Witchvox Article

Author: Rev Bill Duvendack [a WitchVox Sponsor]
Posted: July 9th. 2006
Times Viewed: 1,533

On the topic of protection and shielding, many aspects come to mind, but they fall into two distinct categories: defense and offense. So, for the sake of objectivity, I will address both, as well as protection versus shielding, and protection and shielding.

First, a peek at defense versus offense. Some would say, �The best defense is a good offense.� While this may hold true for some things, like professional sports, it would hardly be the case when it comes to energy work of any type. By beginning with the offense, one is put into the driver�s seat of karma. If offense is used as defense by pre-empting events that may actually need one's attention, there is a high possibility of incurring karma. As long as one knows how and why karma works, when used in conjunction with universal laws, one can then use that knowledge to take the offensive. Simply ask yourself if you have a good enough grasp of karma and universal laws to assist you in consciously creating circumstances to promote an offense instead of being defensive. If the answer is yes, then perhaps using your offense as your defense should be seriously considered. If not, you might want to think twice. As I have always joked with people, �karma splatters�.

The very subject of protection and shielding is an interesting concept in itself, implying a reaction to some other event. When one feels the need, one activates protections and shieldings through use of techniques with which one is comfortable. I do know people that routinely put up their defenses, both protective and shield based, when they make trips to the local store, or any other mundane (read: non-magickal) occurrences during the course of life. But my question (which is the essence of this essay) is this: Is that thought form coming from a victim mentality? Alternatively, is it motivated by a perceived hypersensitivity? Both? Neither? What say you, O reader?

The best protection technique that I have found is the LBRP (Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram), created by MacGregor Mathers of Golden Dawn fame. It addresses all five dominant elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit) , and since it is not only vocal but also action oriented, it is a lot more interactive than other techniques. This is a key point to consider when you ponder the way the subconscious and conscious minds work. By reading, we learn a lot, but by doing we make it comfortable, familiar, and a physical extension of our Will. There is a belief, to which I subscribe, that the body is the subconscious mind, and from that platform, I will address this. As one works with the LBRP, one learns to associate physical action with vocal guidance and magickal Will. This fulfills all four of the basic planes; three obviously and one more subtly. The obvious three are fire (the motion of doing it) , Earth (the physical body being of earth) , and Air (it requires thought, trust me.) The one that is more subtle in its manifestation is Water. Water is there because, when done properly, one�s emotional body is exercised through this ten-minute ritual. For example, if f I had a bad dream, and I don�t want that to influence my day, then I�m going to put a lot more �oomph� into it. This emotional release is controlled, guided under the magickal Will, to �clear the air,� so to speak. When I was learning the LBRP, I quickly learned two things: 1) when it was emotionally charged, it was generally more powerful, and 2) when I had it down to second nature, it would go off in my sleep if necessary. What better banishing can you do than one that works even when your mind is not conscious? Pretty intense. A daily regimen of one in the morning and one at night usually does the job.

As for shielding, well, what can truly be said? There are as many ways to shield as there are countries on the globe. Some people use stones. Some people use Reiki. Some people use feathers and other Native American tools. Some use Dorjes and Tingshas. A few people I know have even made up their own, and I have noticed the effectiveness. So, as a general rule of thumb, go with what feels right. Your intuition is your best guide, so listen when it speaks. My personal favorite is to just remember that the only power someone has over me is what I allow him or her to have over me. I realize that sounds simple, but it truly does work. However, if the situation is such that there may be another individual, in form or not, threatening the shielder, that is another story. If one has the misfortune of having an enemy or animated skeleton coming out of the close, then here are a few things to remember. Try a small pouch with semi-precious stones in it. Tailor the contents of the pouch to match what may be coming your way. For example, if someone is coming at you with a jealous energy, research a stone that is anti-jealousy. If someone is using a thought form projection like a golem or other astral creation, then keep stones that reinforce mental clarity and sharpness to rise above the astral plane. See the concept? Surprisingly easy, but many people that I talk to �never really thought of it that way�. If one feels that the stones are not strong enough, then something more may need to be considered. Perhaps charging an amulet or a talisman may be required. The best rule of thumb that I can think of is that simply to know what is being thrown your direction if possible. Or, at least know some of the best well rounded shields available, like angels, guardian spirit guides, affirmations, etc.

In conclusion, it is truly what you make of it. Any trip to your local bookstore will reveal many different techniques, but your intuition will be with you through your life, so listen to its voice.

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Rev Bill Duvendack

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri

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