The Living Tree

This set of exercises is intended to make you more aware of the elements in their physical form that are ever constant. Try to engage all of your senses: smell sight, sound, touch.

Connecting with the Elements:

Rainy Day- take a walk during a rainy day. Note the feel of the rain on your face and skin. Observe the puddles and the effect the water has on the dirt, grass or pavement.

Out at Noon- On a sunny day, go outside as close to noon as possible. Sit or stand and bask in the sun’s light.  Take note of the warmth on your skin- the heat on your body. Observe the shadows that are formed when the sun’s light is shaded under tree or canopy of cover.  How does the richness of light and color fade or intensify?

Windy Day-  go outside on a windy day.  Make note of the feel of the wind on your body.  The direction and flow of pattern you feel moving against you.  How do the trees respond that are around you?  Do you notice any weave of pattern as the wind blows across the grass?

 Opening to Your Senses:

Tastings- choose a sampling of foods that provide a variety of taste- hot- cold- sweet-spicy- sour- herbal- acidic, etc…  Taste each food and fully engage in the experience. Make note of how your body responds to the various sensations and flavors. How does the food smell? Observe the  texture.  Don't forget to cleanse your palette between each with water. 

Observing Your World:

Select an activity that you regularly and routinely do such as walking or driving (safety first, please) to work or school, a class you attend, your favorite coffee shop, etc…

For at least one full week each day make a note of one thing new that you observe that you never noticed before.  It can be something as trivial as noting how long a light takes to change or something more covert such as the first bud of a flower or plant.  Each day try to “see” something new.  Becoming more aware of the little details that cross your path each day, you become more aware of the interconnectedness of all things.  What effect you may have on that minor detail, or how it may effect you in ways you were unaware of previously.

Journaling

• Envision the abode of Malkuth – your home, physical possessions, your mundane work

• Record all the practical skills you possess, and those you would like to develop.

• Who are the companions with whom you have the most dynamic and enjoyable communications and interactions?What is your animal presence in this realm?

 Meditative Focus 

Walking Meditation 

As you walk slowly sense your body through your feet- heart – hands swaying gently at your sides, etc… Then, shift the focus to what your senses are experiencing- sights, sounds, smells, etc…  Try this in both a natural and urban setting. Note the differences.  Try to become aware of the pure physicality of the location and your connection and response to that physicality.

Meditation on the Magickal Image of Malkuth

"A Young Woman Crowned and Throned" 

Build in your mind’s eye the image represented below as completely as possible. Engage as many of your senses as possible to make this image as real as possible.  Now  see yourself standing before the throne and the young woman.  Just wait patiently and receive what information or experience is presented.  

This is Gaia as the maiden.  She is ripe and full of the potential of creation, transformation and exploration of self-knowledge.  The crown is that of Divine kingship and the throne is the acknowledgement of strength, foundation and remaining ever within the central pillar of balance serving as the Gate to the Higher realms of understanding.