I'm new

[Chopper]

Hey everyone. I've attempted to do some researching and these forums seem to cover a lot of the topics that I am interested in such as energy, astral projection and magic. I chose to start in the magic section because it appealed to me the most. I'm unsure where to begin. I've read posts about people raising their energy, moving air..etc. I don't think I even know how to meditate right (I've never done it). I know this is such a newbie post, but I guess you have to start somewhere right? I am also concerned with evil entities. Do they come around when you begin this kind of stuff? Are there ways to protect myself before I start. Your help is appreciated, thanks in advance!

[Wizard of Light]

Hi Chopper and Welcome!    

Of course you have to start somewhere!     The start is the first step!!  All of us had to take our first step before getting to where we are now.

I think that meditation is an excellent place to begin, as it assists concentration and focus tremendously.  It isn't very hard to do, if you haven't done meditation before, then I'd recommend maybe finding a book or two you feel drawn to at your local store and reading up a bit.  But really if you are beginning, then start with closing your eyes and focusing in on your breathing.  Just focus on what the breath is (without it, we would not be here you know!!), how it feels, become aware of your body relaxing as you focus on long, deep breathes.  Start off in short spaces of say ten or fifteen minutes at a time, just being content to focus on your breathing.  Try to ignore any itches that come up, or any thoughts.  Try to simply give your total awareness to your breathing and your body.

Also, I have had many people start off with candle magic as well, which helps to build your confidence that this stuff isn't all make believe and actually works!!  

The key to "evil entities" is not to concern yourself with them too much!  What we focus on, we attract and manifest, so spend time and energy focused on the things you do want.  So, this means that no, they will not come around you when you start this type of stuff, if you are focused on all the positive stuff that you can do for yourself and those in your life.

Yes, if you are still concerned, there are ways to help protect yourself.  Calling in your guides to protect you and asking that only those of love and light be around you to work with you; visualising a white cloak of protection or a white bubble of light around yourself will also help; and burning sage or dragons blood helps keeps such things at bay too!

I would be more than happy to help you in any area that you feel drawn to begin working, either through posts here or through emails.  I wish you all the best, this is a wonderful journey that will certainly keep you entertained for many years to come!!

[bloodsong]

If you are interested in meditation, one of the most straightforward books an magical meditation that I have ever read is Book 4 Part 1 by Aliester Crowley.  I know to some more experienced on the forum, that is an oxymoron, Crowley and straightforward, I mean.  But it goes through the basics of what meditation is, what to do to achieve it, and so on, in a step by step matter.  If you would like, I can send this to you, just PM me with a private email address.  The file is 731k, so make sure you have the space to accept it in your inbox before replying.

Bloodsong

[Chopper]

I tried meditating today with the technique Wizard of Light recommended. I didn't do it for more than 10 minutes at a time. I find it quite hard to keep focus and on my last try I fell asleep. I also feel kind of drained, is it not a good idea to meditate when you don't have much energy? Also is there a certain position that is better for meditating? During these attempts I've been laying down on my couch.

Also I was thinking about candle magic and did some reading, but realized i need something a little more discrete because I live with my family at home. I've been reading posts made by someone who can control air. It really caught my attention. Unless it's too advanced it would be neat to learn.

[labouts]

For meditation lying down is usually considered a poor position. Sitting on the floor with legs crossed and back straight is good to start off. Ten minutes at a time is fine if your just starting. If you get the book "Mastering Astral Projection in 90 Days" completing it will not just help with projection but also meditation, bettering your energy body, and generally helping you get into the swing of things, without overwhelming you with too much  information at a time. Helped me a lot with Psychokinesis and the like.

As for the wind control, if you start with it you probably won't get to very good results but from what I've seen many people get something first try.

If you want to try it do this: Go into an open area and clear your thoughts, become calm and indifferent. feel yourself dissolving into air and be aware of the air around you, feel like you are a part of it. Then make the expanded air part of you blow past yourself, this usually gets a small breeze

Try this to: Do the above to where you feel your self as wind then feel string attached to your hand that connects far away with the winds. Raise your hands and feel it pulling the wind, this should increase any existing wind if done right.

Really if you want fast results look up psiballs in the articles here: //www.psipog.net . It's basic energy manipulation, Not really magick but a least it's something.

[bloodsong]

Here is a good site with basic poses (asanas) for meditation.  If you fall asleep in ANY of these poses, you are more tired than you need to be!

http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/asana/headstnd.html

The toolbar at the right of this site gives the top 12 basic asanas, and the left will guide you through different methods to meditate.  

As a note, if you are doing this alone, e.g. no teachers, not joining a class, or anything, you will get frustrated, just keep going.  You would get frustrated those other ways as well, but you would have support in the form of a teacher or group.  The solitary way is lonely and hard, but the outcome is more discipline in less time.  Group working gives lots of support, but the strength of will comes slower.  It is a payoff.

Candle magic is how I started off, and can be done rather quietly.  Just dress the candle more mentally than with actual oils, do the invocations mentally rather than out  loud, and focus more for the lack of practical tools.  Focus and intent are the most important tools to cultivate.

If candles are out of the question, this same sort of principle can also apply to incense.  Again, with less burning time, it is important to charge the intent well, but it can be done.

Just a few alternatives.

Bloodsong

[Wizard of Light]

Apologies for forgetting to comment on the posture in meditation!  

Quote from Labouts: "For meditation lying down is usually considered a poor position. Sitting on the floor with legs crossed and back straight is good to start off."  I would agree that lying down is a poor position and the above mentioned position is a good option, or you can try sitting on a chair with back straight and feet flat on the floor (this is my preferred posture, but it simply depends on whether you rather the floor or a chair).  Definitely DON'T lay down on your bed - your body is already trained for sleep there, so you are more likely to fall asleep instead of maintaining focus for meditation.  

Quote from Labouts: "Ten minutes at a time is fine if your just starting."
I would also agree with this statement.  When you are starting out, ten or fifteen minutes is just fine.  It will take you awhile to build up to longer meditations, be gentle with yourself and reward yourself when you stick to a routine (e.g. when you manage to complete 7 days in a row with 10 minute meditations, give yourself something nice).  

As for candle magic... are you able to burn a candle in your room?  Or perhaps you could find somewhere quiet outside that you could burn your candles?  You don't need to use giant candles, there are smaller, thinner candles that you can get if you search about, which only take about an hour or so to burn down.  I've even used floating candles when that's all that was available.  The important aspects of this type of magic is the intent and leaving the candle to burn out, of it's own accord.  If you use something like a floating candle, which will always leave some wax behind, melt the remaining wax in a large burning fire or bury it in the earth.  

Good luck.