THE SOBER WITCH BLOG

Scroll to the bottom of this post to find the podcast with this meditation. Meditation begins at about the 20:00 minute mark.

This meditation can be used to help search for deity, to further investigate a particular deity, or even to reconnect with a deity that we may already know well. If you do have a deity already in mind, you may want to gather a list of correspondences to look at before the meditation so you can incorporate them into it. For example, when I mentioned that you smell a particular herb in the meditation, if you’re wanting to connect with a deity like Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess, you might think of the smell of frankincense or juniper.

I’ll be using a 4-2-5-2 breathing pattern, where we inhale for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for five, and hold for 2, so that we can work on activating the parasympathetic nervous system just a little bit. When our exhales are longer than our inhales even just by 1 count our rest and digest response (that is the parasympathetic nervous system) has an opportunity to kick in. I wanted to mention this beforehand because I am aware that sometimes different people have different levels of breathing that they are comfortable with, and sometimes for some people exhaling for longer than they inhale can be a little different and a maybe a little uncomfortable. This is why I only wanted to do 1 count more, but if you are more practiced in that type of breathing feel free to go for as long as an exhale as you feel comfortable.

Also, there is a request made in the meditation that you feel open and receptive. This may be uncomfortable for some people, especially those with trauma, so please feel free to listen first to ensure you feel comfortable and trusting before actually entering into a meditative state.

Lastly, before we begin, and not to toot my own horn, but hopefully this meditation is relaxing so of course it is recommended that you do not drive while you listen.

BEGINNING OF MEDITATION SCRIPT

Find a space where it is quiet and you will not be disturbed for at least 10 minutes. Sit or lie down in a position that feels natural and grounded for you, and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose . . . and slowly exhale through your mouth.

Inhale-2-3-4 . . . Hold-2 . . . Exhale-2-3-4-5 . . . Hold-2 . . .  Inhale-2-3-4 . . . Hold-2 . . . Exhale-2-3-4-5 . . .

Envision the floor or ground that you lay or sit upon as being an earthen floor. Soft, dry dirt beneath you. Feel your body become heavy and supported by the earth.

If you are sitting, visualize roots growing from the base of your spine and the soles of your feet, reaching deep down into the dark, rich soil. If laying, envision the roots growing from your root and solar plexus chakras into the ground. Feel the earth’s energy—stable, ancient, nourishing—rising up through these roots. Know that you are safe.

With each exhale release tension, with each inhale draw in the earth’s steady, grounding energy.

In your mind’s eye, see yourself standing at the edge of an ancient forest. The trees are tall, their canopies thick and sheltering. A gentle fog drifts around you, carrying the scent of moss, damp earth, and wild herbs. What time of day is it? Or is it nighttime? Can you see the moon, and if so, what phase is it in?

Before you lies a path—soft, welcoming—winding deeper into the forest. You begin to walk, each step taking you closer to the heart of a sacred place that you feel compelled towards.

With every step, you feel more relaxed, more open, more receptive to what you will find. It feels comfortable and nourishing.

After a time, you come to a clearing. In the center is a small, natural altar a flat stone. What is on the flat stone? Is it sprinkled perhaps with fallen leaves, flowers, maybe feathers? Are there rocks stacked or fashioned in a pattern? What lies there should feel meant for you. A welcoming.

You stand before this altar and whisper:

“I call upon the divine

that wishes to guide me.

Show yourself in a way

that I can understand.

I am ready to listen

to see

to feel.”

Be patient. Observe what comes. Maybe an image forms, an animal, a symbol, a face, a whisper, a name, a feeling deep within you. Maybe it is a scent or a sound, a particular bird song or running water.

Feel free to wander, but not so far off that you are no longer able to see the flat stone, which is your anchoring point.

Trust what arrives. It may be subtle or clear, familiar or new. Knowing that whatever appears is a seed planted in your soul. It may grow over time.

If no clear message comes, that is OK. The invitation has been sent the connection is begun.

Place an offering on the altar—a token of gratitude like a flower, a stone or crystal that is particularly interesting, or simply give your thanks.

Feel the energy of the clearing wrap around you–warm, protective, loving. Take a moment to rest here, feeling your heart open and your spirit nourished.

When you are ready, see yourself stepping back onto the forest path. Slowly back through the trees, bringing with you the sense of guidance and sacred connection.

Feel your roots drawing back up into your body, anchoring your spirit firmly into the here and now. Take a deep breath in… And slowly exhale. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and gently open your eyes.

Feel free to write down any symbols or feelings, any messages or images or sounds that you received in your journal. Keep them close—your deity may reveal themselves more and more through signs, dreams, and synchronicities in the days to come. Be sure to have a small snack and maybe some tea to further ground yourself back into the physical realm.