jakattax:

The Fifth Pentacle of Mars.
“(…)it is terrible unto the Demons, and at its sight and aspect they will obey thee, for they cannot resist its presence.”- the Greater Key of Solomon the King.
I wear this little amulet all the time, and while it isn’t on the virgin parchment as described, I still consider it potent. And it looks cool.

A Pellar’s Written Charm

visardistofelphame:

Upon a fine piece of parchment, ABRACADABRA was written as below:

On the reverse side, a psalm or prayer was written by the Pellar. For those who had no particular religious sentiments, the word “NALGAH” was written largely on the back (about an inch and a half by one inch). 

The piece of parchment was folded like a valentine, sealed and suspended from the neck. 

This specific charm was to protect against ill magic and supernatural ailments, specifically caused from witchcraft. 

-X

Protection Circle Methods

devnine:

I thought I’d post some methods I use for protection circles, for people to learn or just see how others might do it!

To begin, the basic goal of a protection circle is to create a sort of threshold, over which nothing can cross that you don’t allow. To do this, you channel energy to link other specified points of energy together, and form a wall.

(As always, try to cleanse everything that isn’t sealed before working with it!)

Candle Method: Set up any number of candles, so long as you can form a circle with them; I prefer my minimum amount to be five. Take your lighting tool and, starting from the top, light each candle clockwise. Once done, set your tool aside, and begin focusing on the candles.

Start at whichever one you like, then concentrate and visualize extending a band of energy from it to one of the candles beside it, continuing until you feel like the energy band has been established and is solid between them. Keep focusing, keeping that band thoroughly in mind, and repeat with the next candle, going around in a circle until you connect the last band to the first candle.

Now that you have the basis set up, it’s time to really make a shield: imagine the energy raising into a shining wall, solidifying, filling in all gaps to make the circle into a barrier. As you feel like the wall is coming to completion, instruct it with both visualization and instinctive will to repel energy, and not to draw it in.

Once you’re done, and you feel as if the energy has been properly shaped and instructed, you now have a protection circle! Only energy you intend or allow to go through it will be allowed. When you’re done with it, blow the candles out counterclockwise, starting from the top, and focus a bit on releasing and dispersing the remaining energy. (I prefer to do this during my after-spell cleansing.)

Salt Method: Prepare a fair amount of salt for use; you can even use pre-charged salts, such as sun or moonsalt. For this, though, I’ll be assuming the salt is empty and cleansed.
Pour the salt in a circle, preferably with about a fairly-even, half-inch thickness, around the area you want to enclose.

Sit within it, and focus on connecting to the salt as you would a crystal; after all, it basically is! Once you have, charge it, again, just as you would a crystal-but, instead of just leaving the energy in it, start visualizing a shining barrier of light raising from it, similar  to the candle method. Will it to solidify, to have no gaps, and instruct it to repel energy and not draw any in as it starts to finish.

Once you feel as if the wall is solid and properly-coded, you should have a nicely-made protection circle. When done with it, tap back into the salt and channel the energy out of it into the surrounding environment, then gather back up or disperse the salt after cleansing it and whatever remaining energy is left over.

Extra Tips: You can use the candle method with several different things replacing candles; charged clear quartz, granite, obsidian, seashells, or runes for protection arrayed in the same way as candles-and used to make a protection circle by the same method I described-will work just as well! (If using runes, however, make sure that’s the only kind of rune you’re using at the time, or the others might mess with it.)

Similarly, you can use the salt method with any ground-up mineral, or even ground eggshells, if you’re so inclined!

I hope this helps some people, or at least is just interesting; thanks for reading!

Keeping Yourself Protected

occultaspects:

moonlightacademy:

Ways to provide protection from spiritual and physical beings:

  • Make a witches bottle: They provide you with protection against curses, hexes, and spells sent your way as well as to protect your property and possessions.  
  • Salt circle: A salt circle provides the person inside with protection from negative entities and demons. Line your window sills and door way entrances with salt to create an impenetrable barrier.      
  • Iron: Repels evil.Three iron nails driven into a doorway or window sill will block negativity from entering your home. Note: Iron repels Fae!
  • Plants: Some plants have protective properties. 
  • Ask your deity for protection
  • Mint leaves in your shoes protects you from curses
  • Put pepper in protection sachets to protect against magickal attacks.
  • Burn bay leaves to reverse curses
  • Scrawl your home and clothes with protective sigils
  • Quartz Crystals: Provides protection.
  • Visualization
  • Paint your front porch blue to ward off ghosts:They fear water so this may confuse them.
  • Hang an upside down horse shoe above your door: to ward off evil spirits.
  • Hang wind chimes around your home: To scare off bad spirits
  • Nazar or evil eye: Protects your home from bad luck.   
  • Rowan: Two branches from rowan trees bound together with red thread in the shape of a cross. It provides protection when hung above doorways, according to celtic traditions.
  • Arrowheads: Placed above your door will help keep burglars and unwanted guests out.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Tied over the door will protect your home.
  • Rosemary wreath: A wreath of rosemary bound with green thread can provide your home with protection. Add other plants that correspond with protection as well. 
  • Ivy: Grown up your house provides protection,
  • Mistletoe: Hung in the house protects it from thunder and lightning.
  • Acorn: According to Norse mythology, placing an acorn on the window sill protects the home from being struck by lightning. 
  • Pine branch: Where it for protection.
  • Create your own protection amulet
  • Place mirrors around your home to deflect the evil eye  

Sources:

Charissascaulderon.com, scribol.com                                  

Stay safe and have a Happy New Year!

==Moonlight Academy==    

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

a-pagan-path:

now that i’ve begun working more with energy, i wanted to share my methods of casting circles! when i first started working with energy, it was really hard to find references for casting circles, especially ones not dealing with the traditional Wiccan god/goddess. here are some methods and uses of casting circles!

Why Cast a Circle?

the primary reason i cast circles is to protect me from outside energy influences. most people associate circles to protection from ‘malevolent’ spirits, however, it’s just a great barrier in general!

here are some following scenarios i cast circles:

  • divination- to protect me from energies that might influence my cards or my interpretation o the cards
  • spellwork- pretty self-explanatory. i cast circles to protect from energies i don’t want in my spells, or from potential spirit attraction.
  • meditation- again, for energy use and to also not be disturbed from anything spiritual.

Methods of Casting

1 – Invoking Elements

a very basic way, if not the go-to way, of casting is to place each of the four elements at each of the cardinal directions. Earth at the north, Air in the east, Fire at the south, and Water in the west.

fire

water

earth

  • stones or crystals (this is what i love to use! just be wary that some stones are aligned with other elements. clear quartz is a go-to.)
  • salt
  • dirt (from your backyard or specific, such as hospital or graveyard. make sure to cleanse it.)
  • herbs (especially roots)
  • brown or black colored items

air

alternatively, any of these could be replaced with a tarot card of the corresponding suit! (wands for fire, cups for water, pentacles for earth, and swords for air).

to close the circle, walk clockwise starting in the east (air) and complete a full walk around the circle. do this as many times as you feel needed to envision a complete circle! after your use for it is done, unwind it by walking the same number of times counter-clockwise.

note: if you live in the southern hemisphere, you may want to reverse fire and earth in your directions and walk counter-clockwise to close the circle, and clockwise to end it.

2 – Envisioning

this is a very, very simple way to cast a circle! if you have very little time, simply imagine a ring of light around your workspace. you could align color to purpose as well.

the only downsides to this method include the fact that it may not be as strong as a physical circle for beginners especially, as i have learned many times over as i find energy that i don’t want in the circle. on top of this, to make it very successful, you may have to keep this image in your head throughout your spell or energy work, which may distract or hurt your concentration.

however, like i said before, it’s very easy, discreet, and requires no clean up! with practice, it could be very easy to maintain.

3 – Salt Circle

by simply spreading salt in a circle clockwise (or counter-clockwise depending on your location), you can create a strong barrier. as you walk around, envision your purpose of protection and safety.

if you are working outside, do not use salt. it will kill plant life! instead, consider alternatives such as: egg shells, diluted salt water, crushed herbs, flower petals, etc.

if working inside, consider setting out foil, cloth, or a tarp for easy cleanup. 

4 – Cleansing the Room Itself

if you find that you for some reason cannot cast a circle, or maybe are just starting out, consider cleansing the entire room instead!

some methods include:

  • smoke cleansing (NOT smudging. please do not call this action smudging unless it is part of YOUR culture.)
  • salt or protective mixture
  • dance/song
  • salt/water spray
  • incense and candles

for smoke cleansing, light your bundle and start facing eastward, spreading the smoke and asking for protection from either the corresponding element or any deities/spirits/etc. you worship. move clockwise or counterclockwise.

for salt or protection mixtures, simply place a small pile in each corner of the room or at the cardinal directions.

dance and song can celanse the room when accompanied with smoke especially. 

the salt water spray can be used similar to the protection mixture – spray a little in each corner or at the cardinal directions.

incense and candles can be placed in corners, the directions, or just throughout the room to act as protective energy.

Final Notes

  • make sure to remove your circle after you’re done!! leaving it up isn’t safe and could be draining on your energy or health.
  • try not to leave the circle in the middle of your work, if it can be avoided. ive had to do it before and nothing bad happened, but sometimes it ocould break the circle, or bring unwanted energy or precense in.
  • do your absolute best to have all your materials in the circle before you cast it. bringing items that were not in the circle before could carry energy that you just do not want in your circle. i’ve messed up plenty spells because of it already. if it is really necessary, cleanse the item as thoroughly as you can (quickly if you need to), and enter the circle from the east.

if these methods don’t work right away, don’t worry! these take lots of practice. some easy ways to try casting daily include:

  • cast a circle before you meditate
  • cleanse your room before you do homework for a safe space to work
  • if you have a form of divination, cast a circle before drawing a daily reading (i do this in the morning to see how the day will go or seek advice for the day!).

good luck!

Sleep Protection Spell

candlescrystalscovens:

The other day I learned one of my friends was being attacked and drained of their energy while they were sleeping. We eventually found out it was an entity from their past that had been antagonizing them most of their life. Me being my protective, don’t fuck with my friend’s self, decided to create my first spell and try to help out! 

This spell was made to be casted on someone else but I beg you PLEASE ASK the person you will be casting this on if they are comfortable with you doing this.
____________________ 

You will need: 
-Gem’s/Crystals of protection (optional)
-Black Candle 
-Photo of who the spell will be cast on
-Clear intention and mind

(Grab a crystal/gemstone of protection and hold it until the spell is complete to add a little more vigor.) Have a picture of your friend in front of you, meditate on them and their energy.
 As you light the black candle state “I light this candle with intention to send protection.” Look into the flame focusing on your intent and go into a meditative trace. Once in a trace like state, close your eyes and envision a thread connecting you and your friend going from your heart to theirs. See it thrumming with white pulsing energy. 
Once connection is created and you can feel the energy, say the spell aloud three times. Feed your energy and intent through the thread and connection between you and your friend as you state the spell aloud. 

“With this candle I light, May my friend be protected at night. Nothing shall come to harm or hinder, For their dreams will be filled with splendor. By the divine light I command all evil to leave, By these words and this spell all connection to nightmares I cleave!” 

Meditate and focus on a bubble encompassing your friend in love, protection and light.  Once done close the connection and bring the thread back into yourself leaving love and positivity behind. As you blow out the candle ask whatever deity/power you believe in to help protect your friend and let your intentions come to fruition.
Make sure to thank your deities afterwards. This spell takes a lot of energy so be sure to rest when you’re done. 

Magical circles and protection

crossing-sun:

The tradition that perhaps codified the image of the magical circle in the Western magical stratum is the Solomonic tradition, and in its context the more obvious use for it is protection. The theology the tradition emerges from dictates a need for insulating ourselves from the evoked in the same stroke that it sets the terms for the adversarial format of the operations. While recent developments should by now have enriched our world view sufficiently to dispel the belief that this is strictly necessary, there are, as usual, valuable insights to be garnered in the study of traditional ritual mechanics.

From what the texts say regarding outcomes, we can extrapolate a proposition that spirit manifestations are consciously visible to the naked eye, and that they present a real and immediate danger to the operator. That peril can be reasonably attributed to various specific aspects of any given system, less often recognised among those is the case of early formulae whose goal was obtaining a number of unknown spirits to manifest, all of which with unpredictable agendas. Or quite simply that in compelling a certain class of hostile spirits to appear, care will indeed be required.

This element of compelling is commonly done away with in modern systems, and the consequently subtler outcomes led its proponents to put in ink a conclusion that the sole purpose of the circle is to situate the magician at the centre of the magical universe. While that’s most definitely not the whole truth if taking into account recognitions aplenty of it acting as a protective device, there’s corroboration of its making entailing elaborate considerations such as the names of lower hierarchy, correct timing and more, and therefore it playing a more than passive role in ritual.

Andrew D. Chumbley in his Opuscula Magica Vol. I excellently ascertains the origins of names given to sorcerers translating to “the encircling ones”, alluding to the binding nature of the practice, and in subsequent paragraphs cites the observance of the cycles of the Moon and seasons providing the motif for the recognition of the geometrical symbol as meaning universe. Although he speaks primarily from the point of view of a distinct tradition, this is worth considering seeing as we can find the symbolism taken to length in the influential Peter de Abano’s Heptameron as well as the table of practice in Francis Barrett’s The Art of Drawing Spirits Into Crystals.

Circles in Solomonic systems

The essentials of the designs seen in various Key of Solomon manuscripts and its predecessors remain more or less the same, with variations mainly around the magical names used on the boundaries. A distinct detail of these is that unlike late Latin formulae, they frequently feature an entryway into the circle that is to be sealed off once all participants step in.

Their exact diameter is the topic of heated forum debates, likely because most expect to be able to conduct the ritual at home and laying a nine foot circle indoors can be difficult for urban dwellers. Heeding the wording in early instructions, they almost never fail to account for the presence of other participants needing to fit in the space, which is certainly a factor of that suggestion. Though rather than looking at the measure as having a numeric significance paramount for the success of the operation, considering it has been more often not specified, I submit that the more interesting factor is the metaphysical implications behind these operations being experienced in groups apparently as a matter of course. I would also caution against assuming them needing to be conducted indoors, as several of the instructions we will see further ahead plainly advise otherwise.

Designs found in three of the manuscripts of the Hygromanteia feature a double circle with magical names written inset. The previously mentioned entrance is laid southside and shows the black handled knife pointing outwards, indicating it’s to be used for closing it. The use of the black handled knife is of summary importance. The blade is consecrated to Mars and it’s by its virtues that spirits are kept at bay. This knowledge is missing from ignorant analysis deriding the idea as if what it proposes is that a mere figure on the ground should be capable of so.

The circle for one of the evocation approaches in MS Atheniensis 1265[1]:

The following, from a French Key of Solomon manuscript, MS Wellcome 4670[2]:

Instructions in Harleianus 5596, another manuscript of the Hygromanteia, direct the magician to first burn incense and only then trace the circle, showing the process to be a form of ritual in itself.

In Atheniensis 1265 we find the following directions for procuring a location of the ritual[3]:

Go find a proper place to trace a circle. Let the place be at the peak of a mountain, in the woods, on a plain, in a cave, near the sea, in a garden, at a place where somebody was killed in old times and where neither the crow, nor a rooster, nor the voices of men can be heard, at a pure and trackless place, near a river, or near a meeting of three roads. It has to be far from people, where nobody can hear or see, and where the human voice cannot be heard, in order not to be obstructed by anybody.

The text emphasised above, conspicuously omitted from the same sentence in the later Atheniensis 115, carries huge practical implications best addressed in detail on a separate occasion, so I will only briefly note here that I believe these necromantic overtones are no accident, and in this communion lies a key to the practice of ceremonial magic. The dead will witness the ritual and their help is a possibility if honours and relief are offered.

In the later Key of Solomon, the instructions principally emphasise the need for isolation[4]:

The places best fitted for exercising and accomplishing magical arts and operations are those which are concealed, removed, and separated from the habitations of men. Wherefore desolate and uninhabited regions are most appropriate, such as the borders of lakes, forests, dark and obscure places, old and deserted houses, whither rarely and scarce ever men do come, mountains, caves, caverns, grottos, gardens, orchards; but best of all are cross-roads, and where four roads meet, during the depth and silence of night

Though in the subsequent paragraph offers recognition of the previous point[5]:

These arts or operations should he carried out at the prescribed time, but if there be no time specially appointed it will be always better to perform them at night, which is the most fit and proper time for the operations of necromancy

As stated earlier, at times we see the use of names or sigils of spirits found in the lower hierarchy in a bid for representing their authority, for in turn compelling the evoked to manifest, but on the circle itself. In a manuscript omitted in Mathers’ version of the Key of Solomon, MS Aubrey 24, the names of four demon kings are seen written around the circle at their respective cardinal directions. This exact same idea is seen in late Latin manuscript of remark, MS Wellcome 2000. It shows on its frontispiece an ourobouros circle with sigils of its four cardinal kings displayed on the outside[6]:

Peter de Abano’s Heptameron offers extremely elaborate instructions for tracing the circle. I will quote it in full for an accurate impression[7]:

The form of Circles is not alwaies one and the same; but useth to be changed, according to the order of the Spirits that are to be called, their places, times, daies and hours. For in making a Circle, it ought to be considered in what time of the year, what day, and what hour, that you make the Circle; what Spirits you would call, to what Star and Region they do belong, and what functions they have. Therefore let there be made three Circles of the latitude of nine foot, and let them be distant one from another a hands breadth

  1. and in the middle [i.e. inner] Circle, first, write the name of the hour wherein you do the work.
  2. In the second place, Write the name of the Angel of the hour.
  3. In the third place, The Sigil of the Angel of the hour.
  4. Fourthly, The name of the Angel that ruleth that day wherein you do the work, and the names of his ministers.
  5. In the fifth place, The name of the present time [i.e. season such as Spring].
  6. Sixthly, The name of the Spirits ruling in that part of time, and their Presidents.
  7. Seventhly, The name of the head of the Signe ruling in that part of time [season] wherein you work.
  8. Eighthly, The name of the earth, according to that part of time [season] wherein you work.
  9. Ninthly, and for the compleating of the middle Circle, Write the name of the Sun and of the Moon, according to the said rule of time [season]; for as the time is changed, so the names are to be altered.

And in the outermost Circle, let there be drawn in the four Angles, the names of the presidential Angels of the Air, that day wherein you would do this work; to wit, the name of the King and his three Ministers

(cont.)

Notable among these cares is the laying of names and sigils of horary angels, an appeal to horary hierarchy imprinted in the circle itself. The Heptameron circle is likely the better example of a talismanic representation of the universe being fundamental for getting the attention of the evoked.

The following is Heptameron circle for the first hour of Sunday in the Spring[8]:

Similar instances of the observance of timing (and its conjoined hierarchy) can be found in the Sworn Book of Honorius, where the circles vary extensively with the class of spirit being evoked[9]:

Another application of this concept is found in The Art of Drawing Spirits Into Crystals, albeit much more simplified, where the pedestal holding the scrying lapidary stands on a circle, around which the names of the planets, their ruling angels, and the names of four cardinal kings are depicted. In addition, the formula features a second protective circle design for the magician to stand on with usual names of God written on[10]:

A rather simple operation from Bononiensis 3632 (Hygromanteia) also makes use of a table of evocation. Interestingly, the protective circle is traced on the table itself and the spirit bound with a thrust of the knife at the centre of it. It’s unclear, however, where exactly the manifestation is to take place. It goes as follows[11]:

Lay a new tablecloth on a new table, and place an empty bowl upon it, together with two lit candles on candlesticks, one at each side. At the other sides of the table place another earthen bowl, a censer with lit charcoals and incense, and various peeled fruits. Then, take a knife with a black handle with your right hand, trace the circle three times around the table, and each time recite the following conjuration.

“I conjure you, Mortze, or human ghost, or haunting of this place, come to me now that I invoked you at this table that I prepared for you. Eat and drink from the food I prepared for you”

And when you see that he ate, conjure him this way:

“I conjure you, Mortze, do not defecate, do not urinate, until you tell me the whole truth in whatever I will ask you.”

Do this three times with the knife, around the table. And when you finish the three circles, thrust the knife into the table and recite the following: I nail you here, Mortze, or haunting of this place.

Though this is phrased as if the binding is based on keeping the spirit constrained in bowel discomfort, the element of feeding spirits is common enough both in the genre to warrant suggesting there’s likely a system of evocation in this formula. An illustration of the table described above[12]:

In my own approach I utilise a design quite similar to the one in MS Wellcome 2000. The sigils of the four cardinal kings are traced and honoured with incense along with a conjuration recited, so to interest them in facilitating access to their deputies. Rituals take place at an isolated grove at night. A replica of it is kept in my home temple for the occasional rite undertaken indoors. The complete formula may be published sometime in the near future:

Alternative means of protection

In traditions in and out of the Western current, examples can be found of protection provided via implements such as lamens worn by the operator or allegiances formed with superior or intermediary spirits. While this is assessed by some as a head-on approach, technically, protection is not being foregone altogether, but simply obtained through a different avenue.

In one of the more complete evocation systems found in the Greek Magical Papyri, PGM IV 154-285, the operator is directed to wear a philactery inscribed with various magical names during the course of contacting the gods the operation aims to put the magician in contact with. This formula interestingly begins with an initiation ritual for obtaining an alliance with Helios (Sun), it then providing the power for conducting the ritual[13]:

In Quimbanda[14], the role of the Exú rei (king Exú) is to both protect the Quimbandeiro and mediate contact with “hotter” types of Exús. Through his agency the Quimbandeiro is equipped to act without the need for protective regalia when working directly with these spirits. Tempting as it is to draw a line between it and Scirlin from the Grimorium Verum, note that the Verum nevertheless advises the use of a circle and does not forego with the usual precautions. There seems to be less distance between it and the Paredros from the Greek Magical Papyri, or the spirit animal in some forms of shamanism, when looking strictly at roles fulfilled.

In certain lineages of European witchcraft, it’s the alliance obtained during initiation, or the “taking” of the witch by a spirit that provides both the power and safety for working other spirits reliably. This in turn can be understood as something similar to what is seen in Palo Mayombe, where the pact with the nganga is what ensures that the palero remains protected in the course of the work[15]. My personal approach relies on devotional work conducted with a charged statue of Lucifer, who commands the pantheon and is considered a gatekeeper to the mysteries kept by it. From this work an artefact is confectioned which carries his authority and imparts protection.

In conclusion, how necessary a circle is varies with relationships, alternative methods of protection, or the depth to which the procedure takes the matter of spirit manifestation to. It’s a lot less problematic not using it once certain pacts are in place, at which point it has presumably been employed a few times.

Credits

With gratitude to Tomas Beaujean for reviews and various helpful pointers.


  1. Ioannis Marathakis. The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia. (Golden Hoard, 2012). p. 278.

  2. Stephen Skinner. Techniques of Solomonic Magic. (Golden Hoard, 2015). p. 161.

  3. Ioannis Marathakis. The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia. (Golden Hoard, 2012). p. 277.

  4. S. Liddell MacGregor Mathers. The Key of Solomon. (http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/ksol2.htm)

  5. Ibid.

  6. Stephen Skinner. Techniques of Solomonic Magic. (Golden Hoard, 2015). p. 153.

  7. Peter de Abano. Heptameron, or Magical Elements. (http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/heptamer.htm#part1).

  8. Stephen Skinner. Techniques of Solomonic Magic. (Golden Hoard, 2015). p. xxx.

  9. Joseph Peterson. The Sworn Book of Honorius. (Ibis Press, 2016).

  10. Outstanding craftwork by Ruth Hutchinson.

  11. Ioannis Marathakis. The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia. (Golden Hoard, 2012). p. 119.

  12. Ibid. p. 277.

  13. Leonardo Drakon. PGV IV 154-265: Phylactery of 100 Letters. (http://voces-magicae.com/2015/01/27/pgm-iv-154-285-phylactery-of-100-letters/). The gorgeous philactery is his own artwork.

  14. Personal correspondence with Jesse Hathaway Diaz, from Wolf & Goat.

  15. Personal correspondence with Christopher Bradford.

A Long List of Ways to Spiritually Protect Yourself

sopherielspeaks:

(Updated from this old list here.)

Shielding is a practice entirely built on your intention–if you want an eternal shield, you can have it. If you believe in your shield, it will be there. There are many ways that are incredibly powerful with just the slightest trust and a little bit of practice. As soon as possible, start to practice shielding and methods of spiritual protection, since practice, along with your intention, will create the most powerful shields. 

Also, you can never shield to much. It’s amazing and very empowering to have layer upon layer of shielding, and the energy and time you put into shielding will really save you a lot of energy and time in the future. Even just walking around, through crowds, cities, etc, drains your energy–negative energy is everywhere, and consciously seeking only the energy for your best and highest good will really, truly, and completely empower you. 

You can shield from anything and everything, just make sure to allow in things for your “best and highest interest/good.” ShCast every shield with this affirmation. This allows what people would consider “negative” emotions to still come through, so you can live a balanced life, since not all emotions that are considered negative actually are. This affirmation effectively only allows things that raise or balance your vibration, and help you to spiritually evolve. It won’t cut you off from anything necessary. Shields themselves will never overwhelm or smother you, since they are meant solely for your needs and will always let in positive energy. Here are some simple methods to begin shielding, but you can always adopt them with your own needs and intentions! Do what works for you, just make sure to shield when practicing spirit or energy work of any sort. 

Robe of White Light:

  • Focus for a moment on calming yourself, and once you have a clear mind, imagine a nice fluffy robe around you (I always imagine one like in the game Journey) made of white and protective light. This is the universe’s energy, and nothing ill can penetrate it once it is surrounding you.
  • It is recommended to repeat once or twice a day to maintain the shielding.
  • You can also use the affirmation of “I call upon a robe of loving and protective white light, knowing that it will protect me from all energy not in my highest interest. This robe protects me with the power of the Universe/Source/God.”

Guardian Protection:

  • Ask your guardian spirits (either aloud or through your mind) to protect you.
  • Always command that the guardians who help that they “come in light.” And if not, say they must leave. You don’t even have to know their name, but if they aren’t here to help, then they shouldn’t be around you. So just command this and all with ill intentions will be forced to leave.
  • Call on them for a need by need basis.

Auric Hardening:

  • Imagine your aura (trust whatever color you see in your mind’s eye), and then imagine it hardening, like it’s calcifying around you. It can get as hard as a rock, or like armor.
  • This can sometimes push away any energy exchanges, so you could feel more distant from positive interactions too. So, it’s best used when a threat is around
  • Usually lasts between 4 hours-2 days, depending on the strength of your intention.

Sigil warding:

  • Draw with a pen, marker, or with the tip of your finger (if you don’t need visible lines) a sigil with the intention of protecting yourself. A sigil is most basically an energetic line (or series of them) with an intention. The lines hold the energy and magnify the intention.
  • Here are examples
  • A post on sigil crafting

Shielding with Intention and the Universe:

  • Calm yourself with a short breathing meditation, then focus on what you intend to shield-yourself, another, or a place.
  • Imagine casting a ball of light towards the designated target, with the intention of allowing the Universe/Source to channel through you and shield whatever you intend to.
  • Just watch and observe as the shield is built, knowing that it is fully fueled by the energy of the Universe and will stay there, and stay strong, until the shield is released consciously by you.
  • You can specify this shield for certain purposes, like to only keep a spirit out, or to keep all negative spirits out.

Reiki Shielding and Protection:

  • In Usui Reiki, there is a technique your Reiki Masters should have taught you about warding and cleansing the room in white light. Channel Reiki energy to do this.
  • If you are attuned to Reiki II, you should know the 1st symbol and that it can be used to stop all energy that is not in your highest good from coming towards you, working as an effective shield when the symbol is called on.
  • You need to be properly attuned to Reiki for this.

Bubble shielding:

  • Similar to the white light or shielding with intention, but focusing on making and empowering a bubble around you.
  • Replenish this as often as possible, since this is dependent on your own care.
  • Can be in an oval or a sphere shape. If this is hard to get a hang of, then try just fitting it a couple inches away from your body, similar to auric hardening.

Waterfall shielding:

  • A bubble shield with the intention of existing on top of an underneath bubble shield. 
  • Focus on this shield and set the intention of having it move around like a waterfall. This way, someone sending negative energy has a very small chance of hitting the same place twice.

Elemental shielding:

All of these are built with a specific intention and visualization of the shield. Time around such element used will strengthen the shield, or a conscious meditation to draw the energy towards you and the shield.

  • Fire shield: Envision burning fire, that will destroy all negative energy/energy not for your highest good, when it tries to enter your energetic space.
  • Water shield: Similar to the waterfall shield, but with the visual of actual water flowing that can wash away all negative debris or toxicity clinging to any form of bubble shield underneath it. 
  • Earth shielding: This one can block off positive energy too, since it works more like a layer of earth around the person. Though, it can also be envisioned to only grow/manifest around you in times of need or when you’re being attacked or faced with negative energy. It can also block your third eye from seeing outside. Earth shielding can also work as a means of grounding you, which doesn’t have negative effects (as long as you don’t neglect your upper chakras). If you ground yourself to the earth, and your are harmed or shaken by negative energy, you can replenish your energy from the earth.
  • Air shielding: Envision a fast current of air around you that sweeps away all negative energy or malevolent beings.
  • Light shielding: A bright white light that totally purifies all energy that contacts it, similar to the robe of white light. Different colored lights can work too, but they all have specific purposes that you should research first.
  • Ether shielding: Sometimes this works like a portal, transporting all malevolent energy to another place in the universe. Just make sure to set the intention that things in your best and highest interest aren’t affected, and that the travel won’t severely harm anyone who is transported by the portal (since sometimes negative energy can come from just someone in a bad mood). 
  • Chaos shielding: Not always considered an element, but with the idea of scattering any negative energy–the sudden increase in entropy raises the vibration to something more positive.
  • Shadow and smoke shielding: Imagining either element around you, mostly for cloaking and making your energy less obvious. This is great for astral projection and spiritual travel when you don’t want to be noticed. You can infuse the energy with an intention of how you want to be perceived, like if a threat comes, then you can suddenly raise this shield and make the smoke cause you to seem dangerous, scaring off the opponent. 

Halo shielding:

  • Imagine a series of halos that spin quickly around you, moving to knock away negative energy if it approaches your space. This can be inside or outside of a bubble or light based shield.

Protection charms and enchanted objects:

  • Work made by you, when you have a lot of experience, in creating a sigil charm or enchanted object meant for protection. This can also be from someone who has passed down a family protection amulet (just research it and bathe it in light to clear any possible negative energy on it), or from an experienced energy worker making protection amulets, charms, or objects. 
  • Some are religiously charged, like crosses, pentagrams, etc. If this matches your belief, your belief will empower it.