mind float. When you are fully relaxed, feel the movement of your blood, sense the pulse and the ebb and flow as your blood cycles and recycles. Feel the tug of the moon on the salt water present in every cell of your body. Become fluid, letting your thoughts drift and flow. After a time (whatever feels comfortable) open your eyes and become fully conscious.

An Earth meditation:

Lying or sitting comfortably, close your eyes and breath deeply. Let your mind float. When you are fully relaxed, feel your self becoming still, heavy. Feel each part of your body sinking into the ground, melding with the Earth, slowing and becoming steady. See each cell of your body becoming transformed into living rock. Picture how the rock feels, sense the slow stately rythyms of the earth as it moves around the sun, feel the pulse of the seasons. After a time (whatever feels comfortable) open your eyes and become fully conscious.

A Fire meditation:

Lying or sitting comfortably, close your eyes and breath deeply. Let your mind float. When you are fully relaxed, feel the heat that is part of your body. See each cell as glowing incandescent with life energy. Feel the energy pulsing up and down your spine, filling your body and radiating away into the space around you. After a time (whatever feels comfortable) open your eyes and become fully conscious.

An Air meditation:

Lying or sitting comfortably, close your eyes and breath deeply. Let your mind float. When you are fully relaxed, feel your breath moving in and out of your body. Picture the air molecules as dancing points of light, constantly in motion, bouncing and rebounding off each other. See the dancing lights as replacing the cells in your body, until nothing but air molecules remain. Feel the shift and flow of the wind in your being, the dance of heat and cold, up and down, constantly in motion yet ever present. After a time (whatever feels comfortable) open your eyes and become fully conscious.

A Spirit meditation:

Lying or sitting comfortably, close your eyes and breath deeply. Let your mind float. When you are fully relaxed, concentrate on your inmost being, that indefinable part of your which is above and beyond your physical self. Picture it as a glowing ball of white light. Expand the ball outward til it encompasses your house, your neighborhood, ever pushing the ball outward, until you reach a point where you cna't expand any more. Feel the myriad of lives now contained within your sphere, touch on the plants, the animals, the people. Feel how they are interconnected, how what was without has now become within. Retract your sphere back into your body. After a time (whatever feels comfortable) open your eyes and become fully conscious, (this is most easily accomplished by performing some physical task like getting up and getting a glass of water or clapping your hands).

Another (but very unappreciated) kind of meditation is the exhilarated or walking meditation.

The exhilarated meditation occurs when instead of total peace, you put yourself in an exciting setting. When you can get just the right rush of adrenaline, your consciousness rises onto a higher plain and you experience a spiritual peace much like that of a successful normal meditation. However, it is not always easy to put yourself in such situations. This just kind of 'happens’. I believe the time when I had the most successful exhilarating meditation was at a very -ehem- loud and crazy rock concert. While this kind of meditation is good to experience once in a while, you should never put your health at risk for the sake of it. As I said, this will just 'happen'.

Another way to trance that is different from normal meditation is the walking meditation, unlike the previous method, this can be done almost anywhere, it has the control of a sitting meditation but offers an alternative method if sitting doesn't work for you.

Ideas For Exhilarating Meditations.

Okay, so as I said before, this might be a hard one. But here are some ideas you can use that might cause you to trance out.

-Ritual drums. BIG drums, like shake the room drums. Or other loud spiritual music that can be played.

-Staring into bonfires or firepits (but be careful!).

-Running around in a storm or heavy rain (but again, dress warmly and try not to catch a cold...best if done before winter weather).

-Ritual singing, dancing, or loud group chants

A Walking Meditation

Best when done outside or close to nature. Do this in a place where you don't have to worry abotu getting lost, as you may lose track of where you are going!

Calm yourself as best you can. Don't focus on your worries. Begin walking at a comfortable pace. Take long but and comfortable strides. Do not rush yourself. Take a few minutes to get your breathing in a comfortable sync with your paces. Go slow. Do not worry about where you are going, or what you will have to do once you return. Breathe. Notice nature but in a passive manner. Do not say to yourself 'Look. Trees. They're pretty.' let your thoughts roll by naturally such as "..........the leaves are a wonderful shade of orange this time of year................a birds nest...........a forest flower..." and so on. Try to connect.

Guess what I found!?

Writing Meditation

One may take a slightly different approach with writing as meditation. Instead of releasing the thought, we may catch it and keep it. This practice can be used to help you get in touch with your thoughts and emotions. It can help clear your mind. It can be a preliminary exercise to warm up your writing muscles for more purposeful writing. You may want to keep this writing, or you can throw it away. You may find a gem that deserves to be kept and polished. If not, that’s OK too. The goal is to tune in, not to create a product.

Find a quiet place to write where you can sit comfortably. You might want to use your favorite pen and your special journal, or you can use a pencil and legal pad. Some of us write most comfortably at a keyboard. It doesn’t matter what tools you use as long as you are comfortable with them. They are about to become extensions of your mind, so you don’t want them to get in the way of the process.

As with any meditation session, take a few minutes to calm yourself and settle your mind. Take several long, slow breaths. Notice your posture. Relax your muscles. Release any tension you notice in your body. Take special note of your neck and shoulders. Invite relaxation into your muscles.

Now take up your writing instrument. Listen to what’s inside you. Sit prepared to write, but without expectation of what you will write. See what offers itself. Before long a thought will come. Write it down. Give up the requirement that the next thought must be logically related to the first. Wait for it to happen of itself. Write it down when it comes. Continue to watch and listen and record.

As you are writing, pay attention to your body. Notice the sensations that may arise with your thoughts. Continue to breathe. Continue to focus your attention inwardly. Let the writing instrument become part of you.

Watch yourself. Notice when you feel the need to force the words. Notice when you are judging them. The purpose, at the moment, is not to produce a masterpiece, but to open your mind and see what’s there.

Write like the wind blows through the trees. Let mind become the wind. Let it flow, tousling your hair. Let the wind become your breath. And when you exhale, breathe life into your pen.

You might find that your thoughts are gibberish. You might find that they are poetry. You might find the crying of an infant, or you might find the whisperings of your wise old soul. Accept what comes as the rustling of your unconscious, and know that you have just dipped a pen nib into the deep inkwell of your mind.

May you find peace beyond words.

Pretty Cool, huh? This was originally found here:

http://www.interluderetreat.com/meditate/writing.htm

and I will be adding many ideas from this site as we go on...

Chakra Meditations

To open the Chakras, or energy centres in the body and make sure they are all strengthened and turing correctly.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Root Chakra…

The Root chakra, being the first chakra, is the most physical one. This means that any activity that makes one more aware of the body, will strengthen this chakra.

Focus on your root chakra, the base of your tailbone. Feel its connection to the earth. Imagine a brilliant red light in front of you. A red the color of rubies, of cherries. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this vital red energy. With each inhale, feel the life-giving red light fill your body and center on your root chakra. Feel your root chakra, the base of your tailbone, energize with this essential red light. Feel the light massage your root chakra, gently awakening the kundalini. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this vital red light.

Once your root chakra has been filled, feel the red light spread from your tailbone to your hips, legs, and feet. Notice how your legs and feet and hips feel warmer now – energized with this vital red light. Through the unfolding of the root chakra, you will learn to say yes to life and discover the source of life energy.

By contracting the muscles in the lower abdomen, the Root Chakra is stimulated. At each inhalation, contract these muscles inward, at each exhalation, relax. Do this for a few minutes.

This can be done while sitting, standing or walking.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Sacral Chakra…

The Sacral chakra is located just above the genitals, and it stands for our sexuality, not just in the normal sense of the word but also taking a personal emotional view of the physical body. It is about how we identify with ourselves.

Now focus on your sacral chakra – just above your pelvic bone and below your navel. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the orange wavelength - The color of oranges, of sweet potatoes. Imagine this vibrant orange light in front of you. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this pulsating orange energy. With each inhale, feel the warm orange light fill your body and center on your sacral chakra. Feel your sacral chakra, just below your navel, energize with this vibrating orange light. Feel the light massage your sacral chakra, gently awakening it. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern.

Continue to breathe in this invigorating orange light.

Once your sacral chakra has been filled, feel the orange light spread from your sacral chakra throughout your lower abdomen. Notice how your lower abdomen feels warmer now – energized with this vibrant orange light. When you awaken the sacral chakra, you will be able to affirm your sexuality and sensual nature and feel at home in your own body.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the solar Plexus Chakra…

The solar plexus chakra is located at the navel. It is the chakra that resonates with our personal happiness and well being. It is largely about our inspiration and creative force, thus activities like a calm dance or drawing meditations can also strengthen the solar plexus.

Now focus on your navel chakra – just above your navel and below your diaphragm – in the very center of your solar plexus. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the yellow wavelength - Lemon yellow, canary yellow. Imagine this fortifying yellow light in front of you.

Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this energizing yellow energy. With each inhale, feel the empowering yellow light fill your body and center on your navel chakra. Feel your navel chakra, just above your belly button, energize with this stimulating yellow light. Feel the light massage your navel chakra, gently awakening your solar plexus. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this refreshing yellow light.

Once your navel chakra has been filled, feel the yellow light spread from your navel chakra throughout your solar plexus. Notice how your solar plexus feels warmer now – energized with this fortifying yellow light. Developing the navel chakra allows you to say yes to yourself and find the inner strength to reach your goals.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Heart Chakra…

Our heart chakra is the most emotional energy centre of the body. It is through the opening of this chakra that we can learn to give and receive love, in both the romantic sense and in terms of friends and family. This chakra is largely about learning to emotional empathize and identify with others.

Now focus on your heart chakra – in the very center of your ribcage. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the green wavelength - The color of emeralds, of the Kelly green fields of Ireland. Imagine this nurturing green light in front of you. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this nourishing green energy. With each inhale, feel the comforting green light fill your body and center on your heart chakra. Feel your heart chakra, in the middle of your ribcage, energize with this loving green light. Feel the light gently massage your heart chakra. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this essential green light.

Once your heart chakra has been filled, feel the green light spread from your heart chakra throughout your ribcage. Notice how your ribcage and upper torso feel warmer now – energized with this nurturing green light. By activating the heart chakra, you will come to say yes to love and develop compassion.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Throat Chakra…

As you may have guessed, the throat chakra is a representation of our voice. Not only in how we assert ourselves and speak out for what we believe in, but also our personal liberties and individuality.

Now focus on your throat chakra – at the base of your throat. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the blue wavelength - Cobalt blue or the color of the autumn sky. Imagine this bridging blue light in front of you. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this honest blue energy. With each inhale, feel the balancing blue light fill your body and center on your throat chakra. Feel your throat chakra, at the base of your throat, energize with this eloquent blue light. Feel the light awaken your throat chakra, gently massaging your vocal chords. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this flowing blue energy.

Once your throat chakra has been filled, feel the blue light spread from your throat chakra throughout your neck, jaw, and upper shoulders. Notice how your neck and shoulders feel warmer now – energized with this liquid blue light. With the unfolding of the throat chakra, you will say yes to your creative potential and perfect your communion with others.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Third Eye Chakra…

The third eye is our mental power, the source of our intuition and subconscious mind. It is this chakra that controls our mental thought process and sends us dreams. It can pick up signals and develop awareness and intuition.

Now focus on your 3rd eye chakra – on your forehead between your brows. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the indigo wavelength - The color of blueberries and sapphires. A field of bluebonnets. Imagine this penetrating indigo light in front of you. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this brilliant indigo energy. With each inhale, feel the keen indigo light fill your body and center on your 3rd eye. Feel your 3rd eye, between your brows, energize with this inspiring indigo light. Feel the light awaken your 3rd eye, gently massaging your mind. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this brilliant indigo energy.

Once your 3rd eye has been filled, feel the indigo light spread from your 3rd eye chakra throughout your forehead and face. Notice how your head feels warmer now – energized with this smart indigo light. Developing the 3rd eye chakra brings contact with your higher self and sparks the power of intuition.

Chakra Meditation: Opening the Crown Chakra…

The crown Chakra is our spiritual centre, the energy of our high selves. This chakra goes one step beyond instinct and intuition and into spirituality and psychic awareness.

Now focus on your crown chakra – at the very top of your head. We’re moving up the spectrum of light to the violet wavelength - The color of amethysts and violets. Imagine this ethereal violet light in front of you. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this sacred violet energy. With each inhale, feel the eternal violet light fill your body and center on your crown chakra. Feel your crown chakra, at the top of your head, energize with this glorious violet light. Feel the light awaken your crown chakra, gently massaging your spirit, your connection to the divine. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this incredible violet energy.

Once your crown chakra has been filled, feel the violet light spread from your crown chakra throughout your scalp and skull. Notice how your scalp feels warmer now – energized with this divine violet light. Though the unfolding of the crown chakra, you begin to approach the Divine and realize the true source of all being.

Now imagine a pure white light in front of you. The combination of all light waves from red to violet. Take 3 deep yogic breaths, inhaling this clear white energy. With each inhale, feel the blessed white light fill your body, surrounding you with peace and serenity. Feel your entire body, from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, from your left hand to your right, energize with this perfect white light. Feel the light awaken your body, gently massaging your limbs, organs, and skeletal structure. After your third yogic breath, return to your normal, relaxed breathing pattern. Continue to breathe in this lovely white energy.

Once your body has been filled with this perfect white light, feel the energy coursing through you – the warmth and comfort gently awakening your limbs and mind, bringing you back to a fully conscious state.

This is from the link I cited in the writing Meditation post.

Mantra Meditation…

A mantra is a tool for concentrating the mind. A mantra is a word or sound one repeats aloud or silently that brings one to a focused state of peace. Often it is a name of a Deity or a spiritual phrase. The Hindu and Buddhist traditions have identified many mantras and elaborated upon their various characteristics and effects upon the meditator. Mantras are used in most every other mystical tradition as well. The mantra is a spiritual tool worthy of deep study by the spiritual seeker. Yet, one can benefit from the use of a mantra without adhering to any particular set of beliefs.

A mantra can be anything, in any language, as long as it has meaning to you.

In the Vedic tradition, "OM" is the great mantra. It is written, "Even as all leaves come from a stem, all words come from the sound OM. OM is the whole universe. OM is the truth of the whole universe." When one practices the mantra OM, one can come to sense the unity of all things. The vibration of "OM" is said to contain all vibration. It is the sound of water falling, the voice of thunder, the pealing of cathedral bells, the sacred sound of the ram's horn. It is the hum of honey bees, the beat of a drum, the hum of an engine, the whisper of your computer fan, the purr of a kitten, the beat of your heart, the sound of your breath.

Traditionally, OM, or AUM, is pronounced AH-OWM. When spoken aloud, this word starts in the back of the throat with "AHHH," works its way forward with "OOWW," and finishes at the lips with "MMM." It uses the whole vocal apparatus. In part this is why it is said, "All words come from the sound OM."

If you are in an appropriate place, pronounce the mantra aloud. As with any mantra, it should be repeated by lovingly coordinating it with the incoming and outgoing breaths. You can also use the mantra silently. Hear it in your mind. Repeat it over and over.

Let the vibration of OM fill you. Let it activate your life energy. Let the sound vibration merge with thought vibration. Allow your mind to be clear of all other thoughts. If thoughts arise, let them go and come back to the mantra.

Practice the mantra daily. Invite the mantra to stay with you during your day. Incorporate it into any rhythmic activity, walking or typing or sweeping the floor, for instance. Insert it into the pauses between your thoughts. Let it float you to subtler and subtler realms.

Mantra Meditation 2…

This most ancient and venerable Sanskrit mantra is especially important in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It is associated with the Buddha of Compassion and includes the meaning "jewel in the lotus." A rough translation might be, "My heart is the jewel in the lotus," or "Hail to the jewel in the lotus." The jewel is equated with the enlightenment-mind, which arises in the lotus of human consciousness. The symbolism is deep and beautiful far beyond our ability to describe it here, nor do we claim any great understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, but perhaps we can begin to explore this powerful mantra in the spirit of "Beginners Mind."

Say this mantra to yourself, either aloud or silently - OM MANE PADME HUM - (AH-OWM MAH-NAY PAHD-MAY HOOM) Let the sound, or the mental representation of the sound, fill your mind and body. Let the vibrations surround you and infuse your body.

Make your repetition of the mantra neither too fast nor too slow, neither too loud nor too soft, but continue to repeat it as you visualize its meaning.

Allow yourself to soak in the beauty of this mantra knowing that these syllables have been chanted innumerable times in the spirit of compassion by innumerable beings of great wisdom and compassion. As you express the chant, your vibration merges with the vibration of the chants of all those beings still echoing through the universe.

PADME means lotus. In the area of your heart, visualize the beautiful many petalled lotus flower. This glorious water lily is rooted in the mud of the earth, but its flower is exposed to the pure light of consciousness. See it blooming in the center of your chest radiant and pure, untouched by any defilement. The lotus represents compassion. Revel in the presence of compassion in your heart.

With the sound MANE think of a jewel in the center of the lotus. This jewel is the pure crystal of enlightened consciousness. It is many faceted and perfect. Its brilliance illuminates the lotus and shines forth from your heart. As you recite the mantra hold these images in your mind. Allow them to become real for you. Realize that he beauty of a jewel in a lotus is the beauty of your consciousness when it resides in compassion. Let your capacity for consciousness arouse your compassion. Let your compassion draw you to greater consciousness.