Meditation Techniques :: Mantra Meditation
A mantra is a verbally repeated prayer or incantation, the most familiar of which is the Hindu "Aum". To those who do not practice Hindu beliefs, the word seems nonsensical and more of a sound than an actual word, but to the eastern yogis the melodic sound embodies all of the individual parts that make up the whole universe and it is a gateway to spiritual development.
While mantra meditation may seem too simplistic to work, in reality it functions simultaneously on multiple levels. On the physical level, the verbalization of your mantra regulates breathing and creates subtle vibrations within the body. These vibrations stimulate and harmonize your spirit self, while the focused repetition lulls the consciousness into contemplating the deeper meaning of the mantra. As with all magical endeavors, the flow of energy during mantra meditation is cyclical. As you relax, focus and contemplate, the essence of the mantra becomes imprinted on your subconscious and imbued throughout your spirit.
Mantra meditation will function best if the sound, word, or phrase you choose has significant meaning to you. Be creative in your choice of mantra, but keep it short, simple and easy to remember. You may choose the name of a god or goddess that you feel a connection to, a line from a favorite song, poem, prayer or book that has captured your imagination or you may choose sounds alone. The vowels of the English language are considered to be sacred to the Goddess and are often verbalized as a mantra to contemplate and connect with Her energy.
This style of meditation is excellent for spiritual exploration, but it can also be used in a more practical way, think ‘the Little Engine that Could’ who used "I think I can" as his mantra. To illustrate practical magical applications of mantra meditation: you could used the strength tarot card and a red candle as your visual focal point (trigger) while repeating "Courage, Strength, Power" in mantra sessions prior to a competition or focus on a blue candle using "I dream, I know, I know my dreams" if you have difficulty remembering dreams.
How do you know what to use as your trigger? Research and intuition again! The first step is to determine what it is you wish to achieve, be it to draw strength, remember dreams or begin a relationship with the Goddess. Before you research which gemstone, color or herb corresponds to your goal (charts are available on the internet and in books) consider what calls to mind your goal for you, often this will be the most effective trigger to use since it already has meaning for you. Trust your intuition, the existing charts of correspondences have been built up over time, which means that generations of witches have trusted their intuition.
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