In part one of this series, we discussed magical shields and how they operate. This essay will take the Reader thru the basic techniques for personal shields. We will also discuss personal spells of protection.
We begin with shields. This is because the techniques for a spiritual/magical shield for oneself are the basis of other forms of magical self defense. Two things are vital for success in any form of magical work. The first is the active and focused visualizations. To clearly see your goal in your mind is not just a method of motivating yourself, it is the foundational skill of magical work. The second key to successful magical work is reinforcement of the energy impression of the visualization.
Before I move to discussing shielding techniques, let us briefly touch upon magical energy. Magical energy is known by many names in many different faith systems. Taoism call it Chi. This is perhaps the most recognized description of it. Christianity calls it Grace or The Kingdom of God.* The world is full of magical energy. Some have described this energy as a great Web connecting all life together. Others would describe it as a great river that we are all moving in, pushed about in part by currents that are due to the river itself and in part by the motion we choose.
By focusing upon a specific goal or desired state, we create an impression upon the energy about us. Thought is described by various prominent witches as energy. This is a fairly accurate statement, even when we look at the physiology of thought. In changing our thoughts, we change our personal energy. This change in personal energy creates a change in the energy around us. That change ripples outward and eventually comes back to us. Sufficient focus can create a strong enough ripple that it will bring back to us our desired goal or outcome. Focus is like taking a stream of water and forcing it thru a narrow gap. It adds to the force of that stream and can force a change in the current around it.
When using magical energy to build shields, we are working primarily with our personal bio-spiritual energy. As I described earlier, magical shields come in two general varieties. Polarized shields are semi-permeable and will allows specific energy that you permit in to your bio-spiritual energy field. The most common polarized shield is that of the mirrored sphere. To create this shield, you visualize that you are within a sphere. The outer surface of the sphere is mirrored and reflects all unwanted energy away. The inner surface of the sphere is white light. This light is healthy energy and conveys the permitted magical energy to you. This is a very effective type of shield, hence why it is so popular.
A hardened magical shield is similar to the polarized. A sphere of stone or similar solid material is visualized. The shield does not allow undesired energy into your personal bio-spiritual energy field. The undesired energy in both cases is reflected back upon the person directing it at you. These shields also serve to keep people from drawing bio-spiritual energy away from you. In my experience, I have found that neophyte witches have greater success with a hardened magical shield for this purpose. It is easier for them to visualize the person attempting to drain their energy as having their efforts turned away or returning to them.
* Christian magic is moved by rituals of prayer and devotion to their God. This does not invalidate or otherwise influence the fact that it is the manipulation of magical energy by ways of action and thought.
