Sheilding Introduction continued page 2       Forms of Magickal Protection Magickal Protection can be resolved into two basic categories, physical and non-physical. Non- physical protections involve shaping of energy into a shield and wrapping it about yourself, object/place or another person (but only with permission). Physical forms of protection involve the use of crystals, herbs, symbols, talismans, etc. to hold protective energies about you or an area.   A. Non-Physical Protection I like to call these the "down and dirty" forms of protection. These forms can take the least amount of time/preparation and include several "instant" forms which you can use if you get caught "with your pants down." In addition, some of the techniques can be used as an offensive weapon if you have no other choice. It is always best to try to avoid a confrontation and for the most part, if you have shielding up, most things will leave you alone. However, there are times when you are left with only two choices: fight in response to an attack or get pounded upon.   A1. Sphere of Light The sphere of light is the most basic and fastest of all shielding techniques. This is not to imply that it is inferior to other techniques though. The sphere of light is as strong as your will and the energy that you put into it. Of course, the question would be, "Well, if it is so good then why should I learn other techniques?" Simply put, with any technique of defense, there is a counter to it. So, the more techniques you know, the better able you are to defend yourself if the need ever arises. The sphere of light is an extension of your auric form. The method of creation is very simple. Technique   Visualize yourself, see a small white dot at your center, watch it grow outward until it surrounds your entire body, feel/see the sphere solidify into an impenetrable shield through which nothing can enter (unless you will it). Once your have the form visualized, allow the shield to turn transparent (like looking through glass) - the shield is there and protecting you. Know that while you are in this sphere of light you are protected and safe. When learning this technique, take time to slowly construct the form. Be sure to have it completely surrounding you (top, bottom, front, back, sides). (A friend of mine has the worst problem protecting his feet. He is about 6'2" but I think that his higher self has not yet adjusted to inhabiting a body that size. Every time his calls up his shield it stops about two inches above his ankles. He has to stop and concentrate on the shield a moment to expand it to a size large enough to include his feet.) Practice setting the shield and turning it transparent. As you practice, you will eventually arrive at the point where you can call this type of shield instantly. This is the level you wish to attain. Do not worry about the time it takes to call this shield when you are beginning, just keep practicing and eventually it will become reflex.   DO NOT PRACTICE MAGICKAL PROTECTION WHILE DRIVING ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE! This is the basic form of the sphere of light. The sphere of light is always with you, calling it into form just strengthens your perception and the form itself. We all have this form of protection from the moment of birth until the moment of death. The sphere of light is a starting point to the other non-physical shielding techniques. You can add various attributes to your shield to increase the effectiveness. I will discuss some of these attributes below. This list is by no means all inclusive, anything that you can imagine as an attribute can be added to your shields. NOTE: Some of the attributes are offensive in nature and if you do not feel comfortable using them then don't. Some of the attributes go counter to magickal ethics depending on how you apply them. If you choose to implement any of the more offensive techniques be prepared to use them. If you will forgive the analogy, never point a gun at anyone unless you intend to put it to use.