Recommended New Age Practices

[Doodlebug]

Hey everyone! I am a Bisexual Liberal Christian. I love Paganism and New Age and try to incorporate some of it into my life. I meditate, burn incense for magical uses such as dispelling negative energies and just for the smell, listen to New Age music, and am just otherwise very interested in the New Age movement and in Pagan practices. I am just curious, what are some simple New Age and Pagan practices that you might recommend for me to incorporate into my life other than what I already do. I also love aromatherapy but I'm not sure if that's considered New Age or not although I did read that some people consider holistic healing to be a New Age thing.

[Myrica]

Try to get more background on everything. Paganism is a religion. You can take some things from it, if they work for you, but understand them. Sorry if that offends you I sound so rude to you. I just think you should get more into it to be able to integrate it more into your life.
If I would hang a cross on my wall in the living room, it wouldn't make any diffrence to me (I do know what it stands for, but I don't support it like a Christian). Its a similar thing. It are symbols... and magic...
And I don't like new age and pagan in the same sentence...

[Romani Vixen]

Holistic healing has become new ageish... but that happened when it became popular. It's rather traditional actually.

Paganism is all about the personal. What do you feel applies to you? Start reading through the threads and look at things that interest you. Take what you feel drawn to, leave the rest (but keep it in context, and honor the source).

My mother, a very conservative Christian, has her own magic, though I would never put it that way to her face... lol... she loves herbal healing. The only thing she knows better than herbs, is the Bible... lol her magic is in selecting the herbs to treat her family with... she applies with love, knowledge, and hopes for health... this is a form of magic... though it isn't consciously applied as such.

[Aine of the Fae]

Try to get more background on everything. Paganism is a religion. You can take some things from it, if they work for you, but understand them. Sorry if that offends you I sound so rude to you. I just think you should get more into it to be able to integrate it more into your life.
If I would hang a cross on my wall in the living room, it wouldn't make any diffrence to me (I do know what it stands for, but I don't support it like a Christian). Its a similar thing. It are symbols... and magic...
And I don't like new age and pagan in the same sentence...

How can a person "get more into it" if they don't integrate it into their life???

Doodlebug, I'm a liberal bisexual Christian witch, ask away!

Start by seeking God, He'll let you know what is and isn't right for you. Create altars, I have them all over my house! One for YHWH, one for Jesus, one for Mary Magdelene, one for the Virgin Mary, one for Saint Philomena, one for Thanatos (former patron deity who taught me a lot about life so I still honor him), one for healing, one for memories, etc.....

Incense is great, and aromatherapy is considered New Age, but it's not really. Aromatherapy is older than the modern New Age movement.

Paganism and the New Age movement cross in many ways, but they are different in many ways as well.

Buy a pentagram. As a Christian it won't have the same meaning, but for me it represents the five wounds of Christ (Crown of thorns, nails in hands and feet.)

[ShamanFeather]

Look around see what works for you. I'd like to answer your question but I'm not sure why you say you like New Age and paganism. What is it you like about these in your conceptions of each? If you answer that I might be more able to help you out.

[arctic splash]

I don't consider myself New Age by any means, but I am interested in many practises that have come to be considered 'New Age.' Popularisation of something doesn't make it any less of a gem, it just makes it a little more difficult to distinguish the gems from the crap. :)

When I read your post, Doodlebug, I assumed that practices was the key word. With New Age, I figure, if these things work for some people, maybe they'll work for me, and I try them. Sometimes they do work for me. Last night, I tried a meditation in a book that many would consider New Age, and voila, I have my Kundalini Awakening! The point is to explore yourself and see what works for you. That's what connects New Age and Paganism, IMO. I've learned to be open minded about things 'New Age' -- if you ignore them just because you don't like the way they're labelled, you could be missing out on a lot. So... eventually... I *am* going to get to the root of the New Age (i.e. read some of the works of Edgar Cayce), and be open to it...

Both New Age people and pagans I know are very interested in practises ("The Craft"), personal experience, and magic. Not everyone calls it magic. By magic, I just mean, *doing* things and anticipating results either in yourself or in the external world. Many people who are involved in the New Age, I've found, just like many pagans, are very practical, in that when they do things, they expect results. When they invoke a spirit, for example, they expect to actually feel the presence of that spirit.

Most of the major religions seem to be more about moral codes and devotion than about practise and learning about ourselves and the depths and heights to which our bodies, minds, and spirits can take us. At least, on the surface. Even when major religions do involve practical exercises for exploring these aspects of ourselves, they're often so esoteric that it takes lots of pain and trouble to understand them. Their practises, their craft, often informs their belief.

Anyway, I could point you in a direction, maybe... but I'd like to have a little more of an idea what you're looking for, first.

[Doodlebug]

How can a person "get more into it" if they don't integrate it into their life???

Doodlebug, I'm a liberal bisexual Christian witch, ask away!

Start by seeking God, He'll let you know what is and isn't right for you. Create altars, I have them all over my house! One for YHWH, one for Jesus, one for Mary Magdelene, one for the Virgin Mary, one for Saint Philomena, one for Thanatos (former patron deity who taught me a lot about life so I still honor him), one for healing, one for memories, etc.....

Incense is great, and aromatherapy is considered New Age, but it's not really. Aromatherapy is older than the modern New Age movement.

Paganism and the New Age movement cross in many ways, but they are different in many ways as well.

Buy a pentagram. As a Christian it won't have the same meaning, but for me it represents the five wounds of Christ (Crown of thorns, nails in hands and feet.)
Ah yes! Thank you for that information! I did have a Pentagram necklace but unfortunately, I lost it and can't find it anywhere. :( I guess I'll have to buy a new one when I get some money. I'd also like to maybe try some Yoga sometime but I'd have to get a movie or something cause I can't afford a Yoga class. I might also try the altar thing if I can find some materials to make one with which I'm sure I can. Mainly, I'm just interested in simple New Age practices that I can try. I really don't want anything very complex or anything like that.

[arctic splash]

Buy a pentagram. As a Christian it won't have the same meaning, but for me it represents the five wounds of Christ (Crown of thorns, nails in hands and feet.)

Sorry if you've already answered this question a thousand times. I just wondered if you have had people ask you about your pentagram, and what sort of responses you got when you explained it represented your Christianity?

I just think you have a perfect opportunity there to show people how diverse a symbol the pentagram is. I'd be excited about it, myself.

[arctic splash]

Simple New Age practises....

There's something we do at our healing circles, and it's really fun. It's called a New Age Campfire. It's a safe campfire that you can actually have in the middle of your house which dispells negativity in the room. The fire will last about 5 minutes... Unfortunately I don't know exactly how to do it -- I know you need a heat-resistant plate, a bowl to put on the plate, and some epsom salts. I don't know what else. I can't find info online but in my search I found that it's explained in Joshua Stone's How to Teach Ascension Classes, if you can find a copy of that book.

Here's something you CAN do (along with the campfire, if you want). You can cast a circle and/or a vortex. Lots of ways to cast a circle, that's explained on this site, I'm sure... To create a vortex, you simply ask Mother Earth for permission, and with your intent, create a circle of energy that stretches from the sky down to Mother Earth. You should always close the vortex when you're finished with it. You can walk into the vortex and say a prayer or affirmation. Ask permission to close it, too, although I can't see why it wouldn't be given!

[Doodlebug]

Sorry if you've already answered this question a thousand times. I just wondered if you have had people ask you about your pentagram, and what sort of responses you got when you explained it represented your Christianity?

I just think you have a perfect opportunity there to show people how diverse a symbol the pentagram is. I'd be excited about it, myself.
_tomatoe_ Well, honestly, that was back when I was a Wiccan and I told them that the 5 points represent Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water and that the circle around it represents the circle of life. In all honesty, I think this explanation works for a Christian as well but it could also represent the 5 wounds of Christ. But what other explanations would there be for the circle around it?

[Doodlebug]

Simple New Age practises....

There's something we do at our healing circles, and it's really fun. It's called a New Age Campfire. It's a safe campfire that you can actually have in the middle of your house which dispells negativity in the room. The fire will last about 5 minutes... Unfortunately I don't know exactly how to do it -- I know you need a heat-resistant plate, a bowl to put on the plate, and some epsom salts. I don't know what else. I can't find info online but in my search I found that it's explained in Joshua Stone's How to Teach Ascension Classes, if you can find a copy of that book.

Here's something you CAN do (along with the campfire, if you want). You can cast a circle and/or a vortex. Lots of ways to cast a circle, that's explained on this site, I'm sure... To create a vortex, you simply ask Mother Earth for permission, and with your intent, create a circle of energy that stretches from the sky down to Mother Earth. You should always close the vortex when you're finished with it. You can walk into the vortex and say a prayer or affirmation. Ask permission to close it, too, although I can't see why it wouldn't be given!
Well, see that's the thing. I'd rather not get into casting circles and spells and stuff like that. I am mainly looking for very simple things like New Age relaxation techniques and stuff like that. :)

[arctic splash]

Well, see that's the thing. I'd rather not get into casting circles and spells and stuff like that. I am mainly looking for very simple things like New Age relaxation techniques and stuff like that. :)

Hmmm.... there are *lots* of books out there on relaxation and meditation... I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding something.

Have you looked into some energy healing techniques, like Ethereal Crystals, or Reiki? I just started with Ethereal Crystals, myself. I don't really know what to expect with it yet. But it's the simplest thing in the world. :)

Forming a vortex is extremely simple, although it's not exactly relaxing. It's a lot simpler than most circle casting techniques, believe me. (I know, I'm quite lazy). The person who told me about it opened a vortex next to her bed and then couldn't sleep at all! It's mainly just intention and affirmation. It's good for sending energy, dispelling negativity, etc. Here is an interesting article on vortices from a New Age magazine. (http://www.planetlightworker.com/articles/joysprite/article12.htm)

Here is an article on forming a protection coning. (http://www.lightnet.co.uk/innerharmony/techniques/coning.htm) Another way to dispell negative energy. If you do it, be sure to close it when you're done (and the vortex, too!) because after a while it will drain your energy. And vortices, well, they just don't like to stay open! ;)

[Doodlebug]

Hmmm.... there are *lots* of books out there on relaxation and meditation... I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding something.

Have you looked into some energy healing techniques, like Ethereal Crystals, or Reiki? I just started with Ethereal Crystals, myself. I don't really know what to expect with it yet. But it's the simplest thing in the world. :)

Forming a vortex is extremely simple, although it's not exactly relaxing. It's a lot simpler than most circle casting techniques, believe me. (I know, I'm quite lazy). The person who told me about it opened a vortex next to her bed and then couldn't sleep at all! It's mainly just intention and affirmation. It's good for sending energy, dispelling negativity, etc. Here is an interesting article on vortices from a New Age magazine. (http://www.planetlightworker.com/articles/joysprite/article12.htm)

Here is an article on forming a protection coning. (http://www.lightnet.co.uk/innerharmony/techniques/coning.htm) Another way to dispell negative energy. If you do it, be sure to close it when you're done (and the vortex, too!) because after a while it will drain your energy. And vortices, well, they just don't like to stay open! ;)
What's an ethereal crystal? Also, I am getting into crystal use. As for Reiki, I know next to nothing about it but might do some research soon.

[arctic splash]

There are lots of energy modalities, so it's easy to get confused. Ethereal crystals is one of many!

It's basically working with energies that take on the properties of particular crystals. Like in Reiki, you are 'attuned,' in this case to a number of different crystals. You use your intent to place ethereal crystals on your body. "I place rose quartz in my heart chakra," for example, or you can increase the power of a physical crystal by placing ethereal crystals within (e.g. "I place moonstone in this piece of moonstone"). I haven't worked with it much yet so I can't really tell you much about it.

There's a man who offers free ethereal crystals attunements (donations recommended): http://www.xehupatl.com/

[Doodlebug]

There are lots of energy modalities, so it's easy to get confused. Ethereal crystals is one of many!

It's basically working with energies that take on the properties of particular crystals. Like in Reiki, you are 'attuned,' in this case to a number of different crystals. You use your intent to place ethereal crystals on your body. "I place rose quartz in my heart chakra," for example, or you can increase the power of a physical crystal by placing ethereal crystals within (e.g. "I place moonstone in this piece of moonstone"). I haven't worked with it much yet so I can't really tell you much about it.

There's a man who offers free ethereal crystals attunements (donations recommended): http://www.xehupatl.com/
Ah I see! How interesting!

[cheddarsox]

If I were you, I'd hit the local metaphysical bookstore and browse. They usually have a collection of relaxation CDs, books, incense, all the trappings and trimmings for dabblers, and books that will give you enough information to have some fun and get some benefit.

cheddar

[Doodlebug]

If I were you, I'd hit the local metaphysical bookstore and browse. They usually have a collection of relaxation CDs, books, incense, all the trappings and trimmings for dabblers, and books that will give you enough information to have some fun and get some benefit.

cheddar
I would but the closest one is 50 miles away and I have absolutely no experience driving in that city. It's the biggest city around here and I am really not that good when it comes to driving in heavy traffic. Maybe if I can get my Mom to take me sometime or if I go with my brother-in-law and sister, I can get them to stop there. Unfortunately, they are all Conservative Christians and probably won't want to stop. :( I think I could get my Mom to stop but almost definitely not my brother-in-law.

[Romani Vixen]

I loove yoga!!!

If you have comcast digi. cable, they have yoga on demand! :)

You can check your library for books and videos.

[Romani Vixen]

_tomatoe_ Well, honestly, that was back when I was a Wiccan and I told them that the 5 points represent Spirit, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water and that the circle around it represents the circle of life. In all honesty, I think this explanation works for a Christian as well but it could also represent the 5 wounds of Christ. But what other explanations would there be for the circle around it?
Universal Truth and Knowledge.

[Pure Ahimsa]

Yoga, it isn't really Pagan but is New Agey. Angel/Spirit Guide Contact through Meditation?

[arctic splash]

What might the circle represent? Well, I did a quick search on the symbolism of the Celtic Cross, because I thought what the circle means in that context might be relevant to what it means in a pentacle. (This just shows that there are many ways to interpret it!)

"The Irish Catholic priest will have no hesitation telling you that the circle of the Celtic Cross is a symbol of eternity that emphasizes the endlessness of God’s love as shown through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. That is unless he says the circle is a halo. He may go on to explain that the crucifixion is important not just as an event at a certain point in time but, as the circle symbolizes, as the unending mystery of how through the crucifixion and resurrection Christ continues to offer the hope of salvation to the faithful throughout all time."

http://www.celtarts.com/celtic.htm