From: ahaigh@unixg.ubc.ca (A.B.Haigh)
Newsgroups: alt.magick
Subject: Shielding techniques for mediation and other reasons
Date: 3 Oct 93 17:27:35 GMT

	At first I was going to post a copy of the middle pillar
exercise, but on re-reading the material I realized that the specifics
of this are truly unneccessary. What is important are the mechanics of
the exercise.

	Basically what one wants to do is to set up a clear space
within one's mind for the purpose of meditation or ritual work. The
manner in which this is done is rather straightforward, one visualizes
a sigil in each of the four cardinal directions, charging these sigils
with power, and visualizing a wave of energy along each cardinal point
outwards to infinity that sweeps everything out of its path.

	The sigils used and the symbology associated with them are
unimportant.  What is important is that they hold meaning for
you. Kabbalists can use YHVH, Christians can use Angels, Satanists can
use demons, Wiccans can use their god/desses, Hermeticists can use the
elements, Enochians can use the Lords of the Watchtowers, It really
doesn't matter what symbolry one uses so long as it is of import to
you. Personally I use a very chaotic system that tends to change
slightly each time, but it always `feels right' and effects the
desired result.

	The pattern that one uses is also important, once one finds
the sequence that feels right stick to it. I begin with North and work
my way around the compass until I sweep through West and return to
North for closure. Sometimes I will also hit the Heavens and the Abyss
if I really want to close the space I am working in, but that is not
neccessary.

	The important thing is to visualize a wave sweeping out from
you that pushes all unwanted influences/imagery out of your sphere of
working, effectivly clearing a space on the astral and other planes
that will allow you to work undistracted.

	After you have cleared this space you can also charge your
wards with power so that they will oppose any outside force from
getting into your work space. I find that this is not neccessary, but
others might want to set up an elaborate system of wards. Personally,
if you feel that the space you have set up is clear enough, that is
enough.

	So find symbols that hold power for you, use them to clear the
cardinal directions, use them to ward those directions if you desire,
then do whatever work it is that caused you to clear that space in the
first place.

	I hope this helps/informs/is found to be of interest.

			ahaigh@unixg.ubc.ca