From: cward@think.com (Christopher Ward)
Subject: Re: Visualization
Date: 13 Jul 1994 15:42:57 GMT

Visualization is often overrated.  While it's an effective tool for
some, others can find it a frustrating barrier.  If you have problems
no matter how hard you try, consider trying less.

One visualization exercise that many of my students find helpful
(especially those with less experience with their own imagination) is
to take an object, something simple but interesting like a candle or
perhaps a pendant, and focus on it quietly.  A candle works great
because you can turn out all the lights to block out other visual
distractions that may surround you.  Again, don't force anything, just
merely observe at first.  Then close your eyes and visualize the
candle in your imagination.  After you get a good sense of the object,
open you eyes and check it.  Start off doing this only for short
intervals, say 5 minutes, and then increase the time slowly.

Once you've mastered one simple object, go on to another.  Perhaps
combine two or more simple objects together.  Again, pick things which
holds your interest.  Later, you might consider moving on to symbolic
items like the Tree of Life diagram or Tarot cards.  These symbols can
impress at deeper levels than just your subconscious.

Specifically for visualization of symbols used during ritual work,
like pentagrams, hexagrams, or circles, try drawing the symbols on a
large white card using a vibrant color that really catches your eye
and matches the color you are going for in your ritual (true and
proper colors are a whole other series of study).  Use the
visualization technique above with the card and soon you will be able
to visualize the symbol blazing in the desired color with hardly any
effort.

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 . | .  /___ hristopher