Spell of doom, rather doomed spell.

[Selba]

First off I did more of a calling than a spell to meet my spirit guide. I had the whole house to myself today, so thought "why not?" since there would be no interuptions.

I got everything ready as usual, then cast the circle and that's where it started going wrong. With calling the quarters I've never had a problem with them ever before, but then this time I got through East fine then as I started with South I called on West instead. This happened when I was calling and thanking the quarters- I'd say the wrong invocation for that direction.

Other things happened like my lighter jammed and completely stopped working, a candle exploded, the incense went wonky smelling, I kept getting sidetracked and I couldn't ground, center, or meditate like I usually do.

The whole things left me feeling icky (for better use of the term) and I feel as if I've done it horribly wrong, insulted the directions and all the divine entities involved. :sniffsnif

[Raivynne]

I would say that when you're feeling better, and more centered and balanced, cast a circle and make an apology to the quarters and anyone else you invoked. Offer incense, food, or wine, and just say you're sorry for what happened and that you didn't mean to offend. Then do some meditation or whatever you feel is right to do.

[Seren_]

I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing; these things tend to happen for a reason, or so I was taught. Maybe somebody was trying to tell you that it wasn't a good time to call your spirits after all; or perhaps they're already there and they were trying to get your attention...

A cleansing bath and some meditation might help you feel better and figure it all out; and maybe leaving an offering, if you haven't done so already.

[Xander67]

Before you do any more Ritual work , Focus, Know where east is, know which direction is North, take the time to orient yourself with your Physical environment, this will help you ground and center...

and help you retain that awareness in your ritual...

Pay attention.

Keep your eyes on the Road in front of you while driving,............... that sorta thing lol

[Selba]

Yes I knew where everything was, but I just sort of lost it and would catch myself in midsentence.

Don't want to go crashing into the lane barriers of life now.

[Xander67]

Do you use color associations for each direction when you do a circle, (candles, etc)?

[Erebus]

I got everything ready as usual, then cast the circle and that's where it started going wrong. With calling the quarters I've never had a problem with them ever before, but then this time I got through East fine then as I started with South I called on West instead. This happened when I was calling and thanking the quarters- I'd say the wrong invocation for that direction.

Other things happened like my lighter jammed and completely stopped working, a candle exploded, the incense went wonky smelling, I kept getting sidetracked and I couldn't ground, center, or meditate like I usually do.

The whole things left me feeling icky (for better use of the term) and I feel as if I've done it horribly wrong, insulted the directions and all the divine entities involved. :sniffsnif

I think we've all had rituals like that. Many of them result in long-standing "house rules" for rituals around my friends. For instance, one of them is "The ritual is officially and immediately over if the South corner catches fire. Any attempt to get North dismissed before running for the extinguisher is expressly prohibited."

Fortunately, spirits laugh.

My old high priestess used to call the Fae as a separate "element" and invite them into the circle so they'd be less inclined to feel snubbed and cause mischief.

Just accept the lesson in humility and make sure you've got your compass calibrated next time. You just fell off the horse - no need to apologize to the horse, since, you know, it's standing there laughing at you.

[Selba]

Either candles or statuary.

[samiaminsane]

Originally posted by Erebus:
Fortunately, spirits laugh.

Exactly! When everything goes wrong, laugh instead of feeling gloomy and upset. We are blessed to have Gods and Goddesses with a sense of humor. Everyone has had experiences like that, especially when you're starting out. Apologize if you feel the need.

[zakzekezedd]

As to the idea that perhaps you just weren't meant to contact your spirit guides at this time, I tend to agree. For whatever reason, you just weren't supposed to be doing that ritual at that particular time. And yes...the Gods and Goddesses (at least most of them) do have a sense of humor, so as long as we can laugh at ourselves, they probably will laugh right along. I still "fluff" calling the West occasionally for some reason?