Grounding and Centering
Grounding is the act of making an energy connection with the Earth. Grounding is a vital part of making sure you return to the Mundane realm after working Magick. There are times when you need this connection to release excess energy so it doesn't become harmful to you. This connection may also be used to draw upon the Earth's energy so you do not deplete your own.
Centering is the act of aligning your self. This is done to insure that you remain healthy, whole, and focused in both the Magickal and Mundane realms.
Many things are referred to as grounding; they can range from doing your dishes or eating to the actual act of connecting to the Earth. I know that doing dishes doesn't thrill most people but its something mundane to focus on to bring yourself back to the here and now. After working magick this is a very important thing. To much energy can lead to irritability, headaches, not sleeping, just feeling yuck.
I have found the best way to ground small children is to feed them then get then to help clean the ritual space up. Though in a pinch Snout time (thank you Annie) works well. Snout time means they get down on the floor put their little foreheads against it and just let the Earth have the cranky/chaotic energy. Though you look a bit strange if you are in public it seems to stop the fits and whining. Young children seem to have a constant connection to the Earth so it’s easy for them to have too much energy.
One of the best forms of grounding and centering I learned was referred to as the tree of life. It is easy to do and very effective.
Close your eyes and feel the Earth beneath you…..imagine your feet are now roots growing deep into the Earth…..feel this energy that flows around your roots…..as you breathe in feel this energy begin to move up roots and into your legs…..legs that have now become part of the tree’s trunk…..as you continue to breathe in this energy feel it flowing thru you…..feel the connection to the Earth…..feel the energy travel up your torso…..feel your self being one with the earth…..feel this energy move thru your neck and into your head…..as you breathe in feel the energy burst forth from your head to create sweeping branches…..branches that reach back to the Earth…..branches that connect with the earth to form a circle of energy…..allow the energy to flow through this circle…..take a deep breath and know that whenever you have need or this energy you can call upon it…..know the Earth has plenty of energy for us all…..as you take your next breathe stop drawing in energy…..tell yourself the whatever excess energy you have you are now returning to the Earth…..as you exhale let go the unneeded energy…..just let flow back into the Earth through your roots…..when you have released all of the excess see your roots coming up out of the ground and changing back to feet…..slowly open your eyes…..
If you are in a pinch and need to release energy, simply put as much of yourself as possible against the Earth, know that as you exhale the unwanted energy is running off of you like water, washing back into the Earth for her to use as she wills. This one is good when stuck in high stress environments. If you can not touch the Earth, such as rush hour traffic, carry a stone or two with you, dump all the excess into the stone(s) and then when you get home give those stones a saltwater bath.
Speaking of saltwater baths, this is another way you
can ground. The salt not only helps you remove unnecessary energy it helps clear away all the negativity that you picked up along your day. As you let the water drain from the tub stay there and watch all that 'stuff ' wash down the drain returning to the Earth. This is a good practice before any ritual or magickal act. It is also suggested for all those who work with the terminally ill and in nursing homes.
These are a few ways in which you can ground and center yourself. Its a good idea to start and end every magickal act well focused with a solid connect to the Earth. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
