What a beautiful site!

[Mad Moya]

I was just browsing the Altar of the Ancients forum and saw the wonderful posts made by many of you... and was quickly prompted to register here!

I don't think you could call me a pagan though, I've been an atheist for over 30 years... but I do believe there is some "thing" powering our universe. I just have trouble with an All-Seeing, All-Knowing, Omniscient type of "being."

Perhaps there are swirls and eddies in the universe that we can tap into to "do magick" although I've never tried myself. I've usually been too afraid to try to use my/its power. I've seen and talked to ghosts, so I know there is something after death, although I'm not sure about reincarnation. Somehow I lost my way though. I need to live my life instead of feeling as if I'm just passing through.

Anyway, I can't seem to meditate anymore... I used to be quite good at it, but none of my techniques are working (I usually end up snoring instead). Most of my joints don't work too well (degenerative disk disease and arthritis), so finding a comfortable position has become difficult. I could use some incense suggestions, and/or candle color suggestions would be helpful too. I've tried quiet, music, tv blaring, etc... dead silence would be best, but that's hard when there's a forest in your backyard, and six cats in the house. :)

I haven't yet tried to cast a circle, as I'm not sure where to start (supplies-wise), but maybe that would help with the meditation? I don't think I can try much else before I get my mind back in shape. :)

Thanks for a wonderful site!
Mad Moya

[Rubi Waters]

Welcome :wave:
Glad to have you here! Browse around and join in the conversations. It doesn't matter what "path" you follow all views are respected and encouraged here. It's good to have different inputs on things :)

[MammaStar]

Welcome & Merry Meet! :wave: :sunny: :heartthro

[Lavender]

Hi and welcome! Pull up a comfy chair and help yourself to some lemonade and cookies.

For a while there, I was falling asleep when I was supposed to be meditating. Have you tried at a different time of day? Or tried meditating after you wake up? I usually meditate at night but I would just fall asleep. I switched to first thing in the morning, after I wake and it really helped. Now, I'm back to meditating at nights again.

I can't remember if we had talked about incense blends for meditating in the Green Room. That would be a good topic. I'll see what I can find for you. :)

[Radocs]

Welcome to Mysticwicks. :wave:

[Siarlas]

Greetings and Welcome, Mad Moya! :wave:

interesting name btw ;)

[Flar's Freyja]

:wave: Merry Meet and Welcome Home!

[Djiril]

:sunny: Hello and welcome! :sunny:

As far as meditation goes, I usually sit in a chair in the back yard and balance a cup on my head. I try not to think about my goal, but instead resolve to balance the cup for 15 minutes. I find that just sitting still and concentrating like that puts me in place to get to the next level.
I know people are different, but that's what works for me.

[Mad Moya]

Wow! Thanks for all the welcomes!

As to my name, it's not a witchy name, just a name I use on the Internet a lot. I play online fantasy games, and I use that name for my main character. If it helps, my real name is Michele.

I had some better luck last night meditating. I lit some incense, found a comfortable sitting position on the couch, and just relaxed. I usually start with my feet and work my way up... Imanaged to get up to my hips before it got blocked, but that's an improvement. I also tried to work from the head down, but got blocked early at the neck (where most of the pain originates)... I did manage to get past part of the neck though and let the energies flow, so that was a DEFINITE improvement! But the damaged areas (neck, back and hips) are definitely slowing me down. :(

Part of the problem may be the medications I'm on... I take two different anti-depressants, and pain killers. Without them I'm be a basket case (one can take just so much physical pain in our lives), but I'm wondering if they're interfering with the meditation on some level.

I also dug out my Runes and Tarot cards last night... readings from both gave me the impetus to try the meditation. I think those readings, and good thoughts from some of the great people here, helped!

Thanks, Mad Moya

[shnen]

I was going to suggest incense. :)

*hugs* i guess all you can do is keep practising, and don't get upset with yourself if you aren't successful... There are many times I have fallen asleep during my yoga classes.. ;)

MM and Welcome to MW! hope you find what you are looking for :)

[Stacy]

:wave:

Welcome to the community :)

Hope you find here the answers to all your questions :)

:sunny:

[Mad Moya]

Ah... well... If I found ALL the answers to my questions, then what would I do? ;)

[Lavender]

There are many times I have fallen asleep during my yoga classes..

heh! I hate that when it happens. It's so embarrassing when you wake up and everyone's looking at you coz you're snoring. :rolleyes:

[Stacy]

Originally posted by Mad Moya
Ah... well... If I found ALL the answers to my questions, then what would I do? ;)

Answer all my questions ;)

[Raevyn]

I like using nag champa for meditation - it smells so gentle and clean. Some people like to use a purple or grey candle for meditation because it reminds them of spirituality, mystery, and quiet.


Originally posted by Mad Moya
I haven't yet tried to cast a circle, as I'm not sure where to start (supplies-wise), but maybe that would help with the meditation?

You don't need any supplies to cast a circle. Some people will use a wand or an athame, or a stick they found to point, but many others just use a finger. Essentially, you ground and center, using the energy to draw a circle. You can physically walk with your finger (wand/athame/whatever) on the left pointed at the ground as you walk clockwise, or you can stand in the center and imagine yourself "shooting" out the energy. You draw it all around you, then visualize it becoming a sphere around you. This is one way to cast a circle but of course there are many others. Most people imagine white energy because of it's association with purity.

When you're done you will want to imagine taking the energy up again, drawing up the circle, then grounding it and centering again.

Some people also use candles, incense, saltwater, natron, a smudge stick, etc. to cleanse the area - some prior to casting the circle, and some when it's cast. Some people invite each element in turn, and thank and say farewell to them when they're done and before they close the circle. Some also invite the Gods to join in, or other spirits. There are many variations.

You might try casting a circle around you and imagining it shutting out the mundane world before you meditate. It can't hurt to try :)

[shnen]

Originally posted by Wildchild
heh! I hate that when it happens. It's so embarrassing when you wake up and everyone's looking at you coz you're snoring. :rolleyes:

It is even more embarrasing when you laugh in your sleep...
yes, its true.. I laugh myself awake! :eek:
now try to imagine that in yoga class.... :p

[materra]

I follow Qigong Meditation practices. Perhaps a couple of these concepts will help:

Visualize moving to the edge of the universe to the Deep Blue, behind you are the stars and known Universe, ahead the unknowning. You float there at the edge, empty and full, you are in the Universe, the Universe is in you. (Think about that for a while, think what our bodies are made of... it is amazing... but not during meditation.)

Each intruding thought you push away with the word "later".

Move Earth energy or Universal energy thru your body for healing. Great for pain and blockages.

BB

[Mad Moya]

I like the idea of moving the Earth/Universal energy through me... that sounds like what I've been trying to do. I've been getting a little better at each each day, and I'll still trying incense. Incense seems to help, but I haven't found the perfect scent for meditating yet!

Thanks everyone, Mad Moya