♡ ENERGY WORK

GROUNDING — simple visualization exercise for releasing excess or negative energy through imagination of nature surrounding you and recharging you with new energies. can be visualized with roots that grow from your body into the earth which serve as an energy channel between you and nature. concentrate on the feeling of the energy transfers, really feel them. practice this once a day.

CENTERING — meditative visualization for centering oneself and gathering lost energy bits that are detached from you, eventually after feeling extreme emotions or performing magick. find and feel your inner center. become aware of your magical existence. can also be visualized with space: planets and stars that revolve around you, the sun, the center of your own galaxy. grounding before centering is recommended.

SHIELDING — strong visualization practice for protecting your energies from draining people and their negative energies. good for empaths. can be visualized through all kind of imaginary shields. the most important thing is that in your imagination you are entirely coated with this shield, no matter if you imagine a bright reflecting light around you, or other protecting elements. no cracks, no splits, you need to be completely shielded. practice this daily and keep it up forever.

CLEANSING — energy removing practice for clearing unwanted negative energies or spirits from an object or space by doing a small ritual such as visualization, burning incense, using effective crystals or chanting cleansing mantras, etc. this type of energy work is perfect for making a place or an item spiritually new again.

ENERGY BALLS — physical and mental practice for visualizing a glowing white energy ball (or any other form of visual energy) between the palm of your hands. rub your hands together and concentrate on the friction and warmth and also on the energies which flow from your arms into your slowly forming and growing energy ball. if you feel the distance between your hands is just right and the energy ball is completed give it a last strong input of energy to seal it.

PROGRAMMING — once you’re really comfortable with making an energy ball, you can also program it with an intent. start with deciding on an intent (example: joy) and really fill your energy ball with these feelings (example: joy, happiness, delight, pleasure, fun, cheer and laughter) by literally trying to feel those things as you do it. also, imagine your white energy ball changes its color; use the color you connect the most to this feeling/intent (example: joy - yellow/else).

CHARGING — energy work practice for infusing an object (such as a crystal, water, or other things) with personal or external energies, like a certain intent. this can be achieved either through forming and programming an energy ball and willing it into the object by visualizing and/or embracing it with your hands; or it can be done by simply visualizing that the object is surrounded by bright energetic light (eventually take a color that matches your intent here as well) and will your intent into the object directly. keep up your imagination of the charging until you feel it’s complete.

SENDING ENERGY — energy work practice for sending programmed energy to someone. create and energy ball and program it with your intent (example: i want my friend to be more happy again). use the person or a representation of the person (like a picture) and visualize your energy ball forming a connection to the desired target and then, shooting straight into the person like a laser beam. as soon as the visualized energy has left your hands completely, your friend is charged with the intent.

Energy Work Terminology

Metawork Terminology Series: [ Astral Work ] [ Spirit Work ]

I frequently use a lot of energy work terms that have specific meanings to me based on my experiences and understanding of energy. I’ve seen these terms used by other energy workers too, but the way in which they are used seems to differ somewhat to each person’s background, experience, and beliefs.

For other energy workers curious to compare definitions and for clients of mine who want a better understanding of what I mean by these terms, I wanted to share my personal definitions! These definitions are not put forward as the only possible meanings, they are simply based on my own experiences.

Energy Basics, Types & Bodies

Energy - The underlying forces of the universe (different from physics energy) that can be sensed, manipulated, and used as the basis of magical workings. Every entity in the universe has energy residing in and around it.

Energy type - A distinct type of energy that has its own properties such as water energy, air energy, fae energy, nature energy, void energy, etc.

Energy alignment - When an entity (such as an object, spirit, or person) has a significant connection with or association with a specific energy type.

Energy body - The interior and exterior aspects of someone’s entire energy field running through and intertwined with their astral body. The energy body contains energy centers and channels that intake, process, and expel energy in addition to other specialized functions.

Energy signature - The “DNA” of an energy body that shows the specific composition of energy types and alignments that entity has. It can sometimes also reveal or hint at features of an entity’s energy and astral bodies.

Energy system - The specific way in which all the parts of your energy body operate both internally with each other and externally with energies and entities in the surrounding environment.

Energy centers - A nexus of energy where a significant amount of energy is present and being processed in some kind of way. Energy centers typically have specific functions within an energy system.

Energy channel - A stream where energy flows from one location to another. In an energy system, energy centers are connected by channels.

Energy modes - Classifications for entities who have certain types of energy systems. Some examples include energy vampires, energy suns, empaths, and dischargers. See more information here [x].

Energy Work & Reading

Metawork - The practice and discipline of the three highly interrelated fields of energy work, spirit work, and astral work. 

Energy work - The practice and discipline of reading, manipulating, channeling, or directing the flow of energy. A sub-field of metawork. This is not necessarily a type of witchcraft, but can be referred to as witchcraft when energy work is incorporated into someone’s witchcraft practice. Many other types of magical traditions that are not forms of witchcraft also include energy work.

Energy reading - The practice and discipline of sensing energy. A sub-field of energy work. Some examples include aura reading, energy system reading, astral body reading, or energy signature reading.

Energy programming - Using a specific method or technique to direct or manipulate energy in a certain set of ways. Energy programming is an integral aspect of energy work.

Intent - When I say “intent,” I’m referring to the overall purpose and design of the way in which I’ve programmed energy for a magical working.

Energy tether - A connection between two different spirits, objects, people, or other distinct entities. Energy tethers can be used as energy channels to move energy from one entity to another, but they could be used for other purposes.

Charging - Directing energy from any external source to another entity, usually an inanimate object. The object may retain the energy it was charged with for a certain period of time, possibly making it more effective for magical workings.

Energy battery - An object that has been highly charged and can retain this charge for later use. The purpose of a battery is typically only to store the energy it was charged with.

Grounding - Purposefully releasing energy from yourself to an external location. Energy suns must regularly ground to sustain a healthy energy system, but anyone is capable of grounding.

Energy feeding - The opposite of grounding, or purposefully intaking energy from any external source. Energy vampires must use energy feeding to sustain a healthy energy system, but anyone is capable of energy feeding.

Cleansing - The removal of unwanted energies, which usually resets an entity back to its original state. Sometimes also includes replacing the unwanted energies with desired energies.

Energy Shield - Energy shaped and programmed for protection then attached to an entity (such as an object, spirit, or person). Weaker than a ward and more temporary, shields are usually a quick and ephemeral form of defense.

Energy Ward - Like a shield, except generally much larger and attached to a location. This could be a physical or astral place. Personal wards are attached to an entity (such as an object, spirit, or person), but generally are much stronger and last much longer than a shield.

Ward System - A multilayer, complex set of wards. Typically each layer is programmed for a different type of function and when combined these layers synergetically work together for well-designed protection.

If any of these definitions resonate with you, feel free to use them but if quoting me or reposting somewhere, please attribute credit back to me. Thanks!

These definitions are exemplary. Thank you for sharing. 🖤

MAGICK 101 - Cleansing

In a lot of my posts, I say to cleanse your body and your space. What does that mean? Why and how do you do it? Hopefully I can answer those questions and clear up some misconceptions about cleansing in magical practices.

What is Cleansing?

Cleansing is a process via which the charged energy, spellwork and/or spirits on or in something is removed. Banishment is a subset of these practices (or at least I consider it to be) that forcibly drive out spirits or negative influence attached to something or someone. Cleansing, in one form or another, is a part of basically every magical practice and culture.

Cleansing does not equal removal of negative energy. It’s cleaning out what there’s, positive or negative, to make something neutral again.

Cleansing is also not the same as physically cleaning a room, but it is an tool for improving the energy. I’d recommend cleaning a room (pick up things, sweep, clear off surfaces) at least mildly before performing a cleansing on it.

Why Should I Cleanse?

The same reason you should clean anything! For daily living, it can make you feel better and more at peace. For any work with spirits or energy (including spellwork) it’s important to not mix in energy remnants, like if you cooked with unwashed pans or on a dirty countertop. And, if you got something on you that could make you ill, you need to cleanse it off!

Cleansing yourself, as in your body, before spellwork is also important to get spirits and deities to listen to you and do what you say. Especially powerful spirits. (many practices phrase this in terms of purity, but I find it helpful to also think of it like asking someone for help when you haven’t showered or brushed your teeth recently)

When Should I Cleanse?

As with cleaning anything, there are multiple degrees of intensity of cleansing. Here, I’m using “light cleansing” to mean performing something short and not requiring much preparation, while a “heavy cleansing” may take an hour or more, be done over several days, required specialized ingredients, etc.

When to do a light cleansing:

* In some cultures these acts are considered unclean but they don’t necessarily expose you to negative energy. It comes down to the beliefs of your culture and those of the spirits/deities you work with.

** Unless these tools are meant to collect energy! For example, you might have one jar that you always and only use for favor spells for yourself.

When to do a heavy cleansing:

Some Methods of Cleansing

This is not an exhaustive list! These are just some cross-cultural cleansing methods I’ve seen. Furthermore, all methods below can include (and are augmented by!) a chant, prayer, or some other form of words that correspond to the cleansing.

Salt

Put it in salt, put salt over it, throw salt around, etc. and leave it for a bit. Anime fans and Graeco-Egyptian sorcerers alike can tell you salt is cleansing. However, be mindful of not throwing a lot of salt around outside, where it can harm the environment, and ensure that whatever you’re putting in salt will not be damaged by the salt.

Washing

Of course, a natural way to cleanse something is washing it! This includes bathing to cleanse your body. Typically, the water is augmented with salt, herbs, or a prayer during washing so that it washes away spiritual dirt instead of physical dirt. Personally, I use salt water to wash just about everything. Again make sure the object/surface will not be damaged by water or whatever you’re adding to it. If you are bathing, ensure that nothing you add to the tub is unsafe for the skin or will cause an allergic reaction. Also would recommend avoiding salt baths if you have open wounds.

If you’re washing your magical tools that got stuff on them like ash, wax, etc. I’d recommend first doing a cleansing wash to get off the energy, then washing with soap and water to get off the substance. 

Flinging or Spraying Salt Water

Basically the above but for clearing the air. Again, some people use herbed water or magically-charged water instead of salt water.

I’ve seen some hate in the traditional magic community for spray bottle cleansing, but, as someone who usually cleanses a space by dipping my hand in salt water and then shaking it around, I see no reason why pouring it into a spray bottle will make it less effective.

Incense and Smoke

Lighting some incense or herbs and cleansing with the smoke is a good way to cleanse rooms, objects, and people. However, whatever you’re using must burn clean. You should not be getting a black, ashy residue on what you’re cleansing. If you are trying to drive away negative things, I’d recommend using a foul-smelling, instead of sweet-smelling, incense. The negative scent, while not pleasant, drives things away instead of attracting them. 

Safety-wise, remember fire safety and ensure that everything you’re burning is safe to inhale.

Using Ringing or Chiming Instruments

A bell is the easiest instrument to find for this. To clear a space, loudly make the ringing or chiming noise, usually while walking around it. Some people perform the ringing an auspicious number of times.

Drawing the Energy or Spirit Into Another Object

In banishments, this usually includes subsequent destruction of the object, like burning or smashing the object. If you plan to use this for a banishment, find a specific, reliable practice to perform. If you’re doing this for something more minor, like getting rid of your negative emotions, then it’s less risky to do something you make up on the spot.

This can also be performed without destruction of an object via channeling it into an energy sink. I’ve found that entirely black stones like black onyx make good energy sinks. However, remember that energy sinks aren’t literally black holes for energy and can get “full”. You will need to cleanse/ground the object occasionally, especially if you are trying to draw a lot of charge into it.

Prayer or Spellwork

Some prayers or spells are specifically used for cleansing, either by design or by cultural tradition. Of course, please be respectful of which culture a practice comes from and do not appropriate other cultures.

Cleansing Misconceptions

Sunlight, moonlight, and sun/moon water isn’t “naturally” cleansing. I see so many things telling people to cleanse (usually) crystals with one of these. If you are using the light of the sun or moon in cleansing, you are asking spirits of the celestial body to drive out the energy. This goes for charging too! It may be functionally the same to assume that moonlight has inherent magical properties but there are risks with trying to get a spirit to do something for you without payment.

Cleansing is not smudging. You’ve probably seen posts about this before, but if you haven’t, here’s one.

Channeling positive energy into an object isn’t cleansing it. As stated in the first section, cleansing is about the removal of energy and “resetting” things. Unlike acids and bases in chemistry, things can’t be neutralized by adding more of the opposite. You can make a room with negative energy feel better by adding positive energy, but this isn’t the same as cleaning it out.

Cleansing a space, driving out a spirit, etc. cannot be done with just visualization. You can regulate your own energy with visualization and send out positive energy into the space around you but, again, this isn’t cleansing.

You don’t need to cleanse your tarot deck often. Tarot decks are kind of like cast iron skillets: they pick up “seasoning” from use. However, this is usually a good thing! By getting more energy into a deck, it’ll give richer readings. It’s often necessary to spend a bit of time “breaking in” a deck through use. If you’re having trouble getting helpful answers from your deck, first try to center yourself, step away from your cards for a bit, and then come back to them when your energy is more stable. If that doesn’t work, then try cleansing the deck.

Do. Not. Cleanse. Or. Unenchant. With. Your. Mouth. I’ve seen more than one post saying to kiss objects to unenchant them. If you do that, you might also try licking your shoes clean sometime… Swallowing spirits during banishment isn’t entirely unheard of, but this is followed by some means of spitting them out or “disgesting” them so they become neutralized. It should only be done by a trained person.

Omg, you mentioned you work with the Greek Pantheon, lmao. I knew I would miss something. If you try the energy shield practice, connect with: Hecate, Hades, Persephone, and Hermes! I know Hermes is the god of travel, commerce, and trade, but weird fun fact, when Greco-Rome was expanding, Hermes and Anubis were kind of merged when the Greeks were hanging out in Egypt (and were promptly kicked out lol). He was called Hermanubis. I’d say commune with Hermes and his “travel” skills and ask how he recommends handling certain spiritual presences. He may know something or encourage you to commune with another deity. This is just a suggestion. Do what feels right. 

Bedridden witch: Stale energy edition

Anyone who’s been stuck in bed knows how quickly that stale feeling can build up! Here’s some tips (both witchy and non) for clearing some of that unwanted energy. Thank you @tealeavesandpapertrees for requesting this post!

PYRAMIDS