Meditations :: Establishing Roots
Background
In this exercise, we will work with the power of stones, specifically hematite, to aid in grounding and in reopening
communication with nature. Hematite is known as the grounding stone and was once believed to confer invisibility on
the wearer by quieting their spirit. Today, hematite is used in magic to: aid grounding and concentration, restore balance
and stability, dissolve negative energies and clear away the fluff of a situation to see the truth at the core. Hematite is
a slightly magnetic iron oxide that, when tumbled, takes on a metallic, silver luster. The steely grey may be tinged with
red or it may have red flecks on the surface, but it is a very dense stone and will always feel heavy for its size.
It is best to conduct this exercise outside under a tall tree or in a garden or park where the cycle of nature’s energy is most obvious. Here we can see leaves turn sunlight into growth and energy into fruit as the roots stretch into the earth seeking nutrients and water. To begin find a natural spot where you feel comfortable and will not be disturbed. Hold the hematite in your receptive hand, this is your non-dominant hand through which you receive communication. Your projective hand is your dominant hand; this is the one you write with, the one that sends communications out.
Meditation
Sit comfortably on the ground, keeping your spine straight and begin conscious breathing as you did in the centering exercise. Pay attention to the scent carried on the breeze, allow it to become natural incense. Feel the air on your skin, humid and heavy or cool and refreshing. Let the sun shine on you, its rays carrying solar energy through the atmosphere to fall directly on you and the grass, trees and plants around you. See the leaves converting these rays into energy and realize that, as a part of the natural world, your body is doing the same. Become aware of the solid ground beneath you. Imagine that you can see the roots of the plants burrowing into the soil, searching for nutrients. Use all of your sense and your creative imagination to be fully present in the moment.
Quiet your mind and begin to chant (aloud or in your head): I am here, Here is now, I am now. As you repeat the chant over and over, feel the hematite in your hand crackle with energy as its own magnetic properties begin to react with the magnetic pull of the earth. Allow your hand and arm to become heavy and weighted. Your whole body begins to feel solid and dense, like a firmly rooted tree trunk. The chanting continues to occupy your conscious mind as it awakens your subconscious to the here and now around you. The hematite grows warmer in your hand, becoming empowered by your concentration even as it aids your concentration; it is a reciprocal relationship, one feeds the energy of the other.
All the stresses and tensions of the day begin to melt away, flowing out through your roots, being pulled back into the earth to be replenished in the natural cycle. As the last of your excess negative energy eases away, sense it being replaced with the warm, pure energy of Mother Earth. Imagine that this force is being drawn up through your roots, just as trees draw water from deep within the soil. As it reaches your body, it travels up your spine and out to your arms, legs, finger and toes, renewing, rejuvenating you. Allow the current of energy to cycle through your body, while being aware of the sensations as it passes through each part. When you feel peaceful and balanced, relax your back, begin to wiggle your fingers and toes and slowly return your mind to the ordinary world.
Summary
Just as the centering exercise, this grounding exercise is more detailed than you will need in the future. Once you become accustomed to the exchange of energy, you will find that your subconscious (or spirit, if you prefer) will seek out opportunities to establish a connection. While you are occupied with repetitive tasks, exercising, gardening, or walking in nature are likely times when you will suddenly realize that you feel completely immersed in the moment and exceedingly balanced and grounded. You may also choose to wear or carry a piece of hematite with you to act as a grounding trigger during stressful moments.
Hematite can also be used in scrying*. Begin by grounding while holding the hematite in your hand. When you feel at peace, state the question you would like answered aloud or in your mind and hold the hematite so that the flame of a candle is reflected in the stones' surface. As you gaze at the stone, allow the answer to form in your mind.
*Scrying is a form of divination in which the practitioner gazes at or into an object, stilling the conscious mind and contacting the psychic mind.
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