Suffolk Witchcraft Training

Settle comfortably, breathe normally and rhythmically. As you sit, notice any sounds from outside the room, acknowledge...and release any distractions. Now bring your attention inside the room, relax and gently focus in upon the space here. Feel the connectedness between each other sharing this experience. Slowly become aware of the weight of your body in the chair, adjust your position gently if need be. Now relax, sit deeply and release any tensions. Take a deep breath in....and exhale. Put your worries and thoughts to one side and make time for this experience.

Gently become aware of your feet and their connection with the floor, and underneath, the earth. Bring your attention to your toes and the soles of your feet, and almost as if you could breathe through the soles of your feet, imagine a cleansing energy, perhaps like a warm spiralling light, being drawn up through your feet as you inhale. Imagine it relaxing you as it goes, it starts with your feet and it moves up your calves to your knees and up your thighs, as the energy flows through your relaxing muscles like swirling smoke.

Draw your attention up, naturally to your abdomen, warm, cradled in the chair, as the peaceful feeling moves up your torso and around your shoulders. Adjust them a little if need be and then relax as the energy flows down each arm, flushing out the day's tensions. Take a deep breath in... and as you exhale feel your body relaxing. Now let your attention curve up your spine, straight and supple, as the warmth radiates upwards. Allow your attention to follow up to your neck and the back of your head. Relax your jaw and tongue, let your eyes go soft and release any furrows in your brow, smoothing out any tensions.

Again become aware of your breath, natural, flowing and rhythmical...inward.....and.......outward. Concentrate on your breathing. Savour the moment of pause between each breath, as an inward breath turns to an outward and an outward curls to an inward.............relish the sensation as the cool air carresses the back of your throat, and slowly, naturally turn your attention inwards, as you begin your journey.

It is an Autumn evening just before sundown and you find yourself in a grassy, leaf strewn garden, enclosed by mature trees and hedgerows. You are dressed in a warm cloak and warm boots, but the air around you is cold and whispers of the day's secrets.... and of those yet to come. You inhale the rich fresh air and as you exhale you can see your breath, which melts into the mists enclosing the corners of the garden. Notice too the hedgerows laced with a colourful feast of hips and haws. As you look beyond in the west, the dying, yellow ball of setting sun reflects valiantly upon the  trees around the garden's edge. Their remaining leaves shine golden and red, like flaming torches, lighting the way to Winter. Above you too, the audacious sky is melting with a myriad of colours: red, pink and orange, streaked across the wide, pale cloud-stippled sky. In the last of the light you notice the fallen leaves on the ground,  near  the trees. The trees themselves seem to bow in acknowledgement as they release them, with farewell.  Stoop down and pick up some of the Autumn leaves,  notice their shape, colour and variety. Now, let the leaves go and as you release them and drop them to the earth, feel a sense that all your worries, fears,  and cares go with them, to disintegrate.  Suddenly you see, that beyond the treeline in the distance, up in the sky, a flock of ravens are calling and wheeling, cascading  like black sillhouettes against the pale sky, as they finally plunge to distant trees to roost.

As they drop, your eyes are drawn down again to the dying red sun, which is inexorably melting into the horizon, succumbing to the dark; and as it disappears you can now make out a small gate in the hedge before you. With a curiosity inspired by the whispering shadows, you feel safe and confident and begin to make your way to the gate. You reach out, open it and pass through, closing it behind you. As you look up, allow your eyes to adjust to the pale blue- black light and you see that you have entered a forest path, a dark avenue, lined by trees. In the distance, you can just make out what looks like a pale, clearing at the end. Look up and notice the trees around you, silhouetted now, against the sky. Notice the moon through the black branches, it is but a slither of a waning crescent moon, diminishing in the sky, trickling back in the blue/blackness as if it too is melting in to the thick ambush of shadows.  Yet , coupled with the smattering of stars, it gives a welcome light as your eyes become accustomed to the advancing ebony stillness of the night. You can just make out the blackening forest floor beneath your feet, scattered with mushrooms and leaves. You also see what looks like the remains of acorns and nuts; food for the creatures of the wood whose home you share this night. Listen to the whisper of the trees as leaves fall undaunted into the pitch darkness and into obscurity.

Suddenly a bat darts up ahead, as if to remind you to make your way to the approaching clearing up ahead. A faint, glowing light draws you in and as you enter the clearing you see a small bonfire in the centre, as your eyes adjust to the light, the scene becomes clearer. In the background, beyond  the fire is a huge Yew tree, tall, wide and ancient and at its feet, around the small fire sit half a dozen or so people, cloaked like yourself. Feeling brave  and with a knowing that you are welcome, you approach closer and join the others to sit and rest by the fire. Take a look around, the people seem familiar and accepting.Take time to feel your connection with the leafy forest floor and the black cold earth beneath you.  Now, as you sit comfortably by the fire, feel the welcome warmth of it upon your face and body. Feel too, as you sit in this circle, your connection with your companions around it, who, like you have converged upon this place, on this night. Draw within you that feeling of connection... and anticipation.

Suddenly, emerging almost from out of the Yew tree's black,Ivied trunk, you notice two figures, a Man and a Lady. You can barely see their faces, but they seem old of years, weathered, like they have seen much toil, and much love; much sorrow, and much joy. They seem content. It may be a trick of the silhouette-cloaked wood, but as she moves, the Lady looks to be wearing a necklace made from the very burnished leaves of the forest. Again it could be a trick of the thick, Yew-branched backdrop, but the Man seems to be wearing the sillhouette of a dark crown of antlers upon his head. They look towards you, and hold you in their gaze, unflinching; you stand confronted as if they can see within you, your true self, revealed, unmasked; free. Steadfast, you catch your breath,  in an instant, their gaze moves on and you now notice  that they have brought with them gifts, which are laid out around the circle, a feast from the harvest; nuts, berries, pears and apples and rich, deep, dark berry wine to drink. Before you eat your share you give thanks for the gifts of the harvest and for those who share it with you. Take time to give thanks too for your own personal gifts within your life; that which you have worked hard for this year long and that which you wish to cultivate and nurture within you through the coming winter ahead. Feel inspired. When you are ready, take some food and sip from the cup before you, savour and enjoy the flavours and feel satisfied.

Out of the corner of your eye you see that the Man and Lady gift bearers are now leaving , slipping into the shadows and melting into the blackness, together. You feel a sense of sadness as they depart but a joy in their unity. Suddenly the trees whisper like a sigh and a cold breeze catches you and as you look around, you notice that the fire is quite out and that in the renewed darkness  your companions are beginning to arise and leave the clearing. The area is as if untouched, except that a few nuts and apples from the feast are left for the animals and birds of the forest. Standing up, you feel refreshed and rested, like you had slept the night long and it had all been a dream. Though the fire is out, you hold its warmth within you and you feel  unafraid and ready to face, confront and participate in whatever comes, as the winter enfolds the land.

An owl calls as if to remind you that you should be returning back. Thankful to your woodland host you make your way out of the clearing towards the dark wooded pathway, taking with you a sense of purpose. You walk slowly,in the hushed shadows, trusting your instincts, wide eyed and inspired.   As you look above you, you notice that the sky is now slowly becoming more luminous, lighting your way home, and towards the dawn. You notice on your return that your companions join you and are filtering off  through the trees along their own separate, yet interconnected pathways and you feel a sense of unity in your parting. Glad of heart, you continue down the path, and as you do, you can just make out the gate up ahead of you in the growing light. You approach and reach out, you then pass easily through and close it behind you. Look around you, now you find yourself in the original garden, familiar, yet different in the morning twilight. Bird song greets you and the garden smells rich and mellow, thickly cloaked with velvet dew. Behind the trees ahead of you at the horizon the steely sky gives way to a luminous break in the cloud, revealing slowly a glowing orange ball of Sun, which illuminates the rims of the clouds which clothe it. You look up to the vast sky above, growing now more radiant. You notice again in the sky the Ravens;  soaring ahead, calling, rallying to feed in the fields beyond.

 Now you have returned, you stand still and feel strong, grounded and unafraid; Breathe in the cool, rich air, and feel the firm fresh earth beneath your feet. Now close your eyes to the scene. Turn your attention inwards and to your body, here and now and to your relaxed breathing,inward and outward, and to your  presence here in the room. Again, gently become aware of your feet and their connection with the floor. Bring your attention to your toes and the soles of your feet, move them a little as you feel your body returning. Bring your attention up to your calves, to your knees and  your thighs, to your abdomen, warm, cradled in the chair, as the energising feeling moves up your torso and around your shoulders, roll them back and enjoy the feeling as your attention curves to your spine, straight and supple. Allow your attention to follow up to your neck and the back of your head. Roll your neck gently and enjoy the feeling of rejuvination and in your own time, turn your attention to the surface and slowly, gently, open your eyes, move, stretch, sigh and return.

Relax & turn your focus onto your breath... As you breathe in, imagine inhaling a bright blue light & exhaling dirty grey smog & watch it disapate into nothing.  Focus on this for a few moments & just listen to my voice, allow everything else to slide into the background.  Remember you can open your eyes at anytime during this meditation to bring yourself back into this room.

1 - Take yourself into a forest, this is a magical place & your forest is very personal to you.  It is early morning here. 

2 - The mossy ground is covered with a misty morning dew & the trees are packed with new shoots & leaves. 

3 – You can hear the birds twittering their dawn chorus & start to loose yourself in this forest.

4 - Your feet are bare & you can feel the damp from the forest ground.  This is not a cold feeling, but rather a refreshing feeling, a sign of renewal & new beginnings. 

5 – As the room slips away from you, your forest & its sounds, smells & sights become more apparent to you....just focus on my voice & allow me to guide you through.

Just ahead of you is an oak tree, with several newly opened leaves, that are a bright refreshing green.  Walk around this tree & examine it.....Feel the new baby leaves on it & the bark, what does this all mean to you?  Make a note of this...for later......

Make you way under the tree & lean against the bark for a moment.......Feel the refreshing dew under your bare feet & how it is cleansing you of the winters darkness.  What are you are wearing....its bound to be spring like, but what colours are you wearing? Make a note of this....for later.

Now start walking further into your woodland....be sure in your footing & know that you are safe & secure.  Listen to the birds, can you hear their chorus?  Does their chorus mean anything to you?....As you move further into the woodland it becomes denser, does the bird song change, what else do you see & sense around you?  Can you smell anything?.....Keep walking ahead, but take your time.

As you scan ahead, you see a gateway in-between 2 tall slender trees appear....You step towards it & the gate opens for you....Before you step through the gate, have a look at it....it is made of oak....the tree of knowledge....Feel the gate run your fingers over it.....Are there any carvings or messages on the gate or does it have symbols or pictures?   Make a mental note of this...

Now step through the gate & see a type of library around you....this is no ordinary library, but rather a different part of the woods, older trees with shelf like areas cut into the trunks of them.  These shelves are full of books all around you & there is a circular table in the rooms center.  Move over to this table & sit down on the wooden chair.  The books that are now behind you are of the northern corner, the books opposite you are in the southern corner, the books to your right are in the western corner, but your attention is drawn to the books on your left, the eastern corner... remember this is a magical place...

Stay sitting down & scan the shelf of the eastern corner, starting from the bottom....working your way up.  What books have a new shine to them?  These are the ones you have yet to read....pick one of the books with your mind, allow it to land in front of you on the table.  How big is the book & how thick is it?...  Lets focus on studying this book for a moment.  It may be written in an unfamiliar language or it may be full of symbols.  Either way allow the book to communicate with you.  It flips open to a page & you lay your hands on the open pages.  Make a note of any messages you receive & focus on any learning you may need to do...if you are unsure of your direction, this book will help you find it....take some time to focus on this book.  If you receive no message straight away, ask the book for some information via your dreams later.  I will remain quiet for a few minutes & then guide you back out.

OK...its time to tell your book that you need to leave soon....allowing a few moments to finish the present information you are receiving.....Thank the book for its knowledge & watch it make its way back to the shelf it came from.  Step up from the table & turn around.  You see the wooden gate ahead of you & make your way towards the gate, which opens naturally for you as it did on the way in.  Just before you step through the gate though, have another good look at it.  Has anything changed on the gate since you came in to the library, any new symbols or writing?  Make a note of this....it could be important.

Step through the gate, back into your forest & make you way back up to the oak tree you started out from, taking your time & noting any other changes you can sense in your woodland along the way.  Are there any other creatures, it the bird song still the same, are you still wearing the same clothing? 

1 – You see the oak tree in front of you & close your eyes.

2 – You give your toes a wiggle.

3 – The twittering of your birds starts fading.

4 – Your forest starts melting away.

5 – You open you eyes....

Welcome Back...

This is a pathworking to receive a message from your fire keeper.

 Ok.    Find a comfortable position.

Take a few breaths.         Close your eyes.

Bring your awareness to your feet.      Feel them relax.

Now your legs.      Feel your legs relax.

Relax your pelvic floor area and hip area.

Feel your spine.     Relaxed yet strong.

Relax your abdomen.

Relax your rib-cage.        Take a few more breaths.

Feel your shoulders drop.

Relax your neck, head, and facial muscles.

Feeling relaxed and safe, imagine you are getting up and walking slowly down the stairs.

The meadow outside the door beckons you.

You open the door and step out into the summer scene.

A path opens up through the meadow.

It leads to the edge of a cornfield.

Slowly you meander along it.

The midday sun beats down.

Poppies and other flowers are growing.

In flight above you there is a bird.

He leads you towards the path on the left.

You leave the other 2 paths for another time.

Walking through the corn you see a sunflower field ahead.

The Flower heads all turned skyward towards the midday sun.

A path opens up in the flowers.

Travelling along this path you reach a clearing.

There is a tree.

A door opens in the tree.

A guide invites you in and down the staircase.

The stairs open out into a large space.

In the centre you see your fire.

The fire keeper comes forward to greet you.

They have been waiting patiently to give you your message, which they now give you as you sit together by the fire.

Presently the guide appears again.

They lead you back up the stairs.

At the top you notice 4 other doors, 1 behind you and 3 to the left.

You take the one in front, the one where you came from.

You travel back through the sunflowers.

Back through the cornfield.

Back through the meadow.

Back through the door.

Back up the stairs.

Back into the room.

Back into your body.

And open your eyes.

Pathworking – Autumn

Put Lavender in the burner and light.  Light tea lights and turn off lights.

Now begin:

Sit comfortably and close your eyes.  Think about your breathing,

short pause,

Now as you breath in through your nose count in your mind to 3 hold your breath for 3, expel the air through your mouth for a count of 3 hold for 3, repeat, pause, now as you breath in count to 4 hold for 3, expel for 4 hold for 3 repeat.

Pause.

You are in a cottage in the country, it is nice but it is dowdy and in need of some renovation.  You look out of the window onto a country garden.  It is September, early autumn and even thought it is quite late in the afternoon you decide to go for a short walk.

You get to the front door and put on a jacket, it is a little cool, and you pick pick up a torch that is on a little table near the door.  Better to be safe than sorry the evenings are drawing in.

Now you step out through the door.  It is a lovely afternoon but not very warm, it is quite bright and you walk down the path.  There are large lavender bushes along both sides of the path and the last stalks of flowers are drying but still very fragrant.

You run your hands through it, it smells lovely and you pick a couple of the stems, there are not many left now.  You place them down the neck of your clothes.  The warmth of your skin makes a pleasant smell.  You breath in deeply it is tranquil, peaceful.

At the gate you open it.  You look both ways then turn right.

You walk down a pretty lane running alongside the hedgerow until you reach a gap into a field and turn into it. The field is freshly ploughed.  Turning left you walk along the side of the field.  You see a field gate,  It opens onto the beginning of some woodland. 

It is Autumn.  The leaves are turning from their summer colours and there are leaves on the ground.

It seems even cooler in the shade of the trees and you pull your jacket closer around you.

You walk confidently looking at the trees.  You can smell the lavender from the stalks of lavender your clothes, it is so very pleasent.  The light dappling as it comes through the trees.

You take a deep breath and then suddenly notice a small deer, eating off the woodland floor.  It looks up at you, chewing.  It seems unafraid.  It is beautiful, then it walks away back into the trees.

You hear the sound of a stream and you head towards it.  It is dusk but you think you will just take a look at the stream before heading back.  Through the trees you come out into a glade with a stream running through it..

There is a large fallen tree, it has been there a long time.  You carefully sit down on it and look around you at the woodland scene.  It is completely quiet except for the sound of the water in the stream as it moves along.

Pause

You notice a woman approaching you out of the trees, she has long dark hair and is wearing a green dress.

She approaches and asks if she may sit on the fallen tree.  You nod and as you look at her face you realise that you know her and that she knows you.  She knows you completely and you find yourself talking to her, telling her the things you cannot tell anyone else, the worries and cares and she listens.

Long Pause

Then, you notice is has got dark.

You are concerned that you will not find your way back out of the woodland.  She tells you that you have a torch, turn it on and it will illuminate your way, 

You both stand and she pushes something into your hand, you turn on the torch and she indicates the way back and you thank her for listening to you. She tells you that as long as you have a torch to illuminate your way you never need have any fear of the darkness.

You walk forward, after a few steps you look back and she waves and you wave back.  Then you walk confidently back down the same way you came.

You feel happier, lighter.

You come out of the woodland and walk to the gate into the field.  Your torch is illuminating everything well.  You open the gate and go through closing it after you.  You walk around the edge of the field .  You can hear the night creatures in the hedgerow but you are not afraid.  You can smell the lavender from the stalks of lavender you put inside your jacket.  You see the the gap in the hedgerow onto the lane and turn through it.

You turn left and walk back down the lane, you see the cottage and when you get to it you open the gate and go through closing the gate after you.  You walk down the path back past the lavender bushes.  It is the same familiar place, but it seems different somehow.  You  move the torch around and see the garden is now tidier and door seems to have been painted.

You open the door and go in, it smells pleasantly of lavender polish.  What was dowdy is now clean, tidy. 

A fire is in the grate and you can smell something delicious ready to eat that you had put on to cook whilst you took your stroll.  You take a deep satisfied breath and you smile.

Now pay attention to your breathing as you did before.  Breath in through your nose for a count of 3 hold for 3 breath out through your mouth.  Repeat.  Now open your eyes and know what you have been given.