Meditation and Grounding

Meditation is very important in magick and very beneficial. Meditation is the act of relaxing the body to a state of ultimate tranquility with your surroundings. It is beneficial because it helps you relieve stress, allow your energies to be centered after a ritual, and the list goes on. Many people are aware of its importance, but can't seem to quiet themselves enough in order to do it. Here is a basic, and my method, of meditation and self-hypnosis.

First, find time do do this when no one else will be making noise and bothering you. Go to a quiet place in your house that you feel comfortable in. After that, light a blue or white candle and place it on a flat surface in front of you. Usually, I do this on my bed, and that is probably the most comfortable thing in a bedroom, so I would suggest sitting on a bed. Close your eyes and picture a dumpster on your mental screen. Begin "throwing" all of your concious thought into that dumpster. Once you have done this, push the dumpster off of your mental screen and open your eyes. Begin to gaze, or stare "through" the candle. Gazing is done by unfocusing your eyes. This takes a little practice, but once you get it, it's a cinch. Gaze into the flame and start relaxing your body parts individually beginning with your toes moving upward toward your torso, arms, and head. Make sure your back is straight or you will be sore. You should then try to visualize your "happy place", or astral home. This is where you will go every time you meditate. My astral home is a cottage in the wilderness surrounded by towering oaks. Once you are here, begin focusing on the reason you are meditating, i.e. choosing a magickal name, getting in touch with an animal totem, etc. Once you have done this, thank the God and Godess and begin to "un-relax" as it were. Meditation is really nice because it gets you in touch with the Earth and Nature around you. Once you have done this for about 20 minutes, you will feel lucid and clear. I would recommend doing this once a week or so, if for no other reason, as stress relief.