Meditation

Meditation is the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations, or on a word known as a mantra. In other words, meditation means turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. In magic it is important to learn to meditate, as this how I open our sub conscious and that is where the magic is.
Meditation reduces your stress levels and keeps your mind sharp and focused.

A simple meditation exercise:

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and practice the following exercise for several minutes each day:

Assume a comfortable posture lying on your back or sitting.

If you're sitting, keep the spine straight and let your shoulders drop.

Close your eyes if it feels comfortable.

Focus your attention on your belly, feeling it rise or expand gently as you inhale and fall or recede as you exhale.

Concentrate on your breathing, 'being with' each breath.
Every time you notice your mind has wandered off the breath, notice what it was that took you away and then gently bring your attention back to your belly and the feeling of the breath coming in and out.

If your mind wanders away from the breath, then your job is simply to bring it back to the breath every time, no matter what it has become preoccupied with.

Practice this exercise for 15 minutes at a convenient time every day, whether you feel like it or not, for one week - and see how it feels to incorporate a disciplined meditation practice into your life.
Be aware of how it feels to spend time each day just being with your breath, being 'in the moment' without having to do anything.

Ravens

Ravens, and to a lesser degree Crows, are very magical creatures. Raven with their plumage as dark as the void between the stars, is a citizen of the after-world. They travels between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Being native to both worlds, Raven naturally has great knowledge and Power to effect transformations.

Raven is associated as a Wicca symbol because of this power to move between the worlds, and create new realities as she chooses. If Raven appears you are about to experience a change in consciousness. Raven is the messenger that carries all energy flows of ceremonial magic between the ceremony itself and the intended destination. The Raven and Crow Goddess is called The Morrigan. 

How to use a Pendulum: a step-by-step guide

Learning to use your pendulum is easy and it won’t take long before you master the skill. Practice does help though, so in the beginning, start with easy questions to get the hang of it.



1. Make your mind ready – Free yourself of internal and external noise. Relax and focus. Clear your mind of worries. Quiet, non-lyrical music (music without words) can help, along with other meditation aids like candles, incense, and crystals - but these things are not required and you can, in fact, use your pendulum anywhere at any time.

2. Position yourself and your pendulum - Ideally, you should sit up straight and if possible, put both feet flat on the floor. Grasp the top bead or fob between your thumb and forefinger - or if you prefer, you can grasp anywhere along the chain, as long as you leave at least 2 to 3 inches between your fingers and the pendulum’s weight stone. Arch your wrist slightly; steady your forearm (but not your hand) on something solid, like the edge of a table or arm of a chair. Let the pendulum just dangle. Try to hold very still, but don’t worry if your hand shakes a little, it won’t affect the outcome.

3. Program your pendulum’s signals. You only need to do this step once, unless you decide to make changes afterward. Before asking any questions, you must establish signals for each of these answers:

Yes
No
Maybe (which can also be interpreted as "I don't know" or "I don't want to say")
Here are some common, easy-to-read signals that you may choose to use: 
- front to back (like a head nod - common for “yes”)
- side to side (like a head shake - common for “no”)
- clockwise circle
- counter clockwise circle

Some people like to ask the pendulum to choose the signals. I believe you'll be more successful if you specify those signals yourself. And if you use more than one pendulum you'll want to use the same signal set for each pendulum.

To begin, first decide what your three signals are and then demonstrate them one by one. Tell your pendulum what you want it to use for “yes” - as you demonstrate what the signal looks like (and feels like). Then do this for "no", again while demonstrating it. And finally for "maybe". Here’s an example of how to program the "yes" signal: Holding the pendulum in position, say “When I ask a question and the answer is “yes”, move like this, in a clockwise circle.” (If that's the signal that you chose for yes). Say this as you swing the pendulum in a clockwise circle.



4. Verify the signals. To test out the trustworthiness of your programmed signals, ask a couple of test questions, such as “Is my name Billy?” Or, "Is today Tuesday?" (or Friday, etc.) Basically, you want to verify that yes is yes and no is no. If the signals are not coming out right, go back to step 3 and reprogram the pendulum.

5. Program your pendulum’s source: Include this step every time you use your pendulum. Establish where the answers will come from. If you skip this step, your pendulum will only access your subconscious mind. You really want it to tap into your intuitive or higher self. At the beginning of each session, say “I call upon the higher self to answer these questions. I seek only absolutely truthful answers, which are aligned with the highest and greatest good for all concerned.” Whether you say this out loud or inside your head are up to you. Do what you are comfortable with, and of course, feel free to tailor this language as you see fit.

6. Ask your question. Ask questions that can be answered by YES or NO. Be as specific as you can in your phrasing. Avoid asking for opinions or using the words “should” or “supposed to” in your questions.

7. Wait for the answer. Be patient. Concentrate on your question (closing your eyes may help), but do not concentrate on what you think the answer should or will be. Remain detached about the answer and focus only on receiving a correct, unbiased answer. When the pendulum swings, look at it - observe its direction. This is your answer. If it doesn't move right away, give it time, or if it’s unclear what the signal is, try rephrasing the question and do it again. When the pendulum swings with great force, it’s answering loudly. If it swings with only light force, you can interpret this as a quiet, perhaps less committed response.

8. Clear the pendulum at the end of each question by touching its weight on to the palm of your free hand or on another surface. This signals that your question has been answered and you are ready to move on to the next question.



Protect your pendulum when not in use. A great way to do this is to wear it on a neck chain. That way it will receive your energy all day long, and will be readily attuned to your body's energy and vibration level. Or you can keep it in a pouch, safely protected.

Helpful Tips 
1. Relax, have fun.
2. Be open, neutral and definitely do not try to predict answers. 
3. Be clear in the way you phrase your questions. 
4. Be patient, be present.
5. To get a stronger response, say “respond louder please "or "be more clear".
6. Cup your other hand underneath the point or weight stone to help focus energy.

Ceremony of Remembrance- ~“The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation, Solitary Witch” by Silver RavenWolf

WHEN TO PERFORM: This is entirely up to you and should be done when you feel ready. Some covens prefer the full moon, where others find the new moon more appropriate. If you are really into magickal timing, you might want to think about the following:

1. When the moon is in Pisces (ruled by Jupiter and Neptune; both are considered spiritual energies).

2. In the hour of Jupiter, Venus or the moon.

3. On Monday (the moon) or Thursday (Jupiter) or Friday (Venus).

SUPPLIES: A bell (or drum) ; a candle (of the person’s favourite colour) for the altar; eight votive candles for the positions of the eight holidays on the Wheel of the Year.; a needfire candle (which will be the first lit); the deceased’s favourite flowers; a picture; a cauldron; a bottle of holy water; the person’s favourite drink and favourite food. Have a box of tissues handy (it is perfectly healthy to cry). Music, if you think this is appropriate. If possible, dress in white. Make a list of your deceased relatives and friends.

Read more at - http://wiccanposts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/ceremony-of-remembrance-ultimate-book.html