The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Up until about five years ago, I was an easily enraged, constantly sad person. It was either get pissed off about something, or go hide somewhere and bawl my eyes out. (and no, I was never one of those scrawny emo kids, hiding their well-painted eyes behind their hair and drying their tears on fingerless gloves)



But eventually, I began experimenting with forms of meditation. Not trying to focus spiritual or cosmic energies, just trying to focus myself. (albeit, what I learned was too little, too late to save my job and relationship at that time)



Later, after describing my technique to an online friend, who also happens to be Wiccan, she explained to me that what I was attempting was known as "scrying", though most would use a scry mirror (did I name that right?) rather than what I would use...



Are you ready for some strange methods, using some irregular devices and ingredients? Then let's get started.



First, you need a completely solitary room, windows covered to keep most-if not all-light out. Or wait until nightfall.



Second, a comfortable seat is a must. Whatever fills that bill, bring it into the room and PLANT yourself. (even if it's just a floor cushion and you're sitting against the wall--you know what's comfortable for you, I don't)



Third, an array of candles and/or oil lamps. (I don't always recommend scented candles, as in a small room, the scent can become overwhelming, and we're trying to focus our energy and reduce our stress, NOT give ourselves a headache) Spread those candles all around the room, in every corner. You want that light to be coming from everywhere at once--this is going to be crucial later.



Fourth, is a source of sound. Running water (if available in this room) is always a good way to go. Other good sources are sound effect CD's, like the ones you find at W. Mart, though I like the ones from the dollar store much better. (the best one is the thunderstorm soundtrack--in my own opinion) Or preferred selections of your favorite soft (or even hard) music.



Finally, (and here is where the list gets rather bizarre) you need some sort of fogging device. Normally, you can find these around Halloween. Mine, I bought on clearance, with my employee discount, nearly ten years ago, when I still worked at R. Shack. (I'm not sure that the basic water and dry ice combo can furnish a thick enough fog, nor do I know if said fog would be safe)



Once the candles are lit, start the sounds, start that fog machine up full blast, and let it just FLOOD the room. You want that fog so thick that you can't even see your hand at arm's length, much less the direction of each candle in the room.



Now that you are surrounded by a thick, glowing fog, relax yourself. Close your eyes, and imagine that the sounds you are hearing are a physical, visible, and manipulable manifestation that you can reach out and touch, feel, and move as you see fit.



In your mind's eye, see the sound mix with the fog, see them form into a whirlpool, surrounding you in their essence, their physical warmth. Don't attempt to shut them out, instead wrap them about you like a blanket. Use this blanket to shut out everything else in the world that tries to interpose itself into your consciousness. Center yourself in it.



Once this is achieved, and you feel comfort in where you are, open your eyes, look out into the glowing fog that your world now consists of. This fog will now be the slate from which you will banish your worries.



One by one, visualize your problems, whether it be someone who hurt you, an unpaid bill, or the stress of your job.



Visualize each appearing from the fog, actually made OF the fog, and destroy each with your mind. You can simply will it out of existence, imagine that it's been yanked away and into the fog--never to be seen again. (this is what I'm told the scry mirror is used for) Or you can physically reach out and slap it away, or just blow a puff of air at it, and marvel at your ability to make your problems go away.



Through this technique, one can accomplish stress relief, focus their inborn energies on the good side of their life rather than the bad.



Furthermore, you'll eventually be able to do this without all the extras; in the midst of the most stressful environment, you will be able to use the sounds around you as a blanket or shield which keeps the problems of the world out, and the warmth of your own energies in.