@neverpathia responded to my posts asking for questions months ago, so we're gonna start there. I'm so sorry it took me this long!
It's important to note that some people can't visualize at all. It's called aphantasia, and it's the inability to form mental images. So if you've tried and tried but aren't seeing anything in your imagination, don't be discouraged. It's completely normal and in no way impacts your ability to do successful spell work. People with aphantasia usually benefit from describing the process to themselves out loud.
And that brings me to my biggest tip: Say it aloud.
I've always had trouble focusing. I would sit and try to force images in my head, but I couldn't hold onto them. Talking myself through energy and spell work has been a game changer. I've found it helps you hold onto the energy you're working with too.
These are technically meditation techniques but I use them in visualization all the time. They help keep you focused and strengthen that skill.
The Park Bench: I got this from a youtuber years ago but can't for the life of my find them now. I've adapted it slightly.
You're sitting on a bench working on the task at hand. In front of you is a path where people and sometimes animals are passing. These are thoughts and distractions unrelated to the task. As they pass, don't force yourself to ignore them. Doing so will cause those thoughts to nag at you. Acknowledge them and allow them to pass by.
TVs on Conveyor Belts: This technique is from HearthWitch on YouTube. I'm going to link the video here, I truly cannot recommend her channel enough.
It's a similar premise to the park bench, except its TVs on conveyor belts. There are hundreds of them, stretching as far back as you can see. I like to imagine there's a screen in front of me that shows the task at hand. Now TVs are going to be passing in the background, and sometimes a big one will even jump in front of your main screen. It's okay that it happens. What's important is that you don't jam the conveyor belt. Acknowledge and let those screens pass you by. This isn't always easy, but with practice it's very helpful.
Matt Auryn talks about the connection between dim lighting and the activation of our third eye or the pineal gland in our brain in his book Psychic Witch. Practicing meditation or visualization in dim lighting often has better results and is especially helpful for me. I like candle light but anything works and a flickering candle can be more distracting then helpful.
A light incense can be very calming as well as some meditation music. Typically people go with light instrumental music for minimal distraction. But I do know a few people who find hard metal more helpful. Music in general can help set the mood and drown out other sounds in a busy place.
Visualization is a skill. You will have days where you're great at it, and days where it feels way harder. There will be lots of learning curves but I promise the more you practice, the easier it gets.
My favorite practice exercise is The Disk Method. I learned this from HearthWitch too, though I know she got it from somewhere else. I'm going to add the transcription as I have it in my own book of shadows, but please show this Youtuber some love. My practice wouldn't be where it is without her content.
The Disk - Master one stage before moving onto the next one. Practice all the steps first with your eyes closed, then with them open.
There’s a flat red disk floating in front of you. It has a matte coating and is roughly the size of a hockey puck. Once you can see the disk, try touching it to make it spin or just imagining it spinning. Rotate it in all different directions, see how it looks from different angles and how the light plays off it.
The disk becomes a sphere. It's now a red ball with the same matte finish. Notice how the light reflects off it differently now. Spin it around. Squish it if you want.
The ball becomes very, very shiny. How does the light play off it now? Things in the room might be reflected on its surface. What can you see?
Now, it’s a shiny red apple. It has a stem, and a tiny leaf. Notice all of the imperfections on the apple. You can see the discolorations, dimples, maybe a spot or two. See the edging of the leaf and the wood on the stem. Spin it and see how the apple moves, how the imperfections change, and the leaf flutters. If you want, you can pluck the leaf or twist off the stem.
The apple breaks into slices. Now, you can see the inside, the white, the core, and the seeds. Pick up or draw a piece towards you. View it from all angles. You see the apple and if it was really there. You can put it back together, rearrange it, fix it, and watch it fall apart again.
It’s now apple juice inside a glass. Move the glass around and see how the juice moves inside it. Draw it close and smell it, take a sip, taste it, and feel the sensation just like you were drinking a real glass of apple juice.
Now you can do this kind of practice with more than just apples. In Kelden's book The Crooked Path, he describes a great candle visualization. It's all about taking an object or experience and going through the sensations of it. Visualization in witchcraft is more than just seeing. Describe what you can see, feel, smell, etc.
Wow this was a long one. It's pretty late here so hopefully this is all coherent. Please share any techniques or tips I missed!
kaledo-art
romaincrisis
vaporwave
jacobvanloon
turnnoffyourmind
germansingergirl
