~Sacred Space~
We are electro-magnetic beings, force-fields, both sending and receiving signals through thought, communication, body-language and action. Thus we constantly influence the energy-patterns in and around us. This is how we create our physical reality, since matter simply is a slowed down form of energy.
If we spend time in a certain group of people, we connect our frequency with that group-energy. If we wish to understand someone's needs, we can try to tune in on that person to find out. If you feel very uncomfortable in the surroundings of a person or a place, you can be sure that your energy-pattern differs too much from the other(s) to meet on a deeper level.
A basic rule is that a positive attitude, thoughts and feelings of love, kindness, acceptance, patience, forgiveness, beauty, joy, etc. raise your frequency. Negative emotions like fear, anger, guilt, hatred, jealousy and self-pity lower your frequency, what results in feelings of discomfort and disease. The higher your frequencies the more you feel connected with the universe; the lower your frequencies the more you feel separated from an inner source of happiness, calmness, faith and strength.
The best way to raise your frequency - or your spiritual level - is to involve your heart in your thoughts and actions; this means accepting yourself and others as welcome children of the universe, and taking responsibility for your actions. The more we feel connected with our soul-self or God/Goddess, the greater our belief, open mindedness and inner knowing that we are Masters of the Universe capable of making the impossible come true. And the more we can focus on just one thing, instead of being torn between numerous thoughts ("what shall I cook tonight, wear tomorrow, how do I look, I should do this, how can I avoid that, what do they think of me" etc).
So if we choose to perform magick, in order to get a clear mind, inner calmness, a strong belief in our possibilities and a firm connection with the God/Goddess/Al-That-Is we try to reach a high energy-vibration.
The first thing to do is setting sacred space.
Make room inside or outside the house where you can be by yourself or only be together with others who join in your magick (so close the door, put the phone off the hook, make sure the children don't come in, etc).
Ofcourse a place in nature, near a rock, a stream or lake, or under an old tree would be ideal to feel a strong connection with the forces of nature. But in this crowded world it is quite difficult to find such a place and be there alone.
Therefore you might consider to create yourself a private corner in your house, a small table, a bookshelf, whatever, some place where it feels good to do your magick. Most probably at the same time this will become your meditation place. As Joseph Campbell states:
"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again."
Decorate your sacred space the way you want it. You can make a small altar or keep it quite simple: maybe with just a collection of spiritual books, tarot cards and a candle.
If you choose to make an altar you can use for instance a small table with a beautiful cloth over it, and place some of the following items on it:
candles
pictures or statues of the gods and goddesses of any religion(s) you feel connected to
an incense-burner or burner for essential oils
crystals and gemstones
fresh flowers
offerings you wish to make, like fruits, things you bake, art you make
whatever ritual tools that appeal to you, like a ritual sword, ritual knife, cup
ritual musical instruments, like a tibetan bowl, shamanic drum, didgeridoo
symbols, like a pentacle, yin/yang, pyramid
your divination tools like tarot cards or runes
and anything else that has a special meaning to you, like your favourite teddy bear, things you find in nature (pieces of wood, shells) or the chain your deceased grandmother gave you You might wish to decorate the wall with a mandala, a picture of dolphins, a rainbow, beautiful nature scenery, celestial globes, an inspirational text or a symbol. Maybe you even want to add a cd-player for meditation music.
If your sacred space is in a nature scenery it is practical to keep it simple; stick to a cloth to sit on, some candles, incense and maybe a ritual tool.
This physical sacred space is set up to enhance a mental and spiritual sacred space: room inside to align yourself with your true self, your inner life that speaks to you through your intuition and/or an inner guiding voice. We definitely want to hear the right voices, so before we start any ritual or any magickal act we invoke white spirits, Archangels, Gods or Goddesses, deceased family members you feel are helping you, or Universal Light, to help you to perform magick for the wellbeing and evolution of yourself and others, and for the healing of Mother Earth. State that only spirits who try to help you and guide you on your spiritual path are welcome here, and that all other beings must go away.
You can speak this invocation out loud or say it in your mind, and if you wish to use different words, please do so.
This invocation is also the starting point of an uplifted consciousness: open to the revelation of greater truths and temporary closed for the usual distractions. Now we are working on this and nothing else!
To Raise the Cone of Power
"Pentacle and Earth and North,
Call the cone of majick forth,
East and Air athame bright,
Cone of majick to it's hieght.
Fire and South and candle burn,
Make the cone of majick turn,
Cauldron deep and West and Water,
Cone of majick never falter.
Aya aya anu aya aya lu,
Aya aya anu aya aya lu."
Repeat the last two lines until you feel that your cone is ready.
Then release it towards your purpose.
(For a spell of meditation etc ...)
Daily Empowerment
When you wake up in the morning, light 1 vanilla scented candle. Close your eyes and picture in your mind all the things you need to get done today. Imagine them going exactly the way you want them too. Take deep breaths while you are doing this. You will feel a sense of calm and strength. Do this for atleast 5 minutes. Then repeat this spell:
"Spirit light and candle bright
Burn the shadows from my sight.
Wrap me in your blessed power
And let the seeds of my will flower.
As magick works this simple charm
Let my actions cause no harm.
But as always and forever be
Peace and love and joy times three."
Continue to breathe deeply until you feel comfortable that the spell is complete. If necessary, you can repeat the incantation again. Snuff out the candle and get ready to start your day.
This is an empowering spell. It will help you gain confidence, and it will help you face any challenges that come up. When you are in a stressful situation, close your eyes and remember the candle. You will feel a calm wash over you, and you will be able to handle the problem.