* Meditation *
If you have ever heard of the thirteen goals of the witch, one is meditation. Be your pagan wiccan, mystic, or other meditation is very healty and benficial and is one of the basics one leanrd or practices a witch embraces and makes part of their lives. Meditation is really practiced all over the world it has many benefits to it. Even in the bible it talks about meditating
I will be adding to this some meditations, but wish to start with what is meditation, purpose, and the universal mantra meditation., as well as infor on the chakras.
What is meditation?
Meditation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. It is a component of many religions, and has been practiced since antiquity. It is also practiced outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual or psychophysical practices that may emphasize different goals—from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.
The word meditation comes from the Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure."[1][2] From the root med- are also derived the English words mete, medicine, modest, and moderate. It entered English as meditation through the Latin meditatio, which originally indicated any type of physical or intellectual exercise, then later evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation."
There are many types of meditation. The one definition that fits almost all types is..."Consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness."
Types of meditations --- breath, mantras, images, colors, chakras, uplifting thoughts, higher dimensions, etc. Meditation is simply about attention -- where you direct it, and how it alters your consciousness , and guided meditations.
Purposes-
Traditionally meditation was - and still is - used for spiritual growth... becoming more conscious; realizing our spiritual Self; unfolding our inner light, love, wisdom and power; becoming more aware of a higher power in our lives; accelerating our journey home to our Spiritual Source.More recently, meditation has become a valuable tool for finding a peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief in a demanding, fast-paced world.
Practice - Universal Mantra Meditation
This meditation comes from an ancient Indian text called the Malini Vijaya Tantra, which dates back about 5000 years. It is a very easy meditation, yet very powerful in its capacity to quiet your mind and connect you with your Innermost Essence... your Core Self or Inner Spirit.
This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word or phrase that has the power to catalyze a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. The mantra we will be using for this meditation is: "Aum." Aum does not have a literal translation. Rather, it is the essential vibration of the universe. If you were to tune into the actual sound of the cosmos, the perpetual sound of Aum is what you would hear.
Although this mantra is sometimes chanted aloud, in this meditation, you will be repeating the mantra mentally... silently. Before we get to the actual steps, there are a few important points to be aware of.
• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or faintly in your mind.
• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing your attention to dive into the deeper realms of the mind. Therefore, even though you will be focussing on the mantra, staying focussed on the mantra is not the aim of this meditation. Trying too hard to stay focussed would keep your attention from descending into the deeper levels of thought. Instead, you will be repeating the mantra with minimal effort, and giving your mind the space to drift a bit.
• I suggest that you resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the mantra to do the work.
Steps of the Universal Mantra Meditation
- Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and your spine reasonably straight.
- Begin repeating the mantra gently in your mind.
- Repeat the mantra at whatever tempo feels most natural. There is no need to synchronize the mantra with your breathing, but if this occurs naturally, it's ok.
- Allow the mantra to arise more faintly in your mind... repeating it with minimal effort.
- Continue repeating the mantra faintly, and allow for whatever happens.
- If at any time, you feel that you are slipping into a sleep-like or dream-like state, allow it to happen.
- If and when you notice that your attention has drifted completely off the mantra, gently begin repeating it again, and continue with minimal effort. However, if you find yourself in a deeply relaxed, quiet place, I suggest you enjoy that experience rather than coming back to the mantra.
- After 10 or 15 minutes come out of your meditation slowly.
Benefits of this meditation:
- Easily produces a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. (The degree of this will vary from session to session.)
- Increases the flow of energy to the brain.
- Clears away a good deal of physical/emotional toxins. Because of this detoxification, it is best to keep this meditation to 10 or 15 minutes a day when first beginning. After a month or so, it can be increased to 20 minutes, but that should be the maximum for anyone who does not have quite a few years of meditation experience. Also, it is advisable to drink a lot of pure water.
Centering-
Most witches/ pagans are familiar with centering this is usually done in preparation for ritual and spell work depending the type of spell work as well.
Centering is meditation in action. Within you is a space that is always calm and at peace. This space is often referred to as your "calm center". Being centered means remaining in your calm center amidst the busyness of everyday life. Being centered means not allowing your inner light to be overshadowed by stressful circumstances or negative thoughts and emotions.
When you are centered, you are in a state of clarity, focus, peace, and balance. When you are not centered, you are unclear, unfocussed, stressed, and off balance.
A good centering technique will require only minimal attention, allowing you to keep some of your attention on the activity at hand. Here are some very easy, effective centering techniques.
- Simple Breath Awareness
- Reclaiming Your Energy
When you are feeling stressed and scattered, take several slow breaths. With each in-breath, imagine you are pulling all of your scattered energy and attention back to your inner self -- your calm center. - Letting Go
This centering technique combines breath awareness with a "reminder mantra." It is especially helpful when you are feeling tense, or when you are fixating on a stressful situation, negative thought or emotion. The mantra we will use is "let go."
As you inhale, silently say, "let."
As you exhale, say "go," while letting go of all that is stressing you. - Inner light
Imagine a bright silvery white light filling your heart chakra -- the calm, subtle energy field that fills your chest area. Imagine that light gently emanating peace throughout your entire being. Your being filled with perfect love, perfect trust, perfect peace.
While involved in whatever you are doing, bring some attention to your breathing for just a few moments -- it needn't be your full attention -- just enough to bring you back to your calm inner center. Breathe naturally, or perhaps just a little more slowly and deeply.
resources
Worldwide Online Meditation Center
Jim Malloy
Chakras.
Within our bodies there are focal points of energy that we use, whether consciously or unconsciously, to affect reality and allow us to fully experience and realize events that unfold before us. These focal points are called Chakras.
Chakras are located in important parts of your body such as your head or heart. Any organs within the area of these Chakras are used to control; and are, therefore, directly affected by the properties of that Chakra. There are seven Chakras located throughout the body, each with their own unique attributes and characteristics:
The Root Chakra is located directly at the base of the spine, also known as the coccyx. This Chakra is closely related to the body and our ability to master it. One’s health, constitution and security are linked to this Chakra. In addition, the realization of how our bodies connect to the material world is focused here.
Color: Red
Gems: Ruby, Garnet
The Naval Chakra is located in the lower abdomen. This Chakra is associated with the acts of giving and receiving, and is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality. The feeling of pleasure is also linked with this Chakra, so one may feel focus and feedback in this Chakra during moments of harmony, generosity, group creativity and selflessness.
Color: Orange
Gems: Amber, Coral
The Solar Plexus Chakra is located just above the navel and below the chest. This Chakra is a focus point for our force of will and our sense of transformation. Concentration and control of our personal energies originate from this point. One’s sense of power and authority, as well as self-control and discipline of the ego converge here. This Chakra can be used to sense the very use of one’s internal energies to affect what is outside the body.
Color: Yellow
Gems: Amber, Gold
The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest and is the focus for love and understanding. Feelings that stem from this love such as forgiveness, compassion, balance and harmony radiate from this point. This Chakra also nurtures the rarified feeling of unconditional or divine love, love that goes beyond the physical.
Color: Green
Gems: Emerald, Malachite
The Throat Chakra is located in the throat area between one’s chin and the top of the sternum. This Chakra is linked to one’s powers of communication. Through this Chakra, one can realize truth and knowledge; honesty, kindness and wisdom and how these elements can be conveyed through thoughtful speech.
Color: Sky Blue
Gems: Turquoise, Blue Topaz
The Brow Chakra is located in the forehead, right above our eyes. This is also known as the region of the "Third Eye" in Buddhist and other belief systems. This Chakra is related to our perception beyond the physical realm. Intuition, insight, imagination and clairvoyance can all be associated with this Chakra. One can also focus their realization of their own soul, divine wisdom and peace of mind in this point.
Color: Indigo
Gems: Lapiz Lazuli, Sapphire
The Crown Chakra is located at the very top of the head. As one might guess, this Chakra is associated directly with dealings of the mind and spirit. This Chakra is deeply tied to the exploration of one’s consciousness and place in space and time. Oneness with the universe, your spirit and will, inspiration, divine wisdom… all the things that deal with the Higher Self are rooted in this Chakra.
Color: Violet
Gems: Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz Crystal
resource
The Book Temple of witchcraft
