A Sacred Space, and the necessary procedures?

[DarkSchneider]

My posts are generally long and I tend to ramble (and I'm tired) so:

What are the absolute basics for setting up a beginner level sacred space?

Are there any other "safety" procedures one should practice while using magick?

So far I've been copying down defensive/protective spells and runes etc into my spellbook. Is a sacred space an absolute must to practice?

[hyperion5225]

Minimum would be golden light banishing , next level would be invokeing god forms ( Kali ma for me) , another step up would be lbrp , then bornless one ritual , ect . What are you trying to set it up for ? Invokeing gods / spirits or hexing , those would have diffrent spaces needed

[RoseRed]

I believe a sacred space is necessary. Not just for magic but as a refuge and place of solace. We live in a fast paced world.

The bare minimum? Keep it clean, dusted, uncluttered. Maybe a candle and some salt sprinkled around.

[DarkSchneider]

@hyperion5225

I'm trying to set up for elemental magick, and stuff like candle magick, cord magick etc, very simple works. Nothing involving invoking just yet.

@RoseRed

I've got a severe sort of heaviness in my room it's unbearable. It feels so toxic and depressing in here. I'll clean up. I'll get rid of the unnecessary clutter. I've got some candles and salt ready to be used.

Thanks for your help guys

[Eremita]

Welcome back DarkSchneider, I missed you.

What are the absolute basics for setting up a beginner level sacred space?

Designate an area for it, clean it physically, clean it spiritually via the method of your choice and there you go! Since you mentioned elemental magic, I suggest circling the area sprinkling salt water and dispersing incense smoke, representing the four elements.

I've got a severe sort of heaviness in my room it's unbearable. It feels so toxic and depressing in here. I'll clean up. I'll get rid of the unnecessary clutter. I've got some candles and salt ready to be used.

I'm a chronic layabout who would rather die than clean, but I can say a room definitely feels better once you've cleared away the junk and swept/vacuumed the floor. Clean up, open up the windows, get some sunlight and fresh air happening, light your incense and banish that biatch! [thumbup]

Is a sacred space an absolute must to practice?

I don't think so - when you get right down to it, the whole universe is sacred space. I'm convinced the Beijing sewerage system conceals deep spiritual truths. But a sacred space in your home is a lovely thing to have, so why not? It's also a good point of focus for your occult pursuits and I think going above and beyond the "absolute must" is often worth doing even if it isn't necessary.

[DarkSchneider]

I'm barely functioning today, I can't think straight and I am losing so much energy...

I am looking for some sort of alternative to the Wiccan Method of making a Sacred Space. I have read examples from Silver RavenWolf and Scott Cunningham but I'm not really comfortable with using those ones. It relies too heavily on equipment and dedication which I am both lacking. No athames, I don't worship any Gods or Goddesses, etc.

So far, I've just been calling upon and dismissing the 4 elements when I'm in need or done with them. I wing it and speak whatever I can come up with as far as calling them out. I tend to still be a bit clumsy. Dropping items or trembling or burning myself. I try memorizing the steps but I always seem to forget one thing or another. When I discover the one method for a Sacred Space I am comfortable with, I'll write it down and practice it.

I know I asked you guys specifically about this but, part of me feels like I'm needlessly worrying on the small details. You can't always perfect your rituals or spells or experiments can you? Otherwise you get so hung up you seize up and miss the point. I guess I have to challenge myself at least, but not worry.

Anyways, I'm sorry, it's been a rough while. I'm starting to think people are out to kill me now I recognize this as "not true" right now, as in imagined, but there are times where I'm convinced there are mysterious people out to get me (M.I.B, shadow people, hit men, etc). I saw a social worker this week who said I have enough support already that I don't need her help and she'll try to get me in another program...Bleh.

[Eremita]

I'm barely functioning today, I can't think straight and I am losing so much energy...

I am looking for some sort of alternative to the Wiccan Method of making a Sacred Space.

Have a look at this article of Phil Hine's on banishing:
http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/rit ... intro.html

It's really good stuff and should help to answer your query.

Anyways, I'm sorry, it's been a rough while. I'm starting to think people are out to kill me now I recognize this as "not true" right now, as in imagined, but there are times where I'm convinced there are mysterious people out to get me (M.I.B, shadow people, hit men, etc). I saw a social worker this week who said I have enough support already that I don't need her help and she'll try to get me in another program...Bleh.

You may have mentioned this before, but have you talked to a GP about your mental health already? If not, it would be a good idea.

If you need anything, please don't hesitate to PM me. I'm always happy to chat.

[RoseRed]

Full stop. Breathe. No more wiccan type rituals.

You don't need all the doodads and ceremonial steps.

I think you've read enough of various methods to find your own way. You seem drawn to more of an elemental circle - which is a beautiful thing in and of itself. But before we talk about that - please tell me that you let your doctor know what's going on. It could be your meds.

You can create an elemental circle with a glass of water, a rock, a lit candle and incense (even a cigarette works in a pinch. its tobacco incense). Not everything has to be complicated. There is great power to be found in simplicity.

I hope you let us know what you're doc says.

[DarkSchneider]

@RoseRed

Pardon my restlessness. I was panicking. I'm leveled now. I'm calmer, and my feet are safely on the ground, etc.

I'll cut out the wiccan stuff then. I'm fine with creating my own ceremonial procedures, it seems to feel more natural and "right" for me. I can easily assemble an elemental circle. I'll keep the simplicity in mind once again.

I talked to my doctor but he thinks it's mostly the combination of my meds and pot and such. He wants me to get off the pills I was prescribed because it might be causing negative symptoms, over the years. He doesn't think I'm schizo which is an encouraging thought. I should be fine but I'll keep an eye on myself. Maybe avoid the pot till I get clean.

[RoseRed]

That's good to hear.

I can't wait to hear about how creating your circle goes for you.

[findingtruth]

I'd like to expand on this question a bit more- what if you have roommates? The space I'm in now, while comfortable, doesn't have the vibe I'm looking for. The older gentleman that I live with now works out of this apartment and has a very stressful job. I feel like I can't really escape from that. I'll be moving out in a couple months but only to then live with my boyfriend and another roommate- probably also male. I don't have very many places I can go for this. I've kind of designated a spot in a nature reserve down the road as mine, but you can still hear people on the trail. Any ideas or suggestions?

[Eremita]

Findingtruth:

I sympathise. I recently had to move out of a share house which, although a really nice place when I moved in, deteriorated rapidly once the roster of housemates changed a bit, and the place became full of desperately unhappy people. I was able to maintain some order of sanity by creating a sanctuary in my bedroom, but ultimately I had to leave because the environment was just so toxic. Can you set up your bedroom as an area for practice? Anywhere private should be fine. I've personally found that an altar tends to change the vibe of the room it's in.

As for the nature sanctuary, that sounds nice, and being outdoors is great - though you are of course subject to weather, and being interrupted by the public.

[Shinichi]

The most potent Sacred Space I have experienced yet is the one inside my own self. There is a reason why Yogis spend so much time doing the training necessary to develop Pratyahara. When you can withdraw your Awareness deep inside yourself, it doesn't matter what is going on around you. You can sit in the middle of a busy intersection and meditate deeply.

For a physical space, that depends greatly on what you need to do. I once had a simple alter (a plastic storage bin) and meditation seat (a small rug under a pillow) in the bottom of a very small utility closet, and it became a very sacred place because I meditated there so much and nobody went into the closet but me. And of course, more complex things like Ceremonial Magick tends to require an entire room, decorated and enchanted properly. I am also, for general practice, a great fan of meditating in nature. Getting off the main trails in most parks, you can usually find brilliant little hide aways. Especially if you have a larger state park nearby.



~:Shin:~

[findingtruth]

Thank you both for the reply! The apartment owner is kind of infringing on my space even in my bedroom which really rubs me the wrong way, but considering I'm not paying rent, it is not my place to say anything about it. I am utilizing a corner of my bookshelf as an "altar". It has an antler, geode, knife that I love, burning bowl, candle, incense, and a statue of 3 either Buddhist or Hindu deities that I think roughly symbolize prosperity. I set it up basically going off pictures I found on the internet and most of the items have meaning to me but I really don't know much about properly setting up an altar.

Shin, I'll look into creating a sacred space inside myself, that probably will be my best option. I found the *perfect* spot off the trail right on the edge of this huge river and a little waterfall from a tributary creek behind me but I'd technically be trespassing... Oh well, my other spot outside would work too.