{"id":3061,"date":"2010-01-01T01:10:19","date_gmt":"2010-01-01T06:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=3114"},"modified":"2009-12-22T20:41:40","modified_gmt":"2009-12-23T01:41:40","slug":"meditation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2010\/01\/01\/meditation\/","title":{"rendered":"Meditation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Grounding into the Elements<\/strong><\/p>\n

The holidays can be a hectic and trying time.\u00a0 There is always someplace to go or something that needs to be done.\u00a0 So, as the new year comes and things start to settle down we often start to feel melancholy because we deal with the loss of friends and family as we gravitate back to our own lives. <\/span><\/p>\n

It can be difficult to readjust and find the balance.\u00a0 When that happens it\u2019s often good to get back to basics.\u00a0 I can\u2019t think of anything more fundamental and more basic to most pagans than the elements.\u00a0 In almost every path they are honored. So, in that respect we will be grounding into the elements and reconnecting with the earth to bring balance back into our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

This meditation and grounding is written to be done indoors, but is easily adapted to outdoor and group use.\u00a0 You\u2019ll want to gather items that represent each element.\u00a0 Some suggestions are: Earth \u2013 Use a rock, a crystal or a dish of salt.\u00a0 Air \u2013 You can use a feather, burning incense, or a fan turned on low.\u00a0 Fire \u2013 Place a lit candle, a statue of a dragon, or a red flower on your altar. Water \u2013 Use a container filled with water, a shell, or a picture of mermaid or water deity.\u00a0 Remember these are just suggestions; use the items with which you have a connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arrange the items you\u2019ve chosen on your altar or in front of you where you can see them.\u00a0 Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.\u00a0 Repeat this several times feeling more at peace and centered with each exhalation.\u00a0 Allow the day to melt away from you as you focus on balance and tuning yourself to the elements.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll start with the element of earth to provide us a good foundation.\u00a0 Touch the item you have that represents earth.\u00a0 Feel the weight of it and the texture.\u00a0 What does this item represent and mean to you?\u00a0 Contemplate the subtle strength and stability of earth and what it brings into your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Place your hands on or through (incense) item that represents air.\u00a0 Though this element is not always tangible it is always present down to our very breath.\u00a0 What does the item you\u2019ve chosen represent and mean to you?\u00a0 Consider the creativity and inspirational nature of this element. <\/span><\/p>\n

How is the element of fire represented on your altar?\u00a0 Take the item and observe it, if it\u2019s a flame, or consider what other way you may have chosen to recognize fire.\u00a0 What does the item you\u2019ve chosen represent and mean to you?\u00a0 Fire can both destroy and provide rebirth.\u00a0 Ponder what the element of fire and the passion and rebirth it can bring into your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, take the item that represents water from your altar.\u00a0 What does this item represent to you? The element of water is often representative of emotions and intuition.\u00a0 Reflect on how water manifests in your life and the tranquility you seek.<\/span><\/p>\n

You have taken each element in turn.\u00a0 You\u2019ve contemplate what each item means to you.\u00a0 Now, considered what you want to bring into your life from each that would bring you personal balance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finish your grounding by reciting the following:<\/span><\/p>\n