Tag: Swati Prakash

  • Seven Reasons for Being More Spiritual

    Seven Reasons for Being More Spiritual

    On one hand we have seen people who are purely materialistic and for whom the physical world observed through the five outer senses is all there is. Yet, on the other hand we have spiritualists who believe that the outer perceivable world is mere illusion while the truth is hidden within. In this internet driven corporate world, why should you try learning and practicing spirituality at all, when success is measured through the size of your material achievements? Well, it turns out that those who are purely material are prone to losing their health, wealth, happiness and success all too easily, while those who are spiritual seem to have blissful lives even with a modest lifestyle.

    Here are 7 powerful ways that spirituality can transform our lives forever…in a way that materialism never can:

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    1. PROTECTING FROM THE NEGATIVE: At the base of it we all have to deal with our fears that manifest in the form of various negative situations and experiences around us. Spirituality teaches us that everything that happens on the outside has an inner cause,even those things that seem to be happening to us through others. Therefore if anything negative has been observed anywhere in our life, the source is most likely to be an inner fear that caused it. Release that fear and replace it with trust…that’s the way to peace. Being spiritual helps us by transforming our fears into love because we know that everything has its source deep within us. This way no matter how much the negativity that surround us we know that if we find peace within we shall be  just fine.
    2. ATTRACT POSITIVE EXPERIENCES: Just as we know that fears caused our sorrows, we know that positive thoughts and emotions will bring us positive experiences with equal certainty. Spiritual secrets can surely help bring us more abundance, real love, lasting peace, joy and success in anything that is positive for our whole self. The moment we shift our focus to inner peace and start feeling better it begins to create all good things that our soul truly desires us to have. We might find that we are effortlessly attracting a better quality of friends, relationships, opportunities and situations than ever before and we accept them with open arms.
    3. PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT: It is ignorance that makes us feel vulnerable, pitiable, sad, hurt or victimized. A spiritually aware and enlightened soul knows that every moment there is infinite energy within at all times. The awareness of what lies within us expands our inner power to the extent that we can help ourselves anytime. Whether it is our physical or monetary health, career or personal goals, there is less of dependency on others and more self-reliance. We know that an inner switch can change everything for the better and that we can manifest our life with our own choices at any point of time as we keep brimming with limitless positive energy.
    4. DEEPER HEALING: Spiritual energy connects our mind, body and soul together seamlessly as we know that everything is ultimately woven with threads of spiritual energy alone. Since this positive energy is the source of all there is its enhanced flow can heal everything at every level of our being. The moment we shift our focus to the spiritual through meditative state, an enhanced flow of spiritual energy is triggered and staying in this peaceful radiant state continues healing us from inside out. From physical to social life, from home to all of earth, spiritual healing helps everything and everyone in a tremendous way.
    5. AWARENESS: Learning the truth and sharing the truth that we have learnt help us in expanding our consciousness and that of the universe. The remarkable fact is that as our consciousness expands it helps in expanding the consciousness of everything around us too. This consciousness when awakened is the power that transforms the entire world for the better. Whether through books or discourses, workshops or seminars, we know that amazingly wise teachers and masters will find us eventually and we will be equally enlightened provided we follow and practice what we have learnt with total dedication.
    6. SIDDHIS: Once we attain a higher state of consciousness and learn more about who we are, it increases our magickal and psychic powers in several ways. Through spiritual practice and inner focus we awaken our natural yet latent superpowers that are a necessary part of our spiritual awakening. We not only realize but actualize our multi-dimensional, infinite nature. In time we know that there is absolutely nothing that can be called impossible because we become masters of the illusion of life, rising above all of it. We are no longer limited by anything around us and ready for the next level of awakening.
    7. MOKSHA: The highest possible reason for being spiritual is that it sets you free from all illusion. Contrary to what you might have been told before, relinquishing desire may not lead to liberation but to deeper blockage or repression. The right way to be liberated from all desires is to find a deeper contentment. At this greater level of spiritual progress there is little else that you would seek. Imagine that you could have just about anything in the world right now…yet you feel that you have everything already…in-fact in a very real way, you know that you already ARE everything. With nothing more to want or seek, nothing left to crave for, you are ready to be permanently liberated from the illusory nature of the world process and be one with your ultimate truth.

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    Swati Prakash is a spiritual author and teacher. Her writings can be found on www.amazon.com/author/swatiprakash

  • Chakras and the Sacred Seeds of Manifestation

    Chakras and the Sacred Seeds of Manifestation

    Our chakras are the energy centers that link our inner and outer worlds together. It is through our chakra wheels that we manifest our inner energies in the outer world, through our bodies, our work, our words, our relationships…they form the rainbow bridge that connects our higher and lower self as one. Our chakras are astral convergence points for our numerous ‘naadis’ or energy channels of the subtle body. There may be 7 major chakras but perhaps 70 or more minor chakras can also be identified lying within or beyond our physical human bodies.

    Our 7 major chakras are often symbolized in VIBGYOR colours to help us understand their functions better. A syllable or ‘bija mantra’ is also ascribed to each of these chakras helping us energize each area of life that they represent. The word ‘bija’ means seed. Because our chakras project or channel our inner energies into outer existence, the bija mantras associated with each chakra are powerful seeds that manifest our inner divine self into the outer world when chanted.

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    1. The lowest of the 7 chakras is the root chakra or ‘mooladhara’ visualized in red color and energized by the intonation of the mantra ‘LAM’. This energy wheel manifests our lower or physical existence as the solid world including our bodies and all the things around us.
    2. The next is our sacral chakra or ‘swadhishthana’ visualized in orange and energized by the intonation of ‘VAM’ to enhance our creativity including the aesthetic, reproductive and sensual side of our existence.
    3. The third chakra is solar or ‘manipura’ visualized in yellow and energized with the ‘bija mantra RAM’ to help us be powerful, successful in asserting our will, with a healthy sense of ‘self’.
    4. In the middle our heart chakra ‘anhata’ helps us expand our self to connect with the rest of the world through the power of love and compassion. It is visualized in the colour green and empowered through the ‘bija mantra YAM’.
    5. Our throat chakra or ‘vishuddha’ is visualized in blue light and connected with the intonation of ‘HAM’ to help us express clearly and truthfully to understand and be understood in our world.
    6. The third eye or ‘agya chakra’ has an indigo hue to describe its deeper power of intuition and magick and its ‘bija mantra’ is ‘SHAM’.
    7. Higher up around the top of our head our ‘sahasrara’ or crown chakra resonates the frequencies of universal or infinite power through the color violet and the mantra ‘OM’

    Notice that each of these ‘bija mantras’ end with AM, you can see this as a declaration of manifestation…of being and becoming…and that is why I call them seeds of manifestation through which the divine self (call it ‘I AM’ if you will), is brought to life from the nothingness of empty space into our perceivable universe.

    But what about the first part of each of these seven seeds of manifestation…..The La of LAM, the Ra of RAM, the Va of VAM, the Ya of YAM, the Ha of HAM, the Sh of SHAM, the O of OM…do they mean anything specific? These are what they mean to me and perhaps you would be able to feel their resonance with you as well:

    • Root Chakra: The La of LAM to me  represents the Lower world. The divine or higher self as the creator loves the lower world which is its own projection or creation and no less holy than the higher heavenly planes. LAM is the Lower La I AM…LAM
    • Sacral Chakra: The Va of VAM is the Wa of the womb of creation, the ‘yin’ or goddess power.. our creative force that helps us enjoy life…as our kundalini’ serpent begins to rise in the dance of life- Wow!…Va I AM….VAM
    • Solar Chakra: The Ra of RAM to me connects with the ‘yang’ principle of the gods Ra or Rama (or any other name you give them) representing individuality, personality or self. Ra the solar power that fires our daily life…this Ra I AM….RAM
    • Heart Chakra: The Ya of YAM is the Yeah, Yes factor…the attitude with which we open our arms and our heart wide enough to accept abundance, giving and receiving fully and seamlessly. Yes of course…Yeah!…Ya I AM….YAM
    • Throat Chakra: The Ha of HAM is the Ha of our laughter…the highest way we can express our inner truth. There is nothing to be sad about as we exhale and let go of all sorrow….ha…let go.. and all that is left to express is sheer joy. Ha! Ha! I AM…HAM
    • Third-eye Chakra: The Sh of SHAM is the Shh of silence…our inner mind takes over to start manifesting from within…through its inner soundless magick as the universe listens telepathically to our silent command … Shh.. I AM…..SHAM
    • Crown Chakra: The O of OM is the Oh! or O’ f self-realization…now it all makes sense…the puzzle falls back together… and all we can say or feel is this moment of utter truth…when all words would fail to describe the infinite reality of our true self…O’ creator who is within… O’! I AM….OM

    Sow the sacred seeds of sounds…resonate them all around

    Manifest from source to ground…beyond them silence can be found

    From higher to lower reality ….in every plane may Blessed you Be!

    (*)

    (More details about the topic of energy work in my soon to be released book on Energy Healing Magick). Follow: www.amazon.com/authors/swatiprakash

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    Swati Prakash @witchyswati on twitter

  • The East and West of Magick

    This lifetime I chose to be born in the ancient land of Vedic wisdom, India…the place where timeless spiritual truths still live on in the form of tradition and culture. Yet, I was born with witchcraft (and Wicca too) in my soul. It was 1989 when I conducted my first ritual at ten years of age, feeling the powers rise within me, casting a circle, calling the quarters, raising energy of the elements and conjuring a spell. At the turn of the millennium after I was formally initiated into Wicca and remembered my past lives, I started conducting Wiccan rituals for large and small groups in Mumbai while teaching tarot and then I began Magick, a small store at 16th road, Bandra west, Mumbai in 2008 that still continues there now being used as a temple of Global Wicca.

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    The best part about being a Wiccan in India was that India already is rich in ancient wisdom. Wicca found easy acceptance in the diverse cultural and religious medley of India because of the spiritual openness and pagan heritage of India. In-fact there are so many parallelisms between western pagan traditions and Indian paganism that India seemed to be the perfect place for me to have launched Global Wicca, a spiritual tradition that unites the western magickal concepts with eastern mysticism.

    • Talk about the five elements of nature and you find the ‘panch-tawwas’ of Vayu-air, Agni-fire, Apas-water, Prithvi-earth and Akasha-spirit are all honored in every ritual or yagya/ yajna since Vedic India.
    • Talk about the goddess and god equality and India will teach you how the Goddess is the all powerful Shakti or energy, the ultimate creator who is worshiped in her numerous forms through so many festivals and rites.
    • Talk about the Wiccan Rede, ‘An Ye Harm None Do As Ye Will’ and Indians would say yes to Ahimsa, a virtue of non-violence that was promoted not only by Gandhi but also by several traditions including but not limited to the Jain saints of India.
    • Talk about the Law of Three and you will learn of Karma, the law of cause and effect as your energy comes back your way not only in this lifetime but through rebirths to help you learn and grow through experience.
    • Talk about the multiplicity of deity and you will get no better place than India to see gods and goddesses of all shapes, genders and forms in each street.
    • Talk about spells and magick and you will learn about mantras (spoken spells), yantras (tools and talismans) and tantras (the craft and yogas) to weave the enchantment together), crafting intentions with focused energy – witchcraft in other words.
    • Talk about crystals, herbs and gems and you will learn all about their planets, chakras and various correspondences from ancient Indian spirituality. Some of the best crystals, stones, herbs and incenses are sourced from India the world over.
    • Talk about astrology, divination, healing and you will learn this in every street and corner of India where its been practiced in so many ways as a well established profession whether as ancient Vedic astrology or other intuitive arts.
    • Tarot cards with the five suits of Europe may have originated in Italy in 15th century but Indian spiritual cards have been around since the 7th century in the form of Dasavtara taash depicting the ten suits of Vishnus ten reincarnations.
    • Animals and trees have been regarded as divine too, with each deity connected with their own animal familiar and trees as well as herbs being worshiped for their magickal and healing powers in each corner of India.
    • Speak of the power of lunar cycles and you will find that each lunar day from Amavasya (new moon) and each day or tithi of the waxing moon to Purnima (full moon) has been celebrated and observed as special and magickal in its own way.
    • Talk about celebrating the major and minor Sabbats and cycles of earth – and you will learn how they correspond closely with the ‘rutus’ (seasons) in the Indian calendar and the annual celebrations that mark each season
      • Just like Imbolc celebrates the goddess Bridget the maiden who brings in warmth after winter, Vasant panchmi celebrates Saraswati, the maiden who brings the light of awareness as spring begins to dawn.
      • Vernal or spring celebrations of Holi, Gudi padwa, Ugadi correspond with the Ostara spring equinox celebrations where color returns to earth after winter
      • Just as Beltane is the start of summer, Vaishakh celebrates agriculture and fertility with the festivals Vishu, Bihu and Akshaya Tritiya celebrating the solar power.
      • Midsummer solstice and Litha celebrate the peak of summer and faery frolic the outdoor processions of Rath yatra celebrates the procession of celestial deities and Nag Panchami celebrates the reptilian underworld.
      • As Lughnasad is the first harvest or loaf-mass/ lammas, Shravan celebrates the monsoon and the harvest festivals of Green Teej and Krishna Janmashmi or the birth of the dark half of the year when the wheel turns towards autumn.
      • The autumn equinox and Mabon time are the harvest festivities much like Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi when grain and harvest are celebrated.
      • As the summer ends and winter draws closer, the last harvest of Samhain corresponds with the festivals of Navratri, Diwali and Kaali Puja that celebrate the great goddess energy in the dark new year.
      • Winter celebrations such as Yule and mid-winter solstice or Christmas see parallels in Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti when the rebirth of the sun is celebrated.

    So what is the difference between ancient Indian customs and that of the western Wiccan witches? If we observe the parallelisms we will find that we are more similar than different and that our differences are superficial while our similarities are deep rooted.

    Core philosophical beliefs and nature based celebration rituals of harvest and cultivation deeply unite both western and eastern pagan practices. Myths and mythologies involving various culture specific deities came much later, initially the ancient natural forces were honored and propitiated through all rites, rituals and festivals all over earth.

    All over earth our rites, rituals, customs all have evolved to reflect the cultural shades of our land.Our unique herbs, trees and folklore in each country has led to a unique magickal heritage of each country . Communities within each land have their own customs and traditions. Yet the base of all magickal traditions – both in the east and the west is One. It is nature that has shaped our magickal beliefs and traditions all over earth and the oldest spirituality in each part of the world is simply – nature.

    The western propaganda against the word ‘witch’, ‘withcraft’ and ‘paganism’ had spread even to the east over the last few centuries. It is only in the west that ancient and timeless wisdom, natural celebrations, herbal and stone magick, meditation, goddess worship, paganism, idol worship and mantras/ spells were all connected with evil thanks to the fears spread to promote religious conversions from pagan to non-pagan beliefs. In the eastern world ancient magick is a living continuing tradition since thousands of years, having survived the conversion attempts of western religions. Yet we have seen instances of witch-hunting and prosecution of women and children ‘blamed’ or ‘accused’ of witchcraft even in Asia and Africa…even in the ancient magickal land of India, all thanks to the misunderstandings seeping in from all around.

    What people of India and the rest of the world have to understand is that magick is an integral power in every being of nature including humans and that it is nothing to be feared of. Calling it superstitious, irrational or evil is akin to dishonoring our deep rooted magickal heritage and the spiritual work of our thousands of gurus since ancient times. No matter what the dictionaries, bibles and wikipedias of the world might say regarding witchcraft, Wicca and magick, let us remember that these are not to be seen with the tainted shades of religious discrimination.

    If we focus on the ancient teaching from both the east and the west we will find ample guidance in favor of learning and practical magick and spirituality in everyday life. I may have been a western western witch in my past life but in this life being born Indian, I have learn to expand my consciousness greatly and to see paganism, witchcraft as well as Wicca in a new global light that unites the east and the west. There is no point arguing about whether eastern or western paganism is superior. We know that we are all one and what we all must strive towards is to let go of all our misunderstandings and accept the magick in everyone and everything.

    (*)

    Swati Prakash is the founder of Global Wicca and the author of The Global Wicca Revolution which is now amazon fulfilled all over India.

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  • Meditation: The Most Important Thing For Us All

    Meditation: The Most Important Thing For Us All

    What is meditation?

    Meditation means going within (from the latin word medi that means middle or center). We all are something beyond our physical bodies, beyond our feelings, our desires, our thoughts…there is something deeper within us. Meditation is about being with this deeper part of us.

    Why should we meditate?

    In our day to day life we go through many ups and downs, seeing and experiencing both negative and positive things in the world, in our lives…and getting affected by them all. This is a state of duality or illusion…where we fall out of balance, fearful and unaware of who we are. Negative energy, fears or blockages are a result of this imbalance or ignorance…manifesting as diseases, problems, harmful thoughts, negative attachments, destructive beliefs, disturbed behavior or unhappiness of various kinds. Through meditation we awaken to our inner truth and discover inner happiness. We know that there is nothing to fear at all. This brings peace and joy to all of us and puts us all back in a balanced and wholesome state making everything better.

    Who can meditate?

    Anyone can, there are no restrictions of gender and even children can meditate whenever they are ready for it.

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    When should we meditate?

    Meditation is an inner state and not restricted by time. Whether it is morning or night, before food or after, is not so important, although keeping a light stomach helps some people in focusing better, and it helps to be not too sleepy when you are trying to meditate. Women in their periods, or people who are not feeling well can meditate as well. In-fact meditation could help in healing you during uncomfortable times. With practice meditation will become easier and effortlessly possible at any time.

    What should be worn?

    There is no need to wear any special type of outfit. As long as you are comfortable you can meditate whether at work or home in your day to day clothes.

    Are there any specific methods of meditation?

    It does not matter what technique you use to draw focus from outer world to the inner self….some people begin by closing their eyes and sitting still, some prefer listening to soothing music to relax their mind, some focus on chanting or mantras, some focus on their breath, all these are just aids or induction techniques to gradually achieve stillness. Yet these are not meditation itself. Meditation is when we go beyond all this and be without any thoughts to discover the innermost self.

    What are the steps to follow?

    Step 1. Relaxed awareness: In day to day life sometimes we get absorbed in the experiences without remembering our innermost self. The first step in meditation is to draw our senses inwards. You can try this by closing your eyes gently and sitting in a comfortable posture, neither slouching not stiff.

    Step 2: Observation: Instead of getting attached to any feelings, thoughts or mind-chatter, just observe them and watch them quieten. Observing something gives you power over it. Observe your breath and your mind… and watch the space between your thoughts.

    Step 3: Witnessing: When you find the space between your thoughts …when there is inner silence, then you can observe your true self. This is who you really are. Be with yourself as a witness to the self. This takes you beyond the illusion of the world process and in alignment with your inner truth which is pure peace and bliss.

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    For how long should we meditate?

    You can meditate for as long as you want. You might take some time in the beginning to even reach a meditative state and the idea is that once you get there you must stay in it for as long as possible. You can begin with practicing for 30 minutes a day and slowly increase it to one hour a day. As you practice each day after a period of dedicated practice, you will find that the meditative state will come naturally to you and in every part of the day and even at night while sleeping you will be in a deep inner state. Still it will be good to dedicate at least one hour a day for specially being just with yourself and meditating.

    What will happen once you reach a meditative state?

    For each person their own individual and unique experiences are important. You can note and observe our own experiences. For example: Being one with nature, Being one with the universe, Feeling light, Just being, Pure peace and bliss…these are some of the common experiences of people who meditate. After you achieve this ‘enlightened’ state you will not feel superior in any way but will be more compassionate and humble, recognizing that all is one.

    (*)

    Swati Prakash is a spiritual author and founder of Global Wicca tradition of spirituality. You can read more on www.swatiprakash.com

  • This World Is A Dream

    This World Is A Dream

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    This world is just a dream of mine

    And if I want everything will be just fine

    I’ve just got to

    Love myself a little more

    Heal myself a little more

    Be myself a little more

    Be with myself a little more

    Treat myself a little nicer

    Everyday be a little wiser

    Give a lot more not be a miser

    Reach up higher, be a riser

    So give to yourself a little more

    Make peace with yourself a little more

    Prosper and grow just a little more

    Apply what you know a little more

    This world is your own reality

    You are myself, a part of me

    This is all about our destiny

    The best is right now meant to be

    So don’t expect or complicate

    Your life is what you choose to make

    Give what you had tried to take

    Close your eyes and stay awake

    To know me just know who you are

    To join me find your inner power

    To follow me be your own star

    To love me end your inner war

    For you are just a friend of mine

    You and I are one divine

    We’ve just got to

    Heal the world a little more

    Heal ourselves a little more

    Believe in ourselves just a little more

    Listen to ourselves just a little more

    Its easy and no other way

    This is a game to fairly play

    We create each night and day

    With what we think, feel, do and say

    And you are just a dream of mine

    I know you’re going to be just fine

    As I now

    Be at peace a little more

    The whole world heals a little more

    Awaken now just a little more

    Return to me just a little more

    For the world is just a dream of mine

    And I know that we are one divine!

    (*)

    Swati Prakash

  • Beware of Spiritual Couching!

    Beware of Spiritual Couching!

    A few years ago someone I knew was promoting himself as a spiritual coach. Inadvertently the word that he typed on his profile was ‘spiritual couching’ instead of spiritual coaching. Its funny how these ‘Freudian slips’ can be very revealing. Something deep from our unconscious knows how to communicate and express itself through meaningful coincidences even through mistypes and miscommunication.

    Yes, we all need to reflect on this – all thanks to my acquaintance who made this slip and taught us a valuable lesson. Are we in the danger of becoming ‘spiritual couches’ who are passive livers than active spiritualists? Do we misunderstand and misinterpret much of our ‘spiritual’ new age gurus’ teachings are many of these teachings true in the first place? Read on to know what all ‘is’ and is not being spiritual in this ‘new age’ world.

    Myth: Being Effortless = Being Lazy. 

    Truth: Relax, receive and effortlessly attract, these new age principles do not mean we should be ‘couch potatoes’ just sitting and waiting for the apple to drop right into our mouth. Yes we receive the fruits of our karma effortlessly when the time is ‘ripe’ but hey – don’t forget to sow the seeds and water them. When the fruit is ripe it will fall down on its own, for sure. But go and prepare your soil first, get your tools out, dig and delve, sow and grow, nourish, be patient – it takes effort. Some karma is required for us so invest into your life and surely the returns will flow back to you. All the ‘effortless’ things you have received in the present life are your past life fruits ripening up now. Being ready to receive has helped. New age spirituality helps you be more ‘ready’ and receive your fruits, but do not mistake this receptivity state for being lazy and dull.

    Myth: The Universe is Within = We should be self centered/ selfish.

    Truth: The definition of within needs to change. Who are you? Know thyself. The Universe is within means expand your consciousness – you are not just your limited lower self, your body, your material possessions, your limited mind. Make your mind more unlimited and see how everything in the universe is part of your Self. The universe is within this greater ‘Self’ not in your narrow and contrived notions of your selfishness. To be selfish is to love only your limited self or your lower self. To be self loving is quite a different approach. It means to love everything and everyone including yourself. It means being aware that love is not something very limited that can be either given to yourself or to others, but an endless energy flowing to all in ever increasing amounts. Be generous and expand yourself- reach out and love everything and everyone as part of you.

    Myth: The Secret and Law of Attraction = Pursue Material Goals All The Time

    Truth: So you have read all these new age books and they seem to tell you that the universe exists to serve your lower needs of food, sex, shopping, diamonds, fashion and beauty? Just tell me one thing. Do you ever meditate and is there any substitute to your inner peace? Can any amount of food, sex, glamour and money buy you peace? No, you do not exist merely to accumulate and gather material comforts. Having money and things is simply not a state of true abundance. Being spiritual is all about being aware of your spirit nature, your real self, at all times. There will actually come a point when you will no longer ‘hunger’ for anything, ‘crave’ for anything, be ‘needy’ for anything. Being content is possible – make that you.

    Myth: Being Positive = Thinking Positive (Doing good is secondary)

    Truth: There is so much hype created around positive thinking that the worst of criminals have been projecting themselves as spiritual people. Some ‘spiritual’ people actually believed that they could get away with anything and everything by just thinking positive and imagining all kind of good things happening to them right now even while indulging in negative activities on the side. The truth is you simply cannot delete or cancel out your negativity just through superficial thoughts. Being positive right now is a great thing and this includes positive actions. You need to transform all over – mind, body and soul. You need to start doing only positive things else it will be very difficult for your inner or unconscious mind to believe that you are a good person and you deserve good. Our unconscious mind is way beyond our conscious thoughts and affirmations. We have to change the way we live into something phenomenally positive in order to be truly positive.

    Myth: Joy and Bliss = Drunkenness

    Truth: Being in a state of spiritual bliss is very different from the ‘trance’ you induce through drunken dancing, substance abuse and lewd sexual performances. ‘New-agers’ reveling in pagan rituals that focus on excessive enjoyment do feel great for the short run but the effects wear off. A real ritual should empower you and shift your consciousness so deeply that you never need any drugs, alcohol and sexuality to stimulate yourself ‘spiritually’. Real paganism is about being in tune with nature through our inner meditative state, not just an external but an inner connection that is expressed outwards in such beautiful ways that even a child can feel safe in your rituals. Truly children require no drugs to dance, play and be merry – so why should we? Be in tune with you inner child and give yourself only those things you know are good for the child within. Be in a natural state of deep inner bliss.

    There are many more such insights I would love to share with you in my next book – stay tuned into my author page on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Swati-Prakash/e/B00V54BBHQ

    Blessed Be!

    Swati Prakash

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  • The Man With the Beard

    In India it is almost impossible to not come across a man with a long beard, giving wisdom eloquently to thousands of enchanted people. Swamis, Sadhus, Babas, Sri Sri’s, Oshos, Sadgurus,…there is no dearth of men with long beards and saintly robes preaching, teaching and guiding others spiritually. Yes, there are a few who are not usually bearded – Yogananda, Ramakrishna, even Buddha probably considered shaving to be of at least some importance in addition to meditation.

    In the West there were and still are (a few) wise men or wizards, druids, shamans (from before the Pope and his team took over) symbolized by Merlin, Gandalf the Gray, or even the Hermit card of Tarot. All pointing to the higher self, respected, revered, held in awe and fascination, so much so that we call clever computer programs wizards that help us get things done so easily. Truly it has always been a compliment to be a wiz, hasn’t it?

    The Hermit of Rider Waite Smith Tarot cardsThe Hermit of Rider Waite Smith Tarot cards

    But where are the women? Not just the few scanty Matas and Ammas (and just why does a woman need to be a motherly figure to get some respect here) but all those numerous women who are wise and enlightened…why just a few in the limelight amidst so many men with beards? Why are they hiding under the veil of mystery just like the High Priestess – sworn to secrecy to practice in mystery covens or solitary, but not proud and open on every street and corner.

    The High Priestess - Rider Waite Smith Tarot cards
    The High Priestess – Rider Waite Smith Tarot cards

    Perhaps they all off on their broomsticks to Discworld (of Terry Pratchett) where it is completely normal to be a witch (a wise woman). Are they all still burning at stake, trapped in the cage of the past memories left by Christian inquisitors who made the word witch such an abomination that till date people are afraid to say – Yes, I am A Witch! Confused about whether witchcraft is purely evil or somewhat evil? Worried about whether half the witches are bad ones and not sure which half? Worried that they will put up a curse on you should you refuse to keep them happy? How many people have been brainwashed by Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Hansel and Gretel and other such innocent looking fairy tales passed on over generations to impress upon young minds that a witch can be really a dreadful thing to come by.

    Articles of witchcraft have been totally muddled up with all kinds of nonsense even till date – no matter how much we tell these journalists to pay attention to real facts and not fiction. References to movies and television shows such as The Craft, Bewitched, Charmed… that make a mockery of witchcraft, images of brooms and cauldrons of green slime, focus on hexing and love spells, newspaper headlines that begin with the word Devil, features that focus on myths and burning times as if the Christian views of witches are the most important thing about witchcraft, stories that almost always present counter-views by some ill informed rationalist or ‘expert’ who has no idea what witchcraft truly is with focus on how women are hunted and killed on accusations of ‘witchcraft’ when the fact is that it is merely a wrong or inappropriate use of the word witchcraft which as NOTHING to do with those ‘accusations of cursing’, and right on top Halloween cartoons designed to mock at witches used to embellish the story and make it more colourful (Phew! but I am not going to shorten this sentence)….truly journalists can do much better than all this.

    Yes, I would love to see more real witches and real witchcraft featured in the media – stories that say the truth, not some conditioned misconceptions but the real truth – that witches are nothing but the wise people who practice folk medicine, give intuitive or spiritual advise and were generally respected long before the meaning of the word witch was distorted to wicked from wit or wisdom which is and will always be what witches are all about. Why else are there so many places and plants, as well as people with the words such as wych, wich or witch in their names all over the western world, if not for the fact that these words were never meant to refer to evil but only to folk or pagan magic which has been practiced all over the world as a natural way of life – you may introspect and find the answer for yourself.

    So the next time you hear someone say ‘wise wizard’ and ‘wicked witches’, do give them the facts without any hesitation.

    My book Yes, You Are a Witch! has more information. You can get it on kindle or as a paperback – just search on amazon.

    yes you are a witch cover - frontglobal wicca revolution cover front

    And….for the sake of the Goddess, do not forget, witchcraft (not necessarily religious but a spiritual practice) is not exactly the same as Wicca (a specific religion or spirituality). More about Wicca in The Global Wicca Revolution 

    Happy witching!

    (*)

    Swati Prakash

    www.swatiprakash.com

    meaningofwitch

    Get more information and useful quotes, free pdfs, courses and newsletter on www.globalwicca.com

  • The Purpose

    The Purpose

    What I have learnt from life:

    Bits and pieces of memory – that is life, or at least what remains of it each moment

    Remember rather than forget, for remembering is uniting

    Learn from the past – do not repress it, or subdue it

    Learn from the future – the possibilities are all within you to foresee, beyond time

    Choose your actions and thoughts – both matter, both create

    Let go – of the unnecessary – be light and joyous – Let God/ Goddess (true Self)

    Love, love, love – yourself and every-self – all is one

    Do not run after money, fame, sex and romance – these things can be all too easy to obtain but are they the Purpose?

    Only what is within matters – only inner peace and contentment bring true happiness

    True happiness can be found anytime, anywhere – and it is free – the best thing in life and beyond

    Life is not just this physical existence, there are many many more kinds of lives

    Infinity – begins from within and continues forever – that is nature – the universe – us

    Remember, just remember – who you are truly

    Blessed Be

    www.swatiprakash.com

    earth-mirror

  • Reach your Inner Core

    Reach your Inner Core

    Earthquakes are felt on the surface, there is peace at the core.

    In the circle of life, we experience ups and downs, highs and lows, trials and tribulations – only if we are superficial.

    Going within in the first step to experiencing peace. At first it is challenging, there are many distractions in the outer world of superficiality. Only the one who meditates goes within. That is how it all begins – the journey of magick – to find your power of spiritual consciousness. You see the suffering all around. You feel for the world, not just yourself. You seek healing and love. You have made an intention. You are ready for transformation.

    At a deeper level we are not only aware of the superficiality, there is also a temptation to return to the outer world and engage in the same cycles of unconscious karma. Only the one who persists goes truly within. You hear the voices of chatter – the hollow sounds of laughter and cries of ignorance. You see the sights that excite and depress. You are tempted to engross in them – to be a victim once again – to blame, curse, suffer. You meet your inner devil luring you away from yourself. You choose to love yourself. That is how it continues, the path of magick -through dedication. You stay on the path – the straight path that goes within. Through sattva or the middle pillar of the tree of life you travel within. Through your chakras from earth to crown you journey on. Towards your center..you focus…focus and focus …shedding all the layers one by one…from one initiation to the other…going on deeper and deeper within. Letting go of your personalities and facades…leaving behind all your shadows to meet your inner light of truth.

    At the innermost and deepest level, we are aware of the outer superficiality, but established in our innermost core. Unfazed by the highs and lows of the outer world, we have found a perfect grounding in our spirit, the inner self. We are at the apex of our being …which is the axle of the wheel. We turn the wheel through inner magick…no longer trapped in the automatic and semi-automatic, unconscious and subconscious cycles of destiny or fate. We have arrived, only to return again – but when we return we are not the same – something has changed forever. The gold that can no longer be corrupted. This is alchemy.

    The lotus blooms in the muddy waters, untouched and unpolluted, only to spread love and light.

    As we change the world changes too.

    You create and dream…the world is shaped around your consciousness. As you row your boat gently down the stream

    …the wheel turns, merrily this time….

    Blessed Be!

    (*)

    http://www.swatiprakash.com

    RWS_Tarot_10_Wheel_of_Fortune

    Illustration: The wheel of fortune – Rider Waite Smith tarot

  • Silence

    Silence

    No thoughts to think
    No songs to sing
    Where there is nothing
    There is silence

    No words to say
    No games to play
    Where there is noone
    There is silence

    No fights or hating
    No rush or waiting
    Where there is no question
    There is silence

    Where you must close your eyes to see
    Where there is neither you nor me
    Where there is truth
    There is silence

    There is no fear
    There is love here
    There is peace and joy
    And there is silence

    Where there is noise
    When you raise a voice
    When I hear words
    I hear silence

    In everything i see
    Only the joy of eternity
    Even where there is anger
    There is silence

    In laughter, in cries
    In pain and in vice
    Every where inside
    There is silence

    Look anywhere, in anything
    Deep within
    You will find
    There is silence

    To heal, to change, to cause
    The greatest power ever was
    In past, in future, right now, always
    There is silence

    http://www.swatiprakash.com