Guidance is Needed

[yemayasdaughter]

I am in need of guidance. I am going through a tough time dealing with depression, something I have struggled with and survived for over 5 years. This year, it is very hard for me to dig myself out of it.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any ritual, or candle magick, that can help me to recconnect with the Goddess. I feel this odd sense of disassociation, and I cannot get myself back.

Your good energy, also, is very needed. Please, when you have the time, please light a candle and send some positivity my way.
It would be greatly appreciated.

[Myst]

You may just wish to cast a circle, light a white candle, and spend some time to yourself contemplating or asking the Goddess to help guide you... listening to pleasing music, doing tarot card readings, meditating, or even having a nice bubblebath... these can all help you feel blessed. :)

[Swanspirit]

I have to tell you that one of my DEAREST online friends is named Yemaya ......a very wise woman and former founder and writer for SAGEWOMAN.... and she has recently lost her daughter to an illness..... so when I see your name ....... it tugs some deep heartstrings for me because I feel so deeply for her.......

I am sorry to hear of your ongoing battle with depression....... it isnt easy.. I know a lot of people recommend herbs right away but without knowing your medical history ......allergies and so on I could not in good faith recommend.....
St Johns Wort really works better on agitated depression..... so unless we know what kind of depression you have it would be hard to recommend anything as well............
I have SAD ; which is Seasonal Affective Disorder.....I am very much influenced by the seasons......(I think my ancestors hibernated LOL) so I have to struggel with depression in the winter months... and if anything else comes along whew it isnt easy............
for me especially grief issues having lost both parents ..... and a ( for all intents and purposes ) sister to a chronic illness as well......
so grief issues .............especially UNRESOLVED ones that have been stuffed away and manifested as other things like eating... for one example .....can really contribute to the over all mood state......
I highly recommend support groups .. even being mental health professional . because #1 they are clinically more effective.....they are usually free or minimal contribution required ..... and you are free to express LOVE and SPIRIT.. which is sadly lacking in clinical settings......helpful though they can be......
but as far magical goes.........
there are so many things you can do......
I recommend...... an ritual bath .... with epsom salts and olive oil........ and lavender..... very heavily scented......
an entire body relaxation meditation..... and one that can get to what it is you holding on to in your sadness so you can release some of the deep feelings that are blocking you from feeling............whether it be anger or sorrow .....
which is why you might feel so distant from yourself..... ALSO DONT discount the added constant low level stress from the recent world events....... we are all feeling this and it is something to be reckoned with......

May the Goddess Kuan Yin lift yuor burdens and ease your heart
Love and Light
Swannie

[Lilu]

Hi Yemaya,

I have a few things I love that can be used in conjunction with your medical treatment (if you are on any) and that I feel are great!

1. Look into Bach Flower Remedies - I have used the "Rescue Remedy" which is a combination of different flower essences that have a very uplifting and "rescuing" energy. (Hence it's name! ha)
I have recently seen it also in a cream form, which is probably a great thing for people who can't consume alcohol because they are either in recovery or allergic. (Bach Flower Remedies are usually preserved in alcohol). I have some links somewhere if you are interested where you can buy online. I will hunt them up if you want me too.

2. Crystals! Wear them, carry them, sleep with them under your pillow, have them lying around the house. They are fabulous. Some great crystals for depression which I have used are: Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst, Amber. One place I love online to get crystals is http://www.rainbowcrystal.com - they also have some great essays on working with crystals that you might like.

3. I have a wonderful ritual by Janina Renee from one of my magical almanacs that I used with great success. I will hunt it up and PM it to you as soon as I find it.

BB
Lilu

[Myst]

Originally posted by Lilu
2. Crystals! Wear them, carry them, sleep with them under your pillow, have them lying around the house. They are fabulous. Some great crystals for depression which I have used are: Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst, Amber. One place I love online to get crystals is http://www.rainbowcrystal.com - they also have some great essays on working with crystals that you might like.


OOOOh I love crystals too. I keep Citrine for joy and Rose Quartz for love... :) You might even charge one to help you remember the Goddess is with you or with happy memories and hold it when you're down :)

[Rick]

...refer to Practical Rune Magic I in this forum.

[Myst]

I stuck all the Practical Rune Magick's up for you. They are an invaluable read and I enjoy them very much. I hope no one minds if they stay up there for awhile :)

[yemayasdaughter]

Thank you Swanspirit, Lilu, Willow Raven and Rick for your words, your wisdom and your suggestions... It is greatly appreciated.

[Twilight Garden]

I've been through depression in my past. It can be difficult to work magick for it when you are really down. Sometimes friends sending uplifting energy your way can help get you to where you are ready to help yourself. I'll try sending some energy your way.

Bright Blessings Blown Bye
*LunarMist

[yemayasdaughter]

Thank you, Lunar Mists... I would greatly appreciate it.

[Spyder]

When my G/F left me I started taking Rescue Remedy and I found it helped quite a lot. It certainly helped me with Anxiety, which may or not be the same as depression as I am not sure, but I know it certainly helped me and I hope it helps you as well.

[morrigen]

Me too. Had it on and off for years. sending healing thoughts your way. Hang in there.

[Cerulean]

If you feel like talking about it, did anything in particular happen five years ago before this came on you?

[9-2-2]

I only got out of my depression once I found out people gave a damn about me. I still have low-self esteem, but I get along fine.

Friends and loved ones are excellent remedies. It takes time, quite a bit of time, to heal depression. Taking frequent walks, staying up all night talking to a buddy, treating yourself to the occasional ice cream cone, taking a trip to the cafe for a hot cup of white chocolate mocha w/ whip cream and sprinkles, having pizza, these things will eventually heal.

If you are alone, however, it's a different story. Don't buy the pop psychology that you don't need nobody to survive; it only ingrains weirdness into your sub-conscious. Go out, walk in places where there are lots of people. Bookstores and libraries are the safest places to meet new friends, because there's very little tension in the air. They aren't testosterone- or superficiality-ridden like popular clothing stores, game shops, etc. Also, new age stores are another nice way to hook up with new buddies of a like-minded interest. If, for some reason that none of these are possible (hey, anything can happen!), pen-pals will see you through. :)
A handwritten letter still carries quite a bit more weight than e-mail does.

Now, for magickal treatment. Do self-scrying. First meditate to silence your mind, then dig into your subconcious, and looks for roots of depression causes. Do divinations. Once you've found the root of the problem, you can take steps to healing. Even regular magickal exercises may be a cause; if you don't work magick often, the "withdrawal" will take its toll. Balance your inner energies. Scan and cleanse your home. Also, pay attention to the people you know... are any of them part of the cause?

I'll send you some spells and some herbal teas. Look, examine, and live.