ANNWYN:

Tonight's class is on Pathworking.

Xori:

It is so wonderful to see so many friends tonight!!

DethDesire:

Ann knows how to pack a room ;)

RayneDancer:

agreed Xori :)

Annath:

LOL she sure does!

ANNWYN:

gee...I guess I should have prepared something

Boudica:

Love the new room, so many of us

ANNWYN:

:}

Lionflower:

LOL Ann

Annath:

LOL Ann

Morrigan:

this is amazing!!

Freinsch:

LOL

LadyofAvalon:

when are ya gonna start ann?

ANNWYN:

I'm waiting for go ahead...

Sylverhare:

MM All, am I late? or are we running on PST tonight{G}

WolfofWinter:

What is the purpose of this gathering...What's the topic of tonight's class?

Freinsch:

By the way folks, I posted the book list for the reading group

ANNWYN:

Pathworking

DethDesire:

wow almost filled Ann!

Red Deer:

If PST = Pagan Standard Time, just WHO is the Standard Pagan???

RayneDancer:

lol RD

CynaraMac:

LOL Red Deer

Xori:

LOL Red Deer

Sylverhare:

The one with 2.5 spouses RD{G}

Lionflower:

LOL Red Deer!

SongSpring:

Ok.. RD.. wanna run the rules??

SongSpring:

I'll door ward.. but you have the rules macro....

Red Deer:

OK

Lionflower:

{--- logging on

Red Deer:

1) Please keep all MMs MPs and BBs to IM while class is on

melilot:

{--------logging on

Morrigan:

well...SHALL WE BEGIN THEN?

WiseWitch:

EVERYONE SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN

Morrigan:

EVERYONE TAKE YOUR SEATS PLEASE

Red Deer:

2) DoorWard (= SongSpring) holds rite of EXCLUSION WITHOUT COMMENT = don't talk to or about anyone she excludes

Shinma:

{---logging on

DethDesire:

{-logged on

SongSpring:

SONGSPRING IS WORKING AS DOORWARD...

Red Deer:

3) We need a few loggers {g} for back up.

Morrigan:

{----logging

SongSpring:

WHEN AN EXCLUDE IS CALLED FOR, PLEASE DO SO WITHOUT COMMENT...

Lone Druid:

O-TAH, Song!

PAniteowl:

{g} Yes mam!

SongSpring:

All exclusions are done without malice, and may be re-included following the class......

ANNWYN:

First of all , I'd like to apologize for not continuing the Godess series tonight...I will pick it up at a later date. Please feel free to add your comments as we go along, but if I do not respond....It may be something that will be covered later

Pathworking came to mind as a topic, because of some work I personally am doing right now - not exactly the Pathworking we are talking about tonight, but other Inner plane work. Today more specifically we will talk about what some would consider a guided meditation with the direct purpose of familiarizing ourselves on a deeper level with the archetypes/deities that we call upon for spell work...etc. Guided meditation comes down to us through ceremonial magic although the basic technique is similar to Shamanic journeying which of course is an ancient technique. It also can be explained as simply as the roving story teller who would come into a home or village and weave a magical tale that would transport the listeners to an altered state by content and by delivery leaving them changed and enriched.

Pathworking helps us develop and "trust" the link between the conscious and subconscious and virtually feeds us through the images we embrace and come to understand in the otherworld and as we go there those we contact are exposed to OUR conscious memories and experiences so that BOTH benefit...it benefits the evolution of our symbols personally and collectively. Once you understand and trust this ....the connection between the worlds...it becomes easier to travel between them. In journeying we not only learn from those we encounter, but we sense, smell, and see feel and hear through them...become them/merge in spirit...we enforce our magical abilities and knowledge...open channels to divination and prepare ourselves for more advanced workings.

Pathworking is generally orchestrated and well thought out, including a physical preparation much like regular magical work... it has a written itinerary...with a specific goal in mind the actual method is very similar to self hypnosis, but remember these are very "real" journeys...as real as your ability to believe, embrace, and trust the path you are exploring. Part of being able to trust to release yourself

Morrigan:

is this like astral projection then?

ANNWYN:

to the journey has to do with preparation

Morrigan it is similar...

Warmuth:

guided meditation?

ANNWYN:

some consider it the same...except as you will see the intent is a little different...

Yes Warm...I will explain

Annath:

is it more like a vision quest then?

ANNWYN:

Annath...yes...but as we go I think you will seethe differences

Annath:

ok

ANNWYN:

Some folks have trouble doing this work

ANNWYN:

some it is an embarrassment issue (if working in a group) - will I lose control...will I look silly? Some worry will I come back...will the bogie man get me. Losing control should not be an issue. The journey either written by you or taken from pre written material will have you on a focused defined course. Will you look silly? I don't know...do you look silly now? {G}

Morrigan:

lol

LadyofAvalon:

LOL

Xori:

LOL

WolfofWinter:

{G}

melilot:

lol

Annath:

LOL

Burningwolf:

lol

RayneDancer:

lol

DarkWater:

LOL

WiseWitch:

compared to when?

Shinma:

::smiles::

ANNWYN:

Your physical body will simply look like you are sleeping.

exactly WW

WolfofWinter:

Some would say yes..

Red Deer:

{--- looks fairly silly most of the time ---} is not an issue

ANNWYN:

again here you look like you are napping... what you look like on the other side is between you and your subconscious... no one need know...teehee... BTW

DethDesire:

{G}

ANNWYN:

you will experience some form distortion...a word used to describe the other world is FLUID - easily and instantaneously moved and changed by thought..

WiseWitch:

You gonna cover falling asleep during Pathworkings later, Annie?

ANNWYN:

You may find yourself what appears to be "nude"...if you feel uncomfortable...simply clothe yourself...you are the captain of you own ship so to speak, but once the journey has started you may be lead to be dressed a certain way as fits the journey...the period.. the mythological figure you are absorbing

Yep WW

Some will fall asleep...

DethDesire:

{G}

ANNWYN:

probably you will continue the journey but not have a memory of it...

Lionflower:

{- always falls asleep. I hope you'll tell us how to keep aware!

ANNWYN:

Will you come back?

remember as in a dream.. you can wake up at anytime and return to this plane if you appear to be having problems returning and you are working with a narrator that person can also talk themselves to you... Following the same path of entry that you took find you and guide you out.

Will the BOGIE man get you? Remember YOU are in control...again

Annath:

so this is something that should not be tried solo?

ANNWYN:

simply wake up. You can reinforce the protection field around your physical body to make you FEEL more safe...you can ask them to leave or slowly move yourself from this figure that is causing you discomfort.

DO RESPECT those you contact in the other world, but do not openly FEAR them.

Morrigan:

why not?

ANNWYN:

Most are good natured toward your journey...or simply do not care enough about you in the overall scheme of things to bother you.

What would your fear actually represent morrigan?

Morrigan:

hmmm something with ugly intent I suppose

ANNWYN:

but would that ill intent be from this being?...or something within you

Xori:

something you need to know more about in order not to fear it?

Morrigan:

ahhhh. I see

ANNWYN:

also it is somewhat an authority issue.. and also like showing an animal you are afraid.

Morrigan:

like projecting your fears

ANNWYN:

exactly

This also is often a reason one might have trouble returning - not the fault of the journey, but the traveler. Again, initial preparation will generally side step these problems, believing you cant get back, will keep you from doing so, then?

Lionflower:

Ann: are you going to tell us how to prepare and embark upon the journey?

ANNWYN:

yes... starting now

Your first job is to choose the material or reason for your journey. I say reason because sometimes i know my own work is more like a vision journey... again not vision quest Annath

Annath:

understood

ANNWYN:

in that I have something specific I am trying to understand or solve. I then journey with a purpose in mind with an open path

Most Pathworking will be based on a mythological figure.. such as a deity that you call upon often or one that you want to become more familiar with. The material will be a scenario matching as exactly as possible the mythological material assigned this deity with details of event and with as many correlating symbols as can be place in the journey to fully open you to this experience. This can be taken from source material.. and then written by you or a or the group...if working in group. Some are prewritten...

Warning

Im Riff Raff:

Warning?

ANNWYN:

departure from the nature of this figure is to be avoided as it can leave you psychically confused ...and can down right piss off the deity...

Annath:

{G}

ANNWYN:

plus it will confuse magical intent...when called upon later. Don't' dress Merlin in the clothes of gentry

DethDesire:

{G}

Aricia:

How do you choose an appropriate deity, though?

ANNWYN:

or have Epona riding a Black horse. Leave Maeve her fiery temperament.. and let Persephone return. You are seeking to know the truest aspect of this deity that you can elicit... don't create your own deviation...

The person narrating.. f you are using this method...should be entirely familiar with the material.. and should not break from the path. It is that persons job to enable you to experience while also creating the sensations of the journey for you or the group. You can also pre record...the material yourself...and play it back to yourself...

Physical preparation

You should not eat or eat lightly for about 8-12 hours before.. Food tends to make you sleepy

LadyofAvalon:

sun too

ANNWYN:

In your case Lion.. perhaps you should abstain longer.. since you fall asleep easily {G}

Lionflower:

LOL

Morrigan:

heheheheh

Annath:

{G}

ANNWYN:

You should also avoid salt...

DarkWater:

lol

ANNWYN:

Salt is an earth element and will ground you

Lionflower:

Question, Ann?

ANNWYN:

Alcohol and drugs....are not suggested as they can distort images and encumber you ability to remember

sure Lion

WiseFalconar:

When you see your deity, how should you go about approaching them?

ANNWYN:

As before with respect....

Lionflower:

I tend to take a nice "grounding" bath before vision journeys... could this be why I fall asleep so easily?

ANNWYN:

generally on the actual journey you will be more into the actual experience... I have felt as I have met these there is not actually a separation...in this case. We are not seeking a spirit guide.. in Pathworking.. that is a different type journey

Lion...that might be the problem...

Lionflower:

Thanks, Annwyn

ANNWYN:

Actually using Benzoin.. as an incense.. might help also...it eases the transition between worlds... Frankincense is also good

SongSpring:

{-loves Sandalwood.... right Cu? : )

ANNWYN:

You will want also to do a lustral bath before journeying

Song.. sandalwood is excellent also

Annath:

lustral bath?

ANNWYN:

avoid salt.. here again. Birch is good...to add to the bath...

LadyofAvalon:

what is a lustral bath?

SongSpring:

Ann, why no salt?

Lionflower:

salt is grounding

ANNWYN:

I saw a suggestion also then to add...ash and hazel

Song.. again the grounding effect of this

SongSpring:

ok.... {-trying to follow and door guard

ANNWYN:

Annath a lustral bath is same as purifying bath...

Annath:

thank you

Xori:

Ann, then, do I get you right, a spirit guide is more of an external thing whereas a deity is more of an internal thing? - my wording may be off...

ANNWYN:

birch represent... beginnings and is cleansing

Warmuth:

sage and yarrow?

ANNWYN:

ash and hazel for inspiration and clarification

yes.. on the yarrow...sage yes too

Prepare your area.. this can be set up before hand...or as part of beginning the Pathwork. I do it as part of the work as a signal of my intentions and to draw myself gradually to that mental state. Choose a SAFE, WARM location where you will have absolute quiet and no chance of being disturbed...no phones.. or doorbells...or kids

CynaraMac:

{G}

ANNWYN:

Loose clothing or naked as you choose...but nothing heavy and constricting. Light blankets are suggested...remember when you are lying still your body tends to drop in temp. Gather correlating materials... candles... remember because of fire damage to secure them... Personal power objects are good.. both...to help you with journey and that they have become part of a powerful experience for you. Things that help you feel safe or strong are good also...scent is an excellent tool for creating the mood and helping relaxed..

We mentioned a few good herbs already - I also use...Rue...Mugwort.. and Bay Laurel. Rowan is good also

Lionflower:

Mugwort... heh heh heh

ANNWYN:

Now now lion

RowanRose:

thanks

Lionflower:

{g}

ANNWYN:

If you feel particularly ill at ease...work in a fully cast circle. You need a place where you can lie down comfortably and relax - a couch or carpeted floor is good

Lionflower:

May I also suggest basil for clear-thinking? Would that be complimentary?

ANNWYN:

You want to be able to totally relax.. and forget...the physical...

Lion...I have not used it for this purpose but have seen it suggested...

Lionflower:

k

ANNWYN:

I have found...Bay Laurel to have that effect for me also

Suggestion

Warmuth:

may I also suggest to do it within a consecrated Circle

ANNWYN:

Yes Warm..

If you are one that goes to the bathroom every 20 miles on a car trip (like me) ....limit fluid intake before...and go potty...{G}

WolfofWinter:

:)

Morrigan:

lol

ANNWYN:

Soft music is a personal choice...some find it distracting

PAniteowl:

lol

ANNWYN:

drumming is another alternative

Lionflower:

{g}

ANNWYN:

Basic steps

Shinma:

;-)

ANNWYN:

1. Begin relaxing (this thought should be a part of entire preparation

2. lie down...settle in...make yourself comfortable... normally you will be lying on your back with hands resting beside you...some journeying may require other posturing....

3. narrator or self will start cues to relax

Lady Freya:

does a pillow make any difference?

ANNWYN:

I don't use one...I suppose comfort would be the issue Lady

Lady Freya:

thanks

ANNWYN:

4. set up trigger words for awakening later...trigger cues also if you need assistance during journey - this can also be a sound...a clap.. a bell.. etc.

5. Form protection - surround yourself in white or golden light...give yourself a defense to use en route, a blazing pentagram...shield.. ask help of a godess/god or both to assist and protect you on journey. Acknowledge their help.. declare that you are protected...suggest there is nothing to FEAR. These are all suggestions.. you may have things you feel comfortable setting up for yourself.. that have particular meaning to you

6. narrator or self guide...through basic relaxation techniques...could be what you use for meditation...

Does everyone here have a method they use for relaxing for meditation?

DarkWater:

y

Warmuth:

I do

DethDesire:

me

ANNWYN:

if not there are very simple ones...and check with me after class

WiseWitch:

Sure.

Xori:

yes

Burningwolf:

yes

Shinma:

recommendations??

ANNWYN:

7. begin to lose physical self...forget physical sensations as tied to body

WolfofWinter:

Unfortunately cant remember last time I meditated, since son was born....:(

WiseWitch:

LOL Wolf! Been there, done that!

ANNWYN:

experience and experiment with freedom and separate from physical

8. prepare entry to other world

WiseFalconar:

I use a slow working up of golden light starting at toes and working out to the hands and up to the crown of my head, clearing out negative energies...with deep breathing.

ANNWYN:

generally this will be represented by some kind of portal...threshold... a gate.. a certain tree or landmark you begin from stepping into a different terrain. This should be same with each journey...as well as with all symbols...used regularly they become more potent with use. ALWAYS RETURN BY SAME ROUTE

9.body of path...remember - FOCUS IS KEY - listen carefully if being led...do not jump ahead...narrator should be careful to follow text so as not to cause traveler to backtrack.. and adjust symbols to suggested images...

Become... feel... sense images as completely as you can. Feel the frost in the air...the leather against your legs...smell the decay of the leaves...the salt in the sea air...hear the water rush over the rocks.. the footsteps on the wooden planks

WiseWitch:

Annie, will you speak of the speed of narration at all, so one has TIME to feel/hear/smell?

ANNWYN:

usually as I said you are becoming the deity you are experiencing on the path...if you meet another...remember that, bring that experience back with you also.

UNLESS AN EMERGENCY...ALWAYS COMPLETE JOURNEY

10. return by same path..

11. sound signal of return...

12. allow all to arouse at own pace if working in group.. do not hurry

13. ponder your journey...

13. write down what you remember...

now...this part is subjective...

owlvowel:

13 twice

ANNWYN:

sorry...that's as high as I count

CynaraMac:

LOL

WolfofWinter:

:)

ANNWYN:

In group work it is customary to share the journey some journeys are rather private, however love I would suggest before you do this that each be allowed time to assimilate own information so that you are not influenced by what others saw

Lionflower:

{g}

ANNWYN:

Yes song...but if you have agreed to work in the group...the group has also become an individual...

I usually work alone...and do not share my information....

SongSpring:

yes, but limits must be realized

SeannochMhor:

some journeys are to private to share without because one must internalize it and come to face it from within.

ANNWYN:

I feel it loses some integrity

WiseWitch:

Working in a group you get some feed thru from the journeys of those around you. Changes the experience.

ANNWYN:

Sean...I understand that...what I am suggesting is that if you are working within a group...as in a coven...this sharing aspect should be discussed before hand and decided upon...

exactly WW

SongSpring:

Ann, I don't see integrity as an issue in this one dear... um, some things are between the Goddess and the initiate or the seeker

ANNWYN:

Integrity to me is not honesty... it is the wholeness of the thing... the trueness to purpose

SongSpring:

Ann, share what is necessary.. but some things are not to be shared always....

WiseWitch:

SS - for me it's more a cross-polinization issue...

ANNWYN:

But...SONG...if you recall I said.. it is a subjective choice...

SeannochMhor:

agreed... as one whom has done both total trust is making the group, in essence, a part of Self.

SongSpring:

ok.. I see your point there.... : )

ANNWYN:

I might suggest then not working in a group...but do a prerecorded working...or have a trusted friend be your guide that understands...that this journey is yours. After you share or do not...{G}

ground....eating and drinking good. But still avoid salt...

SongSpring:

I say agree on what is to be shared prior too the working

ANNWYN:

just because it is bad for you...

WiseWitch:

eating and drinking always good....

owlvowel:

yes salt is bad

stareyed:

why salt bad?

Warmuth:

chocolate = good

Lady Freya:

it grounds you

ANNWYN:

this is a real general outline...any questions not covered

Shinma:

::smiles::

CynaraMac:

Really great, Annwyn. Thanks.

CynaraMac:

Hope you feel better Ibis.

DarkWater:

What part of the birch tree would you use?

SeannochMhor:

Fruit is good. has earth, air fire & water in them. Great balance.

ANNWYN:

leaf...or bark

Red Deer:

very good Annie

DarkWater:

k

Lionflower:

Very informative, Annwyn, thanks!

WiseWitch:

Annwyn - the Denning and Phillips Kabala pathworkings don't worry about the return by same path stuff. nor do the Ellen Cannon Reed Kabalah ones. Is Kababh different?

DarkWater:

Morrigan are you still here?

SongSpring:

Thank you and Blessed Be Annwyn

CynaraMac:

How important is it to have a pre-recorded guide or person do that ?

Morrigan:

here

SongSpring:

Yes, can Pathworking be done solitary?

ANNWYN:

I use a method really more aligned with Shamanism...

Red Deer:

most definitely Song

SongSpring:

It is open for questions now...

Red Deer:

many of us learned this solitary, and still practice that way

Lady Freya:

Thank you Annwyn, BB and MP all

Morrigan:

Wonderful! thanx!

Red Deer:

As a matter of fact, most Shamans Joanne solo

WiseWitch:

Who has experience with what pre-recorded pathworkings????

Shinma:

ANN: what is a recommendation for relaxing?

Lionflower:

{{{--- I have WW

Boudica:

Thank you for a very informative lesson, Annwyn....

Red Deer:

(but that's an oxymoron - you're always with guides once you begin, just solo from the Middle-World perspective)

Burningwolf:

wonderful job Ann

WiseWitch:

Which ones, lion - i've done MotherWit, and both the Reed and D&P pathworkings.

Morrigan:

ANN, wonderful class, as usual! thank you!

Sylverhare:

great Ann

ANNWYN:

Shin...I use a basic method...where you simply start at the feet and move up...relaxing each part as you go

Morrigan:

back log on the BB. It's there Dark

WolfofWinter:

Thankyou ANN!!

ANNWYN:

thanx sylver

Lionflower:

WW: My HP uses them, and shared them with us, I don't know precisely which ones he used. :(

SongSpring:

this large room is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

Xori:

Wolfo - I had a comment about you saying that since you had kids..... - I know how it is, - also, my main problem is my Pets! -- the minute I lie down they want to play - and if I lock myself in a room, they bother me forever!!

Red Deer:

Xori - take them between the worlds with you!

ANNWYN:

nah.. send them to grandmas

RayneDancer:

me too Xori :)

ANNWYN:

{G} Xori.. Its a problem

Red Deer:

it's not a good way to learn, but it's a great way to travel if you're beyond the initial stage of journeying.

WiseWitch:

Xori - yes, you know that MotherPeace Tarot deck card, where the woman is breast feeding and doing a sand painting and medication all at once? i look at it and laugh....

Xori:

I do take my doggie with me most of the time - no choice really {G} - and no bother either - except when he decides he wants to play, and he's 14 - how can I deny him?

Red Deer:

my favorite journeying partner from this side is our Siamese

Xori:

LOL WW - thank you!!! - that does say it all!

Red Deer:

medication, WW?

RayneDancer:

ANNWYN thank you so much ,I've really enjoyed this :) Blessed Be

ANNWYN:

Thank you all for putting up with me...{G}

WiseWitch:

I think it's just a 'supermom' myth - noble probably didn't have kids when she designed that card.

melilot:

thanks ann

RowanRose:

Great class, Annwyn, thanks.....MP all

Xori:

Annwyn - thank you so much for taking your time to give this class!! - excellent!

ANNWYN:

Xori you are very welcome