So, Just what is a Guided Visualization?

    It's an easy to use Meditation Technique that allows you to access (depending upon your personal thoughts and beliefs on the subject) the subconscious mind, or to travel to places that are on the Astral Realm. 

    Basically, it involves the use of a Visualization exercise (that is either taped or if you have a willing partner, read slowly to you) to prompt the mind to explore the images that are formed, with the results (hopefully) of learning more about yourself, giving you guidance in areas that you feel a need, relax deeply and refresh yourself completely.

    Tis a good idea to tape the exercise before the time you wish to use it, leave a gap (or some relaxing music that eventually fades out) at the beginning to give yourself time to relax, then commence the exercise from that point. Talk in a low voice, both in volume and tone, and talk slowly, leaving plenty of time between sentences and the various areas of the exercise.

    Before attempting a Guided Visualization exercise, I'd recommend making sure that you have plenty of time available, that you won't be disturbed, (take the phone off the hook, tell others that you want to be alone for a while, etc), make sure you are warm and comfortable, with no tight fitting clothing, and set the mood as you see fit (light a candle or some incense - though be careful that they are safe, t'would not be a good idea to burn the house down around you whilst travelling! - play some soft relaxing music, whatever feels right to yourself!

    Next, lie down and relax yourself completely, close your eyes and allow yourself to drift, if certain muscles will not relax, try tensing them individually, and then relaxing them again. Go through the whole body, from foot to head this way and really make sure you are comfortable. 

    Then you can begin with any of the Exercises below! Always start off from your Sanctuary, as this is a place that you can always return to, which will allow you to get back should you wish it at any time. Regular sessions will help you to find out more about your Inner Self and to explore an absolutely fascinating world!

The Sanctuary

    The Sanctuary is the starting point for all guided visualization exercises, a place where you feel completely at home, happy, relaxed and confident. Depending upon your own beliefs it is either located within your own mind, or on the Astral Realm, whichever you feel it to be doesn't really matter, as long as you can use the technique for your own benefit!

    It can be any place that you are able to see in your minds eye, a place you visited as a child and felt happy with, a non-existent place that is totally a construct of your imagination, whatever, it doesn't really matter, except to yourself! Make sure you get to know it well before you then journey onwards, as you may need to return to it quickly (should anything untowards happen - not something I've ever come across personally, but tis best to be prepared).  The passage below is one way of finding your Sanctuary, though you may well be able to write a more personal one that works for you, whichever, it should always be used (at first) to give you a starting point for any exercise you wish to use!

    Relax, close your eyes, relax and take a deep breath. Allow your body to relax completely, starting with the feet, then the calves, feel them become heavy and the muscles relax, feel the heaviness moving up your body a it relaxes fully. Allow your whole being to come to rest, perfect rest, perfectly relaxed. Allow your mind to drift, if thoughts enter, allow them to pass on and just relax. 

    Now you are relaxed, think back to a time when you were totally happy, perhaps as a child in your room, perhaps on a holiday. Whilst feeling this happiness, allow an image to form of the most perfect place you could ever want to be in, perhaps it's a room, possibly a temple, perhaps a cave, maybe a beach or even a woodland grove. Wherever it is, allow it to come into sharp focus, allow yourself to see the place in it's finest details. What colour is the floor, the walls, the roof, what are they made of? Are their any features that stand out, is there a door, windows, plants, any furniture or other things that you notice? Where is the light coming from, and what colour is it? What is the temperature or weather like?  

    This is your Sanctuary, you may visit it anytime you feel you have a need to. By closing your eyes for a few seconds at any time in the day you may return here to find peace, solace and relaxation, to de-stress when you have need of it!

    On returning, allow yourself a few seconds before getting up, take a few deep breaths and then open your eyes. Note down straight away what you saw in your BOS or Grimoire, make notes of things you wish to explore next time.

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