Tools of the Craft
Foundations of Practice
These foundations will be the cornerstones of the work you do each month. As with any endeavor discipline, structure and practice will produce the greatest results. As the months progress, other foundational practices may be added to these. As you progress through the work, not only will you be able to be more inclusive in your approach to the work, but what started as the foundations of growth will evolve and change in accord with your newly developed skill set and level of understanding. Whenever something new is added it will be noted within the study for that month.
The initial foundational work includes:
* Journaling
* Breath Work
* Observation
Journaling
Add to your journal the "story" of each of your tools as you acquire them. This can include where and when. Any modifications or additions you made to them and the experience of your consecration ritual.
As you begin to work with these tools in the months ahead, record any changes you note in the way the energy is flowing between you and the tool you are using. Often the subtleties that are found in the energy your tool accumulates and your increased awareness of that interface and link when you work with it in a mindful way form the deepest connections to a specific tool. That tool may be your favorite one in the long run.
Consecration of Your Tools
Here is a simple ritual that can be used to consecrate your new tools. We'll learn more next lesson about the purpose, meaning and focus of rituals, but for now this method of consecration is generic and very easy to do.
The important component is your intent in making claim to the tool (and thus investing your energy into it) and the intent that this tool will support you as you do the work of the Gods and Goddesses.
A Simple Ritual For Consecration of the Tools
Exercises
Meditation
After your tool has been consecrated, begin a routine of regularly sitting in meditation
with each of your tools.
Sitting quietly and in a place where you will not be disturbed, select one of your tools to sit in meditation with. Hold it on your lap, or if it is large and heavy, place it on a table directly in front of and close to you. Place your hands on it. Take a few deep and cleansing breaths and allow yourself to open fully to the feel, weight and texture of the tool. Allow the energy to flow fully from you to it in whatever way it wishes. Simply sit in a space of openness and communion with your tool. Allow to unfold whatever will, breathe deeply and fully and relax into this connection. When you feel complete, simply shift your focus back to your breath and take a few concentrated and willfully exerted breaths. This will help to ground and bring you back to a place of alertness. Return your tool to its place of safe keeping and thank it for the energy you have shared and the future good works that will be accomplished.
Be sure to record your experiences in your journal.
