Visualization in Witchcraft

Proficiency in visualization is most important to all occult training.

The receptacle of the imagination is integral to the processes of creation.

Change through intent begins with inspiration, passing through the realm of the imagination,

This can be manipulated by the emotions of enthusiasm, desire, empathy, and compatibility and is transformed into a manifest outcome according to the proficiency of the process (Air, Fire, Water, and Earth respectively).

Without the ability to visualize, projection into the astral realms is almost impossible (at least consciously; it is done automatically in the sleep state).

The ability to visualize is integral to spell crafting and can lead to dramatic changes and accomplishments, especially if you are freefalling.

The term “visualize” has been described in various ways in many books and by many people.

Still, there are some who do not think they can visualize because of how it has been described.

The problem is one of communication.

The word that best articulates the function within the mind that can visualize is imagination.

Remember the expression used during childhood that related to the bridge between the seen and the unseen?

Mum or Dad or some other well-intentioned person would say to you, “Don’t be silly, it’s just your imagination playing tricks on you,” or “You don’t see anything there, it was just your imagination.”

If you were little and the shadow in the corner of the darkened room scared you, it really wasn’t much consolation to be told to go back to bed and stop imagining things, was it?

What if there actually had been something there?

Many a natural-born witch, a gifted writer, artist, musician, or inventor may have been deterred from their true path by that demeaning, belittling expression “just your imagination.”

So visualization is the imagination, but not just the imagination.

Daydreaming without conscious control is probably the closest you could come to the “just…” function.

The mind is not simply a mechanism that has only one level to its being.

There are degrees, or depths, to the imagination that need as much concentrated training as any other technique.

When the required depth is plumbed, it is possible to stand with the eyes open and see clearly that which you have created with the power of the mind.

As meditation is the process of stilling the mind while relaxing the body, so visualization utilizes that peaceful, relaxed state for the creation of altered states, increased awareness through controlled and conscious intent, contact, manifestation, and summoning.

What begins with the exercise of controlled creation of a one-dimensional image, becomes the creation of a three-dimensional image, then the transmutation of a concept or idea into an image or a series of images, then in turn to the activation of things and people, and the creation of situations that eventually transpire in the realm we understand as material.

From there you will seek through the aid of

(1) the center,

(2) meditation or contemplation,

(3) visualization to transcend the realm of the physical in search of truths that can only be obtained elsewhere.

There are several exercises presented here. You are to train systematically, starting with the first exercise and continuing until you are competent before proceeding to the next.

Some of you may find the exercises extremely difficult, while others just sail through.

Magical Ways – Visualization

The most “advanced” magical technique needed in herb magic is visualization; i.e., forming a picture in your mind of your need.

Many books have been written on this subject, for students often complain that they have difficulty visualizing clearly.

Usually, the ability is present but hindered by inhibitions.

Can you, at this moment, see your mother’s face?

What about that of your closest friend, or worst enemy?

This is visualization.

In magic, visualization is used to direct the power by forming a picture of your need: a car, a love, employment, and so on.

If you need an object, visualize yourself owning it; if a job, see yourself working; and if love is needed, visualize a ring slipping onto your finger, or any symbol you associate with love.

The need must be visualized as if you have already obtained it, or as if it has already come to fruition.

Use your creativity and natural visualization talents to really see your need.

Don’t think of the reasons behind your need; simply see it in concrete terms.

As with everything from golf to cooking, practice makes perfect.

Even if you’re never capable of completely visualizing your need, magic will work as long as the intention is there.