The universe is a fluid, ever-changing energy pattern, not a collection of fixed and separate things. What affects one thing affects, in some way, all things, like ripples on the etheric plane. All is interwoven into the continuous spiral fabric of magic. Its warp and weft are energy, which is the essence of magic.
Energy is ecstasy, when we drop the barriers and let power pour through, it floods the body, pulsing through every nerve, arousing every artery, coursing like a river that cleanses as it moves. In the eye of the storm, we rise on the winds that soar through our mind and body, throbbing a liquid note as the voice pours out shimmering honey in waves of golden light, that as they pass, leave peace. No drug can take us so high; no thrills pierce us so deep because we have felt the essence of all delight, the heart of joy, the end of desire. Of all the disciplines of magic, the art of moving energy is the simplest and most natural. Picture the power in motion, and it moves, feel it flowing, and it flow. Witches conceive of the subtle energies as being, to a trained awareness, tangible, visible and malleable. We can learn to sense them and mould them into form.
A witch's power of changing and summoning can shake the balance of the world, it is dangerous that power. It must follow knowledge and serve need. To light a candle is to cast a shadow. Energy is constantly in motion, it cannot be stopped. Energy flows in spirals. No form of energy can be exerted indefinitely in one direction only; always it will reach a peak, a point of climax, and then turn. An important aspect of this movement is grounding the energy after it is raised, consciously recognizing its fall as well as its peak, and returning it to the earth, its elemental source. Nature knows best. Magic is part of nature; it does not controvert natural laws. Magic is an art and a discipline, which demands work, practice and effort before it can be perfected.
In coven rituals, energy raised is most often moulded into the form of a cone, the Cone of Power. The base of the cone is the circle of conveners; its apex can focus on an individual, an object, or a collectively visualized image. At times, the cone is allowed to rise and fall naturally, as in a power chant. It may also be sent off in a burst of force. Rhythm, drums, handclaps and dance movements may also be used in building the cone. The energy can be also be moulded into other forms, for example, a fountain, that rises and flows back on the conveners, a wave form, or a glowing sphere. Possibilities are infinite.
Witches conceive of the energy as an energy field, which surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body, and which sustains us. We feed off it, and its movement through our body appears as a blue glow. Animals, plants, clean air and water, physical exercise, and sex increase vital energy. When the raith-energy is low, people become physically ill, tired and emotionally depressed. Magic uses a great deal of vital energy, and anyone who practices magic regularly must take care not to become depleted. Beings outdoors, consciously making contact with nature and the elements, also restores vitality.
Grounding before every magical working or psychic exercise prevents us from becoming depleted. Instead of draining our own vitality, we tap directly into the unlimited sources of elemental energy in the earth. Power flows through us, not out of us. When we invoke the Old Gods in rituals, we connect with this energy, that connection is the heart of the greater magic, of mystical ecstasy. Awareness of energy is awareness of the great dance of the universe. Awareness of your own energy is the awareness that flesh and spirit are one.
The universe is a dance of energy, a uni-verse, a single song of ever-changing rhythms and harmonies. Sustaining the melody of the physical world is a rich interplay of counterpoint and descant.
Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various ways by the skilled, but unless confined in a circle it will be swiftly dissipated. Hence the importance of a properly constructed circle. Power seems to exude from the body via the skin and possibly from the orifices of the body; hence you should be properly prepared. The slightest dirt spoils everything, the attitude of the mind has great effect, so if you are intoxicated or confused, even slightly, you cannot control the power you evoke. The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants, slowly at first and gradually quickening the tempo, until giddiness ensues.
The calls may be used or even wild and meaningless shrieking produces power, but this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to control, though control can be gained through practice. The scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both body and soul, yet one easily retains control.
The great rite is far the best, it releases enormous amounts of power, but the conditions and circumstances make it difficult for the mind to maintain, control at first, but again, it is a matter of practice and the natural strength of the witch's will and concentration.
When we're in good health, our bodies are capable of producing tremendous amounts of this energy, it derives from the earth, for our bodies transform food, sunlight, fresh air and water into available power, normally we use this energy to maintain good health and for such daily activities as exercise, work, sleep, study, thought, play and sex. In magic we transfer some of this energy to other purposes.
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Paul Foster Case - The Life Power
