Pagan Thoughts

Ostara- Wednesday, 10 of Cups

Beltane- Thursday, Knight of Pentacles

Lammas- Capricorn, 9 of Cups

Lughnasadh- Libra (balance), 9 of Pentacles

Mabon- New Moon, Temperance

Samhain- Yule, Queen of Swords

Yule- blue, 7 of Cups

Imbolc- Saturday, 5 of Pentacles 

Find yourself a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. You can light a candle or burn some incense, but this isn’t essential. Make yourself comfortable. Some people like to sit cross-legged on the floor, others prefer to sit in a chair. Me?….I prefer to lay down somewhere (either the bed, or the sofa). Laying down somewhere doesn’t always suit some people, as they may find themselves falling asleep…and that’s not the idea LOL Try to clear your mind of everything, including the things that are troubling you. This can be difficult sometimes…but persevere with it. If you fail a few times, it doesn’t matter. Keep at it. Some people have a special place they like to go to in their mind. This could be a woodland or forest glade, a deserted beach or a mountain top. When you’ve cleared your mind of all earthly thoughts, take yourself to your quiet place. If it’s a forest glade, visualise the trees blowing in the breeze and the sun shining through the trees. Take note of all the flowers, trees and plants that grow there. Notice their colours and smell their scents. You might decide to explore your special place…let your mind take you there. If your special place is a deserted beach, hear the lapping of the water on the shore and feel the gentle breeze and the sun’s heat on your body. You may hear seagulls in the distance. Notice the shells and pebbles that are lying around. Pick them up and examine each one…notice every detail. You see what I’m getting at? During a meditating session, some people like to have what is known as ‘white noise’ in the background…something like a fan, for instance. Others like to have soft music playing, or to chant mantra’s to take them into a meditative state. Try out different things, see what works for you. The process of meditation can take from 10 minutes, up to half an hour or so. The idea of meditation is to calm your mind and reach inner peace…even if only for a little while. When you’re done, picture yourself leaving wherever you are, and gradually become aware of your earthly self and your surroundings. It’s important not to rush this process. You may also feel like something to eat or drink. Listen to your body. You may also feel a little ’shaky’ or ‘disorientated’, in which case you’ll need to ground yourself (see my thread on grounding). It can be very difficult to clear your mind completely when first starting to meditate. Just go with the flow at first. Lay or sit quietly and think of your very favourite, peaceful place. As you wander around and explore your place in your mind, you will find that earthly thoughts will start to creep in again now and again. Keep pushing these thoughts aside and return to your place once more. Meditation gets easier the longer you practice it and don’t forget, if you have thoughts and worries, they’ll still be there when you’re done meditating. Meditation just provides a release, a break from these worries. Allow yourself that break. You’ll be far more able to deal with them if you do. And don’t forget, when you’ve mastered the art of meditation, you’ll be able to do it anywhere…even in a crowded room, or train/bus station. It’s learning how to ’switch off’ ~ no matter what the situation.