It's been a long time since I've made a post on the blog- over a year!
I do apologise for being so quiet. It's been a very eventful year and I have had to take some time to myself and my family. Whilst I am most certainly back on the case, I can't promise as frequent posts as I would like- with September upon us, work is going to be very busy indeed! However, I am going to try.
So, for a large chunk of my summer holidays, I went to Ireland. We started off in Galway to visit my partner's family, followed by a trip to Dublin to attend a convention (which I won't go into because it wasn't a Pagan con and, honestly, it was awful). I had a great time with my in-laws, visiting their very Pagan-but-not-really friend who lives off the grid, attending a "celebration of women" art day and, my favourite activity of all time... the beach!
The beach, wherever we are in the world, is my favourite place to be. Of course, it's likely to be filled with fond childhood associations of going to the beach with my family: playing in the sand, splashing about in the sea, my dad trying (and failing) to teach me how to skip pebbles. I also grew up relatively near Southend, so I have many great memories as a teenager hanging around at the beach on dates with my other half (something fun, safe and free!). As a Pagan, I find so much joy in the coast- where the earth meets the sea, where the air is fresher, the sun a little brighter.
However, I'm not one to miss a chance to commune with the spirits, even when surrounded by non-Pagan relatives (although, let's be honest, none of them are particularly surprised when I randomly start meditating).
Whilst doing so, I came up with a little ritual I'd like to share. It's a spell of attraction, although it could probably be repurposed quite easily.
A Beach Ritual
Locate a shell, rock/pebble or similar on the shore. It's up to you what feels right- I chose an intact shell which I felt was a suitable vessel for my energies.
Stand close to or in the water. Due to the temperature and risk of jellyfish, I chose to keep my shoes on and stand near the water. Also, coral is spikey! I'd recommend bringing flipflops or sandals to this beach (or similar ones like Brighton's pebble beach). Had circumstances been a bit better, I would have gone barefoot into the water.
Close your eyes and take stock of how the elements feel around you. Feel the ground under your feet, the scent of the sea air, the sun's heat on your skin, the water lapping at your feet. Think about something you would like to bring into your life and how you would feel to have it. Visualise the feeling as a bright white light, travelling from your heart, down your arms into your vessel.
When you feel ready, cast the vessel into the sea, leaving your intent for the elements.
You may choose to recite something. I didn't say anything aloud, but my go-to incantation for impromptu rituals is:
"By the powers of sun, earth, sky and sea,
As I do will, so mote it be"
I hope you enjoyed this one!
Shanti
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