your blog has singlehandedly inspired me to get back into developing my practice again after lots of mental hardship, thank you :,-) it’s so reassuring to see someone with a very similar belief system to my own and your writing is so charming, so I hope it’s okay to ask, but do you have any recommendations for some little things you would consider helpful for getting back into the swing of things? if not, thank you for the inspiration regardless. may your morning coffee/tea be the perfect temperature always and the new day sunlight fall gently upon your face.
Hello! And Welcome! It's so good to have you and to see you!
This is a wonderful question, actually! I am so happy I could facilitate a revitalisation in your Practise and Faith. What an incredible experience for me to be able to inspire someone else! I am so happy you have come my way.
This is an incredible important question. And it covers a subject / concern that I feel isn't spoken about enough. It's understandable for fallow times to occur. It is even important at times to go on a hiatus.
Below the cut is a somewhat long bit of advice and suggestion for you. I hope it helps you on your path!
It's daunting, sometimes, innit? Jumping back into something. Well, you know, I like to compare a lot of Spiritual practises a bit like farming or gardening. It's cyclical. Whether or not you incorporate cycles into your working isn't necessarily a necessity. But I am a Necromancer, so naturally cycles and those similar themes play large roles in my work.
Death. Birth. Life. Death. Rebirth.
So when someone is starting to come back into their traditions and practise, I always like to encourage that person to begin with weeding.
I like simple "pound stores / dollar stores" because they often sell cheap little journal / notebooks. If you have one already? Incredible!
Give it a task!
Take time to go over everything you once knew. Everything you thought you knew. Everything you studied. Everything you understood. Go through it. Is that information still accurate? Is it up to date? Have you learned anything different? What previous attracted your attention? Why? Is that information also up to date? What is drawing you now? Why?
All of these are good thought exercises. If you'd like, you can throw some bones or draw cards for some divination to help guide the subjects and how these thought exercises help you move forwards.
I would not give any of these subjects or focuses any more merit. Just that. Acknowledge what your field looks like. What it has in it. What your skills and practise might have looked like previously. Just take stock.
Then, collect all of that up, and set it aside. Set all of that information and previous experiences aside. And then begin from the ground up.
Begin with your core basics: Banishment, Cleansing, Grounding, Discernment, Energy Perception, Shielding, Mental Skills (focus, meditation, study skills), Warding, Opening and Closing circles, Centering, Invocation (calling forth spirits and entities), Evocation (calling up your own inner power and energy), and familiarise yourself with commonplace ritual and magical tools.
Things like: Prayer Cords, Beads, Chimes, Bells, Bowls, Athames, Besoms, Bolines, Offering Bowls, Censers, Cloths, Divination Tools - you know the list, I'm sure.
Treat yourself like you are a neophyte just starting out. Let yourself be eased gently back into the waters. Don't rush it. Allow yourself to grow your work back from the ground up. As you become more comfortable and more at ease with the beginning materials, let yourself explore and expand into avenues that previously had been a facet of your work. But do not feel pressured to force them into your practise either. Sometimes things change. That is okay. Maybe your new path has different focuses and studies now. Perhaps you are better suited for something new in this new stage of your life.
As an individual, you are dynamic. You grow and you explore. Facets of your individual are not going to be the same as they once were. Allow that which has died to be lain to rest with comfort and dignity and move forwards with grace with your new and fertile field. The world and your heart is your oyster. Let yourself be lead by the thrill of exploration or revitalise old energies if that is your joy! There is no wrong answer so long as your practise both fits, suits, and makes you happy.
Make adjustments if you feel something isn't fitting right. It's okay. Just take it slow. And enjoy the process above all else.
I hope this has provided you with not only ideas but further inspiration. May every corner of your mind blossom with eager energy and whimsical delight in your future to come, my friend!
