(so this is the first time I've ever tried writing one of these - I welcome your comments! ~Inkpot)

Guided Visualization 1 – Meeting The Fey

This visualization may be either read aloud or recorded for later playback. Use whatever method works best for you, but make sure that it is spoken slowly and in a calm tone of voice.

To begin, bring yourself into a relaxed and comfortable position (this position can be lying down, sitting in a comfortable recliner, or sitting in the classic 'lotus' position). Whatever position it is, make sure that you are wearing loose, comfortable clothing (or nothing at all if that is more comfortable for you) and that you are in a quiet room or private outdoors area with no danger of interruptions. Close your eyes and begin breathing slowly - in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Clear your mind of worries and distracting thoughts. This may take some time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don't become frustrated if you happen to fall asleep or get distracted. Simply keep trying until your mind empties itself.

When you are ready, have the following read or played back and allow the images to play out in your mind:



“There is a mist, a soft ethereal mist that surrounds you, it's wisps caressing your face with a featherlight touch. There is no sound, and you feel as though you are floating languidly on gently lapping waters. At length, you can see the mists parting up ahead to reveal the gnarled branches of mighty oaks, their great branches sheltering you overhead. The mists slowly roll back to reveal a wild and tangled forest, vibrant and seeming to glow with its' own greenish gold inner light. Although there are no trails, you feel comfortable enough to take slow footsteps forward.

Your bare feet are tickled by the lush carpet of thick grasses and fallen leaves. The air is cool and filled with the pungent scent of earth and decaying leaves. The low droning of dragonflies and raucous cries of birds echo throughout the tangled branches and thick boles of the trees. You slowly step over leaf-draped fallen limbs and moss-cloaked stones on your way into the heart of the wood. Your heart is light and you know that you have nothing to fear in this place.

At length, with leaves falling softly around you like a greengold snowfall, you step into a small clearing in the heart of the forest. A single, tall grey stone stands in the exact center. Its' surface is covered with ancient whorls and graven animals. It seems to glow a soft blue light and vibrates with energy. You feel protected and sheltered. Like you are in the arms of a loving grandfather. You cannot help but smile.

A sudden movement causes you to turn slowly, your eyes drawn to the very edge of the clearing. Peering at you cautiously from behind the massive bole of a venerable oak, is a small angular face with wide, dark eyes. A wild thatch of tangled hair the color of autumn leaves covers the small head like a shaggy cloak. You stand still, not wanting to frighten your visitor and slowly give it a reassuring smile. After a long moment, he smiles back at you, revealing tiny sharp teeth.

Slowly, the faerie comes out from behind the oak and slowly approaches, his twig-like body gangly and dressed in colors that would easily render him invisible should he not wish to be seen. Around his slender shoulders rests a cloak of leaves and feathers cunningly sewn together. You slowly move to a crouched position, for the little one's height only reaches the top of your knee. The faerie stops and regards you curiously as you tentatively hold out your hand in a peaceful gesture. With an inexplicable leap of joy in your heart, you watch as the little fey-man mimics your gesture.

With a smile, the faerie bows to you and then to the great grey stone behind you. He then springs away and disappears into the tangled mass of the surrounding forest. You stand up, your eyes shining and your heart filled to bursting, knowing that you have just touched something very special. With a warm smile, you place your hand upon the ancient stone and bow with greatest respect.

The mists roll in from the surrounding forest and cloak you once again. The forest and clearing fade gently away as the mists envelop you in their soft caresses. When they part, you are safely back home. You feel refreshed and energized. You feel like you've made a friend.”


END.


Having ended this guided visualization, it is a good idea to slowly stand and stamp your feet three times on the ground or clap your hands three times to help re-acclimate yourself to your surroundings. Eating a small meal at this time will also help.

There's an echo in my mind

Of things I've never seen

Places I can never find

Dreams I've never dreamed

In those watches, I can see

A green and golden place

A memory without a time

A lover without a face

The Faerie Star

The Faerie Star (or ‘septogram’) is a symbol used in many magical traditions. Each point represents an aspect of nature or the magical path. Each magical tradition or path (including this one) tends to have its’ own definition of what each point represents. All points are equally important, as inattention to one point renders the entire symbol incomplete. Beginning at the top and moving deosil (clockwise), my particular path defines the points thusly:

Point One: Herne The Hunter/The Sun

Representing the God, the primal force of life, passion, the element of fire, power and strength.

Point Two: The Wood/Forest

Representing the element of earth, growth, trees and the borderland between our world and the Otherlands.

Point Three: The Sea

Representing life, the element of water, creativity and emotions.

Point Four: The Art/Magic

Representing the element of spirit, the harnessing of life energy in spells, rituals, song and dance.

Point Five: Danu The Mother/The Moon

Representing the Goddess, creation, fertility, abundance and steadfastness.

Point Six: The Wind/Air

Representing the element of air, astral travel, change and visions.

Point Seven: The Song/Connection

Representing the rhythm of life, relationships with all living things, and harmony.

Center: The Self

Representing ourselves, with all our inherent strengths and weaknesses.