🧘 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Meditation Magick

[BryWisteria]

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to everyone who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Blooming with the Moon

With our spellwork in full bloom around us, its time to take a deep breath and turn inwards- there is a garden inside waiting to be nurtured as well!

The theme for this week’s challenge celebrates World Meditation Day this weekend and is…

Meditation Magick

What is “Meditation”?

Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions.

Definition from Wikipedia: Meditation

There are as many forms of meditation as there are those who practice is- from moving meditations to still mind meditations, gratitude work to visualizations- there is no one singular “right” way to meditate- all forms of meditations have benefits!

Meditation benefits are vast and wide-reaching- having a simple meditation practice can help to reduce negativity in many forms and increase posivity, as well as give your overall health a big boost.

The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include:

• Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
• Building skills to manage your stress
• Increasing self-awareness
• Focusing on the present
• Reducing negative emotions
• Increasing imagination and creativity
• Increasing patience and tolerance
• Lowering resting heart rate
• Lowering resting blood pressure
• Improving sleep quality

From Mayo Clinic: Meditation: A Simple, Fast Way to Reduce Stress

Art by Unknown, shared on Pinterest

Is Meditation “Magick”?

Not everyone considers meditation and magick to go hand-in-hand, and it is certainly not required for a witch to meditate. However, if you look at the basics of meditation, you will find that there are immense benefits in meditation that can aid witches in their Craft as well as any spiritual soul on their journey

The practice of Magic is much more than whispering incantations and lighting candles. Our focus and concentration are what really makes spells work and wishes come to manifest.

An active meditation practice will increase your intuition, control your thoughts and emotions, and focus your mind in one task at a time. When you are casting a spell, you are projecting your will in the form of energy towards a goal. If your energy is not focused like a laser, your spells aren’t going to be very powerful.

From Spells8: Meditation Roots

Through meditation, you are able to build and strengthen numerous key elements of magick and improve your manifesting abilities in wholesome ways.

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Whether you are a huge fan of meditation or have been hesitant to give it a try- this is your time to jump in and explore a very beneficial area of the Craft!

This week’s challenge is all about exploring the world of magickal meditation - but as always, how you do so it up to you!

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

From Witchcraft & Witches: Meditation and Visualization in Witchcraft

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STEP 1 : A Meditating Witch

There are many styles of meditation, and within each style are various themes and intentions one can explore!

Not sure where to begin?

To help you get started, the following list has a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge!

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Meditation Magick 101: Meditation Roots

Not sure how to start meditating? Tried it before and felt lost? This complete course is a beginner-friendly guide to adding meditation to your magickal practice.

The 10 guided sessions include topics from controlling your breath to the power of mantras and more.

Meditation Roots: Beginner Course

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Favorite Areas of Magick Meditations

Crystal lover? Fan of herbs and green magick? Enjoy a nice cup of tea? There are special meditations that draw on the unique traits of some of the most popular areas of magick. Here are a few you might explore!

Candle Magick Meditations

Elemental Invocation Meditations

Astrology: Zodiac Meditations

Crystal Attunement Meditations

Tea Magick Meditations

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Powerful Visualizations

Through meditation, your mind surpasses the Laws of Physics and is free to do and roam as it pleases. If you can imagine it, you can do it through meditation and visualizations!

Meditation Roots: Crystal Clear Visualizations

The Inner Temple: Casting Spells Without Tools

Visualization skill can be tough to build up, but through practice and training in meditative techniques, you will be amazed at what you can do. Things such as Astral Travel and Astral Projection are in reach for those further advanced in this field

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Switch it up!

Struggling to meditate? Stuck in the same meditation routine? While there’s no need to fix something that isn’t broken, there is a lot to be gained by switching it up and trying a new or different style of meditation.

And if you are struggling, know that there are plenty of resources out there to help you build your practice!

• Meditation- Not Just Sit Down and Shut Up
• What to do if Meditation is Making You Feel Bad
• I can’t seem to mediate. Any tips?
• Meditating with a Spike Mat/Bed of Nails
• Finding Comfortable Positions to Meditate

You can also check out the Meditation Tag for more meditation tips and advice

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…And More!

From forest bathing (Shinrin yoku) to past life meditations, to gratitude work and walking meditations and more- there are so many types of meditation out there to explore!

Again, there is no one “right” way to meditate- if something isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to switch things up and experiment with another type or style of meditation.

Feel free to explore meditation and take on this challenge in a way that works for you and your unique magickal practice

Picture from Pixabay

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for notes about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

To participate in the challenge, please share:

1. How you explored meditation in your magickal practice this week

For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new thread in the forums.

Note : If you choose to create a new thread, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post so that I can easily find it- thank you!

Picure from Pixabay

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This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, May 24th at 7:00 AM CET (Central European Time)
( 2022-05-24T05:00:00Z )

(Note that the time zone is CET- you can use this time zone calculator to switch into your time zone!)

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

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Picture from Pixabay

A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team .

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Picture from Pixabay

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Deep breath in and deep breath out.
See what meditation is really about.
Open your heart and all will be well,
So why don’t you come, and sit for a spell?

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Blessed be and happy meditating!

[Phoenix_Fire]

And here i was literally just now thinking of doung a meditation. Im all over the place n thoight maybe a meditation could help but hadnt figured put whicj one i needed… then i cone on here thinking oh maybe ill just check if the challenge us up yet ( yes i get excited to see new challenge n yes ok i admit id been hanging out to find out what tge new challenge was. Lol its the little things) and i find that the challemge is literally about meditation the very thing i was looking at doing while on train love it! Thats brilliant. And exciting.

[BrightBear]

I was in the middle of meditation when the thought of the weekly challenge popped into my mind! I love this challenge idea! I am a certified meditation guide and mindfulness coach, so I’m super excited about this challenge! Yay!! As always, thank, @BryWisteria for all the love and energy you put into these challenges!

[jessica72]

Does anyone else have trouble shutting their brain up for an extended period of time?

I have really been trying to make an attempt to practice my meditation technique at least once at week. Mostly on a Friday before bed as that’s the last day of the work week for me.

I’ve been adding lots of guided meditations to my Spotify palylist. I find that I really do need the structure and instructions of a guided meditation.

Sometimes I do find it really hard to sit on the floor without any back support so I sit with my back up against my bed or I lay on my bed - problem I sometimes fall asleep. I guess it means I am relaxing I suppose.

I start off good, well good-ish. Really trying to stop following my thoughts down the rabbit hole.

I’m trying with just short meditaions at the moment. Keep it simple stupid. But sometimes I wonder if I am doing it right, are the images i my minds eye what it supposed to look like when connecting to the Earth Star Chakra and Soul Star Chakra, or Inner Temple?

I know each meditative journey is unique to our own practice on we only see what we see but I just wonder if what I am seeing is right.

I am trying to work on the visualisations aspect that is where sometimes I think I get distracted or I’m focusing too hard on trying to conjure up an image that I end up losing focus.

I think that it may just take perseverance and practice. I like the idea of walking meditations. That I could do. Preferably without introducing myself to any more power poles haha.

What actually counts as a successful meditation? At the moment for me… quiet? Check, relaxed? Check? A complete journey from start to finish? Not so much yet.

[NickWick]

Well for me guys this one is a BIG yessss, by the way meditation is good and can help in strengthening your craft in many areas of practice. You definitely put something together for this challenge…

[Kasandra]

This challenge came at a great time. For almost a week I’ve been playing Elden Ring. It’s a game where you explore a beautiful but dangerous world to collect the Great Runes (pieces of the Elden Ring) to become the Elden Lord. Don’t get me wrong, I love that game, but holy… the enemies and bosses are hard and that is no exaggeration! Last night, I kept dying to the boss that carries the first Great Rune you’ll collect and I was starting to get really frustrated. Taking a break or two or ten to meditate will be really beneficial.

[MeganB]

@jessica72

Does anyone else have trouble shutting their brain up for an extended period of time?

My brain never shuts up, if I’m being honest. Meditation is difficult for me because of mental health stuff, racing thoughts, etc. When I meditate, I find it good practice to see my thoughts as being on a conveyor belt. They’re just going to keep coming. The difference is how I behave on the other side of that conveyor belt. Successful meditation for me means that I was able to successfuly let the thoughts pass me by. I could acknowledge the, look at them even, but if I picked them up and held on to them and got distracted? That slows the whole conveyor belt down making my meditation ineffective.

If I’m doing a guided meditation, meeting with spirits, or communing with deities, that’s a bit different But I also sit on my floor against my bed to meditate. I can’t do with no back support, either.

[Sarafeena_Sage]

This one seems like it will be hard for me. I have trouble making my brain shut up and slow down or I just fall asleep. I’m thinking about trying a nature meditation or something with my eyes open so I can stay awake LOL maybe!

My oldest son is coming to visit for a week and bringing a girl They have been dating for 2 years and I haven’t met her yet. I am very excited so I’m really finding it hard to relax. I’m planning on pampering myself Friday, the day before they get here, so hopefully I’m calm and relaxed when I pick them up at the airport. MY nerves are pinched in my neck so I really need to relax! Quickly!! LOL Rrrrright now! Ok that method doesn’t work! LOL

This one is definitely going to be a CHALLENGE!

Thank you @BryWisteria for the new WWC I really need this one.

[jessica72]

That’s a really good analogy. A conveyor belt. That’s exactly it!

[Garnet]

@the Travel Witch
Hey Bry, I get to astral travel again! I’ll say hi to the dragons for you!
Garnet

[debra2]

Meditation is one of those hard things for me to do. My mind does not shut off at all. I need help with medication to sleep at night, If I don’t I lay awake all night tossing and turning, my mind goes on overdrive and comes up with ideas I can do tomorrow. Or fix a problem.
So meditation here is hard for me to achieve unless I use guided meditations.
So I see that I’m not fully alone in having a hard time meditating.
But I will figure this out somehow !!!

[martje]

For me meditation is visualizing. I can’t stop my thoughts but I am able to focus them. It s best when I make my own guided meditations. I always start focusing on my breath and my body, I ground in my body and in my feeling and most of the time the rest of the visualization tels itself it s a surprise where it leads me to. I did this for myself but also for groups and recorded some of them online. Of course they are all in dutch.

My challenge is to make one in English and that s a huge thing for me! I am really insecure about me speaking English but well, we will see what happens ,…

[Ostara]

I have one of those brains that is always spinning too. Im getting alot better at it though. One day I was getting in the shower and thought hmmm, I am going to take a journey to the rain forest. So i sat down on the shower floor and let the rain fall and there I was in the rain forest. It works for me!

[TheMuslimWitch]

I love meditating and i feel completely of balance when i don’t. Until recently i was waking slightly earlier to get my daily meditation with candles and some tarot cards to give me an idea of how my day was playing out, but my new kittens and the heavy load of assessments didn’t help… I can hear myself talking and i think this is a good time to shut up and meditate lol. And so i shall

[BryWisteria]

@Phoenix_Fire It sounds like we were on the same wavelength, Danni! And ahhhh hearing that you enjoy the challenges that much makes me so happy- thank you! I hope you’re able to find the perfect meditation this week- enjoy, and happy meditating!

@BrightBear That is amazing- your intuition is really something special, BrightBear! And it sounds like a theme very close to your heart too The challenges are my pleasure, I’m really happy if you enjoy them! I can’t wait to see your meditation talents shine- good luck and have fun with the theme!

@Jessica72 You are not alone, Jessica- it is a struggle to get thoughts to quiet down enough to meditate sometimes. There are moments when inside my head my thoughts are little kids in a candy shop- or trying to get all nine of the hens here back into their house when it’s still sunny outside

But if you catch yourself doing the metaphysical version of running in circles waving your arms and yelling, I’ve found that’s a good sign that it’s time to switch up your meditation strategy for the moment. Megan’s analogy of the conveyor belt is spot on- at the temple I was told about something similar called the River of Thoughts. We were told that, if we had too many thoughts, to see them, acknowledge them, but then allow them to pass along down the river. It’s still tough, but it works better than trying to fight and wrangle them

Keep trying, Jessica- meditation is a skill like any other that is improved with practice and time. I believe in you and I’m sure you can find a style/type of meditation that will click with you!

@NickWick Hooray! So glad you like the theme, Nick- and I agree, there are so many possibilities when it comes to meditation and magick going hand in hand

@Kasandra I haven’t played it myself (I know it’s a huge game and I just don’t have the time ) but I’ve heard great things about Elden Ring- although I have heard the bosses stick to Dark Souls tradition and are brutal Little breaks to recollect and recharge in between battles sound like a style of “gamer meditations”- I love it!

@MeganB Back support is big for me too, and I’ve also found that using floor cushions (under knees or to sit on) can do wonders for comfort. Meditation can be a lot of work for the mind- one less thing to set aside if the body is comfy!

@Sarafeena_Sage I know the feeling, Sarall- a nature meditation and/or movement meditation sound like great ideas for keeping you awake while you meditate! That is very exciting about your son and his girlfriend, but no one could blame you for being stressed about the big meeting! I hope you can find some soothing ways to relax and find your peaceful inner calm

And you’re very welcome- it’s my pleasure, Sarall! Good luck and enjoy your meditative time!

@Garnet Yes please! I’m still slowly picking away at my Lucid Dreaming skills- I think Astral Travel is still a ways away for me haha. Have a lovely time with your meditation journeys and adventures, Garnet!

@Debra2 You definitely aren’t alone here, Debra- meditation can be tricky for those of us with active minds and plenty of stressors to keep the thoughts racing. I think guided meditations are a great way to help hold focus and build concentration skills. I believe in you, Debra and I’m cheering for you too! Wishing you all the best with your meditation- I hope you have fun with it this week!

@Martje It sounds like you have built a lovely meditation practice for yourself, Martje- and how wonderful that you share your talents with others too! I’m afraid I can’t speak Dutch (sorry!), but I would love to hear one of your meditations in English if you ever give it a try someday When it comes to meditations, I think the language isn’t as important as the tone of voice and the atmosphere- so no worries about needing perfect English, I am sure your loving energy and peace will carry across no matter what!

@Ostara That’s amazing, Ostara- it sounds like you have a natural talent for meditation! Immersing the senses can definitely help get you where you want to be with visualizations too

@TheMuslimWitch You certainly have a lot on your plate- I can imagine baby kittens are a big distraction! Good for you for finding the time to meditation despite the distractions- enjoy your meditations!

[AileyGrey]

So excited about this one!

[Garnet]

Oh @Ostara How fun. enjoy the forest!
Garnet

[Garnet]

When I first started to meditate, I tried without a guide. What happened is that I sat for half an hour thinking, “This is 30 minutes I’ll never get back.” Sigh, but that was self defeating and frustrating.
So I got books which also failed for me, as I couldn’t read and concentrate at the same time.
Then I got audiobooks and that, for me was the key.
Good luck in this journey every one,
Garnet

[martje]

This is a painting made by my sister Hanneke Naterop while looking at it I become peaceful it’s even nicer to look at it while listening to soft and easing music

I have her permission to share it and here is

[BrightBear]

@jessica72

But sometimes I wonder if I am doing it right, are the images i my minds eye what it supposed to look like when connecting to the Earth Star Chakra and Soul Star Chakra, or Inner Temple?

I know each meditative journey is unique to our own practice on we only see what we see but I just wonder if what I am seeing is right.

@jessica72, hey lady, ease up on my friend Jessica! Seriously, though, you are doing just fine! Meditation takes time and practice. I’ve been meditating for nearly thirty years, and there are still times when I can’t get my mind to stop racing. I think the most important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to meditating. There is only what works for you. If you have intrusive thoughts, acknowledge them and let them go without judgment. When we get upset about thoughts popping up, it creates resistance in our body, mind, and spirit and resistance is the antithesis of meditation. I love what @MeganB said about the conveyer belt! I learned it the way @BryWisteria did with the river technique and find it very helpful. The key to meditation is nonjudgment, non-attachment, compassion (with self and others), and being open to receive. I hope this helps!