(I'll start by saying that I'm not very good at meditating. I've dysthymia, a form of depression, and the concentration issues and anxiety that goes with it. This can make it hard for me to work spells, because my mind will very easily wander- hence, I do all the spell working I can out loud, because at least then I can't stray. This is semi-relevant, I swear.)
Now, a lot of spells I know of- indeed, even casting a circle, all require me to visualise a cone of power- which I find tricky to do. But, I found yesterday when working a spell that it's much easier for me to imagine a small column of flame from my chest and upwards while also thinking of the stars (and it seemed to give me the tingling-hands feeling I've read means you're actually managing to channel power). (Additionally, I wrote a pain spell that required visualisation of the pain as smoke- the fire imagery seems to be recurring.)
But anyway! Is the cone of power entirely necessary? Am I just doing this wrong, and should the fire imagery just be used for something else, or not at all? I get that the cone of power is used to direct energy, but in this case, if it's used in casting a circle, and I am where the power is supposed to be initially, does it matter?
A cone of power substitute?
A cone of power substitute?
— Hawk.
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Re: A cone of power substitute?
Hmm..I've always felt the cone as an inverted funnel, rising from around me and the rim of my circle and going up and away. It's been like a collector of force, wider in contact with the earth and narrower above my head. I use the circle itself as a cone. If I'm not using a formally cast circle, I use a misty, swirling collection of my thought, feelings and voice command. It feels like it's rising up from around my feet, spinning around me, so I just put a picture to what I felt.
I don't see any reason it wouldn't go both ways, as It's a spinning vortex, probably diamond shaped anyhow. If what you are doing is envisioned more easily as flame from within, that sounds fantastic, and rather appropriate. Just be sure you are a conduit for power passing through you, not from you. Otherwise you'd be using personal vitality and you'd be really tired afterward, whereas as a conduit, you don't drain yourself.
It's a challenge we all have to work around our own limitations. I also have difficulty visualizing in detail, so I use vague or generic thought forms because that's what I can manage. What I get tough on is my determination and command. Being a grumpy old gal is my strength. Crack the whip! I call it my Inner Bitch.
I don't see any reason it wouldn't go both ways, as It's a spinning vortex, probably diamond shaped anyhow. If what you are doing is envisioned more easily as flame from within, that sounds fantastic, and rather appropriate. Just be sure you are a conduit for power passing through you, not from you. Otherwise you'd be using personal vitality and you'd be really tired afterward, whereas as a conduit, you don't drain yourself.
It's a challenge we all have to work around our own limitations. I also have difficulty visualizing in detail, so I use vague or generic thought forms because that's what I can manage. What I get tough on is my determination and command. Being a grumpy old gal is my strength. Crack the whip! I call it my Inner Bitch.
Re: A cone of power substitute?
Hehe, okay. Well, if it works, it works, I guess! Thank you for the advice- I was worried the flame imagery would be just too tied to destructive things to make my spells do what I wanted them too, but if that's not a problem, then, well, yay.
— Hawk.
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Re: A cone of power substitute?
Flame as an element of magic isn't so much destructive as transformative. It changes an object from one form to another, and as a symbol of the magical process, it resonated to me in that by our use of focussed intent our desires are transformed from thought-forms and manifest in the material realm.
If you feel the force of your heart-fire imaging isn't what you want, after you learn about it and find how it behaves, then re-evaluate the effect and adjust your technique. There's no right or wrong, only what works.
If you feel the force of your heart-fire imaging isn't what you want, after you learn about it and find how it behaves, then re-evaluate the effect and adjust your technique. There's no right or wrong, only what works.
Re: A cone of power substitute?
I don't know that a cone of power is essential in every circle. Perhaps you are there just to commune with a diety, or celebrate a holiday, make a magical potion, etc. (Though it can be used to charge up a working) In my experience the cone is for sending off "wishes" ie; spells, prayers, energy to another... Use your wand or athame or finger to draw a cone around you as you spin deosil around, making at least one complete circumference Before you start moving up and to a point. This way your tool will help with the visualizations.
Bb, Firebird
Bb, Firebird
“There are things known and things unknown and in between are the Doors.”
― Jim Morrison
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”
― RWEmerson
― Jim Morrison
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”
― RWEmerson